A TRIUMPHANT RETURN
Bendix has made its return to Supercars this year and is already making its mark
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Since 1955 when Bendix began Australian operations, the brand has enjoyed a long history of involvement in motorsports across many categories.
With a manufacturing plant in Ballarat, Victoria, the company manufactures a large range of disc brake pads and specialises in providing a full range of friction material for passenger and commercial vehicles, along with industrial applications.
For the past several years, Bendix has participated in motorsport partnerships at several levels and in 2022 and 2023, it supported Dave Casey from SWL Racing in the Super Utes category.
In 2024 Bendix increased its involvement in motorsport even further, entering the Supercars category by partnering with Matt Stone Racing (MSR) and Nick Percat, who now steers the Bendix Racing Camaro.
This move marks a return to Australia’s premier touring car championship for Bendix after a very long absence.
“As the preeminent motorsport category and one of Australia’s most watched sports, Supercars is a natural fit for us,” FMP Group Australia – Bendix Chief Executive Officer, George Kyriakopoulos, said.
“We are as passionate about cars as our customers, and we feel that Supercars has assisted in raising Bendix’s exposure to a very relevant demographic in a targeted way.
“The prominent profile of the sport is also fantastic for the morale of Bendix employees and trade partners, as they see our brand competing on a high-profile stage.”
Bendix and MSR already have a number of victories to their names for 2024.
“Our 2024 program is a step up from previous years and so far is exceeding expectations with Bendix Racing sitting at fourth position in the championship,” George said.
“Nick Percat won at the Australian Grand Prix and has continued to drive exceptionally well during the other rounds this season.
“It is amazing to see an automotive brand like Bendix, one that has been manufacturing in Australia since 1955, making and designing products in Australia for Australian conditions winning races against some big teams.
“This is an immense sense of pride for Bendix employees and Bendix customers.
“Bendix Racing was also awarded Best Indigenous livery by Supercar fans at the Darwin Indigenous round.
“Both wins are very special for the Bendix team.”
Bendix’s winning livery was clearly something very special for the entire team.
“Bendix is about authenticity and the winning Bendix livery at the Darwin Indigenous round was an original piece commissioned for Bendix by indigenous artist BJ O’Toole,” George said.
“BJ developed a visually striking livery for us that also told a unique story that pays respect to Wadawurrung Country which has been the spiritual home of Bendix in Australia since 1955.
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Bendix’s presence in Supercars is also allowing the company, which prides itself on its continuous improvement system – aptly named DRIVE – to reach out to its customer and partner base.
“Our involvement in Motorsport complements our culture and our thinking, and this translates to winning products,” George said.
“Being part of the pinnacle category of Australian motorsports also brings us in contact with racing fans and predominantly the users of our products.
“We are using our partnership to reach the fans who are generally our customer base: many mechanics and workshop owners are also big fans of the Supercars category.
“Additionally, our involvement allows us to offer ‘money can’t buy experiences’ to our trade partners through our new Bendix Rewards+ program, these includes access to the pits at race rounds.
“Supercars is also a great source of content for our social channels and we’re enjoying high levels of engagement with this material.”
To learn more about Bendix, visit www.bendix.com.au