Robin
Berardo - Lead Mechanic
Robin's
Biography
In 1986 I began a mechanical apprenticeship
with a well-respected Subaru/Volkswagon/Jaguar dealership, shortly
after becoming involved with a Subaru RX Turbo Rally Team as mechanical
support in 1987.
I took such an interest
in the sport that I decided in 1988 to build acar & begin competing
myself in a Datsun 1600 (P510).
After further experience completing a number of
vehicle conversions & maintaining several rally vehicles myself
I felt the demand was there to commence my own business in 1992;
now known as Perfourmance Motorsports.
December 1995 became a turning point when my co-driver
& I were involved in a serious accident whilst competing. Our
resulting injuries were serious with Michelle suffering from chest
& lung problems, and I had broken vertebrae in my neck. Doctors
told me I would be a quadriplegic & confined to a wheelchair
for the rest of my life.
Two months later I walked out of the hospital.
I am now classed an ABNORMAL case.
After recuperation I focused on strengthening
Perfourmance Motorsports, heavily concentrating on development of
WRX Stroker engines & custom built WRX engines whilst taking
a behind the scenes role in Rally support teams.
So
focused, in 1998 I left my fiance at home 6 weeks before our wedding
so I could travel around Australia as part of a team for the Sony
Playstation Rally. It cost me BIG, but was all worth it when the
team won the Group N Class.
All
my hard work paid off when in 1999 I began to design & build
one of Australia's fastest WRX's in full street trim using pump
fuel. An astounding accomplishment with the first ever quarter mile
runs in 2000 resulting in an impressive 11.6-sec pass at 122 mph.
I am proud to advise this vehicle has been fine-tuned further &
has run a very fast 10.7-sec at 131 mph. With 430hp (320kw @ the
wheels) this vehicle is still very economical obtaining 450kms per
tank of fuel.
I was given the opportunity in 2003 to expand
my operation & relocate to larger premises at Slacks Creek.
During
this time I travelled several times to China to manage a multi-vehicle
team for Wei-Long Racing in the National China Rally Championship.
The field consisted of five vehicles, 4 Subaru Sti & 1 Mitsubishi
Evo7.
It was invaluable experience & would return happily if requested.
Perfourmance Motorsports is now entering
its 13th year of operation & as you can see has changed &
continued to grow throughout the years. I am by no means slowing
down with new & exciting projects always on the drawing board,
with the great options available to suit any budget.
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