United Autosports, Zac Brown and McLaren

As the Grand-AM season came to a close at Mid-Ohio I was able to schedule some time with United Autosports driver Zak Brown and discuss with him details about the new direction the team is taking for 2012. Pulling attention away from Grand-AM, we focused on the United Autosports 2012 European campaign—specifically their participation in the Blancpain Endurance Series. Blancpain will have yet another great race lineup including the 24 Hours at Spa, Monza, Barcelona, Paul Ricard, and a race in Germany (to be confirmed). Details of the new season continue to be ironed out as not to conflict with the FIA GT World and FIA GT3 Championships. Meanwhile, United Autosports prepares for the newest addition to the team, the McLaren GT3.



It goes without saying the McLaren name automatically signifies ties to Formula 1 and everything that is the true ‘essence’ of motorsports. While not a formula car, what is known as the MP4-12C is designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive, becoming the first production car that is designed and built by McLaren since the McLaren F1. The GT3 version will be less on power from 592bhp, but still producing a stout 493bhp with a chassis and drive train all supported by the latest and greatest McLaren technology including a lightweight bespoke 6-speed gearbox, and a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8.

Brown expressed much enthusiasm about the McLaren platform, and reasonably so. His business relationship with McLaren has long been established, setting the direction for the new season. Brown has yet to drive the car, bringing a strong sense of anticipation and element of excitement as a businessman and a driver. Not to devalue the team’s relationship that had been established with Audi, Brown is the founder and CEO of JMI– the leading global motorsports marketing agency, which offers United Autosports and its client’s global strategy and activation services. Having had much success on the business side with McLaren, it appears to make good sense to bring together a new program—closing the loop in their marketing and motorsport partnership.

“Were really looking forward to new championship, and a new car. It’s been a struggle this past season.” Explained Brown. “Audi has given us good results, and the people are very good—Audi is even coming to Grand-AM. If it wasn’t for the relationship we already have with McLaren it would have been a no-brainer to stick with Audi.”

“We’re going to have a great lineup of drivers,” Brown Said.” We expect to run two cars if everything goes right.” At the time of this interview, Brown couldn’t go into detail about everyone who will be running on the team, but did note that we could expect familiar names such as Matt Bell, Mark Patterson, and Jay Palmer. Formal announcements will take place in December, which will also be the time when the team will be testing the car for the first time.

Come December, it will be interesting to watch the McLaren program and the United Autosports team evolve together—not only with the exciting line up of tracks for the Blancpain Endurance series, but bringing out a completely new platform adorned with the infamous McLaren name.