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.

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

More powerful customer racing car for the GT4 class

Porsche has revealed the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The mid-engined race car from Weissach is based on the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS road car which has also just been unveiled.

The most significant change is the 4.0 litre six-cylinder boxer engine. This high-revving powerplant has been taken directly from the 911 GT3 Cup race car and develops 500 PS* (horsepower) in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport – 75 PS* more than the previous GT4 Clubsport model.

In addition to many upgraded details, the focus in developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport was on further improving overall performance. The standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) fitted to the car now uses all seven forward gears, rather than six. All gears feature shorter ratios than in the previous model.

Depending on the track and series-specific regulations, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport can achieve lap times that are over two percent quicker than the previous model. The homologated vehicle is track-ready ex-factory and can be used in SRO racing series around the world without further modifications.

“We have incorporated our experience of the last three years of running the previous GT4 Clubsport as well as customer wishes into the development of the new car,“ said Michael Dreiser, Manager of Sales and Distribution at Porsche Motorsport.

“Faster lap times combined with a further improvement in driveability offer our customers a competitive product for the upcoming racing seasons in GT4 class racing competitions around the world.“

Porsche began offering the Cayman GT4 Clubsport of the 981 generation in 2016, entering into this new customer racing format early with a competitive car. A total of 421 units were built prior to 2018. The next generation model, which was based on the 718 Cayman GT4, debuted in 2019. It was also an extremely successful car, with around 500 units produced to date.

One of the reasons for the strong demand for these vehicles is due to the low running costs. The use of well-proven series production technology, combined with racing-specific components, significantly reduces the costs for customer teams.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport continues this tradition and offers a further improvement in terms of its competitiveness. The 500 PS* 4.0 litre six-cylinder boxer engine taken directly from the current 911 GT3 Cup racing car is almost 18 per cent more powerful than the 3.8 litre engine that was used in the previous model.

Thanks to an optimised air intake, maximum power is achieved at 8,300 rpm – 800 rpm higher than the previous engine. The new engine revs up to 9,000 rpm. It develops 465 newton metres (Nm) at 6,000 rpm instead of the previous 425 Nm at 6,600 rpm. The result is a much wider usable speed band, which makes driving the car much easier for pro-racers and amateur drivers alike.

Modifications to the chassis have also improved the handling of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. The damper technology has been revised from the ground up in order to achieve an optimised vehicle responsiveness and a further improvement in body control. This has had a significant impact on the overall performance of the vehicle and handling.

Upgrades include the use of two-way adjustable shock absorbers with improved characteristics, in addition to adjustable sword-type anti-roll bars front and rear. Vehicle height, camber and toe are also adjustable. Furthermore, three different spring rates for front and rear axle are now available.

Special NACA ducts in the bonnet are designed to direct the air flow more efficiently to the large racing braking system fitted with 380 millimetre steel brake discs. The Porsche Stability Management System (PSM) is designed specifically for motorsports and includes a switch for traction control (TC), ABS and an updated stability control system.

Excellent aerodynamics ensure that the precise and controllable handling of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport remains well-balanced even in fast curves. Front dive planes and an extended front spoiler lip increase downforce at the front axle.

Wheel arch vents in the wings inspired by the 911 GT3 R and air curtains specifically designed to calm the air turbulence around the front wheels, while the fully enclosed underbody optimises air flow to the diffusor at the rear of the car. The swan neck rear wing has now been given a 20 millimetre long Gurney flap and an adjustment range extended by two additional stages.

The previous 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport was the first ever series production race car to use body parts made of renewable natural-fibre composite material. In the case of the new GT4 RS Clubsport, even more extensive use of this material is made in the vehicle as a whole. In addition to the doors and the rear wing, the bonnet, the wings, the aerodynamic components at the front end and the steering wheel are now made of this material.

The use of this flax-based fibre as an alternative to carbon fibre composite material can now be tested in motorsports for its use in road cars. Porsche has been using motorsports as a test bed for technology, processes and materials potentially capable of being used in road cars for over 70 years now.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped to meet all the prerequisites allowing it to compete in racing events directly from the factory. This begins with the welded-in roll cage and the fore and aft adjustable Recaro racing seat, and extends from 2023 compliant six-point racing safety harnesses and safety nets to the fire extinguisher system and the built-in air jack system with three jacks.

The new safety foam on the driver’s side meets the international requirements of the SRO racing series. The FT3 safety fuel cell can take up to 115 litres of fuel, making it suitable for endurance racing. Additionally, Porsche offers two different exhaust systems, allowing the GT4 RS Clubsport to compete at tracks with stricter noise limits. The vehicle is also prepared for the later addition of homologated headlights or openings in the bonnet for fast refueling to enable the car to be converted quickly for nighttime endurance racing.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is available in Australia with the starting price of 196,000 Euro (ex-factory). Enquiries should be directed to the Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport department via motorsport@porsche.com.au.

View the full image gallery HERE

Further information, film and photo material can be found in the Porsche Newsroom:
newsroom.porsche.com.au

* PS (PferdeStärke, German for horsepower) is the standard unit used in the European Union to measure the power output of a motor in ‘metric horsepower’

All 32 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) cars sold ahead of 2022 Carrera Cup season

Carrera Cup Australia locks in capacity grid ahead of 2022 season start

Carrera Cup Australia locks in capacity grid ahead of 2022 season start

The 2022 Carrera Cup Australia season looks set to be the largest in the 18-year history of the Championship following the confirmation from Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) that all 32 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars destined for the local market have already been sold and shipped.

The 992 generation racer debuted in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this year together with several other Carrera Cup Championships around the globe, including North America for the first time.  The spectacularly styled Cup car is the first racing version based on the current 992 generation and the first one make-cup racer of the German sports car manufacturer to feature a wide turbo-spec body.

Producing around 375 kW (510 hp), the new 911 GT3 Cup exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower. The overall increase in performance of the 992 generation – over the Type 991 II generation – was immediately apparent in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup rounds this year, where lap times were slashed by up to two seconds at most European circuits. This is in part due to not only the increase in power, but increased downforce and wider profile Michelin front tyres. Component run times have also been extended, offering lower running costs and reliability for all teams.

The first car to arrive in Australia was unveiled at Round 2 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, which took place at The Bend Motorsport Park earlier this year. The 992 has since been on display at Porsche Centres around the country at various functions and customer events.

All 32 customer Type 992 Cup cars are currently on route to Australia and scheduled to arrive in Sydney in late December. Porsche Cars Australia will conduct technical presentations and handover with 2022 teams and drivers on the 23 January next year, with a test day scheduled the following day at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Quotes:

PCA’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “It has been overwhelming to see the response and interest in the new 992 generation ahead of next year and its clear our customers and drivers are as excited as we are for it arrive. The entire PCA Motorsport team look forward to handing over the cars to their new owners and drivers in late January.”

Image gallery

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

Matt Campbell helps pilot the Porsche 911 RSR to its final victory in GTLM

Porsche score six titles and a class win at the IMSA finale

Porsche score six titles and a class win at the IMSA finale

Porsche and its customer teams have celebrated a perfect end to the 2021 season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. At the finale at Road Atlanta, Porsche clinched the manufacturers’ title in the GTD class and the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. The Pfaff Motorsports team with regular drivers Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Zacharie Robichon (Canada) secured the team and drivers’ championships with the Porsche 911 GT3 R. Wright Motorsports claimed all three titles in the Endurance Cup, which includes the long-distance races at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and the Petit Le Mans in the US state of Georgia. In the GTLM class, WeatherTech Racing achieved a one-two result at the last race with the 911 RSR.

“What a phenomenal end to the season,” said an ecstatic Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Motorsport. “All three titles in the GTD class and the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup for Porsche’s strong customer squads. Another class victory for the 911 RSR at its last outing in the North American racing series. And on Friday, Wright Motorsports won the manufacturers’, drivers’ and team classifications in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. It doesn’t get better than that! Congratulations to the WeatherTech, Wright, Pfaff and Hardpoint teams and to the colleagues from Porsche Motorsport North America. And a huge thank you to everyone who made these tremendous successes possible through their hard work in the Weissach Development Centre.”

In cool temperatures of under ten degrees Celsius, the No. 9 car fielded by Pfaff Motorsports drove a flawless race at Road Atlanta. Works driver Vanthoor and his teammate Robichon avoided all trouble over the ten-hour race and crossed the finish line second in their class – enough to sweep the GTD title pool. For the Petit Le Mans race, the two received reinforcement in the cockpit from Porsche’s development driver Lars Kern from Germany.

Wright Motorsports delivered a tactically impressive and spirited performance. The 500+PS 911 GT3 R (#16) lost two laps early on due to a puncture after a collision with a rival vehicle. Implementing a perfect strategy, the team managed to close the gap in less than three hours. Works driver Patrick Long from the USA, his compatriot Trent Hindman and Belgium’s Jan Heylen took the lead at the four and eight-hour mark, earning enough points to win the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. In the closing phase, the car could no longer maintain the pace of the frontrunners due to a damaged rear and ultimately took the flag fifth in class.

“We couldn’t have wished for a better end to the season,” concluded Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “It was all on from the first lap. We witnessed lots of overtaking, spills and thrills and ten caution phases. This weekend, everyone in the Porsche family provided the best all-round support during the preparation and the race and kept their cool. We got maximum rewards: all titles for the drivers, teams and manufacturers in the GTD class went to Wright, Pfaff and Porsche this weekend!”

Bad luck plagued the American customer crew Hardpoint at the last race of the 2021 season. In the turbulent early phase of Petit Le Mans, the No. 88 Porsche 911 GT3 R sustained significant damage to the radiator after a shunt with a competitor. The replacement of the damaged part cost the car driven by Americans Rob Ferriol and Andrew Davis and Britain’s Katherine Legge 15 laps. The team was unable to close the gap and crossed the finish line eighth in class.

In the GTLM class, the successful Porsche 911 RSR contested its last race in the IMSA series. From 2022, this vehicle category will no longer be contested in the North American racing series. The WeatherTech Racing customer team, which fielded two of the ca. 515 PS vehicles from Weissach at the season finale, achieved the best possible result: positions one and two at Road Atlanta. After a spectacular and heated battle against the manufacturer teams from Corvette and BMW, the No. 79 car crewed by Cooper MacNeil (USA), Matt Campbell (Australia) and Mathieu Jaminet (France) took the chequered flag in first place. Their teammates Kévin Estre, Frédéric Makowiecki (both France) and Michael Christensen from Denmark secured second in class in their No. 97 entry.

“A perfect swansong performance for the 911 RSR in a hotly contested race,” declared Steffen Höllwarth, Head of Operations GTLM. “We were the only team with two irons left in the fire at the end and we opted for different strategies. Overall, we made the fewest mistakes at the finale. It was a banner weekend for Porsche. All titles in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Cup, all titles in the GTD class and a one-two result in the GTLM category. Thanks to all involved.”

For Porsche, the races in the North American sports car series with the 911 RSR were a resounding success, with seven title wins in the IMSA championship, five victories in the North American Endurance Cup, 24 race wins and 62 podium places over a total of eight seasons. Next season, the experienced customer teams will tackle the GTD Pro and GTD classes with the 911 GT3 R, before Porsche returns in 2023 with an LMDh prototype to take on the fight for overall victory at the world’s greatest endurance races.

Drivers’ comments on the race
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “That was awesome! So much happened in this long race. We tried to stay out of trouble at all times and our car was great. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get past the Aston Martin and win our class. I tried at the end but of course, I didn’t want to risk too much. It was all about the championship and we did it. I’m very proud of the team and my teammates!”

Zacharie Robichon (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “I’m lost for words. We achieved this triumph as a team – everyone worked perfectly together. I couldn’t be more proud of my Pfaff Motorsports colleagues. I’m simply thrilled and I’ve shed a tear or two since the race ended. All my dreams came true today. I still can’t believe it!”

Patrick Long (Porsche 911 GT3 R #16): “There are so many reasons for Porsche and the customer teams to throw a huge party today. It was an extremely turbulent day for me and my teammates in the cockpit and the pits. The fact that we had to pit more often than all the other cars says it all. I’m very proud of the team. We had the ideal strategy to earn the points needed to win the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup: Mission accomplished! That was my last race as a full-time professional for Porsche. But that didn’t play a role in the race today. I’m not going to think about that until tomorrow.”

Cooper MacNeil (Porsche 911 RSR #79): “A great day for Porsche, for our WeatherTech Racing squad and our operations team Proton Competition. To finish the very last race of the GTLM class with a one-two result for the Porsche 911 RSR is simply spectacular. Thanks to all mechanics, engineers and my driver colleagues. The last race of the season couldn’t have ended better.”

Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 RSR #79): “What a completely crazy race! We were locked in a tough battle with the Corvette until shortly before the end and a collision with a prototype threw us back. At that point in time, our teammates were in the lead. While we were in second place, the sister car let us pass and handed us the win. Such things are part of motorsport. I would have preferred to have won in a more traditional sporty way out on the track, so I feel a little sorry for my colleagues, but we witnessed a perfect day for Porsche.”

Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #79): “First and second place for WeatherTech Racing is sensational. Heading into the weekend, we’d secretly hoped for such a scenario to happen – and now it’s come true. I want to thank our colleagues in the No. 97 car. Obviously, without their support, we wouldn’t have won. It was perfect teamwork all around. To achieve the maximum success again with the 911 RSR at the last race of the GTLM class is perfect.”

Kevin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #97): “It was a really cool race, which we crowned with a one-two success. Our strategy was ideal and that put me in the lead with our No. 97 car. We were in first place with three laps to go, then I let the sister car pass – no big deal. I’m proud of the team and I’m proud to be part of this perfect farewell for the 911 RSR in the IMSA championship.”

Result GTLM class
1. MacNeil/Campbell/Jaminet (USA/AUS/F), Porsche 911 RSR #79, 390 laps
2. Estre/Christensen/Makowiecki (F/DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR #97, 390 laps
3. Edwards/Krohn/Farfus (USA/FIN/BR), BMW M8 GTE #24, 389 laps
4. Tandy/Milner/Sims (GB/USA/GB), Chevrolet Corvette #4, 381 laps
5. De Phillippi/Eng/Spengler (USA/A/CDN), BMW M8 GTE #25, 281 laps
6. Garcia/Taylor/Catsburg (E/USA/B), Chevrolet Corvette #3, 150 laps

Result GTD class
1. De Angelis/Gunn/James (CDN/GB/USA), Aston Martin #23, 378 laps
2. Robichon/Vanthoor/Kern (CDN/B/D), Porsche 911 GT3 R #9, 378 laps
3. Montecalvo/Veach/Megennis (USA/USA/USA), Lexus #12, 377 laps
5. Long/Hindman/Heylen (USA/USA/B), Porsche 911 GT3 R #16, 376 laps
8. Ferriol/Legge/Davis (USA/GB/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #88, 359 laps

Full results and championship standings: imsa.alkamelsystems.com.

Carrera Cup announces updated schedules for Bathurst and The Bend

Porsche’s premier Championship to culminate over two action packed weekends

The final rounds of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship have been rescheduled to provide a riveting spectacle for fans headed to The Mountain, with Rounds 4 and 5 of Australia’s premier one-make Championship now set to take place over four races (two races per round) at the Bathurst 1000 event from 01-05 December.

Mount Panorama’s revised schedule now plays host to 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.

With huge points on offer across these four Bathurst races, the 6,2km Mountain circuit will have a massive impact in defining both the Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am Class titles, while providing a tantalizing spectacle for fans on the biggest motorsport stage of the year.

Teams then head south for the final round at The Bend Motorsport Park a week later. This last round will comprise three Carrera Cup races, as well as a double header of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge rounds to conclude both 2021 Championships.

With his nearest rival, Cooper Murray, currently in Europe ahead of the Porsche Junior Global Shootout, Cameron Hill, is in arguably the strongest position for the overall Carrera Cup title heading into the final rounds. The young, Canberran currently holds an 80-point advantage over Murray and a 91-point advantage over third placed Harri Jones, with David Wall a 131-points behind in the overall fight for the Mobil Pro premier class.

Hill, who competes in his own family-run team, dominated the first half of the year claiming seven wins from the year’s first eight races. The talented 21-year old will be hoping to emerge unscathed from Bathurst and head into final round at The Bend with both his 911 GT3 Cup car and championship lead intact.

The Morris Finance Pro-Am fight is far tighter by comparison, with only 73-points separating current class leader, Stephen Grove (343) from Geoff Emery (337), Sam Shahin (278) and Dean Cook (270). Grove and Emery have shared victories so far this season, but one can’t discount the likes of Shahin and the ever-present Cook to occupy steps on the Bathurst podium.

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. While broadcast coverage of the final round will be announced closer to the event.

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “With four massive races now scheduled across the Bathurst 1000 weekend, it’s not only offers significant exposure for our partners, teams and drivers, but also provides fans with a front row seat to the grand finale which will play out over two action packed weekends. As both the Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am Championships are still up for grabs and it’s going to be exciting to see who will emerge victorious at the end of these three remaining rounds.”

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

Lowndes and Wall Racing announce partnership with Monochrome Asset Management

Wall Racing will become the first sporting team in Australia to hold Bitcoin on its balance sheet, following the Sydney based team’s partnership announcement with Monochrome Asset Management, the investment management firm behind Australia’s leading investment-grade Bitcoin Fund.

As part of this partnership, the Monochrome Bitcoin Fund will proudly feature as the major partner of Craig Lowndes’ Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for the penultimate rounds of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Bathurst which take place from the 01-05 December.

In an innovative Australian first, the partnership will extend beyond vehicle branding and customer experiences, with Wall Racing adding bitcoin exposure to their balance sheet. The teams will share further details on this initiative closer to the event.

Quotes:

Team Principal, David Wall: “Not only is it great to have the backing of Jeff and the team at Monochrome for Wall Racing, it’s exciting to lead this adoption of bitcoin as an investment at a corporate level.”

“While this is a newly minted deal, we hope it continues to flourish and grow alongside Monochrome. The business has a fascinating trajectory, an excellent team, and we expect our fans and the audience of the Carrera Cup Australia will respond well to it.”

Seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner, Craig Lowndes: “It is exciting to have the Monochrome team join us for the race, and we look forward to introducing their brand not only to the series and its audience, but the iconic Mount Panorama race track. It’s been a disjointed year of racing, so from a driver’s point of view, I can’t wait to get in the Monochrome Porsche and lap the Mountain.”

Jeff Yew, CEO of Monochrome Asset Management: “Monochrome takes a lot of pride in being able to build a partnership with Australian sporting icons such as Wall Racing. It will be exciting to see Craig tackling the Mountain in December.”

“David Wall and the team have always pioneered performance, on and off the race track. They’ve continued this by becoming the first Australian sporting group to have Bitcoin on their balance sheet, which is a massive milestone for Australian sports,” he continued.

View the full image gallery here

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 Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia gains Championship status

Motorsport Australia confirms Championship status and increased super licence points from 2022

Motorsport Australia confirms Championship status and increased super license points from 2022

Motorsport Australia has confirmed that Porsche Paynter Dixon 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, GT and the S5000 as official Motorsport Australia circuit racing Championships.

The elevation in status recognises the category’s importance in the Australian motorsport landscape.

“The Motorsport Australia Board has gladly approved this promotion and it is one that we are delighted to confirm, highlighting the strength of the Carrera Cup Australia in recent years,” Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said.

“The category continues to provide exciting racing on the national stage. It also provides an important pathway in the motorsport pyramid, not just for those wishing to compete here in Australia, but also for those who wish to compete overseas and showcase their talents.

“Carrera Cup Australia has been such a strong pillar of motorsport in Australia in recent times and we look forward to the competitors and teams racing for a prestigious Championship title in 2022 and beyond.”

Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy, said the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia promised to be one the most exciting in recent years.

“This announcement is great news for both our teams and drivers as well as those Michelin Junior Development drivers progressing onto Supercars like Matthew Payne,” Bundy said.

“Receiving Championship status also means our Mobil Pro drivers will receive the same recognition and Super license points as the likes of Super 2, S5000 and GT World Challenge Australia Championships.”

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship will finish its 2021 season on a high, competing at the Repco Bathurst 1000 and The Bend Motorsport Park in mid-December.

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

Campbell and Evans finish on podium in WEC, Bahrain

Porsche finish runner-up in manufacturers’ classification

The Porsche GT Team finished the last race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in positions two and four. At the eight-hour race in Bahrain, the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR driven by Kévin Estre (France), Neel Jani (Switzerland) and Michael Christensen (Denmark) held a well-earned lead in a gripping final sprint to the flag and was on course for the title when a Ferrari shunted the Porsche into a spin.

Race Control did not penalise the competitor. The identical ca. 515 PS sister car shared by Gianmaria Bruni from Italy, Richard Lietz from Austria and Frédéric Makowiecki from France concluded the sixth and final race of the season on fourth place in the GTE-Pro class.

In the manufacturers’ classification, Porsche wrapped up the endurance season in second place. In the GTE-Am class, the German customer teams Dempsey-Proton Racing and Project 1 repeated their successes from the previous week at the same racetrack. Germany’s Christian Ried, works driver Matt Campbell from Australia and New Zealander Jaxon Evans finished second in their No. 77 Porsche 911 RSR.  Campbell (2016) and Evans (2018) are both former Carrera Cup Australia champions and graduates of the Porsche Michelin Junior Development Programme.

“It’s a sad day for Porsche Motorsport,” comments Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Motorsport. “Our rival nudged our leading car into a spin and drove on to victory. We can’t understand why the race director first issued a penalty and then withdrew it. Our drivers and teams deserve the utmost respect. Everyone drove a fair and clean race for eight hours and gave spectators a great show. I’d like to thank them all for this. Right up until the end, the race was a really great promotion for motor racing.”

“It was a sad end to an extremely exciting race for us. Unfortunately, we were spun off the track by a competitor,” remarks Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC, giving an account of his impressions. “We can’t understand the race stewards’ decision. First, the two leading cars were supposed to switch positions after the contact which would’ve put our Porsche back in the lead. A little later, they withdrew this announcement during the No. 92’s pit stop. So, despite our fair and clean race, we couldn’t achieve our goals. That’s why we’ve lodged a protest.”

Up until the final stage, the protagonists had been locked in a wheel-to-wheel battle and treated fans to spirited fights over 7:45 hours. After the start, polesitter Estre retained his front spot, and as the race progressed, the frontrunners took turns at the lead. Clever decisions by strategists in the Porsche GT Team pits and flawless performances by the drivers enabled Christensen to head into the final 15 minutes of the season finale as the leader – only to have Alessandro Pier Guidi (Italy) shunt the rear of the Porsche 911 RSR with his Ferrari.

Bad luck hampered the crew in the No. 91 sister car in the second half of the race. The 911 RSR driven by Bruni, Lietz and Makowiecki took the lead multiple times in the first four hours but then lost time due to a pit-stop penalty. A little later, a loose rear wheel caused significant vibrations and, as a result, the rear left wheel sustained minor damages. The team had to make an unscheduled pit stop, and Bruni then brought the struggling 515 PS nine-eleven home in fourth place.

The Porsche GT Team concluded the 2021 season after six races with 277 points as runner-up in the manufacturers’ classification. In the world drivers’ championship, Kévin Estre and Neel Jani earned 166 points on their way to second place. Their team colleagues Gianmaria Bruni and Richard Lietz wrapped up the year in third with 111 points. In the team classification, Dempsey-Proton Racing finished the season in third place.

Drivers’ comments after the race
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “What a huge disappointment! Our team did a perfect job and got us to the front with a great strategy. In the last 30 minutes of the race, our tyres deteriorated rapidly. I had to pull out all stops to stay in the lead. I fended off the Ferrari and was fair at all times – but then it pushed me off the track. And that was the end of our chance to win and title dream.”

Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “Our fight was tough and fair and we held a well-deserved lead. With a few minutes to go, a Ferrari hit our car. At first, race control ordered that he should hand first place back to us. While we were driving to the scheduled refuelling pit stop, they then retracted this decision and we didn’t get our position back. I don’t think that’s fair.”

Neel Jani (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We were champions until eight minutes before the flag and then we lost it. If someone overtakes us fair and square we don’t have a problem with this and they’re the deserved winner – but not with a shunt. The team did a terrific job, the strategy and pit stops were super. I can only thank Kévin and Michael for this season.”

Christian Ried (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “That was a super race and a great end to the season. We moved up to third place in the championship so it couldn’t have gone better for us. Jaxon Evans and especially Matt Campbell put in an awesome fight – I thought I’d have a heart attack. Matt wasn’t completely happy with the car during the last stint, but he fought hard and managed to gradually close the gap. Then on the last lap, in the last corner, he snatched second place! Super cool!”

Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Calado/Pier Guidi (GB/I), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 233 laps
2. Estre/Jani/Christensen (F/CH/DK), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #92, 233 laps
3. Serra/Molina (BR/E), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #52, 233 laps
4. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #91, 231 laps

GTE-Am class
1. Perrodo/Nielsen/Rovera (F/DK/I), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #83, 230 laps
2. Ried/Campbell/Evans (D/AUS/NZ), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #77, 229 laps
3. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #56, 229 laps
10. Wainwright/Barker/Gamble (GB/GB/GB), GR Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #86, 224 laps
DNF. Andlauer/Jefferies/Al Qubaisi (F/GB/UAE), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #88, 90 laps

Full results and points’ standings on: fiawec.alkamelsystems.com

For more Porsche Michelin Junior Programme news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Madeline Stewart to make Carrera Cup Australia debut in Bathurst

Team Porsche New Zealand driver to contest final rounds of 2021 season

Madeline Stewart will be stepping up to make her Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia debut at this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000. The New Zealander will also contend both final rounds of Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia in a double header Motorsport Australia event at The Bend Motorsport Park with the Porsche Team New Zealand team.

Bathurst will also mark the Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) driver’s second visit to Mount Panorama circuit this year. After beginning the year in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Stewart is making the step-up to get some racing miles under her belt after heavily impacted 2021 season due to the travel restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s been a tough year as we haven’t raced since Sydney Motorsport Park in May. We have done a few test days and have made a lot of progress, so I am very excited to take this opportunity on the mountain,” said Madeline.

“The most laps I’ve done around Bathurst was earlier on in the year at the 6 hour, but Bathurst in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car will be a really cool combo and I cannot wait to drive it.”

Madeline’s no stranger to being thrown in the deep end with her racing career as the 21-year-old had her first season racing cars in the Super 3 category.

“This weekend is all about learning, the calibre of drivers is in Carrera Cup Australia is extremely high, so I am looking forward to getting the experience racing against them in such a competitive field. It’s always good to get some laps around Bathurst and that’s what I am after. My goal is to bring the experience and knowledge of the car through to next year’s racing season.”

Making the step-up to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia wouldn’t have been possible without the support she gets from Earl Bamber himself and the team he has formed in Australia.

“While Earl, is currently on the other side of the world, he continues to guide and mentor me. He always points me in the right direction and I feel incredibly lucky to be working with him and such a great team.”

Madeline’s first session at the mountain will be practice 1 on Wednesday the 1st of December.

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

Porsche People: Like father, like son, meet the Almonds

70 Years Porsche People

Porsche runs in the Almond family blood, just as thick as the Stuttgart brand’s 70-year history in Australia.

As Porsche celebrates its 70th anniversary down under, Michael Almond is well into his eighth season in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and his 10th in racing altogether.

Courtesy of his father, Ross Almond’s long-held passion for the brand, Michael grew up around the iconic golden logo, and falling in love was easy.

Paging even deeper into the books, it all stems from Ross’ daily trip to school.

“Ever since I was fairly young I’ve loved the brand,” said Almond Snr.

“I used to walk to school in Sydney and go past the Porsche dealership every morning and fell in love with the 911 back then. At that stage in 1974, they were about $8000 new and I just loved them ever since.”

The Porsche journey had started for the Almond family, and there was no turning back.

“It’s a symbol of achievement to me, it’s something I’ve always wanted, always aspired to, and I bought my very first Porsche in 1991 I believe,” added Ross.

“It was a very exciting time. I’ve got pictures at home of my son Michael at about six or seven years of age sitting on my knee driving it around the car park.

“The brand has been a sense of personal enjoyment of my achievements and the cars are just incredible. Porsche is just the vehicle for me.”

While Ross’ first 911 was a Carrera 2, his next car, a 911 Turbo type 964 like the one featured in the film ‘Bad Boys’, made him “the world’s coolest dad” in the eyes of his son.

“Through the early days of my childhood I can remember seeing Porsches in the movies and on the TV and when I was about six or seven my father bought his first Porsche,” Michael reflected.

“I know he had to sell it early on and he got a 964 Turbo out of Bad Boys when I was about 10 in 1994 or 1995.

“The Porsche brand has always been in the family and I’ve loved them for as long as I can remember.”

The passion for Porsche’s road car product naturally translated into an interest for the thoroughbred racing product.

Ross Almond spent years racing in various disciplines, enabling his son to catch the racing bug in the process.

As Michael kick-started his motorsport career in 2012, his dad stepped away from racing, but it was merely the turn of a new chapter.

In his first-ever race, Michael found himself steering a GT3 Cup car and despite starting his racing career later than usual, he was fulfilling a life-long dream.

“You hear all the stories about how great a Porsche is and they’re bulletproof and until you do that yourself you only then realise how true it is,” he commented.

“That’s why they have that one-make category in all the regions around the world; there’s not many manufacturers that have such a successful program.

“The cars are just built to do it, they’ve got strong engines, a strong chassis, they handle well. For me, it doesn’t get much better.”

As a stalwart in Carrera Cup Australia, Almond Jnr has been able to experience the technology and progression of Porsche’s racing product first-hand.

Next season Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia will introduce the first 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, with the latest iteration of machinery for Porsche’s global one-make formula seeing an increase of 25 horsepower from its predecessor.

An example of the Type 992 car was sent straight from Porsche Motorsport in Weissach, Germany to Australia and was on show at Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at The Bend Motorsport Park in May.

Next year’s car will be the fifth different Cup car that Michael has competed in, such is his experience in the series.

“The development and the technology that Porsche are bringing, you see that every three or four seasons when they bring a new car out,” he said.

“Being a part of that is pretty special and being able to experience how much better they make the front end of a car generation-on-generation.

“The aero is another thing and the power delivery and all those little improvements. That’s the icing on the cake, but the formula of a one-make series where you work in a nice team culture within Porsche and that positive sport psychology side of it is what I love.

“Getting the most out of myself and the team; it’s such a great brand to chase sponsorship, Porsche put on such a good show that they really give you everything to lean on and go racing and make a career out of it.

“It’s all a real family culture that Porsche put on.”

In its 70-year history in Australia, and even more incredible 90 years globally, Porsche has come a long way.

The brand’s success in motorsport is only part of the story.

It’s how the Stuttgart manufacturer has developed its road cars over the years with one thing in mind – precision engineering.

Precision is at the core of every car that is born in the factory.

Having owned multiple 911s, as well as the GT2 RS and GT3 RS models and more, Ross Almond gave a testament to the 70-year long success of Porsche in Australia.

“I think Porsche have done a brilliant job with the product,” he said.

“They’ve managed to modernise the product by still keeping the character of when it was first built by the look, style and feel of the vehicle, plus the mechanical side of it.

“They’re the only manufacturer that’s managed to keep true to its original form and that’s what I think the secret is – people feel they’re driving something with heritage

“It’s very rare in this day and age to say that. Whether you’re driving a 1994 3.6L turbo or the latest GT3 RS, they just feel part of the same family.

“That’s probably where the lure for most people comes on the car.”

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

Cooper Murray preparations on track for Porsche Junior Global Shootout

His thoughts on the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) and his Carrera Cup France podium

Michelin Junior shares thoughts on the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) and his Carrera Cup France podium  

Following his nomination as the Michelin Junior Winner and Porsche Cars Australia’s nomination for the Porsche Junior Global Shootout in late November, Cooper Murray travelled to Portimao circuit earlier this month for a test session in the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and to contest the final round of Porsche Carrera Cup France this last weekend.

The test session offered the Carrera Cup Australia’s youngest race and round winner, his first taste of the famed European circuit, “Portimao is an amazing track, different to any other I’ve driven in Australia. Most corners are all fast and flowing with only a few slow corners. Pictures and video don’t do it justice or give you a real feel for how much elevation the track actually has, it’s really cool.”

Part of his prize for winning the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme this year in Australia was also the opportunity to be the first to test the new 992, which will be used in the Porsche Junior Global Shootout and campaigned in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia from next season, “What an amazing opportunity it was to race and drive the new 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup car on the weekend in Portimao. The new 992 is completely different to the 991 Gen II Cup car I have been used to for the last three years, which meant having to adapt my driving completely and try not implement old habits from the current car.”

Heading into the last round of Porsche Carrera Cup France, the McElrea Racing graduate had to be mindful of his role within the race, as only five points separated Marvin Klein (CLRT) and Murray’s Martinet by Almeras teammate, Dorian Boccolacci, heading into the French season finale.

Klein would eventually triumph and pip Boccolacci – succeeding Jaxon Evans, the 2020 overall champion- to claim the thirty-first edition of the Carrera Cup France Championship.

After top five performances throughout almost every session of the weekend, Murray impressed all and the young Australian would finish fourth in the weekend’s first race and third in the second and final race, “The Carrera Cup France series is very tough, as you have drivers who are proven to be fast enough to win races in Porsche Mobil1 Supercup. It was a challenge that’s for sure, but was made a bit easier thanks to the experienced team at Martinet by Almeras. It was a pleasure to work with them and I really enjoyed the whole experience.

Murray will now have a two day test session in Paul Ricard in France before heading to the Porsche Junior Global Shootout from the 23-25 November, “Going into the shootout in late November I now have confidence knowing how the 992 behaves and handles. I feel ready for the task that is ahead.”

To learn more about the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia click here: https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/

Porsche People: Stephen and Brenton Grove

The Grove family has a decade young association with Porsche

The Grove family has a decade young association with Porsche, and in that short time, they have squeezed more in than most can muster in a full career.

A late bloomer onto the motorsport scene, Stephen Grove, now 53, celebrated the success of his construction industry business by getting involved in motorsport.

In what innocently started behind the wheel of a 2006-spec Porsche 997 in Victorian state racing quickly turned into a full-blown Carrera Cup campaign that has seen him race at the highest level on the domestic and international scene.

And the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree, either. His son Brenton, 23, is also seeking his own success in the sport.

The father and son combination have driven together, and raced against each other. They have different career goals and they also nominate starkly different career highlights.

But if there’s one product that binds them tight beyond their obvious family ties, it’s their love and loyalty of Porsche.

All of the pair’s significant motorsport success has come strapped tight inside the famous German brand, from taking multiple Bathurst 12 Hour class victories, to racing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and even claiming a medal in the inaugural ‘Motorsport Games’ – racing’s answer to the Olympics.

It was this feat that Stephen and Brenton achieved together that Grove Sr holds dearest.

“Our 12 Hour win together was something that was very special, but for me to win in Rome ticked a lot of boxes because I could represent my country,” said Stephen.

“I’m a very patriotic Aussie, and to represent Porsche, to represent my country, to race with my son and to get a Bronze medal, if I look back at my career so far that would be the pick for me.”

While Stephen’s highlight was as close as he is likely to get to feeling like an Olympic hero, Brenton’s golden moment wasn’t necessarily an on-track result.

In 2020, after seven years of his family’s toil on the track with Porsche, their loyalty was rewarded with factory support for their Bathurst 12 Hour efforts.

Along with British sportscar ace Ben Barker in their 911 GT3 R in the Pro-Am class, they took home the class crown in the once-around-the-clock mountain classic.

But it wasn’t that the Grove’s trophy cabinet might have required an extension that made this a career highlight for Brenton. It was the fact that Porsche had recognised their family team’s worth, and backed their efforts, that he looks back on with fondness.

“For me, the biggest moment we’ve had as a family is winning for Porsche at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2020,” he said.

“The race was the first time we represented Porsche in the outright Class A, and we brought a car over and it was the first time we had really strong factory support.

“The way we were welcomed into the team and the Porsche family that week was really a proud moment for not only myself and Steve but a lot of the other people that had been with us on the journey through Carrera Cup.

“We were the only Porsche that won a class and to represent the factory in that way was a really special moment.

“We enjoyed it so much that we decided to go and buy a GT3 R of our own!”

Stephen says that unlike other brands, Porsche has a special touch that brings you into the fold and keeps you there.

“Porsche make you feel like you’re a part of their family,” he said.

“That’s a kind of terminology that anyone can use but it’s true – whether you are a part of their racing program or a road car customer, you are made to really feel like a part of the family. And to feel a part of a brand as iconic as Porsche is something a lot of other companies just can’t give you. It’s definitely a family feel.”

That family feel was evident for Brenton early in his exposure to motorsport. In 2013, just as his father was starting to gain a reputation as a solid, competitive Pro-Am driver in Carrera Cup Australia, the then 16-year-old was taken under the wing of Carrera Cup’s late category manager Jamey Blaikie.

“Porsche make you feel like you’re a part of their family – whether you are a part of their racing program or a road car customer, you are made to really feel like a part of the family.” Stephen Grove

In Blaikie’s typically encouraging and accommodating style, he taught Brenton the inner-workings of the Porsche racing business and says now that he learned quickly the unique ethos employed by Porsche.

“Not many people know that I actually did work experience at Porsche Cars Australia,” he explained.

“I worked at Carrera Cup for a year under Jamey Blaikie and I will be forever grateful for Jamey taking me on as a young kid.

“Essentially, I was an assistant to the category manager, and he really showed the importance Porsche places on its customers.

“I learnt everything from dealing with teams to organising schedules and organising events, basically I learnt the whole inner workings of Porsche Motorsport in Australia.

“I’ve kind of done everything with Porsche in terms of motorsport. From racing their cars, to winning in their cars, working for their categories and meeting people in Germany. That just shows the commitment Porsche has to supporting their customers and how committed they are to making sure the experience a business or a customer has with their brand is always of the highest quality.”

Among the growing collection of race cars that the team has in its Melbourne-based racing workshop, Brenton has added a new car to its fleet – a 911 Carrera S.

For Brenton, he now has the best of both worlds. A similar car that he tackles race tracks on and its road-going relation that offers the highest level of comfort and quality.

“I bought a Porsche 911 Carrera S, so essentially the car I’ve been racing for so many years, I now have a version of my own to drive around on the road as a daily driver,” he said.

“Everything about it is quality, luxury and high-end. It’s just a meticulously designed, beautiful car that has the utmost style about it.

“This is the first road car I’ve had with Porsche, and the experience that Piero (Pellegrini) and the team at Porsche Centre Melbourne gave me was out of this world. They are such a professionally-run, really friendly and supportive team that took care of anything and everything to make sure that my experience with them was absolutely perfect.”

So, what’s next for the Grove team? Stephen confirmed that the father and son combination are taking on the all-new GT3 R into the rejuvenated Australian GT class in 2021, alongside his regular Carrera Cup duties.

“A Carrera Cup car is an extremely well-engineered and built car, it’s really good and they build a lot of them, but the GT3 R is next level, the aero and technology that goes into them is incredible and it’s a very special car,” he said.

“We are committed to the full GT season in 2021 in the GT3 R as a father-son team. I’ll do Carrera Cup myself as a separate thing for me, but Brenton and I will race together in GT World Challenge Australia. It’s the first new Porsche GT3-R into Australia, they have only built seven of them so to have one coming down to Australia is really special.”

Troy Bundy announces departure from Porsche Cars Australia

Head of Australia’s premier one-make series to leave Porsche Cars Australia

Following a career spanning four and a half years with Porsche Cars Australia (PCA), Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy, has announced he will be leaving PCA during the month of December this year to take on a new opportunity. Bundy will continue in his role until the completion of this year’s motorsport season and will announce his new role in due course.

Bundy has been a key contributor to the success of Porsche Motorsport in Australia since he joined PCA in 2017. Both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia have enjoyed strong results under his leadership.

He leaves both series well positioned to continue his success, with the introduction of 30 new 911 GT3 Cup cars (Type 992) already sold ahead of the 2022 Carrera Cup Australia season.

Quotes:

PCA’s Sales and Motorsport Director, Toni Andreevski: “On behalf of the entire team at Porsche Cars Australia, I would like to sincerely thank Troy for his contribution to the successful development of the Porsche motorsport business in Australia. Motorsport in is Porsche’s DNA, and Troy worked tirelessly on behalf of competitors, teams and our many partners to ensure both one-make Porsche racing categories in Australia thrived. Whilst we are sad to see him leave us, we wish him every success in the new endeavours that lay ahead.”

 PCA Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working on the Porsche Motorsport programme in Australia, and I am really proud of what my team and I have been able to achieve during this time. While I am moving on to my next project, the Porsche motorsport programme in 2022 has never looked stronger and I am confident the team will continue to deliver the best support categories within Australia “

Bathurst and The Bend Motorsport Park double header to close out 2021 season

Porsche announce final rounds of 2021 Carrera Cup Australia and Sprint Challenge seasons

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to confirm the remaining rounds of both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championships subject to regional borders between the required states opening up in time.

Carrera Cup’s fourth round is currently earmarked for the Repco Bathurst 1000, part of the new six-day event to be held at the historic Mount Panorama circuit, which is scheduled to take place from Tuesday November 30 to Sunday December 5. The return of Carrera Cup in Bathurst follows three thrilling rounds in Sandown, The Bend Motorsport Park and Townsville earlier this year.

The week after Bathurst, Australia’s premier one-make series will then head south for a double header at The Bend Motorsport Park, to complete the final two rounds of the 2021 Championship. The South Australian circuit, owned by Morris Finance Pro-Am, Sam Shahin, will see the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship event also host the final two rounds of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series over the same weekend from the 10-12 December.

A drop-the-round ruling – introduced last year by Porsche – may be implemented, should a team be unable to attend. This ruling was already employed to good effect earlier this year by several Sydney drivers (Tim Miles, Indiran Padayachee and Jackson Walls) who were unable to contest the last Carrera Cup Australia round in Townsville, due to travel restrictions at the time in NSW.

While live broadcast coverage of the Repco Bathurst 1000 will be available across both network (FoxSports and Kayo Sports) and Free-to-air (Channel 7) channels, broadcast coverage of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Round will be announced closer to the event.

Quotes:
Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We want to go racing as much as anybody, and are doing all within our means to get our teams and drivers back on track. This announcement provides the opportunity for both categories to try to complete their seasons in what has been a challenging year for all key stakeholders. I would like to thank our competitors and teams for all the continued support they have provided us during the year, as well as Supercars Australia and Motorsport Australia on working with us over the last few months to achieve the best possible opportunities to go racing again.”

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

2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Calendar

Rnd Event State Date
4 Bathurst 1000 NSW 30 Nov – 05 Dec
5 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec
6 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec

2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Calendar

Rnd Event State Date
3 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec
4 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec