Brett Lupton – Passionate about Australian Motorsport

Brett grew up in Auckland New Zealand. He always aspired to be involved in motor racing. Realising early on that he would never have the funds needed to be a driver he made the choice to work on race cars instead.

When Brett was 14 years old he would get a lift with neighbours or hitchhike to the race circuit. Eventually after people in pit lane got to know Brett, they would ask him to help out at race weekends, one of his favourite drivers to help was New Zealand racing legend Kenny Smith.

At the age of 21, Brett decided to move to England to try to find full time work in motorsport. On the flight to the UK he was reading a racing magazine and read an article on Eddie Jordan’s F3 team. So when he landed he made his way to Silverstone and knocked on the door of Eddie Jordan Racing. He asked Eddie for a job. Eddie in his broad Irish accent said to him “Why should I employ you?” and Brett responded “I’ll work for a week for free and then you decide”. Eddie agreed and Brett stayed with him for the next two race seasons. Brett has stayed in motorsport ever since.

Although Brett was now working overseas he came home to New Zealand every Christmas to do the NZ Formula Atlantic Summer Series. The drivers he looked after included Davey Jones, David Brabham, Paul Radisich, Dave McMillan and Craig Baird.

Following is a list of teams and drivers Brett has worked for over the years.

1983 - 1984 - Eddie Jordan Racing - F3 - Alan Berg

1983 - Macau Grand Prix -F3 - Stephan Johanssen

1984 - Macau Grand Prix - F3 - Martin Brundle

1985 - Ralt America - Super Vee - Jeff Andretti

1986 - West Surrey Racing - F3 - Damon Hill

1986 - West Surrey Racing - F3000 - Mauricio Gugelmin

1987 - Ralt America - Super Vee - Various

1988 -1990 - Leyton House Racing - F1 - Mauricio Guglemin

1991 - Brabham - F1 - Martin Brundle

In 1992 Brett moved to Perth as his family had settled here from New Zealand. Brett set up Fastlane Racing Driver School and has built up Formula Ford in Perth to be one of the strongest states for Formula Ford in Australia.

Fastlane Racing has taken two West Australians (Garth Tander and Daniel Elliott) to the title of National Formula Ford Champion.

Red Bull’s newest team member for Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo, is also an ex student of Fastlane Racing. Brett started testing with Daniel when he was 13 and worked with him until he was 16 and old enough to get his CAMS license.