With the 2026 Supercars Championship just around the corner, DAF Trucks Australia is excited to share highlights from a recent Prime Mover Magazine interview featuring Matt Stone Racing (MSR), one of Australia’s premier Supercar teams and proud recipients of DAF’s sponsorship support. Central to this partnership is the DAF XG660 prime mover, the powerhouse transporter responsible for hauling MSR’s valuable race cars across the country. Prime Mover Magazine interviewed Donny MacGregor, MSR’s official transporter driver and tyre technician, to hear firsthand about his experience behind the wheel of the remarkable DAF XG660.
Donny’s role is far from ordinary. He not only drives the transporter carrying the million-dollar Chevy Camaros but also plays a vital part in the team’s race day operations as the tyre and wheels technician. “The DAF XG is out of this world,” Donny says enthusiastically, highlighting how the truck’s combination of power, comfort, and smart design features makes his demanding job easier and more enjoyable.
Long-distance travel across Australia is no small feat, with races scattered from Darwin to Perth, Townsville to Adelaide. Donny praises the XG660’s exceptional comfort, particularly the integrated heating and air circulation systems built directly into the driver’s seat. “Whether it’s tropical heat or Tasmanian chill, I can adjust my seat climate to suit perfectly,” he explains. One standout feature is the innovative liftable bed, which reclines like a hospital bed, allowing Donny to sleep comfortably even on uneven ground at truck stops — a simple but highly practical design that improves rest on the road.
Performance-wise, the DAF XG660 is a beast under the hood. Its inline six-cylinder PX-15 diesel engine delivers a hefty 485 kilowatts, providing Donny with the torque and power needed to tackle tough climbs and confidently overtake other racing teams’ transporters on the highway. “I tell our racing drivers, I’ve already passed the cars on the way down the hill, so your job’s easier now,” he jokes. The truck also boasts advanced safety features such as ABS, EBS, cruise control, and lane guidance, which help maintain safe distances and reduce fatigue during long drives.
The DAF XG660’s practical design elements also impress Donny. The retractable steering wheel makes getting in and out of the cab much easier, while generous storage space—including two large fridges under the bed—ensures he can keep food and drinks fresh on long trips. The truck’s heavy-duty bullbar recently proved its worth after a nighttime collision with wildlife, sustaining minimal damage and allowing Donny to continue his journey with confidence. “I expected major damage, but the bullbar took the hit and protected the truck perfectly,” he recalls.
Donny’s responsibilities extend beyond driving; he meticulously inspects, cleans, and pressures tyres to ensure optimum performance during races. The transporter itself is a mobile command centre, carrying everything from engines and gearboxes to suspension kits and chassis components, all organised meticulously to get the team ready for every race.
Since partnering with PACCAR four years ago, MSR has proudly operated DAF prime movers, upgrading from the DAF XF530 to the DAF XG660. Donny’s experience with the DAF XG660 has been overwhelmingly positive: “You can drive all day and hop out feeling like you’ve hardly been anywhere.” This partnership perfectly showcases how DAF Trucks Australia supports high-performance motorsport teams with equally high-performance transport solutions. As the Supercars Championship kicks off, the DAF XG660 stands ready behind the scenes, a reliable and powerful partner keeping Matt Stone Racing moving smoothly from track to track across Australia.
