Technical development in motorsport: the steering wheel

From simple steering wheel to multi-functional control centre in just 20 years

Top-class motor racing as the driving force behind technical developments – Porsche has taken on the enormous challenges of racing series around the world for decades. “The extreme demands we face on the racetrack very quickly highlight any weak points and encourage engineers to look for new and better solutions,” said Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche, who with the development of the legendary 356 No. 1 Roadster laid the foundation for the Porsche brand in 1948. For the engineers at Weissach, this guiding principle is as applicable today as it was back then. The huge stresses of motor racing demand solutions that eventually flow into the development of road-going vehicles.

One component that emphasises the ongoing developments in motor racing more than most others is the steering wheel. Standard steering wheels from everyday Porsche sports cars were first fitted in the racing cars of the Stuttgart marque mid last century. Even the legendary Le Mans Porsche 917 featured not a single button or display function. “It’s hard to believe, but developments in this regard only really took off in the year 2000. Since then, the massive progress in steering wheel development is clearly evident,” explains Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. In just 20 years, a leather-covered wheel morphed into a multifunctional controller. Drivers of the latest Porsche 911 RSR have 30 functions on the steering wheel at their disposal, which, when activated in certain combinations, can mobilise other functions. At Weissach, two specialists work on finding new solutions for even more setting options as well as improved comfort.

Modern-day steering: Like a TV remote control in the living room

“In 1999 I contested the Carrera Cup as a Porsche Junior. Back then, the steering wheel had no buttons, no radio, no paddle shifters, no pit speed limiter. We had to drive along the pit lane with an eye on the speedometer,” says brand ambassador Timo Bernhard (Germany) of those earlier years. The long-standing works driver and 2016 World Sports Car Champion witnessed the rapid advancements in steering wheel technology firsthand. In 2001, the Cup-Porsche received a radio button on the steering wheel, with the number of control functions in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded in the American Le Mans Series growing to six by 2004. At that time, the switches and buttons were installed in a modified, commercially available motor racing steering wheel. The layout at this stage played a minor role.

Over time, the design became increasingly important as progress in this area continued. The layout of all functions became the top priority so that the drivers could use them as intuitively as possible. “It’s like watching television at home,” says Pascal Zurlinden. “The TV remote controls are constantly being upgraded with new buttons, with apps, Amazon Prime, etc. Despite this, operating them quickly becomes second nature. If I get a different model from the same brand I immediately know how to use it. That’s what we do at Porsche, as well. Because the layout always follows the same pattern, the drivers have no problems switching from one vehicle model to another.”

Ergonomics: Victory at your fingertips

Drivers play a key role in the arrangement of the controls. They provide crucial input during the development stage to ensure the best possible ergonomics. The first step is the positioning of the four most important functions: the buttons for the pit stop limiter, full course yellow situations as well as the on/off buttons for the engine and radio. The other operating functions are then added following a priority list. In the process, the developers must take into account that some functions have to be activated via designated combinations – comparable to the Ctrl+Alt+Del commands on a personal computer.

“I experienced the hard way how important it is to have the correct layout and optimal user-friendliness under racing conditions,” recalls works driver Romain Dumas about a specific moment back in 2012. “I was driving a Porsche 911 GT3 R at Pikes Peak and was on course to win when rain set in and then snow fell at higher altitudes. That’s where I lost everything. Why? A control button for the windshield wiper was installed on the steering wheel. You had to press it for a second to activate the intermittent wiping function, and for three seconds to make it continuous. It was way too complicated. At Pikes Peak, it’s one corner straight after the other. By the time I got the wipers working correctly I’d lost too much time,” says the Frenchman, who has notched up four overall victories at the ‘race to the clouds’ in the US state of Colorado. Experiences like this have resulted in a decisive rethink in development.

Data flow between steering wheel and onboard electronics: via just one wire

These days, drivers are involved in contributing to the layout right from day one – and in co-writing the instruction manuals. The steering wheel instructions in the Porsche 911 RSR manual consist of 27 pages. “It’s easy to memorise so that you can concentrate completely on driving,” says Porsche works driver Matt Campbell (Australia). “It goes so fast because we have the chance to provide input during the development. As Porsche works drivers we’re mostly involved in endurance racing. Not only does it have to be intuitive to operate, but it also has to flow with as little physical exertion as possible. That’s always the goal when working on a new steering wheel layout.” Customer sport racing also requires a great deal of thought and effort, for instance with the Porsche 911 GT3 R. The steering wheel must be easy to use for factory drivers and hobby racers alike, and it is essential to find acceptable compromises during the development.

In the past decades, steering wheels have changed significantly in terms of operation and functionality. The shape and materials used have also been modified multiple times. From a circular steering wheel made of real wood to a steel rim, a controller eventually evolved – the shape of which resembles a horizontal figure of eight, comparable to the yoke of modern aircraft. “When comparing an old and a new steering wheel, it’s hard to believe that the new models are even lighter than the earlier ones – despite all the operating controls, displays, and electronics. This is thanks to the use of aluminium and carbon fibre,” says Pascal Zurlinden. The steering elements in modern racing cockpits can be easily removed to allow drivers to climb in and out quickly and safely. The connection between the steering wheel and the car’s electronics occurs via a so-called CAN interface. “Data flows in both directions over a single line. Now that is fascinating,” states Zurlinden.

* 911 GT3 RS: Fuel consumption combined 13.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 303 g/km

The consumption and CO2 emission values were determined following the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The NEDC values derived from this should continue to be specified for the time being. These values cannot be compared to the values determined in accordance with the NEDC measuring procedure used up to now.

Jaxon Evans to contend new Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup heads into the 2020 season with virtual events

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup heads into the 2020 season with virtual events

As a response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will head into the motor racing season with a digital series. In the newly established Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition, the current drivers and teams as well as selected participants pit themselves against each other in virtual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing cars. Four double-header events make up the digital version of the international one-make cup series, which normally runs as part of the Formula 1 support programme.

“Virtual motor racing, or so-called “sim racing”, is becoming more and more popular, on a professional level as well. This is underlined by the great success of Porsche’s general esport activities. Until the postponed start of our real season, we’ve created a tremendous platform with the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition for our teams and drivers,” explains Oliver Schwab, Project Manager of the Porsche Mobil 1
Supercup.

The virtual edition of the racing series is not in competition with the “Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup”, which enters its second season in 2020. This is aimed at professional sim racers and those who strive to become one. “With the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup, we’ve expanded our presence in the motor racing world and have opened the door for sim racers to join the international Porsche Motorsport family,” says Marco Ujhasi, Esports Manager at Porsche Motorsport. “We now look forward to supporting our colleagues from the real Supercup and to be able to offer them an appropriate platform with iRacing.”
Following a test day (29 March), the first two races of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition will be held on 4 April at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. Other venues to host rounds are the Silverstone Circuit (Great Britain), the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and the Autodromo Nazionale Monza (Italy). The final virtual event is to take place on 16 May 2020. In addition to two 25-minute sprint races, the program consists of a free practice (30 minutes), a qualifying session (15 minutes) and a warm-up (20 minutes).

There is a maximum grid of 40 drivers, however, only the teams and drivers officially registered for the actual Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as well as invited guest drivers are eligible to take part. The vehicles run by the Supercup teams will sport the same livery as on the real circuits. In addition to the overall classification, drivers in the ProAm and rookie classes will also fight for victories.

“The current situation has put a real damper on my life as a racing driver. Instead of real racing, I spend a lot of time on the simulator. The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition is a great opportunity to fill the gap. I can hardly wait until the first race,” says Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras). The young racer discovered his love for esports as a twelve-year-old and has driven for the world’s largest team with today’s Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Güven lines up on the virtual grid with his junior teammate Jaxon Evans (NZ/Lechner Racing).

The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition utilizes the iRacing simulation portal. All events of the virtual one-make cup will be broadcast worldwide via the Internet. Fans can follow the sessions live on the YouTube and Twitch video platforms.

Racing calendar Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition 2020
29.03.2020, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Spain), official test
04.04.2020, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Spain), races 1+2
18.04.2020, Silverstone Circuit (Great Britain), races 3+4
25.04.2020, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), races 5+6
16.05.2020, Autodromo Nazionale Monza (Italy), races 7+8

TAG Heuer joins Porsche Esports Supercup as title sponsor

Further prestige for esports engagement

With TAG Heuer as new title sponsor, Porsche is further enhancing its virtual racing series.

As part of the new sponsorship, the championship is now renamed to ’Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup‘ and the series prize pool will increase to US$200,000 for the upcoming season.

Last year, Australian Josh Rogers won the championship in an exciting final against the German Maximilian Benecke. The United Kingdom’s Sebastian Job and the United States’ Mitchell DeJong finished in third and fourth place respectively. The four top drivers of the last season will return to the series this year, alongside 36 new and returning drivers.

The single-make esports racing championship was initiated by the sportscar manufacturer and iRacing, the leading provider of realistic online racing simulations in 2019. Porsche is already cooperating with TAG Heuer in Formula E.

“Porsche stands for exceptional experiences,” said Kjell Gruner, Vice President Marketing at Porsche AG.

“Esports racing offers such an emotional Porsche experience to many fans of our brand and the ‘Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup’ is our most important virtual racing series.”

“After a very successful premiere in 2019, we are now about to start the second season with a strong partner at our side. Porsche and TAG Heuer are already a great team in Formula E. Now TAG Heuer, as a brand with heritage, is helping to further establish the most aspirational competition in esports racing.”

“After joining forces in the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team this season we are excited to now extend our successful collaboration further into the Esports world,” said Stéphane Bianchi, CEO of the LVMH Watchmaking Division and CEO of TAG Heuer.

“Both our brands are masters of challenges, innovation, and precision. As an avant-garde watchmaker with historic ties to the track, Esports is a fantastic new platform for us to showcase our values and support another dynamic and passionate community in the world of motor racing, where competitiveness comes alive in the digital age.

“We are looking forward to providing an unmatched Esports experience together with Porsche and iRacing and seeing the world’s elite road simracers push their limits. “

“The real-world racing histories of both Porsche and TAG Heuer are unparalleled, and we’re delighted to have their support for the premier single-make esports racing championship in the world,” said iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations executive producer Steve Myers.

The 2020 ’Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup‘ schedule will feature the introduction of multiple tracks to the championship, kicking off with a pre-season test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 28 March, which made its iRacing debut in fall 2019.

Further information can be found on the Porsche Motorsports Hub: https://motorsports.porsche.com
Event Date Location
Pre-Season Test 28 March 2020 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Round 1 2 May 2020 Circuit Park Zandvoort
Round 2 9 May 2020 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Round 3 23 May 2020 Donington Park Circuit
Round 4 13 June 2020 Circuit de la Sarthe
Round 5 4 July 2020 Nurburgring Nordschleife
Round 6 18 July 2020 Silverstone Circuit
Round 7 1 August 2020 Road Atlanta
Round 8 15 August 2020 Brands Hatch Circuit
Round 9 29 August 2020 Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Round 10 19 September 2020 Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Porsche postpones Round 1 and 2 of 2020 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

PCA supports Motorsport Australia’s decision to postpone Round 1 and 2 of the 2020 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) supports Motorsport Australia’s decision to postpone Round 1 and 2 of the 2020 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

The decision includes the postponement of both Round 1 of 2020 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, set to be held at Sydney Motorsport Park on 27-29 March 2020 and Round 2 scheduled for Winton Motor Raceway on 1-3 May.

PCA will continue to work with our competitors, customers, Motorsport Australia and other stakeholders to reschedule the rounds to a later date.

Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia social media channels for further updates:
Facebook: @PorscheMotorsportAU
Instagram: @PorscheMotorsportAU
Twitter: @PorscheMspAU

Hill the king in wild Enduro opener at Albert Park

Grove takes Pro-Am win in non-stop 19-lap thriller at the Grand Prix

CAMERON HILL has stormed to a stunning victory in the opening Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia race at Albert Park, the opening Enduro Cup race of the 2020 season.

The Canberra-based privateer took advantage of slip-up from polesitter Dale Wood on the opening lap to grab a lead he would never lose, though had to survive a mid-race restart and constant pressure from Nick McBride and Cooper Murray before winning the dramatic 19-lap affair – the longest ever at Albert Park.

It was the second win of Hill’s career, the Michelin Junior also taking Mobil Pro class honors in style.

Stephen Grove won the Pro-Am class in another highly competitive battle; Roger Lago second and Sam Shahin third on his comeback following injuries sustained at the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year.

“It was a tough race,” Hill said. “Those 45-minute endurance races, you’ve got to be on your game and you can’t make any mistakes. I was a bit fortunate; Dale ran wide and I got the lead and then I just wanted to hit my marks and make sure they couldn’t touch me.

“For us and the whole team at CHE Racing it’s just massive. We’ve been working at this for three seasons now and we got it right last year at Darwin but missed it a few times at rounds since, but it all came together today and I’m stoked.

“The sprint races are gong to be intense so it’s just a matter of getting a good start and putting my head down.”

Starting in the late Melbourne afternoon, polesitter Wood led the field on the opening lap – however a slow puncture saw him spin off the road at turn 13.

Wood would later pit for a replacement tyre before resuming in last place; Hill assuming the lead over McBride and Wall.

Murray climbed to third on the second lap, with fellow Michelin Junior Love also passing Wall in a competitive battle – however more drama was to come for Wall the coming lap as contact saw his Paynter Dixon-supported car turned around at turn three.

Wall resumed in 15^th position and began his march through the field.

A massive battle then unfolded for most of the sports in the top-10; friendly fire between the Sonic pair of Max Vidau and Michael Almond sending the latter tumbling down the order.

A mid-race Safety Car to recover a stranded Indiran Padayachee closed the field up; allowing drivers to recover track position but negating Hill’s lead – though a perfectly judged restart saw him retain his position and pull away from McBride in second.

Murray attempted to pass the Porsche Centre Melbourne entry but couldn’t find his way through; the leaders all caught by Wall who completed his sensational recovery to finish fourth.

Hill ultimately won by under a second, McBride a season-best second and Murray continuing his title-leading form in third.

Wall recovered to fourth while Aaron Love had a combative race to fifth position.

A strong day saw Duvashen Padayachee run as high as fourth but finish sixth while Harri Jones held out a charging Dale Wood and Max Vidau at the line to grab seventh.

Pro-Am winner Stephen Grove finished tenth outright and spent much of his race both holding off his key class contenders and keeping tabs on the battling Pro drivers in front as well.

“19 laps is a long time around here, but for me I didn’t know whether to keep watching the Pros in front, because that was very entertaining, or watch the Am’s behind me – there was so much going on,” Grove said.

“The pace was good all the way down. What a race – it was really entertaining and I had to stay focused on what I was doing to make sure I didn’t go off.

“It was fantastic racing and to be in and among the Pro’s is fantastic.

“I love the long races – if you make a little mistake you’ve got plenty of laps to make up time and get back the time you lost.”

Lago finished second in ProAm in his first race of the year, while Sam Shahin’s third was a remarkable result following back and rib injuries sustained in a crash at the 12-hour earlier this year.

His speedy recovery enabled him to race this weekend; the South Australian running as high as second but ultimately finishing third after a late spin.

On his Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia debut, Craig Lowndes showed his potential with a storming drive – though it ultimately didn’t get a result.

Starting 11^th, Lowndes gained two spots on the opening lap and climbed as high as sixth position by lap five – however a trip off track saw him drop back to thirteenth. The seven-time Bathurst winner climbed back to eighth by lap 13 however a puncture put paid to his race – ultimately failing to finish.

Earlier in qualifying, Dale Wood scored his first pole position in twelve months to continue his reign as the current King of Porsche qualifying at Albert Park.

The Timken / Sonic Motor Racing driver edged out Cameron Hill by just 0.17 seconds while Nick McBride was bumped to third late in the session. Adelaide polesitter Cooper Murray was fourth with David Wall and Michael Almond rounding out the top six.

Stephen Grove grabbed his first Carrera Cup pole since Darwin, 2018, when he edged out Max Twigg for pole in Pro Am.

Grove, Twigg and Adelaide Pro-Am polesitter were separated by just 0.4 seconds in a tight session, with the returning Roger Lago fourth.

The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series switches to sprint mode tomorrow with the second race of the weekend scheduled to start at 2:55pm on Friday. The race will be shown live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sport and Network 10.

Results, Race 1:

Star studded 22-car strong field for opening Porsche Endurance Cup race at AGP

Round 2 of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will feature the first Endurance Cup race of the 2020 series

This weekend sees the country’s top Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup teams descend on the Albert Park Race Circuit in Melbourne for the second round of Australia’s premier one-make series. 2020 marks the eleventh time the championship has competed for championship points (from 2008 and from 2011 onwards) and the 16th time it has competed at the lakeside venue, which is situated near the heart of the city’s picturesque CBD.

While the circuit has featured on the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup calendar every year since the category began in 2003, the first four years were non-championship events. This year Albert Park will also host the opening round of the Porsche Endurance Cup – which comprises seven long-distance races throughout the 2020 season and concluding on the streets of Surfers Paradise at the Gold Coast 600. At the end of the season, the drivers who score the most championship points in both the Mobil Pro and Pro-Am classifications from the season’s seven Endurance Cup races will be crowned the 2020 Endurance Cup Champions.

While offering its competitors premier broadcast slots throughout the weekend and the most amount of track time of all the support categories present, a new 45-minute Endurance race on Thursday afternoon promises to be a highlight of the weekend for fans and drivers alike.

Porsche will also hold a draw prior to Sunday’s last sprint race to award one eligible competitor from the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup field an opportunity to line up on the Circuit de la Sarthe grid as part of the Carrera Cup support race for the 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours race.

Albert Park will also feature the Michelin Super Round, where the triumphant Michelin Junior driver at the end of the weekend will win the opportunity to attend the 2020 Le Mans 24 Hour race in mid-June as a guest of the French tyre giant. The 2020 Michelin Juniors include Cooper Murray, 2019 Michelin Junior runner-up Cameron Hill and the top Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge competitors from last season including Max Vidau, Aaron Love and reigning series champion Harri Jones.

Murray starts as the favourite for the Michelin Junior Super Round prize after his commanding 3-race round win in Adelaide at the season opener earlier this year. McElrea Racing driver returns to the Albert Park as the lap record holder, which was set last year. The 18-year-old has shown impressive pace in his nine Carrera Cup rounds to date, achieving 10 fastest laps – the same amount Jaxon Evans recorded across his entire Carrera Cup career.

Murray will face strong opposition in the Mobil Pro class from David Wall and 2019 pole sitter Dale Wood, who has won five of the last eight races at the street circuit. Sonic Motor Racing drivers have dominated Albert Park in recent years taking pole position for the last 3 years and victory in nine of the last 12 races at the venue. Michael Almond and Nick McBride will also notch up their 50th Carrera Cup Australia rounds this weekend – only 8 drivers in series history currently have more than 50 round starts to their credit.

The wildcard for the event will be 7-time Bathurst champion, Craig Lowndes who makes his Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia debut this weekend, after contesting the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour aboard an Earl Bamber Motorsport prepared Porsche 911 GT3 R. Lowndes expands the Grove Racing outfit to a two-car team, together with Pro-Am Round 1 winner Stephen Grove.

Grove will battle Dean Cook, Tim Miles and Max Twigg in the Pro-Am class. Twigg has dominated the Pro-Am category at Albert Park in previous years taking victory five times (2008, 2011-2013, 2015). The Bend Motorsport Park owner Sam Shahin also marks his return to the Pro-Am field after missing the opening round of the season due to injuries sustained in the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Every session will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and streamed on Kayo Sports, while Friday to Sunday’s sprint races will also be shown on Channel 10. The race weekend starts on Thursday with a single practice and qualifying session before the 45-minute Endurance race late afternoon. Races 2 to 4 enjoy prime viewing slots again this year at midday from Friday to Sunday.

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

Race Schedule – Round 2, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park

THURSDAY 12 MARCH
Time Session Television broadcast
12:35-12:55 PRACTICE 1 FoxSports / Kayo
15:40-16:00 QUALIFYING FoxSports / Kayo
17:20-18:05 RACE 1 FoxSports / Kayo

FRIDAY 13 MARCH
14:55-15:20 RACE 2 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10 Bold

SATURDAY 14 MARCH
13:00-13:25 RACE 3 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10

SUNDAY 15 MARCH
12:15-12:40 RACE 4 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10

Entry List – Round 2, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park

No CLASS CAR# Name Surname SPONSOR NAME
1 Pro-Am 4 Stephen Grove Grove Group
2 Pro-Am 6 Tim Miles No Second Chance
3 Mobil Pro 8 Nick McBride Porsche Centre Melbourne
4 Pro-Am 9 Marc Cini Hallmarc
5 Mobil Pro 12 Harri Jones HeliMods
6 Pro-Am 13 Sam Shahin The Bend
7 Pro-Am 22 Dean Cook BMF Racing
8 Pro-Am 23 Roger Lago Lago Cold Stores/Dayco
9 Pro-Am 30 David Ryan Sparesbox
10 Mobil Pro 34 Duvashen Padayachee Hyundai Forklifts Aus
11 Pro-Am 35 Indiran Padayachee RENTCORP FORKLIFTS
12 Mobil Pro 36 Cooper Murray Phase 8
13 Mobil Pro 38 David Wall Paynter Dixon
14 Pro-Am 68 Greg Ward Wall Racing
15 Mobil Pro 77 Michael Almond Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA
16 Mobil Pro 78 Aaron Love Sonic/Barbagallo/Porsche Centre Perth
17 Pro-Am 80 Max Twigg
18 Mobil Pro 100 Dale Wood Timken
19 Mobil Pro 111 Cameron Hill Nautica Global Forwarding
20 Pro-Am 222 Scott Taylor Scott Taylor Motorsport
21 Mobil Pro 777 Max Vidau Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/Exedy
22 Mobil Pro 888 Craig Lowndes Grove Group

Lowndes to make Carrera Cup debut with Grove Racing at AGP

Lowndes to team up with Grove Racing for Australian Grand Prix

Seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes will team up with Grove Motorsport on the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia grid at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix (March 12-15, 2020)

Lowndes will join Stephen Grove as part of a two-car effort for the team at the second round of the 2020 season in support of the Australian GP.

The cars will share matching liveries in Melbourne, Grove’s home event, with the latter continuing on in the Pro-Am class after winning the Adelaide round, while Lowndes will be amongst the Mobil Pro field.

The three-time Supercars champion will make his debut in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, with his only previous Porsche experience being his Bathurst 12 Hour drive earlier this year in an Earl Bamber Motorsport-prepared Meguiar’s Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Lowndes’ warpaint was revealed on Friday at the Grove Group’s ride day at Sandown Raceway, with the Group’s founder Stephen Grove also on hand for the announcement.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to continue with the Porsche family following the Bathurst 12 Hour,” said Lowndes.

“The Australian Grand Prix is a global stage and a great track, so I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup races.

“It will be a challenge given it’s my first outing in the category, which is highly competitive but I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.

“A big thanks to the Grove Group and Porsche Motorsport Australia for the opportunity.

“Once a racer always a racer, that side hasn’t changed for me, so I’m looking forward to the event and seeing what the rest of the year brings.”

Grove is excited to have Lowndes join the team for the biggest event on the Carrera Cup calendar.

“To have someone of Craig’s calibre in our car for the weekend is tremendously exciting,” said Grove.

“It is a big race for not just Grove Racing but also the Grove Group so to have Craig alongside me is a big deal.

“Brenton and I have had a fair bit to do with Craig over the past few years due to our connection with Triple Eight, so to have him in a Grove Racing car gunning for outright wins is really special.

“Heading into the round we’re both aiming to have some fun and hopefully end up on the top step of the podium together.”

The Australian Grand Prix weekend kicks off with practice for Carrera Cup on Thursday, with four races held across the weekend including a Sunday sprint race ahead of the F1 Grand Prix.

Amadio Wines increases partnership with Porsche for 2020 motorsport season

Amadio Wines has amplified their association with Porsche for the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season

Amadio Wines has amplified their association with Porsche for the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season

Porsche Cars Australia have announced that Amadio Wines have increased their support of Australia’s premier one-make motorsport series.

The South Australian winemaker will again be the Official Wine and Champagne Partner of both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series for the 2020 season Amadio Wines’ Amadio Grand Reserve Brut will again be used exclusively for Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge podium celebrations throughout the 2020 season, while Amadio
Wines will also hold the presenting rights to Carrera Cup’s 2020 Welcome Function, at the Adelaide-based Amadio Wines Cellar Door.

Amadio Wines will have an increased presence in 2020, with their logos featuring on the rear wing endplates on every Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge entry.
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Amadio Wines for the 2020 Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge seasons. Both Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge provide a great activation platform for our partners and we are excited to further reinforce Porsche’s association with this premium brand,” said Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy.

On the renewal of the partnership, Amadio Wines Managing Director Danniel Amadio said, “It is exciting that Amadio Wines is continuing its partnership with Porsche throughout the 2020 season. The partnership has been a great fit for both brands and it continues to flourish – we are excited to host the Porsche 2020 Carrera Cup Welcome Function at our Cellar Door in the lead up to the Adelaide 500.”

The 2020 season will feature a total of 14 podium presentations across both the Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge series, from which Amadio Grand Reserve Brut will be presented and savoured.

Porsche adds Carrera Cup endurance race to action-packed Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix schedule

Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup teams to enjoy record track time and a new 45 min endurance race at the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2020

Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup teams to enjoy record track time and a new 45 min endurance race at the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2020

Porsche Cars Australia has announced that Australia’s premier one-make series will also host a new 45-minute endurance race on the Thursday afternoon of the Australian Grand Prix, in addition to its three traditional 25-minute Sprint races.

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy revealed, “The Australian Grand Prix weekend is the second round of our 2020 season and arguably one of the biggest races of on our national calendar for the Porsche brand while being a firm favourite with our Pro and Pro-Am drivers.”

“As the premier support category for the event, we are delighted to announce the addition of the new endurance race for our competitors and race fans. This development is not only a first for the series – in its 16-year history – but affords our drivers the most track time of all the support categories in attendance” he continued.

In addition, Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup teams and drivers again enjoy prime broadcast coverage throughout the weekend, with races 2 to 4 scheduled in their traditional slots prior to both the Formula 1® Qualifying and the main race on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Off the track, the exclusive Porsche Pavilion will host a wealth of customers in a dedicated, purpose-built track-side hospitality area, with both the new Porsche 718 Spyder and Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 on display. Race fans can also enjoy the Porsche Kids Track Experience, peruse a Porsche 935 motorsport display and the Porsche in Motion brand activation experience.
Round 1 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season takes place from the 21-23 February at the Superloop Adelaide 500.

RACE SCHEDULE – Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia
Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park

Thursday 12 March
PRACTICE 1 12:35 12:55 20 MINS
QUALIFYING 15:40 16:00 20 MINS
RACE 1 17:20 18:05 45 MINS OR 28 LAPS

Friday 13 March
RACE 2 14:55 15:20 25 MINS OR 10 LAPS

Saturday 14 March
RACE 3 13:00 13:25 25 MINS OR 10 LAPS

Sunday 15 March
RACE 4 12:15 12:40 25 MINS OR 10 LAPS
*Times subject to change

Coffex increases partnership with Porsche for 2020 motorsport season

Coffex Coffee Roasters to keep the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge teams energized for 2020

Coffex Coffee Roasters to keep the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge teams energized for 2020

An integral part of the service Porsche provides to its teams and drivers at each event would only be possible with the support of partners Coffex Coffee Roasters, who have increased their support of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for the 2020 season.

Coffex has been closely aligned with the Carrera Cup championship since the start of the 2015 season when it began as the Official Coffee Supplier of Australia’s premier sports car series, providing coffee, tea and associated products to all involved in the championship.

The Coffex Coffee bar is traditionally the most popular feature within the Porsche hospitality lounge and a place for teams, partners and drivers to relax and enjoy premium, locally roasted – and, above all, the freshest – coffee from professional baristas.

For 2020, the proudly Melbourne brand will again support both Australia’s premier one-make series. In addition to the integrated branding Coffex receive in the Porsche hospitality area, on every vehicle, podiums and communications across Porsche’s websites and social media channels, this year Coffex will also be the naming rights to an exclusive behind-the-scenes video series, dubbed the Coffex Backstage Pass.

The new series will be shot by Porsche at each Carrera Cup event and give fans an insight into the Porsche life at every circuit, by showcasing profiles on leading teams, drivers and personnel as well as highlighting aspects of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship that set it apart from other categories in Australia.

“We are thrilled to continue our strong partnership with Coffex Coffee Roasters into the 2020 Carrera Cup season, but also expand their involvement into to the naming rights partner of the new eight-part Backstage Pass content series,” said Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy.

“The benefits Coffex provide to Carrera Cup has played a crucial role in the overall racing experience for our drivers, teams, sponsors and all attending our motor racing events, evident from the tremendous feedback we receive. This expanded partnership is exciting for our motor racing programme as we continue to enhance and innovate the on- and off-track experiences for our motorsport customers.”

Meanwhile, Coffex Coffee Roasters Marketing Manager Ernest Tong is thrilled to continue the partnership with Porsche, “Coffex Coffee Roasters and Porsche have enjoyed a tremendous partnership across the past five Carrera Cup seasons and it’s exciting to enter our sixth season with the Porsche Motorsport team for 2020,” said Ernest.
Round 1 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season takes place from the 21-23 February at the Superloop Adelaide 500, while Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge gets underway at Sydney Motorsport Park from the 27-29 March.

About Coffex Coffee Roasters:
Born in 1959, Coffex Coffee Roasters has a rich and diverse heritage in Melbourne. Our founding goal was to deliver premium, locally roasted and, above all, the freshest coffee to baristas and coffee lovers – and we have been doing so, ever since. Locally roasted in Brunswick, Victoria; Coffex Coffee Roasters is now one of the largest coffee roasters in the southern hemisphere. As part of its partnership with Porsche, Coffex’s perennial crowd favorite and multiple award winner – Superbar blend is served in the Porsche Lounge at every Carrera Cup event.
Coffex Coffee Roasters – https://www.coffex.com.au/
For more coffee information and videos, follow the Coffex Coffee Roasters social pages: Instagram – @CoffexCoffeeRoasters / Twitter – @CoffexCoffee / Facebook.com/CoffexCoffee

Murray sweeps Adelaide to take early title lead

Pro-Am upset delivers Grove Adelaide advantage

A CLEAN SWEEP of all three races has delivered Porsche Michelin Junior driver Cooper Murray victory in the opening round of the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship.

The 18-year-old swept the Mobil Pro class on the streets of Adelaide, winning an abbreviated third race of the weekend after once again making a near-perfect start from pole position and leading the field through the opening lap.

Murray took his sixth career race victory behind the Safety Car, leading David Wall and Dale Wood home – while he headed Wall and fellow Michelin Junior Aaron Love in the overall round results.

After contact saw class pacesetters Max Twigg and Dean Cook removed from the final race, bringing out the Safety Car, former champion Stephen Grove was in the best position to capitalise and won the Pro-Am round over David Ryan and Twigg.

Murray, however, never put a foot wrong all weekend to kickstart his campaign in style aboard his McElrea Racing / Phase 8 Porsche 991 GT3 Cup Car.

“It’s a great way to start our 2020 campaign – three races, three wins and the championship lead, you can’t ask anything more than that,” Murray said.

“It’s a great confidence boost going into the Grand Prix in a few weeks, as well as the Porsche Michelin opportunity to head to LeMans and watch that race with Porsche.

“It’s been a great start to the season.”

The round win is the second of Murray’s young career; the Victorian having also swept all three races and the round in Townsville last July.

A trio of second positions set David Wall’s quest for a second championship title underway in style, while Love’s podium came in just his second ever round.

Love and teammate Dale Wood battled in the opening lap of today’s race, the latter making a flying start from the third row and challenging Wall for second before the race was neutralised.

The incident that saw the race finish under Safety Car came when Twigg and Grove were battling for the ProAm class lead on the opening lap, the former spinning across the circuit at turn 10 before being collected by Cook – who had no where else to go.

While both drivers climbed from their cars under their own power, Twigg was taken to the medical centre for precautionary checks following the hefty impact.

The impact moved one of the concrete barriers that line the temporary circuit, necessitating lengthy repairs that ultimately saw the race finish behind the Safety Car.

With Twigg and Cook out of the running, Grove ultimately scored his 14^th career Pro-Am victory over an impressive David Ryan, with Twigg retaining third overall.

“It’s funny this sport, you’ve got to keep chipping away,” Grove said.

“Practice was good, the day after that in qualifying and the first race wasn’t great, but we brought ourselves back into contention in race two and managed to come away with the win in race three.

“It was an unfortunate situation with Maxy and Cooky at the end and I pass my best on to them.

“It’s great to get another win and head to the Grand Prix in Melbourne and see what we can do there.”

A quick turnaround will see the Porsche PACE Carrera Cup Australia championship resume at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on March 12-15.

Standings – following 1 of 8 rounds.

1. Cooper Murray 180
2. David Wall 162
3. Aaron Love 132
4. Dale Wood 119
5. David Russell 104
6. Cameron Hill 103
7. Max Vidau 94
8. Nick McBride 78
9. Duvashen Padayachee 63
10. Harri Jones 61

Pro-Am

1. Stephen Grove 150
2. David Ryan 116
3. Max Twigg 114
4. Dean Cook 114
5. Marc Cini 113
6. Tim Miles 96
7. Indiran Padayachee 94
8. Greg Ward 84
9. Scott Taylor 74

Michelin Junior

1. Cooper Murray 180
2. Aaron Love 132
3. Cameron Hill 103
4. Max Vidau 94
5. Harri Jones 61

Murray makes it two in hot Adelaide fight

Max Twigg levels the score in Pro-Am with first win of 2020 season

PORSCHE MICHELIN junior Cooper Murray has withheld searing pressure from former champion David Wall to record his second race win in the opening round of the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia title race.

Meanwhile, Max Twigg levelled the score in Pro-Am, beating race one winner Dean Cook to the line to make Sunday’s finale a winner-take-all proposition in Carrera Cup’s ‘race within a race’.

Today’s 10-lap dash was a breathless affair with Murray and Wall making similar starts and drag-racing towards turn one, the McElrea driver edging past Wall through the Senna chicane to take a lead he would never lose.

Behind them, Aaron Love ran side-by-side with Cameron Hill but also had to cede the position as they raced to turn five.

The race settled into an intense battle from there, the leading quartet evenly matched for the duration with several drivers coming close to, if not beating, the Adelaide lap record.

Murray ultimately won outright and the Mobil Pro class by 0.8 seconds with Wall second for the second time in two races.

“We got off to a good start and once we got into the lead it was a case of staying there and trying to maintain it like we did yesterday,” Murray said.

“On a street circuit like this and with only a short lap time the times are all very close and it’s very hard top pull a gap – but we were able to come away with the win which is the main thing.”

Cameron Hill crossed the line third, however was later penalised five seconds for a false start – elevating Aaron Love to the podium.

That means the 17-year-old from Perth now sits third overall heading into the final race of the weekend in the battle for the last step on the podium.

Dale Wood and David Russell completed the top five in an intense race; local hero Michael Almond missing out on a spot in the top five after contact with the wall two laps from home damaged the right front corner of his Sonic Motor Racing Porsche.

Max Vidau was sixth in just his second ever Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia race, a recovered Nick McBride – who set the fastest lap – was next with the penalised Hill, Duvashen Padayachee and Harri Jones completed the top-10.

The Pro-Am battle was a reversal of race one, Max Twigg jumping Dean Cook early and leading the race through to the flag.

It was the three-time champion’s first Pro-Am race win since the 2018 season and the 47th of his successful career.

It also means he and teammate Cook are tied on points heading into tomorrow’s winner-take-all finale’ to decide the round.

“It was good, and I got a very good start,” Twigg explained.

“I held my own – I was a little bit cautious through turn one because I got a few kerb strikes early on but I’m certainly happy to have my first win of the year, it’s been a long time coming.

“I’m really enjoy the car, the track and the atmosphere and it’s a nice place to be for the weekend!”

Stephen Grove finished third in class while Tim Miles recovered to fourth, having started at the back of the grid, and Marc Cini fifth.

The third and final race of the weekend will be held at 11:10am, local time, on Sunday and will be shown live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports and Channel 10.

RESULTS: Race 2, Superloop Adelaide 500 

Flag to flag win for Cooper Murray in season opener

Dean Cook takes first Pro-Am victory in three seasons at Adelaide 500

COOPER MURRAY has powered from pole position to win the opening race of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship, while Dean Cook scored his first Pro-Am race victory in three years.

Murray, driving his Phase8 / McElrea Racing entry, led from lights to flag in an eventful race to record his fourth career race win and open his 2020 account in style, also snaring honours in the Michelin Junior class and Mobil Professional category.

Having recorded his first outright pole position earlier in the day, Murray made the perfect start and built an early buffer over closest rivals David Wall and Cameron Hill.

He then conserved his tyres for the 15-lap duration to edge Wall by just over 1.5 seconds.

Hill finished third, holding out an aggressive Aaron Love who just missed the top three in just his fourth ever Carrera Cup race.

David Russell was fifth, Michael Almond made several strong moves to charge to sixth position while Dale Wood, Max Vidau, Nick McBride and Duvashen Padayachee completed a racy top-10.

Winner Murray said his plan was to grab an early leave before managing his pace from there.

“It was great. I got the start and was able to control it from there and save the tyres,” he explained.

“I wanted to get a gap at the start while you can, while everyone’s tyres are cold. It was good to get in front, control it and save the tyres.”

The winner survived a hairy moment at turn one, having to negotiate the stranded car of Greg Ward, who at the time was stuck on the racing line at the Senna Chicane.

“That was quite scary, coming to turn one and seeing a car in the middle of the road and making the split-second decision to know whether to go left or right. I saw the gap on the left and went for it and it worked out.”

Wall ran a comfortable second for the entire race, while Hill chased the leaders while at the same time fending off Love’s charging Sonic Porsche.

Russell, meanwhile, headed a freight-train of seven cars in a tight battle for the final spots in the top-10.

After dropping to 10^th on the opening lap, Michael Almond was the biggest mover of the race as he charged to sixth in a storming drive on home turf.

Dean Cook scored his first Pro-Am class victory since Surfers Paradise 2017, in a dramatic race that saw several key contenders strike issues.

Having scored his first ever Pro-Am pole position earlier in the day, Tim Miles’ race lasted no longer than Turn 4 after contact from another car saw him turned around, making contact with the fence and ending his day.

The fast-starting Cook led the entire race under solid pressure from Max Twigg, while Marc Cini finished third on his return to the championship.

“It was an interesting few laps! I got a good launch and jumped Timmy Miles and that was it – I just pushed forward from there,” Cook explained.

“I was fortunate enough to put my head down, look forward and put some good lap times down and pull away from the other guys which is what my objective was.”

Cook’s only issue was the lack of any communication with pit lane.

“After the start there was no radio – the boys could hear me but I couldn’t hear them.. by the end I was looking for that flag at the end – I was ready for a drink!”

Earlier in qualifying, Cooper Murray scored his first outright pole position in a thrilling 20-minute session held on a cool Friday morning.

The Phase 8 / McElrea Racing driver charged to the top on his second new-tyre run, his 1m22.2033 eclipsing former champion Jaxon Evans’ Adelaide street circuit qualifying record in the process.

Murray scored a Mobil Pro class pole in Townsville last year, however was eclipsed to the outright top spot by Pro-Am runner Roger Lago.

David Wall stormed to second place late in the session while a hugely impressive Aaron Love qualified third and fellow Michelin Junior Cameron Hill fourth.

Meanwhile, Tim Miles made it a double pole effort for McElrea Racing as he stormed to his maiden Pro-Am class pole position. The Kiwi, who had twice qualified second in his Pro-Am career, edged out Dean Cook for the class pole position by 0.18 seconds, former champions Max Twigg and Stephen Grove third and fourth, respectively.

The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia returns for the second of three races this weekend, to be contested over 10-laps at 1:30pm local time.

RESULTS

Cooper Murray announces partnership with Phase 8 at 2020 season opener

Murray to partner with Phase 8 for the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season

McElrea Racing driver, Cooper Murray will partner with Phase 8 for the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season

Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia’s youngest ever race and round winner, Cooper Murray, will partner with the Sydney-based electrical engineering, research, development and training company, Phase 8 for the 2020 season.
Phase 8 first joined Carrera Cup in 2012 supporting McElrea Racing’s Alex Davison who would finish third in the championship. Further podium results in the 2013 and 2014 seasons followed when Phase 8 supported Warren Luff’s No Second Chance entry.

For the 2015/2016 season Phase 8 recognised the potential in future star, Matt Campbell, helping the Queenslander to third in 2015 Championship and latterly supporting him to seal the 2016 Championship for McElrea Racing.
Phase 8 continued to support the best emerging talent in 2017 and 2018, culminating in Jaxon Evans winning the 2018 Championship title.

Like Campbell two years earlier, Evans’ performance would see him go onto compete and win the Porsche Junior Driver scholarship in Europe and set them both up for international racing careers abroad.
In 2020 Phase8 have further increased their involvement in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and the McElrea Racing team by securing the naming rights sponsorship on the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car of Cooper Murray in his quest to take the 2020 title.

Now in his second season, Murray will be a strong contender for victory this year and look to build upon the pace and strong performances he displayed in the second half of the 2019 season.

Quotes:
John Graham – Phase 8 CEO
“Each car in the Carrera Cup is identical in every way. This celebration of skill and performance combined with the love of engineering is why Phase 8 are so passionate about supporting this fantastic sport. We look forward to watching Cooper follow in the footsteps on of previous Phase 8 drivers Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans.

Cooper Murray – Driver, Phase 8 McElrea Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car
“It’s a privilege to have Phase 8 on board as my naming rights sponsor for 2020, they have sponsored previous McElrea champions, so for them to put their trust in me for my 2020 campaign is awesome!”

Captivating Carrera Cup colours continue for Hill in 2020

Cameron Hill presents eye-catching livery ahead of the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season opener

Cameron Hill presents another eye-catching livery ahead of the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season opener at the Superloop Adelaide 500 this weekend

Last year, Hill’s captivating colour schemes were the subject of widespread attention from motorsport fans at every Carrera Cup round, earning his CHE Racing Team the coveted Meguiar’s Best-Presented award at season’s end.

Hill said this year’s livery has been designed as a continuation of the fun and unique theme, while also showcasing the team’s new commercial partners.

“Last year’s liveries were always going to be a tough act to follow, but full credit to the crew at Bullrush Rally and Auto Artisan Group – they’ve done another superb job,” Hill said.

“We’ve evolved the comic livery concept used at the start of last season, with spaces to highlight one of our new commercial partners Nautica Global Forwarding, who we met on the 2019 Bullrush Rally.”

Another exciting addition for 2020 is Hill’s helmet, which has been painted in a similar design by Frank at RStar Design.

“I won’t lie… having a helmet that matches the car is pretty cool!” Hill said.

Hill will continue his relationship with Bullrush Rally throughout the year, as a motorsport instructor at the automotive lifestyle brand’s track day events, as well as an entrant in the 5 day Bullrush Rally charity drive from Melbourne to Adelaide.

Hill’s resplendent livery will make its first on-track appearance in Carrera Cup practice at the Superloop Adelaide 500 on Thursday.

Round 1 of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup gets underway with practice 1 at 10:55am (local time) tomorrow

Murray, Grove lead the way in Thursday practice

Hot pace sets the scene for thrilling competition on the streets of Adelaide

Familiar names have topped the charts during a competitive day of practice as the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship burst into life on the streets of Adelaide today.

Porsche Michelin Junior Cooper Murray topped the combined practice order at the Superloop Adelaide 500 for McElrea Racing, while three-time class champion Stephen Grove was on point in Pro-Am.

Murray, who also topped both the Michelin Juniors and the Mobil Pro class, was third-fastest in the opening 20-minute hit-out of the 2020 championship on Thursday morning but improved later in the afternoon to bank a 1m21.4641s best to claim the fastest time of the day.

His flyer, set late in the second session, was only 0.2 seconds slower than the Adelaide qualifying record and sets the scene for a highly competitive weekend ahead.

The 18-year-old junior star was a standout performer at the end of the 2019 season, scoring back-to-back podiums in the final two rounds of the year before picking up where he left off today.

“It was a good way to start the weekend and a real positive going in to qualifying tomorrow,” Murray said.

“The pace was good all day and we’ve just got to convert it tomorrow and do the same thing.

“Tomorrow morning there’s a real chance to beat the record, the track should be good.”

Defending Adelaide 500 round winner, Nick McBride, was second overall to continue his strong run of form on the streets of Adelaide – having won all three races and the event twelve months ago.

The only driver to win multiple rounds on the Adelaide streets since 2008, McBride finished the day less than 0.4 seconds behind Murray.

Third overall was former champion David Wall, who finished the pair of 20-minute sessions 0.50s behind Murray’s best. Wall, who won the final round of the 2019 championship, scored pole in Adelaide last year.

Reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge champion Harri Jones – making his Adelaide 500 debut this weekend – was an impressive fourth on debut in the second McElrea Racing entry in the top four.

Having won the feeder category to Carrera Cup last year, Jones had a taste-test of the big time on the streets of the Gold Coast last October – but impressed in his first proper outing as a full-timer in the top series today.

He just edged out Cameron Hill, who was fifth overall, and Dale Wood in sixth in the final order.

The unofficial ‘Team South Australia’ crew of Sonic Motor Racing duo of Michael Almond and Max Vidau were seventh and eighth, respectively – both racing in front of their home fans this weekend in the pair of bright yellow Bob Jane T-Marts supported entries.

The returning David Russell was ninth in the Dayco-supported entry he’ll share with Roger Lago this year, while Duvashen Padayachee completed the top-10 in his Hyundai Forklifts entry.

Indicating the competitive potential of the 2020 grid, seven outfits made it into the combined top-10 across both sessions.

A pair of triple Pro-Am class champions led the way in their Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia ‘Race within a Race’, Stephen Grove edging out Max Twigg by just 0.2 seconds today.

Fresh from his fifth class victory in the recent Bathurst 12-Hour, Grove was instantly on the money in his Grove Racing Cup Car today as he looks to win his second Adelaide Pro-Am round this weekend.

“The track was so much better in the second session so we could push a little bit more,” Grove said.

“I’m pretty happy with where we are, it was a pretty good effort.

“Any time in the car is a good time! I’m missing all the extra buttons that I had (At Bathurst in the GT3R)! But seat time is everything and I had a couple of good stints at Bathurst so that should see me in a good place.

“I think if it’s a bit overcast tomorrow we’re going to see times these cars have never done here before.”

Fellow triple champion Twigg’s return started well with second in Pro-Am, while Dean Cook was only fractionally behind the pair in third position. Tim Miles and Marc Cini were next, however the former had to survive a brush with the wall at turn eight to do it.

A slide in practice one saw the right-rear corner of Miles’ McElrea Porsche contact the fence at high speed, necessitating a quick repair effort from the team prior to the second session.

He wasn’t the only one to find the notorious bit of concrete: Michelin Junior Joey Mawson also caught out by the high-speed corner in practice two, his car parked for the remainder of the session.

The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship switches to qualifying mode on Friday morning ahead of the first race of the weekend on Friday afternoon. Both sessions will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, while Saturday and Sunday’s races will be also be broadcast on Channel 10.

RESULTS > Carreracup.com.au/results

Race Schedule – Round 1, Superloop Adelaide 500

FRIDAY FEB 21
11:10 – 11:30             Qualifying   FoxSports / Kayo
15:40 – 16:10             Race 1       FoxSports / Kayo

SATURDAY FEB 22
13:30 – 13:50             Race 2       FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10

SUNDAY FEB 23
11:10 – 11:30             Race 3       FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10

Harri Jones reveals Helimods livery ahead of continued ascent up Porsche Pyramid

Harri Jones to make his Superloop Adelaide 500 debut in striking new Helimods Porsche 911 GT3

Harri Jones to make his Superloop Adelaide 500 debut in striking new Helimods Porsche 911 GT3

After taking out the 2019 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Championship (rebranded to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for the 2020 season) young gun Harri Jones is gearing up for his debut in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in a striking, new-look HeliMods Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.

Jones will again team up with Queensland based team McElrea Racing and is looking forward to the new challenges and competition ahead in the Carrera Cup.
“Winning the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge certainly gives me a lot of confidence that we will do well in the Carrera Cup,” said Jones.

“You only need to look as far as Mat (Campbell), Jaxon (Evans) and Jordan (Love) to see how well this pathway has worked for them, but there is no room for complacency in this category.”
Jones will also have continued backing this year by major naming rights sponsor and partner, HeliMods, a world-leading aerospace tech company based on the Sunshine Coast where Harri also interns as an Engineer.

“I’m so grateful for the continued support from HeliMods. We formed an excellent partnership last year and have some pretty awesome plans for the future that I’m really excited about,” said Jones.

HeliMods Managing Director, Will Shrapnel, said he could not be prouder of Harri and what he achieved last year throughout his championship season in the GT3 Cup.
“This year, we’ve stepped up along with Harri into the Carrera Cup and are backing him in a big way, not only through sponsorship but also through a partnership that will see us work together on some exciting new endeavours, including race and driver analytics,” said Will.

“We’re big believers in backing young talent to help them reach their ultimate potential and can’t wait to see what this debut season has in store for Harri and the team.”

On top of the support from HeliMods, Harri is also backed by numerous other Sunshine Coast companies.
“Every one of my sponsors is a success story from the Sunshine Coast. I’m so proud to represent not only these amazing businesses but also my hometown,” said Jones.

Round One of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup begins this Thursday at the Adelaide Superloop 500. The race weekend starts with two practice sessions on Thursday 20 February before a 20min Qualifying and 15 lap race on Friday. Races 2 and 3 enjoy prime viewing slots again this year at midday on Saturday and Sunday.

“I think I’ve watched every single Carrera Cup race from Adelaide over the last few years, needless to say I’m pretty excited to hit the track!”

Every session will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and streamed on Kayo Sports, while both Saturday and Sunday races will also be shown on Channel 10.

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

Image Credits: Oli Coulthard: www.instagram.com/oli.coulthard/

About HeliMods
HeliMods is an aerospace technology company that combines cutting-edge technologies with world-class talent. From their state-of-the-art facility on the Sunshine Coast, they transform helicopters to take on special missions including medical rescue, firefighting and law enforcement.

VIDEO link: https://youtu.be/df0hK9-p1SM

Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia to feature strong 22-car field for season opener

Australia’s premier one-make championship will feature a 22-car strong field for the Superloop Adelaide 500

Australia’s premier one-make championship will feature a 22-car strong field for the Superloop Adelaide 500

The historic city streets of the Adelaide CBD will again play host to the opening round of the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season, marking the 123rd round to be held in the history of the series since it began in 2003.

2020 marks the fourteenth time the Carrera Cup Championship has competed on the South Australian street circuit since the series first appeared at the former Grand Prix venue in 2004.

Historically, the Adelaide round winner has gone on to win the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship that season six times in total, however, it’s happened only twice since the category was re-introduced in 2011 following a two-year hiatus. The drivers to achieve this in the past are Alex Davison (2004), Fabian Coulthard (2005), Craig Baird (2006, 2008, 2013) and Jaxon Evans (2018).

In 2019, Porsche Centre Melbourne driver Nick McBride took the round win and will again look to open his 2020 campaign at the circuit after finishing fourth in the Pro category last season. McBride will face strong opposition from the Timken/Sonic Porsche 911 GT3 cup entry of 2019 runner-up Dale Wood who lost out to Jordan Love in the final race of the season.

The Gold Coast Round winner on that occasion – who finished in third place overall last season – was David Wall, who will hope to carry his strong end of year form into 2020 as one of the race favourites.
Adelaide local, Michael Almond returns with the Bob Jane T-Marts team under the PSA banner, together with Sonic Motor Racing teammates, Max Vidau (Bob Jane T-Marts/Exedy) and Aaron Love (Barbagallo/Porsche Centre Perth). The two Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge graduates step up to the Pro class this year, together with 2019 series winner Harri Jones in the Helimods / McElrea Racing entry.

Jones will partner with Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup’s youngest ever race and round winner in Cooper Murray in the newly liveried Phase 8 / Porsche Centre Brighton McElrea Racing entry. In addition, the Queensland team will again support the ever-consistent Tim Miles in the Pro-Am category along with David Ryan (Sparesbox).

The Adelaide opener will also mark David Russel’s return to the Pro category, sharing the Lago Cold stores/Dayco Porsche 911 GT3 entry this year with Pro-Am, Roger Lago at selected events.

The runner-up in the 2019 Michelin Junior competition, Cameron Hill returns to the series with new sponsors, Goodwin and Kenyon Group. The Canberra resident is likely to again challenge the established Pros and hope to improve upon his maiden round win from Darwin last season. Duvashen Padayachee (Hyundai forklifts Aus) had a strong second half to his 2019 season and rounds out the Pro field together with the returning Volante Rosso entry of Josh Hunt.

The hotly contested Pro-Am class is wide open this year with the absence of 2019 front runners Adrian Flack and Liam Talbot. Despite a dominant drive in the season finale’ at the end of last year, Sam Shahin, unfortunately, misses the first round, following injuries sustained in a massive crash in the recent Bathurst 12 Hour.
Three-time Pro-Am champions, Max Twigg (2011, 2012, 2013) and Stephen Grove (2014, 2017, 2018) will start among the favourites for victory in Adelaide. While Grove’s Mobil 1 Supercup teammate Marc Cini (Hallmarc) also returns to the series this year too and will do battle with an experienced line-up of Pro-Am class contenders including Scott Taylor, Greg Ward, Dean Cook (BMF racing) and Indiran Padayachee in the Rentcorp Forklifts sponsored entry.

Every session will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and streamed on Kayo Sports, while both Saturday and Sunday races will also be shown on Channel 10. The race weekend starts with two practice sessions on Thursday 20 February before a 20min Qualifying and 15 lap race on Friday. Races 2 and 3 enjoy prime viewing slots again this year at midday on Saturday and Sunday.