Brabham loses naming rights to Fusion Capital

ADELAIDE based Brabham supercars has lost the usage rights of its name following a fallout between the Brabham family and majority shareholder, Fusion Capital.

In a statement issued this week, Brabham Group Limited and Fusion Capital announced that after six years of collaboration the arrangement has now come to an end.

The statement went on to say that the decision to end the relationship was made following “careful consideration” and “was in the best interests of all parties, and the brand”.

The partnership – which resulted in the development and launch of the Brabham BT62 in 2018 – will now see Fusion Capital move into the electric age, with chairman Mat Fitch saying the company has created “the perfect platform for its future”.

“Ultimately, the strategic direction of both groups did not align – that happens,” said Mr Fitch of the announcement.

“My family and I have invested in automotive and manufacturing for over 40 years and will continue to do so with what we have created in the last six years.

“Powertrains are evolving and the opportunity to challenge the mainstream OEMs has never been greater. What we have created provides the perfect platform for the future.”

The director of Brabham Group Limited David Brabham said the decision is regrettable.

“While it is regrettable that our relationship with Fusion Capital has come to an end, the collaboration helped further evolve ‘Brabham’ to a new and exciting future,” he said.

“With the brand licence for automotive ended, it opens the doors for future business ventures in motorsport, automotive and heritage sectors.

“I would personally like to thank everyone who contributed and supported this project over the years.”

The Adelaide built Brabham BT62 – which bears the name of legendary Australian Grand Prix racer, Sir Jack Brabham – is a track-only supercar featuring a mid-mounted 5.4-litre Ford V8 driving the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission.

The $A1.8 million BT62 produces 522kW and 667Nm which, combined with a kerb weight of just 1100kg, offers what can only be described as prodigious performance.

Piloted by V8 Supercar ace Luke Youlden, the BT62 managed to set an unofficial record at the Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, clocking an impressive 1:58.694 lap.

A heavier (1250kg) and less powerful BT63 GT2 model was introduced in 2021, competing in a range of events and winning the fifth round of the GT2 European Series at the Misano World Circuit in July of 2022.