Stephen, Brenton Grove set for Le Mans preparation programme between Portimao, Misano

It’s an intense season for Iron Lynx, with the start of a new journey with Mercedes-AMG and a challenging yet fascinating programme featuring a three-car effort at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition to the full-time FIA WEC pairings of the #60 and #61 cars, the proud return of the German brand will feature the #63 car driven by Stephen and Brenton Grove, and by Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Luca Stolz.

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Stephen and Brenton are a competitive and well-sorted father-son duo with impressive results in Australian GT Racing.

The love for motorsports came on common grounds for the Grove duo. “Motorsport is such a rewarding sport, but it’s so hard to do well,” says Stephen. “The challenge of competing against some of the best drivers and teams in the world is so enticing and when you get it right, there’s nothing better. Racing with Brenton is really special. We’ve driven together for so long now that it’s just a normal part of racing for me. We’re able to go on this journey together and help one another during the course of a race weekend. It’s a special thing to do.”

“I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend a test day and try one of my father’s GT3 Cup cars as a 15-year-old,” says Brenton. “After that, I was completely hooked!”

The 28-year-old racer’s career developed mainly in GT competition, but he also entered Super2, the feeder series to the world-famous Supercars Championship. “GT was always quite enticing to me as it was an extension of cars I grew up with, just the racing version. The level and competition in GT racing continues to lift every year and it’s really hard to be at the top for long as it’s so close.”

In addition, with the categorization rules, GT also offers chances to drivers who need to balance work life with their racing activity, which is an added benefit for the duo of accomplished businessmen. “With the driver categorisation rules, I’m able to be competitive against other people who work/don’t race full time so it continues to push me to work harder,” says Brenton. “With most series requiring a silver now, I can put myself up against the best in the world.”

With a fruitful relationship, which led to positive results including three class wins at the Bathurst 12 Hours, more high-profile efforts might come for Brenton in the future, with his high-performance Silver status: “I haven’t driven with other drivers except for my dad before,” explains Brenton. “I don’t have much to compare it with and I love driving alongside my father, however, I’m also keen to increase my racing commitments over the next few years. I have a desire to do WEC and IMSA one day, aren’t really on my father’s radar so I’m sure at some point I’ll be able have a crack!”

The goal is now to ramp up preparations for the Le Mans challenge, which will be memorable, both drivers agree: “Le Mans is the pinnacle of endurance racing. To be on the grid with Mercedes-AMG, Iron Lynx and Luca brings all elements we need together to have a great result.”

As a way to prepare for the twice-around-the-clock classic, the Stephen and Brenton will compete in the upcoming opening round of the GT Open Championship at Portimao, and in May’s 12 Hours of Misano, the second round of the 2025 24H Series.

“Iron Lynx have been fantastic to work with. We haven’t yet been able to drive together, however their operations are world class and they have the right people in the right places to race at the top. So, I hope we can get a result we’re all looking for.”