Motorsports Business - Wildcat - More Motorsports Success In The Defence Industry

London, August 5, 2011: MIA members, Supacat and QT Services, have agreed to create a fully-integrated military variant of the Wildcat 500 DKR, with unrivalled, high-speed performance in harsh environments. Through the Motorsport Industry Association's (MIA) Motorsport to Defence diversification programme, members successfully transfer their high-performance engineering skills into the defence market.

The modification and transfer of an entire vehicle from the UK's motorsport industry into a military role by Supacat, is an industry first.

Supacat are responsible for militarising the race-bred Wildcat, including systems integration and volume production. Lightweight armour solutions, weapons and communications systems can be fitted to meet customer requirements.

Jamie Clark, Sales & Marketing Manager, Supacat, said: "This is the first time we have taken an entire platform from the racing sector and marketed it into defence - it's very exciting! Wildcat's rugged and high performance profile is an ideal fit with Supacat, as we have an unrivalled pedigree in off road performance military vehicles. The Wildcat is a different level in terms of performance and durability, as it's race results prove, in the desert and rugged environments. We continue to successfully use the motorsport industry to enhance our current products."

Dave Marsh, QT Service's Managing Director added: "The Wildcat fits in well with Supacat's existing product range of high-performance vehicles; we're very much looking forward to tackling new markets with our well-proven product."

Other MIA members involved are Alcon Components, who specialise in the design, development and manufacture of specialist brakes and clutches for use in motorsport and defence; and Simtex, who produce excellence in electrical and electronic systems in motorsport and defence.

Alistair Fergusson, MIA Chairman and Managing Director of Alcon Components, sponsors of the M2D programme, commented: "Alcon has supported the Motorsport to Defence initiative from the start. It is really encouraging to see MIA members combine forces to develop such an exciting product for military use.

"The vehicle features products from various MIA members, a powerful demonstration of the value which motorsport and high performance engineering companies can add to the capability of our defence vehicles. As existing brake supplier to both QT Services and Supacat, Alcon is proud to be playing its part."