Round | Event | Date |
---|---|---|
Round 1 | Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix | Mar 21 - 24 |
Round 2 | ITM Taupo SuperSprint | Apr 19 - 21 |
Round 3 | Betr Triple Crown | Jun 14 - 16 |
Round 4 | Sydney SuperNight | Jul 19 - 21 |
Round 5 | Sandown 500 | Sep 20 - 22 |
Round 6 | Repco Bathurst 1000 | Oct 9 - 13 |
Round 7 | Gold Coast 500 | Oct 25 - 27 |
Round 8 | VAILO Adelaide 500 | Nov 14 - 17 |
Standings
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NewsTeam Porsche NZ locks in 2024 plans
Carrera Cup Australia, Asia and Sprint Challenge confirmed for Porsche NZ-backed squad
At the start of the 2024 motorsport season, Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is gearing up to compete with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in three Porsche single-make series this year.
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia kicks off the calendar, with Marco Giltrap debuting in the series in the opening round at the Melbourne Grand Prix this weekend.
Giltrap is graduating from the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia series where he took out the championship title in 2023. In the off-season, he has been competing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe Championship where he finished 8th in the Pro Class.
The 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will also see Giltrap compete on home turf, with the Australian series crossing the ditch for the first time, competing at the Taupo SuperSprint in April.
“I’m super excited to be continuing my racing journey with Porsche New Zealand and EBM, we have already achieved a lot and I am looking forward to keeping our momentum going. Both the team and myself have been working hard in preparation for the season so I’m keen to get stuck in” said Giltrap.
TPNZ will be returning to Porsche Carrera Cup Asia with scholarship driver Zac Stichbury pivoting his 2024 plans to kick off his Carrera Cup career at a variety of iconic Asian tracks. The team started its scholarship program in the Asian Carrera Cup series in 2019, however shifted the focus to Australia in 2021.
Stichbury will be sharing the season with teammate Marco Giltrap in a TPNZ team car that will allow both drivers to grow their experience outside the Australian market. The championship kicks off at the Shanghai Grand Prix from 18th – 21st April, with Stichbury confirmed to race the first two weekends of the calendar. The remaining schedule will be announced in due course.
“It’s exciting to still have the full support from Porsche NZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport for this season. It’s a new opportunity that I can’t wait to jump into and learn with a new group of people and develop my skills in the new car. Together with the team, I’m confident we can achieve great success and have an enjoyable year” said Stichbury.
The team’s newest scholarship recipient, Brock Gilchrest will debut his Porsche racing career in the 2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series.
The series is the feeder for the Porsche Carrera Cup and has proven as a popular pathway for drivers to master the 911 GT3 Cup Car before taking on the Carrera Cup series. The 20-year-old won the 2023 Toyota 86 championship and recently took out the GT4 title at the 2024 GT New Zealand Championship.
“I am really looking forward to starting the season in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Team Porsche New Zealand. Testing has been positive and I have built a decent pace as I get more comfortable with the car. We will be looking to bring that same momentum into round 1. I can’t wait to have a good crack at the season ahead” said Gilchrist.
Greg Clarke, General Manager, Porsche New Zealand
“The team had a very successful 2023 season taking out the championship titles in both Australian Porsche series, with Marco Giltrap in Sprint Challenge and Callum Hedge in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. By expanding into Carrera Cup Asia, we have opened the opportunity for our team to take out three championships this year, whilst also developing our drivers on new tracks.“
Earl Bamber, Owner, Earl Bamber Motorsport
“This year we see a three-series effort from Team Porsche New Zealand as we continue to develop drivers and see them progress in their careers. It’s exciting to kick off the season, first in Carrera Cup Australia with Marco Giltrap, followed by Brock in Sprint Challenge Australia. Now we also have the chance to see Zac develop his Carrera as he makes the change to move into Carrera Cup Asia.“
“We are also proud to see graduates of the scholarship program Matthew Payne and Ryan Wood return recently for some races with Earl Bamber Motorsport.”
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NewsCarrera Cup battle to commence in Melbourne
New season begins with strong 27-car field at Albert Park
THE FIGHT for Australia’s top one-make championship commences anew this weekend as Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship descends on Melbourne and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Albert Park will see 27 cars contest the opening round of what is set to be another captivating title chase among the field of identical Type-992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars.
As always the field will be split into two classes, with the Equity One Professional Class to be contested by 18 drivers, both established stars of the sport and a fleet of young, rising stars.
The always competitive SP Tools Pro-Am class returns with 9 entries, including defending class champion Adrian Flack.
The field includes seven drivers on debut, nine Michelin Junior drivers and both the current Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Pro and Pro-Am champions.
While Adrian Flack returns to defend his Pro-Am crown, young Kiwi rising star Marco Giltrap steps up to the ‘main game’ of Carrera Cup this weekend having clinched the Sprint Challenge title in 2023.
Giltrap will continue to race for Earl Bamber Motorsport in a Team Porsche New Zealand-supported car, flying the flag for the traditionally strong Kiwi contingent in Aussie Porsche racing.
He’ll be joined on debut by fellow Sprint Challenge graduates Lachlan Bloxsom (McElrea Racing), Tom McLennan (EBM), Nash Morris (Scott Taylor Motorsport), Harrison Goodman (Sonic Motor Racing) and Marcos Flack (Sonic Motor Racing), while Matt Slavin steps up from the Sprint Challenge Pro-Am class to the Carrera Cup fight this year.
Rounding out the first-timers this weekend is Supercars race winner Scott Pye, who will race a BWT-backed car for Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport this weekend.
2022 champion Harri Jones and 2005 winner Fabian Coulthard complete the PCM squad, Jones’ commencing his full-time return to Aussie competition this weekend.
2023 runner-up Jackson Walls returns for a second shot at the title having claimed the Albert Park round win – his first in Carrera Cup – last year.
Michelin Junior Ryder Quinn, 2023 Gold Coast winner Bayley Hall, Sonic’s Angelo Mouzouris, David Russell – who joins TekworkX Motorsport – and brothers Dale and Glen Wood all return for more this year.
Balancing out the strong rookie group this year, 10 Carrera Cup race winners feature on the grid set for this weekend with nine drivers having started more than 100 Carrera Cup races in their respective careers.
The SP Tools Pro-Am battle will see Flack chased again by drivers that filled the five positions behind the Earl Bamber Motorsport driver last year.
Dean Cook and Sam Shahin return, as done Melbourne-based Matt Belford, Marc Cini and Rodney Jane.
While Matt Slavin joins the fun from Sprint Challenge, a welcome returnee will be Sydneysider Indiran Padayachee while Daniel Stutterd returns with TekworkX after a strong conclusion to the 2023 season in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, a major achievement for one of Carrera Cup’s best will also be a highlight this weekend.
Milestone man Nick McBride, a staple at the front of the Carrera Cup field, will start his 200th Carrera Cup race on Saturday evening should he contest all three races this weekend.
McBride, who races a Hallmarc-backed car at the Melbourne Performance Centre, made his Carrera Cup debut in 2014 and has 4 round and 11 race wins to his credit across his successful career.
The Victorian, a qualified lawyer day-to-day, will become just the fourth driver in series history to have competed in 200 or more Carrera Cup races, joining teammate Marc Cini, David Wall and Rodney Jane in the elite group.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will tackle three races this weekend at Albert Park.
Following practice and the battle for the TAG Heuer Pole Award on Thursday, Race 1 will be held on Thursday afternoon to kick off the season.
Races on Friday afternoon and then Saturday evening following Formula 1 Qualifying complete the opening round.
Races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports across the Albert Park weekend.
ENTRY LIST
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia – Round 1
Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
State |
Pro | 2 | TekworkX Motorsport / HAH | David | Russell | QLD |
Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | VIC |
Pro | 8 | Hallmarc / Team MPC | Nicholas | McBride | VIC |
Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc / Team MPC | Marc | Cini | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW |
Pro | 12 | Hasting Deering / Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport | Harri | Jones | VIC |
Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA |
Pro-Am | 14 | I.D Land / Team MPC | Matt | Belford | VIC |
Pro | 19 | Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport / BWT | Scott | Pye | VIC |
Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National / EBM | Adrian | Flack | QLD |
Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | NSW |
Pro / Jnr | 23 | Bloxsom Team Navy | Lockie | Bloxsom | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 28 | Hall Finance & Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD |
Pro-Am | 35 | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts | Indiran | Padayachee | NSW |
Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 81 | McLennan Motorsport / EBM | Tom | McLennan | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 84 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Marco | Giltrap | NZ |
Pro-Am | 85 | Ares Group | Matt | Slavin | VIC |
Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 101 | Game Over | Ryder | Quinn | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Nash | Morris | QLD |
Pro-Am | 702 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 777 | Sonic / Bod Jane T Marts / Versalux Lighting Systems | Marcos | Flack | QLD |
Pro | 880 | Sonic / TRUEGRID Parking Surface | Harrison | Goodman | VIC |
Pro | 911 | Ranbuild / EBM | Glen | Wood | VIC |
Pro | 992 | Connected Spaces / EBM | Dale | Wood | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 999 | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / Pit Box io | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC |
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NewsRecord Porsche Michelin Junior class of 2024 announced
Feature film 'Seas the Day' launched to showcase Junior talents
THE Porsche Michelin Junior Program will be elevated to a new level this year, with a record group of talented young drivers from Australia and New Zealand today announced as those to have been awarded a contract for the 2024 season.
They will be supported with a record level of investment from Porsche Cars Australia, Michelin and new Porsche Michelin Junior camp partner BWT to support the journeys of the talented young pilots competing in one-make Porsche racing in Australia.
23 drivers, aged between 17 and 23, will be supported by Porsche and Michelin this year competing across the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series.
The announcement comes with the launch of a new documentary, titled ‘Seas the Day’, which showcases the process the class of 2024 went through to obtain their Junior Contracts for the year ahead via an intensive three-day training course held on the Gold Coast in late February.
The 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Training Camp powered by BWT was held in and around Coolangatta.
The rigorous program, developed by renowned motorsport coaching and training specialists at Reaction Performance, featured a diverse range of development opportunities incorporating various physical and mindset challenges throughout the camp.
Classroom sessions included physical and mindset preparation, engineering insights, and for the first time a serious media training element with a focus on interview skills and social media.
Titled ‘Seas the Day’, a 14-minute film has been produced showcasing the entire camp, highlighting the array of challenges, including a Surf Life Saving course hosted by the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, fun, camaraderie as well as the incredible locations in the southern end of the Gold Coast.
All participating drivers earned their Junior contracts, which were presented at the conclusion of the camp.
Michelin Junior winners in each category at each round receive a free set of Michelin Pilot Sport race tyres and a free entry to a subsequent round of their championship or series.
The drivers who finish second and third at each round also win a set of Michelin Tyres for their efforts.
The top Michelin Junior point scorer in Carrera Cup also receives Australia’s nomination to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the conclusion of the 2024 season, with travel funded by Porsche Motorsport Australia.
In total more than $250,000 worth of prizes and support are on offer this year, a record investment by both Porsche Cars Australia and major partner, Michelin.
BARRY HAY – Porsche Motorsport Australia
“We are very proud of the group of young drivers who will be representing Porsche and Michelin in Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup this year.
“It is not only the largest group of Junior drivers we have ever had in our pathway, but it’s a group filled with incredible ability, motivation, talent and drive to become the best at their craft.
“The Michelin Junior program isn’t just about arriving and driving – all of these drivers have earned their ticket at our Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT, held in February this year.
“They all worked hard for it and proved to us that they had the right stuff which is incredibly exciting.
“We looked around this group of drivers and we knew straight away that there are going to be some world-class champions among them. It’s an elite group and it bodes incredibly well for the 2024 season and beyond.
“We’re very proud of the film that documents the Junior Camp – it’s fun, engaging and showcases the personalities and abilities of the drivers while hopefully inspiring the next group of Michelin Juniors looking to enter the program in the future.”
LEIGH STAMATION – Reaction Performance
“We developed the 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT to offer a comprehensive experience, equipping young drivers with the essential tools for their journey towards becoming successful professional racing car drivers.
Our approach blends physical activities with classroom immersions that integrate mindset coaching and engineering of both car and driver. Leveraging Coolangatta’s exceptional backdrop of sun and surf, hills and trails, gym facilities and recovery resources, allowed our team to assemble a complete performance camp package aimed at nurturing both body and mind.
It’s been a thrill collaborating with Porsche and these talented young drivers, as we’ve designed a program that not only challenges them in the moment but also fosters long-term growth and development through our ongoing support within our driver coaching, mindset, and training programs.”
2024 PORSCHE MICHELIN JUNIOR DRIVERS
Lachlan Bloxsom – Carrera Cup
Hamish Fitzsimmons – Sprint Challenge
Marcos Flack – Carrera Cup
Brock Gilchrist – Sprint Challenge
Marco Giltrap – Carrera Cup
Ryan Hadden – Sprint Challenge
Bayley Hall – Carrera Cup
Matt Hillyer – Sprint Challenge
Ayrton Hodson – Sprint Challenge
Tom McLennan – Carrera Cup
Nash Morris – Carrera Cup
Angelo Mouzouris – Carrera Cup
Slade Orsmond – Sprint Challenge
Clay Osborne – Sprint Challenge
Ryder Quinn – Carrera Cup
Jake Santalucia – Sprint Challenge
Aron Shields – Sprint Challenge
Conor Somers – Sprint Challenge
Zac Stichbury – Sprint Challenge
Caleb Sumich – Sprint Challenge
Oscar Targett – Sprint Challenge
Ben Taylor – Sprint Challenge
Jackson Walls – Carrera Cup
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VideosSeason 2023 Video Content
Catch up with all the latest videos from Porsche Motorsport Australia with our season 2023 playlist on YouTube.
Subscribe to our channel to get every video as it’s uploaded!
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VideosSP Tools Tech Series – Part 1 – the car
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ImagesPorsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992)
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GalleriesGallery: Round 2, 2023 – Hidden Valley
All the bright colours and action from a weekend in the Territory Sunshine
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NewsTwo rookies step up to Carrera Cup with Team Sonic for 2024
Sonic Motor Racing Services is pleased to confirm its driver line-up for the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship.
The three-time Carrera Cup winning team has promoted young guns Marcos Flack and Harrison Goodman to its four-car squad for the opening round of Carrera Cup at the Albert Park street circuit supporting the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix next weekend.
Flack and Goodman will be joined by fellow ‘Pro’ class entrant Angelo Mouzouris, while Rodney Jane returns to the team at the Grand Prix in the Pro-Am class.
Flack, Mouzouris and Jane will compete in the famous Bob Jane T-Marts colours, while Goodman will feature support from TRUEGRID and ordinalgold.io.
Flack and Goodman step up to Carrera Cup from the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge class after a season of success in the junior category.
Flack scored a pole position and podium results in his rookie Porsche year and will be looking to build on that experience as he makes the leap to Australia’s leading one-make racing class.
He also made a one-off start in Carrera Cup last year, racing at the Gold Coast street track in what was an early prelude to the 2024 season.
Goodman finished the competitive 2023 Sprint Challenge series in ninth place overall, enjoying podium finishes during his second season in the class.
Goodman will relish the opportunity to race against some of the fastest Pro drivers in the country as he continues his climb up the Porsche pyramid.
Mouzouris will enter his third season in Carrera Cup and his second behind the wheel of a Bob Jane T-Marts-supported entry. The 2019 Formula Ford champion has progressed towards the front of the field since his debut in the one-make class and is aiming to be a consistent threat at the front of the field.
Last year, Mouzouris finished 11th in the championship, scoring a best result of fifth in the final race of the season on the Adelaide streets.
The opening round of the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship will be held at Albert Park.
It is the first of eight rounds that will take Carrera Cup all across Australia, plus for the first time to New Zealand.
The Albert Park event attracts over 300,000 fans through the gates over the four days, making it the perfect start to another competitive season of Carrera Cup racing.
The Melbourne event will be held on March 21-24.
Marcos Flack
#777 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a big step up for me from Sprint Challenge to Carrera Cup, but one that I’m looking forward to” said Flack.
“For me, it’s all about learning the new tracks and maximising on the ones that I’ve already done. I’ve never raced at Albert Park, Taupo and Darwin, so that will be a new challenge.
“It’s great to be a part of the legacy of the Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche team. These cars have seen champions like David Reynolds, Nick Foster and Jordan Love, so I’m hoping to be up there and add my name to this list of great drivers.
“Getting that early taste of Carrera Cup at the Gold Coast was enjoyable. It was also a real eye opener. It gave me a very early feel for how much more competitive Carrera Cup is.
“I’m really happy to be with Sonic again. I loved every moment of Sprint Challenge last year and was glad to have Mick and Maria (Ritter) with me to not only put me forward for the Bob Jane T-Marts drive, but push me as far as I can go in the next step of my career.”
Angelo Mouzouris
#999 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“We’ve put in a lot of effort over the summer break, both in training and testing,” said Mouzouris.
“We’ve had a couple of test days, so I’m feeling the most prepared I’ve ever been for a season.
“The test days went really well, so coming into Round 1, it should be really good.
“Albert Park is probably the best place to start the championship. I’m going back there now for my third year, and we’ve been fast in the past. Hopefully we can put our best foot forward for the start of the season.
“With the experience I’ve had now, the aim is to fight for podiums. It’s a long season, so you need to keep consistent and hopefully you come out on top.
“It’s good to have Marcos come in as my team mate. He is young and fast and I have no doubt he is going to keep me on my toes. We’ve seen how quick he was in Sprint Challenge and, even for a young guy, has a lot of experience from what he has done overseas. If we push each other along, I think it will be a really good thing to have for our team.”
Harrison Goodman
#880 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“I’m looking forward to stepping up to Carrera Cup,” said Goodman.
“A lot of the guys that I raced against in Sprint Challenge last year are also stepping up, so I know what their competitiveness levels are. It will be good to see where we sit against them all.
“I’m also looking forward to racing on some amazing tracks this year, starting off at the Grand Prix. It’s a real bucket list track to tick off my list.
“I’ve never raced in New Zealand or anywhere overseas, so that’s going to be really interesting as well.
“For the first part of the year, I want to do the best we can, aim for points and consistency, and towards the end of the year, try and be in the front pack. It’s a very competitive championship, so I’ll be looking to keep it clean and represent the team and the sponsors the best we can.
“It’s great to stay with Sonic too. We started together in Formula Ford so it’s my fifth year with them, so I’m very happy to work with them again and get some good results. I appreciate everything they do and how much effort they put in.”
Michael Ritter
Team owner, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a very exciting driver line-up for the 2024 Carrera Cup season,” said Ritter.
“Having two rookies step up from our Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge program shows the progression that both our team and the Porsche pyramid promotes. Both Marcos and Harrison have shown that they can mix it at the front of the pack, and with many of their rivals from last year stepping up, we feel they are more than ready for Carrera Cup.
“Angelo showed real progress in the second half of 2023. We know he can do the job. He proved that in Formula Ford and he has shown that in Carrera Cup too. This will be a strong year for him.
“Rodney was a race winner last year in Pro Am but had a pretty torid run of luck in the second half of the championship being caught up in several major accidents none of which were his fault. He was on the podium at Albert Park in 2023 and we look forward to seeing him start 2024 on the same note.
“The team has been working bloody hard over the off season in preparation for the year ahead. There’s lots for us to be excited about and I know our entire team is putting in every effort to make it a success.”
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NewsLachlan Bloxsom to take Carrera Cup challenge in 2024
Graduation for Sprint Challenge driver as Carrera Cup awaits
PORSCHE Michelin Junior Lachlan Bloxsom will continue his rise through the one-make Porsche ranks this year, confirming he will step into the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with McElrea Racing in 2024.
Bloxsom, 19, makes the step to Carrera Cup following two strong learning seasons with McElrea in Sprint Challenge competition, that included several podium finishes.
The Queenslander, who alongside his racing is currently studying a double degree at the Queensland University of Technology, has also gained significant experience in one-make Excel and Toyota 86 competition ahead of his Porsche debut debut.
Bloxsom joins McElrea’s strong four-car squad – comprised entirely of Michelin Juniors – which includes 2023 runner-up Jackson Walls, Ryder Quinn and Bayley Hall.
He is one of a host of drivers to progress with the team through Sprint Challenge and into Carrera Cup competition.
Bloxsom’s stunning 992 GT3 Cup Car unveiled today includes a continuation of his longstanding relationship with the Royal Australian Navy, under their ‘Team Navy’ brand, and support from Harvey Norman, Polyfloor and Bradnam’s Windows and Doors.
“Now in my third year as a McElrea driver I am excited to stay with the team and continue to work with the McElrea family,” Bloxsom said.
“Without Andy, Leigh, Luffy, Timmy, and all the boys back at the workshop I wouldn’t be in the position I am and am looking forward to the future as we work towards moving up the next rung in the Porsche Pyramid together.
“Stepping into a new environment in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will no doubt be a new challenge getting to grips with the new car on new tracks but it’s a challenge that I’m ready for. We have stuck to a plan and a process and have gotten me to a position where I’m ready for the next step in my racing career and ready to tackle the championship head on with some strong results ahead.
“I wouldn’t be racing in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup this year if it wasn’t for my family, my sponsors and McElrea Racing who I’m excited to continue with in the 2024 season.”
Bloxsom said his plans included consistent improvement throughout his rookie season, which will see strong competition both in the Professional class ranks, and among the Michelin Juniors.
“Coming freshly out of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championship and into my rookie season of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup there is obviously a large element of adapting to the new car and the new environment which I feel I will continue to improve throughout the year,” he explained.
“As far as aspirations for my rookie year ahead, without too much pressure on myself for results, driving to the best of my ability and making as little mistakes as possible is the goal for this year. Improving as a driver both on and off the track and working with the team to improve myself and the car throughout the year to put us in a good position coming the latter half of the season.”
The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be contested as part of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this March 21-24.
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VideosMatt Belford & Courtney Prince preview Round 1
Porsche Centre Melbourne drivers ask the tough questions about Melbourne
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VideosThe Final Round: Harri Jones Gold Coast 2022
A behind the scenes look at the final round of 2022
A behind the scenes look at the final round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship following Pro Champion, Harri Jones
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Videos2022 Carrera Cup Awards Gala
A look back at our Carrera Cup Australia Awards Gala to recognize our 2022 Champions
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ImagesRound 4, 2022 – Townsville
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ImagesPorsche 963 prototype
Image Gallery
- Porsche Penske Motorsport fields two cars each in world’s greatest endurance series
- Design of the new Porsche 963 hails from the victorious 956 and 962 classics
- Experienced works drivers and accomplished sportscar champions behind the wheel
Australian driver Matt Campbell has been announced as a factory driver for the new Porsche Penske Motorsport operation, as the new Porsche 963 prototype was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
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NewsRecord Porsche Michelin Junior class of 2024 announced
Feature film 'Seas the Day' launched to showcase Junior talents
THE Porsche Michelin Junior Program will be elevated to a new level this year, with a record group of talented young drivers from Australia and New Zealand today announced as those to have been awarded a contract for the 2024 season.
They will be supported with a record level of investment from Porsche Cars Australia, Michelin and new Porsche Michelin Junior camp partner BWT to support the journeys of the talented young pilots competing in one-make Porsche racing in Australia.
23 drivers, aged between 17 and 23, will be supported by Porsche and Michelin this year competing across the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series.
The announcement comes with the launch of a new documentary, titled ‘Seas the Day’, which showcases the process the class of 2024 went through to obtain their Junior Contracts for the year ahead via an intensive three-day training course held on the Gold Coast in late February.
The 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Training Camp powered by BWT was held in and around Coolangatta.
The rigorous program, developed by renowned motorsport coaching and training specialists at Reaction Performance, featured a diverse range of development opportunities incorporating various physical and mindset challenges throughout the camp.
Classroom sessions included physical and mindset preparation, engineering insights, and for the first time a serious media training element with a focus on interview skills and social media.
Titled ‘Seas the Day’, a 14-minute film has been produced showcasing the entire camp, highlighting the array of challenges, including a Surf Life Saving course hosted by the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, fun, camaraderie as well as the incredible locations in the southern end of the Gold Coast.
All participating drivers earned their Junior contracts, which were presented at the conclusion of the camp.
Michelin Junior winners in each category at each round receive a free set of Michelin Pilot Sport race tyres and a free entry to a subsequent round of their championship or series.
The drivers who finish second and third at each round also win a set of Michelin Tyres for their efforts.
The top Michelin Junior point scorer in Carrera Cup also receives Australia’s nomination to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the conclusion of the 2024 season, with travel funded by Porsche Motorsport Australia.
In total more than $250,000 worth of prizes and support are on offer this year, a record investment by both Porsche Cars Australia and major partner, Michelin.
BARRY HAY – Porsche Motorsport Australia
“We are very proud of the group of young drivers who will be representing Porsche and Michelin in Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup this year.
“It is not only the largest group of Junior drivers we have ever had in our pathway, but it’s a group filled with incredible ability, motivation, talent and drive to become the best at their craft.
“The Michelin Junior program isn’t just about arriving and driving – all of these drivers have earned their ticket at our Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT, held in February this year.
“They all worked hard for it and proved to us that they had the right stuff which is incredibly exciting.
“We looked around this group of drivers and we knew straight away that there are going to be some world-class champions among them. It’s an elite group and it bodes incredibly well for the 2024 season and beyond.
“We’re very proud of the film that documents the Junior Camp – it’s fun, engaging and showcases the personalities and abilities of the drivers while hopefully inspiring the next group of Michelin Juniors looking to enter the program in the future.”
LEIGH STAMATION – Reaction Performance
“We developed the 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT to offer a comprehensive experience, equipping young drivers with the essential tools for their journey towards becoming successful professional racing car drivers.
Our approach blends physical activities with classroom immersions that integrate mindset coaching and engineering of both car and driver. Leveraging Coolangatta’s exceptional backdrop of sun and surf, hills and trails, gym facilities and recovery resources, allowed our team to assemble a complete performance camp package aimed at nurturing both body and mind.
It’s been a thrill collaborating with Porsche and these talented young drivers, as we’ve designed a program that not only challenges them in the moment but also fosters long-term growth and development through our ongoing support within our driver coaching, mindset, and training programs.”
2024 PORSCHE MICHELIN JUNIOR DRIVERS
Lachlan Bloxsom – Carrera Cup
Hamish Fitzsimmons – Sprint Challenge
Marcos Flack – Carrera Cup
Brock Gilchrist – Sprint Challenge
Marco Giltrap – Carrera Cup
Ryan Hadden – Sprint Challenge
Bayley Hall – Carrera Cup
Matt Hillyer – Sprint Challenge
Ayrton Hodson – Sprint Challenge
Tom McLennan – Carrera Cup
Nash Morris – Carrera Cup
Angelo Mouzouris – Carrera Cup
Slade Orsmond – Sprint Challenge
Clay Osborne – Sprint Challenge
Ryder Quinn – Carrera Cup
Jake Santalucia – Sprint Challenge
Aron Shields – Sprint Challenge
Conor Somers – Sprint Challenge
Zac Stichbury – Sprint Challenge
Caleb Sumich – Sprint Challenge
Oscar Targett – Sprint Challenge
Ben Taylor – Sprint Challenge
Jackson Walls – Carrera Cup
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NewsTwo rookies step up to Carrera Cup with Team Sonic for 2024
Sonic Motor Racing Services is pleased to confirm its driver line-up for the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship.
The three-time Carrera Cup winning team has promoted young guns Marcos Flack and Harrison Goodman to its four-car squad for the opening round of Carrera Cup at the Albert Park street circuit supporting the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix next weekend.
Flack and Goodman will be joined by fellow ‘Pro’ class entrant Angelo Mouzouris, while Rodney Jane returns to the team at the Grand Prix in the Pro-Am class.
Flack, Mouzouris and Jane will compete in the famous Bob Jane T-Marts colours, while Goodman will feature support from TRUEGRID and ordinalgold.io.
Flack and Goodman step up to Carrera Cup from the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge class after a season of success in the junior category.
Flack scored a pole position and podium results in his rookie Porsche year and will be looking to build on that experience as he makes the leap to Australia’s leading one-make racing class.
He also made a one-off start in Carrera Cup last year, racing at the Gold Coast street track in what was an early prelude to the 2024 season.
Goodman finished the competitive 2023 Sprint Challenge series in ninth place overall, enjoying podium finishes during his second season in the class.
Goodman will relish the opportunity to race against some of the fastest Pro drivers in the country as he continues his climb up the Porsche pyramid.
Mouzouris will enter his third season in Carrera Cup and his second behind the wheel of a Bob Jane T-Marts-supported entry. The 2019 Formula Ford champion has progressed towards the front of the field since his debut in the one-make class and is aiming to be a consistent threat at the front of the field.
Last year, Mouzouris finished 11th in the championship, scoring a best result of fifth in the final race of the season on the Adelaide streets.
The opening round of the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship will be held at Albert Park.
It is the first of eight rounds that will take Carrera Cup all across Australia, plus for the first time to New Zealand.
The Albert Park event attracts over 300,000 fans through the gates over the four days, making it the perfect start to another competitive season of Carrera Cup racing.
The Melbourne event will be held on March 21-24.
Marcos Flack
#777 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a big step up for me from Sprint Challenge to Carrera Cup, but one that I’m looking forward to” said Flack.
“For me, it’s all about learning the new tracks and maximising on the ones that I’ve already done. I’ve never raced at Albert Park, Taupo and Darwin, so that will be a new challenge.
“It’s great to be a part of the legacy of the Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche team. These cars have seen champions like David Reynolds, Nick Foster and Jordan Love, so I’m hoping to be up there and add my name to this list of great drivers.
“Getting that early taste of Carrera Cup at the Gold Coast was enjoyable. It was also a real eye opener. It gave me a very early feel for how much more competitive Carrera Cup is.
“I’m really happy to be with Sonic again. I loved every moment of Sprint Challenge last year and was glad to have Mick and Maria (Ritter) with me to not only put me forward for the Bob Jane T-Marts drive, but push me as far as I can go in the next step of my career.”
Angelo Mouzouris
#999 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“We’ve put in a lot of effort over the summer break, both in training and testing,” said Mouzouris.
“We’ve had a couple of test days, so I’m feeling the most prepared I’ve ever been for a season.
“The test days went really well, so coming into Round 1, it should be really good.
“Albert Park is probably the best place to start the championship. I’m going back there now for my third year, and we’ve been fast in the past. Hopefully we can put our best foot forward for the start of the season.
“With the experience I’ve had now, the aim is to fight for podiums. It’s a long season, so you need to keep consistent and hopefully you come out on top.
“It’s good to have Marcos come in as my team mate. He is young and fast and I have no doubt he is going to keep me on my toes. We’ve seen how quick he was in Sprint Challenge and, even for a young guy, has a lot of experience from what he has done overseas. If we push each other along, I think it will be a really good thing to have for our team.”
Harrison Goodman
#880 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“I’m looking forward to stepping up to Carrera Cup,” said Goodman.
“A lot of the guys that I raced against in Sprint Challenge last year are also stepping up, so I know what their competitiveness levels are. It will be good to see where we sit against them all.
“I’m also looking forward to racing on some amazing tracks this year, starting off at the Grand Prix. It’s a real bucket list track to tick off my list.
“I’ve never raced in New Zealand or anywhere overseas, so that’s going to be really interesting as well.
“For the first part of the year, I want to do the best we can, aim for points and consistency, and towards the end of the year, try and be in the front pack. It’s a very competitive championship, so I’ll be looking to keep it clean and represent the team and the sponsors the best we can.
“It’s great to stay with Sonic too. We started together in Formula Ford so it’s my fifth year with them, so I’m very happy to work with them again and get some good results. I appreciate everything they do and how much effort they put in.”
Michael Ritter
Team owner, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a very exciting driver line-up for the 2024 Carrera Cup season,” said Ritter.
“Having two rookies step up from our Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge program shows the progression that both our team and the Porsche pyramid promotes. Both Marcos and Harrison have shown that they can mix it at the front of the pack, and with many of their rivals from last year stepping up, we feel they are more than ready for Carrera Cup.
“Angelo showed real progress in the second half of 2023. We know he can do the job. He proved that in Formula Ford and he has shown that in Carrera Cup too. This will be a strong year for him.
“Rodney was a race winner last year in Pro Am but had a pretty torid run of luck in the second half of the championship being caught up in several major accidents none of which were his fault. He was on the podium at Albert Park in 2023 and we look forward to seeing him start 2024 on the same note.
“The team has been working bloody hard over the off season in preparation for the year ahead. There’s lots for us to be excited about and I know our entire team is putting in every effort to make it a success.”
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NewsLachlan Bloxsom to take Carrera Cup challenge in 2024
Graduation for Sprint Challenge driver as Carrera Cup awaits
PORSCHE Michelin Junior Lachlan Bloxsom will continue his rise through the one-make Porsche ranks this year, confirming he will step into the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with McElrea Racing in 2024.
Bloxsom, 19, makes the step to Carrera Cup following two strong learning seasons with McElrea in Sprint Challenge competition, that included several podium finishes.
The Queenslander, who alongside his racing is currently studying a double degree at the Queensland University of Technology, has also gained significant experience in one-make Excel and Toyota 86 competition ahead of his Porsche debut debut.
Bloxsom joins McElrea’s strong four-car squad – comprised entirely of Michelin Juniors – which includes 2023 runner-up Jackson Walls, Ryder Quinn and Bayley Hall.
He is one of a host of drivers to progress with the team through Sprint Challenge and into Carrera Cup competition.
Bloxsom’s stunning 992 GT3 Cup Car unveiled today includes a continuation of his longstanding relationship with the Royal Australian Navy, under their ‘Team Navy’ brand, and support from Harvey Norman, Polyfloor and Bradnam’s Windows and Doors.
“Now in my third year as a McElrea driver I am excited to stay with the team and continue to work with the McElrea family,” Bloxsom said.
“Without Andy, Leigh, Luffy, Timmy, and all the boys back at the workshop I wouldn’t be in the position I am and am looking forward to the future as we work towards moving up the next rung in the Porsche Pyramid together.
“Stepping into a new environment in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will no doubt be a new challenge getting to grips with the new car on new tracks but it’s a challenge that I’m ready for. We have stuck to a plan and a process and have gotten me to a position where I’m ready for the next step in my racing career and ready to tackle the championship head on with some strong results ahead.
“I wouldn’t be racing in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup this year if it wasn’t for my family, my sponsors and McElrea Racing who I’m excited to continue with in the 2024 season.”
Bloxsom said his plans included consistent improvement throughout his rookie season, which will see strong competition both in the Professional class ranks, and among the Michelin Juniors.
“Coming freshly out of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championship and into my rookie season of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup there is obviously a large element of adapting to the new car and the new environment which I feel I will continue to improve throughout the year,” he explained.
“As far as aspirations for my rookie year ahead, without too much pressure on myself for results, driving to the best of my ability and making as little mistakes as possible is the goal for this year. Improving as a driver both on and off the track and working with the team to improve myself and the car throughout the year to put us in a good position coming the latter half of the season.”
The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be contested as part of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this March 21-24.
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VideosThe Final Round: Harri Jones Gold Coast 2022
A behind the scenes look at the final round of 2022
A behind the scenes look at the final round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship following Pro Champion, Harri Jones
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Videos2022 Carrera Cup Awards Gala
A look back at our Carrera Cup Australia Awards Gala to recognize our 2022 Champions
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ImagesPorsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992)
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ImagesRound 4, 2022 – Townsville
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ImagesPorsche 963 prototype
Image Gallery
- Porsche Penske Motorsport fields two cars each in world’s greatest endurance series
- Design of the new Porsche 963 hails from the victorious 956 and 962 classics
- Experienced works drivers and accomplished sportscar champions behind the wheel
Australian driver Matt Campbell has been announced as a factory driver for the new Porsche Penske Motorsport operation, as the new Porsche 963 prototype was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
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NewsTeam Porsche NZ locks in 2024 plans
Carrera Cup Australia, Asia and Sprint Challenge confirmed for Porsche NZ-backed squad
At the start of the 2024 motorsport season, Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is gearing up to compete with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in three Porsche single-make series this year.
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia kicks off the calendar, with Marco Giltrap debuting in the series in the opening round at the Melbourne Grand Prix this weekend.
Giltrap is graduating from the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia series where he took out the championship title in 2023. In the off-season, he has been competing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe Championship where he finished 8th in the Pro Class.
The 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will also see Giltrap compete on home turf, with the Australian series crossing the ditch for the first time, competing at the Taupo SuperSprint in April.
“I’m super excited to be continuing my racing journey with Porsche New Zealand and EBM, we have already achieved a lot and I am looking forward to keeping our momentum going. Both the team and myself have been working hard in preparation for the season so I’m keen to get stuck in” said Giltrap.
TPNZ will be returning to Porsche Carrera Cup Asia with scholarship driver Zac Stichbury pivoting his 2024 plans to kick off his Carrera Cup career at a variety of iconic Asian tracks. The team started its scholarship program in the Asian Carrera Cup series in 2019, however shifted the focus to Australia in 2021.
Stichbury will be sharing the season with teammate Marco Giltrap in a TPNZ team car that will allow both drivers to grow their experience outside the Australian market. The championship kicks off at the Shanghai Grand Prix from 18th – 21st April, with Stichbury confirmed to race the first two weekends of the calendar. The remaining schedule will be announced in due course.
“It’s exciting to still have the full support from Porsche NZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport for this season. It’s a new opportunity that I can’t wait to jump into and learn with a new group of people and develop my skills in the new car. Together with the team, I’m confident we can achieve great success and have an enjoyable year” said Stichbury.
The team’s newest scholarship recipient, Brock Gilchrest will debut his Porsche racing career in the 2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series.
The series is the feeder for the Porsche Carrera Cup and has proven as a popular pathway for drivers to master the 911 GT3 Cup Car before taking on the Carrera Cup series. The 20-year-old won the 2023 Toyota 86 championship and recently took out the GT4 title at the 2024 GT New Zealand Championship.
“I am really looking forward to starting the season in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Team Porsche New Zealand. Testing has been positive and I have built a decent pace as I get more comfortable with the car. We will be looking to bring that same momentum into round 1. I can’t wait to have a good crack at the season ahead” said Gilchrist.
Greg Clarke, General Manager, Porsche New Zealand
“The team had a very successful 2023 season taking out the championship titles in both Australian Porsche series, with Marco Giltrap in Sprint Challenge and Callum Hedge in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. By expanding into Carrera Cup Asia, we have opened the opportunity for our team to take out three championships this year, whilst also developing our drivers on new tracks.“
Earl Bamber, Owner, Earl Bamber Motorsport
“This year we see a three-series effort from Team Porsche New Zealand as we continue to develop drivers and see them progress in their careers. It’s exciting to kick off the season, first in Carrera Cup Australia with Marco Giltrap, followed by Brock in Sprint Challenge Australia. Now we also have the chance to see Zac develop his Carrera as he makes the change to move into Carrera Cup Asia.“
“We are also proud to see graduates of the scholarship program Matthew Payne and Ryan Wood return recently for some races with Earl Bamber Motorsport.”
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NewsCarrera Cup battle to commence in Melbourne
New season begins with strong 27-car field at Albert Park
THE FIGHT for Australia’s top one-make championship commences anew this weekend as Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship descends on Melbourne and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Albert Park will see 27 cars contest the opening round of what is set to be another captivating title chase among the field of identical Type-992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars.
As always the field will be split into two classes, with the Equity One Professional Class to be contested by 18 drivers, both established stars of the sport and a fleet of young, rising stars.
The always competitive SP Tools Pro-Am class returns with 9 entries, including defending class champion Adrian Flack.
The field includes seven drivers on debut, nine Michelin Junior drivers and both the current Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Pro and Pro-Am champions.
While Adrian Flack returns to defend his Pro-Am crown, young Kiwi rising star Marco Giltrap steps up to the ‘main game’ of Carrera Cup this weekend having clinched the Sprint Challenge title in 2023.
Giltrap will continue to race for Earl Bamber Motorsport in a Team Porsche New Zealand-supported car, flying the flag for the traditionally strong Kiwi contingent in Aussie Porsche racing.
He’ll be joined on debut by fellow Sprint Challenge graduates Lachlan Bloxsom (McElrea Racing), Tom McLennan (EBM), Nash Morris (Scott Taylor Motorsport), Harrison Goodman (Sonic Motor Racing) and Marcos Flack (Sonic Motor Racing), while Matt Slavin steps up from the Sprint Challenge Pro-Am class to the Carrera Cup fight this year.
Rounding out the first-timers this weekend is Supercars race winner Scott Pye, who will race a BWT-backed car for Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport this weekend.
2022 champion Harri Jones and 2005 winner Fabian Coulthard complete the PCM squad, Jones’ commencing his full-time return to Aussie competition this weekend.
2023 runner-up Jackson Walls returns for a second shot at the title having claimed the Albert Park round win – his first in Carrera Cup – last year.
Michelin Junior Ryder Quinn, 2023 Gold Coast winner Bayley Hall, Sonic’s Angelo Mouzouris, David Russell – who joins TekworkX Motorsport – and brothers Dale and Glen Wood all return for more this year.
Balancing out the strong rookie group this year, 10 Carrera Cup race winners feature on the grid set for this weekend with nine drivers having started more than 100 Carrera Cup races in their respective careers.
The SP Tools Pro-Am battle will see Flack chased again by drivers that filled the five positions behind the Earl Bamber Motorsport driver last year.
Dean Cook and Sam Shahin return, as done Melbourne-based Matt Belford, Marc Cini and Rodney Jane.
While Matt Slavin joins the fun from Sprint Challenge, a welcome returnee will be Sydneysider Indiran Padayachee while Daniel Stutterd returns with TekworkX after a strong conclusion to the 2023 season in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, a major achievement for one of Carrera Cup’s best will also be a highlight this weekend.
Milestone man Nick McBride, a staple at the front of the Carrera Cup field, will start his 200th Carrera Cup race on Saturday evening should he contest all three races this weekend.
McBride, who races a Hallmarc-backed car at the Melbourne Performance Centre, made his Carrera Cup debut in 2014 and has 4 round and 11 race wins to his credit across his successful career.
The Victorian, a qualified lawyer day-to-day, will become just the fourth driver in series history to have competed in 200 or more Carrera Cup races, joining teammate Marc Cini, David Wall and Rodney Jane in the elite group.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will tackle three races this weekend at Albert Park.
Following practice and the battle for the TAG Heuer Pole Award on Thursday, Race 1 will be held on Thursday afternoon to kick off the season.
Races on Friday afternoon and then Saturday evening following Formula 1 Qualifying complete the opening round.
Races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports across the Albert Park weekend.
ENTRY LIST
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia – Round 1
Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
State |
Pro | 2 | TekworkX Motorsport / HAH | David | Russell | QLD |
Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | VIC |
Pro | 8 | Hallmarc / Team MPC | Nicholas | McBride | VIC |
Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc / Team MPC | Marc | Cini | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW |
Pro | 12 | Hasting Deering / Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport | Harri | Jones | VIC |
Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA |
Pro-Am | 14 | I.D Land / Team MPC | Matt | Belford | VIC |
Pro | 19 | Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport / BWT | Scott | Pye | VIC |
Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National / EBM | Adrian | Flack | QLD |
Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | NSW |
Pro / Jnr | 23 | Bloxsom Team Navy | Lockie | Bloxsom | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 28 | Hall Finance & Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD |
Pro-Am | 35 | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts | Indiran | Padayachee | NSW |
Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 81 | McLennan Motorsport / EBM | Tom | McLennan | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 84 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Marco | Giltrap | NZ |
Pro-Am | 85 | Ares Group | Matt | Slavin | VIC |
Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 101 | Game Over | Ryder | Quinn | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Nash | Morris | QLD |
Pro-Am | 702 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 777 | Sonic / Bod Jane T Marts / Versalux Lighting Systems | Marcos | Flack | QLD |
Pro | 880 | Sonic / TRUEGRID Parking Surface | Harrison | Goodman | VIC |
Pro | 911 | Ranbuild / EBM | Glen | Wood | VIC |
Pro | 992 | Connected Spaces / EBM | Dale | Wood | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 999 | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / Pit Box io | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC |
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NewsRecord Porsche Michelin Junior class of 2024 announced
Feature film 'Seas the Day' launched to showcase Junior talents
THE Porsche Michelin Junior Program will be elevated to a new level this year, with a record group of talented young drivers from Australia and New Zealand today announced as those to have been awarded a contract for the 2024 season.
They will be supported with a record level of investment from Porsche Cars Australia, Michelin and new Porsche Michelin Junior camp partner BWT to support the journeys of the talented young pilots competing in one-make Porsche racing in Australia.
23 drivers, aged between 17 and 23, will be supported by Porsche and Michelin this year competing across the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series.
The announcement comes with the launch of a new documentary, titled ‘Seas the Day’, which showcases the process the class of 2024 went through to obtain their Junior Contracts for the year ahead via an intensive three-day training course held on the Gold Coast in late February.
The 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Training Camp powered by BWT was held in and around Coolangatta.
The rigorous program, developed by renowned motorsport coaching and training specialists at Reaction Performance, featured a diverse range of development opportunities incorporating various physical and mindset challenges throughout the camp.
Classroom sessions included physical and mindset preparation, engineering insights, and for the first time a serious media training element with a focus on interview skills and social media.
Titled ‘Seas the Day’, a 14-minute film has been produced showcasing the entire camp, highlighting the array of challenges, including a Surf Life Saving course hosted by the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, fun, camaraderie as well as the incredible locations in the southern end of the Gold Coast.
All participating drivers earned their Junior contracts, which were presented at the conclusion of the camp.
Michelin Junior winners in each category at each round receive a free set of Michelin Pilot Sport race tyres and a free entry to a subsequent round of their championship or series.
The drivers who finish second and third at each round also win a set of Michelin Tyres for their efforts.
The top Michelin Junior point scorer in Carrera Cup also receives Australia’s nomination to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the conclusion of the 2024 season, with travel funded by Porsche Motorsport Australia.
In total more than $250,000 worth of prizes and support are on offer this year, a record investment by both Porsche Cars Australia and major partner, Michelin.
BARRY HAY – Porsche Motorsport Australia
“We are very proud of the group of young drivers who will be representing Porsche and Michelin in Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup this year.
“It is not only the largest group of Junior drivers we have ever had in our pathway, but it’s a group filled with incredible ability, motivation, talent and drive to become the best at their craft.
“The Michelin Junior program isn’t just about arriving and driving – all of these drivers have earned their ticket at our Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT, held in February this year.
“They all worked hard for it and proved to us that they had the right stuff which is incredibly exciting.
“We looked around this group of drivers and we knew straight away that there are going to be some world-class champions among them. It’s an elite group and it bodes incredibly well for the 2024 season and beyond.
“We’re very proud of the film that documents the Junior Camp – it’s fun, engaging and showcases the personalities and abilities of the drivers while hopefully inspiring the next group of Michelin Juniors looking to enter the program in the future.”
LEIGH STAMATION – Reaction Performance
“We developed the 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT to offer a comprehensive experience, equipping young drivers with the essential tools for their journey towards becoming successful professional racing car drivers.
Our approach blends physical activities with classroom immersions that integrate mindset coaching and engineering of both car and driver. Leveraging Coolangatta’s exceptional backdrop of sun and surf, hills and trails, gym facilities and recovery resources, allowed our team to assemble a complete performance camp package aimed at nurturing both body and mind.
It’s been a thrill collaborating with Porsche and these talented young drivers, as we’ve designed a program that not only challenges them in the moment but also fosters long-term growth and development through our ongoing support within our driver coaching, mindset, and training programs.”
2024 PORSCHE MICHELIN JUNIOR DRIVERS
Lachlan Bloxsom – Carrera Cup
Hamish Fitzsimmons – Sprint Challenge
Marcos Flack – Carrera Cup
Brock Gilchrist – Sprint Challenge
Marco Giltrap – Carrera Cup
Ryan Hadden – Sprint Challenge
Bayley Hall – Carrera Cup
Matt Hillyer – Sprint Challenge
Ayrton Hodson – Sprint Challenge
Tom McLennan – Carrera Cup
Nash Morris – Carrera Cup
Angelo Mouzouris – Carrera Cup
Slade Orsmond – Sprint Challenge
Clay Osborne – Sprint Challenge
Ryder Quinn – Carrera Cup
Jake Santalucia – Sprint Challenge
Aron Shields – Sprint Challenge
Conor Somers – Sprint Challenge
Zac Stichbury – Sprint Challenge
Caleb Sumich – Sprint Challenge
Oscar Targett – Sprint Challenge
Ben Taylor – Sprint Challenge
Jackson Walls – Carrera Cup
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NewsTwo rookies step up to Carrera Cup with Team Sonic for 2024
Sonic Motor Racing Services is pleased to confirm its driver line-up for the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship.
The three-time Carrera Cup winning team has promoted young guns Marcos Flack and Harrison Goodman to its four-car squad for the opening round of Carrera Cup at the Albert Park street circuit supporting the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix next weekend.
Flack and Goodman will be joined by fellow ‘Pro’ class entrant Angelo Mouzouris, while Rodney Jane returns to the team at the Grand Prix in the Pro-Am class.
Flack, Mouzouris and Jane will compete in the famous Bob Jane T-Marts colours, while Goodman will feature support from TRUEGRID and ordinalgold.io.
Flack and Goodman step up to Carrera Cup from the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge class after a season of success in the junior category.
Flack scored a pole position and podium results in his rookie Porsche year and will be looking to build on that experience as he makes the leap to Australia’s leading one-make racing class.
He also made a one-off start in Carrera Cup last year, racing at the Gold Coast street track in what was an early prelude to the 2024 season.
Goodman finished the competitive 2023 Sprint Challenge series in ninth place overall, enjoying podium finishes during his second season in the class.
Goodman will relish the opportunity to race against some of the fastest Pro drivers in the country as he continues his climb up the Porsche pyramid.
Mouzouris will enter his third season in Carrera Cup and his second behind the wheel of a Bob Jane T-Marts-supported entry. The 2019 Formula Ford champion has progressed towards the front of the field since his debut in the one-make class and is aiming to be a consistent threat at the front of the field.
Last year, Mouzouris finished 11th in the championship, scoring a best result of fifth in the final race of the season on the Adelaide streets.
The opening round of the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship will be held at Albert Park.
It is the first of eight rounds that will take Carrera Cup all across Australia, plus for the first time to New Zealand.
The Albert Park event attracts over 300,000 fans through the gates over the four days, making it the perfect start to another competitive season of Carrera Cup racing.
The Melbourne event will be held on March 21-24.
Marcos Flack
#777 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a big step up for me from Sprint Challenge to Carrera Cup, but one that I’m looking forward to” said Flack.
“For me, it’s all about learning the new tracks and maximising on the ones that I’ve already done. I’ve never raced at Albert Park, Taupo and Darwin, so that will be a new challenge.
“It’s great to be a part of the legacy of the Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche team. These cars have seen champions like David Reynolds, Nick Foster and Jordan Love, so I’m hoping to be up there and add my name to this list of great drivers.
“Getting that early taste of Carrera Cup at the Gold Coast was enjoyable. It was also a real eye opener. It gave me a very early feel for how much more competitive Carrera Cup is.
“I’m really happy to be with Sonic again. I loved every moment of Sprint Challenge last year and was glad to have Mick and Maria (Ritter) with me to not only put me forward for the Bob Jane T-Marts drive, but push me as far as I can go in the next step of my career.”
Angelo Mouzouris
#999 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“We’ve put in a lot of effort over the summer break, both in training and testing,” said Mouzouris.
“We’ve had a couple of test days, so I’m feeling the most prepared I’ve ever been for a season.
“The test days went really well, so coming into Round 1, it should be really good.
“Albert Park is probably the best place to start the championship. I’m going back there now for my third year, and we’ve been fast in the past. Hopefully we can put our best foot forward for the start of the season.
“With the experience I’ve had now, the aim is to fight for podiums. It’s a long season, so you need to keep consistent and hopefully you come out on top.
“It’s good to have Marcos come in as my team mate. He is young and fast and I have no doubt he is going to keep me on my toes. We’ve seen how quick he was in Sprint Challenge and, even for a young guy, has a lot of experience from what he has done overseas. If we push each other along, I think it will be a really good thing to have for our team.”
Harrison Goodman
#880 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“I’m looking forward to stepping up to Carrera Cup,” said Goodman.
“A lot of the guys that I raced against in Sprint Challenge last year are also stepping up, so I know what their competitiveness levels are. It will be good to see where we sit against them all.
“I’m also looking forward to racing on some amazing tracks this year, starting off at the Grand Prix. It’s a real bucket list track to tick off my list.
“I’ve never raced in New Zealand or anywhere overseas, so that’s going to be really interesting as well.
“For the first part of the year, I want to do the best we can, aim for points and consistency, and towards the end of the year, try and be in the front pack. It’s a very competitive championship, so I’ll be looking to keep it clean and represent the team and the sponsors the best we can.
“It’s great to stay with Sonic too. We started together in Formula Ford so it’s my fifth year with them, so I’m very happy to work with them again and get some good results. I appreciate everything they do and how much effort they put in.”
Michael Ritter
Team owner, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a very exciting driver line-up for the 2024 Carrera Cup season,” said Ritter.
“Having two rookies step up from our Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge program shows the progression that both our team and the Porsche pyramid promotes. Both Marcos and Harrison have shown that they can mix it at the front of the pack, and with many of their rivals from last year stepping up, we feel they are more than ready for Carrera Cup.
“Angelo showed real progress in the second half of 2023. We know he can do the job. He proved that in Formula Ford and he has shown that in Carrera Cup too. This will be a strong year for him.
“Rodney was a race winner last year in Pro Am but had a pretty torid run of luck in the second half of the championship being caught up in several major accidents none of which were his fault. He was on the podium at Albert Park in 2023 and we look forward to seeing him start 2024 on the same note.
“The team has been working bloody hard over the off season in preparation for the year ahead. There’s lots for us to be excited about and I know our entire team is putting in every effort to make it a success.”
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NewsLachlan Bloxsom to take Carrera Cup challenge in 2024
Graduation for Sprint Challenge driver as Carrera Cup awaits
PORSCHE Michelin Junior Lachlan Bloxsom will continue his rise through the one-make Porsche ranks this year, confirming he will step into the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with McElrea Racing in 2024.
Bloxsom, 19, makes the step to Carrera Cup following two strong learning seasons with McElrea in Sprint Challenge competition, that included several podium finishes.
The Queenslander, who alongside his racing is currently studying a double degree at the Queensland University of Technology, has also gained significant experience in one-make Excel and Toyota 86 competition ahead of his Porsche debut debut.
Bloxsom joins McElrea’s strong four-car squad – comprised entirely of Michelin Juniors – which includes 2023 runner-up Jackson Walls, Ryder Quinn and Bayley Hall.
He is one of a host of drivers to progress with the team through Sprint Challenge and into Carrera Cup competition.
Bloxsom’s stunning 992 GT3 Cup Car unveiled today includes a continuation of his longstanding relationship with the Royal Australian Navy, under their ‘Team Navy’ brand, and support from Harvey Norman, Polyfloor and Bradnam’s Windows and Doors.
“Now in my third year as a McElrea driver I am excited to stay with the team and continue to work with the McElrea family,” Bloxsom said.
“Without Andy, Leigh, Luffy, Timmy, and all the boys back at the workshop I wouldn’t be in the position I am and am looking forward to the future as we work towards moving up the next rung in the Porsche Pyramid together.
“Stepping into a new environment in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will no doubt be a new challenge getting to grips with the new car on new tracks but it’s a challenge that I’m ready for. We have stuck to a plan and a process and have gotten me to a position where I’m ready for the next step in my racing career and ready to tackle the championship head on with some strong results ahead.
“I wouldn’t be racing in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup this year if it wasn’t for my family, my sponsors and McElrea Racing who I’m excited to continue with in the 2024 season.”
Bloxsom said his plans included consistent improvement throughout his rookie season, which will see strong competition both in the Professional class ranks, and among the Michelin Juniors.
“Coming freshly out of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championship and into my rookie season of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup there is obviously a large element of adapting to the new car and the new environment which I feel I will continue to improve throughout the year,” he explained.
“As far as aspirations for my rookie year ahead, without too much pressure on myself for results, driving to the best of my ability and making as little mistakes as possible is the goal for this year. Improving as a driver both on and off the track and working with the team to improve myself and the car throughout the year to put us in a good position coming the latter half of the season.”
The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be contested as part of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this March 21-24.
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NewsDavid Russell Joins TekworkX Motorsport for Carrera Cup
Russell joins Queensland squad to continue Carrera Cup success
Experienced Porsche Carrera Cup racer and multiple Bathurst 1000 podium-getter David Russell has signed with TekworkX Motorsport, bringing a two-car team for 2024.
Russell will contest the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship with the Gold-Coast based squad who last year raced to three victories and several podiums in the series.
The 2023 Bathurst 1000 runner-up has accumulated over a decade of experience in one-make Porsche racing, dating back to his series debut in 2006. Over the years Russell has raced to 36 podium finishes, including runner-up series finishes in 2015 and 2022.
Russell boasts a strong career as a Supercars co-driver, starring as a leading co-driver in the Endurance Cup season in all but one year since 2010. Russell’s driving career also includes successful stints in GT3 and Australian Production Car machinery.
TekworkX Motorsport enter their fourth full season of Porsche Carrera Cup, with the team quickly rising to prominence since making their debut in 2021. The opening round of the season takes place as part of the Australian Grand Prix, where TekworkX have emerged as equal or outright round winners two years in a row.
Hire A Hubby return to the TekworkX Motorsport squad as primary sponsors of Russell’s #2 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 992. The nationwide Property Maintenance company first partnered with TekworkX in 2022 – a year which included a race victory for the team in Townsville.
The 2024 season kicks off in just over a week’s time at the Albert Park Street Circuit, from March 21-24.
Rob Woods – Team Owner
“We are thrilled to have D Russ join TekworkX in Carrera Cup,” said Woods.
“We shared engineers back in 2021, our first season in Carrera Cup, so it’s not a new relationship. We have also gained engineering services of that same engineer from 2021, Paul Ceprinich, as team engineer alongside his son Luke who now heads up TekworkX engineering full time.
“They all come with an immense amount of motorsport experience that the team will benefit from throughout the season, of which I expect the results will come,” concluded Woods.
David Russell – #2 Hire A Hubby Porsche
“I did selected rounds last year and I wanted an opportunity to do the whole championship again, especially after coming third in 2022,” said Russell.
“We put our heads together with Rob and worked out a deal, and I’ve already gelled with the whole team. To be working again with Paul Ceprinich is great, having previously worked with him at the Spa 24 Hour as well.
“Being the third year in the car, there were originally some unknowns in the setup department but now it’s just tuning for what each track and driver needs. The TekworkX team will be able to put us in a position to be strong at every round.
“You don’t need to win every race across the year, but we will work hard to put our best foot forward for each track. I’m really looking forward to getting to the Grand Prix and representing a good group of sponsors,” concluded Russell.
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NewsWood Brothers launch two-car Carrera Cup campaign for 2024
Glen to join brother Dale on 2024 grid as pair unveil new liveries, sponsors for 2024 campaign
RIVALS will be seeing double when it comes to the Wood family in this year’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Dale Wood – who finished third in the 2023 championship – has confirmed his return in 2024 and has also locked in a second car to be driven by his brother, vastly experienced GT racer Glen.
Glen will sport the familiar colours of Ranbuild in 2024, continuing the family’s relationship with the Aussie-owned shed manufacturer that commenced last year.
Ranbuild sheds are custom made to your specific requirements, something they have been doing for over 70 years. Local Ranbuild dealers will manage customers projects giving them peace of mind from beginning to end because ‘it’s not just a shed, it’s a Ranbuild!’.
Meanwhile, Dale will sport the colours of new primary sponsor, Connected Spaces, a business providing tailored joinery solutions for a range of building projects across Australia and New Zealand.
From bespoke cabinetry for small developments, right through to full-scale multilevel high rises, Connected Spaces’ multi-national manufacturing, warehousing and logistics services allow them to deliver high quality and exceptional value to meet the needs of every project.
The Wood brothers’ cars will again be run by Earl Bamber Motorsport, who last year claimed both the outright and Pro-Am class titles in Carrera Cup, and the Michelin Sprint Challenge series title as well.
The pair of cars feature the same base livery design while still representing the individual branding of the major partners, with the cars formally unveiled during a pre-season test day at The Bend recently.
While 2024 marks Glen Wood’s first full-season campaign in Carrera Cup he has raced in the championship previously, contesting five rounds of the 2018 season with the Porsche Centre Brighton squad and recording a best finish of fifth position, achieved at Mount Panorama.
Dale Wood finished third in the 2023 championship with victory in the final round of the year in Adelaide.
The only multiple round winner last season, Wood has five round and 18 race wins to his credit in his 41-round Carrera Cup Career.
The pair will be on the grid for the opening round of the 2024 championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 21-24.
DALE WOOD – #992 CONNECTED SPACES PORSCHE 992 GT3 Cup Car
“The discussions and the idea to run two cars with my brother began to take shape mid-way through last season.
“I am proud to have brought Ranbuild into the sport and into the spotlight, we have a great relationship with them and they were very excited about what we achieved last year.
“I have been speaking to the team behind Connected Spaces for a couple of years and they said that now was the right time to get involved.
“It was actually a difficult conversation to have with Ranbuild and say, ‘here’s what I want to do, I’m going to put a Wood in your car but it won’t be me – however it will be a guy who will do equally as good a job, both on and off track.’
“I spent a few nights worrying about it but when they rang back it was done and dusted in a couple of minutes. It’s going to be an incredible thing to continue to work with them, but then also work with a new company to the sport and show them how valuable Motorsport can be.
“It’s quite surreal seeing both cars together and being on track together, racing one another other. It will be all friendly between us, but we will race hard – it’s something I’m particularly excited about for this season.”
GLEN WOOD – #911 RANBUILD PORSCHE 992 GT3 Cup Car
“It’s quite surreal to understand and believe that we’re both here doing this. To join my brother as a teammate and to work out of the same garage makes my hair stand up, it’s unreal.
“It’s great to be representing Ranbuild and I’m grateful that they’ve seen the vision we had for this year and have backed it. They will continue to work with Dale and I throughout the year.
“The cars look fantastic. Though obviously, I tell my brother that mine is the best-looking car of the two!
“I’m being realistic about my own expectations and what we can achieve this year. It’s a tough, very competitive championship but I’d like to think that I’ll be fighting for podiums by the back half of the year, if not sooner.
“I’ve raced a lot of GT cars lately and I’m very thankful for those experiences, but having a car to yourself is the holy grail. You can just pin down your technique and work on that over a race weekend and throughout the year.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to put 110% focus on my car, our team, our sponsors and for what is to come in the year ahead.”
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NewsO’Keeffe Reveals Striking New Livery for Carrera Cup Return
Striking schemes launched for GWR-prepared Pro and Pro-Am contenders
Dylan O’Keeffe has revealed a striking new Dexion Racing livery for his return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup with the RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia outfit for the 2024 season.
Dexion has returned as the title sponsor for O’Keeffe, along with Dean Cook who will again compete in the Pro-Am class, while OFE Refrigerated Transport, United Property Fund, Local Roadways, DTR Heavy Vehicle Repairer, Tempur and Ringwood Mazda will also support O’Keeffe’s 2024 campaign.
This year will mark O’Keeffe’s sixth season in the one-make Porsche category, and he is hoping a subtle change to his driving technique will be enough to propel him towards championship success.
“Over the last couple of seasons, we’ve always had decent qualifying speed but during the off-season we identified a couple of weaknesses, and one of those was my speed on cold tyres,” O’Keeffe said.
“I’ve always right-foot braked in the Porsche, but this season I’m going to change to left-foot braking, which will allow me to balance the car more precisely during those early race laps where car finesse is so critical.”
By electing to remain with the GWR Australia squad, O’Keeffe will again be engineered by Rob Palermo, with whom he formed a fruitful relationship last season.
“Rob and I understand one another really well, and last year we unlocked some great speed from the car, especially in the second half of the season,” O’Keeffe said.
“Heading into 2024 with the same driver-engineer combination will allow us to carry some momentum into the new season and build upon everything we learned last year.”
The season will once again consist of eight rounds, with O’Keeffe nominating the second round at New Zealand’s Taupo circuit as a highlight.
“Overseas Carrera Cup racing has fond memories for me, because I scored my first Carrera Cup podium in Malaysia in 2017,” he said.
“It will be the first time I’ve raced overseas since the TCR World Tour round in Belgium in 2020, and it’s always a good challenge to learn a new track.”
The season commences at the Australian Grand Prix, 21-24 March.
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NewsJones shows 2024 colours as key partners extend
New livery revealed for returning Carrera Cup champion
Harri Jones today announced that long term major partner, Hastings Deering, has extended their support as they unveil their striking new livery and launch into the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season.
In what will be the third year of a stand-out partnership between Hastings Deering and Jones, season 2024 is shaping up to be bigger than ever before.
2022 saw Jones win the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and subsequently secure an invite to compete on the world stage in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland in 2023.
Returning full-time on home soil for season 2024, Jones’ sites are set on claiming another Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship; and Hastings Deering plan to be by his side again every step of the way.
“I’m so excited to be extending my partnership with Hastings Deering,” said Jones.
“Over the last couple of years, we have achieved so much together, and I truly feel a part of the Hastings Deering family. They love all things performance, machinery and talent, and they have a passionate team of over 3500 that have supported me and backed me every step of the way,” said Jones.
“It’s fantastic to work so closely with great partners and I feel really fortunate to be able to continue building on my career with the support of such a strong team behind me.”
As one of the top Cat® dealers globally, the partnership with Hastings Deering offers new opportunities and pathways for Jones. With a history dating back over 90 years, Hastings Deering is a values-driven organisation committed to providing pathway opportunities for the next generation.
Returning home after a year living and racing in Europe, Jones is determined to capitalise on his experience and make his mark on home soil.
“Last year opened my eyes to what is possible in these cars,” said Jones.
“It was such an incredible and intense racing program, competing in two separate Championships. I’ve evolved a lot as a driver both technically and mentally. I learnt from the best in the business, and I delved into the heart of the motorsport world and extracted every bit of knowledge I could. This year, I have one goal and that is to claim back the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship.”
The 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia kicks off with Round 1 at the Australian F1 Grand Prix.
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NewsHarri Jones joins Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport for 2024 season
Two former champions to join forces at PCM squad in 2024
PORSCHE CENTRE MELBOURNE Motorsport will enter the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season with a pair of title winners in its stable, confirming that former champion Harri Jones will join the team this year.
Jones, the 2022 Champion, will join 2005 champion Fabian Coulthard this season in a talented two-car attack from the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport (PCMM)team.
Battle hardened from a season contesting both the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Germany last year, Jones committed to a return to Australian competition this season as he seeks to build both his driving career, and that of his own race team, Jones Motorsport.
He returned to the Championship for two rounds last year, scoring pole position and finishing second at Mount Panorama last October.
The addition of Jones to the PCMM squad, which operates from a newly enhanced workshop facility located in Collingwood, means the team enters the 2024 season with one of the most experienced driver rosters among the paddock.
The team was bolstered by the signing of experienced Team Principal Matt Cook late last year, while Coulthard joined the team in Round 2 of the Championship last season.
The opening round of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024 on March 21-24.
Harri Jones, 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion
“I’m very excited to be back full-time in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and to be racing with PCMM. The team have the right attitude and all out approach towards the Championship this year and I’m sure our combined knowledge and experience will achieve great results on track. A year abroad racing at the pinnacle of the Porsche one-make series has sure opened my eyes to what is possible with these cars and I’m hungry to fight for another championship this year.”
Matt Cook, Team Principal, Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
“We are very excited to announce Harri Jones will be joining PCMM for the 2024 Carrera Cup Championship. Harri’s expertise and wealth of knowledge behind the wheel speaks volumes. His experience driving these cars is on a global scale and I have no doubt he will be ultra-competitive from the very first race meeting at the AGP. Harri is the perfect example of the modern young professional driver and he will fit well into our team.”
David Simpson, General Manager, Porsche Centre Melbourne
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Harri Jones to the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport team this season. His remarkable talent and unwavering commitment perfectly align with our pursuit of excellence. With a track record of past motorsport success that defines our history, we eagerly anticipate raising the bar even higher. Harri Jones has a formidable skill set and he’s proven himself time and time again. Stay tuned as we watch the evolution of this exciting partnership, marking a new chapter in our pursuit of victory.”
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NewsPorsche to lead Repco Supercars Championship field in 2024
Supercars is thrilled to announce an electrifying partnership with bp and Porsche, where the all-electric Porsche Taycan GTS will serve as the bp pulse Safety Car starting at this month’s Thrifty Bathurst 500.
The Porsche Taycan GTS will make history as Supercars’ first ever electric Safety Car, and will be able to recharge at a pit lane-based bp pulse rapid EV charging station when not in service on the track.
The collaboration between bp, Porsche, and Supercars is the latest step the championship has taken in the sustainability sector, following the adoption of bp’s lower carbon* Ultimate E75 Racing Fuel in 2023, and a tyre recycling partnership with Gold Coast-based Entyre, forming a pilot program at the 2023 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.
This year marks the fifth season bp has served as the official fuel of the Repco Supercars Championship, filling the tanks of every vehicle on the Supercars grid.
Two Porsche Taycan GTS Safety Cars will be present at every Supercars event, working in rotation to ensure the highest safety standards for all categories.
With up to 440kW of power, the Taycan GTS is capable of speeds up to 250 km/h, and can accelerate from 0-100 in 3.7 seconds, within two tenths of a Gen3 Supercar.
Launched in Australia in late 2022, bp pulse serves as the electrification arm of bp, and aims to build the country’s most convenient rapid EV charging network and customer experience.
Over 100 bp pulse rapid EV charge points have been installed across the country, while the company aims to have more than 100,000 charge points installed worldwide by 2030.
This state-of-the-art electric Porsche Taycan GTS will serve as the Safety Car for all event categories, showcasing the performance, innovation, and sustainability that the Porsche marque is renowned for.
Supercars COO Tim Watsford welcomed the new joint partnership, and has lauded the new bp pulse Safety Car as a considerable step forward for the series.
“This collaboration between the Repco Supercars Championship, Porsche, and bp pulse represents a significant milestone for the Championship,” Watsford said.
“Introducing the Porsche Taycan GTS as our official Safety Car, and the first electric Safety Car in Supercars history, showcases our shared dedication to innovation, sustainability, and delivering a world-class racing experience.”
bp Vice President Marketing Asia Pacific, Amanda Woollard, said using an electric safety car is momentous for the Supercars competition.
“bp is keeping the Supercars grid moving as official fuel supplier and now adding our EV charging expertise into the mix, after starting with the bp Ultimate Safety Car four years ago.
“This year, we’re revved up and ready to show motorsport fans how bp can keep them powered up, whether through our quality bp Ultimate fuel or recharging at a bp pulse EV charge point.”
Porsche Motorsport Manager Barry Hay is excited to see the German marque’s latest technical innovation join forces with Supercars and bp to showcase a special first in the category’s history.
“The Porsche Taycan GTS stands as an extraordinary engineering achievement in its own right, representing a recent stride in Porsche’s rich history of groundbreaking innovation,” Hay said.
“To put this car on display at the pinnacle of Australian motorsport in front of the millions who attend and watch Supercars races is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what the Porsche Taycan GTS is capable of.”
“As race fans, we rarely like to see the bp pulse Safety Car on-track, but we are looking forward to having the Porsche Taycan GTS play such an integral a role in Supercars events from 2024 onward.”
The Porsche Taycan GTS bp pulse Safety Car will be present at the upcoming Bathurst SuperFest, sitting on display at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in bp Pusle EV Park from February 16-18, before leading the 24-car Supercar field at the Thrifty Bathurst 500 the following weekend.
Live coverage of both race weekends can be followed on the Foxtel and Seven family of networks.
Tickets to the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour and Thrifty Bathurst 500 can be purchased via Ticketek. Campsite information can be found at supercars.com and bathurst12hour.com.au.
* bp E75 Racing Fuel has a lower Well-to-Wheel carbon intensity compared to the fuel produced and supplied by bp for the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship.
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NewsTom McLennan confirms move to Carrera Cup for 2024
Tom McLennan will make the step up to Carrera Cup in 2024 with championship-winning team Earl Bamber Motorsport.
After a season and a half of racing in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge – the feeder class to Carrera Cup – the 19-year-old Queenslander is excited to make the leap into the latest-generation 992 Porsche.
McLennan will race the #81 EBM entry, carrying the familiar blue and purple Macpro Properties colours that have adorned his recent Porsches.
McLennan made great progress during his time in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge last year, finishing 10th overall in the standings and claiming a best result of third at Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania.
McLennan will begin a testing program with EBM shortly ahead of the first of eight championship rounds, kicking off as a support class to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on the streets of Albert Park.
The championship will then make its first trip to New Zealand for Round 2 at Taupo, a circuit that McLennan knows thanks to his season in the Formula Regional Oceania in 2023.
Rounds at the popular Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin, Sydney Motorsport Park, Sandown, Bathurst, Gold Coast and the Adelaide street track makes for one of the best racing calendars in Australian motorsport.
All races can be seen live on Foxtel and Kayo, plus selected Free-to-Air races on the Seven Network.
Tom McLennan
Driver, #81 Earl Bamber Motorsport
“I’m definitely excited. It will be a big, challenging year,” said McLennan.
“Compared to Sprint Challenge, it will certainly be a different playing field. The competition will be harder, but I’m really looking forward to stepping up my game and racing on cool street tracks, including the Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Gold Coast.
“It’s also great to re-sign with EBM. I really enjoyed my Time with them in Sprint Challenge so to make the step up with them to Carrera Cup was a logical choice. They are a great team.
“EBM won both the Pro and Pro-Am class in Carrera Cup, plus Sprint Challenge with Marco Giltrap last year. I know I’ll have a good set of team-mates that I can learn from as I build up confidence in the new cars.
“The 992 Porsche race car is a whole new car compared to what I’ve been racing. It will take some time to get to grips with it, but I have a few test days in the lead up. I haven’t driven one of them yet, so can’t wait to strap myself in and see how different the 992 is compared to the 991.2 that I’ve raced in Sprint Challenge.”
Ben Jenkins
Team manager, Earl Bamber Motorsport
“It’s great to have Tom step up to Carrera Cup this year,” said Jenkins.
“When he first joined our team last year, the goal was that he wanted to be ready for Carrera Cup and we feel he is more than ready for it.
“As the year went on, we saw some great progress. At Bathurst, he ran close to the top five all weekend, and that’s no mean feat in what was the most competitive Sprint Challenge seasons on record.
“No doubt, it’s a big step up, but he’ll have a strong set of team-mates to work with and learn from.
“The 992s are a different concept to what he has been racing before. It has a completely different front end and runs on a different tyre, but he’ll be able to adapt to that pretty quickly with some of his open wheel racing experience. And he should get plenty of testing miles to get him up to speed.”
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NewsBlockbuster Porsche entry for Bathurst 12 Hour
Porsche represented by four entries in one of the brand’s strongest-ever Bathurst campaigns.
PORSCHE will return to the iconic Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst this February with their best chances of victory in the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in years.
Four Porsche 911 GT3 R entries feature among the 31-strong field for Australia’s International Enduro, giving Porsche teams a shot at victory in both the outright and Pro-Am ranks this year.
Porsche has claimed success on the Mountain once before, Matt Campbell helping push an Earl Bamber Motorsport-prepared 991 GT3R to victory in 2019 with co drivers Dennis Olsen and Dirk Werner.
Campbell also scored Porsche’s first ever Bathurst pole position a year later.
The 12-hour will represent the Australian debut of the Type-992 GT3R model, while the existing 991.2 GT3R will also feature.
The four-car entry is headlined by a two-car squad to be fielded by famous German squad Manthey Racing, in conjunction with Aussie outfit EMA Motorsport.
The Manthey EMA team finished second in the 12-Hour last year and also claimed the prestigious DTM title in Germany for Porsche.
Manthey EMA’s team is headlined by the return of Aussie Sports Car hero Matt Campbell, a former Carrera Cup Australia Champion, 12-Hour polesitter and winner and fresh from his maiden victory in the Daytona 24 Hours last weekend.
While Campbell will race with the factory Porsche Penske Motorsport team aboard a Porsche 963 this year, he will return to what he describes as his favourite circuit in a bid to deliver Porsche their second Bathurst win.
“I’m really excited to be re-joining EMA Motorsport and Manthey for the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hours,” Campbell said.
“It’s one of my favourite events and tracks in the world. I might be a bit biased, but I really enjoyed last year and I hope we can improve one more position on our second place finish in 2023. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Campbell will be joined by fellow factory Porsche ace Laurens Vanthoor and three-time one-make Porsche champion Ayhancan Güven aboard the ‘Grello’ Porsche GT3R.
The sister car is entered under ‘The Bend Manthey EMA’ banner with Pro-Am driver Yasser Shahin to be joined by Carrera Cup and Supercup star Harry King and experienced Belgian driver, Alessio Picariello.
Shahin was a multiple race winner in last year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS championship driving for EMA Motorsport, including winning at the Adelaide 500 with Campbell as a co-driver.
King won the Bathurst round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia last year, while Picariello’s long-distance racing experience means the distinctively-liveried Shell V-Power 991 GT3 R will likely be a contender for a strong outright result, as well as class victory.
While the high-profile Manthey EMA squad naturally draws plenty of attention, two other teams represent strong potential victors on the Mountain this year.
Brand-new team, Phantom Global Racing, will make their international racing debut this year.
Based in China but with operational support from Porsche legend Timo Bernhard’s Team 75, Phantom Global have enlisted former Carrera Cup Australia champion Jaxon Evans to lead their driving charge.
He’ll be joined by current Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Champion and Porsche Junior, Bastian Buus, and fast Sweedish driver, Joel Eriksson.
Evans, who claimed the Carrera Cup title in Australia in 2018, will join the Supercars Championship full time this year while balancing his commitments overseas as a go-to ace for Porsche teams in the World Endurance Championship and key GT events.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese team HubAuto Racing make their Bathurst debut as a Porsche team with the vastly experienced driving trio of Austrian Klaus Bachler, Patric Pilet from France and fellow Frenchman, Kevin Estre.
The latter is a member of Porsche’s factory World Endurance Championship squad and finished sixth in the World Championship last year – having won the LMGTE Pro class for the brand in 2018/19.
The Repco Bathurst 12 Hour is held at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, on the February 16-18 weekend.
The race will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports and the Seven Network, while international audiences can follow the action via a live stream on the event website, and key streaming partners around the world.
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NewsNew Super License structure good news for Porsche racers
Carrera Cup, Sprint Challenge well positioned in new structure
PORSCHE Motorsport Australia has welcomed the revised Motorsport Australia Super License points structure, announced today.
Drivers are required to accrue a minimum of 15 Super License points prior to being granted a license that allows them to compete in the Repco Supercars Championship and at major events like the Repco Bathurst 1000.
The new structure ensures that competitors competing on the Porsche Pyramid, including Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, will have significant opportunity to quickly accrue the required points in each category.
Carrera Cup is awarded 12 points for the drivers finishing first, second and third in the championship, with points awarded to 10th position overall.
Sprint Challenge will see 10 points awarded to the series winner, with 8 for second down to 1 point for 7th position in the final series standings.
It ensures both categories, especially when the progression from one to another is utilised effectively, remain incredibly strong, competitive, and viable options for drivers looking to forge a career in Supercars as well as for those looking further afield.
“We welcome the efforts of Motorsport Australia to refine and adapt the Super License points system that provides the pathway to the Repco Supercars Championship,” said Porsche Motorsport Australia Manager, Barry Hay.
“The allocations provided to Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge reflect the high level of competition and professionalism within both categories and the talent they both produce.
“While a lot of our drivers want to chase the overseas career path in the Porsche Pyramid, it’s obvious that our categories are also a fantastic place for drivers to prepare for Supercars.
“That is evidenced by the fact there will be three recent Carrera Cup Champions on the grid this year, and a host of others on the grid who progressed through one-make Porsche Motorsport in Australia prior to jumping into Supercars.”
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NewsQuinn back for second year in Game Over Porsche
Second year campaign to build on strong finish to debut Carrera Cup Australia campaign
RYDER QUINN will return for a second Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship Season with fresh motivation and preparation ahead of a big year.
The Queensland-based driver has unveiled a bold new Game Over livery on his McElrea Racing-run Type 992 GT3 Cup Car during pre-season testing at Queensland Raceway.
“In my opinion, the Porsche Carrera Cup Championship is the pinnacle of Motorsport in Australia. It brings in a multitude of extremely talented drivers and teams from Supercars and abroad,” Quinn said.
“My rookie season, last year, was an extremely difficult season for me. Challenges such as missing a round due to damage, limited time in the car, made it difficult to generate the momentum needed to push on and fight. This year, I am looking forward to getting a full testing schedule under my belt and hitting the ground running.”
An up-and-down rookie year saw the Michelin Junior finish 16th in the championship, though a tough start to the season was turned around with a strong finish.
His first top-10 race finish came at Sandown and from there the third-generation Quinn to compete in Carrera Cup finished the year with six top-1o finishes from the last 9 races, including a personal best result of fifth in race two in Adelaide.
Quinn will be eligible once again for the Michelin Junior program this year.
The opening Carrera Cup round of the year will be at the traditional Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
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NewsPorsche Michelin Junior Program applications now open
APPLICATIONS are now open for the 2024 Porsche Motorsport Australia Michelin Junior Program.
The leading young driver development program in Australia returns bigger and better than ever this year, supporting young talent emerging through the ranks of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid for those competing in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.
The program includes significant prizes, opportunities and skills growth for young talent and has helped prepare a host of young drivers for top-level competition, both in Australia and around the world, since its inception.
A record 20 drivers were involved in the Michelin Junior Program in 2023.
Participation in the program offers a range of benefits to young drivers – born between 30 November 2000 and 1 March 2007 – including significant support from major partner, Michelin.
Each driver who tops the Michelin Junior standings at each round of Carrera Cup or Sprint Challenge will receive as a prize free entry to a subsequent round, plus a set of brand new Michelin Pilot Sport Carrera Cup tyres.
Second and third-placed juniors in each category at each round will also receive a set of Michelin tyres for use that season.
Additionally, the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Junior Champion will receive Porsche Cars Australia’s only nomination to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the conclusion of the 2024 season, the winner of which receives a significant funding scholarship towards a season in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Young New Zealander Callum Hedge was Australia’s nomination in 2023, while former Carrera Cup Australia nominees Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans each won the scholarship to kickstart their European racing careers.
Finally, a pre-season Junior training camp to be held on the Gold Coast to commence the season.
To be held over three days between February 27-29, the training camp is provided for free by Porsche Cars Australia to all nominated Juniors and encompasses all aspects required to be a successful professional driver, including physical and mental training, engineering input and media training – and more.
The training program has been designed by leading industry High Performance coach Leigh Stamation and his Reaction Performance business.
Nominations are open to those drivers planning to compete in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, in the 2024 season.
Applications must be received by close of business on Friday, 02 February to be considered for the program.
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NewsNew Zealand entries to get Carrera Cup shot at Taupo
Four New Zealand entries to join Aussie grid when Carrera Cup crosses the Tasman this April
IN a Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship first, four wild-card entries from New Zealand will join the grid when the series competes at Taupo this April.
Carrera Cup will join the Repco Supercars Championship at the ITM Taupo 400 on April 19-21, a full field of Type-992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars to cross the Tasman in what will be the second round of the 2024 championship.
They will be joined by four New Zealand-based Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars run by top outfit International Motorsport, driven by Sam Fillmore, Rick Armstrong, Luke Manson and Matt Whittaker.
While ‘wildcard’ entrants have competed before, this will be the largest group of one-off entrants in any Carrera Cup Australia round.
The Championships’ first trip to New Zealand marks the second time Carrera Cup Australia will have raced internationally.
New Zealand enjoys a large and growing group of Porsche competitors competing in the NZ GT Championship and key sprint and endurance championships on the North and South Islands, including several fielding Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars.
The four cars will run as invited entrants at Taupo and will compete in the same specification as all current Carrera Cup entries.
Porsche Motorsport Australia Management visited the Taupo Circuit this weekend for the second round of the SuperSprint Motorsport New Zealand Championship as a recce for the April Supercars event – with the announcement made on the Sky Sports NZ and Fox Sports Australia broadcast.
New Zealand representation in Porsche Motorsport in Australia has a long and significant track record dating back to inaugural Carrera Cup Champion Jim Richards.
Team Porsche NZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport claimed both key titles in 2023 with Marco Giltrap (Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge) and Callum Hedge (Carrera Cup).
BARRY HAY – Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia
“Everyone in the Porsche family is excited about our trip across the Tasman this April.
“The beauty of one-make Porsche competition is that you can drive the same car in Australia as anywhere in the world, so with the number of Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars in New Zealand it made sense to throw the grid open to a select group of locals.
“Some of us Aussies hate to admit it, but Carrera Cup Australia has an incredible record of New Zealand success with people like Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, Craig Baird and lately, Callum Hedge, coming over and beating the locals!
“It will add to the trans-Tasman flavour of the event and add to the local interest in our NZ debut.”
NATHAN PILCHER – Motorsport Coordinator, Porsche New Zealand
“Interest among Porsche competitors in New Zealand has been high since our Aussie cousins announced they were coming over to race with the ITM Taupo 400, with many asking ‘how can we get on the grid’.
“We have a fantastic and very close working relationship with the team at Porsche Motorsport Australia and they were proactive in working on ways to get some local cars on the grid, to go with the large group of Kiwi drivers already set to be there.
“International Motorsport are one of our most well-respected and known teams, we think they will add to the Carrera Cup grid and give the four guys driving an incredible experience of being part of the top one-make championship in the region.”
Image: Courtesy Tayler Burke, Summerset New Zealand GT
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NewsJaxon Evans, Supercup star to lead new Porsche 12-Hour team
Phantom Global Motorsport confirmed in 911GT3R for 12-Hour debut
Phantom Global Racing, a new team formed in partnership with Timo Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport, is set to make its racing debut at the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour.
The Chinese squad will enter a trio of talented young drivers into the famous Australian event, with 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour Pro-Am runner-up Jaxon Evans, 2023 Porsche Supercup champion Bastian Buus and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) race winner Joel Eriksson aboard the #13 Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992).
Backed by Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, Phantom Global Racing will also count on Porsche Motorsport’s comprehensive technical support, along with Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport outfit.
The German driver-turned-team manager took overall victory with Porsche at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans, while his squad secured the marque’s first DTM win in 2022.
Phantom Global Racing will take on the event sporting a bold deep blue livery, with nods to its Chinese heritage in the form of a gold dragon totem on both sides of the car, along with a postmodern impression of a panda by Chinese artist Zhang Changjiang on the roof.
The Bathurst 12 Hour, which marks the start of the 2024 Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign, takes place on the stunning Mount Panorama Circuit.
The 6.213-kilometre track is a tough test for any driver and car combination, with the narrow, winding first sector climbing the mountain, ahead of the tricky and twisty descent, where one mistake can cost plenty of lap time.
The layout ends with a long straight leading into The Chase, a quick flick to the right where drivers must fully commit ahead of the final few corners.
Bastian Buus: “Bathurst 12 Hour has been on my bucket list for a long time. It’s a truly unique race on a legendary track with some incredible scenery. I’m eager to start working with Phantom Global Racing, together with Jaxon and Joel.”
Joel Eriksson: “I’m proud to be taking part in the iconic Bathurst 12 Hour on the amazing Mount Panorama Circuit. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to compete in this event and to finally get this great opportunity with Phantom Global Racing is an incredible feeling. It will be a new track and team for me, but I can’t wait to get started.”
Jaxon Evans: “I’m extremely excited to team up with Phantom Global Racing for the Bathurst 12 Hour, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. With the technical support of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, I’m confident that we can challenge for the highest honours.”
Martin Young, Team Director Phantom Global Racing: “I’m happy to announce that we’ll be taking part in one of the biggest GT3 races, the Bathurst 12 Hour, as our first official race as Phantom Global with the support of Team 75. As a new team, it’s amazing to have the opportunity to take part in the Pro class and I would like to express my appreciation to Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific and Porsche for their trust and support. It´s going to be a new track for the team, but with the young talent we have I’m hoping we can be a surprise package and achieve strong results.”
Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd.: “I’m delighted that Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific is supporting Phantom Global Racing as they make their first venture into GT3 competition at the Bathurst 12 Hour. It’s always an amazing event, Mount Panorama Circuit is a superb venue and I’m confident the team will enjoy their time at the track. We’re proud that Phantom Global Racing will have Porsche Motorsport’s technical support, along with the experience and expertise of Timo Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport with them in Australia. Bathurst is a race which always signals the start of an exciting new season, so I’m looking forward to it!”
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VideosSeason 2023 Video Content
Catch up with all the latest videos from Porsche Motorsport Australia with our season 2023 playlist on YouTube.
Subscribe to our channel to get every video as it’s uploaded!
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VideosSP Tools Tech Series – Part 1 – the car
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VideosMatt Belford & Courtney Prince preview Round 1
Porsche Centre Melbourne drivers ask the tough questions about Melbourne
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VideosThe Final Round: Harri Jones Gold Coast 2022
A behind the scenes look at the final round of 2022
A behind the scenes look at the final round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship following Pro Champion, Harri Jones
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Videos2022 Carrera Cup Awards Gala
A look back at our Carrera Cup Australia Awards Gala to recognize our 2022 Champions
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VideosCoffex Backstage Pass: Dale Wood
We catch-up with Earl Bamber Motorsport Pro, Dale Wood and get an insight into his life away from the racetrack
Coffex Backstage Pass: We catch-up with Earl Bamber Motorsport Pro, Dale Wood and get an insight into his life away from the racetrack
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VideosOnboard lap: Reid Park, Townsville – Christian Pancione
Join Christian Pancione on a lap of Reid Park Street Circuit
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VideosCoffex Backstage Pass: Matthew Belford
Get to know Pro-Am driver Matthew Belford behind the scenes
Get to know Morris Pro-Am driver Matthew Belford behind the scenes
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VideosOnboard lap: Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin, David Wall
David Wall takes us on a hot lap of the Hidden Valley Circuit
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VideosSam Shahin is handed his new Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Porsche Taycan Turbo S handover to Sam Shahin
Sam Shahin recently took delivery of his new Porsche Taycan Turbo S from the Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Team. The loan of the Taycan for the year was The Bend Motorsport Park owner’s prize for winning the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Morris Finance Pro-Am Championship.
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VideosWhy do our drivers choose Carrera Cup Australia?
Our drivers tell us why they choose to compete in Carrera Cup in 2022
Our drivers tell us why they choose to compete in Carrera Cup in 2022
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VideosBayley Hall to raise much needed funds for Tour de Cure
#curingcancer #changinglives #letscurecancer #signaturetour22
Best of luck Bayley Hall. Raising some much needed funds for Tour de Cure Australia. Scan the QR code support his efforts
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VideosCarrera Cup Champion, Jaxon Evans, inks multi-year contract as a Porsche Driver
McElrea racing graduate confirmed as Porsche Driver for 2022 and beyond
2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion Jaxon Evans has inked a new multi-year contract as a ‘Porsche Driver’ that will see him race internationally for the marque in 2022 and beyond.
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VideosHappy Valentines Day from Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Best valentines day gifts according to our 2022 drivers
2022 Carrera Cup Australia drivers reveal their best Valentines day gifts.. those that remember that is
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VideosWho founded Porsche according to Carrera Cup Australia’s drivers
We asked some the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia drivers who founded Porsche. Here’s what they had to say…
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VideosPorsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) handover from Sydney Motorsport Park
Highlights of the 992 handover from Sydney Motorsport Park
Highlights of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) handover from Sydney Motorsport Park
#PorscheMotorsportAU #carreracupaus #Porsche #porsche911GT3Cup #carreracup
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VideosBathurst, 2021 Onboard Lap – Dale Wood #100
Jump on board with Dale Wood #100 for a lap around Bathurst.
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VideosRnd 4 Bathurst – Race 2 Highlights
Highlights from Race 2 at Bathurst
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ImagesPorsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992)
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ImagesRound 4, 2022 – Townsville
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ImagesPorsche 963 prototype
Image Gallery
- Porsche Penske Motorsport fields two cars each in world’s greatest endurance series
- Design of the new Porsche 963 hails from the victorious 956 and 962 classics
- Experienced works drivers and accomplished sportscar champions behind the wheel
Australian driver Matt Campbell has been announced as a factory driver for the new Porsche Penske Motorsport operation, as the new Porsche 963 prototype was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
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ImagesEMA Motorsport / David Russell 2022 livery
Image Gallery
Australian-based EMA Motorsport Team has confirmed the first track activities as part of the Porsche Customer Racing stable. The team will campaign the full Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship season with experienced Pro driver, David Russell, in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) model.
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ImagesHarri Jones 2022 Hastings Deering livery
Image Gallery
Harri Jones has announced the signing of new Naming Rights Partner, Hastings Deering, along with the unveiling of his 2022 livery ahead Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season.
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ImagesDale Wood 2022 Carrera Cup livery
Image Gallery
When designing his 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992), Dale Wood explained he’s kept with his orange and black theme that he has had for the past two years.
“I am always very proud to present a nice-looking car. I’ve had a similar look for the car over the past two years. We’ve revised the livery, but I think the new car looks so good that you don’t actually have to do much for it to look great”.
Wood brings along with him to EBM, a great amount of support and backing from his sponsors.
“I’ve got some truly great supporters behind me, with global companies like Timken, to small family owned companies like GB Galvanizing and Delta Floorworld. With having such a diverse group of supporters its always nice to all come together and put a great looking car on track.”
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ImagesPorsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 992 Handover
Image Gallery
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ImagesPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport
Image Gallery
Porsche has revealed the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The mid-engined race car from Weissach is based on the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS road car
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ImagesWall Racing: Lowndes Monochrome Asset Management
Image Gallery
Monochrome Bitcoin Fund will proudly feature as the major partner of Craig Lowndes’ Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for the penultimate rounds of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Bathurst which take place from the 01-05 December.
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ImagesPorsche Mission R all-electric concept
Image Gallery
With the Mission R, Porsche is presenting its vision of what customer motorsports will look like in the future. The all-electric concept study celebrating its world premiere at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich, Germany and embodies everything that makes Porsche strong: performance, design and sustainability.
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ImagesThe history of Porsche Carrera Cup in Australia
Image Gallery
A look back at Australia’s most competitive one-make series from 2003 to 2020
Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU
Driver Bio
Darwin native Thomas Maxwell brings European open wheel experience to Carrera Cup Australia, racing in both the British Formula 3 Championship and Formula Renault Eurocup before returning to Australia to compete in the Porsche one-make series.
Maxwell will be one of the four Michelin Junior drivers competing in the 2019 Carrera Cup Australia series.
Driver Bio
Tim Miles has made a successful ascent of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid over the past few seasons, moving from the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series through to the ultra-competitive Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship.
Miles’ racing trajectory with Porsche has seen him rise through the Sprint Challenge ranks to ultimately claim the 2016 Elite Class (Pro-Am) crown. His racing resume was also sprinkled with Porsche Pro-Am appearances as a co-driver for the likes of Renee Gracie, Matt Campbell and, in 2017, Jaxon Evans.
The Sydney-based businessman then made his Carrera Cup debut as a single driver entry at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway in 2017, placing second in the Pro-Am class for the round, before a successful run to the end of the season, which included a class clean sweep at Mount Panorama.
In his first full season in 2018 he won two races en-route to third in the Pro-Am championship, finishing fifth in class the following season in 2019. His career has seen him win three rounds, 8 races and feature on the podium on 10 occasions.
Miles is a former co-owner of Triple Eight Race Engineering and returns to McElrea for his sixth Carrera Cup season in 2022.
Driver Bio
Victorian Mouzouris joins the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship battle-hardened following two seasons in the competitive Supercars Super2 Series.
The 2019 Australian Formula Ford Champion, Mouzouris moved into Supercars the following season with Triple Eight Race Engineering, finishing on the podium in his second season.
His move to Carrera Cup reunites him with the team in which he claimed his Formula Ford title, multiple series champions Sonic Motor Racing.
Driver Bio
Nick McBride joined Carrera Cup Australia in the hunt for a career in Supercars and has since forged a reputation as one of the series’ most competitive drivers.
The Victorian returned to Australia after a two-and-a-half-year campaign in the United Kingdom, competing in British Formula Ford and Formula 3. He finished 10th in the prestigious F3 title this year, but shifted his desire for an open wheel ambitions to one which would focus on a tin-top career in Australia.
McBride won his first Carrera Cup Australia race on home turf at Albert Park in 2015, and backed that up with his first ever round win at the Clipsal 500 in March 2016 and an eventual Sandown round victory in 2017.
Forging a reputation for being consistently fast and racing at the pointy-end, McBride has won four rounds entering the 2022 season, accumulating 10 podium finish and winning 11 races along the way. His career includes fourth in the 2016, 17 and 19 championship battles as well as 4 pole positions.
Having started his career with Sonic Motor Racing, the Victorian has since found his home at Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport where he remains a key contender to this day working with legendary engineer, Carl Batson, and the Collingwood-based team.
In 2021 he notched up his 50th Carrera Cup round start, one of only a handful of drivers to reach that milestone.
Away from racing, McBride is now a fully qualified lawyer, practicing family law at Marshall, Dent + Wilmoth lawyers and in early 2022 welcomed his first child with partner, Rachael.
Driver Bio
Seasoned Porsche racer Marc Cini has more experience in the Carrera Cup Australia championship than any other, sitting at 113 round starts at the start of the 2022 season – the only driver with more than 100 round starts to his credit in championship history.
A successful businessman away from the track with his company Hallmarc Developments, this Porsche enthusiast scored one of his highlight achievements in 2017, claiming the inaugural 2017 Pro-Am Endurance Cup title.
Along with old rival Grove, Cini took the bulk of the 2019 season off to compete in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Europe, following a dream to race internationally at the highest level of Porsche one-make competition.
He is one of only three drivers on the grid to have sampled all six generations of Porsche GT3 Cup Car in Australia; commencing with the 996, through two generations each of 997 and 991 and in 2022 the all-new 992.
Driver Bio
Second-generation Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia racer Jackson Walls stepped up to the big time in 2021, making his one-make Porsche debut aboard an Objective Racing Porsche, run by the McElrea Racing squad.
The son of Morris Finance Pro-Am class regular Tony, 19-year-old Jackson has plied his trade in junior open-wheel racing, completing two years in Australian Formula 4 before tackling the Formula Renault Eurocup and the Toyota Racing Series.
He’s since shifted his focus to Porsche racing and made his debut in the non-championship Porsche PAYCE and Michelin event at Sandown in late 2020, impressing by being on the pace immediately.
His first ‘full’ season in 2021 saw him finish 10th in the championship, with a best finish of sixth at Mount Panorama in the final round of the season.
Driver Bio
Sam Shahin is a product of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, entering Porsche one-make racing in the entry-level GT3 Cup Challenge series before making his Carrera Cup debut at the 2017 Pro-Am event at Phillip Island, where he teamed with Dan Gaunt to place third on the Pro-Am class podium.
Shahin’s continued improvement in Porsche one-make series has seen the South Australian businessman develop into a hugely competitive Porsche racer among the Pro-Am ranks, though he shocked even the overall competition when taking the outright victory at the opening 2017 GT3 Cup Challenge round at Sandown – the first Pro-Am driver to win outright.
Shahin then made his Carrera Cup debut as a single driver entry at Carrera Cup’s fourth round of 2017 in Darwin, where he claimed round honours in the Pro-Am class.
Racing with the Adelaide based Buik Motorworks, Shahin entered Carrera Cup full time in 2018 while also continuing his campaign in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge; wining the Pro-Am category of that championship in 2019.
His magnum opus came in 2021, however, when in a thrilling championship showdown he claimed the Morris Finance Pro-Am title in the final race of the year, his second Porsche title but the biggest of his career to date.
When not racing, Sam is the Executive Director of The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, a circuit that hosts rounds of both Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge.
Driver Bio
Competing in top-level motorsport was never on Matthew Belford’s radar.
Barely five years ago, the Melbourne-based businessman had not even been on a racing track, let alone in one of the most competitive forms of one-make racing in the world. He is now a regular frontrunner in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series’ competitive Pro-Am class and in 2022 steps up to the Morris Finance Pro-Am Class in Carrera Cup.
After cutting his teeth via track days and the Porsche Driving Experience in Queensland, Belford linked up with Porsche Centre Melbourne’s experienced team of motorsport professionals, led by legendary engineer Karl Batson, for his racing debut in the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series.
After missing the opening round thanks to a poorly timed biking accident, he ultimately finished seventh in the Pro-Am class in his rookie season, followed by maiden Pro-Am class race and round victories coming early in the 2021 racing season.
He steps into Carrera Cup with the same PCM team in 2022.
Driver Bio
Another incredibly fast Kiwi from across the Tasman, Callum Hedge, 18, is following in the footsteps of a host of quick New Zealanders to come and race Carrera Cup.
Like most, Hedge started his career young and was a multiple karting champion before he moved into racing cars.
He won the 2018 NZ Formula Ford title and the one-make Toyota 86 championship the following year before switching his attention to racing in Australia.
The recipient of a Porsche New Zealand Scholarship, Hedge linked with Earl Bamber’s team and made his debut in the ultimately abandoned Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in 2021 – winning a race before the season was cut short due to the Pandemic.
He steps up to Carrera Cup in 2022, again with Bamber’s guidance, following his debut in the series at Mount Panorama late last year.
Driver Bio
Since making his full-time debut in the 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Adrian Flack has become a regular contender for Morris Finance Pro-Am victories.
Flack made his debut in the 2016 Pro-Am event at Phillip Island however became full time in 2018 and was immediately a frontrunner in both Pro-Am – and indeed in the top 10 of races outright.
His 20 rounds of experience have delivered six round wins, 9 race victories and a host of other highlights throughout his journey, including third in the 2019 Pro-Am Championship.
Adrian is the second Flack to race Carrera Cup: his older brother Damien was also successful in the category.
Driver Bio
One of Carrera Cup Australia’s ‘originals’, Dean Cook returned to the championship in 2017 after a more than a 13-year absence.
Cook competed in the first two season of Carrera Cup Australia, finishing a strong 10th outright in the inaugural 2003 championship – in front of serious names like Andrew Miedecke, Rodney Jane, Peter Hill and Geoff Morgan.
That was despite a limited racing CV prior to his Carrera Cup campaign, that included several starts over two years racing in the popular GT Nations Cup series, also racing a Porsche 996 GT3 Cup.
He returned for several races in the 2004 Carrera Cup season however did not contest the full series and had not raced in a major championship until his successful return in 2017, when he claimed a class victory in the final round of the season in the Gold Coast and a pole position on the series international debut in Sepang, Malaysia.
Since then he has firmed to be a regular Morris Finance Pro-Am frontrunner in the ultra-competitive category, and finished third in the class in the 2021 season.
Driver Bio
A graduate from the competitive world of Hyundai Excel Racing, Bayley Hall’s two most recent seasons may have been interrupted by the Pandemic, but he’s still shown plenty of speed in his brief appearances at a National scene to prove he has what it takes at a high level.
Fresh from success in Queensland state-level competition, Hall expanded into national-level racing via the MARC Cars Australia program, including making a start in the Bathurst 12 Hour.
He finished sixth in the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2021 and also made his Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia debut with McElrea Racing that year, scoring one podium finish from two round starts in the pandemic challenged season.
He steps to Carrera Cup this year with the same team.
Driver Bio
Indiran Padayachee is one of the many Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (GT3 Cup Challenge) graduates to compete in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season.
The Pro-Am ranked driver also entered the 2018 Carrera Cup season having 15 rounds of experience in the GT3 Cup Challenge category and a single round of Carrera Cup after partnering his son and former Carrera Cup driver, Duvashen Padayachee, in the 2015 Pro-Am event at Phillip Island.
Padayachee Snr races his Rentcorp-backed Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Care out of the Garth Walden Racing stable in Sydney.
Driver Bio
David Wall is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship, and the 2017 series champion.
Two-time Australian GT Champion David Wall made a triumphant return to the Championship in 2016, winning in Darwin, scoring 10 podium finishes and finishing an outstanding third in the championship.
He followed that up with the 2017 championship, finished second in 2018 and then third in his 2019 campaign in a remarkable four-year campaign that is yet to see him off the podium.
Sydneysider Wall made his name in Carrera Cup between 2006-2008, before winning in Australian GT and then making the move into Supercars competition.
Wall has made nine Bathurst 1000 starts and in 2016 also scored a podium finish – his first in the sport – on the Gold Coast, sharing the No. 33 Garry Rogers Motorsport entry with Scott McLaughlin.
Wall returned to Carrera Cup full-time in 2016 with his own Wall Racing team and eventually achieved the ultimate success, claiming the 2017 Carrera Cup crown.
His strike rate is remarkable: 3rd in 2016, 1st in 2017, 2nd in 2018, 3rd in 2019 and 4th in 2021 ensures he is yet to finish outside of the top four in the championship since returning to the category five years ago.
His remarkable career includes 19 podium finishes, 13 race wins and 10 pole positions, which are likely to expand further with the advent of the 992 GT3 Cup Car.
Driver Bio
The 20-year-old from Adelaide is another to have followed the Porsche Pyramid through the ranks to ultimately end up in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
The 2017 Australian Formula Ford Champion, Vidau joined the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (GT3 Cup Challenge) in 2018, driving for Sonic Motor Racing Services with backing from Bob Jane T-Marts.
Vidau was instantly effective, finishing third in his debut season. He was even more competitive in his second and though he finished in the same championship position, he was a regular contender for race and round victories along the way and won more races than any other driver.
After Covid-19 saw his 2020 and 2021 Carrera Cup seasons interrupted, Vidau has forged a new relationship with brand-new team TekworkX Motorsport and will drive and work for the team full-time in 2022, driving a car sponsored by Tyrepower.
His brief Carrera Cup career of six rounds has already seen him finish fourth outright at The Bend in 2021, with a top-three race result at the same venue.
Outside of Carrera Cup racing, Vidau has been racing on the dirt tracks of South Australia in his 800hp Sprintcar.
Driver Bio
Christian started in karting, racing karts from 2012 till 2017, winning numerous Regional and State championships and Australian championship rounds. He went on to race in two international championship racing events in Daniel Ricciardo’s race team.
His first move to main circuit was straight into Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge in 2018, where he won the class B championship and impressed by racing with the Pro cars in class A.
In 2019 Christian stepped up again, this time to Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Pro class, where he saw highlight performances including a qualifying pole position, two podiums and a lap record.
In 2021 he joined McElrea Racing, racing in both Sprint Challenge and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup campaign prior to a full championship tilt with the 992-generation car in 2022.
His early rounds showed plenty of promise, including several front-running performances and a best finish of 6th on three occasions.
Driver Bio
A Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia ‘original’, Rodney Jane returned to the championship in 2023 following a lengthy stint on the side-lines from full-time competition.
Jane made his Carrera Cup debut in the series’ first ever round at Phillip Island in 2003, and was quickly a force to be reckoned with in what is now the Morris Finance Pro-Am class.
There, he’s a two-time champion of the category, claiming back to back titles in 2006 and 2007. His 55 rounds have delivered 10 wins and 30 race victories, plus 16 poles ensuring he remains one of the class benchmarks.
One of only three drivers on the grid to have raced in the inaugural season as well as 2022, Jane is well known for his close links with Sonic Motor Racing both as a driver, and as a major supporter of their Porsche programs over the years: Bob Jane T-Marts backed cars have claimed multiple outright titles in the past.
Driver Bio
Racing in the SP Tools Pro-Am Class, Drew Hall made his Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia debut in 2021 driving for Wall Racing.
His three-round campaign saw him finish a strong sixth in the final round at Mount Panorama in just his third ever Porsche event.
Hall continues with Wall Racing this year, having finished 12th in the Pro-Am championship last year.
Driver Bio
A Familiar fact to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Victorian Dylan O’Keeffe makes his return to the championship this year.
Prior to stepping into Supercars competition, O’Keeffe was a title contender in Carrera Cup and finished third in the 2019 championship. He has 25 round starts, a round win (in Darwin in 2018), five race wins and five pole positions to his credit.
Dylan’s career began in Victorian state racing, competing in Porsche 944s before stepping into Michelin Sprint Challenge and ultimately Carrera Cup as his career rose in status.
Several seasons in Super2 included him earning his place in the Supercars paddock as a Bathurst 1000 co-driver.
Along with his extensive Supercars experience, he has also become an accomplished and versatile GT racer, and will dovetail his Carrera Cup campaign this year with a return tilt at the TCR Australia Championship as well.
Driver Bio
The vastly experienced David Russell returned to Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in 2020, sharing the #23 car with Roger Lago. A veteran of the category, Russell made his name in Australian Motorsport with a series of strong performances in the series in the late 2000s.
Having since gone on to forge a solid career in Supercars – both in Super2 and the main game, especially as an Endurance race co-driver – Russell also has a wealth of local and international GT racing experience to his credit making him one of the most versatile drivers on the grid.
In 2022 he makes a move to the EMA Motorsport team for the first time, looking to build with the team towards the kind of Carrera Cup success he has always experienced.
Russell’s 44 round starts have netted him 4 race wins and a host of podium finishes, though he has come agonisingly close to a round win on five occasions without claiming one yet.
In 2021 he remarkably paired with Brodie Kostecki at Erebus Motorsport to stand on the podium in the Bathurst 1000, his first podium finish in the iconic race.
Driver Bio
THE Grandson of former Carrera Cup racer Tony and son of Carrera Cup racer Klark, Ryder Quinn is the first, third-generation driver to compete in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia. Linking with McElrea Racing, Quinn comes into the championship fresh from a Formula Ford campaign in 2022, and a summer in New Zealand in Formula Regional Oceania. His first major race win came in the A2 class of the 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour, driving with his ‘Popeye’ and Grant Denyer.
Driver Bio
Two years out of the seat are unlikely to phase Simon Fallon, who returns to one-make Porsche racing in 2021 as the 2018 Porsche Michelin Sprint Cup Champion.
After a funding shortfall sidelined him for two seasons, Fallon re-grouped for 2021 and reunited with the same team with which he won the Sprint Challenge title – beating Cooper Murray in the process – in Sonic Motor Racing.
The young Victorian took over the famous #777 entry for the Melbourne based team, who technically remain the defending champions thanks to their success with Jordan Love (in the same car) in 2019.
He follows in the footsteps of the champion Love, Nick Foster and Andre Heimgartner to have steered the #777 car.
Fallon graduated to Sprint Challenge from open-wheel racing, where he was a regular contender in the Australian Formula 4 Championship.
He contested all five rounds of the 2021 season held, with a best finish of 11th overall at The Bend.
Driver Bio
Dale Wood entered Porsche one-make racing in 2018 after a lengthy stint in Supercars.
Wood entered Supercars in 2007, racing in the Super2 Series and ultimately graduated to the Supercars Championship full-time in 2009. Wood would return to the Super2 Series and claim the series title in 2013 before securing a full-time Supercars drive from 2014 to 2017 and, ultimately, making his way to the Carrera Cup Australia series in 2018 in a season where he scored more race wins than any other driver.
After finishing fifth in the championship that year, he improved further in 2019 and was a title contender through to the final race of the year – narrowly falling short of beating teammate Jordan Love in a dramatic season finale’ on the Gold Coast that saw the pair come to blows in an early race.
Wood switched to Ash Seward Motorsport for the 2021 season, however shifts again in 2022 to link up with Earl Bamber Motorsport and add considerable experience and firepower to their fledgling team.
His 25-round career to date includes two round wins, 10 race wins and a trio of pole positions. Albert Park, the home of the Australian Grand Prix, is his most successful circuit.
Partners
- 2021 Carrera Cup Australia Season Guide
- 2021 Carrera Cup Australia Audience & Exposure Guide
- 2021 Michelin Junior Guide
- 2021 Porsche Carrera cup australia Series Sporting and Technical Regulations
- Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge
- 2020 Sprint challenge Audience & Exposure Guide
- 2020 Sprint challenge Season Guide
- 2020 Michelin Junior Guide
- 2020 Porsche Michelin Sprint challenge Australia Sporting & Technical regulations