PODCAST: Henry’s return fuels BRT revival

Veteran motorsport engineer Mike Henry made a surprise return to the Supercars paddock this year, taking on the role of Technical Director at Blanchard Racing Team (BRT) – and his presence is paying dividends.

After more than a decade with Porsche and a decorated past with the Holden Racing Team and an overseas stint that included working with Tom Walkinshaw Racing in the British Touring Car Championship and Arrows in Formula One, Henry re-joined the Supercars scene in 2025, describing it as “unfinished business”. His return was never planned, but he told Race for the Championship podcast’s Mark Fogarty that the timing felt right for a fresh challenge.

“It’s been very good,” Henry said.

“We’ve had a couple of strong results – a fifth in Darwin and a podium in Perth. I think the Darwin race was more pleasing because it was all raw speed, not strategy.”

Henry credits the team’s upward trajectory to a strengthened engineering group, including Chris Fitzgerald and Daniel Veronese, as well as a more cohesive working environment.

“It’s just a good bunch of people. The team’s getting happier every week, and that’s half the battle,” he said.

The learning curve has been steep. Henry admits Gen3 machinery is a far cry from the cars he worked with in his previous stint, but says he’s relishing the challenge.

“This is the first car I’ve worked on with digressive anti-roll bars. The younger guys have probably taught me more than I’ve taught them,” he said.

While Triple Eight taking over the Mustang homologation looms for 2026, Henry is cautious.

“Any team that has a relationship with Triple Eight is going to benefit – but our goal is to stand on our own two feet and win races independently,” he said.

On-track goals remain clear: podiums and, ideally, a race win before James Courtney retires at season’s end.

“Can he win? Absolutely,” Henry said.

“He’s still elbows out, still sharp, still hungry.”

Looking longer-term, Henry’s focus is on building an environment that encourages experimentation and growth.

“You’ve got to give engineers the space to try things. You won’t find 100 per cent unless you go past it first.”

Outside of racing, Henry continues to run his motorsport engineering business, Rampex, supporting BRT with fabrication and design.

“I just like making stuff,” he said.

“Big toys, expensive toys – but toys all the same.”

The next step for BRT comes at Queensland Raceway before the Enduro Cup. With Henry steering the technical side and momentum on their side, the team’s trajectory looks increasingly promising.