Fueling Victory
Nick Percat’s Triumphant Surge at the Australian Grand Prix with MGM Bulk and Matt Stone Racing
MGM Bulk is proud to celebrate Nick Percat's extraordinary win at the Australian Grand Prix, a defining moment in the 2024 Supercars Championship.
In an alliance forged of grit and ambition, Matt Stone Racing (MSR) and Percat delivered a performance that will be recounted for ages.
Behind the wheel of the #10 Bendix MSR Chevrolet Camaro, Percat shattered a near four-year victory drought, a feat made all the more remarkable by the unique circumstances of the race.
The journey to the chequered flag was fraught with drama, beginning with Anton De Pasquale's startling non-start and escalated by a pivotal collision that reshaped the race dynamics. These moments set the stage for Percat to clinch the lead, steering the narrative towards an exhilarating climax.
This victory wasn't just a testament to Percat's racing prowess; it was a narrative of resilience and strategic ingenuity. Battling against the odds, Percat defended his lead against the relentless pursuit of Will Brown and Broc Feeney from Red Bull Ampol Racing, etching the fifth win of his career into the records of motorsport history.
The spectacle at Albert Park took a cinematic turn post-race, as Percat's car ran out of fuel as he crossed the finish line. In a symbolic display of sportsmanship and unity, Tim Slade in car 23 pushed Percat back to the pits, a scene that encapsulated the very essence of motorsport camaraderie.
Unable to return his car to the podium, Percat's on-foot dash to the ceremony was a pure expression of determination and joy, underscoring the victory's significance beyond competitive sport.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Percat didn't miss a beat to acknowledge Matt Stone Racing's pivotal role in this monumental achievement. "I'm speechless. Massive thanks to Matt and the team... It's unbelievable," he remarked, underscoring the profound impact of this partnership.
Nick Percat's victory is more than a race win; it's a testament to the strategic partnership between MGM Bulk and Matt Stone Racing. It's a declaration of resurgence, a seamless melding of a driver's hunger, a team's innovative spirit, and the unwavering support of MGM Bulk. Together, we're not just participants in the Supercars Championship; we're defining its very essence.
As we pivot towards the upcoming challenges, with sights set on the ITM Taupo Super400 in New Zealand, this victory reinforces our conviction in the path we've embarked upon. Matt Stone Racing and MGM Bulk are charting a course through the 2024 Supercars Championship, driven by a shared vision of victory, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we pivot towards the upcoming challenges, with sights set on the ITM Taupo Super400 in New Zealand, this victory reinforces our conviction in the path we've embarked upon. Matt Stone Racing and MGM Bulk are charting a course through the 2024 Supercars Championship, driven by a shared vision of victory, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Journey Through Time
Giacci’s first American Mack R600 is awarded Best Vintage Mack Title
In the world of vintage machinery and trucking history, few tales resonate as deeply as the extraordinary odyssey of a 1966 Mack R600, lovingly dubbed "Flintstone." This truck, born in the Allentown factory in the USA, embarked on a journey that spanned continents and decades, ultimately returning home in a triumphant display at this year's WA Mack Muster Truck Show, where it was crowned "Best Vintage Mack".
The narrative commences with the Giacci Bros, who, in 1968, welcomed "Truck No.5" into their fleet, heralding a new era. Clad in the family's iconic green, white, and black, the Mack Flintstone was more than a mere vehicle; it was a symbol of the growing enterprise's aspirations and visions. Mario Giacci, the family's patriarch, guided this mechanical marvel daily, etching its place in the company's history.
As time marched on, the need for modernisation saw the Flintstone retire from the Giacci lineup, embarking on a new chapter that would see it serving different masters across the country. Initially, it ventured into the agricultural heartlands of New South Wales, where it was tasked with carting grain for Jones Transport in the Young Area. This role saw the Mack contributing to the vital agricultural supply chain, a testament to its durability and capacity for hard work. Licensed on the road until 2006, its robustness and reliability were undeniable.
The journey didn't stop there. Under new ownership, the Flintstone transitioned to farm work, assuming the responsibilities typical of a farm vehicle. It's easy to imagine the Mack rumbling through the fields and farm paths, a stark contrast to its highway days yet equally important in supporting the backbone of Australia's rural economy.
In its next chapter, the Mack was auctioned off, finding itself under the stewardship of Melrose Cranes. The intention was to restore the vehicle to its original condition, a noble goal that, unfortunately, didn't materialise. Instead, the Flintstone was relegated to the quiet confines of a shed, collecting dust but also, perhaps, collecting the resolve to return to its former glory.
This sequence of roles and tasks, from grain carting to farm work and its stint in limbo, awaiting restoration that never began, contributed to the tapestry of the Mack's history. Each chapter added layers to its story, emphasising the versatility and resilience of this mechanical marvel until it was rediscovered and given the chance to reclaim its legacy through meticulous restoration by the Giacci family and MGM Group.
Enter Dallas Fabian of DJF Haulage in 2015, a man passionate about breathing new life into old Macks. Dallas's pursuit of the truck's origins led him to the Giacci family. The discovery sparked a quest to bring the Mack home, which Dallas supported wholeheartedly.
The restoration was a monumental task. Transported to MGM's South West Workshop in July 2017, the Flintstone was dismantled, each part a fragment of a larger puzzle spanning over 50 years. The responsibility fell on the shoulders of "Shotgun" Charlie, a Mack restoration expert, who embarked on a meticulous reconstruction. Unfortunately, Charlie's untimely demise and subsequent legal hurdles threatened to halt the project. However, the unwavering resolve of the Giacci family and MGM Group ensured the project's continuation, culminating in a complete ground-up restoration & rebuild to be completed by City Panel Beaters.
After an extensive five-year restoration journey, the Giacci family and MGM Group were pleased to welcome back their cherished 1966 Mack R600 "Flintstone." The much-anticipated return coincided with the MGM Christmas Party in December 2023, held in Bunbury. This grand reveal, shared with staff from across the southwest and Central divisions, became a highlight of the annual celebration, symbolising a triumphant culmination of dedication and hard work.
The highlight of its journey post-restoration was its proud presentation at the 2024 WA Mack Muster Truck Show. This event, one of Australia's most significant one-day truck gatherings, started in 2020 with a mission to champion the trucking industry and support the Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research. The 2024 muster attracted nearly 400 trucks nationwide and over 8,000 attendees, raising almost $300,000 for medical research. Amidst this vibrant assembly, the R600 Mack captured the hearts and memories of many, sparking nostalgic conversations and admiration for its role in Australia's transport history.
The R600 Mack's presence brought back memories and accolades, as it was proudly awarded the 'Best Vintage Mack' at the show. This recognition, a testament to the truck's storied past, its impeccable restoration, and its significance to the Australian transport landscape, celebrates a legacy that intertwines with the industry's evolution, which we all share and are proud of.
Looking forward, the journey of the Flintstone continues with a professional photoshoot planned alongside MGM Truck 200, symbolising the bridge between the company's rich history and its future aspirations.
Additionally, the truck is eagerly slated to grace local car and coffee meets, offering enthusiasts a thrilling glimpse of history. Moreover, a short feature film is in the works, promising to delve deeper into the story of this iconic vehicle, ensuring that the legacy of the Flintstone and its contribution to the Australian transport narrative remains celebrated and preserved for generations to come, a journey we all can't wait to embark on.