SP Tools announces Karts to Cars Pathway Program

SP Tools announces Karts to Cars pathway program in conjunction with Karting Australia and Porsche Cars Australia.

SP Tools are developing a Karts to Cars pathway program through their current partnerships with Karting Australia and Porsche Cars Australia.

SP Tools announces Karts to Cars pathway program in conjunction with Karting Australia and Porsche Cars Australia.

SP Tools is pleased to announce a pathway program that bridges the gap for young talented drivers making the transition from karting to the country’s top-level Porsche categories and competition.

SP Tools has partnered with the Patrizicorse Kart Team and the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team to enable the best young karters a pathway into the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series and onto Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, as they ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

The SP Tools program is designed to guide the scouted talent within the Patrizicorse Australian Kart Championship Team to a partially funded seat in the SP Tools Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars run by Earl Bamber Motorsport. The drivers will then have the support needed to ascend Porsche’s proven Motorsport Pyramid via the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

Ultimately, the SP Tools Karts to Cars Pathway Program will not only create a defined pathway from Karts to Cars for young drivers, but a platform for these young drivers to potentially reach the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.

QUOTES:

SP Tools Executive Chairman , Kevin Davis :

“After more than 30 years of sponsoring Australian motorsport at the highest levels, we are looking forward to increasing our involvement at the grass roots level. Over the years we have watched many young drivers struggle to find their way into a professional drive. If this collaboration enables a few to make their mark on the world of motorsport, it will be a legacy SP will be proud of.”

Porsche Cars Australia Sales & Motorsport Director, Toni Andreevski:

“It’s fantastic to not only enrich the partnership we have with SP Tools, but provide the framework for all the Junior development initiatives of each our Carrera Cup teams. As the ‘Official Tool Partner’ of both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series, this collaboration between SP Tools, Karting Australia, Patrizicorse and the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team, will only reinforce the opportunity for the best young talent within Australasia to reach the highest levels of the sport, via the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer, Kelvin O’Reilly:

“Karting Australia’s partnership with SP Tools is one that covers every level in the sport, from the introductory program of Junior Sprockets, through to the elite level of the sport in the Australian Kart Championship. The ‘SP Tools Karts to Cars ’ pathway program is an exciting new initiative by the team at SP Tools that will assist in building a clear pathway for those who wish to pursue a career from karting into top-level motorsport. We’re proud to partner with Kevin, Tom and the team at SP Tools in providing the opportunity for children to get their first taste of karting in the Junior Sprockets program right through to the top level of our sport in the Australian Kart Championship – and everything in between.

The ‘Karts to Cars’ program is a great extension of the platform that SP Tools provides to the next generation of motorsport talent.  We look forward to the exciting times that it will bring for many of our young drivers.”

Patrizicorse Managing Director, Michael Patrizi :

“SP Tools have been the major supporter of grass level motorsport through the Junior sprockets program and the Australian Kart Championship. It gives me great pride that our racing team, Patrizicorse, will be the official Kart racing team that will assist this program and was selected by SP tools as an important partner to help and assist our future racing stars. Our team has a great track record of young drivers reaching higher categories quicker than most and that’s because both in and out of the kart, we do a great job of preparing them for that next step. With SP Tools involvement, young drivers have never had a better chance to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Australia in conjunction with our partners Earl Bamber Motorsport. I believe this is the perfect platform for progression from Kart racing to top-level Car racing.

Earl Bamber Motorsports Owner, Earl Bamber:

“The continued support and development of the best young drivers from around the Australasian region has been a key priority for Earl Bamber Motorsport and Porsche for some time now. Porsche offers a well-established, proven pathway that opens doors for many drivers, including myself, who have gone onto full-time careers at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.”

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Porsche announces 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar

Australia’s marquee motorsport events headline 2022 Carrera Cup Australia calendar

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce both their 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup calendar and that the Australian one-make Championship will again be the primary support category at major Repco Supercar Championship events throughout next year.

2022 will be arguably the biggest in the category’s history, following not only the news that Paynter Dixon will be Carrera Cup Australia’s title sponsor for a further two years, but that 2022 will also mark the debut of the highly anticipated Type 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car on Australian soil.

Further to this, Motorsport Australia has recently confirmed that Carrera Cup Australia will be elevated to Championship status from the 2022 season and beyond. Only a select number of categories are designated as ‘Championships’ in Australia, with the one-make Porsche category joining only Supercars, Australian GT and the S5000 as official Motorsport Australia circuit racing Championships. The elevation in status is recognition of the category’s standing and importance in the Australian motorsport landscape.

The 2022 Carrera Cup season begins in fine style at the Formula 1^®  Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in early April, before attending the seven marquee rounds of the Repco Australia Supercars Championship throughout the year.

Round 2 in mid-June will see the country’s top Porsche teams head north to the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown, marking the Championship’s return to the Hidden Valley Raceway in the Northern Territory.

The Championship stays up north for Round 3 which will take place on the streets of the Reid Park Circuit in Townsville, before making the long journey to South Australia where drivers will enjoy the fast and flowing curves of The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend.

Round 5 will likely be a wet and wild affair in mid-August at Victoria’s Sandown International Raceway before the drivers contest arguably their most anticipated race of the season on the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit. The glitz and glamour of the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast follows the Bathurst 1000 in October, before the season culminates under lights at the Sydney Motorsport Park in mid-November.  

Quotes:

Toni Andreevski, Director Sales and Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia : “After two seasons plagued by travel restrictions, we are delighted to announce our 2022 calendar which will see our drivers continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year, in front of the biggest crowds, enjoying the best support and television package available. Every season we strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and partners and the with the prospect of 32 new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars filling the grid in 2022, the season will be arguably the best in its long and illustrious history.”

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar:

Rd1        F1 Aus GP, VIC                   07-10 April

Rd2        Darwin, NT                          17-19 June

Rd3        Townsville, QLD                 08-10 July

Rd4        The Bend, SA                      29-31 July

Rd5        Sandown, VIC                     19-21 Aug

Rd6        Bathurst 1000, NSW       06-09 Oct

Rd7        Gold Coast, QLD                 28-30 Oct

Rd8        Sydney, NSW                     18-20 Nov

Barry Hay appointed Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager

Barry Hay to take the reins of Porsche Motorsport in Australia from February 2022

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce that former V8 Supercar Team Manager, Barry Hay, has been appointed as the brand’s new Motorsport Manager in Australia from February 2022.

Hay hails from a motorsport family and brings a wealth of both technical and management experience to the role, having held senior positions in Championship-winning Supercar teams such as Stone Brothers Racing, Erebus Motorsport and Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.

In recent years, Hay has also worked with various other motorsport teams and brands including Melbourne Performance Centre, who currently oversees Audi’s Customer Racing Programme in Australia.

Hay takes over from Troy Bundy, ahead of what will be arguably the biggest season in Carrera Cup Australia’s history in 2022, with Paynter Dixon recently extending their Title partnership of the Championship until 2024 and all 32 new 911 GT3 Cup cars (Type 992) already sold.

Quotes:

PCA’s Sales and Motorsport Director, Toni Andreevski: “We are delighted to welcome Barry to the Motorsport team and I have every confidence that he will continue to grow the programme in every area of our market. Barry is well known to our teams and well respected in the Australian Motorsport pit lane and we look forward to welcoming him early next year.”

PCA Motorsport Manager, Barry Hay: “It’s a privilege to join the Porsche Motorsport family in Australia and I look forward to working with our commercial partners, teams and drivers, to ensure Carrera Cup Australia remains the premier one-make support Championship for years to come.”   

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Porsche is chasing titles in Formula E and the WEC

Motorsports programme focuses on works and customer races in addition to preparing for LMDh

Porsche is set to start the 2022 motorsport season with ambitious goals and extensive programmes. The prime focus will be on the two works entries in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The expansion of customer sport activities and intensive preparation for the new LMDh programme have now been added to the schedule of activities. “Motorsports have always had a special role to play in Porsche’s corporate strategy, and for more than 70 years now we have used the racing stage as the testing grounds for our latest technologies. We face great challenges today – in both sporting and organisational terms. We are determined to play an active role in shaping the future, while ensuring we retain our motorsports DNA,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG at the digital Porsche Night of Champions.

“We place sustainability and electrification very high on our list of priorities,” added Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development. “This is something that will also be reflected in motorsports of the future. As you can see from the development of eFuels in partnership with ExxonMobil, in addition to our Mission R concept car, the first major steps in this direction have now become visible.” The all-electric Mission R racing car study caused a sensation when it was unveiled at the IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, for example. This spectacular all-wheel drive racing car that delivers up to 800 kW (1,088 PS) is the vision of a potential customer sports car of the future.

TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is aiming at gaining its first race wins
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Series will be starting its eighth season in 2022. The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team has set itself an ambitious goal for the next 16 world championship events: the Porsche 99X Electric is expected to turn its great potential into a series of successes. “There is absolutely no doubt that we have what it takes to win races. The highlights of the past season have made this very clear,” says Thomas Laudenbach, the man who took over the management of Porsche Motorsport from Fritz Enzinger on 1 October this year. “Over the past few months, our development team in Weissach has made all the modifications permitted by the regulations and we are firmly convinced that the Porsche 99X Electric will be capable of leading the pack in the coming season. “The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is putting in faith on continuity in the two cockpits: works drivers André Lotterer (#36) and Pascal Wehrlein (#94) will be on the grid again for the team from Weissach in 2022. Should one of the two drop out, Simona de Silvestro or Neel Jani will be ready to jump in. The new season is scheduled to start on 28/29 January 2022 with two races in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

Two works Porsche 911 RSR entered once again in the FIA WEC
In the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), Porsche will again field two 515 PS 911 RSR in the 2022 season. The two racing cars will enter the upcoming six races under the leadership of Alexander Stehlig, Overall Project Manager and Head of Operations, and will field a slightly different driver crew. The Italian Gianmaria Bruni and Austrian Richard Lietz will again share driving duties in the No. 91 car. In the No. 92 sister car, Kévin Estre from France will swap seats with the experienced Dane Michael Christensen. The duo had taken a class victory competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans three years ago as well as picking up the 2018/2019 title. The first race of the new season is billed to take place on 18 March in Sebring (USA), and on 11/12 June 2022, the two Porsche 911 RSR will compete in the 90th edition of the French endurance classic. When they compete in the highlight of the year, the two driver crews will be supported by works drivers Frédéric Makowiecki from France (#91) and Belgian Laurens Vanthoor (#92).

Preparing for the LMDh rollout: Cameron and Nasr added to driver line-up
Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr are to be included in Porsche Motorsport’s works driver line-up as of 2022. Cameron, the 33-year-old American, won the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship DPi title in 2016 and 2019, while Nasr, the 29-year-old ex-Formula 1 driver from Brazil, secured the championship in the North American endurance racing series in 2018 and 2021. The two new works drivers are to be involved intensively in the further development of Porsche’s LMDh prototypes. The management of these ground-breaking endurance racing activities for Porsche will be in the capable hands of the experienced Swiss national, Urs Kuratle. The 500 kW (680 PS) hybrid racing car is scheduled to complete numerous test runs in 2022.

Beginning in 2023, the LMDh prototype will be entered by Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For the first time in some 30 years, it will then be possible to compete for overall victories in the endurance classics at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona with cars of identical construction. “We are working all-out with our partner Penske on the development of the new LMDh prototype and collaborate closely with the chassis manufacturer Multimatic at all times,” explains Thomas Laudenbach. “In January, we will begin intensive testing to ensure that we are optimally prepared for our 2023 competition debut.”

Customer racing: strong presence in the USA, DTM and at the classics
In the 2022 season, Porsche will again support numerous customer teams that will be competing with the 911 GT3 R on major international stages. In Germany, this will primarily mean the ADAC GT Masters and also, for the first time, the DTM, where experienced partners will do battle for an entire racing season: Team SSR Performance has been extremely successful in the ADAC GT Masters to date and will be fielding two nine-elevens. Team 75 Bernhard will be sending an identically constructed car delivering over 500 PS in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations into what will probably be eight events in the coming year. Works driver Thomas Preining (Austria) will be behind the wheel in the team of the two times overall Le Mans winner and Porsche brand ambassador. Porsche will be supporting the two DTM customer teams based on its tried and tested concept, consisting of engineers, spare parts service and drivers from the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer’s squad.

In the North American IMSA racing series, the customer teams will again be competing for victories in 2021 after picking up six title wins in an extremely successful year. In the new GTD Pro class, Pfaff Motorsports will be fielding a Porsche 911 GT3 R with the two works drivers Matt Campbell (Australia) and Mathieu Jaminet (France). More GT3 cars fielded by customer teams are planned for the GTD category. For the European endurance classics at the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps, the partners will be sending numerous nine-elevens from Weissach into the fray. Team Manthey – defending champion and record winner at the Nürburgring 24 Hours – will once again be competing with a formidable crew. Works drivers Kévin Estre, Michael Christensen, Laurens Vanthoor and Frédéric Makowiecki will be sharing the cockpit of the Porsche 911 GT3 R, affectionately known as “Grello”. The entry of four more versions of the 500+ PS nine-eleven at this German classic has now been confirmed.

Customer teams competing in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the GT World Challenge, the FIA WEC, the European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series, among others, will receive the same support from Porsche as last year. In the numerous GT4 racing series taking place around the world, which also includes the German DTM Trophy, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, which was unveiled in November, will line up on the starting grid for the first time in 2022. The homologated racing car develops 368 kW (500 PS) and is thus significantly more powerful than its predecessor. During the development of the new GT4 racer, the focus was also on drivability and even more efficient aerodynamics.

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup prior to 30th season: focus on new Porsche Junior
The current 375 kW (510 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup competes in its second racing season in 2022 in numerous one-make cups worldwide. The focus in the coming year will once again be on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. The international Porsche one-make cup is run as part of Formula 1 and will also achieve a special milestone in 2022: this will be the Supercup’s 30th season. From the ranks of the Porsche squad, expectations are high for German driver Laurin Heinrich, as he prepares for the competition, which will comprise a total of eight events: at a scouting session in November consisting of twelve participants, the 20-year-old put on a convincing display and, as a new Porsche Junior, will now receive extensive support from Porsche Motorsport.

Porsche Cup: Jan Heylen wins against Alfred and Robert Renauer
The traditional Porsche Cup, which has been awarded annually to the most successful private Porsche driver since 1970, will go to Jan Heylen in 2021. Together with works driver Patrick Long and his American compatriot Trent Hindman, the experienced Belgian won the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup last season at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R from Wright Motorsports. This judgement takes into account the four most important endurance races in North America. Heylen also won the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for GT4 cars together with American driver Ryan Hardwick. In this event, the customer team from the U.S. State of Ohio entered a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. The 41-year-old cycling enthusiast, who has lived in the USA for many years, will receive a new Porsche sports car worth 150,000 euros, in addition to the coveted trophy. The award for successful amateur drivers, which has been presented for 52 years, is based on an idea suggested by Ferry Porsche.

Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup: Joshua Rogers celebrates second title
At the digital Porsche Night of Champions on 18 December, Australian Joshua Rogers was honoured for a second time as the champion of the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. The 22-year-old from the Coanda Simsport team secured the title in the racing series, which is held on the iRacing platform, for a second time this year after receiving the title in 2019. The 2022 Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup starts on 5 February on the virtual version of the GP circuit in Hockenheim.

Duvashen and Indiran Padayachee to continue with GWR Racing for 2022

Father-and-son confirm Carrera Cup Australia return with GWR Australia

Father-and-son confirm Carrera Cup Australia return with GWR Australia

The father-and-son duo of Indiran and Duvashen Padayachee have confirmed they will contest the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship in 2022 with GWR Australia, after purchasing one of Porsche’s Type 992 911 GT3 Cup machines.

Indiran and Duvashen will share driving duties across the season, with Duvashen returning in the Mobil Pro class and Indiran competing in the Morris Finance Pro-Am division.

Both drivers are well-accustomed to Porsche machinery. Duvashen has experience in several models of Porsche Cup car, having completed his first Carrera Cup season in 2013, while Indiran began racing in the premier Porsche series in 2018 and previously raced in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge) and NSW Production Sports categories.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the category, and the new car looks absolutely amazing,” Duvashen said.

“I don’t know how Porsche manage to keep improving these cars, but the 992 looks seriously impressive.

“Carrera Cup has always been a professional category, but the new car is going to lift the presentation to another level. We’ve been able to attract some new sponsors for the season and I can’t wait to get into it!”

“We’ve decided to stay with GWR for 2022, because they’ve been an absolutely fantastic team to work with,” Indiran added.

“From what we’ve heard, the 992 is going to be a couple of seconds quicker, so we’ll see how we can extract that next year.”

GWR Australia team owner Garth Walden said the 2022 Carrera Cup deal is an extension of a long-term relationship with the Padayachees.

“The Padayachees have been with GWR for a number of years now, in a range of categories, so it’s great to lock them in for 2022,” Walden said.

“It’s exciting to see Duvashen back in the car next year – it’s going to be fantastic to have father and son sharing the car.”

The Padayachee entry will be one of two Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars run by GWR in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia next season, with the driver of the second car to be announced in the coming weeks.

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

2021 Carrera Cup Australia Champions to enjoy the world’s first true performance EV in 2022

Porsche Champions to receive use of Porsche Taycan and prizes from TAG Heuer, Michelin and SP Tools

Following the conclusion of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season at the Bathurst 1000 recently, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to detail the prizes the 2021 season Champions will receive – including the latest edition to Porsche’s stable of performance cars: the Porsche Taycan.

Mobil Pro (Outright Champion) Cameron Hill, receives the loan of Porsche’s very first production electric car for 2022, together with three sets of Michelin 992 Cup Car tyres and a season entry to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in 2022.

The same grand prize will also be awarded to the Morris Finance Pro-Am Champion, following the outcome of a National Court of Appeal hearing to be held by Motorsport Australia between title contenders, Sam Shahin and Geoff Emery, in the coming weeks. The appeal is as a result of an on track incident, between the pair, in the final corner of the final race in Bathurst.

Exquisite TAG Heuer watches will adorn both the runner-up and third place finishers in each class championship, as well as the wrists of  2021 Porsche Endurance Cup Champions, Cameron Hill (Mobil Pro) and Geoff Emery (Morris Finance Pro-Am).

TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award winners, Harri Jones (Mobil Pro) and Geoff Emery (Morris Finance Pro Am) will also receive the crafted Swiss timepieces following their performances in the five qualifying sessions throughout the year.

Cameron Hill’s family-run CHE Racing Team from Canberra fought off Carrera Cup Australia’s biggest and most successful teams to win the Porsche Teams Championship this season. Their prize includes the loan of a Porsche Cayenne for the 2022 season.

The Jamey Blaikie Scholarship which is awarded to the leading driver in the Michelin Junior Championship was won by McElrea Racing’s Cooper Murray. Murray as a result, won a trip to Europe earlier this year with Porsche to test the new Type 992 911 GT3 Cup car and represent Carrera Cup Australia in the Porsche Global Junior Shootout. As part of Murray’s preparation for the Shootout, Murray was also the first Australian driver to campaign the new 992 in the final round of Porsche Carrera Cup France, in which he finished on the podium.

SP Tools also partnered with Carrera Cup Australia in 2021 as not only the Official Tool Partner, but also the Title Partner of the 2021 Mechanic of the Year Award. The Award seeks to reward and recognise the contribution made by the No1. Mechanic on the Championship winning car in the Mobil Pro class. As a result, Colin Hill receives a TAG Heuer watch and a SP Tools toolbox valued at $2,500.

Quotes:

PCA’s Director of Sales and Motorsport, Toni Andreevski: “In what has been one of the most fiercely competitive seasons in the Championship’s history, we are excited to reward and recognise the performances of our champions in each class in the best possible fashion, by handing over the keys to our all-new Taycan for a year. The Taycan heralds a new era of luxury and performance for the Porsche brand and isn’t just the world’s first true performance EV, but perhaps the most exciting car to ever come out of Germany since the original 911 back in 1964. Special mention must also go to our partners, without whom the recognition of all our drivers and teams achievements could not be celebrated in true Porsche fashion. We will wish all our teams, drivers and partners a good festive break and look forward to seeing them in 2022”

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Champions

Class: Mobil Pro

Winner: Cameron Hill

• Loan of a Porsche Taycan for the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season
• Three (3) Sets of Michelin 992 Cup Car tyres of the 2022 season.
• Season entry to the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia

Second: Cooper Murray

• TAG Heuer Watch

Third: Harri Jones

• TAG Heuer Watch

Class: Morris Finance Pro-Am

Winner:  TBC (Sam Shahin / Geoff Emery)

• Loan of a Porsche Taycan for the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season
• Three (3) Sets of Michelin 992 Cup Car Tyres of the 2022 season.
• Season entry to the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia

Second: TBC (Sam Shahin / Geoff Emery)

• TAG Heuer Watch

Third: Dean Cook

• TAG Heuer Watch

Porsche Endurance Cup

Mobil Pro Winner: Cameron Hill

• TAG Heuer Watch

Morris Finance Pro-Am Winner: Geoff Emery

• TAG Heuer Watch

SP Tools Mechanic of the Year

• Winner: Colin Hill – No.1 Mechanic CHE Racing
• TAG Heuer Watch
• SP Tools toolbox valued at $2,500

Michelin Junior Champion (Jamey Blaikie Scholarship)

Winner: Cooper Murray

• Trip to compete in the 2022 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout
• Test in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car in France

TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award

Mobil Pro: Harri Jones

• TAG Heuer Watch

Morris Finance Pro-Am:  Geoff Emery

• TAG Heuer Watch

Porsche Teams Championship

Winner:  CHE Racing

• Loan of a Porsche Cayenne for the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season

Laurin Heinrich named Porsche Junior and receives comprehensive support

Laurin Heinrich is the new Porsche Junior for the 2022 season.

Laurin Heinrich is the new Porsche Junior for the 2022 season. In a selection process in Aragon (Spain), the 20-year-old German from the Würzburg region beat eleven candidates from the worldwide Porsche Carrera Cups, including Cooper Murray, who was representing Carrera Cup Australia.

The talented youngster receives a sponsorship package from Porsche Motorsport that includes 225,000 Euros towards the upcoming Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season. At the wheel of the 375 kW (510 PS) 911 GT3 Cup, Heinrich claimed the rookie classification title and also won a race in the international series last season.

The passionate sim racer is a textbook example of Porsche Motorsport’s successful junior development initiative: In 2019, the young German won the Porsche Sports Cup, clinched the rookie title in the Carrera Cup Deutschland the following year and went on to contest a successful 2021 season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

At this year’s shootout in Spain, twelve candidates got the chance to showcase their skills in changeable weather conditions. In addition to pure speed, the selection criteria included mental and physical fitness, a technical understanding and an ability to work alongside race engineers as well as their interaction with the media.

“Our selection process of the young drivers from the Porsche Carrera Cups around the world has shown time and again just how valuable the driver training is. The benchmark at the event in Aragon was extremely high,” outlined Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.

“We’re delighted to offer Laurin Heinrich our support and assistance as the new Porsche Junior over the coming season. The concept of the Porsche Motorsport pyramid has proven itself over decades and in many cases has helped talented youngsters climb the career ladder to become works drivers. We want to continue this.”

“The twelve highly talented participants who took part in the three-day Porsche Junior shootout at the Motorland Aragon made the decision very difficult – but in the end it was clearly in favour of Laurin Heinrich,” explains Sascha Maassen. The former Porsche works driver accompanies the junior driver to all Supercup races as a coach. “The fact that Laurin can drive the 911 GT3 Cup really fast is obviously one of the most important basics for an aspiring professional – but as the defending Supercup rookie champion and Zandvoort race winner, he didn’t have to prove much more. But he did impress us with his general attitude and mental maturity, which was remarkable for a 20-year-old. Overall, he turned out to be the best allround package with the greatest potential for development.”

First successes in his father’s team
Laurin Heinrich began his motor racing career at the age of ten in a kart. He contested his first full season as a 14-year-old high school student and went on to secure three rookie wins in Formula 4 in his father’s private team. After taking a break from racing due to budget constraints, the swift young man threw himself into the fierce competition of the 2019 Porsche Sports Cup. With success: he beat more than 40 rivals and took home the GT3 title. In 2020, the German tackled the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and finished on the podium four times during his debut season. Ultimately, he took fourth overall and the honour of being the best newcomer. In the 2021 season, Heinrich achieved two race wins in the German one-make cups series, including a “Grand Slam” in Oschersleben: pole position, fastest race lap and first place. He repeated this feat at the wheel of Huber Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup at the premiere of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at Zandvoort.

“I wasn’t at all familiar with the Dutch racetrack, and this year was the first driving the new 911 GT3 Cup – but it worked. I think I’m a quick learner and I avoid making the same mistake twice. Plus, I usually stay pretty relaxed and calm,” said the 20-year-old, describing his strengths. The tough lessons from 2017 and 2018 made an impact: After the big successes in his father’s Formula 4 squad, he took a mandatory break for a year. “It became very clear to me than nothing should be taken for granted, and it added fuel my fighting spirit.”

This attitude was one of the key factors in Heinrich’s successful bid to become the 2022 Porsche Junior. “I was blown away when I got the call from Porsche to tell me the good news – it’s a dream come true! At that moment I felt immense joy and relief because I hadn’t slept well for several nights.”

Porsche Junior for 2022: There can be only one goal
Laurin Heinrich often familiarises himself with track layouts and refines his skill in the racing car in his simulator at home. “I always drive a Porsche in the simulator,” he reveals. “Unlike other models, the 911 feels like a real racing car in the virtual world – many of my colleagues who drive for other manufacturers agree.” Because he has set himself high goals for real racing, esports will take a back seat early next year. “I learned a lot in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the Carrera Cup in 2021. That helped me to develop into more of a rounded racing driver. There is only one goal for me: I want to win the 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. As a Porsche Junior, I can’t have any other motto!” A display case in his father’s car dealership is packed with cups and trophies. “The shelves are already sagging under the weight, but I’m sure we’ll find room for more,” he grins.

In addition to Sascha Maassen’s support, the sponsored youngster is provided with sports medicine and sports science training from the University of Potsdam – just like the Porsche works drivers. Media seminars and psychological training are also part of the instruction content on the path to becoming a professional racing driver. Moreover, Laurin Heinrich will be involved in marketing activities and PR events.

In 2022, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will again include eight races run as part of the European Formula 1 race weekends. Porsche’s exemplary youth development initiative has served as a springboard into a professional racing career for the last 25 years. Many works drivers, world champions and Le Mans winners have emerged from this development programme.

The careers of Timo Bernhard (Porsche Junior 2000 to 2001), Marc Lieb (2000 to 2002) and Earl Bamber (2014) are prime examples: All three have won the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours with the Porsche 919 Hybrid at least once and have clinched titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The provisional racing calendar of the 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
24 April – Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna, Imola (Italy)
29 May – Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo)
3 July – British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
10 July – Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg)
24 July – French Grand Prix (Le Castellet)
28 August – Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)
4 September – Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)
11 September – Italian Grand Prix (Monza)

Further information on the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia is available on the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia website: https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/ as well as the @PorscheMotorsportAU social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).

Murray wins, Hill crowned champion at Mount Panorama

Dramatic conclusion to Morris Finance Pro-Am championship goes down to the wire

The action came down to the final corner of the last race for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Mount Panorama, with Cameron Hill winning the 2021 title, Cooper Murray the race and round five victory while the Pro-Am race was decided in favour of Geoff Emery in the final metres of a dramatic race.

Murray’s success saw him claim the Mobil Pro Class and finish as top Michelin Junior as well.

Despite finishing 19^th after a mid-race pit stop, Hill amassed enough points to claim his maiden title before moving to Super2 next season.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s been a rollercoaster for a couple of years to be honest, with 2020 being cancelled and the interruptions this year, it almost didn’t look like it was going to happen,” Hill reflected.

“So to come here at Bathurst and seal the deal its really special. We had a great start to the year and we were competitive everywhere, we didn’t qualify lower than third the whole year, six race wins on the trot, it was awesome and we know what we had to do when we got here just to finish in the front, but we did that and I’m just glad to bring it home straight.”

Murray’s success came in what could be his last Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round as the talented young Victorian star chases international success – having just completed the Porsche Junior shootout in Europe prior to the Bathurst event.

“Carrera Cup was everything I expected coming back from Europe, I was fortunate to have some racing miles over there, so I felt very well prepared and to finish the last race and get the round is great, not to mention being so close to that lap record,” Murray said.

“Winning in Bathurst on a Sunday morning, it just doesn’t get better than this, I’ve always wanted to win here on a Sunday and now we’ve made it happen.

“Hopefully, who know in the next years, I’ll be back on the podium for the 1000. But I’m happy with second this year to Cameron, he was consistent all year and there are a few things out of our control that hampered our challenge, but I can’t complain with second overall.”

Meanwhile, the battle for race honours in Morris Finance Pro-Am came down to the last turn of the nine lap race, with Geoff Emery sneaking past Sam Shahin, who spun in sight of the chequered flag.

Shahin managed to regain drive and finish second in Pro-Am ahead of Ben Stack, though the championship was decided in favour of his season-long rival Emery.

The results of the Morris Finance Pro-Am battle remain provisional pending a post-event investigation into the final-corner battle between the title rivals.

“It’s almost unbelievable,” Shahin said of his back-to-back round victories.

“I drove hard, even faster than when in qualifying, I was just really committed. Regards the incident in the last corner of the last lap, we’ve protested, so we’ll see where that ends. But I just cannot be happier, this place is not for the faint hearted and have to overcome some mental battles and mental scars this week.”

There was drama off the race start, with Indiran Padayachee retiring after striking the stalled car of Scott Taylor on the grid.

At the front, Harri Jones led the field away from Murray, who was able to forge past his McElrea Racing teammate around the outside of the fast kink entering the Chase on the third lap.

Aaron Love was next to make his move, on lap four passing Hill at Griffiths Bend, before taking second form Jones, once again around the outside of Australia’s fastest corner.

Craig Lowndes struck dramas on lap five when he suffered a flat tyre, while Hill headed to the pits on lap seven for a replacement tyre.

On the same lap, Marc Cini suffered a lurid spin into Hell Corner, and caused some consternation when he parked his car to the side of Mountain Straight in front of the leaders.

At the chequered flag, Murray was able to clear out from Love, Jones, Matthew Payne, David Russell, Jayden Walls, David Wall, who charged through from 14^th to claim seventh, then Max Vidau, Callum Hedge and Christian Pancione in tenth.

The result was that Murray won the race and the round, while Harri Jones produced his best ever round result in second.

Aaron Love was third overall and completed the Mobil Pro Podium.

Sam Shahin clinched his second straight round victory on Sunday, with Geoff Emery second overall for Round 5.

Ben Stack completed the podium in Pro-Am with third, his first Carrera Cup podium.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship thanks all teams, drivers, partners and supporters following the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Dates for the 2022 championship, which will see the debut of a full field of the brand-new 992 Porsche GT3 Cup Car, will be announced soon.

Harri Jones takes maiden win in Enduro thriller

Sam Shahin continues Morris Finance Pro-Am sweep at Mount Panorama

Harri Jones has withstood maximum pressure to claim his maiden Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race win at Mount Panorama.

Starting from pole position, the Michelin Junior driver led from start to finish, heading home the sport’s best drivers to take victory in the Mobil Pro Class by only 1.5sec from Cooper Murray, while Cameron Hill consolidated his championship lead in third.

For Jones, the result fulfils the promise he has shown so far in his young career – including victory in the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Championship.

“I’m speechless right now, that was one of the best races of my life, the team gave me an awesome car,” Jones said.

“We started from pole, the best place to start from, but Dave had a fast car the whole race, and Cooper, my McElrea teammate was also on it. So every lap it was reset, do it again and just go through the process. Car felt awesome, my fitness, mental condition was all on point, so it was so much fun, I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, in Morris Finance Pro-Am, Sam Shahin kept his unbeaten winning streak from this week alive, taking honours from Geoff Emery and Ben Stack.

“Well it wouldn’t be Bathurst if it wasn’t an eventful first lap. The start was the usual elbows out into Turn 2 and it went all the way to Skyline, you could see something was going to have to give going into the Chase and all I saw was a massive cloud of dust and a lot of guys took to the outside,” Shahin said.

“So the glutes were clenched really tight at that point, I had to make the choice to make the left hand or go straight through the gravel trap, I went through the dust and we came out the other side.

“Fortunately not a lot of cars got damaged. After the restart I had a great battle with Geoff, he is a good, honest racer and he was right on my bumper for most of the race. I’m absolutely thrilled with the win and that we survived to fight another day.”

From pole position, Jones led into the first corner, immediately coming under pressure from David Wall.

However, the race soon came under safety car control after Max Vidau and Aaron Love ran side by side through the fast kink into The Chase, with Vidau running wide through the infield before getting stuck in the sand trap.

Numerous cars went off track in the ensuing dust storm, including Dale Wood, Dean Cook, and Tim Miles.

The race restarted on lap four of 15, with a train of cars immediately forming behind the leader Jones.

The race was a classic pressure-cooker Carrera Cup affair for the duration as a the group battled for position – through none could unseat Jones out in front.

Jones led Wall and Murray to the closing laps before a tyre issue saw Wall pit at the commencement of the final lap – with the resulting 14^th place finish significantly impacting his championship chances.

Marc Cini spun on lap eight at The Chase, before later becoming stuck in the sand at the same portion of the track on the penultimate circuit, with local yellow flags allowing the race to go green until the finish.

Love was classified fourth at the chequered flag, ahead of fellow young gun Matthew Payne, then David Russell, Craig Lowndes, Jayden Walls, Callum Hedge, with Christian Pancione rounding out the top ten.

Notably, Payne, Walls, and Hedge are all making their Bathurst Carrera Cup debuts, and all featured in the lead pack throughout the race.

The fifth round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia concludes tomorrow at Mount Panorama as the curtain-raiser to the Bathurst 1000.

The race is scheduled to start at 10:50am AEDT, and will once again be broadcast live and free on 7, plus via Fox Sports and Kayo.

Paynter Dixon extends partnership with Porsche Cars Australia until 2024

Carrera Cup Australia’s Title Partnership to extend for a further two seasons

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is excited to announce that Title Partner, Paynter Dixon, will again partner with the Carrera Cup Australia Championship for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This brings the total to five consecutive seasons that the Australian property conglomerate, utilising both the PAYCE and the Paynter Dixon brands, has been the naming rights partner for the premier one-make series (in addition to their support of a range of drivers within the national Championship.)

Since the redevelopment of Carrera Cup Australia in 2018 and the introduction of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.2), the series has grown to new heights, reaffirming its position as the premier support category for the Repco Supercars Championship and regularly witnessing fields of up to 26 cars this season, with a grid of over 32 already locked in for the 2022 season.

The success of the Championship in recent years has seen it grow all areas of the program through the increased support of its traditional sponsorship base to include a strong portfolio of local partners. This additional support allowed the development of a range of key programs and increased incentives for the Carrera Cup drivers and teams.

The results have produced high-profile, star-studded grids in both classes, as well as a world class junior development programme with the Championship continuing to provide a great environment and value for all its competitors and partners.

Quotes:

PCA CEO & Managing Director: Daniel Schmollinger “We are thrilled to make this announcement ahead of what will be Carrera Cup’s strongest season next year. Paynter Dixon’s commitment to the series for a further two years reaffirms this and is a great example of the relationship we have built with them and environment we’ve created within Carrera Cup for our partners.”

“I’m certain this will only continue to grow into the future with the arrival of the 992 generation next season. The growth in our grids size over the last seasons is another validation of the level of support, we’ve as a result been able to offer to our teams and drivers, which is being realised across the Australasian region. This year, Paynter Dixon’s support also extended to two of our Mobil Pro cars in the form of David Wall and Craig Lowndes.”

“The best testimony of Paynter Dixon’s belief in our series though, was most evident in 2020, during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as their support – together with that of all our partners – never wavered, despite no events taking place. They were all fully committed and supported us until racing could commence again.”

Paynter Dixon Executive Chairman, James Boyd: “Paynter Dixon is delighted to partner with the Carrera Cup Australia Championship for the coming two seasons. Our relationship with this outstanding series reflects a long-standing commitment to motor racing in Australia.

“Once again, it’s extremely pleasing to see the continued alignment of Paynter Dixon and PAYCE brands, maintaining a strong and familiar presence in this the premier support series.

“It’s also rewarding to see the Championship nurture further career opportunities for Carrera Cup drivers and teams, taking Australian motoring expertise to a global stage. We are excited to continue the journey ahead with Porsche the seasons ahead as the Cup delivers world-class racing.”

About Paynter Dixon:

Founded in 1914, Paynter Dixon is an Australian-owned design and construction services company with offices on the eastern seaboard of the country. Innovative solutions span a variety of sectors, including hospitality, health and aged care, education, commercial, insurance and remedial.

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Wall, Shahin claim Round 4 honours at Mount Panorama

Title battles intensify as key contenders take Bathurst podiums

David Wall has clean swept the fourth round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, following a truncated second race at Mount Panorama on Friday afternoon.

Starting from pole position, Wall had to hold off a spirited attack in the opening corners from Cameron Hill – with the former champion holding on to the lead – before ultimately claiming honours in the Mobil Pro Class.

It was Wall’s fourth career round win, his first since the Gold Coast in 2019 and the third time he’s swept all the races in a single round.

The result keeps the Wall Racing driver, the 2017 Carrera Cup Champion, right in the thick of the points calculations as the season draws to a conclusion; Wall leading home Hill and Aaron Love in the round four results.

“I’m just trying to win some more races and enjoy myself around here, but really wrapped to take maximum points and looking forward to round 5,” Wall said.

“The start was very critical in the moment with Cam Hill, I had just a little bit of an overlap luckily, but he was more than fair and he is great to race.”

Hill for his efforts held on for second, followed by Love, who was the first Michelin Junior home.

The Canberran has an enhanced championship lead following Round 4, extending his margin over nearest rivals Harri Jones and Cooper Murray – with David Wall now also in the top three mix following today’s win.

“Great round for us, two second places is good for the points,” said the Mobil Pro class title leader.

“Obviously Dave did an awesome job and got the win this weekend, but we’re in front of the guys that we need to be in front of, so very happy. Still two races and one round to go.”

Murray and Jones were next in the race two order, with Craig Lowndes, Christian Pancione, David Russell, Matthew Payne and Jackson Walls filling the top-ten places.

In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Sam Shahin backed up his race one success with another class win, leading home Tim Miles and Dean Cook, in race two – the same finishing order as Race one. The trio also completed the round podium.

It was The Bend Motorsport Park driver’s third career victory and came at a key time in the Pro-Am title battle, rebounding from his non-finish in Townsville in style.

“Last time I was here I got hurt very badly and I still live with the consequences, I needed to get this done and the pace was there from the start and I’m absolutely thrilled,” Shahin said.

“I really thought I was out of the Championship completely – but never ever give up.”

The first incident of the race involved Max Vidau, who came unstuck at turn two, necessitating a safety car to retrieve his stricken car.

The race restarted on lap three, but returned to safety car conditions on lap four when, Nick McBride and Simon Fallon came together on the run towards Reid Park on lap four.

Both drivers climbed from their own cars however both were assessed by the circuit medical team as a precaution following the accident.

As a result of the lengthy recovery, the race was ultimately called short after six circuits.

Tomorrow’s race constitutes the opening encounter of the fifth round of the 2021 Championship, with the grid set by all drivers’ second-fastest lap in qualifying.

This format will see Harri Jones line up from pole position ahead of Wall and Hill, with Shahin the leading Morris Finance Pro-Am driver from eighth outright.

The race is scheduled for 3pm AEDT, and will once again be broadcast live and free on 7, plus Fox Sports and Kayo.

Broadcast Schedule announced for Carrera Cup finale at The Bend

SBS to broadcast final Porsche races at The Bend

The schedule for the 2021 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships season finale at The Bend Motorsport Park has been confirmed with SBS to also broadcast the final Porsche races live.

The national race meeting, which will take place over three days from 10-12 December, will welcome seven categories as part of the round with a mix of state and national series to make-up the schedule.

For the first time in recent years, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia will run at a Shannons round as it wraps up the 2021 season with three races, including one 40-minute endurance race.

Carrera Cup Australia won’t be the only Porsche category in action, with the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series to hold a double round made up of four 30-minute races across the three days.

Both Porsche categories will be part of the two-hour SBS coverage on Sunday afternoon, with Race 3 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia shown at 12:40 (AEDT) and Race 4 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at 13:55 (AEDT) with the National Sports Sedans Series’ third and final race of the weekend also to feature in the broadcast. Porsche races will also feature in a 1-hour post produced Highlights on SBS, with dedicated social media content, interviews and results on @PorscheMotorsportAU social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube)  before, during and after the event.

Fans will also be able to watch all sessions through the dedicated livestream on the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships’ website and Facebook page on both Saturday and Sunday, while the livestream will also be available for fans that cannot attend on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channel.

Individuals 16 and over can purchase General Admission tickets for $25 per day or $40 for a weekend pass. Children under the age of 15 can enter for free but must register for a ticket.

Tickets are available for purchase here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/shannons-motorsport-australia-championships-the-bend-tickets-194781856777?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Wall prevails in racy Bathurst opener

Sam Shahin claims Morris Finance Pro-Am win in opening race

David Wall held on to win a thrilling Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia opening race at Mount Panorama, with plenty of close racing highlighting the category’s return to the fabled venue for the first time since 2019.

The shortened seven-lap encounter came down to the wire, with a hard charging Aaron Love pushing the limits in pursuit of the leader, cranking sideways at Sulman Park and brushing the wall on the final tour.

With damage to his right-rear corner, Love slipped off the road at The Chase within sight of the flag and ultimately had to settle for third position and the top Michelin Junior in the final rundown, finishing behind Cameron Hill.

Hill’s second-placed finishing position further extended his margin at the top of the Carrera Cup standings.

Wall’s victory continued his strong Bathurst form and was the twelfth of his storied career.

Love, meanwhile, was a racing highlights reel throughout the 7-lap sprint race before ultimately finishing third.

“It was a pretty good race for me up until the last lap obviously, I had a bit of a mistake over the top,” the West Australian said.

“I had a huge amount of confidence in the car and I was really happy with it and the pace was good. I managed to stick a couple moves on Harri and Cam going through the Chase, it was fairly entertaining for not only myself, but I’m sure the people watching from the outside.

“I was happy to pull those moves off nice a smoothly and button down and to try catch Dave. But I’ll learn off the mistake and how I approach those final few laps in future.”

Elsewhere in the Pro ranks, Cooper Murray finished fourth ahead of Harri Jones, with the McElrea Racing pair followed home by Craig Lowndes, Michael Almond, Simon Fallon and David Russell in tenth.

The action started early in the race, with Mathew Payne coming into contact with Russell at The Chase near the end of lap two, which sent the latter spinning.

Max Vidau’s debut for Tekworkx Motorsport started strongly, the young Adelaidean running fifth early in the race. However, after dropping spots earlier in the race, he then took a tour down the Murray’s Corner escape road to eventually be classified in 18^th.

Elsewhere in the field, Dale Wood rebounded solidly from a tough qualifying session – charging his Timken car through from 26^th on the grid to finish 14th in just seven laps of racing.

Meanwhile Morris Finance Pro-Am honours went the way of Sam Shahin, who edged out Tim Miles and Geoff Emery.

Shahin’s win was a big moment for The Bend Motorsport Park driver, who was injured in a crash at the Bathurst 12 Hour back in 2020.

After scoring pole position for both rounds this weekend, Shahin’s performance saw him gain valuable points in the Pro-Am title battle.

A lengthy delay prior to the race made things challenging for him prior to the race.

“With the previous categories accident which caused the delay, it was very, very hot in the car and I unwisely decided not to take a cool suit,” he said.

“So we sat in the cars for about half an hour and I was just sweating in the car, the tyres cooled down all that time and I just had to recalibrate. I got a good start and I just had to put my head down and trust the Michelin tyre.

“But all in all I couldn’t be happier and its surreal really to come back here after a nasty accident a couple years ago, which saw me end up with a nasty back and daily pain, so this means a lot. It was as much a mental drive as it was a physical drive. I’m very proud of this achievement and will tick a box and I will fondly reflect on this win in time to come, I think.”

The final race of round four is scheduled for 2:45pm tomorrow, with the race to be broadcast live on live and free on 7, plus Fox Sports and Kayo.

Earlier today, a truncated qualifying also set the field for the first race of round five of the season, with the second fastest lap time set by competitors forming the starting order.

That saw Harri Jones grab his second Tag Heuer Pole Award of the season, with David Wall backing up his race one pole-winning efforts in second and championship leader Cameron Hill starting third.

Sam Shahin grabbed the top spot in qualifying of the Morris Finance Pro-Am runners, putting his car eighth outright on the grid in the process.

That race, which kicks off Round 5 of the championship, is scheduled for 3pm Saturday afternoon at Mount Panorama.

Aaron Love leads Bathurst Porsche practice pack

Geoff Emery tops Morris Finance Pro-Am in tight battle ahead of historic double round

Aaron Love led the field as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia took to Mount Panorama ahead of this week’s double round, with competitors challenged by passing showers on the 6.2km long circuit.

Geoff Emery topped the Morris Finance Pro-Am runners as the field heads into the final three rounds of racing this year.

After starting the 40-minute session under threatening skies, light rain with 15 minutes left cooled the track, with lap times subsequently tumbling in the closing moments of the session.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Love, who topped both the Mobil Pro class and Michelin Juniors, with a near-miss with the wall opposite the John Hinxman Vista followed by a tour across the escape road at Skyline.

“It was quite a positive session, we made some headroom with the car,” said Love.

“Obviously, it’s pretty nice to have that knowledge that we’ve got the pace early on in the session on a used tyre, then again at the end of the session with the new tyre.”

According to Love, the precipitation throughout the run just added to the excitement of the challenging course.

“It created a little bit of interesting viewing for all of the spectators at the top of the Mountain,” Love continued.

“At the start of the session, there was a little bit of sprinkling rain down at turn one, but the track was warm enough to evaporate it before it made too much of a difference.

“Towards the middle of the session, it was a little bit wet up the top, there was a little bit of car control practice, but it was all good fun.”

Second fastest for the day was David Wall, one of four drivers on double duty this weekend in the Bathurst 1000, and the pole sitter when the championship last visited The Mountain in 2019.

Like Love, Wall had his own anxious moments on track, with one under braking at Murray’s Corner almost resulting in contact with Cooper Murray.

Cameron Hill set the third-fastest time ahead of Harri Jones, and Bathurst 1000 campaigners David Russell and Dale Wood.

Wood was another to push the limits and dropped off the road briefly at the Chase, a move mirrored by Dean Cook.

Rounding out the top ten were Kiwi young gun Matthew Payne, the returning Max Vidau, who is subbing for Luke Youlden, Murray and Simon Fallon.

Other notable runners included Craig Lowndes in 12^th, and debutant Callum Hedge in 16^th.

Geoff Emery led the Morris Finance Pro-Am classification, ahead of Tim Miles, Sam Shahin, and Ben Stack.

For Emery, the wet weather was an added curve ball in becoming familiar with the car on the demanding circuit.

“I’m happy with it, the car needs a little bit of work, and so do I, so there is a bit more to go in that,” said Emery.

“Look, there were a few sprinkles around the track, and it beats the confidence around a little bit, but once you’ve got some temp in the tyres, it sort of hangs on past that, and it wasn’t wet enough to affect the session, luckily.

“It’s my first time around here in a Porsche Carrera Cup Car, so I’m pretty happy with P1 in Pro-Am.”

Qualifying is set for 11:20am tomorrow, with a unique format determining the starting grid for the separate rounds.

While the fastest time will start on pole for tomorrow afternoon’s opening race of round four, the second-fastest lap set by competitors will determine the starting order for race one of round five of the 2021 season, which is set for Saturday afternoon.

Tomorrow’s on track action will be shown live on Fox Sport and Kayo throughout Australia.

26-car Carrera Cup Australia grid locked in for Bathurst double header

Four-race Bathurst farewell for the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 991 Gen II in Carrera Cup

Rounds 4 and 5 will mark the last time the 991 Gen II Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car will take to the majestic curves of Mount Panorama as part of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

The country’s premier one-make Championship returns to life after lengthy break on the 2021 season’s biggest stage, the Repco Bathurst 1000, stacked with a highly competitive field of 26 cars across both the Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am classes.

With wet weather forecast for the week, Overall and Class Championships on the line – not to mention many drivers who have been out of racing seats for several months – the infamous 6.213km Mountain circuit will provide both the year’s biggest challenge and spectacle.

The schedule sees two 30-minute Carrera Cup races on the Thursday and Friday respectively, before a longer 40-minute race on Saturday and a final 25-minute sprint race on the Sunday before the start of the Bathurst 1000.

Two last minute changes saw Cooper Murray and Max Vidau added to the entry list and Stephen Grove unfortunately withdrawing. Murray’s return from Europe – following his participation in the Porsche Junior Global Shootout, as the Michelin Junior Winner – sets up a massive fight for the Outright Mobil Pro Championship with current leader, Cameron Hill.

Hill is in arguably the strongest position for the title with an 80-point advantage over Murray and a 91-point advantage over third placed Harri Jones, with David Wall a further 131-points behind.  Adding further spice to the mix will be Max Vidau, who will campaign the Tekworkx entry and partner with Luke Youlden in the Queensland team for the 2022 season.

The pace and added seat time Supercar co-drivers Dale Wood, David Russel, David Wall and 7-time Bathurst winner, Craig Lowndes, will also be a huge a factor with a wealth of experience around the Mountain among the quartet.

If you then throw in Race 3 Townsville winner, Matthew Payne, into the mix along with the likes of Michael Almond, Aaron Love and Nick McBride (who can all win on their day), you have the makings of a very closely fought affair.

The Morris Finance Pro-Am will be no different with current class leader, Stephen Grove, opting not defend his title in 2021. It leaves Geoff Emery, Sam Shahin and Dean Cook in prime position to fight it out for the title in the three remaining rounds. Emery enjoys a 59 point lead over Sam Shahin and a 67-point advantage over Dean Cook with the drop-a-round ruling in place.

Live broadcast coverage of all the Bathurst races will be on both Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, with free-to-air coverage across Channel 7.

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Schedule: Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Rounds 4 & 5, Bathurst

Wednesday, December 1

14:35 – 15:15 Practice (40 mins)

Thursday, December 2

11:20 – 11:40 Qualifying (20 mins)

15:45 – 16:15 Round 4, Race 1 (11 laps)

Friday, December 3

14:45 – 15:15 Round 4, Race 2 (11 laps)

Saturday, December 4

15:00 – 15:40 Round 5, Race 1 (15 laps)

Sunday, December 5

10:50 – 11:15 Round 5, Race 2 (9 laps)

Entry List: Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Rounds 4 & 5, Bathurst

Max Vidau joins Tekworkx for Bathurst with Youlden returning in 2022

Vidau to bolster Tekworkx driver-line-up and team

20 year old Porsche ace Max Vidau will join Tekworkx Motorsport for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup at the Repco Bathurst 1000, temporarily replacing Luke Youlden.

In what has been somewhat of a shuffling in the team’s Carrera Cup department in recent weeks, Tekworkx have had to change their plans. With the recent uncertainty around Youlden and his role in Supercars, where Luke filled in with the Bathurst 1000 approaching, the team was led to make a decision on who will drive at Bathurst.

“While I am thrilled to have Max at Bathurst, the decision was not an easy one to make, basically I had until early last week to make a decision and the decision was made to put Max in, based on the uncertainty with Luke,” said Rob Woods.

“I discussed it with Luke and the final decision came down to myself.  As a team we decided not to go to The Bend after Bathurst, we will have been away on the road for more than six weeks and we all want to go back to the Gold Coast, so it wasn’t a matter of looking at a championship it was also building towards 2022.”

Vidau comes to the team with two years experience in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, placing third in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Across those two years, Vidau won eight races and stood on the podium a 21 times in just 35 races. Vidau also has two rounds in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia behind him, recording three top five finishes and a podium in that time.

Vidau will make his Tekworkx debut at this year’s Bathurst 1000, ahead of a full season in 2022 as the team expand to a two car operation with Youlden returning in 2022 in the new Porsche 911 GT3 (Type 992).

“I’m hard on myself and so I expect to be up towards the front, certainly in 2022 with the new car it will be more of an even playing field with everyone in the paddock sent back to square one,” said Vidau.

“This year I’ve been doing a fair bit of driver training in both road cars and race cars between the usual racing and work. I’m also in my second season of 410 sprint car racing keeping me sharp and fit for when it came time to climb back in the cup car.”

“I’m also a fully qualified mechanic so I’ll be moving up to the Gold Coast and joining the team full time in the workshop. I’ve grown up at the track and being around workshops so I’m happy to continue that and be fully involved with Tekworkx. It’ll be a big family atmosphere up there,” Vidau concluded.

Qualifying and all four races of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, as well as free-to-air coverage on Channel 7 across the race week.

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Schedule: Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia

Wednesday, December 1

Practice (40 mins)  14:35 – 15:15

Thursday, December 2

Qualifying (20 mins)  11:20 – 11:40

Round 4, Race 1 (11 laps)   15:45 – 16:15

Friday, December 3

Round 4, Race 2 (11 laps)   14:45 – 15:15

Saturday, December 4

Round 5, Race 1 (15 laps)  15:00 – 15:40

Sunday, December 5

Round 5, Race 2 (9 laps)  10:50 – 11:15

Porsche announces venue and finalists for Global Junior Shootout

The Porsche Global Junior Shootout will take place in Aragon in 2021

Porsche Motorsport has announced the 12 finalists that will contest the Porsche Junior Shootout from the 23 to 25 November, in Aragon, Spain.

Carrera Cup Australia will be represented by McElrea Racing’s Cooper Murray. Murray has been in Europe since winning the Porsche Michelin Junior nomination in October and has already undergone two test sessions at Portimao and Paul Ricard with the French Martinet by Almeras team.

Despite having to learn the Portimao track and characteristics of the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, Murray finished on the podium in the last round of Carrera Cup France as part of his preparation for the Junior Shootout.

After a welcome meeting and dinner on the Monday evening, the Shootout schedule sees the 12 Junior finalists undergo a series of medical checks, press activities, interview sessions and administrative organisation on the first day, as well as a seating fitting in the Type 992 and a Track walk of the Aragon circuit. The Wednesday and Thursday compromise four on track sessions.

The Porsche Junior Programme in Australia continues to play a crucial role in the development of the best emerging talent from the Australasian region and is seen as the most proven pathway for talented drivers to progress to the highest level abroad.

Both Matt Campbell (2016 Champion) and Jaxon Evans (2018 Champion) won the Global Junior Shootout in their respective seasons and have since gone onto compete at the highest international level with Porsche.

Other drivers that have progressed up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid in recent years via the Australian Junior Programme, include the likes of Jordan Love, Cameron Hill, Nick Foster, Andre Heimgartner and Dylan O’Keeffe, who have all gone on to succeed at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.

For more information on the 2022 Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia email motorsport@porsche.com.au

For race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

2021 Porsche Global Junior Shootout

#              Driver                        Carrera Cup

1               C. Murray                 Australia

2              H. Van Eijndhoven Belgium

3              E. Elias                      Brazil

4              L. Heinrich               Germany

5             M. Klein                      France

6             L. Hanafin                  Great Britain

7             H. King                        Great Britain

8             A. Giardelli                 Italy

9             M. Moretti                  Italy

10           S. Priaulx                    North America

11           K. Van Berlo               North America

12           H. Ericsson                Scandinavia

Callum Hedge to make Carrera Cup Australia debut

Callum Hedge completes Earl Bamber Motorsport line-up at Bathurst

Callum Hedge completes Earl Bamber Motorsport line-up at Bathurst

After beginning the year in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series, Callum Hedge will make his debut in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at the Repco Bathurst 1000 with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM).

In addition to Bathurst, Hedge is stepping up to the premier class and will complete the year at The Bend Motorsport Park with Porsche Team New Zealand.

Completing EBM’s three car line-up for the last two rounds of the year, Hedge will have teammates, Team Porsche New Zealand driver Matthew Payne and Madeline Stewart alongside him.

“I am super excited to be able to return to Australia and finish what we started with EBM and Team Porsche New Zealand,” said Callum.

“Moving straight into Carrera Cup Australia, having not driven a Porsche for a few months now will for sure be a challenge, but I am really looking forward to it!”

Hedge recently headed over to Italy to compete in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, where he got to experience open-wheeled racing at the iconic Monza circuit.

“I knew going over there that being with a small team was going to be a challenge. Although our results didn’t reflect it, we easily had the pace to be well within the Top 10 and fight near the front.”

Building on that experience Callum is looking forward to being back at the track in Australia with the Earl Bamber Motorsport squad.

“I am really looking forward to just seeing the team again and catching up with them, as well as driving the 991.2 at Bathurst and The Bend for the first time.”

“Having spent months in lockdown in New Zealand, meant it was very hard to prepare for this event. Everything was shut, which lead to having very limited track time during this break.”

Callum will be making his way across the Tasman in the coming weeks to finish off his 2021 season.