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NewsTeam Porsche NZ locks in 2024 plans
Carrera Cup Australia, Asia and Sprint Challenge confirmed for Porsche NZ-backed squad
At the start of the 2024 motorsport season, Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is gearing up to compete with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in three Porsche single-make series this year.
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia kicks off the calendar, with Marco Giltrap debuting in the series in the opening round at the Melbourne Grand Prix this weekend.
Giltrap is graduating from the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia series where he took out the championship title in 2023. In the off-season, he has been competing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe Championship where he finished 8th in the Pro Class.
The 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will also see Giltrap compete on home turf, with the Australian series crossing the ditch for the first time, competing at the Taupo SuperSprint in April.
“I’m super excited to be continuing my racing journey with Porsche New Zealand and EBM, we have already achieved a lot and I am looking forward to keeping our momentum going. Both the team and myself have been working hard in preparation for the season so I’m keen to get stuck in” said Giltrap.
TPNZ will be returning to Porsche Carrera Cup Asia with scholarship driver Zac Stichbury pivoting his 2024 plans to kick off his Carrera Cup career at a variety of iconic Asian tracks. The team started its scholarship program in the Asian Carrera Cup series in 2019, however shifted the focus to Australia in 2021.
Stichbury will be sharing the season with teammate Marco Giltrap in a TPNZ team car that will allow both drivers to grow their experience outside the Australian market. The championship kicks off at the Shanghai Grand Prix from 18th – 21st April, with Stichbury confirmed to race the first two weekends of the calendar. The remaining schedule will be announced in due course.
“It’s exciting to still have the full support from Porsche NZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport for this season. It’s a new opportunity that I can’t wait to jump into and learn with a new group of people and develop my skills in the new car. Together with the team, I’m confident we can achieve great success and have an enjoyable year” said Stichbury.
The team’s newest scholarship recipient, Brock Gilchrest will debut his Porsche racing career in the 2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series.
The series is the feeder for the Porsche Carrera Cup and has proven as a popular pathway for drivers to master the 911 GT3 Cup Car before taking on the Carrera Cup series. The 20-year-old won the 2023 Toyota 86 championship and recently took out the GT4 title at the 2024 GT New Zealand Championship.
“I am really looking forward to starting the season in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Team Porsche New Zealand. Testing has been positive and I have built a decent pace as I get more comfortable with the car. We will be looking to bring that same momentum into round 1. I can’t wait to have a good crack at the season ahead” said Gilchrist.
Greg Clarke, General Manager, Porsche New Zealand
“The team had a very successful 2023 season taking out the championship titles in both Australian Porsche series, with Marco Giltrap in Sprint Challenge and Callum Hedge in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. By expanding into Carrera Cup Asia, we have opened the opportunity for our team to take out three championships this year, whilst also developing our drivers on new tracks.“
Earl Bamber, Owner, Earl Bamber Motorsport
“This year we see a three-series effort from Team Porsche New Zealand as we continue to develop drivers and see them progress in their careers. It’s exciting to kick off the season, first in Carrera Cup Australia with Marco Giltrap, followed by Brock in Sprint Challenge Australia. Now we also have the chance to see Zac develop his Carrera as he makes the change to move into Carrera Cup Asia.“
“We are also proud to see graduates of the scholarship program Matthew Payne and Ryan Wood return recently for some races with Earl Bamber Motorsport.”
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NewsCarrera Cup battle to commence in Melbourne
New season begins with strong 27-car field at Albert Park
THE FIGHT for Australia’s top one-make championship commences anew this weekend as Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship descends on Melbourne and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Albert Park will see 27 cars contest the opening round of what is set to be another captivating title chase among the field of identical Type-992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars.
As always the field will be split into two classes, with the Equity One Professional Class to be contested by 18 drivers, both established stars of the sport and a fleet of young, rising stars.
The always competitive SP Tools Pro-Am class returns with 9 entries, including defending class champion Adrian Flack.
The field includes seven drivers on debut, nine Michelin Junior drivers and both the current Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Pro and Pro-Am champions.
While Adrian Flack returns to defend his Pro-Am crown, young Kiwi rising star Marco Giltrap steps up to the ‘main game’ of Carrera Cup this weekend having clinched the Sprint Challenge title in 2023.
Giltrap will continue to race for Earl Bamber Motorsport in a Team Porsche New Zealand-supported car, flying the flag for the traditionally strong Kiwi contingent in Aussie Porsche racing.
He’ll be joined on debut by fellow Sprint Challenge graduates Lachlan Bloxsom (McElrea Racing), Tom McLennan (EBM), Nash Morris (Scott Taylor Motorsport), Harrison Goodman (Sonic Motor Racing) and Marcos Flack (Sonic Motor Racing), while Matt Slavin steps up from the Sprint Challenge Pro-Am class to the Carrera Cup fight this year.
Rounding out the first-timers this weekend is Supercars race winner Scott Pye, who will race a BWT-backed car for Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport this weekend.
2022 champion Harri Jones and 2005 winner Fabian Coulthard complete the PCM squad, Jones’ commencing his full-time return to Aussie competition this weekend.
2023 runner-up Jackson Walls returns for a second shot at the title having claimed the Albert Park round win – his first in Carrera Cup – last year.
Michelin Junior Ryder Quinn, 2023 Gold Coast winner Bayley Hall, Sonic’s Angelo Mouzouris, David Russell – who joins TekworkX Motorsport – and brothers Dale and Glen Wood all return for more this year.
Balancing out the strong rookie group this year, 10 Carrera Cup race winners feature on the grid set for this weekend with nine drivers having started more than 100 Carrera Cup races in their respective careers.
The SP Tools Pro-Am battle will see Flack chased again by drivers that filled the five positions behind the Earl Bamber Motorsport driver last year.
Dean Cook and Sam Shahin return, as done Melbourne-based Matt Belford, Marc Cini and Rodney Jane.
While Matt Slavin joins the fun from Sprint Challenge, a welcome returnee will be Sydneysider Indiran Padayachee while Daniel Stutterd returns with TekworkX after a strong conclusion to the 2023 season in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, a major achievement for one of Carrera Cup’s best will also be a highlight this weekend.
Milestone man Nick McBride, a staple at the front of the Carrera Cup field, will start his 200th Carrera Cup race on Saturday evening should he contest all three races this weekend.
McBride, who races a Hallmarc-backed car at the Melbourne Performance Centre, made his Carrera Cup debut in 2014 and has 4 round and 11 race wins to his credit across his successful career.
The Victorian, a qualified lawyer day-to-day, will become just the fourth driver in series history to have competed in 200 or more Carrera Cup races, joining teammate Marc Cini, David Wall and Rodney Jane in the elite group.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will tackle three races this weekend at Albert Park.
Following practice and the battle for the TAG Heuer Pole Award on Thursday, Race 1 will be held on Thursday afternoon to kick off the season.
Races on Friday afternoon and then Saturday evening following Formula 1 Qualifying complete the opening round.
Races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports across the Albert Park weekend.
ENTRY LIST
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia – Round 1
Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
State |
Pro | 2 | TekworkX Motorsport / HAH | David | Russell | QLD |
Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | VIC |
Pro | 8 | Hallmarc / Team MPC | Nicholas | McBride | VIC |
Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc / Team MPC | Marc | Cini | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW |
Pro | 12 | Hasting Deering / Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport | Harri | Jones | VIC |
Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA |
Pro-Am | 14 | I.D Land / Team MPC | Matt | Belford | VIC |
Pro | 19 | Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport / BWT | Scott | Pye | VIC |
Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National / EBM | Adrian | Flack | QLD |
Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | NSW |
Pro / Jnr | 23 | Bloxsom Team Navy | Lockie | Bloxsom | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 28 | Hall Finance & Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD |
Pro-Am | 35 | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts | Indiran | Padayachee | NSW |
Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 81 | McLennan Motorsport / EBM | Tom | McLennan | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 84 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Marco | Giltrap | NZ |
Pro-Am | 85 | Ares Group | Matt | Slavin | VIC |
Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 101 | Game Over | Ryder | Quinn | QLD |
Pro / Jnr | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Nash | Morris | QLD |
Pro-Am | 702 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 777 | Sonic / Bod Jane T Marts / Versalux Lighting Systems | Marcos | Flack | QLD |
Pro | 880 | Sonic / TRUEGRID Parking Surface | Harrison | Goodman | VIC |
Pro | 911 | Ranbuild / EBM | Glen | Wood | VIC |
Pro | 992 | Connected Spaces / EBM | Dale | Wood | VIC |
Pro / Jnr | 999 | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / Pit Box io | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC |
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NewsRecord Porsche Michelin Junior class of 2024 announced
Feature film 'Seas the Day' launched to showcase Junior talents
THE Porsche Michelin Junior Program will be elevated to a new level this year, with a record group of talented young drivers from Australia and New Zealand today announced as those to have been awarded a contract for the 2024 season.
They will be supported with a record level of investment from Porsche Cars Australia, Michelin and new Porsche Michelin Junior camp partner BWT to support the journeys of the talented young pilots competing in one-make Porsche racing in Australia.
23 drivers, aged between 17 and 23, will be supported by Porsche and Michelin this year competing across the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series.
The announcement comes with the launch of a new documentary, titled ‘Seas the Day’, which showcases the process the class of 2024 went through to obtain their Junior Contracts for the year ahead via an intensive three-day training course held on the Gold Coast in late February.
The 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Training Camp powered by BWT was held in and around Coolangatta.
The rigorous program, developed by renowned motorsport coaching and training specialists at Reaction Performance, featured a diverse range of development opportunities incorporating various physical and mindset challenges throughout the camp.
Classroom sessions included physical and mindset preparation, engineering insights, and for the first time a serious media training element with a focus on interview skills and social media.
Titled ‘Seas the Day’, a 14-minute film has been produced showcasing the entire camp, highlighting the array of challenges, including a Surf Life Saving course hosted by the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, fun, camaraderie as well as the incredible locations in the southern end of the Gold Coast.
All participating drivers earned their Junior contracts, which were presented at the conclusion of the camp.
Michelin Junior winners in each category at each round receive a free set of Michelin Pilot Sport race tyres and a free entry to a subsequent round of their championship or series.
The drivers who finish second and third at each round also win a set of Michelin Tyres for their efforts.
The top Michelin Junior point scorer in Carrera Cup also receives Australia’s nomination to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the conclusion of the 2024 season, with travel funded by Porsche Motorsport Australia.
In total more than $250,000 worth of prizes and support are on offer this year, a record investment by both Porsche Cars Australia and major partner, Michelin.
BARRY HAY – Porsche Motorsport Australia
“We are very proud of the group of young drivers who will be representing Porsche and Michelin in Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup this year.
“It is not only the largest group of Junior drivers we have ever had in our pathway, but it’s a group filled with incredible ability, motivation, talent and drive to become the best at their craft.
“The Michelin Junior program isn’t just about arriving and driving – all of these drivers have earned their ticket at our Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT, held in February this year.
“They all worked hard for it and proved to us that they had the right stuff which is incredibly exciting.
“We looked around this group of drivers and we knew straight away that there are going to be some world-class champions among them. It’s an elite group and it bodes incredibly well for the 2024 season and beyond.
“We’re very proud of the film that documents the Junior Camp – it’s fun, engaging and showcases the personalities and abilities of the drivers while hopefully inspiring the next group of Michelin Juniors looking to enter the program in the future.”
LEIGH STAMATION – Reaction Performance
“We developed the 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT to offer a comprehensive experience, equipping young drivers with the essential tools for their journey towards becoming successful professional racing car drivers.
Our approach blends physical activities with classroom immersions that integrate mindset coaching and engineering of both car and driver. Leveraging Coolangatta’s exceptional backdrop of sun and surf, hills and trails, gym facilities and recovery resources, allowed our team to assemble a complete performance camp package aimed at nurturing both body and mind.
It’s been a thrill collaborating with Porsche and these talented young drivers, as we’ve designed a program that not only challenges them in the moment but also fosters long-term growth and development through our ongoing support within our driver coaching, mindset, and training programs.”
2024 PORSCHE MICHELIN JUNIOR DRIVERS
Lachlan Bloxsom – Carrera Cup
Hamish Fitzsimmons – Sprint Challenge
Marcos Flack – Carrera Cup
Brock Gilchrist – Sprint Challenge
Marco Giltrap – Carrera Cup
Ryan Hadden – Sprint Challenge
Bayley Hall – Carrera Cup
Matt Hillyer – Sprint Challenge
Ayrton Hodson – Sprint Challenge
Tom McLennan – Carrera Cup
Nash Morris – Carrera Cup
Angelo Mouzouris – Carrera Cup
Slade Orsmond – Sprint Challenge
Clay Osborne – Sprint Challenge
Ryder Quinn – Carrera Cup
Jake Santalucia – Sprint Challenge
Aron Shields – Sprint Challenge
Conor Somers – Sprint Challenge
Zac Stichbury – Sprint Challenge
Caleb Sumich – Sprint Challenge
Oscar Targett – Sprint Challenge
Ben Taylor – Sprint Challenge
Jackson Walls – Carrera Cup
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NewsTwo rookies step up to Carrera Cup with Team Sonic for 2024
Sonic Motor Racing Services is pleased to confirm its driver line-up for the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship.
The three-time Carrera Cup winning team has promoted young guns Marcos Flack and Harrison Goodman to its four-car squad for the opening round of Carrera Cup at the Albert Park street circuit supporting the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix next weekend.
Flack and Goodman will be joined by fellow ‘Pro’ class entrant Angelo Mouzouris, while Rodney Jane returns to the team at the Grand Prix in the Pro-Am class.
Flack, Mouzouris and Jane will compete in the famous Bob Jane T-Marts colours, while Goodman will feature support from TRUEGRID and ordinalgold.io.
Flack and Goodman step up to Carrera Cup from the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge class after a season of success in the junior category.
Flack scored a pole position and podium results in his rookie Porsche year and will be looking to build on that experience as he makes the leap to Australia’s leading one-make racing class.
He also made a one-off start in Carrera Cup last year, racing at the Gold Coast street track in what was an early prelude to the 2024 season.
Goodman finished the competitive 2023 Sprint Challenge series in ninth place overall, enjoying podium finishes during his second season in the class.
Goodman will relish the opportunity to race against some of the fastest Pro drivers in the country as he continues his climb up the Porsche pyramid.
Mouzouris will enter his third season in Carrera Cup and his second behind the wheel of a Bob Jane T-Marts-supported entry. The 2019 Formula Ford champion has progressed towards the front of the field since his debut in the one-make class and is aiming to be a consistent threat at the front of the field.
Last year, Mouzouris finished 11th in the championship, scoring a best result of fifth in the final race of the season on the Adelaide streets.
The opening round of the 2024 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship will be held at Albert Park.
It is the first of eight rounds that will take Carrera Cup all across Australia, plus for the first time to New Zealand.
The Albert Park event attracts over 300,000 fans through the gates over the four days, making it the perfect start to another competitive season of Carrera Cup racing.
The Melbourne event will be held on March 21-24.
Marcos Flack
#777 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a big step up for me from Sprint Challenge to Carrera Cup, but one that I’m looking forward to” said Flack.
“For me, it’s all about learning the new tracks and maximising on the ones that I’ve already done. I’ve never raced at Albert Park, Taupo and Darwin, so that will be a new challenge.
“It’s great to be a part of the legacy of the Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche team. These cars have seen champions like David Reynolds, Nick Foster and Jordan Love, so I’m hoping to be up there and add my name to this list of great drivers.
“Getting that early taste of Carrera Cup at the Gold Coast was enjoyable. It was also a real eye opener. It gave me a very early feel for how much more competitive Carrera Cup is.
“I’m really happy to be with Sonic again. I loved every moment of Sprint Challenge last year and was glad to have Mick and Maria (Ritter) with me to not only put me forward for the Bob Jane T-Marts drive, but push me as far as I can go in the next step of my career.”
Angelo Mouzouris
#999 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“We’ve put in a lot of effort over the summer break, both in training and testing,” said Mouzouris.
“We’ve had a couple of test days, so I’m feeling the most prepared I’ve ever been for a season.
“The test days went really well, so coming into Round 1, it should be really good.
“Albert Park is probably the best place to start the championship. I’m going back there now for my third year, and we’ve been fast in the past. Hopefully we can put our best foot forward for the start of the season.
“With the experience I’ve had now, the aim is to fight for podiums. It’s a long season, so you need to keep consistent and hopefully you come out on top.
“It’s good to have Marcos come in as my team mate. He is young and fast and I have no doubt he is going to keep me on my toes. We’ve seen how quick he was in Sprint Challenge and, even for a young guy, has a lot of experience from what he has done overseas. If we push each other along, I think it will be a really good thing to have for our team.”
Harrison Goodman
#880 Porsche, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“I’m looking forward to stepping up to Carrera Cup,” said Goodman.
“A lot of the guys that I raced against in Sprint Challenge last year are also stepping up, so I know what their competitiveness levels are. It will be good to see where we sit against them all.
“I’m also looking forward to racing on some amazing tracks this year, starting off at the Grand Prix. It’s a real bucket list track to tick off my list.
“I’ve never raced in New Zealand or anywhere overseas, so that’s going to be really interesting as well.
“For the first part of the year, I want to do the best we can, aim for points and consistency, and towards the end of the year, try and be in the front pack. It’s a very competitive championship, so I’ll be looking to keep it clean and represent the team and the sponsors the best we can.
“It’s great to stay with Sonic too. We started together in Formula Ford so it’s my fifth year with them, so I’m very happy to work with them again and get some good results. I appreciate everything they do and how much effort they put in.”
Michael Ritter
Team owner, Sonic Motor Racing Services
“This is a very exciting driver line-up for the 2024 Carrera Cup season,” said Ritter.
“Having two rookies step up from our Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge program shows the progression that both our team and the Porsche pyramid promotes. Both Marcos and Harrison have shown that they can mix it at the front of the pack, and with many of their rivals from last year stepping up, we feel they are more than ready for Carrera Cup.
“Angelo showed real progress in the second half of 2023. We know he can do the job. He proved that in Formula Ford and he has shown that in Carrera Cup too. This will be a strong year for him.
“Rodney was a race winner last year in Pro Am but had a pretty torid run of luck in the second half of the championship being caught up in several major accidents none of which were his fault. He was on the podium at Albert Park in 2023 and we look forward to seeing him start 2024 on the same note.
“The team has been working bloody hard over the off season in preparation for the year ahead. There’s lots for us to be excited about and I know our entire team is putting in every effort to make it a success.”
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NewsLachlan Bloxsom to take Carrera Cup challenge in 2024
Graduation for Sprint Challenge driver as Carrera Cup awaits
PORSCHE Michelin Junior Lachlan Bloxsom will continue his rise through the one-make Porsche ranks this year, confirming he will step into the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with McElrea Racing in 2024.
Bloxsom, 19, makes the step to Carrera Cup following two strong learning seasons with McElrea in Sprint Challenge competition, that included several podium finishes.
The Queenslander, who alongside his racing is currently studying a double degree at the Queensland University of Technology, has also gained significant experience in one-make Excel and Toyota 86 competition ahead of his Porsche debut debut.
Bloxsom joins McElrea’s strong four-car squad – comprised entirely of Michelin Juniors – which includes 2023 runner-up Jackson Walls, Ryder Quinn and Bayley Hall.
He is one of a host of drivers to progress with the team through Sprint Challenge and into Carrera Cup competition.
Bloxsom’s stunning 992 GT3 Cup Car unveiled today includes a continuation of his longstanding relationship with the Royal Australian Navy, under their ‘Team Navy’ brand, and support from Harvey Norman, Polyfloor and Bradnam’s Windows and Doors.
“Now in my third year as a McElrea driver I am excited to stay with the team and continue to work with the McElrea family,” Bloxsom said.
“Without Andy, Leigh, Luffy, Timmy, and all the boys back at the workshop I wouldn’t be in the position I am and am looking forward to the future as we work towards moving up the next rung in the Porsche Pyramid together.
“Stepping into a new environment in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will no doubt be a new challenge getting to grips with the new car on new tracks but it’s a challenge that I’m ready for. We have stuck to a plan and a process and have gotten me to a position where I’m ready for the next step in my racing career and ready to tackle the championship head on with some strong results ahead.
“I wouldn’t be racing in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup this year if it wasn’t for my family, my sponsors and McElrea Racing who I’m excited to continue with in the 2024 season.”
Bloxsom said his plans included consistent improvement throughout his rookie season, which will see strong competition both in the Professional class ranks, and among the Michelin Juniors.
“Coming freshly out of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championship and into my rookie season of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup there is obviously a large element of adapting to the new car and the new environment which I feel I will continue to improve throughout the year,” he explained.
“As far as aspirations for my rookie year ahead, without too much pressure on myself for results, driving to the best of my ability and making as little mistakes as possible is the goal for this year. Improving as a driver both on and off the track and working with the team to improve myself and the car throughout the year to put us in a good position coming the latter half of the season.”
The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be contested as part of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this March 21-24.
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NewsDavid Russell Joins TekworkX Motorsport for Carrera Cup
Russell joins Queensland squad to continue Carrera Cup success
Experienced Porsche Carrera Cup racer and multiple Bathurst 1000 podium-getter David Russell has signed with TekworkX Motorsport, bringing a two-car team for 2024.
Russell will contest the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship with the Gold-Coast based squad who last year raced to three victories and several podiums in the series.
The 2023 Bathurst 1000 runner-up has accumulated over a decade of experience in one-make Porsche racing, dating back to his series debut in 2006. Over the years Russell has raced to 36 podium finishes, including runner-up series finishes in 2015 and 2022.
Russell boasts a strong career as a Supercars co-driver, starring as a leading co-driver in the Endurance Cup season in all but one year since 2010. Russell’s driving career also includes successful stints in GT3 and Australian Production Car machinery.
TekworkX Motorsport enter their fourth full season of Porsche Carrera Cup, with the team quickly rising to prominence since making their debut in 2021. The opening round of the season takes place as part of the Australian Grand Prix, where TekworkX have emerged as equal or outright round winners two years in a row.
Hire A Hubby return to the TekworkX Motorsport squad as primary sponsors of Russell’s #2 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 992. The nationwide Property Maintenance company first partnered with TekworkX in 2022 – a year which included a race victory for the team in Townsville.
The 2024 season kicks off in just over a week’s time at the Albert Park Street Circuit, from March 21-24.
Rob Woods – Team Owner
“We are thrilled to have D Russ join TekworkX in Carrera Cup,” said Woods.
“We shared engineers back in 2021, our first season in Carrera Cup, so it’s not a new relationship. We have also gained engineering services of that same engineer from 2021, Paul Ceprinich, as team engineer alongside his son Luke who now heads up TekworkX engineering full time.
“They all come with an immense amount of motorsport experience that the team will benefit from throughout the season, of which I expect the results will come,” concluded Woods.
David Russell – #2 Hire A Hubby Porsche
“I did selected rounds last year and I wanted an opportunity to do the whole championship again, especially after coming third in 2022,” said Russell.
“We put our heads together with Rob and worked out a deal, and I’ve already gelled with the whole team. To be working again with Paul Ceprinich is great, having previously worked with him at the Spa 24 Hour as well.
“Being the third year in the car, there were originally some unknowns in the setup department but now it’s just tuning for what each track and driver needs. The TekworkX team will be able to put us in a position to be strong at every round.
“You don’t need to win every race across the year, but we will work hard to put our best foot forward for each track. I’m really looking forward to getting to the Grand Prix and representing a good group of sponsors,” concluded Russell.
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NewsWood Brothers launch two-car Carrera Cup campaign for 2024
Glen to join brother Dale on 2024 grid as pair unveil new liveries, sponsors for 2024 campaign
RIVALS will be seeing double when it comes to the Wood family in this year’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Dale Wood – who finished third in the 2023 championship – has confirmed his return in 2024 and has also locked in a second car to be driven by his brother, vastly experienced GT racer Glen.
Glen will sport the familiar colours of Ranbuild in 2024, continuing the family’s relationship with the Aussie-owned shed manufacturer that commenced last year.
Ranbuild sheds are custom made to your specific requirements, something they have been doing for over 70 years. Local Ranbuild dealers will manage customers projects giving them peace of mind from beginning to end because ‘it’s not just a shed, it’s a Ranbuild!’.
Meanwhile, Dale will sport the colours of new primary sponsor, Connected Spaces, a business providing tailored joinery solutions for a range of building projects across Australia and New Zealand.
From bespoke cabinetry for small developments, right through to full-scale multilevel high rises, Connected Spaces’ multi-national manufacturing, warehousing and logistics services allow them to deliver high quality and exceptional value to meet the needs of every project.
The Wood brothers’ cars will again be run by Earl Bamber Motorsport, who last year claimed both the outright and Pro-Am class titles in Carrera Cup, and the Michelin Sprint Challenge series title as well.
The pair of cars feature the same base livery design while still representing the individual branding of the major partners, with the cars formally unveiled during a pre-season test day at The Bend recently.
While 2024 marks Glen Wood’s first full-season campaign in Carrera Cup he has raced in the championship previously, contesting five rounds of the 2018 season with the Porsche Centre Brighton squad and recording a best finish of fifth position, achieved at Mount Panorama.
Dale Wood finished third in the 2023 championship with victory in the final round of the year in Adelaide.
The only multiple round winner last season, Wood has five round and 18 race wins to his credit in his 41-round Carrera Cup Career.
The pair will be on the grid for the opening round of the 2024 championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 21-24.
DALE WOOD – #992 CONNECTED SPACES PORSCHE 992 GT3 Cup Car
“The discussions and the idea to run two cars with my brother began to take shape mid-way through last season.
“I am proud to have brought Ranbuild into the sport and into the spotlight, we have a great relationship with them and they were very excited about what we achieved last year.
“I have been speaking to the team behind Connected Spaces for a couple of years and they said that now was the right time to get involved.
“It was actually a difficult conversation to have with Ranbuild and say, ‘here’s what I want to do, I’m going to put a Wood in your car but it won’t be me – however it will be a guy who will do equally as good a job, both on and off track.’
“I spent a few nights worrying about it but when they rang back it was done and dusted in a couple of minutes. It’s going to be an incredible thing to continue to work with them, but then also work with a new company to the sport and show them how valuable Motorsport can be.
“It’s quite surreal seeing both cars together and being on track together, racing one another other. It will be all friendly between us, but we will race hard – it’s something I’m particularly excited about for this season.”
GLEN WOOD – #911 RANBUILD PORSCHE 992 GT3 Cup Car
“It’s quite surreal to understand and believe that we’re both here doing this. To join my brother as a teammate and to work out of the same garage makes my hair stand up, it’s unreal.
“It’s great to be representing Ranbuild and I’m grateful that they’ve seen the vision we had for this year and have backed it. They will continue to work with Dale and I throughout the year.
“The cars look fantastic. Though obviously, I tell my brother that mine is the best-looking car of the two!
“I’m being realistic about my own expectations and what we can achieve this year. It’s a tough, very competitive championship but I’d like to think that I’ll be fighting for podiums by the back half of the year, if not sooner.
“I’ve raced a lot of GT cars lately and I’m very thankful for those experiences, but having a car to yourself is the holy grail. You can just pin down your technique and work on that over a race weekend and throughout the year.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to put 110% focus on my car, our team, our sponsors and for what is to come in the year ahead.”
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NewsO’Keeffe Reveals Striking New Livery for Carrera Cup Return
Striking schemes launched for GWR-prepared Pro and Pro-Am contenders
Dylan O’Keeffe has revealed a striking new Dexion Racing livery for his return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup with the RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia outfit for the 2024 season.
Dexion has returned as the title sponsor for O’Keeffe, along with Dean Cook who will again compete in the Pro-Am class, while OFE Refrigerated Transport, United Property Fund, Local Roadways, DTR Heavy Vehicle Repairer, Tempur and Ringwood Mazda will also support O’Keeffe’s 2024 campaign.
This year will mark O’Keeffe’s sixth season in the one-make Porsche category, and he is hoping a subtle change to his driving technique will be enough to propel him towards championship success.
“Over the last couple of seasons, we’ve always had decent qualifying speed but during the off-season we identified a couple of weaknesses, and one of those was my speed on cold tyres,” O’Keeffe said.
“I’ve always right-foot braked in the Porsche, but this season I’m going to change to left-foot braking, which will allow me to balance the car more precisely during those early race laps where car finesse is so critical.”
By electing to remain with the GWR Australia squad, O’Keeffe will again be engineered by Rob Palermo, with whom he formed a fruitful relationship last season.
“Rob and I understand one another really well, and last year we unlocked some great speed from the car, especially in the second half of the season,” O’Keeffe said.
“Heading into 2024 with the same driver-engineer combination will allow us to carry some momentum into the new season and build upon everything we learned last year.”
The season will once again consist of eight rounds, with O’Keeffe nominating the second round at New Zealand’s Taupo circuit as a highlight.
“Overseas Carrera Cup racing has fond memories for me, because I scored my first Carrera Cup podium in Malaysia in 2017,” he said.
“It will be the first time I’ve raced overseas since the TCR World Tour round in Belgium in 2020, and it’s always a good challenge to learn a new track.”
The season commences at the Australian Grand Prix, 21-24 March.
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NewsJones shows 2024 colours as key partners extend
New livery revealed for returning Carrera Cup champion
Harri Jones today announced that long term major partner, Hastings Deering, has extended their support as they unveil their striking new livery and launch into the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season.
In what will be the third year of a stand-out partnership between Hastings Deering and Jones, season 2024 is shaping up to be bigger than ever before.
2022 saw Jones win the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and subsequently secure an invite to compete on the world stage in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland in 2023.
Returning full-time on home soil for season 2024, Jones’ sites are set on claiming another Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship; and Hastings Deering plan to be by his side again every step of the way.
“I’m so excited to be extending my partnership with Hastings Deering,” said Jones.
“Over the last couple of years, we have achieved so much together, and I truly feel a part of the Hastings Deering family. They love all things performance, machinery and talent, and they have a passionate team of over 3500 that have supported me and backed me every step of the way,” said Jones.
“It’s fantastic to work so closely with great partners and I feel really fortunate to be able to continue building on my career with the support of such a strong team behind me.”
As one of the top Cat® dealers globally, the partnership with Hastings Deering offers new opportunities and pathways for Jones. With a history dating back over 90 years, Hastings Deering is a values-driven organisation committed to providing pathway opportunities for the next generation.
Returning home after a year living and racing in Europe, Jones is determined to capitalise on his experience and make his mark on home soil.
“Last year opened my eyes to what is possible in these cars,” said Jones.
“It was such an incredible and intense racing program, competing in two separate Championships. I’ve evolved a lot as a driver both technically and mentally. I learnt from the best in the business, and I delved into the heart of the motorsport world and extracted every bit of knowledge I could. This year, I have one goal and that is to claim back the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship.”
The 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia kicks off with Round 1 at the Australian F1 Grand Prix.
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NewsHarri Jones joins Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport for 2024 season
Two former champions to join forces at PCM squad in 2024
PORSCHE CENTRE MELBOURNE Motorsport will enter the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season with a pair of title winners in its stable, confirming that former champion Harri Jones will join the team this year.
Jones, the 2022 Champion, will join 2005 champion Fabian Coulthard this season in a talented two-car attack from the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport (PCMM)team.
Battle hardened from a season contesting both the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Germany last year, Jones committed to a return to Australian competition this season as he seeks to build both his driving career, and that of his own race team, Jones Motorsport.
He returned to the Championship for two rounds last year, scoring pole position and finishing second at Mount Panorama last October.
The addition of Jones to the PCMM squad, which operates from a newly enhanced workshop facility located in Collingwood, means the team enters the 2024 season with one of the most experienced driver rosters among the paddock.
The team was bolstered by the signing of experienced Team Principal Matt Cook late last year, while Coulthard joined the team in Round 2 of the Championship last season.
The opening round of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024 on March 21-24.
Harri Jones, 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion
“I’m very excited to be back full-time in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and to be racing with PCMM. The team have the right attitude and all out approach towards the Championship this year and I’m sure our combined knowledge and experience will achieve great results on track. A year abroad racing at the pinnacle of the Porsche one-make series has sure opened my eyes to what is possible with these cars and I’m hungry to fight for another championship this year.”
Matt Cook, Team Principal, Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
“We are very excited to announce Harri Jones will be joining PCMM for the 2024 Carrera Cup Championship. Harri’s expertise and wealth of knowledge behind the wheel speaks volumes. His experience driving these cars is on a global scale and I have no doubt he will be ultra-competitive from the very first race meeting at the AGP. Harri is the perfect example of the modern young professional driver and he will fit well into our team.”
David Simpson, General Manager, Porsche Centre Melbourne
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Harri Jones to the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport team this season. His remarkable talent and unwavering commitment perfectly align with our pursuit of excellence. With a track record of past motorsport success that defines our history, we eagerly anticipate raising the bar even higher. Harri Jones has a formidable skill set and he’s proven himself time and time again. Stay tuned as we watch the evolution of this exciting partnership, marking a new chapter in our pursuit of victory.”
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NewsPorsche to lead Repco Supercars Championship field in 2024
Supercars is thrilled to announce an electrifying partnership with bp and Porsche, where the all-electric Porsche Taycan GTS will serve as the bp pulse Safety Car starting at this month’s Thrifty Bathurst 500.
The Porsche Taycan GTS will make history as Supercars’ first ever electric Safety Car, and will be able to recharge at a pit lane-based bp pulse rapid EV charging station when not in service on the track.
The collaboration between bp, Porsche, and Supercars is the latest step the championship has taken in the sustainability sector, following the adoption of bp’s lower carbon* Ultimate E75 Racing Fuel in 2023, and a tyre recycling partnership with Gold Coast-based Entyre, forming a pilot program at the 2023 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.
This year marks the fifth season bp has served as the official fuel of the Repco Supercars Championship, filling the tanks of every vehicle on the Supercars grid.
Two Porsche Taycan GTS Safety Cars will be present at every Supercars event, working in rotation to ensure the highest safety standards for all categories.
With up to 440kW of power, the Taycan GTS is capable of speeds up to 250 km/h, and can accelerate from 0-100 in 3.7 seconds, within two tenths of a Gen3 Supercar.
Launched in Australia in late 2022, bp pulse serves as the electrification arm of bp, and aims to build the country’s most convenient rapid EV charging network and customer experience.
Over 100 bp pulse rapid EV charge points have been installed across the country, while the company aims to have more than 100,000 charge points installed worldwide by 2030.
This state-of-the-art electric Porsche Taycan GTS will serve as the Safety Car for all event categories, showcasing the performance, innovation, and sustainability that the Porsche marque is renowned for.
Supercars COO Tim Watsford welcomed the new joint partnership, and has lauded the new bp pulse Safety Car as a considerable step forward for the series.
“This collaboration between the Repco Supercars Championship, Porsche, and bp pulse represents a significant milestone for the Championship,” Watsford said.
“Introducing the Porsche Taycan GTS as our official Safety Car, and the first electric Safety Car in Supercars history, showcases our shared dedication to innovation, sustainability, and delivering a world-class racing experience.”
bp Vice President Marketing Asia Pacific, Amanda Woollard, said using an electric safety car is momentous for the Supercars competition.
“bp is keeping the Supercars grid moving as official fuel supplier and now adding our EV charging expertise into the mix, after starting with the bp Ultimate Safety Car four years ago.
“This year, we’re revved up and ready to show motorsport fans how bp can keep them powered up, whether through our quality bp Ultimate fuel or recharging at a bp pulse EV charge point.”
Porsche Motorsport Manager Barry Hay is excited to see the German marque’s latest technical innovation join forces with Supercars and bp to showcase a special first in the category’s history.
“The Porsche Taycan GTS stands as an extraordinary engineering achievement in its own right, representing a recent stride in Porsche’s rich history of groundbreaking innovation,” Hay said.
“To put this car on display at the pinnacle of Australian motorsport in front of the millions who attend and watch Supercars races is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what the Porsche Taycan GTS is capable of.”
“As race fans, we rarely like to see the bp pulse Safety Car on-track, but we are looking forward to having the Porsche Taycan GTS play such an integral a role in Supercars events from 2024 onward.”
The Porsche Taycan GTS bp pulse Safety Car will be present at the upcoming Bathurst SuperFest, sitting on display at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in bp Pusle EV Park from February 16-18, before leading the 24-car Supercar field at the Thrifty Bathurst 500 the following weekend.
Live coverage of both race weekends can be followed on the Foxtel and Seven family of networks.
Tickets to the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour and Thrifty Bathurst 500 can be purchased via Ticketek. Campsite information can be found at supercars.com and bathurst12hour.com.au.
* bp E75 Racing Fuel has a lower Well-to-Wheel carbon intensity compared to the fuel produced and supplied by bp for the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship.
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NewsTom McLennan confirms move to Carrera Cup for 2024
Tom McLennan will make the step up to Carrera Cup in 2024 with championship-winning team Earl Bamber Motorsport.
After a season and a half of racing in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge – the feeder class to Carrera Cup – the 19-year-old Queenslander is excited to make the leap into the latest-generation 992 Porsche.
McLennan will race the #81 EBM entry, carrying the familiar blue and purple Macpro Properties colours that have adorned his recent Porsches.
McLennan made great progress during his time in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge last year, finishing 10th overall in the standings and claiming a best result of third at Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania.
McLennan will begin a testing program with EBM shortly ahead of the first of eight championship rounds, kicking off as a support class to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on the streets of Albert Park.
The championship will then make its first trip to New Zealand for Round 2 at Taupo, a circuit that McLennan knows thanks to his season in the Formula Regional Oceania in 2023.
Rounds at the popular Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin, Sydney Motorsport Park, Sandown, Bathurst, Gold Coast and the Adelaide street track makes for one of the best racing calendars in Australian motorsport.
All races can be seen live on Foxtel and Kayo, plus selected Free-to-Air races on the Seven Network.
Tom McLennan
Driver, #81 Earl Bamber Motorsport
“I’m definitely excited. It will be a big, challenging year,” said McLennan.
“Compared to Sprint Challenge, it will certainly be a different playing field. The competition will be harder, but I’m really looking forward to stepping up my game and racing on cool street tracks, including the Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Gold Coast.
“It’s also great to re-sign with EBM. I really enjoyed my Time with them in Sprint Challenge so to make the step up with them to Carrera Cup was a logical choice. They are a great team.
“EBM won both the Pro and Pro-Am class in Carrera Cup, plus Sprint Challenge with Marco Giltrap last year. I know I’ll have a good set of team-mates that I can learn from as I build up confidence in the new cars.
“The 992 Porsche race car is a whole new car compared to what I’ve been racing. It will take some time to get to grips with it, but I have a few test days in the lead up. I haven’t driven one of them yet, so can’t wait to strap myself in and see how different the 992 is compared to the 991.2 that I’ve raced in Sprint Challenge.”
Ben Jenkins
Team manager, Earl Bamber Motorsport
“It’s great to have Tom step up to Carrera Cup this year,” said Jenkins.
“When he first joined our team last year, the goal was that he wanted to be ready for Carrera Cup and we feel he is more than ready for it.
“As the year went on, we saw some great progress. At Bathurst, he ran close to the top five all weekend, and that’s no mean feat in what was the most competitive Sprint Challenge seasons on record.
“No doubt, it’s a big step up, but he’ll have a strong set of team-mates to work with and learn from.
“The 992s are a different concept to what he has been racing before. It has a completely different front end and runs on a different tyre, but he’ll be able to adapt to that pretty quickly with some of his open wheel racing experience. And he should get plenty of testing miles to get him up to speed.”
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NewsBlockbuster Porsche entry for Bathurst 12 Hour
Porsche represented by four entries in one of the brand’s strongest-ever Bathurst campaigns.
PORSCHE will return to the iconic Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst this February with their best chances of victory in the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in years.
Four Porsche 911 GT3 R entries feature among the 31-strong field for Australia’s International Enduro, giving Porsche teams a shot at victory in both the outright and Pro-Am ranks this year.
Porsche has claimed success on the Mountain once before, Matt Campbell helping push an Earl Bamber Motorsport-prepared 991 GT3R to victory in 2019 with co drivers Dennis Olsen and Dirk Werner.
Campbell also scored Porsche’s first ever Bathurst pole position a year later.
The 12-hour will represent the Australian debut of the Type-992 GT3R model, while the existing 991.2 GT3R will also feature.
The four-car entry is headlined by a two-car squad to be fielded by famous German squad Manthey Racing, in conjunction with Aussie outfit EMA Motorsport.
The Manthey EMA team finished second in the 12-Hour last year and also claimed the prestigious DTM title in Germany for Porsche.
Manthey EMA’s team is headlined by the return of Aussie Sports Car hero Matt Campbell, a former Carrera Cup Australia Champion, 12-Hour polesitter and winner and fresh from his maiden victory in the Daytona 24 Hours last weekend.
While Campbell will race with the factory Porsche Penske Motorsport team aboard a Porsche 963 this year, he will return to what he describes as his favourite circuit in a bid to deliver Porsche their second Bathurst win.
“I’m really excited to be re-joining EMA Motorsport and Manthey for the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hours,” Campbell said.
“It’s one of my favourite events and tracks in the world. I might be a bit biased, but I really enjoyed last year and I hope we can improve one more position on our second place finish in 2023. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Campbell will be joined by fellow factory Porsche ace Laurens Vanthoor and three-time one-make Porsche champion Ayhancan Güven aboard the ‘Grello’ Porsche GT3R.
The sister car is entered under ‘The Bend Manthey EMA’ banner with Pro-Am driver Yasser Shahin to be joined by Carrera Cup and Supercup star Harry King and experienced Belgian driver, Alessio Picariello.
Shahin was a multiple race winner in last year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS championship driving for EMA Motorsport, including winning at the Adelaide 500 with Campbell as a co-driver.
King won the Bathurst round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia last year, while Picariello’s long-distance racing experience means the distinctively-liveried Shell V-Power 991 GT3 R will likely be a contender for a strong outright result, as well as class victory.
While the high-profile Manthey EMA squad naturally draws plenty of attention, two other teams represent strong potential victors on the Mountain this year.
Brand-new team, Phantom Global Racing, will make their international racing debut this year.
Based in China but with operational support from Porsche legend Timo Bernhard’s Team 75, Phantom Global have enlisted former Carrera Cup Australia champion Jaxon Evans to lead their driving charge.
He’ll be joined by current Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Champion and Porsche Junior, Bastian Buus, and fast Sweedish driver, Joel Eriksson.
Evans, who claimed the Carrera Cup title in Australia in 2018, will join the Supercars Championship full time this year while balancing his commitments overseas as a go-to ace for Porsche teams in the World Endurance Championship and key GT events.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese team HubAuto Racing make their Bathurst debut as a Porsche team with the vastly experienced driving trio of Austrian Klaus Bachler, Patric Pilet from France and fellow Frenchman, Kevin Estre.
The latter is a member of Porsche’s factory World Endurance Championship squad and finished sixth in the World Championship last year – having won the LMGTE Pro class for the brand in 2018/19.
The Repco Bathurst 12 Hour is held at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, on the February 16-18 weekend.
The race will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports and the Seven Network, while international audiences can follow the action via a live stream on the event website, and key streaming partners around the world.
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NewsNew Super License structure good news for Porsche racers
Carrera Cup, Sprint Challenge well positioned in new structure
PORSCHE Motorsport Australia has welcomed the revised Motorsport Australia Super License points structure, announced today.
Drivers are required to accrue a minimum of 15 Super License points prior to being granted a license that allows them to compete in the Repco Supercars Championship and at major events like the Repco Bathurst 1000.
The new structure ensures that competitors competing on the Porsche Pyramid, including Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, will have significant opportunity to quickly accrue the required points in each category.
Carrera Cup is awarded 12 points for the drivers finishing first, second and third in the championship, with points awarded to 10th position overall.
Sprint Challenge will see 10 points awarded to the series winner, with 8 for second down to 1 point for 7th position in the final series standings.
It ensures both categories, especially when the progression from one to another is utilised effectively, remain incredibly strong, competitive, and viable options for drivers looking to forge a career in Supercars as well as for those looking further afield.
“We welcome the efforts of Motorsport Australia to refine and adapt the Super License points system that provides the pathway to the Repco Supercars Championship,” said Porsche Motorsport Australia Manager, Barry Hay.
“The allocations provided to Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge reflect the high level of competition and professionalism within both categories and the talent they both produce.
“While a lot of our drivers want to chase the overseas career path in the Porsche Pyramid, it’s obvious that our categories are also a fantastic place for drivers to prepare for Supercars.
“That is evidenced by the fact there will be three recent Carrera Cup Champions on the grid this year, and a host of others on the grid who progressed through one-make Porsche Motorsport in Australia prior to jumping into Supercars.”
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NewsQuinn back for second year in Game Over Porsche
Second year campaign to build on strong finish to debut Carrera Cup Australia campaign
RYDER QUINN will return for a second Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship Season with fresh motivation and preparation ahead of a big year.
The Queensland-based driver has unveiled a bold new Game Over livery on his McElrea Racing-run Type 992 GT3 Cup Car during pre-season testing at Queensland Raceway.
“In my opinion, the Porsche Carrera Cup Championship is the pinnacle of Motorsport in Australia. It brings in a multitude of extremely talented drivers and teams from Supercars and abroad,” Quinn said.
“My rookie season, last year, was an extremely difficult season for me. Challenges such as missing a round due to damage, limited time in the car, made it difficult to generate the momentum needed to push on and fight. This year, I am looking forward to getting a full testing schedule under my belt and hitting the ground running.”
An up-and-down rookie year saw the Michelin Junior finish 16th in the championship, though a tough start to the season was turned around with a strong finish.
His first top-10 race finish came at Sandown and from there the third-generation Quinn to compete in Carrera Cup finished the year with six top-1o finishes from the last 9 races, including a personal best result of fifth in race two in Adelaide.
Quinn will be eligible once again for the Michelin Junior program this year.
The opening Carrera Cup round of the year will be at the traditional Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
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NewsPorsche Michelin Junior Program applications now open
APPLICATIONS are now open for the 2024 Porsche Motorsport Australia Michelin Junior Program.
The leading young driver development program in Australia returns bigger and better than ever this year, supporting young talent emerging through the ranks of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid for those competing in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.
The program includes significant prizes, opportunities and skills growth for young talent and has helped prepare a host of young drivers for top-level competition, both in Australia and around the world, since its inception.
A record 20 drivers were involved in the Michelin Junior Program in 2023.
Participation in the program offers a range of benefits to young drivers – born between 30 November 2000 and 1 March 2007 – including significant support from major partner, Michelin.
Each driver who tops the Michelin Junior standings at each round of Carrera Cup or Sprint Challenge will receive as a prize free entry to a subsequent round, plus a set of brand new Michelin Pilot Sport Carrera Cup tyres.
Second and third-placed juniors in each category at each round will also receive a set of Michelin tyres for use that season.
Additionally, the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Junior Champion will receive Porsche Cars Australia’s only nomination to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the conclusion of the 2024 season, the winner of which receives a significant funding scholarship towards a season in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Young New Zealander Callum Hedge was Australia’s nomination in 2023, while former Carrera Cup Australia nominees Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans each won the scholarship to kickstart their European racing careers.
Finally, a pre-season Junior training camp to be held on the Gold Coast to commence the season.
To be held over three days between February 27-29, the training camp is provided for free by Porsche Cars Australia to all nominated Juniors and encompasses all aspects required to be a successful professional driver, including physical and mental training, engineering input and media training – and more.
The training program has been designed by leading industry High Performance coach Leigh Stamation and his Reaction Performance business.
Nominations are open to those drivers planning to compete in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, in the 2024 season.
Applications must be received by close of business on Friday, 02 February to be considered for the program.
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NewsNew Zealand entries to get Carrera Cup shot at Taupo
Four New Zealand entries to join Aussie grid when Carrera Cup crosses the Tasman this April
IN a Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship first, four wild-card entries from New Zealand will join the grid when the series competes at Taupo this April.
Carrera Cup will join the Repco Supercars Championship at the ITM Taupo 400 on April 19-21, a full field of Type-992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars to cross the Tasman in what will be the second round of the 2024 championship.
They will be joined by four New Zealand-based Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars run by top outfit International Motorsport, driven by Sam Fillmore, Rick Armstrong, Luke Manson and Matt Whittaker.
While ‘wildcard’ entrants have competed before, this will be the largest group of one-off entrants in any Carrera Cup Australia round.
The Championships’ first trip to New Zealand marks the second time Carrera Cup Australia will have raced internationally.
New Zealand enjoys a large and growing group of Porsche competitors competing in the NZ GT Championship and key sprint and endurance championships on the North and South Islands, including several fielding Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars.
The four cars will run as invited entrants at Taupo and will compete in the same specification as all current Carrera Cup entries.
Porsche Motorsport Australia Management visited the Taupo Circuit this weekend for the second round of the SuperSprint Motorsport New Zealand Championship as a recce for the April Supercars event – with the announcement made on the Sky Sports NZ and Fox Sports Australia broadcast.
New Zealand representation in Porsche Motorsport in Australia has a long and significant track record dating back to inaugural Carrera Cup Champion Jim Richards.
Team Porsche NZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport claimed both key titles in 2023 with Marco Giltrap (Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge) and Callum Hedge (Carrera Cup).
BARRY HAY – Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia
“Everyone in the Porsche family is excited about our trip across the Tasman this April.
“The beauty of one-make Porsche competition is that you can drive the same car in Australia as anywhere in the world, so with the number of Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars in New Zealand it made sense to throw the grid open to a select group of locals.
“Some of us Aussies hate to admit it, but Carrera Cup Australia has an incredible record of New Zealand success with people like Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, Craig Baird and lately, Callum Hedge, coming over and beating the locals!
“It will add to the trans-Tasman flavour of the event and add to the local interest in our NZ debut.”
NATHAN PILCHER – Motorsport Coordinator, Porsche New Zealand
“Interest among Porsche competitors in New Zealand has been high since our Aussie cousins announced they were coming over to race with the ITM Taupo 400, with many asking ‘how can we get on the grid’.
“We have a fantastic and very close working relationship with the team at Porsche Motorsport Australia and they were proactive in working on ways to get some local cars on the grid, to go with the large group of Kiwi drivers already set to be there.
“International Motorsport are one of our most well-respected and known teams, we think they will add to the Carrera Cup grid and give the four guys driving an incredible experience of being part of the top one-make championship in the region.”
Image: Courtesy Tayler Burke, Summerset New Zealand GT
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NewsJaxon Evans, Supercup star to lead new Porsche 12-Hour team
Phantom Global Motorsport confirmed in 911GT3R for 12-Hour debut
Phantom Global Racing, a new team formed in partnership with Timo Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport, is set to make its racing debut at the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour.
The Chinese squad will enter a trio of talented young drivers into the famous Australian event, with 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour Pro-Am runner-up Jaxon Evans, 2023 Porsche Supercup champion Bastian Buus and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) race winner Joel Eriksson aboard the #13 Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992).
Backed by Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, Phantom Global Racing will also count on Porsche Motorsport’s comprehensive technical support, along with Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport outfit.
The German driver-turned-team manager took overall victory with Porsche at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans, while his squad secured the marque’s first DTM win in 2022.
Phantom Global Racing will take on the event sporting a bold deep blue livery, with nods to its Chinese heritage in the form of a gold dragon totem on both sides of the car, along with a postmodern impression of a panda by Chinese artist Zhang Changjiang on the roof.
The Bathurst 12 Hour, which marks the start of the 2024 Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign, takes place on the stunning Mount Panorama Circuit.
The 6.213-kilometre track is a tough test for any driver and car combination, with the narrow, winding first sector climbing the mountain, ahead of the tricky and twisty descent, where one mistake can cost plenty of lap time.
The layout ends with a long straight leading into The Chase, a quick flick to the right where drivers must fully commit ahead of the final few corners.
Bastian Buus: “Bathurst 12 Hour has been on my bucket list for a long time. It’s a truly unique race on a legendary track with some incredible scenery. I’m eager to start working with Phantom Global Racing, together with Jaxon and Joel.”
Joel Eriksson: “I’m proud to be taking part in the iconic Bathurst 12 Hour on the amazing Mount Panorama Circuit. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to compete in this event and to finally get this great opportunity with Phantom Global Racing is an incredible feeling. It will be a new track and team for me, but I can’t wait to get started.”
Jaxon Evans: “I’m extremely excited to team up with Phantom Global Racing for the Bathurst 12 Hour, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. With the technical support of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, I’m confident that we can challenge for the highest honours.”
Martin Young, Team Director Phantom Global Racing: “I’m happy to announce that we’ll be taking part in one of the biggest GT3 races, the Bathurst 12 Hour, as our first official race as Phantom Global with the support of Team 75. As a new team, it’s amazing to have the opportunity to take part in the Pro class and I would like to express my appreciation to Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific and Porsche for their trust and support. It´s going to be a new track for the team, but with the young talent we have I’m hoping we can be a surprise package and achieve strong results.”
Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd.: “I’m delighted that Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific is supporting Phantom Global Racing as they make their first venture into GT3 competition at the Bathurst 12 Hour. It’s always an amazing event, Mount Panorama Circuit is a superb venue and I’m confident the team will enjoy their time at the track. We’re proud that Phantom Global Racing will have Porsche Motorsport’s technical support, along with the experience and expertise of Timo Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport with them in Australia. Bathurst is a race which always signals the start of an exciting new season, so I’m looking forward to it!”
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NewsNash Morris to contest Carrera Cup with STM in 2024
Scott Taylor Motorsport confirms full-time entry with second-generation Morris racer
NASH MORRIS will join Scott Taylor Motorsport to contest the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Morris will drive the #222 STM machine for the full championship, following a successful debut in one-make Porsche racing in 2023 with a partial Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge campaign.
Despite missing the first two rounds of the series, Morris finished sixth overall in the Sprint Challenge Series this year, claiming eight race victories and round wins at Queensland Raceway and at Mount Panorama, Bathurst.
Morris’ rapid acclimation to one-make Porsche racing ensured he was ready to make the leap into Australia’s top one-make category in 2024.
Morris will join STM, a team with proven success in the championship.
With Alex Davison behind the wheel, the #222 Porsche claimed victory in the Townsville event this year, the team’s first outright race and round wins in Carrera Cup competition.
Ashley Seward Motorsport will continue to prepare the #222 STM Porsche at each round next year.
The 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in March next year.
NASH MORRIS
“I really enjoyed my time driving the Porsche this year, the cars are great to drive and the competition is very high.
“Carrera Cup was at the top of my list this year and to have the opportunity to race with Scott Taylor Motorsport is incredible.
“Scott and Rebecca are fantastic people and passionate motorsport people like me and we get on superbly. It’s a privilege to be asked to drive their car next year and I’ll do the best job I possibly can to deliver some results.
“It’s exciting to have this opportunity to work with them next year and join the STM family to take on the best one-make competition in Australia.
“The team are already proven winners so I know I have the tools to do the job – I’m looking forward to getting on track.”
SCOTT TAYLOR
“When I was unable to drive this year we put Alex in the car, he went from driver coach to driver and did a fantastic job.
“I have always said that if I ever moved away from driving, I would want to support someone on the journey through to potentially being a star of the sport, and I have been looking around the space for a young, respectful guy with a good head on his shoulders.
“The STM ‘DNA’ needs that type of person and Nash ticks all the buttons.
“He comes from a great motor racing family, but he’s forged his own path. He’s a technician himself and he understands the sport and has a lot of respect.
“This is a great way to start so five or ten years down the road I’ll be able to say I was part of the journey.
“Driving or not, I always want to go to the races, and this is going to be great for STM and Nash next year.”
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NewsMatt Cook to lead Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
Vastly experienced motorsport Team Principal Matt Cook will lead Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport forward into the 2024 season.
Cook joins the team at a time of expansion for the Collingwood-based outfit, now housed from a bespoke motorsport facility based next door to the Porsche Centre Melbourne dealership itself.
This year, the team fielded two cars – for Fabian Coulthard and Courtney Prince – in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and supported multiple customers in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia.
Sporting the iconic BWT Pink livery, Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport’s Carrera Cup campaign built momentum throughout the 2023 season; Coulthard finishing 7th in the championship despite missing the opening round.
In her rookie season, Prince finished 17th with a best finish of 8th coming in the final race of the season.
Cook’s addition to the team brings with him 27 years of experience in the sport, including a decade working at Dick Johnson Racing plus time in A1GP and at the Virgin Racing Formula One team.
He returned to Australia to spend a decade enjoying success at Triple Eight Race Engineering, while more recently he oversaw the growth of the Premi Air Racing team in the Supercars Championship.
Cook joined the PCM Motorsport team at the recent VAILO Adelaide 500 and will lead the team forward into the 2024 racing season.
“I’m very excited to be joining Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport, they take their racing very seriously and have done a fantastic job to date,” Cook said.
“2023 has seen the team transform from offering a motorsport service to becoming a professional race team, being a part of this transition in its infancy to see what the future holds is something I’m very proud to be a part of.
“The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia is an ultra-competitive championship, as is Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge. It’s never easy in a one make category to win so when you do its very satisfying and rewarding.
“The driver talent in the field is second to none, the competition is fierce lending itself to some close door handle to door handle racing.”
Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport will confirm their full plans for the 2024 racing season early in the new year.
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NewsWalls to tackle Carrera Cup Middle East adventure
Carrera Cup title contender to contest Middle East series
PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia vice-champion Jackson Walls will continue his big year of Porsche racing, contesting the remainder of the 2023-24 Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Championship with Lechner Racing.
Walls will contest the remaining five rounds of the series driving an Objective Racing-supported Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car for the famous European squad, one that was home to Walls’ former Australian teammate Harri Jones this year.
It was through Jones’ that the link to Lechner – who also promote the Middle East Series – came about.
Walls’ finished a close runner-up in the Carrera Cup championship, his best result yet in one-make Porsche racing.
The championship started in Bahrain in early November and continues this weekend at the same circuit.
From there, it shifts to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in January prior to joining the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship back in Bahrain – before finishing at the Jeddah Street Circuit alongside the Saudi Grand Prix.
“It’s a cool opportunity that has come along,” Walls said.
“I’m excited and can’t wait to get started with everyone and meet people I’ve been talking on the phone to for the last month or two now.
“This all came about at Bathurst after speaking with Harri (Jones) and he mentioned how it really benefited him as preparation for Porsche Supercup and Carrera Cup Germany. I got an introduction and from there we decided we were going to do it.”
Walls said the opportunity to work with a squad like Lechner Racing – who have 15 one-make Porsche drivers’ titles to their credit – was one he couldn’t pass up.
“I’ve got so much to learn still and racing with a team like Lechner, who have won so many drivers, teams and rookie championships as they have done – it’s just going to be so good to take in and the take out anything I can into whatever else I do in the future, particularly in the next year or so. I’m just going to soak it all in.
“For me, It’s the mileage, the laps and all these things to keep me as sharp as possible when people wouldn’t usually be racing.
“Thanks to my Dad (former Carrera Cup racer, Tony) for letting me do this and giving me the opportunity, I’m super fortunate for that and forever grateful. We’re still working on a few things for 2024 but this is a good start.”
Walls’ Lechner-run Porsche will sport the same Objective branding it does in Australia, though with a twist.
For the first time in the history of the brand, it will be represented on a car in a colour other than black.
“The livery is different and it’s the first time ever it hasn’t been a mainly black car or go-kart!” Walls explained.
“It came about in a funny way; I sent them the render of our current car and they sent us back a few different ones as suggestions – We went the grey option. It’s something different, hopefully will look cool and perhaps not as hot as the black car!”
Walls’ Middle East campaign kicks off this weekend with practice, qualifying and two races.
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East evolved from the Sprint Challenge series in the same region and is promoted by Robert Lechner. It is the 12th Porsche Carrera Cup Championship globally and came after fifteen years of Sprint Challenge competition in the region.
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NewsPorsche paddock legend to be inducted into hall of fame
Karl Batson recognised for his remarkable contribution to Porsche Motorsport in Australia
A LEGEND of the Porsche paddock will be the next inductee into Porsche Motorsport Australia’s hall of fame.
Championship winning engineer, team manager, mechanic and noted Porsche legend Karl Batson was recognised for his 20-year contribution to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the annual Gala in Adelaide earlier this month.
Batson, who battles the rare degenerative disease Friedrich’s Ataxia, will retire from full-time racing this year after 20 years in the Carrera Cup paddock and longer in Porsche Motorsport in general.
In recent years, Batson has been the driving force behind Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Motorsport program, however his time with the brand stretches nearly four decades.
In motorsport, he engineered Jim Richards to his Nations Cup titles before moving to Carrera Cup and winning there too.
Perhaps his peak of success came with Craig Baird, the pair forming a near-inseparable bond and dominating the sport to claim three titles in a row between 2011 and 2013 – each year of the Generation 2 997 GT3 Cup Car.
More recently he has worked with an array of drivers including Nick McBride and more recently, Courtney Prince and Fabian Coulthard at the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport outfit.
His unparalleled record in one-make Porsche Motorsport includes attending 149 from a possible 150 Championship and non-championship Carrera Cup Australia rounds, and 442 races stretching across the 996, 997, 997.2, 991, 991.2 and 992 models of Porsche’s GT3 Cup Car.
He also has extensive experience in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge paddock with the Porsche Centre Melbourne team, where he will continue to have a presence next year.
His recent battle with Friedrich’s Ataxia has inspired the ‘Racing to beat FA’ cause which appears on many cars competing across Porsche Motorsport Australia categories, helping to raise awareness and funds in a bid to find a cure for the disease.
Batson’s induction into the Porsche Motorsport Australia hall of fame will see him join his former drivers Jim Richards, Craig Baird and the late Jaimie Blaikie, the long-time Category Manager of Carrera Cup Australia, who were inducted in 2021.
Karl Batson – Porsche Motorsport Australia Hall of Fame inductee
“I was very addicted to each driver. They were always number one. I always found it hard to find them at fault, especially in an accident. I was always very pro them – it was never my drivers fault.
“I was so fortunate to have so many good people alongside me.
“With Jim, we’d already won three championships in Nations Cup and in the last year of that I was preparing for Carrera Cup 100 percent.
“We dominated 2003 and that was a big deal, and we came second the next two years.
“With Bairdo, to have three in a row and to clean sweep that model of car was very special, but the relationships were the most important thing.
“A highlight was when we looked after Jeroen Bleekemolen at Bathurst. It was like this year where there were two cars on the main straight and everyone else coming out of the Chase.
“To look after both cars, swapping lap records both laps – and fortunately Bairdo got it – that was incredible.
“Porsche means everything to me. I’ve been at Porsche Centre Melbourne for 39 years; I was very pro Porsche and PCM my whole time. It’s been everything, it’s been my life.
“I physically can do the events but it’s the up and down, of looking after my body. I need to trim that out. I’ll do (Porsche Michelin Sprint) Challenge with Jonathan Glicksten, who is a massive supporter of my issue, and a young guy Ben Taylor. He’s a great young guy, we share a bit of a disability, and it will be great to see getting results out of him.
“A lot of people have been very kind to me over the journey.”
Craig Baird – 5x Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion
“He’s one of my best mates and a definite legend of our sport.
“When I joined Porsche, the person you had to knock off was Karl Batson.
“His friendship, his personality, his humor, his understanding – I would trust my children’s life with him.
“We’ve had some good times together and I’ll certainly miss seeing him in the pit lane.”
Jim Richards – Porsche Motorsport Hall of Fame member, 2003 Carrera Cup Champion
“Karl was responsible for all my racing, organizing and more of a team manager and chief mechanic rolled into one. He’s a great guy, great personality and we all got along fantastically well.
“2003 was a huge year for Carrera Cup. We didn’t really know what was involved and for my little team, with Karl, it was a matter of getting his experience and without that I’m sure we wouldn’t have won all those races.
“Karl was the main reason I won so many races and he just made it very, very easy for us.
“He worked as a mechanic and a manager but most importantly he was a great friend.”
Alex Davison – 2004 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion
“Karl is one of those guys who you struggle to find a bad word to say about. I’ve known him for over 20 years, and I don’t remember him saying a bad word about someone else as well.
“When I first went to Germany, Karl was going over at the same time as an exchange program PCA (Porsche Cars Australia) was doing with Porsche Motorsport.
“That was 24 years ago and we’ve been very close friends ever since.
“We got to work together once while driving for Jim Richards, which is a season we still look back on with really fond memories. We’ve always wanted to work together again and would have loved to win a championship together. No one in the paddock would have a bad thing to say about the guy.
“Seeing the enthusiasm that he presses on with and his passion for the sport even with the difficulties he has had is with the health battles, he’s still here.”
Marc Cini – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia legend, former PCM driver
“I think his most defining feature can also be his worst – which is that he’s extremely headstrong!
“When he takes something on it’s absolutely 100 percent commitment. For me it’s 23 years of fond memories and we’re extremely good friends. Over a 23 year journey you find out a lot about people and I assure you he’s one of god’s best people.
“He trained a lot of people, mentored a lot of people. I can’t tell you how important he’s been to the brand.”
Nick McBride – former PCM driver
“The opportunity to drive for King Karl for several years was an absolute privilege. We immediately bonded over coke zero and classic cars and have developed a close friendship. He is a real racer and his on-track achievements are second to none and well documented.
“Above all, he is a friend, husband and father and leading a motorsport department is an all-encompassing and time-consuming job. As a motorsport community we not only owe our thanks to Karl for his contribution to Carrera Cup but also must thank Michelle, Brodie and Cory for sharing Karl with us knowing that he currently has a debilitating illness.
“Karl will be missed in Carrera Cup but will no doubt be a strong presence in Sprint Challenge. Karl has recently welcomed a miniature dachshund called “Billie” to his family – he has no idea what he is in for. Thanks Karl.”
Matt Belford – former PCM driver.
“I turned up having never done any racing about five years ago, rocked up to a legend of Porsche Motorsport. His experience is undeniable. In terms of Porsches, he knows them inside out and for me he’s been incredible – and he’s been an incredible friend along the way and we’ve built a fantastic friendship.
“He really is Porsche Motorsport when you break It down.”
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NewsHedge: ‘Someone was looking after me’
Champion limped car home in title-deciding race
NEWLY-crowned Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion Callum Hedge has revealed just how close he came to losing the championship in Sunday’s final race at the VAILO Adelaide 500.
A dramatic start to the deciding race of the year saw Hedge and the championship leader at the time, Jackson Walls, leap across the famous Senna chicane as they battled, nearly side-by-side.
On landing, Walls’ car tore a tyre from the left-rear wheel rim on his Objective Racing Porsche, causing him to spin across the circuit and out of the race, ending his title hopes.
Hedge’s car landed heavily however was able to continue, the young New Zealander ceding several spots before finishing seventh and ultimately taking the championship in the final race of the year.
However, Hedge has since confirmed that his cautious Sunday drive was not just down to being conservative – his Earl Bamber Motorsport / Team Porsche New Zealand entry having suffered quite serious damage during the opening corner aerobatics.
“I took one look at the wishbone after Alex (Wilkinson, #1 Mechanic on Hedge’s car) took the left rear off and I’m surprised it didn’t snap,” Hedge explained.
“There was a lot of damage and the car wasn’t feeling good so I made sure I got it home safely.
“Someone was looking down on me today and I was just grateful to make it to the end.”
Hedge was formally crowned champion at the annual Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia awards night held Sunday evening in Adelaide.
Hedge’s remarkable season saw him crowned champion and Equity-One Professional Class winner, TAG Heuer Pro Pole Award winner, Enduro Cup winner and the Michelin Junior champion for 2023.
“I want to thank Porsche for an amazing championship, I’ve really enjoyed my last two years here. They’ve been two of the best years of my life,” he said.
“Thank you to my team for all the hard work and a thanks to Jackson. We’ve come a long way since the Grand Prix last year where we smacked into each other at every opportunity we could! It’s pretty cool to be racing you and it’s been awesome to be racing you all year.
“I do need to make special mention to Bruce (Jenkins), his help since Townsville last year has been a turning point where I stopped crashing the car, stopped wrecking gear and gained a bit of maturity. I can’t thank all the people that made this possible enough.”
Jackson Walls was celebrated as runner-up, while Dale Wood claimed third overall having jumped Dylan O’Keeffe for a spot on the podium in the final race of the year.
Earl Bamber Motorsport’s remarkable year was added by teammate Adrian Flack claiming the SP Tools Pro-Am class and the Enduro Cup as well.
Flack’s title also came down to the final race of the year, though circumstances were only slightly less dramatic than his younger teammate.
His remarkable season included five round wins – the third most of all time in the Pro-Am class – and five pole positions.
“What a year! I guess when we finished the race I would have taken it in a bit more but I was in shock to be honest,” Flack said.
“It’s been a long hard year. I remember talking to Sam (Shahin) last year talking about my plans for this year and how badly I wanted it and was preparing for it already. I think he went away and did the same because he didn’t make it easy for me!
“The competition this year, especially from Sam and Dean, has just been brutal – you couldn’t let your guard down for 10 seconds.
“Lana (Flack’s eldest go-kart racing daughter) got second in her championship and basically told me ‘Show me how to win one, Dad!’, and that was my motivation this weekend! She’s going to have to listen to me now!”
Dean Cook was awarded second in SP Tools Pro-Am, while Sam Shahin claimed third.
Earl Bamber Motorsport won the team’s award – and the use of a brand-new Porsche Cayenne for the 2023 season – while Hedge’s mechanic Alex Wilkinson was awarded SP Tools Mechanic of the year.
The annual Carrera Cup awards were held in front of nearly 200 guests in Adelaide and included Porsche Cars Australia CEO and Managing Director, Daniel Schmollinger, two-time Le Mans 24 Hour winner Earl Bamber and current Porsche Penske Motorsport factory pilot Matt Campbell among the guest list.
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NewsWood sweeps Adelaide as Callum Hedge claims last-gasp title
Dramatic conclusion to Carrera Cup season delivers four times the success to Earl Bamber Motorsport
DALE WOOD swept the weekend at the VAILO Adelaide 500 as Callum Hedge became Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia champion in dramatic fashion in the final race of the year.
It was a day of double delight for the Earl Bamber Motorsport team as Adrian Flack also sealed the SP Tools Pro-Am title in the final race of the year, adding to Hedge’s win in Equity-One Pro.
The team also recently claimed the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series with Kiwi driver Marco Giltrap.
The Carrera Cup title was decided in the first 500 meters of the race as both Hedge and his main rival, title leader Jackson Walls, took to the kerbs at the Senna Chicane as they negotiated the first-turn chaos.
After a huge moment Hedge was able to drive out the other side, while Walls’ car landed roughly, spun and tore the left-rear Michelin from the rim.
From there he made contact with the fence and retired on the spot, enduring Hedge only needed to finish to wrestle the title lead away in the final race of the season.
Caught up in the turn one-two drama, Ryder Quinn’s strong weekend was ended as he and Alex Davison took evasive action from the spinning Porsche.
Wood had led the opening corner rush and also led the field behind the Safety Car, making the best restart and leading the field back to green.
Hedge, meanwhile, took the conservative option and backed out of a furious battle for second position, electing to drop behind the leading queue and race in clean air to ensure minimum risk in the remaining laps.
While Wood gradually pulled away in front, the battle for second was intense as Max Vidau fended off Dylan O’Keeffe’s Dexion Porsche.
O’Keeffe needed to beat Wood in the race to claim third in the championship, however was unable to chase down the runaway leader.
Ultimately, Wood won the race to claim the weekend overall – the fifth of his Carrera Cup career.
The Ranbuild-backed driver became the only repeat winner of the 2023 season having won the second round of the season – in Darwin – in June this year.
He also sealed third in the championship in the final race of the season.
O’Keeffe and Vidau completed the top three in the race, while Wood’s round win saw him stand on the top step of the podium with Hedge – second – and Vidau joining him.
Needing only to finish the race to claim the SP Tools Pro-Am championship, Adrian Flack was another to take a conservative pathway to victory today, ultimately finishing fourth in the race to claim the title.
The race win went to a fired-up Sam Shahin, who after a challenging weekend was able to celebrate in front of his Adelaide faithful on Sunday.
He led home Dean Cook and Danny Stutterd in the Sunday race, while Flack claimed the round overall over Shahin and Cook.
Flack’s title was his first after five years of his Carrera Cup career, while Dean Cook finished second in the title race and Sam Shahin third.
Meanwhile, Callum Hedge became Carrera Cup champion on the twentieth anniversary of perhaps the greatest ever claiming the first Carrera Cup Australia championship – Jim Richards’ 2003 title win.
The 20 year old from Auckland has recently returned from contesting the Porsche junior Shootout in Europe – with the potential of a Porsche Supercup drive if successful – and will race in the Indy NXT Championship next year.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship field will celebrate the remarkable season at the annual awards Gala tonight in Adelaide.
SP TOOLS PRO-AM STANDINGS:
1 | Adrian Flack | 1104 |
2 | Dean Cook | 1074 |
3 | Sam Shahin | 1052 |
4 | Matthew Belford | 678 |
5 | Marc Cini | 647 |
6 | Rodney Jane | 629 |
7 | Tim Miles | 625 |
8 | Daniel Stutterd | 592 |
9 | Liam Talbot | 433 |
10 | Drew Hall | 319 |
EQUITY-ONE PROFESSIONAL CLASS CHAMPIONS
1 | Callum Hedge | 932 |
2 | Jackson Walls | 905 |
3 | Dale Wood | 757 |
4 | Dylan O’Keeffe | 751 |
5 | Max Vidau | 664 |
6 | Bayley Hall | 649 |
7 | Fabian Coulthard | 563 |
8 | Alex Davison | 493 |
9 | Simon Fallon | 438 |
10 | Christian Pancione | 424 |
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NewsTwo points split title contenders ahead of season finale
Winner-take-all Sunday finale' in store on the streets of Adelaide
TWO points separate Jackson Walls and Callum Hedge heading into the final race of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in Adelaide.
The championship and Equity-One Pro class will now be decided based on who finishes higher in Sunday’s 11-lap season finale setting up a literal winner-take-all showdown between the pair of talented Michelin Juniors.
The SP Tools Pro-Am class will also be decided on Sunday however a win for Adrian Flack today makes his final day a much simpler equation, provisionally sitting 42 points clear of Dean Cook in the title race with one to go.
Dale Wood continued his imperious Adelaide form, claiming today’s shortened race following a brilliant start and a healthy lap one lead.
Though the chasing back came back to the Ranbuild Porsche driver, he managed his position and then survived a late race restart and a one-lap dash to the line to claim his fifth win of the season.
Hedge finished second however it was a key pass by Max Vidau that has delivered this weekend’s title showdown between he and Walls.
Vidau sliced his way past Walls on the opening lap of the race, relegating the title leader to fourth place in a decisive move.
Walls was fourth and Alex Davison fifth, with Ryder Quinn continuing his career-best weekend in sixth position.
Fabian Coulthard, Dylan O’Keeffe, Angelo Mouzouris and Bayley Hall completed the top-10.
The race finished two laps early following an accident from Matt Belford at the notorious Turn eight on the fifth lap.
Belford’s ID Group car appeared to touch the inside kerb, which caused him to oversteer into the outside barrier with the resulting impact causing his left rear to depart.
He then spun across the circuit before making relatively light contact with the inside fence, the Victorian emerging unscathed.
That set up the one-lap dash to the line that saw Wood claim the victory and the title battle take another dramatic turn.
Behind that the pulsating Pro-Am battle saw Shahin jump to an early lead, topping Flack and Cook for the opening two laps.
He then dropped behind the pair to finish third, while Flack led home what has now become his main title rival to claim the race win.
Tim Miles recovered to fourth in the Pro-Am class despite contact at turn one that saw him spinning down to the back of the field.
All results remain provisional following several post-race investigations currently underway by Motorsport Australia officials.
The final race of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held on Sunday at the VAILO Adelaide 500 and will be shown live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and the Seven Network around Australia.
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NewsWood wins Enduro Cup thriller in Adelaide as title battle builds
23-lap thriller decides Endurance titles, closes up championship fight
DALE WOOD has withstood 23-laps of searing pressure to win the opening race in Round 8 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship today at the VAILO Adelaide 500.
The Victorian started his Ranbuild / EBM Porsche from the outside of the front row of the grid and beat teammate and title contender Callum Hedge into the Senna Chicane – only to then spend the first half of the race defending from the quick young Kiwi.
Wood withered multiple attacks from Hedge before Vidau was the next to have a crack within the final stanza of the race – yet Wood was able to withstand that too. It was his fourth win of the year, sixteenth of his career and first since he took a clean sweep of the Darwin round in June.
Wood led home Callum Hedge, who took points out of championship leader Jackson Walls in both qualifying and today’s 23-lap race.
Trailing by 21 points entering the round, Hedge now needs to find 14 points across the final two races should he wish to win the title.
Walls’ day was a story of recovery after only qualifying his Objective Racing entry in 8th position.
His race, however, was much more fruitful as he took advantage of several incidents in front before making several key overtakes to climb his way to third place at the finish, minimising his points loss.
It was a fighting drive from the Sydneysider who will now start directly behind his closest rival in tomorrow’s sprint.
Alex Davison came through to finish fourth in his Scott Taylor Motorsport entry while Ryder Quinn was fifth aboard the Game Over entry in his best ever Carrera Cup race.
Max Vidau finished sixth, however ran as high as second in another storming drive from the South Australian.
The Tyrepower TekworkX Motorsport driver raced his way to second position in the early stages and was challenging for the lead at turn nine when he spun after riding the inside kerb – spinning through a full 360 degrees before recovering into the fight.
Others with promising if challenging races included Bayley Hall, who ran at the front, copped a 15-second penalty for turning Fabian Coulthard around.
Coulthard was spun while challenging inside the top five, while Hall’s race unravelled further when he was hit from behind by Dylan O’Keeffe – his endurance cup hopes disappearing when he copped a 15-second time penalty before ultimately finishing 9th.
A fired-up Hall recovered to 11th, re-setting the Carrera Cup lap record in the process.
The SP Tools Pro-Am battle was similarly combative, with the result coming down to the final lap when Dean Cook and Sam Shahin clashed while battling for the lead – the result currently under investigation.
Adrian Flack came through that drama to finish second to consolidate his championship lead.
With two races remining, Jackson Walls now provisionally leads the championship and Equity-One Pro class by 14 points, with 120 up for grabs across the final two races.
In SP Tools Pro-Am Flack provisionally leads Dean Cook by just 18 points.
The Endurance Cup titles went the way of Callum Hedge (Equity One Pro) and Adrian Flack (SP Tools Pro-Am) in a double title success for Earl Bamber Motorsport.
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NewsShortened practice offers few clues for weekend
Rain adds to Adelaide challenge in sole Thursday practice session
A RED FLAGGED and wet-weather opening practice session has offered little in the way of a form guide as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia returned to the VAILO Adelaide 500.
South Aussie hope Max Vidau topped the abbreviated session which was held in pouring wet conditions.
His 1m35.2686s lap was some 15 seconds behind the Carrera Cup lap record on the Adelaide Parklands circuit, showing how challenging the conditions were.
Drivers completed no more than four laps in the session prior to a red flag flying for Simon Fallon, who found the wall at Turn 8 aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Motor Racing entry.
Fallon was uninjured, with the team currently assessing the damage to his car post accident.
Callum Hedge ended the session second outright – 0.09 behind Vidau – with Ryder Quinn and Bayley Hall next.
Dean Cook led the way in the SP Tools Pro-Am, with fellow title rivals Sam Shahin and Adrian Flack next in the order.
The lone practice session was the only on-track activity for the championship in Adelaide on Thursday, though Friday will be a bumper day on track.
Action starts early with a second practice session at 8:05am, followed by Qualifying at 10:35 – with separate sessions for Equity One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am to set the grid.
The Endurance Cup finale will then be decided with the race commencing at 3:25pm local time.
All three sessions will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sport.
The two races on Saturday and Sunday will also be shown live on the Seven Network around Australia.
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NewsAll titles on the line as massive Carrera Cup finale set for Adelaide
Pro, Pro-Am and Endurance Cup titles all to be decided in huge Porsche showdown
CHAMPIONSHIP and Endurance Cup titles in both classes will be on the line when the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia heads to the VAILO Adelaide 500 this weekend for an epic season finale.
The championship in Equity-One Pro Outright and Endurance, plus the SP Tools Pro-Am overall and endurance titles will be decided across three races this weekend with all results still on the table.
It’s set to be a thrilling conclusion to one of the most broadly competitive Carrera Cup championships yet held in Australia, with seven winners from seven rounds to date.
In the outright battle, Jackson Walls leads Callum Hedge by just 21 points, with a possible 181 up for grabs this weekend.
Dylan O’Keeffe remains in mathematical chance for the championship in third, 167 points from the lead – however is a better shot at claiming the Enduro Cup prize for the year with a strong result in Friday afternoon’s longer race.
There, he leads Hedge by 17 points with Walls a further five points further back in third position.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am class a dramatic Surfers Paradise round has given Adrian Flack a handy, but by no means insurmountable lead, in the championship heading to Adelaide.
He leads Dean Cook by just 23 points, with Sam Shahin a further 28 in arrears in third position heading to his home race.
The three drivers are separated by the equivalent of less than a second-placed race finish this weekend, adding to the pressure.
The SP Tools Pro-Am Endurance Cup is no less settled, with just 13 points separating Adrian Flack from second-placed Dean Cook, with Shahin also in contention.
All results will be on the table this weekend at the traditionally unpredictable Adelaide Parklands circuit, with the Carrera Cup Championship returning for the first time since 2020.
The championship will look to set an all-time record to conclude it’s 20th year following seven different winners from seven rounds so far – the championship never having seen eight from eight in a single season.
Drivers with strong Adelaide experience yet to claim a round win this year include Fabian Coulthard (BTW Porsche Centre Melbourne), Nick McBride (Hallmarc Team MPC) and local hope Max Vidau (Tyrepower TekworkX), while Christian Pancione (Supercheap Auto) and Angelo Mouzouris and teammate Simon Fallon (Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Motor Racing) are others looking for a breakthrough round win this year.
This weekend marks the first time that the Type-992 Generation Porsche GT3 Cup Car will have competed on the Adelaide streets.
As such, the existing qualifying (1m21.9019s – Dale Wood) and race (1m21.2003s – Cooper Murray) lap records are expected to be toppled this weekend.
The Carrera Cup field hits the track for a single practice session on Thursday prior to a busy Friday at the VAILO Adelaide 500.
There, they will practice, qualify and stage the Enduro Cup race that will decide that element of the championship battle. Sprint races on Saturday and Sunday then decide the Championship.
All sessions from Friday will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo, while Saturday and Sunday’s races will also be broadcast on the Seven Network around Australia.
ENTRY LIST – Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Round 8.
No. | Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
State | Colour |
1 | Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | QLD | Pink/White |
2 | Pro-Am | 7 | Miles Advisory Partners | Tim | Miles | NSW | Red/White |
3 | Pro | 8 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Nick | McBride | VIC | Pink/White |
4 | Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Marc | Cini | VIC | Red |
5 | Pro | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW | Black |
6 | Pro-Am | 13 | Shell V – Power Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA | White/Blue/Red |
7 | Pro-Am | 14 | ID Land / Team MPC | Matthew | Belford | VIC | Black / Orange |
8 | Pro | 17 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Callum | Hedge | QLD | White / Black / Red |
9 | Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National | Adrian | Flack | QLD | Black/Blue/Orange |
10 | Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | VIC | Grey / Red |
11 | Pro-Am | 23 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | VIC | Black / Yellow |
12 | Pro | 28 | TAG Heuer / Hall Finance / Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD | Silver / Green |
13 | Pro | 32 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Courtney | Prince | VIC | Pink/White |
14 | Pro | 72 | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Max | Vidau | SA | Blue / Red / White |
15 | Pro | 76 | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Christian | Pancione | VIC | Red |
16 | Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
17 | Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC | Grey / Red |
18 | Pro | 101 | Game Over | Ryder | Quinn | QLD | Yellow |
19 | Pro | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Alex | Davison | QLD | Black/Green/Red |
20 | Pro | 777 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Simon | Fallon | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
21 | Pro | 992 | Porsche Centre Brighton Motorsport / EBM | Dale | Wood | VIC | Blue / White |
22 | Pro | 999 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Pitbox | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
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NewsVidau Signals End of Carrera Cup Journey
South Aussie's journey to end where it started this weekend in Adelaide
Max Vidau and Danny Stutterd are set for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship finale this weekend at the Adelaide Street Circuit with TekworkX Motorsport.
South Australian Vidau will line up for the fourth street circuit of the season, where he and TekworkX have been particularly strong in 2023. The Tyrepower backed driver has won three races so far this year, with victory at the Australian Grand Prix followed by a pair of wins at the Reid Park Street Circuit in Townsville.
Vidau’s first ever Carrera Cup race was at the Adelaide 500 in 2020, where the hometown hero was an impressive fifth on debut.
“I was lucky enough to start my Carrera Cup journey on the streets of Adelaide, I’m excited to end my journey there. Ready for more exciting things next year,” said Vidau.
“A home race to end the year is cool, with friends and family around it should be a good time. Adelaide’s my favourite street circuit, it has a perfect balance between a traditional race track while maintaining the street circuit characteristics.
“The car has had a rebuild since the Gold Coast, so we’ll ensure the car is in the window in practice one and then press on in to the weekend. It requires a similar setup to Townsville, both tracks have a fast section while retaining the need to stop and rotate quickly across the bumps.
“The Adelaide 500 always has a great atmosphere, I’m keen to get stuck in and enjoy the weekend,” concluded Vidau.
Stutterd returns to the category after missing the previous round on the Gold Coast. The 2018 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge champion enjoyed a strong outing in that category’s final round recently, taking out the round victory around Mount Panorama.
The Pro-Am front runner will be able to draw on prior experience around the Adelaide Street Circuit, highlighted by starts in the Australian GT Championship.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship wraps up the season at the VAILO Adelaide 500 from November 23-26.
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NewsHall gets the TAG Heuer boost for Adelaide
TAG Heuer livery for Bayley Hall in Adelaide
THE PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia’s newest round winner has got himself a brand-new livery.
McElrea Racing’s Bayley Hall will sport the colours of long-time Porsche Motorsport Australia partner TAG Heuer this weekend at the VAILO Adelaide 500, which doubles as the final round of Australia’s top one-make championship.
Hall powered to a pair of race wins and the overall victory in the most recent round of the championship on the streets of Surfers Paradise, his first in Porsche competition and the seventh different winner from as many rounds to date this year.
His stunning recent form has been recognised with the addition of the iconic brand to his program this weekend, with his 992 GT3 Cup Car resplendent in a stunning black and red livery that showcases the well known TAG Heuer brand.
Hall has climbed to fifth in the championship and sits well within striking distance of a top three finish in what is just his second full year of Porsche competition. The young Queenslander has also climbed to third in the Michelin Junior points standings with a round to go.
TAG Heuer are a major partner of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with their support including backing the prestigious TAG Heuer Pole Award at each round.
Hall will be on track for practice this Thursday at the VAILO Adelaide 500, ahead of qualifying and racing commencing on Friday.
BAYLEY HALL – TAG Heuer Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car
“I am honoured to show off a brand-new look this weekend with long-time Porsche Motorsport Australia partner, TAG Heuer, on my car at the Adelaide 500.
“It’s the final weekend of the year and time to give it everything I’ve got. To have this brand on my car is incredible and I am hungry to represent them successfully.
“The win on the streets of the Gold Coast was one I will never forget. For me, it was a great benchmark to know I am on the right track in my career, and now it’s a case of keeping my eyes forward and working hard to make those weekends a normality.
“Like many juniors this weekend, it will be my first taste of the Adelaide street circuit and I can’t wait to hit the track. I have many reasons to be thrilled about this upcoming weekend, but I am very keen to see the new Tag Heuer livery out on track and around the paddock.’
“Tag Heuer is a major prestige international brand that has been working closely with Porsche motorsport since 1963. It is an exciting time in my career, and I’m honoured to represent this iconic brand and respect the work they do in our Carrera Cup Championship as category sponsors.
“Tag Heuer’s presence in the motorsport industry around the world is immense, and to see the work they have put into the new Porsche x Tag Heuer Carrera ChronoSprint is amazing.”
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NewsMatt Campbell confirmed for GT World Challenge finale in Adelaide
Carrera Cup champion returns Down Under in bid for Porsche title
EMA Motorsport will travel to the final round of Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS with a revised line-up at the wheel of the #1 Porsche 911 GT3 R.
Reigning champion Yasser Shahin will be joined for the VAILO Adelaide 500 weekend by Porsche works driver, Matt Campbell.
Queensland-born Matt joins the team for the sixth and final round of the season, as Yasser and EMA Motorsport hold an outside chance to clinch the title.
Just 22 points off the lead, Yasser currently sits third in the championship. The announcement means that Matt will sign off the season with the team, and the car, that he started out with this year.
The 28-year-old helped fight to a podium finish with the #911 of Manthey EMA at the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hours, having debuted with the team during 2022 at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.
Yasser holds third in the title race, having claimed three wins and three further victories so far this season, alongside Garnet Patterson. Matt joins for the final push for the series, holding significant local knowledge of the Adelaide circuit, having raced there extensively in his early career.
He has gone on to score significant results across the world at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R, including outright victory at Bathurst in 2019 and the IMSA GTD Pro championship title last year.
This year has seen Matt play a key part of the Porsche 963 in the GTP programme with Penske Motorsport, standing on the podium four times, including a race win, in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
Matt Campbell, Porsche 911 GT3 R #1:
“It’s been a busy season, and great to racing in Australia to sign off the year, back with EMA Motorsport.
“The team has had a great year, and I’m looking forward to helping with the final fight for the GT World challenge Australia title push. We started things off back in February with the podium at Bathurst, and looking forward to being back with the team, in the GT3 R, around Adelaide. It’s one of my favourite tracks from growing up, and is a special place to be heading back to.”
Yasser Shahin, Porsche 911 GT3 R #1:
“I’m really looking forward to driving with Matt. His rise within Porsche is the stuff of legend in Australia, and we expect to be right up there for the 500.”
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NewsInternational trip, night racing headline 2024 Carrera Cup calendar
Incredible season ahead for Australia's top one-make category
THE BIGGEST ever Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship season awaits following confirmation of the 2024 racing calendar for Australia’s top one-make category.
An international trip, night racing and positions at five of the largest motorsport events in the country are set to set to position Carrera Cup once again as one of Australia’s premier racing categories.
Following the traditional start at the Formula 1 ® Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the championship will cross the Tasman and head to New Zealand for the first time in series history.
Carrera Cup Australia’s second ever international round will be held at the ITM Taupo Super400 event and will represent a significant milestone for the championship as it competes internationally again.
The visit to New Zealand is especially pertinent given the strong Kiwi interest in the championship, both from teams and drivers.
It will be just the second time the championship has raced internationally, following the first overseas trip to Malaysia in 2017.
From New Zealand, it’s back to the sunshine of Darwin for Round 3 at the ever-popular Betr Triple Crown.
Carrera Cup will then return to Sydney Motorsport Park to race under lights at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight event in late July – the first night race in series’ history.
The addition of Sydney to the program comes following a successful debut of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at the SuperNight event this year.
The run to the title decider will then include four of the highest profile events on the calendar: The Penrite Oil Sandown 500, Repco Bathurst 1000, Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 and VAILO Adelaide 500 ending off a massive year.
As the premier support category to the Repco Supercars Championship, 2024 will again feature a comprehensive broadcast package, with every qualifying and race live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Meanwhile, free-to-air coverage on the Seven Network of Darwin, Sandown, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide will add to the audiences watching from home or on the go.
The 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia concludes at the VAILO Adelaide 500 next week, with both the Equity One Professional class and SP Tools Pro-Am classes to be decided in a thrilling title showdown on the streets of South Australia’s capital.
Barry Hay – Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia
“The 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship calendar has been a mixture of challenge and opportunity to piece together, but we are very proud of the outcome.
“It is well balanced, offers incredible events for our competitors and perhaps the most diverse calendar in the history of one-make Porsche racing in Australia.
“From International events, night racing, outstanding and classic permanent circuits, street racing and arguably four of the largest motorsport events in Australia, it offers incredible value for everyone involved.
“Next year is looking like another bumper year, with new names stepping up and familiar ones returning to the championship, plus several new cars that are due to arrive in Australia soon.
“We are looking forward to working with our partners at the Supercars Championship, Supercars Media and the key promoters like the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, NT Major Events and the South Australian Motorsport Board to deliver another incredible season in 2024.”
2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship
- Formula 1 ® Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne, VIC – 21-24 March
- ITM Taupo Super400, New Zealand – 19-21 April
- betr Darwin Triple Crown, Darwin, NT – 14-16 June
- Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight, Sydney, NSW – 19-21 July
- Penrite Oil Sandown 500, Melbourne, VIC – 20-22 September
- Repco Bathurst 1000, Bathurst, NSW – 10-13 October
- Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, Surfers Paradise, QLD – 25-27 October
- VAILO Adelaide 500, Adelaide, SA – 14-17 November 10, 2023
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NewsNew Zealand to feature on 2024 Carrera Cup Calendar
Taupo to become second international venue to host Carrera Cup
THE PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will race in New Zealand for the first time in 2024.
Embracing a huge groundswell of Kiwi interest in the series, Australia’s top one-make category will follow the Repco Supercars Championship across the Tasman in 2024 and join the ITM Taupo Super400 program on 19-21 April next year.
It will be just the second time that the championship will have competed outside of Australia.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has remarkable New Zealand heritage dating back to the inaugural champion, Porsche Motorsport Australia hall of famer, Jim Richards.
Eight Carrera Cup Australia titles have been won by New Zealand drivers; Richards’ 2003 success followed by Fabian Coulthard’s in 2005.
Five-time champion Craig Baird is the most successful driver in Carrera Cup history, claiming titles in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Jaxon Evans won the crown in 2018 and is the most recent Kiwi title winner, however young star Callum Hedge is in contention to claim the 2024 title at the upcoming season’ finale at the VAILO Adelaide 500.
10 different New Zealanders have won 152 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races since the series’ formation in 2003.
Multiple championship-winning team McElrea Racing is owned by noted New Zealand racer and team owner, Andy McElrea, while Earl Bamber Motorsport competes under the Team Porsche New Zealand banner.
The EBM squad just claimed the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge championship, with young stars Marco Giltrap and Zac Stichbury already announced to step into Carrera Cup next year.
The Taupo Circuit will be the 18th to host a round of the championship and only the second outside of Australia, following the visit to the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia in 2017.
New Zealand will be the second stop on the full 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship calendar, with the full schedule to be released in due course.
Barry Hay – Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia
“Returning to an overseas venue has been on the agenda for the championship for some time, but it needed to be the right venue, the right time and the right place. This ticks all of those boxes and so much more and we’re proud to be taking one-make Porsche racing back to New Zealand in 2024.
“Following the Supercars to Taupo for the first ITM Taupo Super400 event made all the sense in the world, and we have worked closely with the Repco Supercars Championship, Porsche Motorsport New Zealand and our teams and competitors to make the trip achievable.
“Carrera Cup has such incredible Kiwi heritage and DNA and while we are Carrera Cup Australia, we are fiercely proud to represent New Zealand as well – as witnessed with the teams and drivers who come from across the Tasman to race with us.
“It’s going to be an incredible trip for our teams and drivers and a great experience to take the show on the road to another country.
“The Kiwi fans will have plenty of local to cheer for in our field next year and I am sure they are all relishing the chance to watch another Kiwi sporting star beat up on the Aussies in New Zealand!”
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NewsHall makes it seven from seven with Gold Coast win
Flack rockets to Pro-Am Championship lead as all roads lead to Adelaide
HOME TOWN hero Bayley Hall has become the seventh different winner from seven Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia rounds in 2023, adding his name to the ever-expanding winners list with an emphatic performance on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
The 20-year-old from the Gold Coast swept to both race wins in a dramatic day of racing to claim both his maiden race and round victories in Carrera Cup.
Seven winners in seven consecutive rounds equalled an all-time Carrera Cup record, while Hall also became the eighth different race winner of the season so far.
Hall led Dylan O’Keeffe and teammate Jackson Walls home in the overall and Equity-One Pro class honours, as the latter also climbed back into the championship lead heading into the Adelaide finale.
Walls now leads Hedge by 21 points with Dylan O’Keeffe remaining in mathematical calculation for the title in third, 167 from the lead.
Meanwhile, a clutch victory for Adrian Flack saw him claim the final race, the Gold Coast round and also the championship lead in the combative SP Tools Pro-Am Class.
Flack won the round ahead of Dean Cook and Sam Shahin, with the title a firm three-way fight going into the finale.
Flack leads Shahin by just 15 points with Cook a further eight further back in third.
The final round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held on the streets of Adelaide at the VAILO Adelaide 500 on November 23-26.
RACE 2
BAYLEY HALL claimed his maiden Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race victory in a wildly dramatic enduro cup race on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
Hall took advantage of a battle for the lead between Callum Hedge and Dylan O’Keeffe to claim the victory after the former was penalised five seconds for running through the turn one-two-three chicane, and after passing the latter.
O’Keeffe had got down the inside of Hedge at Turn one, the Kiwi short-cutting the chicane in the process.
He resumed in front, while Hall passed O’Keeffe for second. Hedge crossed the line first, however was relegated down the order with the penalty at the end of the race, handing the lead and the victory to Hall.
Hedge’s penalty dropped him to 11th position while Jackson Walls was classified second and O’Keeffe third.
In Pro-Am, Sam Shahin failed to finish following a spin at turn eleven.
As he recovered, he was hit by Rodney Jane while Matt Belford spun in avoidance and was subsequently hit in the door by Tim Miles.
Shahin went to pit lane and was waiting to resume before the race was red flagged by an even more significant impact a few laps later.
The enduro race was cut short due to a massive crash at turn eleven that started when Alex Davison and David Wall made contact.
That spun Wall into the tyres, his car collected by Davison and Simon Fallon. Simon Fallon was also claimed, as was Harri Jones – who in turn was hit from behind by Liam Talbot.
There was a heated exchange between Wall and Davison, the pair having to be separated by Jones.
RACE 3
BAYLEY Hall converted pole to a second race win with a comprehensive and professional performance in a Sunday afternoon sprint race on the Gold Coast.
Starting from pole, the McElrea Racing driver led all the way under pressure from teammate Jackson Walls to claim the win, with Fabian Coulthard third and on the race podium for the first time since his title-winning 2005 season.
Race three was a clean affair with a freight train of cars in the leading battle.
Dale Wood was making solid ground through the field however was a victim of the turn one-two-three chicane, spinning his Ranbuild Porsche and narrowly avoiding heavy contact with the wall.
That left O’Keeffe fourth and Christian Pancione fifth.
Callum Hedge finished sixth to recover championship points following his earlier kerb-cutting penalty in race two.
Alex Davison, Ryder Quinn, Luke Youlden and Ange Mouzouris completed the top-10.
In SP Tools Pro-Am Adrian Flack resisted pressure from Cook and Shahin for much of the race, the three locked together for all 16 laps with flack ultimately getting the victory.
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NewsHall claims maiden win in dramatic Carrera Cup enduro
Maiden win for McElrea driver in dramatic Sunday session
BAYLEY HALL has claimed his maiden Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race victory in a wildly dramatic enduro cup race on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
Hall took advantage of a battle for the lead between Callum Hedge and Dylan O’Keeffe to claim the victory after the former was penalised five seconds for running through the turn one-two-three chicane, and after passing the latter.
O’Keeffe had got down the inside of Hedge at Turn one, the Kiwi short-cutting the chicane in the process.
He resumed in front, while Hall passed O’Keeffe for second. Hedge crossed the line first, however was relegated down the order with the penalty at the end of the race, handing the lead and the victory to Hall.
The Queensland teenager becomes the eighth different winner of the dramatic season in a race that has thrown the title battle wide open.
Hedge’s penalty dropped him to 11th position while Jackson Walls was classified second and O’Keeffe third.
Provisionally, Walls now assumes the championship lead for the first time since June with a single point his advantage over Hedge.
Pro-Am is similarly dramatic with Sam Shahin failing to finish and now holding just a three-point lead over Adrian Flack heading into race three.
Shahin had a spin at turn eleven and as he recovered was hit by Rodney Jane. Matt Belford spun in avoidance and he was hit in the door by Tim Miles.
Shahin went to pit lane and was waiting to resume before the race was red flagged by an even more significant impact a few laps later.
The enduro race was cut short due to a massive crash at turn eleven that started when Alex Davison and David Wall made contact.
That spun Wall into the tyres, his car collected by Davison and Simon Fallon. Simon Fallon was also claimed, as was Harri Jones – who in turn was hit from behind by Liam Talbot.
There was a heated exchange between Wall and Davison, the pair having to be separated by Jones.
All drivers were checked by medical and released, while Talbot was taken for precautionary scans for a sore neck.
Results remain provisional pending further enquiries from race officials.
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NewsHedge builds margin in interrupted Surfers opener
Liam Talbot continues Pro-Am form to claim race one victory
CALLUM HEDGE has extended his Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia title lead following an interrupted opening sprint race on the Streets of Surfers Paradise.
The young Kiwi started from pole and led the field into turn one before surviving two Safety Cars and ultimately claiming his fifth race win of the season in the Equity One Pro class.
In SP Tools Pro-Am, Liam Talbot jumped polesitter Adrian Flack at the start to claim his third successive race win in the race within a race.
Race one was punctuated by several Safety Cars as the busy Surfers streets were their usual brutal best.
Hedge made the best start from pole, however second-placed Luke Youlden was slower away, gobbled up by a fast-starting Dylan O’Keeffe who rocketed from fourth to second by the time the field slowed for turn one.
The first pause in racing came after Pro-Am runner Matt Belford spun and made light contact with the barriers at the exit of the Beach Chicane on the second lap of the race.
That followed an unfortunate incident at turn two that saw Harri Jones, Angelo Mouzouris and Thomas Maxwell three wide, the contact ultimately ending the race for all three.
Following the restart, Hedge led the field back to green with O’Keeffe and Wall following the Team Porsche NZ entry.
Fabian Coulthard and Dale Wood then made contact at turn four, the resulting contact dragging in an unfortunate Max Vidau’s TekworkX entry.
The South Aussie ace was tipped across the circuit and into the barriers, while Alex Davison also copped damage while taking evasive action.
That forced all three out of proceedings and deployed the Safety Car once again.
Ultimately the field finished under yellow, Hedge leading O’Keeffe and Wall to the line.
Provisionally, it builds his six-point series lead to 35 heading into tomorrow’s pair of races.
The result was also significant for Wall: the third-placed result the best finish for the former champion since Townsville earlier this year.
Youlden finished fourth with Bayley Hall fifth and Jackson Walls sixth.
The latter moved up one spot from his qualifying position following a full-send move at turn eleven on the opening lap, slicing down the inside of the left hander to gain the position prior to the Safety Car deployment.
Alex Davison limped his car home in seventh, ahead of Christian Pancione, Nick McBride and Courtney Prince.
The BWT / Porsche Centre Melbourne driver scored her first top-10 finish of the season in today’s race.
SP Tools Pro-Am saw Talbot win from Flack, with Shahin third – moving up one spot from his qualifying position.
As opposed to the outright fight, it further closed the margin in the Pro-Am title race heading into tomorrow’s two races.
Sunday will see a pair of races complete round 7 of the championship with the Enduro Cup race starting at 8:30am local time.
The final sprint will then commence at 12:55pm, with both races live on Fox Sports and Kayo, and the latter race also live on the Seven Network around Australia.
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NewsUnpredictable day sets up unpredictable weekend on the Coast
Dry in practice one, rain in practice two in Surfers Paradise
THE PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia form guide is as clear as the Gold Coast sky following two unpredictable and weather-affected practice sessions today at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.
Two 25-minute sessions were held today with the first dry and the second wet – leaving the real competitive order less than certain heading into qualifying on Saturday morning.
Practice 1 was run in overcast and blustery conditions though the threat of rain diminished as the session unfolded.
Dale Wood ended quickest in his Ranbuild / EBM entry, just 0.04 seconds quicker than championship leader Callum Hedge and 0.05 seconds quicker than Alex Davison, who was third.
Dylan O’Keeffe and Luke Youlden completed the top five, with Harri Jones, Christian Pancione, Bayley Hall and Simon Fallon completing the top-10.
Jones was the big story of the session however as his #12 car caught the kerb and then the tyres on the exit of the beach chicane on his seventh lap.
The impact saw his car stranded and red-flagged the session while the recovery was completed.
Jones was OK and the car will be repaired and returned to the circuit for Qualifying on Saturday.
In SP Tools Pro-Am Adrian Flack was quickest and an outstanding 13th outright, with Liam Talbot, Dean Cook, Matt Belford and Sam Shahin the top five.
A large front swept across the circuit moments before the second practice session, turning the circuit from dry to soaked in seconds.
The field fitted Michelin wets for the session which was remarkably completed without any stoppages.
A drying circuit saw times begin to tumble as the session unfolded with Callum Hedge’s late flyer putting the championship leader on top.
Simon Fallon was a strong second in his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry with Fabian Coulthard putting all his experience to good use in third aboard his BWT / Porsche Centre Melbourne entry.
Angelo Mouzouris was a strong fourth in the sister Sonic entry with Max Vidau fifth.
Ryder Quinn was a stout sixth ahead of Thomas Maxwell, Pancione, Nick McBride and title contender Jackson Walls in tenth.
Sam Shahin led the Pro-Am runners in 12th overall in front of Rodney Jane and Adrian Flack.
Only a few minor spins punctuated an otherwise clean session, with no stoppages.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will qualify on Saturday morning (9:45am local time) at the Gold Coast 500 before the first race at 2:25pm local time.
Both sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo, with the race also live on Channel 7.
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NewsJones confirms full-time 2024 return, launches own team
Jones Motorsport to contest full 2024 Carrera Cup Championship, with Harri leading the charge
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup driver and reigning Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Harri Jones, will return to Australia fulltime in 2024 with ambitions to forge his new team, Jones Motorsport, into one of the greats of Porsche Motorsport Australia.
The 24-year-old Queenslander will be back in familiar territory next year to compete in his fourth season of Australia’s top one-make category. However, this time his pursuits on track will coexist alongside his commitments as a Team Manager and Coach.
Jones Motorsport will enter the full 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and will also look to expand into Michelin Sprint Challenge as well.
Jones said that options were in front of him to remain in Europe for 2024, but the opportunity to return to Australia and expand Jones Motorsport alongside competing was too strong.
“I have a massive passion for motorsport and that goes beyond just driving the car,” said Jones. “I see some exciting opportunities to innovate and develop a team that can help drivers in all aspects of their career.”
“Personally, I feel I can bring something quite unique to the team. I of course have a background as a driver, having won multiple championship on the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, but I also have years of experience as a driver coach and engineer, and have learned a lot from my time over in Europe this year.”
Jones has had a successful season competing at the top level of Porsche one-make racing worldwide. Driving under the banners of BWT Lechner Racing – the most successful Porsche Supercup Team in history – and Scherer Sport PHX, Jones raced alongside Formula 1, WEC and DTM at some of the largest Motorsport events of 2023.
“I have had a great year, it’s honestly been better than I could’ve ever imagined,” said Jones.
“Racing at Monaco and Spa was for sure a highlight, but it was in the final round of Supercup at Monza where I felt like things just clicked. I finished P4 outright and P1 Rookie and came just one point short from taking out the Rookie Championship.”
Jones has had a huge amount of track time this year. Between the two full-time championships, and a couple of one-off appearances, he has competed across 20 race weekends.
“The intensity of a European racing program is just something else. No where else in the world are you in the car every week. Needless to say, I feel pretty battle-hardened.”
Whilst overseas, Jones says his love for the Porsche platform has grown and he is excited to be back on the Carrera Cup Australia grid in 2024.
“Carrera Cup Australia is my favorite category in the world. I have raced across the globe, but to be in Australia, in Porsches, on some of the best tracks in the world is absolutely a dream come true.”
The Jones Motorsport team recently had a successful debut at the Bathurst 1000. With Harri behind the wheel, the team claimed Pole Position and a trio of second place finishes in what was one of the most competitive Porsche Carrera Cup Australia fields of all time.
“I’d heard about all of the hard work the team had been putting in whilst I was overseas,” said Jones.
“But when we arrived at Bathurst and I witnessed it all paying off for our debut on track, it was just amazing. There’s a lot more to come and I know we are just getting started on what will be an incredible journey.”
Watch Harri and the Jones Motorsport team in action at the Gold Coast 500 this coming weekend, October 27 to 29.
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NewsFaces new and returning join Carrera Cup title battle in Queensland
Pro, Pro-Am championship battles on the line with two rounds to go
NEW and returning faces will join a Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia grid heading towards a title showdown, this weekend on the Gold Coast City streets.
As leader Callum Hedge and closest rival Jackson Walls resume their battle for the 2023 championship, the Surfers grid gets an injection of new and existing talent for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 this weekend.
The Gold Coast has traditionally hosted the series’ finale, the title being decided on the tough street track every year except for the Covid-affected 2021 season however with two rounds remaining, this weekend offers the prospect of being critical for both the Equity One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am class title fights.
The 28-strong field includes Porsche expert Luke Youlden, who will deputise for Danny Stutterd aboard the #23 TekworkX Motorsport entry this weekend.
With the SP Tools Pro-Am regular away with family commitments, Youlden – a three time Carrera Cup race winner – will drive this weekend with support from long-time team backer, MDE Communications and Electrical.
Youlden finished eighth in last year’s championship in a season that included a race win in Townsville.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel, my last race was the Gold Coast in 2022 and I thought I drove pretty well at that one, even if the results didn’t particularly reflect it,” said Youlden.
“It’s hopefully a positive for Max and Thomas as well, having a third pro driver, to help them out a bit. Three heads are better than one, looking at data and trying different things to find the speed. I’ve got a fair amount of experience with lots of co-drives around there, so I don’t expect the year out of the seat will affect me to much.”
While the experienced Youlden returns, a Carrera Cup rookie will make his Gold Coast debut in a step up from regular competition in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia.
17-year-old Marcos Flack will make his Carrera Cup debut this weekend driving for regular team, Sonic Motor Racing.
The son of former Pro-Am class contender Damien, and nephew of current contender Adrian Flack, Marcos currently sits sixth in the Sprint Challenge standings with a round to go.
After qualifying on pole in the opening round, Flack has finished third in five of the last six races against one of the strongest Sprint Challenge field the series has seen.
“It will be a good experience. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Flack.
“It’s all in preparation for next year. My aim is to do Carrera Cup in 2024. There are a few details to lock away, but this will give me a good head start for next year.
“The circuit will be difficult. It’s my first time at a street track, so my main aim will be to learn the track, enjoy the experience and keep the car straight.”
Meanwhile, defending champion Harri Jones returns to the scene of his title win last year in the second of two planned outings aboard his Jones Motorsport entry, having finished second to European rival Harry King at Mount Panorama two weeks ago.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field heads to the Gold Coast with the Pro and Pro-Am title battles on a knife’s edge with two rounds and just six races remaining.
Having missed Bathurst, Callum Hedge leads Jackson Walls by just six points with 360 still up for grabs across the final two rounds.
The fight for third is equally intense with third-placed Dale Wood just nine points in front of Max Vidau, and only 37 in front of Sandown winner, Dylan O’Keeffe.
Six different drivers have won the six rounds contested this year, one short of equalling an all-time Carrera Cup record.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am fight, Sam Shahin holds a narrow 28 point lead over Adrian Flack with two rounds remaining.
Dean Cook sits third and is only 44 points from the series lead – less than one full race.
Flack (Grand Prix), Cook (Darwin, Sandown) Shahin (Townsville, The Bend) and Liam Talbot (Bathurst) have shared the wins in the Pro-Am class this year.
Talbot will return to the championship aboard the Moutai car for Wall Racing once again this weekend.
Last year, Callum Hedge claimed the Gold Coast round in what served as a climactic final round of the championship.
Harri Jones sealed his title with a consistent performance, however the star was arguably his nearest title rival Aaron Love, who proved you can overtake on the tight street circuit.
Starting 15th after getting caught out in qualifying, Love scythed his way through the field in race one and then took just a few laps to race his way to the lead in the second on Sunday morning, before winning convincingly.
Meanwhile, Dean Cook claimed Pro-Am honours last year in a title finale that saw three different drivers lead the title after each of the three races, Geoff Emery ultimately claiming the crown.
Practice 2, TAG Heuer Qualifying and all three races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ this weekend.
Races 1 and 3 will also be broadcast on free-to-air via the Seven Network around Australia.
ENTRY LIST – ROUND 7
Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, Queensland
No. | Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
State | Colour |
1 | Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | QLD | Pink/White |
2 | Pro | 5 | TekworkX Motorsport | Thomas | Maxwell | VIC | Silver |
3 | Pro-Am | 7 | Miles Advisory Partners | Tim | Miles | NSW | Red/White |
4 | Pro | 8 | Hallmarc / Melbourne Performance Centre | Nick | McBride | VIC | Pink/White |
5 | Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc | Marc | Cini | VIC | Red |
6 | Pro | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW | Black |
7 | Pro | 12 | Jones Motorsport | Harri | Jones | QLD | Sliver/Black/ Yellow |
8 | Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA | White/Blue/Red |
9 | Pro-Am | 14 | ID Land / Melbourne Performance Centre | Matthew | Belford | VIC | Black / Orange |
10 | Pro | 17 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Callum | Hedge | QLD | White / Black / Red |
11 | Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National | Adrian | Flack | QLD | Black/Blue/Orange |
12 | Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | VIC | Grey / Red |
13 | Pro | 23 | TekworkX Motorsport / MDE Group | Luke | Youlden | QLD | Black / Yellow |
14 | Pro-Am | 27 | Wall Racing / MOUTAI | Liam | Talbot | QLD | Silver |
15 | Pro | 28 | Hall Finance / Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD | Silver / Green |
16 | Pro | 32 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Courtney | Prince | VIC | Pink/White |
17 | Pro | 38 | Wall Racing | David | Wall | NSW | Black / Red |
18 | Pro | 72 | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Max | Vidau | SA | Blue / Red / White |
19 | Pro | 76 | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Christian | Pancione | VIC | Red |
20 | Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
21 | Pro | 78 | Sonic / Supa Straw | Marcos | Flack | VIC | Blue / Pink |
22 | Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC | Grey / Red |
23 | Pro | 99 | Earl Bamber Motorsport | TBC | TBC | QLD | Yellow |
24 | Pro | 101 | Game Over | Ryder | Quinn | QLD | Yellow |
25 | Pro | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Alex | Davison | QLD | Black/Green/Red |
26 | Pro | 777 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Simon | Fallon | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
27 | Pro | 992 | Porsche Centre Brighton Motorsport / EBM | Dale | Wood | VIC | Blue / White |
28 | Pro | 999 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Pitbox | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
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NewsLuke Youlden returns to Carrera Cup for Gold Coast cameo
Multiple winner to deputise for Danny Stutterd this weekend
Luke Youlden will return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship this weekend at the Gold Coast 500, alongside TekworkX Motorsport teammates Max Vidau and Thomas Maxwell.
It marks 12 months since Youlden last raced, when he contested the final round of the 2022 Carrera Cup season on the Surfers Paradise street circuit. The return comes as a one-off appearance with Youlden taking over the #23 campaigned so far this year by Pro-Am Danny Stutterd, who misses the Gold Coast round due to family commitments.
Youlden, a co-owner in TekworkX, has worked closely with the Carrera Cup squad throughout the year in his role as Team Manager.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel, my last race was the Gold Coast in 2022 and I thought I drove pretty well at that one, even if the results didn’t particularly reflect it,” said Youlden.
“It’s hopefully a positive for Max and Thomas as well, having a third pro driver, to help them out a bit. Three heads are better than one, looking at data and trying different things to find the speed. I’ve got a fair amount of experience with lots of co-drives around there, so I don’t expect the year out of the seat will affect me to much.
“I expect Danny will still have an integral role within the team on the weekend, and I know full well that I’m going out to do the best I can for myself and for Danny in his car. If we can help out Thomas and Max in their efforts as well, then that’d be perfect for the team,” concluded Youlden.
Maxwell has tackled the streets of the Gold Coast on one prior occasion, in his 2019 Carrera Cup season. The Spitwater backed driver currently sits ninth in the points, with two rounds to go.
“What an awesome setting for a track, it’s got all the atmosphere, vibes, the entertainment and the track is one of the sketchiest places on the calendar to put a lap together,” said Maxwell.
“No tyre bundles are good, hopefully we go through a few less splitters and radiators. I’m interested to see how these cars handle the big kerbs down the back, being a bit stiffer than what I drove in 2019, I think they’ll be a bit of a handful.
“The experience from Luke and just having a third Pro car there to try things and provide more data is invaluable. He’s got a year in these cars under his belt, so it’ll be great, I can’t wait to see him in action. Keen to get stuck in, and turn our results around,” concluded Maxwell.
Vidau is fourth in the championship leading into the Gold Coast, 145 points off the series lead. The Tyrepower driver has been in top form on the street circuits in 2023, taking a victory at the Australian Grand Prix and two more in Townsville – one of just two drivers to win on multiple circuits so far in 2023.
“I’m pretty stoked to be running with Luke again, and to get back to a street circuit,” said Vidau.
“Luke and I were as fast as each other pretty much all season in 2022, massively keen to have his support again for this one and have his input. I couldn’t be happier to be without the tyre bundles though, the Porsches do way too much damage if you hit them and they could ruin your weekend pretty quickly.
“We were fast in practice here last year, but we didn’t get a chance to see how we faired across the rest of the weekend thanks to a blown tyre in qualifying. We’ve been quick on the street circuits all year, it’s always fun to get it up against the walls and throw it over the kerbs.
“Championship wise, we’d need a bit to go our way, but we’ll go out and do our thing. See where we land at the end of the weekend,” concluded Vidau.
Round seven of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship takes place at the Gold Coast 500 from October 27-29.
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NewsMarcos Flack set to make Carrera Cup debut at Surfers with Sonic
Teenager to graduate from Sprint Challenge this weekend
Porsche junior stand-out Marcos Flack will make his debut in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at the Gold Coast street circuit this weekend.
Flack, 17, has been a leading competitor in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series in 2023, impressing some of his more experienced rivals in what is his debut racing season in tin top competition.
With one round of the Porsche Sprint Challenge remaining, Flack sits sixth in the standings including a pole position and five podium finishes.
Flack will compete in the Pro Class on the Gold Coast and will drive a fourth Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 992 for Team Sonic, joining regular team drivers Simon Fallon, Angelo Mouzouris and Pro-Am ace Rodney Jane.
“It will be a good experience. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Flack.
“It’s all in preparation for next year. My aim is to do Carrera Cup in 2024. There are a few details to lock away, but this will give me a good head start for next year.
“The circuit will be difficult. It’s my first time at a street track, so my main aim will be to learn the track, enjoy the experience and keep the car straight.
“I have done a test in the Carrera Cup car, and they aren’t a lot different to my regular Sprint Challenge car. Fundamentally, they are the same. The brakes are better on the Carrera Cup car, but I think I will be able to adjust to it pretty quickly.
“For me, there’s been a lot of positives to take out of Sprint Challenge this year. We’ve shown good pace, we’ve had some incidents, but the last two rounds we’ve shown that we have podium pace when everything goes in our favour.”
Flack will race the Porsche that Mouzouris drove in his debut Carrera Cup season last year.
Carrera Cup will be part of a huge Gold Coast street race weekend that includes the Repco Supercars Championship, Sports Sedans and the V8 Superutes.
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NewsRecord numbers tune in to building Carrera Cup title battle
Large audiences consuming epic Carrera Cup season as title battle builds
BIG GRIDS, compelling racing an increasingly competitive championship battle are drawing more eyeballs than ever to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in 2023.
The championship has seen a significant increase in viewing audiences this year, both on the series’ extensive TV package on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the Seven Network, but also on series-owned digital channels as well.
The news comes off the back of a record-breaking Repco Bathurst 1000 weekend which was the most-viewed Carrera Cup round of at least the last five seasons.
The Bathurst round reached more than 4 million people in total across practice, qualifying and three races.
This includes an average national audience of 516,000 people watching Sunday morning’s Repco Bathurst 1000 curtain raiser, peaking at 1.026 million nationally.
An even larger national audience of 544,000 people watched Race two on Fox and the Seven Network around Australia on Saturday, making it the most viewed Carrera Cup race in the last five years.
Six rounds into the championship, broadcast audiences are up 64% on the same point of last season, with two blockbuster rounds at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 and VAILO Adelaide 500 to come – both events featuring coverage on free-to-air and Subscription TV.
Consumption of Porsche Motorsport Australia content has also increased online with a 25% increase in followers and a more than 87% increase in audience reach this year compared to 2022.
On track, the competition has been as competitive as ever with the championship recording six different winners from the six rounds contested this year.
It’s just the fourth time in series’ history there have been six different winners in six consecutive rounds, while the last time there were seven winners from seven rounds was in 2014.
The Bathurst event could also turn out to be pivotal in the championship battle with McElrea Racing’s Jackson Walls scything championship leader Callum Hedge, who races for Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport.
Hedge’s Equity-One Professional class points lead down to just six heading into the final six races while the top five drivers remain in title calculations heading to the Gold Coast at the end of October.
Meanwhile, the SP Tools Pro-Am championship is even more competitive with the top three drivers – Sam Shahin, Adrian Flack and Dean Cook – now covered by just 44 points heading to the Gold Coast.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship resumes at the Gold Coast 500 on October 27-29, while the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia returns to the circuit this weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
BARRY HAY – Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia
“We’re surfing a wave at the moment and to get the validation that people are watching and engaging with our championship is such a good thing for our partners, but especially for our teams and drivers,” Hay said.
“Bathurst was an incredible weekend for the championship and we had thousands of people coming through the paddock every day.
“We have a great relationship with the team at Supercars TV who are working really hard on making the on-air product as good as it can be for us, and not just the main game.
“It’s a world class product that is the envy of other one make championships around the world, so we’re thrilled lots of people are watching.
“We’ve also worked hard on our own channels, and with our partners at AirTime Media, to ramp up our video content this year which has been very successful in drawing more people into our product.
“We’re not stopping here – We still have four rounds to go between the two series and it looks like both are going to finish with a bang. We can’t wait.”
Sources: Futures audience reporting / OzTam / Regional Tam
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NewsHarry the new Bathurst King with Mount Panorama sweep
Clean sweeps for King, Liam Talbot in Bathurst round
HARRY KING had never seen Mount Panorama’s 6.213km of undulations before Wednesday, but that didn’t stop the 22-year-old British ace from sweeping his debut weekend in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.
King delivered three wins, the round victory and a new Bathurst lap record this weekend in an emphatic championship debut for the three-time Supercup race winner.
It was EMA’s first Carrera Cup round win, while King became the sixth different winner from six Carrera Cup rounds this year.
He won the round and the Equity One Professional Class ahead of Harri Jones – who finished second in all three races – and Kiwi Chris van der Drift in third.
Liam Talbot swept all three races in the SP Tools Pro-Am class to deliver a Bathurst round win aboard the Moutai Porsche, with Adrian Flack second and Matt Belford on the Bathurst podium in third.
Race 3 saw a repeat of the King-versus-Jones battle into Turn one, with the EMA driver once again claiming the ascendancy as they raced towards turn two.
Van der Drift challenged Jones before the 2022 champ was able to wrestle the spot away into Griffins.
The leading trio pulled away from the field with the two leaders in particular trading punch-for-punch lap times all race.
King managed a one-second margin early before Jones was able to close, both drivers lapping beneath the lap record in their intense battle for the lead.
Ultimately Jones had little to challenge the leader who managed a six-tenths margin on the final lap to complete his sweep, with Jones second and van der Drift third.
Jackson Walls continued his march forward to finish the race fourth and remove almost all of the deficit to championship leader Callum Hedge, the Kiwi now less than 10 points in front heading into the final two rounds.
Max Vidau was one of several drivers to survive a brush with the fence to finish fifth while Dylan O’Keeffe was sixth.
Simon Fallon raced his way to seventh position in front of Garnet Patterson, Angelo Mouzouris and Ryder Quinn in 10th.
Quinn headed a massive freight-train of cars behind him with Bayley Hall, Fabian Coulthard, Christian Pancione, Alex Davison and a recovering David Russell all dicing.
Talbot edged away to a comfortable victory in the SP Tools Pro-Am class to also complete the weekend sweep, with Adrian Flack second and Matt Belford third.
The trio also finished the round in that order with the Pro-Am championship, like the Equity One Pro battle, also closing up this weekend.
A short break in hostilities will see the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship pause for three weeks before resuming at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 later in October.
In the meantime, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will be in action next weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
HARRY KING
“It’s an immense feeling. Doing one win alone on the Friday was good enough but to follow it up with another two and score three wins on the Mountain at Bathurst was a really incredible feeling and I’m super grateful to EMA Motorsport for giving me the tools to do the job.
“We proved our dominance in that race by setting a new lap record so I think we ticked nearly every box that could be ticked this weekend.
“This circuit is incredible. I didn’t expect it to be the way it was. It’s definitely a big challenge to learn with just a short free practice session and this is one of the highlights of my career so far.”
LIAM TALBOT
“It’s so special and to have the Sunday crowd already here for the 1000 just makes it even more unbelievable, I’ve got Goosebumps.
“I had a lot of cobwebs coming into my first round when everyone else was in round five, so I felt a bit rusty, but this place is special. I had the win at the 12-Hour, a win in GT and now wins in Carrera Cup – it’s been an unbelievable year here.”
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NewsKing, Jones dogfight continues into Saturday at Mount Panorama
International rivals trade paint in intense battle for the Race 2 win
THE ongoing dogfight between international rivals Harry King and Harri Jones has continued into Saturday at Mount Panorama, the pair staging another intense dual for the win in race two of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in Bathurst.
An intense race saw the pair trading paint during the race and then words afterwards as they battled hard for the race win today, with a gripping finale now set up for tomorrow.
King won the race and the Equity-One Professional class over Jones and Kiwi Chris van der Drift, while Liam Talbot once again claimed victory in the SP Tools Pro-Am class ahead of Adrian Flack and Dean Cook.
Saturday’s race was held in bright, sunny conditions and featured a flat-out battle for the win from the moment the lights went out.
King and Jones started side-by-side for the nine-lap dash and traded paint through turn one, race one winner King narrowly hanging on through the exit of Hell Corner and the run up Mountain Straight.
Chaos unfolded behind as a concertina on the exit of the corner saw O’Keeffe and Coulthard make contact with the latter spinning across the bows of the pack and fortunately avoided by the majority of the field.
Also caught up in that incident was Rodney Jane, who had no luck in his milestone 200th Carrera Cup Australia race as he ended up with a heavy impact on the right hand side of Mountain Straight – though he was able to emerge unscathed.
The Safety Car was on track for three laps, with the intensity resuming on lap four as King led Jones to the green flag.
The pair again ran side-by-side into turn two in an incredible piece of racing as they remarkably both came out the other side.
They then ran nose to tail for the remainder with Jones throwing everything at his European teammate-come-rival, King strong enough to hold on and grab his second successive victory of the weekend.
The pair exchanged words post-race following their series of run-ins during the race.
Behind them, Chris van der Drift set the quickest lap of the race and ran with the leaders en route to third position, looming as a threat for Sunday’s finale’.
David Russell was a strong fourth in the next EBM car, passing Jackson Walls mid-race to secure his spot just outside the podium.
Walls’ was fifth, climbing two spots off the start to run fourth before Russell was able to slip past but continuing to nibble away at Callum Hedge’s championship lead.
Max Vidau charged from 10th to sixth, with Garnett Patterson impressing on his way to seventh position in the second EMA Motorsport Porsche.
Dylan O’Keeffe lost ground in the opening-lap dramas and dropped to eighth position with Ryder Quinn – a Personal Best 9th in his Game Over Porsche – and Simon Fallon completing the top-10.
Of those recovering through the field, Bayley Hall raced to 15th, David Wall to 16th and Fabian Coulthard to 24th after his opening lap spin.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am class, Liam Talbot made it two from two in the Moutai / Wall Racing car but had to work for the win today on the Mountain.
He and Adrian Flack battled early in the race with Flack leading until the restart on lap four, when Talbot assumed the lead.
Flack then fell into the clutches of Dean Cook with the pair running in close company to the line in the battle for second and third.
Matt Belford was a strong fourth while Sam Shahin was fifth, watching his Pro-Am class lead diminish in the process.
One more race completes Round 6 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with the odds now heavily stacked towards the series delivering a sixth different winner from six rounds this year.
The final race, a 9-lap sprint, will commence at 9:30am tomorrow morning and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sport, Channel 7 and 7+.
HARRY KING
“So far my first trip to Australia has been quite pleasant! Two from two wins, I’m delighted with that and a great job by EMA Motorsport.
“I’m here as a guest and they’ve given me the tools to do the job, so it’s been a great so far.”
LIAM TALBOT
“It was eventful! There’s stuff going on everywhere as there seems to be in Carrera Cup Racing. I got a really poor start and tried to survive through turn one. I dropped back to third, got second at turn two and then after the Safety Car I pressed on and got Flacky.
“It was maximum attack from there and I had fun in a Carrera Cup car around Bathurst.”
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NewsHarry the King of Friday at Bathurst with debut Aussie win
Liam Talbot takes Pro-Am win in entertaining Bathurst opener
INTERNATIONAL import Harry King has delivered EMA Motorsport exactly what they wanted when they drafted him into their second seat for this weekend’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round at Mount Panorama.
The 22-year-old English ace, a three-time winner in Porsche Supercup this year, got the jump from second on the grid and led all the way under pressure from reigning Aussie champion Harri Jones to claim a Bathurst win on debut in a 15-lap affair today at Mount Panorama.
It was the first win for EMA Motorsport in Carrera Cup and makes King the seventh different winner in the Equity-One Professional class from 15 races this season.
Meanwhile, another driver racing without the pressure of title expectations succeeded in the SP Tools Pro-Am class, Liam Talbot leading home Adrian Flack and Sam Shahin in Carrera Cup’s race within a race.
The race had action from start to finish, with King getting the jump from second on the grid and Harri Jones slow away from pole.
There was drama behind as a slow-starting David Wall was clipped by Bayley Hall on the start line, both cars immediately out of the race.
A frenetic start saw King disappear out in front but furious racing behind as Jones battled to stay in touch with the leaders as he was attacked from all sides.
Jackson Walls made up four spots on the opening lap while Max Vidau found himself dropping down the order.
Jones’ quickly got back to second position and set out in pursuit of King, who built a two second margin on the opening lap.
He set a new lap record (2m05.8363s) on the sixth lap of the race and closed to within half a second of the leader, though was unable to work his way past.
The pair pulled a large margin over the field as they battled for the lead with King ultimately sneaking home to win by half a second, with Jones’ second.
Chris van der Drift finished third on his first Aussie Carrera Cup start having spent the entire race battling for the final spot in the top three with Dylan O’Keeffe.
O’Keeffe had led the battle – that included Fabian Coulthard and Jackson Walls – for most of the race, with the pair swapping spots briefly at the Chase prior to van der Drift finally asserting himself two laps from home.
Coulthard finished fifth and Jackson Walls sixth in an important drive for his championship hopes with leader Callum Hedge away.
David Russell was next, with Dale Wood, Garnet Patterson and an ailing Max Vidau finishing 10th.
The TekworkX driver had dropped back through the field from third on the grid and salvaged a top-10 finish at the end with apparent damage on his car.
Liam Talbot claimed a lights-to-flag victory in the SP Tools Pro-Am class as he continues to deputise for Luke King in the Moutai Racing car from Wall Racing.
Talbot led home a large battle pack that included several Pro-Am contenders mixing it with Equity-One Pro class runners throughout the race.
Adrian Flack ultimately finished second with class leader Sam Shahin third on the road.
Matt Belford was next and Danny Stuttered fifth despite a five second penalty for a start line infringement – the Victorian having earlier run towards the front of the Pro-Am pack in the early laps.
Dramas for Sandown winner Dean Cook saw him off at The Chase, damaging his front splitter and dropping him to seventh at the finish.
The field returns tomorrow afternoon for race two, a 9-lap sprint set for 3:15pm local time and broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sport and Channel 7 around Australia.
HARRY KING
“It feels pretty good. A win anywhere is special but to win on the Mountain of Bathurst is an incredible feeling. It’s definitely up there with one of my proudest wins. I got a great start off the line and controlled the pace from then on in. Harry was catching but I was managing the gap because there’s a high risk of a Safety Car.
“I’m certainly proud of what I achieved and for EMA Motorsport, I’m so grateful to come out here.
“The shorter races are a bit less physical on the drivers, but I think the drivers will be pushing to try and make up those positions.”
LIAM TALBOT
“I wasn’t sure what happened, but it was full chaos! I chose this lane, that lane and it all sort of worked out.
“Got a good start, but the start was chaos. I had no real strategy, I looked behind and it was Danny Stutterd behind me, I knew I could trust him and I just managed my race from there. I didn’t push too hard and had a little bit in reserve which is always good.
“When it comes to tomorrow’s shorter races.. I’m a safe person, I’m not going to go maximum attack and not lock up all four wheels in the first corner. I’m not fighting for a championship but the other guys are so they’re going to need to remember that.”
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NewsJones smashes Bathurst record to grab Carrera Cup pole
Quickest ever Bathurst lap delivers returning champion TAG Heuer pole on the Mountain
BATTLE-HARDENED from a year in Europe, Harri Jones has returned to the championship he won last year and delivered an emphatic ‘I’m back’ to the rest of the field, scoring the TAG Heuer pole award at Mount Panorama in style today.
Jones’ punched out a 2m04.6672s flyer on his sixth of nine laps in a pulsating qualifying session to score his third career pole and set the quickest ever lap of Mount Panorama in a Porsche GT3 Cup Car in the process.
RESULTS: Qualifying, Mount Panorama
Jones’ edged out his Porsche supercup teammate Harry King by 0.2 seconds to snare the top spot in the first of two rounds he’ll contest this year for his own Jones Motorsport stable.
It was his first pole since the Bathurst round in 2021, Jones’ going through his 2022 title-winning season without having scored a TAG Heuer Pole Award.
King was impressive on his Mount Panorama debut, qualifying on the front row in his EMA Motorsport entry.
It’s the best Carrera Cup qualifying performance for the team and puts the three-time Supercup race winner alongside his European teammate for tomorrow’s first race.
Max Vidau was best of the series’ regulars in third for TekworkX Motorsport, surviving a brush with the wall at Reid Park to jump into the top three at the very end of the session.
Vidau had earlier topped the sole, 50-mintue practice session earlier in the weekend.
The top three cars all lapped beneath Aaron Love’s 2022 Carrera Cup qualifying record, while Jones and King were the only two to dip into the 2m04-second window.
Sandown winner Dylan O’Keeffe qualified fourth to continue his strong run of recent form aboard his Dexion / GWR Australia entry.
Another Bathurst ring-in, Kiwi Chris van der Drift, qualified fifth as he deputises for championship leader Callum Hedge while he chases racing success in the United States.
The three-time Asian champion was strong from the outset and jumped into the top five on his fifth qualifying flyer.
Nick McBride was a strong sixth for Hallmarc / Team MPC, mirroring Vidau’s effort to jump up the order on his final flyer.
Fabian Coulthard’s BWT entry from Porsche Centre Melbourne made it seven different teams in the top seven, while Dale Wood, David Russell and Thomas Maxwell completed the top-10 and the first group of Equity-One Pro class runners.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am Class, another part-timer topped the charts as Liam Talbot grabbed the top spot as he continues to deputise for Luke King in the Moutai entry from Wall Racing.
Talbot’s 2m07.5001 flyer was a stunning lap and saw him a considerable margin ahead of the next Pro-Am runner in Adrian Flack.
Championship leader Sam Shahin was third in his repaired The Bend Motorsport Park car while Dean Cook and Rodney Jane – both title contenders in Carrera Cup’s ‘race within a race’ were next.
Thursday’s 20-minute qualifying session ran without incident with most electing to run a single set of Michelin tyres ahead of tomorrow’s 15-lap Endurance Cup race.
That race starts at 2:20pm, and will be shown live on Fox Sports, Kayo, Sky Sport NZ and Channel 7 on free-to-air in Australia.
HARRI JONES
“It’s really good to be back here at Bathurst, it’s my favourite track in the world. Pole position, the first time for the team in Carrera Cup – it felt incredible.
“What a day, what an event, what a lap – bring on tomorrow.
“It’s certainly special. I’ve been in Europe all year and heard about all the hard work the guys back home have been putting in, but to come back and see it pay off first time out is really special. This one is for them and hopefully there’s a few more to come as well.
“I can’t wait for tomorrow – I’ve got my teammate from Europe Harry King on the front row with me. We’ve had some great battles this year and looking forward to some more this weekend.”
LIAM TALBOT
“Any lap you get here is special, a couple of laps before I had to find a little bit of time, some tenths, and then the dash was up a second and I thought ‘we’re on here’.
“The car just kept getting better and better and I was building confidence, while still keeping some margin. There’s more time to be found.
“The car just feels so good and I can’t wait to go racing. I don’t want anyone to pinch me in case I’m dreaming!”
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NewsDouble-ton milestone approaches for Carrera Cup stalwart Jane
Just third driver in series history to approach 200th race milestone
TWO-TIME SP Tools Pro-Am Class champion Rodney Jane will reach a major Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia milestone should he start at least two races at Mount Panorama this weekend.
The Victorian-based Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Motor Racing driver is set to contest his 200th Carrera Cup race this weekend, becoming just the third driver in series’ history to achieve the milestone.
Only David Wall (230) and Marc Cini (368) have started more races in Australia’s top one-make category than Jane.
Jane made his Carrera Cup debut in the categories debut season, 2003, and raced in the category through to its temporary hiatus at the end of the 2008 season.
As well as winning the Pro-Am title in 2006 and 2007, Jane finished 8th outright in the 2008 championship, 9th in 2004 and 10th in 2006.
He stepped into what is now the Supercars Super2 series following Carrera Cup’s pause, before making his Porsche return in 2013 in the two-driver Pro-Am event at the Porsche Rennsport festival at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Driving with Nick Percat, the pair won the first of two one-hour enduro races giving Jane his first outright race victory in the championship, the pair also finishing third overall for the round.
He returned for the Pro-Am event the following year, this time driving with Nick McBride at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, before making a full-time Pro-Am class return in 2022, again driving with Sonic.
Jane is one of the most successful Pro-Am driver in series history with two titles, 32 Pro-Am race wins and victories in 10 Pro-Am rounds.
He holds series’ records for most Pro-Am wins in a row (12, in 2006), pole positions (16), pole positions in a row and pole positions in a single season (both 7).
Jane currently sits fourth in the 2023 SP Tools Pro-Am championship, well within striking distance of the top three drivers.
Throughout his time both competing and enjoying the category from afar, Jane’s presence has been notable thanks to the long-term sponsorship of the Sonic team by Bob Jane T-Marts.
Bob Jane-backed cars have won three Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championships – in 2007 with David Reynolds, followed by Nick Foster in 2015 and Jordan Love in 2019.
As well as Jane’s own car, the iconic branding also appears on the Sonic cars driven by Simon Fallon and Angelo Mouzouris this year.
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NewsSix Carrera Cup Champions to headline Bathurst grid
180 Carrera Cup race wins on Bathurst entry list
A RECORD SIX Porsche Carrera Cup Champions with nine titles in four different series will headline a 30-strong field entered for Round 6 of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Mount Panorama.
The Bathurst grid is the most broadly accomplished Carrera Cup Australia grid in the series history, and one of the most deeply stacked with talent of any Porsche series globally this year.
For the first time in the series 20 year history, four former Carrera Cup Australia Champions will be represented on the grid.
They will be joined by drivers to have won Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux (Belgium / Netherlands / Luxemburg).
Between them, the Bathurst grid have claimed 180 Carrera Cup race wins globally.
The return of 2022 champion Harri Joins to the grid will see the Queenslander join 2004 Australian champion Alex Davison, 2005 champion Fabian Coulthard and 2017 champion David Wall on what will be one of the most stacked Carrera Cup grids in series history.
Meanwhile the addition of three-time Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Champion Chris van der Drift, who will deputise for Callum Hedge in the Team Porsche NZ / EBM entry, adds further one-make Porsche success to the field.
Van der Drift won the Asian title in 2015, 2017 and 2018 to become one of the region’s most successful Porsche racers and currently sits third in the 2023 title battle with a round to go.
EMA Motorsport has secured the services of 22-year-old young star Harry King for a Bathurst cameo, the British ace having claimed the 2020 Carrera Cup GB title and the 2022 Benelux title before claiming three wins and third position in this year’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
King has won 29 Carrera Cup races in his career to date, including Supercup race wins at Monaco, Monza and Hungary this year.
The record-setting Aussie attack includes four former champions and an enormous strike rate of success in the local championship.
Harri Jones’ returns to the series battle-hardened following duel campaigns in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Germany Championships in Europe this year and will race for his own team, Jones Motorsport, at Bathurst.
Davison will return for Scott Taylor Motorsport, while Coulthard will drive his familiar BWT Porsche Centre Melbourne entry and Wall his own Monochrome-backed entry for Wall Racing.
The four drivers alone account for 85 race victories and 28 round wins between them across two decades of one-make Porsche racing in Australia.
In total, the Bathurst field accounts for wins in more than 30 percent of all Carrera Cup Australia races ever held, with 12 former race winners currently entered.
The championship heads to Bathurst having featured five winners from the past five rounds, just the fourth time in series history that has occurred.
Following Jackson Walls’ win by countback at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Dale Wood, Alex Davison, Callum Hedge and Dylan O’Keeffe have claimed victories overall this year.
The SP Tools Pro-Am fight is equally compelling though current leader Sam Shahin faces a race against time to get to Bathurst.
His The Bend Motorsport Park-backed 992 GT3 Cup Car remains under repair following the race-ending crash at Sandown, when he was collected by a flying Nick McBride, who in turn had been hit by another car.
Shahin leads Sandown winner Dean Cook by 33 points with Adrian Flack a further 37 points back. Rodney Jane is only 17 points behind the top three heading to Bathurst.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field hits the track on Thursday for practice 1 at 8:55am, the 50-minute session the sole hit out before qualifying later that afternoon at 3:45pm.
Race 1 will commence at 2:20pm on Friday afternoon over 15 laps, doubling as the Enduro Cup race for the weekend.
Race 2 starts at 3:15pm on Saturday with the final 9-lap sprint the curtain raiser to this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 at 9:30am on Sunday.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sport, while all three races will also be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network around Australia.
ENTRY LIST, Round 6, Mount Panorama, Bathurst
No. | Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
State | Vehicle | CC | Colour |
1 | Pro | 2 | Wall Racing / MOUTAI | Luke | King | NSW | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Silver |
2 | Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | QLD | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Pink/White |
3 | Pro | 5 | TekworkX Motorsport | Thomas | Maxwell | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Silver |
4 | Pro-Am | 7 | Miles Advisory Partners | Tim | Miles | NSW | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Red/White |
5 | Pro | 8 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Nick | McBride | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Pink/White |
6 | Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Marc | Cini | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Red |
7 | Pro | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Black |
8 | Pro | 12 | Jones Motorsport | Harri | Jones | QLD | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Sliver/Black/ Yellow |
9 | Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | White/Blue/Red |
10 | Pro-Am | 14 | ID Land / Team MPC | Matthew | Belford | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Black / Orange |
11 | Pro | 17 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Chris | Van Der Drift | NZ | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | White / Black / Red |
12 | Pro | 19 | EMA Motorsport | Harry | King | UK | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | |
13 | Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National | Adrian | Flack | QLD | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Black/Blue/Orange |
14 | Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Grey / Red |
15 | Pro-Am | 23 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Black / Yellow |
16 | Pro | 28 | Hall Finance / Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Silver / Green |
17 | Pro | 32 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Courtney | Prince | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Pink/White |
18 | Pro | 38 | Wall Racing | David | Wall | NSW | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Black / Red |
19 | Pro | 72 | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Max | Vidau | SA | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Blue / Red / White |
20 | Pro | 74 | EMA Motorsport | Garnet | Patterson | SA | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Blue |
21 | Pro | 76 | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Christian | Pancione | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Red |
22 | Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Yellow / Blue |
23 | Pro-Am | 86 | Wall Racing | Drew | Hall | NSW | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Blue/White |
24 | Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Grey / Red |
25 | Pro | 99 | Earl Bamber Motorsport | David | Russell | QLD | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Yellow |
26 | Pro | 101 | Local Legends | Ryder | Quinn | QLD | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Yellow |
27 | Pro | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Alex | Davison | QLD | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Black/Green/Red |
28 | Pro | 777 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Simon | Fallon | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Yellow / Blue |
29 | Pro | 992 | Ranbuild | Dale | Wood | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Blue / White |
30 | Pro | 999 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Pitbox | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC | 991 GT3 Cup (type 992) | 3996 | Yellow / Blue |
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NewsSupercup star Harry King joins Bathurst grid
EMA Motorsport sign two-time Carrera Cup Champion for Bathurst campaign
EMA Motorsport will return to a full complement at the next round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Bathurst, as young British racer, Harry King, takes his place in the team’s second Porsche Cup Car.
Heading to Mount Panorama for round 6 of the championship, Harry joins the team for his Australian racing debut, having delivered impressive performances throughout 2023, including wins in the Mobil1 Supercup.
Harry will join EMA Motorsport’s Carrera Cup season regular, Garnet Patterson, running in the sister #19 car. With this exciting addition to the driver line-up, EMA Motorsport is looking to improve on results moving forward to 2024, following a less than ideal year in Carrera Cup, compared to 2022.
“I am delighted to be welcomed to EMA Motorsport ahead of Bathurst. The prospect of racing in Australia really excites me, and to measure myself against the Carrera Cup Australia competition is something I am eager to experience,” Harry King said.
“It is great to confirm the drive with EMA Motorsport after my successful weekend in Austria – but all quite surreal! I hadn’t anticipated to be racing on the other side of the world in my career yet, so to do it at Bathurst, in a Cup car, is a great way to do it.
“Aside from my own goals and motivations for the weekend in-car, I don’t know what to expect outside of the car, so I’m really going to embrace the experience.”
Harry arrives on the Australian scene having been extremely successful in the GT3 Cup car, since making his debut in 2020.
In his first year, the 22-year-old from Windsor, England, claimed top honours in the prestigious Carrera Cup Great Britain. This was followed, in 2022, with a dominant run across the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux with seven wins from eight races on his way to claiming the title.
Alongside this, he also took four podiums in the highly competitive Mobil1 Supercup, and progressed to score three race wins in the 2023 campaign, including around the streets of Monaco.
Round 6 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, the Repco Bathurst 1000 race weekend, takes place, 5-8 October 2023.
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NewsNew backer for David Russell’s Carrera Cup campaign
Premium quality automotive tool brand PK TOOL will be joining highly experienced Porsche Carrera Cup and leading Supercar endurance race co-driver David Russell at Mount Panorama this year.
The PK TOOL logo will appear prominently on the sides of Car #99 which is prepared by Earl Bamber Motorsport, a team that has enjoyed success this season across its highly competitive three car stable.
PK Tool is one of several renowned professional automotive specialty tool brands supplied to the auto repair industry and DIY enthusiasts across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region by Pro-Kit.
Established in 1984, Pro-Kit is a proud Australian, almost four-decade strong family owned and operated company.
Russell is one of the fastest Porsche Carrera Cup drivers in Australia and has a particularly strong record at Bathurst in this ultra-competitive category along with Supercars, Australian and International GT and Production Car racing. He has gained outright wins, podiums, fastest laps and class victories at Mount Panorama across all of these categories across his successful career. Russell raced to third in the Porsche Carrera Cup championship last season and has taken the Porsche Carrera Cup runner-up honours twice before in both 2014 and 2008.
The PK Tool sponsored driver will be performing double racing duties at Mount Panorama alongside his three Porsche Carrera Cup sprint races at Bathurst. Russell will be joining Supercars Championship leader Brodie Kostecki in the Coca-Cola Erebus Motorsport Camaro, seeking to go one better than their superb second place at last weekend’s Sandown 500 in Melbourne. (Russell and Kostecki finished fourth in the 2023 Bathurst 1000 and third in 2022). PK Tool will be joining him for the ride with helmet signage across his Porsche Carrera Cup and Supercar racing efforts at Bathurst from October 5 to 8.
“We are very excited to be promoting our premium quality, trade-proven tool brand, PK TOOL with such an accomplished driver at Bathurst for the first time in our family company’s 38 year history,” stated Pro-Kit General Manager William Zaarour.
“The entire Pro-Kit team are looking forward to watching our car competing in each of the three Porsche Carrera Cup races at such an iconic circuit and to be joining David Russell in his Bathurst 1000 co-drive as well. We wish him and his teams every success heading into the biggest motorsport weekend of the year,” Mr Zaarour added.
David Russell welcomes PK TOOL aboard his Cup Car at Australia’s great race. “It is great to welcome Australia’s PK TOOL range to the world’s fastest one-make motor racing category at the most famous race weekend of them all.
“I have had some fantastic Porsche Carrera Cup races at Mount Panorama, including race wins, podiums and fastest laps and I am hoping to add more to my tally in October as a PK TOOL Ambassador,” He said.
(Team release)
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NewsChris van der Drift to super-sub for Hedge at Bathurst
Three-time Asian champion to join Aussie field for Aussie Carrera Cup debut
Team Porsche New Zealand / Earl Bamber Motorsport has announced that three-time Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Champion Chris van der Drift will be replacing Callum Hedge at Bathurst for Round 6 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.
Callum Hedge is the current Carrera Cup Championship leader and will miss the famous mountain circuit due to a clash with a Formula Regional Americas round at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).
Van der Drift is the most successful Carrera Cup Asia driver ever and will be instantly competitive when he drives Hedge’s #17 Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car at Bathurst.
Hedge leads both the Formula Regional Americas championship and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia following an exceptional 2023 racing season that has seen him claim 16 wins and 31 poles from 41 race starts.
This speed and consistency has placed Hedge in a difficult position when deciding which event to compete at, with the potential prizes on offer for claiming the US-based championship an impossible lure to resist.
“It is a huge shame to have to miss a round in Australia. Especially when it’s such a competitive championship,” said Hedge.
“Over the last two rounds, I’ve had some good consistency and have built a reasonable margin where I could still be in with a chance despite missing Bathurst. The aim is to wrap up the championship in America over the Bathurst weekend, then come back, shift my focus for Gold Coast and Adelaide and try to get the job done here.”
The 19-year-old Kiwi currently has a healthy lead in both championships, and is ultimately looking to win both should the cards fall his way.
Coming off the back of a challenging round at Sandown in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Hedge currently leads rival Jackson Walls by 116 points, with 180 on offer at the Bathurst round.
It means that even if Walls’ wins all three races at Bathurst, Hedge will only trail by 64 points heading into the final two rounds.
Bathurst marks Round 6 of the eight-round championship, with the final two rounds being held at the Gold Coast and Adelaide street circuits. Hedge’s prior form at street circuits gives him confidence in being able to continue to fight for the title despite sitting out the Bathurst round.
Although anything can happen in the remaining three rounds, Hedge’s international racing aspirations helped him to solidify his championship lead in Formula Regional Americas, with a part-funded drive in Super Formula Japan on offer to the winner.
Hedge, competing in the #17 Ligier JS F3 car supported by the Giltrap Group, Tony Quinn Foundation, and Tasman Motorsport Group, has had an exceptional season in the United States, scoring nine wins from 12 races. Callum currently holds a 55-point advantage, with 75 points on offer across three races.
“It was an incredibly tough decision to decide whether to miss a round in Australia or the USA. Once I got the Porsche Shootout ticket, we decided that the Formula Regional Americas prize, a $600,000 Honda Super Formula scholarship, was what we wanted to secure next, and if all went to plan, we could still get the Carrera Cup Australia championship as well” Hedge continued.
EBM Team owner, Earl Bamber is very happy that a Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship graduate has had such success on the international stage.
“First of all, it’s really exciting for Callum as a young driver to have pathways – one with Porsche, and one in single-seaters. It’s amazing that at such a young age, he is so adaptable to be able to swap between two different race cars, and be quick in both” said Earl Bamber, team owner of Earl Bamber Motorsport.
“As a team, after securing Australia’s Porsche Global Shootout nomination, our goal remains to try and secure our first championship in Australia, with the support of Team Porsche New Zealand. It is and has always been the goal since we started this team. Although it’s a bigger challenge with Callum missing Bathurst, we still believe in Callum and his ability to consistently be at the front. We equally support Callum with his international endeavors. It’s what the Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship is all about, and we’d never get in the way of one of our drivers chasing their dreams.”
Hedge will be replaced by 3x Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Champion, Chris van der Drift aboard the Team Porsche New Zealand GT3 Cup Car. Van der Drift is the most successful driver in Porsche Carrera Cup Asia history and will make his Carrera Cup Australia debut at Mount Panorama.
“For our fill-in driver, we’re really excited to announce that Chris van der Drift will be joining us for Bathurst. He is a long-time competitor in Carrera Cup racing, and it’s fantastic to be able to have him in one of our cars. He’ll be a really welcome addition to Team Porsche New Zealand Earl Bamber Motorsport, and his knowledge and experience in these cars will help him adapt to Bathurst quickly. He is part of the Giltrap Motorsport and Porsche family so it’s going to be a pleasure to have him drive for us,” said Bamber.
Van der Drift is, however, no stranger to a Porsche racing at Bathurst, having raced a Cup Car at the circuit four times in the Bathurst 12 hour – finishing 2nd in Class B in 2019.
“When I heard of this opportunity, I jumped at it straight away. I’ve known Earl for many years, so it’s awesome to be finally driving for his team. I have been driving the same 992 Cup Car in Porsche Carrera Cup Asia this season, so I know the car well, and I’m very excited to be able to drive one at one of my favorite tracks in the world. A huge thanks to Team Porsche New Zealand and everyone who made this happen. To Callum, I promise to look after Larry. Hopefully, we’ll keep it at the front, like Callum has been able to do all year.”
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NewsHedge gets ticket to Europe to take on Porsche Shootout
Team Porsche NZ young gun to take on world's best later this year
Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) scholarship recipient Callum Hedge has been announced as Australia’s nominee for the annual global Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe later this year.
Hedge earned the nomination after going head-to-head with nearest rival contestant Jackson Walls at the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in Melbourne at Sandown Raceway. This round marked the cut-off for the championship nomination and the title was up for contention as just 32 points separated the pair in the Junior standings following four intense rounds previously.
There was a close battle between Hedge and Walls since Albert Park’s opening round, with the championship lead only changing hands in the most recent race, held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
Hedge provisionally secured the position at Sandown after race two as he stole the victory from Dylan O’Keeffe in the final corner of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia enduro cup race.
The Porsche Junior Shootout puts the top junior drivers from global Porsche one-make championships head-to-head, with the winner claiming a scholarship prize to contest the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship in 2024. The winner of the Porsche junior shootout is usually announced at the annual Porsche ‘Night of Champions’ event at the end of the year.
The sports car manufacturer’s exemplary junior programme has been one of the most successful of its kind in motorsport. This initiative has paved the way for many talented youngsters to pursue professional careers as works drivers, producing numerous world champions and Le Mans winners in the process. Earl Bamber won the Porsche Junior Shootout in 2014 as a nominee of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and went on to race Supercup and win the 24 hours of Le Mans as a Porsche Factory driver.
Hedge is the third Kiwi from Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to earn the ticket, following the footsteps of Andre Heimgartner in 2012 as well as Jaxon Evans in 2018 who managed to win the shootout.
Hedge is competing in his third season with TPNZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport after debuting with the team in the Porsche Sprint Challenge feeder series in 2021. In 2022 he took the top Rookie honours and second place in the Michelin Junior Drivers’ standings in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – finishing in 6th place overall in the championship.
Callum Hedge:
“To win the Michelin Junior Championship, and secure the ticket to the Porsche Junior Shootout for me is huge. This has been my goal since I first drove a Porsche. To realise that goal is a testament to the hard work put in by Earl Bamber Motorsport and Team Porsche New Zealand, I really have to thank them for believing in me and knowing that I was capable of doing what we set out to do.”
“I look forward to being the first Team Porsche New Zealand driver to contest in the Porsche Junior Shootout and I will be working as hard as I can to represent them and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to the best of my ability.”
Earl Bamber Motorsport Owner, Earl Bamber:
“Congratulations to Callum and everyone at Team Porsche New Zealand. Personally, I went through the route with Porsche and that’s where I got my chance to become a factory driver, so I think it’s a dream come true for any young driver to have that shot and chance in their career.”
“As a team, we are really proud of Callum. I would like to say a huge thank you to Porsche New Zealand for making these chances possible for young drivers, as this passion isn’t seen by any other sponsor and manufacturer. It’s special for a New Zealander to have this opportunity, and hopefully, it’s the first of many who will get the chance in future years to come.”
Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke:
“We are proud to see Callum secure the seat in the international shootout as has proven himself over the last 3 years in the TPNZ scholarship program. He showed his potential in Carrera Cup last year, and has continued to grow to take out the top spot this season.”
“Competing in the global shootout is the ultimate achievement for our scholarship program as it opens the opportunity to climb the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid. We are really looking forward to seeing Callum represent New Zealand in Europe later this year. ”
Porsche Motorsport Australia, Motorsport Manager, Barry Hay:
“The Michelin Junior battle has been fierce all year since the season started at the Australian Grand Prix and we knew from the outset of the year that whoever we sent from Australia, would be a great candidate. Callum has put it all together across the last two rounds at Tailem Bend and Sandown and that has earned him the right to go to the Shootout. He’s shown he has what it takes.”
“We can’t wait to see how he goes against the best young Porsche drivers in the world. We back the level of our championship alongside any in the world, so we know he will do us proud and be a real contender to win the Junior Shootout this year.”
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NewsElated Team Owner Opens Up on Double Sandown Carrera Cup Victory
Sydney team hailing double Sandown success in record-breaking weekend
An ecstatic Garth Walden has opened up on his GWR Australia team’s double victory in Round 5 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Sandown on the weekend, a result he says has been a decade in the making.
Dylan O’Keeffe won the Pro Class round with victories in two of the three races, while a trio of top three finishes for Dean Cook enabled him to clinch Pro-Am honours.
The GWR Australia team has been a mainstay of Carrera Cup since 2014, initially running a single car for Ash Samadi. The team continued as a single-car operation until 2019, when it grew to two cars, before expanding to become a three-car outfit in 2022.
Walden said the Sandown result is one of his finest moments as a team owner.
“We’ve won championships in other categories like Radical Cup and achieved class wins in GT and the Bathurst 6 Hour, but I’ve always rated Carrera Cup as one of the most prestigious categories in Australian motorsport,” Walden said.
“The driving talent in Carrera Cup is genuinely world class, and the teams are some of the most professional and well-resourced in the country, so to succeed against such elite opposition at Sandown was one of the most special moments I’ve experienced as a team owner and the culmination of what I’ve been working towards when I started GWR a decade ago.
“We have a dedicated crew at GWR and they had to work tirelessly to repair Dylan’s car after he was involved in a crash at Tailem Bend, but now they get to enjoy the fruits of their labour.”
Walden paid tribute to the efforts of O’Keeffe and Cook in delivering the team’s stunning result.
“Dylan is by far the best driver I’ve ever had in one of my Carrera Cup cars, he is just an exceptional talent behind the wheel,” Walden said.
“Since he joined GWR at the beginning of last year, he has lifted our team to a new level and we now go into every weekend expecting to be fighting for poles, podiums and wins. He’s threatened to deliver a big result on a few occasions and at Sandown it all came together – he dominated the weekend on raw speed.
“Dean’s driving ability is not to be underestimated either. The Pro-Am class in Carrera Cup features some of the best non-professional drivers in the world, and while Dean is relaxed out of the car, he’s very competitive on the track and has excellent awareness when he’s involved in battle packs.
“In the final Sandown race, he positioned his car perfectly to avoid an accident that claimed a couple of his rivals, and that was key in enabling him to secure the Pro-Am round win.”
With the round win boxes ticked, Walden said the next goal for GWR in Carrera Cup is a championship, something he hasn’t ruled out for 2023.
“Dylan has had a tough first half of the season with various incidents in all of the first four rounds, but he made up a lot of ground this weekend while the championship leaders had dramas of their own, which shows you’re never out of it,” Walden said.
“Meanwhile, Dean is only a handful of points off the Pro-Am lead, so that championship is well within reach.
“To win the Carrera Cup championship would well and truly be GWR’s greatest achievement as a race team, and our Sandown result shows it’s a goal well within our grasp.”
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NewsSonic Motor Racing Services enjoy success at Sandown
Sandown provided a successful ending for Sonic Motor Racing Services in the latest round of the Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Situated a half an hour drive from Sonic’s workshop in Bayswater, Sandown is the home circuit for the squad and pre-event test at the venue provided confidence for the trio of Bob Jane T-Marts-supported drivers.
Simon Fallon led the way for most of the weekend as he continues to build on an improved season.
Achieving ninth in qualifying, Fallon progressed throughout the weekend by scoring a pair of eighths and a fourth to cap off the weekend, just falling short of the podium as he aims to cement a top 10 finish in the championship standings.
Luck deserted Angelo Mouzouris at Sandown after qualifying 12th, but a couple of spins in the opening race led to a 16th place finish in the Pro class. A superb comeback driver in Race 2 ensured a finish inside the top 10 for Mouzouris as he drove to ninth.
An opening lap incident in front was avoided by Mouzouris as he emerged sixth. He was well placed to advance further when a radiator was punctured forcing him into retirement thought to be caused by the Turn 1 incident.
Pro-Am contender Rodney Jane enjoyed a successful weekend as he qualified fourth to be just 0.186s behind the pole time, but a spin in Race 1 dropped him to ninth.
Jane elevated to fifth in the 30-lap mini-enduro, before leaving the best until last when he avoided opening lap chaos to hold off a stern challenge to achieve his first Pro-Am Class win of the year.
The next round for the Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship is at the fabled Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit at Bathurst on October 5-8.
QUOTES
Simon Fallon
#777 Bob Jane T-Marts/Sonic
“It wasn’t the best weekend, but not the worst,” Fallon described.
“We recovered well on Sunday to go from eighth to fourth, but on Saturday we struggled. We lost splitters early in both events and unfortunately our pace wasn’t really there.
“It was a good result to end up fourth in the end, but looking to move forward to Bathurst.”
Angelo Mouzouris
#999 Bob Jane T-Marts/Sonic
“I guess you could say this weekend was one of those character building ones,” Mouzouris summarised.
“We were quick in practice, but didn’t really put it together in qualifying and Race 1. The next race was good, we made up six or seven spots to finish ninth, while in the final I got caught up in an opening corner incident through no fault of my own. I had the smallest little graze on the front bumper and popped the radiator, so we decided to not risk any further damage and park it.
“It was a really unfortunate way to end the weekend, however there are many positives. We’re quite quick now and figured out the car, so I’m in the right headspace to move forward.
“I can’t wait for Bathurst, we’ve been quick there in the past as I scored a Super2 pole there, so it’ll be good to get back there to do laps in the Cup Car.”
Rodney Jane
#77 Bob Jane T-Marts/Sonic
“Michael and the Sonic boys have put a great car together, which makes it a lot easier for me as a driver,” credited Jane.
“We’ve got to string it together and make use of the tools they give us. I think I had that at the start of the first race and I had that incident to put us a fair way back.
“I managed to luckily miss the opening corner incident to emerge first and in a slightly shortened race we managed to lead the next eight or 10 laps to win. Persistence paid off as I finished third for the round.
“I really appreciate what the team at Sonic did and now we’re heading to Bathurst, which I’m really looking forward to going there.
“It’s the second time I’ve been there in the last 10 years, so I’m really looking forward to racing there and I’ve got a bit of work to get my pace up to see how we go.”
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NewsO’Keeffe, Cook claim Sandown round wins in dramatic decider
Drama-filled final race at Sandown makes it five from five in 2023
DYLAN O’KEEFFE and Dean Cook have delivered a Sandown double to GWR Australia and RAM Motorsport, claiming the Equity-One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am class round wins following a dramatic decider at Sandown Raceway today.
O’Keeffe claimed a second win from three starts this weekend in a lights-to-flag performance in Race 3, taking his second ever Carrera Cup round win and his first since the 2018 event in Darwin.
He’s also the fifth different round winner from five rounds so far this season.
The SP Tools Pro-Am race win went to Rodney Jane, who avoided drama at the start to lead Dean Cook home for the win, the latter claiming the round overall in a double-punch for the GWR squad.
The final sprint race was a dramatic affair that saw a multi-car incident at the start that was triggered by a slow-starting Callum Hedge spinning following contact from behind from Fabian Coulthard.
That then sent the field scrambling as they checked up with multiple cars involved in a turn one crash that saw Nick McBride’s Porsche Centre Melbourne / Hallmarc entry tipped onto its side and into the path of a Sam Shahin, who was an innocent player trying to take evasive action.
The incident removed four cars from the equation with Christian Pancione, Nick McBride, Adrian Flack and Sam Shahin all non-finishers.
A lengthy Safety Car set up a dash to the flag for the remainder of the field with O’Keeffe leading the outright pack and Jane in front in Pro-Am.
Both were able to hold on despite close challenges from behind, O’Keeffe claiming the win in the race and round over Bayley Hall and Dale Wood.
Those three also completed the round podium, Hall on the rostrum for the first time in his still young Michelin Junior career and Wood back in the Champagne for the first time since Darwin back in June.
In Pro-Am, Jane’s race win ensured he would finish third overall for the round, while former class champion Liam Talbot was Mr. Consistency and claimed second overall as he super-subbed for Luke King in the Moutai Racing entry from Wall Racing.
Cook’s win was the fourth of his career and the second of his season, backing up his Darwin success.
Sandown marked the first time the Sydney-based GWR squad had claimed both round wins in a single Carrera Cup weekend.
With five rounds in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship now complete, Kiwi Callum Hedge takes a commanding 116-point Equity-One Pro class lead over Jackson Walls heading to Mount Panorama in three weeks time.
Dale Wood now sits third in the championship with Max Vidau fourth and O’Keeffe now fifth thanks to his strong weekend.
Provisionally, Sam Shahin remains the leader in the SP Tools Pro-Am race with a 33 point advantage over Dean Cook, with Adrian Flack in third.
The next round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship resumes in three weeks at the Repco Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama.
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NewsHedge steals Enduro cup thriller in final corner
Flack rebounds from race one dramas to take Pro-Am win in Enduro Cup race
CALLUM HEDGE has stolen the victory from Dylan O’Keeffe in the final corner of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia enduro cup race at Sandown Raceway.
Starting third, Hedge played for time in the 28-lap race before picking off Bayley Hall for second within the final 10 laps.
He then set about early leader Dylan O’Keeffe, who had controlled the pace from the outset and had established a handy lead before Hedge moved himself into second position.
Hedge flew in the final laps, cutting O’Keeffe’s 1.9 second lead to nothing by the time the pair started the final lap.
The Race 1 winner defended into the Turn 9 passing opportunity, but had to watch as the Team Porsche New Zealand driver sliced up the inside into the final corner in a last-ditch effort to grab the win.
He crossed the line just 0.1 seconds in front of O’Keeffe to spectacularly win – making amends for his race one start-line penalty that dropped him from first to third in the final standings of the Sandown opener.
The win – coupled with a non-finish from Jackson Walls – also provisionally sealed a ticket to Europe as Carrera Cup Australia’s representative in the Porsche shootout.
O’Keeffe finished second and leads the round points heading to Sunday’s race three decider, while Bayley Hall finished on the podium for the second time today.
The battle for the minors was just as intense for the leading fight with Dale Wood edging out David Russell for fourth – solidifying third place in the championship in the process.
Fabian Coulthard was sixth, while Max Vidau charged 10 spots from his starting position to finish seventh following his race one non-finish.
Simon Fallon – missing a front splitter – Angelou Mouzouris and Thomas Maxwell completed the top-10.
Jackson Walls’ Michelin junior hopes ended when he and David Wall made contact at Turn nine on the opening lap.
Walls’ was penalised for the contact, however never made it back to pit lane as radiator damage forced him to shut his car off on the back straight, ultimately classified a non finisher. Wall made it back to the pits however was unable to resume.
The fight for SP Tools Pro-Am honours was just as tough as Adrian Flack was another to complete a Saturday comeback to claim the win.
He stormed from the back of the grid to win the race over Dean Cook, who lead a good chunk of today’s race before Flack slipped past.
The Pro-Am fight evolved into essentially a four-car fight by race’s end with Sam Shahin and Liam Talbot all in the mix in a competitive battle.
Shahin leads the Pro-Am battle by a single point heading into tomorrow’s decider, with Cook and Talbot in close company.
O’Keeffe leads Hedge and Hall in the Equity One Pro round standings prior to tomorrow’s race, while Callum Hedge has extended his lead in the championship to more than 100 points going into the final race.
That final race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ on Sunday.
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NewsO’Keeffe claims race one following Hedge penalty
Sam Shahin extends Pro-Am title lead with strong class win
DYLAN O’KEEFFE has won his first Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race in a year after a jumped-start penalty for Callum Hedge denied the young Kiwi race one success at Sandown.
Hedge won the start and the subsequent drag race into turn one over polesitter O’Keeffe, however officials deemed the start to be too good and penalised the Team Porsche NZ driver five seconds for the infringement.
That allowed O’Keeffe and McElrea young gun Bayley Hall to settle in behind the New Zealander with the trio running line astern to the line in that order.
The penalty dropped Hedge to third, while O’Keeffe claimed his first win since Sandown last year and the third of his Carrera Cup Career.
Hall’s second position represented his best ever Carrera Cup race, eclipsing his previous best of sixth position comfortably.
Hedge’s third – coupled with Jackson Walls’ run to tenth position – saw him extend both his championship lead and his margin in the critical Michelin Junior Championship ranks heading into race two this afternoon.
David Russell and Dale Wood completed the top five, with the latter also moving to third in the championship by virtue of a non-finish from TekworkX star Max Vidau, who hit the wall on the exit of turn three on the second lap.
A puncture in a rear tyre was determined to be the cause of the accident that saw the Tyrepower driver limp back to the lane but retire the car.
Fabian Coulthard, David Wall, Simon Fallon, Christian Pancione and Jackson Walls completed the top-10.
In SP Tools Pro-Am, Sam Shahin led confidently to another race win to build his championship lead.
He led home Dean Cook and Liam Talbot in a wild Pro-Am affair that saw intense battling for the minor steps on the class podium throughout the 16-lap affair.
Matt Belford and Tim Miles survived a late moment at turn one to finish fourth and fifth, respectively, while Rodney Jane ran strongly early in the race before he was caught up in an incident and dropped down the order.
Adrian Flack had a slow start but recovered well before he too was involved in a spin, dropping him back down through the field by race’s end.
Race 2 will be the next instalment of the Enduro Cup series on Saturday afternoon, with live coverage on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and Sky Sport NZ.
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NewsO’Keeffe charges to record Sandown pole
Sam Shahin scores Pro-Am pole for second time this year
DYLAN O’KEEFFE and Sam Shahin have split the TAG Heuer Pole Awards in qualifying for Round 5 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Sandown Raceway.
O’Keeffe grabbed his first Equity-One Pro class pole since Winton 2022 with a stunning performance in the 12-minute Pro session, his 1m08.6980s flyer the quickest ever Cup Car lap of Sandown.
The Victorian driver set his benchmark on his sixth flyer in the session with a lap time good enough to withstand others attempting to beat it. He ultimately grabbed the top spot by just 0.10s with Callum Hedge second for Team Porsche NZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport.
O’Keeffe’s stunning lap came after topping practice earlier in the day, and broke Earl Bamber Motorsport’s stranglehold on pole positions this year.
Second represented Hedge’s fourth front row effort from five sessions this year, -a position made even more important given his tenuous lead in the Michelin Junior standings that will be decided this weekend.
Max Vidau will line up third for race one, with a returning David Russell fourth and Bayley Hall fifth. The margin between Hedge and Hall in fifth was just 0.09 seconds.
Fabian Coulthard was sixth, making it five teams on the first three rows of the grid for race one, while David Wall, Dale Wood, Simon Fallon and Nick McBride rounded out the top-10.
Michelin Junior contender Jackson Walls could only manage 13th aboard his Objective Racing / McElrea entry, though the Sydneysider was only 0.5s away from pole.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am battle, an unpredictable session saw Shahin bank his 1m10.1162s best on his seventh of 10 completed laps.
Dean Cook, however, narrowly missed grabbing pole with his 10th flyer falling 0.02 seconds away from beating Shahin in the closest session of the year.
It was Shahin’s second pole of the year, the seventh of his career and closes the South Australian driver with Adrian Flack, who has scored three, in the battle for the overall TAG Heuer Pole Award this year.
Adrian Flack was third, having missed running earlier today with steering rack issues aboard his Agas National-supported EBM entry, and just 0.10s from pole position.
Rodney Jane was fourth in his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry, his strong middle sector performances putting him 0.18s of pole.
On his return to the championship – deputising for Luke King – Liam Talbot qualified fifth but only 0.20 seconds from pole. Matt Belford was sixth and just 0.3 from Shahin’s benchmark, with Tim Miles, Daniel Stutterd, Drew Hall and Marc Cini completing the leaderboard.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will race twice on Saturday at the Sandown 500, with the first race at 10:0am and the second at 3:25pm. Both races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
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NewsAussie Michelin Junior Bayley Hall to get USA Porsche shot
Carrera Cup North America adventure at Laguna Seca and COTA
PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Michelin Junior Bayley Hall will get his first shot at international racing later this month when he heads to compete in the United States.
The McElrea Racing driver will link with his team’s Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America squad for two key rounds of the American championship, adding two high-profile US events to the final four rounds of this year’s Carrera Cup Australia title race.
Hall will compete at the iconic Porsche Rennsport Reunion event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 29-October 1, before journeying to the Circuit of the Americas in Texas for the support event at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix on October 20-22.
Hall will slide into McElrea’s #24 North American entry alongside another local graduate – Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge winner Tom Sargent.
Sargent has already scored several pole positions and podium finishes this year and sits second in the North American Championship.
Hall has impressed in domestic Porsche competition this year, scoring three top-10 round finishes in what is effectively his second full year of one-make Porsche competition.
He qualified a career-best third in Townsville and finished fifth overall last time out at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia and sits less than 60 points outside the top four in the championship.
Hall has already completed a pair of tests in the United States, including one at Road America in Wisconsin in July.
He then recently travelled to Texas for a two-day test with McElrea at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the round there later this month.
Carrera Cup North America uses identical cars to the Australian championship, save for the addition of ABS braking.
Hall will be in action this weekend at the fifth round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Sandown Raceway in Melbourne, Victoria.
BAYLEY HALL
“This opportunity to race with my home team on an international scale will be I’m sure, very eye opening but an experience I am very grateful to take head on and make the most of every minute.
“The United States are so passionate about sports and I cannot wait to experience that for myself from the drivers side’ and immerse myself in it”
“When I was 7 years old, I made my Dad take a detour on a USA family holiday to visit Laguna Seca but I have never been to Texas, so yes I’m very excited. I’m very much looking forward to this incredible experience, and ticking off another 2 iconic tracks from my bucket list that I had set goals to race on,’
“There are a few differences in Carrera cup North America. Most notable ones are that the cars use ABS and have rolling starts, which is different from Carrera Cup Australia. Also they have two 45 minutes races over the weekend which will provide plenty of laps to learn and grow from.”
“I’ve taken inspiration from both Scott McLaughlin and Shane Van Gisbergen who have both raced in the US and rustled some feathers. I’m excited for when it’s my chance to do the same.”
“The American championship is still extremely competitive, and it will be a great challenge for me to adapt to the tracks as quickly as possible and also endeavour to make a name for myself in another country.”
‘The Porsche driver selection program is another incentive in the Michelin Junior Program and it allows a pathway to the IMSA GTD program. My ambitions are to work towards a seat in the GTD program and Andy and my team believe that this is one step in the right direction”
ANDY McELREA
“Last year we threw Bayley into the deep end in Carrera Cup due to Covid not allowing a Sprint Championship for him to learn from, he pretty much had to learn how to drink from a fire hose and he certainly did.
“This year he’s been able to gain another level of confidence by building on his experience from last year, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him, he’s a brilliant student & he’s exceeding our expectations. He’s fast, he’s dedicated & he’s hungry.
“The opportunity to test in America arose & like Bayley always does, he grabbed it with two hands & impressed at the test, opening up this opportunity to race in the North American Carrera Cup.
“It will be a challenge for him but he’s proven his adaptability skills over the last 18 months & we can’t wait to see what he can do.”
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NewsMajor Junior prizes on the line at Sandown
Hedge and Walls to battle for European Shootout ticket this weekend
THE FIRST major prize of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be up for grabs when the one-make Porsche pack descends on Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway in Victoria this week.
Australia’s nominee for the annual Porsche Junior Shootout will be decided at Sandown, with the top driver in the Michelin Junior Championship following this weekend’s round to head to Europe later this year.
The Porsche Junior Shootout puts the top junior drivers from global Porsche one-make championships head to head, with the winner claiming a scholarship prize to contest the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship in 2024.
Just 32 points separate Team Porsche New Zealand / Earl Bamber Motorsport young-gun Callum Hedge from Objective Racing / McElrea ace Jackson Walls in the Junior standings following four intense rounds to date.
The pair have claimed junior honours in nine of the 11 races contested so far with Sandown to decide who gets the ticket to Europe.
TekworkX driver Max Vidau sits third in the outright championship and junior standings thanks to two race wins and retains a mathematical chance at the Junior prize, 171 points from the lead with 180 up for grabs this weekend.
The remarkable battle between Kiwi hedge and New South Wales ace Walls has waged since Albert Park’s opening round, with the championship lead only changing hands in the most recent race, held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
There, Hedge claimed his first round win of the season after Walls spun out of second position in the penultimate corner of the weekend while battling for the lead.
11 drivers from the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia have tackled the shootout since 2012, with two – Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans – winning it and the subsequent ticket to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Harri Jones was the most recent nominee, tackling the shootout in 2022 and progressing to Supercup last year.
While attention is on the Michelin Junior battle this weekend, the ongoing fight for Equity One Pro class and the SP Tools Pro-Am battles will continue as the season moves into the second half.
Hedge leads Walls in the overall championship, with the young pair enjoying a healthy margin back to third-placed Vidau.
Darwin winner Dale Wood is within striking distance of the top three, however.
There has yet to be a repeat round winner this season while five different drivers have won races.
In Pro-Am, Sam Shahin is just 47 points clear of Adrian Flack following a strong win at his home track last time out at The Bend.
Flack, in turn, has Dean Cook and Rodney Jane in close company in third and fourth, respectively.
The Sandown entry list loses Alex Davison – damage to the Scott Taylor Motorsport Porsche from The Bend enough to force them to the side-lines until Bathurst – and Chris Pither, but gains the EMA Motorsport entry of Garnet Patterson, who returns to the grid for the first time since round two in Darwin.
On-track action commences on Friday with two practice sessions and the two-part qualifying session, prior to the first two races on Saturday.
Sunday will conclude the fifth round with the third race, just prior to the start of the Sandown 500.
All three races, plus qualifying and practice two on Friday, will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo in Australia, and Sky Sports NZ.
AUSTRALIAN PORSCHE JUNIOR SHOOTOUT NOMINATIONS:
2012 – Andre Heimgartner
2014 – Sam Power
2015 – Nick Foster & Richard Muscat
2016 – Matt Campbell (Won Shootout)
2017 – Dylan O’Keeffe
2018 – Jaxon Evans (Won Shootout), Dylan O’Keeffe
2019 – Jordan Love
2021 – Cooper Murray
2022 – Harri Jones
ENTRY LIST – Round 5 (Sandown Raceway)
No. | Class | Car # | Sponsor | Driver | State | Colour | |
1 | Pro | 2 | Wall Racing / MOUTAI | Luke | King | NSW | Silver |
2 | Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | QLD | Pink/White |
3 | Pro | 5 | TekworkX Motorsport | Thomas | Maxwell | VIC | Silver |
4 | Pro-Am | 7 | Miles Advisory Partners | Tim | Miles | NSW | Red/White |
5 | Pro | 8 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Nick | McBride | VIC | Pink/White |
6 | Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Marc | Cini | VIC | Red |
7 | Pro | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW | Black |
8 | Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA | White/Blue/Red |
9 | Pro-Am | 14 | ID Land / Team MPC | Matthew | Belford | VIC | Black / Orange |
10 | Pro | 17 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Callum | Hedge | QLD | White / Black / Red |
11 | Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National | Adrian | Flack | QLD | Black/Blue/Orange |
12 | Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | VIC | Grey / Red |
13 | Pro-Am | 23 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | VIC | Black / Yellow |
14 | Pro | 28 | Hall Finance / Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD | Silver / Green |
15 | Pro | 32 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Courtney | Prince | VIC | Pink/White |
16 | Pro | 38 | Wall Racing | David | Wall | NSW | Black / Red |
17 | Pro | 72 | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Max | Vidau | SA | Blue / Red / White |
18 | Pro | 74 | EMA Motorsport | Garnet | Patterson | SA | Blue |
19 | Pro | 76 | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Christian | Pancione | VIC | Red |
20 | Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
21 | Pro-Am | 86 | Wall Racing | Drew | Hall | NSW | Blue/White |
22 | Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC | Grey / Red |
23 | Pro | 99 | Earl Bamber Motorsport | David | Russell | QLD | Yellow |
24 | Pro | 101 | Local Legends | Ryder | Quinn | QLD | Yellow |
25 | Pro | 777 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Simon | Fallon | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
26 | Pro | 992 | Ranbuild | Dale | Wood | VIC | Blue / White |
27 | Pro | 999 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Pitbox | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
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NewsGiltrap, Stichbury step up to Carrera Cup in 2024
Team Porsche NZ continue young driver program into new season
Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is pleased to announce that the Carrera Cup Australia scholarship driver for the 2024 season is Zac Stichbury.
Zac has graduated from competing in the 2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge through the scholarship programme, to the main scholarship seat in the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia series.
In his first year competing with TPNZ, Zac is currently ranked third in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia. The 991.2 GT3 Cup Car has been a stand-out on the grid after Zac unveiled the iconic Whittaker’s Chocolate ‘Peanut Slab’ themed livery earlier this year.
In addition, it has been announced that Marco Giltrap is also going to compete for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2024 in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season. After 4 of 6 rounds in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Championship, Marco Giltrap is currently leading the series. Earl Bamber Motorsport will be managing both drivers in the 2024 season, increasing the driver count for the Carrera Cup Australia grid to two for TPNZ in 2024.
Zac Stichbury:
“I’m so excited and grateful to step up into the scholarship’s main seat next year. It’s such an amazing opportunity and I can’t thank the team at Porsche New Zealand and EBM enough for their ongoing support and guidance. I’m looking forward to continuing learning and developing in these last few rounds of Sprint Challenge this year to end on a good result leading into competing alongside Marco in Carrera Cup next year”
Marco Giltrap:
“I am extremely excited to be joining Team Porsche New Zealand for another season, joining Porsche Carrera Cup Australia next year. We have already achieved so much this year and I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve for the rest of the 2023 and 2024 season.”
Applications for the 2024 TPNZ Sprint Challenge Scholarship Driver are now open
Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is opening the application process for its scholarship programme to support a young Kiwi motorsport talent to drive in the 2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series.
This will be the fourth year that Porsche New Zealand is running the scholarship program, after the success of Matthew Payne in 2021 and Callum Hedge and Ryan Wood in 2022. In 2023, Zac Stichbury has been driving in the Sprint Challenge scholarship seat, however it has been announced in 2024 he will be graduating into the Carrera Cup seat which has been held by Callum Hedge for his second year in 2023.
Applications are open until 30th September 2023. To apply for this scholarship, candidates will need to attach a CV as well as a 300-word summary of why they should be the next Team Porsche New Zealand Driver. A short list of applicants will then be chosen for interviews and assessments before a final selection will be made.
Please Note: This is a junior Scholarship program and applicants must be between the age of 16 – 21 as of January 1st, 2024, and must be a resident or citizen of New Zealand.
Further information, as information on how to apply is available at porsche.co.nz/teamporschenz
Earl Bamber Motorsport Owner, Earl Bamber:
“We’re proud of what both TPNZ Sprint Challenge drivers have been doing in 2023, and now looking into 2024 it’s amazing to be able to confirm Zac Stichbury and Marco Giltrap the TPNZ program moving up to Carrera Cup Australia. The program has been incredibly successful so far with all our previous drivers now stepping up as professional racing drivers. It’s something that we as a team and Porsche New Zealand have been proud to be part of and ultimately the reason why the program was started.”
“And now we’re excited that we are opening 2024 allocations for the Porsche Sprint Challenge seat. This category has been really great to nurture our drivers in year one of the program, so we are excited to see what young talented drivers from New Zealand will apply for 2024.”
Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke:
“Both Zac and Marco have proven themselves as strong competitors in the 2023 Sprint Challenge series. With just two races to go, we’re proud to see both drivers currently ranked in the top 3 for the series and hope to see both on the podium at the end of the season. We’re pleased to announce that they will both be competing for TPNZ next year in Carrera Cup, the leading Porsche single-make series in Australia.”
“With Zac graduating to the scholarship seat for Carrera Cup 2024, it leaves us with an opportunity to take on a new young Kiwi driver for next year. The Sprint Challenge scholarship seat is the perfect opportunity for promising drivers to kick-start their motorsport career like we have seen many of our previous TPNZ drivers do in the past 3 years.”
About Team Porsche New Zealand
Team Porsche New Zealand was formed by Porsche New Zealand in conjunction with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in late 2019 to provide young New Zealand talent the opportunity and pathway to advance their motorsport career in Australia. The scholarship programme sees drivers competing in the Carrera Cup Australia which is a key component in the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, and the feeder series, the Porsche Sprint Challenge.
The team is based in Brisbane and run by EBM, whose principal is two-time Le Mans 24-hour winner Earl Bamber. Earl himself progressed his motorsport career via the Porsche Pyramid through Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Super Cup, and ultimately as a factory driver for Porsche in both the World Endurance Championship and the North American International Motor Sports Association.
Each year a scholarship will be offered to support an exciting young New Zealand talent achieving a seat in the 992 GT3 Sup Car in Carrera Cup Australia, and a second driver in the 991.2 GT3 Cup Car in Sprint Challenge Australia. The combination of Bamber’s international motor racing and Porsche Motorsport experience provides a unique opportunity to develop their skills and succeed.
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NewsJones takes Monza rookie win in Supercup finale’
Carrera Cup Australia champion secures second in Rookie title
VICTORY in the rookie class has seen reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion Harri Jones fall narrowly short of claiming the title in a dramatic conclusion to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup finale at Monza.
Jones finished fourth in a wild Supercup showdown at the Cathedral of Speed, taking the rookie class win for the first time and just falling short of a podium finish following a frenetic last-lap battle with home-town hero, Simone Iaquinta.
With Rookie Championship leader Allesandro Ghiretti out of the race, Jones needed to finish third outright in the race to overhaul the 15-point deficit to the class lead.
He qualified fifth but started third following a host of grid penalties for key rivals.
After running fourth in the early laps, Jones found himself back in third position following a late-race restart, with Iaquinta just behind.
The Italian, with nothing to lose, and Jones engaged in a dramatic battle that included banging doors on the start-finish straight and at the turn one chicane.
Jones’ led his rival as the final lap commenced however lost the spot following the second of the two Lesmo right-handers, narrowly missing third place and the rookie title.
Still, the result was the strongest of Jones’ debut Supercup season.
“I’m really proud of myself and really proud of the team with our best result of the year in P4 and to take the Rookie win as well,” Jones said.
“(Lechner Racing) took the teams championship and another drivers’ championship as well and it was great to be part of that.
“It’s been an amazing year, and I’m really looking forward to coming back to Bathurst and Gold Coast to take everything I’ve learned over here and really apply it.”
BWT Lechner Racing teammate Harry King won the race, denying runner-up Larry ten Voorde the championship after points leader – and Lechner teammate – Bastian Buus struck issues and finished down the order.
Fourth still represented Jones’ best result of a solid Supercup rookie season that saw him claim six top-10 finishes from the eight races, ending the year ninth overall in the standings.
With the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Season complete, Jones’ will turn his attention to a pair of quickfire Porsche Carrera Cup Germany events in the coming weeks – the first at the Sachsenring and the second a return to the Red Bull Ring in Austria – where he raced in Supercup earlier this year.
Jones will then return to Australia and the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship in October as Jones Motorsport makes it’s debut in the championship.
The defending champion will race at Bathurst and the Gold Coast this year for his own team.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns at the Sandown 500 in two weeks time.
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NewsHedge claims The Bend, title lead in dramatic Sunday
Sam Shahin claims Pro-Am round in style at home circuit
CALLUM HEDGE needed a big weekend at The Bend in Round 4 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship – and boy did he deliver.
The young Kiwi completed a clean-sweep of the round at the South Australian venue to not only become the fourth Equity-One Pro class winner from four different rounds this season, but rocket himself into the championship and Michelin Junior series standings in the process.
Hedge claimed the round over Simon Fallon and Christian Pancione – who took his first round podium – as erstwhile series leader Jackson Walls spun out of podium contention on the final lap of the final race.
Meanwhile, home-town hero Sam Shahin won two of the three races to take the SP Tools Pro-Am round at The Bend to extend his points lead.
Shahin took the Pro-Am fight over Dean Cook and Adrian Flack to extend his championship lead at the half-way point.
Sunday was a tale of two races as the 20-lap Enduro Cup race was a relatively straightforward affair before the crazy broke loose in the third race.
The enduro cup race was decided in the first six corners as Hedge out-dragged Walls into turn one and then managed the race lead from there.
Simon Fallon made up two spots off the start to leap to third position, while Christian Pancione backed up his race 1 result with another fourth.
Max Vidau charged to fifth place in a bid to keep the championship leaders in viewing distance, while Dylan O’Keeffe was relegated back to sixth. Bayley Hall, Dale Wood, Garth Tander and Nick McBride completed the 10.
Cook got the jump in Pro-Am in the enduro race and then spent the remaining 35-minutes defending from attacks from Sam Shahin.
The pair finished in that order with Rodney Jane claiming third – Adrian Flack striking issues and finishing behind Matt Belford, in fifth.
Race three was a less straightforward affair as drama at turn one eliminated six cars from the race and delivered the first Safety Car of the weekend.
The incident claimed Alex Davison, Ryder Quinn, David Wall, Dylan O’Keeffe and Chris Pither, while Luke King was forced to pit for damage.
Wall in particular was knocked skyward as he tried to take evasive action as cars spun into the outfield between turns one and two.
Following a lengthy Safety Car the race resumed with Hedge holding off Walls and Fallon, who had started quickly and briefly challenged for the lead on the race start prior to the turn one incident.
The leaders held the status quo for the remaining laps until the final two corners, when Walls had a lunge at Hedge in Turn 17 as the pair raced to the flag.
The pair were side by side however the Objective Racing Porsche apparently clipped the inside kerb, turning him around and out of contention for the round podium.
That elevated Fallon to second – and the same result for the round – while Max Vidau raced his way to third on home turf.
With Christian Pancione and Garth Tander completing the top five, Walls recovered to finish 12th however missed out on the round podium.
The Pro-Am affair was just as unpredictable as Rodney Jane found himself leading following the Safety Car restart.
However an off on lap five saw him tumble down the order with Shahin in the perfect position to capitalise and grab the lead – and ultimately the win. Matt Belford finished second for the race and Flack third.
At the half-way point of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Callum Hedge now provisionally leads Jackson Walls by 37 points in the Equity-One Pro class following a significant swing in the standings this weekend.
Max Vidau remains third while Sam Shahin continues to lead the SP Tools Pro-Am class.
The next round of the championship will see the field return to the iconic Sandown Motor Raceway in Suburban Melbourne on September 15-17, at the return of the iconic Sandown 500.
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NewsHedge flies from fourth, Shahin wins in 100th race
The Bend opener delivers milestone win to milestone man on home circuit
CALLUM HEDGE scored pole, lost three spots with a penalty but rebounded perfectly to claim the opening race in a busy day for the young Kiwi, as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship launched into Round 4 at The Bend.
Meanwhile, a fairy tale story unfolded behind as The Bend’s own Sam Shahin jumped from second on the SP Tools Pro-Am grid to lead Adrian Flack the whole way to claim the race victory in his 100th Porsche Carrera Cup race.
RESULTS: The Bend Motorsport Park
The 11-lap opener at The Bend was a straightforward affair that was highlighted by a blinding opening lap from Hedge, who was disappointed after a post-qualifying penalty relegated him from pole to fourth on the grid.
The Team Porsche New Zealand driver wasted little time racing to the front, however, thanks to a flying start and a series of decisive moves that saw him leap from fourth to first in the first four corners.
Hedge, who sits second in the championship, then edged away from closest rival Jackson Walls to claim his first Equity-One Professional class race win of the season, the third of his career and first since the Gold Coast last year.
He was also the fifth different driver to claim a race win this season. Crucially, it also pulled more championship points out of leader Jackson Walls, who shaded the young Kiwi home in second.
Walls’ set the quickest lap on his way to second position having jumped pole man Dylan O’Keeffe on the opening lap.
O’Keeffe finished third for his best result of the season so far and his first top five finish of the year.
Christian Pancione matched his career-best result with fourth in the Supercheap Auto car from McElrea Racing, while Simon Fallon was a solid fifth in his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry.
The top-10 was completed by Bayley Hall – in his best result of the year – Dale Wood, Max Vidau, Nick McBride and Garth Tander in his first solo Carrera Cup start.
Luke King continued his forward march to 11th position while Fabian Coulthard raced his way to 12th position, having earlier qualified only 17th.
Tough days for key contenders included a rough race for Townsville round winner Alex Davison, who survived a wild ride off the road at Turn 8 to limp home in 22nd.
The SP Tools Pro-Am fight was also decided on the first lap as Shahin jumped class polesitter Flack.
He pulled away in the early laps before a return of serve from the latter saw he – and the chasing Dean Cook – close as the race unfolded.
The pair battled for the race lead in the closing laps though Shahin was able to hold on to win and extend his championship lead in his milestone 100th Carrera Cup race.
Flack was second and Cook third – mirroring the effort from his Equity-One Professional class teammate Dylan O’Keeffe.
Rodney Jane and Matt Belford completed the top five in class in race one.
Round 4 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship continues tomorrow with two races, including the next instalment in the Enduro Cup series on Sunday morning,
Race 2 commences at 10:40am local time with the second following at 2:35pm.
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NewsHome-town heroes on top in The Bend practice
Times tight in Friday shootout as field prepares for half-way point of series
A FRIDAY afternoon happy hour with all the intensity of qualifying highlighted the opening day of running in round four of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Taking advantage of a fully dry circuit and new slick Michelin tyres, the South Aussie form guide was established in a flat-out practice session that ended with local hero Max Vidau quickest with a 1m49.9507s flyer aboard his Tyrepower / TekworkX Motorsport entry.
RESULTS: Practice 1 & 2
That lap was two-tenths quicker than Aaron Love’s 1m50.12s pole time from 2022.
The first of two practice sessions was staged on a wet and drying circuit meaning practice two was the only time for teams to understand their cars on new rubber ahead of a key qualifying session on Saturday morning.
Vidau timed his run to perfection at the end of practice to go quickest, while Angelo Mouzouris was a rapid second aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts / Sonic Motor Racing machine.
Mouzouris hovered in the top half of the top-10 for most of practice before his final flyer elevated him to second.
Just 0.0415s split the pair as a sign of things to come tomorrow.
Fabian Coulthard continued his charge to the front of the field in third, with championship leader Jackson Walls fourth. Four teams held the top four places.
Christian Pancione ended his day in fifth position – just 0.16s from the quickest time – with Dylan O’Keeffe, David Wall, Bayley Hall, Simon Fallon and Callum Hedge completing the top-10.
Making his solo Porsche Carrera Cup debut, Garth Tander was 14th outright today, exactly one second from the quickest time.
While Vidau was narrowly quickest in the Equity-One Pro class, it was another South Australian on top in SP Tools Pro-Am.
Sam Shahin topped the Porsche ‘race within a race’, his 1m51.1139s best just 1.1 seconds away from the quickest time outright.
Shahin will start his 100th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race tomorrow in race one as he seeks to build on his Pro-Am class lead.
His nearest rival for title honours, Adrian Flack, was second in Pro-Am with Dean Cook third and Rodney Jane fourth, just in front of Matt Belford.
The pair of practice sessions were largely uneventful today as the 28-strong field prepares for qualifying and race one on Saturday.
Qualifying commences at 10:35am local time with Race 1 to follow at 3:20pm.
Both sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
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NewsTitle race reaches half way with critical round at The Bend
Home-town hero to reach milestone mark at home circuit
A CRITICAL fourth round of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will play out this weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park’s OTR SuperSprint.
The championship reaches the half-way point with both the Equity-One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am classes finely poised with new contenders presenting themselves at every round.
Three different drivers have claimed the three rounds held so far, while four drivers have claimed the eight full races contested.
The 30-strong field for The Bend’s annual round includes the Carrera Cup return of Garth Tander, who will drive an SP Tools-backed car for Grove Racing and Earl Bamber Motorsport.
Tander has a single Carrera Cup round start to his credit – in a two-driver Pro-Am event at Sydney Motorsport Park back in 2016 – however is expected to take little time to get up to speed this weekend.
Also returning to the championship is Ryder Quinn, who missed the most recent round in Townsville following accident damage sustained in Darwin earlier this year.
The Queensland-based driver returns with a new livery and sponsor, Game Over now backing his McElrea Racing-prepared 992 GT3 Cup Car.
The remainder of the 30-strong field remains vastly as per the most recent round as Jackson Walls holds a narrow 20-point lead in the outright championship.
The Objective Racing / McElrea driver holds the narrow lead over fellow Michelin Junior, Team Porsche New Zealand’s Callum Hedge.
A strong weekend in Townsville has TekworkX Motorsport’s Max Vidau third in the championship as he heads into the first of two home events this year.
Speaking of home events, The Bend Motorsport Park will see a milestone for one of the circuit’s founders, Sam Shahin.
The South Australian driver will record his 100th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race start in the first of three races this weekend, becoming just the 27th driver to reach the century milestone.
Shahin has won 18 SP Tools Pro-Am class races in his career, including a pair at The Bend last year that allowed him to claim the round victory at his own circuit.
Another addition to The Bend’s grid will be Indiran Padayachee, who will make a welcome return to the championship following a hefty crash at Albert Park during the season opener.
Padayachee recently contested a round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia in Sydney prior to his Carrera Cup return this weekend.
This year marks the fifth time that Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia will have raced at The Bend Motorsport Park, the series having made its debut there in 2018.
The circuit has been the happy hunting ground of Sonic Motor Racing, who have dominated proceedings on the fast and flowing 4.9km layout.
Sonic have won three of the four rounds contested at the venue, including last year that saw Aaron Love score pole, win all three races and claim the weekend overall.
Michael Almond (2018) and Jordan Love (2019) are other Sonic winners at the venue, while the team has claimed nine of the 12 races held there.
Jordan and Aaron Love also hold the circuit lap records, too: Aaron the qualifying benchmark (1m50.1212s, 2022) and Jordan in racing conditions (1m50.7966s, set in 2019).
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will contest three races this weekend, with all three and Saturday’s all-important qualifying session to be broadcast live, ad-break free on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, and Sky Sports NZ.
ENTRY LIST – Round 4, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship
The Bend Motorsport Park
No. | Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
State | Colour |
1 | Pro | 2 | Wall Racing / MOUTAI | Luke | King | NSW | Silver |
2 | Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Fabian | Coulthard | QLD | Pink/White |
3 | Pro | 5 | TekworkX Motorsport | Thomas | Maxwell | VIC | Silver |
4 | Pro-Am | 7 | Miles Advisory Partners | Tim | Miles | NSW | Red/White |
5 | Pro | 8 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Nick | McBride | VIC | Pink/White |
6 | Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc/ Team MPC | Marc | Cini | VIC | Red |
7 | Pro | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | NSW | Black |
8 | Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | SA | White/Blue/Red |
9 | Pro-Am | 14 | ID Land / Team MPC | Matthew | Belford | VIC | Black / Orange |
10 | Pro | 17 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Callum | Hedge | QLD | White / Black / Red |
11 | Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National | Adrian | Flack | QLD | Black/Blue/Orange |
12 | Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | VIC | Grey / Red |
13 | Pro-Am | 23 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | VIC | Black / Yellow |
14 | Pro | 28 | Hall Finance / Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | QLD | Silver / Green |
15 | Pro | 32 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Courtney | Prince | VIC | Pink/White |
16 | Pro-Am | 35 | Hyundai Forklifts | Indiran | Padayachee | NSW | Red/Blue/White |
17 | Pro | 38 | Wall Racing | David | Wall | NSW | Black / Red |
18 | Pro | 42 | Coca-Cola Racing powered by EMA | Chris | Pither | VIC | Red |
19 | Pro | 72 | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Max | Vidau | SA | Blue / Red / White |
20 | Pro | 76 | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Christian | Pancione | VIC | Red |
21 | Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
22 | Pro-Am | 86 | Wall Racing | Drew | Hall | NSW | Blue/White |
23 | Pro | 87 | SP Tools Racing | Garth | Tander | VIC | White/ Blue/ Orange |
24 | Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | VIC | Grey / Red |
25 | Pro | 99 | Earl Bamber Motorsport | David | Russell | QLD | Yellow |
26 | Pro | 101 | Local Legends | Ryder | Quinn | QLD | Yellow |
27 | Pro | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Alex | Davison | QLD | Black/Green/Red |
28 | Pro | 777 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Simon | Fallon | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
29 | Pro | 992 | Ranbuild | Dale | Wood | VIC | Blue / White |
30 | Pro | 999 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Pitbox | Angelo | Mouzouris | VIC | Yellow / Blue |
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NewsGarth Tander joins The Bend grid in SP Tools-backed Porsche
Bathurst champion to drive Grove Racing entry in next Carrera Cup round
Grove Racing are excited to confirm that Garth Tander, will participate in Round 4 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship at Tailem Bend.
Proudly backed by SP Tools, Tander will sport the number 87, also run by his son Sebastian who currently competes in the SP Tools Australian Karting Championship with the Grove Junior Team and TanderSport.
The highly experienced and respected Supercars Champion has five Bathurst 1000 wins to his name, he will race in the Carrera Cup series for a one-off round in an Earl Bamber Motorsport prepared Grove Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car.
Tander is no stranger to the Tailem Bend circuit having last year scored a P4 finish in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia. In addition to his impressive racing resume, Tander is an expert analyst as part of the broadcast team for Supercars Media.
The opportunity to race in the ultra-competitive Carrera Cup Championship is valuable for Tander as he steps up his preparation for his co-driving duties in the endurance rounds at Sandown and Bathurst with Grove Racing.
Grove Racing have had a long association with Porsche Racing currently competing in the Porsche GT3 challenge with Oscar Targett, Intercontinental GT3 challenge in a Porsche GT3R992, and over 10 years of Carrera Cup Australia competition.
Stephen Grove said:
“It’s important for Garth to have the opportunity to get some miles prior to the enduro rounds and Carrera Cup is the perfect platform. To have a driver of Garth Tander’s experience pilot a Grove Racing 992 Porsche Cup car at Talem Bend is exciting for the whole team”.
Garth Tander said:
“I’m really excited to do a sprint round of Carrera Cup at Tailem Bend. I have raced Carrera Cup in the Pro-Am event that they used to run back in 2016. Obviously doing a championship sprint round is a whole other deal, and I am under no illusion that its going to be incredibly tough. I know how tough the championship is and how strong the drivers are within the championship, so I know it’s going to be a steep learning curve, but I am really excited about that opportunity.
Having SP Tools on the car is a great honor; I have a long-standing relationship with SP Tools and it is great to have them on the Porsche. They are great supporters of motorsport and I certainly hope to do them proud.”
Many thanks also to Stephen and Brenton Grove. Getting racing miles prior to Sandown and Bathurst is important and I can’t think of anything better to prepare me for those two Supercar endurance racing events than to jump into the middle of a very tough Carrera Cup championship right in the deep end and having a go, so thanks very much to them for giving me this chance.”
Tom Tucker, CEO Austech Industries said:
“SP Tools and Garth have a long racing history with many podiums as a result. When the opportunity arose to partner up again, we were more than happy to oblige.
“It will be great to see Garth show his skills in the new 992 GT3 Porsche. Let’s hope our partnership sees Garth back on the podium where he belongs.”
Garth will hit the track in his SP Tools Porsche for the fourth round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship from August 18 to 20 forming part of the OTR SuperSprint which will also host the 9th Round of the Repco Supercars Championship.
You can follow Garth’s Carrera Cup debut via the Grove Racing and SP Tools social media channels.
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NewsJones confirms Bathurst, Gold Coast return
2022 Champion to tackle premier rounds in family team this October
Reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion and current Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup driver, Harri Jones, is returning to the Australian one-make championship in October this year, in what will be familiar colours but a brand-new team.
Jones is currently living and racing in Europe, competing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Carrera Cup Germany, with top teams BWT Lechner Racing and Scherer Sport PHX respectively.
He is returning to Australia for two of the most iconic rounds of the season – the Repco Bathurst 1000 and Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 – however for the first time will be driving under his own team, Jones Motorsport.
The Queenslander will be racing in familiar colours, with existing major partners Hastings Deering and MacKellar Group backing the youngster’s new endeavour.
“The Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 500 are two events I always look forward to most on the Carrera Cup Australia Calendar,” says Jones.
“I’m so excited to be returning as the reigning Champion and to expand our team with the support of our amazing major partners, Hastings Deering and MacKellar Group.”
Reflecting on his time in Europe so far, Jones has grown immensely through the intense level of competition across both the Supercup and Carrera Cup Germany championships.
“My time in Europe so far has been incredible,” says Jones. “I’ve been fortunate enough to join forces with the best teams in Porsche one-make racing worldwide and race in not one, but two incredibly competitive championships.
“I’ve developed so much as a racing driver and have gained so much experience within the sport. I’m confident that we will be able to put that all to good use and showcase our team back on home soil.”
MacKellar Group and Hastings Deering were pivotal to Harri’s success in the 2022 Championship through their support and have remained by his side throughout his European debut.
“I’m so grateful for the continued support from my partners and their commitment to backing me through this next phase of my racing career,” says Jones.
“This year marks five years with the MacKellar Group and my second year partnering with Hastings Deering. Both companies have really embraced the partnership across their respective teams, which has been brilliant for me to also be a part of personally.
“I’m so excited to be racing again on home soil, in front of my partners, friends and family. It’s certainly something I’ve missed a lot whilst overseas. And to be coming back to race for my own team adds a whole new level to it, I honestly can’t wait.”
Speaking about the ongoing partnership, Jason Smith, Executive General Manager – Resource Industries of Hastings Deering, said, “We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with Harri Jones.”
“Harri embodies the qualities and values that resonate deeply with our company. His commitment to excellence, tireless work ethic, and passion for motorsport aligns perfectly with our own dedication to delivering outstanding machinery solutions to our customers.”
Having supported Harri since his debut in Porsche racing back in 2019, MacKellar Group are also excited to see him back on the Aussie racing circuit.
“As MacKellar Group extends its support to Harri Jones for another exhilarating season, we are immensely proud to stand side by side with a fearless driver whose determination and unwavering passion embody the values we hold dear,” said Chairman, Duncan MacKellar.
“Together, we drive towards excellence, pushing boundaries, and achieving remarkable victories on and off the track.”
In the first few races of his debut year overseas, Jones has already made his mark on the European racing scene. Classified as a Rookie within both Championships, he has already claimed 5 Rookie podiums and multiple top 5 outright finishes.
With a bright future ahead of him, it’s clear that Jones’ talent continues to shine through among the best, no matter the geography.
The Bathurst 1000 will be held from October 5-8 followed by the Gold Coast 500 three weeks later from October 27-29. To continue to follow Harri’s progress, follow his social media accounts and subscribe to his monthly newsletter at www.harrijones.com.au.
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NewsDavison takes Townsville win with last-race stunner
Sam Shahin wins SP Tools Pro-Am battle in North Queensland
ALEX DAVISON has claimed his first Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship round win since 2016 thanks to a stunning start in the final race of Round 3 in Townsville.
Davison had chased Race 2 winner Max Vidau hard earlier on Sunday but launched perfectly in the finale’ to grab an early lead which, coupled with Vidau being shuffled down the order on the opening lap, helped deliver him his first win since June 2016.
Vidau finished second overall and Jackson Walls third in a critical weekend for his championship and Michelin Junior title hopes.
Meanwhile, Sam Shahin claimed an impressive win in SP Tools Pro-Am after race one and two winner Adrian Flack failed to finish the final race with damage.
He was joined on the podium by Matt Belford, in second, and the ever-consistent Rodney Jane in third.
Both winners were emotional while celebrating on the Townsville podium with today’s victories especially meaningful to both Shahin and Davison. a
Davison’s win was the 17th round win of his stunning career while his race 3 victory was his 48th in Carrera Cup Australia.
He’s the third winner from the three rounds held this year and fifth different winner from the last five rounds.
Shahin, meanwhile, broke Adrian Flack’s two-round winning streak to inject more life into the Pro-Am fight.
Sunday’s two races were hard-fought affairs with Vidau leading home Davison and Hedge in the Enduro Cup opener earlier in the morning.
Hedge gained three spots early to make up for his race one penalty, while Walls finished fourth and just off the podium to add to his points haul.
Though he couldn’t take the overall round win, Vidau’s race two victory gives the Tyrepower TekworkX driver an early advantage in the Carrera Cup Enduro Cup campaign points tally.
Adrian Flack won the SP Tools Pro-Am class over Shahin – who had a damaged front splitter – and Dean Cook to take an early lead in the Enduro Cup series.
Race three was a typical sprint with Davison’s fast start launching him to a lead he’d never lose.
Vidau found himself on the wrong side of the road on the opening lap shuffle, allowing Walls, Hedge and Fabian Coulthard to sneak through.
Fifth position ensured he finished behind Davison in the round, however saw him claw points back on his closest title rivals following a tough round in Darwin last time out.
Coulthard’s fourth was his best finish since returning to Carrera Cup while Chris Pither’s sixth was a similar milestone.
David Wall, a charging Thomas Maxwell, Luke King and Nick McBride completed the top-10.
After winning the first two races, Adrian Flack couldn’t go further than the opening lap in race three as damage from the first-lap battles saw him forced to pit lane and out of the race.
That handed the advantage to Shahin, who claimed the race win and the round overall.
Jackson Walls leaves Townsville with an extended, 20-point lead in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship as the series heads to The Bend Motorsport Park for round four.
Callum Hedge sits second while Max Vidau’s pair of wins see him climb back to third. Dale Wood drops to fourth in the standings while Alex Davison has climbed to sixth.
Meanwhile, Sam Shahin takes a narrow lead in SP Tools Pro-Am heading into Round 4, with Flack and Jane in close company.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship resumes at The Bend’s OTR SuperSprint this August 18-20.
ALEX DAVISON
“I can’t even tell you how this even feels, I’m a little bit emotional to be honest. I’m just so thankful to Scott and Rebecca Taylor for the opportunity to drive their car. I’m back with my mate Ash Seward from ASM, we raced together in 2017 so it’s awesome to be back winning races with him.
“I love racing. I’m on the wrong side of 40 but I still love it and I still feel I’m driving well but it becomes more difficult to keep life balanced and make sure you’re earning a living and to keep chasing the driving opportunities I still have a passion for. I just feel really lucky and fortunate that I’m still getting opportunities like this, I’m driving with my brother at DJR at the Enduros which this helps prepare me for as well.
“I haven’t raced full time for quite a few years now and I often think that I’m not going to get the opportunity to do it again.
“There’s been a lot going on in my private life too the last few years, so all combined, it means a lot.”
SAM SHAHIN
“There was a lot going on, as there always is at Townsville. Lots of white smoke and I’m not sure whether to go left or right and sometimes you make good decisions, and sometimes you get caught out.
“Today that went my way on a couple of accidents in front of me and I just kept my head down and focussed on doing the basics right. I didn’t get the year off to a great start, and I really needed this. The weekend had been a bit up and down but I was really focussed on doing a good job today.
“It’s a special anniversary for me, we’re doing this for lost ones today, so I’m very proud to be carrying the first place trophy home.”
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NewsUPDATE: Vidau takes Race 1 win, Hedge penalised
Post-race penalty elevates TekworkX driver to second career win
A post-race penalty to Callum Hedge has elevated Max Vidau one position to claim victory in the opening Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race in Townsville.
Vidau had followed Hedge to the line in race one, however was elevated to the win after Hedge was penalised five finishing positions for a breach of the driver briefing instructions – no breaking of traction from Turn 13 on the formation lap.
It elevates Vidau to his second career victory, backing up his maiden race win at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year.
Hedge, meanwhile, was relegated to sixth position as a result of his penalty.
The change to the result elevates Alex Davison to second, David Wall to third, Fabian Coulthard to fourth and Jackson Walls to fifth.
The finishing positions of Race 1 are also the starting positions for Race 2, meaning Vidau and Davison will make up the front row.
Further penalties were applied to David Wall, as a result of his contact with David Russell at Turn 6.
Wall was penalised 15 championship points for his role in the incident.
David Russell’s car has been withdrawn from the event, however Simon Fallon and Bailey Hall will return to race tomorrow following overnight repairs on their Sonic and McElrea entries, respectively.
Full revised results will be issued on Sunday morning.
Race 2 commences at 8:35am on Sunday morning with live coverage on Fox Sports, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ.
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NewsHedge, Vidau battle for Race 1 win in Townsville
Adrian Flack extends SP Tools Pro-Am lead with strong race 1 win
CALLUM HEDGE added his name to the ever-expanding winners list in the 2023 Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, battling with Max Vidau before claiming Race 1 at Townsville today.
In an intense battle for the lead, the pair ran side-by-side on several occasions before a late race Safety Car ensured Hedge would be able to hold on and claim victory.
Vidau finished second and Alex Davison third in a wild affair that ended under Yellow after several incidents on lap 11 that would see the race finish behind the Safety Car.
Adrian Flack made the best start to claim the SP Tools Pro-Am class over Sam Shahin with Rodney Jane in third.
The race commenced with a flying start from Hedge, who burst away from the start to build a two second lead in the opening pair of laps.
Wall slipped past Vidau for second, before the TekworkX driver re-passed the former champion and set out in pursuit of the young Kiwi in front.
The pair closed rapidly and spent several laps duelling for the lead, a result that drew Wall, Alex Davison, David Russell and Bayley Hall into the fight as well.
That exploded on lap 11 when a furious fight for third place tipped over.
Alex Davison passed David Wall at turn three, before Wall and David Russell made contact on the entry to turn five – that incident spinning Russell into the fence.
Taking evasive action, Simon Fallon and Bayley Hall both made contact with the tyres on the outside of turn six, while Dale Wood was another caught up as he took evasive action on the inside of the corner, only to launch into the air and then spin to the back of the Pro field.
The stranded cars necessitated a recovery and a lengthy Safety Car period, with the race finishing under yellow with Hedge, Vidau and Davison crossing the line to complete the podium.
Wall crossed the line fourth – with the contact with Russell under investigation – with Fabian Coulthard fifth in his best result since returning to the championship aboard the BWT Porsche Centre Melbourne entry.
Jackson Walls avoided the carnage to finish sixth with Chris Pither, Christian Pancione, Dylan O’Keeffe and Angelo Mouzouris rounding out the top-10.
In SP Tools Pro-Am, Flack got the jump on Shahin at the start and was able to hold on throughout the race to claim the win.
Shahin, who had earlier grabbed his first TAG Heuer pole award in several seasons, finished second with Rodney Jane third.
Matt Belford was fourth and Daniel Stutterd was fifth.
Two further races complete the weekend tomorrow, including a 28-lap opener on Sunday morning that kicks off the Enduro Cup season.
All results from Race 1 remain provisional pending several post-race investigations underway.
CALLUM HEDGE:
“I got a good start and was kind of hoping the guys behind me would battle. They battled for the first few laps and I managed to get away, until I realised I didn’t have enough tyres.
“So I preserved my tyres until they caught me and I tried to back them up and make them race each other. They did a little bit but then the Safety car back and I was able to hold on.
“We’ve got a bit of time to find before tomorrow, see if we can make the tyre last a bit longer.
“It was a great battle! I used just within the limits of the rules with what I could do – move once, brake in a straight line and not run him out of road. Big credit to him, he was really fast and raced hard so looking forward to racing him tomorrow.”
ADRIAN FLACK
“That was a hard race. I forget how hot you get at this place and you’re always working hard over the bumps and through the corners. I was glad to get the job done and bring it home.
“I got a good start, trying to find a slot at the start with all these cars was a big challenge and it’s hard to see. I managed to find a spot and kept head down and got to the end.”
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NewsHedge on top early in Townsville
Adrian Flack on top in tight Pro-Am fight on North Queensland streets
CALLUM HEDGE has picked up where he left off to top practice for Round 3 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship on the streets of Townsville.
The young New Zealander topped the second – and quickest – of two, 25-minute practice sessions today in his Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car today at the scene of his maiden Carrera Cup win twelve months ago.
Hedge won the third race and the round overall in Townsville last year, the first of his Carrera Cup Career.
Twelve months on, his 1:13.6669s topped the times on Friday by a tiny 0.05 seconds, with David Wall a narrow second aboard his Monochrome / Wall Racing entry.
Hedge was naturally also quickest in the Michelin Juniors and the Equity One Pro class runners.
Darwin winner Dale Wood was was third quickest today, having earlier topped practice one.
Wood this morning unveiled a brand-new livery and sponsor, Ranbuild, for his EBM-run entry today.
David Russell and Fabian Coulthard completed the top five on overall times, with Thomas Maxwell, Dylan O’Keeffe, Angelo Mouzouris, Alex Davison and Max Vidau completing the top-10.
Championship leader Jackson Walls was 13th, though only 0.6s away from the quickest time.
The end of the second practice session turned into something of a mini-shootout with most contenders running new Michelin tyres late in the day, ahead of the all-important qualifying session on Saturday morning.
The tight fight in SP Tools Pro-Am continued in practice today, Adrian Flack topping Dean Cook by 0.08 seconds today.
The Pro-Am pair were exactly one second away from the quickest outright time showing their high level of competition this year.
Matt Belford was an impressive third with Sam Shahin fourth and Rodney Jane fifth, Marc Cini, Tim Miles and Daniel Stutterd completing the order.
Earlier, Cook had topped Practice 1 by the same 0.08 seconds he trailed in FP2, Shahin and Belford in close company in the opening hit out.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns for qualifying tomorrow morning, ahead of the opening of three races tomorrow afternoon.
Qualifying will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, with Channel 7 also showing Race 1 on free-to-air.
CALLUM HEDGE
“It was a pretty good start. i didn’t drive very good this morning, I kept trying to drive it like a single seater and it tu4rns out this thing isn’t a single seater car.
So I tuned that up for practice two. I didn’t start off well on the used tyres but re-set and went on some greens and felt really comfortable. I got a nice bunker lap and that helped.
“Last year this was a track I was looking forward to, purely because it looked like a good track on the TV, but to get that breakthrough result set up a strong of success for me in the back half of last year.
“The goal is to do the same and get on the round podium, and the championship lead.”
ADRIAN FLACK
“It’s always a good way to start. this track is always quite frightening to start with and as the rubber comes down you feel a little more comfortable out there, so a good way to start,
“I was thinking to myself, can these guys slow down- it was getting on the edge there at the end. It’s a good start, I love the track and looking forward to the rest of the weekend here.”
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NewsCarrera Cup heads to Townsville as title form guide builds
Series returns to the streets as Enduro Cup kicks off
THE PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship heads to Townsville in North Queensland this weekend for Round 3 of the championship.
It comes two weeks after Dale Wood swept the weekend in Darwin, scoring pole position, three race victories, the round in Equity One Pro and setting a new lap record in the process.
In SP Tools Pro Am, Dean Cook claimed the round win without winning a single race – the ‘race within a race’ delivering three winners from three starts last time out.
It’s a trend seen before in Townsville, with six different winners from the last six races at the Reid Park street circuit venue.
Round 1 winner Jackson Walls currently leads the championship by just five points over the resurgent Wood – with Callum Hedge a further 13 points further back.
In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack enjoys a narrow lead over Dean Cook and Sam Shahin, who sit equal on points in second and third, respectively.
This weekend will also see the first race in the Carrera Cup Enduro Cup, Sunday morning’s encounter to be held over 28 laps.
Action commences on Friday with a pair of practice sessions ahead of TAG Heuer qualifying on Saturday morning.
Qualifying will again be split into separate segments for SP Tools Pro Am and Equity One Pro contenders.
Race 1 will launch on Saturday afternoon with two further races on Sunday to complete the round.
Races 1 and 3 will be shown live and free on the Seven Network, while the remaining sessions following Practice 1 will also be broadcast live and ad-break free on Fox Sports and Kayo.
FAST FACTS – Townsville
- There have been four winners from the past four rounds, dating back to Bathurst last year. They are Aaron Love (Bathurst), Callum Hedge (Gold Coast), Jackson Walls (Melbourne) and Dale Wood (Darwin). The last time there were four different winners in four rounds was the start of the 2022 series, which ultimately turned into a streak of seven winners from seven rounds, before Aaron Love dominated the end of the year.
- Townsville last year was the scene of Jackson Walls’ first race win and round podium finish. He enters this year’s round as the championship leader, having finished first and third in the two rounds held so far this year.
- Both of Walls’ podiums have come on a countback: He won in Melbourne on a countback, however lost second in Darwin to Callum Hedge for the same reason. Countbacks are decided based on which driver finishes higher in the final race.
- Dale Wood’s Darwin win was the first ‘clean sweep’ of a round in his career, the race three win coming in his 100th Carrera Cup race – the first time any driver has won in their milestone century affair.
- While Wood was happy history repeated in Darwin, he will be hoping the same is not the case in Townsville this year: in 2022, Wood qualified sixth however was a non-finisher two laps into the opening race, salvaging finishes of 15th and 16th in the final two races, respectively.
- Five (completed and official) races into the championship and only three drivers have finished all of them inside the top 10! Jackson Walls has not finished lower than third so far this year, while Dale Wood (lowest of 5th) and Callum Hedge (lowest of 4th) have also been the kings of consistency in the top five. Every other driver has a finish outside the top 10, or a non-finish, to their credit. Fabian Coulthard finished in the Top 10 every race in Darwin, but missed the Grand Prix.
- Rodney Jane’s race win in Race 2 was his first in Pro-Am competition since Bathurst, 2008 – a gap of 5362 days. It is the longest period between race wins in Carrera Cup history.
- Fabian Coulthard’s return, meanwhile, came after more than 6,400 days since his last race in the championship in November 2005 at Phillip Island. It’s the longest period between Carrera Cup Australia race starts in series history.
- David Wall set the Townsville lap record last year, re-setting a more than decade old benchmark and what was one of the oldest records in the series history, dating back to 2011. Lap records have been set at both rounds so far this year.
- Last year was the second time in two seasons that Townsville has featured three winners from three races and was the scene of maiden Carrera Cup race wins for Jackson Walls and Callum Hedge, and the Hedge’s first round win.
- There’s guaranteed to be a first-time SP Tools Pro-Am round winner this weekend; there are no former Townsville round winners on the grid this weekend.
- Dylan O’Keeffe is completing Dry July this year on account of one of his key supporters – GT racer Mike Sheargold – recently being diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. Sheargold, who is a major supporter of Garth Walden Racing via his RAM Motorsport brand, had the cancer detected early and underwent a successful operation to remove it. O’Keeffe will complete Dry July to help raise funds and awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia.
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NewsGrove Racing, Bamber, ready for 24 Hours of Spa
Stephen & Brenton Grove to be joined by Earl Bamber and Anton de Pasquale for around-the-clock epic
It’s the most anticipated endurance race with the world’s best drivers and manufacturers taking to the iconic Spa Francorchamps Circuit for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
Father and son duo Stephen and Brenton Grove, along with Anton De Pasquale and Earl Bamber will continue their international GT campaign this month taking part in the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa forming part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
The squad has been sharing the driving duties across the IGTC rounds which have so far included the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Kyalami 9 Hour. They also participated in the Dubai 24 Hour early this year where they placed an impressive P4, just shy of a podium. In addition, they took to Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for a round of the GT World Challenge Australia bringing home a P2 result.
The team took to Spa Francorchamps circuit last month to undertake a mandatory 2-day test. Anton helped push the Porsche to second in the fourth and concluding session, finishing just 0.092s from another Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) in P1 showing impressive potential for the Bronze entry.
The Grove entry placed 64th, 47th, 44th and 2nd across the four sessions with the annual 24 Hour race set to be held from June 29-July 2.
The Grove’s are not unfamiliar with the Belgium circuit with the duo competing alongside Matt Payne and Adrian de Silva back in 2022.
The crew will be supported by the team at Earl Bamber Motorsport as they have been for the last two rounds of the series as well as Penrite Racing car #19 Race Engineer, Jack Bell who has previously worked alongside the Groves in their Porsche Carrera Cup Campaign in 2022 as well as Super2 series.
The event will be held from June 29-July 2.
STEPHEN GROVE:
“This is the ultimate GT endurance race in the world with the best GT drivers and teams on a complex and challenging track. The team will race a new generation 992 GT3 Porsche race car.
“It’s a long and challenging race with over 70 GT cars that always have weather challenges over the 24 hours. It is great to be joined by Brenton, Anton and Earl – all extremely capable drivers, and I look forward to working with Earl Bamber Motorsport.”
BRENTON GROVE:
“It is a massive event which will no doubt bring its challenges but we are confident in the package we have and the car has shown strong pace throughout testing which is really encouraging.
“Anton, Steve and Earl are all incredibly capable drivers with a lot of experience so with that in mind and a strong crew, I have no doubt that we can bring home some silverware,” said Brenton.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Tuesday 27 June
14:55 – 17:55 | Bronze Test
Thursday 29 June
11:20 – 12:50 | Free Practice 1
18:10 – 19:10 | Pre-Qualifying
21:20 – 22:41 | Qualifying
23:00 00:30 | Night Practice
Friday 30 June
15:35 – 16:05 | Super Pole
19:55 – 20:25 | Warm Up
Saturday 1 July
15:30 – 16:30 | Start Ceremony
16:30 | Race
You can watch the sessions live via the website: https://www.crowdstrike24hoursofspa.com/watch-live
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NewsClean sweep delivers Wood Darwin win in milestone weekend
Dean Cook claims unpredictable Pro-Am round win in Darwin
DALE WOOD has swept the weekend to take a commanding round win in Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, dominating proceedings in the Top End at Hidden Valley Raceway near Darwin.
After taking pole and race one on Saturday, Wood won both of Sunday’s races to claim his fourth career round victory – and his second straight in Darwin.
RESULTS: Race 2, 3 at Hidden Valley
He completed his emphatic performance with a lights-to-flag win in race three, his milestone 100th in Carrera Cup competition.
To make matters even better, the Victorian also departs Hidden Valley with a new category lap record just to complete the sweep.
Wood’s pathway to victory came with a convincing drive in race two, leading from pole and pulling away from early pursuer Jackson Walls.
He then survived a mid-race restart to lead Callum Hedge home, with Walls third.
In Race three, Wood again led from pole however had to fend off a challenge from Hedge, who sent it around the outside of turn one at the start and very nearly wrestled the lead away from the Shannons / EBM Porsche driven by his teammate.
Once he had seen off the the threat from his young teammate, Wood was able to ease away in front to secure what was his 15th career race win – and seal the round result.
Walls and Hedge ended tied on points for second and third, with the latter securing the higher position by virtue of finishing second in the final race. The Kiwi was also the top Michelin Junior driver for the weekend and second in the Equity One Pro Class.
Walls, meanwhile, now moves into a clear – if narrow – championship lead heading into the third round in Townsville in three weeks time.
Territorian Thomas Maxwell enjoyed his best ever weekend and finished fourth outright in Darwin, while David Wall finished fifth overall.
Both of Sunday’s races were ultra competitive affairs with plenty of wild moments and ultra-competitive racing throughout.
Big movers included Simon Fallon, who charged his way from outside the top-10 in qualifying through to fourth position by the end of race three.
David Russell was another big mover on Sunday, charging through the field to 6th position.
It was a challenging weekend for Max Vidau, who came into the weekend co-leading the championship following a strong weekend at Albert Park. Chris Pither, Alex Davison and Bayley Hall were others – among many – to endure challenging weekends in the Top End.
A totally unpredictable weekend in the SP Tools Pro-Am class went the way of Dexion / GWR driver Dean Cook – who won the round despite not claiming a race win.
It was the Victorian drivers’ third career win and came in a weekend where three different drivers claimed the three races.
Sam Shahin claimed Race 1 on Saturday, while Rodney Jane claimed the second race in his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Motor Racing entry.
It was Jane’s first Pro-Am win since Bathurst, 2008.
The Victorian was then leading the final race until he came off the road with two laps to go, spinning out at turn eleven and handing the lead to Tim Miles.
Miles was then pounced on by Adrian Flack at turn one on the start of the final lap, the latter ultimately grabbing the race win.
Ultimately, Cook won the round without winning a race, with Shahin second and Miles on the podium in third for the first time since 2001.
Provisionally, Jackson Walls now has a five-point championship lead over Dale Wood, with Callum Hedge in third position a further 11 points back.
After a long break since the opening round of the championship at the Australian Grand Prix in March, the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship gets busy from here on in, with the next event in just three weeks on the streets of Townsville.
DALE WOOD – Equity One Pro class winner
“I don’t know what it is about racing here, but I’ll take it! We’re in a good place at the moment. Last year, we had a totally different car to what we had this year but we’ve learnt a lot. We have a pretty good package going on in the team, I was loving flying the new colours in Shannons and all my supporters.
“It’s just unbelievable. To go and do that, to get pole, three race wins and a lap record I’ll call that a good weekend. It’s bloody awesome, bring on the next one.”
DEAN COOK – SP Tools Pro-Am winner
“I think I only knew (about being the round winner) on the last lap, the boys gave me a call and I thought I’d better bring it home.
“I wasn’t there until Rodney might’ve made some errors and I jumped out, but only two or three laps to go. It’s been very nice to spray the champagne here in Darwin.”
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NewsWood takes tense Darwin opener from pole
Sam Shahin takes Pro-Am win in Territory heat
THE Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship’s current Darwin king has continued his recent form, Dale Wood charging from Pole position to a race one win at Hidden Valley Raceway.
Wood claimed the outright and Equity One Pro class win, while Sam Shahin won in SP Tools Pro Am.
Wood started his Shannons-backed entry from pole position and beat nearest rival Jackson Walls into turn one.
RESULTS: Race 1, Hidden Valley
He was never headed from there and despite searing race-long pressure from Walls was able to take a lights-to-flag win.
It’s the 13th of his Carrera Cup career and comes as he approaches his 100th race milestone tomorrow.
Walls’ – who was also the top Michelin Junior – moved into a clear championship lead by virtue of his solid second position, while local driver Thomas Maxwell finished third.
It was Maxwell’s first Carrera Cup top three finish, having previously finished fifth on three occasions.
Callum Hedge finished fourth but held off a freight train of key contenders to do so – including a race-long fight with David Wall that saw the pair swap positions on several occasions.
Wall was fifth, leading a freight train that included Nick McBride, Garnet Patterson and Fabian Coulthard.
Max Vidau – who charged from 14th on the grid – was ninth with Chris Pither 10th.
Several key contenders had issues, most notably the Dexion Racing entry of Dylan O’Keeffe, who started fourth however lost several positions early in the run from turn one to turn six on the opening lap.
Damage from contact then saw the Victorian head to pit lane and ultimately finish last, one lap down.
Alex Davison was another to lose positions early, the Scott Taylor Motorsport car slipping to 13th by the end of the race.
Bayley Hall was another with issues, running wide at turn six on the opening lap to drop down the order.
Running in clear air, Hall was able to set a new lap record as he tried to climb back through the field.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am Class, Polesitter Adrian Flack battled with Sam Shahin in the early stages with the pair swapping positions several times, before Shahin gained the ascendancy to score his first race win in Darwin.
Flack had led early however slipped off the road at turn one to drop to third position in the Pro-Am race.
That allowed the ever-consistent Dean Cook to climb to second position, shadowing Shahin home.
With Flack third, Matt Belford finished fourth and Danny Stutterd fifth.
With the fourth race of the season complete – the third to go the distance and be counted – Jackson Walls now moves into a clear championship lead over Wood and Hedge.
Two further races will feature on the betr Darwin Triple Crown tomorrow to decide Round 2 of the championship.
DALE WOOD – Equity One Pro Class winner
“The weekend started similarly to last year, but last year I stuffed up the start! It was pretty strong, I think on TV it might look like a bit of a procession but you’re working your butt off. Full credit to Jackson, he was dead set keeping me honest and I was working my butt off out there.
“No mistakes, that’s the ticket. You make a mistake, you’re going to pay for it. Car is bloody awesome, I love the new colours and I’m really enjoying it.”
SAM SHAHIN – SP Tools Pro-Am Class win
“It’s great to get a win. I had a pretty ordinary first round at the Grand Prix and had a lot of ground to make there. Flacky got in early, and he’s a class act, he’s a tough competitor and a very fair competitor. I had to work hard and for an old fella, I’m pretty happy with that.”
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NewsWood, Flack score TAG Heuer Pole Awards in Darwin
Top four split by under one-tenth in thrilling TAG Heuer Pole Award shootout
DALE WOOD has charged to a repeat TAG Heuer pole award at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin, 12 months on from his last pole position in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Wood banked a 1m06.6637s flyer in the 12-minute Equity One Pro session and then watched as key contenders tried but ultimately failed to beat his time.
It was Wood’s fifth Carrera Cup pole and comes as he brings a new sponsor into a milestone weekend, where he celebrates his 100th Carrera Cup race.
Jackson Walls came closest, the Objective Racing driver falling just 0.05 seconds short of scoring his first pole – though second remains his personal best qualifying performance in Carrera Cup.
Thomas Maxwell qualified third – just 0.06 seconds from pole – while Friday fast-man Dylan O’Keeffe was fourth.
The top four cars were split by just 0.09 seconds, the top 10 by 0.3 seconds and the top 15 by 0.55.
Co-title leader Max Vidau was the big loser from the session, the Round 1 runner-up electing on a two-run strategy that ultimately fell just short of working – the Tyrepower car ending up just 14th.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am class, Adrian Flack’s 1m07.6831 best came under fire from several contenders in their dedicated session, run before the Pro class cars.
Sam Shahin came closest, falling 0.15s from pole, while Dean Cook was next just 0.03 seconds further back.
Rodney Jane was fourth with the top three split by a tiny margin, while Tim Miles, Matt Belford, Daniel Stuttered and Marc Cini completing the Pro-Am runners.
Race 1 will be held on Saturday afternoon and will be shown live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and the Seven Network.
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NewsO’Keeffe, Flack top fast Friday at Hidden Valley
Quick times in hot conditions highlight practice day at Hidden Valley
DYLAN O’KEEFFE has topped fast Friday for the second round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship as the series returns to Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin.
The Dexion / RAM Motorsport / GWR driver set a 1m06.8290s flyer late in the second practice session today to top an incredibly competitive grid that saw the top 20 quickest cars covered by just over 0.9 seconds.
RESULTS: Practice sessions 1 & 2
Adrian Flack, the leader in the SP Tools Pro-Am class after one round, topped the Pro-Am runners in practice and ended the day an outstanding 14th outright – and a full 0.5 seconds quicker than his nearest class rival.
Today’s pair of 25-minute sessions set the tone for qualifying and the first of three races that will be held tomorrow.
A host of contenders put new tyres on at the end of the second session with milestone man Dale Wood, who makes his 100th race start later this weekend, jumping to second late in practice two, just 0.008s behind O’Keeffe in the battle of the Equity-One Pro’s.
Round 1 winner Jackson Walls was third and first Michelin Junior driver with David Wall fourth and Hidden Valley lap record holder Christian Pancione fifth.
Alex Davison was next and followed closely by Fabian Coulthard, who was straight on the pace on his long-anticipated series return for BWT Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport.
Coulthard was in the top five in practice one and continued that form later in the day.
Bayley Hall topped the second session for a time before ending it in eighth position with Chris Pither and Callum Hedge completing the top-10.
The competitive diversity in the grid was shown with six different teams represented in the top-10.
Earlier in the day, David Wall topped practice one ahead of Nick McBride and Max Vidau, with Coulthard and Hedge next.
While Flack topped the Pro-am runners, practice two saw Sam Shahin second and Dean Cook third in the SP Tools-backed class.
Typically hot conditions at Hidden Valley saw several drivers trip up today as the circuit conditions changed throughout the day.
Moutai-backed Wall Racing driver Luke King had an off in turn one, making light contact with the tyres at Turn 10 before returning to the circuit after quick work from his team.
Christian Pancione then had a left-rear puncture on his Supercheap Auto car in practice two, while Matt Belford’s left front was also punctured following a trip off the road at turn one.
Braking for the tricky first corner was a notable challenge for everyone throughout the day.
Saturday will see the field qualify for the TAG Heuer Pole Award in the morning, with the SP Tools Pro-Am contenders to run first, followed by the Equity One Pro contenders.
The first of three races will be held in the afternoon, with both sessions to be shown live on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Sky Sports NZ.
Race 1 will also be shown on the Seven Network around Australia.
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NewsPREVIEW: Round 2, Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin.
Former champion joins the grid as Carrera Cup fight resumes at Hidden Valley
THE PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns to Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway for the 10th time at this weekend’s Betr Darwin Triple Crown.
It’s the second round of the 2023 championship, with a long break between the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix in March and this weekend’s event in the top end.
Currently Objective Racing / McElrea Racing driver Jackson Walls and Tyrepower TekworkX star Max Vidau share the lead in the outright and Equity One Pro title races after scoring the same points at Albert Park, though Walls’ claimed his maiden round win on countback by virtue of winning the final race.
Kiwi Callum Hedge sits third in the standings aboard his Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport entry with Dale Wood and Nick McBride completing the top five.
Meanwhile, Adrian Flack leads the SP Tools Pro-Am class after sweeping the two races contested in Melbourne, with Rodney Jane – fresh from a trip to race at Le Mans last week – and Dean Cook next.
The 28-strong Darwin field includes the return of 2005 champion, Fabian Coulthard, who joins BWT Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport’s Courtney Prince in a revised attack from the Melbourne-based team.
Coulthard joins fellow former champion David Wall (2017) and Alex Davison (2004) on the grid in one of the most packed fields of proven Porsche talent the series has ever seen.
The Darwin field accounts for 103 race victories – almost one quarter of every race the series has contested – and 38 round victories.
Davison is the only driver to have claimed multiple Darwin round victories, winning in 2004 and again in 2016.
While Coulthard links with Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport, the returning Melbourne Performance Centre squad will make a comeback to the championship this weekend following a more than decade-long absence.
The multiple GT World Challenge Australia title-winning outfit will field three cars, for Equity One Pro driver Nick McBride, and SP Tools Pro-Am contenders Marc Cini and Matt Belford.
Meanwhile, Dale Wood will become the 26th driver to reach the ‘100 club’ of drivers to have started a century of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Races.
Wood will reach the milestone in the third of three races this weekend.
The Victorian made his Carrera Cup debut in 2013 and has raced full-time in the series since 2018. The runner-up in the 2019 championship, Wood has won 3 rounds and 12 races in his career – his last race and round wins coming in Darwin.
Wood also has four pole positions – his most recent in Darwin last year as well.
Territorian driver Thomas Maxwell will also make his Hidden Valley return this weekend as he embarks on his second full season in Carrera Cup – the only local driver on the Porsche grid this weekend.
2023 marks the second year the current Type-992 Porsche GT3 Cup car will have tackled Hidden Valley’s 2.87km, the latest example of Porsche’s one-make racer establishing new qualifying and race lap records on its debut there in 2022.
Dale Wood (1m06.5556s) owns the qualifying record, while Christian Pancione (1m07.5065s) the race record.
Wood claimed the 2022 round at the venue, his most recent round and race wins in Carrera Cup.
The series will contest three races this weekend at the Betr Darwin Triple Crown.
All three days of racing will be broadcast, with action commencing on Friday with a pair of two practice sessions.
Qualifying will be held in two parts – for Pro and Pro Am runners – on Saturday morning before Race 1 on Saturday afternoon.
Races 2 & 3 will be held on Sunday, with the first and third races of the weekend to be shown live on the Seven Network around Australia.
All other sessions will be broadcast on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports this weekend.
ENTRY LIST – ROUND 2
No. | Class | Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver First Name |
Driver Second Name |
1 | Pro | 2 | Wall Racing / MOUTAI | Luke | King |
2 | Pro | 3 | Porsche Centre Melbourne | Fabian | Coulthard |
3 | Pro | 5 | TekworkX Motorsport | Thomas | Maxwell |
4 | Pro-Am | 7 | Miles Advisory Partners | Tim | Miles |
5 | Pro | 8 | Hallmarc | Nick | McBride |
6 | Pro-Am | 9 | Hallmarc | Marc | Cini |
7 | Pro | 11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls |
8 | Pro-Am | 13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin |
9 | Pro-Am | 14 | ID Land | Matthew | Belford |
10 | Pro | 17 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Callum | Hedge |
11 | Pro-Am | 20 | Agas National | Adrian | Flack |
12 | Pro-Am | 22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook |
13 | Pro-Am | 23 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd |
14 | Pro | 28 | Hall Finance / Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall |
15 | Pro | 32 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Courtney | Prince |
16 | Pro | 38 | Wall Racing | David | Wall |
17 | Pro | 42 | Coca-Cola Racing powered by EMA | Chris | Pither |
18 | Pro | 72 | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Max | Vidau |
19 | Pro | 74 | EMA Motorsport | Garnet | Patterson |
20 | Pro | 76 | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Christian | Pancione |
21 | Pro-Am | 77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane |
22 | Pro | 88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe |
23 | Pro | 99 | Earl Bamber Motorsport | David | Russell |
24 | Pro | 101 | Local Legends | Ryder | Quinn |
25 | Pro | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Alex | Davison |
26 | Pro | 777 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Simon | Fallon |
27 | Pro | 992 | Porsche Centre Brighton Motorsport / EBM | Dale | Wood |
28 | Pro | 999 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Pitbox | Angelo | Mouzouris |
HIDDEN VALLEY ROUND WINNERS
2003 Tim Leahey
2004 Alex Davison
2006 Craig Baird
2007 David Reynolds
2016 Alex Davison
2017 Jaxon Evans
2018 Dylan O’Keeffe
2019 Michael Almond
2022 Dale Wood
HIDDEN VALLEY POLE POSITIONS
2003 Jim Richards 1m10.4116s
2004 Jim Richards 1m10.4029s
2006 Alex Davison 1m09.5227s
2007 Alex Davison 1m09.4004s
2016 Matt Campbell 1m07.5609s
2017 David Wall 1m08.0158s
2018 David Wall 1m07.2438s
2019 Cameron Hill 1m07.4406s
2022 Dale Wood 1m06.5566s
HIDDEN VALLEY TAG HEUER PRO-AM ROUND WINNERS
2004 Stephen Borness
2006 Tony Quinn
2007 Rodney Jane
2016 Shane Smollen
2017 Sam Shahin
2018 Stephen Grove
2019 Adrian Flack
2022 Liam Talbot
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NewsFabian Coulthard to join Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
Former champion, Supercars winner joins Porsche squad for remainder of 2023.
FABIAN COULTHARD will return to the championship that launched his full-time Australian racing career, joining Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport for the remainder of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
The Gold Coast-based New Zealander will join Courtney Prince in a revamped two-car Porsche Centre Melbourne squad for the remaining seven rounds of the championship this year, with options to continue into the 2024 championship.
Coulthard claimed the 2005 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship for Greg Murphy Racing prior to embarking on his full-time career in Supercars competition.
Despite just two full-time seasons in the championship, Coulthard remains one of the most successful drivers in series’ history, with six round wins coming from just 18 round starts, and his 19 race wins from 53 races.
He won on his most recent Carrera Cup Australia race start, in 2005 at Phillip Island.
Coulthard remains attached to the Porsche brand as a regular member of the Porsche Sport Driving School coaching team in Queensland.
His addition to the team comes following a re-structure of the PCM squad following the opening round of the championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, with the end goal being a return of the squad to the very front of the grid.
As well as being an ambassador for the team and dealership, Coulthard will also support the development of Courtney Prince’s career.
Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport is a factory-owned dealership and is supported by the Porsche retail group.
The team is one of the most successful in Carrera Cup Australia history with previous champions, Craig Baird and Jim Richards. Operations have also recently moved into a stand-alone facility In Collingwood, Melbourne and the team have signed a multi-year partnership with global giant, BWT.
The next round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship continues at the Betr Darwin Triple Crown this weekend at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway.
Action will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sport this weekend.
CAMERON McCONVILLE – Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
“We are genuinely excited to have Fabian on-board. He is a true pro and it’s just what we need to get PCM back to the pointy end of the field. When a seat became available, he was a natural fit for our brand having a long-term involvement with Porsche Cars Australia with the drive experience and of course, a former Carrera Cup Champion.
“We also need to thank Walkinshaw Andretti United for allowing him to drive with us for the remainder of the year alongside his Supercar enduro commitments.”
FABIAN COULTHARD
“I’m excited to sign with Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport and return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
“I’ve got fond memories of competing in one-make Porsche racing and it was a great time in my career as I established myself in Australia – I’m still very close with the brand, drive their product regularly and can’t wait to race the 992 GT3 Cup Car starting in Darwin this weekend.
“I was flattered that Cam and the team at PCM got in touch and I’m excited to be joining them to help push their program forward. They’ve always presented quick cars and I’m looking forward to working with Courtney and the whole team for the remainder of this year.
“I’m fortunate that Walkinshaw Andretti United can see the value in me racing this year and allowed me to race in this series. It’s a great way for me to keep sharp and race fit for the enduros later in the year.
“You don’t realize how much you miss racing until you don’t get the opportunity to race, it’s exciting to be back. It’s going to be a challenge to jump in at the deep end in Darwin, in a highly competitive field, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and get behind the wheel at Hidden Valley.”
DANIEL SCHMOLLINGER – Managing Director, Porsche Cars Australia
“Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport has a long history of winning in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup and we are really excited that Fabian will drive for us and push for podiums and race wins.”
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NewsLarry Perkins reflects on 1984 Le Mans campaign as Bob Jane T-Marts returns to La Sarthe
Legend reflects on 1984 Porsche campaign at iconic enduro
Jane completed his first session without drama, finishing 10th in the Pro-Am class and 49th overall out of the 63 deep field.
Carrera Cup is a support event for the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the classic French endurance race that is the world’s oldest active endurance racing event and is celebrating its centenary this year.
The weekend marks the return of the Bob Jane T-Marts brand to Le Mans, 39 years since Bob Jane, Peter Brock and Larry Perkins combined for an all-Aussie assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Racing greats Perkins and Brock took on the 24 Hour race in a Bob Jane T-Marts backed John Fitzpatrick Racing Porsche 956.
On the return of Bob Jane T-Marts to La Sarthe, Perkins reflected on the event 40 years ago, providing some wise words for Jane as he prepares to take on the Porsche Carrera Cup support event to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Back in 1984, it proved a troublesome campaign for the Australian contingent as suspension troubles plagued the team throughout its warm up event at Silverstone and the main event a month later at Le Mans, but according to Perkins, it was an unforgettable experience.
Perkins was at the wheel when disaster struck while lapping slower competitors. He crashed during the night, a mistake he is still disappointed about to this day.
Four years later, Perkins was recruited by Tom Walkinshaw to race one of his team’s famous Silk Cut Jaguar entries to finish fourth despite it being another troublesome race.
For Jane, his weekend continues with more practice before qualifying on Friday and the 50-minute race prior to the main 24 Hour event on Saturday morning (France time)
QUOTES
Larry Perkins
“All I can say is I wish Rodney well and I hope he enjoys himself,” said Perkins.
“At circuits like Le Mans, you’ve got to finish. You can’t just attack a circuit like that at ten-tenths all the time, but I wish him well.
“He’ll enjoy it for sure. It’s a fantastic circuit.
“I remember our trip in 1984. I was working for Peter Brock and for some reason we were talking about Le Mans. I don’t exactly know why, which ended in him asking ‘why don’t we go there?’
“It quickly moved onto me saying ‘I’ve got a good mate of mine who knows the system, we can rent a Porsche in England’ and I had a network of people.
“Brocky and Greg Siddle thought Bob Jane might be interested in this, so he was involved as was Alan Hamilton (long-time Porsche Australia distributor). Alan’s dad was a friend of mine for many, many years. I knew Alan well and he said he’d have no problem talking to Porsche about getting some engines for us. The Dunlop people came onboard of which was a big customer.
“It very quickly got enough legs to make it all happen and we went to Le Mans.
“The biggest issue I had was I was running Peter Brock’s race team and it was about three or four months before Bathurst. As we know, Bathurst is a massive project in itself, so this added even more pressure. I took two very good mechanics of mine with me to England to prepare the car – Jeff Grech and Andrew Bartley.
“It all went really, really well, but the worst thing was the car wasn’t initially prepared as well as it should have been from the Fitzpatrick factory. We eventually got it going pretty good, but we had issues. Ultimately a suspension failure, which shouldn’t have happened, put us a long way behind in the race.
“As a result, I was driving at the time when we were many laps behind and driving at the limit not paying enough attention in a passing manoeuvre at a very high speed section. I misread the inside line, which was slippery from debris and it put me off the road into the catch fence.
“It was one of my worst moments in motor racing. I like to think I wouldn’t normally make those mistakes, but I did indeed and it was all over.”
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NewsRodney Jane set to make Le Mans debut in Carrera Cup
Bob Jane T-Marts will make a return to the Le Mans event next weekend – 39 years after the brand last competed at the famous French event.
Rodney Jane will make his international racing debut when he competes in the Porsche Carrera Cup races at the Le Mans circuit at Le Sarthe, France, next week.
Jane will race in the one-make Porsche championship that is supporting the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans event – the world’s oldest active endurance racing event that is celebrating its centenary this year.
While this will be Jane’s international racing debut, the Jane family holds a special piece of Australian motorsport history at the 24 Hour of Le Mans event.
Back in 1984, Rodney’s famous father Bob Jane backed an Australian attack consisting of touring car heroes Peter Brock and Larry Perkins in a Porsche 956 in 1984.
Brock and Perkins, who won three Bathurst 1000s together, were an all-Aussie dream team for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but after qualifying the orange Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche 15th and running as high as fifth in the race itself, mechanical issues, and ultimately a crash, ruled the pair out.
Next week, Rodney Jane will get the opportunity to experience the fearsome 13.6km circuit, driving a Porsche identical to the entry that he races in the Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
It is exciting that for the first time in 39 years the Bob Jane T-Marts brand will appear at Le Mans after Bob, Peter and Larry’s ambitious attack.
In Australia, Jane competes in the SP Tools Pro-Am class of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia for the Sonic Motor Racing Services team.
Jane is in his second season of competition after a 10 year lay off. Before his time away from the driver’s seat, Jane won two AM-class Porsche championships and after one round of the 2023 season, he sits second of the AMs.
The Carrera Cup practice sessions at Le Mans start on Wednesday (June 5), with more practice and qualifying on Friday followed by the one and only race on Saturday.
Rodney Jane
“This trip for me means more than just driving a race car at Le Mans,” said Jane.
“My father was instrumental in the careers of many racing drivers, including some of the best names in the sport and he played a pivotal role in getting Peter Brock and Larry Perkins to race there 39 years ago in a Porsche in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Two Bathurst legends racing there was massive news at the time and I’d like to think that this trip is a small way to pay homage to that.
“I’m really excited for this adventure. It is really going to mean a lot to myself and the Bob Jane T-Marts business.”
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NewsJones in the 10 in Supercup debut at Monaco
Rookie podium for Aussie champion on debut in top one-make tier
PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion Harri Jones has stood on the iconic Monaco podium in his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup debut overnight.
Jones, driving a BWT Lechner Racing Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car, finished 9th overall in the Supercup season-opener, and third rookie home – earning him a spot on the famous Monaco rostrum.
It was Jones’ second-straight podium appearance in International competition, having finished as top rookie driver in the opening round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany championship at Spa Francorchamps a few weeks ago.
Jones qualified 12th in Monte Carlo, just one second from pole, and slipped back two spots in the opening lap hustle.
He then was able to work his way forward through the field and back into the top-10, before a strong move up the hill through Beau Rivage on Supercup veteran Jaap van Lagen to secure ninth with a few laps remaining.
The race was won by Jones’ BWT Lechner Racing teammate, Harry King, who beat two-time champion Larry ten Voorde into turn one from second on the grid and was never headed from there. Bastian Buus, Jones’ other Lechner teammate, was third.
It’s a positive start for Jones, who embarks on his European career following a meteoric rise through the Porsche Pyramid in Australia.
He won the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and then the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship – and represented Australia in the Porsche junior shootout – prior to heading overseas full-time this year.
The next round of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup comes alongside the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on 7-9 July, while the next two rounds of the German championship come in quick succession – with a trip to Hockenheim (June 9-11) followed by a round at Zandvoort in the Netherlands on June 23-25.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway on June 16-18.
HARRI JONES:
“It was an awesome race,” Jones said.
“I’m really happy with the result. We could have fought further forward if we had a few more laps but the Safety Car came out towards the end and we ended up finishing behind it.
“The Lechner Racing Team gave me a really good car this weekend. They ended up finishing P1 outright and P3 so they had a double podium so I’m really proud of the team and looking forward to Round 2 at the Red Bull Ring.”
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NewsNew mini-documentary series on Type-992 GT3 Cup Car set to launch
Inner workings of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia racer unveiled in new video series launching tonight
The first episode in a behind-the-scenes series delving into the inner workings of the stunning Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car – the car used in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia – will go live this week.
The SP Tools Tech Series is a six-part mini documentary series, produced by Air Time Media, detailing the inner workings of the stunning 992-Generation Cup Car.
It will air across six short episodes, commencing tonight (Wednesday, 17 May) at 7pm AEST.
Hosted by Supercars TV personality Chad Neylon, the series was filmed earlier this year at Porsche Centre Melbourne with a brand-new car and is designed to give fans an insight into the inner workings of the stunning race car – and detail some elements that might not be commonly known.
Episodes include insight into the aerodynamics, powertrain, handling, interior and performance potential of the 500-plus horsepower Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car.
The SP Tools Tech Series will go live on the Porsche Motorsport Australia YouTube Channel and Facebook pages at 7pm this evening, Wednesday 17 May 2023.
The 992 GT3 Cup Cars will next be in action in Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at the Betr Darwin Triple Crown this June 17-19.
Watch Episode 1 Below:
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NewsJones leads Rookies in European debut
Strong start in Porsche Carrera Cup Germany season opener
2022 PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion Harri Jones has launched into his European racing career with a strong start at Spa Francorchamps.
Jones scored finishes of fifth and seventh in the two Porsche Carrera Cup Germany races at the weekend and leads the rookie championship following the opening round in Belgium.
It was a positive start to his European campaign which builds into the opening round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at Imola in three weeks’ time.
Jones’ drives for new squad, Team Scherer Sport PHX, in the German Championship which includes many of his Supercup rivals.
He’ll race for BWT Lechner Racing in the Supercup Championship this year, following in the footsteps of fellow Carrera Cup Australia graduates like Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans and Jordan Love in contesting the top one-make category in the world.
“It’s been a really good start to the season. We had a top five finish in race one and we crossed the line in P7 today in our rather wet race two,” Jones said.
“We’re leading the Rookie Championship after Round 1 so it’s been an awesome start to the year.”
Jones now turns his attention to the opening round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which will be held at the iconic Imola circuit alongside the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
“It’s been a whirlwind start to the year here in Europe,” Jones said.
“I moved to Salzburg (Austria, to be near the Lechner team) four or five weeks ago so far, we’ve been at five different racetracks with lots of testing and lots of new experiences. I’m learning the new teams, people and new championships.”
“Our next round is the first round of Porsche Supercup at Imola, which is back-to-back with Monaco which is going to be a pretty exciting couple of weeks for me.”
2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia champion Thomas Sargent will be back in action in the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America Championship next weekend as the series supports the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix.
In local competition, Round 2 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will see the series’ join the Ned Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint later this month.
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NewsSargent fights to second in Carrera Cup North America thriller
Quartet of P2 finishes has Aussie driver, team, second in standings after 4 races
A RACE win seems just around the corner as Aussie Thomas Sargent and McElrea Racing continued their impressive debut in the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America championship, leaving Long Beach with another pair of second-place finishes.
The reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia champion remains second in the championship with four races complete in the 2023 North American season, having finished second in each of them.
A fighting weekend for Sargent saw him score his first pole position and lead his first laps in the top one-make category in the United States, closing the margin to championship leader Riley Dickinson in the process.
Starting second for the opening, 40-minute race, Sargent slipped to third in the early running in what was a Safety Car-afflicted race.
The New South Wales driver was, however, able to regain second following a late-race restart, which is where he ultimately finished for the third consecutive race, while Riley Dickinson claimed his third-straight win.
Sargent started the final race from pole position – his first of the season – and led the field into turn one, logging his first laps leading the 30-plus North America field this year.
An early Safety Car packed the field up, allowing British driver Will Martin to execute a bold move at turn one to wrestle the race lead away from the McElrea driver.
Sargent then went on the offense, trading quickest laps with Martin as they battled for the lead.
A second Safety Car was called at half-race distance as Sargent’s McElrea teammate, Thomas Nepveu, hit the barriers at turn eight.
The restart saw Sargent launch an attack down the inside at turn one where, with just 12 minutes remaining, he sliced down the inside of Martin to briefly grab the lead.
Martin, however, got the undercut and regained the lead while Sargent was forced to fend off points leader Dickinson, the pair spending several corners side-by-side before the Aussie prevailed.
The pair continued to duel aggressively in the closing stages with a final-lap lunge not enough to move the resolute Martin from the lead: Sargent ultimately settling for second position for the fourth-straight race.
With nearest title rival Dickinson third, it closed the margin to the championship lead to just 18 points heading into the third round of the championship, to be held alongside the Formula One Miami Grand Prix in three weeks time.
TOM SARGENT
“Overall I’m pretty stoked – if you came into the weekend and told me I’d have a pair of P2s, having never been here, I would have been over the moon.
“But when you’re so close on both races, it hurts a little bit!
“We’ve never been here before, the team is brand new and we’re learning. -I’ve learned a lot race-craft wise and it’s been really good. I’ve learned from every race so far and that’s only going to make me better.
“We had the car speed, we had the fastest car here. I hit the wall pretty hard – very hard – on the second lap and from there the car wasn’t quite right, so I couldn’t force my way past Will.
“He defended really well and made it very hard for me. Awesome effort, a lot of work has gone into getting us here and making it happen, I’m pretty stoked and excited for the Miami GP.
“Everyone starts afresh there and it could be our best chance so we’re excited to go there.”
ANDY McELREA
Team Owner, McElrea Racing
“It feels like a win is just around the corner now, that was a great weekend and even though we couldn’t quite seal the deal, there’s only positives to take away from it.
“It’s another circuit where we have shown our cars are as competitive as everyone else, and Tommy drove really well all weekend. Getting a pole position was a big box to tick for us because, as we know, qualifying is so important in Carrera Cup racing.
“We had the quickest car in race two but couldn’t quite get it done, in the end but it was an excellent race regardless.
“Thomas Nepveu had a challenging weekend but every time he gets into the car he is getting quicker and closer to the front and we can see that internally. The boys are working really well together.
“We’re here for the hard racing, we love the battle and this shows again we are extremely competitive. It feels like a big result is just around the corner for us.”
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NewsJones adds Carrera Cup Germany to 2023 program
German campaign adds to Mobil 1 Supercup program
Reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Harri Jones, will join top European race team, Phoenix Racing – now a newly formed partnership as SCHERER SPORT PHX – for the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland.
Adding to his already secured Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup seat with twelve-time Porsche Supercup Teams Champion, BWT Lechner Racing, 2023 promises to be a pivotal year for the 23-year-old Queenslander, who has recently moved to Europe to focus full-time on racing.
“For me, it’s a very big step to be racing in Europe now,” says Jones.
“It’s always been my dream since I started motorsport eight years ago. This is the holy grail of motorsport and for me it’s a dream come true.
“My goal is to win the rookie classification and to continue to develop so that I can consistently fight at the front. I don’t know any of the circuits yet, and I haven’t competed against any European drivers. That will certainly be a challenge. But I have confidence in my abilities and the team. We will work very hard to be at the front everywhere, as quickly as possible.”
Jones will be one of ten rookies competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland this year, including teammate Matteo Ferrer-Aza from Italy.
Team Principal, Ernst Moser, is excited about what the new season will bring with both rookies on board.
“Even though this is the first year of the newly formed SCHERER SPORT PHX team, we can build on the Carrera Cup experience of the proven team from the past two years,” says Moser.
“We have two drivers who have never competed in the series before. Therefore, it will be an exciting season. It’s a great thrill to compete with such talented rookies.”
Project Manager Jean-Luc Tille believes Jones has what it takes to win the rookie championship this year.
“It’s cool to support a young driver from Australia with Harri,” says Tille.
“He has already shown in his home country that he can handle the Cup Porsche well. With him, we want to fight for the rookie title this year.”
Having secured a top seat in both the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championships, Jones stands to compete in 16 race weekends this year, a big step up from 8 in 2022.
He has left nothing to chance and has been training and practicing intensively since January in preparation for the gruelling year ahead, both on track through the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East earlier this year, and off-track on the Simulator.
“I feel better prepared than ever before, now it’s time to go show the Europeans what we’ve got!”
The Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland season opener will commence on 27th April in Spa, Belgium, as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
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NewsWalls claims Melbourne on countback with stunning Saturday win
Another wild race, as Adrian Flack sweeps SP Tools Pro-Am
JACKSON WALLS leaves the opening round of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Albert Park with the Championship lead, after claiming the final race win.
The result saw the youngster tie on points with race one victor Max Vidau, however, Walls claimed the overall round win on a countback.
Adrian Flack meanwhile secured the SP Tools Pro-Am with a dominant performance, repeating his opening race victory, mixing it up with the Equity-One Pro class drivers.
The race commenced with a delayed start after Tim Miles broke a driveshaft on the warm-up lap.
When the action got underway, Walls and Vidau battled hard through the opening turn, with Walls gaining the upper hand and driving away from the field, with Callum Hedge slotting into third ahead of Dale Wood and Nick McBride.
Notable early battles featured Angelo Mouzouris and Bayley Hall, plus Christian Pancione and David Wall, which unravelled at the end of the fourth lap, when Pancione spun at turn 13, with Wall losing ground taking avoiding action.
McBride meanwhile made it past Wood at turn 11 on lap six, as light rain began to fall.
The first to hit the water was Walls at turn one on lap seven, which allowed Vidau to bridge the gap, before forging into the lead three corners later.
Not to be beaten, Walls retook the top spot at turn six, with Hedge joining the lead battle.
Wood then regained fourth position, as the rain became heavier, with the safety car called on lap eight, with the race being chequered flagged at the conclusion of the next circuit.
At the finish it was Walls from Vidau, Hedge, Wood, David Russell, who also made it past McBride in the closing stages and had to settle for sixth, with the top-ten rounded out by Mouzouris, Hall, Alex Davison and Garnet Patterson.
Behind Flack in the SP Tools Pro-Am ranks was Dean Cook, Rodney Jane, Sam Shahin and Matthew Belford.
The second round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship is set for Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway from June 16-18.
Jackson Walls, Equity-One Pro class winner:
“It’s not too bad to start the year off! Obviously, there is still a long way to go with the rest of the championship, but to start it on a high like this, I’m so thankful to everyone in the McElrea team, my parents, and everyone who supports me, it’s just awesome. There were definitely some mixed conditions out there, I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know where to brake, and it was just a guessing game the whole time. Luckily I got back past Max when I made a little mistake, and I brought it home safely.”
Adrian Flack, SP Tools Pro-Am winner:
“That was certainly an exciting race, I got a good start, but then I got tangled up with all of the pros in their racing. I got a bit of a lead from the Pro-Ams and tried to maintain it. I had to put a few moves on some of the pros at the end, but that was cool. The conditions were unreal, to go from a half-wet track back to a dry track, and picking the difference between the two was pretty hairy, but gees it was fun. I never came into the pits when it started to rain in practice, so hopefully, that paid off today.
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NewsVidau breaks through for wet-weather maiden win
First win for TekworkX driver as Adrian Flack takes SP Tools Pro-Am
MAX VIDAU has sensationally claimed his maiden Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race win, in a dramatic race at Albert Park on Friday evening.
Adrian Flack claimed the SP Tools Pro-Am class in a wet weather race that was filled with action – making up for the non-event that was Thursday’s planned season opener.
Starting from the outside of the front row, the TekworkX driver made the best start and led Callum Hedge into the first corner on a circuit still drying from heavier rain earlier in the day.
Vidau pushed hard to build a margin early before conserving his rubber in the middle stanza while the remainder of the field battled.
Jackson Walls slipped to second early on, leaving Hedge to spend much of his race scrapping with Thomas Maxwell in a thrilling fight for third.
The pair battled through to the penultimate lap with Hedge fending off attack after attack before Maxwell slipped off the road with a lap to go following a mechanical issue.
That elevated Nick McBride to fourth, Dale Wood to fifth and David Russell to sixth, with Angelo Mouzouris, Bayley Hall, Alex Davison and Christian Pancione completing the top-10.
Out front, Vidau had enough tyre in reserve to hold out a charging Walls in the closing stages to finally claim his maiden Carrera Cup win, and first in Equity-One Pro – as well as being the leading Michelin Junior.
The South Australian had three times finished second and won last year’s Albert Park round without claiming a race win.
Flack’s win in the SP Tools Pro-Am class was the 19th of his career and opens his account for the 2023 championship.
He led home Rodney Jane and Matt Belford in the Pro-Am fight with Dean Cook and Sam Shahin – who survived an early race spin – fourth and fifth, respectively.
Maxwell, Dylan O’Keeffe (tyre) and Ryder Quinn failed to finish the 13-lap race.
The final race of the weekend will be held on Saturday evening at Albert Park, broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Max Vidau, Equity-One Pro class winner:
“I just got a good start, finally after that first one, it was a bit average, but I just drove away. The boys told me to conserve the tyres because they were probably getting a bit warm, so I just rolled out of it halfway through. I built a good gap, and it was an easy drive home. It was mentally hard, but on track it felt easy, it looked easy. Me and Rob, my Dad, we’ve been trying to do this for a long time, everyone has worked seriously hard, and I can’t thank them enough, I’m just excited to get it done.”
Adrian Flack, SP Tools Pro-Am winner:
“I got a really good start, I managed to go down the outside, I don’t know, I made up three or four spots straight out of the gate, and then I chased a few of them down as we went as well, that was awesome! It was slippery, but a lot of fun. It was quite hard when it started to rain a little bit, there was mud on the windscreen being pushed around by the wipers, but other than that, it was really really fun. Tomorrow I’ve just got to keep the momentum, when you’ve built a bit of confidence, you’ve just got to keep building on it.”
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NewsDramatic end to opening day of Carrera Cup season
Red flag ends thrilling start as Hedge, Flack and Walls star on Day 1
A DRAMATIC start to the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship has seen the opening race declared early, following a lap two accident at Albert Park.
An incident involving the SP Tools Pro-Am class cars of Indiran Padayachee and Danny Stuttered at the back of the Albert Park circuit saw a lengthy recovery and also damage to the temporary walling, causing a lengthy red flag stoppage.
With time a critical factor on the Grand Prix program, the race was ultimately declared a non-event with results not counting.
To that point, a flying start had seen Jackson Walls’ launch into an early lead from the second row of the grid, flying past polesitter Callum Hedge and last year’s Melbourne round winner, Max Vidau.
Walls led the race at the time of the red flag however will have to replicate that launch again in tomorrow’s second race in a bid to claim his second Carrera Cup win.
Earlier, Hedge had scored his second consecutive TAG Heuer Pole Award, picking up from where he left off on the Gold Coast at the end of season 2022.
The Team Porsche NZ driver banked a record 1:48.0219 to score the top spot by 0.28 seconds over Vidau and Walls, with O’Keeffe fourth.
SP Tools Pro-Am pole went to Adrian Flack, who out-qualified Dean Cook and Tim Miles in the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’.
Qualifying ended with a red flag after Simon Fallon’s Bob Jane T-Marts entry and a slower moving car made contact, tipping Fallon into a rollover at the end of the session.
Fallon emerged unscathed, however the young Victorian – a Porsche Michelin Junior – will take no further part in the weekend.
Meanwhile, double Bathurst 12 Hour winner Kenny Habul was also a withdrawal from the weekend following the flaring up of an existing back injury during practice.
“Unfortunately and old back injury has flared up at a very inconvenient time and I have to withdraw from the weekend,” said Habul.
“I have to thank TekworkX Motorsport for putting everything together for me for the AGP. I look forward to getting better and focussing on the Spa 24.”
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns on Friday for Race 2, the race set for a 6:25pm AEDT start, with coverage live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sport.
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NewsDavid Russell returns to Carrera Cup
Third-place finisher in 2022 joins Earl Bamber Motorsport
2022 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race winner and top three Championship driver, David Russell, returns to the world’s fastest one make motor racing series this season with the highly competitive Earl Bamber Motorsport team.
This will be Russell’s 8th season of Porsche Carrera Cup competition, with just one place remaining to be gained in his career title chase after achieving the championship runner-up result back in 2015 and two third place championship results in 2008 and 2022.
Last season’s result makes Russell the highest finishing driver from 2022 to return to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship this season.
Racing with the same number as his Erebus Motorsport Supercar endurance race partner Brodie Kostecki, #99, the highly experienced racer is looking forward to the new season, his first in a non-single Carrera Cup car team of his long and successful career.
“It is very exciting to be joining forces with Earl Bamber Motorsport who are no doubt one of the best teams in Carrera Cup. This will be a first for me, being able to share data with other Pro category team mates, as I have competed as a single car entrant in the past. This has made it more challenging compared to being a part of the bigger multi-car teams,” Russell said.
“Finishing third in last year’s championship gives me great confidence to push for better results with my new team and car this season,” He added.
Earl Bamber Motorsport Team Manager Ben Jenkins is also excited about the latest addition to this major four car Carrera Cup team.
“David is an awesome addition to our team, he raced strongly to third in the championship last season placing him at the forefront of the field. He brings a wealth of experience and we now have three of the top seven drivers from the 2022 championship within our team.
“This places us in a great position and we are fired up for the season ahead,” Jenkins stated.
Russell is joined by long term partners Dayco Australia, Lago Corporation, SPM Investments and welcomes new partners JAX Tyres & Auto and Macpro Properties to his 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia challenge.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship begins at the 2023 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend (March 30 to April 2) and extends across eight high profile Supercar rounds throughout the year.
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NewsPancione welcomes Supercheap Auto as major partner for his Carrera Cup campaign
Victorian driver ready for home-town race
The mysterious person photographed in the passenger seat of Formula One star Oscar Piastri’s McLaren sports car on the streets of Melbourne in January has been unmasked.
While many observers of the viral image thought the mystery man was Daniel Ricciardo, he has now been revealed as Piastri’s lifelong friend Christian Pancione, who will line up for his third Carrera Cup season with sponsorship from leading Australian and New Zealand automotive retailer Supercheap Auto.
The Piastri and Pancione families have been inextricably linked through their shared business and motorsport interests, with Oscar and Christian developing a close friendship that continues today.
With the Carrera Cup season kicking off at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, Pancione is excited to be racing at the same event as his best mate.
“It’s a massive weekend for Oscar, being the first time that he’s raced at his home Grand Prix, so it’s very cool that I get to compete at the same event as him,” Pancione said.
“He’s obviously going to be very busy, but hopefully, he’ll have some time to watch our Carrera Cup races, and then naturally, I’ll be cheering for him in the F1 race on Sunday afternoon.”
The 21-year-old is thrilled with the support from Supercheap Auto, which joins existing partners VCM Performance and HP Tuners on Pancione’s McElrea Racing Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car.
“Supercheap Auto has a long involvement in motorsport sponsorship, backing some of the highest-profile drivers, teams and events in Australia, so their support is a big boost for our 2023 program,” Pancione said.
During his time in Carrera Cup, Pancione has demonstrated his talents, achieving seven top-five finishes on his way to ninth in last year’s standings.
Supercheap Auto sponsorship manager Justin Murray has recognised his abilities.
“We are SUPER excited to partner with Christian Pancione in this year’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season,” Murray said.
“Christian has been super impressive coming through the junior ranks and is a future star.
“The Porsche Carrera Cup Series is a highly respected and successful category, and we’re pumped to make it super with Christian for the 2023 season.”
This weekend’s Carrera Cup season-opener at the Australian Grand Prix will consist of races on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, which can be seen live on Fox Sports 506.
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NewsFAST FACTS: Round 1, Albert Park
Everything you need to know about the opening round of the 2023 season
It’s race week! The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship launches into action at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Here’s all the fast facts, stats and info you need to know ahead of Round 1.
SERIES HISTORY
The first round of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be the 137th round held in the history of the series since it began in 2003.
This year is the 17th time overall that the championship has competed at Albert Park., though the events from 2003 to 2007 were not a round of the championship.
The circuit has featured on the Carrera Cup Australia calendar every year except one since the category began in 2003, regardless of whether it has hosted a championship or non-championship event. The only year it missed was 2021, when the event was not held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
There have been nine different round winners at Albert Park in the last nine years – Craig Baird (2013), Warren Luff (2014), Steve Richards (2015), Alex Davison (2016), Cameron McConville (2017), Jaxon Evans (2018), Dale Wood (2019), Cameron Hill (2020 – one race only) and Max Vidau (2022).
2020 winner Cameron Hill is unique in being the only driver in series history to win a round contested over only one race – the 40-minute Enduro Cup race on Thursday that year the only one staged prior to the event’s cancellation.
Outside of Cameron’s 2020 victory, only two drivers have clean-swept a weekend at Albert Park with pole position and victory in every race – Alex Davison in 2003 and Jim Richards in 2005. No driver has managed the feat since the round became a part of the championship in 2008.
Max Vidau’s win in 2022 was not only his first in Carrera Cup competition and the first for TekworkX Motorsport, but it also came without winning a race; the first time that has happened in Aus GP history.
Davison is the king of Albert Park pole positions. He has four poles there – 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 – however none of these have been in the era of Albert Park hosting rounds of the actual championship.
Max Twigg has proven to be the king of the SP Tools Pro-Am category at Albert Park, winning the round five times at the Grand Prix venue (2008, 2011-2013, 2015).
GAPS AND MARGINS
The closest finish in a championship race at Albert Park came in 2018 when Dale Wood beat Jaxon Evans to the line by just 0.2735-seconds.
The biggest winning margin for a championship race at Albert Park remains 9.6411-seconds in Race 2 in 2011 when Craig Baird beat home Daniel Gaunt.
The smallest pole position-winning margin for a round at Albert Park came in 2015 with Nick McBride just 0.0028s faster than Matt Campbell. It is the second closest in series history, only 0.0001s off the record of 0.0027s (Alex Davison to Jonny Reid at Townsville in 2012).
The biggest pole margin at Albert Park in a championship round came in 2016 when Matt Campbell outqualified second-fastest Nick McBride by 0.5322s.
DRIVER MILESTONES
David Russell will start his 150th PCCA race in Race 3 at Albert Park.
Dylan O’Keeffe will start his 100th PCCA race in Race 1 at Albert Park.
NOTABLE
- The 30-strong Grand Prix field includes between them: 2 outright championships, 31 round wins, 111 round podium finishes, 94 race wins and 44 pole positions, plus 3 SP Tools Pro-Am titles. There’s a combined 756 rounds and 2126 races of experience on the grid.
- Alex Davison returns to the championship, bringing a second former champion to the 2023 field. He’s also the 2017 Pro Class Enduro Cup Champion. Alex’s first round win came at Eastern Creek in 2003. He holds PCCA records for most consecutive round wins (6), Most round wins in a season (6), most fastest laps (57/171 races) and most pole positions (15) – one of them (Townsville, 2012) by the smallest margin in PCCA history – 0.0027s.
- Kenny Habul, the reigning, two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner and Intercontinental GT Challenge champion, makes his PCCA debut this weekend. It is believed to be the first time he will have raced a Porsche.
- Ryder Quinn is the first, third-generation driver to compete in PCCA, following in the footsteps of grandfather, Tony, and father, Klark.
- Courtney Prince will be the second female driver to race full-time in the championship and just the third overall.
- Chris Pither makes his debut in the championship. As well as being a long-time member of the Luke Youlden / Thomas Mezera-led Porsche Sport Driving School instructor squad, he’s also recently filled-in for series Driver Standards chief Karl Reindler at the opening round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.
- Neither the Pro, Pro-Am or Michelin Junior winners are returning to defend their 2022 titles this year.
- 9 drivers on the grid graduated from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge prior to racing Carrera Cup.
ALBERT PARK LAP RECORDS
Qualifying: Aaron Love (Sonic Motor Racing) 1m49.3236s – 2022
Race: Max Vidau (TekworkX Motorsport) 1m48.6349s – 2022
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NewsEMA Motorsport confirms GTWC Australia entry as part of further 2023 plans
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NewsChampion’s return headlines epic 2023 Carrera Cup Round 1 field
30-car field to line up at Albert Park for the start of a blockbuster season
FORMER Champion Alex Davison will return to face a new era of rivals when the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship commences at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Davison, one of the most successful one-make Porsche racers in Australian history, will drive Scott Taylor Motorsport’s entry in Melbourne amidst a 30-car field confirmed today for the opening round of what shapes as a blockbuster 2023 season.
Davison, who will race in Carrera Cup for the first time since 2016, beat Jim Richards to the 2004 championship and in a more than decade-long Carrera Cup career amassed 16 round wins, 47 race wins and a record 15 pole positions.
He will join David Wall as one of two former outright champions on the Round 1 grid, taking on a fiercely competitive field of experienced racers, young rising stars and Pro-Am contenders fighting for their own class championship.
The Melbourne field includes 19 drivers in the Equity-One Pro class – 9 Porsche Michelin Juniors among them – and 11 in the SP Tools Pro-Am battle.
Six drivers – Luke King, Courtney Prince, Chris Pither, Kenny Habul, Garnet Patterson and Ryder Quinn – will each make their respective debuts in the championship at Albert Park.
Prince will be just the second full-time female competitor in Carrera Cup while Quinn will be the first third-generation driver to compete in the category, following in the footsteps of grandfather Tony and Dad, Klark.
Other notable changes include David Russell shifting teams to join an expanded line up at Earl Bamber Motorsport outfit this year.
Russell finished third in the championship last year and is the highest-finishing driver from 2022 to return in 2023.
Young Northern Territory driver Thomas Maxwell, who last raced Carrera Cup in 2019, returns with TekworkX Motorsport – one of several teams to expand their operations this year.
The Gold Coast squad will field four cars at the Grand Prix, with Bathurst winner Luke Youlden to take the reigns as team manager.
McElrea Racing (5), Earl Bamber Motorsport (4), Porsche Centre Melbourne (4), GWR / RAM Motorsport (3), Sonic Motor Racing (3), Wall Racing (3) and EMA Motorsport (2) all field multi-car squads, while Rennen Autosport and Scott Taylor Motorsport will each field a single car entry.
In the SP Tools Pro-Am fight, defending champion Geoff Emery currently sits on the side lines which opens up the always-competitive Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ to a host of new contenders.
The Pro-Am battle is highlighted by an highly experienced group of contenders, though newcomer Danny Stutterd has just the single round start to his credit to date back in 2016.
The TekworkX driver has, however, raced in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge before making the step up this year.
Of last year’s Pro-Am contenders, runner-up Dean Cook and fourth-placed Sam Shahin both return this year, as does Matthew Belford, Adrian Flack, Rodney Jane, Tim Miles, Drew Hall and Marc Cini.
Indiran Padayachee returns to the championship while Bathurst 12 Hour winner Kenny Habul will make his debut in Melbourne.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will tackle three races across the Australian Grand Prix weekend, with all three broadcast live on Fox Sports 506.
Practice, qualifying and race one will be held on Thursday with race two on Friday and the finale’ on Saturday evening.
ROUND 1 – ENTRY LIST
Car # | Sponsor Name | Driver | Driver | Class | State |
2 | Wall Racing / MOUTAI | Luke | King | Pro | NSW |
5 | TekworkX Motorsport | Thomas | Maxwell | Pro | VIC |
6 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Pitbox | Angelo | Mouzouris | Pro | VIC |
7 | Miles Advisory Partners | Tim | Miles | Pro-Am | NSW |
8 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Nick | McBride | Pro | VIC |
9 | Hallmarc | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am | VIC |
11 | Objective Racing | Jackson | Walls | Pro | NSW |
13 | The Bend Motorsport Park | Sam | Shahin | Pro-Am | SA |
14 | ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am | VIC |
17 | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Callum | Hedge | Pro | QLD |
20 | Agas National | Adrian | Flack | Pro-Am | QLD |
22 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am | VIC |
23 | TekworkX Motorsport | Daniel | Stutterd | Pro-Am | VIC |
28 | Hall Finance / Insurance Solutions | Bayley | Hall | Pro | QLD |
32 | Porsche Centre Melbourne / BWT | Courtney | Prince | Pro | VIC |
35 | Hyundai Forklifts | Indiran | Padayachee | Pro-Am | NSW |
38 | Wall Racing | David | Wall | Pro | NSW |
42 | EMA Motorsport | Chris | Pither | Pro | VIC |
72 | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Max | Vidau | Pro | SA |
74 | EMA Motorsport | Garnet | Patterson | Pro | SA |
75 | Sun Energy 1 / TekworkX Motorsport | Kenny | Habul | Pro-Am | USA |
76 | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Christian | Pancione | Pro | VIC |
77 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts | Rodney | Jane | Pro-Am | VIC |
86 | Wall Racing | Drew | Hall | Pro-Am | NSW |
88 | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Pro | VIC |
99 | Earl Bamber Motorsport | David | Russell | Pro | QLD |
101 | Local Legends | Ryder | Quinn | Pro | QLD |
222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Alex | Davison | Pro | QLD |
777 | Sonic Motor Racing Services / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Simon | Fallon | Pro | VIC |
992 | Porsche Centre Brighton Motorsport / EBM | Dale | Wood | Pro | VIC |
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NewsSonic Motor Racing Services reveals strong three-car line-up for 2023 Carrera Cup title
25th anniversary Porsche line up confirmed for Sonic
Sonic Motor Racing Services and Bob Jane T-Marts have confirmed a strong three-driver line-up for the 2023 Paytner Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Simon Fallon, now in his third year in the Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche, will be joined by rising star Angelo Mouzouris in a twin Pro-class attack on the title, while Rodney Jane continues in the Pro-Am division – his second year back in the category after an almost decade-long sabbatical from competition.
Fallon has enjoyed strong improvement in Carrera Cup during his two years at the top-level of Porsche racing in Australia.
After winning the 2018 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Fallon stepped up to Carrera Cup in 2021 and has since recorded a number of outstanding results, including podium finishes at Sandown.
Angelo Mouzouris gets his chance in the famous Bob Jane T-Marts colours after making his debut in the all-Porsche category last year.
Coupled with a season in the Super2 Series, Mouzouris proved fast in Carrera Cup, gaining a year of valuable experience.
In 2023, the former Australian Formula Ford champion is aiming to take the next step forward in his motorsport career, using the Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche as his platform to show his true potential.
While Fallon and Mouzouris will be looking to take their racing to the next level, Rodney Jane is also seeking further improvements in the Pro-Am class.
After focusing on business during the majority of the 2010s, Jane returned to the driver’s seat last year, chalking up a number of strong results in his class, including podium finishes in the Pro-Am class at Winton and Townsville.
In 2023, the Sonic team celebrates 25 years in the sport. The team has won 12 national Formula Ford titles, plus three Carrera Cup crowns and countless race wins.
All three of the team’s Carrera Cup titles have been with Bob Jane T-Marts entries, with David Reynolds (2007), Nick Foster (2016) and Jordan Love (2019) all tasting success with the team and brand.
Last year, Aaron Love went within a whisker of winning the title for Bob Jane T-Marts and Sonic, despite missing two rounds of the season.
The opening round of the 2023 Paytner Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix from March 30 to April 2.
QUOTES
Angelo Mouzouris
“It’s cool to race the Bob Jane T-Marts car and I really can’t wait too get started and show the speed that we have,” said Mouzouris.
“We had a tough season in Carrera Cup last year, but I feel much better and more prepared this time around. I have the motivation to do it and I have regained that fire in my belly to have a decent crack.
“We’ve had a few test days to build on some elements. The tests were very productive and I’m confident that any weaknesses that we had has been turned into a strength.
“The Grand Prix is a great way to kick off the season. We had a pretty good first half of the weekend last year. I was running fourth on debut, but the results fell away after some incidents. We have a good base to work from and I’m excited to get out on track.”
Simon Fallon
“I’m certainly the most prepared I’ve ever been for a Carrera Cup championship,” said Fallon.
“Going into the Grand Prix, I feel like I’m in a good place and looking forward to it.
“We had a good few days testing and with some of the rule changes, we found something in the car and us drivers. It gave us some really good insights into the car, which are still pretty new to us – we’ve only had them for one full year – so there’s still lots of learning. It will be interesting to see how those changes roll out and where we land in the pack.
“For this year, we want to be pushing for podiums and wins, but the approach just needs to be that we focus on our own thing and see where we end up.”
Rodney Jane
“We are always looking for good humans to work with, and I feel we have that with Simon, Angelo and the Sonic team this year,” said Jane.
“If the two of our drivers work well together and drag me along with them, I reckon we are in for a good season.
“Simon showed some good speed last year and he has walked away from the year believing in himself. After seeing him in testing, I think he can do really well. He has the right attitude and we really want him to step up and have a crack at the championship.
“Ange had a great start to his career and is an impressive talent. We all know that he has the skills to do the job, so I’m looking forward to working closely with him.
“For me, the testing that we did recently was really important. I’m still learning how to drive these cars because it’s not a natural thing to step back into after not doing it for a long time.”
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NewsAlex Davison to make Carrera Cup return at Australian Grand Prix
2004 Champion to deputise in Scott Taylor Motorsport #222 entry
The Scott Taylor Motorsport (STM) #222 GT3 Cup car will be driven by Alex Davison in the opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, at the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Scott Taylor sustained an injury during a recent triathlon event in Mooloolaba and has elected not to drive whilst he is recovering.
“The best approach is to ensure my injury is fully repaired and that means being responsible and practical. As much as I would love to be driving in the opening round, I am following professional advice,” Scott Taylor said.
“Alex Davison is a highly valued member of the STM team and I’m genuinely excited to see him representing STM.”
Davison has worked with Taylor for several years in a driver coaching role, as well as competing with the team in several Bathurst 12 Hour campaigns.
Alex won the 2004 Carrera Cup Australia Championship and remains one of the series’ most successful drivers in its 20-year history.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of the STM Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car at Albert Park,” Davison said.
“Thanks to Scott and Rebecca for the opportunity to fill in while he is recovering.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had a lot of success at Albert Park in Carrera Cup in the past so it will be great to go there in the new car and compete in such a competitive field.
“There’s no expectations other than representing the STM squad as well as possible and enjoying the weekend.”
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NewsReigning 12-Hour champion to make Carrera Cup debut
TekworkX expands to SP Tools Pro-Am Class for Grand Prix cameo by Kenny Habul
Two time LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour winner Kenny Habul will make his Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship debut at the Australian Grand Prix with TekworkX Motorsport.
After successfully going back-to-back as Bathurst 12 Hour champion earlier this year, Habul has set his sights on a debut in the highly competitive Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
The SunEnergy1 Racing team owner has linked up with Gold Coast based squad TekworkX Motorsport to field his SP Tools Pro-Am entry at the Australian Grand Prix.
TekworkX Motorsport won the opening round of the 992 era in Carrera Cup Australia in 2022, with Max Vidau earning four podium finishes en-route to the round win, before the team followed up on their speed with pole position and a race victory in Townsville.
Habul’s accomplishments in motorsport are vast, with experience in everything from NASCAR to his more well-known achievements in GT3 racing.
In 2018 Habul won the inaugural edition of the Intercontinental GT Challenge as a bronze driver, before winning again as a Pro-Am in 2021 and 2022.
The SunEnergy1 owner/driver currently leads the 2023 Pro-Am championship after he backed up his Bathurst victory with a class win at the Kyalami 9 Hour.
The iconic livery carried by SunEnergy1 Racing all around the globe will adorn a Porsche 992 for the first time, as the distinctive flames grace Habul’s entry.
Habul will join Danny Stutterd in the Pro-Am class for TekworkX Motorsport, who will also field Equity-One Pro class entries with Max Vidau and Thomas Maxwell.
Rob Woods, Team Owner
“We’re thrilled to have Kenny Habul joining the team for the Australian Grand Prix weekend,” said Woods.
“He has a wealth of experience all around the globe and is certainly regarded as one of the best Pro-Am class drivers in motorsport. To have him join TekworkX Motorsport to start the season is not only a great boost for us, but a fantastic addition to our Pro-Am stable alongside Danny Stutterd.
“As a team owner, I am under no illusion of the task we have with four cars entered, it is really special. This will be aided with the appointment of Luke Youlden as team manager for the 2023 season.
“To do it at the biggest stage on the calendar is a very exciting prospect. It’s a testament to the hard work from every single person on our team, that we’ve been able to grow from one entry in 2021 to a four car operation to start 2023.”
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NewsEMA Motorsport doubles down on Porsche Carrera Cup Australia for 2023
Chris Pither, Garnett Patterson join expanded two-car EMA squad
EMA Motorsport will return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia for 2023 with an exciting two car entry confirmed.
The addition of a second Porsche 992 GT3 Cup to the team’s stable sees Garnet Patterson and Chris Pither paired for the full eight round calendar. Action starts over the Formula 1 weekend in Melbourne, 30 March-2 April.
The team debuted with the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup last season, putting on a strong display throughout the year with multiple podium results.
In the fight until the end, a double top-3 finish at the season finale secured 3rd in the championship. The team is now looking to build on this momentum, with the added benefit of running with a second car, to challenge for the outright title.
Garnet Patterson joins the team, driving the #74 Pilatus-sponsored entry.
The 29-year-old from New South Wales makes his championship debut, having previously campaigned in the LMP2 and LMP3 categories for the past few seasons. He kicked off his 2023 campaign with a podium finish at the Asian Le Mans Series event in Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi.
Finished in blue, black and green, the design of the #74 echoes the design of the team’s European efforts with the 911 GT3 R which campaigned at the 24 Hours of Spa and NLS8 at the Nürburgring during last season.
The second car, number #42, will be driven by Chris Pither.
The New Zealander boasts significant experience across multiple domestic classes and formulas, moving from his most recent outings in Supercars. This announcement confirms the 36-year-old will make his Carrera Cup debut in the 911 GT3 Cup at the first round at the Australian Formula 1 weekend in Melbourne next weekend.
Garnet Patterson, Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup #74
“It is something new for the 2023 season, but I’m looking forward to adding the challenge of Carrera Cup to my programme and racing at home in Australia, which I haven’t done in almost 10 years. EMA Motorsport have shown their strength throughout last season, finishing third in the championship and I’m looking forward to working with them to form a successful relationship into the future.”
Chris Pither, Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup #42
“I’m excited to join EMA Motorsport, and by the challenge of racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup for the first time. The car is very different to what I have become accustomed to in Supercars – simple points like being left hand drive – but, more so, the way the car makes its speed and how to maximise the tyre. It will be a steep learning curve, but I have high expectations and it’s great to stay active driving in a highly competitive championship.”
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NewsNew partners add to massive Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season
AN ARRAY of new and returning commercial partners will add even more value to competitors throughout the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Porsche Motorsport Australia is proud to announce new naming-rights partnerships for both the Professional and Pro-Am classes for the 2023 season.
Long-time supporters of Australian Motorsport, Equity-One (Pro) and SP Tools (Pro-Am) will lend their support to the two key classes within the Carrera Cup fight this year.
Equity-One is a Public non-listed Financial Institution which specialises in both investment and finance. It provides secured investments offering attractive interest returns to investors and fast and competitive finance solutions to borrowers.
The Equity-One Professional Class is set to reach possibly its most competitive point yet in 2023 with a host of new and returning names set to provide a thrilling outright battle this year.
SP Tools provides a range that covers Air Tools, Power Tools, Hand Tools, Auto Specialty Tools, Garage Equipment, Air Compressors and other associated products.
As a proudly Australian owned company, SP Tools have maintained their position statement of “Manufactured for the Professional”.
The SP Tools Pro-Am class is an important part of the championship with the battle to top Carrera Cup’s ‘race within a race’ often just as competitive as the outright battle.
SP Tools will also continue to support the SP Tools Mechanic of the Year award, presented to a high achieving crew member at the conclusion of each season.
The championship is also proud to announce a new Coffee partner, in the form of Austrian brand Julius Meinl.
Since 1862, Julius Meinl has been been sourcing, innovating, and delighting customers and businesses with premium coffee, fine tea and more.
Julius Meinl is a family company and the global ambassador for Viennese Coffee House Culture.
Meanwhile, Adelaide-based winery Amadio Wines will continue their longstanding support of the championship as the official wine and champagne partner for 2023.
TAG Heuer will continue to support the series’ official pole position award for both Equity-One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am class runners at each round.
The 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix between March 30 – April 2.
Barry Hay – Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia
“We welcome Equity-One and Julius Meinl to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship for 2023.
“Equity-One is well known in local motorsport circles for their passion for the sport and we are thrilled to be working with them as the first title sponsor of the Professional class in several seasons.
“Meanwhile, Coffee is the lifeblood of our paddock and the motivator for debriefs, deals, discussions and de-stressing post-race. In Julius Meinl we have a great new partner, world renowned, to help our paddock get their coffee fix at each event.
“SP Tools are expanding on their already important role within the championship to embrace the SP Tools Pro-Am class, while we are proud to continue longstanding relationships with supportive partners like Michelin, TAG Heuer, Amadio Wines and our title backers Paynter Dixon into 2023.
“This is going to be a record-smashing year for Carrera Cup both on and off track.”
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NewsSargent scores second-place sweep in Carrera Cup North America debut
Aussie driver, team impress in US competitive debut
REIGNING Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia champion Thomas Sargent has starred in his debut performance in the United States.
The driver from Young, in country New South Wales, finished second in each of the opening two races of the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America Championship.
In what doubled as the debut for champion Aussie team McElrea Racing in the series, Sargent qualified fourth for race one however made up two spots early to finish second behind eventual winner Riley Dickinson from Kelly-Moss Racing.
He then started the second race from the outside of the front row and again finished second, just four seconds behind winner Dickinson after 20 laps and 40 minutes of racing.
As a result Sargent sits second in the championship standings heading into the series’ next round in California, supporting the Long Beach Grand Prix, this April.
McElrea’s second car, driven by Canadian open-wheel graduate Thomas Nepveu, finished 14th in race one and a strong 11th in race two to cap off a solid overall debut weekend for the team in North American competition.
“It’s been a great start to our North American adventure,” Team Owner Andy McElrea said from Sebring.
“It’s awesome to know we’re in the mix in a very competitive field and to get a pair of podium finishes first time out is exactly what we were looking for.
“Thomas did a great job and drove mistake-free all weekend. It’s going to be an unpredictable season with such a variety of circuits and such a big field so starting strongly was important for us.
“The team has gelled quickly and the weekend went smoothly so we’re really pleased with the start and looking forward to building on this for the remainder of the year.”
McElrea and Sargent won’t be the only Porsche Motorsport Australia graduates racing in the US this year, with Michelin Sprint Challenge competitor Madeline Stewart recently confirmed to be contesting a full season of Sprint Challenge in the ‘States this year.
This weekend is a bumper one for Porsche Motorsport, with the headline acts at Sebring being the 1000-mile opener of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the iconic Sebring 12 Hour.
Porsche Penske Motorsport will field a pair of Porsche 963 entries in both races this weekend, with the FIA WEC portion available to be viewed on Stan Sport and the IMSA race streamed live, via IMSA.TV.
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NewsThree-strong attack for GWR in 2023
O’Keeffe: “2023 My Best Chance of Winning Carrera Cup Title”
GWR Australia has unveiled its driver line-up for the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, with familiar faces Dylan O’Keeffe and Indiran Padayachee to be joined by a new name in Dean Cook.
O’Keeffe will compete in the Pro class, with Padayachee and Cook to contest the Pro-Am division. While Cook is a fresh face at GWR, he has a wealth of Carrera Cup experience and has established himself as a Pro-Am front-runner, finishing equal first on points in 2022 and only missing the title on a countback.
Last season was also a fruitful one for O’Keeffe, who achieved some significant Carrera Cup milestones for GWR including the team’s maiden pole position, race win and round podium, on his way to fourth in the standings.
Meanwhile, Indiran Padayachee has been a long-time member of the GWR stable and returns to Carrera Cup after focusing on the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge last season.
Walden said all three drivers bring different assets to GWR’s Carrera Cup program, and is expecting them to compete strongly for both the Pro and Pro-Am titles.
“Dylan was in contention for the championship all the way through last season, with qualifying being a particular strength,” Walden said.
“Heading into this season, we’ve identified a couple of areas we need to work on, including cold tyre pace and our performance on higher-speed tracks such as Albert Park and Bathurst. Dylan scored a lot of podiums last year, so we only need to find a few small improvements for him to regularly win races.
“Dean will be a great addition to our team environment – he has a fun personality out of the car, but he’s focused and competitive behind the wheel. Last year he only just missed out on winning the championship, so he will be highly motivated to get the job done this season.
“Indiran races for enjoyment and the satisfaction of personal improvement, and last year in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge he was scoring his best-ever race results. I think he will surprise some people in the Pro-Am Class and maybe even score a sneaky podium.”
Heading into 2023, O’Keeffe said championship success is the clear goal.
“I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Carrera Cup last year and we were competitive all season,” O’Keeffe said.
“Over the off season, we’ve identified a couple of areas where we need to improve, to be able to take the next step forward and contend for regular race victories.
“Qualifying was the strongest part of our game last year – I qualified in the top three at six of the eight rounds – but there are a few aspects of our race setup that need some work, such as our performance on cold tyres.”
Padyachee’s Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car will be presented in its familiar Rentcorp livery, while O’Keeffe and Cook’s cars will run identical paint schemes, featuring Dexion as the major sponsor.
All three drivers will also benefit from experienced engineering support. O’Keeffe will be engineered by former Jordan Formula 1 operative Rob Palermo, Padayachee will be overseen by JP Messenger and Cook will be supported by Andrew Collins.
The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup takes place at the Australian Grand Prix, 30 March-2 April.
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NewsStunning new 2023 livery for David Wall
Monochrome returns as title partner for 2017 champion
FORMER Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion David Wall has unveiled a stunning new livery for the 2023 championship.
Ahead of a pre-season test at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, Wall took the wraps off his stunning Type 992 GT3 Cup Car that he hopes will power him to a second title this year.
The stunning black and red livery includes ongoing support from major partner Monochrome as well as long-time backers Paynter Dixon, Brennan IT and Arris Property Holdings.
Wall is one of the most successful drivers in Carrera Cup history, claiming the 2017 championship.
He finished third in 2016 on his return to the category and runner-up in 2018 as he nearly defended his crown. He has finished in the top five of the title race every season contested since his return.
Wall’s 73 round starts have delivered four wins – his most recent coming at Mount Panorama in 2021 – 21 podium finishes, 13 race wins and 10 pole positions.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship launches into life at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on March 30 – April 1.
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NewsVidau returns for second TekworkX tilt
Queensland team expanding in 2023
Max Vidau will continue in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship in 2023 with the backing of Tyrepower at TekworkX Motorsport.
Vidau joined the Gold Coast based team as both a driver and full-time mechanic at the start of the 2022 season.
In his first full-time season in the category, Vidau won the opening round of the year at the Australian Grand Prix before going on to claim six podium finishes for the year and 10th in the standings.
Tyrepower began their support of Vidau through his Speedway racing in 2021, before making the jump to support him in Carrera Cup as primary sponsors in 2022.
The strong partnership between Vidau and Australia’s biggest independent tyre shop will again see primary sponsorship on the #72.
Bondi Carpets, Exedy, MDE, MV Automatics, Topline Civil and Ceilings by Design will also support Vidau through 2023.
With his first full-time season under his belt, Vidau is excited to continue building on the strength of both him and the TekworkX Motorsport team.
“We had strong pace at most of the tracks we went to last year, there’s a really good base for us to build from to start 2023,” said Vidau.
“At the high-speed tracks like the Grand Prix, we were probably the fastest cars in the field. It’s the slower tracks where we needed to work on it a little bit, but through the off-season we’ve been putting a lot of effort into it and I’m confident we’ve developed a car that can race for wins at every track on the calendar.
“I’m stoked to have Tyrepower back on board, it was awesome to have them on the doors last season and they’re back as the major sponsors for 2023. A massive thank you to Tyrepower for the support and giving me the opportunity to go racing.
“We started extremely fast out of the gate last season at the Grand Prix, so the aim is to come out and do it again this year and really set the tone for our season,” Vidau concluded.
Max Vidau joins Thomas Maxwell at TekworkX Motorsport to form the team’s Pro class entries in the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship.
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NewsAussies quickest in Carrera Cup North America testing
Sargent, McElrea top pre-season test at Sebring ahead of debut USA campaign
PORSCHE Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia champion Thomas Sargent and Aussie squad McElrea Racing have launched their foray to the United States in the best possible fashion in Florida this week.
Sargent topped the two-day pre-season Porsche Carrera Cup North America test at Sebring International Raceway, ahead of the opening round of the championship at the same venue next week.
Sargent’s 2m02.170s best was a full 0.5 seconds quicker than the next best, while his McElrea Racing teammate Thomas Nepveu was seventh outright, with a 2m03.158s.
“Really stoked with how it turned out,” Sargent said.
“We finished up P1 overall on both days. It’s not what we were expecting but it’s definitely welcomed.
“We had a really good two days, we learnt a lot and did some qualy runs and some race runs as well so I fell like we have a really good car for both conditions.
“Ultimately we’re really stoked with how it ended up and I can’t wait for the next week and the race meeting.”
McElrea Racing, the reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champions, established a US-base in North Carolina this year and will field two cars in the championship for the first time in 2023.
Sargent is the reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia winner.
The opening round of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Championship will take place at Sebring next week, running on the Wednesday and Thursday of the ‘Super Sebring’ event.
The event includes the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the iconic Sebring 12 hour, the second round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Porsche’s brand new 963 GTP car will be on show in both races, fielded by Porsche Penske Motorsport, with Matt Campbell back behind the wheel in the 12-Hour race this weekend.
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NewsPorsche Michelin Junior program participants named for 2023
Young stars of the sport put through their paces in extensive two-day training camp prior to launching racing year.
PORSCHE Motorsport Australia has announced a record class of drivers taking part in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Junior Program.
21 young rising stars from Australia and New Zealand hold official Michelin Junior Status this year and will compete across the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Top juniors in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge receive support to progress to Carrera Cup, while the top-performing Michelin Junior in Carrera Cup receives an invite to compete in the global Porsche Michelin Junior shootout each year.
Porsche Motorsport Australia graduates Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love and 2022 champion Harri Jones are all recent shootout participants.
The Porsche Michelin Junior program is a core element of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and gives young drivers opportunities to not only progress their career, but also improve their own physical and mental performance on their individual pathways to becoming professional racing drivers.
A majority of the Michelin Juniors were put through their paces in an extensive two-day camp in Melbourne earlier this year, developed by Porsche and specialist motorsport trainers, Reaction Performance.
“This year in the Porsche Michelin Junior Program we’re giving these guys, over a two day workshop, as much of an introduction to the different elements they need to bring in to improve their performance,” said Leigh Stamation, Reaction Performance.
“We did some reaction time testing; we did some body composition testing and we’ve moved on to do a beep test.
“Beyond that we do a spin test. We then had a seminar based on different elements, coaching, training, mindset, and the guys really absorbed it a lot through that.”
Stamation explained that the group showed enormous promise across the extensive, intense two-day program.
“There’s some standouts in the group, but there’s also the quiet achievers who show great promise,” he said.
“We’ve seen some real opportunities with some of these young kids and bringing them all together like this is a great way to observe where those future champions are going to come from.”
Barry Hay, Porsche Motorsport Australia Motorsport Manager said: “The biggest thing about Porsche is that everything is about development. We want to continually be at the top of our game in Motorsport throughout the world, and the best way to build champions is at the grass roots level.
“We’ve basically got some of the biggest hot shots in Australian Motorsport as juniors coming through.
“There are names here you’ll be hearing lots about in the next five years.”
Eleven Michelin Juniors will be in action this weekend within a strong 24-car field contesting the opening round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
The 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this March 30-April 2.
2023 PORSCHE MICHELIN JUNIOR DRIVERS:
Angelo Mouzouris | Carrera Cup |
Aron Shields | Sprint Challenge |
Bayley Hall | Carrera Cup |
Caleb Sumich | Sprint Challenge |
Callum Hedge | Carrera Cup |
Christian Pancione | Carrera Cup |
Courtney Prince | Carrera Cup |
Hamish Fitzsimmons | Sprint Challenge |
Harrison Goodman | Sprint Challenge |
Jackson Walls | Carrera Cup |
Lachlan Bloxsom | Sprint Challenge |
Marco Giltrap | Sprint Challenge |
Marcos Flack | Sprint Challenge |
Max Vidau | Carrera Cup |
Oscar Targett | Sprint Challenge |
Ronan Murphy | Sprint Challenge |
Ryder Quinn | Carrera Cup |
Simon Fallon | Carrera Cup |
Thomas McLennan | Sprint Challenge |
Tom Taplin | Sprint Challenge |
Zac Stichbury | Sprint Challenge |
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NewsStewart to tackle Sprint Challenge North America in 2023
Kiwi racer gradates from Sprint Challenge Australia to international competition
Madeline Stewart is set to race in Sprint Challenge North America as part of a two-year programme with JDX Racing that will see her make the step into Carrera Cup North America in 2024.
Coming off the back of two seasons in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, Madeline will be making the transition into racing in the United States with reigning Porsche Carrera Cup North America champions JDX Racing.
The Queensland based Kiwi will spend her year travelling between Australia and the USA to fulfill her racing commitments and is looking forward to the challenge of racing in a new championship.
“I’m really excited for this new opportunity, racing in America. JDX have such a great pedigree and had such a strong 2022 Carrera Cup Campaign. I’m really looking forward to working with them and I’m confident that I’ll learn a lot. It’s also great to have Byers Porsche on board for 2023 and I’m excited to build a relationship with them.
This will be my first time racing a Porsche 992 Cup Car and to have the chance to race at such iconic circuits such as Sebring, Circuit of the Americas and the Indy Road Course is a dream come true. We’ve had a successful first test at Barber Motorsport Park so I’m excited to see what we can do this year.”
The series in America is run to closely simulate GT3 racing with rolling starts, ABS and traction control. It provides a logical next step in the Porsche Pyramid and helps open many opportunities for the future.
This week, Madeline completed her first test with JDX Racing at Barber International Raceway in Alabama. She will spend the next week in Colorado with team before heading to Florida for a two-day test at Sebring. JDX Racing co-owner, Jeremy Dale, was impressed by Madeline’s first test.
“We are very excited about our program with Madeline. She is very focused and serious about her goals in motorsport, and we intend to give her all the tools she needs to achieve those goals. Sprint Challenge is quickly becoming a proving ground for young drivers on their way to Carrera Cup, and we think this program is ideal preparation for our planned 2024 campaign in the ultra-competitive Carrera Cup North America championship. We have just completed our first test at Barber, and Madeline did an exceptional job in her first outing in the 992 Cup Car. I want to thank Madeline and her sponsors for having the confidence in JDX Racing to guide her on her journey. We’re all in!”
Madeline’s first race will be at Sebring, Florida, 24-26 March.
2023 Sprint Challenge North America Schedule
Sebring International Raceway 24-26 March (USAC)
Barber Motorsport Park 28-30 April (IndyCar)
Virginia International Raceway 2-4 June (USAC)
Mid-Ohio 30 June – 2 July (IndyCar)
Road America 11-13 August (USAC)
Circuit of the Americas 25-27 August (USAC)
Indy Road Course 6-8 October (GT World Challenge USA)
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NewsRyder Quinn joins Porsche Carrera Cup grid in 2023
Quinn to become first, third-generation racer in Carrera Cup
RYDER QUINN will become the first, third-generation driver to compete in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship when he makes his debut this year.
Quinn follows in the footsteps of grandfather Tony and father, Klark in joining Australia’s premier one-make category.
The 17-year-old will race a Type 992 Porsche GT3 Cup Car in Local Legends colours this year in what is rapidly shaping as an intensely competitive 2023 grid.
Quinn enters Carrera Cup fresh off the back of a strong debut season in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceanic Championship in New Zealand, where he finished seventh overall. Prior to that he gained experience in Australian Formula Ford and Aussie Racing Cars.
The Quinn families heritage in Carrera Cup is extensive, with Ryder’s father and Grandfather both involved from the series’ foundation in 2003.
Tony Quinn won 28 Pro-Am class races in his extensive Carrera Cup Career, while Klark contested five seasons between 2003-2007, finishing a best of fifth in 2004 – behind only Porsche legends Alex Davison, Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard and Peter Fitzgerald.
Ryder’s debut will come in the opening round of the championship at the 2023 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this March 30-April 2.
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NewsThomas Maxwell signs with TekworkX for Carrera Cup return
Darwin driver makes Porsche return in 2023 season
Exciting young driver Thomas Maxwell will join TekworkX Motorsport for the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Maxwell is an experienced up and coming driver who competed most recently in the 2022 Super2 Championship where he delivered a sensational pole position at Sandown Raceway.
The 24-year-old started his career in Formula Ford competition, culminating in the 2015 Australian Formula Ford Series where he notched up seven podium finishes.
In 2016 Maxwell moved to England where he competed in the British Formula 3 Championship, earning a podium finish in Donington.
Two years in the highly competitive Formula Renault Eurocup followed where Maxwell competed at some of the world’s most iconic circuits including Monaco, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and the Nurburgring.
Prior to his foray in the second tier of Supercars racing, Maxwell competed in the 2019 Carrera Cup season where the Territorian finished the year in ninth place.
For 2023 Maxwell will return to the highest level of one-make racing in Australia, with the race-winning TekworkX Motorsport outfit.
In 2022 the Gold Coast-based team flew out of the gates in the new 992 generation cars in the hands of Max Vidau with overall victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The performance was followed up by Luke Youlden with pole position and a race win on the streets of Townsville.
Maxwell will form one part of a three car line-up at TekworkX Motorsport for the upcoming season, completing a rapid ascension from the single car entry that was fielded in 2021.
The 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this March 30-April 2.
For more information visit www.carreracup.com.au
Thomas Maxwell
“I’m really excited for the year, it’s a logical step for my career,” said Maxwell.
“With the way that Carrera Cup is shaping up this year it’s going to be extremely competitive and a fantastic place to continue developing my career.
“TekworkX Motorsport was the best fit for me, when looking at options for the year. It’s a team that is full of driven and passionate people that want to win races and there’s a great culture within the group. I’ve got existing relationships with a few people on the team as well so slotting in will be a painless process.
“I feel a lot more prepared for this year after my rookie season in Carrera Cup in 2019. I have experience on the tracks which takes away one of the big learning curves I faced in that season, and it will allow me to focus a lot more on extracting the most from the car.
“Every single event on the Carrera Cup calendar is a marquee event, which makes it such an attractive series to go racing in. We get to race up in Darwin as well which I’m really excited for, any opportunity to race in front of a home crowd is something that can’t be passed up.”
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NewsBWT Australia and Courtney Prince join Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
Prince to join Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
The colour pink is coming to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with a newly formed partnership between BWT Australia, Courtney Prince and Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport.
Alongside a new partnership with BWT Australia, Porsche Centre Melbourne are excited to announce that Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series front-runner Courtney Prince will join the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship for 2023 along with team drivers Nick McBride, Marc Cini and Matthew Belford.
Prince started her motorsport career at the age of eight in go karts and went on to contest the Formula Ford National Series supported by the Sonic Motor Racing Services team over three seasons. 2022 saw the young Victorian finish fourth in both the Aussie Racing Car Series and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.
Courtney Prince now takes her next step up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid from Michelin Junior driver to Pro with the experienced Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport Team. The Collingwood based dealership has long supported one of Australia’s most successful Porsche teams, having won three consecutive Carrera Cup Australia Championships across the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons.
QUOTES
Courtney Prince, Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport driver:
‘’I’m excited to be stepping up to Carrera Cup with Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport and BWT Australia on board to support me. I know it’s a big step, but I’m ready and with the support of the team can’t wait to see what 2023 brings’’.
Piero Pellegrini, Porsche Centre Melbourne General Manager:
‘’Motorsport has always been a vital part of Porsche Centre Melbourne. We’re very proud to be expanding our operation and welcoming BWT Australia and Courtney on board. Having a dedicated motorsport department is a unique environment for our dealership’’.
John Wall, BWT Australia CEO:
‘’BWT Australia is excited to be partnering with Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport. BWT’s brand awareness has been building in motorsport globally in the recent years, from our involvement in Formula 1 to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Europe, and we’re looking forward to sharing our brand’s message’’.
Both Prince and McBride will feature BWT livery for the opening round of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship which kicks off at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2023 at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit between 30 March and 2 April.
2023 Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport driver line-up:
Courtney Prince: Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport | BWT Australia – Pro
Nick McBride: Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport – Pro
Marc Cini: Hallmarc – Pro-Am
Matthew Belford: ID Land – Pro-Am
VIDEO NEWS RELEASE
https://spaces.hightail.com/space/mXuVTJqCZc
About BWT
The Best Water Technology Group is Europe’s leading water technology company with a staff of more than 5,500, working on innovative, economic and ecologically friendly water treatment technologies to provide private households, industry, commerce, hotels and municipalities with the safest, healthiest and most hygienic water possible for their day-to-day needs. BWT provides modern water treatment systems and services for drinking water, process water, pool water and, especially, WFI – water for injection for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
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NewsCallum Hedge to Drive for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2023
Callum Hedge is confirmed to drive for Team Porsche New Zealand
Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport have announced that Callum Hedge is confirmed to drive for Team Porsche New Zealand for another Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season in 2023.
Hedge finished in second place in the Porsche Michelin Junior Drivers’ standings for the 2022 Carrera Cup Australia Season. After achieving his maiden win in Townsville and a round victory in the final round of the season in the Gold Coast, he finished the season in 6th place in the Championship. Hedge will be competing in his third season with TPNZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport after debuting with the team in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge national series in 2021.
Hedge will be joining Zac Stichbury who is already confirmed to be driving with Team Porsche New Zealand in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge seat. Stichbury was selected for the team following the TPNZ Scholarship shootout, where Porsche New Zealand invited the five top applicants to test their skills in the 991.2 GT3 Cup car. Following in the motor racing footsteps of his late father Ashley Stichbury, Zac has moved to the Gold Coast to begin testing for his debut season with Team Earl Bamber Motorsport this year.
The 2023 Porsche racing season in Australia welcomes a competitive grid of young kiwi drivers with Ronan Murphy also recently announced to compete with Sonic Motor Racing Services in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year.
Greg Clarke, General Manager of Porsche New Zealand
“We’re pleased to offer Callum an additional year driving for Team Porsche New Zealand. It was clear by his performance in the Carrera Cup this year that he has huge potential, and we are really looking forward to seeing how he can continue his successes with the team this year.”
Callum Hedge
“I am very happy to have the opportunity to represent and drive for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2023. I am excited to get a second year in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, we have a lot of unfinished business from last year. I look forward to bringing my learnings from 2022 into this year and putting my all in to try and bring Team Porsche New Zealand back their first championship win. I am glad to be back with Earl Bamber Motorsport and continue building and growing the team. We finished last year on a high so I look to hopefully hit the ground running in 2023.”
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NewsBWT Lechner Racing signs Carrera Cup Australia Champion
Jones, will join the championship-winning BWT Lechner Racing Team
Reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Harri Jones, will join the championship-winning BWT Lechner Racing Team for the upcoming Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season.
The Queensland based 23-year-old will make the next step up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and move to Salzburg, Austria to be based with the reigning Drivers and Teams Champions. The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is the pinnacle of Porsche one-make Championships worldwide and will follow the Formula 1 Championship at key events throughout Europe across the season.
“To say I’m excited is an understatement,” Jones said.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me. And to not only have the chance to move to Europe and race in the Porsche Supercup, but to do so with the most successful team in the series history, is quite simply a dream come true.
“This year we will be racing at some of the most spectacular venues in the world, including Monaco, Spa and Monza to name a few. I’m already buzzing at the thought, but I know I will need to work harder than ever to ensure we have success on track.”
Jones already has experience within the team and behind the wheel of a BWT Lechner Porsche having completed the first round of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East Championship with the team in November last year.
Team Principle, Robert Lechner, is excited for the Australian to join the team and believes that winning the Australian Porsche Carrera Cup Championship is proof that he has what it takes to fight in Europe.
“I first met Harri at the final round of the 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship at Monza,” Lechner said.
“He is a very impressive driver and athlete and after already winning some silverware for the team in Bahrain last year, and of course the 2022 Australian Carrera Cup Championship, we are all very excited to see him race with us for a full season of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this year.” In the lead up to the Championship, Harri is leaving nothing to chance and has commenced an intensive preseason roster taking part in a further two rounds of Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East over the coming two weeks at the world-renowned Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Autodrome.
Round One of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes place at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, from the 19th to 21st of May.
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
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NewsEric Constantinidis breaks Bathurst Production Car Lap record in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Porsche enthusiast sets new Australian record at Challenge Bathurst
Long-time Porsche Centre Sydney South customer, Eric Constantinidis, has broken the Bathurst Production Car Lap Record in his road registered Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Type 991.2) at the recent Challenge Bathurst event held at the Mount Panorama Circuit.
The new Bathurst Production Car lap record time of 2min12, is 2.2 secs faster than the previous record (2min14.2) set by Targa enthusiast, Jeff Morton, at the same event in 2020 in his Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Constantinidis, who runs an IT and Technology Managed Services Industry business in Sydney, purchased his first Porsche – a Cayenne S – in 2004 and attended his first track day in 2006 at Wakefield with friends. He loved the experience and over the course of the next eight years owned several Porsche vehicles, mostly Cayenne and Panameras, as his business grew.
It was in 2014, during a visit to his local Porsche Centre Sydney South (PCSS) dealership that Eric noticed a rare Panamera Turbo S on the dealer floor. He subsequently bought the car and was then invited to attend a PCSS track day.
His passion for motor racing continued to grow, and Eric went on to purchase a 991.2 911 Turbo S followed by a 991.2 generation GT2 RS in 2018. During that time, he completed Level 1 to 4 of the Porsche Track Experience to gain valuable track experience and knowledge from the likes of Head Instructor and Carrera Cup Australia Pro driver, Luke Youlden.
In 2020, Eric formed the UpTo11 Motorsport team with friends and took part predominantly in local track days, before climbing further up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid to the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge National Series with the help of Michael Newton Automotive and the purchase of a 991.2 generation 911 GT3 Cup car earlier this year.
After finishing second in the Porsche Cup Class Category on his Bathurst 12Hr debut, Eric felt Jeff Morton’s record was within his reach. He was also fortunate that in early November, Round 5 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series allowed him more track time to learn the intricacies of the challenging Mountain Panorama Circuit.
Eric was able to break the Production Car Record on his first day at the Challenge Bathurst event and reduce it even further the following morning to 2min13.1.
After fitting a new set of magnesium wheels and Michelin Cup2 R tyres, Constantinidis’ Porsche was then able to deliver a blistering time of 2min12, which is now the fastest time to date for a production road registered vehicle around the infamous circuit.
QUOTES:
Eric Constantinidis:
“I knew both the car and I had the ability to break the previous record and that was the only thing on my mind when I went out for Sprint 1. After achieving the 2m13.9 lap, it felt easy and I knew I could do better than that. In Friday morning’s first session, I further reduced the lap time to a 2min13.1 and had one more shot at the record, before the track heated up. I put a fresh set of magnesium wheels with Michelin Cup2 R tyres on and in the next session, delivered a 2min12 on the very first lap. My predictive time on the Motec was even faster on my second lap but I caught traffic and had to roll off. Either way, I was ecstatic knowing I had achieved a massive lap record.”
“Seat time is key (at Bathurst) and I had to trust the aero, handling and performance in a car that truly is an engineering feat by Porsche. What makes this moment even more special for me is that a Porsche GT2 RS will continue to maintain the record at such an iconic track over other manufacturers. It is a credit to Porsche, the quality and engineering of the car and in essence what brand is all about. This car is simply a road car that performs like a race car. I am looking forward to seeing what the RS Porsche cars of the future will bring to us.”
To follow Eric’s journey up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsPorsche announces 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Australia’s marquee motorsport events headline 2023 Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce both their 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup calendar and that the Australia’s premier one-make Championship will again be the primary support category at major Repco Supercar Championship events throughout next year.
2023 will be arguably the biggest in the category’s history, following an immense 2022 season which saw record fields following the introduction of the Type 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car on Australian soil.
Carrera Cup Australia will also continue to enjoy Championship status from Motorsport Australia in 2023. Only a select number of categories are designated as ‘Championships’ in Australia and this status is not only testament to the professionalism and momentum within Carrera Cup Australia in recent years, but the category’s standing and importance in the Australian motorsport landscape. Carrera Cup Australia is widely regarded as a the most proven pathway for the best Pro and Pro-Am drivers from across the Australasian region to reach the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.
The 2023 Carrera Cup Australia season begins in fine style at the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in late March, before attending the seven marquee rounds of the Repco Australia Supercars Championship throughout the year.
Round 2 takes place in mid-June and will see the country’s top Porsche teams head north to the Darwin Triple Crown, following the Championship’s welcome return to the Hidden Valley Raceway in the Northern Territory in 2022.
The Championship stays up north for Round 3 which will take place on the streets of the Reid Park Circuit in Townsville, before making the long journey to South Australia where drivers will again enjoy the fast and flowing curves of The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend for the OTR Supersprint.
Round 5 will likely be a wet and wild affair in mid-September at the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 in Melbourne, before drivers contest arguably their most anticipated race of the season on the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit for the Repco Bathurst 1000 in early October.
The penultimate round will be held on the popular Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast in late October, before the 2023 season culminates at the VALO Adelaide 500 in late November.
Every round of the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be broadcast on Foxtel and Kayo Sports live and ad free including the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
The Seven Network will broadcast five of the 2023 marquee Carrera Cup Australia rounds live on free-to-air television, namely: Darwin, Townsville, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide. While both Channel Seven and 7plus will broadcast highlights of OTR Supersprint and Sandown 500.
Quotes:
Barry Hay, Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia: “We are delighted to announce our 2023 calendar which will see our drivers continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year, in front of the biggest crowds, enjoying the best support and television package available. Every season we strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and partners and I have no doubt that the 2023 season will arguably be one the best in its long and illustrious history.”
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar:
Rd1 F1 Australia GP, VIC 30 March – 02 April
Rd2 Darwin, NT 16-18 June
Rd3 Townsville, QLD 07-09 July
Rd4 The Bend, SA 18-20 August
Rd5 Sandown, VIC 15-17 September
Rd6 Bathurst 1000, NSW 05-08 October
Rd7 Gold Coast, QLD 27-29 October
Rd8 Adelaide, SA 23-26 November
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NewsTwelve up-and-coming racers eager to become the new Porsche Junior
Selection for Porsche's international motorsport talent development programme
Twelve particularly accomplished racing drivers took part in a three-day shootout in Jerez, Spain, with the intention of becoming the 2023 Porsche Junior.
For the last 26 years, the sports car manufacturer’s exemplary junior programme has been one of the most successful of its kind in motorsport. This initiative has paved the way for many talented youngsters to pursue professional careers as works drivers, producing numerous world champions and Le Mans winners in the process. The successful candidate receives a sponsorship package of up to 225,000 Euros. The new Porsche Junior will be announced at the “Night of Champions” on December 17th at the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach (Germany).
All the invited candidates share these factors: they are no older than 24 and have finished in the top five of one of the more than 30 Porsche one-make cup series around the world in the past year, driving the ca. 375 kW (510 PS) 911 GT3 Cup. And they all had to showcase their prowess on and off the 4.428-kilometre Grand Prix circuit. The jury took into account not only top lap times and the general performance on the track, but also looked at how they interacted with the race engineers, their technical competence, their interaction with the media as well as the results of mental and physical tests. In the coming days, the intensive analysis of the collected results and findings will serve as the basis for deciding who will be allowed to compete as the new Porsche Junior in 2023.
Of all twelve young drivers from ten countries, the longest journey was made by Australian Harri Jones. The 23-year-old won the Carrera Cup in his home country in 2022. Luo Kailuo, also 23, travelled to Spain from China as runner-up in the Carrera Cup Asia. Dorian Boccalacci finished second in the Carrera Cup France. The 24-year-old Frenchman has already gained experience in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. This season he finished seventh. The same applies to Bastian Buus. The busy driver from Denmark was nominated for the Junior shootout through the German Carrera Cup after claiming fourth place overall. At the same time, he contested the Carrera Cup France and the Supercup, where the 19-year-old claimed two victories and took home the rookie title as the best newcomer. At 20, Kiern Jewiss has won the Carrera Cup Great Britain in his home country. Keagan Masters from South Africa (22) represents the Carrera Cup Italy as runner-up. Kay van Berlo from the Netherlands, Enzo Elias from Brazil and Harry King (United Kingdom) have taken part in the selection process for the second time. Contesting the Carrera Cup North America, 21-year-old van Berlo finished his season in second place. At 20 years old, Elias can already look back on two Carrera Cup titles in his home country, while Harry King won the Carrera Cup Benelux and finished fifth in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Rounding out the swift dozen as wildcard entrants are Dutchman Loek Hartog, Giorgio Amati from Italy and Jasin Ferati from Switzerland. At 20 years of age and standing almost two metres tall, Hartog finished the Carrera Cup Deutschland season in fifth and the Supercup in eighth as the second-highest-placing rookie. Amati (23) wrapped up his second season in the Carrera Cup Italy in fourth place, while Ferati is the youngest of the twelve rookie drivers. The 19-year-old won the GT3 Cup classification in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Switzerland.
The successful Porsche Junior Programme reaches far beyond financial support. The holistic concept focuses on all aspects of a professional motorsport career. This includes, for example, comprehensive support provided by Sascha Maassen. The former Porsche works driver is on hand to mentor the juniors before, during and after each race weekend. The University of Potsdam provides sports medicine support. Mental training, media seminars, PR commitments and other marketing activities are also part of the training regime.
“Porsche has provided the most level playing field possible in Jerez so that it’s the participants in our shootout who make the difference,” emphasises Maassen. “We have a huge responsibility in selecting the new Porsche Junior, and we take great care in doing so. Of course, fast lap times and a performance that’s as flawless as possible with the 911 GT3 Cup are important to us – that’s the baseline. But we look just as closely at how talented the drivers behave beyond that: What feedback they give the engineers and their ability to learn, whether they can motivate a team and represent Porsche, how they handle media, and whether they are capable of developing mentally. Ultimately, it’s all about the overall package that the participant offers us.”
Porsche’s Junior programme has boosted the careers of 28 racing drivers since 1997. Of particular note are the careers of today’s Porsche brand ambassador Timo Bernhard (Porsche Junior from 2000 to 2001), Marc Lieb (2000 to 2002) and Earl Bamber (2014): All three won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans at least once with the Porsche 919 Hybrid, as well as titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Thomas Preining, Porsche Junior from 2017 to 2018, secured two victories in the DTM this year with the 911 GT3 R. At the end of 2021, Laurin Heinrich from Würzburg was chosen. The now 21-year-old finished the current season as the champion of the Carrera Cup Deutschland and secured third place in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Heinrich attended the shootout in Jerez as a reference driver.
“We are proud of the Porsche Junior concept – after all, it is one of the most successful junior programmes in motorsport,” emphasises Marc Lieb, one of the first participants in this talent development initiative and current Sports Communications Manager at Porsche. “This programme also played an important role in my career and opened the door to professional motorsport for me 22 years ago. Without this support, my dream of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans would probably have never materialised.”
Carrera Cup Australia has produced two Junior Shootout winners to date: Matt Campbell (2016) and Jaxon Evans (2018) who both have gone onto forge international careers with Porsche.
Details of the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia can be found here:
https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/
https://www.porschesprintchallenge.com.au/junior-programme/
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NewsManthey EMA ‘Grello’ Porsche 911 GT3 R to line-up for Liqui Moly Bathurst 12Hr
Manthey EMA heading back to The Mountain with exciting Bathurst 12hr entry
EMA Motorsport will once again combine with Manthey, starting the 2023 season off in the most exciting way with confirmation of entry into the Bathurst 12 Hour. After successful events in Europe, the Australian-German effort will be hard to miss as they come together to send the iconic green and yellow ‘Grello’ Porsche 911 GT3 R to the Mountain with a Pro driver effort.
Since debuting with the Porsche 911 GT3 R in Europe earlier this year, Melbourne-based EMA Motorsport has delivered front-running performances at both the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa and a recent round of the NLS championship at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
These efforts have been supported by Manthey, running with highly regarded driver line-ups, as the team underlines its drive to compete at the highest level. The announcement of Manthey-EMA entry to the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour is the first part of an exciting 2023 racing schedule for the team.
This will be only the second time that the fan favourite ‘Grello’ livery has run in the Southern
Hemisphere. The iconic neon green and yellow design was seen in Australia on one occasion, previously competing at Mount Panorama with Manthey in 2018.
Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH:
“The season opener of the Intercontinental GT Challenge in Bathurst is a special highlight in the racing calendar, and we are looking forward to starting our motorsport year 2023 with this event together with EMA. With its hilly sections, the Mount Panorama Circuit is reminiscent of the Nordschleife and places very high demands on both the vehicle and the drivers. This is exactly where we’re experienced from our stints in the Green Hell. And we clearly want to compete for victory in Australia.”
EMA Motorsport makes a first appearance at the Bathurst 12 Hours with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, having raced at the Mountain as part of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia grid earlier this year. The race will also be one of the final appearances for the 991.2 iteration of the GT3 R in top-flight competition, ahead of the new 992 generation joining grids from 2023.
The team is currently working through the final preparations ahead of the 2023 season-opening event, finalising the details of the Pro line-up. Further details of the drivers are set to revealed early in the New Year.
The 2023 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour takes place 3-5 February 2023.
For more Porsche Motorsport Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsCarrera Cup Australia Champion to race with Lechner Racing in Bahrain
Jones continues his ascent up Porsche Motorsport Pyramid
Recently crowned Australian Carrera Cup Champion, Harri Jones, will join Lechner Racing this weekend for the first round of Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East in Bahrain.
Just two days after claiming the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at the Gold Coast 500, the Sunshine Coast based 23-year-old headed to the airport to depart to the Middle East. Over the weekend, Jones took part in two days of official Preseason Testing with the 2022 Supercup Teams Champion, Lechner Racing.
“I have the opportunity of a lifetime to test and race with Lechner Racing. They are a very professional outfit with some incredible credentials. I have already learnt so much over the two days of testing here in Bahrain. It’s been a privilege to drive the pink BWT car and now with a full race weekend ahead of us I’m excited to show them what we are capable of.” Jones said.
Team Principal, Robert Lechner, initially invited Harri for the two days of testing alone. However, after impressing the team and quickly adapting to the new environment, the whole team are excited for Jones to join them for Round 1 of the Championship.
“I first met Harri at the final round of the Mobil 1 Supercup at Monza. He is a very impressive young guy and after two successful days of testing, we are all excited to see him race in the BWT Junior car this weekend in Bahrain.” Lechner said.
After the event, there won’t be much downtime for Jones as he will travel to Europe for the Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout taking place from the 22nd of November.
“My time spent here in Bahrain has been perfect for my preparation leading into Junior Shootout. I have needed to change my driving style a little bit to suit the Formula 1 style circuits. Here I have time to adapt and get input from the best in the business. So, I’m looking forward to taking everything I have learnt over here and putting it to good use at the shootout.” Said Jones.
Round One of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East Championship takes place from the
10th to the 12th of November. Tune in to Harri Jones’ social media accounts to stay up to date with his progress.
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NewsDrivers confirmed for the 2023 Team Porsche NZ Scholarship
Team Porsche NZ (TPNZ) have announced their 2023 Scholarship recipients
Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) have announced their 2023 Scholarship recipients.
Scholarship Shootout in the 991.2 GT3 Cup Car
The shootout event at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park that was held on 11th October 2022, where the five top applicants were invited by Porsche New Zealand to test their skills in the 991.2 GT3 Cup car. The final five finalists for the TPNZ shootout were Kaleb Ngatoa (21), Matthew Mccutcheon (19), Ronan Murphy (21), Ryan Wood (18), and Zac Stichbury (21). At the shootout, the finalists were tested on and off the track at multiple stations including character interviews with Earl Bamber and the Porsche New Zealand team, track testing in the 991.2 GT3 Cup car with analysis with Ben Jenkins from Earl Bamber Motorsport, fitness testing (reaction, cardio, and strength-based tests) with Alastair Wooiton from Formula Fit, mental potential assessment and media interviews with TVNZ Sunday reporter Kristin Hall.
2023 Scholarship Driver Announcement
Porsche New Zealand is pleased to announce that the Carrera Cup scholarship driver for the 2023 season is Ryan Wood. Ryan has graduated from competing in the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Cup Challenge through the scholarship program, to the Team Porsche New Zealand main car for the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
In his first year with Team Porsche NZ, Ryan Wood is currently ranked second in the 2022 Michelin Sprint Challenge. The penultimate round of the series takes place this weekend at the Bathurst International.
In addition, it has been announced that Zac Stichbury is the second scholarship recipient, due to compete for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2023 in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Cup Challenge. Following in the motor racing footsteps of his late father Ashley Stichbury, Stichbury won the 2018 NZ Schools Championships and the New Zealand Rotax Max Challenge, before representing New Zealand in the World Grand Finals in Brazil. He has since progressed through Formula Ford and the Toyota 86 Championship. With the recent completion of his degree in Industrial Design at Auckland University of Technology, Zac is moving across the ditch to live in the Gold Coast and start preparing for his debut season with Team Porsche New Zealand in 2023.
Two successful seasons for Team Porsche New Zealand in Australia
After two successful seasons in Australia, Team Porsche New Zealand has already had success in achieving its purpose – winning & creating a pathway for young New Zealand talent to advance in motorsport.
Matthew Payne was the 2021 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship driver, in a Covid-19 affected season he achieved two pole positions and a race win. In 2022 Mathew joined Grove Racing as their inaugural inductee into their Grove Junior Team, competing in Super2. In addition, Payne made his Bathurst 1000 debut driving alongside Lee Holdsworth who finished in 6th place in the Grove Racing Ford Mustang GT FN. Payne has since joined Penrite Racing as a full-time driver for the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship.
In 2022, Callum Hedge has been competing for Team Porsche New Zealand in the Carrera Cup Australia scholarship seat and finished as the top ranked Rookie in the Michelin Junior Drivers’ standings. Hedge finished the season in 6th place in the Championship after achieving his maiden win in Townsville and a round victory in the final round of the season in the Gold Coast.
Earl Bamber: “This was an amazing opportunity to see five really talented drivers from New Zealand all line up together in the same car, I think it’s the first ever time in New Zealand it’s been done. It was incredibly hard to judge all five and I think all of them have big careers in motorsport ahead of them. With Ryan Wood continuing with us in Carrera Cup and Zac Stichbury in the Sprint Challenge, we are super excited to have these two young men join us in the scholarship car. I think they are very well deserving and represent the core values of what the scholarship for Team Porsche New Zealand is all about; giving young drivers an opportunity to perform at the highest level and show their talent and skills. We’re really looking forward to the 2023 season with both drivers to see what they can achieve. This year Callum Hedge has achieved two round wins, and the same with Ryan in the Sprint Challenge, so I think the talent pool is massive. A huge thank you to Porsche New Zealand for making this possible for young drivers in this country.”
Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke: “After two successful seasons competing in Australia, we are proud to continue offering young kiwi talent a pathway in motorsport. Ryan Wood has demonstrated himself as a competitive athlete this year and with the introduction of Zac Stichbury into the team as the Sprint Challenge driver, we are excited to see what 2023 has in store for our scholarship team”.
Ryan Wood: “I’m very excited and privileged to continue my journey with TPNZ and EBM next year in the Carrera cup. Following this year’s results, I’m looking forward to achieving the same results next year with the ambition to be a title contender again. This year has been a huge success with being a title contender and having race wins and pole positions every round. It’s been awesome to work with everyone at TPNZ and learn lots on and off track with their guidance being a huge help. A big thank you to everyone at TPNZ for selecting me and giving me a chance to represent this awesome brand and group of people again!”
Zac Stichbury: “Words struggle to describe how much this means to me, to be selected as a Porsche New Zealand driver and race for Earl Bamber Motorsport next year in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge. To finally get the opportunity to continue from where my late father finished up and to race under the New Zealand based team over in Australia. I am aiming to win the championship as well as improve and grow each race weekend as a driver and with the team. Can’t wait to see what unfolds and to learn and take this opportunity with both hands.”
About Team Porsche New Zealand
Team Porsche New Zealand was formed by Porsche New Zealand in conjunction with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in late 2019 to provide young New Zealand talent the opportunity and pathway to advance their motorsport career in Australia. The scholarship programme sees drivers competing in the Carrera Cup Australia which is a key component in the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, and the feeder series, the Porsche Sprint Challenge.
The team is based in Brisbane and run by EBM, whose principal is two-time Le Mans 24-hour winner Earl Bamber. Earl himself progressed his motorsport career via the Porsche Pyramid through Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Super Cup, and ultimately as a factory driver for Porsche in both the World Endurance Championship and the North American International Motor Sports Association.
It is intended that each year a scholarship will be offered to support an exciting young New Zealand talent achieving a drive in the Carrera Cup Australia, and a second driver in the Sprint Challenge Australia. The combination of Bamber’s international motor racing and Porsche Motorsport experience provides a unique opportunity to develop their skills and succeed.
For race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsHedge claims Surfers round, Jones takes title
Cook takes Morris Pro-Am round as Emery claims closest ever title win
CALLUM HEDGE claimed his second career Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship round victory on the Gold Coast, as Harri Jones closed out a title-winning season to take the 2022 championship.
A pair of second-place finishes on Sunday delivered Team Porsche New Zealand / Earl Bamber Motorsport driver Hedge the Round Eight victory over Aaron Love and David Russell.
In yet another tense title finale’, Jones held on to the Aaron Love onslaught to claim the title by 11 points, delivering him a second one-make Porsche title having already claimed the Michelin Sprint Challenge crown in 2019.
Love finished second for the round and won both races on Sunday, coming from 330 points behind following round three to end up within striking distance of the leader heading into the final race.
Jones’ scored finishes of fifth and sixth across Sunday’s pair of races, respectively, more than enough to seal his title, delivering McElrea Racing their third Carrera Cup crown.
The Morris Pro-Am Championship was decided in even more dramatic circumstances as the title had three different leaders across the three races this weekend.
Geoff Emery led the standings into Sunday’s first of two races, only to surrender the lead to Liam Talbot following race two.
A dramatic crash early in race three saw Talbot damaged and shifted the momentum back to Emery – only for him to then face a resurgent Dean Cook.
Cook, yet to win a race in 2022, found himself leading the race and claimed his first race and round win of the season via success in race three.
That tied the championship in Pro-Am, with Emery claiming the title on countback by virtue of having more race victories this season.
Cook’s round win was his first since the Gold Coast in 2017, the second of his career, and saw him lead home Adrian Flack and Liam Talbot for the round eight honours.
Earlier on Sunday a pair of titles were decided in a pulsating Endurance Cup finale.
Starting fourth, Aaron Love wasted no time charging his way to the front and would ultimately grab the race lead before the 10th lap.
He then powered away to win by the largest margin of the season to claim the Enduro title for 2022.
The race was a tough affair behind as Callum Hedge and David Russell completed the top three, with Dylan O’Keefe fourth and championship leader Harri Jones fifth.
The latter was aided by a non-finish by Dale Wood, who had run in the top three early before a mechanical issue forced him out.
Liam Talbot sealed the Morris Pro-Am endurance title with a victory in the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’.
Dean Cook was second and Matt Belford third in a potentially championship-changing race.
The then class-leader Geoff Emery had contact with Rodney Jane, which tore a rear tyre out of his car, forcing him to pit and lose a lap – ultimately finishing seventh in class.
Race three found itself under Safety Car early following a crash at Turn four, with multiple cars caught up.
On the restart, Love pulled away in front again while Hedge fended off David Russell and a resurgent David Wall.
The Morris Pro-Am battle saw Cook leading Flack and Emery, the latter doing just enough to ensure he returned to the lead of the championship on the eventual countback.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia champions will be formally crowned on the Gold Coast on Sunday night in the return of the traditional end-of-season awards gala.
Harri Jones, Pro Champion:
“I’m thinking every emotion now, I almost cried coming into pitlane, absolutely over the moon. I just can’t thank the whole McElrea team enough, my family, my partner and commercial partners, I can’t believe it. It was a tough weekend for us and it went down right to the last laps, we just had to keep our heads cool, keep focussed and all the hard work paid off this weekend, I’m absolutely stoked. The thing in this category you have to bully or you will be bullied, that last race I had the Championship in the back of my mind, so I wanted to get the best position possible and come home with a clean car and that’s exactly what we did, so massive thanks to the team, the Porsche Pyramid is fantastic and I hope to continue climbing it next year.”
Geoff Emery, Morris Pro-Am Champion:
“It feels unbelievable, Dean Cook did a very good job all year, he’s been an awesome team mate and a fierce competitor as well, so really happy to equal the points with him and win on the count back. It couldn’t be more exciting, very happy with the Championship. Its been a pretty up and down season to be honest, got into a bit of trouble here and there, but we going to celebrate at the Awards Evening in town with a couple of beers, it will be great looking forward to it.”
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NewsHedge, Shahin claim dramatic Gold Coast opener
Contender Aaron Love charges from 15th to 4th to keep title hopes alive
TENSE victories for Callum Hedge and Sam Shahin and one of the greatest comebacks in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship history highlighted a dramatic opening race at the Gold Coast 500 on Saturday afternoon.
In one of the best races in recent Carrera Cup history, Callum Hedge spent much of his race fending off David Russell to claim his second championship race win this season.
Hedge led from lights to flag but was never more than two or three car lengths in front of Russell, who pressured the young New Zealander hard despite damage to his front splitter.
Dale Wood finished third, spending much of his race defending from championship leader Harri Jones.
Interest however lay with Aaron Love, who started the race in 15th position after being denied a flying lap due to a red flag late in qualifying.
With little to lose, the young West Aussie driver was in inspired form and set about scything his way through the field with relentless agression and racecraft.
He made the top 10 by lap two and had climbed to seventh by lap seven when he reached clear air.
He then smashed Nick McBride’s existing circuit lap record on lap nine as he set about chasing the leading group of six cars.
After passing McBride first, he then dispatched Dylan O’Keeffe on lap 14 and Harri Jones on lap 16.
O’Keeffe also passed Jones to relegate the championship leader back to sixth position.
Ultimately, Hedge won the race over Russell and Dale Wood, with Love’s remarkable recovery ending him in fourth place – up 11 spots from where he started.
O’Keeffe was next with Jones in sixth, with McBride, David Wall, Luke Youlden and Ryan Suhle completing the top-10.
In Morris Pro-Am, Sam Shahin claimed a memorable victory to continue his strong track record of recent success on the Gold Coast streets.
He grabbed the lead with a strong start, while Liam Talbot also jumped polesitter Adrian Flack on the opening lap to climb to second.
The trio then spent the remainder of the race locked together in a tense battle, Shahin edging out Talbot and Flack at the line.
Geoff Emery and Dean Cook finished line astern in fourth and fifth position, respectively, as the ongoing battle for the Morris Pro-Am Championship gains intensity in the closing stages of the year.
Provisionally, Harri Jones continues to lead the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, by a reduced margin of 64 points over Aaron Love.
It remains one full race victory clear of his nearest rival, with 60 points up for grabs for winning each of Sunday’s two races.
Dylan O’Keeffe remains in third position, now 74 points from the championship lead.
In Morris Pro-Am, Emery now provisionally leads Liam Talbot by 29 points heading into tomorrow’s two races, with Dean Cook third and a further 8 points behind.
Two races conclude the dramatic 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship tomorrow, including the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy decider on Sunday morning.
Harri Jones holds a narrow 15-point lead over Aaron Love in the Enduro Cup standings, while Liam Talbot leads Sam Shahin by a more comfortable 43 points in the Morris Pro-Am standings.
Callum Hedge, Pro Race 1 winner:
“It was a really good race, I was very nervous on the grid, my ear plug fell off – so I had one in my left and none in the right – so my ears are ringing now and I’m ready for a sleep after this. But really thankful to get the win, just controlled the pace. Every time Dave was a little bit close, I would push a bit harder to get a gap and every time he dropped back, I would slow down and cool the tyres. I managed the gap from there and got the win. In terms of the pressure, I looked in the mirror on one lap and made a mistake, so I stopped looking in the mirror for the last five or six laps, but big thanks to Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport for a great car, hopefully we can do it all again tomorrow.”
Sam Shahin, Morris Pro-Am Race 1 winner:
“There are always mixed emotions coming to the Gold Coast, I had one of my worst races here in 2018 and hurt myself, 2019 was my redemption when I won here… I love this track. Qualifying didn’t go quite to plan but this race was just mega, I got a good start and just had to put my head down and pushed. There’s always a lot of pressure from behind which is always expected with the quality of racing in this Championship, its just unbelievable and so tough. All was going to plan, until we caught up to the four Pros in front of us. There was tyres smoking and cars two wide into every corner so the guys caught up. It got pretty messy for the last four laps. Luckily we kept it together and I just need to keep winning and see what happens to tomorrow.”
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NewsTalbot goes pink for Gold Coast
Liam Talbot announces Breast Cancer awareness initiative with Wash it Australia
Wall Racing’s, Liam Talbot, has chosen the final round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast this weekend, to announce his support for a National Breast Cancer Foundation awareness initiative – together with long time partners Wash it Australia.
For every truck washed by Wash It Australia until the end of October, a portion of the money will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Interested parties can support this charitable cause via the following link: https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/washitaustralia/wash-it-australia-breast-cancer-fundraiser
QUOTES:
Ben Hennock, Wash It Australia CEO: “Wash It Australia has proudly supported breast cancer awareness for a number of years, but this is the first time we have joined forces with a number of our partners, to pull together a larger-scale breast cancer awareness and fundraising initiative. We are unfortunately witnessing one of our Wash It family currently fighting breast cancer, so for us, this year more than ever, it is important to all get behind the cause. I am blown away by how keen our partners were to get involved and I can’t wait to see how much we can collectively raise”
Liam Talbot, Wall Racing: “This is a great initiative by Washit Australia and to further lend my support I’ve changed my hair colour to pink to help raise awareness and hopefully some more money to support research and hopefully soon find a cure”
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
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NewsJones quickest in Friday surfers shootout
Adrian Flack leads Morris Pro-Am in a dramatic day on the Gold Coast
A CLUTCH lap late in the day has delivered Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship leader Harri Jones the fastest time in practice on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
Leaving his run late in the day, Jones’ 1m11.7935s flyer was not only enough to put him on top of the charts, it stands as the quickest ever lap of the shortened Surfers circuit for a Porsche GT3 Cup Car.
Jones leads the championship by 74 points heading into the final three races of the year, with Aaron Love and Dylan O’Keeffe a little over one full race behind the Queenslander.
Adrian Flack topped the Morris Pro-Am leaderboard across the pair of 25-minute sessions in a day of high drama for contenders in both the Pro and Pro-Am categories.
Jones’ last-ditch flyer came at the end of a brutal second session that saw several cars stranded, near misses and a Friday afternoon shootout to see who gets pit exit preference for Qualifying tomorrow.
In the end, Jones led David Russell, Dale Wood and Callum Hedge, with Luke Youlden and Nick McBride next.
Title contender Dylan O’Keeffe was seventh and just ahead of Aaron Love.
Love was quick early in both sessions however clipped the tyre bundles at the beach chicane late in practice two.
The damage broke the steering on his Sonic Porsche, Duvashen Padayachee and Dean Cook taking evasive action as they ran into Turn 11 in a near miss for the latter pair.
The session was red-flagged for the cleanup setting in motion a qualifying-style shootout at the end to set the quickest time.
Almost ever driver improved in the final run with Jones’ flyer looking unlikely to be surpassed before Russell’s last lap saw him draw to within 0.2 seconds of the title leader.
Behind the top eight, Max Vidau and David Wall completed the top-10 overall on Friday’s times.
Morris Pro-Am was similarly intense with Adrian Flack ending up on top.
Championship leader Geoff Emery had a challenging day as he ended up in the barriers at turn two in the second session – he ended the day fifth in Pro-Am and behind nearest class title contender, Dean Cook, who was second.
Emery has a narrow lead over Cook in the Pro-Am standings, despite the latter not yet having scored a race win this year.
Behind Flack, Shahin and Cook, Tim Miles was fourth in class with Emery next.
Liam Talbot, Matt Belford, Rodney Jane, Marc Cini and Scott Taylor completed the Pro-Am leaderboard.
A pair of 10-minute sessions will decide the grid for Morris Pro-Am and then the Pro class on Saturday morning on the Gold Coast.
That will then be followed by the first race of the weekend, with all sessions live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo, and the race also live on the Seven Network.
Harri Jones, fastest Pro:
“Definitely a good session for us, it was a tight one. We only really got two laps of running at the end there on those green tyres, we had to get our prep laps right and then get it set-up and go. Awesome track, it’s a home race for me here this weekend, I’ve been doing loads of laps on this circuit all year, on my push bike and in the car, but overall a really good Friday for us. We have a 10 minute qualifying session tomorrow morning, so the fact that we’re going out first is a really good result for us. We’ll tune it up a little a bit tonight and going again tomorrow.”
Adrian Flack, fastest Morris Pro-Am
“That was a really good session to get the dust and the cobwebs out in the first round. Then just to start to build and work on a few things the second round, that we didn’t get right in the first. The car felt really good, so as I got more confidence, I started push it through a few corners a bit more and picked up some time. Looking forward to tomorrow.”
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NewsGold Coast to host Championship decider as Carrera Cup Australia crowns go down to the wire
Can Harri Jones seal 2022 Championship at the final Porsche round or will Aaron Love pull off the greatest comeback in Carrera Cup Australia history
The eighth and final round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship sees a return to the streets of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, a venue that has historically provided a dramatic backdrop as the Championship decider in both the Pro and Morris Pro-Am classes.
- Harri Jones currently leads Aaron Love in the Pro Championship by 74 points, with 181 points up for grabs on the Gold Coast.
- Dylan O’Keeffe sits a further four points behind, 78 from the lead, while David Wall (-94) and David Russell (-104) are the other drivers still in contention
- Should Love score pole and win all three races, Jones would just need to finish fifth or better in each race to ensure he wins the 2022 title.
- In Morris Pro-Am, Geoff Emery leads Dean Cook by just 22 points with Liam Talbot (-32 points), Sam Shahin (-78 points) and Rodney Jane (-138 points) all still in contention.
The streets of Surfers Paradise have hosted Australia’s premier one-make Championship every year it has been in operation – this year is the 16th time Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia has raced on the Gold Coast and the eleventh time it has hosted the Championship’s final round.
THE EVENT:
History shows that no driver has ever won a Gold Coast Carrera Cup Australia round, without winning at least one of the races on that weekend. The infamous curves and towering skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise have also witnessed the closest finish in Championship history – though it probably didn’t feel like it at the time!
David Russell crossed the line 5.0456s in front of Steve Richards to win the first race in 2014, however a five-second penalty for a start infringement meant the official margin was only 0.0456s in the final results!
From a team perspective, McElrea Racing has won three of the last five rounds on the Gold Coast (Matt Campbell 2015 & 2016, Jaxon Evans 2017) while Sonic Motor Racing has two round wins to its name with James Moffat in 2008 and Nick Foster in 2014. Nick McBride took victory in 2018, Porsche Centre Melbourne’s most recent round win.
Last time out, David Wall won all three races in dominant style in 2019 to beat Cooper Murray and Cameron Hill to the round victory – marking Wall Racing’s first win on the Gold Coast.
Wall set a qualifying record (his second in as many years on the Gold Coast) to start from pole and dominate the weekend. The event was memorable for the at times tense title showdown between Sonic Motor Racing teammates, Jordan Love and Dale Wood, with the pair having a heated showdown, that saw both drivers having to work their way through the field after dramas in race two. Love would ultimately claim the Pro title ahead of Wood and David Wall.
In Morris Pro-Am, Liam Talbot edged out Roger Lago and Adrian Flack in another close Championship finish, winning by 30 points following a consistent, if conservative weekend, on the Surfers streets. It was his and Wall Racing’s first Morris Pro-Am title.
PRO TITLE FIGHT:
Harri Jones leads Aaron Love in the 2022 Pro Championship by 74 points, meaning he can’t lose the lead of the Championship in the opening race, regardless of the result.
Dylan O’Keeffe sits a further four points further behind, 78 from the lead, while David Wall (-94) and David Russell (-104) are the other drivers still in contention, with 181 points up for grabs on the Gold Coast.
Should Love score the Tag Heuer Pole position and win all three races, Jones would need to finish fifth or better in each race to ensure he wins the title. At the same time, should Jones claim Race 1, Love would need to finish 14th or better to keep the title alive going into Sunday’s final two races.
Jones has history on his side: both prior McElrea Racing Carrera Cup titles have been claimed on the Gold Coast.
However, the only time the Championship has changed hands in the final round of the season also occurred at Surfers, when McElrea’s Warren Luff was overhauled by Steven Richards en-route to his 2014 crown.
Love’s come from behind story this year is remarkable and should he claim the title on Sunday, would represent the greatest comeback in Championship history – eclipsing another Sonic driver.
In 2015, Nick Foster had zero points following the first four races of the Championship and following the conclusion of Round 2, was 298 points behind then-leader, Steven Richards.
This year, Aaron Love missed Rounds 2 and 3 of the Championship due to international racing commitments and arrived at Round 4 some 330 points behind leader Harri Jones.
O’Keeffe is in a vastly similar position to Love from a title contention point of view and will be looking to better his previous best of 3rd in the 2019 Carrera Cup Championship.
Wall is further back and will need some luck to go his way to claim the title, though he does stand in a position to continue his remarkable record of never having finished lower than fourth in the Championship since his return in 2016. Wall finished 3rd in 2016, 1st in 2017, 2nd in 2018, 3rd in 2019 and 4th in 2021.
MORRIS PRO-AM BATTLE:
The Bathurst event broke a trend in the Morris Pro-Am battle, as Mount Panorama was the first time this year that the Championship didn’t leave with a different class leader than the prior round. Still, the remarkable title battle will see Morris Pro-Am go down to the wire once again with Geoff Emery leading Dean Cook by a mere 22 points – the second largest margin of the entire season.
Cook (-22 points), Liam Talbot (-32 points), Sam Shahin (-78 points) remain the most obvious title rivals to Emery, however Rodney Jane (-138 points) remains an outside chance. Three-time class champion Stephen Grove is mathematically in contention, though at 180 points from the lead, he would need to score pole, win all three races and ensure the five drivers in front all scored zero should he hope to win title number four.
Following two practice sessions on Friday 28 October, Saturday plays host to a split qualifying (Pro / Morris Pro-Am) session with the first Sprint race scheduled in the mid-afternoon. A 28 lap Endurance race kicks off on Sunday morning, before the final Sprint race at midday. All three races will be broadcast live on both Fox Sports and Kayo Sports throughout the weekend, 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
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Round 8, Gold Coast
Broadcast Schedule:
Friday 28th October 2022
11:55 12:20 – Practice 1
14:35 15:00 – Practice 2
Saturday 29th October 2022
09:55 10:05 – Qualifying 1
10:10 10:20 – Qualifying 2
14:25 14:50 – Race 1 (16 laps)
Sunday 30th October 2022
08:35 09:15 – Race 2 (28 laps)
12:50 13:15 – Race 3 (16 laps)
Entry List:
# | Name | Surname | Sponsor | Class |
5 | Ryan | Suhle | SP Tools / EBM | Pro |
6 | Angelo | Mouzouris | Sonic / PitBox | Pro |
7 | Tim | Miles | Miles Advisory Partners / N2C | Pro-Am |
8 | Nick | McBride | Porsche Centre Melbourne | Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Hallmarc | Pro-Am |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Objective Racing | Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group | Pro |
13 | Sam | Shahin | The Bend Motorsport Park | Pro-Am |
14 | Matthew | Belford | ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne | Pro-Am |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM | Pro |
20 | Adrian | Flack | AGAS National | Pro-Am |
22 | Dean | Cook | Zonzo Racing | Pro-Am |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Wash It / Paynter Dixon | Pro-Am |
28 | Bayley | Hall | Hall Finance & Insurance | Pro |
38 | David | Wall | Monochrome / Paynter Dixon | Pro |
45 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts | Pro |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Force Accessories / MJR | Pro-Am |
53 | Luke | Youlden | TekworkX Motorsport / Hire A Hubby | Pro |
72 | Max | Vidau | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower | Pro |
74 | David | Russell | EMA Motorsport / FRS | Pro |
76 | Christian | Pancione | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Pro |
77 | Rodney | Jane | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts | Pro-Am |
88 | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Pro |
100 | Dale | Wood | Timken Racing | Pro |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Pro-Am |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Pro |
999 | Aaron | Love | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts | Pro |
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NewsMcElrea Racing to enter Porsche Carrera Cup North America in 2023
McElrea announces alternate pathway to IMSA Sports car racing in the US
AUSTRALIAN-based team McElrea Racing will join the Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by Cayman Islands in 2023, marking their first step into competition in the United States.
McElrea Racing has established a separate US base of operations in Mooresville, North Carolina, and will field a multiple-car team in Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship next year.
Their existing Australian operations will continue unaffected.
The team has signed one exciting Australian driver, to be announced in coming weeks, with others to be confirmed at a later date.
Experienced GT and Porsche mechanic David Gahagan has been hired as Crew Chief to manage the US operations.
McElrea and Gahagan’s relationship began eight years ago when he came to Australia with David Calvert-Jones Bathurst 12 Hour program, which was supported by McElrea Racing.
Additional key positions, including race engineers, are already in place.
Based in Queensland, McElrea Racing was founded in 2009 by New Zealand racer Andy McElrea with the ambition of forming the best customer racing team in one-make Porsche racing in Australia.
The team has won 12 major national titles in Australia – including two Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championships – while also currently leading the 2022 championship with one round remaining.
McElrea Racing has also tasted success in long-distance racing with class and outright success at the Bathurst 12 Hour and in GT World Challenge Australia competition.
Current IMSA GTD-Pro class drivers champion Matt Campbell is a McElrea Racing graduate, having raced in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (Class B Champion) and won the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship with McElrea.
Other McElrea Racing alumni include Jaxon Evans, Scott McLaughlin, Alex Davison and James Davison.
Andy McElrea’s eldest son, Hunter, currently races for Andretti Autosport in the Indy Lights championship, on the Road to Indy.
For more information about McElrea Racing, please visit www.mcelrearacing.com
Andy McElrea – Team Principal, McElrea Racing
“I spent six years living and working in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s and I love the lifestyle, the people and the way they go motor racing.
“We’ll be spending a bit more time there in the next few years with Hunter’s racing so the timing of this is perfect.
“We have been looking at it for some time and after discussions with Troy Bundy (Head of One Make & GT Sports for Porsche Motorsport North America), who we know well from racing in Australia, helped me decide that this is where we want to be.
“From a competitive and commercial standpoint, GT racing in the United States is one of the best-kept secrets in Motorsport. It’s the largest market in the world with the best commercial and sponsorship opportunities for young drivers to progress their careers.
“Our objective is to create an alternative to the existing European Porsche Pyramid, wherein we bring young talent from our part of the world to the US. The reality is that the Porsche junior program being developed in the US is creating huge opportunities for young Carrera Cup drivers to win scholarships to advance to IMSA sports car racing, without having to win the junior shootout in Europe!”
“We have had great success with the European pathway, as proven by Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans, but there is opportunity for an alternative and was the key driver behind our decision to tackle this really exciting opportunity. We want to cover both bases.”
“With the people we have in place there is no reason we can’t start our Carrera Cup North America presented by Cayman Islands program the same way our Australian Program did in 2011, which is with immediate success.”
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NewsEMA Motorsport to make Nürburgring debut in Porsche 911 GT3 R
EMA Motorsport heads to the Nürburgring for NLS8
EMA Motorsport will return to GT3 racing later this month with confirmation of entry into the penultimate round of the NLS championship in Germany. After a successful European debut with the Porsche 911 GT3 R at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa, the team heads to the formidable Nürburgring-Nordschleife for the latest event on the calendar, the PAGID Racing 46. DMV Münsterlandpokal. The team will be supported by Porsche endurance experts Manthey, while driving duties will be shared between the formidable Pro line-up of Dennis Olsen (NOR) and Matteo Cairoli (ITA).
The Australian team will take on its first event at the famous German circuit as it continues to build knowledge and experience, working with Manthey who will run the ‘Grello’ Porsche 911 GT3 R alongside EMA Motorsport.
The NLS, or Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie, takes place on the affectionally nicknamed ‘Green Hell’ – the combined 24.358km (15.1 miles) layout of the Nordschleife ‘northern loop’ and the sprint track of the Grand Prix circuit. NLS8 takes place on 22 October 2022.
Driver bios:
Dennis Olsen
Dennis Olsen joins the team with strong experience of both the Porsche 911 GT3 R and of the Nordschleife. The 26-year-old Norwegian secured the Carrera Cup Germany title in 2017 and has
campaigned in the NLS competition every year since 2018. Other notable successes include both Bathurst 12 Hour and Intercontinental GT Challenge titles in 2019, and he has scored a podium at
the Daytona 24 Hours earlier this year ahead of a debut DTM campaign with a race win and two podiums.
Matteo Cairoli
Italian Matteo Cairoli brings a wealth of endurance knowledge, racing extensively with Porsche since winning the Carrera Cup Italy in 2014. At 26 years old, Matteo has campaigned with the brand in GTE and GT3 competition globally, including the GT World Challenge Europe, World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans. He has also contested the NLS championship since 2015, and claimed victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hour event last season.
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NewsLove, Talbot claim shortened Bathurst event
Pro and Pro-Am titles to go down to the wire on the Gold Coast
AARON LOVE and Liam Talbot have claimed the big trophies in the seventh round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Mount Panorama.
Love, in the Pro class, and Talbot in Morris Pro-Am stood on the iconic Bathurst podium based on the strength of their race one results.
Love won ahead of Max Vidau and Dylan O’Keeffe, while Talbot claimed Pro-Am ahead of Geoff Emery and Adrian Flack.
Race two on Saturday was cancelled and never started due to the torrential rain and flooding at the circuit, while Sunday’s race was started – but not completed to a distance where it could be classified as a complete race.
A delayed start due to circuit repairs, followed by an early Safey Car saw the race red flagged on account of the time considerations at the event.
The race was declared a no-race, with no points awarded.
The results of race one will see the final round of the 2022 championship on the streets of Surfers Paradise to commence with five drivers in title calculations.
Harri Jones continues to lead the championship, his margin 74 points to the now second-placed Aaron Love.
Dylan O’Keeffe sits third, five points behind Love, while former champion David Wall (-94) and David Russell (-104) remain in title calculations.
In Morris Pro-Am Geoff Emery becomes the first driver to lead the championship for consecutive rounds this season.
The Victorian, despite finishing runner-up to Liam Talbot this weekend, leads the class heading to the Gold Coast.
Five drivers are also in contention for the Pro-Am title with Emery leading Dean Cook 785-763 points.
Talbot sits third in the championship, a further 1o points back, while Sam Shahin and Rodney Jane remain in title calculations.
The final round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be staged on the streets of Surfers Paradise at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, on October 28-30.
QUOTES:
David Stuart, Motorsport Australia Race Director:
“The parameters we had to deal with was the race start was delayed due to an on-track repair, which then meant that our original time certain time for the race needed to be revised.
“We were then advised that our new time certain time would be 10:07am plus 1 lap. We started the race under safety car for safety reasons at Turn 1 and track conditions. The opening lap was slower than racing speed and everyone got through, the safety car was then withdrawn. We then had two cars go off at Turn 21, one got out and the other did the very best they could to try and get out and ended up facing the oncoming traffic against the barrier.
“At that point, the time was winding down and we couldn’t have the whole field coming through that corner under racing pace, because of the two cars that went off the lap before and there was high potential for more cars to go off and the stranded car was in a vulnerable position. We only had two choices and one was to deploy the safety car, which we did.
“The time certain time would have ticked over prior to the safety car even making the control line to start another lap, which would have been done under safety car.
“The considerations were at that point after we had deployed the safety car, whether to red flag the race or not prior to the time certain time – therefore it would be classified as a non-race, as we hadn’t reached the time certain time nor had we done 50% of the scheduled laps.
“So given the situation that occurred at Townsville it was my view, and based on the feedback of teams from Townsville, that it would be the best option to suspend the race and not restart it, thus having it not classified as a race.”
Aaron Love, Pro Round winner:
“We’ve had a pretty good weekend obviously coming away with pole and effectively two race wins, but everyone from myself to the person who finished last are all pretty disappointed as we realistically only got one race in.
“We got going again, but to no avail so we’ll pack-up and look forward to Gold Coast at the end of the season, its one of my favourite tracks. Its been a good weekend, all considered. I love racing with Sonic in Carrera Cup Australia and Gold Coast, I went there in 2019 for my first Carrera Cup round and had an absolute ball, so regardless of what happens in the Championship I’m sure we’ll have a great race.”
Liam Talbot, Morris Round winner:
“Its been a good weekend, I love the wet conditions so I was rubbing my hands together thinking its going to be a good weekend. We unfortunately didn’t get too much running yesterday and today, the conditions in Race 1 were treacherous so using all that experience to get the race win was very satisfying.
“The fact that we didn’t get race 2 and 3, doesn’t bother me. Its unbelievable to stand on the top step here in Bathurst, last time I was here I had a 9 month baby and my young daughter I was on the podium, so to be on the top step now, with them watching at home is really cool.”
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NewsWet-weather clinic delivers Love another win
Liam Talbot battles Geoff Emery to claim Morris Pro-Am class win in pouring rain
AARON LOVE has stormed to his sixth win from the last seven races in a wet and wild Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia opener at Mount Panorama on Friday.
Starting from pole, the Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Motor Racing driver drove away from the field early before doing it again late in the race following a Safety Car to record his ninth career Carrera Cup win.
In Morris Pro-Am, Liam Talbot battled Geoff Emery for class honours and, in a fight that went down to the final corner, claimed his fifth race win of the season.
The scheduled 15-lap race began behind the Safety Car after torrential rain lashed Mount Panorama from midday on Friday.
The field completed three laps under yellow conditions before the Safety Car was resumed, allowing Love to charge away out in front.
He built a more than eight-second lead before a safety car negated his margin mid-race, after Marc Cini’s car stopped – without damage – following a spin at The Chase.
On the restart, Love pulled away once again and edged out to a four-second margin at the line.
Behind Love, Dylan O’Keeffe held second position for the opening stanza of the race, however was relegated to third position at the finish thanks to the efforts of a hard-charging Max Vidau.
The South Australian had started fifth but quickly worked his way through the field to contend for a spot on the podium by mid-race.
He was involved in a competitive multi-car battle with Dale Wood, Harri Jones, David Russell and Simon Fallon for the final spot on the podium.
He climbed to fourth on lap six, third on lap eight and then squeezed himself past O’Keeffe with three laps remaining to claim his third Carrera Cup runner-up finish.
O’Keeffe finished third to secure another haul of championship points, while Harri Jones recovered to fourth in what was a tense drive for the championship leader.
Dale Wood slipped back to fifth at the finish of the shortened race, while David Russell, Simon Fallon, Callum Hedge, Jackson Walls and Christian Pancione completed the top-10.
In Morris Pro-Am, Talbot was the beneficiary of a mid-race pass on Geoff Emery to claim his class victory.
Talbot started third in Pro-Am however passed Adrian Flack on the opening lap and set out about chasing Emery, before ultimately working his way past mid race.
Emery continued to apply pressure to the Wall Racing driver for the remaining laps with the pair crossing the line nose to tail.
Adrian Flack finished third and Sam Shahin fourth, with a consistent run netting Dean Cook fifth.
The only major incident of the race was caused when both Scott Taylor and Marc Cini spun at the chase, the pair two of several drivers caught out by the rivers of water running across the entry to The Chase.
While Taylor was able to proceed without delay, Cini was stuck just long enough to force race control to deploy the Safety Car, before he was able to recover.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field returns to Mount Panorama tomorrow for the second race in round 7, and the 400th championship race in series history.
Aaron Love, Pro:
“It was pretty tricky out there, I got a good start after the safety car and pulled a massive gap, which was nice, but then the safety car threw another curve ball at us. I focussed hard and got my head down after the restart and manged to pull a little bit of a gap. I was just happy to come away with no scratches and a clean car and we can press on tomorrow. It got better toward the end of the session because there were more and more cars lapping, but definitely through The Chase there was a river running across there which created some sketchy moments up until lap 4. Its pretty tired over there, but after that we could get down to business.”
Liam Talbot, Morris Pro Am:
“It was hard to describe the conditions other than extreme wet and rivers running across the circuit, we’re aquaplaning and wheel spinning in a straight line, we could not to see anything. We started fourth got to first and the car felt so good so a big thanks to Wall Racing. I got Adrian Flack off the start and the car was really good under brakes with good traction off the corner. Overall car was really fun to drive.”
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NewsLove smashes Bathurst record to claim TAG Heuer Pole Award
Geoff Emery scores Morris Pro-Am pole position as tight title battle continues
THE quickest lap in one-make Porsche history at Mount Panorama has delivered Aaron Love pole position for the seventh round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, at the Repco Bathurst 1000.
In what turned out to be a dramatic 10-minute dash for pole position, Love flew to the top spot with a 2m05.3525s lap late on Thursday afternoon – and he could have gone quicker had it not been for late traffic on his final flyer.
He secured his fourth career TAG Heuer Pole Position award and continued his remarkable charge from nowhere into title contention with two rounds and six races remaining.
Geoff Emery scored the Morris Pro-Am pole position and ran among the top-10 quickest Pros for much of the session, continuing that pulsating Carrera Cup race within a race.
The session was held in gloomy yet thankfully dry conditions, setting up a thrilling shootout from a field yet to experience the Type-992 GT3 Cup Car in dry conditions on the Mountain.
The earlier, sole 50-minute practice sessions was held in the rain, levelling the playing field for qualifying.
The session had barely started before the red flag flew, Max Vidau stuck in the gravel at Turn 1 having locked his inside front on the run into Hell corner.
Once the recovery was complete just 10 minutes remained on the clock setting up a shootout for pole.
David Russell was quick early, as was Harri Jones – driving a repaired McElrea entry following a crash at the Cutting in practice earlier in the day.
Dylan O’Keeffe then spent time on top of the charts before Love struck first with a 2m06.0s best – already the quickest ever Cup Car lap of Bathurst.
He then improved a further seven-tenths on the following tour to put the result out of doubt – and was set to improve again on his final flyer before traffic slowed him across the top.
His 2m05.3525s best stands as the quickest one-make Porsche lap in Bathurst history, finally eclipsing Jaxon Evans’ existing record of 2m06.2285, set in 2018.
O’Keeffe pushed hard on his final flyer and was able to close the margin to Love, however still ended 0.6 seconds behind in second position.
Dale Wood was a late improver, charging his Timken / EBM car to third position at the very end of the session.
He displaced championship leader Jones, who had held third but will start race one from the outside of the second row on Friday.
The top three cars all lapped beneath the existing qualifying record, with the promise of more to come had the session run its full duration under green.
Vidau rebounded superbly from his earlier off to qualify his car fifth, just ahead of Christian Pancione, while Jackson Walls, Nick McBride, Simon Fallon and David Russell completed the top-10.
Big names to miss the top-10 include championship contender David Wall, who could only manage 15th overall in his Wall Racing machine.
Emery took a commanding pole position in Morris Pro-Am, the fifth of his career in the championship.
His 2m08.1544s best saw him a comfortable margin ahead of Pro-Am rival Sam Shahin, with Adrian Flack third in class.
Liam Talbot was fourth and Dean Cook – who is second in the championship heading into the Bathurst round – fifth.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will race for the 399th time tomorrow, ahead of their milestone 400th race on Saturday.
Tomorrow’s race, set to start at 2:15om local time, will be live on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Channel 7 around Australia.
QUOTES:
Aaron Love, Pro:
“Pretty difficult session but I’m really happy with it. It was the first time in this car, at this track, but it was the same for everybody. It was a case of learning the track and seeing what this car can do, but then it started raining a little bit and just threw another curve ball at us.
“But just really happy we can come away with pole, but also learn a lot about the car in the process and have no scratches on it, so I’m pretty stoked.”
Geoff Emery, Morris Pro Am:
“The session started off dry, but toward the end there it was starting to get a bit wet over the top.
“So once the tyres were up, it was just a matter of committing to it and finding a clean lap. We had a clear gap after the restart and I was able to concentrate on my own lap and not have to worry about anyone trying to pass me, in the end it was really good lap.”
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NewsPorsche Carrera Cup Australia celebrates milestone 400th championship race
Marc Cini celebrates record 350th race start at Mount Panorama
Marc Cini celebrates record 350th race start at Mount Panorama
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship celebrates its milestone 400th championship race as part of a massive Repco Bathurst 1000 event at Mount Panorama this weekend.
The second race of the seventh round of the 2022 Championship will see the category reach a milestone that has been achieved by only a handful of national-level championships in the history of Australian Motorsport.
The milestone 400th Championship race will see a field of 29 Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Cars charge towards Turn one on Saturday afternoon at Mount Panorama, as the 2022 championships in both Pro and Morris Pro-Am reach their deciding moments.
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia has carved a reputation as one of the most competitive and visible national categories in the sport, serving as both a destination category and as a pathway for young stars looking to further their driving careers both nationally and internationally.
227 drivers have raced in the category since its first race, staged at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 12 April 2003. Australia and New Zealand Motorsport legend Jim Richards won that first race aboard his Jim Richards Racing Porsche 996 GT3 Cup Car, going on to claim the first seven consecutive races and the 2003 title.
Richards, the inaugural Carrera Cup Australia Champion, was the first to win 10, 20 and 30 Carrera Cup race wins in Australia and still holds the records for most consecutive race wins (8) and most wins in a single season (20, both achieved in 2003).
It took more than six weeks and the third round of the 2003 season to see the championships second ever winner: Marcus Marshall breaking Richards’ streak at Winton in round 3 that year.
49 different drivers have won Carrera Cup championship races in Australia, with five-time champion Craig Baird claiming the most of all time, with 60 wins to his credit.
Alex Davison, with 47 race wins, and Richards’ 31 victories see those two Porsche legends join Baird as the only drivers to have claimed more than 20 race wins.
Other notable Carrera Cup Australia race winners include a host of Supercars stars and Bathurst champions, including Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, Steven Richards, Nick Percat, Warren Luff, Andre Heimgartner, Luke Youlden and Lee Holdsworth.
Meanwhile, race winning names like Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans, Nick Foster and Jordan Love have used the championship to progress their careers to an international level.
26 drivers, including 10 current competitors, have started more than 100 Carrera Cup races in Australia, with Morris Pro-Am competitor Tim Miles the latest to join the group at Sandown recently.
2017 champion David Wall eclipsed 200 career race starts earlier this season, while Morris Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove will likely be next to reach the 200-club.
Marc Cini holds the record for the most starts by any single driver: The Victorian aboard familiar Hallmarc Property Group entry to make his 350th championship race start at the same time the category he has long supported launches into their 400th. Cini has contested 119 of the 135 championship rounds held to date.
Of the current field, only Cini and Rodney Jane were on the grid for the first championship race in Carrera Cup Australia history.
More than 180 individual cars, across Porsche’s 996, 997, 997 MY11, 991, 991.2 and 992-generation GT3 Cup Cars have competed across the lifespan of the series to date.
EMA Motorsport driver David Russell holds the record for the narrowest winning margin in a Carrera Cup race, claiming Race 1 on the Gold Coast in 2014 by 0.0456s – following a five second time penalty applied post-race.
Three races have been decided by less than 0.1 seconds, while only a handful of races have been decided by more than 10 seconds: the largest winning margin (13.7 seconds) being Jonny Reid’s win over Alex Davison at Phillip Island, in 2012.
Qualifying for Round 7 of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship takes place on Thursday afternoon followed by one race each day across the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Repco Bathurst 1000 event, all broadcast Live via FoxSports Ch 506, Kayo Sports and free-to-air via the Seven Network.
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
Broadcast Schedule:
Thursday 06 October
Qualifying 17:10-17:30
Friday 07 October
Race 1 14:15-14:55 (15 laps)
Saturday 08 October
Race 2 15:20-15:45 (9 laps)
Sunday 09 October
Race 3 09:40-10:05 (9 laps)
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NewsCarrera Cup Championship battles intensify as title rivals make their mark
Jones and Emery retain Championship advantage
What was a three-way championship battle has become a fight between five as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship reaches what is set to be a hugely competitive end to the season. Meanwhile, the ever-fluctuating Morris Pro-Am championship remains on a knife’s edge with a key contender yet to stamp their authority on a pulsating championship battle across the first six rounds this year.
Heading into round 7 at the Repco Bathurst 1000 this weekend, Harri Jones continues to lead the Pro championship, with a 68-point advantage, despite his first non-finish of the season in the final race of Round 6 at Sandown.
The unpredictable, wet weekend of racing in the south east of Melbourne affected all the top Pro contenders and actually saw Jones seal the 2022 Michelin Junior title and grow his Pro class advantage over his nearest rival heading towards Mount Panorama.
That rival is now David Wall, who returned to second in the standings in round 6 having been passed by the in-form Dylan O’Keeffe at The Bend Motorsport Park in round 5.
Wall’s consistent weekend, coupled with O’Keeffe’s Sunday struggles at Sandown – which included a points penalty for contact with Max Vidau in Sandown’s Enduro Cup race – have positioned the 2017 champion 16 points clear in second position heading into two of his stronger circuits.
Although O’Keeffe remains firmly in the hunt in third, the big mover in the Pro Championship is Aaron Love who has rocketed himself into contention with back-to-back round victories.
The West Australian has scored 460 points to Jones’ 212 across the last three rounds and despite missing a pair of events earlier in the season, now sits 92 points from the championship lead – with 6 races remaining and a potential 362 points still up for grabs.
EMA Motorsport’s David Russell also sits in striking distance, a further two points back in fifth place heading to Mount Panorama – a track he has a lot of experience on.
Dale Wood, Callum Hedge, Christian Pancione, Max Vidau and Luke Youlden complete the current top-10 championship standings. Big improvers across the last three rounds also include Jackson Walls (11th in the championship but fifth in points scored across the last 3 rounds), Brad Shiels (12th, but seventh in points across the last 3 rounds) and Simon Fallon (14th, but ninth in points scored across Townsville, The Bend and Sandown).
The remarkable battle for the Morris Pro-Am championship continues to impress with an incredible streak ongoing following Round 6 at Sandown last time out. The class has seen a different points leader following every event so far this season and Sandown was no exception. Geoff Emery’s clutch round win saw him return to the top of the standings, that were led by Sam Shahin following his victory at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Emery won the opening round of the championship before losing the lead following Round 2 at Winton. He then surrendered the lead to Shahin in Darwin, but quickly bounced back to the top following his win in Townsville a few weeks later.
Shahin struck back with his home-circuit victory at The Bend, reclaiming the points lead, before Emery’s counterattack at the weekend. Emery now leads the ever-consistent Dean Cook by just 4 points, despite the Zonzo Estate driver having not claimed a race or round victory this year.
Four drivers sit within quick striking distance of Emery: Liam Talbot holds down third position some 38 points from the lead, while two-time points leader Shahin is fourth, 66 points back. Rodney Jane sits fifth in the standings with three-time champion Stephen Grove sixth.
This year is the 18th time that Mount Panorama will have hosted a Carrera Cup Australia round. What is significant is that no Bathurst Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round has ever been won by a driver that did not win a race in that weekend’s round.
Race 2 of this weekend will also be significant for two reasons. Marc Cini will mark his 350th Carrera Cup Australia race, while Race 2 of the round will be the 400th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race – an amazing accomplishment for any national championship.
Round 7 of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences on Thursday with practice and qualifying, to be followed by one race each day across the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Repco Bathurst 1000 event. The event will be broadcast live via Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports and free-to-air across the Seven Network.
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, Round 7, Bathurst
Broadcast Schedule:
Thursday 06 October
Practice 08:55 – 09:45
Qualifying 17:10 – 17:30
Friday 07 October
Race 1 14:15 – 14:55 (15 laps)
Saturday 08 October
Race 2 15:20 – 15:45 (9 laps)
Sunday 09 October
Race 3 09:40 – 10:05 (9 laps)
Entry List:
# | Name | Surname | Class | Sponsor |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Pro-Am | Grove Racing |
5 | Ryan | Suhle | Pro | SP Tools / EBM |
6 | Angelo | Mouzouris | Pro | Sonic Motor Racing / PitBox |
7 | Tim | Miles | Pro-Am | Miles Advisory Partners / N2C |
8 | Nick | McBride | Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Pro | Objective Racing |
12 | Harri | Jones | Pro | Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group |
13 | Sam | Shahin | Pro-Am | The Bend Motorsport Park |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am | ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Pro | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM |
20 | Adrian | Flack | Pro-Am | AGAS National |
22 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am | Zonzo Racing |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Pro-Am | Wash It / Paynter Dixon |
28 | Bayley | Hall | Pro | Hall Finance & Insurance |
38 | David | Wall | Pro | Monochrome / Paynter Dixon |
45 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Pro | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Pro-Am | Force Accessories / MJR |
53 | Luke | Youlden | Pro | TekworkX Motorsport / Hire A Hubby |
72 | Max | Vidau | Pro | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower |
74 | David | Russell | Pro | EMA Motorsport / FRS |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Pro | VCM Performance / HP Tuners |
77 | Rodney | Jane | Pro-Am | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts |
86 | Drew | Hall | Pro-Am | Wall Racing |
88 | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Pro | Dexion / RAM Motorsport |
100 | Dale | Wood | Pro | Timken Racing |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Pro-Am | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Pro | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech |
999 | Aaron | Love | Pro | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts |
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NewsStephen and Brenton Grove reveal FIA Motorsport Games GT livery
FIA Motorsport Games - Team Australia
Stephen and Brenton Grove have taken the wraps off their 2022 FIA Motorsport Games livery where they’ll seek for another medal in the GT category. This year will see Stephen Grove captaining the Australian team in what will be an all-star line-up.
Team Australia recently announced the participation of Porsche factory driver and 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Matt Campbell, who will join Stephen and his son, Brenton in the GT Sprint category. TCR representative Aaron Cameron and Karting youngsters Aiva Anagnostiadis and Peter Bouzinelos, are also among Team Australia’s talent taking on the games at Circuit Paul Ricard in France later this month.
Stephen and Brenton unveiled the livery for their Porsche today which features their signature boxing kangaroo; a personal touch which is seen on the majority of Porsche’s driven by the father-son duo. The striking red compliments the white and blue elements on either side, mirroring the Australian flag which spans the bonnet and roof.
QUOTES
Brenton Grove: “The games mark an exciting stage in global motorsport and as a team, we couldn’t be prouder to represent Australia on such a stage. We think the livery will stand out well as we take to one of the most iconic circuits in the world later this month.”
Stephen Grove: “The Australian team is ready for the challenge ahead, and I am excited by the line-up we have which includes some fantastic Australian drivers including Matt Campbell. I’m excited to work with all team members to support them in their respective categories. Our GT livery showcases our signature boxing kangaroo which features on a range of Porsche’s myself and Brenton have driven over the years. It’s fitting to be representing Australia with this, and I look forward to seeing it inn action at Paul Ricard.”
The FIA Motorsport Games will take place at Circuit Paul Ricard in France on 28-30 October with the event to be broadcast in Australia.
For more Porsche Motorsport Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsMatt Campbell confirmed for FIA Motorsport Games alongside Stephen and Brenton Grove
Porsche works driver joins Australian father-son pairing in GT Endurance category
Matt Campbell has become the latest driver to be selected to represent Team Australia for the upcoming FIA Motorsport Games.
The 2016 Carrera Cup Australia Champion will compete in the GT Sprint at the famous Paul Ricard Circuit in October, hoping to add a Gold medal to what is already an impressive resume.
The Porsche factory driver will join Stephen Grove and Brenton Grove, who will contest the GT Endurance category, TCR representative Aaron Cameron and Karting youngsters Aiva Anagnostiadis and Peter Bouzinelos on Team Australia.
Ahead of his FIA Motorsport Games appearance, Campbell was excited for the new challenge.
“I’m looking forward to my first participation in the FIA Motorsport Games later this year with Team Australia and joining Brenton and Steve in the GT component,” Campbell said.
“It should be a lot of fun as it will be the first time driving together with the Groves after competing against each other for many years now.”
Racing for more for than a decade now, the Queenslander has long been a part of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid for which he joined in 2014 via the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia (formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge).
His big breakthrough came in 2016 when he won the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship and was invited to take part in Porsche’s prestigious Global Junior Shootout.
Becoming the first driver to win the Shootout from the Southern Hemisphere, Campbell landed a position as a Porsche factory driver and has since been competing in many GT events around the world.
Highlights of his international career to date include an outright third place in the 2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and outright second in both the 2018/2019 FIA World Endurance Championship LMGTE Am class and 2020 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup – the former of which included a class victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This year, Campbell is on the hunt for the IMSA Sportscar Championship title in the United States alongside long-time teammate Mathieu Jaminet of France, with the duo leading the standings ahead of the final round.
His impressive run of form was rewarded earlier this year when he was named as a core driver in the Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 hypercar which will be campaigned in both the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA.
With such a strong record in GT racing, Team Australia captain Stephen Grove was confident Campbell would fare well at the Games.
“I have known Matt for a long time and have experienced first-hand his exceptional car control and race craft,” Stephen said.
“He will bring invaluable experience, not only to the GT race but will be a great asset for the entire Team Australia.”
Brenton echoed his father’s sentiments about the talented Queenslander and was looking forward to competing alongside him.
“We were always keen to try and line up a drive together so when the opportunity presented itself, we had to take it,” Brenton added.
“To have him continue his relationship with Grove Racing into a car he’s more familiar with is exciting, we’re doing everything we can to try and generate another medal for Australia.”
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was pleased to welcome Campbell to the team.
“A big congratulations to Matt for being selected as the latest representative for Team Australia at the FIA Motorsport Games,” Arocca said.
“To have a driver of Matt’s calibre join the team is a major boost for our campaign at this year’s FIA Motorsport Games and I have no doubt his addition will have a positive impact.
“As an individual with a successful racing history, Matt brings a wealth of experience in GT racing to the fold and we wish him all the best in his endeavours for Gold in France.”
The FIA Motorsport Games will take place at Circuit Paul Ricard in France on 28-30 October.
For race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsApplications for the 2023 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship Open
Team Porsche NZ outlines application process for Scholarship programme supporting young kiwi talent
Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is opening the application process for its Scholarship programme to support a young kiwi talent to drive in the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series.
TPNZ has already had success in achieving its purpose – winning & creating a pathway for young New Zealand talent to advance in motorsport. In its debut Australian season, the 2021 scholarship recipient Matthew Payne achieved two pole positions, and a race win in the Carrera Cup Australia.
Payne has since signed with Grove Racing as their inaugural inductee into their Grove Junior Team, debuting in the Dunlop Super2 Series this year.
In 2022, Callum Hedge has been competing for Team Porsche New Zealand in the Carrera Cup Australia scholarship seat and after his maiden win in Townsville, Hedge is currently sitting in 7th place with 483 points in the Pro Drivers standings.
In his first year with Team Porsche NZ, Ryan Wood is currently ranked second place in the 2022
Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, the feeder series for the top-tier Carrera Cup Championship.
Halfway through the race season, motorsport expert Greg Rust recently sat down with Callum and Ryan, to chat about the highs and lows of their season so far and what the future has in store: Click here to watch the interview.
Applications for the 2023 scholarship are now being accepted online and will be closing on the 13th of September: Apply here.
A short list of candidates will then be chosen for interview and assessments before a final selection will be made.
QUOTES:
Earl Bamber: “Our recipients of the 2022 scholarship have done an incredible job this year. Callum Hedge achieved our first ever round win for a scholarship winner, and Ryan Wood has had a fantastic season so far, also grabbing a round win and pole positions in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge. It’s amazing to see their progression and now we are looking forward to choosing a new recipient for the Team Porsche scholarship in 2023.”
Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke: “It’s great to see ongoing success come out of the scholarship programme and it has been a pleasure following Matthew’s development after being signed with Grove racing this year. We hope to see a similar success story with Callum at the end of the Carrera Cup season as he has had great success so far in the brand new 992 GT3 Cup Car. This programme in conjunction with our support of the local Porsche NZ Championship & Super GT New Zealand Motor Racing Series are key in our support of New Zealand Motorsport and talent.”
Porsche Cars Australia’s Motorsport Manager, Barry Hay: “It has been fantastic to witness the success the Team Porsche New Zealand drivers have had with the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team since entering both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and our feeder series, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia. It’s been equally rewarding to see the high regard New Zealand teams and drivers have for both our Championships, as they continue to provide the most proven pathway for young Australasian drivers to reach the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.”
About Team Porsche New Zealand:
Team Porsche New Zealand was formed by Porsche New Zealand in conjunction with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in late 2019 to provide young New Zealand talent the opportunity and pathway to advance their motorsport career in Australia. The scholarship program sees drivers competing in the
Carrera Cup Australia which is a key component in the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, and the feeder series, the Porsche Sprint Challenge.
The team is based in Brisbane and run by EBM, whose principals are brothers Earl & Will Bamber. Two times Le Mans 24 hour winner Earl himself progressed his motorsport career via the Porsche Pyramid through Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Super Cup and ultimately as a factory driver for Porsche in both the WEC (World Endurance Championship) & the North American IMSA (International Motor Sports Association).
It is intended that each year a scholarship will be offered to support an exciting young New Zealand talent achieving a drive in the Porsche Pynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and a second driver in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series. The combination of the Bamber’s international motor racing and Porsche Motorsport experience providing a unique opportunity to develop their skills and succeed.
For further information regards the 2023 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship please contact:
Jamie Taylor
Sales Manager – Porsche New Zealand
Phone: +64 21 803 358
E-mail: jtaylor@porsche.co.nz
Caitlin Ryan
Marketing Manager – Porsche New Zealand
Phone: +64 21 191 2425
E-mail: cryan@porsche.co.nz
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NewsLove climbs to title contention with crushing Sandown victory
Morris Pro-Am fight goes the way of Geoff Emery at Melbourne circuit
AARON LOVE has secured back-to-back Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia rounds amidst a dramatic sixth round of the season at Sandown Raceway in Melbourne, while local Geoff Emery triumphed in Morris Pro-Am.
A pair of races produced remarkable racing and varied results as the two drivers first and second in the championship each suffered a non-finish in what was a dramatic day of racing.
Dylan O’Keeffe, who trailed leader Harri Jones by just 22 points following his Race 1 win, failed to finish the enduro cup race – while points leader Harri Jones was a non-finisher on Sunday afternoon in the weekend finale.
Through it all, Aaron Love continued his remarkable run to claim the round, leading Simon Fallon home in a 1-2 result for the Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Motor Racing outfit.
David Russell completed the round podium in his milestone 50th Carrera Cup Australia round.
Love’s path to the round win came via a racy performance in the Enduro Cup, claiming the victory there before dominating the final race to win by the largest ever margin for a Porsche race at Sandown.
His repeat winning performance ended a streak of seven different winners from the last seven Carrera Cup rounds.
Fallon’s podium was the first of his Carrera Cup career, the former Michelin Sprint Challenge champion producing a racy performance to finish the Enduro Cup race in second, before leading the finale’ briefly and ultimately finishing fifth to secure second overall.
Russell’s podium came after qualifying only 14th, working his way through the field as the weekend progressed.
Remarkably, Harri Jones continues to hold a championship lead into Mount Panorama’s seventh round of the championship, despite failing to finish the final race.
Aaron Love, who is fifth, has dramatically closed the margin to the leaders and can consider himself a title contender as the championship approaches the business end of the season.
Geoff Emery’s Morris Pro-Am victory came by virtue of two wins from the three races, while fellow home-town hero Matt Belford won the Enduro Cup race on Sunday morning.
Belford finished second overall for the weekend while Adrian Flack was third.
The enduro cup race on Sunday morning was a wild affair and while Aaron Love claimed the victory, it was no easy thing.
A wild start saw Max Vidau briefly lead into turn one, before running wide and allowing Love and O’Keeffe back through.
A crazy sequence of racing a few laps later saw Love wide at Turn one, opening the door to the race one winner to re-take the lead.
The trip then raced wheel to wheel on the run to turn six, with Love re-taking the lead and Vidau grabbing second as O’Keeffe ran around the outside at the high speed, 200-plus Km/hr corner.
O’Keeffe ran slightly wide and partially through the runoff, he and Vidau making contact on the re-join in the braking zone with the hit sending the TekworkX driver spinning into the fence and out of the race. O’Keeffe would also later pit and fail to finish the race with damage.
On the restart, Love lead Harri Jones, who was the main beneficiary of the exchange, and teammate Simon Fallon.
Fallon was quickly able to pass Jones for second, however, to secure a 1-2 result for the Bob Jane T-Marts backed Sonic entries, with Jones scoring his first Top 3 finish since Darwin back in June.
Matt Belford won a wild Morris Pro-Am fight ahead of Liam Talbot and Adrian Flack, while Race 1 winner Geoff Emery was fifth and fellow title contender Sam Shahin a lap one non-finish.
Fallon then jumped to an early lead at the start of race three, however ran wide at turn three to hand the lead to his teammate – one he’d never lose.
Love powered away in front to win by more than eight seconds while Callum Hedge charged his way through to second.
Jackson Walls was third in the final race; contact between he and teammate Jones the reason for the latter’s non-finish in the closing stages of the race. Russell was fourth while Fallon slipped to fifth following his earlier moment at turn three.
While O’Keeffe could recover no further than 15th from the back of the grid, fellow title contender David Wall finished 10th following a late off at Turn 9.
Emery rebounded strongly to claim a narrow Morris Pro-Am race win over Belford and Flack to determine the class podium.
After a remarkably busy stretch of racing, the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship takes a well-earned break prior to the penultimate round of the championship at the Repco Bathurst 1000 this October 6-9.
Aaron Love, Pro winner
“It’s a pretty good felling to win the round here and carry on from Tailem Bend. For us to win two out of the three races and have Simon (Fallon) second for a 1-2 Sonic podium finish is pretty cool. The car felt great all weekend and the Sonic team’s been working really hard, so its huge props to them, they’ve really turned it on this year and its definitely showing on and off track. I struggled a bit with our starts this weekend, so got through the first few corners and then tried to settle in. I came up behind Simon and didn’t want to have a big lung at him – because it was too big a risk as he’s my teammate, but he made a little bit of a mistake into turn 2 and I saw it. So I tried to stay hard to the left through turn 3 and went wide out to the right. He gave the corner to me in the end which was nice, I didn’t have to work very hard for it, but in the end we got the race win and round win, so I couldn’t be happier.”
Geoff Emery, Morris Finance Pro-Am
“It feels really good, I obviously did my best to throw it away in race 2, but we had a really good car in race 3, so I think that made up for everything. Overall very happy for the round win and big thanks to the ASM boys, they gave me an awesome car, which I think was our advantage this weekend. I’m very happy to win the round.
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NewsHarri Jones crowned 2022 Porsche Michelin Junior Champion
Another McElrea driver earns Porsche Global Junior Shootout nomination
Harri Jones has been crowned the 2022 Porsche Michelin Junior Champion at Round 6 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Sandown Raceway.
Following strong performances in the early rounds of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season, the McElrea driver had already amassed an unassailable lead in the Porsche Michelin Junior Championship heading into round 6 at Sandown Raceway.
Both Porsche Cars Australia’s CEO & Managing Director, Daniel Schmollinger, and Michelin Australia’s Managing Director and Commercial Director B2C of Oceania, Oliver Biggart, were present at Sandown Raceway to crown the new Michelin Champion, whose ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid first began with the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia title in 2019.
As part of his prize, Jones receives a trip to Germany to attend the Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions Dinner in December 2022. The main prize for the Michelin Junior drivers is a nomination to attend the global Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout in Europe to represent the Carrera Cup Australia later this year.
The Porsche Junior Shootout 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.
Carrera Cup Australia drivers that have progressed up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in recent years via the Michelin Junior Programme, include the likes of two-time Carrera Cup Champion, Jaxon Evans, Matt Campbell (Porsche factory driver), Nick Foster, Andre Heimgartner, Jordan Love, Cooper Murray, Cameron Hill and Dylan O’Keeffe, who have all since gone on to succeed at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.
Quotes:
Harri Jones, 2022 Porsche Michelin Junior Champion: “The Porsche Michelin Junior Championship is what we’ve been working for since we joined Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in 2019, to have won the Junior title is a big tick for this year and obviously we still have the outright Carrera Cup Championship to win as well. So that’s our full focus at the moment, but to potentially get the opportunity to go to the Global Shootout against the best junior Carrera Cup drivers from around the world, is a dream come true. I hope we can get the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Matt (Campbell) and Jaxon (Evans) as we’ve all been supported by the McELrea team.”
“This year started off really well, but we’ve had a couple of tricky rounds recently and I’m looking to get back on the front foot here at Sandown this weekend. McELrea have been pivotal in my career so far, they taught me a whole lot together with Warren Luff my driver coach, without them I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this and I would like to say thanks to them. My naming rights partners Hastings Deering and MacKellar Group have helped me massively this year and in past seasons I have had Helimods on the car. I’ve been very lucky to have such amazing partners as these, I want to say a big thanks to my family, Sandra, my manger and my fiancé Emily. Together they’re an amazing support group that make it possible for me to get on the track and excel at what I do.”
Porsche Cars Australia’s Motorsport Manager, Barry Hay: “It’s fantastic to recognise Harri’s achievements in the Michelin Junior Championship this year and we have every confidence he will continue to impress on his ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.”
Michelin Australia’s Marketing Manager Oceania, Hugo De-Boischevalier: “We congratulate Harri on joining a highly respected list of drivers that have been nominated to represent Australia in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout later this year. The Michelin team look forward to watching his progression and success in the years to come.”
Porsche Michelin Junior Training in Australia:
To learn more about the professional coaching provided by leading experts in the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia, watch the following videos:
Porsche Michelin Junior Training 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tts2ywGVXQ
Porsche Michelin Junior Training 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YXWEjT_ewM
Porsche Michelin Junior Training 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cquPduF6iqw
For race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsO’Keeffe draws near title lead thanks to emphatic Sandown win
Geoff Emery takes narrow win in Morris Pro-Am class battle
A PERFECT start was all Dylan O’Keeffe needed to continue his remarkable charge to the top of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, the Victorian powering to a race one victory in the Round 6 opener at Sandown.
Starting from the outside of the front row, O’Keeffe beat polesitter Aaron Love off the line and into the first corner and from there was never to be headed, claiming his second career race victory and culling Harri Jones’ championship lead down to just 22 points in the process.
Geoff Emery claimed victory in Morris Pro-Am, leading Dean Cook and Adrian Flack home in a close battle for the class victory.
After getting the jump on Love and leading into the first corner, the race was a straightforward affair for O’Keeffe as he managed a small margin to his Sonic rival throughout.
The pair traded lap records in the early stages with Love never able to draw closer than a few car lengths in the battle.
It was O’Keeffe’s second career victory in Carrera Cup and his first of the season – and first since the 2018 season.
The race was also a source of redemption: O’Keeffe denied a race victory at Winton after leading for much of the race.
It also ensures the GWR Australia / Dexion squad joins the list of race winning teams for the first time this year.
Max Vidau started and finished third in a quiet race for South Australian TekworkX driver, while Simon Fallon equalled his personal best race result in fourth outright aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic machine.
He spent much of his day fending off Harri Jones, who moved up three spots from eighth on the grid thanks to a dynamic start and opening lap.
Dale Wood was next, with Christian Pancione, Angelo Mouzouris, David Russell and David Wall – up three spots from his 13th-placed effort in qualifying – completing the top-10.
Jackson Walls had featured in the battle for the back half of the top-10 before he spun on the exit of turn four with two laps remaining.
O’Keeffe set a new Sandown Carrera Cup lap record on his way to victory, his 1:09.0541 flyer on lap 12 not only the fastest race lap at the venue, but the quickest ever in one-make Porsche competition across 12 visits to Sandown.
In Morris Pro-Am, Emery converted pole position to his 11th class victory in the opening race, though it didn’t come easy.
The Victorian was forced to fend off a race-long attack from Dean Cook’s Zonzo Estate entry, while Adrian Flack closed quickly in the latter stages of the race to challenge in a three-car battle for the lead.
Sam Shahin was fourth, holding out Rodney Jane by a tiny margin in a close fight – the latter setting the fastest lap of the Pro-Am class in the process.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns for a pair of races tomorrow, including the next stanza of the enduro cup and a final sprint to decide Round 6.
Both races will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Dylan O’Keeffe, Race 1 Pro winner:
“It was excellent, our car has been really fast, we tested here a few weeks ago and we got a heap of points last round, but the car didn’t feel that great, we still maximised it. Coming here I was eager to get good starts and win some races, so completely stoked with that win.
“Huge thanks to Ram Motorsport and the GWR crew. When Aaron hit the fence on the out lap, I knew he would be a bit frazzled, so I was able to get a really good launch and just hold the gap from then on. Aaron was coming for me mid-race but then the gap settled, it was good fun. Tomorrow is the long race, so it will definitely be interesting, we’ll have to look at the data, as this was the first properly dry session we had. We’ll run some new tyres and see if we can do the same thing.”
Geoff Emery, Race 1 Morris Pro-Am winner
“I had a really good start, I had a couple of good runs with the pros there and battles for a few laps, I was having a great time. I enjoy this place, so I could in a few good lap times, manage to hold my spot and could come away with the Pro-Am win. We need to work on the car a little bit before tomorrow, to improve the handling but that’s not my job to do that.”
**
Earlier in qualifying, Aaron Love charged to his second-straight and third pole position of 2022 as the field negotiated a drying circuit on wet weather Michelin tyres.
Love’s Sonic Motor Racing / Bob Jane T-Marts entry scored the top spot by 0.3 seconds – the biggest margin of the season so far.
Dylan O’Keeffe continued his strong run of form by qualifying second, his fourth front-row start from six rounds so far this year.
Max Vidau qualified third while Simon Fallon was fourth in a personal best qualifying effort at his home circuit.
Angelo Mouzouris was another to record a PB effort with fifth, edging out Dale Wood’s Timken entry.
Notably, Harri Jones qualified eighth while fellow championship contender David Wall could only manage 13th.
In Morris Pro-Am, Geoff Emery secured the TAG Heuer Pole Award, edging out Adrian Flack by 0.028s with Sam Shahin and Dean Cook third and fourth, respectively.
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NewsLove form continues with record Friday Sandown pace
Adrian Flack heads Morris Pro-Am battle in tight Friday running
AARON LOVE has picked up where he left off as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns to Sandown, setting a new circuit record to top practice ahead of Round 6 this weekend.
Love, who dominated the recent round at The Bend Motorsport Park, set the fastest ever Carrera Cup lap of Sandown to head the practice order beneath sunny skies at the suburban Melbourne circuit.
His 1m09.0667s flyer was 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous qualifying record at the circuit.
Adrian Flack topped the Morris Pro-Am leaderboard across the pair of 25-minute sessions, however an accident towards the end of the second session damaged his Agas National entry.
Love’s Friday pace was impressive and will impact the remainder of the weekend – the fastest driver on Friday the first to hit the track during the 10-minute qualifying session tomorrow morning.
While Love was 0.2 seconds clear of the Carrera Cup field, the next 19 cars were covered by exactly one second in a typically intense day of practice.
TekworkX Motorsport’s Max Vidau was second aboard his Tyrepower entry while championship contender David Wall was third.
Christian Pancione was fourth while Dylan O’Keeffe – who sits third in the championship and had earlier topped practice one – was fifth and Ryan Suhle sixth, making it six different teams in the top six on the combined practice times.
Vidau’s teammate Luke Youlden, Duvashen Padayachee, Callum Hedge and Jackson Walls completed the top-10 runners – the latter just 0.5s behind Love’s session best.
In his 50th championship round, David Russell was 13th while championship leader Harri Jones was only 14th; 0.8 seconds from the quickest time.
Flack’s best lap in Morris Pro-Am came on his final flyer in practice two, his 1m10.0467s best putting him within one second of the quickest time overall.
He topped Liam Talbot for class bragging rights, the Wash It / Paynter Dixon Wall Racing driver rolling out in a brand-new chassis this weekend having been ousted from the final race at The Bend in a nasty rollover.
Sam Shahin and Dean Cook were next among the Pro-Am contenders, while three-time Sandown winner Stephen Grove was fifth. Geoff Emery topped practice one earlier on Friday amidst a remarkably competitive title battle that has seen a different points leader following every round to date this year.
The 31-car field returns tomorrow for a pair of 10-minute qualifying sessions, one each for Morris Pro-Am and then the Pro class runners.
The first race of the sixth round will commence later on Saturday afternoon with all sessions to be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sport.
QUOTES:
Aaron Love, fastest Pro
“It’s obviously nice to know what we’ve got underneath ourselves going into qualifying, so really happy with that.
“I think a couple cars ran new tyres, whereas we didn’t, so there’s that to add onto it so happy with that. We’ve just got to see what comes tomorrow with the rain, it might flip everything upside down.
“It’s nice to know what we’ve got though, the car is really good to drive and we can push on to tomorrow. With the split qualifying, we won’t have a lot of time, we only really have the one opportunity, it’ll be about getting the tyres up to temperature as it will be cold in the morning, then it’s just about making no mistakes, as you only have one real shot at it.”
Adrian Flack, fastest Morris Pro Am
“I was having a lot of fun in that session, obviously after practice 1 you can try different things, but it was good fun.
“With ten minutes for qualifying, there is not much time, you’ve got to just keep building up to it and who ever puts the right lap together at the end, will get pole at the end of the day.
“Unfortunately the car went into the barrier on the last lap, so it might be a radiator and a few bits and pieces, but it wasn’t that hard, it just in an awkward spot.”
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NewsLove back for Carrera Cup Australia Championship assault on Sonic’s home turf
Only 14-points separate Morris Pro-Am Championship contenders heading into Sandown
Only 14-points separate Morris Pro-Am Championship contenders heading into Sandown
- There have been five different winners from five rounds this year in the Pro class
- Harri Jones has missed the Top 6 in the last six consecutive races
- Sam Shahin, Dean Cook, Geoff Emery are covered by just 14-points in battle for supremacy in Morris Pro-Am
- David Russell will start his 50th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round this weekend
- Tim Miles will notch up his 100th Porsche Carrera Cup race start in Race 2 at Sandown
- Aaron Love has now won six races this year and has climbed to 5th in the championship, 183 points from the lead
- With 6 podiums from 11 rounds, Aaron Love has the best podium strike rate among active drivers.
With five different winners from the last five rounds this year, the streak of non-repeating round winners in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship now stands at seven (Wall, Murray, Vidau, Jones, Wood, Hedge, Love) when dating back to Bathurst last year.
Due to the extremely high-level of competition among the Pro class of 2022, this streak has only happened on one occasion in series history – in 2014, between Rounds 2 and 8 – with the Championship record standing at eight different round winners in a row. A record which could be equalled this weekend should the form book repeat itself.
With Victoria’s traditionally wet and wintery weather predicted for all three days of the 135th round in Championship history, Porsche teams will be provided two warm up laps at the start of each race to allow drivers to build sufficient heat into the Michelin front control tyres. As evidenced at Round 2 in Winton, this measure should help the large, 31-car grid navigate first turns of the bumpy, 3.1km Sandown Race Circuit.
Fresh off a dominant round victory at The Bend Motorsport Park last time out, Sonic Motor Racing’s Aaron Love finds himself creeping back in contention in the overall Pro championship race, despite missing several point scoring rounds while abroad. With six podiums from 11 rounds, the West Australian has the best podium strike rate among active drivers.
Another driver to reaffirm his intentions for the 2022 title in Round 5, was the Dexion liveried Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry of Dylan O’Keeffe. The Victorian now sits second overall, only 46-points adrift of leader, Harri Jones (Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group) and 10 points ahead of 2017 Carrera Cup Australia Pro Champion, David Wall (Monochrome / Paynter Dixon) in third.
Despite missing the Top 6 in the last six consecutive races, Jones has always showed good pace on the Sandown Circuit and the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion currently holds the Qualifying lap record – 1m09.2626s) – the fastest official lap of the historic circuit to date since it featured on the 2003 race calendar when the championship was first formed.
After a strong round at his own circuit in South Australia last time out, Sam Shahin (The Bend Motorsport Park) now enjoys a slender lead over the ever-consistent, Dean Cook (Zonzo Racing) and Geoff Emery (Force Accessories / MJR) entry in the Morris Pro-Am class.
Stephen Grove also returns for round 6 searching for his third consecutive victory in Morris Pro-am, having won the two prior Pro-Am rounds at the venue in 2017 and 2021. Despite his success, Grove has never qualified on pole at Sandown.
Following two practice sessions on Friday 19 August, Saturday plays host to a split qualifying (Pro / Morris Pro-Am) session with the first Sprint race scheduled in the mid-afternoon. A 40-minute, 31 lap Endurance race kicks off on Sunday morning before the final Sprint race after midday. All three races will be broadcast live on both Fox Sports and Kayo Sports throughout the weekend, 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
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Round 6, Sandown
Broadcast Schedule:
Friday, 19 August
09:40 – 10:05 Practice 1
12:30 – 12:55 Practice 2
Saturday, 20 August
09:40 – 09:50 Qualifying 1
09:55 – 10:05 Qualifying 2
14:45 – 15:10 Race 1 (18 laps)
Sunday, 21 August
09:20 – 10:00 Race 2 (31 laps)
14:20 – 14:45 Race 3 (18 laps)
Entry List:
# | Name | Surname | Class | Sponsor |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Pro-Am | Grove Racing |
5 | Ryan | Suhle | Pro | SP Tools / EBM |
6 | Angelo | Mouzouris | Pro | Sonic / PitBox |
7 | Tim | Miles | Pro-Am | Miles Advisory Partners / N2C |
8 | Nick | McBride | Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Pro | Objective Racing |
12 | Harri | Jones | Pro | Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group |
13 | Sam | Shahin | Pro-Am | The Bend Motorsport Park |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am | ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Pro | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM |
20 | Adrian | Flack | Pro-Am | AGAS National |
22 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am | Zonzo Racing |
25 | Michael | Almond | Pro | The PSA Group |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Pro-Am | Wash It / Paynter Dixon |
28 | Bayley | Hall | Pro | Hall Finance & Insurance |
38 | David | Wall | Pro | Monochrome / Paynter Dixon |
45 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Pro | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Pro-Am | Force Accessories / MJR |
53 | Luke | Youlden | Pro | TekworkX Motorsport / Hire A Hubby |
72 | Max | Vidau | Pro | TekworkX Motorsport / Tyrepower |
74 | David | Russell | Pro | EMA Motorsport |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Pro | VCM Performance / HP Tuners |
77 | Rodney | Jane | Pro-Am | Sonic Motor Racing / Bob Jane T Marts |
86 | Drew | Hall | Pro-Am | Wall Racing |
88 | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Pro | Dexion / RAM Motorsport |
100 | Dale | Wood | Pro | Timken Racing |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Pro-Am | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
333 | Brad | Shiels | Pro | Royal Purple Racing |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Pro | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech |
999 | Aaron | Love | Pro | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts |
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NewsThe TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team Aims to return stronger in season 9
100th Formula E race marks finale of season 8
Porsche 99X Electric displays TAG Heuer livery at the Formula E season finale in Seoul
- TAG Heuer and Porsche celebrate the world premiere of the luxury smartwatch TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition.
- Season 8 came to an end at the Seoul E-Prix with the 100th race in Formula E history.
- The final race for André Lotterer with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team.
- The one-two result for the Porsche 99X Electric in Mexico City marked the highlight for Porsche.
- Season 9 with the new Gen3 cars takes off on 14 January 2023 with the Mexico City E-Prix.
The anniversary was also the finale with the 100th race in the history of Formula E in Seoul on Sunday, season 8 of the world’s first electric racing series came to an end. The two Porsche 99X Electric racers lined up on the grid sporting a new and exclusive design – in a celebration of the world premiere of the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition, the first jointly developed Smartwatch from Porsche and TAG Heuer.
The sports car manufacturer and the Swiss luxury watch brand joined forces as global partners in 2021. TAG Heuer has been the team’s title partner since Porsche entered Formula E in 2019. The squad’s third season did not conclude with the notable achievement it had hoped for at the Seoul E-Prix. André Lotterer (GER/#36) failed to reach the finish in his final race for the team. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/#94), who earned points with seventh place in Saturday’s race, also retired early both through no fault of their own.
Season 8 proved to be a rollercoaster for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. The greatest success for the team from Weissach was its historic one-two victory at the Mexico City E-Prix on 12 February 2023. In the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, pole-setter Pascal Wehrlein clinched the first victory for Porsche in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in his Porsche 99X Electric. André Lotterer followed him over the finish line in second place, making the triumph perfect for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer at its third Formula E race of the season.
At the Rome E-Prix, André Lotterer was on his way to claiming the winner’s trophy. With just under twelve minutes left on the clock, he swept to the front of the field and held the top spot for a long stretch. At the restart after the safety car phase, he lost his advantage and had to let his rivals pass. When the safety car was deployed for a second time, he was no longer in a position to make a bid for the lead.
At the Monaco E-Prix, it was Pascal Wehrlein who was on course for victory. Tackling the race from the first grid row, he snatched the lead with a breathtaking manoeuvre at the tunnel exit before the port chicane on the legendary Grand Prix circuit in the Principality on the Côte d’Azur and managed to pull away slightly from his pursuers. However, just after the halfway mark, his Porsche 99X Electric suddenly lost speed and he was forced to retire with a technical problem.
At the other races, André Lotterer and Pascal Wehrlein put in strong drives, particularly in qualifying, but were not always able to match these performances in the race.
In the drivers’ classification of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Pascal Wehrlein ranks 10th after 16 races with 71 points. André Lotterer wraps up the season 12th with 63 points. In the team classification, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team lies in seventh place with 134 points.
Comments on season 8
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E: “This last race in Seoul was definitely not our day. Both of our drivers became entangled in other competitors’ accidents and were thrown out of contention. After just a couple of laps, Pascal had fought his way into the top 10. He was certainly on track for something more. André contested his last race for us today. I’d like to thank him very much for his dedication over the last three years. The team will miss him as a driver and a great guy. All in all, season 8 was a rollercoaster for us. There were great highlights like our one-two result in Mexico and the strong performances in Monaco and Rome, but some races and racetracks underlined our weak areas. We will now work hard on those weaknesses to make our Gen3 car a winner. Our goal for next year is clearly on consistently going for victories so that we’re in a position to fight for the world title.”
André Lotterer, Porsche works driver (#36): “I’d like to thank the team and Porsche for three great years. During this time, we experienced many highs and lows together. We’d hoped for more successes and we surely deserved them. This year began well for us. Our one-two in Mexico was a big highlight. But the second half of the season turned gnarly, and Seoul wasn’t how I’d imagined my farewell either. I’ll miss the team – they’re like family to me. I wish the squad all the very best and great success in the future. I’ll remain with Porsche Motorsport and I’m in good hands there.”
Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#94): “At the moment, I’m still feeling disappointed about this weekend and our unfortunate second half of the season. Nevertheless, although we didn’t get the results we could have achieved, we showed a lot of potential. Despite everything, there were also many positives. Mexico was our highlight, of course. That’s a feeling we want to experience again as soon as possible. I’d like to thank the team for their great support, hard work, and camaraderie, too. We’ll do everything in our power to come back stronger next year and hopefully win many races.”
Next up
Season 9 of the ABB Formula E World Championship takes off with the new Gen3 racing cars at the Mexico City E-Prix on 14 January 2023.
Porsche in Formula E
With a historic one-two result thanks to Pascal Wehrlein and André Lotterer in the Porsche 99X Electric, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team celebrated its greatest success to date in Mexico on 12 February 2022. The team contests its fourth season in the world’s first all-electric racing series in 2023. At the debut event in November 2019, André Lotterer scored second place at the season-opening race in Diriyah: a dream start and proof that with the Porsche 99X Electric, Porsche had a competitive vehicle right from the outset. Last season, Wehrlein claimed pole position in Mexico City. Two podium results followed with Wehrlein finishing third in Rome and Lotterer securing second in Valencia. As an accelerator for innovative and sustainable mobility technologies, Formula E has brought thrilling motorsport to people living in major cities since 2014. With the all-electric Taycan, Porsche supplies the safety car this season, underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport.
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NewsLove sweeps The Bend to claim maiden Carrera Cup round win
Intense Morris Pro-Am battle goes the way of Sam Shahin
AARON LOVE has become the seventh different round winner from the last seven Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia rounds, sweeping all three races to dominate Round 5 at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
Local hero Sam Shahin won Morris Finance Pro-Am in front of his local friends and family as the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ was blown wide open in a dramatic weekend.
Love was at his dominant best in his Bob Jane T-Marts entry, converting pole to wins in both of Sunday’s races to claim his first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round win.
He led from lights to flag in the Enduro Cup race on Sunday morning before claiming an abbreviated final race to score the maximum 181 points available from the weekend – backing up pole position and a win on Saturday.
It was Love’s first round victory and the first clean sweep of a round this year, and also delivered Sonic Motor Racing their first round win since 2019 – notably claimed by Aaron’s older brother, Jordan.
Love is the fifth different driver to win from the five rounds this year, while the streak now stands at seven winners from the last seven rounds, dating back to Bathurst in 2021.
A consistent weekend saw Dylan O’Keeffe finish second overall to claim his third podium finish of the year so far, and firmly inject himself into the championship fight aboard his Dexion entry from RAM Motorsport / GWR Australia.
David Russell was third overall aboard his EMA Motorsport entry, claiming the 12th podium finish of his Carrera Cup career and second of the 2022 season.
Key title contenders endured challenging weekends with both leader Harri Jones and second-placed David Wall both striking dramas across the weekend.
Jones found himself pointing the wrong way at turn two in the final race and finished 16th, while Wall spent Sunday in recovery mode following his spin and a 25-point championship penalty on Saturday.
He finished the two races in sixth position, which coupled with Jones’ issues and O’Keeffe’s strong weekend means the top three in the championship are provisionally split by 46 points heading into Round 6 at Sandown in two weeks time.
Love won the enduro cup race over O’Keeffe and Russell, with Christian Pancione a personal-best fourth and Brad Shiels an outstanding fifth.
The final race, which finished under Safety Car, also went the way of Love while Russell edged O’Keeffe for second and third. Simon Fallon charged himself through the field to a personal-best fourth, while Pancione completed the top five.
The Bend’s Morris Pro-Am fight went the way of local hero Sam Shahin, who scored a clinch victory in the Enduro Cup race on Sunday morning to anchor his weekend and ultimately deliver the round win.
Shahin won the round ahead of Adrian Flack and Dean Cook: However, almost every key contender in the class had dramas throughout the weekend in one of the most unpredictable rounds in the Pro-Am class history.
Local knowledge was key for Sam Shahin as he hunted down and passed Liam Talbot for the win late in the Enduro Cup race on Sunday morning.
Starting fourth, Shahin chased Talbot throughout the race however pounced when the light rain began to fall to pass for the lead.
Adrian Flack then relegated Talbot to third in class late in the race, while Rodney Jane was fourth. Geoff Emery was one of several drivers involved in a lap one incident, failing to finish.
Race three was even more dramatic when Shahin and Talbot bumped wheels while running side-by-side at Turn 3, the contact tipping Talbot’s car into a roll, which ended on its wheels. Talbot escaped unscathed while the race was brought under the control of the Safety Car.
Through the drama, Geoff Emery came from the back of the grid to claim the race win over Shahin and Dean Cook, though the results for the weekend remain provisional pending post-event investigations.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns at the Sandown SuperSprint on August 19-21.
Aaron Love, Pro Round 5 winner:
“I’m over the moon to be honest, we had some awesome pace in practice, then putting pole by a really good margin was nice then to go away and win three from three and do it not comfortably, but really smoothly, I couldn’t be happier. Its all credit to the Sonic team, its been a long time coming and I’m just happy that we made it work and that we got it done this weekend. I’m not sure what it is about this track but sonic has always seem to have gone well here, it’s just a real credit to Mic (Ritter), Mike (Henry) and Maria (Ritter) and everyone there, they always give me an awesome machine to drive and they put in 110% every day and every night, so huge credit to them I couldn’t be happier. I’ve got a little bit of a break now around 5 weeks to my next race in French Carrera Cup in Valencia, Spain, so I have a little bit of time to regroup and get ready for then but we’ll try put our best forward that’s for sure.”
Sam Shahin, Morris Pro-Am Round 5 winner:
“It was exciting, but not what you want to see in any form of racing, I hope Liam (Talbot) is ok, it was just really unfortunate the angle at which his front wheel hit mine. Again, I just hope he’s ok and I was glad when I saw him get out of the car. Personally, I’m just so thrilled after having a tough qualifying and to finally get a good result at The Bend, this has been my bogey track so personally I’m thrilled. But I have a deep and genuine concern for Liam, I hope he is ok. The Bend really is tailor made for these GT3 Cup cars and I hope everybody enjoyed it.”
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NewsLove lights up The Bend to take dominant win
Liam Talbot claims Morris Pro-Am class win in style
AARON LOVE has dominated the opening Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship race at The Bend Motorsport Park, leading from lights-to-flag to win by the biggest margin of the 2022 season to date.
The Sonic Motor Racing driver launched away from pole and led every lap to claim his fourth win of the 2022 season, winning by 5.7 seconds over Dylan O’Keeffe and Callum Hedge.
Liam Talbot claimed victory in the Morris Pro Am class, winning over Adrian Flack and Geoff Emery, while early contender Sam Shahin struck dramas not far from the finish having earlier battled for the lead.
Love led the 29-strong field into turn one, while there was drama behind as title contender David Wall and Max Vidau made contact at turn two – both cars ending up off the road and off the circuit. The incident is being investigated post-race, with Vidau ultimately finishing 16th and Wall 18th.
That elevated Callum Hedge to third, the Earl Bamber Motorsport driver spending the remainder of the race chasing Dylan O’Keeffe in a close battle for second.
David Russell followed them home in fourth with Christian Pancione finishing fifth and Luke Youlden sixth.
Championship leader Harri Jones started ninth but gained two spots to finish seventh, taking maximum advantage of his nearest title rival Wall finishing further down the order.
Ryan Suhle, Jackson Walls and Dale Wood completed the top-10, the latter having worked his way through a furious four-car battle that included Brad Shiels, Bayley Hall and Simon Fallon.
The latter had led the group for much of the race but a damage front splitter slowed his Sonic entry, setting up the furious fight that at one point had cars three abreast heading downhill through the high-speed Turn 7.
The battle in Morris Pro-Am was for much of the race battled between Liam Talbot and Sam Shahin, the pair swapping the lead in class after a tense battle in the race’s early laps.
They looked to finish that way before a reported off at turn 14 late in the race dropped Shahin down the order.
That elevated Adrian Flack to second in class, having passed championship leader Geoff Emery for position with a strong move at turn one late in the race.
Emery was third with Dean Cook and Matt Belford completing the top five.
Harri Jones provisionally leads the championship by 55 points heading into tomorrow morning’s 20-lap enduro cup race, with Wall second and O’Keeffe third. Emery continues to hold sway in the Morris Pro-Am title race.
Two races complete the fifth round of the championship on Sunday at the OTR SuperSprint at The Bend Motorsport Park, with both to be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Aaron Love, Race 1 winner, Pro
“It’s nice to convert it from putting it on pole, we had a fairly smooth race and we got a good start. I managed to get a bit of a gap and then just maintain it. We have a little bit of work to do with the car as always, but we’ll just fine tune it, there’s nothing too wrong with it, so we’ll regroup and go again tomorrow, fingers crossed.”
Liam Talbot, Race 1 winner, Morris Pro-Am
“Stoked with that, race wins are hard to get, so great to start the weekend with pole and a race win, it was very satisfying. It was a bit hard with the circuit owner behind me. Sam was putting a bit of pressure on, but we weathered the storm and are looking forward to race 2. The Pro-Am battle is fascinating this year, you never really know who is going to be stronger and be weaker, practice doesn’t mean anything, but qualifying is where it counts and the race means something else completely. But it’s all fun, exciting, edge-of-your-seat for us drivers.”
LOVE, TALBOT SEAR TO TAG HEUER POLE AWARDS IN RECORD PACE
EARLIER in qualifying, Aaron Love and Liam Talbot (Morris Pro-Am) became the first repeat pole winners of the 2022 season as they charged to the top spot in a compelling 20-minute session.
The pair, who were both on pole in their respective classes at the Australian Grand Prix season opener in April, topped an intense session where cold track conditions and blustery wind made conditions extremely challenging.
Love’s best lap came late in the session and on his second set of new Michelin tyres.
He edged out Dylan O’Keeffe by 0.1 seconds for his second career TAG Heuer Pole Award, with David Wall close behind in third.
While not as quick as his Friday flyer, Love’s 1m50.1212s best stands as a qualifying record for Carrera Cup at The Bend.
Callum Hedge lost his final lap to traffic and had to settle for fourth, while Christian Pancione continued his strong recent form in fifth.
David Russell, Max Vidau, Luke Youlden, championship leader Harri Jones and Ryan Suhle completed the top-10.
Talbot jumped to Morris Pro-Am pole on his final flyer to edge out Geoff Emery by under one-tenth.
Adrian Flack was third while Sam Shahin showed his frustration after qualifying fourth.
TAG Heuer Pole Position, Pro, Aaron Love:
“It’s a really nice feeling to get a good result, especially after Townsville. I made it hard for myself as I usually do, but we’ll get over that and put our heads down for the race. It was relatively good with the traffic, just because the track is so long here you get clean space which we managed to do that, but it was definitely tough out there as the wind has been quite strong, there’s corners that it helps you with, which you’ve got to take advantage of, but it really makes it hard to read and maximise the car. It will be great to convert the pole, but for sure it will be a tough race, we’ll go back debrief and get our heads down for the race.”
TAG Heuer Pole Position, Morris Pro-Am, Liam Talbot:
“Fantastic to get pole position, had to dig deep as the tyres were going off, we committed to one set of tyres and we had big moments through (turns) 8 and 9 almost going off, but somehow got through it only to get held up by Dale Wood, so that was a bit of a shame in the last corner after doing all that hard work. To get back up again on the last lap though, was very satisfying and I want to say a big thanks to the Wall Racing team. It was hard to manage the temperatures with the tyres, a one set strategy worked for us but you had to commit to it and you couldn’t be 50/50, but in the end it worked out well.”
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NewsDebut for the newest generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 R
Newly developed customer sport race car for GT3 series around the world
- New 911 GT3 R ready to race from the start of the 2023 season
- More power, sophisticated aerodynamics and optimised balance
- Conceptual influences from the 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR
The new Porsche 911 GT3 R will be unveiled to the public at this year’s 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. From the 2023 season, Porsche customer teams can campaign the new racing vehicle in worldwide motorsport events that adhere to the GT3 regulations. The vehicle is based on the latest 992-generation 911. Compared to its predecessor, the new 911 GT3 R features a larger engine producing up to 416 kW (565 PS), a more constant aerodynamic performance and an optimised vehicle balance.
With the latest generation of the 911 GT3 R, Porsche unveils a new customer racing car. The new challenger for GT3 series around the world is based on the current 992 generation and will be ready to race at the beginning of the 2023 season. Development began in 2019. Priority was given to further improving the driveability for professionals and so-called gentleman drivers, as well as tapping larger performance reserves for different Balance of Performance (BoP) classifications. Another focus was on streamlining the handling of the race car for the teams and reducing the running costs. Porsche Motorsport now offers the new 911 GT3 R at a price of 511,000 Euros ex-factory plus country-specific VAT and optional extras.
“The new 911 GT3 R has big shoes to fill,” says Michael Dreiser, Sales Director at Porsche Motorsport. “Its forerunner has won almost everything there is to win in the GT3 scene in four seasons since 2019. Its stand-out successes include overall victories at the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and also here at Spa-Francorchamps. Raced by our customers, the predecessor scored class victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The new model faces a massive workload in the hands of the Porsche customer racing teams.”
After the GT3 class was announced as a professional category in the North American IMSA series, the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship follows suit: From 2024, GT3 racing cars such as the new 911 GT3 R will be eligible to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.
“We hit the bull’s eye with the enormously successful predecessor. Accordingly, the bar for its successor is high,” emphasises Sebastian Golz, 911 GT3 R Project Manager at Porsche Motorsport. “Our task was less about making the new 911 GT3 R even faster – the classification within performance windows set by the BoP quickly cancels out this advantage. For us, it was primarily about our customers being able to drive the racing car fast for longer. This requires durability and that’s why we focused predominantly on improved driveability. This is reflected in the new 4.2-litre engine’s broader usable rev band, more stable and constant aerodynamics and lower loads on the rear tyres, which allow their potential to last longer.”
At the core of the new racing car is the near-standard engine based on the 992-generation 911 power plant. Like in the previous model, it is a water-cooled flat-six engine with four-valve technology and direct fuel injection. The main new development is the displacement: like the 911 RSR, the capacity of the new 911 GT3 R has increased by a good five per cent from 3,997 to 4,194 cc. This has boosted the engine’s peak output to around 416 kW (565 PS). First and foremost, however, Porsche has optimised the torque and power curve across the entire rev range. Consequently, the new 4.2-litre six-cylinder is better suited to gentleman drivers.
The high-revving six-cylinder manages without turbocharging and sits in the classic rear position, thus enhancing traction and braking. However, it has been tilted forwards by 5.5 degrees, creating more leeway for the underbody diffuser. Auxiliary units such as the alternator and the air conditioning compressor were moved a good metre forward and further down into a space in front of the engine and gearbox, which has a positive effect on the weight balance of the 911 GT3 R. The sequential six-speed contest-mesh gearbox is derived from the current 911 GT3 Cup. Shift paddles control an electronic shift drum actuator that enables particularly rapid and precise gear changes.
The new 911 GT3 R’s suspension – many details of which have been modified – supports driveability, allows more precise steering, ensures less wear on the rear tyres and reduces the time spent on set-up changes. For this, numerous components and technical solutions were taken from the 911 RSR. At the front axle, a state-of-the-art double wishbone layout controls the wheels. The rear axle sports a multi-link design. The KW shock absorbers were further improved and offer five adjustment settings. Set-up modifications are done with so-called shims. These plates enable precision adjustments without the need for the time-consuming re-alignment of the suspension afterwards.
The optimised positioning of the central pivot points at the front axle frees up space for the aerodynamic “race underfloor” concept. Like in the 911 RSR, this elevated underbody allows for a clean flow of air to the rear diffuser and reduces the pitch sensitivity of the racing car – i.e. a high rake under braking. The rear wheels have moved a little further back, which extends the wheelbase from 2,459 to 2,507 millimetres. This also reduces the load on the rear tyres and improves the consistency of the tyres’ performance over longer stints.
In addition to the aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers, the brake discs on the new 911 GT3 R are now also supplied by the specialist company AP. The internally vented and slotted front steel discs measure 390 mm in diameter and are activated by six pistons. Fitted at the rear are four-piston callipers and discs measuring 370 mm. A sophisticated software application for the fifth-generation racing ABS reduces wear on the tyres and brakes. Porsche’s traction control system also received a further development.
The new 911 GT3 R is just the second racing car from Porsche Motorsport to be based on the current 992-generation 911 after the 911 GT3 Cup. Its lightweight body with an intelligent aluminium-steel composite design draws on the production model, albeit with major modifications for use in the 911 GT3 R. Almost all body components are made of lightweight carbon, including the front and rear lids, doors, side panels, rear wing and roof. The wheel arches are made of aramid fibres.
In a vehicle like the new 911 GT3 R, functionality stands at the forefront. Nevertheless, Grant Larson from Style Porsche again succeeded in creating particularly stunning and harmonious shapes. They accentuate the heritage of the nine-eleven and blend it with sophisticated efficiency. Most notably, this is reflected in the aerodynamics. The key points: an elevated underbody at the fore of the front axle, for the first time in conjunction with a smooth undertray, and a rear diffuser. This combination improves downforce without a significant increase in drag. The rear wing now features a swan-neck mount. This ensures a clean airflow under the wing and thus improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the component.
In terms of safety, the new 911 GT3 R follows an uncompromising approach. The seat has moved closer to the centre of the car. This enabled Porsche to optimally adapt the more ergonomic seat position to the improved roll cage and the newly developed FIA side impact protection. Like in the forerunner, the steering wheel and pedals can be adjusted longitudinally to suit the driver. Porsche specialists took another close look at the six-point safety harness: the tongues now slide even faster into the clasp via special ramps – saving about a second during pit stops for driver changes. The steering wheel design also received further upgrades on the previous model. It incorporates elements that have proven themselves in the latest generation 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR race cars. The 10.3-inch display, for example, comes from the successful one-make cup racer, with the multi-switch concept adopted from the Le Mans class winner.
The high-performance LED headlights on the 911 GT3 R rely on so-called collimator technology, which Porsche developed for the new LMDh 963 prototype, among others. This device works like a magnifying glass, only in reverse. It illuminates a particularly large area of the racetrack and is a significant improvement on the predecessor model, which was previously regarded as the class leader.
Detailed information on the new 911 GT3 R is available on the Porsche website at this link.
Technical data Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) model year 2023
Concept • Single-seater customer race car; homologated for the FIA GTE category; homologation basis: Porsche 911 GT3 (992 series).
Weight/dimensions
• Base weight: ca. 1,250 kg (depending of BoP classification); wheelbase: 2,507 mm.
• Length: 4,619 mm; width: 2,039 mm (front axle) / 2,050 mm (rear axle).
Engine
• Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer, rear-mounted; capacity 4,194 cc, stroke 81.5 mm, bore 104.5 mm; max rpm 9,250/min; power: ca. 416 kW (565 PS); four-valve technology; single throttle butterfly system; direct fuel injection; engine control unit Bosch MS 6.6; dry sump lubrication with oil-water heat exchanger; single mass flywheel; race exhaust system with twin tailpipes and DMSB certified catalytic converter; fuel quality: Superplus unleaded to E20 (min. 98 octane).
Transmission
• Porsche six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox; shift paddles on the steering wheel with electronic shift actuator; mechanical limited slip differential with adjustable preload system unit; three-plate carbon race clutch.
Body
• Lightweight body featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite design; mounting points for lifting device, removable rescue hatch in the roof; welded-in roll cage; approved for co-driver use on circuits; six-bolt carbon racing seat pursuant to FIA 8862-2009; six-point safety harness for use with HANS®; longitudinally adjustable pedal assembly and adjustable steering column with steering angle senor; front cover with integrated quick-release fasteners, cooler exit-air duct and central air intake for cockpit ventilation; widened front bumper with spoiler lip; fenders with extensions; rear trim with integrated rain light in accordance with FIA; doors, carbon-fibre rear lid and rear wing; rear wing with “swan neck” mounts; fully polycarbonate glazing with hard coating; heated windscreen; four-post air jack system; valve mounting points on either side; 117-litre FT3 fuel cell in front of the car.
• Carbon-fibre interior trim, multifunctional carbon-fibre steering wheel with quick release coupling, shift paddles and illuminated push buttons; ergonomic digital touch panel with multi-colour backlighting; safety nets (centre and driver’s side) in accordance with latest FIA safety regulations; integrated CFK side impact protection; drivers’ seat with seat ventilation; fire extinguishing system with electronic release unit.
Suspension
• Forged aluminium control arms and top mounts, stiffness optimised; high-duty spherical bearings with dust protection; wheel hubs with central locking; five-way adjustable racing shock absorbers, motorsport-specific valve design and blow-off function; suspension adjustment via shims; sword-type anti-roll bars adjustable on both sides; spring travel potentiometer; tyre pressure monitoring system.
Front axle:
• Double wishbone front axle, adjustable ride height, camber and toe.
• Electro-hydraulic power steering.
• Single-piece alloy rims, 12.5J x 18, tyre size 30/68-18.
Rear axle:
• Multilink rear suspension, adjustable ride height, camber and toe.
• Racing driveshaft with tripod flanges.
• Single-piece alloy rims, 13.5J x 18, tyre size 31/71-18.
Brakes
• Two independent brake circuits incorporating front and rear axle brake pressure sensors, driver adjustable brake-force distribution via brake balance system; racing brake pads; optimised brake ducting; brake temperature sensors; ergonomic brake pedal positioning for left and right foot braking.
• Generation 5 racing ABS from Bosch
• Front axle: Six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers ‘anti knock-back’ piston springs; internally vented multi-piece 390 mm x 35.7 mm steel brake discs; aluminium brake disc chamber.
• Rear axle: Four-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers with ‘anti knock-back’ piston springs; internally ventilated multi-piece 370 mm x 32.1 mm steel brake discs; aluminium brake disc chamber.
Electrical system
• 992 EE Motorsport architecture; new easier-to-use Porsche toolset with more streamlined handling; latest generation Cosworth electronic components; Porsche Logger Unit; Porsche power box; 10.3-inch Porsche colour display with integrated RLU, data recording via USA stick; leak-proof LiFePo4 battery 12V, 40 Ah in the passenger footwell; 210 A alternator; digital touch panel with multi-colour backlighting; single-arm windscreen wiper with direct drive (intermittent and continuous).
• LED headlights with integrated auxiliary lights; LED taillights plus rain light. Attachments for Accident Data Recorder (ADR).
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NewsSeven Carrera Cup Australia drivers to contest 24 Hours of Spa
• Five Porsche 911 GT3 R with world-class drivers fight for overall victory
• Porsche’s winning trio reunited in GPX Racing’s 911
• Presentation of the newest generation GT3 racing vehicle from Weissach
• Matt Campbell; Brenton Grove; Jaxon Evans; Matt Payne; Stephen Grove; Earl Bamber and Jordan Love to start 24 Hours of Spa
• Three Carrera Cup Australia teams (EMA Motorsport, Grove Racing and Earl Bamber Motorsport) will also contest the Belgian Endurance classic this year.
A total of 13 Porsche 911 GT3 R are entered for this year’s 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on 30/31 July. Five of the over 368 kW (500 PS) 911 contest the pro-category and have excellent chances to score overall victory at the world’s largest GT3 endurance classic. On the occasion of the event, Porsche Motorsport unveils the latest generation of a GT3 race car for customer racing.
With 13 Porsche 911 GT3 R, the Porsche customer teams are well represented at this year’s 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. The long-distance classic in the Ardennes is considered the largest GT3 event in the world. In the long and illustrious history of the event, which was held for the first time in 1924, Porsche racing cars have clinched eight victories to date. On the last weekend in July, the experienced customer squads are determined to add to this track record.
“The organiser SRO headed by Stéphane Ratel celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. We’re expecting a particularly tough and spectacular grid line-up with a total of 65 cars,” explains Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “Our customer teams have entered 13 of our GT3 cars. This makes Porsche the most strongly represented manufacturer in the race. We’re well positioned in terms of both quantity and quality. I’m confident that our five pro-class vehicles manned by world-class drivers will be serious contenders for victory. The key to success lies in the best use of the tyres. During tests, we noticed that the latest renovations and modernisations at Spa-Francorchamps have left some rough ridges and edges in the asphalt and kerbs. What’s more, the new gravel traps pose a risk to the tyres, so it’s important to cover the distance with as little damage as possible. We won with the current generation of the 911 GT3R in 2019 and 2020. We’re now aiming for win number three before our new GT3 car enters the competition in 2023.”
The race
The first 24-hour race was contested in Belgium’s Ardennes in 1924 – making this classic just one year “younger” than the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Until 1949, the track measured about 15 kilometres in length and ran between the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot. In 1970, the track was shortened to 7.004 kilometres and has remained virtually unchanged until today. Last winter and spring, the storied racetrack underwent an extensive upgrade. As part of this modernisation, new gravel traps, among other features, was added to the famous Eau Rouge/Raidillon passage. The basic layout, however, remained the same. Due to its location in the Ardennes, teams and drivers must expect unpredictable weather conditions at any time.
The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is considered the largest single GT3 event in the world. The endurance race is contested as round two of the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) and is the third race of this year’s GT World Challenge Europe (GTWC).
The customer teams and drivers
In the Pro class, elite professional drivers compete for overall victory. With its customer teams, Porsche is well positioned in this category: works drivers Kévin Estre (France), Michael Christensen (Denmark) and Richard Lietz (Austria) share the cockpit of GPX Racing’s No. 221 entry. This trio won the endurance classic in 2019. The 2020 winners tackle this year’s race in separate cars: Local hero Laurens Vanthoor and Nick Tandy from England share the No. 47 car fielded by KCMG with the Norwegian DTM driver Dennis Olsen. New Zealander Earl Bamber contests the Pro-Am Cup for the Singha Racing team.
The other contenders for overall victory sit in cars campaigned by the customer squads Dinamic Motorsport (#54), EMA Motorsport (#74) and Toksport WRT (#100). EMA from Australia makes its debut at the largest GT3 event in Belgium. Sharing the wheel of the No. 74 EMA Porsche 911 GT3 R are the works drivers Matt Campbell from Australia, Mathieu Jaminet from France and Felipe Nasr from Brazil. Last January, this trio won the GTD-Pro class at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Dinamic’s No. 54 car is driven by Austria’s Klaus Bachler, Frenchman Côme Ledogar and Thomas Preining from Austria. Julien Andlauer from France and the two Germans Marvin Dienst and Sven Müller compete for Toksport.
Herberth Motorsport fields three 911 in the Gold Cup and Pro-Am classes, with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), Allied Racing and Dinamic Motorsport also aiming for victory in the amateur categories. Experienced Porsche drivers such as Alessio Picariello (Belgium), Jaxon Evans (New Zealand) and the former Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (Turkey) will tackle the event at the wheel of the 911 GT3 R.
An overview of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia teams and drivers
No less than seven present (and former) Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia drivers are among the star studded field to contest 24 Hours of Spa this year including: Matt Campbell; Brenton Grove; Jaxon Evans; Matt Payne; Stephen Grove; Earl Bamber and Jordan Love. The 2019 Pro Champion will be part of the Haupt Racing Team (Mercedes-AMG GT3) in the Silver Cup class. 2022 will also see three Carrera Cup Australia teams (EMA Motorsport, Grove Racing and Earl Bamber Motorsport) contest the Belgian Endurance classic.
An overview of the Porsche crews
Pro class:
KCMG (#47) – Nick Tandy (UK) / Laurens Vanthoor (B) / Dennis Olsen (N)
Dinamic (#54) – Klaus Bachler (A) / Côme Ledogar (F) / Thomas Preining (A)
EMA (#74) – Matt Campbell (AUS) / Mathieu Jaminet (F) / Felipe Nasr (BR)
Toksport (#100) – Julien Andlauer (F) / Marvin Dienst (D) / Sven Müller (D)
GPX (#221) – Kévin Estre (F) / Michael Christensen (DK) / Richard Lietz (A)
Pro-Am Cup:
Herberth (#9) – Antares Au (HK) / Kevin Tse (MAC) / Dylan Pereira (L) / Jaxon Evans (NZ)
EBM (#16) – Adrian da Silva (MAL) / Brenton Grove (AUS) / Stephen Grove (AUS) / Matt Payne (NZ)
Herberth (#24) – Nicolas Leutwiler (CH) / Stefan Aust (D) / Alessio Picariello (B) / Nico Menzel (D)
Singha (#39) – Piti Bhirombhakdi (T) / Christophe Hamon (F) / Tanart Sathienthirakul (T) / Earl Bamber (NZ)
Gold Cup:
Allied (#91) – Alex Malykhin (UK) / Julien Apothéloz (CH) / Florian Latorre (F) / Ayhancan Güven (TR)
Herberth (#911) – Ralf Bohn (D) / Alfred Renauer (D) / Robert Renauer (D)
Silver Cup:
Allied (#22) – Dominik Fischli (CH) / Joel Sturm (D) / Patrick Matthiesen (DK) / Vincent Andronaco (D)
Dinamic (#56) – Giorgio Roda (I) / Mauro Calamia (CH) / Marius Nakken (N) / Mikkel Pedersen (DK)
The new GT3 customer racer in the limelight
The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps sets the stage for a very special debut: In the paddock, Porsche presents the new customer sport racing car for worldwide GT3 series to the public for the first time. The successor to the winning current model will be on display from Saturday, 30 July.
The schedule (all times CEST)
Friday, 29 July
6:20 pm – 6:50 pm: Warm-up
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Superpole
Saturday, 30 July
4:45 pm: Start of the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Sunday, 31 July
4:45 pm: Finish of the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Drivers’ comments before the race
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #47): “For me as a Belgian, the race is of course a major highlight, especially since I live almost around the corner from the track. I’ve been quite unlucky at Daytona, Le Mans and the Nürburgring this season. This makes the race in Spa my last chance to win another 24-hour classic this year. That’s our clear objective. I’ve already stood at the top of the podium twice at Spa. On the test day, our 911 GT3 R from KCMG ran extremely well. Nevertheless, we still don’t have a concrete idea of how our performance will compare to the huge competition.”
Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #74): “I’m confident that we have an excellent overall package for the race. The Porsche 911 GT3 R is tried and tested, my teammates Matt and Felipe are extremely strong and the EMA team is super consistent and goal-oriented. My teammates and I won at Daytona in January. We know each other well and tackle the task at hand with a healthy dose of self-confidence. However, we’re certainly not taking the strong competition for granted. Plus, it’s our first time at Spa as a team. Despite this, we have one very clear goal: victory.”
Sven Müller (Porsche 911 GT3 R #100): “The official tests in preparation for this year’s race went very well. We managed to test different set-up options and so we feel well prepared for the race. The Toksport WRT team really exceeded my expectations. I’m really looking forward to tackling the race with my super-fast teammates. Our chances look very good.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R #221): “It’s great to have our winning team from 2019 – Michael, Richie and myself – back together with GPX Racing. We joined forces as a trio for the first time three years ago and promptly left the competition in our dust. In light of the packed and powerful grid line-up, it’ll be anything but easy to repeat such a result this year. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to check off our entire list during the test drives, but we’ll definitely be sorted in time for the race.”
Up-to-date information as well as film and photo material on Porsche Motorsport live from race tracks all over the world can be found on the Twitter channel @PorscheRaces, in the Porsche Newsroom and on the Porsche Motorsport Hub.
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NewsLove beats record to top The Bend practice
Adrian Flack on top in close MORRIS Pro-Am battle
AARON LOVE has once again returned from Europe to lead the field in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, the Sonic Motor Racing Services driver comfortably topping the times across a pair of 25-minute practice sessions today at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Love’s best lap of 1m49.9159s in the second session was the quickest ever for a Carrera Cup car at the 4.9km circuit in South Australia, the West Aussie driver topping the times by more than four-tenths of a second as the field prepared for the fifth round of eight this year.
Adrian Flack edged out home-town hero Sam Shahin to top the Morris Pro-Am runners as Porsche’s race within a race continues to heat up.
Love, who is splitting his time between Europe and Australia this season, raced in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at Paul Ricard last weekend however showed no signs of jetlag to top the times in South Australia on a crisp but dry Friday at The Bend.
His Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche was fourth fastest in practice one before a searing sequence of laps towards the end of the second, quicker session in the afternoon saw him drop well beneath the existing circuit records – topping both the race and qualifying benchmarks.
Sonic are prior winners at The Bend, in 2018 and 2019, while both the race and qualifying records are held by Aaron’s older brother, Jordan – also aboard Sonic machinery.
Second was EMA Motorsport’s David Russell, who headed a queue of nine cars covered by 0.4 seconds.
EMA are fielding cars on two continents this weekend with a Porsche 911 GT3R entry in the Spa 24 Hour enduro in Belgium – co driven by former Aussie champion, Matt Campbell.
Townsville race winner Jackson Walls ended the day third, Dylan O’Keeffe fourth and Townsville round winner Callum Hedge was fifth.
Hedge topped the opening practice session aboard his Earl Bamber Motorsport / Team Porsche NZ entry to continue his strong recent form.
Championship leader Harri Jones, Christian Pancione, Luke Youlden, Ryan Suhle and second-placed David Wall completed the top-10.
South Aussie Max Vidau had a solid day at the office on his return to his home circuit – finishing third quickest in practice one.
All 10 fastest cars on Friday’s combined practice lap times all lapped beneath the existing The Bend lap record.
Morris Pro-Am was equally competitive as usual with Adrian Flack edging out Sam Shahin for the fastest time of the day.
Flack’s 1m51.57s was 0.07s quicker than Shahin’s best and just 1.6s behind the outright leader on the third-longest lap on the Carrera Cup calendar.
Liam Talbot was third fastest with Dean Cook and Matt Belford next in Pro-Am.
The fifth round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship continues tomorrow with a 20-mintue qualifying session, before the first race later in the afternoon.
Both sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Aaron Love, Fastest Pro
“It was a nice session, I’ve never been here before in this car so I’ve been learning lap after lap. So it’s nice to get the result, but at the end of the day its only Friday and practice. I think we still got a bit of work to do overnight and we have to make sure we do it all tomorrow in qualifying. It’s always been a good track for Sonic, one of our home tracks is Phillip Island so we can correlate a lot of the data from there to it, it’s always good that we can have a track that we always go to and get a relatively good base off, but I’m enjoying being back here.”
Adrian Flack, Fastest Morris Pro Am, Practice 2
“First is a good place to be for the start of the weekend, we just need to try push on with it and end up in the same position at the end of the weekend. The track had a lot more grip that session than the previous session, but I still find it tricky to know how much grip you going to have in the corner, until you get into it. Sam has done so many laps around here, I figured he would be way up the road so to be in front, or even that close, I’m stoked.
Callum Hedge, Fastest Pro, Practice 1
“We tested here a few times before and we took a few theories into that session which we thought would work and it seemed to pay dividends, but the track is really cold and fresh as it rained overnight. We’ve just got to wait for a bit of rubber to come in and put some better tyres on and we’ll go have a proper crack. But it’s a good continuation from our win in Townsville and hopefully we stay there for the rest of the weekend.”
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NewsWall and Jones resume Championship battle in Round 5
Sonic heads to The Bend Motorsport Park in search of elusive 2022 round win
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Round 5, The Bend Motorsport Park
• Four different round winners, from the first four rounds this season in the Pro class
• Geoff Emery first repeat winner in Morris Pro-Am this year in Townsville
• Shahin, Cook, Talbot and Jane all covered by just 8-points in battle for third in Morris Pro-Am
• Walls, Hedge, Hall, Shiels and Mouzouris all set personal best round results in Round 4
• Wall only driver to finish in top-10 in every race this year
Following two big rounds in the north of Australia, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup teams now travel south to country town of Tailem Bend in South Australia for round 5 of the 2022 Championship.
Hosting races 393 to 395 in Championship history, the 4.95km circuit at The Bend Motorsport Park is characterised by fast, flowing turns that are tailored for GT style cars, such as the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
The Bend, run by Morris Pro-Am driver, Sam Shahin, became only the 17th venue to host a round of Carrera Cup Australia since the series inception in 2002, and is the third fastest venue on the 2022 calendar, with its average lap speed of 161kph eclipsed only by Albert Park (174kph) and Bathurst (178kph).
Following a massive start-line accident in the Saturday’s torrential conditions, the 2021 Sunday races at The Bend witnessed two incredible battles between Cameron Hill and Harri Jones, with the 2021 Pro Champion Hill claiming both the 20-lap Enduro and 11-lap finale by near identical race margins 0.23s.
Prior to that, Sonic Motor Racing drivers had dominated both the inaugural 2018 round (Michael Almond) and 2019 events (Jordan Love). Love won all three races from pole position with an average winning margin of more than 5.5 seconds.
But it has been 12 consecutive rounds since the Sonic Motor Racing Team’s last round win, edging ever closer to their longest ‘dry spell’ of 13 rounds in the 2005-06 season. The Victorian Championship winning team has been in position to win twice this year though, both with Aaron Love (Australian Grand Prix and Townsville) and will be hungry to amend that stat heading to South Australia round.
In their way, stands McElrea Racing’s Harri Jones, whose Championship lead was reduced to 39-points by David Wall in Round 4, with the Paynter Dixon driver being the only driver in the field to have finished in the top 10 in every race so far this year. Both drivers finished on The Bend’s podium last year.
The team that has made the biggest progression in the last six races however, is Earl Bamber Motorsport Team, thanks to the efforts of Dale Wood and Callum Hedge. After a shaky start to the season, Hedge took his first Carrera Cup Australia round win in Townsville and has progressed from 10th, 9th, 8th, 3rd, 2nd to first in the last six races.
Together with Hedge, Round 4 also saw the likes of Jackson Walls, Bayley Hall, Brad Shiels and Angelo Mouzouris all set their personal best Carrera Cup Australia performances.
In Morris Pro-Am, Geoff Emery was unstoppable and became the season’s first repeat winner in the class, elevating him into the Championship lead by 17 points from three-time class champion, Stephen Grove.
With Grove overseas for the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa this weekend, the battle for class victory and podium positions will be hotly contested affair. As only eight points currently separate Dean Cook, Sam Shahin, Liam Talbot and Rodney Jane for positions 3 to 6 in the Championship.
Following two practice sessions on Friday 29 July, Saturday plays host to qualifying and the first Sprint race in the mid-afternoon. A 40-minute, 20 lap Endurance race takes place on Sunday morning before the final Sprint race after midday. All three races will be broadcast live on both Fox Sports and Kayo Sports throughout the weekend.
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, Round 5, The Bend
Broadcast Schedule:
Friday, 29 July
10:50-11:15 Practice 1
13:25-13:50 Practice 2
Saturday, 30 July
10:30-10:50 Qualifying
15:05-15:30 Race 1 (11 laps)
Sunday, 31 July
10:20-11:00 Race 2 (20 laps)
14:25-14:50 (11 laps)
Entry List:
# Name Surname Class Sponsor
5 Ryan Suhle Pro SP Tools / EBM
6 Angelo Mouzouris Pro Sonic / PitBox
7 Tim Miles Pro-Am Miles Advisory Partners / N2C
8 Nick McBride Pro Porsche Centre Melbourne
9 Marc Cini Pro-Am Hallmarc
11 Jackson Walls Pro Objective Racing
12 Harri Jones Pro Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group
13 Sam Shahin Pro-Am The Bend Motorsport Park
14 Matthew Belford Pro-Am ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne
17 Callum Hedge Pro Team Porsche NZ / EBM
20 Adrian Flack Pro-Am AGAS National
22 Dean Cook Pro-Am Zonzo Racing
25 Michael Almond Pro The PSA Group
27 Liam Talbot Pro-Am Wash It / Paynter Dixon
28 Bayley Hall Pro Hall Finance & Insurance
38 David Wall Pro Monochrome / Paynter Dixon
45 Indiran Padayachee Pro-Am Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts
48 Geoff Emery Pro-Am Force Accessories / MJR
53 Luke Youlden Pro TekworkX / Hire A Hubby
72 Max Vidau Pro TekworkX / Tyrepower
74 David Russell Pro EMA Motorsport
76 Christian Pancione Pro VCM Performance / HP Tuners
77 Rodney Jane Pro-Am Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts
86 Drew Hall Pro-Am Wall Racing
88 Dylan O’Keeffe Pro Dexion / RAM Motorsport
100 Dale Wood Pro Timken Racing
222 Scott Taylor Pro-Am Scott Taylor Motorsport
333 Brad Shiels Pro Royal Purple Racing
777 Simon Fallon Pro Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech
TBC TBC TBC Pro TBC
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NewsTough weekend for Grove and Love in Porsche Mobil1 Supercup
Rookie Bastian Buus wins Supercup race at the Circuit Paul Ricard
Rookie Bastian Buus took victory in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup race at the Circuit Paul Ricard, while Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia driver’s Aaron Love and Stephen Grove, would cross the line in 19th and 30th respectively.
Despite the Mediterranean heat and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, Bastian Buus kept a cool head. Le Castellet was only the fifth Supercup race for the 19-year-old Dane. Moreover, the youngster from the BWT Lechner Racing squad started from pole position for the first time.
The rookie, however, got off the line like a seasoned pro and defended his spot from his relentlessly attacking teammate Harry King. When the safety car was deployed during the first lap, Buus remained vigilant and again defended his lead after the restart to bring home a commanding victory at the wheel of his ca. 375 kW (510 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. “To be honest, I fluffed my start a little – and Harry pulled alongside me. But I swore to myself, I wasn’t going to brake until he brakes. It was extremely late, but it worked,” said Buus describing his first few seconds of the race.
The final lap did not run smoothly either for the 19-year-old from the seaport city of Kolding. “Towards the end of the race, Harry came dangerously close. His tyres seemed to be in an better condition than mine. I suspected it would be a close finish – then suddenly the flag came out. It was a complete surprise because I thought I had another lap to go.”
Harry King praised his young teammate. “Bastian didn’t make a single mistake that I could have taken advantage of. I conserved my tyres to attack at the end – it almost worked. Still, I’m extremely pleased with second place,” concluded the BWT Lechner Racing driver from England.
Larry ten Voorde, too, was greatly relieved: The defending champion from the GP Elite squad left the previous race in Austria empty-handed after becoming entangled in an accident. Third place at the Circuit Paul Ricard enabled him to close the gap on the championship leader. “First and foremost, I’d like to congratulate Bastian Buus on his first Supercup win – I almost feel old next to him,” joked the 25-year-old Dutchman. “I’m pleased to be back on the podium after my bad luck at the Red Bull Ring. I’m not thinking too much about the title yet. I just want to win races.”
Porsche Junior Laurin Heinrich crossed the finish line in fourth place. But he was handed a three-second time penalty after the race and lost this position. The stewards of the meeting accused the German from the SSR Huber Racing team of exceeding the track limit immediately after the start. As a result, Heinrich had to relinquish his fourth place to Dylan Pereira. With this, the Luxembourger from BWT Lechner Racing defended his overall lead in the rankings.
The race
The rookie, however, got off the line like a seasoned pro and defended his spot from his relentlessly attacking teammate Harry King. When the safety car was deployed during the first lap, Buus remained vigilant and again defended his lead after the restart to bring home a commanding victory at the wheel of his ca. 375 kW (510 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. “To be honest, I fluffed my start a little – and Harry pulled alongside me. But I swore to myself, I wasn’t going to brake until he brakes. It was extremely late, but it worked,” said Buus describing his first few seconds of the race.
The final lap did not run smoothly either for the 19-year-old from the seaport city of Kolding. “Towards the end of the race, Harry came dangerously close. His tyres seemed to be in an better condition than mine. I suspected it would be a close finish – then suddenly the flag came out. It was a complete surprise because I thought I had another lap to go.”
Harry King praised his young teammate. “Bastian didn’t make a single mistake that I could have taken advantage of. I conserved my tyres to attack at the end – it almost worked. Still, I’m extremely pleased with second place,” concluded the BWT Lechner Racing driver from England.
Larry ten Voorde, too, was greatly relieved: The defending champion from the GP Elite squad left the previous race in Austria empty-handed after becoming entangled in an accident. Third place at the Circuit Paul Ricard enabled him to close the gap on the championship leader. “First and foremost, I’d like to congratulate Bastian Buus on his first Supercup win – I almost feel old next to him,” joked the 25-year-old Dutchman. “I’m pleased to be back on the podium after my bad luck at the Red Bull Ring. I’m not thinking too much about the title yet. I just want to win races.”
Porsche Junior Laurin Heinrich crossed the finish line in fourth place. But he was handed a three-second time penalty after the race and lost this position. The stewards of the meeting accused the German from the SSR Huber Racing team of exceeding the track limit immediately after the start. As a result, Heinrich had to relinquish his fourth place to Dylan Pereira. With this, the Luxembourger from BWT Lechner Racing defended his overall lead in the rankings.
“Congratulations to Bastian Buus: To win his first race during his first Supercup season is extremely impressive and speaks volumes about his huge talent. All in all, we witnessed an action-packed race with thrilling fights for positions among the frontrunners, the midfield and also further back in the order. My respect goes to the drivers and teams who worked professionally in these hot summer temperatures,” stated Oliver Schwab, Project Manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
In the Rookie classification, Bastian Buus remains unbeaten after five rounds of the season. Victory in the ProAm class at Le Castellet went to Norway’s Roar Lindland driving for the Pierre Martinet by Alméras squad. Buus and Lindland both lead their respective classes.
After the race on the ultra-modern Circuit Paul Ricard, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup now heads to one of the most tradition-steeped racetracks on the Formula 1 calendar: In five weeks, the 911 GT3 Cup will contest round six at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium (24 to 26 August 2022).
Result race 5 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Le Castellet (F)
1. Bastian Buus (DK/BWT Lechner Racing), 29.21.612 minutes
2. Harry King (UK/BWT Lechner Racing), +0.452 seconds
3. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), +3.813 seconds
4. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), +10.230 seconds
5. Laurin Heinrich (D/SSR Huber Racing), +10.655 seconds
6. Marvin Klein (F/CLRT), +11.683 seconds
Points standings 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (after 5 of 8 races)
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 92 points
2. Laurin Heinrich (D/SSR Huber Racing), 88 points
3. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 82 points
4. Harry King (GB/BWT Lechner Racing), 80 points
5. Bastian Buus (DK/BWT Lechner Racing), 73 points
Full race results and championship standings:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/germany/de/category/mobil1supercup/pmsc-2022-results
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NewsStephen and Brenton Grove to contest 24 Hours of Spa and FIA Motorsport Games
Stephen Grove to return to Porsche Mobil1 Supercup for Round 5, Le Castellet
Stephen Grove to return to Porsche Mobil1 Supercup for Round 5, Le Castellet
• Stephen Grove to join the French Martinet by Almeras Team for Round 5 of Porsche Mobil1 Supercup in Le Castellet, France
• Australian father and son pairing to campaign Porsche 911 GT3 R in Total Energies 24 Hours of Spa alongside Matt Payne and Adrian D’ Silva
• Stephen and Brenton Grove to represent Australia at FIA Motorsport 2022 Games in 26-30 October
Melbourne. Three-time Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am Champion, Stephen Grove, will mark his return to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this weekend when the global one-make Championship converges on Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, Var, near Marseille in France.
Grove will join the French Martinet by Almeras Team for the fifth round, in a one-off drive in the premier Championship in preparation for the Total Energies 24 Hours of Spa which takes place the following weekend.
As a result, the Penrite Racing Team owner, will not be able to contest Round 5 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park on the 29-31 July. Grove currently lies second in the Morris Finance Pro-Am class, 17-points behind class leader Geoff Emery.
Grove previously campaigned in rounds of the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season along with fellow Carrera Cup Australia drivers, Jaxon Evans, Marc Cini and Joey Mawson. This year, Grove will have fellow Australian, Aaron Love for company in the French team, as the young West Australian’s busy 2022 calendar continues between select Porsche Carrera Cup France and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia rounds.
For the endurance classic in the Ardennes, Grove Snr will join son, Brenton and Grove Junior driver, Matthew Payne and Adrian D’Silva behind the wheel of the rebuilt 911 GT3 R, following damage the Porsche sustained in this year’s Liqui Molly Bathurst 12 Hour.
Following the 24 Hours of Spa, the Grove Porsche 911 GT3 R will stay in Europe for the Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai in January 2023, before potentially returning down under for the Liqui Molly Bathurst 12 Hour next year.
QUOTES:
Stephen Grove: “The Total Energies 24 Hours of Spa is a special one. It’s such iconic circuit where we are honoured to race the #16 Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Po-Am class. It will be a tough race with an exceptionally strong field, but we are confident and excited to participate with our line-up of drivers including Grove Junior driver, Matt Payne, and Adrian D’Silva.
Brenton and I were really pleased to win bronze in the GT Nations Cup back in 2019 in a hard-fought race. We’ll both be representing Australia again in this prestigious and globally recognised event. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to take part and to give ourselves a chance at winning gold.
I am really proud to be captaining the Nations Cup team for Australia, it is something that is special to me and I am excited to be racing as part of a strong and competitive Australian team.”
Brenton Grove: “Stephen and I are excited to be racing at Spa in the 24 Hour. It’s a great challenge and everyone is looking forward to a great weekend of racing. It will be our first race where we’ll have Matt Payne with us who is part of our Junior Program, as well as Adrian D’Silva, so we are confident we can fight for some strong results.
We are also racing in the 2022 FIA Motorsport games in which we are proud to represent Australia once again after achieving bronze in 2019. We hope to go two steps better this year and bring home gold to continue Australia’s strong sporting results in recent weeks.”
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
About:
2022 FIA Motorsport Games
Taking place between 26-30 October 2022, around 80 nations are expected to compete representing the individual FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) from each country. They will race in a vastly expanded programme of 17 disciplines spanning the motorsport spectrum, staged across the three locations of Circuit Paul Ricard, Veynes and St. Baume.
The FIA Motorsport Games combines sport with culture and education, creating an environment that uplifts the values of respect, unity, and equal opportunities. More than a thousand amateur and professional drivers from ASNs across the globe and all levels of motorsport will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals under the colours of their country’s flag.
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NewsPorsche announces Esports Carrera Cup Australia competition for sim-racing community
Mount Panorama to host Porsche open qualification sim-racing event
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Esports Carrera Cup Australia presented by ORDER. In 2020 PCA hosted a six round virtual Championship on the iRacing platform for their drivers from both Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series, together with special guest appearances from past Champions.
For 2022, PCA have partnered with Australian esports team, ORDER and Oceanic Sim Racing (OSR), offering drivers from the Australian esports community the opportunity to compete in the first open qualification sim-racing event by Porsche Cars Australia and be crowned the 2022 Porsche Esports Australia Champion.
Over three days in September, pre-qualifying sessions will see sim-racers set their best times around the iconic Mount Panorama, Bathurst circuit, with the top 50 drivers proceeding to the final race day.
The main event will be held on Sunday, September 25. The race day will start with a Last Chance Qualifier race to finalise the top 30 drivers for the Grand Final, from which one winner will become the inaugural Porsche Esports Australia Champion.
The overall winner will be a guest of Porsche at the final round of the 2022 Carrera Cup Australia season on the Gold Coast. Both the Last Chance Qualifier and Grand Final races will be broadcast live on @PorscheMotorsportAU YouTube channel and Facebook page, & the ORDER Twitch channel.
In order to compete in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Esports Carrera Cup event, drivers must have a current, active, iRacing account, in their legal name. (No secondary or pseudonym named accounts will be accepted). Drivers must also be a resident of, and be residing in and racing from, Australian states or territories only for the event.
For full details and registration information, head to the official site at: https://www.carreracup.com.au/porsche-paynter-dixon-esports-carrera-cup-australia/
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Esports Carrera Cup Australia dates:
Date Event
21 Sept Pre-Qualifying (Day 1)
22 Sept Pre-Qualifying (Day 2)
23 Sept Pre-Qualifying (Day 3) P1-20 drivers qualify for Grand Final, P21-50 proceed to LCQ
25 Sept Last Chance Qualifier Race 15 lap race, 30 drivers, P1-10 qualify for Grand Final
25 Sept Grand Final 25 lap race, 30 drivers, 1 champion
For more Porsche Motorsport Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsHedge, Emery take Townsville as championship battle opens up
Four winners from four rounds as Carrera Cup heads into second half of 2022
A championship-changing day has turned the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia title fight on its head as a pair of Michelin Junior driver stars took the trophies on the streets of Townsville.
Team Porsche New Zealand young-gun Callum Hedge won Round 4 of the championship, while earlier in the day Jackson Walls claimed the Enduro Cup race to make it two first-time winners in two races in a chaotic Sunday of racing in North Queensland.
Former champion David Wall finished third to take a huge chunk of championship points out of leader, Harri Jones, who had a tough weekend.
In MORRIS Pro-Am, Geoff Emery converted his pole position and race one win to another pair of victories on Sunday to complete a clean sweep of Round 4. It’s the first time anyone has swept the weekend in Townsville in the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’. Stephen Grove and Dean Cook completed the podium.
Hedge is the fourth different winner from four rounds this year as a fiercely competitive championship reaches its half-way point.
The day started with a fiercely competitive Enduro Cup encounter on Sunday morning, won superbly by Jackson Walls in his Objective Racing Porsche.
Starting from second, the young Sydneysider made a perfect start to out-drag Luke Youlden into the first corner.
From there he withstood pressure from the Race 1 winner, Callum Hedge, David Wall and Aaron Love in a furious battle to the line, to claim his maiden Carrera Cup victory in just his eighth round.
Hedge was second, taking advantage of a last-lap bump at turn three between Walls and Youlden, that saw the latter slowed and enabling the Kiwi to charge past.
Youlden would grab third with Wall fourth and Love in fifth, with the contact between Walls and Youlden called a racing incident.
Ryan Suhle, Brad Shiels, Duvashen Padayachee, Angelo Mouzouris and Harri Jones completed the top-10.
Emery pulled clear of former Townsville winner Stephen Grove to claim the victory in MORRIS Pro-Am, with Liam Talbot third. Dean Cook and Rodney Jane completed the top five in class.
The final race of the weekend was just as dramatic as Walls and Hedge drag-raced down towards turn two, having made equally impressive starts. The two juniors ran side-by-side through the first four corners before Hedge was able to wrestle his way into the front.
Walls would later lose two further spots to Wall and Love to finish fourth, a moment that ultimately the deciding factor handing Hedge the round win overall in just his sixth Carrera Cup round.
It’s the second time in two years Carrera Cup has delivered three winners from three races in Townsville.
Walls’ finished second overall to further enhance his weekend of firsts, while David Wall’s second in the race and overall round podium finish, represented his first time in the top three in Townsville in any category.
Hedge and Walls were both on the outright podium for the first time in Carrera Cup.
Love finished third in the race, however faces a post-event investigation following contact with Luke Youlden that sent the Tekworkx Motorsport car spinning at turn 7 – ending his otherwise strong run to a round podium and dropping him to 24th position.
Championship leader Harri Jones finished 10th and 7th in the two races, respectively, to see his 114-point championship lead pre-round reduced by a significant margin to just 39 over David Wall heading into the second half of the season.
Dylan O’Keeffe sits third with Dale Wood and David Russell completing the top five.
Emery’s path to a third straight MORRIS Pro-Am win came ahead of Steven Grove and Rodney Jane, while key title contenders Sam Shahin and Liam Talbot both struck dramas. Dean Cook’s fourth position was enough to give him the point to secure a spot on the podium.
Emery’s round win was the third Pro-Am win of his Carrera Cup career and makes him the first repeat winner of the season, the Victorian having won at Albert Park earlier this year.
He now takes a 17-point lead in the Pro-Am class over Stephen Grove into the next round, with Dean Cook climbing to third
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns in three weeks time at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, racing at the OTR SuperSprint on July 29-21.
Callum Hedge, Round 4 Pro winner:
“Really stoked, got really lucky at the start, got a really good launch and passed Jackson across the third and fourth corner. I knew David Wall was on green tyres so I was hoping he could get held up for a few laps, but when he got to me, he couldn’t get passed. It’s hard to pass in this car with the aero wash around this street circuit. I just want to say thanks to the Earl Bamber Motorsport boys and Team Porsche New Zealand for a really good car and I can’t thank everyone enough. I’m absolutely stoked to win, I’ve been really unlucky the last few rounds, finally fourth time lucky we did it.”
Jackson Walls, Race 2 Pro winner:
“It’s definitely weird to get my first race win here, I didn’t expect it, especially being my first time in Townsville and one of the only rookies, but I’ll take what I can get. I couldn’t be happier with the team and everyone who has supported me to get where I am today, it’s been a long two years through Covid, but I couldn’t be happier.
“We had a tyre disadvantage due to the fact we used our new set yesterday, it was all good until they started to go with five laps still left to go, so I was struggling to get the car on the apexes and locking up everywhere. The battle with Luke (Youlden) I was just trying to defend and I was really hungry for the win and kept telling myself I’m going to win, so wasn’t give it up easily.“
Geoff Emery, Round 4 Morris Pro-Am winner:
“It feels really good, it all started in the practice, I had solid qualifying sessions and then three strong races, it couldn’t have been a better weekend for us. In the race I broke away pretty early and just managed the gap, I had a really good car and plenty car speed.
“Townsville is not without its incidents and there was a couple going on there (in Race 2) which brought out the safety car. That cooled the tyres right off, but once the tyre came back up (to temperature) they were good. But otherwise it was a really good race for us and for the last race it will be a lot hotter, so we’ll adjust the pressures. The car has been really good throughout the whole weekend and I think we’ve made the right decisions so far.”
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NewsJudicial update
Update on Motorsport Australia Race Stewards, Race 1 Townsville decision
Following appeals made by some of the Porsche Carrera Cup Teams overnight regards the decision made to penalize the first three drivers of race 1, Motorsport Australia Race Stewards this morning have reinstated the top 3 place finishes who were excluded from the results initially
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NewsWall, Emery provisionally claim shortened Townsville opener
Dramatic opener in Townsville has championship-changing implications
A CHAOTIC and dramatic Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia opener on the streets of Townsville has delivered victories to David Wall and Geoff Emery (MORRIS Pro-Am).
Results remain provisional following a dramatic day that saw the race completed under Safety Car, with several drivers excluded post-race – including Luke Youlden, who had crossed the line first.
Starting from pole – his first since 2005 – Youlden was beaten into Turn one by front-row starter Aaron Love and Dylan O’Keeffe, who started third.
Contact from O’Keeffe at turn two then turned Love’s Sonic entry around, his car pointing in the wrong direction as the 32-strong field fired into the tight right-hander.
The spin caused chaos with more than a third of the field either stopped completely or significantly delayed as they took evasive action – though all were remarkably able to continue, a vast majority of them with little damage.
The action continued at turn two when Simon Fallon, who was fighting for second, also speared up the escape road at turn three after his car suffered radiator damage in the Turn 2 incident.
As the field regrouped, Tony Quinn had a significant impact at Turn 10 aboard his Local Legends 911 GT3.
The heavy crash at the high-speed right-hand sweeper saw the Safety Car called.
Quinn was extricated by the car by Team Medical and taken to the circuit medical centre, and subsequently Hospital in Townsville, following the incident.
Ultimately the lengthy recovery of Quinn’s car saw the field greet the chequered flag behind the Safety Car with 8 laps completed.
Youlden received the flag first, followed by Jackson Walls and Callum Hedge.
However, the trio were excluded post race, with the Motorsport Australia stewards report stating: ‘Based on the Preliminary Results, the last lap of cars 53 (Youlden), 11 (Walls) and 17 (Hedge) was slower than twice the fastest lap lap time of the winner in the preliminary results. Competitors have the right to protest.’
That decision elevated David Wall to the provisional victory with Duvashen Padayachee second and Brad Shiels third – both recording their best ever Carrera Cup race finishes.
Wall’s result is more significant given nearest title rival Harri Jones was caught in the Turn two dramas and could only recover to 10th in the Professional class on the revised provisional results.
Bayle Hall was classified fourth, and Angelo Mouzouris fifth – with MORRIS Pro-Am leaders Geoff Emery, Liam Talbot and Dean Cook next.
Nick McBride and Aaron Love completed the top-10.
O’Keeffe was issued a 10-second time penalty for his role in the Turn 2 contact, dropping him to 12th outright in the final classifications.
Results remain provisional pending further investigations.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field returns for a further two races tomorrow with the 28-lap Enduro Cup race set for an 8:30am local time start, ahead of the final race at 12:45pm.
Both races will be shown live on Fox Sports and Kayo, with the finale’ also shown live on the Seven Network.
Earlier, in qualifying, Luke Youlden became the fourth different TAG Heuer Pole Award winner of the season, taking the Pro class pole position with a Townsville-record 1m12.9801s flyer late in the second 10-minute session.
It was Youlden’s first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia pole since the Oran Park round of the championship in 2005 – a gap of 6,174 days.
Aaron Love missed out on scoring his second pole of the year by 0.0974s while Dylan O’Keeffe was third.
Ryan Suhle qualified a career-best fourth outright, while Simon Fallon’s fifth position was also a career best.
Dale Wood, David Wall, Duvashen Padayachee, Jackson Walls and championship leader Harri Jones was only 10th.
The top 13 cars were all beneath the existing Townsville qualifying record, while the entire 19-car Pro field was covered by exactly one second.
In MORRIS Pro-Am, Geoff Emery became the fourth different polesitter from four rounds as he edged out Liam Talbot by 0.2 seconds to grab his first pole of the year.
Sam Shahin and Tim Miles made up the second row of the Pro-Am grid with Adrian Flack and Dean Cook next.
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NewsOfficial Statement: Accident involving Tony Quinn in Race 1 of Round 4
Official Statement
Accident involving Tony Quinn in Race 1 of Round 4 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Townsville, 2022
During Race 1 in Townsville on 09 July 2022 at 12:45pm an incident occurred on the opening laps in which driver, Tony Quinn, was injured.
On lap one Quinn’s car made contact with the wall on the outside of Turn 10. No other car was involved in the accident. Quinn was transported to Townsville University Hospital, where he is being treated by medical staff.
Initial medical checks of Quinn have identified a suspected broken leg and fractures to his ribs on the left hand side. It is also suspected he has a punctured lung.
Doctors are currently awaiting results of scans and x-rays.
According to the medical staff at the hospital, Quinn is in a stable condition and will remain under observation in hospital.
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NewsWall nudges record to top fast Friday in Townsville
Liam Talbot paces Morris Pro-Am field in Townsville practice
PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia title contender David Wall has fired the first shot of the weekend at the NTI Townsville 500, setting the fastest ever lap of the 2.86km Reid Park street circuit to top an intense day of practice today.
Wall’s 1m13.5641s best saw him top the times mid-way through the second of two, 25-minute practice sessions today aboard his Monochrome / Paynter Dixon Wall Racing 992 GT3 Cup Car.
Another former champion topped the Morris Pro-Am contenders, Liam Talbot continuing his momentum to top the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ with a flying 1m14.1740s best in the second session – quick enough to put him 16th overall in the record 32-car field.
Wall, who sits second in the championship, ultimately topped both practice sessions today with the returning Aaron Love second in both.
Love, driving a Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Motor Racing entry, was two-tenths behind Wall in practice one however closed the margin to just 0.0178s in practice two.
Wall’s flyer was fractionally quicker than the Townsville street circuit qualifying record, set by Roger Lago en-route to his remarkable outright pole position in 2019.
Christian Pancione was a fast third overall while his fellow McElrea Racing Michelin Junior, Bayley Hall, had his best ever Carrera Cup session – finishing fourth outright but topping the leaderboard for some time throughout the session.
Luke Youlden was fifth, Dylan O’Keeffe sixth and Darwin winner Dale Wood seventh, with Callum Hedge, championship leader Harri Jones and Ryan Suhle completing the top 10 overall today – the group of ten drivers from six different teams covered by just 0.44s.
Exactly one second covered the top 21 cars in practice two as the field builds towards qualifying tomorrow.
Talbot was quickest overall in the Morris Pro-Am battle today however the times were tight between all the key contenders in the class.
Geoff Emery topped the opening practice session by just 0.0033s, with championship leader Sam Shahin just behind and Talbot third.
Talbot’s flyer in the second session saw him comfortably top the class in practice two – and overall in Morris Pro-Am – with Emery 0.5s behind in second and Shahin third.
The field will now be split in two for qualifying on Saturday morning, the MORRIS Pro-Am runners running first at 8:25am before the Pro class cars run in a separate, 10-minute session at 8:40.
The first race of the weekend will be contested over 17 laps at 12:45pm local time and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, Channel 7 and Kayo Sports on Saturday afternoon.
QUOTES:
David Wall – fastest in Pro / outright
“It’s good there’s only one tenth between the top five, it’s what Carrera Cup racing’s all about. I’m really more than happy with our day to be honest, we’ve learnt a fair bit today only because we haven’t been to a street circuit so far. I’m enjoying driving the car and it’s been a good weekend up here in the sun, we’ll see what we can do in qualifying, the top ten will be right at the pointy end tomorrow, so we’ll see how we go.
“I don’t think the traffic will be too bad tomorrow as we have the split qualifying, which I’m in two minds about, as it showed in that session we could make it work with one session. But the idea is to give everyone a clear run, including the Pro-Am guys. 10 Minutes is pretty short considering its from when you leave the dummy grid, but overall the whole meeting has been pretty good and I’m really enjoying driving the car.”
Liam Talbot – Morris Pro-Am
“At one point in the session I had a purple middle sector and would have been faster if I didn’t have traffic. I was just trying to find a gap, it was a good time, but is still not representative of the lap we could have got, but I’m just enjoying it up here in Townsville.
“It’s just practice though, it all really starts again qualifying tomorrow, which will be colder, so to have the split session is great, we start at the front and get a clear track, I can’t wait.”
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NewsJaxon Evans returns to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Austria
Two-time Carrera Cup Champion to contest Round 4 in Spielberg
Jaxon Evans will be back in the 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car this weekend when he takes on Round 4 of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Evans is no stranger to 911 GT3 Cup Cars, having finished runner-up in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship in 2021 and raced in the category for two years as a Porsche junior, tasting success on multiple occasions.
The Championship supports the Austrian Grand Prix Formula 1 event, and cars will be on track for Free Practice on Friday, Qualifying on Saturday, and an 18-lap Race on Sunday. Evans will be racing for team CLRT in the single-driver sprint race.
The Red Bull Ring has been a happy hunting ground for Evans in the past, having won at the track on two different occasions. “I love racing at the Red Bull Ring. I’ve raced there many times and have enjoyed much success,” said Evans.
“My first Supercup race win came at the Red Bull Ring in 2020, and then I backed it up with another win last year in 2021.”
Evans is hoping for a top-five finish this weekend but is well aware of the competitive nature of the Supercup Championship and isn’t underestimating the task ahead.
“It’s going to be a tough weekend. Supercup is a very competitive championship, and having only a single 45-minute practice session to get back in the groove of driving the 992 911 GT3 Cup Car is a tough ask.
“I’m going up against guys that have been in the car nearly every weekend since the beginning of the race season. But I’m confident in the track knowledge I have and past success, so we should be able to push for a top 10 finish.
“Ultimately, I’d feel satisfied with a top five result, and I think that’s achievable,” said Evans.
Catch all the action of the Austrian Grand Prix, including the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship Round 4 Qualifying and Race LIVE on Kayo Sports.
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NewsThree rounds, three different winners, who will emerge victorious in Round 4
Wood, Jones and Vidau in the hunt to repeat round success in Townsville
Australia’s top Porsche teams and drivers will converge on the Reid Park Circuit in the coastal city of Townsville in Northern Queensland for the fourth round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
It will be the 133rd round held in the history of the Championship since it began in 2003 and as the 2022 results show, this has been one of the most hotly contested seasons on record.
The first three rounds of this season have thus far produced three different round winners in each class including: Max Vidau, Harri Jones and Dale Wood in the Pro class and Geoff Emery, Matthew Belford and Liam Talbot in the Morris Pro-Am battle.
Remarkably, the 2022 round winners in Pro and Morris Pro-Am represent no less than six different Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) teams including: TekworkX, McElrea Racing, EBM, Ash Seward Motorsport, Porsche Centre Melbourne and Wall Racing.
If one was to go back to last year, there would have been five different winners from the five most recent rounds (David Wall and Cooper Murray taking honours in the last two 2021 rounds held at Bathurst in December) in the Pro class.
Round 3 in Darwin also saw four drivers (Jackson Walls, Callum Hedge, Christian Pancione and Brad Shiels) all scoring their best round results in the most recent event, while witnessing a strong return to the top of the podium by Dale Wood, as the Timken driver continues to gel with the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team.
Dale Wood’s recent form has been impressive: progressing each round from 7th-5th-4th-3rd-2nd-1st-1st in his last 7 races. Having left Round 1 of the championship in 15th, he now sits fourth in class. In the Pro Championship the first and second belong to Harri Jones and David Wall respectively due to their ever-present pace and consistency.
The pair are the only two drivers in the entire field to have finished every race in the Top-10 this season. Jones has never been lower than seventh, Wall ninth. Max Vidau was the only other driver with such a streak prior to his 13th place in race 3 in Darwin.
While 2022 marks the Championship’s eighth visit to the Reid Park circuit on record, the 2021 round saw Cooper Murray become the first multiple round winner in Townsville’s Carrera Cup history, with Matt Payne winning the third race on that occasion. The young Kiwi had qualified on pole however stalled at the start and only finished Race 1 in 10th position.
In Morris Pro-Am, Stephen Grove won the 2021 round by a single point over Geoff Emery, thanks to his pole position. This year Grove together with Rodney Jane and Scott Taylor are the only drivers to have started every round and to have not had a DNF.
No circuit on the current calendar has an older lap record than Townsville, the benchmark set on the Championship’s first visit in 2011 by Jonny Reid (McElrea Racing) in a time of 1m14.0389s and has not been beaten since. Given the performance and pace of the new 992 at every track this year, will 2022 be the year this age old record falls?
Following two practice sessions on Friday 08 July, Saturday plays host to a split qualifying due to the nature of the tight street circuit, before the first sprint race at midday. A 40-minute (approx. 28 lap) Endurance race takes place early on Sunday morning before the final sprint race at midday.
All three races will be broadcast live on both FoxSports and Kayo Sports throughout the weekend, as well as on free-to-air television on 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
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Round 4, Townsville
Broadcast Schedule:
Friday, 08 July
09:30 – 09:55 Practice 1
13:10 – 13:35 Practice 2
Saturday, 09 July
08:25 – 08:35 Qualifying 1
08:40 – 08:50 Qualifying 2
12:45 – 13:10 Race 1 (17 laps)
Sunday, 10 July
08:30 – 09:10 Race 2 (28 laps)
12:45 – 13:10 Race 3 (17 laps)
Entry List:
# | Name | Surname | Sponsor | Class |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Grove Racing | Pro-Am |
5 | Ryan | Suhle | SP Tools / EBM | Pro |
6 | Angelo | Mouzouris | Sonic / PitBox | Pro |
7 | Tim | Miles | Miles Advisory Partners / N2C | Pro-Am |
8 | Nick | McBride | Porsche Centre Melbourne | Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Hallmarc | Pro-Am |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Objective Racing | Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group | Pro |
13 | Sam | Shahin | The Bend Motorsport Park / OTR | Pro-Am |
14 | Matthew | Belford | ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne | Pro-Am |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Team Porsche NZ / EBM | Pro |
20 | Adrian | Flack | AGAS National | Pro-Am |
22 | Dean | Cook | Zonzo Racing | Pro-Am |
25 | Michael | Almond | The PSA Group | Pro |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Wash It / Paynter Dixon | Pro-Am |
28 | Bayley | Hall | Hall Finance & Insurance | Pro |
38 | David | Wall | Monochrome / Paynter Dixon | Pro |
45 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts | Pro |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Force Accessories / MJR | Pro-Am |
53 | Luke | Youlden | TekworkX / Hire A Hubby | Pro |
72 | Max | Vidau | TekworkX / Tyrepower | Pro |
74 | David | Russell | EMA Motorsport / Dayco | Pro |
76 | Christian | Pancione | VCM Performance / HP Tuners | Pro |
77 | Rodney | Jane | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts | Pro-Am |
86 | Drew | Hall | Wall Racing | Pro-Am |
88 | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Dexion / RAM Motorsport | Pro |
100 | Dale | Wood | Timken Racing | Pro |
101 | Tony | Quinn | Local Legends | Pro-Am |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Pro-Am |
333 | Brad | Shiels | Royal Purple Racing | Pro |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech | Pro |
999 | TBC | TBC | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts | Pro |
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NewsHeinrich takes victory as Love endures tough Supercup debut weekend
Porsche Junior wins Supercup race in Silverstone
· Laurin Heinrich from SSR Huber Racing snatches the lead at the start and brings home an undisputed victory
· Team GP Elite driver Larry ten Voorde from the Netherlands maintains overall lead with second place over Britain’s Harry King (BWT Lechner Racing) · Aaron Love endures tough Porsche Supercup debut weekend · Local hero Aaron Mason (Pierre Martinet by Alméras) wins the ProAm class · The next Supercup race will be contested already next weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Styria, Austria |
On the Formula 1 circuit in Silverstone, Porsche Junior Laurin Heinrich (D/SSR Huber Racing) scored his first Supercup victory of the season. The 20-year-old German beat Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), who had taken up round three of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup from pole position. The third podium step was occupied by British racer Harry King (BWT Lechner Racing). |
The decisive moment happened in the first few seconds: Dutchman Larry ten Voorde from Team GP Elite fluffed his start from pole position. This left the door open for Laurin Heinrich who grabbed his chance – the German won the sprint to the first corner in his ca. 375 kW (510 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup fielded by the SSR Huber Racing squad and snatched the lead. Ten Voorde then had to settle in behind Harry King. However, still in the first lap, the Dutchman reclaimed his second place from the local hero driving for BWT Lechner Racing.
“My strategy was to draw alongside Larry as quickly as possible after the start. I knew that I’d be on the inside at the first corner and that was the more favourable line – this plan worked perfectly,” said a delighted Heinrich after claiming the second win of his Supercup career. Ten Voorde, on the other hand, was critical of his performance: “I reacted too late at the start. Luckily, I managed to counter Harry’s move but I didn’t have a chance against Laurin.”
This was the same situation for the restart after the safety car, which was deployed after a midfield collision during the first lap. With a catapult start, Heinrich maintained his commanding lead over ten Voorde and controlled the race to the flag. “Larry was faster than me in some passages, but I had the advantage in other sections. For me, the race was more strenuous than it might have looked,” explained the Porsche Junior, who has moved up the points table to position two thanks to this victory.
Securing second place, Larry ten Voorde still managed to defend his championship lead in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Harry King took the flag in third place. The British racer had to fend off his BWT Lechner Racing teammate Dylan Pereira over the race distance. “Shortly after the start, after I got past Larry, I attempted to overtake Laurin as well. I made a mistake, which enabled Larry to reclaim second place. After that, it was all about not making any mistakes in the duel with Dylan,” concluded King.
“That was a strong race from Porsche Junior Laurin Heinrich. He kept his cool in the duel with Larry ten Voorde, who is a two-time champion of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. I’m also pleased to see drivers from three different teams on the podium. I’m looking forward to the next race at the Red Bull Ring, which will no doubt be just as enthralling,” stated Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Supercup rookie, Aaron Love endured a tough Supercup debut with the Martinet by Alméras team finishing in 30th position with a puncture. The Carrera Cup Australia driver posted to social media after the event, “Pretty tough first Supercup weekend and it just went from bad to worse. We made a few mistakes with the plan for practice which didn’t let us truely show our speed. This just continued to hang over our heads in qualifying as it started to rain at the start and just missed the chance to set a lap before it got completely wet. Started from 29th and got up to 15th and no doubt I could’ve gone further but it wasn’t meant to be. A car spun in front of me and with nowhere to go I just didn’t quite make it around ending with a puncture ruining the race. That’s just racing and we’ll live to fight again.”
Result race 3, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Silverstone (UK)
1. Laurin Heinrich (D/SSR Huber Racing), 29.52.942 minutes
2. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), +0.531 seconds
3. Harry King (UK/BWT Lechner Racing), + 2.292 seconds
4. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), + 2.781 seconds
5. Bastian Buus (DK/BWT Lechner Racing), + 10.064 seconds
6. Lorcan Hanafin (UK/FACH AUTO TECH), + 10.186 seconds
Only a week’s break before the next Supercup race
From Silverstone, the teams contesting the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup head straight to the Red Bull Ring in the south of Austria. On the Formula 1 circuit in Styria, round four of the international one-make cup with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be held next weekend (8 to 10 July 2022) as part of the Austrian Grand Prix support programme.
Today’s Red Bull Ring goes back to the Österreichring, which was opened in 1969 near Zeltweg, but actually in the municipality of Spielberg. From 1970, the then six-kilometre racetrack was part of the Formula 1 World Championship. In 1995 and 1996, the Österreichring was modernised and the name was changed to A1-Ring. After another modification and since the reopening in 2011, the 4.318-kilometre circuit has been called Red Bull Ring.
Last season, two rounds of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup were held at the Red Bull Ring. The eventual champion Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite) from the Netherlands won the race held as support to the Grand Prix of Styria. Jaxon Evans (Martinet by Alméras) from New Zealand claimed victory at the Supercup race run as part of the Austrian Grand Prix support programme.
Schedule round 4, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (all times CEST)
Friday, 8 July
6:30 – 7:15 pm: Practice
Saturday, 9 July
1:55 – 2.25 pm: Qualifying
Sunday, 10 July
12:05 pm: Race (14 laps)
Points’ standings 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (after 3 of 8 races)
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 65 points
2. Laurin Heinrich (D/SSR Huber Racing), 56 points
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 53 points
4. Harry King (GB/BWT Lechner Racing), 46 points
5. Bastian Buus (DK/BWT Lechner Racing), 31 points
Full race results and championship standings:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/germany/de/category/mobil1supercup/pmsc-2022-results
2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar*
22 – 24 April, Imola (Italy)
26 – 29 May, Monte Carlo (Monaco)
01 – 03 July, Silverstone (Great Britain)
08 – 10 July, Spielberg (Austria)
22 – 24 July, Le Castellet (France)
26 – 28 August, Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
02 – 04 September, Zandvoort (Netherlands)
09 – 11 September, Monza (Italy)
*subject to change
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NewsNo points for Porsche in the heat of Marrakesh
The return of Formula E to Marrakech did not result in the desired success for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team.
The return of Formula E to Marrakech did not result in the desired success for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team. Despite intensive preparation of the Porsche 99X Electric race cars on the highly challenging street circuit and a strong performance by Pascal Wehrlein (GER/No. 94) in qualifying, the team from Weissach failed to score points in round 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season. |
In the heat at the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan Pascal Wehrlein finished 12th with temperatures of almost 35 degrees celsius. His teammate André Lotterer (GER/No. 36), who had to start the race from the last position on the grid, made up seven places to finish in 15th place.
In the drivers’ classification of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, André Lotterer ranks ninth after 10 of 16 races with 61 points. After a further review by the FIA, his five-second penalty from the Jakarta E-Prix was overturned in Marrakesh. Andre and the team regained ninth place – with two championship points each. Pascal Wehrlein is 10th with 55 points. In the team classification, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team lies in fifth place with 114 points.
Race 10
Pascal Wehrlein made it into the semi-finals with a strong performance in the qualifying duels and started the 2.971-kilometre race at the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan in fourth place. Unfortunately, he lost positions in the first laps and dropped back to 18th place in the course of the race before making up positions in the final phase of the race. André Lotterer had to start from the back row. This was due to a technical issue with a sensor – he was only able to leave the pits after the start of qualifying and thus could not complete his first timed lap within the six minutes after the start of qualifying as required by the regulations. He then crossed the finish line four hundredths of a second too late. As a result, all his qualifying times were cancelled. In the race, Andre improved by seven positions with some good overtaking maneuvers.
Comments on the Marrakesh E-Prix, Race 10
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E: “In qualifying, we had a problem with André’s car that we couldn’t fix quickly enough. In the end, he was four hundredths of a second too late, so all his qualifying laps were cancelled. He had to start from the back as a result and had a difficult race. Although he improved seven positions, which was a good performance, he did not come close to the points. We cannot be satisfied with that. For Pascal, qualifying went very well. He made it into the duels and from there into the semifinals. But at the race start he got away badly because he lacked significant power at the start and on the first lap. The reason for this was that his car was switched off for longer than usual on the grid. This caused the battery temperature model to reinitialize. This meant that he did not have full power available on the first lap. The prediction of the battery temperature for the end of the race was also no longer correct and was much too high. We had to take various countermeasures to lower the value. As a result, we didn’t have the necessary pace. Our goal now has to be to bring the full potential of our cars back on track at the upcoming hot races in New York City.”
Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#94): “The day started well with my fourth place in qualifying. In the race, I lost power and many places right after the start. After the good qualifying, we had, of course, hoped for more. It’s a shame that we didn’t make it to the top again. Now I hope that we will find our old strength again in the next races.”
André Lotterer, Porsche works driver (#36): “It was not a good weekend for me. From the first free practice, I had many minor problems, and qualifying didn’t go well for me. The race was difficult. I could make up many positions, but at the same time, I had to keep an eye on the temperatures. We were on the conservative side and had a lot of energy left in the last two laps. But by then, it was too late for further attacks, and we couldn’t score any points.”
Next up
The next event for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is the New York City E-Prix double-header, rounds 11 and 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on 16 and 17 July.
Porsche in Formula E
With a historic one-two result thanks to Pascal Wehrlein and André Lotterer in the Porsche 99X Electric, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team celebrated its greatest success to date in Mexico on 12 February 2022. The team contests its third season in the world’s first all-electric racing series. At the debut event in November 2019, André Lotterer scored second place at the season-opening race in Diriyah: a dream start and proof that with the Porsche 99X Electric, Porsche had a competitive vehicle right from the outset. Last season, Wehrlein claimed pole position in Mexico City. Two podium results followed with Wehrlein finishing third in Rome and Lotterer securing second in Valencia. As an accelerator for innovative and sustainable mobility technologies, Formula E has brought thrilling motorsport to people living in major cities since 2014. With the all-electric Taycan, Porsche supplies the safety car this season, underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport.
Provisional Race Calendar 2023*
Formula E is expanding with more than ever before. 18 races are on the provisional calendar for Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which the FIA published earlier this week. The introduction of the Gen3 cars will then mark the beginning of a new era for Formula E. The traditional pre-season test will take place in Valencia/Spain from 11 to 14 December 2022. These are the races in 2023:
Race 1 – 14 January: Mexico City (Mexico)
Race 2 – 27 January: Diriyah (Saudi Arabia)
Race 3 – 28 January: Diriyah (Saudi Arabia)
Race 4 – 11 February: Hyderabad (India)
Race 5 – 25 February: TBD
Race 6 – 11 March: TBD
Race 7 – 25 March: Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Race 8 – 22 April: Berlin (Germany)
Race 9 – 6 May: Monaco (Monaco)
Race 10 – 20 May: Seoul (South Korea)
Race 11 – 21 May: Seoul (South Korea)
Race 12 – 3 June: Jakarta (Indonesia)
Race 13 – 4 June: Jakarta (Indonesia)
Race 14 – 24 June: TBD
Race 15 – 15 July: Rom (Italy)
Race 16 – 16 July: Rom (Italy)
Race 17 – 29 July: London (Great Britain)
Race 18 – 30 July: London (Great Britain)
* Subject to change
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NewsAaron Love to make Porsche Mobil1 Supercup debut in Silverstone
Porsche Supercup tackles Silverstone with a 32-strong field
For the third round of the season, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will compete at the Silverstone Circuit about 100 kilometres north of London. The race on Sunday (3 July 2022) immediately before the British Formula 1 race will be contested by 32 of the approximately 375 kW (510 hp) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. |
Round three of this year’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is coming up next Sunday (3 July 2022) at Silverstone in Britain. Once again, the large grid line-up includes drivers of many different nationalities including Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia driver, Aaron Love, who has been contesting the French one-make championship since the Albert Park season opener earlier this year.
After some strong performances to date in France, Love – the brother of 2019 Carrera Cup Australia Pro Champion, Jordan Love – will race with the Martinet by Almeras Team under #38, not his usual #23 racing number.
From his London base, Love said, “I’m really excited for this weekend at Silverstone, I think there will be a lot to learn as it’s quite a different format than normal with only one practice, qualifying and one race. It’s been really nice racing and working with Martinet by Almeras and I’ve formed a really good relationship with everyone especially my engineer Roberto. I think this will be pretty important this weekend because Supercup hasn’t been to Silverstone in the new 992 yet, so the large majority of the driver’s haven’t raced there in the current car. It’s definitely going to be another big step for me, so we’ll just keep our head down and work to continue learning and see how the weekend pans out from there.”
The current leader of the series, Larry ten Voorde from the Netherlands, faces 31 rivals from 15 countries. For the first time this season, Porsche drivers from the USA, Belgium and Australia will compete. And for the first time in the 30-year history of the one-make cup, an Israeli driver will make a guest appearance. The ca. 375 kW (510 hp) 911 GT3 Cup will take off on the storied racetrack around 100 kilometres north of London directly before the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.
“The capacity grid and the popularity with international competitors are again a huge compliment, especially for the teams in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. At the start of the season in Imola, we had Swedish team Fragus Motorsport as guests to take on the registered teams. In Silverstone, we’re welcoming Kelly Moss Road and Race from the USA for the first time, who bring two drivers as guest entrants,” comments Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Mobil 1 Supercup.
“We’re also tackling Silverstone for the first time with the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. I’m curious to see which driver and team will master this challenge best.”
The season is going especially well so far for the reigning Supercup champion Larry ten Voorde. After clinching second place at the opening race in Imola, Italy, and a victory in Monaco, the Dutchman is back at the top of the standings. He heads to Britain six points ahead of Imola winner Dylan Pereira.
Pereira from Luxembourg drives for the BWT Lechner Racing team, which leads the teams’ classification. “Silverstone is one of my favourite circuits,” says ten Voorde. In the 2020 season, he won a Supercup race on the high-speed track, which was run as part of the British Grand Prix support programme. “The circuit is more demanding than it seems. Above all, the Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel corner combination requires a clean line. We can easily lose a few tenths of a second there.”
Up to 150,000 fans are expected on race Sunday – the majority will of course be rooting for the Supercup drivers from Great Britain. Local heroes are fifth-placed Harry King (BWT Lechner Racing), rookie Lorcan Hanafin (FACH AUTO TECH) and ProAm Aaron Mason (Pierre Martinet by Alméras), with Adam Smalley contesting the Supercup for the first time. The 21-year-old Porsche GB Junior Driver competes for the CLRT outfit.
Silverstone Circuit (Great Britain)
The Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire is one of several British racetracks that originally served as an airfield for the Royal Air Force. In 1950, the first-ever Formula 1 race was held at the “Home of British Motor Racing”. Since 1994, the Porsche Supercup has been a regular event on the 5.891-kilometre racetrack, which is one of the fastest on the calendar of the international one-make cup.
In 2020, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup contested two rounds at Silverstone. The eventual champion Larry ten Voorde won the race held as support to the British Grand Prix. At the Anniversary Grand Prix, then Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven from Turkey scored victory. Last season, Silverstone was dropped from the Supercup calendar due to the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.
TV and internet coverage of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Round three of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes off on Sunday (3 July 2022) at 1:05 pm CEST and runs over 14 laps. The streaming service f1tv.formula1.com will be televising the race live.
Media and fans can also follow the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup action on the social media networks Twitter (@PorscheSupercup and @PorscheRaces), Instagram (@PorscheSupercup) and Facebook (@PorscheSupercup).
Schedule round 3, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (all times CEST)
Friday, 1 July
8:20 – 9:05 pm: Free practice
Saturday, 2 July
7:15 – 7.45 pm: Qualifying
Sunday, 3 July
1:05 pm: Race (14 laps)
Points’ standings 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (after 2 of 8 races)
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 45 points
2. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 39 points
3. Laurin Heinrich (D/SSR Huber Racing), 31 points
4. Dorian Boccolaci (F/Martinet by Alméras), 30 points
5. Harry King (GB/BWT Lechner Racing), 29 points
Full race results and all championship standings:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/germany/de/category/mobil1supercup/pmsc-2022-results
2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar*
22 – 24 April, Imola (Italy)
26 – 29 May, Monte Carlo (Monaco)
01 – 03 July, Silverstone (Great Britain)
08 – 10 July, Spielberg (Austria)
22 – 24 July, Le Castellet (France)
26 – 28 August, Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
02 – 04 September, Zandvoort (Netherlands)
09 – 11 September, Monza (Italy)
*subject to change
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NewsCampbell confirmed as driver for Porsche Penske Motorsport as new Porsche 963 prototype is unveiled
Porsche 963 prototype unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Porsche Penske Motorsport fields two cars each in world’s greatest endurance series
- Design of the new Porsche 963 hails from the victorious 956 and 962 classics
- Experienced works drivers and accomplished sportscar champions behind the wheel
Australian driver Matt Campbell has been announced as a factory driver for the new Porsche Penske Motorsport operation, as the new Porsche 963 prototype was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
Stuttgart/Goodwood/Australia. Campbell, Porsche Penske Motorsport and the Porsche 963 will compete for overall victories in the world’s greatest endurance races.
It continues the meteoric rise for the 27-year-old from Warwick in Queensland, who has risen through the ranks of Porsche’s driver development program.
Campbell won the Carrera Cup Australia title in 2016, the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2019 and already has class wins to his credit in some of the world’s biggest sportscar races aboard GT class Porsches. Campbell will now step up to prototype sportscars and compete for outright honours.
Introducing the Porsche 963
From 2023, two hybrid LMDh-specification prototypes will be fielded by Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The 963 was unveiled today at Goodwood in England and wears the typical Porsche motor racing colours: white, red and black.
In the cockpits of the 500 kW (680 PS) racers, experienced and championship winning prototype drivers are paired with seasoned specialists from Porsche’s works driver squad. Porsche Penske Motorsport prepares for these missions at two locations: The branch in Mannheim, Germany is responsible for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship vehicles prepared in Mooresville, North Carolina, USA.
“After 7,889 test kilometres during the first half of 2022, we’re on a very good path but there is still work to be done before the start of next season,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Motorsport, Porsche AG.
“Our new Porsche 963 should continue the legacy of legendary models such as the 917, 935, 956, 962 and the 919 Hybrid. I’m positive that we’ll be well-positioned when it comes to technology and we’ve also created the relevant team structures to set us up for wins in the thrilling competition between many manufacturers and different concepts.”
The official race debut of the Porsche 963 is planned to take place in January 2023 at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the USA. In the meantime, the FIA WEC has opened the door for testing as part of the upcoming world championship races this year. Porsche Penske Motorsport is aiming for a non-competitive dress rehearsal at the final round of the season in Bahrain this November.
“Over the past few months, our people at Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske have grown into an efficient and committed squad – the Porsche Penske Motorsport Team,” said Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Motorsport LMDh., Porsche AG.
“We’ll have powerful driver crews in the four factory cars. The collaboration with our long-standing tyre partner Michelin and the chassis manufacturer Multimatic works flawlessly. The Porsche 963 should be homologated this autumn. Until then, we want to make further progress with test drives and gain additional insights. We can hardly wait for our first outing.”
The drivers selected for the races in the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship include the experienced works drivers Kévin Estre (France), Michael Christensen (Denmark), André Lotterer (Germany), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), Matt Campbell (Australia), Mathieu Jaminet (France) as well as the accomplished sportscar drivers Dane Cameron (USA) and Felipe Nasr (Brazil). In the initial development phase, Frédéric Makowiecki played a key role: during the rollout at Weissach in January, the Frenchman drove the first metres in the Porsche 963 and also turned the first laps in the simulator. Other driver announcements, including those for the endurance races at Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta (Petit Le Mans), will be made at a later date.
Porsche Penske Motorsport prepares a total of four 963 for the world’s most important sports car races at its bases in Mooresville (North Carolina) and Mannheim (Germany). The WEC facility in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg is a former Porsche Centre of Penske Automotive, built to state-of-the-art standards. The exchange of data between the three high-tech centres of Porsche Penske Motorsport occurs almost in real-time. The WEC team will move into the Mannheim premises this autumn.
Jonathan Diuguid is the Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport: “Expectations are extremely high,” acknowledges the American. “Not only from the public but also from Porsche and Team Penske, who have written great motorsport chapters together in the past.” Diuguid and Travis Law (Competition Director) will guide the global Porsche Penske Motorsport Team, with direct oversight and management of both the FIA WEC and IMSA programs. Daily operations of the FIA WEC team will be led by Bernhard Demmer (General Manager) and Francis Schammo (Team Manager). Joel Svensson (Team Manager) will be responsible in the IMSA championship in North America.
In compliance with the LMDh regulations, the Porsche 963 is based on an LMP2-category chassis. This newly developed vehicle chassis is supplied by the Canadian high-tech company Multimatic. Bosch, Williams Advanced Engineering and Xtrac contribute the standard hybrid components. At the heart of the powertrain lies a 4.6-litre V8 Biturbo. The engine is based on the high-performance 918 Spyder hybrid sports car. Its DNA goes back to the RS Spyder racing car, with which Porsche and Team Penske notched up many victories between 2005 and 2008. The design of the new Porsche 963 hails from the victorious 956 and 962 classics from the 1980s. A continuous strip of lighting at the rear echoes the distinctive feature of the latest 992-generation 911. The white-red-black vehicle design is a salute to Porsche’s successful racing cars. And another tradition lives on: The new Porsche 963 will be available to customers from the first year of competition. The first Porsche customer teams will already communicate their program in the next few days.
For its envisaged campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSA) – the world’s two most long-distance racing series including the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Daytona 24 Hours and the 12 Hours of Sebring classics – Porsche Penske Motorsport joins forces with strong and proven partners. The tyre manufacturer Michelin continues its close alliance, as does ExxonMobil with its Mobil1 brand. In addition to the software specialist Ansys, which supports the global team with cutting-edge simulation solutions as the official technology partner, the Penske Corporation, which will highlight a number of subsidiaries and brands, is also on board as an official partner. With its expertise in development and engineering, Multimatic joins the project as a technology partner. The luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer also joins the global team as the official timing partner of the Porsche Penske Motorsport team. The fashion brand Hugo Boss as the team’s clothing partner and outfitter as well as the sports lifestyle company Puma as the technical partner for fireproof race clothing complete the portfolio of top-level partnerships of Porsche Penske Motorsport.
Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.com.au. The Twitter channel @PorscheRaces provides live updates from Porsche Motorsport with the latest information and photos from racetracks around the world.
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NewsEMA Motorsport confirms all-star line-up for TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa
Matt Campbell to drive EMA Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3R in 24 Hours of
EMA Motorsport will make a debut appearance at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa in July, focused on scoring a strong result with the #74 Porsche 911 GT3 R and a formidable driver line-up.
The Melbourne-based team has recruited a world-class trio of 2022 Rolex Daytona 24 Hours-winners Matt Campbell (AUS), Mathieu Jaminet (FRA) and Felipe Nasr (BRA) to contest the twice-around-the-clock battle.
With an impressive list of endurance racing accolades achieved by the drivers to-date, the Campbell-Jaminet-Nasr line-up will be certainly one to watch on the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa grid in July.
Between them, the trio have scored victories across the globe, including notable wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Bathurst 12 Hours and Rolex Daytona 24 Hours, all of which have all be scored at the wheel of a Porsche.
Porsche factory drivers Matt Campbell (2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion) and Mathieu Jaminet have enjoyed a strong start to the 2022 season. The pair have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with and currently lead the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship standings, taking victories in Daytona and Laguna Seca.
Mathieu has risen through the ranks of GT racing and with Porsche, enjoying successes and competing at the highest levels. 2022 will be the fifth appearance at the Spa 24 Hours for the 27-year-old Frenchman.
Queensland-born Matt strengthens the Australian contingent within the team and has also enjoyed significant success over recent years. Racing with Porsche, the 27-year-old has claimed the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour title twice – 2017 and 2019 – either side of a GTE Am class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He joins the team looking to improve on a best Spa 24 Hours result of 4th, achieved in 2020.
Completing the #74 line-up is Brazilian former Formula 1 star and 2021 IMSA SportsCar Champion, Felipe Nasr. He brings significant multi-class experience and success to the team, reuniting with Matt and Mathieu after the trio joined forces to successfully take on the Rolex Daytona 24 Hours earlier this year. With three further podium finishes in Daytona, Felipe is no stranger to endurance racing, but this announcement marks a new challenge in his impressive career, with his first entry into the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.
EMA Motorsport returns to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS following an interrupted 2020 year. The team will use this event as a platform for further European endurance events in 2022, culminating in a planned Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli programme for 2023.
Ahead of the race, the team will complete a detailed testing programme which will include the 2-day test session at the infamous Belgian circuit this week, before heading back for the race event next month, over the weekend, 28-31 July.
You can follow Porsche Motorsport in Australia via @PorscheMotorsportAU (facebook, instagram, youtube) or @PorscheMspAU (Twitter).
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NewsWood breaks Carrera Cup drought in Darwin sunshine
Liam Talbot takes maiden Morris Pro-Am round win at Hidden Valley
DALE WOOD’s three-year Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship winning drought came to an emphatic end in the Top End, the Timken Racing driver sweeping to both his first race wins and first round victory since 2019 today at Hidden Valley.
Liam Talbot won the Morris Pro-Am class as the unpredictable race-within-a-race continued to entertain this season.
Remarkably, it was Talbot’s first Pro-Am victory in his Carrera Cup career having previously finished second on three occasions.
Wood’s path to overall and Professional class victory commenced with a superb opening lap to the first race on Sunday morning, sweeping past race one winner Harri Jones at turn one to lead all the way home.
He then backed that up with a second victory in the final race of the round to claim the overall honours – his first round win since the 2019 Grand Prix event.
Jones’ finished second, however more importantly extended his championship lead over his nearest rivals thanks to another round of consistent front-running performances.
Jones finished runner-up to Wood in both races today to build his championship lead to more than 100 points heading into the next round at Townsville in three weeks time.
Dylan O’Keeffe finished third overall in Darwin, scoring his second successive podium finish aboard his RAM / GWR Dexion entry and also securing himself in the same position in the championship in the process.
Just in front is David Wall, who finished fourth overall in Darwin however entrenched himself in the championship battle – the former champion sitting second heading into the fourth round next month.
Wood has climbed to fifth in the standings by virtue of his improving form, the Melbourne driver having gone 5th-4th-3rd-2nd-1st and 1st in his last six races.
Christian Pancione scored his best ever round result with fifth overall in Darwin, edging out teammate Jackson Walls by a single point for a spot in the top five round results. Both Michelin Junior drivers set their own race and round personal bests at Hidden Valley.
Luke Youlden, Callum Hedge, Max Vidau and Brad Shiels completed the top-1o in round 3.
The Morris Pro-Am battle delivered two winners from the two Sunday races in Darwin, with Liam Talbot ultimately edging out Dean Cook and Sam Shahin for the round victory.
Talbot trailed Sam Shahin home in race two, before passing The Bend Motorsport Park entry in race three to score his second race win of the weekend – though it was not without controversy as the pair bumped panels exiting turn one, Shahin ending up off the road and slipping down the order.
The results remain provisional pending a post-race investigation into the incident.
Tim Miles and Rodney Jane completed the top five for the Darwin round, while Shahin continues to lead the Morris Pro-Am title standings over Stephen Grove and Darwin winner, Talbot.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship returns to the track in three weeks at the NTI Townsville 500 on July 8-10.
QUOTES
Dale Wood, Pro round winner:
“That’s mega, that is one of the best weekends I have had in a long time, to get two race wins, the round victory and pole position, it really could have only been that one little bit better. But I haven’t had that much fun in a long time. I’ve been a bit critical of these new cars, in a sense that there is a lot more aerodynamics and they are hard to follow. Here you know the race is arguably going to be decided in turn 1 unless you go and make a mistake later on. So we had to get through Turn 1, Harri gave it a good crack so hats off to him for that, but we got in the lead and from there on we put our head down. Earl Bamber Motorsport has given me an unbelievable car this weekend and have not had this much fun with a team in a very long time. I absolutely loved it.”
Liam Talbot, Morris Pro Am round winner:
“Unreal, I think this my eleventh round and my first time getting the round win so pretty happy. Sam and I made contact in turn 1 although I left him plenty room, it felt like he drove into me. So it’s a bit of shame for Sam, but we had a cruisy run to the end, it was heaps of fun out there. Very hot, but good fun as I said, after all you’re in a Porsche. It’s been such a good change to come to Darwin, Brisbane has been so cold. Up here its 30 degrees and so nice, I can’t wait to come back.”
Sam Shahin – Race 2 Morris Pro Am winner:
“I’m absolutely thrilled, last time I came to Darwin it really was a bogey track for me and I really didn’t do very well. I haven’t been here for a couple of years and I really screwed up qualifying, so I had a lot of things to make up for in the race. I thought I drove very well today, you know when you’re on as a driver and today I was on. I got a cracker start and was on the tail of Nick McBride for a while and I really enjoyed that because I have the utmost respect for Nick, he is great, honest and respectful driver. So I knew if I could stay with him it was good thing. As the pace picked up, I saw I had built a bit of a gap, so saved the tyres for the last race.”
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NewsHarri Jones wins again as Carrera Cup fight hits Darwin
Liam Talbot claims Morris Pro-Am class victory
PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship leader Harri Jones has continued his storming start to the 2022 season, leading from lights to flag in the opening race of Round 3 at Hidden Valley Raceway.
Starting second, the McElrea Racing driver made a superior start from the outside of the front row and beat polesitter Dale Wood into turn one – and from there was never headed.
Liam Talbot won the MORRIS Pro-Am class, leading home Sam Shahin and Dean Cook in another competitive battle.
Jones’ pathway to victory came once he cleared Wood on the run into turn one, powering away to a one-second lead that he would ultimately never lose.
Wood’s second represented his best finish of the season, while a late pass secured David Wall third position in his 199th Carrera Cup Australia race.
Wall had trailed Dylan O’Keeffe for much of the race however was able to slip past at turn one with just a few laps remining.
O’Keeffe was fourth with Christian Pancione and Jackson Walls trading positions several times in their battle for a top five spot – the former ultimately coming out on top.
Max Vidau gained three spots to finish seventh, one position in front of his teammate Luke Youlden, with Bayley Hall and Callum Hedge completing the top-10.
Several Pro class contenders has issues in the hot Hidden Valley conditions.
Michael Almond spun at turn one while attempting a pass on Brad Shiels, while Nick McBride came off the road at turn five – having earlier copped a five second penalty for rolling at the start.
The MORRIS Pro-Am battle was similar to the outright fight, Talbot beating class polesitter Adrian Flack into turn one and then leading the duration of the race from there.
Flack would drop down the field later in the race following a spin at turn 12, which elevated Sam Shahin to second in class.
Dean Cook finished third, with Tim Miles, Rodney Jane and Geoff Emery next.
Two further races complete the third round of the championship tomorrow at Hidden Valley Raceway.
Jones’ provisionally leads the Pro championship by 85 points heading into Sunday’s action, with David Wall now second and Max Vidau third.
Earlier in qualifying, Dale Wood scored his first TAG Heuer Pole Award since March 2020 has he charged his Timken Racing / EBM entry to the top spot.
He edged out championship leader Harri Jones by 0.03 seconds in the closest ever Darwin qualifying session.
Round 2 polesitter Dylan O’Keeffe was third and David Wall fourth.
Personal best efforts from Jackson Walls and Bayley Hall saw them fifth and sixth, respectively, while Christian Pancione, Nick McBride, Simon Fallon – another personal best effort – and Max Vidau completed the 10.
The top 17 cars were covered by 0.5 seconds in qualifying, with the top 26 runner split by just 1.4s in one of the most competitive Carrera Cup qualifying sessions ever.
Adrian Flack stole the MORRIS Pro-Am pole award in the dying stages of the session, bumping Liam Talbot to second by 0.038s.
Geoff Emery was 0.1s further back with Dean Cook fourth and Matt Belford fifth.
Just 0.8 seconds covered the top nine runners in Pro-Am.
QUOTES:
Harri Jones – Pro Class Winner
“That was another awesome race. I’m loving it up here in the heat. We got a pretty good start – I actually almost stalled it but I was able to recover and from there I just put my head down, tried to minimise mistakes and pull a little gap.
“The car felt amazing, massive credit to the team and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“Our car behaved really well all race, the balance was very consistent and gave me the confidence to push really hard the whole time. Basically now we know the car is good and we can look forward to tomorrow and hope for the same again.”
Liam Talbot – Morris Pro-Am class winner
“It was good, I got a mega start! Going around the outside of turn one you never really know what is going to happen, but I had a dream run.
“I had (Adrian) Flack all over me but I was able to drive away. We were doing some good lap times and I was having a heap of fun out there – how can you not!
“It’s so hot, but that’s what you train for. You relish these moments at a track, in a Porsche, to be fast and win the race – how good!”
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NewsO’Keeffe tops fastest ever Friday at Hidden Valley
Adrian Flack heads tightly-packed Morris Pro-Am field in Darwin
DYLAN O’KEEFFE has topped the fastest ever Friday for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Hidden Valley Raceway, heading a tightly-packed field across a pair of practice sessions at the Darwin circuit.
Adrian Flack edged out Tim Miles to top the Morris Pro-Am class battle, with 24 of the 29 cars entered covered by just 1.5 seconds across 50 minutes of running today.
O’Keeffe charged to the top late in practice two, as teams fitted new Michelin tyres for a qualifying simulation late in the second of two practice sessions on the program.
His 1m06.5518s scythed seven-tenths from the existing practice / qualifying record at Hidden Valley with times likely to drop further during qualifying in cooler conditions on Saturday morning.
O’Keeffe’s Dexion / RAM Motorsport entry headed practice one pacesetter Harri Jones by just 0.13 seconds.
Jones had earlier topped the first session and backed up his early pace with a strong run in the second session later in the day.
David Russell was third in his EMA Motorsport en, continuing that team’s strong form from Winton Motor Raceway last month – where he was a podium finisher.
Christian Pancione was fourth while fellow Michelin Junior Callum Hedge was fifth for Team Porsche NZ / EBM.
David Wall – who will notch up his 200th career race start on Sunday afternoon – was sixth while Luke Youlden, Dale Wood, Michael Almond and Ryan Suhle completed the top-10.
Ultimately, eight drivers lapped beneath the existing Qualifying record at Hidden Valley with more lap time likely to be found in qualifying tomorrow.
Adrian Flack topped the Morris Pro-Am field, but that group was as tightly packed as the Professional class runners.
His 1m07.7957s best was just 0.08s quicker than Tim Miles, while Sam Shahin was a further 0.004s further back in third.
Flack topped both Pro-Am sessions on Friday having paced the earlier 25-minute opening session in the morning.
Liam Talbot was fractionally behind the leading trio with Rodney Jane, Stephen Grove and Geoff Emery all within 0.5 seconds of Flack’s session best.
Round 2 Pro-Am winner Matt Belford was next, with Dean Cook, Marc Cini and Scott Taylor rounding out the Pro-Am runners.
The lone 20-minute qualifying session to decide the TAG Heuer Pole Award winners will commence at 10:10am local time on Saturday, with the first race of the weekend – over 18 laps – to commence at 2:10pm in the afternoon.
Both sessions will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, with the race also shown live on the Seven Network.
Dylan O’Keeffe – Pro
“It was a pretty good day. I always like coming here and felt comfortable in the first session straight away. We were fairly quick, top five, in the first session and didn’t change too much for practice two. You just have to put a lap together, you’ve got to back right off and get a gap and then you only need a minute to set a lap. I made it work in the last one.
With these Michelins it’s the complete opposite to Winton, where you last lap was the fastest. This time it will be your first lap, which is different to what I’m used to on these tyres. My fastest lap would have been on lap one on my new set of tyres and that was to make sure we were up front for the qualifying session tomorrow – it’s about using your experience from the past and being smart about it. The car was really good.”
Adrian Flack – MORRIS Pro-Am
“I just love coming to Darwin! It’s such a good track, the people are great and it’s a really good event and I’m looking forward to coming out tomorrow and having a go. I felt good. I was just playing around with a few of the Pro’s and they weren’t pulling away on me which was good, so we’re up there. Qualifying will be head down and go for it, and see what happens at the other end.”
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NewsBayley Hall joins Supercars Indigenous initiative by revealing Darwin livery
Famous Indigenous Artist Kurun Warun supports young Carrera Cup driver.
18-year-old Porsche Paynter Dixon Michelin Junior rising star, Bayley Hall, has excitedly collaborated with one of Australia’s most celebrated Aboriginal Artists, Kurun Warun for the first ever official Supercars Indigenous Round this weekend at the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.
Bayley shares the honour of displaying Kurun’s work with some very famous names, including Michael Schumacher, Oprah Winfrey and Pierce Brosnan – who are all collectors of Kurun’s artwork.
Darwin will be yet another new track for Hall to learn and adapt quickly to this weekend, but he’s excited for the challenge and the experience as he finds his feet in the new Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car and the ultra-competitive Carrera Cup championship.
Darwin marks Bayley’s 5th ever round in a Porsche category, after Covid disrupted a planned full-season campaign in the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series.
Bayley Hall:
“We are yet to secure a naming right sponsor for the 2022 season, so I wanted to help make a difference by donating my prime car real estate for this initiative and give Kurun a platform to showcase his incredible designs, while showing respect for the local Indigenous people of Darwin. I’m so appreciative to Kurun for getting behind me and giving me this privilege of using his design,” said Hall.
Andy McElrea, Founder & Team Principal, McElrea Racing:
“Even though Bayley may have the least amount of experience in the field, he’s certainly moving forward in leaps and bounds with how fast he can adapt, with excellent race pace and race craft, we are extremely happy with his progress,” said Team Owner Andy McElrea from MR (McElrea Racing).
About Kurun Warun:
As an accomplished didgeridoo musician, Kurun has performed around the world in places as far flung as Italy and Korea. He played a role in the Sydney 2000 Olympic games as a traditional artist and has appeared on NBC in the United States.
He is an established Aboriginal Artist, learning from his mother at a young age. He paints many varieties of high-quality paintings – all with deeper meanings.
He has been involved in the design of Hall’s Darwin Carrera Cup Livery and is passionate about teaching the beauty of indigenous paintings and the culture of the indigenous people.
For more information:
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NewsStacked Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) field to line-up in Darwin
David Wall to make his 200th Carrera Cup Australia race start in Hidden Valley
The 132nd round in Carrera Cup Australia history sees the country’s top Porsche teams travel to the tropical climate of Darwin in the Northern Territory for Round 3 of the 2022 season, following a forced two-season hiatus due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
In the nine occasions that Carrera Cup Australia has visited the Hidden Valley Circuit, Alex Davison remains the only driver to have won multiple rounds over the years, having taken victory in both in 2004 and 2016.
Of the current Pro field, Harri Jones will start the weekend as the race favourite, carrying strong form and momentum into the third round following both the opening round at the Melbourne Grand Prix and his round victory in Winton.
His McElrea Racing teammates (Christian Pancione; Bayley Hall, Tim Miles and Jackson Walls) are also likely to feature in both their respective Pro and Morris Pro Am classes, as the Queensland outfit is one of the only teams to have tested at the Hidden Valley Circuit in recent weeks.
The experience and consistency of David Wall is always a podium factor in the Pro class and the 2017 Carrera Cup Champion will celebrate his 200th race start in Race 2 at Hidden Valley. He becomes only the second driver in Championship history to achieve this milestone (Marc Cini is the first and only driver to do so thus far) moving clear of Craig Baird for the second most round starts (Wall now has 67) and race starts in Winton last time out.
The recent pace of David Russell will also make his EMA Motorsport-prepared Dayco Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry one to watch, together with the Timken liveried Type 992 of Dale Wood. Hidden Valley was the scene of Wood’s most recent race win in 2019.
Dylan O’Keeffe’s form in Qualifying and all three Winton races will be another factor in the Pro battle, with the Victorian claiming the 2018 round win in Darwin without winning a race.
The last time Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia visited Hidden Valley in 2019, three drivers won the three races that weekend, with the ever-present Michael Almond eventually taking the round honours.
In the Morris Pro-Am battle, Geoff Emery remains the man to beat on pure pace and form, but the Championship remains wide open with the likes of Liam Talbot, Matthew Belford, Stephen Grove, Rodney Jane and Sam Shahin all featuring in the hunt for podium placings.
Incredibly, 16 drivers have filled the 21 available podium positions in the Morris Pro-Am class since the category’s first event there in 2004, this year should be no different. Hidden Valley is also a popular hunting ground for Porsche enthusiast, Scott Taylor, recording his best outright round result (14th) and race result (11th) in Darwin in 2019.
Following two practice sessions on Friday 17 June, Saturday’s qualifying and all three races will be broadcast live on FoxSports and Kayo Sports throughout the weekend.
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, Round 3, Darwin
Broadcast Schedule:
Friday, 17 June
1010 – 1035 Practice 1
1330 – 1355 Practice 2
Saturday, 18 June
1010 – 1030 Qualifying
1410 – 1435 Race 1 (18 laps)
Sunday, 19 June
0915 – 0940 Race 2 (18 laps)
1310 – 1335 Race 3 (18 laps)
Entry List:
# | Name | Surname | Class | Sponsor |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Pro-Am | Grove Racing |
5 | Ryan | Suhle | Pro | SP Tools / EBM |
6 | Angelo | Mouzouris | Pro | Sonic Motor Racing / PitBox |
7 | Tim | Miles | Pro-Am | Miles Advisory Partners / N2C |
8 | Nick | McBride | Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Pro | Objective Racing |
12 | Harri | Jones | Pro | Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group |
13 | Sam | Shahin | Pro-Am | The Bend Motorsport Park / HTFU |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am | ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Pro | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM |
20 | Adrian | Flack | Pro-Am | AGAS National |
22 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am | Zonzo Racing |
25 | Michael | Almond | Pro | The PSA Group |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Pro-Am | Wash It / Paynter Dixon |
28 | Bayley | Hall | Pro | Hall Finance & Insurance |
38 | David | Wall | Pro | Monochrome / Paynter Dixon |
45 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Pro | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Pro-Am | Force Accessories / MJR |
53 | Luke | Youlden | Pro | TekworkX / Hire A Hubby |
72 | Max | Vidau | Pro | TekworkX / Tyrepower |
74 | David | Russell | Pro | Dayco / EMA Motorsport |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Pro | VCM Performance / HP Tuners |
77 | Rodney | Jane | Pro-Am | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts |
88 | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Pro | Dexion / RAM Motorsport |
100 | Dale | Wood | Pro | Timken Racing |
101 | Tony | Quinn | Pro-Am | Local Legends |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Pro-Am | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
333 | Brad | Shiels | Pro | Royal Purple Racing |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Pro | Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech |
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NewsCampbell and Evans to contest Nurburgring 24Hr race with Porsche customer teams
Porsche aims to defend its title in the Eifel
Former Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champions, Matt Campbell (2016) and Jaxon Evans (2018) will contest this year’s Nurburgring 24-Hour race this coming weekend.
Porsche and its customer teams will make a bid for overall victory with eight 911 GT3 R in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Manthey contests the tradition-steeped race as the defending champion. The Eifel marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and is regarded as one of the world’s toughest motorsport challenges. One 25.378-kilometre lap is a combination of the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit. Once again, Porsche racing cars make up the lion’s share of the grid: 46 vehicles from the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer will tackle the endurance classic at 4 pm (CEST) this coming Saturday. No other manufacturer is better represented in the 138-strong field.
Last year, the Manthey customer squad notched up its seventh outright victory at the Eifel classic. Sharing driving duties in the 911 GT3 R “Grello” were the works drivers Kévin Estre (France) and Michael Christensen (Denmark) as well as Matteo Cairoli (Italy). For this year’s 24-hour anniversary event, the record-winners from Meuspath has again put together a formidable crew in their No. 1 car: Estre and Christensen share the green and yellow racer with their factory driver colleagues Frédéric Makowiecki (France) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium). In addition to Manthey, the customer teams Huber Motorsport, KCMG and Toksport WRT each field a GT3 vehicle from Weissach. Dinamic Motorsport and Falken Motorsports campaign two of the 500+PS Nine-Elevens each.
“The ‘Green Hell’ has made our preparations for the 24-hour race difficult again this year: the cancellation of the second round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series and one of the test days due to icy and wet conditions cost us critical track time. In such situations, it becomes even more important to work closely with the teams and share information,” explains Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “Our first priority is that more Porsches make it into the decisive Top Qualifying. Spectators are finally allowed back to the track, so we’re all very much looking forward to the first highlight of the race weekend – the individual time trials.”
At the previous two qualification races for the Nürburgring 24-hour race as well as the first two rounds of the Nürburgring Endurance Series, competitors got the chance to jump straight into the final individual time trials for the top 19 grid positions: just like the 911 GT3 R from Manthey and Huber Motorsport, which have already secured a spot on the provisional entry list for the critical second part of the Top Qualifying. In the Top-Qualifying 1 session, the two Porsche fielded by Dinamic Motorsport and Falken Motorsports as well as the KCMG and Toksport WRT customer teams still have a chance to grab a place in the final shootout. In the two Top Qualifying segments on Friday evening, the name of the game for all competitors is to make the most of the free run over two timed laps on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife to set their best time.
Almost a third of the field drives a Porsche
The 24-hour classic on the longest and most demanding racetrack in the world is the highlight of the motor racing year. 138 vehicles in 22 classes make up the entry list for the prestigious event on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. “In the anniversary year of the 24-hour race, Porsche is represented by more than 40 vehicles – which makes us the largest contingent once again,” emphasizes Michael Dreiser, Director Sales Porsche Motorsport. “Our customers field different types and variants in ten different classes and have put their faith in the potential and performance of our products. Almost every third vehicle on the grid sports the Porsche crest. We’re thrilled about that and I would like to thank them very much for trusting our brand.”
Porsche’s history in the 24-hour race
Porsche’s success story at the Eifel classic, which has been held since 1970, includes 13 overall victories to date. In 1976, Fritz Müller, Herbert Hechler and Karl-Heinz Quirin clinched the first victory for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer at the wheel of a Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0. In the two years that followed, the 911 Carrera RS proved unbeatable. In 1988, Dören Motorsport was the fastest with a 911 Carrera RSR. Five years later Konrad Motorsport triumphed. In 2000, Pheonix Racing celebrated victory with a 911 GT3 R. Soon after, Manthey began its unprecedented winning streak: the team from Meuspath achieved four consecutive overall victories from 2006 to 2009, followed by two more triumphs in 2011 and 2018. In 2021, Manthey built on its record as the most successful team at the Nürburgring with its seventh overall victory.
Overview of the Porsche teams and drivers (SP9 class)
Porsche supports its customer teams Huber Motorsport, Dinamic Motorsport, Manthey and Toksport WRT in the Eifel with, among other things, drivers from its own squad. The works drivers Estre, Christensen, Makowieki and Vanthoor form the powerful quartet in the Manthey’s 911 GT3 R “Grello”. Matt Campbell from Australia and the Frenchman Mathieu Jaminet provide reinforcement for the fledgling Nordschleife team Toksport WRT. Austria’s Thomas Preining drives Dinamic Motorsport’s No. 28 car. Porsche’s test and development driver Lars Kern supports the Huber Motorsport team, which won the separate Pro-Am classification in the top SP9 class in 2020 and 2021.
Manthey (Porsche 911 GT3 R #1)
Michael Christensen (DK), Kévin Estre (F), Frédéric Makowiecki (F), Laurens Vanthoor (B)
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18)
Dennis Olsen (N), Josh Burdon (AUS), Nick Tandy (GB), Earl Bamber (NZ)
Huber Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #25)
Nico Menzel (D), Joachim Thyssen (D), Klaus Rader (D), Lars Kern (D)
Toksport WRT (Porsche 911 GT3 R #27)
Julien Andlauer (F), Matt Campbell (AUS), Mathieu Jaminet (F)
Dinamic Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #28)
Christian Engelhart (D), Matteo Cairoli (I), Côme Ledogar (F), Thomas Preining (A)
Dinamic Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #29)
Matteo Cairoli (I), Adrien de Leener (B), Frederik Schandorff (DK), Christian Engelhart (D)
Falken Motorsports (Porsche 911 GT3 R #33)
Jaxon Evans (NZ), Sven Müller (D), Patrick Pilet (F), Marco Seefried (D)
Falken Motorsports (Porsche 911 GT3 R #44)
Klaus Bachler (A), Alessio Picariello (B), Patrick Pilet (F), Martin Ragginger (A)
Nürburgring 24-hour race – all Porsche overall wins:
1976 Müller / Hechler / Quirin (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1977 Müller / Hechler (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1978 Müller / Hechler / Gschwendtner (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1988 Dören / Holup / Faubel (Porsche 911 Carrera RSR)
1993 de Azevedo / Konrad / Wirdheim / Katthöfer (Porsche 911 Carrera)
2000 Mayländer / Bartels / Alzen / Heger (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
2006 Luhr / Bernhard / Rockenfeller / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 MR)
2007 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2008 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2009 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2011 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Luhr (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2018 Lietz / Pilet / Makowiecki / Tandy (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
2021 Estre / Christensen / Cairoli (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
The schedule (all times CEST)
Thursday, 26 May
12:30 – 2:00 pm: Qualifying 1
8:30 – 11:30 pm: Qualifying 2
Friday, 27 May
2:10 – 3:10 pm: Qualifying 3
5:50 – 8:00 pm: Top Qualifying
Saturday, 28 May
11:00 – 11:45 am: Warm-up
4:00 pm: Start of the Nürburgring 24-hour race
Sunday, 29 May
4:00 pm: Finish of the Nürburgring 24-hour race
The event on live streams
Live footage from all sessions is available on the channels of the 24-hour race on YouTube (English live commentary: https://tinyurl.com/35d2c7wu), Facebook and TikTok. Moreover, the website https://www.24h-rennen.de/en/home/ shows the timing of all sessions.
Comments before the race
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “It’ll be very difficult to defend our title because our opponents did very well in the qualification races. Compared to last year, we’ve made very few changes – at least on the technical side. However, there are some changes in the line-up: While Michael Christensen and I are a regular pairing, we’re now joined by Laurens Vanthoor and Fred Makowiecki. This makes for a very strong line-up of drivers – and with Fred, we have someone in our crew who has already won the 24 Hours with Manthey. Let’s see what happens in the ‘Green Hell’ this time.”
Dennis Olsen (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18): “We’ve been very systematic in our preparations. The KCMG team is doing a great job. We’re competing with strong drivers and want to win at the Nürburgring. However, the weather conditions in the Eifel always pose a special challenge. Hopefully, we’ll make all the right decisions and end up on top of the podium.”
Nico Menzel (Porsche 911 GT3 R #25): “We have a very clear goal – after two victories in the Pro-Am class, we want to complete the hat trick this year. My teammates Joachim Thyssen and Klaus Radar have made great progress in the Huber Motorsport 911 GT3 R and are among the top amateurs.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 GT3 R #27): “For me, the 24 Hours is the biggest race in the world and it’s one I want to win with my teammates Mathieu Jaminet and Julien Andlauer. Toksport WRT is in the spotlight as a new team on the Nordschleife and has really done a great job so far. We want to achieve the maximum of what is possible and bring home a good result.”
Thomas Preining (Porsche 911 GT3 R #28): “I also spent time in the simulator preparing for the event but you can’t simulate driving in traffic on the Nordschleife: only experience and every kilometre on the track can help. We have four experienced drivers sharing our Dinamic Motorsport car. Primarily, we see the race as a development project for the tyres and we’re making great progress in this respect. We want to achieve a top placing with a consistent and flawless performance.”
Marco Seefried (Porsche 911 GT3 R #33): “Falken Motorsport has once again put together a good team and is fielding two Porsche 911 GT3 R with a strong driver line-up. I’m pleased to be returning after 2017. Again this year there are slightly fewer competitors than usual entered in the race, and because there is less traffic on the track, you have to sprint right from the get-go.”
Klaus Bachler (Porsche 911 GT3 R #44): “I’m really looking forward to the race because we’re finally driving in front of spectators again. The scenery at the Nordschleife is unique – this is especially true at night when the campfires are burning next to the track. Hopefully, the weather plays along so that the fans can have a nice motorsport party after a two-year hiatus.”
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NewsHarri Jones claims maiden Carrera Cup round win
Matt Belford takes Morris Finance Pro-Am for debut round victory
HARRI JONES has added another trophy to his growing collection, claiming Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship following a final-race showdown with David Russell.
It was a pair of first-time winners at Winton Raceway as Morris Finance Pro-Am rookie Matt Belford claimed a home-state round win in just his second ever Carrera Cup event.
Jones’ pathway to victory was set up with his drive to win in race one, and backed up with a solid run to second in the 25-lap enduro race that commenced the Sunday program.
David Russell won that race – his first Carrera Cup victory since October 2015 – though Jones’ second position saw him lead the round points heading into the deciding finale’ later in the afternoon.
In a winner-take-all affair, Jones’ made the better start from the outside of the front row and led the experienced Russell into turn one – setting up a tense battle to the line but one that Jones’ would never not control.
The win delivered the young Michelin Junior his maiden Carrera Cup round victory in just his 10th round start: and rocketed him from fourth to a clear first in the championship standings in the process.
Russell’s second overall was his 11th podium finish in his lengthy Carrera Cup career and the first for the Dayco / EMA Motorsport team since joining the championship.
Dylan O’Keeffe completed the podium in his Dexion / RAM Motorsport entry.
The Victorian finished just behind Russell and Jones’ in the enduro cup race on Sunday morning and then finished fourth – behind a strong Dale Wood – in the 16-lap finale’ to book his first trip to the podium since Sydney Motorsport Park in 2018.
Wood’s strong weekend was his best in some time in the championship aboard his Timken EBM entry, while Luke Youlden finished fifth overall as TekworkX Motorsport continued their speedy start to the 2022 season.
Matt Belford’s pathway to victory in the Morris Finance Pro-Am came via a strong win in a dramatic Enduro Cup race early on Sunday morning.
The Victorian, driving for the Porsche Centre Melbourne team, survivied a dramatic race that saw the top two finishes from Saturday’s opener fail to finish.
He then held off a charging Rodney Jane in the closing laps to record his first Carrera Cup class win; having scored pole position earlier in the weekend.
Belford then backed up that performance with a second-straight race win in the third and final race of the weekend to do enough to claim his maiden overall win.
Jane was second, his first Pro-Am class podium finish since Bathurst in 2008, while Stephen Grove finished third overall for the weekend.
Round one winner Geoff Emery had a challenging Sunday, having won the opening race on Saturday afternoon: he failed to finish race two after early damage before recovering to ninth in class in the third race.
With two of eight rounds complete, Harri Jones has charged to a commanding 70-point lead in the championship – having entered the Winton weekend fourth in the championship.
David Russell has moved to second in the standings with a five-point margin to former champion David Wall in third.
Max Vidau sits fourth in the championship just two points further back, while Dylan O’Keeffe has moved to fifth.
Stephen Grove took over from Geoff Emery as the leader in Morris Finance Pro-Am class after two rounds, his lead 15 points over the Round 1 winner.
Sam Shahin sits third in the championship after his Sunday performances saw him rebound from a race-one DNF at Winton.
The tightly-packed Pro-Am field has the top five cars split by just 59 points heading into the third round of the championship.
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia returns to the top end of Australia for Round 3, with the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown event to be held between June 17-19.
QUOTES
Harri Jones – Pro – Round winner
“That was an awesome race to come away with the win for the weekend and take my first Carrera Cup round. I’m really happy and want to say a massive thank you to the McElrea team, they gave me an absolute rocket this weekend. Winton is not our home track, so to come here after many years and get the win, its amazing and credit must go to the work the team has been doing to make our car fast this weekend, where we could get a good start and to lead the flag, I can’t thank everyone enough.
“I had a poor start in the race this morning, so we worked on getting more rear tyre temp and this afternoon it just hooked up. I can’t wait for Darwin, we were up there for a two day test a few weeks back, so I can’t wait, the track is absolutely amazing and will definitely be different weather to here. We’ve been freezing all weekend here and up there will be very warm, so looking forward to getting up there and getting amongst it.”
Matthew Belford – Morris Finance Pro-Am winner
“It was a great race and would like to dedicate this one to Karl Batson and the whole Porsche Centre Melbourne Team. The beauty of starting first in Pro-Am is you just get in behind the pros, Rodney Jane put me under a lot of pressure again. I was able to pull away a little bit, so it was just a perfect race. From what happened at Albert Park I wanted to come here and just have three clean races, so to get two race wins and a third is just a dream come true.
“I’m a bit like the young Pros to be honest (laughs), they go through the Porsche Pyramid, whereas I’m an old guy whose been through the Porsche Pyramid. I did all the levels of Porsche Track Experience training in Queensland, went onto Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and worked my way up and now have come to Carrera Cup and I still feel like I’m a little bit less experienced. The fast Pro-Am’s in this championship are really experienced, so to be here and be competitive, that’s really what I’m after.”
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NewsJones steals Winton win as O’Keeffe denied with late race pass
Geoff Emery takes Morris Finance Pro-Am victory to extend title lead
HARRI JONES grabbed opportunity when it was presented to score a stunning victory over Dylan O’Keeffe in race one of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Winton Motor Raceway.
Geoff Emery won the Morris Finance Pro-Am class after seeing off an early challenge from Liam Talbot.
Starting third, Jones’ took advantage of turn one dramas to climb to second position behind O’Keeffe on the opening lap.
Duvashen Padayachee locked a brake into the first corner immediately following the race start, running wide and forcing front-row starter Callum Hedge to also run off the road.
That allowed O’Keeffe to lead comfortably by the end of the first lap with Jones second and David Russell third.
As the race evolved Jones’ closed the margin to the leader with a freight train of several cars all battling for position.
Jones’ opportunity to pounce came on lap 13, when O’Keeffe hit lapped traffic at turn seven and was slowed.
The latter defended valiantly however the delay allowed Jones’ to pass around the outside of Turn 10 to grab the lead – one he’d never lose – before edging away to win his third career race.
O’Keeffe finished second with David Russell a strong third for his Dayco / EMA Motorsport entry.
Ryan Suhle lodged his best ever Carrera Cup Australia race result in fourth, while Dale Wood gained ground from his starting position to finish fifth.
TekworkX Motorsport teammates Luke Youlden and Max Vidau finished line astern in sixth and seventh, respectively, with Michael Almond, David Wall and Jackson Walls completing the top-10.
Following their turn one trips across the infield, Duvashen Padayachee ultimately finished 11th while Hedge was stuck behind a host of Pro rivals in 16th.
The young Kiwi did set a new Winton Carrera Cup lap record in his pursuit of the field, the new benchmark standing at 1m20.7697s.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Geoff Emery led from lights to flag to record his sixth career class victory and extend his championship lead following the fourth race of the season.
He fended off Liam Talbot in the early stages, however the former champion ran wide at turn six early in the race, ceding several positions.
That elevated Stephen Grove to second, however he was passed by Dean Cook’s Zonzo Estate entry on the final lap before ultimately finish second. Grove was third, with polesitter Matt Belford finishing fourth.
Rodney Jane was a season-best fifth with Talbot, Tim Miles, Adrian Flack, Drew Hall and Marc Cini completing the top-10.
The race one results provisionally place Harri Jones in the lead of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship for the first time, Max Vidau dropping to second position and David Wall to third.
The field returns for a pair of races on Sunday’s program at the Winton SuperSprint event.
Race 2 will see the field tackle a 25-lap endurance affair at 10:25am before the final sprint race commences at 2:20pm, local time.
Both races will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sport.
QUOTES:
Harri Jones – Pro
”That was an awesome race, we qualified third and I was pretty happy with that. I made a position up off the start and put my head down and got Dylan in the last few laps, so I’m really stoked. We have two more races tomorrow, so hoping to do a repeat. The last few laps Dylan and I caught the rear traffic, I took the opportunity and went high, got denied and managed to get the undercut. It was a good battle, we didn’t touch each other so it was good to be close without any contact and come away with the win.”
Geoff Emery – Morris Finance Pro-Am
“It was a really good race, especially with Liam at the start once he closed the gap and he was really making me earn it at the start. But I hung on and after he ran wide, I was on my own for a bit, which made it pretty easy toward the end, so I was happy with that. Tomorrow I’ll just keep the same strategy and stay alive out there. I’ve been really enjoying the Pro-Am Championship this year, the new 992 is a fantastic car to drive, so really enjoying the Championship.”
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NewsO’Keeffe, Emery top record-breaking practice day
Records set to fall as Carrera Cup returns to Winton after long absence
DYLAN O’KEEFFE and Geoff Emery have topped their respective classes in an intense day of practice as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia returned to Winton Motor Raceway, in country Victoria.
Visiting for the first time since 2013, the 31-car Carrera Cup field posted remarkably close and competitive times across a pair of 25-minute sessions that set the tone for an intense weekend ahead.
While O’Keeffe topped the Pro class, Emery was fastest overall in the equally competitive Morris Finance Pro-Am battle.
The pair of sessions were held in cool but bright and sunny conditions, teams spending the day learning the conditions ahead of a pair of important 10-minute qualifying sessions – one each for Pro and Pro-Am competitors – tomorrow.
O’Keeffe’s 1m20.1090s flyer was set late in the second practice session and was a full 3.3 seconds quicker than Craig Baird’s existing Winton qualifying record, set way back in 2007.
The Dexion / RAM Motorsport driver ended the day just 0.1 seconds quicker than practice one pacesetter, Callum Hedge.
“It was very tricky out there with all the cars, I didn’t think I would get any lap in,” O’Keeffe said.
“At the start, we caught the Pro Am’s very quickly and didn’t get a lap in. I was stressing a little but at the end there trying to get a lap in, but I had one clean go at it and managed to put it together, that said it was a pretty scruffy lap.
“These 992’s are very tricky around this circuit with oversteer compared to the previous generation and some of the other cars I’ve driven around here. But I like working the car a little bit and they say a loose car is a fast car.”
The young Kiwi had topped practice one in his Earl Bamber Motorsport Porsche and had led the way for much of the second session before O’Keeffe’s late flyer saw him jump to the top.
Duvashen Padayachee was third fastest overall, completing a strong day for the GWR Australia-run cars, while former series champion David Wall was fourth.
Simon Fallon was best of the Sonic Motor Racing entries in fifth aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts car, while Dale Wood’s Timken EBM entry was sixth.
Championship leader Max Vidau jumped to seventh on his penultimate flyer in practice for TekworkX Motorsport, while Harri Jones was eighth and best of the McElrea Racing stable.
David Russell and Nick McBride completed a competitive top-10 with eight different teams represented in the bunch.
The competitive nature of the field was clear to see with a remarkable 0.9 seconds covering the top eighteen cars and two seconds covering 24.
Emery topped the Morris Finance Pro-Am field with him 1m21.0465s best less than a second from the fastest time overall.
“It was an interesting session I struggled a bit at the start, but we set new Michelins on it and got a good result in the end,” Emery said.
“The car is really good to drive now, we tuned her up after the first session and took some of the oversteer out of it and its really good to drive. You had to manage the traffic, you have to roll out of it when you have to and press on because there’s only a second between the front and the back, once I got on with it, the traffic wasn’t too bad.”
Victorian Matt Belford was second in Pro-Am while Dean Cook was third – just ahead of the returning Adrian Flack and class champion, Sam Shahin.
The field returns to the circuit tomorrow for qualifying at 10:05am, the Pro-Am field to qualify first before the Pro’s hit the track.
The field then regroups for the first of three races this weekend at 2:25pm local time.
Both sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
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NewsNear capacity Carrera Cup Australia grid for Winton Supersprint return
Porsche teams return to Winton after nearly a decade
The second round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship sees a return for all teams to country Victoria, for the Winton Supersprint. Marking the 131st round to be held in the Championship history since it began in 2003, the traditional cold and wet climate of the Benalla track at this time of year will be sure to provide a mix of changeable conditions for the teams from their last visit in August 2013.
On that occasion, Michael Patrizi won the round, while three different drivers won the three races: Patrizi (Race 1), Shae Davies (Race 2) and Nick Percat the third race. The 3.0km National circuit is unsurprisingly the slowest circuit currently on the 2022 Carrera Cup calendar, as the last recorded average lap speed of 129kph was set in 2013 in the 997 MY11 generation of 911 GT3 Cup car. Expect to see lap records tumble from the get-go in the latest generation 992.
Of the 31 car field entered for the 20-22 May event, only two drivers – Marc Cini and Stephen Grove – were on the grid in 2013 the last time the Championship visited there. Ironically, both had a challenging weekend on that occasion, with each driver failing to score in each session. Ironically, there were more of the current Carrera Cup brigade on the grid when the Championship first debuted at Winton in 2003: that year, Cini, Rodney Jane and Tony Quinn were all present.
Most of the class of 2022 have already done test sessions at Winton, as every Porsche customer squad looks to not only learn more but hone the set-ups on their new 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup car.
With Aaron Love currently abroad contesting Carrera Cup France, the Tyrepower TekworkX Motorsport entry of Max Vidau starts as the form man, having won the opening round at the Australian Grand Prix.
Harri Jones will be another Michelin Junior hoping to take the momentum from his victory in the last race in Melbourne into Round 2, but the Queenslander is likely to face opposition from McElrea Racing teammate, Christian Pancione and the SP Tools Earl Bamber Motorsport entry of Ryan Suhle.
Expect the ever-present David Wall to be another in the hunt for the top of the podium, starting his 67th round in Winton. The 2017 Carrera Cup Champion surpasses Craig Baird for second on all-time starts this weekend.
Wall together with experienced campaigners like Dale Wood, Michael Almond, Dylan O’Keeffe, Luke Youlden and David Russell in the mix, round honours are far from a certainty for anyone in the Pro class. It should make for a riveting spectacle.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, the battle and competition level will be just as intense. Porsche Cars Australia has implemented a split qualifying session for Winton round, allowing for more indicative, unimpeded lap times for both classes.
Hot off his Bathurst 12Hr Class C win, Geoff Emerywill start as class favourite to take the round, but one cannot ignore the depth of competition in a field consisting of Liam Talbot, Stephen Grove, Dean Cook, Sam Shahin and Adrian Flack. Flack marking his return to Championship after missing Round 1.
Both Saturday and Sunday’s qualifying and races will all be broadcast live on FoxSports and Kayo Sports throughout the weekend.
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, Round 2, Winton
Broadcast Schedule:
Saturday, 21 May
10:05 -10:15 Qualifying – Pro
10:20 – 10:30 Qualifying – Morris Finance Pro-Am
14:25 – 14:50 Race 1 16 laps
Sunday, 22 May
10:25 – 11:05 Race 2 25 laps
14:20 – 14:45 Race 3 16 laps
Entry List:
# | Name | Surname | CLASS | SPONSOR |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Pro-Am | Grove Racing |
5 | Ryan | Suhle | Pro | SP Tools / EBM |
6 | Angelo | Mouzouris | Pro | Sonic / PitBox |
7 | Tim | Miles | Pro-Am | Miles Advisory Partners / N2C |
8 | Nick | McBride | Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Pro | Objective Racing |
12 | Harri | Jones | Pro | Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group |
13 | Sam | Shahin | Pro-Am | The Bend Motorsport Park / OTR |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am | ID Land |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Pro | Team Porsche NZ / EBM |
20 | Adrian | Flack | Pro-Am | AGAS National / EBM |
22 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am | Zonzo Racing |
25 | Michael | Almond | Pro | The PSA Group |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Pro-Am | Wash It / Paynter Dixon |
28 | Bayley | Hall | Pro | Printech |
38 | David | Wall | Pro | Monochrome / Paynter Dixon |
45 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Pro | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Pro-Am | Force Accessories / MJR |
53 | Luke | Youlden | Pro | Hire A Hubby / TekworkX |
72 | Max | Vidau | Pro | Tyrepower / TekworkX |
74 | David | Russell | Pro | Dayco / EMA Motorsport |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Pro | VCM Performance / HP Tuners |
77 | Rodney | Jane | Pro-Am | Bob Jane T Marts /Sonic |
86 | Drew | Hall | Pro-Am | Wall Racing |
88 | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Pro | Dexion / RAM Motorsport |
100 | Dale | Wood | Pro | Timken Racing |
101 | Tony | Quinn | Pro-Am | Local Legends |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Pro-Am | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
333 | Brad | Shiels | Pro | Royal Purple Racing |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Pro | Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech |
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NewsPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance reveals the potential of Mission R
From the IAA conceptual study to a fully-electric prototype on the racetrack
Porsche has begun testing the technology components of the Mission R with the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. At the 2021 IAA MOBILITY in Munich, the conceptual study outlined the vision of a fully-electric GT racing car for customer motorsport in the future. Now, the innovative electric drive concept of the Mission R is demonstrating its potential on national and international racetracks.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance serves as a test vehicle. Like the Mission R, the all-wheel-drive racer uses the chassis of the proven 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport model. The entire electric motor and battery technology also comes from the IAA conceptual study, which in qualification mode translates to a maximum output of 735 kW (1,000 PS) and more. In simulated racing, a steady 450 kW (612 PS) is available for 30 minutes, i.e. the duration of a Carrera Cup race. In terms of lap times and top speed, the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance is on par with the performance of the current 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup.
“With the Mission R, we’ve shown how Porsche envisages sustainable customer motor racing in the future. The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance now demonstrates that this vision works impressively on the racetrack,” said Matthias Scholz, GT racing vehicle project manager. “We’re very excited about the response because a one-make cup with electric racing cars would be an important addition to our existing customer racing programme.”
In 2030, Porsche aims to be CO2 neutral across the entire value chain and life cycle of new cars sold. By then, the proportion of all new vehicles featuring all-electric drive should be more than 80 per cent.
Like with the Mission R, the fully-electric drive train of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance is based on a permanently excited synchronous machine (PESM) on the front and rear axles. Together, they turn the racing car into an all-wheel-drive and can deliver a peak output of up to 800 kW (1,088 PS). The direct oil cooling of the e-motors and battery pack developed by Porsche counteracts thermally induced derating.
“The integration of oil cooling has significantly impacted the vehicle concept,” said Björn Förster, GT4 ePerformance project manager. “With experts in the fields of aerodynamics and thermodynamics as well as high-voltage and bodywork specialists, the development team created an architecture to tap the full potential of the battery cells for the first time, since there is no thermal derating. In this way, the power output in racing mode remains constant for half an hour.”
Thanks to 900-volt technology, the state of charge (SoC) of the battery at full charging capacity jumps from 5 to 80 per cent in about 15 minutes.
Under the direction of designer Grant Larson, a team from Porsche Style came up with the shape of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. The racing car is 14 centimetres wider than a 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. About 6,000 parts were designed from scratch. The body is made of natural fibre composite materials, among others, with the production intended to generate fewer emissions than the production of comparable synthetic materials. Recycled carbon fibres are also used for testing purposes. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the flared fenders allow more room for the wider 18-inch racing tyres from Michelin. Renewable materials make up a particularly high proportion of the tyres.
The GT4 ePerformance Tour #race2zero
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance celebrates its premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 23 to 26 June 2022. At the famous motorsport festival in southern England, the all-electric concept car will take part in the ca. 1.9-kilometre hill-climb event. Its second outing is on 20 August 2022 at the Porsche factory in Leipzig on the occasion of the factory’s 20th anniversary. The facility boasts a 3.7-kilometre circuit that features famous sections of world-famous racetracks. The two 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance demo vehicles will travel through various European countries before heading to North America in early 2023. The world tour concludes in the Asia-Pacific region, where the all-electric racing car will tour until mid-2024. In line with the sustainability strategy of the entire “race2zero” project, transportation has been logistically optimised and will be done entirely by ship, train and truck.
“The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance blazes a trail to Porsche customer racing with electrically-powered racing cars. As a first step, we will unveil this concept to our global partners,” said Oliver Schwab, Project Manager of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. “With drivers, teams, organisers, authorities and other interested parties, we’re also gathering ideas for Porsche racing formats in the future.”
GT4 ePerformance – the partners
The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance heads off on its world tour with support from seven partners. All companies involved use the tour as a platform to further advance the topic of sustainability with Porsche Motorsport. DB Schenker is new to the project. The world’s leading provider of global logistics services contributes sustainable transport services, among other things. The long-standing partner ExxonMobil is involved through its Mobil brand via joint developments in the field of coolants and lubricants for the racing car. TAG Heuer, the Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches, supports this and other Porsche Motorsport projects as the timing partner. As a long-established technology partner of Porsche Motorsport, Michelin develops particularly sustainable racing tyres for the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. The fashion company Hugo Boss is the official team outfitter. Fireproof clothing for drivers and mechanics is provided by the sports lifestyle brand Puma with the crew’s tools provided by the official supplier Hazet.
Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.com.au
You can follow Porsche Motorsport in Australia via @PorscheMotorsportAU (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube) or @PorscheMspAU (Twitter)
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NewsCraig Lowndes to headline Prostate Cancer Foundation Bathurst 12 Hr campaign
Lowndes joins Davison, Emery and Taylor for Bathurst 12 Hour
Craig Lowndes will headline a team formed with the sole purpose of raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) at the 2022 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour.
Lowndes, a two-time winner of the 12-Hour, will be joined by Alex Davison, Geoff Emery and Scott Taylor, aboard a Scott Taylor Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car at the May 13-15 event.
The car will field a livery entirely dedicated to PCFA, which will also be the official charity partner of the event for the first time.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation Porsche will be supported by experienced Porsche squad, Ashley Seward Motorsport.
Around 18,000 Australian men are diagnosed each year with prostate cancer, and over 3,300 will die from the disease.
Fundraising on the day will include donation points at the event this year, at the town-to-track activation on Thursday prior to the race and via online portals on the Bathurst 12 Hour and Supercars websites.
Lowndes has won the 12-Hour on two occasions and the Repco Bathurst 1000 seven times and remains one of Australian Motorsport’s most popular figures.
Thanks to a strong family history of Prostate Cancer, Lowndes has long been a supporter of the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s efforts to raise both funding and awareness for their efforts.
Alex Davison is a former Porsche factory driver, a Carrera Cup Australia champion and has 17 starts in the Bathurst 1000 to his credit.
Davison’s family has also been affected by Prostate cancer with his well-known father, Richard, also having battled the illness.
Geoff Emery is a multiple national circuit racing champion and last year finished runner up in the Pro-Am class of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, while Taylor is an experienced GT racer, Carrera Cup competitor and team owner.
The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the Seven Network next weekend (May 13-15).
Donations can be made via the Prostate Cancer Foundation website directly at the following link: www.pcfau.org/car222
For more information, please visit www.bathurst12hour.com.au
Craig Lowndes: “My family has a strong history of Prostate Cancer so it is an issue that has always been close to my heart.
“I have had a long relationship with the Foundation and their efforts to raise awareness about the disease. It can be a taboo subject for many men and it is important to talk about it and go and get checked. Hopefully what we are doing this year will encourage people to go and do just that.
“When this opportunity was presented, I couldn’t get behind it quick enough – it’s like the ideal weekend; a chance to raise funds and awareness for a really important cause, but also spend a weekend at Bathurst in a Porsche! It wasn’t hard to say yes.
“We’re all really excited about getting to the track. We’re going there to have a great time and really enjoy the whole race and everything around it.
“The important element of the weekend is doing what we can to get the word out about the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s efforts and then having a great time with a good group of guys in the Porsche.”
Shane Howard, CEO, Supercars: “The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour is proud to be associated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia as our official charitable partner for 2022.
“It is an important cause that men need to be aware of, to know their risks of prostate cancer and talk to a GP about having a PSA blood test. The 12-Hour is a platform that can spread that word far and wide, to the many thousands of people attending the event in person, or the millions watching the broadcast in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
“We hope to make a significant impact on the foundation’s fundraising efforts and raise awareness among Bathurst 12 Hour fans in the process.”
Anne Savage, CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
PCFA’s CEO, Anne Savage, said the event would rapidly accelerate awareness of Australia’s most common male cancer.
“This partnership puts us in pole position to help close the distance between awareness and action on prostate cancer in Australia.
“Two in every three Australian men diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer will die within five years of being diagnosed, but if we can detect prostate cancer before it spreads, we can beat it.
“Having the support of Craig Lowndes and the 2022 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour will enable us to get the message out to men – they need to know their family history and talk to their GP about PSA testing.”
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
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NewsMichelin and Porsche announce prize pool for 2022 Junior Programme
Michelin renews its support of both Porsche Sprint Challenge and Porsche Junior Programme
Michelin renews its support of both Porsche Sprint Challenge and Porsche Junior Programme
The continued support and development of the best young drivers from around the Australasian region has been a key priority for both Michelin Australia and Porsche Cars Australia for several years now. The domestic collaboration has seen the initiative grow into benchmark driver development programme in the country and remain a vital feature of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
For the 2022 season, Michelin will again be the Title Partner of Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia which gets underway at Round 1 of the national series at Sydney Motorsport Park from the 27-29 May. At the same time, the French tyre giant has announced that it will again support the Porsche Junior Development Programme offering eligible young drivers from the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series mentorship, support and training from the country’s leading sports professionals and coaches, as well as the opportunity to win their share of the $300,000 prize pool on offer.
The 2022 prize pool sees the top three Junior drivers from each Category, receive a set of Michelin competition tyres every round, while the top placed Junior driver at each round will also receive a complimentary entry for the round.
The Michelin Junior Champion – which will be awarded to the leading point scorer after round 6 of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season in August 2022 – will receive a trip to Germany to attend the Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions Dinner in December 2022. The main prize for the Michelin Junior drivers is to be nominated to attend the global Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout to represent the Carrera Cup Australia.
The Junior Shootout 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. To be eligible for nomination all Carrera Cup drivers must commit to a full season, carry additional Michelin branding and be born within the following time frame: 30/11/1998-01/03/2005.
Cooper Murray was the Porsche Michelin Junior Australia Winner last year, earning PCA’s nomination to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe that year. Murray arrived prior to the Shootout to test drive the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at Portimao Circuit in preparation for the Shootout and conducted a further two-day test session with Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Team, Martinet by Almeras, at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France on the 20-21 November. The Victorian then finished on the podium at the final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship on the 22 – 24 October.
Martinet by Almeras is the same team which supported 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, to second position overall in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship in 2021.
Other drivers that have progressed up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in recent years via the Australian Junior Programme, include the likes of Matt Campbell (Porsche factory driver), Nick Foster, Andre Heimgartner, Jordan Love and Cameron Hill, who have all gone on to succeed at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.
QUOTES:
Barry Hay, Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia: “It’s fantastic to have our long term partner in Michelin join with us again and provide the crucial support needed for young talented athletes within this country. Both Michelin and Porsche are aligned in our passion for developing young athletes both on and off the track, which we have had great success in the past, and we are looking forward to continuing this support for the next batch of talented athletes coming through.
Hugo De-Boischevalier, Marketing Manager Oceania, Michelin Australia: “Porsche continues to be the go-to championship for drivers who are looking to further their career, either locally or internationally. The Junior Program is like no-other in terms of support and development from the Porsche team; with young drivers given the fantastic opportunity to round out their skills both on and off-track.”
“There is a genuine community feel within the whole Porsche pit lane, that has a strong alignment to our own values of respect, performance and helping people achieve their goals. Michelin Australia are excited to be supporting the Juniors again in 2022 and wish all the teams a successful season ahead.”
2022 Porsche Michelin Junior Programme drivers
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Max Vidau – Tekworkx
Angelo Mouzouris – Sonic
Harri Jones – McElrea Racing
Christian Pancione – McElrea Racing
Ryan Suhle – SP Tools / EBM
Simon Fallon – Sonic
Jackson Walls – McElrea Racing
Callum Hedge – Team Porsche NZ / EBM
Bayley Hall – McElrea Racing
Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge
Madeline Stewart – Team Porsche NZ
Lachlan Bloxsom – McElrea Racing
Tom Sargent – CHE Racing
Aron Shields – McElrea Racing
Ollie Shannon – Tigani Motorsport
Courtney Prince – Sonic
Ryan Wood – EBM
For race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsJones Breaks Through in Albert Park Finale, Vidau takes Round victory
Shahin takes final Morris Finance race, Emery seals round win
HARRI JONES has broken through for his first victory of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season in an action packed finale on the roads of Albert Park.
After making another storming start, Jones had to survive a pair of safety car restarts en route to victory.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Sam Shahin also earned his first class win of 2022.
Following the first event of season 2022, Max Vidau tops the overall Pro standings from David Wall and Aaron Love, with only seven points separating the top three, while in Pro-Am, Geoff Emery leads the way from Shahin and Stephen Grove.
After being victorious in the opening three races, Love won the initial kick away from pole position, but Jones repeated his flying start from yesterday, claiming the lead as the field raced through turn one.
Wall then forged his way into second position, passing Love around the outside of turn four.
The action then came thick and fast after Nick McBride spun into the turn 11 gravel at the end of lap two.
Callum Hedge then spun entering the main straight, lightly tapping the pit wall, before a coming together between Angelo Mouzouris and Jackson Walls saw the latter make contact with the second turn tyre barrier.
Before the safety car was finally called, Bailey Hall spun at turn three.
Upon the resumption of action, Luke Youlden and Love made contact at corner 11, with Love following McBride’s wheel tracks into the gravel, necessitating a second safety car appearance.
With the time certain cut-off looming, a two-lap run to the finish ensued.
On the restart, Ryan Suhle nudged the turn two barrier, while Rodney Jane and Tim Miles spun at turn three, with Miles retiring on the spot.
With the field tightly bunched all the way to the finish, Jones led home Wall, Vidau, Dylan O’Keeffe, David Russell, Simon Fallon, Dale Wood, Michael Almond, Brad Shields, with Duvashen Padayachee rounding out the top ten.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Shahin moved his way into the class lead early, and held the position in the run to the chequered flag.
Grove was second ahead of Liam Talbot, Emery and Dean Cook.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship is scheduled to continue at Victoria’s Winton Motor Raceway from May 21 to 22.
Max Vidau – Round Winner Pro Class
“It’s pretty surreal looking back two years at the Melbourne Grand Prix when COVID struck, and to be honest, I really didn’t see myself back in a Cup Car,” Vidau said.
“Rob Woods came along and gave me an opportunity to not only work for the team but drive for them, and I’m absolutely stoked to be on the top step of the podium.
“It’s awesome, massive thank you to the boys and everything they do to me as well, as all my sponsors Tyrepower, Bondi Carpets and Exedy.
“I’m ecstatic, but obviously Aaron got a bit stitched up with what happened to him, but we’ve had some awesome battles over the years.
“He’s heading over to Europe, hopefully I’ll see him over there soon.
“We didn’t really do much testing either, we just stumbled across something good and stuck with it.
“Hopefully it works at Winton too.”
Geoff Emery – Round Winner, Morris Finance Pro-Am
“There was a lot going on obviously with the restarts, I had a good run and had built a lead on Sam,” Emery said.
“After the restart I saw Jackson Walls go into the fence, so I rolled out of it thinking there would be a safety car, but there wasn’t, and that allowed Sam to get up alongside of me and Stephen Grove, and I was forced to follow them through.
“That’s racing I guess!”
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NewsAaron Love’s Albert Park Carrera Cup sweep continues
Emery rebounds to claim Morris Finance Pro-Am honours
AARON LOVE’S domination of the opening round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia has continued with a lights-to-flag win at Albert Park, his third straight victory for the event.
In a one-off appearance before taking off to Europe, Love claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position award on Thursday, before being leading home yesterday’s opening two races, with today’s success seeing the West Australian have to hold off the advances of multiple challengers.
Meanwhile, in Morris Finance Pro-Am, Geoff Emery repeated his opening race class win, with his chief rival Liam Talbot retiring mid-race.
Love led the field away yet again, with Harri Jones completing an audacious move on the grass into turn one, claiming second place from fourth on the grid.
Behind the leaders, the opening corner squeeze caused chaos.
Contact between Duvashen Padayachee, Jackson Walls, and Angelo Mouzouris saw Mouzouris spin into the gravel, with Padayachee limping to a halt, while Walls parked at turn three.
Following a safety car appearance, the race restarted on lap four, although Marc Cini fell by the wayside at turn 10, and race two’s leading Morris Finance Pro-Am runner Talbot retired in the pit lane.
Max Vidau forged his way back into second, passing Jones at turn 11 on the sixth circuit, with Jones quickly falling into the clutches of David Wall and Ryan Suhle.
At the end of eight circuits, Love held on to the lead in the time certain finish, with Vidau closing to within half a second at the chequered flag.
Jones claimed third, fending off the advances of Wall, with only 0.2s separating the duo, with Suhle in fifth, then Christian Pancione, Dylan O’Keeffe, Luke Youlden, Simon Fallon and David Russell rounding out the top-ten.
It was a particularly strong drive by Youlden, who charged through from 24th at the start.
Emery claimed his second Morris Finance Pro-Am race win for the event, with second-placed Sam Shahin less than half a second adrift at the finish.
Third in class went to Stephen Grove, ahead of Dean Cook and Tim Miles.
In the progressive points for the weekend, Love leads the way from Vidau, Wall, Jones and Suhle.
The fourth and final race for the opening round of the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season is scheduled for 11:05am tomorrow, with the coverage available live through Channel 10, Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Aaron Love – Winner Pro Class
“I have had a bit of practice with these restarts, but it’s all about trying to keep my head down and stay nice and calm, it’s really nice to come away with the three wins from the past races,” Love said.
“Hopefully, we can tune the car up a little bit for tomorrow, we’ve got our work cut out for us, Max is really quick we’ll have to do a bit of research overnight and get stuck into it for tomorrow’s race.
“The 992 is what I’ll be campaigning in France this year and it’s definitely helped being back with the Sonic guys, it feels like home, it’s definitely going to give me a leg up going into the French Carrera Cup Championship, ease myself into it this weekend and go full-on next weekend.”
Geoff Emery – Winner, Morris Finance Pro-Am
“It was a great race, but I got a bit baulked at the start with the Pros, but once we got through all that stuff it was a really good race,” Emery said.
“I had Liam come back from a bit, then Shahin, but it was a good battle.
“I’m loving the new car, it really suits my driving style, I’m excited for what the year has in store for us.
“It’s certainly got that GT type feel to it, which I’m really enjoying.”
Full results: https://www.carreracup.com.au/results/
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NewsAaron Love Claims Pair of Albert Park Carrera Cup Thrillers
Emery and Talbot Split Morris Finance Pro-Am Honours
Emery and Talbot Split Morris Finance Pro-Am Honours
ALBERT PARK came alive for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, with Aaron Love winning the opening two races of the 2022 season, with both encounters going down to the wire.
The first race witnessed a one-lap dash to the finish following a late safety car, while the second saw Love and Max Vidau trade places multiple times on the final circuit.
The story was similar in Morris Finance Pro-Am, with Geoff Emery winning the first race after two lead changes with Liam Talbot on the last lap, while Talbot earned the top spot in race two.
At the start of race one, Love led away from the TAG Heuer Pole Position, but behind him, McElrea Racing teammates Jackson Walls and Christian Pancione made contact at the re-profiled turn 11, but both were able to race on.
Luke Youlden dropped down the order early after qualifying fourth, then Michael Almond spun at turn two, making light contact with the wall, before ultimately retiring in the pits.
Marc Cini then speared off the circuit at turn 11, also reaching the tyre barrier, but was able to resume, while at the same time, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia graduate Matthew Belford spun on track at the same corner.
On the eighth lap, Drew Hall was another driver to come unstuck at the end of the back straight, but as he was unable to extract himself from the gravel trap, the safety car entered the circuit.
With the time certain finish looming, a one-lap sprint to the chequered flag ensued, with third place Nick McBride losing control at the fast turn ten switchback, making race-ending contact with the wall.
The final results saw Love lead home Vidau, then 2017 Carrera Cup Champion David Wall, ahead of debutant Angela Mouzouris, Christian Pancione, Callum Hedge, Harri Jones, rookie Ryan Suhle, Dale Wood, with Walls rounding out the top ten.
Meanwhile, Emery claimed honours in Morris Finance Pro-Am, following a race-long battle with Talbot, which was only resolved after multiple last-lap passes for the lead.
Stephen Grove claimed third in class ahead of Tim Miles and Sam Shahin.
Love once again won the start of the second race with Wall slotting into second, although the opening lap action slowed when the safety car was called for Dale Wood’s turn one spin.
Racing had barely resumed when Belford found the turn two barrier, with the field slowing for a second time.
When racing restarted, Kiwi young gun Hedge earned himself a ten-second penalty for contact with Pancione at turn three, before running wide at turn 11, and finally parking at the same corner on the penultimate lap.
Youlden spun at the final turn, while Almond ran wide at the first corner after a spirited battle with Bailey Hall, with the action topped off by Tony Quinn touring the turn three gravel trap.
Battling throughout the field in the truncated 11 lap race came thick and fast, with the scrap for the lead seeing multiple changes on the final tour.
First, Love ran wide at turn four, with Vidau completing a daring outside move at the following bend.
Vidau subsequently ran off at turn ten, allowing Love back through for the victory.
Wall pounced on the last lap action to claim second from Vidau, Jones, Walls, Suhle, Mouzouris, David Russell, Pancione, and Duvashen Padayachee in tenth.
With the new track configuration coming to the fore, Vidau lowered his own Albert Park lap record in the twilight second race with a hot time of 1:48.6349s.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Talbot got the upper hand over Emery, Shahin, Grove and Miles, with little separating the combinations.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship continues tomorrow with the weekend’s third race scheduled for 12:00pm, with live coverage available through Channel 10, Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sport.
Aaron Love – Winner Pro Class Race 1 & 2
“A bit of a wild race, you can never complain about coming away with a race win, but I made a couple of mistakes that cost us a bit, and we happened to get a little bit lucky towards the end,” Love said.
“At the end of the day, we came away with a race win, but there are a couple of things we can take away from it, and learn from, get stuck into the car and see what we can put together for tomorrow.
“Coming back to do just a one-off round with Sonic at the Grand Prix, I couldn’t think of a better place to do it, I’m really happy to get some results for them so far, and hopefully, we can continue the streak onwards.”
Geoff Emery – Winner, Morris Finance Pro-Am Race 1
“(Talbot) got me on the last lap, and I got him back on the last lap!” Emery said.
“It was a good battle, I had a good race, and he kept the pace up to me throughout all of the race.
“I love the new track, I love the new car, it’s really exciting, it’s really fast out the back and I really enjoy the fast and flowing tracks, it really suits my driving style.”
Liam Talbot – Winner, Morris Finance Pro-Am Race 2
“It’s nice to redeem ourselves from race one in this one, a little bit of contact there, but we tuned the car up, tuned the driver up, and got ready to go,” Talbot said.
“I love the new car, seriously, how could you have a bad day in a Porsche?”
Full results: https://www.carreracup.com.au/results/
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NewsAaron Love takes season-opening pole position at Albert Park
Liam Talbot on top in Morris Finance Pro-Am
HE MIGHT have been a late call-up for a return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship, but Aaron Love still delivered to take his maiden TAG Heuer Pole Position award at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Love, driving a Bob Jane T-Marts entry for Sonic Motor Racing, topped a shortened qualifying session today in Melbourne with a 1m49.3236s flyer to lead Max Vidau and Luke Youlden to the start of the brand-new season.
Returning former Morris Finance Pro-Am champion Liam Talbot topped the runners in Morris Finance Pro-Am ahead of Geoff Emery and Stephen Grove.
The session was contested under blue skies and in warm conditions at Albert Park, times tumbling quickly throughout as teams and drivers continued to adapt to the new circuit and surface.
31 cars were on track making for a busy circuit as teams rushed through a brief practice session prior to qualifying to set the grid for the season opener.
West Aussie-based Love, who will move to Europe following the Grand Prix to chase an international racing career, topped the order as several drivers peeled into pit lane to prepare for a final run – only for the red flag to fly when Christian Pancione crashed his VCM performance car at turn five, with five minutes remaining in the session.
With a repair to the circuits barriers required, the session was not restarted leaving Love on pole position for the first time in his Carrera Cup career.
His lap time was more than seven seconds quicker than the previous Albert Park best thanks to the revised layout and new surface, coming at an average speed of over 174 km/hr.
Max Vidau was second – his best ever Carrera Cup qualifying performance – while hometown hero Nick McBride qualified third to continue his strong track record of performing well at Albert Park.
Luke Youlden qualified fourth, completing a strong day for TekworX Motorsport with two cars in the top four, while Christian Pancione was fifth despite bringing out the red flag. Jackson Walls, Ryan Suhle, Angelo Mouzouris and Brad Shiels completing the top 10.
The latter three are all making their respective Carrera Cup debuts this weekend, while five of the top 10 in qualifying have less than 10 rounds of experience pointing to the massive influx of new talent within the field this year.
Liam Talbot celebrated his return to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia by scoring pole position in Morris Finance Pro-Am, qualifying 18th overall in his Wall Racing-prepared entry.
Sporting a stunning ‘art car’ livery, Talbot topped a remarkably competitive Pro-Am field at Albert Park.
2021 class runner-up Geoff Emery was second in Pro Am while multiple champion Stephen Grove qualified third.
Matt Belford was fourth on his debut in the championship, just 0.2 seconds behind Grove.
The biggest loser of the qualifying red flag was reigning Morris Finance Pro-Am champion Sam Shahin, who failed to complete a flying lap and ended up 30th overall after suffering mechanical issues aboard his The Bend-backed entry.
Earlier, the sole practice session earlier in the day was topped by Luke Youlden, who ended the 20-minute session 0.3 seconds faster than New Zealander, Callum Hedge.
Dale Wood was third with Ryan Suhle completing a strong session for the Earl Bamber Motorsport squad in fourth. Max Vidau completed a strong session for Tekworkx motorsport in fifth, with Nick McBride, Brad Shiels, Aaron Love and Harri Jones completing the top-10.
Defending champion Sam Shahin was fastest in Morris Finance Pro-Am in practice ahead of Stephen Grove and Geoff Emery.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship season proper launches tomorrow with race one at 11:00am and race two at 5:15pm. Both races will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sport.
Aaron Love – Pole position, Pro class
“Getting pole is a great way to spend my flying visit here to Melbourne,” Love said.
“It’s so great to come back and have all the support from the team, especially Rod with Bob Jane T-Marts on the car,. The effort from the team after Practice 1 made it great to get back out there and have an unreal car to drive around. There is no better place to get my first pole position in Carrera Cup, so I’m feeling great.
“The track is quite a bit of fun now and down the back is so much faster, and it definitely suits these cars better than the old track because you can really use that aero grip for racing especially with the big draft down the back. I can’t wait to get racing.”
Liam Talbot – Pole Position, Morris Finance Pro-Am
“It was an eerily smooth session and nothing really to report, except obviously the track is still lacking any sort of grip which make the car a little loose in the rear, but they are really first world problems,” Talbot said.
“We just got a pole position in the first round which is a great way to start the year.”
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NewsGWR Australia unveils Carrera Cup liveries for Almond and Padayachee
GWR Australia unveils trio of Carrera Cup liveries
GWR Australia has revealed the liveries to be run by its three drivers in this year’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, ahead of this weekend’s season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.
Each of the brand-new, Type 992 Porsche GT3 Cup cars has a distinctive livery, ensuring all three cars will stand out on the track.
The Padayachee father-and-son combination of Indiran and Duvashen have revealed a revamped version of their traditional blue, black and while hues, accented by maroon highlights, with Hyundai Forklifts appearing prominently as the car’s major sponsor.
Duvashen has been charged with the responsibility of giving the car its racing debut and after walking the track this afternoon, he cannot wait to tackle the updated layout.
“It’s going to be much faster, especially around the back section,” Padayachee said.
“Obviously one of the chicanes has been removed and some of the corners have been widened, but the other thing that will make a big difference for us will be the resurfacing – there will be a lot more grip.”
Dylan O’Keeffe’s car will sport a predominantly gunmetal grey livery, featuring Dexion and Circle Red Watches as major commercial partners. This weekend will be O’Keeffe’s first round in Carrera Cup since the Australian Grand Prix in 2019.
“There will be 31 cars on the grid this weekend, which is one of the largest fields we’ve ever seen for Carrera Cup, and the driving talent at the front of the field is all class,” O’Keeffe said.
“The GWR squad have worked hard to unlock the potential of the new 992 Cup car, but we know all the other teams will have been preparing thoroughly as well, so the racing will be cut-throat.”
The team’s final entry is the PSA Group entry to be driven by Michael Almond, who is set to embark upon his ninth season in the competitive Porsche one-make series and has notched up five race victories since 2016.
Almond’s Carrera Cup car runs an eye-catching lime green colour scheme with yellow highlights. After acquainting himself with the new car in pre-season testing, Almond is excited to see how it performs in race conditions.
“The extra aero means the high-speed handling is better, while the improved front suspension geometry and wider tyre allows you to hustle the car harder through the slow corners.
“There’s no doubt the lap times will be an improvement over the previous car at most tracks, but we will have to adapt the car setup and driving technique to maximise its potential.”
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NewsTalbot collaborates with acclaimed Sydney artist Gemma O’Brien
Liam Talbot marks his return to Carrera Cup with art car livery
Liam Talbot marks his return to Carrera Cup with art car livery
Liam Talbot has marked his return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship this season with a unique ‘art car’ design on his new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) car.
The 2019 Morris Finance Pro-Am Champion will be one of the strongest contenders in a stacked 2022 class, which sees the last five Morris Finance Pro-Am Championship race winners on the grid this season. The last time that happened was at Bathurst 2016.
This year will also mark the first time four different former Morris Finance Pro Am Champions have started the season on the same grid. Talbot will be among those in the hunt for podium positions and rejoins the successful Wall Racing squad for his 2022 onslaught. Wall Racing was the same team that supported Talbot to his maiden 2019 Carrera Cup Championship.
“It’s great to rejoin Wall Racing for this season and welcome back my long term sponsor WASH IT Mobile Truck washing as well as Paynter Dixon, Monochrome Asset Management and Urban Maintenance Systems,” Talbot said.
In designing his new 992 generation livery, Talbot wanted a car that represented his passion of racing with fun, style and uniqueness.
“The collaboration with acclaimed Sydney artist Gemma O’Brien is perfect, her artwork is featured in many galleries and murals around the world and in discussion with her on the opportunity, I discovered she’d always wanted to style her art on a race car,” Talbot said.
O’Brien is an internationally renowned designer and artist known for her bold graphics, illustrative lettering and murals. Her work has been commissioned by Apple, Nike, Tiffany & Co, Google and The New York Times.
Talbot’s newly liveried Porsche will roll out for the first practice session of Round 1 of the championship at the Australian Grand Prix on Thursday morning 11:45am (AEST).
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
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NewsO’Keeffe unveils new livery for Carrera Cup return
Dylan O’Keeffe excited for 2022 Porsche campaign with GWR
Dylan O’Keeffe has unveiled a spectacular livery for his return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, kicking off at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
O’Keeffe’s RAM Motorsport/GWR Porsche will feature Dexion Victoria and Circle Red Watches as major sponsors, while also welcoming Trading Garage, The Motorist, StoreFast, OFE Refrigerated Transport and Porsche Centre Sydney South as partners.
Long-time supporters Local Roadways and Insure My Fleets are on board for O’Keeffe’s Carrera Cup campaign, while Ringwood Mazda will continue their involvement as official road car supplier.
The 24-year-old last competed in Carrera Cup in 2018 and is enthused about his return to the category, expecting this season to be the most competitive on record.
“There will be 31 cars on the grid this weekend, which is one of the largest fields we’ve ever seen for Carrera Cup, and the driving talent at the front of the field is all class,” O’Keeffe said.
“The GWR squad have worked hard to unlock the potential of the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, but we know all the other teams will have been preparing thoroughly as well, so the racing will be cut-throat.”
The last time O’Keeffe raced at the Albert Park circuit was during the 2019 Carrera Cup round, where he made a one-off appearance; he was scheduled to compete in the TCR races at the ill-fated 2020 event before it was cancelled because of the COVID pandemic.
Since then, the track has undergone significant layout changes which have increased speeds in some corners and opened up additional overtaking opportunities.
“Some of the corners have been widened and the chicane at turns nine and 10 has been removed altogether, which will make that section of the track a lot faster,” O’Keeffe said.
“In the Carrera Cup cars, I don’t know how much it will increase overtaking because we haven’t really had the chance to race close together in these cars yet, but I’m sure the racing will be entertaining.
“I can’t wait to be racing on the big stage again in Carrera Cup, we haven’t had a proper Australian Grand Prix for more than three years so it’s awesome to be competing in front of the world’s biggest and best motorsport stars.”
Every session will be shown live on FoxSports and KayoSports with free-to-air coverage of every race on Channel 10 throughout the Australian Grand Prix weekend.
Schedule: Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Round 1, AGP
Thursday April 7, 2022
11:45-12:05 – Practice
14:20-14:40 – Qualifying
Friday April 8, 2022
11:00-11:30 – Race 1
17:15-17:50 – Race 2
Saturday April 9, 2022
12:00-12:25 – Race 3
Sunday, April 10, 2022
11:05-11:35 – Race 4
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NewsMcConville to head up Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport team
Cam McConville joins Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport as Motorsport Commercial Manager
Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport has been established since the year 2000. It’s always been an extension of the retail operation of Porsche Centre Melbourne; having a motorsport team as part of the dealership has allowed PCM to celebrate much success and establish great relationships with many customers and partners.
PCMM launched their season 2022 campaign last week at Phillip Island. Returning to Albert Park for Round 1 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia this week, the team has a three-driver team including:
Nick McBride: Porsche Centre Melbourne – Pro
Marc Cini: Hallmarc – Morris Finance Pro-Am
Matt Belford: ID Land – Morris Finance Pro-Am
The team
The team returns to the grid with a strengthened line-up with the appointment of Cameron McConville as Motorsport Commercial Manager. Cameron has joined the team at an exciting time as PCMM expands into a dedicated Motorsport HQ.
Cameron McConville said, ‘’PCMM is a great team with great people. I have been working and living in Queensland for the past year and jumped at the opportunity to return to Victoria when I heard of this opportunity. I have known Piero Pellegrini (PCM, General Manager) and Karl Batson (PCM, Motorsport Manager) for a long time and feel I am joining at a very special time, with so much opportunity for growth over the coming years’’.
“PCMM has great pedigree, all the ingredients for success”. “It is a team that is keen to improve and continually challenge themselves. Matt Belford has progressed rapidly through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and Nick and Marc are seasoned racers who are ready to push themselves to another level’’, McConville enthused.
‘’Whilst Carrera Cup & Sprint Challenge will be a considerable part of my new role, I will also be tasked with growing the whole Motorsport operation at PCM. This means everything from the first-time track day clients to future Carrera Cup racers’’.
‘’In the short term, I will assist the team in the set-up of the new PCMM HQ and dedicated facility which is a major and exciting step forward for the dealership’’.
‘’PCM has a great community of long-term clients who regularly participate in track days, Targa Tours and club level racing. I am looking forward to further developing the opportunities and support for these clients’’, McConville said.
PCM Motorsport Media Contact
Kate Holcombe | M: 0419 129 535 | E: kate.holcombe@porschemelbourne.com.au
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NewsSP TOOLS reveals Ryan Suhle’s livery ahead of Australian Grand Prix
SP Tools releases the new design and livery of the Earl Bamber 2022 Porsche #5 Entry.
SP Tools releases the new design and livery of the Earl Bamber 2022 Porsche #5 Entry.
The partnership between Earl Bamber Motorsport and Matthew Payne during the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season produced numerous poll positions and podium finishes in both the team and driver’s rookie season.
Payne’s ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid from go karts has resulted in a full-time drive with the Grove Racing Team in Super2 this year and the young New Zealander is destined take part in the Bathurst 1000 as a support driver, less than 18 months after stepping out of his go kart.
Following in the footsteps of Payne, the EBM Team in conjunction with SP Tools’ Karts to Cars Program, now has #5 Ryan Suhle lined-up for the full 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season, where the debutant will make his mark in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
Tom Tucker, CEO SP Tools: “I’m thrilled with how the 2022 design has come to life. We have seen it on track at the recent test day in Queensland and it stands out with our SP Racing blue accompanied with an orange and black finish. We’re looking forward to Ryan showcasing what the SP Tools Karts to Cars pathway program can do. He will be one to watch and we’re proud to be able to give him the opportunity to step-up from karts to cars with the support of the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team”.
Barry Hay, Porsche Cars Australia’s Motorsport Manager: “It’s fantastic to see the new SP Tools livery for Ryan Suhle unveiled. Porsche Cars Australia’s partnership with SP Tools, continues to go from strength to strength and as the ‘Official Tool Partner’ of both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series, we couldn’t ask for a better partner both on and off the track. The collaboration between SP Tools, Karting Australia, Patrizicorse and the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team for the Karts to Cars Pathway Program, also reinforces the opportunity for the best young talent within Australasia to reach the highest levels of the sport via the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.”
Ben Jenkins, Earl Bamber Motorsports Race Engineer:
‘After some great results together in ‘21, it’s awesome to extend our partnership with SP Tools into the future and be a part of the Karts to Cars ladder. It’s great to have the guys at SP Tools increase their involvement to a full car this season and how awesome does it look. With the combination of EBM, SP Tools and a driver of Ryan’s calibre, we’re sure we’ll at the front, hunting for trophies from Round 1 this weekend at the Australia GP.’
Suhle’s #5 SP Tools livery will roll out on the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia’s first practice at 11:45am on Thursday 07 April.
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
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NewsRecord 31 Carrera Cup car grid for historic 2022 season opener
New Carrera Cup Australia Era begins
New Carrera Cup Australia Era begins
The last time the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia had such fundamental change to its make-up, the Championship didn’t even exist.
That might sound strange, but there’s an argument to be made that Australia’s top one-make category hasn’t seen this much revolution in an off season since the category itself was launched nearly two decades ago.
Carrera Cup Australia launched at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in 2003, a field of 26 Type 996 GT3 Cup Cars launching what has now become nearly two decades of Carrera Cup competition in Australia – and one of the most competitive championships of any around the world.
Season 2022 represents wholesale change, not only with a host of new faces appearing on the scene, but a complete re-boot with the biggest upgrade to machinery the series has had.
While the evolution from 996 through 997 and ultimately 991, the brand-new Type 992 GT3
Cup Car represents a significant upgrade from the previous models.
The 4.0-litre flat six may remain normally aspirated, but Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia has become supercharged in 2022.
Here’s how.
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE..
There are familiar names throughout the 31-strong entry list this year, but all of them will be on a level playing field with the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car that represents a significant upgrade from what we’ve all known to this point.
For starters, the opening round at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will set a record for the largest ever launch field for a Carrera Cup Championship in this part of the world, with 31 cars entered for Round 1.
That trumps the 26-car field that raced at Phillip Island in 2003 and the same number of then-new 991.2 models that raced for the first time in 2018.
The 2022 calendar looks different too – starting at the Australian Grand Prix for just the second time in its history. Winton is next on the calendar, followed by a welcome return to Darwin then Townsville, before more traditional highlight rounds at Sandown, The Bend Motorsport Park, Bathurst 1000 and finally the Gold Coast to conclude the eight-round championship.
996 Debut – Phillip Island 2003 (26 Cars)
997 Debut – Adelaide 500 2006 (22 Cars)
997.2 Debut – Australian Grand Prix 2011 (22 Cars)
991 Debut – Adelaide 500 2014 (23 Cars)
991.2 Debut – Adelaide 500 2018 (26 Cars)
992 Debut – Australian Grand Prix, 2022 (31 Cars entered)
NEW NAMES
Five drivers will make their Carrera Cup debut at Round 1, while some familiar faces are also making a racing return this year.
Ryan Suhle, Bayley Hall and Matt Belford all make the step-up from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, proving the ongoing success of the Porsche Pyramid in Australia.
Suhle and Hall were both Pro Class contenders across several Covid-19 interrupted seasons, while Belford was a proven Morris Finance Pro-Am competitor in the second-tier series and clearly has the pace to continue that form in the main game.
Victorian Angelo Mouzouris makes the switch from Super2 to Carrera Cup in the next progression in his career, while the experienced Brad Shiels is a fascinating addition to the grid.
Shiels’ background is in Sports Sedans, Time Attack and more recently in TCR Australia. He has been fast in all of them and his rate of development in Carrera Cup will be a key story this year.
Dylan O’Keeffe is another to forgo a Super2 slot for a crack in a new Cup Car: the 2018 Hidden Valley Carrera Cup winner was 3rd in the 2019 championship and will consider himself a title contender this year, surely.
Returning to the series, Tony Quinn will make his first Carrera Cup starts since the 2007 season. One of the championships’ originals – he was on the grid at Phillip Island in 2003 – Quinn will be a Morris Finance Pro-Am Contender this year.
Speaking of contenders, 2019 champion Liam Talbot is back for another title attempt and while he was able to claim the Morris Finance Pro-Am Championship three seasons ago, he did it without winning a round – surely that will be a key goal this year amidst a highly competitive Pro-Am fight.
A late addition to the entry list, but arguably one of the most noteworthy, is Rodney Jane in the Morris Finance Pro-Am Championship. Piloting one of his three Bob Jane T-Marts entries run by the championship-winning Sonic Racing Team, Jane’s progress this season will be fascinating to watch, given his pedigree as Champion in 2006 and 2007, as well as recording 10 round wins and holding the distinction of being the only driver in the Pro-Am class to have recorded 12 consecutive race wins.
STEPPING UP
With the likes of reigning champion Cameron Hill and the ever-rapid Cooper Murray, plus other key contenders from the last few years making the move abroad, there are a host of young guns ready to step up this year and make their mark in the Pro class.
Chief among them is Harri Jones, who was third in the championship last year and delivered race wins at Mount Panorama at the end of the season. On paper and on form, he’s probably the early 2022 favourite.
The list of young contenders is long however: Fast Kiwi Callum Hedge made his debut late last season for Earl Bamber’s team and was speedy out of the gate. South Aussie Max Vidau has moved to Queensland to embed himself with TekworX Motorsport after showing plenty of form for that team, and before that Sonic Motor Racing, in part-time campaigns recently.
Christian Pancione showed his potential throughout his part-time 2021 campaign, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge graduate another young gun keen to show his title credentials, while former Sprint Challenge Champion Simon Fallon will look to build on his debut Carrera Cup Season last year with a strong 2022 in the Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts squad alongside Aaron Love. The latter returns for a one-off race at the Australian Grand Prix before a full-time assault in Carrera Cup France.
THE GUNS ARE BACK
One of the best things about Carrera Cup is watching young, upcoming talent strut their stuff against those who have been doing it successfully for a lot longer. That chance to benchmark their performances against the proper Porsche gurus is always a strong storyline – and this year will be no different.
We start, of course, with David Wall: The 2017 champion has never finished lower than fourth in the championship, his 65 rounds netting 4 victories and 19 race wins – as recently as Bathurst last year. Furthermore, the change to a platform more akin to the GT cars he’s used to racing could suit the Sydneysider even more than his existing ride.
Never, ever count out the only former champion amidst the Mobil Pro ranks.
That, however, is just the start: old rivals Michael Almond (departing Sonic for a new environment at GWR this year) and Nick McBride remain locked together on 54 rounds apiece.
Duvashen Padayachee will use all of his 40-rounds of experience on his first starts in many seasons, while David Russell will hope his new partnership with EMA Motorsport will see him break his duck and score a maiden round win: having finished second on a record five occasions previously.
Dale Wood is back with another stunning Timken livery and a new team and will take confidence in the fact his last round win came at the location of the 2022 season opener: Albert Park.
MORRIS FINANCE PRO-AM BATTLE
The key about Carrera Cup racing is that if there’s not a battle for the lead, there will likely always be one somewhere amidst the field – and there’s nothing like the fight for the Morris Finance Pro-Am Class.
Last year delivered a dramatic and controversial finale at Mount Panorama as Sam Shahin and Geoff Emery took their season-long title fight right down to the final corner, of the final lap of the final race of the year. Ultimately, after plenty of discussion by Motorsport Australia, Shahin was crowned champion – but retaining his crown will be a challenge for Shahin; aside from Emery, who will unquestionably be just as fast as ever, he will have to deal with three-time Pro-am Champion Stephen Grove and 2019 champion Liam Talbot in his bid to go back-to-back.
And that’s before we talk about Tim Miles, who is a three-time round winner.
Dean Cook returns for another season and will join old sparring partner Tony Quinn – that pair were both on the grid at the series’ first ever round in 2003 and will pick up their rivalry nearly two decades later.
Ben Stack, Drew Hall and Scott Taylor are all also back on the grid in the ever-feisty fight within a Carrera Cup fight.
PORSCHE MICHELIN JUNIOR FIGHT
The Porsche Michelin Junior Championship remains one of the most coveted – and potentially lucrative – in Australian motorsport, and you can bet that the field of Juniors this year will battle hard for the right to represent Australia in the annual Shootout in Europe later this year.
The Porsche Motorsport Pyramid remains one of the most complete, proven young-driver pathways in global motorsport and the ongoing success of Aussie graduates like Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans and Jordan Love prove that to be true.
WE’RE READY
As you may have realised by now, there’s plenty to take in when it comes to the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia. However, and for all the changes, you can be assured one thing will remain the same: A full field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Cars, going quicker than ever, with the deepest field of contenders across the two classes in series history.
Proof, then, that the more things change, the more they stay the same..
WHERE TO WATCH?
Every race this year will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
The races at the Australian Grand Prix will be shown live on Channel 10, while the remainder of the season will see a mix of live and highlight coverage on the screens of Seven.
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
ENTRY LIST: Round 1 – Australian Grand Prix
# | Name | Surname | CLASS | SPONSOR |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Pro-Am | Grove Racing |
5 | Ryan | Suhle | Pro | SP Tools / EBM |
6 | Angelo | Mouzouris | Pro | Sonic Motor Racing / PitBox |
7 | Tim | Miles | Pro-Am | Miles Advisory Partners / N2C |
8 | Nick | McBride | Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Pro | Objective Racing |
12 | Harri | Jones | Pro | Hastings Deering / Mackellar Group |
13 | Sam | Shahin | Pro-Am | The Bend Motorsport Park / HTFU |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am | ID Land / Porsche Centre Melbourne |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Pro | Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM |
22 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am | Zonzo Racing |
25 | Michael | Almond | Pro | Petrol Services Australia |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Pro-Am | Wash It / Paynter Dixon |
28 | Bayley | Hall | Pro | Printech |
38 | David | Wall | Pro | Monochrome / Paynter Dixon |
45 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Pro | Rentcorp Hyundai Forklifts |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Pro-Am | ASM |
53 | Luke | Youlden | Pro | TekworkX / Hire A Hubby |
72 | Max | Vidau | Pro | TekworkX / Tyrepower |
74 | David | Russell | Pro | EMA Motorsport |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Pro | VCM Performance / HP Tuners |
77 | Rodney | Jane | Pro-Am | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts |
86 | Drew | Hall | Pro-Am | Wall Racing |
88 | Dylan | O’Keeffe | Pro | Dexion / RAM Motorsport |
100 | Dale | Wood | Pro | Timken Racing |
101 | Tony | Quinn | Pro-Am | Local Legends |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Pro-Am | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
333 | Brad | Shiels | Pro | Royal Purple Racing |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Pro | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / Bremtech |
999 | Aaron | Love | Pro | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts |
CALENDAR: 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
07-10 April Australian GP, VIC
21-22 May Winton, VIC
17-19 June Darwin, NT
8-10 July Townsville, QLD
29-31 July The Bend, SA
19-21 August Sandown, VIC
06-09 October Bathurst NSW
28-30 October Gold Coast, QLD
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 1, Australian Grand Prix
Thursday April 7, 2022
11:45-12:05 – Practice
14:20-14:40 – Qualifying
Friday April 8, 2022
11:00-11:30 – Race 1
17:15-17:50 – Race 2
Saturday April 9, 2022
12:00-12:25 – Race 3
Sunday, April 10, 2022
11:05-11:35 – Race 4
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News2022 liveries revealed for Tekworkx Motorsport drivers ahead of Australian Grand Prix
Youlden and Vidau confident ahead of season opener
Youlden and Vidau confident ahead of Carrera Cup Australia season opener
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia drivers for Tekworkx Motorsport, Luke Youlden and Max Vidau, have unveiled striking liveries ahead of the 2022 season start at the Australian Grand Prix next week.
This year, Tekworkx will see a split sponsorship program across its two cars. With Youlden sporting major backing from Hire A Hubby, who are joined by returning sponsors Entertainment Park, Porsche Centre Sydney South and Bondi Carpet.
As for Youlden, his weekend will be supplemented by the exciting hallmark of Australian Grand Prix events, the Lap Time Comparison, courtesy of his role as Porsche’s Deputy Chief Driving Instructor.
“The Australia Grand Prix is a very big event for Porsche as a whole, they will be doing a lot around the event and there are some cool activations ready to go. I’ll also be at the wheel of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S for the speed comparison which is always a fan favorite event between sessions,” said Youlden.
“In Carrera Cup Australia it will be a record breaking weekend, the changes to the track mean we will be obliterating any previous track records. Everyone is keen to see how the updates translate when we actually get on track,”
“I’m excited to have all my sponsors on board for this season, Hire A Hubby, Entertainment Park – who are a really fun facility in Sydney – Porsche Centre Sydney South and Bondi Carpet. If anyone is looking for some work helping people out, Hire A Hubby is actively recruiting people to ‘become a Hubby’ at the moment”
“In terms of the new (Type 992) car it suits my driving style a bit better than last year. You can be a lot more aggressive and through testing we’re finding that we are quite quick. The Tekworkx crew and I have done everything we can to be competitive. We’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out at the Grand Prix,” Youlden concluded.
In car #72 Vidau and Tyrepower are joined by XD clutches who the young South Australian has been partnered with for three years now, with Bondi Carpets coming on board to support the #72 as well.
For Vidau, the opening round of 2022 allows him to finally experience racing on the Albert Park Circuit after a false start in 2020.
“Starting the year on the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit is really cool and it will be good to finally do some racing on it. I was there when COVID struck on the Thursday in 2020, so I never got the opportunity to actually race,” said Vidau.
“The 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car is awesome, it feels a lot more like a GT car and requires a slightly different driving style. It’s still very much a Porsche and awesome fun to drive, I’ve been having a lot of fun learning all the aspects of it.
“I’m excited to see how it goes on the new track, with the changes they made to the circuit it will certainly be a lot more flowing, quite suited to both F1 and the new Porsche Cup cars. Our car should be fast judging by testing, so we’ll be looking to roll out the gate quickly,” Vidau concluded.
Luke Youlden and Max Vidau will hit the track for Tekworkx Motorsport on Thursday 07 April at the Australian Grand Prix.
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
Round 1, AGP Schedule:
Thursday, April 7
11:45 -12:05 Practice
14:20 – 14:40 Qualifying
Friday, April 8
11:00 – 11:30 Race 1
17:15 – 1750 Race 2
Saturday, April 9
12:00 – 1225 Race 3
Sunday, April 10
11:05 -11:35 Race 4
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NewsDavid Russell joins EMA Motorsport for 2022 Carrera Cup season
EMA Motorsport confirms exciting initial 2022 plans across Australia and Europe
Australian-based EMA Motorsport Team has confirmed the first track activities as part of the Porsche Customer Racing stable. The team will campaign the full Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship season with experienced Pro driver, David Russell, in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) model.
In parallel to the eight-round domestic calendar, EMA Motorsport will also resume European activities with exciting plans to compete over the summer. The confirmed entry will see EMA Motorsport supported by Porsche endurance experts Manthey-Racing, with a debut outing for the team’s 911 GT3R at the infamous Total Energies 24 hours of Spa.
The Victorian based team has rolled out for test sessions at Phillip Island and Winton, with Russell putting the first miles on the team’s newly-liveried 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup car, ahead of the first round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at the Australian Grand Prix on the 7-10 April in Melbourne.
Russell returns to the one make domestic Porsche Pro class for his ninth season in the championship, having debuted back in 2006. He brings extensive experience from across both the V8 Supercars and GT3 grids to the team, including double outright Bathurst 12-hour podium finishes.
David Russell: “I’m very excited to be joining EMA Motorsport for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, they have shown to be very competitive in their GT racing campaigns and to join the team with a brand new 992 is very special. Feeling good after a successful test with the team and I’m looking forward to the first round at the AGP in a few weeks.”
Alongside the full Australian calendar entry, EMA Motorsport will also make a return to European competition at one of the most demanding on the global motorsport calendar; the Total Energies 24 Hours of Spa.
The blue riband event of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS schedule brings together a grid of over 50 entries from across the world, with some of the best talent in the world of GT competing around the clock at one of the most revered and iconic race circuits.
EMA Motorsport is no stranger to world-class endurance racing, having claimed overall and class podiums at the 2020 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hours. In 2022 GT World Challenge Europe events, EMA will receive technical support from the highly-decorated German race outfit and Porsche performance experts, Manthey-Racing in preparation of their Porsche 911 GT3R.
See the full image gallery here: https://www.carreracup.com.au/?p=12021&preview=true
2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar
07-10 April Australian GP, VIC
21-22 May Winton, VIC
17-19 June Darwin, NT
8-10 July Townsville, QLD
29-31 July The Bend, SA
19-21 August Sandown, VIC
06-09 October Bathurst NSW
28-30 October Gold Coast, QLD
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NewsPancione steps up to Carrera Cup Australia full-time in 2022
McElrea Racing’s Christian Pancione commits to full 2022 Carrera Cup Championship
Pancione will drive the #76 VCM Performance/HP Tuners Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 992 race car prepared by the championship-winning McElrea Racing team.
The 20-year-old took part in a three-day technical handover and test session hosted by Porsche Cars Australia at Sydney Motorsport Park in late January. Pancione has since tested the new 992 at Queensland Raceway, revealing the his new VCM Performance/HP Tuners livery this week.
Pancione moves up from the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, where he recorded race-wins and was a strong title contender before the pandemic cut last season short, finishing on the podium at the first round at Phillip Island before winning the Sydney Motorsport Park round with two race wins and a second.
“It was a tight battle between Ryan Suhle, myself and Callum Hedge, but I was confident I had a as strong a shot at winning the title as the others,” Pancione said.
“It was disappointing the season was cut short after just two rounds, but we’ve all got the same story to tell.”
Pancione also contested five Carrera Cup Australia rounds last year in a part-time learning campaign in preparation for a full-time move up in 2022, finishing ninth in series points in a significantly positive experience.
“The step up in competition was noticeable; it was far more intense racing with the top 10 all within 2/10ths of each other, so it was a lot closer and a whole lot easier to dent panels,” the Victorian driver said.
“Racing with guys like Craig Lowndes and David Wall, experienced guys who don’t back down and make you earn your spot, was a great experience.
“If I got to go back to the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge last season as planned, it would’ve helped massively. That didn’t happen, but the experience has helped me be better prepared to step up full-time this year, and I’m looking forward to it.”
The first round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship is at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park on 7-10 April.
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NewsDale Wood joins Earl Bamber Motorsport for 2022
EBM grows Carrera Cup Australia team to three
Dale Wood will join forces with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) for the upcoming Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season which will see the squad add a third car to their line-up.
The new partnership came about during this past off season after taking note of EBM’s entry into the Australian motorsport scene at the beginning of 2021, Dale explained.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining EBM. From the outside looking in last year, I thought they hit the ground running with a very slick operation. I am looking forward to bringing my supporters over to EBM and hopefully we can share some great success together.”
Wood is set to enter his fifth Carrera Cup Australia campaign alongside Callum Hedge and Ryan Suhle who will both be in their maiden Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship season.
Australian EBM Team Manager, Ben Jenkins, is excited about the wealth of knowledge Wood will add to the team.
“The experience Dale can and will bring to our team is immense. It’s great to have him onboard as it will be a huge benefit for our young drivers to learn from someone with the level of knowledge Dale has. If you look back to the last full season of racing in 2019, Dale pushed Jordan Love all the way to the finish line for the overall championship. We know he will be in it until the very end. As a team we are proud to have Dale on board. We’ve grown from fielding one car to three within 12 months because people can see through our past results what we can offer them.”
Wood brings along with him to EBM, a great amount of support and backing from his sponsors.
“I’ve got some truly great supporters behind me, with global companies like Timken, to small family owned companies like GB Galvanizing and Delta Floorworld. With having such a diverse group of supporters its always nice to all come together and put a great looking car on track.”
When designing his 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992), Dale explained he’s kept with his orange and black theme that he has had for the past two years.
“I am always very proud to present a nice-looking car. I’ve had a similar look for the car over the past two years. We’ve revised the livery, but I think the new car looks so good that you don’t actually have to do much for it to look great”.
Team Owner, Earl Bamber, is looking forward to the added strength Wood brings to EBM for this season.
“We are super excited to have Dale Wood join EBM. He brings a lot of professionalism through his background not only in Carrera Cup but also in Supercars. He really is a welcome addition to the team. To be able to field three Pro cars in 2022 is going to be a challenge for us, but I think it will also bring us a lot of understanding as it will help us learn more about the new car when we get to go racing.”
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
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NewsJaxon Evans confirmed as Porsche Driver for 2022 and beyond
Two-time Carrera Cup champion inks new Multi-year contract with Porsche
2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion Jaxon Evans has inked a new multi-year contract as a ‘Porsche Driver’ that will see him race internationally for the marque in 2022 and beyond.
The Kiwi-born racer competed for two years on the Formula 1 support bill as a Porsche Junior driver in the Porsche Mobil1™ Supercup and won the Rookie Championship in Carrera Cup Deutschland in 2019.
He then went on to win the Carrera Cup France Championship in 2020 before finishing third in the FIA World Endurance Championship (GTE-AM) and runner up in the Porsche Mobil1™ Supercup.
While COVID-19 impacted his 2021 racing season, Evans says that he has continued to race and grow as a professional driver and is confident about the year ahead.
“I’m really proud to re-join the Porsche family for 2022 and beyond. I feel like I have developed further as a person and driver – both on and off the track – since my time with them as a Porsche Junior,” said Evans.
“I’m super pumped to see what we can achieve together moving forward. Porsche does a great job of aligning all the right components to provide their customer teams and drivers with the best chance of winning. I hope together we can continue this winning way.
“I’m feeling confident about the season ahead as we have some great programs lined up, and I’ll compete alongside some very talented teammates, so good results shouldn’t be too far away.”
Evans’ Porsche journey began at 17 when he tested the 911 Cup Car at Queensland Raceway with McElrea Racing. After learning about Porsche’s Motorsport Pathway to the top of sports-car racing, he was determined to forge a career with them overseas.
“I worked my way up from the bottom in Australia, starting out in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (formerly GT3 Cup Challenge) before going on to win the Carrera Cup Australia Championship in 2018. From there, I had the opportunity to access a motorsport career in Europe by winning the Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout and being selected as one of two Porsche Juniors.
“That led me to the Porsche Junior Program, where I had the opportunity to work with some of the best GT drivers in the world, attend physical training camps, and receive media training and onsite driver coaching.
“Now I am a professional driver with them, racing in Europe. It’s been a great journey so far, and I’m excited to see what the future brings working with Porsche,” said Evans.
In 2022, Evans will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship, driving the Porsche 911 RSR. He’ll also contest selected races of the NLS Nürburgring Endurance Series racing in the Porsche GT3R.
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NewsAngelo Mouzouris returns to Sonic in Carrera Cup Australia in 2022
Angelo Mouzouris will return to the Team Sonic stables in 2022
Angelo Mouzouris will return to the Team Sonic stables in 2022, driving a brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) in the competitive Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
After winning the 2019 Australian Formula Ford Championship with Sonic, Mouzouris spent the past two seasons driving in the Super 2 Series with Triple Eight.
Now shifting his focus to get more driving experience under his belt, the Victorian is keen to get behind the wheel of one of the brand-new 992 generation Porsches in Australia’s best one-make racing class.
Mouzouris tested one of Sonic’s Porsches at Winton recently, stating that the cars were impressive and had plenty of rear end grip.
“The Porsche is quite different to what I’ve raced in the past,” he said.
“It has a lot more rear grip and has a different driving style, but they are a really fun car to drive, and for sure, the Sonic team and Mick will sort me out in readiness for Albert Park.”
Mouzouris will continue to compete in the Super 2 Series, switching this year to MW Motorsport’s Nissan Altima team, and says that he is looking forward to a busy year on track.
“With only a six round season, you don’t get many laps in the Supercar, so it’s going to be good to be in a race car more often,” said Mouzouris.
“And I’ll be racing on tracks that I haven’t done before, like the first round at Albert Park in the Porsche, so that is a huge positive.”
“It’s also great to link back up with the team at Sonic. They played such an instrumental role in my development in Formula Ford, and there’s so much of what I can do in a race car that I can credit to them. Its record with drivers speaks for itself – in any category that they race in – so I’m hoping to continue that with them in Carrera Cup Australia this year.
The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held at the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park on April 7-10.
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NewsHarri Jones announces new Naming Rights Partnership with Hastings Deering
Jones unveils new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) livery
Harri Jones today announced the signing of new Naming Rights Partner, Hastings Deering, along with the unveiling of a spectacular new-look livery, marking an exciting leap forward as he prepares to launch into the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season.
The new partnership with Hastings Deering signals the beginning of a new era for Jones, as he sets his sights on a Championship win and to cement his name in Australian Motorsport industry.
As one of the top Cat® dealers globally, the partnership with Hastings Deering offers new opportunities and pathways for Jones.
“I’m so excited to be working with Hastings Deering this year. They’re a Queensland-based company that love all things performance and machinery, and they have a really passionate team that believes strongly in backing local young talent like me,” said Jones.
“It’s always fantastic to work with great partners and I feel really fortunate to be able to continue building on my career with the support of such a strong team behind me.”
With a 90-year history, Hastings Deering is a values-driven organisation committed to providing pathway opportunities for the next generation.
Hastings Deering Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Scott said: “We are proud to be part of Harri’s journey, reinforcing our support to provide opportunities for Queensland’s best young talent, both on the racetrack and in the communities in which we operate.”
“With many of our staff and customers being motorsport enthusiasts, this is an exciting partnership for our business.
“We welcome Harri to the Hastings Deering family and look forward to riding with him every step of the way throughout the 2022 season.”
Having finished third overall in the 2021 Championship with five podium finishes and one nail-biting race win, Jones is ready to bring the fight to the 2022 season.
“Last year showed me what I was capable of,” said Jones.
“I’ve evolved a lot as a driver both technically and mentally, and I feel as though I have all of the necessary tools to really execute this year. I’m loving the new 992 Generation Cup car, and now with new partnerships and a brand-new livery to match, I’m more ready than ever.”
The 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia kicks off with Round 1 at the Australian F1 Grand Prix. Round 1 will be televised across both Paid (Foxtel and Kayo) and Free to Air (Channel 10) TV.
About Harri Jones
Harri Jones is one of the most promising young drivers in Australian motorsport. The Sunshine Coast based twenty-two year-old has had a tremendous rise in the sport and has proven himself time and again across a wide range of machinery at elite levels.
Having not followed the conventional karting pathway, Harri began his career in the 2016 Australian Formula Ford Championship. Since then, he has racked up an impressive tally of 79 Podiums, 42 Race wins and 2 Championships (Australian F3 (2018); Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (2019). In 2021, Harri placed third overall in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and will campaign another year in the prestigious one-make championship in 2022.
Stay up to date with Jones’ personal race reports and other news via his Website (www.harrijones.com.au) and through his Facebook (facebook.com/harrijonesracing) and Instagram (@harrijones99) pages.
About Hastings Deering
Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, Hastings Deering has over 3500 employees across 23 business centres throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.
As the distributor of Cat products in those territories, Hastings Deering sells, rents, and offers class-leading support and parts distribution services for customers across a range of industries.
With a 90-year history, Hastings Deering is one of the world’s oldest and largest Cat® dealers. Hastings Deering is a values-driven organisation committed to providing pathway opportunities for the best next generation talent and is proud to be partnering with Harri Jones in 2022.
For more information visit https://www.hastingsdeering.com.au/
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NewsJeff Morton wins maiden Targa victory in Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Porsche driver claims dominant victory at Targa High Country event
Porsche 911 GT2 RS driver, Jeff Morton, has claimed a dominant victory at Targa High Country in Victoria’s alpine region. With his regular co-driver Daymon Nicoli alongside calling the notes, the Sydney resident broke the shackles on his Targa career in emphatic style.
It was a supreme display of tarmac rallying by Morton who dominated the three-day event, winning by 2m24secs, after increasing his advantage by 43secs on an incident-filled final day.
Leading from the start on Friday, the cancer survivor maintained a controlled pace to stave off all challengers in the 2019 Porsche GT2 RS which he refers to affectionately as ‘Red Thunder’.
“We were here to enjoy this rally and we didn’t expect to be in a position we are in,” Morton said.
“It’s also valuable testing for us ahead of Targa Tasmania (April 26-May 1). There is no bigger test for a tyre than the Jamieson/Eildon stages. This is just a dream result and we are over the moon.”
Morton also claimed the MT Buller GT Outright category ahead of Kennard with Tony Quinn and Kate Catford third in their 2018 Nissan GT-R.
Morton also holds the Mount Panorama circuit lap record for production car, having recorded a blistering 2m14.2 lap time in the 2020 Challenge Bathurst event aboard his Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Read more about Jeff’s journey from beating brain cancer to beating the Bathurst lap record here: https://newsroom.porsche.com/en_AU/2020/products/jeff-morton-from-beating-brain-cancer-to-beating-bathurst-lap-record-22996.html
Targa will be back for the 30th anniversary edition of Targa Tasmania from April 26-May 1.
Image credit: Wishart Media
QUOTES:
Jeff Morton/Daymon Nicoli (2019 Porsche GT2 RS): “The main thing for us was the long stage (Jamieson), we were on it and we got about halfway through and thought we had a flat but it turned out we didn’t. We kept going and came across the crash and had to pull over but the good news is no-one was badly injured. I started at Targa High Country in 2016 and only got my racing licence 10 months before the event and we ended up doing TSD in my Lotus Elise and we ended up getting on the podium. I was hooked after that. I had a third in High Country in 2018 behind Jason White and Matt Close in the Lotus Elise and I thought I need to find a car that I could feel I could win in. Going up Mt Buller on the last stage today, was just awesome as we felt really hooked up. To come over that line and have the amazing feeling of winning, I felt like I’m in a dream.”
Targa High country Final results – Day 3 of 3 (provisional)
Overall
1 Jeff Morton/Daymon Nicoli (2019 Porsche GT2 RS)
2 Angus Kennard/Steve Glenney (2015 Nissan GT-R) +2min24s
3 Jason Wright/Fiona Wright (2008 Nissan GT-R) +7min42s
Mt Buller GT Outright
1 Jeff Morton/Daymon Nicoli (2019 Porsche GT2 RS)
2 Angus Kennard/Steve Glenney (2015 Nissan GT-R) +2min24s
3 Tony Quinn/Kate Catford (2018 Nissan GT-R) +7min47s
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NewsTAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team clinches historic one-two finish
Mexico City E-Prix, Race 3 Race report
The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team celebrated its greatest success to date with an historic one-two victory at the Mexico City E-Prix. Starting from pole position on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in the No. 94 Porsche 99X Electric, Pascal Wehrlein (GER) clinched the first victory for Porsche in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. His teammate André Lotterer (GER) finished second in the No. 36 car, making the perfect triumph for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer at round three of this season’s Formula E.
By clinching the top two podium positions in Mexico, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team progresses up the team rankings to third place. In the drivers’ standings, Pascal Wehrlein sits third, tied for points with André Lotterer in fourth.
Race 3 Overview
Securing the first pole position of the season for Porsche, Pascal Wehrlein cemented his intention in qualifying. After holding an early lead in the race on the 2.606-kilometre circuit, which includes the unique atmosphere of the famous Foto Sol baseball stadium, Wehrlein was running in third place by the halfway mark. Starting the race from the third grid spot, his teammate André Lotterer followed behind in fourth place. The gap between the leading pack was tight. However, in the final phase, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team’s perfect race strategy and optimal energy management yielded dividends. Wehrlein moved up to second place and promptly snatched the lead – with Lotterer directly behind him. Ultimately, the two Porsche 99X Electric race cars crossed the finish line almost ten seconds ahead of their closest pursuers.
Comments on the Mexico City E-Prix, Race 3
Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development, Porsche AG: “With this victory, Porsche’s Formula E project has achieved its first all-time high. We’ve all worked towards this historic moment and we’ve invested an incredible amount of work and effort. After coming very close several times in the past, today we reaped the rewards for this. Congratulations to the whole team – at the racetrack and also in Weissach.“
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport: “We’ve waited a long time for this day. The fact that we achieved this phenomenal success at round three of the new season makes it particularly valuable with an eye on the world championship title. Congratulations to Pascal Wehrlein, André Lotterer and the squad on their great triumph. I’m proud of every single team member and of all the employees back at Weissach. Everyone worked hard for this victory and they never lost faith in our project. I’d also like to thank our sponsors and fans for the support they’ve given us since we entered Formula E.”
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E: “It’s a banner day for Porsche. The team was again very focussed and in conjunction with the drivers at the racetrack, successfully implemented the excellent prep work done in Weissach. The weekend ran perfectly – from the first free practice with André’s fastest time to Pascal’s pole-setting performance in qualifying through to this commanding one-two achievement in the race. The drivers did a flawless job and delivered the performance that we expect from them. Even when they initially lost positions, the team remained calm. In the closing phase, they were able to utilise the energy advantage they’d gained to work their way up the order again and clinch this one-two result by a big margin. I would also like to sincerely thank Amiel Lindesay, who did all the prep work and built the team from the very start of the Formula E project.”
Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#94): “I‘ve come close to winning twice in Mexico in the past so I’m delighted that it worked this time. The team had a great plan, although at first I wasn’t entirely sure it would work. After last season, we were under pressure, of course. But we never lost hope, we knew we had a good package and that if everything came together perfectly in one weekend, we would win. That happened today. I hope this victory gives the team new confidence. If we can carry this momentum to the next races, then hopefully things will be a little easier for us from now on.”
André Lotterer, Porsche works driver (#36): “This is a great result for the team. Everyone has invested a lot of hard work. Last season with its ups and downs was not easy for us, but now everything has worked out. Both cars ran well from the first practice session. With this one-two result, we showed that we’re serious contenders for the world championship title.”
Next up
The next doubleheader event for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is on 9th and 10th April with the Rome E-Prix, the 4th and 5th round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Porsche in Formula E
In 2021/2022, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team contests its third Formula E season with the Porsche 99X Electric – and clinched an historic one-two result in Mexico on 12 February 2022. At the debut race in November 2019, André Lotterer scored a commendable second place at the season-opening race in Diriyah – a dream start and proof that with the Porsche 99X Electric, Porsche had a competitive vehicle right from the outset. Last season, Pascal Wehrlein claimed pole position in Mexico City. Two podium results followed with Wehrlein finishing third in Rome and Lotterer securing second in Valencia. Formula E is the world’s first fully-electric racing series and, as an accelerator for innovative and sustainable mobility technologies, it has brought thrilling motorsport to people living in major cities since 2014. With the all-electric Taycan, Porsche supplies the safety car this season, underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport.
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NewsGlobal esports championship showcases the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup preview
The Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup (PESC) heads into the new season this coming Saturday, 5 February. On this occasion, the 375 kW (510 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will celebrate its digital racing debut on the virtual version of the Hockenheim Grand Prix circuit. This year, 35 of the world’s best esports sim racers from 16 countries fight for championship points and prize money totalling US$ 200,000 in the 992-generation Cup-911.
The global championship contested on the iRacing simulation platform comprises ten rounds and concludes in early June with the season finale at the Autodromo Nazionale in Monza. In addition to revered racetracks such as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and the Circuit des 24 Heures in Le Mans, the calendar again includes the Formula 1 circuits in Barcelona, Silverstone, Montréal and Spa-Francorchamps. Moreover, the virtual one-make cup series competes on the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, for the first time. Another novelty: via online voting, the esports community decides which circuit will host round three of the season.
“Porsche Motorsport kicked off the new sim racing year in mid-January with a podium result at the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans – now the countdown is on for the start of the 2022 Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup season,” states Marco Ujhasi, Manager Esports at Porsche Motorsport. “And for the first time, the 911 GT3 Cup, based on the 992 generation, is showcased in the virtual Porsche one-make cup as the new competition car. 2022 marks the fourth season for this popular series and again we have an international lineup. We look forward to some action-packed races – and so are the many fans.”
Top-class grid fights for the championship title
Sebastian Job from the Red Bull Racing Esports team aims to clinch his second title in the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup: The British sim racer claimed the championship crown in 2020. “My goal is very clearly to win the championship. Last year I had to give in to others, unfortunately,” explains the 21-year-old. “Some of the top drivers from last season are not competing this year but the competition is still strong and the fight for the title will be a tough challenge. Right now I have to familiarise myself with the new car but we should have everything under control by the first race!”
Other title aspirants determined to wrest the crown from the reigning champion Joshua Rogers are Job’s compatriot Kevin Ellis Jr, who competes for the Apex Racing team, and Charlie Collins from the Virtual Racing School. After winning the series for the second time since 2019, the 2021 champion from Australia will not compete this year.
David Williams wins the Contender Series and progresses into the PESC
As always, the limited grid spots for the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup were highly coveted. Only the top 20 drivers from last season received automatic entry into this year’s series. To get one of the 15 remaining cockpits, candidates from all over the world had to first tackle a two-stage selection process. During stage one, all iRacing registered users could participate in a special qualifying competition. In stage two, the top 15 drivers in the overall standings advanced to the so-called Contender Series. At six events held in September and October last year, those 15 went up against esports racers who had finished on positions 21 to 40 in the 2021 PESC.
David Williams from Great Britain emerged as the winner. The Virtual Racing School driver relegated Frenchman Quentin Vialatte and Belgium’s Julien Soenen (both R8G eSports) to positions two and three. With twelve other contestants from the shootout, they can now look forward to racing in the 2022 PESC. Racing pro Ayhancan Güven returns to the grid. As a Porsche Junior, the 24-year-old Turkish driver concluded last year’s real Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in third place.
At the season-opening round of the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup on the Hockenheimring, sim racers pit themselves against each other in a sprint race over nine laps starting at 8.00 pm (CET) on 5 February, followed by the main race over twice the distance at approximately 8.25 pm. Fans can watch the iRacing action live online on Porsche’s channels YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/Porsche) and Twitch (http://www.twitch.tv/porsche).
Prominent influencers contest the All-Star Series
Well-known content creators from the Esports racing scene will showcase their skills in a support series. They fight for victory in the TAG Heuer Esports Supercup All-Star Series. Australia’s Emily Jones alias “Emree” competes as the defending champion. Other celebrity influencers include Jimmy Broadbent, Jaroslav Honzík – better known online as “Jardier” – as well as Pierre-Olivier “Depielo” Valette. At selected events, racing drivers from the Porsche Motorsports squad will enter a virtual cockpit and take on the international field.
A special feature of the All-Star Series: The virtual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be fielded for the first three races of the season. After that, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and the 911 GT3 R will each race at three more events. A vote by the community determines which car will be driven at the finale. The live stream begins at 6.30 pm (CET) with the All-Star qualifying session. The two influencer races get the green light at 6.45 pm and 7.05 pm respectively. Further information on the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup can be found on the Porsche Motorsport Hub, Porsche Newsroom and the Twitter account @PorscheRaces.
The schedule (all times CET)*
Saturday, 5 February
6:30 – 6:45 pm: Qualifying All-Stars
6:45 – 7:00 pm: Sprint race All-Stars
7:05 – 7:30 pm: Main race All-Stars
7:47 – 8:00 pm: Qualifying PESC
8:00 – 8:15 pm: Sprint race PESC
8:25 – 8:55 pm: Main race PESC
* these times may vary slightly
The 2022 racing calendar
05.02.2022 – Germany: Hockenheimring (9/18 laps)
19.02.2022 – Spain: Barcelona (9/18 laps)
05.03.2022 – tba after online voting
19.03.2022 – Great Britain: Silverstone Grand Prix circuit (7/14 laps)
26.03.2022 – Austria: Spielberg (10/20 laps)
09.04.2022 – Canada: Montreal (10/20 laps)
23.04.2022 – Belgium: Spa-Francorchamps (6/12 laps)
07.05.2022 – Germany: Nürburgring-Nordschleife, 24-hour version (3/4 laps)
21.05.2022 – France: Le Mans (3/6 laps)
04.06.2022 – Italy: Monza (7/14 laps)
(in brackets: number of laps for sprint and main race)
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NewsCampbell, Jaminet & Nasr win 24 Hours of Daytona for Pfaff Motorsports
Porsche customer teams win both GT classes at Daytona
Porsche customer teams have left an indelible mark on the 24 Hours of Daytona. The 911 GT3 R fielded by Pfaff Motorsports won the new GTD-Pro class after a gripping duel with KCMG. In a big showdown, the works drivers Mathieu Jaminet from France, Matt Campbell from Australia and Felipe Nasr from Brazil beat the crew of the customer squad from Hong Kong. In the GTD category, Wright Motorsports clinched victory with the 500+ PS GT3 car from Weissach. Works driver Richard Lietz (Austria) shared the No. 16 vehicle with Jan Heylen from Belgium, Zacharie Robichon from Canada and American Ryan Hardwick. With these results, another great chapter has been added to Porsche’s history as the most successful manufacturer at the endurance classic in Florida: 18 overall wins as a constructor and four as an engine partner, and now 80 class wins round off the Daytona statistics for the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart.
In sunny but unseasonably cool temperatures for the US state of Florida, the 61-strong field took off on Saturday at 1:40 pm. In the early stages of the race, Porsche’s strong customer teams gave a clear indication of their intentions and swapped places at the front of the GTD-Pro class for hours on end. With the field repeatedly reined in by incidents during the first twelve hours, no one was able to eke out a decisive lead. With a total of eleven full course yellows, the drivers spent almost four hours behind the safety car. The situation settled early on Sunday morning: a phase that finally put the Porsche 911 GT3 R into promising positions to fight for class wins.
Taking turns in the lead became the main focus for Pfaff Motorsports’ No. 9 entry and the No. 2 car fielded by KCMG. However, the big showdown only came in the last of 17 safety car phases. After the final pit stop, Mathieu Jaminet rejoined the race with a 0.5-second advantage over Laurens Vanthoor. At the wheel of his blue and silver 911, the Belgian repeatedly pulled alongside the leader, treating spectators to a nail-biting show with multiple contacts and wheel-to-wheel battles. In the last three minutes of the 24-hour race, a breathtaking duel unfolded between the two customer squads that had racing fans leaping from their seats: in the penultimate lap, Vanthoor swept past Jaminet in a tough but fair move. The Frenchman refused to give up. In an extraordinary attempt to fend off the counterattack, Vanthoor spun in the final lap and finished in third place with his teammates Dennis Olsen (Norway), Patrick Pilet (France) and Alexandre Imperatori (Switzerland).
Over long stretches, various cars from different manufacturers alternated at the front of the GTD class. A clever strategy and brilliant driving performances ultimately paid dividends for Wright Motorsports’ Porsche 911 GT3 R. In the last hour of racing, Jan Heylen successfully fended off attacks from his pursuers. On the podium, the Belgian celebrated the first GTD class victory for Porsche in five years with his teammates
Lietz, Hardwick and Robichon.
“Customer racing at a factory racing level – that’s what we witnessed today at Daytona,” said a delighted Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “That finale has left me speechless. We can only emphasise how difficult this race was and the high level of professionalism of the teams running all seven vehicles. Victory in the GTD class and first and second in the GTD-Pro class! That’s no picnic in a race with 35 GT vehicles. It’s a well-deserved reward for the teams, the drivers and Porsche.”
The No. 79 car of WeatherTech Racing had no say in the impressive finale in the new GTD-Pro class. The team lost ground early on with electrical defects. Later, their efforts were hampered by several penalties and off-course excursions. American Cooper MacNeil and his teammates Matteo Cairoli from Italy, Julien Andlauer from France and Belgian Alessio Picariello ultimately achieved eighth place. The TGM customer squad crossed the finish line seventh in the GTD class after 24 hours without any major incidents. Hardpoint missed out on a potential top result due to multiple incidents and penalties and concluded the season-opener event in North America on P10. Three hours into the race, the Porsche 911 GT3 R campaigned by GMG Racing retired after an accident on Saturday afternoon.
Thanks to their successes in the two GTD classes, the teams and drivers of Pfaff Motorsports and Wright Motorsports lead the IMSA championship rankings. These two crews also top the leaderboard in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, a competition encompassing the endurance races at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta. Round two of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is another classic: The 12 Hours of Sebring on 19 March. On the same weekend, the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC season kicks off on the former airfield, where the Porsche works team again fields two 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro class.
Drivers’ comments on the race
Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “The last lap was certainly spectacular, but so was the unbelievable duel over the last two hours. I drove my heart out every single lap. I really gave it everything I had. Obviously, I know Laurens well, he’s my team colleague at Porsche. I know how strong he is. He tried again and again, and our cars touched again and again. But I said to myself: ‘He’s not getting past me today!’ In the last lap, we both ended up on the grass. Luckily I managed to avoid a spin. That was it. The KCMG colleague had a slightly faster car, but thanks to perfect teamwork and my teammates’ outstanding drives, we ended up at the front. That was great promotion for motorsport and a perfect start to the season for us.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “I can only shake my head in disbelief at this show. I’m full of adrenaline and emotions. It was exciting and exhausting to witness the duel from the pit wall. I take my hat off to Mathieu. He fought hard to achieve this victory for us. We won the 24 Hours of Daytona today – incredible!”
Felipe Nasr (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “I can’t believe it. I join Porsche and win my very first race at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R. It’s like in a fairytale. Mathieu and Matt did an incredible job, and so did the Pfaff Motorsports crew. I really wanted to win Daytona – and now it’s happened. There’ll be big celebrations tonight with my teammates and the squad.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #2): “I had a clear goal: After my wins at the Nürburgring, Spa and Le Mans, I was determined to win the 24 Hours of Daytona and round off the quartet. I did everything I could to make this happen but unfortunately, it didn’t work. I’ll definitely replay the scenes from the last laps in my mind for a long time. I cried on the way back to the pit lane: I tried everything but didn’t win. The better guys won today. That was Pfaff Motorsports. Congratulations to my team colleagues.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 GT3 R #16): “Not bad, right? Our car ran really well over the whole distance, the team did a perfect job. Our Porsche 911 GT3 R crossed the finish line without a single scratch – and that was the secret to our success. Our car was still fast at the end. A big thank you to our Wright Motorsports team and my teammates. It was great fun and left us wanting more.”
Jan Heylen (Porsche 911 GT3 R #16): “We’ve tried our luck so many times at Daytona and often stood on the podium – but never as the class winners. Today everything came together. We finally scored our first victory at this great race. We’re absolutely over the moon. The team more than deserves this. Thanks to Ryan Hardwick who put this group together. And also thanks to Porsche for the excellent support. I’m overwhelmed!”
Result GTD-Pro class
1. Campbell/Jaminet/Nasr (AUS/F/BR), Porsche 911 GT3 R #9, 711 laps
2. Pier Guidi/Calado/Serra/Rigon (I/GB/BR/I), Ferrari 488 GT3 #62, 711 laps
3. Vanthoor/Olsen/Imperatori/Pilet (B/N/CH/F), Porsche 911 GT3 R #2, 711 laps
8. Andlauer/Picariello/Cairoli/MacNeil (F/B/I/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #79, 673 laps
Result GTD class
1. Hardwick/Heylen/Lietz/Robichon (USA/B/A/CDN), Porsche 911 GT3 R #16, 707 laps
2. Lally/Potter/Pumpelly/Adam (USA/USA/USA/GB), Aston Martin #44, 707 laps
3. Andrews/Skeen/Davison/McAleer (AUS/USA/AUS/GB), Mercedes-AMG #32, 707 laps
7. Giovanis/Trinkler/H. Plumb/M. Plumb (USA/USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #64, 697 laps
10. Ferriol/Legge/Wilson/Boulle (USA/GB/GB/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #88, 672 laps
21. Washington/Bachler/Sofronas/Bleekemolen (USA/A/USA/NL), Porsche 911 GT3 R #34, 88 laps
Full results and championship standings on imsa.alkamelsystems.com.
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NewsThe Porsche LMDh prototype enters active test phase
Powerful combustion engine for the hybrid drive in the LMDh racing car
Starting with the 2023 season, the new LMDh prototype from Porsche will fight for overall victory in the world’s greatest endurance races including Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring. The vehicle will be fielded in the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship under the team name Porsche Penske Motorsport. Now, the intensive test programme to prepare for the race debut in January 2023 has started. This premiere will take place at the traditional opening round of the IMSA series – the 24 Hours of Daytona. In selecting the combustion engine to complement the standard hybrid elements, as stipulated by the regulations, Porsche opted for a large-capacity twin-turbo V8 unit. The powerful engine is designed to run on renewable fuels, which means a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. In the race, the system output of the hybrid drive reaches around 500 kW (680 PS).
“We were spoiled for choice with the engine for our LMDh prototype, because the product range offers several promising baseline units,” explains Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “We decided on the V8-biturbo, which we feel offers the best combination of performance characteristics, weight and costs. The kick-off to the active test programme was an important step for the project.”
Urs Kuratle, Overall Project Manager LMDh at Porsche Motorsport: “The rollout of the LMDh racing car was also the first track outing for Porsche Penske Motorsport. The squad worked well together right from the start. This shows a high level of professionalism in all areas. After all, the operational requirements for the safe running of a hybrid vehicle are very high. In the next outings we will focus on going deeper into the required processes and procedures. During these first test days at Weissach, the V8-biturbo impressed us in every respect. We’re convinced that we’ve chosen precisely the right unit.”
The engine regulations for the LMDh vehicle class allow a great deal of freedom in terms of displacement, design and number of cylinders. Maximum revs are 10,000 rpm, with the pass-by noise measurement capped at 110 decibels. The engine must weigh a minimum of 180 kilograms, including the air supply and exhaust system as well as the peripheral cooling components. If used, this weight also incorporates the turbocharger/s including the charge air cooling. In line with the regulations, the maximum output lies between 480 and 520 kW (653 to 707 PS). This range also allows adjustments to be made within the Balance of Performance (BoP) parameters, which are intended to ensure parity between all competing LMDh racing cars. The torque curve is also clearly defined. Under racing conditions, the combined power output of the combustion engine and hybrid drive totals 500 kW (680 PS) at the half-shafts. The standard components for the recuperation, storage and delivery of electrical energy are supplied by Williams Advanced Engineering (battery), Bosch (motor-generator unit and control electronics) and Xtrac (transmission).
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NewsRyan Suhle joins Earl Bamber Motorsport for debut Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season
Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge title contender steps up to Carrera Cup with the support of SP Tools
Ryan Suhle will join Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) with support from SP Tools for the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
After leading the standings in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in the shortened 2021 season, Suhle is making the exciting step up to the category to race the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992).
“I’m very excited to be not only working with Earl Bamber Motorsport, but also to make the transition into Carrera Cup Australia. The new cars for this year look fantastic, and the depth of the field will make for a really competitive season.”
Suhle is hoping after some Covid-impacted years that the national calendar put together by Porsche Motorsport Australia makes for a great championship.
“Hopefully after some turbulent years for all of us including everyone involved in the racing community, we get a full season of racing in for 2022. It feels like everyone is just itching to get back to the track and go racing again!
The calendar put together by Porsche Motorsport is impressive. It’s every event you’d want to drive at and be at which will make it so exciting for everyone involved.”
Earl Bamber Motorsport is growing their Carrera Cup Australia squad for 2022 with two confirmed entries in Suhle and Team Porsche New Zealand driver Callum Hedge who announced his step up to the category in December.
The Queensland based squad made the trip down to Sydney Motorsport Park during the week to collect the two brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) Cars that they will field in this year’s championship.
Earl Bamber commented that he was looking forward to seeing their line-up of Carrera Cup debutants on the grid this year.
“It’s really exciting to have Ryan join EBM in 2022, driving for SP Tools. I think he is going to be a great addition to the team as he was very strong in Sprint Challenge last year, being a race winner. I think he will be a strong contender in this year’s championship and I am looking forward to watching him progress.”
SP Tools will be on board as the title sponsor for Suhle’s debut campaign.
“We were keen to continue our sponsorship with Earl Bamber Motorsport after a successful debut year in 2021. Ryan is the perfect driver to take over the wheel in the SP Tools
Porsche. Ryan’s previous success in the category makes him the perfect candidate as lead driver in the SP Tools Karts to Cars program. We are looking forward to a successful 2022 with both EBM and Ryan” said Tom Tucker, CEO of SP Tools.
Suhle is looking forward to his next challenge in the Porsche Paynter Carrera Cup Australia and is thankful for the backing he has received.
“I’m really proud to have the support and be able to represent a brand as widely recognised as SP Tools. They’ve done so much for Motorsport, and have always had a presence from grass roots all the way to the Supercars championship here in Australia. It will be really exciting to fly the flag for SP Tools and work with the team at Earl Bamber Motorsport this year.”
The first round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia gets underway at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix on the 07-10 April.
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
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NewsPorsche conduct successful handover of the new Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars
Porsche hosts three-day 992 technical handover for all Carrera Cup Australia teams and drivers
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has hosted a technical handover and is conducting a two-day test session for all Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia teams and drivers at Sydney Motorsport Park on the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
Porsche teams and drivers received a technical briefing on all aspects of the new car from Porsche Motorsport AG technicians, together with a presentation from Michelin Australia on the new wider specification front tyre as well as track and part support from the Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Team.
The 992 generation racer debuted in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup last 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 in 2021, where lap times were slashed by up to three seconds at most European circuits. This was in part due to not only the increase in power, but increased traction and downforce, with component run times also extended over the previous generation – offering lower running costs and reliability for all teams.
At the handover event, Australian Porsche teams and drivers also received information and advice from Jaxon Evans on the driving characteristics of the new Type 992 over the outgoing 991 Gen II. Evans piloted the Type 992 to second in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship in 2021 and is a two-time Porsche Carrera Cup Champion (Australia – 2018 and France – 2020).
After the first laps, all reactions to the new 992 were extremely positive with some drivers amassing over 50 laps on the Monday track session. Following open track sessions on the Tuesday, teams will now have two busy months of testing before all 32 drivers line-up for the first round of the Championship at the Formula One Grand Prix on the 07-10 April.
View the full IMAGE GALLERY HERE
Quotes:
PCA’s Sales and Motorsport Director, Toni Andreevski: “It has been great to see the reactions of our drivers and teams to the new 992 generation at our technical handover and test sessions at Sydney Motorsport Park. We’ve been fortunate to have Jaxon Evans here to advise and assist the drivers and teams, imparting his knowledge of the driving characteristics of the Type 992 over the outgoing 991 Gen II campaigned in the last seasons. With a highly competitive field, top-level national calendar and ongoing support from our customer teams, drivers and corporate partners, 2022 will be one of the best seasons in Carrera Cup Australia’s history. I think we all can’t wait for the season start at the Australian Grand Prix in April.”
Driver Reactions to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 992 from Sydney Motorsport Park:
Liam Talbot, Wall Racing: “It’s very consistent, I mean we are here at Eastern Creek and the tyre surface is very aggressive, so obviously you would expect the lap times to drop off. But for me it was very consistent for 40 laps over one big stint and the car felt mega, I can’t wait to do more laps. The 991 Gen II was a great car but this is even better, just having that little bit more aero gives you confidence, especially through turn one, it really is such a cool feeling.”
Bayley Hall, McElrea Racing: “It’s got a lot more power, I’ve come from 991 Gen I and it’s just so much more power behind you when you are pulling gears, its pushing you like crazy, so for the moment that’s the biggest impression. Other than that, I’m just getting the ergonomics working and getting a feel for the car through the steering wheel and the padding, its going really well.”
Jaxon Evans, Porsche Mobil1 Supercup driver: “It’s exciting to see the car here and with 25 more horsepower and more aerodynamics, bigger rear wing and wider body, it really suits this style of car. It will excel at tracks like Bathurst where we’ll certainly see some lap records fall and I’ll be excited to witness that.”
Tim Miles, McElrea Racing: “The car’s unbelievable, everything you expect and more, even the little one percenters, where normally manufacturers will find just one or two of those, Porsche has found twenty I reckon. Everything is just slightly better and it feels faster than the old 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
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NewsSP Tools announces Karts to Cars Pathway Program
SP Tools announces Karts to Cars pathway program in conjunction with Karting Australia and Porsche Cars Australia.
SP Tools are developing a Karts to Cars pathway program through their current partnerships with Karting Australia and Porsche Cars Australia.
SP Tools announces Karts to Cars pathway program in conjunction with Karting Australia and Porsche Cars Australia.
SP Tools is pleased to announce a pathway program that bridges the gap for young talented drivers making the transition from karting to the country’s top-level Porsche categories and competition.
SP Tools has partnered with the Patrizicorse Kart Team and the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team to enable the best young karters a pathway into the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series and onto Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, as they ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
The SP Tools program is designed to guide the scouted talent within the Patrizicorse Australian Kart Championship Team to a partially funded seat in the SP Tools Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars run by Earl Bamber Motorsport. The drivers will then have the support needed to ascend Porsche’s proven Motorsport Pyramid via the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Ultimately, the SP Tools Karts to Cars Pathway Program will not only create a defined pathway from Karts to Cars for young drivers, but a platform for these young drivers to potentially reach the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.
QUOTES:
SP Tools Executive Chairman , Kevin Davis :
“After more than 30 years of sponsoring Australian motorsport at the highest levels, we are looking forward to increasing our involvement at the grass roots level. Over the years we have watched many young drivers struggle to find their way into a professional drive. If this collaboration enables a few to make their mark on the world of motorsport, it will be a legacy SP will be proud of.”
Porsche Cars Australia Sales & Motorsport Director, Toni Andreevski:
“It’s fantastic to not only enrich the partnership we have with SP Tools, but provide the framework for all the Junior development initiatives of each our Carrera Cup teams. As the ‘Official Tool Partner’ of both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series, this collaboration between SP Tools, Karting Australia, Patrizicorse and the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team, will only reinforce the opportunity for the best young talent within Australasia to reach the highest levels of the sport, via the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer, Kelvin O’Reilly:
“Karting Australia’s partnership with SP Tools is one that covers every level in the sport, from the introductory program of Junior Sprockets, through to the elite level of the sport in the Australian Kart Championship. The ‘SP Tools Karts to Cars ’ pathway program is an exciting new initiative by the team at SP Tools that will assist in building a clear pathway for those who wish to pursue a career from karting into top-level motorsport. We’re proud to partner with Kevin, Tom and the team at SP Tools in providing the opportunity for children to get their first taste of karting in the Junior Sprockets program right through to the top level of our sport in the Australian Kart Championship – and everything in between.
The ‘Karts to Cars’ program is a great extension of the platform that SP Tools provides to the next generation of motorsport talent. We look forward to the exciting times that it will bring for many of our young drivers.”
Patrizicorse Managing Director, Michael Patrizi :
“SP Tools have been the major supporter of grass level motorsport through the Junior sprockets program and the Australian Kart Championship. It gives me great pride that our racing team, Patrizicorse, will be the official Kart racing team that will assist this program and was selected by SP tools as an important partner to help and assist our future racing stars. Our team has a great track record of young drivers reaching higher categories quicker than most and that’s because both in and out of the kart, we do a great job of preparing them for that next step. With SP Tools involvement, young drivers have never had a better chance to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Australia in conjunction with our partners Earl Bamber Motorsport. I believe this is the perfect platform for progression from Kart racing to top-level Car racing.
Earl Bamber Motorsports Owner, Earl Bamber:
“The continued support and development of the best young drivers from around the Australasian region has been a key priority for Earl Bamber Motorsport and Porsche for some time now. Porsche offers a well-established, proven pathway that opens doors for many drivers, including myself, who have gone onto full-time careers at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.”
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsPorsche announces 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Australia’s marquee motorsport events headline 2022 Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce both their 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup calendar and that the Australian one-make Championship will again be the primary support category at major Repco Supercar Championship events throughout next year.
2022 will be arguably the biggest in the category’s history, following not only the news that Paynter Dixon will be Carrera Cup Australia’s title sponsor for a further two years, but that 2022 will also mark the debut of the highly anticipated Type 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car on Australian soil.
Further to this, Motorsport Australia has recently confirmed that Carrera Cup Australia will be elevated to Championship status from the 2022 season and beyond. Only a select number of categories are designated as ‘Championships’ in Australia, with the one-make Porsche category joining only Supercars, Australian GT and the S5000 as official Motorsport Australia circuit racing Championships. The elevation in status is recognition of the category’s standing and importance in the Australian motorsport landscape.
The 2022 Carrera Cup season begins in fine style at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in early April, before attending the seven marquee rounds of the Repco Australia Supercars Championship throughout the year.
Round 2 in mid-June will see the country’s top Porsche teams head north to the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown, marking the Championship’s return to the Hidden Valley Raceway in the Northern Territory.
The Championship stays up north for Round 3 which will take place on the streets of the Reid Park Circuit in Townsville, before making the long journey to South Australia where drivers will enjoy the fast and flowing curves of The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend.
Round 5 will likely be a wet and wild affair in mid-August at Victoria’s Sandown International Raceway before the drivers contest arguably their most anticipated race of the season on the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit. The glitz and glamour of the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast follows the Bathurst 1000 in October, before the season culminates under lights at the Sydney Motorsport Park in mid-November.
Quotes:
Toni Andreevski, Director Sales and Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia : “After two seasons plagued by travel restrictions, we are delighted to announce our 2022 calendar which will see our drivers continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year, in front of the biggest crowds, enjoying the best support and television package available. Every season we strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and partners and the with the prospect of 32 new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars filling the grid in 2022, the season will be arguably the best in its long and illustrious history.”
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar:
Rd1 F1 Aus GP, VIC 07-10 April
Rd2 Darwin, NT 17-19 June
Rd3 Townsville, QLD 08-10 July
Rd4 The Bend, SA 29-31 July
Rd5 Sandown, VIC 19-21 Aug
Rd6 Bathurst 1000, NSW 06-09 Oct
Rd7 Gold Coast, QLD 28-30 Oct
Rd8 Sydney, NSW 18-20 Nov
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NewsBarry Hay appointed Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager
Barry Hay to take the reins of Porsche Motorsport in Australia from February 2022
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce that former V8 Supercar Team Manager, Barry Hay, has been appointed as the brand’s new Motorsport Manager in Australia from February 2022.
Hay hails from a motorsport family and brings a wealth of both technical and management experience to the role, having held senior positions in Championship-winning Supercar teams such as Stone Brothers Racing, Erebus Motorsport and Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.
In recent years, Hay has also worked with various other motorsport teams and brands including Melbourne Performance Centre, who currently oversees Audi’s Customer Racing Programme in Australia.
Hay takes over from Troy Bundy, ahead of what will be arguably the biggest season in Carrera Cup Australia’s history in 2022, with Paynter Dixon recently extending their Title partnership of the Championship until 2024 and all 32 new 911 GT3 Cup cars (Type 992) already sold.
Quotes:
PCA’s Sales and Motorsport Director, Toni Andreevski: “We are delighted to welcome Barry to the Motorsport team and I have every confidence that he will continue to grow the programme in every area of our market. Barry is well known to our teams and well respected in the Australian Motorsport pit lane and we look forward to welcoming him early next year.”
PCA Motorsport Manager, Barry Hay: “It’s a privilege to join the Porsche Motorsport family in Australia and I look forward to working with our commercial partners, teams and drivers, to ensure Carrera Cup Australia remains the premier one-make support Championship for years to come.”
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsPorsche is chasing titles in Formula E and the WEC
Motorsports programme focuses on works and customer races in addition to preparing for LMDh
Porsche is set to start the 2022 motorsport season with ambitious goals and extensive programmes. The prime focus will be on the two works entries in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The expansion of customer sport activities and intensive preparation for the new LMDh programme have now been added to the schedule of activities. “Motorsports have always had a special role to play in Porsche’s corporate strategy, and for more than 70 years now we have used the racing stage as the testing grounds for our latest technologies. We face great challenges today – in both sporting and organisational terms. We are determined to play an active role in shaping the future, while ensuring we retain our motorsports DNA,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG at the digital Porsche Night of Champions.
“We place sustainability and electrification very high on our list of priorities,” added Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development. “This is something that will also be reflected in motorsports of the future. As you can see from the development of eFuels in partnership with ExxonMobil, in addition to our Mission R concept car, the first major steps in this direction have now become visible.” The all-electric Mission R racing car study caused a sensation when it was unveiled at the IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, for example. This spectacular all-wheel drive racing car that delivers up to 800 kW (1,088 PS) is the vision of a potential customer sports car of the future.
TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is aiming at gaining its first race wins
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Series will be starting its eighth season in 2022. The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team has set itself an ambitious goal for the next 16 world championship events: the Porsche 99X Electric is expected to turn its great potential into a series of successes. “There is absolutely no doubt that we have what it takes to win races. The highlights of the past season have made this very clear,” says Thomas Laudenbach, the man who took over the management of Porsche Motorsport from Fritz Enzinger on 1 October this year. “Over the past few months, our development team in Weissach has made all the modifications permitted by the regulations and we are firmly convinced that the Porsche 99X Electric will be capable of leading the pack in the coming season. “The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is putting in faith on continuity in the two cockpits: works drivers André Lotterer (#36) and Pascal Wehrlein (#94) will be on the grid again for the team from Weissach in 2022. Should one of the two drop out, Simona de Silvestro or Neel Jani will be ready to jump in. The new season is scheduled to start on 28/29 January 2022 with two races in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
Two works Porsche 911 RSR entered once again in the FIA WEC
In the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), Porsche will again field two 515 PS 911 RSR in the 2022 season. The two racing cars will enter the upcoming six races under the leadership of Alexander Stehlig, Overall Project Manager and Head of Operations, and will field a slightly different driver crew. The Italian Gianmaria Bruni and Austrian Richard Lietz will again share driving duties in the No. 91 car. In the No. 92 sister car, Kévin Estre from France will swap seats with the experienced Dane Michael Christensen. The duo had taken a class victory competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans three years ago as well as picking up the 2018/2019 title. The first race of the new season is billed to take place on 18 March in Sebring (USA), and on 11/12 June 2022, the two Porsche 911 RSR will compete in the 90th edition of the French endurance classic. When they compete in the highlight of the year, the two driver crews will be supported by works drivers Frédéric Makowiecki from France (#91) and Belgian Laurens Vanthoor (#92).
Preparing for the LMDh rollout: Cameron and Nasr added to driver line-up
Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr are to be included in Porsche Motorsport’s works driver line-up as of 2022. Cameron, the 33-year-old American, won the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship DPi title in 2016 and 2019, while Nasr, the 29-year-old ex-Formula 1 driver from Brazil, secured the championship in the North American endurance racing series in 2018 and 2021. The two new works drivers are to be involved intensively in the further development of Porsche’s LMDh prototypes. The management of these ground-breaking endurance racing activities for Porsche will be in the capable hands of the experienced Swiss national, Urs Kuratle. The 500 kW (680 PS) hybrid racing car is scheduled to complete numerous test runs in 2022.
Beginning in 2023, the LMDh prototype will be entered by Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For the first time in some 30 years, it will then be possible to compete for overall victories in the endurance classics at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona with cars of identical construction. “We are working all-out with our partner Penske on the development of the new LMDh prototype and collaborate closely with the chassis manufacturer Multimatic at all times,” explains Thomas Laudenbach. “In January, we will begin intensive testing to ensure that we are optimally prepared for our 2023 competition debut.”
Customer racing: strong presence in the USA, DTM and at the classics
In the 2022 season, Porsche will again support numerous customer teams that will be competing with the 911 GT3 R on major international stages. In Germany, this will primarily mean the ADAC GT Masters and also, for the first time, the DTM, where experienced partners will do battle for an entire racing season: Team SSR Performance has been extremely successful in the ADAC GT Masters to date and will be fielding two nine-elevens. Team 75 Bernhard will be sending an identically constructed car delivering over 500 PS in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations into what will probably be eight events in the coming year. Works driver Thomas Preining (Austria) will be behind the wheel in the team of the two times overall Le Mans winner and Porsche brand ambassador. Porsche will be supporting the two DTM customer teams based on its tried and tested concept, consisting of engineers, spare parts service and drivers from the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer’s squad.
In the North American IMSA racing series, the customer teams will again be competing for victories in 2021 after picking up six title wins in an extremely successful year. In the new GTD Pro class, Pfaff Motorsports will be fielding a Porsche 911 GT3 R with the two works drivers Matt Campbell (Australia) and Mathieu Jaminet (France). More GT3 cars fielded by customer teams are planned for the GTD category. For the European endurance classics at the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps, the partners will be sending numerous nine-elevens from Weissach into the fray. Team Manthey – defending champion and record winner at the Nürburgring 24 Hours – will once again be competing with a formidable crew. Works drivers Kévin Estre, Michael Christensen, Laurens Vanthoor and Frédéric Makowiecki will be sharing the cockpit of the Porsche 911 GT3 R, affectionately known as “Grello”. The entry of four more versions of the 500+ PS nine-eleven at this German classic has now been confirmed.
Customer teams competing in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the GT World Challenge, the FIA WEC, the European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series, among others, will receive the same support from Porsche as last year. In the numerous GT4 racing series taking place around the world, which also includes the German DTM Trophy, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, which was unveiled in November, will line up on the starting grid for the first time in 2022. The homologated racing car develops 368 kW (500 PS) and is thus significantly more powerful than its predecessor. During the development of the new GT4 racer, the focus was also on drivability and even more efficient aerodynamics.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup prior to 30th season: focus on new Porsche Junior
The current 375 kW (510 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup competes in its second racing season in 2022 in numerous one-make cups worldwide. The focus in the coming year will once again be on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. The international Porsche one-make cup is run as part of Formula 1 and will also achieve a special milestone in 2022: this will be the Supercup’s 30th season. From the ranks of the Porsche squad, expectations are high for German driver Laurin Heinrich, as he prepares for the competition, which will comprise a total of eight events: at a scouting session in November consisting of twelve participants, the 20-year-old put on a convincing display and, as a new Porsche Junior, will now receive extensive support from Porsche Motorsport.
Porsche Cup: Jan Heylen wins against Alfred and Robert Renauer
The traditional Porsche Cup, which has been awarded annually to the most successful private Porsche driver since 1970, will go to Jan Heylen in 2021. Together with works driver Patrick Long and his American compatriot Trent Hindman, the experienced Belgian won the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup last season at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R from Wright Motorsports. This judgement takes into account the four most important endurance races in North America. Heylen also won the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for GT4 cars together with American driver Ryan Hardwick. In this event, the customer team from the U.S. State of Ohio entered a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. The 41-year-old cycling enthusiast, who has lived in the USA for many years, will receive a new Porsche sports car worth 150,000 euros, in addition to the coveted trophy. The award for successful amateur drivers, which has been presented for 52 years, is based on an idea suggested by Ferry Porsche.
Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup: Joshua Rogers celebrates second title
At the digital Porsche Night of Champions on 18 December, Australian Joshua Rogers was honoured for a second time as the champion of the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. The 22-year-old from the Coanda Simsport team secured the title in the racing series, which is held on the iRacing platform, for a second time this year after receiving the title in 2019. The 2022 Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup starts on 5 February on the virtual version of the GP circuit in Hockenheim.
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NewsDuvashen and Indiran Padayachee to continue with GWR Racing for 2022
Father-and-son confirm Carrera Cup Australia return with GWR Australia
Father-and-son confirm Carrera Cup Australia return with GWR Australia
The father-and-son duo of Indiran and Duvashen Padayachee have confirmed they will contest the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship in 2022 with GWR Australia, after purchasing one of Porsche’s Type 992 911 GT3 Cup machines.
Indiran and Duvashen will share driving duties across the season, with Duvashen returning in the Mobil Pro class and Indiran competing in the Morris Finance Pro-Am division.
Both drivers are well-accustomed to Porsche machinery. Duvashen has experience in several models of Porsche Cup car, having completed his first Carrera Cup season in 2013, while Indiran began racing in the premier Porsche series in 2018 and previously raced in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge) and NSW Production Sports categories.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into the category, and the new car looks absolutely amazing,” Duvashen said.
“I don’t know how Porsche manage to keep improving these cars, but the 992 looks seriously impressive.
“Carrera Cup has always been a professional category, but the new car is going to lift the presentation to another level. We’ve been able to attract some new sponsors for the season and I can’t wait to get into it!”
“We’ve decided to stay with GWR for 2022, because they’ve been an absolutely fantastic team to work with,” Indiran added.
“From what we’ve heard, the 992 is going to be a couple of seconds quicker, so we’ll see how we can extract that next year.”
GWR Australia team owner Garth Walden said the 2022 Carrera Cup deal is an extension of a long-term relationship with the Padayachees.
“The Padayachees have been with GWR for a number of years now, in a range of categories, so it’s great to lock them in for 2022,” Walden said.
“It’s exciting to see Duvashen back in the car next year – it’s going to be fantastic to have father and son sharing the car.”
The Padayachee entry will be one of two Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars run by GWR in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia next season, with the driver of the second car to be announced in the coming weeks.
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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News2021 Carrera Cup Australia Champions to enjoy the world’s first true performance EV in 2022
Porsche Champions to receive use of Porsche Taycan and prizes from TAG Heuer, Michelin and SP Tools
Following the conclusion of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season at the Bathurst 1000 recently, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to detail the prizes the 2021 season Champions will receive – including the latest edition to Porsche’s stable of performance cars: the Porsche Taycan.
Mobil Pro (Outright Champion) Cameron Hill, receives the loan of Porsche’s very first production electric car for 2022, together with three sets of Michelin 992 Cup Car tyres and a season entry to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in 2022.
The same grand prize will also be awarded to the Morris Finance Pro-Am Champion, following the outcome of a National Court of Appeal hearing to be held by Motorsport Australia between title contenders, Sam Shahin and Geoff Emery, in the coming weeks. The appeal is as a result of an on track incident, between the pair, in the final corner of the final race in Bathurst.
Exquisite TAG Heuer watches will adorn both the runner-up and third place finishers in each class championship, as well as the wrists of 2021 Porsche Endurance Cup Champions, Cameron Hill (Mobil Pro) and Geoff Emery (Morris Finance Pro-Am).
TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award winners, Harri Jones (Mobil Pro) and Geoff Emery (Morris Finance Pro Am) will also receive the crafted Swiss timepieces following their performances in the five qualifying sessions throughout the year.
Cameron Hill’s family-run CHE Racing Team from Canberra fought off Carrera Cup Australia’s biggest and most successful teams to win the Porsche Teams Championship this season. Their prize includes the loan of a Porsche Cayenne for the 2022 season.
The Jamey Blaikie Scholarship which is awarded to the leading driver in the Michelin Junior Championship was won by McElrea Racing’s Cooper Murray. Murray as a result, won a trip to Europe earlier this year with Porsche to test the new Type 992 911 GT3 Cup car and represent Carrera Cup Australia in the Porsche Global Junior Shootout. As part of Murray’s preparation for the Shootout, Murray was also the first Australian driver to campaign the new 992 in the final round of Porsche Carrera Cup France, in which he finished on the podium.
SP Tools also partnered with Carrera Cup Australia in 2021 as not only the Official Tool Partner, but also the Title Partner of the 2021 Mechanic of the Year Award. The Award seeks to reward and recognise the contribution made by the No1. Mechanic on the Championship winning car in the Mobil Pro class. As a result, Colin Hill receives a TAG Heuer watch and a SP Tools toolbox valued at $2,500.
Quotes:
PCA’s Director of Sales and Motorsport, Toni Andreevski: “In what has been one of the most fiercely competitive seasons in the Championship’s history, we are excited to reward and recognise the performances of our champions in each class in the best possible fashion, by handing over the keys to our all-new Taycan for a year. The Taycan heralds a new era of luxury and performance for the Porsche brand and isn’t just the world’s first true performance EV, but perhaps the most exciting car to ever come out of Germany since the original 911 back in 1964. Special mention must also go to our partners, without whom the recognition of all our drivers and teams achievements could not be celebrated in true Porsche fashion. We will wish all our teams, drivers and partners a good festive break and look forward to seeing them in 2022”
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Champions
Class: Mobil Pro
Winner: Cameron Hill
- Loan of a Porsche Taycan for the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season
- Three (3) Sets of Michelin 992 Cup Car tyres of the 2022 season.
- Season entry to the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Second: Cooper Murray
- TAG Heuer Watch
Third: Harri Jones
- TAG Heuer Watch
Class: Morris Finance Pro-Am
Winner: TBC (Sam Shahin / Geoff Emery)
- Loan of a Porsche Taycan for the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season
- Three (3) Sets of Michelin 992 Cup Car Tyres of the 2022 season.
- Season entry to the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Second: TBC (Sam Shahin / Geoff Emery)
- TAG Heuer Watch
Third: Dean Cook
- TAG Heuer Watch
Porsche Endurance Cup
Mobil Pro Winner: Cameron Hill
- TAG Heuer Watch
Morris Finance Pro-Am Winner: Geoff Emery
- TAG Heuer Watch
SP Tools Mechanic of the Year
- Winner: Colin Hill – No.1 Mechanic CHE Racing
- TAG Heuer Watch
- SP Tools toolbox valued at $2,500
Michelin Junior Champion (Jamey Blaikie Scholarship)
Winner: Cooper Murray
- Trip to compete in the 2022 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout
- Test in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car in France
TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award
Mobil Pro: Harri Jones
- TAG Heuer Watch
Morris Finance Pro-Am: Geoff Emery
- TAG Heuer Watch
Porsche Teams Championship
Winner: CHE Racing
- Loan of a Porsche Cayenne for the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season
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NewsLaurin Heinrich named Porsche Junior and receives comprehensive support
Laurin Heinrich is the new Porsche Junior for the 2022 season.
Laurin Heinrich is the new Porsche Junior for the 2022 season. In a selection process in Aragon (Spain), the 20-year-old German from the Würzburg region beat eleven candidates from the worldwide Porsche Carrera Cups, including Cooper Murray, who was representing Carrera Cup Australia.
The talented youngster receives a sponsorship package from Porsche Motorsport that includes 225,000 Euros towards the upcoming Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season. At the wheel of the 375 kW (510 PS) 911 GT3 Cup, Heinrich claimed the rookie classification title and also won a race in the international series last season.
The passionate sim racer is a textbook example of Porsche Motorsport’s successful junior development initiative: In 2019, the young German won the Porsche Sports Cup, clinched the rookie title in the Carrera Cup Deutschland the following year and went on to contest a successful 2021 season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
At this year’s shootout in Spain, twelve candidates got the chance to showcase their skills in changeable weather conditions. In addition to pure speed, the selection criteria included mental and physical fitness, a technical understanding and an ability to work alongside race engineers as well as their interaction with the media.
“Our selection process of the young drivers from the Porsche Carrera Cups around the world has shown time and again just how valuable the driver training is. The benchmark at the event in Aragon was extremely high,” outlined Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.
“We’re delighted to offer Laurin Heinrich our support and assistance as the new Porsche Junior over the coming season. The concept of the Porsche Motorsport pyramid has proven itself over decades and in many cases has helped talented youngsters climb the career ladder to become works drivers. We want to continue this.”
“The twelve highly talented participants who took part in the three-day Porsche Junior shootout at the Motorland Aragon made the decision very difficult – but in the end it was clearly in favour of Laurin Heinrich,” explains Sascha Maassen. The former Porsche works driver accompanies the junior driver to all Supercup races as a coach. “The fact that Laurin can drive the 911 GT3 Cup really fast is obviously one of the most important basics for an aspiring professional – but as the defending Supercup rookie champion and Zandvoort race winner, he didn’t have to prove much more. But he did impress us with his general attitude and mental maturity, which was remarkable for a 20-year-old. Overall, he turned out to be the best allround package with the greatest potential for development.”
First successes in his father’s team
Laurin Heinrich began his motor racing career at the age of ten in a kart. He contested his first full season as a 14-year-old high school student and went on to secure three rookie wins in Formula 4 in his father’s private team. After taking a break from racing due to budget constraints, the swift young man threw himself into the fierce competition of the 2019 Porsche Sports Cup. With success: he beat more than 40 rivals and took home the GT3 title. In 2020, the German tackled the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and finished on the podium four times during his debut season. Ultimately, he took fourth overall and the honour of being the best newcomer. In the 2021 season, Heinrich achieved two race wins in the German one-make cups series, including a “Grand Slam” in Oschersleben: pole position, fastest race lap and first place. He repeated this feat at the wheel of Huber Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup at the premiere of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at Zandvoort.
“I wasn’t at all familiar with the Dutch racetrack, and this year was the first driving the new 911 GT3 Cup – but it worked. I think I’m a quick learner and I avoid making the same mistake twice. Plus, I usually stay pretty relaxed and calm,” said the 20-year-old, describing his strengths. The tough lessons from 2017 and 2018 made an impact: After the big successes in his father’s Formula 4 squad, he took a mandatory break for a year. “It became very clear to me than nothing should be taken for granted, and it added fuel my fighting spirit.”
This attitude was one of the key factors in Heinrich’s successful bid to become the 2022 Porsche Junior. “I was blown away when I got the call from Porsche to tell me the good news – it’s a dream come true! At that moment I felt immense joy and relief because I hadn’t slept well for several nights.”
Porsche Junior for 2022: There can be only one goal
Laurin Heinrich often familiarises himself with track layouts and refines his skill in the racing car in his simulator at home. “I always drive a Porsche in the simulator,” he reveals. “Unlike other models, the 911 feels like a real racing car in the virtual world – many of my colleagues who drive for other manufacturers agree.” Because he has set himself high goals for real racing, esports will take a back seat early next year. “I learned a lot in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the Carrera Cup in 2021. That helped me to develop into more of a rounded racing driver. There is only one goal for me: I want to win the 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. As a Porsche Junior, I can’t have any other motto!” A display case in his father’s car dealership is packed with cups and trophies. “The shelves are already sagging under the weight, but I’m sure we’ll find room for more,” he grins.
In addition to Sascha Maassen’s support, the sponsored youngster is provided with sports medicine and sports science training from the University of Potsdam – just like the Porsche works drivers. Media seminars and psychological training are also part of the instruction content on the path to becoming a professional racing driver. Moreover, Laurin Heinrich will be involved in marketing activities and PR events.
In 2022, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will again include eight races run as part of the European Formula 1 race weekends. Porsche’s exemplary youth development initiative has served as a springboard into a professional racing career for the last 25 years. Many works drivers, world champions and Le Mans winners have emerged from this development programme.
The careers of Timo Bernhard (Porsche Junior 2000 to 2001), Marc Lieb (2000 to 2002) and Earl Bamber (2014) are prime examples: All three have won the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours with the Porsche 919 Hybrid at least once and have clinched titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The provisional racing calendar of the 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
24 April – Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna, Imola (Italy)
29 May – Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo)
3 July – British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
10 July – Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg)
24 July – French Grand Prix (Le Castellet)
28 August – Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)
4 September – Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)
11 September – Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
Further information on the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia is available on the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia website: https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/ as well as the @PorscheMotorsportAU social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
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NewsMurray wins, Hill crowned champion at Mount Panorama
Dramatic conclusion to Morris Finance Pro-Am championship goes down to the wire
The action came down to the final corner of the last race for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Mount Panorama, with Cameron Hill winning the 2021 title, Cooper Murray the race and round five victory while the Pro-Am race was decided in favour of Geoff Emery in the final metres of a dramatic race.
Murray’s success saw him claim the Mobil Pro Class and finish as top Michelin Junior as well.
Despite finishing 19th after a mid-race pit stop, Hill amassed enough points to claim his maiden title before moving to Super2 next season.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s been a rollercoaster for a couple of years to be honest, with 2020 being cancelled and the interruptions this year, it almost didn’t look like it was going to happen,” Hill reflected.
“So to come here at Bathurst and seal the deal its really special. We had a great start to the year and we were competitive everywhere, we didn’t qualify lower than third the whole year, six race wins on the trot, it was awesome and we know what we had to do when we got here just to finish in the front, but we did that and I’m just glad to bring it home straight.”
Murray’s success came in what could be his last Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round as the talented young Victorian star chases international success – having just completed the Porsche Junior shootout in Europe prior to the Bathurst event.
“Carrera Cup was everything I expected coming back from Europe, I was fortunate to have some racing miles over there, so I felt very well prepared and to finish the last race and get the round is great, not to mention being so close to that lap record,” Murray said.
“Winning in Bathurst on a Sunday morning, it just doesn’t get better than this, I’ve always wanted to win here on a Sunday and now we’ve made it happen.
“Hopefully, who know in the next years, I’ll be back on the podium for the 1000. But I’m happy with second this year to Cameron, he was consistent all year and there are a few things out of our control that hampered our challenge, but I can’t complain with second overall.”
Meanwhile, the battle for race honours in Morris Finance Pro-Am came down to the last turn of the nine lap race, with Geoff Emery sneaking past Sam Shahin, who spun in sight of the chequered flag.
Shahin managed to regain drive and finish second in Pro-Am ahead of Ben Stack, though the championship was decided in favour of his season-long rival Emery.
The results of the Morris Finance Pro-Am battle remain provisional pending a post-event investigation into the final-corner battle between the title rivals.
“It’s almost unbelievable,” Shahin said of his back-to-back round victories.
“I drove hard, even faster than when in qualifying, I was just really committed. Regards the incident in the last corner of the last lap, we’ve protested, so we’ll see where that ends. But I just cannot be happier, this place is not for the faint hearted and have to overcome some mental battles and mental scars this week.”
There was drama off the race start, with Indiran Padayachee retiring after striking the stalled car of Scott Taylor on the grid.
At the front, Harri Jones led the field away from Murray, who was able to forge past his McElrea Racing teammate around the outside of the fast kink entering the Chase on the third lap.
Aaron Love was next to make his move, on lap four passing Hill at Griffiths Bend, before taking second form Jones, once again around the outside of Australia’s fastest corner.
Craig Lowndes struck dramas on lap five when he suffered a flat tyre, while Hill headed to the pits on lap seven for a replacement tyre.
On the same lap, Marc Cini suffered a lurid spin into Hell Corner, and caused some consternation when he parked his car to the side of Mountain Straight in front of the leaders.
At the chequered flag, Murray was able to clear out from Love, Jones, Matthew Payne, David Russell, Jayden Walls, David Wall, who charged through from 14th to claim seventh, then Max Vidau, Callum Hedge and Christian Pancione in tenth.
The result was that Murray won the race and the round, while Harri Jones produced his best ever round result in second.
Aaron Love was third overall and completed the Mobil Pro Podium.
Sam Shahin clinched his second straight round victory on Sunday, with Geoff Emery second overall for Round 5.
Ben Stack completed the podium in Pro-Am with third, his first Carrera Cup podium.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship thanks all teams, drivers, partners and supporters following the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Dates for the 2022 championship, which will see the debut of a full field of the brand-new 992 Porsche GT3 Cup Car, will be announced soon.
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NewsHarri Jones takes maiden win in Enduro thriller
Sam Shahin continues Morris Finance Pro-Am sweep at Mount Panorama
Harri Jones has withstood maximum pressure to claim his maiden Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race win at Mount Panorama.
Starting from pole position, the Michelin Junior driver led from start to finish, heading home the sport’s best drivers to take victory in the Mobil Pro Class by only 1.5sec from Cooper Murray, while Cameron Hill consolidated his championship lead in third.
For Jones, the result fulfils the promise he has shown so far in his young career – including victory in the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Championship.
“I’m speechless right now, that was one of the best races of my life, the team gave me an awesome car,” Jones said.
“We started from pole, the best place to start from, but Dave had a fast car the whole race, and Cooper, my McElrea teammate was also on it. So every lap it was reset, do it again and just go through the process. Car felt awesome, my fitness, mental condition was all on point, so it was so much fun, I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, in Morris Finance Pro-Am, Sam Shahin kept his unbeaten winning streak from this week alive, taking honours from Geoff Emery and Ben Stack.
“Well it wouldn’t be Bathurst if it wasn’t an eventful first lap. The start was the usual elbows out into Turn 2 and it went all the way to Skyline, you could see something was going to have to give going into the Chase and all I saw was a massive cloud of dust and a lot of guys took to the outside,” Shahin said.
“So the glutes were clenched really tight at that point, I had to make the choice to make the left hand or go straight through the gravel trap, I went through the dust and we came out the other side.
“Fortunately not a lot of cars got damaged. After the restart I had a great battle with Geoff, he is a good, honest racer and he was right on my bumper for most of the race. I’m absolutely thrilled with the win and that we survived to fight another day.”
From pole position, Jones led into the first corner, immediately coming under pressure from David Wall.
However, the race soon came under safety car control after Max Vidau and Aaron Love ran side by side through the fast kink into The Chase, with Vidau running wide through the infield before getting stuck in the sand trap.
Numerous cars went off track in the ensuing dust storm, including Dale Wood, Dean Cook, and Tim Miles.
The race restarted on lap four of 15, with a train of cars immediately forming behind the leader Jones.
The race was a classic pressure-cooker Carrera Cup affair for the duration as a the group battled for position – through none could unseat Jones out in front.
Jones led Wall and Murray to the closing laps before a tyre issue saw Wall pit at the commencement of the final lap – with the resulting 14th place finish significantly impacting his championship chances.
Marc Cini spun on lap eight at The Chase, before later becoming stuck in the sand at the same portion of the track on the penultimate circuit, with local yellow flags allowing the race to go green until the finish.
Love was classified fourth at the chequered flag, ahead of fellow young gun Matthew Payne, then David Russell, Craig Lowndes, Jayden Walls, Callum Hedge, with Christian Pancione rounding out the top ten.
Notably, Payne, Walls, and Hedge are all making their Bathurst Carrera Cup debuts, and all featured in the lead pack throughout the race.
The fifth round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia concludes tomorrow at Mount Panorama as the curtain-raiser to the Bathurst 1000.
The race is scheduled to start at 10:50am AEDT, and will once again be broadcast live and free on 7, plus via Fox Sports and Kayo.
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NewsPaynter Dixon extends partnership with Porsche Cars Australia until 2024
Carrera Cup Australia’s Title Partnership to extend for a further two seasons
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is excited to announce that Title Partner, Paynter Dixon, will again partner with the Carrera Cup Australia Championship for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This brings the total to five consecutive seasons that the Australian property conglomerate, utilising both the PAYCE and the Paynter Dixon brands, has been the naming rights partner for the premier one-make series (in addition to their support of a range of drivers within the national Championship.)
Since the redevelopment of Carrera Cup Australia in 2018 and the introduction of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.2), the series has grown to new heights, reaffirming its position as the premier support category for the Repco Supercars Championship and regularly witnessing fields of up to 26 cars this season, with a grid of over 32 already locked in for the 2022 season.
The success of the Championship in recent years has seen it grow all areas of the program through the increased support of its traditional sponsorship base to include a strong portfolio of local partners. This additional support allowed the development of a range of key programs and increased incentives for the Carrera Cup drivers and teams.
The results have produced high-profile, star-studded grids in both classes, as well as a world class junior development programme with the Championship continuing to provide a great environment and value for all its competitors and partners.
Quotes:
PCA CEO & Managing Director: Daniel Schmollinger “We are thrilled to make this announcement ahead of what will be Carrera Cup’s strongest season next year. Paynter Dixon’s commitment to the series for a further two years reaffirms this and is a great example of the relationship we have built with them and environment we’ve created within Carrera Cup for our partners.”
“I’m certain this will only continue to grow into the future with the arrival of the 992 generation next season. The growth in our grids size over the last seasons is another validation of the level of support, we’ve as a result been able to offer to our teams and drivers, which is being realised across the Australasian region. This year, Paynter Dixon’s support also extended to two of our Mobil Pro cars in the form of David Wall and Craig Lowndes.”
“The best testimony of Paynter Dixon’s belief in our series though, was most evident in 2020, during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as their support – together with that of all our partners – never wavered, despite no events taking place. They were all fully committed and supported us until racing could commence again.”
Paynter Dixon Executive Chairman, James Boyd: “Paynter Dixon is delighted to partner with the Carrera Cup Australia Championship for the coming two seasons. Our relationship with this outstanding series reflects a long-standing commitment to motor racing in Australia.
“Once again, it’s extremely pleasing to see the continued alignment of Paynter Dixon and PAYCE brands, maintaining a strong and familiar presence in this the premier support series.
“It’s also rewarding to see the Championship nurture further career opportunities for Carrera Cup drivers and teams, taking Australian motoring expertise to a global stage. We are excited to continue the journey ahead with Porsche the seasons ahead as the Cup delivers world-class racing.”
About Paynter Dixon:
Founded in 1914, Paynter Dixon is an Australian-owned design and construction services company with offices on the eastern seaboard of the country. Innovative solutions span a variety of sectors, including hospitality, health and aged care, education, commercial, insurance and remedial.
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsWall, Shahin claim Round 4 honours at Mount Panorama
Title battles intensify as key contenders take Bathurst podiums
David Wall has clean swept the fourth round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, following a truncated second race at Mount Panorama on Friday afternoon.
Starting from pole position, Wall had to hold off a spirited attack in the opening corners from Cameron Hill – with the former champion holding on to the lead – before ultimately claiming honours in the Mobil Pro Class.
It was Wall’s fourth career round win, his first since the Gold Coast in 2019 and the third time he’s swept all the races in a single round.
The result keeps the Wall Racing driver, the 2017 Carrera Cup Champion, right in the thick of the points calculations as the season draws to a conclusion; Wall leading home Hill and Aaron Love in the round four results.
“I’m just trying to win some more races and enjoy myself around here, but really wrapped to take maximum points and looking forward to round 5,” Wall said.
“The start was very critical in the moment with Cam Hill, I had just a little bit of an overlap luckily, but he was more than fair and he is great to race.”
Hill for his efforts held on for second, followed by Love, who was the first Michelin Junior home.
The Canberran has an enhanced championship lead following Round 4, extending his margin over nearest rivals Harri Jones and Cooper Murray – with David Wall now also in the top three mix following today’s win.
“Great round for us, two second places is good for the points,” said the Mobil Pro class title leader.
“Obviously Dave did an awesome job and got the win this weekend, but we’re in front of the guys that we need to be in front of, so very happy. Still two races and one round to go.”
Murray and Jones were next in the race two order, with Craig Lowndes, Christian Pancione, David Russell, Matthew Payne and Jackson Walls filling the top-ten places.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Sam Shahin backed up his race one success with another class win, leading home Tim Miles and Dean Cook, in race two – the same finishing order as Race one. The trio also completed the round podium.
It was The Bend Motorsport Park driver’s third career victory and came at a key time in the Pro-Am title battle, rebounding from his non-finish in Townsville in style.
“Last time I was here I got hurt very badly and I still live with the consequences, I needed to get this done and the pace was there from the start and I’m absolutely thrilled,” Shahin said.
“I really thought I was out of the Championship completely – but never ever give up.”
The first incident of the race involved Max Vidau, who came unstuck at turn two, necessitating a safety car to retrieve his stricken car.
The race restarted on lap three, but returned to safety car conditions on lap four when, Nick McBride and Simon Fallon came together on the run towards Reid Park on lap four.
Both drivers climbed from their own cars however both were assessed by the circuit medical team as a precaution following the accident.
As a result of the lengthy recovery, the race was ultimately called short after six circuits.
Tomorrow’s race constitutes the opening encounter of the fifth round of the 2021 Championship, with the grid set by all drivers’ second-fastest lap in qualifying.
This format will see Harri Jones line up from pole position ahead of Wall and Hill, with Shahin the leading Morris Finance Pro-Am driver from eighth outright.
The race is scheduled for 3pm AEDT, and will once again be broadcast live and free on 7, plus Fox Sports and Kayo.
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NewsBroadcast Schedule announced for Carrera Cup finale at The Bend
SBS to broadcast final Porsche races at The Bend
The schedule for the 2021 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships season finale at The Bend Motorsport Park has been confirmed with SBS to also broadcast the final Porsche races live.
The national race meeting, which will take place over three days from 10-12 December, will welcome seven categories as part of the round with a mix of state and national series to make-up the schedule.
For the first time in recent years, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia will run at a Shannons round as it wraps up the 2021 season with three races, including one 40-minute endurance race.
Carrera Cup Australia won’t be the only Porsche category in action, with the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series to hold a double round made up of four 30-minute races across the three days.
Both Porsche categories will be part of the two-hour SBS coverage on Sunday afternoon, with Race 3 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia shown at 12:40 (AEDT) and Race 4 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at 13:55 (AEDT) with the National Sports Sedans Series’ third and final race of the weekend also to feature in the broadcast. Porsche races will also feature in a 1-hour post produced Highlights on SBS, with dedicated social media content, interviews and results on @PorscheMotorsportAU social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube) before, during and after the event.
Fans will also be able to watch all sessions through the dedicated livestream on the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships’ website and Facebook page on both Saturday and Sunday, while the livestream will also be available for fans that cannot attend on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channel.
Individuals 16 and over can purchase General Admission tickets for $25 per day or $40 for a weekend pass. Children under the age of 15 can enter for free but must register for a ticket.
Tickets are available for purchase here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/shannons-motorsport-australia-championships-the-bend-tickets-194781856777?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsWall prevails in racy Bathurst opener
Sam Shahin claims Morris Finance Pro-Am win in opening race
David Wall held on to win a thrilling Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia opening race at Mount Panorama, with plenty of close racing highlighting the category’s return to the fabled venue for the first time since 2019.
The shortened seven-lap encounter came down to the wire, with a hard charging Aaron Love pushing the limits in pursuit of the leader, cranking sideways at Sulman Park and brushing the wall on the final tour.
With damage to his right-rear corner, Love slipped off the road at The Chase within sight of the flag and ultimately had to settle for third position and the top Michelin Junior in the final rundown, finishing behind Cameron Hill.
Hill’s second-placed finishing position further extended his margin at the top of the Carrera Cup standings.
Wall’s victory continued his strong Bathurst form and was the twelfth of his storied career.
Love, meanwhile, was a racing highlights reel throughout the 7-lap sprint race before ultimately finishing third.
“It was a pretty good race for me up until the last lap obviously, I had a bit of a mistake over the top,” the West Australian said.
“I had a huge amount of confidence in the car and I was really happy with it and the pace was good. I managed to stick a couple moves on Harri and Cam going through the Chase, it was fairly entertaining for not only myself, but I’m sure the people watching from the outside.
“I was happy to pull those moves off nice a smoothly and button down and to try catch Dave. But I’ll learn off the mistake and how I approach those final few laps in future.”
Elsewhere in the Pro ranks, Cooper Murray finished fourth ahead of Harri Jones, with the McElrea Racing pair followed home by Craig Lowndes, Michael Almond, Simon Fallon and David Russell in tenth.
The action started early in the race, with Mathew Payne coming into contact with Russell at The Chase near the end of lap two, which sent the latter spinning.
Max Vidau’s debut for Tekworkx Motorsport started strongly, the young Adelaidean running fifth early in the race. However, after dropping spots earlier in the race, he then took a tour down the Murray’s Corner escape road to eventually be classified in 18th.
Elsewhere in the field, Dale Wood rebounded solidly from a tough qualifying session – charging his Timken car through from 26th on the grid to finish 14th in just seven laps of racing.
Meanwhile Morris Finance Pro-Am honours went the way of Sam Shahin, who edged out Tim Miles and Geoff Emery.
Shahin’s win was a big moment for The Bend Motorsport Park driver, who was injured in a crash at the Bathurst 12 Hour back in 2020.
After scoring pole position for both rounds this weekend, Shahin’s performance saw him gain valuable points in the Pro-Am title battle.
A lengthy delay prior to the race made things challenging for him prior to the race.
“With the previous categories accident which caused the delay, it was very, very hot in the car and I unwisely decided not to take a cool suit,” he said.
“So we sat in the cars for about half an hour and I was just sweating in the car, the tyres cooled down all that time and I just had to recalibrate. I got a good start and I just had to put my head down and trust the Michelin tyre.
“But all in all I couldn’t be happier and its surreal really to come back here after a nasty accident a couple years ago, which saw me end up with a nasty back and daily pain, so this means a lot. It was as much a mental drive as it was a physical drive. I’m very proud of this achievement and will tick a box and I will fondly reflect on this win in time to come, I think.”
The final race of round four is scheduled for 2:45pm tomorrow, with the race to be broadcast live on live and free on 7, plus Fox Sports and Kayo.
Earlier today, a truncated qualifying also set the field for the first race of round five of the season, with the second fastest lap time set by competitors forming the starting order.
That saw Harri Jones grab his second Tag Heuer Pole Award of the season, with David Wall backing up his race one pole-winning efforts in second and championship leader Cameron Hill starting third.
Sam Shahin grabbed the top spot in qualifying of the Morris Finance Pro-Am runners, putting his car eighth outright on the grid in the process.
That race, which kicks off Round 5 of the championship, is scheduled for 3pm Saturday afternoon at Mount Panorama.
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NewsAaron 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 12th, and debutant Callum Hedge in 16th.
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.
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News26-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
# | Name | Surname | Sponsor | Class |
7 | Tim | Miles | No Second Chance | Pro-Am |
8 | Nick | McBride | Porsche Centre Melbourne | Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Hallmarc | Pro-Am |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Objective Racing | Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Helimods | Pro |
13 | Sam | Shahin | The Bend / HTFU | Pro-Am |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Team Porsche NZ / EBM | Pro |
21 | Matthew | Payne | Team Porsche NZ / SP Tools | Pro |
22 | Dean | Cook | Zonzo Estate Yarra Valley | Pro-Am |
23 | David | Russell | Lago Racing | Pro |
28 | Max | Vidau | TekworkX Motorsport | Pro |
35 | Indiran | Padayachee | RentCorp Hyundai Forklifts | Pro-Am |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Phase 8 | Pro |
38 | David | Wall | Paynter Dixon / Shannons | Pro |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Force Accessories | Pro-Am |
74 | Ben | Stack | Dutton EMA Motorsport | Pro-Am |
76 | Christian | Pancione | VCM Performance | Pro |
77 | Michael | Almond | Bob Jane T-Marts / PSA | Pro |
78 | Aaron | Love | Sonic | Pro |
82 | Madeline | Stewart | Team Porsche NZ / EBM | Pro |
86 | Drew | Hall | Wall Racing | Pro-Am |
100 | Dale | Wood | Timken / ASM | Pro |
111 | Cameron | Hill | Supaglass Industries | Pro |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Pro-Am |
338 | Craig | Lowndes | Paynter Dixon / Monochrome | Pro |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Bob Jane T-Marts / Sonic | Pro |
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NewsMax 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
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NewsPorsche 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
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NewsCallum 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.
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NewsThe 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’
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NewsAll 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.”
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
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NewsMatt 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.
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NewsCarrera 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
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NewsLowndes 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
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NewsPorsche 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
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NewsCampbell 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
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NewsMadeline 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
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NewsPorsche 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
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NewsCooper 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/
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NewsPorsche 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.”
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NewsTroy 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 “
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NewsBathurst 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
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NewsNew Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) celebrates its endurance debut
New 992 contests penultimate round of Nürburgring Endurance Series
The latest Porsche 911 GT3 Cup has successfully demonstrated its potential for endurance races in a test outing under real race conditions. The ca. 375 kW (510 PS) Cup car based on the 911-generation 992 contested the penultimate round of this season’s Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS). Marco Holzer and Uwe Alzen (both Germany) concluded the four-hour race on the 24.458-kilometre combination of the Nordschleife and the short Grand Prix circuit loop in 18th overall.
From the start of this season, the 911 GT3 Cup has served as the new one-make cup vehicle in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as well as the national Porsche Carrera Cups in Germany, France, the Benelux countries, North America and Asia. Over thirty Type 992 Porsche’s will also make their debut in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia next year. From 2022, the latest edition of the world’s best-selling racer will also be campaigned in the NLS as well as in other endurance series and 24-hour races.
“As expected, the 911 GT3 Cup performed exceptionally well at its race debut on the particularly demanding Nürburgring-Nordschleife,” concluded Project Manager Jan Feldmann. “During its development, we made sure right from the start that it could also be fielded in endurance competitions as well as the one-make cup sprint races. Today’s test run in the NLS underlined that our team has done a great job.”
The spectacularly styled 911 GT3 Cup is the first one-make car from Porsche to feature a wide turbo-spec body. Producing around 375 kW (510 PS), it exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower and can also run on synthetic fuels, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions under racing conditions. Like its predecessor, the 911 GT3 Cup rolls off the production line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen alongside the 911 production models. After 160 units were produced for 2021, a second production run is currently underway, which involves more than 300 more racing vehicles to meet the high demand.
Compared to the previous model, the focus was on improved performance and a more aggressive design, easier handling and greater durability as well as making it more cost-effective to run and maintain. The result is reflected in numerous features of the new racing vehicle, which also have a positive effect on its suitability for long-distance racing and 24-hour events. For instance, additional flared fenders make a harmonious wheel-tyre combination possible with 12-inch wide rims on the front and 13-inch wide wheels at the rear axle. This is typical for GT racing and has a positive effect on the handling and driveability of the racing car. While the rear axle essentially remains unchanged compared to the 911 GT3 Cup (Generation 991), the front wheels are now controlled by double wishbones and Uniball bearings – like in the 911 RSR, Porsche’s current top racing model.
The modifications for racing in the “Green Hell” are surprisingly minor. “We’re primarily talking about an exhaust system that meets stricter noise requirements, and a modified tank filling system as well as softer sprint rates that harmonise very well with the damper system,” explains Feldmann. “Plus, the front has additional small flares, which provide a little more downforce at the front axle and make it easier for us to find a suitable setup for the demands of the Nordschleife.”
Unlike in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the Carrera Cup Deutschland, for example, the 911 GT3 Cup tackles the endurance races with traction control (TC) and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The ABS can be ordered or retrofitted directly from the factory; the TC, which is also optional, can be activated electronically. Thus, nothing stands in the way of adjusting the vehicle for sprint and endurance competitions.
Jan Feldmann regards the outing in the Nürburgring Endurance Series as purely a test run, which serves to fine-tune the setup. In addition to its overall performance, the focus is on determining fuel consumption, for example, in order to achieve the target window of eight laps for one stint. Moreover, the racing car has been fitted with additional prototype headlights that should turn night into day at the 24-hour races. The Manthey team is also developing an extra hydration system. This complements the exceptional ergonomics of the cockpit, which also includes a motorsport multifunction steering wheel made of carbon fibre. This makes it easier during a driver change to adjust to the different body sizes and statures. The vehicle also features a centrally-positioned, 10.3-inch colour monitor as well as a so-called Rubber Switch Panel (RSP) to the right of the steering yolk. Reminiscent of a control element in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, these ten large buttons are given central functions such as lighting and ventilation or to change tyre settings from dry to wet tyres. The aim is to provide drivers with optimal working conditions for long stints at the wheel.
“It’s great fun driving the 911 GT3 Cup on the Nordschleife,” says Marco Holzer, who was involved early on in the development of the one-make cup racer. “It’s really fast, very pleasant to drive and it does exactly what you want without any unexpected surprises. It’s much more of a racing car now and, in my opinion, looks fantastic with its large wing and wider body!”
“I know all of Porsche’s cup cars, but the new 911 GT3 Cup feels even more like a racing car than ever – with its huge roll stiffness it reminds me very much of the 911 GT3 R,” underlines racing veteran Uwe Alzen. “The positive first impression was confirmed in the race – although the Nordschleife is usually a real brain-teaser and follows its own rules. We tried out a couple of things with the suspension setup. The car handles well and has a lot of potential. It’s truly great to drive and I was immediately taken with the ergonomics and craftsmanship. I’m already considering buying one myself and racing it on the Nürburgring!”
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NewsMurray to conduct European test in new Porsche 992 & contest Porsche Carrera Cup France
Murray to test new 992 prior to Global Shootout
Porsche Michelin Junior Australian nominee to test new 911 GT3 Cup (992) prior to Global Shootout
Following the announcement by Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) that Cooper Murray is the Porsche Michelin Junior Australia Winner for 2021 and will be PCA’s nomination to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the end of the year. PCA has also confirmed that the Australian nominee will also test drive the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at Portimao Circuit in Portugal on the 18 October in preparation for the Shootout.
The McElrea Racing graduate will then conduct a further two-day test session with Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Team, Martinet by Almeras, at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France on the 20-21 November before contesting the final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship on the weekend of the 22 – 24 October.
Martinet by Almeras is the same team which supported 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, to second position overall in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship this year, behind Larry ten Voorde.
Murray, who is the youngest ever race and round winner in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia history, will also miss the remaining rounds of the 2021 series (on the provision state travel restrictions are lifted) as the Global Porsche Junior Shootout is set to take place on the 23-25 November and he will currently have to quarantine on his return.
Quotes:
Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, PCA: “We are happy to support Cooper and give him the best possible chance for the Global Porsche Junior Shootout, as the Juniors will be utilising the new 992 Cup Car for the first time this year. We feel our contribution to his preparation provides him the best opportunity to acquaint himself with the new car in both race and test conditions. This support is further evidence of the investment Porsche is making in the future of Australian Motorsport in our region.”
Cooper Murray, Porsche Michelin Junior Winner:
“To be given the opportunity to drive the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car before the Junior shootout event is amazing, not to mention joining the Carrera Cup France grid for the last round of their championship in Portimao. I’m also fortunate enough to do an additional two days in the car to prepare myself in the best possibly way going into the shootout. I can’t thank my Mum and Dad enough for all their hard work to make this possible, as well as McElrea Racing and Porsche Motorsport Australia. I’m looking forward to the challenge that is ahead of me. New Car, new tracks, new team and new countries. Bring it on!“
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NewsCooper Murray wins Carrera Cup Australia nomination for Porsche Junior Shootout
Murray looks to emulate Campbell and Evans success in Porsche Global Shootout
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has announced Cooper Murray as the winner of the Porsche Michelin Junior Australia Programme for 2021 and as a result their nomination for Porsche Junior Shootout globally later in the year.
After taking the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round win in Townsville earlier this year, Murray held a 25 point advantage in the Michelin Junior Competition point standings prior to Round 4 over McElrea Racing teammate, Harri Jones.
But the cancellation of the Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit recently – the revised final point scoring round – meant that Murray, as the points leader at the time, earned the nomination from Carrera Cup Australia. Should his nomination be approved by Porsche Motorsport in Germany, Murray will have the opportunity to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout against the best Junior drivers from Porsche Carrera Cup Championships from around the world.
The Shootout opportunity continues to play a crucial role in the development of the best emerging talent from the region and is seen as the most proven pathway for talented drivers to progress to the highest level abroad.
To date, the once in a lifetime prize, helped launch the international motorsport careers of both Matt Campbell (2016 winner) and Jaxon Evans (2018 winner). Campbell is now a Porsche factory driver with victories in Bathurst 12 Hour and Le Mans 24 Hour to his name, while Evans is a two-time Carerra Cup Champion with regular appearances in top-level GT competition globally including the Le Mans 24 Hour, World Endurance Championship and Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, where he finished second this season.
Other Carrera Cup Australia drivers to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid locally and go on to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout in recent years include the likes of Nick Foster (2015); Dylan O’Keeffe (2017, 2018) and Jordan Love (2019). The Porsche Michelin Junior Programme remains the most established and proven Junior driver development pathway to the highest level of both local and international motorsports.
A European race track has been booked for the three-day Shootout, which starts early on the morning of Tuesday, 23 November and ends in the late afternoon of Thursday, 25 November later this year.
Quotes:
Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, PCA: “Like all the Juniors that have come through our Programme, it’s been personally rewarding to see Cooper’s development and outright pace mature in both our series, ever since his first season with us in 2018 – which was then GT3 Cup Challenge (Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.) Despite his young age, he has been a force within Carrera Cup Australia the last two years, against arguably the strongest Pro drivers in the series history.“
Cooper Murray, 2021 Porsche Michelin Junior Winner: “I’m very excited and grateful to have been nominated as Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s representative with the opportunity to attend the Porsche Junior Global Shootout event. I hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow McElrea drivers Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans and replicate their success. I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point in my career if it wasn’t for the amazing support of my family, McElrea Racing and everyone who has helped me along the way.”
To learn more about the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia: https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/
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NewsRising star locks in Porsche 992 campaign with McElrea Racing
Bayley Hall is first to announce 2022 Carrera Cup Australia campaign in Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992)
Michelin Junior driver, Bayley Hall, is the first exciting, young driver to claim his spot on the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia grid in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992).
The Type 992 is the first wide-body race car from Porsche Motorsport in Weissach, Germany to be based on the current Porsche 911 (992 generation). First unveiled to Australian teams and drivers at The Bend Motorsport Park earlier this year, the Type 992 will make its debut in the series next year.
Hall’s 510hp Porsche, will be just one of an initial batch of thirty (30) 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup cars to be brought into the country by Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) later this year – a record number of units that will result in the largest field of any generation of race car in the premier one-make series’ 17-year history down under.
The 18 year old Queenslander announced the news to media and sponsors at a Sanctuary Cove function on the Gold Coast. The event played host to both his current partners (Hall Finance and Insurance Solutions, Siebe Gorman Life Science and Gap Solutions) but also potential partners for the 2022 season, with the likes of James Courtney, Warren Luff and Adrian Burgess from the Repco Supercars Championship also in attendance.
Hall makes the step-up to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series in the Mobil Pro class following an impressive debut in 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series so far this year, where he has demonstrated his maturity and speed on several occasions, including a front row start and podium in his first ever Porsche race at Phillip Island.
Despite his young age, the talented GT racer has already amassed a large amount of experience, having competed a number of different racing series and cars including the Australia GT Championship and the Bathurst combined sedans series. Hall is also the youngest ever podium finisher at the Bathurst 12 Hour, finishing third in class in a Marc Cars Mustang V8.
Quotes:
Bayley Hall: “‘The prospect of competing in the pinnacle of Porsche Motorsport in Australia is surreal. Like many, there’s been huge sacrifices and hard work to get me to where I am today and I couldn’t be prouder or happier of what we’ve achieved so far. I’m very excited about what the McElrea team and I can do next year and I can’t thank everyone involved enough, including all those who have gotten me to where I am today. I can’t wait to get in the new 992 and give it all I’ve got.”
Andy McElrea, Founder & Team Principal, McElrea Racing: “At MR, we are really thrilled to announce Bayley as our first Pro driver signed for the 2022 Carrera Cup Australia season in the new 992 Cup car. We have been fortunate enough to have been on pole for the first race of the last three generations of new 911 Cup Cars in Australia – the 997, 991:1 and 991:2 – so we have no doubt, Bayley will be pushing hard to be at the front from the start of the new era and stamp his name in the record books as soon as possible.”
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsChange at the helm of Porsche Motorsport
Fritz Enzinger passes the Porsche Motorsport baton to Thomas Laudenbach
Thomas Laudenbach (53) will assume the role of managing Porsche Motorsport on October 1, 2021. The accomplished German engineer takes over from Fritz Enzinger (65), who has led the racing department of the sports car manufacturer to countless successes since 2011. “We cannot thank Fritz Enzinger enough for his enormously successful work over the past ten years. He shaped an era at Porsche Motorsport that led us to incredible triumphs and title wins,” comments Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “Motorsport has played a very special role in Porsche’s corporate strategy. We’ve always used the racing platform as a test laboratory for the latest technologies. Thomas Laudenbach has everything it takes to successfully continue on this path. We look forward to the future of motorsport, in which we want to take an active role in shaping. The Mission R concept presented at the IAA MOBILITY showcases an exciting preview of what’s to come.”
When the Austrian Fritz Enzinger came to Porsche in 2011, he spearheaded the successful LMP1 programme with the 919 Hybrid. Between 2014 and 2017, he achieved three overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as winning a total of six world championship titles in three consecutive years. In 2019, Enzinger took over complete responsibility for Porsche Motorsport. Two more world championship titles followed that year, this time with the 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro category of the World Endurance Championship FIA WEC. Under Enzinger’s direction, the sports car manufacturer also tackled the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, and won the titles in the North America IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in the fiercely contested GTLM class with the 911 RSR.
“I look back on what we’ve achieved together with pride and gratitude,” explains Fritz Enzinger. “It was an incredibly intense time. The development of the LMP1 programme, the hat-trick at Le Mans and the world championship titles with the 919 Hybrid, the title wins with the 911 RSR, our entry into Formula E and the preparation of our LMDh engagements from 2023 onwards have demanded fortitude and focus from us all. Such successes are always the result of excellent teamwork. My greatest respect and thanks go out to everyone who contributed to this – in the cockpit, on the racetrack, in Weissach, Flacht and Zuffenhausen. My thanks also go to the strong Porsche customer teams who, among other achievements, clinched overall victories in the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and in Spa-Francorchamps,” the Austrian added. “Motorsport, like the entire automotive industry, is changing. Thanks to his experience and expertise, Thomas Laudenbach is exactly the right man to lead Porsche Motorsport into this future.”
“I’m thrilled about the trust that’s been placed in me and excited about the tasks ahead,” comments Thomas Laudenbach. “The big goal is to build on the great successes that have been achieved under the direction of Fritz Enzinger. It’s a wonderful challenge. We will adapt motorsport to the changed conditions in the automotive industry – from customer racing to factory involvement in the major racing series around the globe. We have our sights firmly set on claiming our 20th Le Mans victory, we want to win world championships – both in endurance racing and in Formula E. It’s also important to continue developing our customer racing. With the Mission R concept study, we are showing how attractive this can look.”
The qualified engineer Thomas Laudenbach, born in Santiago de Chile, completed his mechanical engineering studies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. His path initially led him to the DTM and to a service company that developed powertrain components for various European vehicle manufacturers. In the autumn of 1998, Laudenbach came to Porsche AG. As Head of Powertrain Development, he was involved in racing and sports car projects such as the 918 Spyder, 911 RSR, 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup until 2013.
As the leading developer of the 3.4-litre direct-injection V8 engine for the Porsche RS Spyder, Laudenbach also became acquainted with the North American motorsport scene. This will soon come full circle: From 2023, Porsche will compete for overall victories with a new LMDh hybrid prototype in the US IWSC racing series and the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship. As was the case with the RS Spyder between 2005 and 2008, the top American team Penske will once again serve as Porsche’s cooperation partner.
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NewsEvans finishes Porsche Mobil1 Supercup season in second
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, round 8, Race, Monza (Italy)
Third place at the penultimate round of the season was enough for Larry ten Voorde to secure the championship title in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup for the second time in a row. The Dutch driver from the GP Elite team crossed the finish line on the Formula 1 racetrack in Monza behind the Turkish Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven from the BWT Lechner Racing squad and Dorian Boccolacci with 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, finishing fourth.
“I didn’t want to take any risks. Jaxon Evans was the only person I had to watch out for,” reported ten Voorde. Before the start of Round 7, the New Zealander from the Martinet by Alméras squad, who ranked second in the standings was the only driver with a chance of catching ten Voorde heading into the Monza event. However, fourth in the seventh race and seventh in the final race on Sunday for Evans, saw the Dutch driver crowned champion
Ten Voorde crossed the finish line in first place at the final round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup for the fourth time this season. Taking up the race from pole position, the Dutchman from the GP Elite squad claimed a convincing victory in the final race of Porsche’s international one-make cup. Scoring second place, Laurin Heinrich secured the rookie title. Driving for the Nebulus Racing by Huber team, the German only just managed to beat Ayhan-can Güven (BWT Lechner Racing). With third place, the Porsche Junior from Turkey defended his third ranking overall in the series.
“A great race. The duel against Laurin Heinrich over the first few metres was fantastic – we both allowed each other enough space. About halfway through the race Dorian Boccolacci put me under pressure but I think he was a bit too tough on his tyres. This is the perfect conclusion to a great season for me and the best way to thank my GP Elite team,” said Larry ten Voorde, giving a rundown of the season finale.
While ten Voorde maintained a convincing lead to the flag, in his slipstream a battle unfolded between Heinrich and Boccolacci for second place. After two braking errors, the Frenchman from the Martinet by Alméras squad finally had to relinquish his spot to the German, and ultimately to Güven and his compatriot Florian Latorre (CLRT). Heinrich, who had taken up the race from the second grid spot, was ecstatic: “My start was awesome and I was able to attack Larry as we headed into the first chi-cane. But then I pulled back because the rookie title was more important. I also put too much stress on my tyres in Larry’s slipstream. Still, at the halfway point, my tyres were in better condition than Dorian’s and I overtook him again,” stated the 19-year-old from the German city of Würzburg.
The Pro-Am category went to Nicolas Misslin from Monaco for the sixth time in a row. The seasoned specialist from the Lechner Racing Middle East team had already claimed an early championship title in this category. Claiming eighth place at the final round of the season, Voorde’s compatriot Max van Splunteren narrowly sealed the overall victory in the team classification for his GP Elite squad.
Race 8 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 15 laps, Monza (I)
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 27:51.483 minutes
2. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +1.540 seconds
3. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), +4.715 seconds
4. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), +4.933 seconds
5. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +5.627 seconds
Final standings Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 8 races*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 155 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 111 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 110 points*
4. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 110 points
5. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 91 points
6. Dorian Boccolacci (F/Martinet by Alméras), 81 points
* placed ahead of Heinrich due to better results from individual races
The title holders of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Overall winner: Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
Pro-Am: Nicolas Misslin (MC/Lechner Racing Middle East)
Rookie: Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber)
Teams: Team GP Elite (NL)
Full results and overall standings are available at:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results
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NewsJaxon Evans heads to Monza for Porsche Supercup finale
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Preview, rounds 7 and 8, Monza
The Royal Park of Monza will host the “Finale Grande” of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this weekend. On the Formula 1 racetrack in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the battle for the title will be decided between series leader Larry ten Voorde from the Dutch team GP Elite and his pursuers.
His hottest rival for the title is Jaxon Evans from the Martinet by Alméras squad, who currently ranks second in the standings. Despite a 25-point gap, the 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion definitely has a chance – after all, the 375 kW (510 PS) 911 GT3 Cup cars will be fielded in two races as support to the Italian Grand Prix: the seventh round of the season on Saturday (September 11th) and at the eighth on Sunday. Thus, there are still 50 points to be claimed.
“Last year I won the Supercup race at Monza, so naturally, at least one win is my goal for the coming weekend,” claims ten Voorde. This is exactly what Evans plans to prevent. “A lot can happen in motorsport. In any case, I won’t give up. The best chance I have to catch Larry is to win both races,” asserts the New Zealnder, who crossed the finish line in fifth at the 2020 season finale in Monza.
Theoretically, four other drivers still hold title aspirations. They include the Germans Laurin Heinrich and Leon Köhler (both Nebulus Racing by Huber), who celebrated an impressive one-two victory in Zandvoort last weekend, as well as Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven from Turkey and Dylan Pereira from Luxembourg (both BWT Lechner Racing). The Tifosi are pinning their hopes on the home team Dinamic Motorsport, whose driver Simone Iaquinta recently achieved his best Supercup result to date in Zandvoort with third place.
The titles in the rookie, ProAm and team classifications of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup are also still up for grabs. Spearheading the newcomers is Germany’s Laurin Heinrich, winner of the previous Supercup race in Zandvoort. He holds a 24-point lead over Frenchman Dorian Boccolacci (Martinet by Alméras). In the ProAm class, Nicolas Misslin (Lechner Racing Middle East) from Monaco heads the leaderboard, with pursuers Philipp Sager (Dinamic Motorsport) from Austria and defending champion Roar Lindland (Nebulus Racing by Huber) from Norway chasing him. In the team ranking, four squads still have a shot at first place overall: the Dutch team GP Elite, BWT Lechner Racing from Austria, Nebulus Racing by Huber from Germany and the French outfit Martinet by Alméras.
The grid line-up for both Supercup races will be determined in a single qualifying session. For the seventh round of the season, the drivers’ fastest lap will count. For the final on Sunday, the second-best times will produce the starting order, possibly completely different.
Australian fans can watch Qualifying and the final rounds of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup on FOX Sports channel 506 and Kayo Sports.
Fans can also follow the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup action at any time on the social networks Twitter (@PorscheSupercup / @PorscheRaces), Instagram (@PorscheSupercup) and Facebook (@PorscheSupercup).
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup relies on Esso Renewable Racing Fuel
Porsche and ExxonMobil are implementing a two-stage strategy in the introduction of renewable fuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. This season, the racing vehicles will be powered by a blend of bio-based fuel. This advanced biofuel is obtained from food waste products. Additional components are blended in to enable the required fuel properties and combustion behaviour.
In 2022, the next step will be to introduce synthetically manufactured eFuel. This Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85 per cent, when blended to current market fuel standards for today’s passenger vehicles(1). The partnership between Porsche and ExxonMobil aims to gain valuable experiences to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption.
Schedule rounds 7 and 8 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (all times AEST)
Saturday, 11 September
18:25 Qualifying: LIVE FOX Sports 506
Sunday, 12 September
19:58 Race 1: FOX Sports 506
20:28 Race 2: LIVE FOX Sports 506
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, overall standings before the final
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 113 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 88 points
3. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 78 points
4. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 69 points
5. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 68 points
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 67 points
Full results and overall standings are available at:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results
(1)The GHG emissions reduction stated here relates to the comparison of the calculated carbon footprint of product (CFP) for the renewable components in the PMSC race fuel versus a 94 grams CO2e/MJ of EU Renewable Energy Directive II baseline comparator. Emissions reduction of up to 85% from renewable components vs. conventional are based on carbon footprint of product calculations conducted under ISO 14067 methodology, effectively referenced as a well-to-wheels boundary, taking into account the feedstock, production, transportation, and combustion related emissions to manufacture the blend of renewable components mentioned here. A functional unit of 1 MJ of fuels was used for the comparison.
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NewsApplications for the 2022 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship open
Porsche New Zealand is looking for a young New Zealand driving talent.
Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is opening the application process for its Scholarship to support a young kiwi talent to drive in the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series.
In its debut 2021 season, TPNZ has already had success in achieving its purpose – winning & creating a pathway for young New Zealand talent to advance in motorsport.
Despite Covid-19 disrupting the 2021 season and allowing only three rounds so far, the 2021 scholarship recipient Matthew Payne has already achieved two pole positions, a race win and has recently signed with Grove Racing as their inaugural inductee into their Grove Junior Team.
Grove Motorsport run cars in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Dunlop Super 2 series and Repco Supercars Championship (under Kelly Grove Racing). They established their junior team to support and foster the next generation of motorsport talent to the highest level of Australasian motorsport, the Repco Supercars Championship.
Which category Matthew will compete in next year has yet to be announced.
Applications for the 2022 scholarship are now being accepted online: Apply Here.
They are open until the 15th of October. A shortlist of candidates will then be chosen for interviews and assessments before a final selection.
Earl Bamber: “We are really excited about the Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship. It is something we are proud to offer, and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships. With Matthew’s success this season, the programme has already proven its value. It’s about providing a pathway to a professional motorsports career.”
Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke: “The success achieved in such a short period has been fantastic, and we look forward to following Matthew’s development in 2022 as we welcome our second scholarship recipient into the brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992). This programme, in conjunction with our support of the local Pirelli Porsche NZ Championship & recently announced Super GT New Zealand Motor Racing Series, are key in our support of New Zealand Motorsport and talent.”
Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “It is great to see Matthew Payne’s development and success this season with Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport, as well as the future opportunity he has with Grove Racing Junior team. We welcome all the Junior development initiatives from each of our Carrera Cup Australia teams. They only serve to reinforce the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and our domestic Porsche Michelin Junior Programme – which provides the most proven pathway for emerging talent from across the Australasian region to reach the highest levels of the sport; both locally and internationally.”
About Team Porsche New Zealand: Team Porsche New Zealand was formed by Porsche New Zealand in conjunction with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in late 2019.
The team is based in Brisbane and run by EBM, whose principals are brothers Earl and Will Bamber. Two-time Le Mans 24-hour winner Earl himself progressed his motorsport career via the Porsche Pyramid through Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and ultimately as a factory driver for Porsche in both the WEC (World Endurance Championship) and the North American IMSA (International Motor Sports Association).
It is intended that each year a scholarship will be offered to support an exciting young New Zealand talent achieving a drive in the Carrera Cup Australia. With the combination of the Bamber’s international motor racing and Porsche Motorsport experience, this scholarship provides a unique opportunity to develop upcoming New Zealand drivers skills for international success.
For further information please contact:
Sales Manager
Porsche New Zealand
Jamie Taylor
Phone: +64 21 803 358
E-mail: jtaylor@porsche.co.nz
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NewsGrove Racing reinforces Porsche Motorsport Pyramid as key pathway to foster Supercars drivers
Creation of Grove Racing Junior Team cements Carrera Cup Australia as preferred pathway into Supercars
Three-time Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am Champion, Stephen Grove, sees the Grove Racing Junior team as his preferred pathway for young karters to progress through both Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia to the highest level of local motorsport, the Repco Supercars Championship.
The news comes off the back of the formation of the Grove Junior Team and the announcement of Matthew Payne as its inaugural inductee. The gifted New Zealander has had unprecedented success in karting internationally and the Toyota Racing Series, before making the transition the highly competitive Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series this year and becoming a Michelin Junior driver. After three rounds, Payne recorded back-to-back pole positions and a maiden race win with the newly formed Team Porsche New Zealand Junior Team run by Earl Bamber Motorsport.
For the remainder of the 2021 season, the Grove Junior Team will aim to have an entry in both the Carrera Cup Australia and Super 2 series allowing Payne the opportunity to develop in the best testing grounds in Australia.
Quotes:
Stephen Grove, Grove Racing Team Owner & Principal: “It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce that Matt Payne will be coming straight out of Carrera Cup Australia into our Junior program. We set up the Grove Junior Team to be able to support and foster the next generation of motorsport talent through karting, the Porsche Pyramid and Super 2 with a view to ultimately one day lead into the pinnacle of Motorsport, Supercars. I have had the pleasure of actually racing with Matt this year and watch him develop in Carrera Cup Australia. He had some fantastic results at Townsville, to put it on Pole at a track he’s never been to show he’s got a huge talent. Our aim with the program is to help foster him and take him to the next level.”
Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “There are not many Supercar drivers that haven’t come through both Carrera Cup Australia and our Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme, the latter remains the most proven pathway for drivers to progress onto international and local success. We welcome all the Junior development initiatives of each our Carrera Cup teams and see the Grove Racing Team as a strong partner locally in developing emerging talent from across the Australasian region.”
About Porsche Michelin Junior Programme
The continued support and development of the best young drivers from around the Australasian region has been a key priority for both Michelin Australia and Porsche Cars Australia for several years now. The domestic collaboration has seen the initiative grow into benchmark driver development programme in the country and remain a vital feature of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
For the 2021 season, the French tyre giant has announced that it will again support the Porsche Junior Development Programme offering eligible young drivers from the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series mentorship, support and training from the country’s leading sports professionals and coaches, as well as the opportunity to win their share of the $300,000 prize pool on offer.
Other drivers that have progressed up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid in recent years via the Australian Junior Programme, include the likes of Matt Campbell, Nick Foster, Nick Percat, Fabian Coulthard and Andre Heimgartner, who have all gone on to succeed at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.
To learn more about the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme visit:
https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/
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
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NewsPorsche presents its future-driven Mission R concept study
The vision of an all-electric customer sports racing car
Porsche has provided a spectacular look into the automotive future, right on time for the start of the IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, Germany (from 7 to 12 September).
The Mission R concept car combines state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable materials, such as natural fibre-reinforced plastics, with a passion for racing. In addition to a progressive design, the extremely low-slung, all-electric competition car features the characteristic lines of the sports cars from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
The two newly developed electric motors incorporated in the Porsche Mission R deliver up to 800 kW / 1,088 PS* (horsepower) in so-called qualifying mode. The battery capacity of around 80 kWh and the innovative recuperation system make sprint racing possible with no loss of output.
“Porsche is the brand for people who fulfil their dreams. This is also true in motorsports. We experience our innovative strength on the race track, demonstrate courage in pursuing new avenues and delight car owners with sporting performance,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.
“In addition to our involvement in the Formula E World Championship, we are now taking the next big step forward in electric mobility. The concept study is our vision of all-electric customer motorsports. The Mission R embodies everything that makes Porsche strong: performance, design and sustainability.”
Customer motorsports enjoy a high level of esteem at Porsche. Since the start of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 31 years ago, the sports car manufacturer has produced and delivered more than 4,400 Cup cars from Weissach. A total of 30 one-make cup series are held worldwide on the basis of these reliable, high-performance racing cars.
The latest version of the 911 GT3 Cup was launched at the start of this year’s 2021 motorsport season and is based on the 992 generation 911 model. The new car will debut in Australia in the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.
The Porsche Mission R provides an indication of what the future of one-make series with all-electric cars could look like. The all-wheel drive car delivering just under 1,100 PS* (horsepower) in qualifying mode accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds. Top speed is over 300 km/h.
On the race track, the electric racer achieves the same lap time performance as the current Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Thanks to newly designed electric motors and battery cells – all equipped with innovative direct oil cooling – the Porsche Mission R concept study produces a constant power output of 500 kW / 680 PS* (horsepower) in race mode.
So-called de-rating, i.e. reduction of the battery‘s power output due to thermal conditions, has been eliminated. An electric motor with up to 320 kW / 435 PS* (horsepower) powers the front axle, while a maximum of 480 kW / 653 PS* (horsepower) is delivered to the rear.
Thanks to advanced 900-volt technology and Porsche Turbo Charging, a good 15-minute break from racing is all that is needed to charge the battery from 5 to 80 per cent SoC (state of charge). Charging can take place with up to 340 kW.
The Mission R also features a further development of Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) with Drag Reduction System (DRS) on the nose section and rear wing. It comprises three louvres in each of the two side air intakes on the nose section as well as an adjustable, two-section rear wing.
In addition to the innovative, battery-electric drive concept, the body of the concept car also focuses on CO2 reduction and sustainability: it is largely made of natural fibre reinforced plastic (NFRP), the basic material of which is made from flax fibres obtained from farming. This ecological material is also used for the front spoiler lip, the diffuser and the side skirts. NFRP is used extensively in the interior of the Mission R, such as the interior door panels, the rear bulkhead and the seat.
The interior design focuses on the driver in all areas. An ergonomically placed display between the controls on the steering wheel shows relevant data during the race. The monitor above the steering column shows the images from the side mirror cameras and the central rear-view mirror camera. A touch display to the right of the seat can be used to call up the driver’s biometric data, for instance. Numerous other cameras in the interior can be used to provide exciting sequences for a live stream transmission.
With the Mission R project, Porsche is bringing real and virtual racing closer together than ever before. The monocoque driver’s module in exactly the same form also doubles as an esports simulator. The safety structure made of carbon fibre composite material combines high protection potential for the driver with low weight and a distinctive look. Porsche engineers and designers have named the newly developed carbon roof structure the ‘exoskeleton’. It combines safety cage and roof skin.
At 4,326 millimetres in length, the Porsche Mission R is slightly shorter than the current 718 Cayman series, but it is noticeably wider at 1,990 millimetres and with an external height of 1,190 millimetres is also significantly lower.
In the course of the last few years, with the Mission E (2015) and Mission E Cross Turismo (2018) concept studies, Porsche has given unmistakeable previews of its first all-electric sports car model series to come. The Porsche Taycan sports saloon (2019) and the Taycan Cross Turismo cross-utility vehicle (2021) closely resemble the two concept studies in terms of appearance and technology, and have already been successfully launched on the world markets – mission accomplished in other words.
Now, with the Mission R, Porsche is presenting its vision of what customer motorsports will look like in the future. The show car celebrates its world premiere today at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich, Germany
For more Porsche information and content please visit: newsroom.porsche.com.au
IMAGE Gallery: https://www.carreracup.com.au/porsche-mission-r-all-electric-concept/
* 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’
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NewsHeinrich takes Porsche Supercup win, Evans still in contention for Championship
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 6, Race, Zandvoort
It was a weekend for the newcomers in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup: Rookie Laurin Heinrich won round six on the Circuit Zandvoort ahead of Leon Köhler. The two Germans compete for the Nebulus Racing by Huber, which celebrates its debut season in the international one-make cup with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Heinrich and Köhler even took up the 16-lap race on the Dutch Formula 1 circuit from the front grid row. At the flag, the 19-year-old from Würzburg and the 22-year-old from Kleinwallstadt in Franconia were a full four seconds ahead of the pursuing pack.
“Pole position and victory in the Supercup – what a perfect weekend. I was cautious with my tyres during the race and managed to pick up the pace a little whenever Leon got closer,” revealed Heinrich. “Laurin had the advantage in the fast corners, and I was better in the slower ones, so I never really got the chance to launch a serious attack. Still, I’m super happy with second place,” concluded Köhler. “As far as I’m concerned, both are winners today,” said team boss Christoph Huber in praise of the pair. “We’ve steadily improved since the beginning of the season and now we’ve been rewarded with a one-two result – I’m mega proud of my squad.”
Thanks to his maiden Supercup victory, Heinrich has moved up the leaderboard to rank third overall and has also extended his lead in the rookie standings. Nicolas Misslin (Pierre Martinet by Alméras) achieved a similar feat. The Monegasque won the ProAm category for the fourth time and has thus expanded his lead in this category.
Behind Heinrich and Köhler, the Dinamic Motorsport driver Simone Iaquinta celebrated his best Supercup result to date with third place. “I got off the line perfectly and was able to immediately overtake Ayhancan Güven. He then attacked over the entire 16 laps but I didn’t let him rattle me,” commented the defending champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy. Porsche Junior Güven paid his respects: “Simone made a strong move at the start – after that, I had no real chance to overtake. Still, I’m pleased to take home the points for fourth place,” emphasised the BWT Lechner Racing driver from Turkey.
Points’ leader Larry ten Voorde finished in fifth place. The favourite among the ten thousands of Dutch fans was very pleased with his performance. “I pulled off a super overtaking manoeuvre against Dylan Pereira – that was fantastic racing. Plus, I managed to extend my lead in the overall classification – what more could I want?” stated the reigning Supercup champion from the GP Elite squad.
Jaxon Evans (Martinet by Alméras), ten Voorde’s only remaining rival in the fight for the title, experienced a race to forget. “I lacked the speed over the entire race weekend. Now I have to turn my full attention to the finale in Monza,” concluded the New Zealander, who finished in tenth place. As he heads to the doubleheader finale in Italy, his gap to ten Voorde is 25 points.
Nevertheless, Evans could still claim the title: Fifty points are up for grabs at the season finale this coming weekend – the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup holds two races as support to the Italian Grand Prix in Monza (10 to 12 September 2021).
Race 6 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 16 laps, Zandvoort (NL)
1. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 26:25.621 minutes
2. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +0.470 seconds
3. Simone Iaquinta (I/Dinamic Motorsport), +4.656 seconds
4. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), +5.257 seconds
5. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), +6.158 seconds
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), +8.856 seconds
Overall classification Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 6 of 8 races*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 113 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 88 points
3. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 78 points
4. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 69 points
5. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 54 points
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 67 points
Full results and overall standings:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results
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NewsExperience the unveiling of a futuristic Porsche concept study live
Motorsports have always served as a catalyst for innovation at Porsche. For more than 70 years now, the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart has used this stage to showcase its pioneering spirit, its research and development, and its passion for state-of-the-art mobility. Even before the start of this year’s IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich (from 7 to 12 September), Porsche is offering a spectacular look at the future of motorsports with the unveiling of a futuristic concept study. This world premiere will start on Monday, 6 September, at 23:00 (AEST). Among those taking part in the presentation will be two-time overall Le Mans winner and current Porsche brand ambassador Timo Bernhard, in addition to the US actor Patrick Dempsey. The Hollywood star (e.g. “Grey’s Anatomy”) has himself already claimed numerous successes in race events at the wheel of a Porsche 911 RSR.
The event will be broadcast in German and English on the Porsche Media platforms newsroom.porsche.de and newstv.porsche.de from 23:00 on Monday. The social media channels LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/porsche-ag), Facebook (www.facebook.com/porsche) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/Porsche) and will be showing the event live with English commentary. For the first time, journalists and fans alike will now have the opportunity to get up close via Smart TV: the Porsche TV app is available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG TV and all appropriate Samsung devices.
Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.com. The Twitter channel @PorscheRaces provides live updates from Porsche Motorsport with the latest information and photos from racetracks around the world.
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NewsEvans still second in Championship following incident laden 300th Porsche Supercup race
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Round 5 review
The Porsche Supercup celebrated its 300th race since the championship began in 1993. The anniversary race of the international one-make cup turned out of be one of the most eventful: On the drenched Formula 1 circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Dylan Pereira survived multiple spins and slides of his colleagues as well as three safety car phases. Moreover, the Luxembourger vehemently fended off repeated attacks from his Turkish BWT Lechner Racing teammate Ayhancan Güven. Germany’s Laurin Heinrich (Nebulus Racing by Huber) rounded out the podium as the fastest rookie of the 32-strong field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
Just metres after the start, a decisive situation unfolded in the infamous Eau Rouge passage. “I got away well at the start and was able to immediately go for Larry,” reported Pereira. On the approach to Eau Rouge he pulled alongside polesetter Larry Ten Voorde from the GP Elite team. The two cars touched slightly – sending the Dutchman into a spin. “I was on a line offering less grip and that made me slide,” Ten Voorde later admitted. While the reigning champion rejoined the race action in 13th place, Pereira took the lead.
After another vehicle spun, the race director sent a safety car out onto the track as a precautionary measure. At the restart, Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven grabbed his chance to attack the leading Pereira. He, however, defended his positions at the front. While the two 911s proceeded to pull clear from the rest of the field, Güven was unable to make another serious attempt to overtake his teammate.
Behind them, the battle for positions continued at full force – not always without contact. One of the victims was Jaxon Evans (Martinet by Alméras). After taking up the race from the third grid spot, the New Zealander, who currently ranks second in the series, was nudged into a spin by a rival – thus foiling his chances to earn points and close the gap to the overall leader Larry ten Voorde.
Meanwhile, the main protagonists in the fight for third place were Austria‘s Christopher Zöchling (FACH AUTO TECH), the two Germans Laurin Heinrich and Leon Köhler (both Nebulus Racing by Huber) as well as Max van Splunteren (Team GP Elite) from the Netherlands. The battle among this quartet was briefly interrupted by a second safety car phase caused by more spins. When the race director deployed a safety car for the third time due to a vehicle stranded in a gravel trap, Heinrich was running in third behind Pereira and Güven. Because the race ended behind the safety car, this order stayed the same. “I started from tenth place and finished on third – something like this can only happen in a wet race,” said a delighted Heinrich.
Thanks to his first victory of this season, Dylan Pereira has moved up the points standings to third place behind Larry ten Voorde and Jaxon Evans. For this, the Luxembourger also received a laurel wreath in addition to the usual trophy, as did the rookie winner Laurin Heinrich and the Monegasque Nicolas Misslin (Lechner Racing Middle East) as the best-placed ProAm driver – a fitting homage to the long and successful history of the Porsche Supercup.
“The 300th race of the Porsche Supercup was certainly one of the most exciting, a worthy anniversary. Despite the cold weather, we witnessed spirited fights for positions. My congratulations particularly to the frontrunners who treated us to some gripping racing under extremely difficult conditions,” commented Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Next weekend, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be held as part of the Dutch Grand Prix support programme from 3 to 5 September 2021. This event marks a premiere in the 28-year history of the Supercup, with the one-make cup racing for the first time in Zandvoort.
Race 5 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 11 laps, Spa-Francorchamps (B)
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 32:30.673 minutes
2. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing); + 1.138 seconds
3. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), + 2.145 seconds
4. Christopher Zöchling (A/FACH AUTO TECH), + 3.475 seconds
5. Max van Splunteren (NL/Team GP Elite), +3.814 seconds
6. Marvin Klein (F/CLRT), + 5.139 seconds
Overall classification Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 5 of 8 races*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 100 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 81 points
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 57 points
4. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 54 points
5. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 53 points
6. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 49 points
* Full results and overall classifications:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results
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NewsPorsche finish on 24 Hours of Le Mans podium
Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans fifth in GTE-Am
Porsche has secured a podium spot in the fiercely contested GTE-Pro class at the 89th edition of the Le Mans 24-hour race. The works drivers Kévin Estre from France and Neel Jani from Switzerland as well as Denmark’s Michael Christensen achieved third place in the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR.
The No. 91 sister car driven by Gianmaria Bruni from Italy, Richard Lietz from Austria and Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki wrapped up round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in fourth place. The in-house fight between the two works cars for the final podium spot was decided about an hour before the flag dropped: After sliding in the last chicane, the rear of the No. 91 had to undergo repairs and a replacement of the brakes.
“Our team put in a flawless and spirited performance,” explains Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “Unfortunately, we lacked a bit of speed to be able to challenge the competition for class victory. The podium result for our No. 92 car is still a nice reward for the passionate work that our employees have done at the racetrack and back at our headquarters in Weissach. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement.”
The two ca. 515 PS nine-eleven from Weissach set a decent pace over long stretches of the French long-distance classic. However, due to bad luck during two safety car phases, a gap of around three minutes from the leader emerged in the first third of the race. It proved impossible to reduce this margin by performance alone over the remaining hours of the 24-hour endurance race. The background to this unfortunate occurrence for the Porsche GT Team is a distinctive feature in the running of the event in the French department of Sarthe.
Unlike other racing events, when an incident occurs at Le Mans, three safety cars are sent out onto the track at the same time. This is due to the sheer length of the circuit at 13.626 kilometres. As the result, the field is divided into three groups. If drivers are behind the same safety car as the leader, they can regain lost ground. Those who follow the second safety vehicle are immediately disadvantaged through no fault of their own, losing at least 90 seconds. This happened to the works team’s two Porsche 911 RSR twice.
“The race wasn’t only difficult, it was also disappointing for us. We had expected to fight for victory,” concludes Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “Despite our good and systematic preparation, we didn’t have the lap-time performance and the top speed we’d hoped for compared to the competition. We’ll now take some time to analyse everything once again with the FIA and ACO to see why we weren’t quite able to match the performance of our opposition in the race.”
While the two factory-run 911 RSR thrilled spectators with their internal duels for positions three and four, the two customer cars in the GTE-Pro class had already pulled into the pits early. The No. 79 entry from WeatherTech Racing was unable to rejoin the race after an accident involving the American Cooper MacNeil early on Sunday morning. HubAuto Racing’s vehicle, which had taken up the race from pole position, retired with a technical defect shortly after sunrise.
The No. 77 car fielded by Dempsey-Proton Racing with Porsche works driver Matt Campbell (Australia), team owner Christian Ried from Germany and New Zealander Jaxon Evans finished on fifth place as the best 911 RSR in the GTE-Am category. The No. 88 sister car, which had started from pole position in this class, achieved P13. The customer squads Absolut Racing and Herberth Motorsport concluded their Le Mans debut on positions seven and ten. Several other Porsche crews had to throw in the towel early. The two vehicles fielded by Project 1 and the No. 99 car of Proton Competition had to retire. GR Racing lost a lot of ground due to lengthy repairs after an accident and finished the race in 14th.
Race results
GTE-Pro class
1. Calado/Pier Guidi/Ledogar (GB/I/F), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 345 laps
2. Garcia/Taylor/Catsburg (E/USA/NL), Corvette Racing, Corvette C8.R #63, 345 laps
3. Estre/Jani/Christensen (F/CH/DK), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #92, 344 laps
4. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #91, 343 laps
5. Serra/Molina/Bird (BR/E/GB), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #52, 331 laps
6. Milner/Tandy/Sims (USA/GB/GB), Corvette Racing, Corvette C8.R #64, 313 laps
7. Martin/Parente/D. Vanthoor (B/P/B), HubAuto Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #72, 227 laps
8. MacNeil/Bamber/L. Vanthoor (USA/NZ/B), WeatherTech Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #79, 139 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Perrodo/Nielsen/Rovera (F/DK/I), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #83, 340 laps
2. Keating/Pereira/Fraga (USA/L/BR), TF Sport, Aston Martin Vantage #33, 339 laps
3. Cressoni/Mastronardi/Illot (I/I/GB), Iron Lynx, Ferrari 488 GTE #80, 338 laps
5. Ried/Campbell/Evans (D/AUS/NZ), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #77, 335 laps
7. Haryanto/Picariello/Seefried (RI/B/D), Absolute Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #18, 332 laps Runden
10. Renauer/Ineichen/Bohn (D/CH/D), Herberth Motorsport, Porsche 911 RSR #69, 330 laps
13. Andlauer/Bastien/Arnold (F/USA/D), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #88, 327 laps
14. Wainwright/Barker/Gamble (GB/GB/GB), GR Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #86, 322 laps
16. Olsen/Buchardt/Foley (N/N/USA), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #46, 138 laps
21. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #56, 84 laps
22. Inthraphuvasak/Latorre/Tincknell (T/F/GB), Proton Competition, Porsche 911 RSR #99, 66 laps
Full results and points standings: fiawec.alkamelsystems.com
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NewsPorsche to tackle Le Mans from pole position
Porsche customer teams tackle Le Mans from pole position in both GT classes
Porsche customer teams have scored the perfect result in the Hyperpole of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Dries Vanthoor turned a sensational lap in 3:46.882 minutes on Thursday evening and planted his Porsche 911 RSR fielded by HubAuto Racing on pole position in the hotly contested GTE-Pro class. The Belgian, who is the brother of the Porsche works driver Laurens Vanthoor, came out on top against strong opposition from all works teams in the cutthroat hunt for top times. In the GTE-Am category, 911 racing cars will take up the race on Saturday at 4:00 pm from the first three grid spots. At the wheel of Dempsey-Proton Racing’s No. 88 entry, Porsche Young Professional Julian Andlauer from France was over half a second faster than Benjamin Barker in the identical car of GR Racing and Matteo Cairoli in Project 1’s No. 56 vehicle.
The so-called Hyperpole is the final qualifying session to secure the best grid positions for the 89th edition of the Le Mans 24-hour race. The six fastest cars from the previous day’s qualifying were eligible to compete in both classes. In favourable weather conditions with cool temperatures at sunset, the two factory-run Porsche 911 RSR went out on to the 13.626-kilometre racetrack as soon as the session began. With a 23-strong field from four classes, they had to get the cleanest possible lap with little traffic. Hence, the start of the final qualifying session turned hectic. All drivers immediately went in pursuit of the top time – with the associated high risk.
Under these circumstances, Kévin Estre experienced bad luck in the No. 92 car of the Porsche works team. The Frenchman went all-out on his first flying lap but had to radio the pits at about the seven-kilometre mark: “I’ve had a crash. I’m okay but I can’t continue. I’m so sorry!” Estre had lost control of the ca. 515 PS nine-eleven at the entrance to the famous Indianapolis turn and hit the barriers with the rear of his car. The damages to the vehicle prevented him from continuing. The Hyperpole session was stopped for around ten minutes due to the accident.
When the session restarted, Gianmaria Bruni planted the No. 91 sister car on P5. The Italian struggled with persistent understeer and was unable to tap the full potential of his 911 RSR. Meanwhile, Dries Vanthoor turned heads at the wheel of HubAuto Racing’s customer car: At his first Le Mans drive in a Weissach racing car, the Belgian set the fastest lap time in the GTE-Pro class in 3:46.882 minutes. The rivals from Ferrari and Corvette had no answer to Vanthoor’s time. “Pole position for HubAuto Racing in the GTE-Pro, and a grid lockout with Dempsey-Proton, GR Racing and Project 1 occupying the first three spots in the GTE-Am category – what a fantastic result for our customer teams,” said a delighted Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. “We’re not satisfied with positions five and six for our works cars. Still, we’ll pull out all stops in the race. All in all, the results show very clearly that Porsche Motorsport’s customer squads always receive top-quality material which enables them to drive at the highest level!”
“The result of this qualifying feels like a double-edged sword for us. Congratulations to HubAuto Racing. They clinched pole position in the GTE-Pro class at their very first outing with the 911 RSR. And the car is new for Dries Vanthoor. A mega success,” states Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “For us as the works team, the qualifying didn’t go as well. Kévin made a mistake during his first hot lap. He slid into the barriers and unfortunately had to abandon the session. Gianmaria Bruni’s car didn’t achieve what we’d hoped for either with fifth place. We now have some work ahead of us and we’ll do our homework so that we can perform better on Saturday.”
For the strong Porsche customer teams in the GTE-Am class, everything ran like clockwork. Porsche Young Professional Julien Andlauer, who had already left a lasting impression in the qualifying and free practice sessions, gave his rivals no chance. With a lap time of 3:47.987 minutes, the Frenchman was in a league of his own in front of home crowds. Britain’s Benjamin Barker ranked second in GR Racing’s 911 RSR just 0.573 seconds behind, with Matteo Cairoli in third, 0.889 seconds off class pole in the Project 1 car.
The race broadcast via live-stream and on the Porsche Motorsport microsite
Via their paid apps, the World Endurance Championship WEC and the Le Mans organiser ACO offer a live stream and live timing.
Porsche Motorsport compiles detailed information on the Porsche 911 RSR, the team, the works drivers and the 2021 Le Mans 24-hour race on its website https://media.porsche.com/motorsport. This website provides the latest news and background stories, images and extensive video features for media multipliers.
Drivers’ comments after the Hyperpole
Dries Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #72): “This is only my second time at Le Mans and the team isn’t yet completely familiar with the car either. The practice sessions didn’t go so smoothly, but it looks like we’ve progressed in the right direction with the changes to my car. This is just the start of a long race weekend, but right now I’m very happy.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “That was a difficult qualifying. We’d modified the setup beforehand to further improve our Porsche. It worked, but it wasn’t possible to jump in the car and immediately implement the changes. It was really dark when I went out on my second set of tyres. I lacked a bit of confidence in these conditions because this is my first Le Mans lap at night – I took a break in yesterday’s second free practice.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “I’m very disappointed and mad with myself. The start of the lap wasn’t great, somehow I didn’t get a feel for the brakes and I wasn’t as fast as I wanted to be. I lacked the confidence that’s needed. I was a touch too fast in the Indianapolis area. I lost the car and hit the tyre wall backwards. It wasn’t a major crash, but the rear is badly damaged – it’s such a shame for our team.”
Julien Andlauer (Porsche 911 RSR #88): “It’s just incredible! The car was absolutely awesome – just like in the practice and qualifying sessions. We only had to refuel for the Hyperpole, fit fresh tyres and put our foot down. The team has done an incredible job over the past few days. A huge thank you for that. This is my first attempt at the Hyperpole – and I promptly set pole position. I couldn’t be happier. Now we have a long race ahead of us. But we’re definitely heading into the 24-hour competition feeling terrific.”
Benjamin Barker (Porsche 911 RSR #86): “The car was fantastic and my team did an excellent job. It’s a shame that the session was red-flagged at one stage. At that point, I was two-tenths of a second faster in sectors one and two of my first flying lap – I reckon that would’ve been a very good time. On my second attempt, I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks and was more cautious. In the final sector, I made a minor mistake and that cost me a bit of time. All in all a great result and a good starting position for the 24-hour race.”
Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “I actually wanted to do something nice for the team tonight, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for pole. I thought we’d be closer to the top. Luckily, the race is long and we still have plenty of time to improve. Congratulations to Julien Andlauer on his exceptional lap.”
Hyperpole results
GTE-Pro class
1. Martin/Parente/D. Vanthoor (B/P/B), HubAuto Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #72, 3:46.882 minutes
2. Serra/Molina/Bird (BR/E/GB), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #52, 3:47.063 minutes
3. Milner/Tandy/Sims (USA/GB/GB), Corvette Racing, Chevrolet Corvette C8.R #64, 3:47.093 minutes
4. Calado/Pier Guidi/Ledogar (GB/I/F), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 3:47.247 minutes
5. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #91, 3:47.696 minutes
6. Estre/Jani/Christensen (F/CH/DK), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #92, no lap time
GTE-Am class
1. Andlauer/Bastien/Arnold (F/USA/D), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #88, 3:47.987 minutes
2. Wainwright/Barker/Gamble (GB/GB/GB), GR Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #86, 3:38.560 minutes
3. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #56, 3:48.876 minutes
4. Lacorte/Sernagiotto/Fuoco (I/I/I), Cetilar Racing, Ferrari 488 GTE #47, 3:49.387 minutes
5. Iribe/Millroy/Barnicoat (USA/GB/GB), Inception Racing, Ferrari 488 GTE #71, 3:49.477 minutes
6. Keating/Pereira/Fraga (USA/L/BR), TF Sport, Aston Martin Vantage AMR #33, 3:49.676 minutes
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NewsSix Porsche 911 RSR qualify for the Hyperpole at Le Mans
Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans to start from 12th in GTE-Am
Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans to start from 12th in GTE-Am
In Hyperpole for the Le Mans 24-hour race, six Porsche 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am classes get the chance to fight for the top grid spots, while Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans will start from 12th in the GTE-Am class.
The works team with drivers Kévin Estre from France and Italy’s Gianmaria Bruni wrapped up the 60-minute qualifying session on Wednesday evening in positions three and six in the fiercely contested GTE-Pro category. The Belgian Dries Vanthoor also achieved a spot in the top six with the 911 fielded by the HubAuto Racing customer squad and thus gained entry into the shootout on Thursday evening (19 August, from 9:30 pm CEST). In the GTE-Am class, the identical vehicles campaigned by Dempsey-Proton Racing, GR Racing and Project 1 finished first, second and fifth.
“The goal was to make it into the Hyperpole with both cars – and we did it,” said a pleased Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “We were very efficient with the No. 92 car: Kévin needed only one attempt. He immediately planted the Porsche up the front and then simply had to wait and see. The sister car also made it into the top six. Moreover, I’m thrilled for our GTE-Pro customer team HubAuto Racing and the strong squads in the Am-class. Porsche occupies 50% of the Hyperpole spots in the GT classes with the 911 RSR. That’s fantastic!”
At the start of the one-hour qualifying session on the storied 13.626-kilometre circuit in France, Kévin Estre put in a dazzling performance in the No. 92 car. The local hero set a new lap record for GTE cars in 3:46.779 minutes on his very first flying lap. This time was then undercut again by two Ferraris. For the race, Estre shares the cockpit of the 911 RSR with his works driver colleague Neel Jani from Switzerland and Denmark’s Michael Christensen. The Italian Gianmaria Bruni also qualified the second factory-run 911 RSR for the Hyperpole. His co-drivers for the race this coming weekend are Richard Lietz from Austria and Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki.
The drivers of Porsche’s strong customer team contingent also turned heads. In the GTE-Pro class, Dries Vanthoor turned a blistering lap in the second half of the session and planted the No. 72 entry from HubAuto Racing on a sensational fifth place.
In the GTE-Am category, the Porsche Young Professional Julien Andlauer also shone: The Frenchman set a new record for the amateur class with Dempsey-Proton Racing’s No. 88 car in 3:48.620 minutes and landed on P1 with a lead of almost half a second. Britain’s Benjamin Barker secured second place in the identical 911 RSR fielded by GR Racing. At the very last moment, Italy’s Matteo Cairoli scored fifth with the No. 56 entry from Project 1.
The #77 Dempsey-Proton Racing Porsche 911 RSR of former Carrera Cup Australia champions, Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans, as well as German, Christian Ried qualified in 12th in GTE-Am, with a lap time of the 3:49.913 minutes.
The race on TV, via live-stream and on the Porsche Motorsport microsite
Via their paid apps, the World Endurance Championship WEC and the Le Mans organiser ACO offer a live stream and live timing.
Porsche Motorsport compiles detailed information on the Porsche 911 RSR, the team, the works drivers and the 2021 Le Mans 24-hour race on its website https://media.porsche.com/motorsport. This website provides the latest news and background stories, images and extensive video features for media multipliers.
Drivers’ comments after the qualifying
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We wanted to set the pace in the very first lap. That worked and was enough for P1 at that moment. We were sure that this time would give us entry into the Hyperpole so we stayed in the pits – and things turned out just as we’d thought. Third place with a gap of seven-tenths of a second to the fastest is okay for the qualifying session. The lap times are incredibly fast this year: Gimmi’s top time from three years ago was beaten by 1.5 seconds. But we’re where we want to be: in the Hyperpole. Tomorrow we’ll go for P1.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “That was a really intense qualifying. Both works cars made it into the Hyperpole. Now we have to see what we can do in the shootout. Our No. 91 car ran well today, but it’s not yet perfect. We’ll take another close look at the data and we hope to extract a little more performance for the Hyperpole.”
Dries Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #72): “We didn’t expect we’d make it into the Hyperpole but our team did a great setup job for the qualifying and it went really well. The fastest lap wasn’t the best lap of my life, but it was okay – and it was enough to get into the Hyperpole. That was our big goal. I’m really excited to see what we can do in tomorrow’s shootout.”
Julien Andlauer (Porsche 911 RSR #88): “We didn’t have enough time in the first practice session to find a perfect setup for our car. So in the session, we went out on used tyres to get a feel for it and to check out how it felt. What can I say? The car was simply fantastic! I veered off the track slightly on the first fresh set of tyres, so the first lap time was voided. On my second attempt, everything came together perfectly. The performance was good but we haven’t yet achieved everything. Tomorrow we’ll go max-attack in the Hyperpole!”
Benjamin Barker (Porsche 911 RSR #86): “Second place is great but I don’t attach a lot of importance on qualifying for a 24-hour race. In my view, it’s much more importance for the car to have excellent balance. That helps us in the race – especially when it really matters. Still, I’m pleased with today’s result of course. I think we can go even faster. Let’s see if we can do that in the Hyperpole.”
Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “That was the toughest qualifying in my life so far! The pressure intensifies as the session progresses. On my flying lap, I kept running into slower traffic just before the finish line. I never got a really free run. I just scraped into the top six shortly before the end of the session. I’m really pleased about that. Tomorrow is another day and we’ll do our very best again.”
Qualifying result
GTE-Pro class
1. Serra/Molina/Bird (BR/E/GB), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #52, 3:46.011 minutes
2. Calado/Pier Guidi/Ledogar (GB/I/F), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 3:46.581 minutes
3. Estre/Jani/Christensen (F/CH/DK), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #92, 3:46.779 minutes
5. Martin/Parente/D. Vanthoor (B/P/B), HubAuto Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #72, 3:47.599 minutes
6. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #91, 3:47.624 minutes
7. MacNeil/Bamber/L. Vanthoor (USA/NZ/B), WeatherTech Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #79, 3:47.682 minutes
GTE-Am class
1. Andlauer/Bastien/Arnold (F/USA/D), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #88, 3:48.620 minutes
2. Wainwright/Barker/Gamble (GB/GB/GB), GR Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #86, 3:49.100 minutes
3. Lacorte/Sernagiotto/Fuoco (I/I/I), Cetilar Racing, Ferrari 488 GTE #47, 3:49.102 minutes
5. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #56, 3:49.608 minutes
9. Inthraphuvasak/Latorre/Tincknell (T/F/GB), Proton Competition, Porsche 911 RSR #99, 3:49,788 minutes
12. Ried/Campbell/Evans (D/AUS/NZ), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #77; 3:49.913 minutes
13. Haryanto/Picariello/Seefried (RI/B/D), Absolute Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #18, 3:50.016 minutes
20. Olsen/Buchardt/Foley (N/N/USA), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #46, 3:51.411 minutes
23. Renauer/Ineichen/Bohn (D/CH/D), Herberth Motorsport, Porsche 911 RSR #69, 3:52.960 minutes
Full results and points standings: fiawec.alkamelsystems.com
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NewsCampbell and Evans ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Twelve Porsche 911 RSR tackle the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The Porsche works team has set a high benchmark for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fielding two Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche hopes to lay the foundation for yet another title win in France. So far in this season’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the factory squad has secured two class wins from three races. The legendary Circuit des 24 Heures hosts round four on 21/22 August. Porsche again relies on a three-driver crew in each of its cars at the Sarthe. A total of twelve 911 RSR will tackle the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am classes at the 89th edition of the world’s fastest endurance race. The event starts this coming Sunday (15 August) with the so-called pre-test on the 13.626-kilometre-long combination of the circuit and public roads. With 19 overall victories and 108 class wins to its credit, Porsche is by far the most successful manufacturer at the 24-hour race in France.
“We contested Le Mans for the first time last year with the Porsche 911 RSR-19 and we struggled a bit against the fierce competition in the GTE-Pro class,” recalls Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. “I’m positive we’ll be significantly more competitive this year. We’ve gathered a huge amount of data and experience with our works team and our customer squads, who get the chance this year to field the latest version of the nine-eleven in the WEC. These insights help us find the perfect setup. We also performed strongly on the high-speed track at Monza. Our success there gave us an extra boost for Le Mans.”
The race
The event on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit des 24 Heures at Le Mans is extremely popular with motor racing fans and is the highlight on the FIA World Endurance Championship calendar. The storied circuit south of the city with its 150,000 inhabitants consists mainly of public roads. Normally, hundreds of trucks and cars drive over the legendary Mulsanne straight every day on their way from Le Mans to Tours. Treacherous ruts present special challenges, especially in the rain. Contrary to the original plan, which included a mid-June date for the long-distance classic, the 89th running of the Le Mans 24-hour race will be contested in August this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike last year, up to 50,000 fans can watch the action live from the racetrack on 21/22 August. This marks the second time that the latest generation ca. 515 PS Porsche 911 RSR tackles the world’s greatest endurance race.
“I’m convinced that we’ll be much more competitive this year,” says Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “In the meantime, we’ve gathered considerably more experience with the car, and the successes at Spa and Monza have been hugely encouraging. There’s no better incentive for us than a win on the high-speed circuit in Italy. What’s important at the 24-hour race is to maintain contact with the leading pack at all times so that we’re in a position at the end to fight for victory. This means that we have to attack right from the start. I think this a promising recipe for success.”
Due to the length of the Le Mans 24-hour race, double the usual points are awarded compared to a conventional six-hour WEC race. As such, the race has often proven to be decisive in terms of the WEC manufacturer and driver standings.
Porsche GT Team drivers
The regular WEC drivers Gianmaria Bruni from Italy and Richard Lietz from Austria join forces with Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki in the cockpit of the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR. The Frenchman, who contested this year’s eight-hour race in Portugal, brings a wealth of experience with him. Makowiecki has contested the Le Mans classic a total of ten times – for the last four years sharing driving duties in the factory-run vehicle with Bruni and Lietz. In the No. 92 sister car, Frenchman Kévin Estre and Neel Jani from Switzerland receive reinforcement from Michael Christensen. The trio used the WEC race in Portimão in June to get in sync with each other. Estre and Jani currently lead the drivers’ championship after scoring two class wins from three races. In the manufacturers’ classification, Porsche ranks second just seven points behind the leader.
The customer teams
Two customer teams tackle the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Porsche 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro class – a category that is usually the domain of factory teams. WeatherTech Racing puts its trust in Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium, Earl Bamber from New Zealand and the American amateur driver Cooper MacNeil. Sharing the cockpit of the identical vehicle campaigned by HubAuto Racing from Taiwan are Maxime Martin from Belgium, Alvaro Parente from Portugal and Dries Vanthoor. The Belgian is the younger brother of Porsche works driver Laurens Vanthoor.
A total of eight of the latest generation Porsche 911 RSR contest the GTE-Am category, with the #77 Dempsey-Proton Racing entry headlined by former Carrera Cup Australia Champions Matt Campbell (2016) and Jaxon Evans (2018) together with German, Christian Ried.
An overview of the teams and drivers
GTE-Pro class
Porsche GT Team #91 – R. Lietz (A) / G. Bruni (I) / F. Makowiecki (F)
Porsche GT Team #92 – K. Estre (F) / N. Jani (CH) / M. Christensen (DK)
HubAuto Racing #72 – M. Martin (B) / A. Parente (P) / D. Vanthoor (B)
WeatherTech Racing #79 – C. MacNeil (USA) / E. Bamber (NZ) / L. Vanthoor (B)
GTE-Am class
Absolute Racing #18 – A. Haryanto (RI) / A. Picariello (B) / M. Seefried (D)
Team Project 1 #46 – D. Olsen (N) / A. Buchardt (N) / R. Foley (USA)
Team Project 1 #56 – E. Perfetti (N) / M. Cairoli (I) / R. Pera (I)
Herberth Motorsport #69 – R. Renauer (D) / R. Ineichen (CH) / R. Bohn (D)
Dempsey-Proton Racing #77 – C. Ried (D) / M. Campbell (AUS) / J. Evans (NZ)
GR Racing #86 – M. Wainwright (GB) / B. Barker (GB) / T. Gamble (GB)
Dempsey-Proton Racing #88 – J. Andlauer (F) / D. Bastien (USA) / L. D. Arnold (D)
Proton Competition #99 – V. Inthraphuvasak (T) / F. Latorre (F) / H. Tincknell (GB)
Porsche’s outright victories at Le Mans
1970 – Herrmann (D) / Attwood (GB) – Porsche 917 KH
1971 – Marko (A) / Van Lennep (NL) – Porsche 917 KH
1976 – Ickx (B) / Van Lennep (NL) – Porsche 936
1977 – Ickx (B) / Haywood (USA) / Barth (D) – Porsche 936/77
1979 – Ludwig (D) / Whittington (USA) / Whittington (USA) – Porsche 935 K3
1981 – Ickx (B) / Bell (GB) – Porsche 936
1982 – Ickx (B) / Bell (GB) – Porsche 956
1983 – Schuppan (AUS) / Haywood (USA) / Holbert (USA) – Porsche 956
1984 – Pescarolo (F) / Ludwig (D) – Porsche 956
1985 – Barilla (I) / Ludwig (D) / Krages (D) – Porsche 956
1986 – Bell (GB) / Stuck (D) / Holbert (USA) – Porsche 962C
1987 – Bell (GB) / Stuck (D) / Holbert (USA) – Porsche 962C
1994 – Dalmas (F) / Haywood (USA) / Baldi (I) – Dauer Porsche 962 LM
1996 – Wurz (A) / Reuter (D) / Jones (USA) – TWR Porsche WSC-95
1997 – Kristensen (DK) / Alboreto (I) / Johansson (S) – TWR Porsche WSC-95
1998 – Aiello (F) / McNish (GB) / Ortelli (F) – Porsche 911 GT1
2015 – Bamber (NZ) / Tandy (GB) / Hülkenberg (D) – Porsche 919 Hybrid
2016 – Jani (CH) / Lieb (D) / Dumas (F) – Porsche 919 Hybrid
2017 – Bernhard (D) / Hartley (NZ) / Bamber (NZ) – Porsche 919 Hybrid
The schedule (all times CEST)
Saturday, 21 August
11:30 to 11:45 am – Warmup
4:00 pm – Start 89th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Sunday, 22 August
4:00 pm – Finish 89th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Follow the race via livestream and on the Porsche Motorsport microsite
Via their paid apps, the World Endurance Championship WEC and the Le Mans organiser ACO offer a live stream and live timing.
On its website https://media.porsche.com/motorsport, Porsche Motorsport provides detailed information on the Porsche 911 RSR, the team and the works drivers, as well as the 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours. There, media multipliers will also find the latest updates and news, background stories, image galleries and numerous video features.
Drivers’ comments before the race
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “Really looking forward to Le Mans again, it seems pretty crazy that this is already my fourth Le Mans and the fourth with Proton Competition, but it’s the first with Jaxon, which is very cool doing Le Mans with one of your best mates. It’ll be his first time so obviously I will be trying to help him where I can. We have a very strong package but will have to wait and see how it all plays out in the race. It’s a new car this year, so also a new challenge to prepare for the race as we don’t know what to expect but really looking forward to the challenge.”
Jaxon Evans (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “This a dream come true for me, something a lot of drivers, specifically sports car drivers dream of participating in, so to be on the entry list in the Porsche 911 RSR is definitely a dream come true for me. Something we’ve been working toward from day one of my racing career, so really looking forward to the opportunity. To be doing it with a team like Dempsey-Proton Racing is pretty special, not to mention teaming-up with two previous winners in Christian Reid and Matt Campbell, my house mate, best mate and Porsche factory driver is pretty special. It’s a great line-up and I think we have a great shot if all things go our way. But I’m just really happy to be here and making the most of the experience, we had the test day on Sunday which were my first laps here in the RSR and I was lucky enough to race the Cup Car here, so it isn’t completely new to me, but obviously the RSR is a very different machine and it’s a very different environment in the way the teams work. Overall just really excited to be here and proud and thankful to everyone around me who has helped me to get to this stage, so hoping to do them proud when we’re on track.”
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NewsThe history of Porsche Carrera Cup in Australia
A look back at Australia’s most competitive one-make series from 2003 to 2020
As an integral part of Porsches motorsport history in Australia, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is approaching its 20th anniversary season. Since 2003 it redefined what was possible for a one-make championship in Australia. It continued the careers of legends, created new ones and stands as one of the nation’s most competitive, prestigious and must-win racing categories.
Carrera Cup Australia came into being in 2003, led by a consortium that included racer/businessman Tony Quinn, former Touring Car team manager and owner Jamie Blaikie and then-Porsche Cars Australia CEO, Michael Winkler.
The category launched in style, nearly 30 of the now iconic Type 996 GT3 Cup Cars arriving in Australia to be driven by the likes of Peter Fitzgerald, Marcus Marshal, Tim Leahey, Andrew Miedecke and, of course, Jim Richards.
Already legendary in Porsche circles, the seven-time Bathurst 1000 champion entered Carrera Cup off the back of multiple title wins in GT Racing and his form would continue into the one-make championship; Richards winning six of the eight rounds to dominate the championship.
2003-2008
Fresh from two seasons chasing the international dream in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Alex Davison won season two, edging out Richards and a young Fabian Coulthard in an arm-wrestle for the title over the nine rounds.
Coulthard’s rise to prominence mirrored Carrera Cup’s growing stature as a high-profile, high-competition place for young drivers to make their mark as they searched for a professional career in the sport. The young Kiwi proved that fact by edging out Richards, who was second again, to the 2005 crown.
That year saw names like Jonathan Webb, Luke Youlden, David Reynolds, Ian Dyk and other rising stars come to the fore, but for one exception, those young stars would hardly get a look in at championship success as the next season brought to the grid a name that would define Carrera Cup for much of the next decade.
Craig Baird had been something of a journeyman to that point in his life, though a phenomenally successful one, with stints in Supercars, the British Touring Car Championship, Super Touring and a title victory in New Zealand’s Porsche GT3 Cup Championship.
His arrival to the Australian scene changed the game: He won his first three straight rounds as a full time Carrera Cup driver and though competition between he, Alex Davison and David Reynolds intensified as the season progressed, they would not catch the Kiwi as he won his first title.
That triumvirate would go at it again the following year, only this time it was Reynolds who narrowly came out on top; the young Victorian a surefire graduate to the world of Supercars racing off the back of his successful campaign.
Dramatic events prior to the start of the 2008 championship saw the then-category management collapse moments before the start of the season, a last-minute deal seeing TV celebrity and motorsport fan Glenn Ridge’s company take over at the eleventh hour.
Through it all came Baird, who claimed his second crown in three seasons and became the first to win multiple Carrera Cup titles. He would have to wait for his third, however, as a late call prior to the 2009 season saw the championship put on hold to be refreshed and rebooted for a future return.
That came in 2011 with the introduction of the Gen II 997 GT3 Cup Car. Now administered in-house, the championship looked different and had plenty of different names throughout the field – but the same one out in front.
Baird didn’t have it easy on the way to title number three, however: a season-long battle between he and fellow Kiwi’s Johnny Reid and Daniel Gaunt saw all three potential contenders heading into the Sydney finale’.
Though some would come close, this would be the Craig Baird era. He again beat Reid to claim the 2012 crown and then did the same to an up-and-coming young star by the name of Nick Percat to win in 2013, his fifth and ultimately final title.
Percat’s appearance in Carrera Cup came at an awkward time for the South Australian, already a Bathurst winner but without a Supercars seat for the 2013 season. His competitive, combative run to runner-up in Carrera Cup reinforced his credentials, however, and did the same for his career.
2013-2014
Though still a factor, the Baird era ended in 2014 as Steven Richards held out Warren Luff to claim his first Porsche Championship, 10 years after his father had won the first one contested. It wasn’t as dramatic as the 2015 season though, Richards’ looking set to defend his crown when he won five of the first six races. At the other end of the table, open-wheel graduate Nick Foster was struggling, non-finishes in his first four races and minor scores in the next pair seeing him languishing outside the top 10.
Things turned at round three, however, as Foster and his Sonic team went on a tear: He won eight of the next 10 races, was in the top three in 14 of the last 15 and romped home to the title in remarkable style in what remains the biggest comeback in Carrera Cup history.
2016-2017
2015 was also notable for the young Queenslander who, as if like flicking a switch, came alive mid-season and dominated. Matt Campbell’s rush to third in the championship came thanks to wins in the last four-straight races. It would set the tone for the 2016 season where he won 14 times, claimed the title and booked himself a ticket to the Porsche Shootout in Europe.. which he won. The rest, as they say, his history.
A 20-point margin was all that split David Wall and Andre Heimgartner at the end of the 2017 championship as the Sydneysider finally claimed his long-awaited maiden title.
Jaxon Evans, a Matt Campbell contemporary, won the 2018 championship and mirrored his friend’s pathway: Win the title, book passage to Europe, win the shootout and progress to Supercup. He did all of that successfully, and more since.
2018-2020
Racing with the same livery, team and number as Nick Foster, Jordan Love’s remarkable pathway to his 2019 title came with similar hardship as his teammate: a mid-season accident saw him break his wrist. He sat out two races, but strung home six-straight wins across the final three rounds and survived a dramatic Gold Coast finale’ to beat teammate Dale Wood to the title by just 18 points. David Wall was third, 30 from the lead in the categories closest ever season.
While the 2020 season was curtailed following the Coronavirus pandemic, Carrera Cup’s place in the Australian motorsport landscape is assured. It is as much a home for legendary figures as it is for young, would-be heroes. It is a place for the amateur racers doing it for fun, those keeping sharp for Bathurst co-drives and everything in between.
Most of all, it is fiercely competitive, high profile, challenging, outstanding racing of the highest level; a running theme for Australia’s top one-make championship as much now as it was when it began with a Jim Richards’ win way back in 2003.
Image gallery
Video: @PorscheMotorsportAU
Past Champions: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia:
PRO CHAMPIONS
2003 Jim Richards Jim Richards Racing
2004 Alex Davison Greg Murphy Racing
2005 Fabian Coulthard Greg Murphy Racing
2006 Craig Baird VIP Petfoods Racing
2007 David Reynolds Sonic Motor Racing
2008 Craig Baird Fitzgerald Racing Services
2011 Craig Baird Alliance Group Racing
2012 Craig Baird Alliance Group Racing
2013 Craig Baird Alliance Group Racing
2014 Steve Richards Steve Richards Motorsport
2015 Nick Foster Sonic Motor Racing
2016 Matt Campbell McElrea Racing
2017 David Wall Wall Racing
2018 Jaxon Evans McElrea Racing
2019 Jordan Love Sonic Motor Racing
2020 No Champion recorded due to COVID-19 Pandemic
PRO-AM CHAMPIONS
2004 Dean Grant 2013 Max Twigg
2005 Dean Grant 2014 Stephen Grove
2006 Rodney Jane 2015 Shane Smollen
2007 Rodney Jane 2016 Tony Bates
2008 James Koundouris 2017 Stephen Grove
2011 Max Twigg 2018 Stephen Grove
2012 Max Twigg 2019 Liam Talbot
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NewsPorsche implements drop a round rules for 2021 Carrera Cup Australia season
State travel restrictions see introduction of drop a round rule for Mobil Pro class
Due to the COVID-19 related travel restrictions that were in place during Round 3 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has invoked the drop a round rule for the Mobil Pro Class. As usual, competitors in the Morris Finance Pro-Am Class of the series continue to have access to drop a round rule for the 2021 season.
All results posted on the Porsche Carrera Cup website (carrreracup.com.au) from this point forward will reflect the Championship Points Standings based on each Competitor’s worst round being dropped.
For the latest Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Standings visit www.carreracup.com.au/standings/
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NewsMatt Campbell victorious for Porsche in Round 8 at Road America
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Round 8
Porsche has dominated the GT classes with its customer teams at round eight of the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The outcome after the 160-minute race: First place with the 911 RSR in the GTLM category and a class win plus third in the GTD class with the 911 GT3 R. The race on the 6.515-kilometre Road America circuit in the US state of Wisconsin turned into a competition of efficiency: The 911 RSR fielded by WeatherTech Racing with Cooper MacNeil (USA) and the Australian works driver Matt Campbell as well as Pfaff Motorsports’ 911 GT3 R called on a bold two-stop strategy. In both cases, it led to success.
As the start driver, MacNeil managed to maintain contact with the two Corvette GTLM-class rivals. After a little over half an hour, he pitted to refuel under yellow and handed the ca. 515 PS 911 RSR off to Campbell. The 26-year-old continued to set fast lap times while keeping an eye on the fuel consumption of his Porsche. When one Corvette had to make an additional pit stop and the other was handed a drive-through penalty, Campbell snatched the lead and defended it to the chequered flag. This was his fourth IMSA victory – two at Road America and two this current season.
A similar scenario played out in the GTD class for the Porsche driven by the Canadian Zacharie Robichon and the Belgian works driver Laurens Vanthoor: The 500+PS Porsche 911 GT3 R campaigned by Pfaff Motorsports came in for its first refuelling stop shortly before the first caution phase. When the race went green again, Robichon made a dash to first place. With 57 minutes to go, the car pitted for its second refuelling stop and Vanthoor took the wheel. The Belgian saw the flag almost twelve seconds ahead of his closest pursuer. Third in the GTD class went to Wright Motorsports’ Porsche crewed by works driver Patrick Long and his American compatriot Trent Hindman. Britain’s Katherine Legge and Rob Ferriol (USA) finished eighth in the GTD class with the 911 GT3 R run by the Hardpoint EBM squad.
Comments after the race
Cooper MacNeil (Porsche 911 RSR, WeatherTech Racing #79): “This is a great victory for the team and it’s wonderful to win on our home track. The Proton Competition WeatherTech Racing Team did a great job over the race weekend in difficult weather conditions and made no mistakes. This gives us some strong momentum going into Le Mans next week and we want to continue this winning streak with Porsche at the 24-hour race. We have the chance to do this if we can stay out of trouble and are in the right place at the end – just like we were today.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR, WeatherTech Racing #79): “The race came down to the strategy and the fuel-saving between us and the Corvettes. In the end, the Proton guys made the right decision to stop when we did for fuel. At the time we thought maybe it was the wrong call. But obviously, it all worked out in the end.”
Zacharie Robichon (Porsche 911 GT3 R, Pfaff Motorsports #9): “All in all a fantastic race for our team. It started with a perfect strategy call to pit before the yellow, and then I got a good restart and was able to control the race from the front. A few brave passes were necessary but I knew the first two laps after the restart were going to be the key to the race. After this, it was all about saving fuel and getting the car in a good position for Laurens.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R, Pfaff Motorsports #9): “After my mishap at the 24 Hours of Spa, it was wonderful to be able to even sit in the car at Road America. The weekend went perfectly. First place in the second part of the qualifying and victory in the race earned us maximum points – that’s good for the championship. We’d be happy to continue like this. I hope we win the title.”
Patrick Long (Porsche 911 GT3 R, Wright Motorsports #16): “I’m happy to get back onto the podium after a few rough races. It was a classic endurance race where track position, strategy and a flat-out last stint were required and it was a lot of fun. I’m proud to get the Wright colours back onto the podium and try and build on this momentum as we head to Laguna Seca on the west coast.”
Trent Hindman (Porsche 911 GT3 R, Wright Motorsports #16): “Patrick Long and the Wright Motorsports team did a really good job. As always, we had the speed and we finally had fortune in our favour this time. Big thanks to everyone for their hard work!”
Result GTLM class
1. MacNeil/Campbell (USA/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR #79, 73 laps
2. Garcia/Taylor (E/USA), Chevrolet Corvette #3, 73 laps
3. Tandy/Milner (GB/USA), Chevrolet Corvette #4, 72 laps
Result GTD class
1. Robichon/Vanthoor (CDN/B), Porsche 911 GT3 R #9, 69 laps
2. Auberlen/Foley (USA/USA), BMW M6 GT3 #96, 69 laps
3. Long/Hindman (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #16, 69 laps
8. Ferriol/Legge (USA/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 R #88, 68 laps
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NewsPCA announces updated 2021 Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Travel restrictions see Phillip Island added to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Due to ongoing travel restrictions in several states, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has revised the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar in-line with the latest changes to the Repco Supercars calendar and the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.
The new calendar sees a delay of seven weeks due to the current outbreaks before the series is scheduled to restart again on the 01-03 October. Round 5 is scheduled for Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport, from October 22-24, while the Bathurst 1000 moves to a 04-07 November time slot.
Carrera Cup Australia teams return to New South Wales (restrictions permitting) for the penultimate round at Sydney Motorsport Park on the 19-21 November before heading north to the Gold Coast in Queensland for the final round.
PCA has also been forced to postpone the 2021 Porsche Michelin Junior Training Workshop until February 2022. PCA will also announce a revised 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar in the coming weeks.
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NewsDutton EMA Motorsport to campaign a Porsche 911 GT3 R Gen II with Cam Waters
Dutton EMA Motorsport enters the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS series
Dutton EMA Motorsport announce today that they will be entering the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS competition with a Porsche 911 GT3 R Gen II vehicle, headlined by the arrival of Cam Waters as their Pro Driver.
Delays beyond the Team’s control meant that Dutton EMA Motorsport took delivery of the car after the 2021 Fanatec GTWC Australia competition had commenced. With a solid test program planned, the team aim to hit the ground running at the final Motorsport Australia GT Championship event at Sandown in September before embarking on an assault for the 2021 Motorsport Australia Endurance Champion Pro / Am Championship.
Imperative to their campaign has been the signing of Cam Waters, one of Australia’s leading drivers and no stranger to GT3 machinery having competed at the Bathurst 12 Hour event in 2018.
According to Mathew Nilsson, Team Manager for Dutton EMA Motorsport, excitement is starting to build after months of planning and hard work. “Our Porsche 911 GT3 R programme has been progressing for quite some time now, with a lot of effort behind the scenes. Signing a Pro driver of the calibre and professionalism of Cam has been an important achievement, we welcome him to our Team and look forward to working with him.”
The opportunity for Waters to join Dutton EMA Motorsport was one that couldn’t be missed. “I have been keen to do more GT racing since 2018,” said Waters. “Diversifying into different categories creates new disciplines and challenges, and I can’t wait for my chance to drive the Porsche product and battle for race wins.”
Joining Waters in the car at the Sandown event as the Amateur Driver will be Ben Stack, Dutton EMA Motorsport’s lead driver for their Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship entry. “Ben has been a big contributor to the establishment of Dutton EMA Motorsport”, said Nilsson. “We are pleased to provide him with the opportunity to gain further experience in the Porsche 911 GT3 R working closely with Cam during testing and contesting the Sandown event.”
Round #4 of the Motorsport Australia GT Championship will be held at Sandown on 17th – 19th September, 2021.
For more Porsche Motorsport Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsEvans promoted to second in Porsche Mobil1 Supercup post-race
Evans keeps his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup title hopes alive with another podium performance.
The winner of round four of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup was announced not before long after the race had finished. Although the French guest driver Marvin Klein had crossed the finish line first on the Hungaroring, a subsequent technical scrutineering showed that the amount of fuel in the tank of the CLRT team’s 911 GT3 Cup was below the mandatory remainder of two kilograms. As a result, the Stewards of the Meeting disqualified Klein from the race. Thus, victory went to the runner-up, in this case, the current leader of the standings Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite) from the Netherlands.
Had the field not completed four laps behind the safety car at a relatively slow speed, Klein may not have made it over the finish line anyway – a situation that speaks against deliberately putting too little fuel into Latorre’s car. “We have no explanation,” said Benjamin Floch, engineer at CLRT. “According to our calculations, we refuelled our two cars identically. And after the race finished, we pumped eight kilos of petrol out of Florian Latorre’s car.”
Larry ten Voorde was not particularly satisfied about his inherited win. “Marvin was clearly the best today, a few kilograms of fuel in the tank would not have made any difference,” he said, paying tribute to the guest driver. With this result, the defending Supercup champion extends his championship lead by 17 points over New Zealander Jaxon Evans (Martinet by Alméras), who took the flag in second place. Third place went to the Frenchman Florian Latorre in the second 911 fielded by CLRT.
Due to a collision, the safety car came out for a few minutes after the first lap so that the marshals could salvage a damaged vehicle. At this point, Larry ten Voorde had already charged from fourth to second place and had settled in behind Marvin Klein. “I took advantage of the fact that Jaxon Evans and Florian Latorre were locked in a battle through the first two corners. This gave me the chance to overtake,” reported the Dutchman.
After taking up the race from second on the grid, Evans was somewhat disgruntled. “Actually, I wanted to reduce my gap to Larry in the overall standings. Unfortunately, that didn’t work,” stated the New Zealander, who currently ranks second overall. Nevertheless, Evans managed to fend off repeated attacks from Latorre over the entire race distance. Ayhancan Güven (BWT Lechner Racing) followed the Frenchman over the line. “After a less than ideal qualifying, I couldn’t really expect much more,” admitted the Porsche Junior from Turkey, who took up the race from the fifth grid spot.
Behind Güven, the two Germans Laurin Heinrich and Leon Köhler took the chequered flag. Both compete for the Nebulus Racing by Huber team. With this result, Heinrich won the rookie classification for the second time in a row. Nicolas Misslin (Lechner Racing Middle East) from Monaco also secured his second straight victory in the ProAm category.
“Gripping races and close qualifying results in the region of thousandths of a second – once again, the Supercup offers plenty of action and variety in the 2021 season. It’s great that spectators are back at the tracks to cheer the drivers on,” said Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, giving a mid-season review.
Next up on the Supercup calendar is one of the fastest races of the season: on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps from 27 to 29 August 2021.
Race 4 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 15 laps, Budapest (H)*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras)
3. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT)
4. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing)
5. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber)
6. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber)
Overall classification Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 4 of 8 races*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 95 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 75 points
3. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 46 points
4. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), 41 points
5. Dorian Boccolacci (F/Martinet by Alméras), 38 points
6. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 36 points
* Full results and overall classifications:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results
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NewsCampbell among 12-strong Porsche line-up to tackle the Spa 24 Hours
Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour Preview
With ten customer teams, twelve 911 GT3 R and a total of 40 racing drivers, seven of which are works drivers, Porsche is represented by an impressive line-up at the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race. Hardly any other manufacturer will have more racing cars on the grid of the endurance classic this coming weekend. The legendary event on the 7.004-kilometre “Ardennes rollercoaster” is considered one of the most important GT3 events in the world and counts towards two of this season’s championships: the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup and the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC). Porsche is aiming for a hat trick on the Belgian Grand Prix circuit. In 2019, works drivers Michael Christensen (Denmark), Kévin Estre (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) claimed outright victory in the 911 GT3 R fielded by GPX Racing. Last year, another factory driver trio, Nick Tandy (Great Britain), Earl Bamber (New Zealand) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), won the highlight of the GT3 season, that time with the Rowe Racing squad.
The race
It is a century-old motor racing tradition. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has been one of the greatest challenges for drivers from all around the world since 1921. As early as 1924 – just three years after the opening – the first 24-hour race was held in the eastern-most corner of Belgium not far from the German border. At that time, the racetrack measured 14.863 kilometres and ran between the towns of Malmedy, Francorchamps and Stavelot. In 1979, a shorter version was introduced. At 7.004 kilometres and with 21 corners, the storied Grand Prix circuit is still the longest on the Formula 1 calendar. Thanks to the spectacularly steep section Raidillon/Eau Rouge and the downhill passage with the infamous Blanchimont lefthander, the circuit continues to live up to its reputation as the ‘Ardennes rollercoaster’. The tight La Source hairpin at the end of the start-finish straight is one of the slowest corners of the GT3 season.
In the long and illustrious history of this endurance classic, Porsche has so far notched up eight overall victories, the last two in succession. For the Spa-Francorchamps event, drivers and vehicles can earn points towards the IGTC and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup after 6, 12 and 24 hours. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only a limited number of spectators are allowed to attend the 24-hour race.
An overview of the Porsche teams and drivers
The twelve 911 GT3 R fielded by the Porsche customer teams will tackle the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race in four different class groups. Seven 911 racing cars – each helmed by three drivers – will fight for overall victory in the 25-strong Pro division. Dinamic Motorsport and KCMG each campaign two of the 500+PS Weissach-developed rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The 2019 Spa winner GPX Racing fields one car. For the first time, Rutronik Racing runs a 911 GT3 R with another Porsche entered by Schnabl Engineering. The team known from the Nürburgring-Nordschleife decided at short notice to contest its debut race at the endurance classic. The vehicles fielded by GPX and Schnabl Engineering, the No. 47 car from KCMG and Dinamic No. 54 entry as well as the Porsche of Huber Motorsport and Herberth Motorsport from the Am and Pro-Am classes can also earn points for the manufacturer’s classification of the IGTC.
In the Silver Cup, Allied Racing flies the flag for the sports car manufacturer. In this class, four drivers are permitted per racing car and their FIA status must be no more than ‘Silver’. Simply put, this class is reserved for semi-professionals. With 17 entries expected, this class is the second largest in the starting field.
Fourteen vehicles contest the Pro-Am class. Aside from Herberth Motorsport, ano-ther newcomer campaigns a 911 GT3 R in the long-distance classic: the EBM Giga Racing belongs to Will Bamber and his brother Earl, who claimed overall victory twice at Le Mans in the 919 Hybrid as a Porsche works driver. To be eligible to contest the Pro-Am category, at least two drivers must have “Bronze” status, share the wheel for at least eight hours and spend at least 60 minutes in the cockpit per race quarter.
In the Am Cup reserved exclusively for privateers, Porsche is represented by Huber Motorsport and Hägeli by T2 Racing. In this category, too, four drivers share each cockpit, of which at least three must hold “Bronze” status and the fourth must have no higher than “Silver” status.
Porsche supports its customer teams with engineers and advisors as well as seven works drivers: Kévin Estre and Richard Lietz race for Rutronik, Matt Campbell (Australia) and Mathieu Jaminet (France) fly the colours for GPX Racing. Belgium’s Laurens Vanthoor helms KCMG’s No. 47 car, with Frenchman Romain Dumas driving for Dinamic Motorsport and his compatriot Frédéric Makowiecki for Schnabl Engineering. Moreover, Porsche test driver Lars Kern from Germany provides reinforcement for the Allied Racing squad.
Pro class
Schnabl Engineering (Porsche 911 GT3 R #3)
Michael Christensen (Denmark), Frédéric Makowiecki (France), Dennis Olsen (Norway)
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18)
Josh Burdon (Australia), Alexandre Imperatori (Switzerland), Edoardo Liberati (Italy)
Rutronik Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #21)
Kévin Estre (France), Richard Lietz (Austria), Sven Müller (Germany)
GPX Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #22)
Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Matt Campbell (Australia), Mathieu Jaminet (France)
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #47)
Maxime Martin (Belgium), Nick Tandy (Great Britain), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium)
Dinamic Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #54)
Klaus Bachler (Austria), Matteo Cairoli (Italy), Christian Engelhart (Germany)
Dinamic Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #56)
Romain Dumas (France), Mikkel O. Pedersen (Denmark), Andrea Rizzoli (Italy)
Silver Cup class
Team Allied Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #222)
Julien Apotheloz (Switzerland), Bastian Buus (Denmark), Lars Kern (Germany)
Pro-Am Cup class
EBM Giga Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #61)
Will Bamber, Reid Harker (both New Zealand), Adrian Henry D’Silva (Malaysia), Carlos Rivas (Luxembourg)
Herberth Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911)
Daniel Allemann (Switzerland), Antares Au (Great Britain), Alfred Renauer, Robert Renauer (both Germany)
Am-Cup class
Huber Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #23)
Ivan Jacoma, Nicolas Leutwiler (both Switzerland), Nico Menzel, Jacob Schell (both Germany)
Hägeli by T2 Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #166)
Marc Basseng, Dennis Busch (both Germany), Pieder Decurtins (Switzerland), Manuel Lauck (Germany)
Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race – all outright victories with Porsche
2020 Tandy / Bamber / Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
2019 Lietz / Christensen / Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
2010 Dumas / J. Bergmeister / Ragginger / Henzler (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2003 Ortelli / Lieb / Dumas (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
1993 C. Fittipaldi / Jarier / Alzen (Porsche 911 RSR)
1969 Chasseuil / Ballot-Léna (Porsche 911)
1968 Kremer / H. Kelleners / Kauhsen (Porsche 911)
1967 Gaban / Van Assche (Porsche 911)
The schedule (all times CEST)
Thursday, 29 July
10:50 am – 12:20 pm: Free practice
3:45 – 4:45 pm: Pre-Qualifying
8:50 – 9:05 pm: Qualifying 1
9:12 – 9:27 pm: Qualifying 2
9:34 – 9:49 pm: Qualifying 3
9:56 – 10:11 pm: Qualifying 4
10:30 – midnight: Night practice
Friday, 30 July
7:10 – 7:40 pm: Warm Up
7:50 – 8:20 pm: Super Pole
Saturday, 31 July
4:30 pm: Start Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race
Sunday, 1 August
4:30 pm: Finish Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race
Live streaming of the event
The Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours takes off on 31 July at 4:30 pm. A free live stream of the classic is available on the website http://www.intercontinentalgtchallenge.com.
Comments before the race
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “After we won the Spa 24 Hours in 2019 and 2020 with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, expectations are obviously very high. In the past few years, teamwork has been the secret to success. This is precisely what we want to continue perfecting. We have ten teams with twelve cars tackling the Pro, Pro-Am, Silver, and Am categories. Everything is possible on Belgium’s tradition-steeped racetrack. Like at the Nürburgring, the weather conditions can change completely within a very short time. So that’s why we put a lot of emphasis on supporting our customer teams with helpful information at the track. We’ll do our very best to make a hat trick at Spa possible.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (Schnabl Engineering, Porsche 911 GT3 R #3): “Even the lead-up to the Spa race was a bit of a rollercoaster for us. I was supposed to compete for Frikadelli Racing but it was cancelled at the last minute because of the disastrous flooding in the Eifel – a devastating situation in Germany where many lives, livelihoods and homes were lost. Michael Christensen, Dennis Olsen and I now get the chance to contest this 24-hour race with Schnabl Engineering. We’re highly motivated and, we’ll do our absolute utmost – I can promise that. Spa is one of the biggest events of the entire GT3 season. I’ve climbed the podium at this endurance classic in second place, but I’ve not yet won it…”
Kévin Estre (Rutronik Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 R #21): “I’m delighted to compete at Spa this year. I have shared a cockpit there with Richard Lietz for the last three years and now Sven Müller is joining us. He’s another very fast guy with a lot of experience. Rutronik is new to the series and to Porsche, but they have very accomplished people, for instance, the team’s sporting director Manuel Reuter. They underlined just how competitive they are at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. The field includes a lot of cars capable of winning and that’ll be super cool. Spa is always a highlight for me – with spectators this year.”
Richard Lietz (Rutronik Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 R #21): “The 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps is one of the world’s toughest GT3 races. I know my teammates Kévin Estre and Sven Müller really well, and although Rutronik Racing is new to me, we got to know them at the Spa pre-test. The car should be good. I’m feeling positive about the race. The grid will be packed, so we need to survive the start unscathed. Then let’s see where we stand…”
Matt Campbell (GPX Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 R #22): “There’s no doubt that we’re well-positioned with our GPX Racing team – we underlined this with our strong performance at the last GT World Challenge Europe race in Le Castellet. We’re leading the championship so we’re heading to the Spa 24 Hours feeling very confident. The team won there in 2019, so they know how to do it. There’s definitely only one goal for us in Belgium – victory!”
Mathieu Jaminet (GPX Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 R #22): “The 24 Hours of Spa is my personal favourite on this year’s racing calendar. The endurance race is the largest GT3 event in the world and an important one in the GT World Challenge Europe. We currently rank first in this championship with our GPX Racing team. A good result in Belgium is critical to increase our chance of claiming the title. Our plan is to be cautious in the first few hours then go all-out for the last four or five hours. Let’s see if that works. In the past two years, a Porsche 911 GT3 R has won Spa. That’s a good omen for us.”
Laurens Vanthoor (KCMG, Porsche 911 GT3 R #47): “The 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps is my home race, so I’m really looking forward to this event. It’s one of the world’s largest GT3 endurance races with strong manufacturers, teams and drivers. The competition this year is extremely exciting and intense. I won here last year, and I’d very much like to repeat that with the KCMG squad and my teammates Nick Tandy and Maxime Martin. Like me, Maxime comes from Belgium – he’s from Wallonia, I’m from Flanders. To date, we’ve always been rivals, but now we’re teaming up. That’ll be great fun.”
Romain Dumas (Dinamic Motorsport, Porsche 911 GT3 R #56): “With almost 60 GT3 vehicles on the track, the Spa 24-hour race will be one of the toughest challenges of the year. I won this race in 2003 and 2010 and I always enjoy competing there. But you never know what you’re going to get in the Ardennes. Bad weather could be advantageous for us. In fact, I’d be happy if it rained. Hopefully, we’ll achieve a good result there.”
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NewsPorsche wins GTE-Pro in Round 3 of WEC, with Campbell and Evans fifth in GTE-Am
FIA World Endurance Championship, Race 3, Race GTE, Monza
Porsche has won the Monza round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Kévin Estre from France and Neel Jani from Switzerland crossed the finish line first in the fiercely contested GTE-Pro class at the wheel of the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR on Italy’s high-speed circuit. For the works driver duo, this was the second win from the third race so far this season after their triumph at the opening round in Belgium. Gianmaria Bruni from Italy and the Austrian Richard Lietz concluded the gripping six-hour race on the home turf of their main rival Ferrari in third place. As the best customer team, Project 1 scored fourth place in the GTE-Am category with the No. 56 Porsche 911 RSR.
“Congratulations to the entire team! The drivers and crew put in an impressive performance. And they achieved this feat under the most difficult conditions because, of course, the disastrous flooding in Germany is on everyone’s mind – especially since employees of our Manthey operations team have also been affected. I can’t thank the crew enough,” concluded Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. “Thanks to this victory in the home of our main rival Ferrari, we’ve reclaimed the lead in the drivers’ classification and significantly reduced the gap in the manufacturers’ championship. It was the perfect rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which we’ll tackle with maximum motivation.”
“It’s a great result that we hadn’t expected in this form,” explains Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “I’m really very relieved because we were under pressure after not achieving the desired result at the last race in Portugal. We took up this race knowing full well that Monza was not necessarily ideally suited to the Porsche 911 RSR. So, we set everything up to tap the full potential of what was possible. That worked perfectly. It’s a huge achievement to stand at the top of the podium at Ferrari’s home race in Monza.”
The limited number of spectators permitted to watch the FIA WEC race at the racetrack for the first time after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, worked up a sweat in more ways than one – not only due to the hot temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius but more because of the gripping action and nail-biting fight between Porsche and Ferrari in the GTE-Pro class. At the start, polesitter Kévin Estre successfully fended off the red rivals and, despite the occasional yellow phase, maintained a small gap until the end of his double stint. Neel Jani then became embroiled in several duels, which saw him briefly lose the top spot, only to regain it again with an impressive effort. In the last third of the race, Estre brought home the second win of the season for Porsche thanks to a flawless driving performance, perfect tactics and top teamwork.
Meanwhile, the No. 91 sister car was at times hampered by bad luck in the thrilling race. Gianmaria Bruni put in a strong early pace but was unable to avoid a spinning GTE-Am car shortly before the end of his second stint. In the collision, the Italian’s 911 RSR sustained minor damages to the front. However, Bruni and Richard Lietz managed to hold their own against the second Ferrari and ultimately achieved an important podium result.
Thanks to the second class victory from the third race, Kévin Estre and Neel Jani have reclaimed the lead in the drivers’ championship. In the manufacturers’ classification, Porsche ranks second, just seven points off the lead as they head to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The GTE-Am category also treated fans to action-packed racing to the flag. Norway’s Egidio Perfetti as well as the two Italians Matteo Cairoli and Riccardo Pera were in top form at Monza. The trio sharing the No. 56 Porsche 911 RSR fielded by the Project 1 customer team matched the pace of the leading pack in their class, but ultimately had to settle for fourth place due to a less than ideal pit stop strategy. The German squad’s sister car took the flag in P13. The two vehicles campaigned by Dempsey-Proton Racing concluded the race in positions five and six, with the GR Racing’s 911 finishing on ninth.
Round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is the highlight of the season: the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 21/22 August. The official test day on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans will be held a week before the start of the 89th edition of the endurance classic.
Drivers’ comments on the race
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “I’m extremely pleased because this win came as a complete surprise. We knew that our 911 RSR was really fast over one lap and we proved this with pole position. But at the same time, we had expected Ferrari to be faster than us over the whole distance. We delivered a flawless race – everyone did. Thanks to blisteringly fast pit stops, our team managed to win critical seconds over the competition. What’s more, we had an ideal strategy and my teammate Neel Jani was in top form. That was one of the toughest WEC races I’ve ever contested.”
Neel Jani (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “Mega! What a race – so gripping and so close. It was such a tough fight against the No. 51 Ferrari. The fact that we won the duel is simply sensational. We never anticipated this, so, of course, this just adds to the joy. This victory gives us huge confidence as we head to the highlight of the season at Le Mans.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “We had a difficult weekend, particularly for some members of our Manthey operations team who were affected by the terrible flooding in their home country. Because of this, we had to change our pit crew slightly. At this point, I’d like to thank our team, who worked under the most difficult conditions this weekend.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “Quite frankly, I expected a little more because our Porsche 911 RSR was perfectly set up and very fast. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to fully implement that in the race. Still, much more important than our position in the rankings is that the victims of the flooding disaster receive as much support as possible.”
Egidio Perfetti (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “For many years I kept hearing that Monza was built for Ferrari. I didn’t believe it until I saw it in today’s race. Although we did our absolute best and fought hard to the end, it just wasn’t enough. It’s a shame. Now we have to analyse whether our tactical approach was correct. On a positive note, we were the fastest Porsche customer car. That was great but I’d have loved to be on the podium at Monza.”
Result GTE-Pro class
1. Estre/Jani (F/CH), Porsche 911 RSR #92, 190 laps
2. Pier Guidi/Calado (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 190 laps
3. Bruni/Lietz (I/A), Porsche 911 RSR #91, 190 laps
4. Serra/Molina (BR/E), Ferrari 488 GTE #71, 190 laps
Result GTE-Am class
1. Perrodo/Nielsen/Rovera (F/DK/I), Ferrari 488 GTE #83, 187 laps
2. Dalla Lana/Farfus/Gomes (CDN/BR/BR), Aston Martin #97, 87 laps
3. Hoshino/Fujii/Watson (J/J/GB), Aston Martin #33, 187 laps
4. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR #56, 187 laps
5. Ried/Evans/Campbell (D/NZ/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR #77, 186 laps
6. Haryanto/Seefried/Picariello (RI/D/B), Porsche 911 RSR #88, 186 laps
9. Wainwright/Barker/Gamble (GB/GB/GB), Porsche 911 RSR #86, 185 laps
13. Olsen/Buchardt/Root (N/N/USA), Porsche 911 RSR #46, 183 laps
Full results and championship standings on fiawec.alkamelsystems.com
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NewsCampbell and Evans team-up for Round 3 of WEC at Monza
Porsche aims to reclaim its world championship lead at Monza
The Porsche works team is well prepared as it travels to round three of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Monza. The high-speed circuit in Italy hosts the world endurance series for the first time. At the six-hour race on July 18, the squad of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer has a clear goal: the Porsche GT team aims to recapture the top spot of the world championship rankings which it lost at the previous race in Portugal. In the GTE-Pro class for factory teams, Porsche fields two ca. 515 PS 911 RSR. In the GTE-Am category, the customer teams Project 1, Dempsey-Proton Racing and GR Racing campaign a total of five 911 racers.
“At the last race in Portimão, we struggled to find the right use of the tyres. The team looked at the causes and took appropriate measures to avoid something like this happening again,” explains Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. “We firmly believe that we’ll find our way back to our former competitiveness in time for the Monza race and that we’ll reclaim the championship lead at the home race of our main rival Ferrari in Italy.” After two of six rounds this season, Porsche ranks second in the manufacturer’s classification, just 18 points off the top of the leaderboard.
“We’re all excited about the event on the storied circuit with its very special flair. It’s sure to be a highlight,” says Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC, as he looks ahead to round three of the season. “Still, we’re facing a major challenge. Our Porsche 911 RSR is particularly strong in the semi-fast and fast corners. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of these passages at Monza. The focus is not on downforce or aerodynamic efficiency, but rather on the sheer top speed and braking performance of the cars. We have to respond to this with a special setup. I’m confident that we’ll be competitive in Monza and score many world championship points.”
The race
The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza has a long and rich history. The first races in the Royal Park were contested as early as 1922, at that time on an oval circuit. The remnants of this are still admired today. The now 5.793-kilometre variant of the circuit with its long straights is geared towards high speeds. Since 1950, a total of 70 Formula 1 Grands Prix have been held on the circuit near the northern Italian metropolis of Milan. The FIA WEC conducted its official tests here prior to the 2017 season – the so-called prologue in Monza. This year, a six-hour race will be held for the first time. As part of the preparations, the Porsche GT Team can draw on data and insights from the customer teams contesting the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). The European endurance series has raced regularly on this spectacular circuit since 2017.
The Porsche GT Team drivers
Sharing driving duties in the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR are Richard Lietz from Austria and his works driver teammate Gianmaria Bruni. This is the first time the Italian races on home turf with the FIA WEC. The duo currently ranks fourth in the drivers’ championship. Their brand colleagues Kévin Estre and Neel Jani from Switzerland lie second in the world championship. Sharing the cockpit of the No. 92 car, the pair won the season opener in Belgium and has so far posted pole position at all GTE-Pro qualifying sessions in 2021.
The customer teams
Dempsey-Proton Racing fields two Porsche 911 RSR at round three of the WEC season. Works driver Matt Campbell from Australia joins forces in the No. 77 car with the team owner Christian Ried (Germany) and the former Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans from New Zealand. The all-British driver crew Michael Wainwright, Ben Barker and Tom Gamble compete for GR Racing in the No. 86 car. Campbell (2016 Champion), Evans (2018 Champion) and Barker are all former competitors in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series.
Alessio Picariello from Belgium and Andrew Haryanto from Indonesia helm the No. 88 sister car with Germany’s Marco Seefried. Project 1 campaigns the No. 46 Porsche 911 RSR with Norwegians Anders Burchardt and Dennis Olsen as well as Axcil Jefferies from Britain. In the No. 56 car from the German customer team, Egidio Perfetti from Norway shares driving duties with the two Italians Matteo Cairoli and Riccardo Pera.
The schedule (all times CEST)
Saturday, 17 July
9:30 to 11:00 am – Free practice 2
2:00 to 3:00 pm – Free practice 3
6:00 to 6:10 pm – Qualifying GTE-Pro and GTE-Am
Sunday, 18 July
Noon to 6:00 pm – Race
TV and Internet coverage of the race
For a fee, the official FIA WEC app offers live streaming and live timing.
Drivers’ comments before the race
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “The Monza race is a home event for my Italian teammate Gimmi, so obviously we have to be at the very front. However, there’s still a lot of work ahead of us. At the last race in Portimão, we had an issue with the tyres. I hope we can find a setup that allows us to turn good and consistent laps. If we succeed in this and we’re spared bad luck with our number 91 car, then everything will be just fine.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “I’m an Italian and I’m competing for Porsche on Ferrari’s home turf in Monza – that’s hugely motivating. The event has a very special meaning for me. It may sound strange, but the truth is: although Monza is a famous track in my home country, I’ve not raced there often. I know the circuit, but not much better than many other motor racing venues in Europe. The anticipation is high and so are the expectations. After failing to achieve the success we’d hoped for with our number 91 car, it’s now time to bring home maximum points.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “The excitement is huge for me for various reasons. I immediately liked the track at my first race there in 2009 with the Porsche Carrera Cup France. I also have fond memories of the 2017 prologue there. Thousands of spectators turned up – just to watch the test drives! That was fantastic. What’s more, I think Monza is perfect for WEC races with its different classes. The many straights and the occasional long braking zone make lapping traffic much easier. Plus, Monza is practically a home race for me this year. The circuit is only about 300 kilometres from where I live in Austria. No other racing venue is closer.”
Neel Jani (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “Monza is a classic, old-school racetrack. I really like that. I’m curious to see how the WEC competition will be on this extremely fast circuit. The forecast is for very hot temperatures. I hope we cope okay with the tyres and that we ultimate celebrate a success.”
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NewsArmy assists Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia teams in Townsville
Travel restrictions saw the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade stepping in to assist the local motorsport community
Four Army personnel from the Brigade’s 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, based in Townsville lent a helping hand to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia teams on the weekend in support of the local community. Recent travel restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic limited the number of available pit crew, that Carrera Cup Australia teams could have travel onsite at the Reid Park Circuit for Round 3 of the series and their support was greatly appreciated throughout the Porsche paddock.
The four Army soldiers which included the likes of: Captain Dylan Glasson, Private Scott Bennett, Private Kai Watson and Private Lachlan Gill, assisted the Dutton EMA Motorsport Team, Wall Racing and Sonic Motor Racing Team during the course of the weekend.
A thankful Dutton EMA Motorsport Team Manager, Mathew Nilsson said, “It’s been a challenge for all the teams to be up here this weekend with the Covid situation, unfortunately for ourselves and I’m sure a few other teams up and down the pit lane, using contract labour at events has been difficult as some of those contractors have had to stay at home for obvious reasons and couldn’t run the risk of travelling. My brother-in-law is a Major in the Army here and I gave him a call to see if the Army would be able to assist and the opportunity grew from there. They have been on hand to not only help us, but other teams this weekend. It has been great to share our experiences and knowledge. Thank you to the Army for their support and to the personnel that worked with the teams for their exceptional efforts.”
Dylan Glasson, Captain, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army said of the experience, “We were just lucky that one of our officers in command at the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment is family with the engineer at Dutton EMA Motorsport, so they made the call out to see if we wanted to help out and we said absolutely, so here we are assisting Dutton EMA Motorsport and other teams, it’s been absolutely amazing weekend.”
David Wall, Team Owner and driver of Wall Racing Team said, “I had Mathew Nilsson come up at the airport and say that he knew we would be quite short staffed this weekend as our staff had been in quarantine for 15 days on the Gold Coast. We only came with five full-time staff to run two cars, which is very minimal. So we met Kai (Watson) here on Thursday and he’s fitted into the team really well, giving us an extra set of hands. He’s not making the changes on the cars, but is doing everything else he possibly can to help us and it’s been very welcome from our behalf.”
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NewsMurray back on top with narrow Townsville round win
Stephen Grove claims Morris Finance Pro-Am victory in Queensland
Stephen Grove claims Morris Finance Pro-Am victory in Queensland
Cameron Hill’s 16-month unbeaten odyssey in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia has come to an end as Cooper Murray edged out the championship leader to claim Round 3 in Townsville.
It was a close-run thing, however, with the round result decided on countback in favour of Murray’s higher finishing position in the final race.
Impressive Michelin Junior Matthew Payne completed a remarkable comeback to finish third overall, his first Carrera Cup podium, while also claiming a race victory in the final sprint.
Things were just as tight in the Morris Finance Pro-Am category, Stephen Grove edging out Geoff Emery by a single point to claim the Round 3 victory.
Grove’s single-digit margin came thanks to the bonus point awarded for pole position, while Dean Cook completed the Townsville Pro-Am podium.
Murray’s pathway to his third Carrera Cup round win was anchored by a measured drive to victory in the Sunday morning Enduro Cup race, where he beat home Hill and Matt Payne following another typically combative affair.
He then trailed Payne home in the third and final race to do just enough to claim the round victory, Hill finishing fourth, behind Aaron Love, to ensure his remarkable three-round winning streak came to an end.
Murray’s win was his first since the Adelaide 500 last February and also reasserted his position at the top of the Michelin Junior standings, over teammate Harri Jones.
“I love it here, been here twice and I’ve won the round twice, it’s an amazing track and it was good that we could come back here this year,” Murray said.
“I know I had to beat Cam in the last race to take the round win, but its great reward for the team and I’m just glad that we’re back on top.”
Payne’s remarkable maiden race win and round podium came in just his third ever Carrera Cup round start, the young Kiwi star making an immediate impact in his rookie season.
“It was an awesome race, I got a great start behind the front row and followed them into turn 1, Cooper looked like he locked up a bit and ran Cam wide and I snuck under him a grabbed second place,” he explained.
“Cooper was really quick, I managed to pull him in, get past and pull a gap from there. I love the track, the car was awesome and very balanced the whole race.
“P1 is a little long time coming for us as we’ve qualified pole twice, so to do this in our third race is just awesome.”
Grove’s path to the Morris Finance Pro-Am win was similar to Murray’s, in that it came via a strong performance in the enduro cup race – the three-time champion winning his class in the 23-lap affair.
He finished second behind Emery in the third race to do enough to claim the overall round result – the 17th of his Carrera Cup career.
“It was a tough race, but Geoff (Emery) is a great guy to race, he’s got good vision and it’s great to go against him,” Grove said.
“Our weekend was pretty good, I was disappointed I couldn’t push much more in the last race, but to finish in P1 overall is a good result. The good thing is I don’t get back into the (Porsche 911) GT3 R until September so I can just focus on driving this car, so I’m looking forward to next round.”
Sunday’s racing continued the intense theme of the Townsville weekend with the Sunday morning enduro cup race a particularly dramatic affair.
While Murray stormed from fourth to first on the opening lap to claim the lead and ultimately the win, Payne continued his march forward by finishing third from tenth on the grid.
He led home David Russell and Harri Jones, the latter pair among an enormous battle pack that included Michael Almond, Aaron Love – recovering to seventh from the back of the field – Dale Wood, Christian Pancione and Luke Youlden.
There were also several high-profile non-finishers; Craig Lowndes an early out after his car was badly damaged following contact from behind from Simon Fallon at turn two.
Following a safety car and restart, the action was again paused after a huge impact saw Sam Shahin and Adrian Flack removed from the race on the exit of turn three.
Flack had spun exiting the corner, glancing the inside wall before entering the path of Shahin’s car as he tried to negotiate his spinning Pro-Am rival. Both drivers emerged unscathed from the incident, however would fail to start the final race.
That was won by Payne as he marched his way past Cameron Hill early in the race before attacking and passing Murray on lap six to grab a lead he would never lose.
The 18-year-old then edged away from Murray to take the win, Sonic’s Aaron Love splitting the McElrea driver and Cameron Hill to grab third and inadvertently help decide the round result.
Harri Jones was fifth with Dale Wood’s recovery from Race one complete in a fine sixth position aboard his Timken / ASM machine. Russell, Youlden, Wall and Almond completed the 10, while Emery beat Grove and Cook to the Morris Finance Pro-Am race win.
With three rounds of the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship now complete, Cameron Hill holds an expanded 160-point lead over Cooper Murray, who now sits second.
Harri Jones is third in the standings while David Wall and Aaron Love complete the top five.
Geoff Emery’s strong weekend has him with an 80-point lead in the Morris Finance Pro-Am class, Stephen Grove and Sam Shahin split by just 10 points in second and third, respectively.
The fourth round of the championship is currently scheduled for the Sydney SuperNight event at Sydney Motorsport Park this August 20-22.
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NewsHill extends winning streak to six in dramatic Townsville opener
Stephen Grove returns to claim Morris Finance Pro-Am victory
Cameron Hill has claimed his sixth-straight Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Mobil Pro race win in a dramatic opening sprint on the streets of Townsville.
The championship leader crossed the line trailing Cooper Murray in Saturday’s 17-lap affair, the seventh race of the 2021 season, but was handed the win when Murray was penalised for contact earlier in the race.
Meanwhile, Stephen Grove celebrated his return to the championship with a stunning Morris Finance Pro-Am class race victory after a race-long fight with Sam Shahin and Geoff Emery.
A dramatic early few laps saw Murray and Aaron Love make contact at turn two with Murray subsequently penalised five seconds for his role in the incident – dropping him behind Hill, David Wall and David Russell in the final results.
As such, Hill claimed his sixth-straight race win this season and his seventh from the last eight races. It also ensured the runaway series leader was able to further extend his already substantial championship lead heading towards tomorrow’s two races.
The Canberran becomes just the sixth driver in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia history to win six or more races consecutively, joining an elite group that includes Alex Davison, Craig Baird, Jordan Love and – on two occasions – Jim Richards.
“It was a pretty mental first race for the weekend, we started third which is pretty god seeing that we lacked a bit of pace yesterday in practice, but we tuned the car up for the race,” Hill said.
“Matt stalled in front of me and I only just missed him. From there was obviously a bit more action of front and we found ourselves in the lead briefly, before Cooper got back passed me.
“I then settled into a rhythm and maintained my gap to him. I just focussed on putting myself in good positions that weren’t too high risk and it all fell our way, which is good.”
Grove’s pathway to Morris Finance Pro-Am victory was slightly more straightforward than Murray’s, the three-time class champion pleased with his day’s work.
“I got such a good start and got passed three or four Pro’s but I knew they were going to come through, which made it hard to manage the lead,” Grove said.
“But it was terrific race, it was hot out there, very slippery – I’m just really happy to get the result”
The race was dramatic from the outset as polesitter Matthew Payne stalled at the line, his Team Porsche NZ car stranded as the field took evasive action to evade the young Kiwi.
Payne dropped to last while the remainder of the grid was able to avoid any major contact.
That left Aaron Love, who started second, in the lead with Cooper Murray and Cameron Hill in close company behind.
That status quo would only remain until the fifth lap when Murray dived to the inside at turn two, the McElrea car making contact with the Sonic entry – the impact turning the latter around.
While Love briefly resumed in sixth position, it was short lived with the damage sustained to severe and ultimately forcing the young Michelin Junior to the pit lane and out of the race.
After a brief challenge from Cameron Hill, Murray settled into a steady lead while David Wall and David Russell gained spots to run third and fourth, respectively – only to be promoted one spot each at the end of the race.
Behind them was a heady battle for a spot in the top five, as Michelin Junior Christian Pancione spent much of the race fending off Bathurst legend Craig Lowndes, Michael Almond – celebrating his 150th race – and a recovering Harri Jones.
Jones had started last after his McElrea Porsche broke a driveshaft in qualifying, but made quick work through the field as he looked to salvage points for his title campaign.
Pancione was able to fend off the Wall Racing car until lap 15 when Lowndes finally worked his way past en route to fifth position.
Pancione finished sixth – equalling his best Carrera Cup race result for the third time – while Jones grabbed seventh at the line.
A late move saw Simon Fallon pass Michael Almond for eighth and ninth on the road while Matthew Payne’s remarkable recovery from his start line stall saw him charge to 10th.
The battle for the win in Morris Finance Pro-Am was just as competitive as the outright fight as three cars spent much of the race scrapping for the class lead.
Stephen Grove led the duration but was forced to spend much of the last half of the race fending off class leader Sam Shahin and The Bend round winner Geoff Emery in a three-car fight.
They finished in that order, with Dean Cook not far behind in fourth and Marc Cini fifth.
Adrian Flack had run second in the Pro-Am class early in the race, however dropped down the order on lap five to ultimately finish sixth.
Earlier in qualifying, Team Porsche NZ driver Matthew Payne recorded his second-straight Tag Heuer Pole Award following an impressive lap late in the 25-minute qualifying session.
Stephen Grove scored the Tag Heuer Pole Award in the Morris Finance Pro-Am battle, edging out Adrian Flack by 0.1 seconds.
Two races complete third round of this year’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia on Sunday at the Townsville street circuit.
The action starts early with the 28-lap Enduro Cup race at 8:40am local time, followed by the third and final race at 12:45pm.
Both races will be shown live on Fox Sports and Kayo, while the third race of the weekend will also be shown live on Channel 7.
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News, VideosRd3, 2021 – TAG Heuer Pole Position interviews
Qualifying interviews, Mathew Payne (Mobil Pro) and Stephen Grove (Morris Finance Pro-Am
We hear from Matthew Payne and Stephen Grove, Tag Heuer Pole Position winners
Array ( )
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NewsMurray, Shahin top practice as Carrera Cup returns to Townsville
Incredible North Queensland form continues for Michelin junior, as Pro-Am battle fires up
Returning to the scene of perhaps his greatest racing triumph yet, Cooper Murray has continued to lead the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field on the streets of Townsville.
After dominating the 2019 event in the North Queensland city, Murray picked up where he left off today in practice to top a competitive field across a pair of 25-minute practice sessions.
The McElrea Racing driver was the fastest Mobil Pro and Michelin Junior amongst the field, while Morris Finance Pro-Am championship leader Sam Shahin led the way in the always competitive Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ today.
Murray finished Practice 1 in seventh position but as the track improved so too did the times, the Friday pacesetter ultimately jumping to the top of the charts late in the second session as teams began looking towards qualifying tomorrow morning.
He ultimately led David Russell, Dale Wood and fellow Michelin Junior Matthew Payne on today’s combined leaderboard, set based on the results of the faster second session.
The results also came following a complete rebuild of his car, following his involvement in a substantial crash at the most recent round at The Bend Motorsport Park.
“It’s only practice, tomorrow is pay day, but its positive as we going in the right direction and we’re at the front at the moment and hopefully we back up there tomorrow morning,” Murray said.
“The track has rubbered up a lot from this morning, it’s just hotter than when we were here last time. I’m feeling very comfortable with the car and within the team, I have great confidence with McElrea and know they’ll always provide me the best car and I’ve just got to out there and do my best.”
The ever-consistent David Wall had a productive day, topping the first practice session of the weekend and finishing fifth in the quicker afternoon run.
The Wall Racing team has had a challenging build-up to the weekend after being forced to leave their Sydney base due to the current Covid-19 outbreak in the city.
“It’s been a big three weeks and I was keen to get in the car more than I have ever been,” he said.
“The car was pretty good, we made some changes from when we were here in 2019 and they were all positive and we only ran the one set of tyres in that session.
“There still a few little bits in myself and tweaks in the car, but in general it was a great start to the weekend.”
Aaron Love, championship leader Cameron Hill, Craig Lowndes, Christian Pancione and Nick McBride completed the top-10 in the afternoon session, the group covered by exactly one second.
The Morris Finance Pro-Am results were equally competitive on Friday in Townsville, with another close fight expected this weekend.
Adrian Flack paced the first session in the morning ahead of Sam Shahin and Geoff Emery, while the quicker afternoon blast saw Shahin lead the way – Flack and Dean Cook in close company with Emery fourth.
“The pace is hot and its incredibly hot out there as well, having just come from Adelaide at 8 degrees, I was completely knackered after the session – perhaps I need to put the cool suit on for tomorrow,” Shahin said.
“It’s a fantastic circuit and requires a lot of commitment, the session was genuinely enjoyable and its very competitive field, there is no room for error, you have to be committed all the time.”
Flack was similarly pleased with his results in the opening session as he led the way in practice one.
“Great result for the first practice, it’s good to be back in Townsville and really enjoy the track, so should better as the weekend goes on,” he said.
“The track as per normal always feels really greasy in that first session. But by the end as the Michelin rubber is laid down, it felt nice, so it’s looking good.”
Attention now shifts to Qualifying, the 25-minute dash to set the grid set to commence at 9:55am on Saturday morning.
The last time Carrera Cup raced in Townsville, Roger Lago scored a shock outright pole position, the first Morris Finance Pro-Am driver to do so in the categories long history.
Cooper Murray was the fastest Mobil Pro runner and lined up second.
The opening race of Round 3 is set for a 1:45pm AEST race start and will be shown live on Fox Sports, Kayo and live & free on Channel 7.
FULL RESULTS: Practice at Townsville
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NewsHill eyes fourth consecutive round win in Townsville
Grove rejoins Morris Finance Pro-Am battle
The Reid Park Circuit on the streets of Townsville will host round 3 of the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series this weekend. The decision to contest the NTI Townsville 500 event followed an anxious wait for many teams, due to the recent travel restrictions – brought about by outbreaks of the Coronavirus pandemic in many states. As a result of the restrictions still in place for parts of Sydney, Tim Miles, Jackson Walls, Drew Hall and Indiran Padayachee will miss out this round, reducing the field size to 22 cars.
The 127th round in series history sees Cameron Hill enter as the hot favourite in the Mobil Pro class after his Squadra Bespoke liveried 911 GT3 Cup car set the pace at The Bend Motorsport Park last time out. In the process Hill became just the seventh driver in series history to win three consecutive rounds and should the Canberra resident take the round win again in Queensland this weekend, he would join an illustrious group of drivers including Craig Baird (2008), Jim Richards (2003) and Alex Davison (six-straight across 2003/2004) to ever achieve the feat.
Hill as a result, currently enjoys a healthy lead in the championship from Harri Jones (Helimods) and David Wall (Paynter Dixon / Shannons Insurance). Cooper Murray (Phase 8 / McElrea Racing) currently lies fourth overall and will be hoping to repeat his 2019 clean sweep, which saw him become Carrera Cup Australia’s youngest ever race and round winner.
Others to watch among the 15-strong Mobil Pro field include the likes of Dale Wood, Aaron Love, Nick McBride and Michael Almond – the latter pairing celebrating their 150th Carrera Cup race starts over the course of the weekend. It will also be interesting to witness how series newcomers Matthew Payne and Kyle Gurton fare among their highly experienced competition which includes the likes of Supercar stars such as Luke Youlden, Craig Lowndes and David Russell.
Stephen Grove will be looking to regain some lost ground on his Morris Finance Pro-Am rivals after not contesting Round 2. Sam Shahin as a result, leads the class for the first time in his career and the South Australian will resume his battle with Geoff Emery, Adrian Flack, Scott Taylor and Marc Cini.
After two practice sessions on the Friday, teams contest a 25-minute qualifying on Saturday morning followed by the first Sprint race that afternoon. A 40-minute Endurance race follows early on Sunday morning before the final race of the weekend on Sunday afternoon. All three races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, with live free-to-air coverage of both races 1 and 3 also available on Channel 7.
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
ENTRY LIST: Round 3, NTI Townsville 500
# | Name | Surname | CLASS | SPONSOR NAME |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Grove Group |
8 | Nick | McBride | Mobil Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
12 | Harri | Jones | Mobil Pro | Helimods |
13 | Sam | Shahin | Morris Finance Pro-Am | The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU |
20 | Adrian | Flack | Morris Finance Pro-Am | AGAS National |
21 | Matthew | Payne | Mobil Pro | Team Porsche NZ / EBM |
22 | Dean | Cook | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Zonzo Estate Yarra Valley |
23 | David | Russell | Mobil Pro | Lago Racing |
28 | Luke | Youlden | Mobil Pro | TekworkX Motorsport |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Mobil Pro | Phase 8 |
38 | David | Wall | Mobil Pro | Paynter Dixon / Shannons |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Force Accessories |
74 | Kyle | Gurton | Mobil Pro | Dutton EMA Motorsport |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Mobil Pro | VCM Performance |
77 | Michael | Almond | Mobil Pro | Bob Jane T-Marts / PSA |
78 | Aaron | Love | Mobil Pro | Sonic |
100 | Dale | Wood | Mobil Pro | Timken / ASM |
111 | Cameron | Hill | Mobil Pro | Squadra Bespoke |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
338 | Craig | Lowndes | Mobil Pro | Paynter Dixon / Shannons |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Mobil Pro | Bob Jane T-Marts / Sonic |
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 3, NTI Townsville 500
Saturday 10 July 2021
Qualifying 09:55-10:20 25 mins Fox Sports 506/Kayo Sports
Race 1 13:45-14:10 17 laps Fox Sports 506/Kayo Sports/Channel 7
Sunday 11 July 2021
Race 2 08:50-09:30 28 laps Fox Sports 506/Kayo Sports
Race 3 12:45-13:10 17 laps Fox Sports 506/Kayo Sports/Channel 7
Townsville Lap Records
Qualifying – Roger Lago (Lago Racing) 1m13.5702s 2019
Race – Jonny Reid (McElrea Racing) 1m14.0389s 2011
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NewsKyle Gurton joins Dutton EMA Motorsport for Round 3
Gurton steps up from TA2 to Australia’s premier one-make series
The Dutton EMA Motorsport team will welcome up and coming 21-year-old racing driver, Kyle Gurton, to the fledgling Melbourne-based team, headed by ex-Walkinshaw Andretti United Co-Team Principal, Mathew Nilsson.
Gurton hails from Far North Queensland and will contest the highly competitive Mobil Pro class in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, after being a frontrunner in the 2021 Australian Racing Group Trans Am category with the backing of Nuveau Construction and Morris Finance.
Gurton is a graduate of the Australia Formula Ford Championship and will campaign the same Dutton EMA Motorsport 911 GT3 Cup entry, which Ben Stack drove to third position in Morris Finance Pro-Am class in the second race of round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series earlier this year. Nilsson is looking forward to Stack re-joining the team at future events this year.
Gurton has already conducted a rain interrupted test session at Winton with the team, where he amassed 50 laps to get acquainted with the #74 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (991.2 generation) race car.
Watch the video of his first test here: https://youtu.be/0FRAjZNCfgs
Quotes:
Mathew Nilsson, Team Manager, Dutton EMA Motorsport:
“We are really pleased to welcome Kyle to Dutton EMA Motorsport and provide him with the opportunity to race at his home event on the streets of Townsville. Kyle did a great job at the recent test day, adapting quickly to the nuisances of the 911 GT3 Cup car, and we are excited to continue that progress during the event.”
Kyle Gurton, #74, Mobil Pro:
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Dutton EMA Motorsport in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series at the Townsville Supercar event. I look forward to continuing the momentum of a successful test day at Winton and competing against some of the best young drivers in the country.
It is also an honour to represent my hometown and Far North Queensland, and I am appreciative of the local support from Micale Cabinets, Albert’s and Nuveau.”
Round 3 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera cup Australia series kicks on Friday 9 July and all three races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports CH 506 and Kayo Sports together with Channel 7 free-to-air coverage of Races 1 and 3 on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
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NewsJaxon Evans repeats his 2020 Porsche Mobil1 Supercup win in Spielberg
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 3, Race, Spielberg (Austria)
The Red Bull Ring continues to be good turf for Jaxon Evans: The New Zealander won round three of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup on the Formula 1 circuit in Styria. It was here in 2020 that the Martinet by Alméras driver won his very first race in Porsche’s international one-make cup. Evans swept to the front in the first lap and controlled the 32-strong field over the remainder of the race. At the flag, he held a 0.646-second lead over Luxembourger Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing), who had taken up the race from pole position. Third place was enough for Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite) from the Netherlands to defend his championship lead.
The second Spielberg race within two weekends got off to a turbulent start. Taking up the race from the second grid spot, Evans overtook Pereira shortly after the start when he had to veer into the run-off area in a corner. “The brake balance was perfect in qualifying but wasn’t quite optimal in the race – the front wheels locked up for a second,” said Pereira, explaining his detour. While a vehicle was being salvaged from the gravel trap shortly afterwards, the race officials deployed a safety car. The race had only just gone green again when a similar incident caused another safety car phase. Evans kept his cool after the two restarts and even managed to pull clear of his pursuers. “I was certain that Dylan would have problems with his tyres after his brakes locked up so I wasn’t too worried,” revealed the New Zealander, who has advanced to position two in the standings after his victory.
While Evans and Pereira turned their laps at a respectful distance, a fierce fight for third place unfolded behind them. Defending champion Larry ten Voorde, Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (BWT Lechner Racing) from Turkey and Germany’s Laurin Heinrich (Nebulus Racing by Huber) battled amongst themselves in almost every corner and also switched positions. Güven overtook ten Voorde only to have a puncture knock him out of the three-way fight during the penultimate lap. Ten Voorde managed to fend off Heinrich, who ultimately took the flag in fourth place and won the rookie classification. “I couldn’t do more today,” admitted ten Voorde, the reigning champion and winner of last weekend’s race at the Red Bull Ring. “Ayhancan’s overtaking manoeuvre was superb. If it hadn’t been for the puncture, I’d never had caught him again.”
The ProAm category went to the Monegasque Nicolas Misslin (Lechner Racing Middle East), who shared the podium with Stéphane Denoual (F/Pierre Martinet by Alméras) and the defending ProAm champion Roar Lindland (N/Nebulus Racing by Huber). Hollywood star Michael Fassbender (X-Men, 12 Years a Slave) finished the race on 24th as a guest driver in the ca. 375 kW (515 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. “My goal was to beat the other amateur guest driver Georgios Frangulis to the flag – and I did it,” concluded the German-Irish actor, who normally contests the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) in the Porsche 911 RSR.
The winner’s trophy was presented by Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board, Production and Logistics, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. “It’s fantastic that spectators can now return to the circuits. The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races always have a great atmosphere. As the person responsible for production, I’m thrilled that the teams are very satisfied with the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup,” he commented. “As a sponsor for sustainability with our company, I’m proud that the Supercup is powered by regenerative fuel from renewable sources. Motorsport at Porsche has always brought about innovations that benefit production vehicles. Now, motorsport again has the unique chance to advance key elements not only for the automobile but also for society as a whole. In this regard, Porsche has taken the perfect first step.”
Round four of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be contested in Budapest, Hungary from 26 to 28 July, 2021.
Race 3 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 17 laps, Spielberg (A)
1. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 28:31.966 minutes
2. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), +0.646 seconds
3. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), +4.902 seconds
4. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +5.370 seconds
5. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), +5.850 seconds
6. Tio Ellinas (CY/Lechner Racing Middle East), +10.890 seconds
Overall classification Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 3 of 8 races
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 67 points
3. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 55 points
2. Dorian Boccolacci (F/Martinet by Alméras), 37 points
4. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 35 points
5. Christopher Zöchling (A/FACH AUTO TECH), 29 points
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 25 points
* Full results and overall standings:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results
To keep abreast of Jaxon Evans performances in 2021 follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsHollywood star Michael Fassbender joins Jaxon Evans in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 3 Preview, Spielberg
Michael Fassbender will join New Zealander, Jaxon Evans, in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this weekend. Fassbender has a score to settle in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. In August 2020, the German-Irish actor (X-Men, 12 Years a Slave) made his first guest appearance in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup at the Barcelona round of the international one-make cup. At that time, he was the unwitting victim of a race accident and had to retire after a few kilometres. This weekend, Fassbender gets another chance when the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup contests its second round in a row at Spielberg as support to the Austrian Grand Prix (2 to 4 July).
Fassbender, who competes in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at the wheel of a Porsche 911 RSR and is familiar with the 911 GT3 Cup from testing, explains: “To tackle a one-make series like the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is always a challenge. The competition is stiff. All the drivers are fast, they know the car inside out and can get the best out of it. So, I’m here to learn. Surprisingly, the Supercup drivers are really open to helping. The new 911 GT3 Cup is slightly different to the 911 RSR, which has a more efficient aero. The brakes bite a little more, as well, so I have to adapt.”
Fassbender is impressed by the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup’s strategy of using synthetic fuel made from renewable sources. “I love racing. At the same time I’m aware that we have to care for the environment. Re-fuel, which takes carbon dioxide out of the environment during production, is definitely a step in the right direction.”
A 32-strong field of ca. 375 kW (510 PS) 911 GT3 Cup are expected to contest round three of Porsche’s international one-make cup. Once again, the hot favourite on the 4.318-kilometre Formula 1 circuit is Larry ten Voorde (GP Elite) from the Netherlands. The defending Supercup champion won the first two races of the season as support to the Monaco Grand Prix as well as the Red Bull Ring race last weekend. “Over the past few years, the Spielberg racetrack hasn’t been particularly lucky turf for me. But I’m doing much better there now with the new 911 GT3 Cup. I can thank my team for this. They prepared my car perfectly for the track,” said ten Voorde.
Evans, a two-time Porsche Carrera Cup Champion (2018 – Australia / 2020 – France), is a product of the Porsche Michelin Junior Development Programme in Australia and currently lies third in the standings after round 2, one point behind his Martinet by Almeras teammate, Dorian Boccolacci.
The second Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race within two weeks at Spielberg takes off on Friday with free practice, with Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s main race both broadcast live on Fox Sports channel 506 and Kayo Sports at 20:45 (AEST).
Complete results and standings: https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results
Calendar adjusted: Silverstone replaced by doubleheader at Monza
Many countries’ current quarantine restrictions for travellers coming from Great Britain have made it necessary to adjust the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar. In liaison with the teams, the originally planned Silverstone event run as support to the British Grand Prix (16 – 18 July 2021) will be replaced with a second race on the final weekend at Monza (10 – 12 September 2021). As a result, the total number of eight races contested this season remains unchanged.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup relies on Esso Renewable Racing Fuel
Porsche and ExxonMobil are implementing a two-stage strategy in the introduction of renewable fuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. This season, the racing vehicles will be powered by a blend of bio-based fuel. This advanced biofuel is obtained from food waste products. Additional components are blended in to enable the required fuel properties and combustion behaviour. In 2022, the next step will be to introduce synthetically manufactured eFuel. This Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85 per cent, when blended to current market fuel standards for today’s passenger vehicles(1). The partnership between Porsche and ExxonMobil aims to gain valuable experiences to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption.
Broadcast Schedule round 3 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (all times AEST)
Saturday, 3 July
21:25-22:00: Qualifying Fox Sports Ch 506 / Kayo LIVE
Sunday, 4 July
16:00-16:30: Qualifying Fox Sports Ch 506 / Kayo
20:45-21:30: Race (18 laps) Fox Sports Ch 506 / Kayo LIVE
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, overall standings after 2 of 8 races
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 50 points
2. Dorian Boccolacci (F/Martinet by Alméras), 31 points
3. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 30 points
4. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 27 points
5. Christopher Zöchling (A/FACH AUTO TECH), 23 points
6. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 20 points
2021 calendar Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup*
20 – 23 May Monte Carlo (Monaco)
25 – 27 June Spielberg (Austria)
2 – 4 July Spielberg (Austria)
30 July – 1 August Budapest (Hungary)
27 – 29 August Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
3 – 5 September Zandvoort (Netherlands)
10 – 12 September Monza (Italy), two races
* Subject to change
(1) The GHG emissions reduction stated here relates to the comparison of the calculated carbon footprint of product (CFP) for the renewable components in the PMSC race fuel versus a 94 grams CO2e/MJ of EU Renewable Energy Directive II baseline comparator. Emissions reduction of up to 85% from renewable components vs. conventional are based on carbon footprint of product calculations conducted under ISO 14067 methodology, effectively referenced as a well-to-wheels boundary, taking into account the feedstock, production, transportation, and combustion related emissions to manufacture the blend of renewable components mentioned here. A functional unit of 1 MJ of fuels was used for the comparison.
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NewsPorsche 911 GT3 R wins Nürburgring 24-Hour race
The Manthey customer team has clinched its seventh outright victory at the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
The Manthey customer team has clinched its seventh outright victory at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. At the 49th edition of the endurance classic, works drivers Kévin Estre from France, Michael Christensen from Denmark and the Italian Matteo Cairoli crossed the finish line in first place at the wheel of the No. 911 Porsche 911 GT3 R. This triumph rounds off the 25th anniversary celebrations of the team from the Eifel. Manthey expanded its accomplishment as the most successful team with the seventh win at the 24-hour race. It was also the 13th victory for a Porsche racing car. The Huber Motorsport customer squad achieved an emphatic win in the Pro-Am class with a 500+PS 911. Bad weather saw the race red-flagged for over 14 hours on Saturday evening. Consequently, the total driving time was only around nine and a half hours.
“Congratulations to the Manthey team. The crew did a flawless job, the drivers gave a terrific show at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R,” said a delighted Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “I’m also particularly pleased about Huber Motorsport’s Pro-Am class win. Our customer teams can be very proud of their achievements. Unfortunately, the strong performance was not always rewarded accordingly, as numerous vehicles had to retire after becoming entangled in other competitors’ accidents.”
The 24-hour race took off on Saturday afternoon in difficult track conditions. Works driver Kévin Estre gave an inspired performance in the Manthey-run Porsche 911 GT3 R on the partly flooded track. Within four laps, the Frenchman had charged through the field from eleventh to the front. The identical vehicles of Rutronik Racing, Huber Motorsport, KCMG, Frikadelli Racing and Falken Motorsports made up many positions until the beginning of the 14-hour break at 9:30 pm. Thick fog was the reason for the interruption. Prior to this, Frikadelli Racing’s No. 30 entry was hampered by bad luck. First, a power steering defect had to be repaired; a little later a damaged differential – the result of a puncture – threw the car out of contention. For the final sprint over three and a half hours, the customer teams lined up the other 911 GT3 R on the grid in promising positions on Sunday morning.
At the restart shortly before midday on Sunday, it was again Kévin Estre who treated around 10,000 spectators in the grandstands to some gripping racing. At the wheel of the so-called “Grello” Porsche 911 GT3 R, the 32-year-old came from sixth place to the front of the field and handed the car off to Michael Christensen in first place. The Dane turned heads with consistently fast laps and maintained the lead in the No. 911 car. Estre successfully fended off all attacks in the last hour of racing to take the flag by a margin of 8.817 seconds. In addition to Estre, Christensen and Cairoli, Lars Kern also competes for the Manthey squad, however the experienced Porsche development driver was unable to contest the race on account of ill health.
The Falken Motorsport team battled for a podium spot to the last lap in the No. 44 car but narrowly missed out on a podium result. Germany’s Sven Müller, the two Austrians Martin Ragginger and Klaus Bachler as well as Alessio Picariello from Belgium finished in fourth place. The No. 33 sister car achieved ninth place. Eighth went to the Porsche 911 GT 3 R fielded by Huber Motorsport with the German drivers Stefan Aust, Philipp Neuffer, Nico Menzel and Marco Seefried. The outfit under team boss Reinhard Huber remained in the top ten over the entire distance and even spent some laps in the lead. In the Pro-Am class, Huber Motorsport was the unchallenged leader.
“A race weekend doesn’t end much better than that,” states Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “In the preparation, our customer teams drove from one victory to the next on the Nordschleife, and now this big win at the 24-hour race – simply perfect. This victory is the result of a strong team effort from Manthey, close cooperation with Porsche and open communication between all teams. Thank you to everyone!”
Porsche’s other customer teams experienced less luck. The vehicles campaigned by Frikadelli Racing, KCMG and Rutronik Racing were fast over long distances but were all involved in accidents. The damages sustained forced the vehicles into the pits before the end of the 24-hour race, which ultimately only ran for only nine and a half hours due to the prolonged interruption.
Comments on the race
Nicolas Raeder (Manthey team principal): “We’re incredibly proud that we managed to win the Nürburgring 24-hour race on our 25th anniversary. It was a very short but extremely intense race. We didn’t compete last year and I’d almost forgotten how exciting it is. The team and the Porsche back office worked brilliantly. We didn’t make any mistakes, and that gave us the leading edge in the end.”
Olaf Manthey (Manthey team founder): “2006 was the most emotional victory at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring because it was our first. But this one on our 25th anniversary, I can only say: I love the entire Manthey team and I will never stop loving them!”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “First I have to catch my breath and take it all in. The race was unusually short and perhaps for this reason it was extremely intense and exhausting. Our car was really strong over the weekend and the team did a flawless job. I’m proud of the Manthey crew. It means a great deal to win in the anniversary year.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “We worked our way to the front with a mammoth team effort and defended it consequently. Thank you to everyone who made this success possible. I’m incredibly proud of the team, of my teammates Michael and Kévin – and a little bit of myself too.”
Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “This is the most wonderful moment in my life so far! I still have tears of joy in my eyes and I have no words to describe how I feel. Kévin’s drive was simply out of this world. Of course, our victory is a team effort and also Porsche’s but I think Kévin actually achieved something absolutely magical in this race.”
Reinhard Huber (Huber Motorsport team principal): “Last year we competed in two classes and won both. This year we did it again with our Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Pro-Am class and also won the SP7 class. Of course, you always hope for such a result, but when you see it on the official results it’s just incredible.”
Stefan Aust (Porsche 911 GT3 R #23): “That was a tough and very unusual race. Unfortunately, there weren’t even ten hours of real racing so we amateurs couldn’t contribute much. Our professional drivers and our team did a great job. We deserved this victory and we’ll be celebrating accordingly.”
Results for the Porsche 911 GT3 R
1. Estre/Cairoli/Christensen (F/I/DK), Manthey #911
4. Bachler/Ragginger/S. Müller/Picariello (A/A/D/B), Falken Motorsports #44
8. Neuffer/Aust/N. Menzel/Seefried (D/D/D/D), Huber Motorsport #23
9. Bachler/Werner/Preining/Arnold (A/D/A/D), Falken Motorsports #33
22. Pilet/Makowiecki/Martin/Olsen (F/F/B/N), Frikadelli Racing #31
63. Imperatori/Burdon/Liberati/Holzer (CH/AUS/I/D), KCMG #18
DNF. Dumas/Andlauer/L. Vanthoor/T. Müller (F/F/B/D), Rutronik #3
DNF. Jaminet/Tandy/Bamber/Campbell (F/GB/NZ/AUS), Frikadelli Racing #30
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NewsJaxon Evans to tackle the third round of the European Le Mans series this weekend
Evans readies for new ‘Holywood’ racing challenge
NEW ZEALAND racing star Jaxon Evans will grab another opportunity to continue a remarkable 2021 racing season when he tackles the third round of the European Le Mans series this weekend.
Evans, the 2018 Porsche Payner Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion and 2020 Carrera Cup France Champion, will line up alongside actor-turned-racer Michael Fassbender and Porsche expert Richard Leitz at the Paul Ricard circuit as a late addition to the Proton Competition squad.
Evans’ races full time for Dempsey-Proton Competition contesting the FIA World Endurance Championship, but also raced in the opening European Le Mans Series (ELMS) round for Proton, where he joined team owner Christian Ried and Gimi Bruni to finish second in Spain.
Proton runs a two-car Porsche team in the European series with Fassbender piloting the sister car to the one Evans’ raced earlier this year.
Originally scheduled for a rare off weekend, Evans’ was called in to replace Fassbender’s regular co-driver Felipe Laser, who is committed to racing at the Nürburgring 24-hour this weekend.
Famous for starring roles in the X-Men and Alien / Prometheus movie franchises, Fassbender is a life-long racing fan and began competing professionally in 2017.
He made his European Le Mans Series debut in 2020 with Proton Competition, while a YouTube Series produced by Porsche called Road to Le Mans has documented his driving career and pathway to the world’s most famous endurance race.
It won’t be the first time that Evans, who hails originally from New Zealand’s South Island, has mixed with Hollywood royalty during his racing adventures; Patrick Dempsey serving as a co-owner of the Dempsey-Proton team in the World Endurance Championship.
The call-up to action in France continues a remarkable string of events for Evans who has firmly settled into life racing at a high level in the European Sportscar and GT scene.
The 24-year-old moved to Europe in 2019 following his success in the 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship – which he won.
He finished 6th outright in his rookie Porsche Supercup season, before scoring his first win and finishing 4th in the Covid-19 affected 2020 Season. Doing double-duties last year, Evans also claimed the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship.
A switch to the Martinet by Almeras team for 2021 saw Jaxon open his 2021 Supercup account with a fine second position on the streets of Monaco last weekend.
Earlier in the year, Evans paired with Christian Ried and Matt Campbell to finish 3rd in the LM GTE-AM class in the opening round of the World Endurance Championship at Spa Francorchamps.
A one-off return to Carrera Cup France, in a bid to get miles in the new Type-922 Carrera Cup Car prior to Monaco, saw Evans claim a win and a second in the two races, in addition to his podium finish in the ELMS opener.
Evans, Fassbender and Leitz will be in action at the French track this weekend, with streaming coverage available via the series’ website and social pages.
All of his Porsche Supercup races are broadcast live on Fox Sports & Kayo Sports in Australia, and Spark Sport in New Zealand.
JAXON’S 2021 RECORD BOOK:
Round 1, European Le Mans Series (Barcelona) 2nd, LM GTE
Round 2, Porsche Carrera Cup France (Paul Ricard) 1st Race 1, 2nd Race 2
Round 1, FIA World Endurance Championship (Spa Francorchamps) 3rd, LMGTE-AM
Round 2, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (Monaco) 2nd
Q&A: JAXON EVANS
This is a great opportunity to get back into the ELMS with Proton Competition. How did it come about?
“I did the first round of ELMS with Proton, they’re running the two cars, #77 and #93. I was only down to do the first round as a fill in driver, because the Silver, Cooper MacNeil, wasn’t able to make it to America.
“During the Monaco race weekend, I received a message from Christian Ried, the team owner at Proton, asking if I was available for the third round of ELMS. At that stage I thought I was joining him in 77, but then it was obvious to me that there was a date clash with he 24 Hour of Nürburgring this weekend.
I got the message to see if I could join Michael Fassbender, which is a pretty cool opportunity… I made sure I was available for it!
“His usual Silver driver, Felipe Laser who has been with him since he started his road to Le mans, is unavailable as he’s racing in the 24 hour.
“It’s on a circuit I’ve raced at quite a lot now, in French Carrera Cup and some testing, and have tasted success there, so I’m excited to join Michael and Richard Lietz. (Richard) is a funny guy and we’ve been in the same team but never shared a car. He’s another works driver I can learn from and grab some experience while also enjoying it.”
Monaco one week, co-driving with Michael Fassbender the next.. it’s a pretty surreal thing you’re doing!
“It’s crazy! Last weekend I was in Monaco, which is the country of the rich and famous, so this weekend to be sharing a car with someone like Michael Fassbender, who has some great A-list movies next to his name, it’s such a cool opportunity.
“In the end he shares the same passion; he’s passionate about racing, he’s got a crew following him around documenting his journey and it’s sort of a pinch yourself moment.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m just thankful for the chances that have come along in 2021.”
Talking about 2021.. it’s been a huge start to the year with a lot of success..
“It’s been a busy start to 2021. My two programs locked in at the state of the year were World Endurance championship with proton, sharing a car with Christian Reid and Matt Campbell, which is bucket list stuff for me.
“You get to race at some incredible races and also the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And then there’s the Supercup season.
“To already have some success as well has been great. We finished on the podium in the first round of the year in ELMS, which was exciting, we did a lot of testing with Supercup where we have already been competitive and fast.
“To top things off we were able to stand on the podium in Monaco which to me was probably one of the coolest podiums I’ve had the pleasure of standing on.
“As a driver you always want to win, but even standing there in second it was a great feeling and almost felt like a win. It was a great start with my team, Martinet by Almeras, so we’re really excited and pumped to continue that momentum rolling onto this weekend.”
Thing’s don’t exactly slow down from here though, do they?
“I’ve got ELMS at Paul Ricard this weekend, then the next weekend is Portimao for the second round of WEC and then there’s back-to-back rounds of Supercup at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
“It’s exciting!”
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NewsCampbell to help Porsche customer teams fight for 13th outright victory in Nürburgring 24-hour
Nürburgring 24-hour race, Preview, Nürburgring
Porsche customer teams tackle the Nürburgring 24-hour race with a large contingent of 38 vehicles in ten different classes. The famed Eifel marathon has been contested since 1970 and is considered one of the world’s toughest motor racing challenges. No less than eight Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by six squads take on the top SP9 class to fight for overall victory at the long-distance classic, which gets underway on 5 June at 3:30 pm (CEST).
One lap of the racetrack consists of a 25.378-kilometre combination of the Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit. The odds look good for a Porsche to clinch the 13th win at the Nürburgring.
The customer team Frikadelli Racing has clearly underlined the huge potential of the 500+hp GT3 racer from Weissach with a one-two result at the qualification race. The squad from Barweiler, a village just a stone’s throw from the Nürburgring, campaigns two vehicles helmed by three works drivers from the Porsche squad , including 2016 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Matt Campbell, as well as five other Nordschleife specialists.
At the 49th edition of the tradition-steeped race, Falken Motorsports also fields a pair of 911 GT3 R, with a driver line-up that includes factory driver Thomas Preining from Austria. The customer teams Huber Motorsport, Rutronik Racing and KCMG each run one GT3 vehicle from Weissach. With six outright victories to its credit, Manthey-Racing is the most successful outfit at the 24-hour marathon in Germany’s hilly Eifel region and competes with the famous yellow and green “Grello” vehicle with the starting number 911. Works driver Kévin Estre from France is one of the drivers for the squad, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Porsche makes up the largest contingent on the grid
Every year, the 24-hour race on the 25.378-kilometre combination of the Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit is a highlight on the Eifel racing calendar. This year, around 125 cars in 24 class divisions have registered. “With almost 40 vehicles on this year’s grid line-up, Porsche is once again the most strongly represented brand. This once again emphasises the trust that customers have in our racing cars and our service,” says Michael Dreiser, Director Motorsport Sales. “We’re absolutely delighted and I’d like to thank them all very much for this. The performance and reliability of the cars are important factors on the way to possible success on the Nordschleife – and the rest is up to the drivers and teams. I’m certain that our customers are well prepared for the tough task ahead.”
“The season couldn’t have started better: three wins from three races,” states Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R, referring to the first two rounds of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS; known as VLN until 2019) as well as the qualification race for the 24-hour classic. “The results clearly show that the work invested by the teams, drivers and Porsche is heading in the right direction. Still, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. On the contrary: With extra test kilometres and a lot of creative ideas, we travel to the Eifel feeling positive. In conjunction with our experienced customer teams, we’ll do everything we can to continue our winning streak this season.”
Porsche’s history at the 24-hour race
Porsche’s success story at the Eifel classic, which has been held since 1970, has so far included twelve overall victories. In 1976, Fritz Müller, Herbert Hechler and Karl-Heinz Quirin clinched the first victory for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer at the wheel of a Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0. In the two following years, the 911 Carrera RS proved unbeatable. In 1988, Dören Motorsport was the fastest with a 911 Carrera RSR. Five years later, Konrad Motorsport triumphed. In 2000, Phoenix Racing won with a 911 GT3 R, with Manthey-Racing starting its unprecedented winning streak soon after. From 2006 to 2009, the team from Meuspath near the Nürburgring secured four outright victories in a row. Two more victories followed in 2011 and 2018. Thanks to six overall wins, Manthey-Racing is the most successful squad at the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
An overview of the Porsche teams and drivers (SP9 class)
Rutronik Racing (#3) – Dumas/Andlauer/L. Vanthoor/T. Müller (F/F/B/D)
KCMG (#18) – Imperatori/Burdon/Liberati/Holzer (CH/AUS/I/D)
Huber Motorsport (#23) – Neuffer/Aust/N. Menzel/Seefried (D/D/D/D)
Frikadelli Racing Team (#30) – Jaminet/Tandy/Bamber/Campbell (F/GB/NZ/AUS)
Frikadelli Racing Team (#31) – Pilet/Makowiecki/Martin/Olsen (F/F/B/N)
Falken Motorsports (#33) – Bachler/Werner/Preining/Arnold (A/D/A/D)
Falken Motorsports (#44) – Bachler/Ragginger/S. Müller/Picariello (A/A/D/B)
Manthey-Racing (#911) – Estre/Cairoli/Christensen/Kern (F/I/DK/D)
The schedule (all times CEST)
Thursday, 3 June
12:30 – 2:00 pm: Qualifying 1
8:30 – 11:30 pm: Qualifying 2
Friday, 4 June
3:30 – 4:30 pm: Qualifying 3
6:30 – 8:50 pm: Top Qualifying 1+2
Saturday, 5 June
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Warmup
3:30 pm: Start 24-hour race
Sunday, 6 June
3:30 pm: Finish 24-hour race
TV and internet coverage of the 24-hour race
Live coverage and timing of all sessions are shown on the website https://www.24h-rennen.de.
Drivers’ comments before the race
Julien Andlauer (Porsche 911 GT3 R #3): “I’ve been racing on the Nordschleife for three years now, but I still lack the experience of many of my teammates. I’m very familiar with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, but I’ve never driven it at the 24-hour Eifel classic before. It’ll be exciting! At the two NLS events and the qualifying race, we collected a lot of data that will help us immensely with the setup for this big highlight. There’s huge excitement, but there’s also respect. I’m still a rookie in this race.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 GT3 R #30): “I’m thrilled that I’m sitting in one of Frikadelli Racing’s extremely well-crewed cars this year. The squad has prepared meticulously for the upcoming 24-hour race and has achieved great successes on the Nordschleife. The car is very well set up and we’re very happy with how things are panning out. Now we want to tap the full potential of the car, the team and the drivers at the highlight of the year.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 GT3 R #31): “It’s one of the most beautiful and toughest races on the planet, and I always look forward to it. We’re heading to the 24-hour race very well prepared this year. The two previous outings on the Nordschleife ran perfectly. Frikadelli scored one-two results twice – and we’re keen to repeat this on the first weekend in June. I don’t like to talk about luck when it comes to motor racing, because that’s something you can never rely on in our sport. Still, you need a bit of luck if you want to win on the Nordschleife. A lot can happen in 24 hours on this difficult track, especially with changeable weather conditions and in a field with cars going different speeds. It’s sometimes out of the hands of the teams and drivers. In this special case, it helps to have Lady Luck on your side.”
Thomas Preining (Porsche 911 GT3 R #33): “It’s always full on at the Nürburgring 24-hour race – and I love it! We prepared well at the NLS races and in the subsequent qualifying race and we’re heading into the weekend feeling very confident. Still, compared to the competition, the lead-up to the 24-hour race is more labour-intensive for us. We’re the only team running on Falken tyres, so we’ve had to be responsible for finding the right compounds. That has been our focus over the past few weeks. I expect a very close fight in the top SP9 class.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “At last another 24-hour race at the Nürburgring! I couldn’t compete last year because Porsche didn’t send all of the Le Mans drivers to the Eifel. That makes me all the more excited for this year’s event. Our preparation with Manthey-Racing’s Grello went well. We won a race in the endurance series at the Nürburgring and were consistently fast at the other events as well. The competition is really strong – especially when I look at the other Porsche 911 GT3 R in the top class…”
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NewsTAG Heuer expands partnership with both Porsche one-make series in Australia
Swiss watchmaker to be the Official Watch and Naming Rights partner for Fastest Lap Awards
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased announce that Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has increased its partnership with the German car brand in Australia, expanding its motorsport involvement across both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series in 2021.
Together with TAG Heuer’s global partnership with Porsche, Porsche Motorsport and the Porsche Formula E team, domestically the brand will be the Official Watch and Naming Rights partner for the Fastest Lap Champions in both Australian one-make series.
In return, TAG Heuer brand will be featured on the Fastest Lap graphic displayed during the qualifying sessions at seven premier Carrera Cup Australia rounds in 2021. At each of these rounds, the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award will also be presented to camera for the fastest qualifying driver in both the Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am classes.
Together with post produced telecast coverage, photo calls and media releases, the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award will be presented at both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Awards nights at the end of year.
The TAG Heuer brand also be included on both the carreracup.com.au and porschesprintchallenge.com.au websites as well as related content on the Porsche Motorsport Australia (@PorscheMortsportAU) social media channels. Porsche Cars Australia will also provide a bespoke driving experience for ten TAG Heuer customers at a tailored Porsche Drive the Range event.
Quotes:
PCA Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “This relationship between TAG Heuer and Porsche connects two of the world’s most premium brands and extends across all areas of our business in Australia and abroad. To see that partnership enriched further at a local motorsport level allows not only Porsche, but TAG Heuer to continue their strong heritage in motor racing and both our one-make series in Australia.”
TAG Heuer, General Manager Australia & New Zealand, Van Mulryan: “We are honoured to strengthen our partnership both globally and locally with Porsche, the alliance which further reinforces our passion and commitment to motor racing. Both brands share an uncompromising commitment to quality and technology, we are excited for what the future holds and look forward to seeing what we will achieve together from this dynamic partnership
The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph
Carrera as an icon of a name has been associated with Porsche and TAG Heuer for generations – so it was a natural choice for the first creative product collaboration. A tribute to the heritage of two brands, the new chronograph offers a first glimpse at what they can achieve together and is a seamless blend of the Porsche and TAG Heuer universes, reflecting the excellence of both names without diluting the essence of either.
Porsche’s engraved inscription is visible on the bezel and the unmistakable font is also used for the indexes. The Porsche colours of red, black, and grey – which also recall historic Heuer models – are incorporated throughout the watch, and on clear display through the transparent crystal case back is the oscillating mass, which has been redesigned in affectionate tribute to Porsche’s celebrated steering wheel. It is printed with “Porsche” and “TAG Heuer”.
The dial’s asphalt effect, created especially for this watch, expresses a passion for the road, while Arabic numerals suggest the numbers on the dashboard of fine Porsche sportscars. The timepiece is presented either on a soft strap in luxurious calf leather and innovative stitching that echoes the Porsche interior or on an interlocking bracelet reflecting streamlined racing design. At the heart of the timepiece is the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 manufacture movement with an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
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NewsEvans takes second in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season opener
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 1, Race, Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
The action-packed opening round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup ended with a convincing win for the reigning champion Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite). The Dutchman controlled the twice red-flagged race on the famous street circuit of Monte Carlo and crossed the finish line more than three seconds ahead of New Zealander Jaxon Evans (Martinet by Alméras).
“That was the perfect start to the season,” said the jubilant winner ten Voorde. “I pushed hard in the first few laps to gain an advantage over Jaxon Evans – he’s the guy I feared the most. My tactic worked. Towards the end, I was even able to ease off a bit and control the gap.” Rookie Dorian Boccolacci (Martinet by Alméras) from France fended off repeated attacks from Austria’s Christopher Zöchling (FACH AUTO TECH) to win the gripping duel for position three.
The first race of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, at which the Esso Renewable Racing Fuel produced from regenerative sources was used, got off to a hectic start. After just a few metres, several vehicles collided in the uphill section heading towards the Casino. The race was red-flagged due to the blocked racetrack. Six drivers were unable to restart behind the safety car. Another crash into the barriers shortly after the restart saw the safety car deployed again, this time for one lap.
After each of the two restarts, ten Voorde held on to his lead and proceeded to pull clear of his pursuer Evans by tenths of seconds. In the meantime, the New Zealander eked out an advantage over Boccolacci and Zöchling. Bad luck hampered Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven. While running in position five, the Turkish racing driver had to retire shortly before the finish with technical problems. However, his teammate at BWT Lechner Racing, the Luxembourger Dylan Pereira, launched an impressive charge through the field. After an accident in qualifying, the fastest in Free Practice had to take up the race from P27 – the second to last grid spot. The sports soldier took the flag in eleventh place and was rewarded for his outstanding performance with five championship points.
In addition to ex-Formula 2 driver Boccolacci, who gave a strong debut in Porsche’s international one-make cup with third place, Britain’s Harry King (Parker Revs Racing) and Ludovico Laurini from Italy (Dinamic Motorsport) completed the rookie podium. Victory in the ProAm class went to Frenchman Clément Mateu (Pierre Martinet by Alméras) ahead of Austrian Philipp Sager (Dinamic Motorsport).
“The start of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup’s 29th season couldn’t have been more spectacular. Congratulations to the defending champion Larry ten Voorde on his victory. The race also underlined that some new names will appear in the top group this year,” commented Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
The next venue on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar is Spielberg, Austria, where two races are held on consecutive weekends. First part of the double-header is the Styrian Grand Prix (25 to 27 June 2021).
Race 1 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 15 laps, Monte Carlo (MC)
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 25.45.487 minutes
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/ Martinet by Alméras), +3.276 seconds
3. Dorian Boccolacci (F/Martinet by Alméras), +6.610 seconds
4. Christopher Zöchling (A/FACH AUTO TECH), +7.213 seconds
5. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), +10.043 seconds
6. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +12.540 seconds
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NewsJaxon Evans begins Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup assault in Monaco
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 1, Preview, Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
The new Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season kicks off this weekend as support to the Monaco Grand Prix (23 May 2021) and both Friday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Channel 506.
The new 911 GT3 Cup, generation 992, which was recently unveiled at Round 2 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at the Bend Motorsport Park earlier this month, makes its racing debut in Porsche’s international one-make cup on the famous street circuit in the Principality. This year’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, now heading into what will be its 29th season, includes eight races run as support to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
For the first time, the car’s ca. 375 kW (510 hp) four-litre naturally aspirated engine will run on Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, a blend of fuels predominantly made from renewable, bio-based components. The switch to so-called eFuel is planned over the course of the 2022 season. eFuel is based on hydrogen produced using renewable electricity. The goal of the cooperation between Porsche and ExxonMobil is to gain valuable experiences to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption.
“The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup heads into the 2021 season with two highlights. We start the season in Monaco for the first time. Given that we aren’t allowed to test on this very special racetrack and the fact that it leaves no room for mistakes is a huge test for the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992)” said Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“Plus, this is the first time we’re using the new Esso Renewable Racing Fuel from our partner ExxonMobil. The teams and drivers are super excited. In terms of lap times, the field is extremely close, which was underlined at the tests in Monza, Italy. I think we’ll witness the most gripping season-opener in Supercup history,”
Carrera Cup Australia 2018 Champion, Jaxon Evans, who last year also added the French Carrera Cup title to his resume, switches to the Martinet by Almeras team for this season. The New Zealander, was quickest in several of the preseason Supercup test sessions held at the Monza circuit in Italy.
Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands, Team GP Elite) posted the fastest time overall in the preseason test and tackles the Monaco round as the reigning champion. His rivals include last year’s vice-champion Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg) and Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (Turkey, both BWT Lechner Racing) as well as the title defenders of the rookie and Pro-Am classes, Max van Splunteren (Netherlands, Team GP Elite) and Roar Lindland (Norway, Nebulus Racing by Huber).
Fox Sports Channel 506 will once again broadcast every round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2022, starting with qualifying (LIVE) on Friday 21 May at 18:00 (AEST) before the season opening LIVE race at 18:00 (AEST) on Sunday (23 May 2021).
Broadcast Schedule (All times AEST)
Friday, 21 May
Qualifying: Fox Sports Channel 506 18:00PM LIVE
Sunday, 23 May
Race (17 laps): Fox Sports Channel 506 18:00PM LIVE
Calendar Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2021*
20 – 23 May: Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
25 – 27 June: Spielberg (Austria)
2 – 4 July: Spielberg (Austria)
16 – 18 July: Silverstone (England)
30 July – 1 August: Budapest (Hungary)
27 – 29 August: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
3 – 5 September: Zandvoort (Netherlands)
10 – 12 September: Monza (Italy)
* Subject to change
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NewsPorsche and Multimatic are partners in new hybrid racing class
Porsche Motorsport sets up close collaboration with North American chassis manufacturer
Porsche Motorsport is teaming up with Multimatic to build its LMDh racing cars. As of 2023, the racing prototypes fitted with a hybrid powertrain system will compete in the newly created top class of the world’s two most important sports car championships: the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The Multimatic chassis has been chosen as the basis for the development of Porsche’s LMDh prototype, which will also be competing for overall victories in the endurance classics at Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans as of 2023. The factory cars will be fielded by the recently created Porsche Penske Motorsport team.
The regulations for the LMDh category stipulate that all prototypes in the new top class are to be based on the chassis of one of four approved manufacturers (Multimatic, Oreca, Dallara and Ligier). The acronym LMDh stands for Le Mans Daytona Hybrid. The Volkswagen Group’s sister company Audi will also be collaborating with Multimatic, which will result in more positive synergy effects in the joint development of these new racing cars.
“Multimatic is the most obvious and logical solution for us,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “We have known this highly respected company and its team of experienced professionals for many years and are absolutely convinced of the quality of their work. We don’t have to set up a completely new business relationship with them, but can hit the ground running. That’s vital and is exactly what is needed when developing a new racing car. It is imperative that we eliminate friction losses to ensure that we are able to do a perfect job and deliver what is needed fast. There’s another factor of inestimable benefit: One part of Multimatic, like our team partner Penske, is based in Mooresville in North Carolina. Short distances and direct lines of communication will be of tremendous help in the development of the future LMDh prototype and in competition.”
“This partnership with Porsche Motorsport is the culmination of thirty years of building our expertise in the area of competition vehicle engineering and development. It is a privilege to be chosen by Porsche for their next chapter in global hybrid prototype competition“, comments Larry Holt, Executive Vice President, Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations. “The LMDh concept, and rules convergence between the FIA WEC and IMSA championships is unprecedented, and Multimatic’s commitment to the new model is all-in. The collaboration has already proven to be seamless and the enthusiasm of the team is palpable in every meeting. I am equally delighted with the recent Porsche Penske Motorsport announcement as we have enjoyed a long relationship with Roger Penske and his organization, as both collaborator and competitor. I can think of no better team, than our North Carolina neighbor, to campaign the new cars.”
Multimatic is a privately held, global enterprise supplying engineered components, systems and services to the automotive industry. Multimatic’s core competencies include the engineering and manufacturing of complex mechanisms, body hardware, suspension systems and body structures, as well as the design and development of lightweight composite automotive systems. Additionally, Multimatic delivers niche vehicle design, development and production for road and race applications. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Multimatic has manufacturing divisions and engineering facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. The company has been a key Porsche Motorsport partner for many years, most recently supplying shock absorbers to the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, while suspension components were also installed in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, which in 2018 set a number of lap records on circuits such as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, as well as in the Porsche 99X Electric Formula E car and the 911 RSR in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The new LMDh category will be part of the new top class at endurance classics such as Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring as of 2023 and features a maximum in terms of cost effectiveness. It will be based on a chassis that each brand is permitted to combine with its own individually styled bodywork. Despite the tight regulations, manufacturers are given considerable freedom when it comes to the powertrain system. There are no specifications regarding the design and displacement of the combustion engine, for instance. Coupled with a standardized hybrid system, the engine output will be 500 kW (approx. 680 PS). The vehicle’s basic weight is specified at 1,030 kilograms.
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NewsHill sweeps Tailem Bend to take third-straight Carrera Cup round win
Geoff Emery wins maiden Morris Finance Pro-Am round
Cameron Hill has joined an elite group of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia legends by winning his third straight championship round via a clean sweep of race wins at The Bend Motorsport Park.
The Canberran swept to a pair of race wins on Sunday at the South Australian circuit, backing up his Round 1 win at Sandown and his victory in the 2020 Australian Grand prix round in March last year.
Meanwhile, Geoff Emery won his first Morris Finance Pro-Am round in a weekend that featured three different winners from three races; the Victorian driver and Sam Shahin splitting the Sunday victories after Dean Cook won the Saturday race.
Hill’s overall victory came via a pair of tense, narrow victories over Harri Jones on Sunday; the first of the day in the 20-lap Enduro Cup race and the second in the final 11-lap sprint.
He is just the sixth different driver in Carrera Cup Australia history to win three consecutive rounds; joining former series champions Alex Davison, Craig Baird, Jim Richards, Nick Foster and Jaxon Evans on an elite list.
“To manage to get all three race wins is incredible,” Hill said.
“It’s been a perfect weekend for us. We had a little bit of luck on Saturday but we take it when it comes and we’re happy to extend our lead in the championship.
“To win the Enduro Cup race I had to drive really straight, with no mistakes, couple of restarts to spice it up as well, but I was just really happy to come away with the win.
“Harri was stronger than me in sector three, I was a bit stronger in sector two, so I just had to not make any mistakes and a couple of times we had to go side-by-side; but we gave each other some good racing room and it was really cool racing.”
2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge champion Harri Jones finished second overall at The Bend; his first podium finish in Carrera Cup competition.
Former champion David Wall continued to accumulate points by finishing third overall, backing up his fourth-placed result in round one.
Emery’s path to victory in Morris Finance Pro-Am came via victory in the Enduro Cup race and a pair of runner-up finishes in the other two races to take his first class round victory.
He edged out Sam Shahin for the overall victory, though the South Australian scored victory in the final race of the weekend – his second at his home circuit.
Dean Cook celebrated his return to the championship with third place overall, rebounding from a spin in the Enduro Cup race to score a trophy.
“Race two was really good for us and we were able to clear away from the field to get the win there,” Emery said.
“My start wasn’t the best, Dean Cook ran past me on the outside and gave me a bit of work to do, but I just put some solid lap times in and watched it all happen around me. Once the safety car bunched the field up, I had all the Pros in both mirrors trying to pass me, with Sam (Shahin) right behind me too so it was really tough finish.
“Sam Shahin gave me a really good run for my money in Race three and I locked a tyre at turn one and handed the lead to him, but still had enough points to get the round win so I’m pretty happy with my first Pro-Am win.”
After the challenging wet-weather race on Saturday, Sunday’s pair of races were intense and highly competitive as drivers enjoyed dry conditions at the 4.9km circuit.
The 20-lap Enduro Cup race that started the Sunday program was a thriller, full of drama throughout it’s more than 40-minute duration.
Hill and Jones battled for the lead in the opening laps before settling into the race early on, Nick McBride making ground early to run third.
As the leading freight-train of six cars battled, the race settled down before Dean Cook found himself stuck in the gravel trap at turn one after an attempted move for the lead of Morris Finance Pro-Am.
After a restart for that incident, the field continued to battle before a second Safety Car was called to recover Aaron Love’s stranded Sonic Porsche, also stuck in the gravel at turn one after an attempted pass on Nick McBride went awry.
That set up a one-lap dash to the line, one that saw Hill hold off Jones in the closest ever Carrera Cup finish at The Bend Motorsport Park.
The drama behind the two leaders wasn’t over as Luke Youlden and Nick McBride battled for the final spot on the podium. Their exchange saw Youlden sideways and McBride off the road at turn nine, allowing young South Aussie ace Max Vidau to capitalise and grab third.
Other highlights included a remarkable charge from the back of the grid to fifth for young Kiwi ace Matthew Payne, while Cooper Murray rebounded from his race one disappointment to finish eighth.
Bathurst champion Craig Lowndes showcased the unpredictable nature of the race by starting ninth, running as high as seventh before spearing off the circuit and dropping to 17th position – before rebounding to 7th at the finish.
Geoff Emery won a competitive Morris Finance Pro-Am fight over Sam Shahin, who still finished second despite spinning mid-race at turn six. Ben Stack scored his best ever Pro-Am finish in third.
The final sprint race was a more straightforward affair, Hill and Jones settling into first and second after another intense battle through the first six corners.
Payne and Murray continued their march forward to finish third and fourth, respectively, while David Wall did enough to secure his spot on the podium overall with fifth, just in front of teammate Lowndes.
Max Vidau, Youlden, Christian Pancione and Michael Almond completed the top-10, while Shahin and Emery battled for victory in Morris Finance Pro-Am; Adrian Flack rebounding from a tough weekend to finish third.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship takes a well-earned break before Round 3, to be held on the streets of Townsville on July 9-11.
Cameron Hill takes a 116-point lead in the championship to the North Queensland circuit, David Wall moving to second.
Harri Jones sits third and leads the Michelin Junior standings, while Cooper Murray and Aaron Love complete the top five.
Sam Shahin now leads the Morris Finance Pro-Am standings over The Bend winner Emery and the consistent Marc Cini.
STANDINGS (After 2 of 8 Rounds)
- Cameron Hill 354
- David Wall 238
- Harri Jones 225
- Cooper Murray 194
- Aaron Love 177
- Craig Lowndes 168
- Luke Youlden 149
- Christian Pancione 145
- Michael Almond 141
- Nick McBride 137
Morris Finance Pro-Am
- Sam Shahin 278
- Geoff Emery 254
- Marc Cini 191
- Adrian Flack 184
- Stephen Grove 174
- Ben Stack 174
- Scott Taylor 174
- Tim Miles 164
- Dean Cook 132
- Indiran Padayachee 130
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NewsHill, Cook survive wild The Bend Carrera Cup opener
Wet weather creates drama as key contenders strike dramas in South Australia
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series leader Cameron Hill has survived rain and chaos to win the opening race of round two at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
Meanwhile, Dean Cook led home Geoff Emery to win the Morris Finance Pro-Am class in a wild affair that saw drama from the outset and a Safety Car finish.
Hill, who started third, led home Harri Jones and former champion David Wall in a race that ran six laps but finished under Safety Car after a series of incidents throughout.
“There was a big crash at the start and I saw it all happen in my mirror,” Hill explained.
“There was a lot of spray and not so good vision and it was sad to see some of the cars taken out at the start. On that restart I saw the guys in second and third touch and thought ‘I’m just going to stay out of this’.
“You have to take them when they come and I’m happy the car is straight.”
Cook’s win in Morris Finance Pro-Am came from fourth on the class grid and after missing the opening round of the series at Sandown.
It also came despite not having a functioning windscreen wiper during the rain-affected race.
“That was a lucky one, to get the finish and a win, it was difficult and the conditions weren’t the best, especially without a windscreen wiper!” Cook said.
“I was able to avoid the carnage and come away with the win is a good thing.
“I missed the restart but you think ‘lets just get through the last few laps’ and I hoped the windscreen cleared so I could see.”
The race commenced in fully wet conditions with the entire field sporting wet Michelin tyres.
Polesitter Matthew Payne was slower away from the front row of the grid than second-placed Cooper Murray, the latter leading the field up towards turn one.
Drama unfolded behind however as Michael Almond, David Wall and David Russell made contact as they ran three wide; Almond and Russell both spinning across the road and making contact with the inside wall of the circuit.
The incident caught up several other cars with Dale Wood, Ben Stack and Tim Miles also out of the race, while Sam Shahin spun across the road but fortuitously avoided any contact.
After a lengthy clean-up, the race resumed with Murray making a perfect re-start and leading the field up to turn one.
Behind him, Payne and Aaron Love, who had started seventh, battled for second position and made light contact as they raced towards the first corner.
That contact saw Payne spinning across the wet infield and into the path of an unwitting Murray, with both cars suffering damage.
The race returned to Safety Car conditions and finished after six laps with Hill taking his third win from four starts this year and extending his championship lead.
Harri Jones was a remarkable second and first Michelin Junior, despite having started eighth, while David Wall finished third.
Luke Youlden climbed from ninth to third to record the best result for the TekworkX team in just their second ever round, while local hero Max Vidau charged from 12th to fifth.
Nick McBride – who started 14th – was sixth with Aaron Love, Jackson Walls, Craig Lowndes – from 19th – and Simon Fallon completing the top-10.
Cook’s Morris Finance Pro-Am win came ahead of Geoff Emery and Scott Taylor, who’s third place finish equalled his previous-best Pro-Am race finish.
Results remain provisional pending Motorsport Australia stewards enquires into the incidents during the race.
Earlier in qualifying, Matthew Payne and Cooper Murray created the youngest ever front row for a Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race as the Michelin juniors starred in qualifying.
Payne grabbed the top spot in the session to deliver the Earl Bamber Motorsport / Team Porsche NZ team their first Tag Heuer pole award in just their second Carrera Cup Australia race.
The pair share an average age of 18 years and 5 months, with Payne becoming the second youngest polesitter in Carrera Cup history.
Geoff Emery scored his second straight Tag Heuer Pole Award in Morris Finance Pro-Am, edging out local hope Sam Shahin by just 0.1 seconds, Ben Stack in third.
Two further races, including a 45-minute Enduro Cup challenge in the morning, complete the racing on Sunday at The Bend Motorsport Park.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS: Race 1, Round 2, The Bend Motorsport Park
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 2, The Bend Motorsport Park
Sunday 09th May 2021
Race 2 11:15-12:00 20 laps
Race 3 14:25-14:50 11 laps
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NewsWood, Flack top intense practice day at The Bend
Tiny margins across the field set the tone for South Australian weekend
Dale Wood has topped an intense day of practice for Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at The Bend Motorsport Park, while Adrian Flack topped the order in Morris Finance Pro-Am.
Wood, driving the Timken 911 GT3 Cup Car for Ashley Seward Motorsport, set his fastest time of 1m51.3346s on his eighth of nine laps in the second practice session of the day at the South Australian circuit.
The Victorian driver topped a remarkably competitive Mobil Pro class that saw the top 15 cars covered by little more than one second today.
Wood edged out young Kiwi and Michelin Junior Matthew Payne for the fastest time of the day, the Team Porsche NZ runner missing the ultimate benchmark by a scant 0.0992s.
The tiny margin at the top was the theme of the day with the 26-strong field once again proving to be enormously competitive.
“It’s a good way to finish the day, being quickest in session two,” Wood said.
“We struggled in session one. We had a great test day here and I think probably after the test day we left with a good outright, one-lap fast car but I don’t know that we’ve got a fast enough race car, so that was a real focus for today.
“We definitely learned something in that second session. I was a bit surprised to finish off second fastest because I still don’t think that’s good enough – we’ve still got to work away at that yet.”
Following a solid opening round at Sandown, 18-year-old New Zealand star Matthew Payne impressed in practice at The Bend as he continued to come to grips with his SP Tools-backed Earl Bamber Motorsport GT3 Cup Car.
“The second session was mega. The track changed quite a bit from the first one, there was about a second difference in the times, so the car got a lot better towards the end and we placed the time early on,” he said.
“Car was mega and I can’t thank these guys enough.”
Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Nick McBride was third overall with David Russell, who returns to the Lago Racing #23 entry this weekend, and championship leader Cameron Hill completing the top five.
Michael Almond, Jackson Walls, David Wall, Cooper Murray and round one polesitter Harri Jones completed the practice top-10 which featured a remarkable eight different teams.
Most drivers set their fastest laps in the afternoon session, though practice one held earlier in the day was no less competitive.
Cameron Hill topped that 25-minute session, one that finished with the top 15 cars covered by 0.68 seconds in an indication of what is to come in Qualifying – to be held on Saturday morning.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Adrian Flack topped both sessions at The Bend today, edging out Sam Shahin in each.
Dean Cook, Geoff Emery and Tim Miles completed the top five in the first session, with the same five locking out the top spots in the second; though Miles and Emery swapped positions.
“We didn’t really know what to expect when we came here but to be fastest at this stage is really good. Tomorrow is what really counts so I’m really looking forward to that,” Flack, who finished second in the opening round of the Morris Finance Pro-Am championship, said.
“The track was really green in practice one so it was a real challenge, especially in the high speed to keep the thing on the black stuff, but practice two was much better – the track came to us and we were able to put out some good laps.”
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field returns to the track at 10:10am local time on Saturday for what is sure to be an intensely competitive qualifying session.
The first of three races will be contested over 11 laps at 14:50pm local time, with live coverage on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
RESULTS: The Bend Motorsport Park Practice
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 2, The Bend Motorsport Park
Saturday 08th May 2021
Qualifying 10:10-10:30 20 mins
Race 1 14:50-15:15 11 laps
Sunday 09th May 2021
Race 2 11:15-12:00 20 laps
Race 3 14:25-14:50 11 laps
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NewsThe first 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car arrives in Australia
New Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) to be unveiled at the OTR Supersprint
Following its international launch in December 2020, the first 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car has arrived in Australia. The stunning wide-body race car is direct from Porsche Motorsport in Weissach, Germany and will be on display to the public at the OTR Supersprint – when The Bend Motorsport Park hosts Round 2 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia on the 07 to 09 May.
Since the first images and details of the latest generation of the world’s top-selling racing car became public, interest in the new 992 generation has been very strong among Australia and New Zealand customers – ahead of its domestic introduction in the Carrera Cup Australia series in 2022.
The new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will also be unveiled to potential Carrera Cup Australia customers in an exclusive reveal event on the eve of the OTR Supersprint on Thursday 06 May.
PCA Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest shown in the new 992 GT3 Cup car to date and we are currently assessing all of the expressions of interest we’ve received from motorsport customers across Australia and New Zealand. Given the quality and calibre of the drivers interested, the 2022 grid will be one of the strongest in the series history.”
In 2021, the 992 generation racer will be campaigned in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and 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), it exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower. Moreover, the new GT3 Cup can run on synthetic fuels, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions under racing conditions. The lap times of the completely new Cup 911 are expected to be slashed by a good one per cent, depending on the track layout.
Australian fans can watch the 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup in action in all eight rounds of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship which will again be broadcast live on FOX Sports with replays throughout the season.
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
Full gallery: https://www.carreracup.com.au/images/?image_id=10978
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NewsPorsche and Team Penske to collaborate in motorsport
Building up worldwide network – works Porsche LMDh prototypes will be operated by one team
Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske have agreed to collaborate closely in fielding the new LMDh vehicle commencing in 2023. The successful US team will work together with the experts from Weissach to run factory entries in the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC).
Under the name of Porsche Penske Motorsport, two of the spectacular LMDh prototypes will compete for overall victories in the top class of each of the two racing series. The contract between the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart and the US racing team, which was founded in 1966, will run for a number of years.
A statement to this effect was signed by Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development and Roger Penske, Chairman of Team Penske.
Beginning in 2023, the LMDh vehicles will represent the very best in endurance racing together with so-called hypercars (LMH). The prototypes will also be entered by Porsche customer teams in both championships as early as 2023. The cars, which weigh approximately 1,000 kilograms and are based on an LMP2 chassis, are powered by a 500 kW (680 PS) hybrid drivetrain.
“We are delighted that we were able to get Team Penske to form this partnership,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.
“For the first time in the history of Porsche Motorsport, our company will have a global team competing in the world’s two largest endurance series. To this end, we will be setting up team bases on both sides of the Atlantic. This will enable us to create the optimal structures we will need to take overall victories at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring, for example.”
“As of 2023, Porsche will compete in the major endurance racing series. Our intention is to support and shape the new era with our LMDh prototypes,” said Michael Steiner, Board Member for Research and Development.
“Not only will we be keeping our fingers crossed for the four factory cars we have in total, but also for our customer teams. The new LMDh vehicle will also be entered as a customer car in both series as early as the 2023 season. These partner teams will be given our full support. Whatever insights we gain from our factory effort will also be shared with them.”
“Porsche and Penske share a proven track record of success. This partnership had a lasting impact from 2006 to 2008 on what was then the American Le Mans Series,” said Fritz Enzinger, Head of Porsche Motorsport, delighted about the renewed collaboration with the US team.
“Team Penske has made a name for itself with an almost unparalleled success story in motorsport. In the long list of victories to date, however, the name Le Mans has been missing. I hope that we will finally be able to chalk up this success as of 2023 with Porsche Penske Motorsport. This would then mark Porsche’s 20th overall victory at the Sarthe – a dream come true.”
With the Porsche RS Spyder, Team Penske had taken all the titles in the LMP2 class for three years in succession between 2006 and 2008, beating the faster LMP1 prototypes multiple times. Back in the 1970s, the US-based team had already been extremely successful with the legendary Porsche 917 in the Can-Am series.
“This is a proud day for our entire Penske organization. We have represented Porsche on the track or in our businesses for more than six decades. The heritage and success we have enjoyed together is unparalleled throughout our history,” said Roger Penske.
“I can’t wait to get started as we build a global racing program with Porsche that will compete for wins and championships well into the future.”
Porsche Motorsport will be operating a team base in the USA together with Team Penske at the American team’s headquarters in Mooresville in the state of North Carolina.
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NewsStar-studded 26-car field for Round 2 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Sonic Motor Racing team expands to four cars for Round 2
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia teams travel to The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend for Round 2 of the 2021 series. The 4.95 km South Australian circuit is the second longest (behind Mount Panorama at 6.213km) of the current (confirmed) 2021 calendar and a favourite among Porsche 911 GT3 Cup drivers for its mix of fast and flowing corners.
This the third time The Bend Motorsport Park has hosted the national one-make series, with both previous rounds being won by Bob Jane T-Mart entries run by the Sonic Motor Racing team. 2018’s inaugural round was won by Michael Almond, while Jordan Love dominated all three races in the 2019 season, winning each of them by an average margin of 5.5 secs.
That round was also notable for the outstanding performances of Morris Finance Pro-Am drivers, with Liam Talbot finishing third outright in Race one Adrian Flack repeating that performance in Race two, together with a fourth overall in Race three.
Cameron Hill heads into The Bend aiming for his third consecutive round victory, having won both the shortened 2020 Australian Grand Prix and the opening round at Sandown International Raceway earlier this year. As in the Victorian round, Hill will again come under fire from a strong quartet of Michelin Junior drivers including Cooper Murray, Aaron Love, Christian Pancione and Harri Jones as well as a host of highly experienced Mobil Pro drivers including David Wall, Michael Almond, Craig Lowndes, Dale Wood, Nick McBride and Bathurst 1000 winner Luke Youlden to name but a few.
Max Vidau also marks his return to the series this round and the hard-charging Sonic Motor Racing driver is also likely to be a factor in what is one of the most competitive Mobil Pro classes in the series’ established history.
Round 1 Morris Finance Pro-Am winner, Stephen Grove, will sit out Round 2, to team-up with son, Brenton in the Porsche 911 GT3 R, to contest the GT World Challenge Australia series. With Grove out, Adrian Flack enters the round as a strong race favourite, with Geoff Emery, Tim Miles and The Bend Motorsport Park owner, Sam Shahin, also expected to be in the fight for class honours.
After two practice sessions on the Friday, teams contest a 20-minute qualifying on Saturday morning followed by a Sprint race that afternoon. A 45-minute Endurance race follows on Sunday morning before the final Sprint race of the weekend on Sunday afternoon. All three races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo sports.
For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
ENTRY LIST: Round 2, The Bend Motorsport Park
# | Name | Surname | Class | Sponsor |
7 | Tim | Miles | Morris Finance Pro-Am | No Second Chance |
8 | Nick | McBride | Mobil Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Mobil Pro | Objective Racing |
12 | Harri | Jones | Mobil Pro | Helimods |
13 | Sam | Shahin | Morris Finance Pro-Am | The Bend /HTFU |
20 | Adrian | Flack | Morris Finance Pro-Am | AGAS National |
21 | Matthew | Payne | Mobil Pro | Team Porsche NZ |
22 | Dean | Cook | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Zonzo Estate Yarra Valley |
23 | David | Russell | Mobil Pro | Lago Racing |
28 | Luke | Youlden | Mobil Pro | TekworkX Motorsport |
35 | Indiran | Padayachee | Morris Finance Pro-Am | RentCorp Hyundai Forklifts |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Mobil Pro | Lodge Brothers |
38 | David | Wall | Mobil Pro | Paynter Dixon / Shannons |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Force Accessories |
72 | Max | Vidau | Mobil Pro | Sonic |
74 | Ben | Stack | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Dutton EMA Motorsport |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Mobil Pro | VCM Performance |
77 | Michael | Almond | Mobil Pro | Bob Jane T-Marts / PSA |
78 | Aaron | Love | Mobil Pro | Sonic |
86 | Drew | Hall | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Wall Racing |
100 | Dale | Wood | Mobil Pro | Timken |
111 | Cameron | Hill | Mobil Pro | Squadra Bespoke |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Morris Finance Pro-Am | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
338 | Craig | Lowndes | Mobil Pro | Paynter Dixon / Shannons |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Mobil Pro | Bob Jane T-Marts |
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 2, The Bend Motorsport Park
Saturday 08th May 2021
Qualifying 10:10-10:30 20 mins
Race 1 14:50-15:15 11 laps
Sunday 09th May 2021
Race 2 11:15-12:00 20 laps
Race 3 14:25-14:50 11 laps
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NewsMax Vidau announces return to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Familiar face returns to Sonic Motor Racing Services team ahead of Round 2
Max Vidau will return to the Sonic Motor Racing Services team for Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia this weekend.
Vidau, the 2017 Australian Formula Ford Champion, was a race winner in the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series with the Sonic squad before making the step up to Carrera Cup Australia competition in 2020. After completing rounds 1 and 2, the COVID-19 pandemic halted his plans for the remainder of the season.
Due to a budget shortfall, Vidau was unable to contest the opening Carrera Cup Australia round at Sandown earlier this year, but will now make a ‘one-off’ return at The Bend this weekend.
Vidau’s addition to the team bolsters Team Sonic’s current driver line-up to four cars in total, joining the two Bob Jane T-Marts entries of Michael Almond and Simon Fallon, as well as Michelin Junior driver, Aaron Love.
While he has not contested any circuit racing in the past year, Vidau has been keeping race fit by racing in various speedway events across South Australia and Victoria, driving a 410 sprintcar.
To reacquaint himself with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, Vidau and Sonic conducted a test at The Bend last week, giving him a chance to get his eye back in the game before he takes on the competitive field.
The Round 2 schedule sees two practice sessions on the Friday, before teams contest a 20-minute qualifying on Saturday morning followed by a Sprint race that afternoon. A 45-minute Endurance race follows on Sunday morning before the final Sprint race of the weekend on Sunday afternoon. All three races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo sports.
QUOTES
Max Vidau, Sonic Motor Racing: “We missed the first round because of budget constraints. We had the chance to do it, but fell short, so we have decided to go round by round and see how the season plays out,” said Vidau.
“We did the test at Tailem Bend last week. We were straight on the pace, which was encouraging, but the field this year is super competitive, so we’ll need to be on our game in every session.
“I’ve been keeping sharp driving in a 410 sprintcar. I’ve had some heat wins and went under the 20 lap record at Murray Bridge recently.
“When we are in the Cup car, it feels like you have 10 seconds to think about what you are doing, but in sprintcar you have one second, so when you get in the Porsche, it seems more chilled out.
“Sonic always gives you a good car. The team was very fast at Sandown in the first round, so I’m looking forward to getting into a competitive car and having no excuses.”
Michael Ritter, Sonic Team owner: “Max is a driver that we’ve seen come through our Formula Ford ranks, and it’s great to get him back into Porsche and Carrera Cup,” said Ritter.
“It was a shame that we were not able to get him into a car for Sandown, but we know that he will be able to get in and be on the pace very quickly at The Bend.
“Having a four car team, with four extremely good drivers, is a great result for us and we’re looking forward to seeing how we go against the very competitive field.”
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NewsCampbell and Evans third fastest in GTE-AM in WEC prologue
FIA World Endurance Championship, Round 1, Prologue, Spa
Porsche 911 RSR factory and customer teams set the pace in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season prologue
The Porsche works team contesting the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has successfully completed its preparations for the 2021 season. In the official two-day tests on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the two Porsche 911 RSR covered a total distance of 2,977 kilometres. The main focus of the tests was on the setup and tyre use as well as optimising the procedures within the team. In the so-called prologue of the WEC, the two ca. 515 hp factory cars from Weissach impressed with fast and steady lap times. Works driver Kévin Estre from France turned the fastest lap in the GTE-Pro class in 2:12.916 minutes.
“The prologue was great,” says Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC after two sunny, labour-intensive days in Belgium. “We ticked everything off our programme and there were no surprises. Our ideas for the setup worked positively out on the track. That was our priority on Monday. On the second day, we practically ran a full simulation of the race weekend, included qualifying and long stints. The lap times looked good, but they don’t say much yet. All in all, we feel well prepared for the start of the 2021 season.”
The customer teams GR Racing, Project 1 and Dempsey-Proton Racing sent a total of five nine-elevens from 2019 to take part in the two-day tests on the 7.004-kilometre “Ardennes rollercoaster” racetrack. In the GTE-Am class this year, the campaigning of the latest generation Porsche 911 RSR is possible.
The three teams used the prologue to familiarise themselves as much as possible with the new racing cars. All teams managed to collect extensive data and make significant progress in setting up their vehicles. Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia former Champions, Matt Campbell (2016 Champion) and Jaxon Evans (2018 Champion), together with Christian Ried would finish third fastest in the #77 Proton Competition entry, behind the #56 Porsche 911 RSR of Egidio Perfetti, Matteo Cairoli and Riccardo Pera.
Round one of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) takes off on Saturday 1 May at 1:30 pm (CEST) and runs over a distance of six hours.
Drivers’ comments on the prologue
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “Two things were at the centre of our work – figuring out the best possible vehicle balance and perfecting the interaction between the drivers and the new race engineer. We made noticeable progress in both areas. We’ve completed the planned programme and we feel well prepared. My teammate Richie put in a strong long run. It looks promising, but there are still a couple of things that could be improved in the lead-up to race day.”
Neel Jani (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “The prologue ran really well for us. We drove a total of 220 laps with our number 92 car and tried a few new setup solutions. In the process, we learned a lot. Our simulated racing stints looked good, so we head to the start of the season this weekend feeling positive. We were extremely productive during the two days of testing and, for me personally, it was an important experience because I’ve never driven the Porsche 911 RSR at Spa-Francorchamps before.”
Result GTE-Pro class (all sessions combined)
1. Estre/Jani (F/CH), Porsche 911 RSR #92, 2:12.916 minutes
2. Bruni/Lietz (I/A), Porsche 911 RSR #91, 2:14.214 minutes
3. Pier Guidi/Calado (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 2:14.313 minutes
Result GTE-Am class (all sessions combined)
1. Lacorte/Sernagiotto/Fuoco (I/I/I), Ferrari 488 GTE Evo #47, 2:14.509 minutes
2. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR #56, 2:14.736 minutes
3. Ried/Evans/Campbell (D/NZ/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR #77, 2:14.872 minutes
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NewsJoshua Rogers seals Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup Championship
Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup 2021, Round 10, Races, Monza
Joshua Rogers has taken home the championship title of the Porsche TAG Heuer Esport Supercup for the second time. Driving for the Virtual Racing School team, the Australian scored first place in the feature race at the finale on the virtual version of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy. Thanks to his tenth win of the season, the 21-year-old again convincingly claimed his second title after 2019 in the global championship run on the iRacing simulation platform. “Josh” Rogers’ teammate Mitchell deJong from the USA secured vice-champion honours. Britain’s Charlie Collins finished the sprint race in second place behind Dayne Warren (DirectForce Pro) and thus rounded off a dream result for the Virtual Racing School squad. The Australian Emily Jones (@Emree) pocketed the title of the All-Stars, a line-up of high-ranking esports influencers.
Sprint race: Warren celebrates first race win of the year
In the close qualifying session for the seven-lap sprint race, Collins narrowly beat Australia’s Dayne Warren by just 0.036 seconds. For six laps, the British sim racer held the lead, before Warren catapulted out of his slipstream, edged ahead of him into the first chicane and narrowly clung to lead to the flag. Chasing him across the line was Collins, Mitchell deJong and Joshua Rogers. The critical eighth place and thus pole position for the final round went to the Frenchman Yohann Harth from the Apex Racing team. In the Porsche TAG Heuer Esport Supercup, the eight best finishers from the sprint race tackle the feature race in reverse order.
Main race: Show from Rogers and deJong, drama for last year’s champion
The main race over 14 laps was marked by many changes in the lead, a surprising visitor to the podium and bad luck for last year’s champion Sebastian Job (Red Bull Racing Esports). The British online racer experienced a day of misfortune at the final event of the year. Due to a penalty from the previous race at Le Mans, Job was not eligible to take part in the qualifying and consequently had to start from the third to last grid spot. In the sprint, the 2020 champion was shunted into a spin; in the feature race, his virtual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup landed on its roof after an accident involving four vehicles. As a result, Job was thrown out of contention for the vice-championship crown.
For the Briton, however, a bid for second place would have been difficult anyway, as his rivals from the Virtual Racing School team were too strong. Joshua Rogers and Mitchell deJong allowed the Frenchman Harth and then the Dutchman Mack Bakkum (LEGO Technic Esports Team) to lead the field just before the halfway mark. However, from lap seven, they made it very clear who the real pacesetters were at Monza. Lap after lap, the two top drivers of the season used each other’s slipstream to take turns at the front of the field. Ultimately, Rogers netted his tenth win, and deJong’s second place was enough to earn him runner-up laurels.
Behind the unbeatable leading pair, a turbulent fight unfolded shortly before the end of the final race. In the fierce duels on the long straights of Italy’s Formula 1 track, polesitter Harth eventually relinquished his third place to Bakkum and then had to let Dayne Warren pass. However, the Frenchman did not give up and used a chaotic situation while braking for the Variante Goodyear to move up into third place shortly before the flag. For Harth, this proved to be a stroke of luck. Thanks to his podium result at the finale, the 22-year-old made it into the top 20 of the championship.
Joshua Rogers will not only receive his trophy at the traditional Night of Champions at the end of the year. The 21-year-old Australian will also take home US$50,000 and a high-quality watch for winning the TAG Heuer Pole Award. A total of US$200,000 in prize money was awarded during the 2021 season.
2022 season: 20 starters confirmed, more spots allocated in qualifying heats
After the gripping finale of the 2021 Porsche TAG Heuer Esport Supercup, the popular online racing series will take a short break. In July, qualifying heats for next season begin. From these, the remaining grid spots will be allocated for the 2022 season held on virtual racetracks. The 20 best-placed drivers from this year are automatically eligible to compete next season.
Comments after the feature race
Joshua Rogers (AUS/Virtual Racing School): “I’m incredibly relieved that I can now officially call myself champion again. The season was exhausting, exciting and a real rollercoaster ride. At the first events, my qualifying results weren’t exactly what I’d expected. We worked on this as a team and made huge progress. The better grid positions then helped me to achieve the many successes over the rest of the year. It was great fun, especially after experiencing a really bad season in 2020. I think Mitchell and I put on another great show for the fans at the final race.”
Mitchell de Jong (USA/Virtual Racing School): “That was a top event to wrap up the year. For me, it was all about the vice-championship. Unfortunately, I couldn’t really fight for second overall against Sebastian Job on the track because his penalty meant that he had to start from the back of the grid. It’s a pity, but we still treated spectators to a great show. I’d like to thank my teammates for their support – and Porsche for another awesome season!”
Yohann Harth (F/Apex Racing Team): “I knew that it would be very tight for me in the battle for a top 20 spot in the overall standings. I was under pressure – but it seems I coped pretty well with it. Third place at the end of the season is a dream. Finally, everything came together perfectly. Just in time because now, as one of the top 20 drivers of the year, I automatically qualify for the coming season. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Results
Monza, Sprint race
1. Dayne Warren (AUS/DirectForce Pro)
2. Charlie Collins (GB/Virtual Racing School)
3. Mitchell de Jong (USA/Virtual Racing School)
4. Joshua Rogers (AUS/Virtual Racing School)
5. Mack Bakkum (NL/LEGO Technic Esports Team)
Monza, Feature race
1. Joshua Rogers (AUS/Virtual Racing School)
2. Mitchell de Jong (USA/Virtual Racing School)
3. Yohann Harth (F/Apex Racing Team)
4. Salva Talens (E/MSI eSports)
5. Charlie Collins (GB/Virtual Racing School)
Points’ standings after 10 of 10 championship races
1. Joshua Rogers (AUS/Virtual Racing School), 670 points
2. Mitchell deJong (USA/Virtual Racing School), 478 points
3. Charlie Collins (GB/Virtual Racing School), 408 points
4. Sebastian Job (GB/Red Bull Racing Esports), 395 points
5. Dayne Warren (AUS/DirectForce Pro), 380 points
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NewsJoshua Rogers in the hunt for second Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup title
Rogers and Dayne Warren to fly the flag for Australia in global Esports championship finale
The countdown is on: The final round of the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup (PESC) season takes off this Saturday on the digital version of the Grand Prix circuit at Monza. For Joshua Rogers, the tenth and final round of the season could turn into a victory march.
Driving for the Virtual Racing School team, the Australian has excellent chances to take home the official championship crown in his virtual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup after the sprint and feature race. For the 21-year-old, this would be his second title in the global Esports championship run on the iRacing simulation platform after 2019.
Nevertheless, suspense is guaranteed on the 5.793-kilometre tradition-steeped racetrack: With a total of 85 points up for grabs, five drivers are in the running for vice-championship honours. In addition to Rogers’ American teammate Mitchell deJong (407 points) and the defending champion Sebastian Job from the Red Bull Racing Esports squad (Great Britain, 395 points), the title aspirants include the British sim racer Kevin Ellis Jr. (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Esports, 349 points), Dayne Warren from Australia (LEGO Technic Esports Team, 346 points) and another Virtual Racing School driver, Charlie Collins (Great Britain, 342 points).
The fight for a guaranteed spot in the 2022 PESC adds even more suspense to the final round at Monza. A top-20 result in the overall classification automatically entitles participants a place on the grid next season. The remaining starting positions will be allocated in qualifying races.
At Monza, the PESC sim racers pit themselves against each other in a sprint race over seven laps starting at 9:17 pm (CEST) on Saturday, followed by the main event over twice the distance from 9:45 pm. Fans can watch the iRacing action live on Porsche’s channels YouTube (https://youtu.be/fTICXmuRmfk) and Twitch (www.twitch.tv/porsche).
Beforehand, content creators from the world of Esports will again showcase their skills in a curtain-raiser. They fight for victory with the virtual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. The live stream begins at 7:35 pm with the All-Star qualifying session. The two influencer races get the green light at 7:45 pm and 8:12 pm respectively.
Further information on the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup can be found on the the Porsche Motorsport Hub and the Twitter account @PorscheRaces.
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NewsGrove Motorsport to take on Mount Panorama with Porsche 911 GT3 R
Grove Porsche 911 GT3 R hoping for another Pro-Am podium in Bathurst
Grove Motorsport will make the trip to Mount Panorama, Bathurst this weekend for the second round of Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS.
Having debuted their Porsche 911 GT3 R at Phillip Island the team will take the newly-acquired car to Bathurst for its first run around the Mountain from April 2-4.
Stephen and Brenton Grove will have the chance to open up the taps of the flat-six on the most famous 6.213km in Australian motorsport for Round 2 of GTWC Australia.
They arrive off the back of an overall podium result in the most recent race and are third in the Pro-Am standings heading into Bathurst.
Meanwhile, Stephen was in action last weekend in Carrera Cup Australia at Sandown and will have to adapt back to the driving style of the GT3 R.
GTWC Australia’s event at Bathurst comes in the absence of this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour which was cancelled due to travel restrictions.
However, the chance to compete at Mount Panorama brings out plenty of smiles within the team
“I’m really looking forward to driving the GT3 R around Bathurst but it’s going to be a completely different feel as a sprint event,” said Stephen.
“We’ll have data that we can take and base some stuff off of that, but it’s different conditions and a different style of weekend to the 12 Hour.
“The biggest challenge for me is to try and get up to speed really quickly in driving the GT3 R because they are completely different, especially in the braking area.
“There’s 200-300psi difference in pressure in the braking and the car turns really quickly, it’s very direct compared to a Cup car where you’ve got to hustle it through a corner.
“That’s going to be the main point for this weekend is getting back up to speed as quickly as possible.
“You need to be really precise across the top of the Mountain and that’s where the difficulty is in adapting to the cars at a point on the circuit where there is no room for error.”
The weekend’s format features a pair of hour-long races, one each on Saturday and Sunday.
Both races will be broadcast live and free on the screens of Seven in Australia.
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NewsExxonMobil and Porsche Test Lower-Carbon Fuel in Race Conditions
Esso Renewable Racing Fuel to be tested in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
- Esso Renewable Racing Fuel to be tested in Porsche’s high-performance motorsports engines in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2021 and 2022
- Companies to advance eFuel development with potential for greenhouse gas reduction
- eFuels to be produced using hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide
- New agreement builds on 25-year relationship of developing and testing high-performance products
ExxonMobil and Porsche are testing advanced biofuels and renewable, lower-carbon eFuels, as part of a new agreement to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption. The first iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is a blend of primarily advanced biofuels and is specially formulated by ExxonMobil’s in-house team of scientists and engineers. Analysis indicates the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a liquid fuel. The fuel will be tested in race conditions with Porsche’s high-performance motorsports engines during the 2021 and 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series.
Porsche and ExxonMobil’s collaboration will also focus on eFuels, which are synthetic fuels made from hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide. As early as 2022, the companies plan to test the second iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, which will contain eFuel components. The eFuel is anticipated to achieve a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of up to 85 percent, when blended to current market fuel standards for today’s passenger vehicles.
“The electrification of our vehicles is of highest priority to us,” says Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development of Porsche. “eFuels are a good complement to our powertrain strategy. They allow our customers to drive cars with conventional combustion engines as well as plug-in hybrids with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration with ExxonMobil enables us to test the eFuels under demanding conditions on the racing track. This is a further step towards making eFuels an affordable and lower greenhouse gas emission substitute to conventional fuels.”
The eFuel will be sourced from the Haru Oni pilot plant based in Chile that generates hydrogen, which is then combined with captured carbon dioxide drawn from the atmosphere to produce methanol. ExxonMobil is providing a license and support for the proprietary technology to convert the methanol to gasoline, which will result in a lower-carbon fuel. In the pilot phase, around 130,000 liters of eFuels will be produced in 2022. As the fuel’s primary user, Porsche will use the eFuels from Chile among others in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup starting in the season of 2022.
“Over the past quarter century, we have worked together with Porsche to develop high-performance products that support Porsche’s vehicle performance on the racetrack and on the road,” said Andy Madden, vice president of strategy and planning for ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants. “Our continued collaboration on renewable and eFuels is a critical step in assessing the technical capability and commercial viability of fuels that can significantly reduce emissions.”
The first on-track testing of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is scheduled for March 30, 2021 in Zandvoort, Netherlands, and will continue throughout the 2021 and 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series. The collaboration with Porsche builds on ExxonMobil’s continuing efforts to develop and deploy lower-emission energy solutions, including high-efficiency fuels and lubricants, advanced plastics and other products that can enable cars and trucks to use less fuel. For example, the two companies have collaborated on a line of specially formulated lubricants for the electric vehicles market, Mobil EV™ range.
In January, ExxonMobil announced the creation of a new business, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, to commercialize its extensive low-carbon technology portfolio and plans to invest $3 billion on lower emission energy solutions through 2025. Last year, ExxonMobil announced plans to distribute renewable diesel within California and potentially other domestic and international markets as soon as 2022.
Over the past two decades, ExxonMobil has invested more than $10 billion to research, develop and deploy lower-emission energy solutions, resulting in highly efficient operations that have eliminated or avoided approximately 480 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions – the equivalent of taking more than 100 million passenger vehicles off the road for a year.
Porsche is committed to invest 15 billion euros in electromobility and digitalization by 2025. In 2030 the sports car manufacturer will offer more than 80 percent of its vehicles with electric engines. The company seeks carbon neutrality in its products and operations by 2030, investing around 1 billion euros in sustainable mobility.
ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is one of the largest refiners and marketers of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com and the Energy Factor.
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, with headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, is one of the most profitable car makers in the world. In 2020, Porsche delivered 272,000 vehicles of the 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Cayenne, Macan, Panamera and Taycan models to customers worldwide. That was three per cent less than the year before. Thereby, the sports car manufacturer’s operating profit before special items amounted to 4.2 billion euros. Porsche operates plants in Stuttgart and Leipzig as well as a development centre in Weissach. The sports car manufacturer employs 36,000 people. Porsche is committed to innovation, many of the technologies have their origins in motorsport. Porsche is aware of every aspect of its corporate responsibility: economic, environmental and social.
To learn more, visit https://newsroom.porsche.com/en.html.
Cautionary Statement
Statements of future events, plans or product offerings in this release are forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including product offerings, timing, production capacity, and the impact and results of new technologies on product efficiency and life-cycle emission reductions could vary depending on the outcome of general business conditions; further research and testing; the development and competitiveness of alternative technologies; the ability to scale pilot projects on a cost-effective basis; political and regulatory developments; and other factors discussed in this release and under the heading “Factors Affecting Future Results” on the Investors page of ExxonMobil’s website at exxonmobil.com
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NewsMatt Campbell wins 12 Hours of Sebring with Porsche customer team
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Round 2, Sebring (USA)
The Porsche customer teams WeatherTech Racing and Pfaff Motorsports have won both GT classes at the 12 Hours of Sebring. In the hotly contested GTLM category, works drivers Mathieu Jaminet from France and Matt Campbell from Australia joined forces in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with the American Cooper MacNeil and beat the opposition. In the GTD class for vehicle complying with the FIA GT3 regulations, works driver Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium, Porsche’s development driver Lars Kern (Germany) and the Canadian Zacharie Robichon won at the wheel of the No. 9 Porsche 911 GT3 R. The Wrights Motorsport outfit rounded off the triumph for the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart with second place in the GTD division.
The tradition-steeped endurance race in Florida was marked by nonstop close duels and many caution phases. The decision for victory in all categories hung in the air until the final laps. After the last of eight full-course yellows, the suspense finally reached its climax. In a last dash over 20 minutes, the Porsche customer squads battled for the top places and built on the already impressive record at the 12-hour classic. This marks the fourth straight win for the Porsche 911 RSR and the second in a row for the 911 GT3 R.
In the GTLM class especially, the competition intensified in the last few laps. Jaminet headed into the final sprint running in third place. At the restart, his ca. 510 hp 911 RSR with the starting number 79 duelled wheel-to-wheel with the second-placed BMW, but he had to surrender his position – luckily. Only a few metres later, the two leading cars collided in a direct encounter. Jaminet profited and went on to cross the finish line as the winner. “That was a fantastic success at our Sebring ‘home’”, says Steffen Höllwarth, Head of GTLM Operations. “It was the fourth class win in a row for our Porsche 911 RSR. And it was very special because this was the last time the GTLM class will race at Sebring.” From 2022, the vehicle category, which is also run in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC under the name GTE-Pro, will no longer be contested in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
“Unbelievable! This was only our second race in the IMSA series,” says a delighted Christian Ried, whose Proton Competition team maintains the 911 RSR for WeatherTech Racing. “Our crew and all three drivers did a perfect job. At the end of the day, we kept our cool while the works teams shunted each other out of contention. We were very lucky to score third place, but still, we deserved this win.” WeatherTech Racing founder David MacNeil adds: “Porsche is known for racing cars at a technically perfect level. That’s why we decided to collaborate in the IMSA series. We’ve now harvested the fruits of this at only the second race. I’m very proud!”
Customer teams celebrated an even bigger success with a one-two in the GTD class. Over long stretches during the 12-hour event, the strong squads from Pfaff Motorsports and Wright Motorsports took turns at the front of the field. In the final 20-minute sprint, factory pilots Laurens Vanthoor (No. 9) and Patrick Long were driving. In a tight duel, the Belgian managed to stay ahead and took the flag just 2.112 seconds ahead of his American brand teammate. Long shared the cockpit of the No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R with his compatriot Trent Hindman and Belgium’s Jan Heylen. “A weekend couldn’t have ended better than this,” says Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “All teams had the chance to finish on the podium. At the end of the day, there’s a one-two and a strong performance from Hardpoint EBM’s number 88 car.”
Hardpoint EBM, however, experienced bad luck. Katherine Legge from Great Britain, Denmark’s Christina Nielsen and Ana Beatriz from Brazil were maintaining a sensational third place shortly before the finish. However, a drive-through penalty due to a collision after the final restart relegated the No. 88 Porsche 911 GT3 R back to fifth place. The No. 99 sister car had already fallen far behind during the first third of the race. First, amateur driver Rob Ferriol (USA) flew into the barriers about two hours into the race. The team managed to repair most of the damage to the front of the Porsche 911 GT3 R and get it back into the race. Two hours later, the New Zealander Earl Bamber collided with a rival. The repairs cost the team almost 40 laps, with the team ultimately crossing the finish line in tenth place. Bamber and Ferriol shared the cockpit with Trenton Estep from the USA.
“We couldn’t have wished for a greater success for our fantastic customer teams,” states Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. “All in all, it was a banner weekend for Porsche. In the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, the 718 GT4 Clubsport set pole position and finished the race in second place. At the debut of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, 34 cars lined up on the grid, including 23 brand-new 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup cars. This race gave fans a real treat. In the end, the Sebring class victories number 75 and 76 in the IMSA race are the crowning glory.”
Round three of the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be contested on 16 May at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Drivers’ comments about the race
Cooper MacNeil (Porsche 911 RSR #79): “To have victory decided on the very last lap at a 12-hour race is just crazy! I’m ecstatic! Everyone in the team did a flawless job, and the Porsche 911 RSR was a real dream to drive in the race. I’m overwhelmed by this win.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “We made the most of our car’s great potential. We made no mistakes, we had no incidents and a perfect strategy. The caution phases at the end made things a little more exciting than we wanted. Prior to that, we’d eked out a decent advantage. But I stayed calm at the restart and made it to the finish line.”
Patrick Long (Porsche 911 GT3 R #16): “In the close duel for victory, the traffic proved decisive. I had a bit of bad luck, so it wasn’t quite enough. But a one-two for Porsche is still fantastic. I can’t really complain, because we’ve taken over the championship lead with second place.”
Katherine Legge (Porsche 911 GT3 R #88): “I’m disappointed obviously because we had a good chance of scoring a podium result. Unfortunately, there was a penalty at the end. Still, I’m very proud of us women drivers and the team. The project came about at very short notice just before the Sebring race. But we’ve achieved a more than respectable result and given a strong performance.”
Result GTLM class
- MacNeil/Campbell/Jaminet (USA/AUS/F), Porsche 911 RSR #79, 334 laps
- Eng/de Phillippi/Spengler (A/USA/CDN), BMW #25, 333 laps
- Edwards/Krohn/Farfus (USA/FIN/BR), BMW #24, 333 laps
Result GTD class
- Robichon/Vanthoor/Kern (CDN/B/D), Porsche 911 GT3 R #9, 320 laps
- Long/Hindman/Heylen (USA/USA/B), Porsche 911 GT3 R #16, 320 laps
- James/De Angelis/Gunn (USA/CDN/GB), Aston Martin #23, 320 laps
- Nielsen/Legge/Beatriz (DK/GB/BR), Porsche 911 GT3 R #88, 320 laps
- Ferriol/Bamber/Estep (USA/NZ/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #99, 280 laps
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NewsHill takes remarkable Sandown season opener
Stephen Grove takes competitive Pro-Am fight in Melbourne
Fifty-three weeks after claiming the final victory on offer in a shortened 2020 season, Cameron Hill has swept to a remarkable victory in the opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway.
Meanwhile, Stephen Grove commenced his hunt for a record fourth Morris Finance Pro-Am class title in style by winning the weekend.
Hill was superb in a day of mixed conditions at Sandown, the Canberran emerging from a race-long battle with fellow Michelin Junior Cooper Murray to win the Enduro Cup season opener held in wet conditions early on Sunday afternoon.
Later in the day he battled with seven-time Bathurst 1000 champion Craig Lowndes for victory in the final race, emerging in front after Lowndes spun off and in increasingly wet conditions.
After finishing second to Sonic’s Michael Almond in race one on Saturday, Hill’s sweep of Sundays races handed his Squadra Bespoke-backed team an early lead in the Mobil Pro and Michelin Junior standings after the first of eight scheduled rounds.
“It was an awesome win for us,” Hill said after securing his second Carrera Cup round victory – but his first in one staged over multiple races.
“To get the round win in really difficult conditions was incredible. The first race was fully wet and it was sprinkling through the second.. through all that I am just stoked to get the win.
“It’s a great result for our little team and everyone who has got behind us for the championship this year.”
Sonic star Aaron Love secured second position overall for the weekend thanks to a consistent series of races, finishing fourth in race two and third in the finale’.
Cooper Murray completed the Mobil Pro podium however was lucky to secure a podium finish after an off in the final race nearly proved costly.
After leading much of the enduro cup race before ultimately finishing second to Hill, Murray again found himself chasing the same car in the finale’ – before slipping up on a wet kerb and impacting the tyres at turn four. The McElrea driver was able to continue, though slipped to the back of the field.
A late race Safety Car helped him regain lost time, racing his way to 11th position by race’s end and doing just enough to grab the final step on the podium.
His cause was helped by Lowndes’, who was in the box seat to score his first Carrera Cup podium before a late spin in race three dropped him down the field.
Running second, Lowndes was putting the pressure on Cameron Hill for the race lead only to be caught out by the slippery exit kerb at turn one. The Paynter Dixon-backed Wall car spun across the circuit, dropping Lowndes to the back of the Mobil Pro field and just off the podium.
Through all that, David Wall found himself in second position and Aaron Love third – Lowndes dropping down the order to finish 20th.
The weekend was full of starring performances – among them Dale Wood, who charged his Timken entry from last place to fourth in the final race and Luke Youlden, who stormed from the back to fifth in the Enduro Cup race earlier in the day.
In Morris Finance Pro-Am the batting was no less serious as Stephen Grove and Adrian Flack split the Sunday victories.
The par finished 1-2 for the weekend, while Sam Shahin completed the round podium amidst a fiercely competitive field.
The Sandown victory marked Grove’s 16th round victory from 59 Carrera Cup Australia rounds.
“It’s always important to start the season strongly and we’ve done that this weekend,” Grove said.
“The conditions were really challenging today and we had some great battles with Adrian. It’s going to be a really competitive season but this was the best way to start.”
Grove led all the way in the Enduro Cup race held in the wet conditions, edging out Flack and Sam Shahin for the victory.
Tim Miles and Geoff Emery were also in the mix, before the former slipped on a kerb at turn four and spun, forcing the latter to do the same in evasive action.
To that point the top five Morris Finance Pro-Am cars had run line-astern in their remarkable battle for the lead.
Flack returned serve on Grove in the finale’, beating him to turn one before taking a narrow victory by less than half a second, with Geoff Emery third in the race.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field has six weeks to prepare for the second round of the championship, Round 2 to be held at The Bend Motorsport Park’s OTR SuperSprint event in South Australia on 8-9 May.
Standings – After Round 1
Mobil Pro
- Cameron Hill 174
- Aaron Love 132
- Cooper Murray 120
- David Wall 112
- Michael Almond 105
- Nick McBride 91
- Dale Wood 89
- Craig Lowndes 89
- Christian Pancione 84
- Harri Jones 63
Morris Finance Pro-Am
- Stephen Grove 174
- Adrian Flack 146
- Sam Shahin 128
- Marc Cini 97
- Tim Miles 90
- Geoff Emery 85
- Indiran Padayachee 84
- Ben Stack 84
- Scott Taylor 68
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NewsAlmond, Grove strike first in captivating 2021 season opener
Ultra-competitive Sandown battle has experienced hands come out on top
Michael Almond has sensationally won the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season opener at Sandown Raceway, while multiple champion Stephen Grove commenced his quest for title number four with a victory in Morris Finance Pro-Am.
Starting from second, Almond barely managed to keep his Sonic Motor Racing / Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche on the track through the opening corner – as polesitter Harri Jones ran out of grip and sent his Helimods / McElrea racing car off the road and tumbling down the order.
After locking both front Michelins, Jones’ – who had earlier recorded his first Tag Heuer Pole Position award – recovered in 21st position and set about charging through the field to recover lost championship points.
Almond then assumed the lead over Cameron Hill and Dale Wood, while Pro-Am polesitter Geoff Emery was another to strike drama as contact just before Turn 4 on the opening lap saw him spinning down the order to last place.
As the race settled down, Almond built a small margin over Hill, while Wood found himself under serious pressure from former teammate Aaron Love.
The young West Australian made a move at turn six on the sixth lap of the race, the pair of Porsches bashing wheels as they battled for position through turns seven and eight – trading paint and both ending up wide and allowing Cooper Murray to slip past both of them to grab third.
Wood then spent the remainder of the race fending off a long freight-train of cars that included former champion David Wall, Craig Lowndes, Nick McBride and Luke Youlden.
Those positions remained consistent until the final two laps when Youlden struck debris and was forced to retire his car, elevating Christian Pancione to 10th position on his Carrera Cup debut.
With Almond winning the race outright and the Mobil Pro class – his fifth Carrera Cup Australia victory – Cameron Hill won the Michelin Junior class.
“The race was great, the start was pretty hectic going into turn one, Harri was pretty unfortunate and locked brakes – so did I – but just not as bad as him,” Almond explained.
“Cam Hill was nice to me at turn two and I managed to maintain a lead and manage the gap to Cam. I was pushing to stay ahead of him.. I can’t be more thankful to the team for that, it’s the perfect way to start the year.”
Harri Jones recovered to 11th position after slipping as low as 21st position after his opening lap off, while Aaron Love set a new Sandown Carrera Cup lap record (1m10.2899s) on Lap 11 as he chased Cooper Murray in their battle for third.
With polesitter Emery down the order, the Morris Finance Pro-Am fight turned into a fight between Stephen Grove and Sam Shahin, the pair finishing line-astern split by less than one second.
Tim Miles finished third in class with Ben Stack fourth on debut, Marc Cini fifth.
“I was a fair way down the grid so I knew I needed to push on early,” Morris Finance Pro-Am winner Stephen Grove said.
“I got a couple of spots at turn one.. there was some biffing and barging going on so I picked the right line and got through.
“As soon as we got to the front I just pushed as hard as I could. I pushed to lap 10 or 11 and after that just conserved, because I want to make sure our tyres are good for tomorrow.”
Earlier in the day, Harri Jones and Geoff Emery shared the TAG Heuer Pole Position awards in a flat-out qualifying session.
Jones’ stunning 1m09.2626s best was comfortably a Sandown qualifying record for the category, and saw the young Queenslander score his first Carrera Cup pole by almost four-tenths of a second.
Michael Almond qualified his Sonic Motor Racing entry second for the fourth time in his career, while Cameron Hill rebounded from an earlier off to qualify third.
The top 13 cars were covered by less than a second
In Morris Finance Pro-Am, intense competition saw Geoff Emery edge out Stephen Grove and Tim Miles by the tiniest of margins; the top three covered by just 0.08s in a remarkably close session.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia returns tomorrow for two further races, including the first Enduro Cup race of the season.
Both races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
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NewsPorsche and Matt Campbell ready for IMSA 12-hour classic
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Round 2, Preview, Sebring/USA
Porsche’s customer teams head into round two of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship with high expectations. This year marks the 69th running of the tradition-steeped twelve-hour race in Florida. In 2020, Porsche racing cars won both GT classes. Now, the teams aim to repeat this achievement. In the GTLM division, WeatherTech Racing fields one ca. 515 hp Porsche 911 RSR. In the GTD category for racing vehicles complying with FIA GT3 regulations, three customer squads campaign a total of four 911 GT3 R.
The race
The Sebring International Raceway throws major challenges at man and machine. About a third of the 6.02-kilometre racetrack consists of concrete slabs, which were previously part of the runway at the former Hendricks Army Airfield. The racetrack is known for its hefty washboards – especially on these sections. Due to this special feature, the racetrack located about 100 kilometres south of Orlando is often mentioned on social media with the hashtag #RespectTheBumps.
“We used the time after the season opener at Daytona to tweak some of the processes within the team,’ explains Steffen Höllwarth, Head of GTLM Operations. “We tested at Sebring and we’ll be well-prepared for the race there.” The focus for the engineers of the customer teams will be on setting up the kinematics of the 911 RSR and the four 911 GT3 R. “The track has character – there is no such thing as smooth and gentle at Sebring,” says Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “For twelve long hours, the bumpy track surface gives drivers and the entire technology a good shakeup. In the race, each of the 911 GT3 R will cover a distance of around 1,900 kilometres, averaging a good 178 km/h. That’s not easy for the driver or car. But when Wright Motorsports won in 2020, we saw that our vehicle is perfectly prepared for such tasks.”
Porsche is by far the most successful manufacturer at this event on the storied circuit, which has regularly hosted the endurance race since 1950. To date, the Stuttgart marque has netted 18 outright wins and 74 class victories at Sebring. In the last three years, the Porsche 911 RSR has won the GTLM class at the twelve-hour race in Florida – an extremely popular event among fans. In 2020, the Wright Motorsports customer team won the hotly contested GTD category. In addition to the 24-hour highlight at Daytona and the races at Road Atlanta and Watkins Glen, round two of the season counts towards the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup.
The Porsche drivers and customer teams
The works drivers Mathieu Jaminet from France and Matt Campbell from Australia team up with American amateur driver Cooper MacNeil in the cockpit of the No. 79 Porsche 911 RSR fielded by the WeatherTech Racing customer squad. The outfit is supported by Proton Competition from Germany. This is its second GTLM-class appearance in Sebring and the vehicle is the winning car from the 2020 season finale held at the same venue.
In the GTD class, the Wright Motorsports customer team lines up on the grid with a Porsche 911 GT3 R as last year’s winners. In the No. 16 car, the American factory pilot Patrick Long (USA) joins forces with his compatriot Trent Hindman and Belgium’s Jan Heylen. The Canadian team Pfaff Motorsports runs the number 9 car with works driver Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium, Canadian Zacharie Robichon and Porsche development driver Lars Kern from Germany. Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Americans Rob Ferriol and Trenton Estep as well as Christina Nielsen (Denmark), Katherine Legge (Great Britain) and Ana Beatriz from Brazil share driving duties in the identical 500+hp 911 GT3 R fielded by EBM Hardpoint.
Live streaming of the race
The twelve-hour race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Sebring gets underway on Saturday, 20 March, at 10:10 am local time (3:10 pm CET). The entire race can be viewed live outside the USA and Canada on www.imsa.com. Live timing is available at scoring.imsa.com.
The schedule (local time, CET -6 hours)
Friday, 19 March
11:15 – 11:55 am: Qualifying GT
Saturday, 20 March
8:00 – 8:20 am: Warmup
10:10am – 10:10 pm: Race
Drivers’ comments before the race
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #79): “I love the Sebring circuit. I’ve raced there with the WEC and I’ve tested there often. Despite the rough bumps, the track is great fun – especially at the wheel of the Porsche 911 RSR. I’m really looking forward to my first race with WeatherTech Racing. Mathieu and I share the car with Cooper MacNeil at Sebring. For the following shorter races we take turns. I can gain a lot of extra experience and hopefully achieve decent results.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “It’s great that the long break after the opening round will be over soon. We put in a strong drive at Daytona, but an incident hampered us from yielding the deserved result. All in all, we gave a strong performance at our first joint outing as a team. We now want to build on that and fight for class victory at Sebring. I think that’s a realistic goal.”
Patrick Long (Porsche 911 GT3 R #16): “Sebring is a racetrack with soul. It’s one of the greatest challenges in motor racing and it really puts man and machine to the test. It’s an event that I always very much look forward to. The fact that we won the GTD class there last year is great, however our focus is on this season. In terms of the championship, it’s important to earn maximum points at every round. That’s our goal for the upcoming race.”
Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 GT3 R #88): “At the Daytona season opener, we had a really fast car, but we couldn’t harvest the just rewards. That should change at Sebring. As a team, we’ve gained a lot of insights and thanks to meticulous analyses, we’ve drawn the appropriate conclusions for the upcoming events. Trenton Estep rounds off our driver lineup at Sebring. He’s a former champion of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge. So, my two teammates come from top-class Porsche Cups. I’m particularly thrilled because it underlines the opportunities for advancement and it’s a great indication for the drivers who are starting the debut season of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America at Sebring.”
Christina Nielsen (Porsche 911 GT3 R #89): “Our car ran really well at round one in Daytona, so I have high expectations for the upcoming race. Within the team, we reshuffled the cockpit crew. That’ll be interesting. Sebring suits me really well. I’ve scored some big successes there in recent years. The bumps are typical for the track. They get worse from year to year, which makes the race extremely exhausting.”
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NewsDutton EMA Motorsport joins Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Ben Stack to lead Morris Finance Pro-Am assault for Dutton EMA Motorsport debut
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series will welcome a new team for the opening round of the 2021 season at Sandown International Raceway on the 20th and 21st March. Dutton EMA Motorsport will compete in the Morris Finance Pro-Am ranks with Ben Stack behind the wheel of the 911 GT3 Cup Gen II vehicle supported by Dutton Garage and EMA Group.
A collaboration between Dutton Garage and EMA Motorsport will see the team based at the prestigious Dutton Garage in Richmond, Melbourne. It will be led by Mathew Nilsson, who brings 20 years of motorsport experience as an Engineer and Manager to the team.
EMA Motorsport is not new to racing competition, having previously campaigned with McLaren vehicles in the Australian GT Championship and GT racing around the globe as 59 Racing / EMA Group. Their most recent success was 2nd place outright / PRO class and 1st place in the Pro-Am class at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2020.
A recent decision to align with the Porsche brand has culminated in plans for a multi-category program, commencing with Carrera Cup Australia and soon to be announced GT3 as the team take delivery of a 911 GT3 R Gen II vehicle.
“Dutton EMA Motorsport is excited to join the Carrera Cup series,” said Mathew Nilsson. “We have been welcomed with open arms to the Porsche family, and are impressed with the level of professionalism and support provided to the teams. We look forward to developing strong working relationships with the brand through our entry to local and international motor racing competition.”
Ben Stack is no stranger to the premier one-make series, having competed on several occasions in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. “I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me by Dutton EMA Motorsport,” said Stack. “We have started our campaign with two solid test days, I am learning more every time I drive the car and look forward to our first race event.”
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series will commence at Sandown on Saturday 20th March with two practice sessions, one qualifying and three races across the weekend.
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
About Dutton Garage
Dutton Garage is one of the world’s premium retailers of classic, collectable, exotic and rare cars with our iconic showroom based in Melbourne, Australia. With a global buying power and an extensive international network, we are able to source, purchase and sell vehicles for customers worldwide. Our expert staff provide a fully tailored services for customers looking to purchase their next collectable, classic or exotic car. https://duttongarage.com/
Team Manager:
Mathew Nilsson
Dutton EMA Motorsport
Phone: +61 411 067 245
E-mail: mathew@EMAmotorsport.com.au
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NewsHill welcomes new Carrera Cup sponsors with striking livery
Cameron Hill has revealed his 2021 livery
Cameron Hill has announced his sponsor group for the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season by revealing another striking livery design for his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
Joining the team as naming rights sponsor is Squadra Bespoke, a Sydney-based outfit that provides a range of vinyl wrapping, paint protection, vehicle signage and performance enhancement services.
Squadra Bespoke undertakes all vehicle wraps in-house, with its team of expert technicians executing each project from concept to completion. Additionally, Squadra Bespoke supplies a range of automotive performance enhancements including exhaust systems, supercharger kits, intake systems and brake kits.
Hill’s Canberra-based team has also attracted support from local businesses Supaglass Industries and MFW Trade Warehouse.
Existing commercial partners Seears Workwear, Higgins Property Group, Haynes Cranes, Niulife, G & K and Baxx have continued their relationship with the team for the 2021 season.
Hill said he is delighted to have attracted additional backing for his fourth season in Carrera Cup.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on providing value to our commercial partners, so it’s satisfying to have secured some new sponsors for this season,” Hill said.
“We’re especially excited to have Squadra Bespoke on board as our naming rights sponsor – they provide a range of automotive services and their customer base fits perfectly into the demographic of motorsport fans. There will be some cool promotional activities we’ll be able to do together throughout the season.”
For the 2021 season, Hill’s Porsche will feature a livery mixing the comic designs of the past few seasons with a new colour scheme courtesy of Bullrush Rally. The design is consistent with other cars in Bullrush Rally’s Motorsport Program, which Hill is the lead instructor of. Bullrush Motorsport links professional drivers around Australia with their 3500+ strong community of driving enthusiasts; helping to improve their track driving in either Bullrush Motosport vehicles or their own.
“Over the last couple of seasons, our car has really stood out on and off the track – when we revealed our original Bullrush Rally livery at the beginning of 2019, it certainly turned heads,” Hill said.
“We had a lot of fun with those livery designs and once again, we’ve been able to come up with a scheme that is eye-catching, while also providing prominent branding for our major commercial partners.”
The Carrera Cup season commences at Sandown Raceway this weekend, with Hill aiming to continue his winning form from 2020.
“It’s hard to believe it has been over a year since the last Carrera Cup race in Australia and I can’t wait to get back into it,” Hill said.
“As always, the quality of competition in Carrera Cup will be extremely high this season and we’re going to need to bring our A-game if we want to win races and contend for the title.
“This weekend at Sandown, the challenge will be the condensed schedule – it’s only a two-day race meeting so our sessions are tightly packed together, especially on Saturday. There won’t be a lot of time to analyze data or make setup adjustments, so we’ll need to make sure we have a car that is in the ballpark as soon as we roll out for the opening session.”
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NewsStrong 24 car grid for Carrera Cup Australia season opener
Carrera Cup Australia to host the strongest field in 17-year history
Competitive drivers in equal machinery doing battle always results in some intense and unpredictable motorsport that takes place at a high level of competition and performance. And then there’s the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, which could elevate the cause even further.
When the field rolls out at Sandown International Raceway in South East Melbourne for the first round of the new season, it will have been 53 weeks, almost to the day, that Australia’s pinnacle of one-make racing series last went into battle at the ill-fated Australian Grand Prix.
Since that time, teams have plotted, planned and prepared for a racing return and have subsequently delivered what is – and you’ll struggle to argue against this point – perhaps the strongest field in the 17-year history of Carrera Cup Australia.
At least on paper, no season between Australian motorsport legend Jim Richards claiming the inaugural crown in 2003 to Jordan Love dramatically outplaying his then-teammate Dale Wood on the Gold Coast in 2019, has delivered this kind of potential.
It’s not just the twelve months away from the track: The strongest ever Mobil Pro class is matched with a feisty, deep Morris Finance Pro-Am battle and a bumper grid of 24 cars – that could grow as the year goes on – that leaves us with an enormous amount of anticipation for the year ahead.
It’s set to be a suitable farewell from the premier class to the Gen-II 991 GT3 Cup Car, which has served the championship so well for the last four years.
Mobil Pro – the incredible outright battle
This year 14 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars make-up the Mobil Pro Class of the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series, which is larger than entire field of some other categories.
It’s not just the number that makes the class so good, either – it’s the broad spectrum of drivers hailing from diverse backgrounds and with broad levels of experience and prior success that make it so tantalizing.
Sure, there’s 16 round victories, 51 race wins and 25 Carrera Cup pole positions between the lot – but there’s also eight Bathurst 1000s, more than 120 Supercars victories, 12-hour victories and that’s before you get to the Michelin Junior fleet.
We’ll start with the rookies: 2021 Toyota Racing Series champion Matthew Payne fronts as the recipient of the Porsche New Zealand scholarship, and will race for Team Porsche New Zealand under the guidance of the Earl Bamber Motorsport team this year.
In the rookie class, he’s joined by Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge graduate Christian Pancione, who will dovetail a title tilt in the second-tier series with a five-round Carrera Cup Australia campaign this year.
He’ll be joined by another PMSC graduate in former champion Simon Fallon; who makes a racing return after two years on the sidelines following his 2018 championship triumph in that series. The man he beat that year was Cooper Murray.
Fallon is back in one of the Bob Jane T-Marts entries run by the championship-winning Sonic Motor Racing team.
Queensland teen Jackson Walls joins the fray this year, switching from open-wheel racing to tin-tops and returning the Objective Racing brand to the series – his dad, Tony, was a Morris Finance Pro-Am class contender for several seasons.
The next group of drivers will consider themselves title contenders: Harri Jones (McElrea) and Aaron Love (Sonic) both stepped up from Sprint Challenge in 2020 but instantly proved themselves competitive. Cooper Murray is well proven as a winner across 2019 and the shortened 2020 campaign and though it’s hard to pick a title favourite, he and the McElrea team are arguably the form outfit.
Cameron Hill, meanwhile, has elevated his Canberra-based privateer squad into regular contenders across the last two seasons and won the most recent Carrera Cup points race contested, last year in Melbourne.
Both with 50 rounds of experience in their backgrounds, Nick McBride (Porsche Centre Melbourne) and Michael Almond (Sonic Motor Racing) are always at or very near the pointy-end of the field, while a change of scenery for Dale Wood – who shifts from Sonic to Ashley Seward Motorsport this year – might see fortunes changing for the Victorian; who in two seasons has always been a title contender but has been denied on both occasions.
David Russell is a proven winner and returns to share the Lago Racing #23 entry with Roger Lago this year, while Luke Youlden is an experienced and fascinating addition to the grid on a full-time basis as part of the brand-new TekworX Motorsport squad he’s helped established with Sprint Challenge racer, Rob Woods.
David Wall is the only former champion on the grid, however the Sydneysiders ability to continue to contend year in, year out remains one of the great Carrera Cup stories.
Wall’s Paynter Dixon teammate is none other than multiple Bathurst 1000 winner, Craig Lowndes, who will drive a second Wall Racing entry in at least the first two rounds of the 2021 series. Lowndes made his Carrera Cup Australia debut at the Grand Prix last year and was keen to return for a more expansive tilt and if it goes even half as well as his remarkable track record suggests it could, do not bet on there being more rounds added to the program as the season goes on.
Within the Mobil Pro class fight, watch for the Michelin Juniors to have their own inter-series battle: Walls, Jones, Payne, Murray, Pancione, Love, Hill and Fallon will all be battling for the Junior trophy, which comes with significant support from series tyre partner and long-time supporter, Michelin.
Morris Finance Pro-Am – class war with outright designs
Two very fast newcomers with proven track records could upset the establishment as the Morris Finance Pro-Am class battle steps up another notch in 2021.
The addition of Geoff Emery and Ben Stack to the grid add even more depth to an already competitive fight brewing between a group of ultra-competitive drivers who as well as fighting for their own trophies, love nothing more than mixing it up with the Mobil Pro competitors and, on more than one occasion, beating them as well.
Emery is perhaps the most qualified Pro-Am ‘Rookie’ in series history; a five-time Commodore Cup champion, he’s also been at the front in Michelin Sprint Challenge races, has won Australian GT Championships and, simply, been fast in everything he’s raced.
Emery will line up in a Force Accessories-backed car run by Ashley Seward’s Melbourne team.
Ben Stack, another second-generation driver, originally from Adelaide, is another to have proved his performance potential in other categories in the past. He’ll line up aboard a GT3 Cup Car entered by Duttons EMA Motorsport this year.
Beyond the rookies, the remaining contenders are all battle-hardened in the art of winning Morris Finance Pro-Am races. Three-time class champion Stephen Grove will be out to make it a record-breaking fourth this year, as he splits Carrera Cup duties with GT World Challenge Astralia hopes aboard the brand-new Grove Racing 911 GT3R. The Grove Group driver won’t be short on seat time in 2021.
Tim Miles returns for another tilt with McElrea Racing with three round and eight race victories to his credit, while Adrian Flack and Sam Shahin are both multiple race and round winners; between them they split the last two rounds of the 2019 season, while Shahin recently grabbed a podium in the opening round of Michelin Sprint Challenge as he embarks on duel campaigns this year.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s most experienced driver, Marc Cini, returns aboard the Hallmarc / Porsche Centre Melbourne #9 car, the Victorian now well into his second century of round starts. Scott Taylor (STM) and Rentcorp Racing’s Indiran Padayachee will also continue to show their improvement as they each return for another year.
Broadcast schedule – Where to watch
Every race of the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo sports this year, with selected races on the free-to- air Seven Network.
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
ENTRY LIST: Round 1, Sandown
CAR # | Name | Surname | SPONSOR NAME | CLASS |
4 | Stephen | Grove | Grove Group | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
7 | Tim | Miles | No Second Chance | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
8 | Nick | McBride | Porsche Centre Melbourne | Mobil Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Hallmarc | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
11 | Jackson | Walls | Objective Racing | Mobil Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Helimods | Mobil Pro |
13 | Sam | Shahin | The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
20 | Adrian | Flack | AGAS National | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
21 | Matthew | Payne | Team Porsche New Zealand | Mobil Pro |
23 | David | Russell | Lago Racing | Mobil Pro |
28 | Luke | Youlden | TekworkX Motorsport | Mobil Pro |
35 | Indiran | Padayachee | RentCorp Hyundai Forklifts | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Lodge Brothers | Mobil Pro |
38 | David | Wall | Paynter Dixon / Shannons insurance | Mobil Pro |
48 | Geoff | Emery | Force Accessories | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
74 | Ben | Stack | Duttons EMA Motorsport | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
76 | Christian | Pancione | VCM Performance | Mobil Pro |
77 | Michael | Almond | Sonic / Bob Jane T Marts / PSA | Mobil Pro |
78 | Aaron | Love | Sonic | Mobil Pro |
100 | Dale | Wood | Timken / ASM | Mobil Pro |
111 | Cameron | Hill | CHE Racing Team | Mobil Pro |
222 | Scott | Taylor | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Morris Finance Pro-Am |
338 | Craig | Lowndes | Paynter Dixon / Shannons | Mobil Pro |
777 | Simon | Fallon | Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts | Mobil Pro |
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 1, Sandown
Saturday 20th March 2021
Practice 1 08:50-9:10 20mins
Practice 2 10:30-10:50 20mins
Qualifying 12:40-13:00 20mins
Race 1 15:35-16:00 18 laps
Sunday 21st March 2021
Race 2 12:10-12:55 30 laps
Race 3 15:20-15:45 18 laps
2021 CALENDAR: Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Round Event State Date
1 Sandown VIC 19-21 March
2 The Bend SA 8-9 May
3 Townsville QLD 9-11 July
4 Sydney Night NSW 20-22 Aug
5 Perth Night WA 11-12 Sept
6 Bathurst NSW 7-10 Oct
7 Melbourne VIC TBC
8 Gold Coast QLD 3-5 Dec
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NewsSimon Fallon joins Sonic driver line-up for 2021 Carrera Cup season
Fallon partners with Almond and Love for three-car Sonic Carrera Cup effort
Sonic Motor Racing Services has confirmed a three-driver line-up for the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, with a new face locked into one of its Bob Jane T-Marts entries.
Former Porsche Sprint Challenge champion Simon Fallon will join Michael Almond in the Team Sonic-prepared Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, aiming to repeat the past success of the famous yellow and blue entries.
Fallon, 21, is a rising star in the motorsport world, but after winning the 2018 Porsche Sprint Challenge with Sonic, was forced onto the sidelines when a budget shortfall kept him out of the driver’s seat.
Also joining Fallon and Almond will be Aaron Love, who is back for his third year with the squad, aiming to replicate the success of his older brother Jordan who won the Carrera Cup title with Sonic in 2019 before embarking on a drive in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
The three drivers have enjoyed a successful lead up to the opening round at Sandown this weekend, completing two test days at Winton and Phillip Island, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground in the best shape possible.
This year also marks the 17th straight season of partnership between Bob Jane T-Marts and Sonic Motor Racing Services.
The relationship has seen many young stars of the sport get their big opportunities in motorsport, helping to launch the careers of the likes of David Reynolds, Andre Heimgartner, Nick Foster, Garry Jacobson and more.
The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia will be held at Sandown Raceway on March 20-21.
QUOTES
Simon Fallon
Sonic Carrera Cup driver
“It’s very exciting, especially to join such a formidable team with Bob Jane T-Marts support,” said Fallon.
“Bob Jane T-Marts has a massive history in Carrera Cup racing, and motorsport in general, so can’t wait to get in the car and be in one of those cars.
“It almost adds that bit more pressure, but it will be doing everything I can to make it work and hopefully we can get some good results.
“Motorsport is expensive, but I used the time away to get my builders’ license sorted and work on other aspects of my career,” he said.
“Of course, I missed the racing, and I feel I’m up for the challenge against the best Porsche drivers in Australia.”
Michael Almond
Sonic Carrera Cup driver
“It’s exciting to be a part of the Bob Jane T-Marts team, and I’m excited to have another crack at Carrera Cup before the new model Porsche comes in next year,” said Almond.
“I’m more eager than ever to come back to the driver’s seat. I don’t think I’ve been out of the seat this long before, so I’m really looking forward to having a proper assault at the championship.
“We’ve done a few test days this year, and I’m feeling fit and fast, and I feel I’m doing it more naturally than I ever have.”
“Having Simon in the team is a bonus. He is a proven race winner in Porsches. The only problem is that of the three team-mates I’ve had, they always seem to be younger than me!” he joked.
“As a whole, the Sonic team is a great place to be. We all get along well and it’s a very cohesive environment which is only going to push us forward which is really exciting.”
Aaron Love
Sonic Carrera Cup driver
“We had quite a successful couple of days testing and we made some ground, getting back and ready for the year,” said Love.
“It was a good way to get my head back into the right mentality to get ready for the season.
“We had good pace in the rounds that we did complete last year, so we will take in some confidence from that, but the expectation needs to be considered. I need to keep in mind that I’m still fresh at Carrera Cup and I’m still learning.
“For sure, I would like to be within the top six by the end of the year, but there are a few extra new faces in the field who have a lot of experience. It’s a bit of an unknown at the moment, so I’ll take it as it comes, but we want to be close to the pace and build as the year goes on.”
Michael Ritter
Sonic team owner
“Having Simon come back into our team is a positive, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses during the year,” said Ritter.
“He has been out of the seat for almost two years, so we are expecting him to ease into it, but we’ve helped to give him this opportunity because we know what he can do and we know what his capabilities are.
“Michael Almond is now a very senior member of our driving team and again, we will be looking to him to lead our young drivers with his experience and speed.
“Aaron Love was one of the stand-outs in the short amount of running we did in 2020. Like his older brother, he has a tremendous future in the sport, and our job will be to harness that speed and help him turn it into results.”
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NewsSP Tools to support Matthew Payne and partner with Porsche as Official Tool Partner for 2021
SP Tools Mechanic of the Year Award to provide recognition to unsung heroes of Carrera Cup Australia
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased announce that it will partner with SP Tools as the ‘Official Tool Partner’ for the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series.
In addition, SP Tools will also be the naming rights partner for the ‘Mechanic of the Year Award’, which provides recognition and support of the mechanics among the local Porsche Motorsport teams competing in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series.
PCA’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “Carrera Cup Australia mechanics are the unsung heroes of our series and often don’t get the recognition they deserve, working tirelessly throughout the season, ensuring that all the cars stay on track and perform at their optimum. While their work is vital in the success of every driver’s performance, their efforts are often unnoticed behind the scenes. So we are delighted to announce our partnership with SP Tools for the Mechanic of the Year Award, as it will provide recognition to the great work these mechanics do to ensure both the drivers, and the series, remain a success.”
The SP Tools Mechanic of the Year will be awarded to the number 1 mechanic of the outright championship winning car for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at the series’ Annual Awards Night on the Gold Coast at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
In addition to the partnership with Porsche Cars Australia, SP Tools will also continue to support the best emerging talent from across the Australasian region having recently extended their partnership with Karting Australia earlier this year. The SP Tools brand will as a result adorn the bonnet and side flanks of the Team Porsche New Zealand entry of Matthew Payne in Carrera Cup Australia this year.
Payne is one of a host of talented Michelin Junior drivers contesting the Mobil Pro championship after recently clinching the 2021 Toyota Racing Series. The talented, young New Zealander will spearhead the Earl Bamber Motorsport team’s efforts when the 2021 season opener gets underway on the 19-21 March at Sandown International Raceway.
Quotes:
CEO Austech Industries Pty Ltd, Kevin Davis: “After 3 decades in the Supercars pit lane SP Tools are looking forward to working with Porsche Cars Australia and Earl Bamber Motorsport to both recognise the series best mechanic for 2021 and support a young talent like Matthew Payne. We think Matthews car looks amazing and we can’t wait to see it on track.”
Team Porsche New Zealand Team Manager, Earl Bamber: “It’s a real honour for Matthew to partner with such a prestigious brand for Team Porsche New Zealand’s first season in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia. After our unforeseen break in 2020, the PCA team has done an amazing job with the 2021 calendar and we are looking forward to getting back to the track.”
About SP Tools:
SP Tools and SP Air is represented by over 40 International agents in 30 countries including a number of company owned and operated offices. The range covers Air Tools, Power Tools, Hand Tools, Auto Specialty Tools, Garage Equipment, Air Compressors and other associated products. For almost 40 years SP has been at the forefront of design and manufacturing. As a proudly Australian owned company we have maintained our position statement of “Manufactured for the Professional”. Research, development and innovation continues to drive us to produce a better product whilst listening to and satisfying the demands of professional tradesman in the global market. SP Tools…Manufactured for the Professional.
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NewsStrong interest in new 992 sees PCA import a record number of 911 GT3 Cup cars to Australia
Thirty 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup cars earmarked for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in 2022
Following the international launch of the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in late December 2020, interest in the latest generation of the world’s top-selling racing car has been very strong in Australia – ahead of its domestic arrival in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup series in 2022.
As a result, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) have announced that an initial batch of thirty (30) 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup cars will brought into the country for Porsche drivers and teams. The record number of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup units is the largest of any generation in the premier one-make series’ 17-year history.
In 2021, the 992 generation racer will be campaigned in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and 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 makes-cup racer of the sports car manufacturer to feature a wide turbo-spec body.
Producing around 375 kW (510 hp), it exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower. Moreover, the new GT3 Cup can run on synthetic fuels, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions under racing conditions. The lap times of the completely new Cup 911 should be slashed by a good one per cent, depending on the track layout.
PCA Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “Since the car was revealed in Germany in December the interest shown in the new 992 GT3 Cup car locally has been very strong. With a huge field set to line-up in Carrera Cup Australia this year, this has provided us the opportunity to import a record number of cars into Australia, with priority given to our current drivers and teams. We also welcome expressions of interest from motorsport customers across Australia and New Zealand.”
992 Customers can register their expressions of interest via the following email: motorsport@porsche.com.au
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
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NewsCoffex Coffee Roasters renews partnership with Porsche Cars Australia for 2021 season
Coffex to keep the Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Sprint Challenge teams energized for 2021
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 renewed their support of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series for the 2021 season.
Coffex has been closely aligned with the Carrera Cup Australia series since the start of the 2015 season when it began as the Official Coffee Supplier of Australia’s premier one-make series, providing coffee, tea and associated products to all involved in each series.
The Coffex Coffee bar is traditionally the most popular feature within the Carrera Cup Australia hospitality lounge at each event and provides a place for teams, partners and drivers to relax and enjoy premium, locally roasted – and, above all, the freshest – coffee from professional baristas.
For 2021, the proudly Melbourne brand will again receive integrated Coffex branding in the Porsche hospitality area, on every vehicle, and communications across Porsche’s websites and social media channels. Coffex also continues as the naming rights partner to an exclusive behind-the-scenes video series, dubbed the Coffex Backstage Pass.
The 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 Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship that set it apart from other categories in Australia.
Quotes:
Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We are thrilled to continue our strong partnership with Coffex Coffee Roasters into the 2021 season. The benefits Coffex provide at each event play a crucial role in the overall racing experience for our drivers, teams, sponsors and this is evident from the tremendous feedback we receive. The 2021 partnership is vital in allowing us to continue to enhance and innovate the on- and off-track experiences for our motorsport customers.”
Coffex Coffee Roasters, Managing Director, Fong Loong: “We are once again, very proud to be the Official Coffee Supplier of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series. With the Coffex Backstage Pass, we would like to give audiences a glimpse into the role that Coffex Coffee Roasters plays behind the scenes at every race. The event is truly a highlight in the Australian events calendar for us and we look forward to supporting Porsche Cars Australia for many more years.”
Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season takes place from the 19-21 March in Sandown International Raceway, while Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from the 12-14 March.
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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 Australia 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
Coffex Backstage Pass
VIDEO: Episode 1 – Richard Crail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UysKeK7Ykk
VIDEO: Episode 2 – Michael Ritter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fx-UwwgJcE
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NewsMobil renews Naming Rights partnership of Porsche’s Mobil Pro Category
Mobil to continue as the Official Fuel Partner for both Porsche one-make series
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce that Mobil will continue as the Official Fuel Partner for both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series this season.
As the “Official Partner” of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, Mobil also continue as naming rights to its premier class within both series and will be referred to the ‘Mobil Pro Class’ in all official communications, including Porsche press releases, websites and social media accounts.
The partnership with Mobil provides a range of benefits to both parties ensuring that all cars competing in both series will run on Mobil’s Synergy Supreme+ 98 octane fuel product moving forward.
This enhances Porsche’s long term partnership with Mobil 1 ensuring that both Mobil Synergy fuels and Mobil 1 lubricants will be delivered in all Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars in each series.
In addition to the naming rights, Mobil receives extensive branding on all Pro Class cars on the front windscreen together with the side mirrors, rear windscreen, side panels, inside drivers panels and in-car cameras. The Mobil logo will also be present on the podium backdrop and team garages for each Pro Car competing in the Carrera Cup championship this year.
Further to these benefits, a range of money can’t buy experiences will be delivered throughout the year that will provide the chance for race fans and Mobil customers to enjoy the Porsche road cars at a range of exclusive events.
Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We are pleased to renew our partnership with a quality fuel supplier for both series and continue to have Mobil as the Naming Rights partner to our Pro class this season. Our premier one-make series provides Mobil a prime platform to showcase their product to our drivers, teams and customers, as well as amplify their product attributes to Porsche customers both on and off the racetrack. The partnership further enhances our existing long term partnership with Mobil1, our Official Lubricant Partner to both series.”
Mobil Australia Retail Sales Manager, Charles Ewart: “Mobil is committed to supporting Australian drivers and the Porsche race series and is very proud to announce our partnership with premium car manufacture Porsche. This partnership provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our world renowned engine protecting Mobil Synergy Fuel Technology to Australians”.
Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season takes place from the 19-21 March in Sandown International Raceway, while Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from the 12-14 March.
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
About Mobil Synergy Fuels:
At Mobil, it’s all about the details and bringing quality fuels to every driver, all across Australia. That’s why we’re committed to getting performance enhancing additives that protect your engine from the very first fill, clean your engine and improve engine performance into every Mobil branded service station across Australia. You can trust that Mobil has your fuelling needs sorted with Mobil Synergy Fuel Technology. This is one more way our fuels work harder for you every day, and one more reason to refuel at Mobil. Because every drive matters.
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NewsMorris Finance partners with Porsche Motorsport series in Australia
Morris Finance secures Naming Rights to Pro-Am Championships for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
National Commercial Finance and Leasing leaders Morris Finance have secured the naming rights to the hotly contested Pro-Am Championships across both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series for the 2021 season.
As part of the agreement, Morris Finance will gain significant visibility with both Australia’s premier one-make series, with extensive branding across Pro-Am Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars competing in both series. They will also feature across both podium and media backdrops at every event, as well as Pro-Am team garages and various event related branding around the Carrera Cup Australia drivers lounge and pit garages.
Morris Finance will also offer a range of finance solutions to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series customers delivering financial solutions for a range of their needs, including race cars, transporters, equipment and more.
The deal follows Morris Finance’s continued commitment to its long-term relationship with Walkinshaw Andretti United in Supercars, Motorsport Australia, The Bend Motorsport Park, and their community program which involves drivers Nick Percat and Jaxon Evans.
Porsche Cars Australia will also provide several bespoke experiences for Morris Finance VIP customers at premier Carrera Cup Australia events throughout the year.
To support these VIP Customer experiences, Morris Finance will run a promotion that provides the opportunity for customers to win an ultimate giveaway to the final Carrera Cup Australia round on the Gold Coast.
This increased partnership builds upon the support Morris Finance has given to both categories to date – having previously supported the Sports Person of the Year Award – as well as their long term support of 2018 Carrera Cup Champion, Jaxon Evans, who continues to forge his international motorsport career abroad.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series will get underway at Sandown International Raceway in mid-March, with the series concluding alongside Supercars on the streets of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in early December.
Quotes:
PCA’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Morris Finance, which delivers value to them across numerous key partnership pillars including branding; digital and social media; events; promotions; hospitality; experiences and business development. Morris Finance has been a strong supporter of both series, either in a category level or driver perspective, and it’s great to have them on board as our naming rights partner of the Pro-Am Championships of both categories.
Morris Finance Marketing Manager, Tiffany Hunt: “As a proud Australian business operating on a national level, we take great pride in partnering with such a strong global brand and are delighted to be partnering with Porsche Motorsport Australia as the Official Finance Partner. With this alliance, we are looking forward to creating unmatched experiences for our national broker, client, investor and referrer markets”.
About Morris Finance:
Based in Geelong, Victoria, Morris Finance is Australian owned and one of Australia’s leading finance companies, providing asset finance, investment, leasing and insurance services to ABN Holders; Registered Companies; Individuals and Sole Traders.
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
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NewsJaxon Evans to drive for Team Martinet by Almeras in 2021
Jaxon Evans to race for French team in his third Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season
Jaxon Evans will race for French-based, Team Martinet by Almeras in his third season of the International ‘one-make cup’, which runs as a support category across the European Formula 1 events.
With the debut of the all-new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season is shaping up to be more competitive than ever before.
Coming off the back of a strong 2020 season, the 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion is ready to use his experience to help the French-based team, launch an assault on the premier one-make cup.
On the announcement, Jaxon Evans said, “I can’t wait to get 2021 underway, the addition of a brand-new generation Cup Car (Porsche 992 GT3 Cup) essentially brings everyone back to a completely level playing field. I’m very excited to work with Team Martinet by Almeras, I’ve raced against them for the past two years in both Supercup and Carrera Cup France, so I’m now excited to join forces. Together, I’m confident we will have a successful year.”
2020 was a strong showing for the New Zealander, claiming pole position and the race win at the opening Supercup round last year. He followed this up with another two podiums and ultimately finished fourth in the Championship standings.
He then backed that up by winning the highly regarded French Carrera Cup Championship, finishing ten out of twelve races on the podium, securing his second Carrera Cup title, and first in Europe. 2020 was no doubt, his most successful international campaign to date.
Evans will announce additional plans for the 2021 racing season in the coming weeks, which is shaping up to be an exciting season after a disrupted 2020. Adjacent to this, he will make appearances in selected VLN races in order to gain experience on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
All eight rounds of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship will again be broadcast live in Australia on FOX Sports with replays throughout the season.
To follow Jaxon on his in 2021 follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar*
Rnd | Event | Date |
1 | Monaco | 20-23 May |
2 | Le Castellet (France) | 25-27 June |
3 | Spielberg (Austria) | 2-4 July |
4 | Silverstone (England) | 16-18 July |
5 | Budapest (Hungary) | 30 July-1 August |
6 | Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) | 27-29 August |
7 | Zandvoort (Netherlands) | 3- 5 September |
8 | Monza (Italy) | 10-12 September |
*subject to changes
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NewsLowndes and Wall reveal striking Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia livery
Wall Racing teammates unveil Porsche 911 GT3 Cup liveries ahead of Sandown season opener
Wall Racing has revealed the racing liveries to be used by seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner, Craig Lowndes, and 2017 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, David Wall, for the two opening rounds of Carrera Cup Australia this season.
The #38 and #338 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Wall Racing entries will be adorned with the team’s long-time partners Paynter Dixon for the opening rounds. The striking red, black and white colour scheme is inspired by the corporate colours of the main sponsor. Both Wall Racing entries will also feature the Sculptura and Shannons Insurance brands on its front and rear flanks, while Local Pools and Spas will feature on the #38’s rear wing.
David Wall #38: “We are very pleased with result and worked through a few concepts, before we were happy with the design. This year we have opted for a matte red over the gloss red of previous years. This should look awesome under lights when we head to Sydney and Perth for the two night races this season.”
Craig Lowndes #338: “It’s great for me to have Shannons, Sculptura and Paynter Dixon come onboard. The expectation is to be up the front, but I obviously would have liked more experience driving the category. That’s where I’ll be leaning on Dave, as he has driven and campaigned the cars for several years in the category and knows how to set them up.”
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season kicks off at the Sandown International Raceway on the 19-21 March, as the premier support category for the Repco Supercars Championship.
VIDEO LINK: Craig Lowndes and Wall Racing – Announcement
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
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NewsBayley Hall joins McElrea Racing for 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season
McElrea Racing have announced that Bayley Hall will join the team for 2021
McElrea Racing has announced that Bayley Hall, will join the Championship-winning Carrera Cup team for the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season.
As a Grade 12 student at Coomera Anglican College in Queensland, the talented GT racer sees 2021 as an opportunity to get acquainted with the first generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, before he starts his ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
“I’m very excited for this new chapter in my racing career. It’s all a bit surreal, but it’s a dream come true to announce that I will be with the McElrea team in a Porsche next year,” Hall said.
Hall has already amassed a large amount of experience despite his young age, having competed a number of different racing series and cars. His natural speed and adaptability was apparent from early in his career, having finished second overall in both the 2019 Gold Coast round of the Australia GT Championship and the 2020 Bathurst combined sedans series. Hall also became the youngest ever podium finisher at the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year, finishing third in class in a Marc Cars Mustang V8.
Andy McElrea said, “We’ve been watching Bayley’s progress for a couple of years and for such a young guy, he already has vast mileage and experience in a variety of cars. A year ago we chatted about a potential future with MR and having a shot at the Porsche Pyramid, following in the footsteps of Matt and Jaxon in Europe. We did an evaluation test with him a couple of weeks ago and we were very impressed with his first run in a cup car, needless to say, he has a very exciting few years ahead of him!”
Hall partnered with McElrea Racing’s Warren Luff for the Bathurst event, “I’m excited that Luffy will be one of my mentors at McElrea as he has known me since I was a toddler playing Mario kart. We get on very well and it was a huge experience to drive with him at one of the biggest races in Australia earlier this year.”
Hall will also be part of the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in 2021, which in the past has seen drivers like Nick Foster, Dylan O’Keeffe, Andre Heimgartner, Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love and Matt Campbell go onto to compete at the highest level of the sport both locally and internationally.
Campbell and Evans both started their Porsche careers with McElrea Racing in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge) before going onto win the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup titles in 2016 and 2018 respectively.
On the prospect of joining Australia’s benchmark junior development programme Hall said, “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can in the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme and my goal is to ultimately win the Sprint Challenge series, before I make the step into the main game in Carrera Cup.”
“The opportunity to drive the GT3 Cup car in the test session for around 100 laps was incredible. Working with the likes of race engineer, Leigh Geyer and the rest of the McElrea team was also an amazing opportunity,“ Hall enthused.
“After seeing the success the team have had in the past with the likes of Matt and Jaxon, I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the Porsche one-make series next year, as the cars are identical and the national competition is at the highest level,” Hall concluded.
The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in February.
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsPorsche aims to fight for overall victories with an LMDh prototype
Executive Board at Porsche AG approves development of a hybrid racing car
The Executive Board at Porsche AG has given the green light to the development of an LMDh prototype. After a lengthy evaluation phase, Porsche Motorsport received the order to build a vehicle based on future regulations. From 2023, the LMDh cars will make up a new top class in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Both championships are hugely significant for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. Porsche very much welcomed the introduction of the new class for hybrid prototypes when it was jointly announced by the organisers at ACO/WEC and IMSA. The racing cars, which tip the scales at around 1,000 kilograms, are powered by a hybrid system with an output of 500 kW (680 hp).
“The new LMDh category allows us to fight for overall victories with a hybrid system at the Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring classics – without breaking the bank. The project is extremely attractive for Porsche. Endurance racing is part of our brand’s DNA,” explains Oliver Blume, CEO at Porsche AG.
For the first time in more than 20 years, it will be possible to fight for overall victories with identical vehicles at endurance races around the world. Moreover, the new LMDh category focuses on high cost-efficiency. The cars are based on an upgraded LMP2 chassis, and the spec for the hybrid system including the control electronics is standardised. Chassis from four different manufacturers are available. Each brand is free to select the concept for the combustion engine and the body design within the framework of the regulations.
Michael Steiner, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG, adds: “In the medium term, Porsche focuses on three different drive concepts: fully electric vehicles, efficient plug-in hybrids and emotional combustion engines. We want to represent this trilogy in both the development of our cutting-edge road cars and in motorsport. We use the all-electric drive to contest the FIA Formula E as part of our works commitment, and the highly efficient and emotional combustion unit in GT racing. Now, the LMDh class closes the gap for us. There, powerful hybrid drives – like the ones that are mounted in many of our brand’s models – go up against each other. If the regulations eventually allowed the use of synthetic fuels, then that would be an even greater incentive for me in terms of sustainability.”
“I’d like to thank our board of directors for the immense confidence they have in the motorsport strategy we’ve developed,” explains Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “We hold a record with our 19 outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we’ve climbed to the top podium step many times at major races in the USA. We can continue this tradition with an LMDh vehicle while at the same time keeping costs reasonable. There has been huge interest from other manufacturers. I hope we can pick up where we left off with the famous clashes against many other marques in the eighties and nineties. That would give the entire motor racing scene a huge boost.”
High-performance hybrid drives have enjoyed a long and extremely successful tradition at Porsche Motorsport. In 2010 and 2011, the revolutionary Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid set new benchmarks at races on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. At that time, there was no other comparable vehicle with a hybrid drive.
Between 2014 and 2017, the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart underlined its expertise in the field of highly efficient, high-performance hybrid drives with the 919 Hybrid. In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the LMP1 class prototype achieved a hat trick, winning three times in a row at the Le Mans 24-hour classic. Porsche also clinched the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship titles three times straight.
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NewsAlmond wins enduro thriller as Jones takes Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup
Stephen Grove, Ryan Suhle and Andrew Goldie share the silverware at Sandown
MICHAEL ALMOND made it three winners from three races in a thrilling conclusion to the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup at Sandown Raceway, while Harri Jones sealed the Carrera Cup Mobil Pro class by a single point.
Almond’s stunning victory came by less than a car length as he and Jones battled for the race and round honours, the latter claiming the weekend overall thanks to the single bonus point he scored by grabbing pole position on Saturday.
Arron Love was third: Each driver scored a first, second and third across the three races contested to see them tied on points for the overall round result – the Pole Position result the deciding factor.
“What an awesome weekend,” Jones said.
“All three of us on the podium had equal points for the weekend except I had the bonus point for pole position. Super glad with the weekend: I can’t thank the McElrea team for the weekend, they’ve provided me with an awesome car.”
Stephen Grove swept the weekend to take the Carrera Cup Pro-Am Class, beating home Tim Miles and Marc Cini in the final standings.
“It’s really good – it’s a good hit out, 45 minutes is a long way!” Stephen Grove said.
“The boys were chasing and chasing and they were all over me! It’s good to be back – it really caps a tough year off.”
Ryan Suhle won the Mobil Pro class in the Sprint Challenge competitors, the Porsche Michelin Junior pleased to be back in the car and with his strong weekend.
“It was awesome to get back on the track and race. These events are always run so well so it was great to get one done this year. Thanks to everyone who has supported me and enabled me to get here.”
Andrew Goldie’s Sprint Challenge Pro-Am victory came against the largest class of the entire weekend; winning the round ahead of Matthew Belford and Michael Loccisano.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it – it’s a nice way to end the year, get a race meeting in in a very competitive field of cars,” Goldie – who traveled from Western Australia to race this weekend – said.
“It was always a question about ‘how would we fare’ moving up from Class B to a Pro-Am car but this is a nice way to start; a nice confidence boost.”
The 45-minute race was a pulsating, tense affair that saw three different race leaders and tight competition right through to the checkered flag.
Starting from the front row, Love led Jones and Almond on the opening lap – however an off at turn seven on the second lap saw him drop to fifth and saw Jones assume the lead over Almond and Nick McBride.
The Queenslander led the next 17 laps before Almond slipped past to start the second half of the race in front.
Love gradually worked his way back to the front, setting the fastest lap en route to snaring third position on the 26th lap – though the two leaders remained inseparable as they diced for the lead.
The intensity grew as the race charged towards the 45-minute timed conclusion, Jones launching an attack on Almond on the 260km/hr run to turn six – on what would be the penultimate lap of the race. After several wild moments, the Sonic Motor Racing car was able to remain in front as they exited Dandenong Road.
Almond held on to take a narrow race win – to make it three winners from three races – with Jones securing the overall result in second. Love finished third, with Nick McBride and Carrera Cup rookie Jackson Walls completing the top five.
Stephen Grove’s biggest trouble on his path to victory was battling with Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro contenders Christian Pancione and Ryan Suhle, who both battled hard to take their class honors.
Grove won the weekend ahead of Tim Miles and Marc Cini.
Pancione won in Sprint Challenge, though Suhle survived an eventful race to take the weekend overall – leading the class early before an off dropped him back to third in class. A late pass on Courtney Prince to grab second position was enough to secure him the round result ahead of race winner Pancione and the impressive rookie Prince.
Andrew Goldie’s first round aboard Pro-Am Machinery was a success, completing a clean sweep of the weekend to claim the winners trophy; Matthew Belford and Michael Loccisano completing the podium.
The successful Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup concluded an abbreviated year for Porsche Motorsport Australia in style, the three races run without Safety Car interruption or delay.
The 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship is scheduled to commence in Melbourne in March 2021.
The 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will commence at the Shannons ‘All Wheels’ festival at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in February.
RESULTS – Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup
Carrera Cup Mobil Pro
- Harri Jones 163
- Michael Almond 162
- Aaron Live 162
Carrera Cup Pro-Am
- Stephen Grove 181
- Tim Miles 162
- Marc Cini 144
Michelin Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro
- Ryan Suhle 175
- Christian Pancione 168
- Courtney Prince 144
Michelin Sprint Challenge Pro-Am
- Andrew Goldie 181
- Matthew Belford 162
- Michael Loccisano 132
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NewsMatt Campbell to continue in Porsche works driver squad for 2021
Porsche Motorsport 2021: Commitment to Formula E and the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
Two major works projects and enticing customer sport at Porsche
Porsche will be well represented on major international stages of the motor racing scene in the 2021 season. The management announced the plans for the coming year on the occasion of the first virtual Night of Champions.
In 2020, the traditional event, which in recent years has been held at Weissach in the first half of December, was held in digital form for the first time due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In this year’s motorsport season, Porsche yielded many exclamation marks, for example victory at the Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours as well as major successes in the final rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
In his online welcome address, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG, Dr Wolfgang Porsche, underlined the tremendous sporting spirit within the company and the “pulling together when things get difficult”. This has been particularly evident in the 2020 crisis year.
TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team takes the next step
“We’re very pleased that today we can make a clear statement about our continued participation in the ABB FIA Formula E,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “We are completely won over by the outstanding stage and the unique concept. We use the fully-electric single-seater series for the systematic development work and expansion of our skills in the field of battery-electric drive. We want to move the championship forward together with the FIA/FEO and the teams in the years ahead.”
The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E-Team heads into the upcoming season with big goals. After a successful debut year, the experienced engineers in Weissach have extensively upgraded the drivetrain and worked out new ways to define the operating strategy. The drivers of the Porsche 99X Electric racers for the season are works drivers André Lotterer (Germany, No. 36) and Pascal Wehrlein (Germany, No. 99). The two Swiss drivers Simona de Silvestro and Neel Jani are available to step in if required. The new season kicks off in mid-January with two races in the Chilean capital Santiago.
FIA World Endurance Championship WEC: two factory-run Porsche 911 RSR
In the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), Porsche will continue to field two works-entered Porsche 911 RSR in the 2021 season. The two ca. 515 hp vehicles will tackle all six races under the operations team Manthey-Racing and with a slightly different crew. Gianmaria Bruni from Italy and the Austrian Richard Lietz again share the No. 91 car. Joining Frenchman Kévin Estre in the No. 92 sister car is the 2016 WEC champion Neel Jani. The first race of the new season takes place in March at Sebring (USA). On 12/13 June 2021, the two Porsche 911 RSR then will tackle the season highlight at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France).
Despite coronavirus pandemic, only minor changes to the driver line-up
The pulling together of the Porsche family in times of crisis quoted by Dr Wolfgang Porsche underlines the driver line-up for the 2021 motorsport season. Porsche heads into the new year with a squad of 14 works drivers, one young professional and a Porsche junior. In addition to the Formula E driver Pascal Wehrlein, Austria’s Thomas Preining joins the works driver contingent of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. The New Zealander Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy from Great Britain, Patrick Pilet from France, Michael Christensen (Denmark) and the two Germans Sven Müller and Dirk Werner are leaving the official works driver squad. However, they still also have the opportunity to represent Porsche at races as drivers – including in the Porsche 911 GT3 R. The Frenchman Julien Andlauer continues as the Porsche Young Professional with Ayhancan Güven from Turkey completing his second season as a Porsche Junior.
Jaxon Evans from New Zealand has finished his junior programme and will race for customer teams in the 911 RSR, among others. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions, Porsche was unable to run its traditional junior selection process in late autumn of this year. Consequently, there is no second Porsche Junior for 2021.
Customer racing programmes: customer campaigns around the world
Most of the ten new Porsche 911 RSR that were delivered to customers a few weeks ago will be fielded in the GTE-Am class of the FIA WEC and in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) for the 2021 season. Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender will once again stand in the limelight. For the German-Irishman, 2021 marks the second season in the long-distance series at the wheel of a 911 RSR run by Dempsey Proton Racing. His aim is to systematically prepare for a potential start at the Le Mans 24-hour race.
Porsche also supports a number of customer teams who campaign the 500+hp 911 GT3 R on the world stage. Earl Bamber and the works drivers Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Patrick Long from the USA will compete for customer teams in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In the GT World Challenge Europe, several Porsche 911 GT3 R take on the competition with vehicles from twelve other manufacturers. Earl Bamber, the Dane Michael Christensen and Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki have been designated as drivers in the spectacular GT3 series. Almost all drivers in the entire squad will contest the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. A large contingent of 911 GT3 R will tackle the Eifel classic on the first weekend of June, 2021. Customers will also take on the German ADAC GT Masters. It has not yet been determined whether customer teams will field the popular and successful Porsche 911 GT3 R in the DTM.
New 911 GT3 Cup: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and five national series
Porsche presents the new 911 GT3 Cup for the 2021 season. The vehicle is based on the 992 generation of the iconic 911 sports car. Porsche takes a new approach with the distribution of the 510 hp model: for the first time, a brand-new Cup car will not only be debuted in the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup run as support to Formula 1. The most recent version of the world’s best-selling racing vehicle will at the same time also be entered by customer teams in the national Carrera Cups in Germany, France, Asia and Benelux and for the first time in North America. The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is already designed for the perspective use of environmentally friendly synthetic fuels.
Porsche Cup 2020: Robert Renauer wins for the second time
The revered Porsche Cup has been presented annually to the most successful private driver since 1970. In 2020, the trophy goes to Germany’s Robert Renauer. On the occasion of the digital Night of Champions, Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche AG, acknowledged the success of the 35-year-old from Dachau at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the ADAC GT Masters and the Creventic Series. This is the second time Renauer has been awarded the coveted trophy after 2016. The Bavarian will also receive a new Porsche 911. The award for successful amateur drivers, which celebrates its 51st anniversary this year, is based on an idea of Ferry Porsche.
Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup: Champion Sebastian Job honoured
Britain’s Sebastian Job was honoured for the winning the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. The 20-year-old from the Red Bull Racing Esports Team beat last year’s champion Joshua Rogers (Australia) in an exciting and spectacular online racing season. Job, who has now turned his hobby sim racing into a profession, now tackles his third season of the racing series held on the iRacing platform as the defending champion. The 2021 Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup takes off on 9 January on the virtual version of the Brazilian Formula 1 circuit in Interlagos.
Driver squad Porsche Motorsport 2021
Porsche works drivers (age/nationality)
Gianmaria Bruni (39/Italy)
Matt Campbell (25/Australia)
Romain Dumas (42/France)
Kévin Estre (32/France)
Mathieu Jaminet (26/France)
Neel Jani (36/Switzerland)
Richard Lietz (36/Austria)
Patrick Long (39/USA)
André Lotterer (39/Germany)
Frédéric Makowiecki (40/France)
Thomas Preining (22/Austria)
Simona de Silvestro (32/Switzerland)
Laurens Vanthoor (29/Belgium)
Pascal Wehrlein (26/Germany)
Porsche Young Professional
Julien Andlauer (21/France)
Porsche Junior
Ayhancan Güven (22/Turkey)
Overview of factory campaigns
ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 7
99X Electric #36 – André Lotterer
99X Electric #99 – Pascal Wehrlein
FIA World Endurance Championship 2021
911 RSR #91 – Gianmaria Bruni / Richard Lietz
911 RSR #92 – Kévin Estre / Neel Jani
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NewsStronger, faster, more spectacular: the new 911 GT3 Cup
Porsche has unveiled the latest generation of the world’s top-selling racing car: the new 911 GT3 Cup.
New racing car for the Porsche one-make cups
Porsche has unveiled the latest generation of the world’s top-selling racing car: the new 911 GT3 Cup. From the start of the 2021 season, the 992 generation racer will be campaigned in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and several other Carrera Cup Championships around the globe, including North America for the first time. The new 992 will make its Australian debut in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup in 2022.
The spectacularly styled Cup car is the first racing version based on the current 992 generation and the first makes-cup racer of the sports car manufacturer to feature a wide turbo-spec body. Producing around 375 kW (510 hp), it exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower. Moreover, the new GT3 Cup can run on synthetic fuels, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions under racing conditions. The lap times of the completely new Cup 911 should be slashed by a good one per cent, depending on the track layout. Delivery to teams will begin in February 2021. The new 911 GT3 Cup is available with immediate effect at a price of 225,000 Euros plus country-specific taxes.
Porsche presented the very first 911 Cup car in 1990. It was based on the 964 generation and headed into its debut season in the German Porsche Carrera Cup with 260 hp. From 1993, it was also raced in the newly established Porsche Supercup, which ran as part of the Formula 1 support programme. Over the next years, five more generations of this exceptionally successful racing vehicle followed – of which to date a record number of 4,251 units have been produced.
“The 911 made history as the baseline model for the Carrera Cups and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – no other racing car has found as many satisfied customers since 1990 as the 911,” states Michael Dreiser, Director Sales Porsche Motorsport. “The new 911 GT3 Cup now starts a new chapter. Our goal is to pass the 5,000 mark in production over the coming years. Like its ancestral lineage, this model will also assist a whole new generation of talented racing drivers on their path to professional motorsport and shape the face of our customer sport commitment around the world.”
The groundwork for the latest model was laid in 2018. Concrete development began in early 2019. The main development goals of the team led by project manager Jan Feldmann were to further improve performance, achieve a more aggressive design, easier handling and greater durability with less outlay in terms of time and maintenance. The result is reflected in many aspects of the new racing vehicle, which, like its predecessor, rolls off the production line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen alongside the 911 production models.
“We wanted to position the new 911 GT3 Cup even more as a professional racing car, while also making it more cost-effective for the teams to run,” explains Feldmann. “We were particularly successful in achieving this thanks to its striking appearance, the improved suspension and intelligent solutions for electrical details. The handling of the new 911 GT3 Cup is noticeably more precise and even more fun. With its improved performance and the optimised cockpit, it’s the best Cup car that Porsche has ever built.”
One of the most striking features of the new 911 GT3 Cup is its optimised aerodynamics and the overall more muscular appearance – it looks even more impressive at first glance. This is partly thanks to the wide turbo-spec lightweight body that is being used for the first time in the Cup car. Measuring a total of 1,902 millimetres in width, it exceeds the rear width of the previous model by 28 millimetres and is distinguished by its additional cooling air inlets in front of the wheels. Furthermore, the front axle of the 992 generation of the 911 is also significantly broader. Thanks to additional flared fenders, the new 911 GT3 Cup now measures as much as 1,920 millimetres at the front axle. This opens the door for a harmonious wheel-tyre combination with 12-inch wide rims on the front and 13-inch wheels at the rear axle. This is typical for GT racing and has a positive effect on the handling and driveability of the racing car.
At the same time, the seventh generation of the Cup racer generates noticeably more aerodynamic downforce. This is thanks to the combination of the rear spoiler with the larger rear wing and front apron, which was specifically adapted to racing by means of a front lip spoiler and strategically-positioned separation edges. The eleven-stage adjustable rear wing with a ‘swan neck’ mounting ensures uninterrupted under-wing airflow. This improved aerodynamic efficiency also ensures more stable handling, especially in fast corners.
The body of the 991.2 generation Cup car consisted of 70 per cent steel and 30 per cent aluminium. The ratio in the successor has been switched. The fact that the vehicle still weighs around 35 kilograms more with a dry weight of 1,260 kilograms is due, for example, to extra struts being added to the steel safety cell. The removable escape hatch in the roof complies with the latest FIA standards. All windows in the GT3 Cup are made of lightweight polycarbonate and have scratch-resistant hard-coat glazing. The doors, engine hood and rear wing are made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. In contrast, the front hood with its distinctive exit-air duct and central air intake is a prime example of the intelligent use of materials: Like in the 911 Carrera, it is made of aluminium – which lowers repair costs in the case of an accident.
The designers put a lot of thought into the ergonomics specifically for the drivers. In addition to the incline, the new racing seat can now be adjusted in two height settings. In conjunction with the adjustable steering column, this ensures an ideal fit for every driver stature. A range of padding thicknesses allows the seats to be adapted to the needs of individual drivers. The redesigned, open-top, motorsport multifunction steering wheel made of carbon-fibre is yet another development adopted from the 911 GT3 R. Following drivers’ feedback, its illuminated buttons have been rearranged. The so-called Rubber Switch Panel (RSP) with its ten large buttons on the right is reminiscent of a control element in the Porsche 919 Hybrid. These buttons are easy to use, even in the heat of the race and are given designated central functions such as lighting and ventilation or to change tyre settings from dry to wet tyres. One example of a clever enhancement to details is the adjustment of brake balance: Now, it can be intuitively controlled via a rotary knob switch on the outside right of the RSP in or against the direction of travel – depending on whether the front axle needs more or less brake pressure.
The designers have revamped the centrally-positioned, 10.3-inch colour monitor. The screen prioritises the display of key data and information for the driver while racing. Displayed alongside the engine revs are water and oil temperatures, the gear currently engaged and error messages or information on important baseline settings, such as “wet” for racing in rain. After the readout of the data, the design of both the display and the computer monitors are aligned so that the driver and race engineer see the same information. This helps with analyses after each session.
The electronics are designed to be user-friendly for easier error analyses and specific help in problem-solving. Around 700 diagnostic options are available. Specific software summarises all information more clearly and comprehensibly. Optional vehicle functions such as ABS or traction control are already stored in the system. They can be activated via a digital code. In the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and in most national Carrera Cups, these driving aids are switched off: in these championships, the talent of the drivers alone is what counts.
Another example of subtle, sophisticated solutions in the new 911 GT3 Cup can be seen in the arrangement of the electronic components: Motorsport control units and data loggers have been relocated from the passenger footwell to the right rear compartment. As a result, they no longer hinder the installation of a second seat, for instance when ‘racing taxi drives’ are required.
The suspension of the Cup 911 offers the finest in racing technology. While the rear axle essentially remains unchanged compared to the production model, the front wheels are now controlled by double wishbones and Uniball bearings – like in the 911 RSR, Porsche’s current top racing model. Through this, the dampers are no longer exposed to lateral forces, only axial forces. This ensures more precise turn-in behaviour and gives a better feeling for the front axle. The shock absorbers have also inherited the cutting-edge valve technology from the 919 Hybrid and 911 RSR. Fully electro-mechanical power steering has been introduced into the 911 GT3 Cup for the first time. This means that the hydraulic pump and associated hydraulic lines are no longer needed.
In terms of the engine, the 911 GT3 Cup remains true to the naturally aspirated principle. In the racing version, the four-litre, water-cooled flat-six engine develops 375 kW (510 hp). Its high-revving unit with dry-sump lubrication reaches top performance at 8,400 rpm – up from the previous 7,500 rpm. It redlines at 8,750 rpm with maximum torque of 470 Newton metres at 6,150 rpm. A single throttle butterfly system with two resonance flaps ensures an even more spontaneous response, and in conjunction with the catalytic converter racing exhaust system, produces an awe-inspiring sound. Three different exhaust systems are available to choose from – depending on the racing series, the regulations and the racetrack. Bosch supplies the MS 6.6 electronic engine management system.
Like with its immediate predecessor, the six-cylinder only needs a maintenance check after 100 hours of track time. The engine is connected to the sequential, 72-kilogram six-speed dog-type gearbox via a single-mass flywheel and a three-plate sintered metal racing clutch. Gear changes are made via a paddle shift on the steering wheel, with a “minor inspection” of the gearbox needed after 60 hours of racing – which corresponds to roughly two years in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. A major overhaul is due after 120 hours of racing. The shift barrel actuator is operated by an electric servo-motor, replacing the previous pneumatic unit. The advantage: even faster gear changes, the option of live diagnoses and a lowered risk of damage, for example in the event of gearshift errors.
The special attention given to detailed improvements is reflected in the 911 GT3 Cup in many other optimisations:
• Every Cup car from Porsche Motorsport is now delivered with a complete accessory kit, which includes, for example, all special tools and wishbone spacers required for track adjustment. Hence, the ex-works 911 GT3 Cup is ready to race without customer teams having to order these parts individually.
• In the new model generation, the water radiators remain directly behind the front apron. This positioning was deliberately retained: the risk of damaging the radiators prevents an overly aggressive driving style. At the same time, the placing of a strut ensures that minor nudges go unpunished.
• Special brake callipers now enable the brake pads to be changed faster.
• The drive shafts of the rear axle now have a special, more durable motor racing design.
• Textile loops have been reintroduced as attachment points for tow ropes. These replace the previously used steel swivel tow hooks.
• A new central nozzle for the fire extinguishing system improves the distribution of the extinguishing agent inside the cockpit.
• The new positioning of the release unit makes it easier for scrutineers to check from the outside whether the fire extinguisher is working correctly.
• Adapted safety quick releases for the inside door openers improve the ergonomics when exiting the cockpit as well as safety in the event of an emergency.
• The onboard electrical system functions without actual plug fuses. This reduces the amount of materials used in the wiring harness and saves weight. The redesign is easier to access thanks to its central positioning.
• Should the engine stall at the start of the race, the hazard warning lights switch on automatically to warn other competitors of the danger.
Technical specifications Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) model year 2021
Concept
• Single-seater customer racing car
Weight / Dimensions
• Total weight: ca. 1,260 kg
• Length: 4,585 mm
• Width: 1,920 mm (front axle) / 1,902 mm (rear axle)
• Wheelbase: 2,459 mm
Engine
• Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer rear engine; displacement 3,996 cm3; stroke 81.5 mm; bore 102 mm; ca. 375 kW (510 hp) at 8,400 rpm; max. torque 470 Nm at 6,150 rpm; max. rpm 8,750; four-valve technology; single throttle butterfly system; intake manifold with two resonance flaps; engine control unit Bosch MS 6.6; dry-sump lubrication; single-mass flywheel; race exhaust system with DMSB certified catalytic converter; fuel quality: Superplus unleaded, to E20 (min. 98 octane).
Transmission
• Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox; paddle shift with electronic shift barrel actuator; mechanical limited slip differential; three-plate sintered metal racing clutch.
Body
• Lightweight body featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite design; mounting points for lifting device; removable rescue hatch in roof; welded-in roll-cage, approved for co-driver use on circuits; seat in accordance with FIA Standard 8862/2009, infinite longitudinal adjustment, two positions for height and inclination; six-point racing safety harness, for use with HANS®, adjustable steering column with steering angle sensor; front cover with integrated quick-release fasteners, cooler exit-air duct and central air intake for cockpit ventilation; widened front bumper with spoiler lip; fenders with extensions; rear bodywork with integrated rain light in accordance with FIA regulations; doors, rear cover and rear wing of CFRP; rear wing with ‘swan neck’ mounting, adjustable in 11 positions; polycarbonate windows with hard coating; air-jack system with three jacks; valve mounting points on either side of the car; 110-litre FT3 safety fuel cell in the front.
• CFRP interior trim panels, multifunctional CFRP motorsport steering wheel with quick-release coupling, shift paddles and illuminated push buttons; ergonomic digital touch panel with multi-colour backlight; safety nets (centre and driver’s side) in accordance with latest FIA safety regulations; preparation for seat ventilation; fire extinguisher system with electronic release unit.
Suspension
• Forged aluminium control arms & top mounts, stiffness optimised; heavy-duty spherical bearings with dust protection; wheel hubs with centre-lock wheel nut; shock absorbers with motorsport-specific valve characteristic; double-blade-type adjustable anti-roll bars; tyre pressure monitoring system.
Front axle
• Double wishbone front suspension, adjustable ride-height, camber and toe;
• Electro-mechanical power steering with manoeuvring function.
Rear axle
• Multi-link rear suspension, adjustable in ride-height, camber and toe;
• Motor racing drive shafts optimised for reliability and durability.
Brake system
• Two independent brake circuits incorporating front and rear axle brake pressure sensors, driver adjustable brake force distribution via brake balance system; racing brake pads; optimised brake ducts; ergonomic brake pedal positioning.
• Front axle: Six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers with ‘anti knock-back’ piston springs; ventilated 380 mm x 32 mm steel brake discs mounted on aluminium disc bells; aluminium brake disc chamber.
• Rear axle: Four-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers with ‘anti knock-back’ piston springs; ventilated 380 mm x 32 mm steel brake discs mounted on aluminium disc bells; aluminium brake disc chamber.
Wheels / Tyres
• Front axle: Single-piece centre-lock alloy wheels conforming to Porsche specification and design, 12J x 18; tyre dimension 30/65-18
• Rear axle: Single-piece centre-lock alloy wheels conforming to Porsche specification and design, 13J x 18; tyre dimension 31/71-18.
Electrical system
• Porsche Logger Unit; Porsche Power Box, 10.3 inch Porsche colour display; lightweight, leak-proof LiFePO4 battery 12V, 60 Ah in passenger footwell; 175 A alternator; digital touch panel with multi-colour backlight; single-arm windscreen wiper with direct drive (intermittent and continuous operation); three additional centre console switches for additional power consumers; data connection (data logger, video system).
• LED main headlights and daytime running lights; taillights and rain light in LED technology.
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NewsJones, Love split competitive Sandown sprints
Young guns star as Grove, Suhle and Goldie grab Sandown sprint race victories
TITLE RIVALS Harri Jones and Aaron Love have continued their ongoing Porsche one-make racing rivalry, trading race wins in today’s opening pair of sprint races at the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup at Sandown.
The pair of young Porsche Michelin Junior drivers battled for the Sprint Challenge title last year before stepping up to the Mobil Pro class of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia this season.
That battle has continued this weekend, locking out the front row in qualifying before dueling for the lead in both races.
Jones narrowly won the opening race over Love and Michael Almond, while Love returned serve in the second to even the score at one all heading into Sunday’s 45-minute mini-enduro decider. Porsche Centre Melbourne driver Nick McBride was fourth in each race.
Stephen Grove swept the Carrera Cup Pro-Am class in both races, beating home Tim Miles and Marc Cini in each sprint.
Ryan Suhle won the Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro class in both races with Christian Pancione and impressive rookie Courtney Prince third, while the Pro-Am class went to Andrew Goldie in each race; Matt Belford and David Grieg on the podium in race one, while Belford and Michael Loccisano filled the top three in the second race.
“It was classic Porsche Racing,” Jones said after winning race one outright aboard his Helimods McElrea Racing Porsche.
“Aaron put on a lot of pressure when we caught traffic half way through. I’m stoked to come away with the win.”
The two sprint race results set up a thrilling Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup feature race tomorrow, to be contested over 45-minutes in predicted warm conditions at the Victorian circuit.
“It was really hard racing and we banged doors a couple of times,” Love enthused of his race two battle with Jones for Mobil Pro class honors.
“Full credit to the Sonic team who gave me a really good car. It was a great battle and we’re really pleased to get that one.”
Jones led from start to finish in a competitive opening race, resisting late pressure from Aaron Love to take the first sprint of the weekend.
Starting from pole, Jones edged out a two-second margin early in the race before his Sonic Motor Racing rival closed as the field negotiated lapped traffic – the pair crossing the line separated by a car length. Love banked the fastest lap of the race, his 1m09.86s best sitting beneath the existing Carrera Cup lap record at Sandown.
Michael Almond was third, having earlier passed Nick McBride after an early scrap before setting out in pursuit of the leaders.
Old rivals Stephen Grove and Tim Miles were just as closely matched in the battle for the Carrera Cup Pro-Am class, the pair nose-to-tail throughout most of the 22-lap duration. Grove won by less than a second, with Marc Cini in third.
Ryan Suhle won the Michelin Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro class over Christian Pancione and Courtney Prince, giving McElrea victories in both Pro categories in the opening race.
Andrew Goldie, having stepped up from contesting Class B in Sprint Challenge, won the Pro-Am class ahead of Matt Belford and David Grieg.
The intensity stepped up in the second race later in the afternoon: Jones and Love dueling for the lead and exchanging positions three times before the Sonic racer established himself as the clear leader.
Holding third early, Almond then closed on the leaders before he too slipped past Jones at turn one to make it a Sonic 1-2 result. The top three crossed the line nose-to-tail in a compelling battle that included three lead changes.
Suhle had a clear path to victory in Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro category, nipping at the heels of the Carrera Cup cars before settling into the groove for a comfortable victory. Pancione and Prince completed the top three.
Pressured all the way in the opening race, Grove had a more comfortable run to victory in race two – Miles and Cini again completing the podium.
West Aussie Andrew Goldie went two-for-two in Sprint Challenge Pro-Am, taking the race two win after early pressure from Ross McGregor. A mistake dropped the experienced Sprint Challenge regular back behind Belford and Michael Loccisano by the end of the race.
Both sprint races were run without Safety Car interruption and with competitive racing throughout the field.
The final race of the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup will see the 18-strong grid tackle a 45-minute feature race to conclude the weekend – appropriately to be run nine months to the day following the premature end of the 2020 Carrera Cup season in March this year.
STANDINGS
Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup – After 2 of 3 races.
PAYCE Carrera Cup – Mobil Pro
- Aaron Love 114
- Harri Jones 108
- Michael Almond 102
PAYCE Carrera Cup – Pro-Am
- Stephen Grove 120
- Tim Miles 108
- Marc Cini 96
Michelin Sprint Challenge – Mobil Pro
- Ryan Suhle 120
- Christian Pancione 108
- Courtney Prince 96
Michelin Sprint Challenge – Pro-Am
- Andrew Goldie 120
- Matthew Belford 108
- Michael Loccisano 90
For results, news and content across the weekend follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsBathurst 1000 winner enters Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia for 2021 season
Luke Youlden announces his return to Australia’s premier one-make series
Luke Youlden has announced that he will be back behind the wheel of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in 2021. Youlden, the 2018 Bathurst 1000 winner, returns to the hotly contested Mobil Pro class next year after 15 year break from the premier one-make category, having last campaigned in the Porsche series in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
Youlden headlines the newly formed Tekworkx Motorsport team which will the based on the Gold-Coast, “This Tekworkx program is a great way for me to combine my experience on two fronts. I’ll be in charge of the coaching and preparation leading up to rounds of the 86 series,” said Youlden.
As a Porsche Experience Deputy Chief Instructor, Youlden offers more than 15 years of instructor experience, often overseeing a team of top-level racers.
Youlden, is looking forward to his role as mentor and chief driving coach for the team’s young drivers, “This is the best of both worlds for me. I will be giving something back, passing on my experience, and also getting back to racing,”
“Being honest, I get just as much satisfaction these days from helping a youngster getting a result as I do when I finish on the podium myself. I’ve been doing more and more driver coaching in recent years and it’s very rewarding.”
The driving force at the Tekworkx team is Rob Woods, who will also campaign his own first-generation 911 GT3 Cup car in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge next year. Woods and Youlden will be joined by Tim Brook, the 2018 Toyota 86 champion.
“We’re had a lot of interest in what we’re doing and I think Tim is a big drawcard. He knows what it takes to win in 86s,” said Youlden.
Youlden will be in action at the opening round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series in Melbourne in March, while the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series gets underway in late February at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
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NewsHarri Jones breaks Sandown lap record in Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Cup qualifying
Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Cup Qualifying
Jones and Grove dominate Carrera Cup, while Suhle and Goldie set the pace in Sprint Challenge
The inaugural Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup saw Sandown International Raceway host the return of Porsche 911 GT3 Gen 1 and Gen 2 Cup cars to a Victorian race track after a 10 month forced season break.
Sonic Motor Racing’s Michael Almond and Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Nick McBride set the early pace in Friday’s first practice session. Before Harri Jones and Aaron Love spoiled their party late in the session, dropping down into the low 1min10s.
The pair of Michelin Juniors, topped the timesheets again both in practice 2 and in qualifying for the Carrera Cup Mobil Pro class, with Almond and McBride maintaining positions three and four in both sessions. The Helimods driver’s impressive qualifying time at the top of the timesheets of 1m09.6704 broke the long-standing Carrera Cup Mobil Pro qualifying lap record previously held by Matt Campbell in 2016 (1m09.6782).
“The track was fast today and it’s the first time the Gen II cars have been here as well. But qualifying was great and a bit different to what we are used to, but I’m just thrilled to be here and back racing again,” said Jones after qualifying.
Stephen Grove was the quickest in the Carrera Cup Pro-Am class throughout the Friday’s three sessions and will line up tomorrow just ahead of rival Tim Miles.
“It was good to go out with the pros and follow them, they gave me a good tow and I knew that I just needed to stay with them, and that obviously brought my time down, “Grove remarked after qualifying.
Jones’ McElrea Racing teammate, Ryan Suhle, dominated the Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro class, hounded throughout the day by Christian Pancione.
The Queensland driver, who impressed in the Tin Top races earlier this year said, “It’s certainly a case of trying to get as close as we can to the Gen II cars as possible. I didn’t get the most out of the first set and with the shorter 15 minute qualifying session, it was a bit tricky to put another set on to go quicker. So we persevered on the same set and times gradually dropped off.”
“I know there is a bit more there, so I’m excited for tomorrow” Suhle enthused.
With seven entrants, the Sprint Challenge Pro-Am battle will be one of the most fiercely contested of the weekend. Matthew Belford set a commanding pace in the first session, only to be bettered in both the second session and in qualifying by West Australian, Andrew Goldie.
After qualifying Goldie said, “I’m really thrilled with that and it’s just so great to be back in a race car cutting some laps and see some friendly faces in the pits. I’m really happy I came across for the event.”
Tomorrow sees two 25-minute sprint races starting at 11:10 and 14:40 (AEST Melbourne time) respectively and with clear, sunny weather forecast, the stage looks set for some great racing across all four classes.
For results, news and content across the weekend follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsPorsche Motorsport Australia returns to racing
Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Cup, Preview, Sandown
A motorsport story 270 days in the making will see competitors from Australia’s two top one-make categories return to the circuit this weekend in the inaugural Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup.
Nearly nine months to the day that the 2020 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne was cancelled due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, a combined grid of drivers from the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will this weekend go head-to-head at the historic Sandown International Raceway in Melbourne, Victoria.
The field includes the best and brightest from both classes, as well as several rookies making their respective Porsche racing debuts. The Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup will also see two generations of Porsche 991 Cup Cars, being the Gen I and Gen II, go head-to-head for the first time in a dedicated Porsche event in Australia.
It will bring Porsche Motorsport’s 2020 story full circle as an interrupted year is completed with three races at this weekend’s Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival: a pair of 25-minute sprint races on Saturday will be followed by a 45-minute enduro on Sunday in a bid to finish the year in style.
The 18-strong grid will have four trophies up for grabs in both Mobil Pro and Pro-Am classes for both Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge competitors.
The field, for the first time in history, the Australian Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge grids have been combined at a Porsche-run event, featuring a broad mix of leading contenders from each category including multiple race winners, championship contenders and several drivers making their Porsche racing debut.
Leading the Carrera Cup charge will be established race winners, Michael Almond and Nick McBride.
The pair each celebrated their 50th Carrera Cup round milestone the last time they raced in Melbourne and share six round and 15 race wins between them.
2019 Sprint Challenge champion Harri Jones and runner-up Aaron Love, a pair of Porsche Michelin Juniors who both stepped up to Carrera Cup this season, will also likely challenge while open-wheel graduate Jackson Walls, the son of former Carrera Cup Pro-Am racer Tony, will make his one-make Porsche debut this weekend for McElrea Racing.
In the Pro-Am ranks, three-time champion Stephen Grove leads the charge to Sandown as the most recent round winner thanks to victory in the only race contested at Albert Park back in March this year.
Regular Pro-Am contender Tim Miles and Porsche Motorsport Australia’s most experienced driver, Marc Cini will also be in the mix.
In fact, the most experienced drivers in both categories will compete this weekend: Cini from Carrera Cup and Ross McGregor from Sprint Challenge. While Cini has 109 Carrera Cup starts to his credit, McGregor last year notched up his 35th Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge round start, the most of any driver in that series’ history.
McGregor is joined by a strong Sprint Challenge contingent that includes young-guns Ryan Suhle and Christian Pancione.
Both Porsche Michelin Junior drivers impressed in the 2019 Sprint Challenge series – finishing fourth and fifth outright – and will be keen to benchmark themselves against former rivals like Harri Jones and Aaron Love who have since stepped up to Carrera Cup machinery.
Meanwhile, talented Formula Ford graduate Courtney Prince will make her one-make Porsche debut this weekend aboard a Sonic Motor Racing-run entry.
The Pro-Am Sprint Challenge contingent is deep. Along with McGregor, who was third in the Pro-Am class championship last year, Michael Loccisano, Matt Belford and Nathan Murray will all compete.
Richard Cowen will make his debut aboard a McElrea Racing entry, while 2019 Sprint Challenge Class B title rivals – champion David Grieg and runner-up Andrew Goldie – will continue their ongoing battle by stepping up to the Pro-Am class this weekend.
Sandown is a staple on the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar though has not featured on the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia schedule since the 2017 season. The winners of the two most recent rounds from each category – Aaron Love (Sprint Challenge) and Nick McBride (Carrera Cup) each feature on the grid this weekend.
Porsche to celebrate 70 years in Australia in 2021
Microsite: porsche.com/australia/70years
YouTube Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoAGkbICak
The Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival will also mark the start of Porsche’s celebrations commemorating 70 years for the German sports car brand in Australia. In addition to the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup, the 944 Challenge racing series will also be in action. Three Sprint events have also scheduled for members of the Porsche Club of Victoria, while a Porsche Taycan pre-production vehicle will also be on-track for a speed comparison demonstration.
Porsche motorsport enthusiasts can follow coverage of the event via the @PorscheMotorsportAU Facebook and Instagram pages as well as @PorscheMspAU channel on Twitter. Practice and qualifying for the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup will be held on Friday ahead of the two sprint races on Saturday. The 45-minute enduro will conclude the weekend on Sunday afternoon.
ENTRY LIST: PORSCHE PAYCE AND MICHELIN CUP
Car # | DRIVER | SURNAME | CL | SPONSOR |
2 | Richard | Cowen | PSCA Pro-Am | Garage Floor Pro |
4 | Stephen | Grove | PCCA Pro-Am | Grove Motorsport |
5 | Nathan | Murray | PSCA Pro-Am | Garage 1 |
6 | Tim | Miles | PCCA Pro-Am | No Second Chance |
7 | Ryan | Suhle | PSCA Pro | Latitude Coffee |
8 | Nick | McBride | PCCA Pro | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
9 | Marc | Cini | PCCA Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
10 | Michael | Loccisano | PSCA Pro-Am | Hallmarc |
11 | Jackson | Walls | PCCA Pro | Objective |
12 | Harrison | Jones | PCCA Pro | Helimods |
14 | Matthew | Belford | PSCA Pro-Am | ID Land |
22 | Andrew | Goldie | PSCA Pro-Am | Cirrus Aircraft |
32 | Courtney | Prince | PSCA Pro | Sonic Motor Racing |
76 | Christian | Pancione | PSCA Pro | VCM Performance |
77 | Michael | Almond | PCCA Pro | Sonic Motor Racing |
78 | Aaron | Love | PCCA Pro | Sonic Motor Racing |
87 | David | Greig | PSCA Pro-Am | Daikin |
99 | Ross | McGregor | PSCA Pro-Am | Southern Star Windows P/L |
FAST FACTS – PORSCHE PAYCE & MICHELIN CUP / SANDOWN
QUALIFYING RECORDS:
SPRINT CHALLENGE: Harri Jones (McElrea Racing) 1m10.0670s (2019)
CARRERA CUP: Matt Campbell (McElrea Racing) 1m09.6782s (2016)
LAP RECORDS:
SPRINT CHALLENGE: Ryan Suhle (McElrea Racing) 1m09.9552s (2019)
CARRERA CUP: Michael Patrizi (Team BRM) 1m10.5295s (2014)
RECENT ROUND WINNERS:
2019: Aaron Love (Sonic Motor Racing) – Sprint Challenge
2018: Cooper Murray (Ash Seward Motorsport) – Sprint Challenge
2017: Sam Shahin (HTFU) – Sprint Challenge
2017: Nick McBride (Sonic Motor Racing) – Carrera Cup
2016: Ryan Simpson (Sonic Motor Racing) – Sprint Challenge
2016: Alex Davison (Copyworld Racing Team) – Carrera Cup
2015: Nick Foster (Sonic Motor Racing) – Carrera Cup
2015: Ryan Simpson (Sonic Motor Racing) – Sprint Challenge
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NewsTeam Porsche New Zealand announces scholarship for Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia
Matthew Payne, Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge line-up for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2021
Team EBM (Earl Bamber Motorsport) run by both Earl and Will Bamber, have announced that they will enter a 485-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for young New Zealand karting champion, Matthew Payne, in the 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series under the ‘Team Porsche New Zealand’ banner – supported by the Official Porsche Centers of New Zealand.
The partnership is a continuation of the team formed to enter the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship with Will Bamber securing four race victories and third overall in the Championship.
Team Porsche New Zealand will provide an opportunity to offer a scholarship for a young New Zealand talent to drive in Carrera Cup Australia. The oversight of Earl and Will Bamber will provide invaluable experience having success from Carrera Cup series, right to the top of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
“We are really excited about the Team Porsche NZ Scholarship. It is something we’re proud to offer and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships. It’s about providing a path-way to a professional motorsports career” – Earl Bamber.
“2021 will be the first time Team Porsche New Zealand enter the series with their own Scholarship Programme, which is a further testament to the growing awareness and competitive standing our series is receiving across the region.” – Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia
Matthew Payne
Matthew Payne, who hails from Auckland has extensive experience in karting after starting at age 5. In 2019 he won the KZ2 National Championship before relocating to base himself in Italy and race in a number of European series against the very best KZ kart drivers in the world. Payne has aspired to make the transition from karts to touring cars with the long-term goal of endurance racing as a factory driver for Porsche.
“To be the driver selected by Porsche New Zealand for their scholarship at this age is something very special, it will be awesome to be mentored by such an accomplished driver and team and I will take this opportunity with both hands and make them proud.
I’ve always wanted to race Porsche cars and race the Australian Championship. It’s a real privilege. It’s a step toward my ultimate goal of racing GT Endurance cars at famous tracks like Le Mans, Daytona, Bathurst. Nurburgring and many more.” – Matthew Payne
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia to visit New Zealand
The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Series will visit New Zealand for the first time. The round will run alongside the Repco Supercars Championship in early November.
“To race in New Zealand for the first time in our series history will be a huge highlight for all Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia drivers next year. I would like to again thank Porsche New Zealand for partnering with us to make this exciting opportunity a reality for our teams.” – Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia
2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge
In addition to the scholarship offered in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series, Team Porsche New Zealand will also support Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge. Stewart and Hedge will be competing in the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in Australia with Earl Bamber Motorsport and under the Team Porsche New Zealand banner. As Sprint Challenge drivers as part of the team, both will be eligible to apply for the Carrera Cup scholarship in 2022.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to race with EBM in 2021. The Porsche pathway is really promising and provides a lot of opportunities for myself to progress with my racing experience and my career.
I’m looking forward to building up a good level of skill racing these cars and I’m lucky enough to have Earl Bamber’s help with driver coaching. I know I will gain a lot from listening to his expertise and knowledge.
I am a proud Kiwi so to have Porsche New Zealand’s support is an honour. I am really grateful to be representing their brand and proud to have them onboard for next year.” – Madeline Stewart
“It’s really cool to finally get some direction on where we are headed after almost a year of uncertainty with COVID. I am very excited to be running with the Team Porsche New Zealand/Earl Bamber Motorsport team in Sprint Challenge Australia. It is a privilege to be running under their colours and be chosen for this opportunity to represent Porsche New Zealand and EBM.” – Callum Hedge
Applications for the 2022 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship will be taken in the 4th Quarter of 2021. The criteria and application process will be announced by the EBM Team nearer to this time.
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NewsPorsche announces 2021 Carrera Cup calendar
Australia’s marquee motorsport events headline 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased announce both their 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup calendar and that the Australian one-make series will again be the premier support category at major Repco Supercar Championship events throughout next year.
Carrera Cup is due to start their 2021 season in Melbourne in March, before attending the seven marquee rounds of the Repco Australia Supercars Championship throughout the year. Round two in early May will see the Porsche teams enjoy the fast and flowing curves of The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend.
The series then heads north to Townsville in Queensland in mid-July before the first of two scheduled night race events at Sydney Motorsport Park and Perth in August and September respectively.
It will be the first time in eight years that the Carrera Cup series will head west to the Waneroo Raceway in WA and also the first time that Porsche Australia teams will race on the North Island in New Zealand. Carrera Cup teams will travel over the ditch in early November following the Bathurst 1000 which stays in its traditional time slot in October.
The final round again will be at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast of Queensland in early December.
Quotes:
PCA’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “After the restrictions to our 2020 program, it’s great to announce our 2021 calendar which will see our drivers continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year, in front of the biggest crowds, enjoying the best support and television package available.”
“We strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and sponsors and the with the support of Porsche New Zealand this year, the New Zealand race promises to be a real highlight.”
“We‘re equally glad that Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will again be the premier support category on the Repco Supercars Championship for next year. I would like to thank our valued partners, as without them we wouldn’t be able to reinvest that support back to the drivers and customers through improved calendars, television packages, prizes as well as our Michelin Junior Development Programme.”
Supercars Chief Strategy Officer, John Casey: “We are thrilled to confirm the addition of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup as the primary support category for the Repco Supercars Championship in 2021.
“As one of the premier one-make racing series’ in Australia, its inclusion on our schedule at eight events can showcase the best door-to-door racing at some of our most prestigious events.”
For more Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Calendar
Round | Event | State | Date |
1 | Melbourne | VIC | March |
2 | The Bend | SA | 8-9 May |
3 | Townsville | QLD | 9-11 July |
4 | SMP Night | NSW | 20-22 Aug |
5 | Perth | WA | 11-12 Sept |
6 | Bathurst 1000 | NSW | 7-10 Oct |
7 | Auckland | NZ | 6-7 Nov |
8 | Gold Coast | QLD | 3-5 Dec |
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NewsEarl Bamber Motorsport and Porsche New Zealand to enter Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup in 2021
Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) will enter a multi-car team in both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series in 2021.
The EBM team will receive support from Porsche New Zealand and will operate out of a new base on the Gold Coast. Run by the former Porsche Le Mans 24-Hour winner and his brother Will, EBM are looking to growing the team operations outside of Asia and are looking forward to the challenge of entering a new, highly competitive market.
On the announcement, Earl Bamber said, “With Covid-19 we were forced to look at other options in motorsport, and we feel Carrera Cup Australia will be a great fit for our team.”
“We are really excited to be joining the Carrera Cup Australia grid in 2021. Porsche Cars Australia do a fantastic job at promoting the series and provide a solid platform for us to grow as a team across the globe.”
Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “Earl Bamber Motorsport are no strangers to racing in Australia, having won the Bathurst 12-hour in 2019 with our very own Matt Campbell, as well as competing in the joint round between Carrera Cup Australia and Asia in 2018.”
“We’re excited to welcome EBM into both Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Sprint Challenge for next year, along with the support of Porsche New Zealand, as 2021 is already shaping up to be one of our most competitive fields to date with strong grids across all classes.”
About EBM:
No strangers to success, EBM previously won the Australian Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-hour title in 2019, capturing Porsche’s first victory in the endurance classic on Mountain Panorama. Prior to 2020, the EBM team competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series, finishing third in the driver standings, collecting four victories and eight podiums along the way in 2019. The team have already contested joint rounds against Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers in previous years, which most recently saw Will Bamber place third in the invitational race in 2019.
With a well-established presence in the Australasian motorsport market, EBM also recently announced their expansion into the North American market. EBM’s joint venture with Team Hardpoint will see the team compete for the GTD title in the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsPorsche breaks production car lap record at Bathurst
The 911 GT2 RS has added Mount Panorama to its growing list of lap records
After already breaking numerous production car lap records at circuits around the world, including the likes of Road Atlanta and Road America, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS now adds the Mount Panorama Circuit to its resume at the hands of a Porsche enthusiast, Jeff Morton.
While Morton is not a professional driver, he is a strong competitor in Targa events throughout Australia and Tasmania. The new production car lap record of 2m14.238 was achieved in a Super Sprint session at the Challenge Bathurst event at the world famous 6.213 km circuit this morning.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS which is prepared by GWR Australia, eclipses the previous production record of 2m16.5 set by the Mercedes-AMG GT R of professional racing car driver, Bernd Schneider in 2017.
“I’m extremely happy, the time came pretty easily in the end,” Morton said.
“We put a new set of Goodyear Supersport RS tyres on for the session, and they gave me enormous confidence, especially under brakes.”
“In the first session, I lapped the circuit in 2m15.8, but I was baulked by a slower car in Murray’s Corner. I was elated to achieve the record, but I knew there was more in it and in the second session, once I had some clear track, I was able to do three 2m14 second laps in a row.”
“The car feels amazing; the handling across the top of the Mountain is awesome and the acceleration out of the corners is phenomenal.”
“I was surprisingly calm throughout the process; the car just did everything so well and gave me complete confidence to explore the limits.”
Morton also uses the free Porsche Track Precision App, which records, analyses and displays individual driving data on the track. The App can be displayed directly on the Porsche’s screen using Apple CarPlay® and operated via the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.
“My fastest speed on Con-rod Straight was 299.6 km/h; we didn’t quite get to 300 km/h, but maybe next year!” Morton said.
To learn more about the Porsche Track Precision App click here.
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NewsPorsche Mobil 1 Supercup reveals 2021 calendar
Eight races make up the provisional calendar of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Eight races make up the provisional calendar of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. In its 29th season, the international one-make cup contested with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will again run exclusively as support to the FIA Formula One World Championship. The season gets underway on 23 May on the spectacular street circuit of Monte Carlo. New on the calendar is the tradition-steeped Grand Prix course at the Circuit Zandvoort, which has been comprehensively modernised and redesigned. In September, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be contested there as part of the Dutch F1 event. The 911 GT3 Cup drivers will also tackle races in Le Castellet (France) for the first time as well as Spielberg (Austria), Silverstone (England), Budapest (Hungary), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) with Monza (Italy) hosting the finale.
For the upcoming season, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup also enters new territory with its racing car: The latest generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will celebrate its world premiere on 12 December and will be campaigned from 2021. Consequently, both the new and seasoned Supercup teams will compete on an equal playing field. In addition to the appealing calendar, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup thus has become even more alluring for international teams. The result: By the close of the first registration period in mid-November, Porsche Motorsport has already received more enquiries than there were permanent places available. This number stands at twenty-eight for the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“On top of the great feedback from our established racing teams, I’m delighted about the applications from teams that have not yet contested the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. We’ll now take a good look at these requests. The primary goal for the 2021 season is to include the most powerful teams from international customer racing and to assemble a grid with a balanced mix of young drivers and seasoned specialists,” states Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
In the 2020 season, eleven teams tackled the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Mateo Llarena from Guatemala set a new record: At the age of 16, he was the youngest competitor since the international one-make series began in 1993.
Preliminary calendar 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup*
20 – 23 May: Monaco
25 – 27 June: Le Castellet (France)
2 – 4 July: Spielberg (Austria)
16 – 18 July: Silverstone (England)
30 July – 1 August: Budapest (Hungary)
20 – 22 August: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
3 – 5 September: Zandvoort (Netherlands)
10 – 12 September: Monza (Italy)
* subject to changes
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NewsVictory for Porsche & GTE-Am podium for Evans at WEC season finale
FIA World Endurance Championship, Round 8, Race GTE, Sakhir (Bahrain)
The Porsche GT Team has wrapped up the 2019/2020 season of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC with positions one and two in the GTE-Pro category. Frenchman Kévin Estre and Michael Christensen from Denmark took up the eight-hour race on the Bahrain International Circuit from pole position and crossed the finish line in first place. Their teammates Richard Lietz (Austria) and Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) fought their way from fourth at the start to finish in second place. For the sports car manufacturer, this is the third victory out of eight WEC races with the newly developed ca. 515 hp 911 RSR. Fourteen months ago, Porsche won the season-opening round at Silverstone in Great Britain – on that occasion, Lietz/Bruni took the flag ahead of Estre/Christensen. In August, the French-Danish duo reciprocated with a victory at the Spa-Francorchamps six-hour race.
“We managed to conclude the debut season of our latest 911 RSR as we began it in Silverstone, which now feels like an eternity ago: with a one-two result in the FIA WEC,” states Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “With a total of three victories in its maiden season, we’ve clearly showcased the potential of this racing vehicle. For this, I’d like to thank everyone involved here in Bahrain as well as those back at our workshop in Weissach.”
In a banner day, Porsche won both GT classes at the final round of the season: Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister (Germany), Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup winner Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands) and Egidio Perfetti (Norway) claimed victory in the GTE-Am class for the Project 1 customer squad.
Like the two work teams in the GTE-Pro category, Porsche split the strategy of the two 911 RSR on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit, which is known for its particularly abrasive asphalt. Estre and Christensen tackled the qualifying each with new Michelin tyres and secured pole position. Lietz and Bruni, however, shared one set of new tyres. Taking up the race from fourth place, they were the fastest of the three vehicles who had implemented the same tactic. Their advantage: In the race, they had an additional set of fresh tyres at their disposal.
Accordingly, tyre strategy proved paramount at the eight-hour race. The race began with hot air and track temperatures in the daytime and ran into the cooler night. Start driver Estre immediately took the lead. The No. 92 Porsche only relinquished this position once: coming in for the first refuelling stop, the sister car only had to switch out two tyres, making the pit stop shorter. The third pit stop, which was brought forward as a result of a full course yellow situation, did not run as expected for the No. 91 car: when the race resumed quicker than anticipated, the hoped-for advantage evaporated. When the safety car was deployed for its one and only outing at the halfway point of the relatively incident-free season finale, the 911 RSR driven by Lietz und Bruni caught up with the leaders. On the cooling asphalt, the pair moved into second place behind Estre and Christensen with a good three hours to go and ultimately rounded off the one-two result for Porsche.
In the GT manufacturers’ classification of the FIA World Endurance Championship, this result yielded Porsche second place.
Two Porsche teams also climbed the podium in the GTE-Am class, in which five 2017-spec 911 RSR competed. Jörg Bergmeister, Larry ten Voorde and Egidio Perfetti claimed victory. Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand), Germany’s Marco Holzer and Khaled Al Qubaisi (United Arab Emirates) planted the 911 RSR fielded by Dempsey Proton Racing on third place in their class. In addition, positions five, six and seven in the GTE-Am class went to Porsche customer teams.
Comments on the race
Alexander Stehlig (Head of Operations FIA WEC): “A fantastic race – all in for Porsche! Pole position, first and second places in the Pro category and first in the Am class, what more do we want? The balance of the cars was super and, unlike the others, we didn’t have any problems. We’ve experienced a long, tough year with several setbacks. This makes it all the more wonderful that we can head into the winter break with this success. It was ‘summa cum laude’ effort from the entire team. We’ll take this motivation with us and do our utmost to build on this performance at Sebring next year.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “This was a very important success for Porsche. Unfortunately, we were out of contention for the championship but we knew this before the weekend. We defended first place at the start and led the field on almost every lap – although our huge advantage shrunk due to the safety car phase at halftime. After that, we had to work hard to eke out an advantage again. There were several different tyre strategies. The sister car kept a fresh set more for the race; we wanted to drive on the tyres as consistently as possible through the race. Ultimately, things got pretty exciting again between us. I’m very, very proud of this team.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “It’s terrific that we can end the season with a double victory. We did pretty well here in Bahrain last December, but we were hampered by a technical problem. We’ve now settled that score. It’s wonderful that the year has ended like this.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “First and second – what a fantastic weekend for Porsche. After the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this result comes just at the right time. The team made a great comeback. Our strategy worked well, Richard drove a great race and I, too, had some gripping duels on the track, where I managed to overtake several cars.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “A wonderful race, I’m happy for the Porsche Team. First and second: We did everything right with a great strategy. I’m very proud of the way we tackled this weekend. Saving a fresh set of tyres for the race was the key factor. The fact that we could then bring this result home safely for the team is ok, because that’s what racing is about.”
Larry ten Voorde (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “Incredible – my second class win in the WEC – and again in Bahrain of all places! I want to thank Egidio Perfetti and Jörg Bergmeister for allowing me to drive with them. I pushed hard. After making contact while lapping another car, it got really tight for us towards the end. The wonderful end to a mega season.”
Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “What can I say? I assured Egidio before the race that we’d win here. He and Larry did a great job. My stint in the middle of the race was actually pretty easy. The Porsche was running well, perfect teamwork – a well-deserved victory.”
Jaxon Evans (Porsche 911 RSR #88): “Words fail me right now. My debut in the WEC was great fun. We knew after the free practice that we had a fast car. In qualifying, we saved a set of fresh tyres. It’s wonderful that we made it onto the podium.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR #92, 235 laps
2. Lietz/Bruni (A/I), Porsche 911 RSR #91, 235 laps
3. Rigon/Molina (I/E), Ferrari 488 GTE #71, 235 laps
4. Westbrook/Martin (GB/B), Aston Martin Vantage #97, + 1 lap
5. Sörensen/Thiim (DK/DK), Aston Martin Vantage #95, + 2 laps
6. Calado/Serra (GB/BRA), Ferrari 488 GTE #51, + 4 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Bergmeister/Perfetti/ten Voorde (D/N/NL), Porsche 911 RSR #56, 232 laps
2. Perrodo/Collard/Nielsen (F/F/DK), Ferrari 488 GTE Evo #83, 232 laps
3. Evans/Holzer/Al Qubaisi (NZ/D/UAE), Porsche 911 RSR #88, 232 laps
5. Wainwright/Barker/Picariello (GB/GB/B), Porsche 911 RSR #86, 232 laps
6. Keating/Pereira/Bleekemolen (USA/L/NL), Porsche 911 RSR #57, + 1 lap
7. Ried/Pera/Olsen (D/I/N), Porsche 911 RSR #77, + 1 lap
Full results: http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com
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NewsPorsche announces cancellation of the 2020 Junior Shootout due to European Coronavirus concerns
A spike in European COVID-19 cases forces cancellation of 2020 Porsche global Junior Shootout
Due to the growing COVID-19 infection rate in Europe, Porsche Motorsport has been forced to cancel this year’s Porsche Motorsport Shootout event, which was originally scheduled to take place from the 01 to 04 December. The decision was taken to ensure both the safety of the young drivers and staff. As a result, no 2021 Porsche Junior will be crowned globally for the first time in the Shootout’s history.
Domestically, the Coronavirus pandemic also impacted the shortened 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season. Which meant no Australian Junior representative would have been eligible to attend the 2020 Shootout, as only four of the 24 scheduled races took place due to local travel restrictions.
On the news of the cancellation, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy, said “While the news is disappointing, it’s clear the outbreak is getting worse in Europe making it unsafe for the drivers and Porsche Motorsport team to conduct the event. Several of the Carrera Cup markets, like ourselves, couldn’t nominate anyone this year as they didn’t complete enough of their season or in some cases, didn’t start their season at all.”
The Porsche Junior Programme and Shootout remain a crucial part of the Porsche Motorsport Programme for 2021 and into the future. Planning for the Australian 2021 Junior Programme is well underway and promises to again set the benchmark for developing young driver talent within Australia.
The 2019 Junior Champion, Jordan Love, won last year’s Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship and went onto to win the Australia Junior Shootout nomination to compete against Carrera Cup Champions from the leading one-make Porsche championships around the world in three-day driving evaluation at the Portimao circuit.
This season, Love joined 2019 Porsche Junior Shootout winner, Jaxon Evans, on the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup grid, the premier support race for FIA Formula One World Championship. Evans would go onto win the opening Supercup round in Spielberg, Austria and more recently add the Porsche Carrera Cup France title to his resume.
Other drivers that have progressed up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid in recent years via the Australian Junior Programme include the likes of Matt Campbell, 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.
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NewsJaxon Evans to make WEC debut in 8 Hours of Bahrain
Carrera Cup Champion continues ascent up Porsche Motorsport Pyramid
The 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, has been included in the driver line-up for the Dempsey Proton Racing for this week’s 8 Hours of Bahrain, the final round of the 2019 / 2020 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Porsche Junior, who recently added the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship to his resume, was a frontrunner in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this year for BWT Lechner Racing, clinching the opening round of the season in Spielberg, Austria.
The New Zealander’s trajectory continues to follow that of Matt Campbell, who since clinching the 2016 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia title, has gone onto succeed at the highest levels of the sport with Le Mans 24-hour, IMSA and Bathurst 12-Hour victories to his name.
Campbell has been a regular in the Dempsey Proton Racing squad in the last years and Evans will make his WEC debut for the team alongside Emirati, Khaled Al Qubaisi and Germany’s Marco Holzer in the No. 88 Porsche 911 RSR in the LMGTE AM class.
Evans also competed in the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual with Porsche Esports earlier this year and won the Porsche Junior Shootout in 2018.
Free Practice 1 will be held on Thursday evening followed by two further free practice sessions plus qualifying on Friday (13 November). The season-closing 8 Hours of Bahrain will commence at 14h00 local time on Saturday.
Fans can watch all the action live via the WEC app.
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NewsPorsche to headline Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival at Sandown
Carrera Cup and Porsche Sprint Challenge competitors end 2020 on a high note
While national border closures and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge seasons could not be conducted as scheduled this year, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce a one-off non-championship race weekend to be held on 11-13 December at the Sandown International Raceway in Victoria.
The Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Cup races will headline the Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival, which is being supported by the MG Car Club of Victoria. The combined event will see two generations of Porsche 991 Cup Cars, being the Gen I and Gen II, going head-to-head for the first time in a dedicated Porsche event.
The Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Cup will have a total of 4 classes in which competitors will compete for Mobil Pro and Pro-Am trophies, for each generation of Cup Car, with 2 x 25 minute races be conducted on the Saturday as well as a longer 40 min endurance race on the Sunday.
Due to maximum grid capacity for the event, first priority for entries will be given to 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge teams and drivers with eligible Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 991 Gen I and Gen II cars. All additional entry requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
PCA is currently working with the Porsche Club of Victoria with the intent of including super sprints over the weekend. The 944 Challenge racing series will also be in action.
On the announcement of Porsche’s involvement in the event, Toni Andreevski, Porsche Cars Australia’s Director of Marketing and Motorsport said, “As we approach the 70 year anniversary of Porsche Cars in Australia, we felt this was a great way to kick-off our celebrations of this milestone with both Porsche enthusiasts and our motorsport customers.”
While it is hoped some fans may be able to attend the Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival, any decision will be made closer to the event in line with any government restrictions.
For more race information, videos and interviews follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsJaxon Evans clinches Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship title
Porsche Junior adds second Carrera Cup title to his resume
Jaxon Evans, has clinched the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship with two commanding victories in the final round in Barcelona for BWT Lechner Racing. The 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion had a fantastic final weekend in the final European race of the season, with two race wins on Saturday and Sunday, adding the French title to his resume.
His efforts also helped BWT Lechner Racing seal the Team championship, while the Kiwi’s Lechner Racing team mate, Nicolas Misslin, defended his title in the Pro-Am class.
Evans took the lead directly at the Sunday start from Ayhancan Güven. The race was restarted following more than 15 minutes behind the safety car, due to a first corner crash. After the restart, Evans pulled a gap over Guven and defended the lead until the chequered flag.
“I knew I had to keep my act together, make no mistake and bring the title home. I am so glad it worked out”, the Porsche Junior from New Zealand said after the race.
“After I had a really bad start into the weekend with all my gear stolen from my rental car, it now couldn´t have ended any better than winning the championship.”
On Saturday, Evan’s celebrated his first victory in this series, after starting from P3 on the grid. “I had a terrible getaway and there was also some chaos in the first corner, so I dropped back to P8. But from then on I had a really good race and could fight my way back through the field.”
Team principle Walter Lechner was of course ever so happy with the outcome: “It was a fantastic weekend for our team and it is a great feeling to win all the championships we competed for. Especially as we are newcomers in the French Porsche Carrera Cup, fighting against more experienced competition.”
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NewsPorsche success at Spa 24H: Victory and four 911 GT3 R in the top ten
24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Race, Spa-Francorchamps
The Porsche customer team Rowe Racing has won the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. In a dramatic finale, the No. 98 Porsche 911 GT3 R driven by works drivers Nick Tandy from Great Britain, Earl Bamber from New Zealand and Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium came out on top. The trio crossed the finish line first after 527 laps on the 7.004-kilometre Formula 1 racetrack in Belgium and secured the second straight overall victory for the 500+hp GT3 vehicle from Weissach. After a fierce battle, Italy’s Matteo Cairoli and the two Germans Sven Müller and Christian Engelhart conquered the third podium step in the identical car fielded by the Dinamic Motorsport squad.
Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport: “To win under such difficult conditions cannot be appreciated highly enough. Plus positions three and four – what a super performance. My congratulations and huge thanks to the winning team of Rowe Racing and to all other Porsche customer teams as well as the engineers from Porsche Motorsport. They all did a tremendous job at Spa.”
The endurance race in the Ardennes was contested under difficult conditions with changeable weather and an often slippery racetrack. Many incidents including rain during the night resulted in a total of 18 full course yellows and 14 safety car phases. In the close competition among the 55-strong GT3 field from eleven manufacturers, the lead spot changed almost by the hour. The victorious Porsche 911 GT3 R from Rowe Racing swept into the lead for the first time early Sunday morning, after the 2015 outright Le Mans winner Tandy turned heads as the fastest driver in the field on a gradually drying track. After his teammates Bamber und Vanthoor put in impressive stints, it was again the Briton who took the limelight in the final hour. After perfect tactical decisions by the seasoned customer squad, at the wheel of his ailing car, Tandy outpaced the No. 66 Audi in a gripping final sprint. After 24 hours, he crossed the finish line with a mere 4.687-second advantage – his racing car, making alarming noises due to lack of transmission oil, would very likely not have managed another lap.
Matteo Cairoli also impressed in the final minutes of the long-distance classic. The Italian made optimal use the Porsche 911 GT3 R’s traction advantage on the wet track and fought his way up to third place shortly before the chequered flag. The No. 12 racer fielded by GPX Racing with works drivers Mathieu Jaminet, Patrick Pilet (both France) and Matt Campbell (Australia) reached the finish line in fourth place after an equally strong charge through the field, with the No. 40 sister car finishing on eleventh. The maiden Spa outing for the Frikadelli Racing team with Porsche ambassador Jörg Bergmeister as one of the driver-crew concluded the marathon in position eight.
The KCMG customer team, however, was plagued by bad luck in this year’s race. The No. 21 car retired early due to persistent vibrations at the rear of the Porsche 911 GT3 R. The sister car of last year’s winners Michael Christensen from Denmark, Kévin Estre from France and Richard Lietz from Austria lost five laps due to a wheel carrier defect and ultimately finished on 13th place. The Herberth Motorsport squad, which had at times led both the Pro-Am and Am-categories, lost both vehicles in accidents. The No. 56 entry from Dinamic Motorsport and the Rowe Racing’s No. 99 car also had to retire early.
Comments on the race
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “It was an extremely exciting finish – our hearts were racing at full revs. The last hours were simply nerve-wracking. Huge congratulations to Rowe Racing and the drivers who achieved the absolute maximum. On top of the overall victory, we also have one of Dinamic Motorsport’s cars on the podium and GPX Racing on fourth place. That underlines the strong partners we have at our side when the Porsche 911 GT3 R goes racing.”
Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 GT3 R #98): “I’ll never forget this finale. Our victory was hanging by a thread when loud noises suddenly started coming from the rear of the vehicle in the penultimate lap. It almost sounded as if small bombs were exploding. I got a fright and at the same time, the rear axle was sliding around on a trail of oil. What I didn’t realise was that the oil was coming from our car. I still can’t quite believe that the Porsche 911 GT3 R got us over the finish line. The relief and joy are indescribable.”
Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 GT3 R #98): “It’s simply incredible. That was a real team effort. Everyone gave their utmost and never gave up. At the beginning, our chances didn’t look good but with tremendous determination we made it to the front. This victory feels just wonderful. We’ve experienced a lot of bad luck this year. The triumph at Spa helps us forget all about that. It’s a dream come true!”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #98): “This brings me to tears. The 2020 year for us was often difficult because luck was never on our side. At some point, I’d almost written the season off in my mind. And then of all things to win at my home race in Spa-Francorchamps. I can’t describe the emotions. First I have to let it all sink in.”
Sven Müller (Porsche 911 GT3 R #54): “I’m super happy with position three. Around the midway mark in the race and after the bad luck with two penalties, we didn’t at all expect a podium result would be possible. But Matteo simply put in a sensational final stint and the team also did a wonderful job.”
Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #12): “Position four is a good result, but I’m still disappointed. More would’ve been possible. At times we were running in the lead. Our pace was consistently good, but it still wasn’t enough for a podium spot. Minor things hampered us, and sometimes our strategy wasn’t totally perfect. It’s of course a great day for Porsche. Victory and another car on the podium – it hardly gets better than that.”
Dennis Olsen (Porsche 911 GT3 R #22): “First and third place for Porsche – congratulations to the boys! The race was a bit more difficult for us, we lost two laps during the night. We did everything we could and made up a lap, but it didn’t work with the second lap because there were too few yellow phases at the end. I’m a little disappointed, of course, because our Porsche ran perfectly and everyone did a solid job.”
Race results
1. Tandy/Bamber/Vanthoor (GB/NZ/B), Porsche 911 GT3 R #98, 527 laps
2. Drudi/Niederhauser/Vervisch (I/CH/B), Audi R8 LMS #66, 527 laps
3. Cairoli/Engelhart/Müller (I/D/D), Porsche 911 GT3 R #54, 527 laps
4. Campbell/Pilet/Jaminet (AUS/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 R #12, 527 laps
8. Bergmeister/Olsen/Makowiecki (D/N/F), Porsche 911 GT3 R #22, 527 laps
11. Dumas/Deletraz/Preining (F/CH/A), Porsche 911 GT3 R #40, 525 laps
13. Christensen/Lietz/Estre (DK/A/F), Porsche 911 GT3 R #47, 522 laps
29. Werner/Andlauer/Bachler (D/F/A), Porsche 911 GT3 R #99, 495 laps
37. Allemann/Bohn/Renauer/Renauer (CH/D/D/D), Porsche 911 GT3 R #991, 375 laps
43. Liberati/Burdon/Imperatori (I/AUS/CH), Porsche 911 GT3 R #21, 247 laps
46. Häring/Konstantinou/Joos/Seefried (D/GR/D/D), Porsche 911 GT3 R #918, 158 laps
48. Rizzoli/de Leener/Pedersen/Sbirrazzuoli (I/B/DK/MC), Porsche 911 GT3 R #56, 149 laps
Full results on www.total24hours.com/results.
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NewsCampbell part of eleven Porsche 911 GT3 R car attack for 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Preview, Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
Porsche and its experienced customer teams contest the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps with a large contingent. A total of eleven 911 GT3 R will fight for the prestigious overall victory on the challenging “Ardennes rollercoaster”. This makes Porsche the most strongly represented manufacturer at the tradition-steeped event in Belgium. The endurance classic is renowned as the world’s greatest GT3 race and counts towards two of this season’s championships: the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup and the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC). Dinamic Motorsport, GPX Racing, Herberth Motorsport, KCMG as well as Rowe Racing each field a pair of Weissach-developed GT3 racing cars, with Frikadelli Racing campaigning one. Porsche brand ambassador Timo Bernhard is one of the driver crew in Frikadelli’s GT3 R. Porsche supports its partners with engineers, consultants and a dozen works drivers plus two Young Professionals. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 24-hour race is contested three months later than originally planned and without spectators at the track.
The race
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located in the far east of Belgium close to the German border. Opened in 1921, the 7.004-kilometre racetrack features 21 corners and undulates through the Walloon countryside – thus it has been dubbed the “Ardennes rollercoaster”. Fast passages like Raidillon/Eau Rouge and Blanchimont are as notoriously famous as the La Source hairpin at the end of the start-finish straight. The inaugural 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps was held in 1924, at that time on a 14.863-kilometre course between the towns of Malmedy, Francorchamps and Stavelot. In 1979, the race was held for the first time on the then new Formula 1 circuit. Porsche has celebrated seven overall victories in the long and illustrious history of the endurance classic for GT vehicles. Last year’s winner was the 911 GT3 R fielded by GPX Racing with works drivers Michael Christensen (Denmark), Kévin Estre (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) at the wheel.
An overview of the Porsche teams and drivers
Eleven Porsche 911 GT3 R, six customer teams and a total of 36 racing drivers: This is by now the largest line-up of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer at the 24-hour race in the Ardennes. Six vehicles can earn points towards the manufacturer’s classification in the IGTC: In addition to Frikadelli Racing’s No. 22 car, a nine-eleven from Dinamic Motorsport (#56), GPX Racing (#12), Herberth Motorsport (#991), KCMG (#47) and Rowe Racing (#98) are among the nominated racing cars. At the event in Spa-Francorchamps, the vehicles and their crews will receive points for the IGTC and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup after six, twelve and 24 hours.
Pro classification
GPX Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #12)
Matt Campbell (Australia), Patrick Pilet, Mathieu Jaminet (both France)
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #21)
Edoardo Liberati (Italy), Josh Burdon (Australia), Alexandre Imperatori (Switzerland)
Frikadelli Racing Team (Porsche 911 GT3 R #22)
Timo Bernhard (Germany), Dennis Olsen (Norway), Frédéric Makowiecki (France)
GPX Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #40)
Romain Dumas (France), Louis Delétraz (Switzerland), Thomas Preining (Austria)
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #47)
Michael Christensen (Denmark), Richard Lietz (Austria), Kévin Estre (France)
Dinamic Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #54)
Matteo Cairoli (Italy), Christian Engelhart, Sven Müller (both Germany)
Rowe Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #98)
Nick Tandy (Great Britain), Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium)
Rowe Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #99)
Dirk Werner (Germany), Julien Andlauer (France), Klaus Bachler (Austria)
Silver Cup classification
Dinamic Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #56)
Andrea Rizzoli (Italy), Adrien de Leener (Belgium), Mikkel O. Pedersen (Denmark), Cédric Sbirrazzuoli (Monaco)
Pro-Am Cup classification
Herberth Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #991)
Daniel Allemann (Switzerland), Ralf Bohn, Robert Renauer, Alfred Renauer (all Germany)
Am-Cup classification
Herberth Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #918)
Marco Seefried, Jürgen Häring, Michael Joos (all Germany), Dimitrios Konstantinou (Greece)
24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps – all outright Porsche wins:
2019 Lietz / Christensen / Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
2010 Dumas / Bergmeister / Ragginger / Henzler (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2003 Ortelli / Lieb / Dumas (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
1993 C. Fittipaldi / Jarier / Alzen (Porsche 911 RSR)
1969 Chasseuil / Ballot-Léna (Porsche 911)
1968 Kremer / Kelleners / Kauhsen (Porsche 911)
1967 Gaban / Van Assche (Porsche 911)
The schedule (all times CEST/from Sunday CET)
Friday, 23 October
05:30 – 06:00 pm: Warm-up
06:20 – 06:50 pm: Super Pole
Saturday, 24 October
03:30 pm: Start 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Sunday, 25 October
02:30 pm: Finish 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Live streaming of the event
The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps takes off on 24 October at 3.30 pm (CEST). The classic can be viewed for free via live streaming on www.intercontinentalgtchallenge.com.
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NewsCampbell and Porsche GT Team celebrate first win of the season at “Petit Le Mans”
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Round 9, Race GT, Braselton (USA)
At “Petit Le Mans” on the Road Atlanta racetrack, the Porsche GT Team has achieved its first win in this year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Works drivers Nick Tandy (Great Britain), Frédéric Makowiecki (France) and Matt Campbell (Australia) won the ten-hour race in the US state of Georgia by a narrow 1.779 seconds. The second Porsche 911 RSR, driven by Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), Earl Bamber (New Zealand) and Mathieu Jaminet (France), became entangled in an accident in the turbulent final phase and reached the finish line in fifth place. After nine of eleven races, Porsche ranks third in the GTLM manufacturers’ championship.
Due to the safety car phases, the frontrunners in the GTLM class never lost sight of each other over the entire “Petit Le Mans” distance. Most of the time, they lapped the 4.088-kilometre racetrack separated by just a few seconds. Depending on the individual pit-stop cycle, the lead changed multiple times. Shortly before the halfway mark, Matt Campbell withstood a nail-biting moment when his Porsche 911 RSR was forced into a spin in a slight collision. Fortunately, the 515 hp works car from Weissach sustained only light damages. The young Australian was able to continue.
In the No. 912 sister car, Laurens Vanthoor turned the fastest lap of all GTLM teams, however, Mathieu Jaminet was handed a drive-through penalty for a minor collision with a GTLM rival, which cost the squad around 30 seconds. As a result, the No. 911 took over the task of staying close to the leader. When the leading BMW, which had held the top spot over a long period, had to make an unscheduled pit stop half an hour before the end of the race, Frédéric Makowiecki grabbed his chance and swept into the lead.
The Frenchman held firm to his top spot, even during two more restarts after safety car phases. With just four minutes left on the clock, a collision involving the No. 912 Porsche 911 RSR triggered one last full course yellow. Although Laurens Vanthoor managed to bring the car over the finish line, he lost two laps. The race did not restart and ended behind the safety car.
As well in the GTD class for vehicles complying with the FIA GT3 regulations, no team was able to pull clear of the field. After ten hours, the seven fastest vehicles were within one lap. The Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by the Wright Motorsports customer team and driven by the American works driver Patrick Long, his compatriot Ryan Hardwick and Jan Heylen from Belgium, took the flag in fourth place. Fifth went to the 500 hp Porsche 911 GT3 R campaigned by the Pfaff Motorsports customer squad, with Porsche development driver Lars Kern (Germany), the Norwegian Dennis Olsen and the Canadian Zacharie Robichon sharing driving duties.
The next and penultimate round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be contested on November 1, 2020, at Laguna Seca in the US state of California.
Comments on the race
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “What a fantastic result for the team. We’ve suffered many setbacks during this IMSA season. This victory at ‘Petit Le Mans’ is the reward for all the hard work that everyone in the team has done. That includes both the team here in the USA and our Weissach squad.”
Steffen Höllwarth (Head of Operations IMSA Championship): “The monkey’s finally off our back. Those were some tough and intense ten hours with ups and downs. We had to deal with some minor setbacks, but we didn’t let it ruffle our feathers and were in the right place at the right time in the end. I’m thrilled for the boys. Unfortunately, in the fight for GTLM victory, the number 912 car was involved in an accident while lapping a GTD vehicle, otherwise we could have brought home an even better result. Still, a huge compliment to the whole team. Today we benefited from the necessary racing luck several times, which has evaded us in the past. We’re happy with this victory and we’re looking forward to the last two races of the season.”
Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 RSR #911): “Petit Le Mans was extremely exciting, especially towards the end. We ran a risky strategy to maintain contact with the leaders. There were one or two incidents early on in the race, but the last few hours ran perfectly. After the problems that we’ve had this year, we would’ve been happy with a podium finish. To see Fred actually cross the finish line in first place was a very emotional moment.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 RSR #911): “That result was totally unexpected. Normally in such a race, we wouldn’t have been in a position to fight for the GTLM victory, but we were in the right place at the right time. This is a very special moment for me. I’ve already won Petit Le Mans with Nick. This time Matt was part of our team and he did a great job. We attacked over the entire distance, and we couldn’t have driven even a tenth of a second faster.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #911): “Quite honestly, I never expected the race to go like that. We experienced ups and downs, but ultimately we drove a fantastic race. This win is something very special. I’m over the moon.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #912): “I’m disappointed. We lost about 15 seconds at the final pit stop when we were hampered by another vehicle. After the last safety car phase we were running third and we had only three laps to go. After I quickly squeezed past a Corvette, I wanted to overtake a GTD car. After pulling level with the car, the other driver suddenly turned in. Our cars touched and we both spun. It was a risk, of course, because ultimately I wanted to win. I think if I faced a similar racing situation, I’d make the same decision. But it simply didn’t work.”
Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 RSR #912): “I’m sorry that our day ended like this because it would’ve been great to achieve a one-two for Porsche. After the problems we faced, Laurens put us back at the front with a great drive. Unfortunately, we weren’t rewarded for this. Still, it’s great for the team that we scored our first win of the season.”
Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 RSR #912): “We experienced a difficult race with many setbacks and bad luck. We’ve worked hard and kept coming back. It’s such a shame that our day had to end like this. Still, I’m really pleased that Laurens came out of the accident unscathed. The number 911’s victory is a tremendous success for Porsche and the entire team.”
Result GTLM class
1. Tandy/Makowiecki/Campbell (GB/F/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 431 laps
2. Garcia/Taylor/Catsburg (E/USA/NL), Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, 431 laps
3. Krohn/Edwards/Farfus (FIN/USA/BR), BMW M8 GTE, 431 laps
4. Gavin/Milner/Fässler (GB/USA/CH), Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, 431 laps
5. Vanthoor/Bamber/Jaminet (B/NZ/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 429 laps
6. Spengler/De Phillippi/Herta (CDN/USA/USA), BMW M8 GTE, 399 laps
Result GTD class
1. MacNeil/Balzan/Westphal (USA/I/USA), Ferrari 488 GT3, 413 laps
2. Hawksworth/Telitz/De Queseda (GB/USA/USA), Lexus RC F GT3, +413 laps
3. Lally/Potter/Pumpelly (USA/USA/USA), Lamborghini Huracan GT3, 413 laps
4. Long/Hardwick/Heylen (USA/USA/B), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 413 laps
5. Kern/Robichon/Olsen (D/CDN/N), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 413 laps
6. Parente/Giokhberg/Hindman (P/RUS/USA), Acura NSX GT3, 413 laps
Full results and championship standings at imsa.alkamelsystems.com
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NewsPorsche conduct successful Michelin Junior Training Workshop online
2020 Michelin Junior drivers receive advice from leading industry professionals
Brad Hodge, Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans, Joshua Rogers and Scott Pye were just some of the top drivers and presenters at the 2020 Michelin Junior Driver Training, which this year took place via a virtual workshop due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Despite the Coronavirus pandemic putting a halt to both the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series, Porsche Cars Australia conducted the online workshop via Zoom as many of the country’s leading Junior drivers were stranded in each state due to the current travel restrictions.
The nine Michelin Junior drivers in attendance for the 2020 Training Workshop included Cooper Murray, Cameron Hill, Harri Jones, Christian Pancione, Aaron Love, Max Vidau, Courtney Prince and Ryan Suhle.
While the 2019 program saw the Juniors receive professional coaching on sports psychology, social media, media training, branding, sponsorship as well as nutrition and dietary advice, this year the program centred around mindset, mental preparation, managing their brand, producing social media content, sponsorship, heart intelligence, resilience and coherence.
After a welcome from Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy, Michelin Australia’s Product Marketing Manager, Peter Heatley, gave the Juniors insight into the French tyre giant’s involvement in motorsport both locally and abroad as well as the technology employed on the competition tyres fitted to the current 991 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
Australian international cricketer, Brad Hodge then shared his insights on how the Juniors can achieve an optimal mindset in sport; key elements to elite sporting success and the importance of internal and external preparation, including visualisation.
Dewalt Supercars driver, Scott Pye, then shared insights on racing abroad and his return to the top-level of the sport in Australia, offering insight and advice on the importance of establishing and managing their brand, with examples on how they could produce content on social media to further enrich their relationships with potential sponsors and their existing partners.
The Michelin Juniors were then given practical techniques on the breathing and meditation by the President of Meditation Australia, Asher Packman, together with insights on heart intelligence, resilience and coherence. Packman works with many top AFL players and is globally recognised mindset coach and meditation teacher.
As the most proven and successful driver development programme in Australia, the training workshop is an integral part of the Porsche Motorsport Development programme locally.
Porsche’s motorsport pyramid in Australia has helped many young drivers reach the highest level of the sport, both locally and internationally, including the likes of Nick Foster, Dylan O’Keefe, Jordan Love, Jaxon Evans and Matt Campbell to name but a few in recent years.
Porsche factory driver, Campbell and Porsche Junior, Evans, together with 2019 Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup Champion, Joshua Rogers, then joined the workshop from Germany answering questions from the Juniors, sharing their experiences and offering them advice to further their careers.
Quotes:
Swaroop Tulsidas, Marketing Manager for Michelin Australia: “The Porsche Junior training session allowed us to refresh the junior’s learnings about our motorsport heritage, Michelin tyres and most importantly our commitment to the Porsche Junior program in the future. We understand it has been a tough year for drivers and teams alike and look forward to being trackside with the Porsche Juniors in 2021.”
“With the training session fresh off the Le Mans event it was a real boost for the juniors to have Matt Campbell online to share the story and success of his second podium finish at the Le Mans 24hr event. This was inspiring for the group and to have other international stars including Jaxon Evans take part, is a real bonus of connecting virtually. The Porsche team have done an incredible job to keep these fantastic initiatives happening during these unprecedented times.”
Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, Porsche Cars Australia: “We would like to thank our partners, Michelin Australia, for their renewed commitment to help us develop the best young drivers in Australia to their full potential. Even though the on track program for the juniors has been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, both Michelin and Porsche felt it was even more important to still conduct the Junior Workshop this year and continue to develop the drivers.”
“The content presented was really compelling and delivered great insights and advice that will help these young talented athletes achieve the most from their potential.”
For further information on the Michelin Junior Programme visit: https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/
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NewsBathurst 1000 grid to field strong line-up of former Carrera Cup drivers
A third of the 2020 Bathurst 1000 grid has campaigned in Carrera Cup Australia in the past
This year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will mark the season finale for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and takes place from 15-18 October on the majestic Mount Panorama in Bathurst, NSW. Supercars recently announced the driver line-up pairings for this year’s great race which promises to be one of the most competitive spectacles in the event’s illustrious history.
17 of the 48 drivers on the entry list have all raced in Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in previous years, while some have progressed via Porsche’s proven Motorsport pathway to forge top-level racing careers.
After celebrating its 15th anniversary in Australia last year, Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup paid homage to many of these past champions at its official Awards Gala dinner on the Gold Coast at the end of last season. On that occasion, the honoured champions competing in this year’s Bathurst 1000 included the likes of Alex Davison (2004 Pro champion); Fabian Coulthard (2005 Pro champion) and David Reynolds (2008 Pro Champion).
The 2020 Bathurst 1000 field also sees numerous other big names who finished second in the Porsche championship including Nick Percat (2013 Pro runner-up), Warren Luff (2014 Pro runner-up); David Russell (2015 Pro runner-up) and Dale Wood (2019 Pro runner-up). Both Russell and Wood were strong contenders for this year’s Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup season until the 2020 season was put on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Others to have progressed through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid include Kelly Racing teammates Andrew Heimgartner and Dylan O’Keefe. Heimgartner contested the Australia-based Porsche Carrera Cup series at the young age of 16, running as high as fourth for much of the season before finishing seventh in Championship for Kiwi Racing. The New Zealander’s efforts saw him being awarded the Australian Porsche Junior scholarship to Europe.
O’Keefe would also represent Australia at the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout in 2017 and 2018, only losing out to current Porsche Junior driver, Jaxon Evans, in 2018 who has since gone onto campaign the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup championship for the last two years.
Others Virgin Australia Supercar drivers that have raced in the Porsche one-make series include James Moffat (2008 / 2017); Dean Fiore (2007/2008), Tim Slade, Jonathon Webb (2005) and Craig Lowndes (who made his Carrera Cup debut at the Albert Park circuit earlier this year).
The highly experienced Garth Tander, Scott McLaughlin and Lee Holdsworth have also recorded Carrera Cup victories to their names, with McLaughlin’s 2020 Supercar championship rival Shane van Gisbergen having partnered regular Porsche drivers in the Pro-Am.
The Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, KayoSports and Channel 10.
Entry list: Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
Team | Primary driver | Co-driver |
Walkinshaw Andretti United | Bryce Fullwood | Kurt Kostecki |
Walkinshaw Andretti United | Chaz Mostert | Warren Luff |
Brad Jones Racing | Macauley Jones | Tim Blanchard |
Brad Jones Racing | Jack Smith | Jack Perkins |
Brad Jones Racing | Nick Percat | Thomas Randle |
Brad Jones Racing | Todd Hazelwood | Jordan Boys |
Tickford Racing | Lee Holdsworth | Michael Caruso |
Tickford Racing | Cameron Waters | Will Davison |
Tickford Racing | James Courtney | Broc Feeney |
Tickford Racing | Jack Le Brocq | James Moffat |
Kelly Racing | Andre Heimgartner | Dylan O’Keeffe |
Kelly Racing | Rick Kelly | Dale Wood |
Erebus Motorsport | David Reynolds | Will Brown |
Erebus Motorsport | Anton De Pasquale | Brodie Kostecki |
DJR Team Penske | Fabian Coulthard | Tony D’Alberto |
DJR Team Penske | Scott McLaughlin | Tim Slade |
Team 18 | Mark Winterbottom | James Golding |
Team 18 | Scott Pye | Dean Fiore |
Team Sydney | Alex Davison | Jonathon Webb |
Team Sydney | Chris Pither | Steve Owen |
Matt Stone Racing | Zane Goddard | Jake Kostecki |
Matt Stone Racing | Garry Jacobson | David Russell |
Triple Eight Race Engineering | Shane van Gisbergen | Garth Tander |
Triple Eight Race Engineering | Jamie Whincup | Craig Lowndes |
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NewsCampbell to miss Nürburgring 24-Hour as Porsche announce revised driver line-up
Nürburgring 24 Hours, Preview, Nürburgring-Nordschleife (Germany)
In consultation with its customer teams, Porsche has made a last-minute change to its driver line-up for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. New to the crew driving the 911 GT3 R are two outright Le Mans winners and endurance champions: the brand ambassador Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Earl Bamber (New Zealand). In addition, the line-up also includes last year’s GTE-Am class winner at Le Mans and brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, talented youngster Nico Menzel (both Germany) and seasoned specialist Norbert Siedler (Austria). Porsche works driver Sven Müller (Germany), Dennis Olsen (Norway) and Klaus Bachler (Austria) tackle the race for two Porsche customer teams.
They replace the nine drivers with works contracts, including Australian Matt Campbell, who have had to step down from attending the Nürburgring race on 26-27 September. This reshuffle is the result of three positive Covid-19 tests done as part of a routine check on Porsche employees at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a consequence, Porsche Motorsport decided that, for safety reasons, no participant from the French endurance classic would travel to the Eifel.
As such, on Saturday, 26 September at 3:30 pm, four Porsche customer teams will field seven 911 GT3 R in the top SP9 category with reshuffled driver crews. Only the No. 911 Manthey-Racing Porsche, which fans have dubbed “Grello”, will not be part of the 2020 action. Nevertheless, Porsche is still the most strongly represented brand at the long-distance classic, which is held four months later than the original date due to the coronavirus pandemic: About a third of the 100-strong field is made up of 911 and 718 Cayman racing vehicles.
“The health and safety of everyone involved take top priority for us. That’s why the tough decision not to be represented at the Nürburgring by the drivers and employees who attended Le Mans was ultimately a no-brainer. Still, I’m glad that we found a quick solution with our customer teams and that we can compete on the legendary Nordschleife,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “I’d like to thank the organisers and officials at the ADAC who, in consultation with the relevant authorities, made it possible to hold the traditional 24-hour race on the Nürburgring. Hopefully, this important German motor racing event can welcome many fans from all over the world again next year.”
The race
The Nürburgring is one of the world’s most demanding and picturesque racetracks. The Eifel classic runs over a 25.378-kilometre combination of the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife (northern loop). The infamous Nordschleife, which was given the intimidating name “Green Hell” by three-time Formula One World Champ Jackie Stewart, poses a real challenge for drivers with its rollercoaster layout, changing track surfaces, and many corners and crests. The fact that the race is contested by professional racers through to clubsport drivers makes the 24-hour marathon particularly appealing.
The Porsche customer teams
Porsche provides its customer teams Falken Motorsports, Frikadelli Racing, Huber Motorsport and KCMG with support in their Eifel campaign by contributing drivers from their own squad, among other things. Because of the above-mentioned Covid-19 situation, works drivers Earl Bamber, Mathieu Jaminet (France), Sven Müller and Dirk Werner (both Germany), as well as the two Porsche brand ambassadors Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister, will take the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R. Frikadelli Racing have directly signed on Norbert Siedler (Austria).
An overview of the Porsche drivers (SP9 class)
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18)
Earl Bamber, Jörg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Dennis Olsen
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #19)
Josh Burdon (Australia), Edoardo Liberati (Italy), Alexandre Imperatori (Switzerland), Dennis Olsen
Huber Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #25)
Nico Menzel, Marco Holzer, Patrick Kolb (all Germany), Lorenzo Rocco di Torrepadula (Italy)
Frikadelli Racing Team (Porsche 911 GT3 R #30)
Klaus Abbelen, Alexander Müller, Robert Renauer (all Germany), Norbert Siedler (Austria)
Frikadelli Racing Team (Porsche 911 GT3 R #31)
Lance David Arnold, Lars Kern (both Germany), Mathieu Jaminet (France), Maxime Martin (Belgium)
Falken Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #33)
Christian Engelhart, Sven Müller, Dirk Werner (all Germany), Klaus Bachler (Austria)
Falken Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #44)
Klaus Bachler, Martin Ragginger (both Austria), Peter Dumbreck (Great Britain), Sven Müller
Nürburgring 24 Hours – all outright Porsche victories:
1976 Müller / Hechler / Quirin (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1977 Müller / Hechler (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1978 Müller / Hechler / Gschwendtner (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1988 Dören / Holup / Faubel (Porsche 911 Carrera RSR)
1993 de Azevedo / Konrad / Wirdheim / Katthöfer (Porsche 911 Carrera)
2000 Mayländer / Bartels / Alzen / Heger (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
2006 Luhr / Bernhard / Rockenfeller / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 MR)
2007 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2008 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2009 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2011 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Luhr (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2018 Lietz / Pilet / Makowiecki / Tandy (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
The schedule (CEST)
Thursday, 24 September
12:30 – 02:00 pm: Qualifying 1
08:00 – 11:30 pm: Qualifying 2
Friday, 25 September
01:25 – 02:25 pm: Qualifying 3
05:50 – 08:10 pm: Top Qualifying
Saturday, 26 September
11:15 am – 12:15 pm: Warm-up
03:30 pm: Start 48th Nürburgring 24 Hours
Sunday, 27 September
03:30 pm: Finish 48th Nürburgring 24 Hours
The event on TV and live stream
The Nürburgring 24-hour race will be broadcast on the website www.24h-Rennen.de while many motorsport platforms offer free live-streaming of the Eifel classic.
Comments on the upcoming race
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “Our customer teams contest the prestigious Eifel classic with a completely new driver line-up and are keen to continue the fight for Porsche’s 13th overall victory with the 911 GT3 R. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is a special highlight on the international motor racing calendar. After the postponement to autumn, the weather conditions at the world’s most demanding racetrack are expected to be different compared to previous years. Given the lower number of entries and a strong GT3 contingent in the SP9 category, I’m anticipating a 24-hour sprint.”
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “The corona situation throws completely new challenges at us. We had to modify several driver crews at the last second. With the exception of Manthey-Racing’s ‘Grello’, all of our customer racing cars will compete. Of course, it hurts that we have to race without the nine planned drivers. However, thanks to Earl Bamber, Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister – to name just three – we’ve found strong replacements. We’re grateful they could jump in at the last minute and thanks as well to the teams for their support. Now it’s up to us to make the best out of the situation.”
Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18): “Normally I’d have been competing in the IMSA series this coming weekend, but unfortunately, that’s not possible for us. Safety first, there’s no doubt about that. On the flip side, the opportunity arose at short notice for us to take part in the 24-hour race. It’s going to be a huge challenge for me because I’m basically jumping in the deep end. It’s great that I can drive for KCMG. I know the team well. I competed in the NASCAR series recently with them. All Porsche teams have prepared intensively with the 911 GT3 R for the toughest race of the year. I’m super excited about my first laps on the Nordschleife.”
Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18): “I feel sorry for the drivers who should have been behind the wheel. For me personally, the preparation work is far from perfect. This is the first time this year that I sit in a racing car at the Nordschleife – but we’re a team at Porsche. We’ll make the most of the situation and hopefully achieve a decent result.”
Timo Bernhard (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18): “Expect the unexpected – I’m happy to help out, of course, under the current circumstances, even though my first thoughts are with the drivers who can’t travel to the highlight at the Nürburgring. Still, at Porsche, we stick together and support each other. That’s what makes our team spirit. The squad and the drivers in our 911 GT3 R are strong. Even though we weren’t able to prepare properly and it’s been seven years since I last contested a 24-hour race on the Nordschleife, it’ll be okay. I feel a good result is possible.”
Sven Müller (Porsche 911 GT3 R #33): “There’s a new qualifying procedure this year with two ‘top qualifying’ sessions. We haven’t yet qualified for the final session with 18 participants. We’ll have to fight hard to make it into this critical individual time trial. And even if we don’t manage to get a perfect grid spot, I’m feeling confident for the race. We’ve made steady progress in terms of tyre development this year and I think we have a good car.”
Dirk Werner (Porsche 911 GT3 R #33): “In my opinion, the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is the best endurance event on the world’s most challenging and beautiful racetrack. Falken Motorsports would like to win and I’m aiming to notch up my first victory at this classic. The race won’t be the same without the fans this year. There’s a very special atmosphere with the spectators camping and partying along the Nordschleife. It’s a pity that it’ll be missing this year. With the smaller overall entry list, but many GT3 vehicles competing, it’ll be a fast race. It’ll be exciting!”
Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “I was excited to drive Manthey-Racing’s ‘Grello’, but it is what it is. I know Frikadelli Racing from previous races. The team is extremely professional. We’re coming to the ‘Ring to do our best and to win. I’m feeling highly motivated.”
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NewsMatt Campbell on the podium at Le Mans for Porsche customer team
FIA World Endurance Championship, round 7 Race, Le Mans
The Porsche customer team Dempsey-Proton Racing has finished this year’s edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a podium result. The Porsche 911 RSR shared by works driver Matt Campbell from Australia, Italian Riccardo Pera and Proton team owner Christian Ried from Germany concluded the race on second place in the GTE-Am class. The Porsche GT Team, however, endured a great deal of bad luck with the two latest-generation 911 RSR at the endurance classic in the northwest of France.
After just five hours of racing, the reigning world champions Michael Christensen from Denmark and Frenchman Kévin Estre, who received support from Belgium’s Laurens Vanthoor at Le Mans, were thrown more than ten laps behind due to a power steering fault. More repair work over the following hours widened the gap in the GTE-Pro field to 15 laps. The vehicle ultimately crossed the finish line in sixth place in its class.
The No. 91 sister car took the flag at the Le Mans 24 Hours one position ahead. Gianmaria Bruni from Italy, Austria’s Richard Lietz and the Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki had managed to maintain contact to the leaders until early Sunday morning, only to have an electrical problem dash all podium dreams. The ca. 515 hp car driven by the winners of the WEC race at Spa-Francorchamps contested the 88th edition of the French endurance class decked out in a red and white livery. With this, Porsche commemorated the overall victory of the 917 KH 50 years ago in 1970, which marked the first of 19 overall victories so far for the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart.
The competition in the GTE-Am class provided gripping race action to the flag. After a final safety car phase, the field went green again with 24 minutes remaining on the clock. Three vehicles from two manufacturers fought for two podium spots. Factory driver Matt Campbell kept his cool at the wheel of Dempsey-Proton Racing’s No. 77 car. After impressive duels and slipstream battles, the young Australian came out on top, bringing the 510 hp 2019-spec 911 RSR over the finish line in second place. Matteo Cairoli, however, narrowly missed out on claiming a podium step. After a close duel with a Ferrari, the Italian took the flag in fourth place. The No. 56 car of Project 1, which Cairoli shared with last year’s winner Egidio Perfetti from Norway and Larry ten Voorde from the Netherlands, had even led the GTE-Am field over long stretches. However, a one-minute penalty threw the crew behind.
In the FIA WEC manufacturers’ classification, Porsche now ranks second after seven of eight rounds. In the drivers’ category, Bruni and Lietz lie fifth, with the defending GTE world champions Christensen and Estre on fourth place. The final round of the 2019-2020 World Endurance Championship season will be held in Bahrain on 14 November.
Comments on the race
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “Our first outing with the Porsche 911 RSR-19 at Le Mans was anything but easy. We’ve learned a lot. After achieving pole position, we’d expected more from the race – but we were disappointed. We’ll combine our experiences, draw our conclusions, and return stronger next year. Congratulations to our customer teams Dempsey-Proton Racing, Project 1 and Gulf Racing, who finished in the top five of the GTE-Am class.”
Alexander Stehlig (Head of Operations FIA WEC): “We continued to optimise our Porsche 911 RSR throughout the practices and were rewarded with pole position. That was great. Not so great, however, was the start of the race. We immediately realised that we couldn’t keep up in terms of acceleration and top speed. These factors are particularly painful because we also lost more and more time in traffic. On top of that, there were too many technical problems. We’ve got a bit of homework to do. We’ll improve the car and our processes and then we’ll be back to attack at the final round in Bahrain.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “After claiming pole position on Friday, I never expected the race to be this hard. We gave our very best and drove a clean race. The team worked perfectly, but unfortunately, we lacked performance and the technical problems prevented a better result. At the final race in Bahrain, we want to show that we’ve learned our lessons.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “That was a fight with highs and lows over many days. Despite intensive preparation and successful tests, the car wasn’t perfectly balanced. We got that under control quickly and finally secured pole position. However, in the race, we couldn’t maintain the pace of the frontrunners. We did our best to keep contact – until we were hampered by a minor technical problem. That’s just how it is at Le Mans sometimes. You shouldn’t let that get you down.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “I’m disappointed and exhausted at the same time. Le Mans is my home race and I really want to win here one day. We all invested enormous energy in this special event that only takes place once a year. It really hurts when things go wrong. This year it immediately became obvious early that the competition wasn’t as close as hoped. If you want to keep up, you always have to drive at the limit. Under such conditions, you get technical problems. That’s annoying, but that’s just how it is.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We were surprised at the pace our competitors could set right at the start. We couldn’t really keep up, but we did our utmost. When the power steering malfunctioned during Laurens’ stint and we stood in the pits for more than ten laps, we had to relinquish any hopes. When you lack competitiveness and technical bad luck strikes, it won’t be a good day – that’s just the way it is.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “It quickly became clear in the race that our performance compared to our rivals wouldn’t be enough to reach the podium. That was the first bitter pill to swallow. Then, a repair cost us twelve laps. That was the last straw for us drivers and the team members. Still, we pulled ourselves together and did our very best. This year’s experiences will help us to be much stronger in 2021.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We weren’t good enough. After the practice and the qualifying, we’d hoped for more, but the pace wasn’t enough to keep up with the competition. What’s more, technology threw us far back. The podium and victory were out of reach this year. We want to change that as soon as we can and celebrate again after next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “Second place is a dream result for us, because given the pace of the winners, we couldn’t do better. The drivers and our team did a great job. We can all be very proud. The final sprint after the last safety car phase was great fun. I just went all-out. We’ll celebrate second place as if it were a win.”
Larry ten Voorde (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “The race weekend was extremely exhausting. First, I competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Le Mans, which I won, and then I contested the 24-hour race. But I’m really happy that both events worked out so well. I pulled out all stops in my last stint to gain another position. It’s a shame it didn’t end with a podium result.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Lynn/Martin/Tincknell (GB/B/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 346 laps
2. Calado/Pier Guidi/Serra (GB/I/BR), Ferrari 488 GTE, 346 laps
3. Sörensen/Thiim/Westbrook (DK/DK/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 343 laps
4. Pla/Bourdais/Gounon (F/F/F), Ferrari 488 GTE, 339 laps
5. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 335 laps n
6. Christensen/Estre/Vanthoor (DK/F/B), Porsche 911 RSR, 331 laps
DNF. Rigon/Molina/Bird (I/E/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE, 340 laps n
DNF. MacNeil/Vilander/Segal (USA/FIN/USA), Ferrari 488 GTE, 185 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Yoluc/Eastwood/Adam (TR/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 339 laps
2. Campbell/Ried/Pera (AUS/D/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 339 laps
3. Collard/Nielsen/Perrodo (F/DK/F), Ferrari 488 GTE, 339 laps
4. Perfetti/ten Voorde/Cairoli (N/NL/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 339 laps
5. Wainwright/Barker/Watson (GB/GB/GB), Porsche 911 RSR, 337 laps
10. Inthraphuvasak/Legeret/Andlauer (T/F/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 331 laps
12. Felbermayr/Beretta/v. Splunteren (A/I/NL), Porsche 911 RSR, 330 laps
14. Keating/Fraga/Bleekemolen (USA/BR/NL), Porsche 911 RSR, 326 laps
16. Brooks/Piguet/Laskaratos (F/F/GR), Porsche 911 RSR, 313 laps
18. Preining/Bastien/de Leener (A/USA/B), Porsche 911 RSR, 238 laps
Full results and championship standings: http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com
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NewsPorsche entries dominate Aussie Tin Tops grid at The Bend
Porsche 911 GT3 entries to account for almost half Aussie Tin Top grid
Porsche 911 GT3 race cars will account for almost half the Aussie Tin Tops category at The Bend Motorsport Park this weekend, as part of the support program for the Repco SuperSprint.
The first round of the Tin Tops Support category at the NTI Townsville SuperSprint included GT3-specification cars, Porsche Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge 911 GT3 Cup cars, Super3, TA2, MARC Cars and other assorted touring cars.
Reigning 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion, Harri Jones, took the round one victory ahead of Tony Quinn in a GT3-specification Aston Martin. Bathurst winner, Luke Youlden and Jones’ McElrea Racing teammate, Ryan Suhle, fought it out for the last step of the podium, eventually making it three Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the top four overall results.
While Jones will again be looking for another overall round victory, this weekend both he and Madeline Stewart contest the Super Cup class in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup 911 GT3 Cup cars, along with Kyle Gurton (Buick Motorsports), Matthew Sims (BRM Motorsport) and Rob Woods (Teamworks Motorsport).
The Super Challenge class will see Ryan Suhle and Richard Cowen campaign the first generation 991 series 911 GT3 Cup car (eligible for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge) against Chris Meulengraaf, Andrew Taplin and Steve McFadden.
The entry list of Porsche entrants in the Super GTB class includes Anthony Giustozzi (Excaliber Racing), Henry Beasley (Buik Motorsport) and Franco Quaini (Rost Mechanical), while Yassir Shahin will campaign the lone Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Super GTA class against GT3-specification Lamborghini Gallardo of Tom Taplin and Bentley Continental GT3 of Thomas Randle.
The weekend gets underway with an early practice session on Saturday morning, followed by qualifying and Race 1 in the afternoon. Sunday hosts the final two 30-minute races of the second round. The Repco SuperSprint forms part of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship doubleheader. Fans can expect two jam-packed weekends of racing with various ticket options available from the gate or The Bend Motorsport Park website.
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
Aussie Tin Tops Schedule: Repco SuperSprint
Saturday 19 September
08:00-08:20 Practice 1 – 20mins
11:15-11:35 Qualifying – 20mins
14:10-14:40 Race 1 – 30mins
Sunday 20 September
10:35-11:05 Race 2 – 30mins
13:40-14:10 Race 3 – 30mins
Click HERE for Entry list
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NewsEvans and Mawson line-up for Porsche Carrera Cup support races in Le Mans
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, Round 1 Preview, Le Mans
The Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland returns to the racetrack this weekend, with the national racing series kicking off its 31st season as part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Together with the Porsche Carrera Cup France, the German one-make cup will contest a 45-minute race at the endurance classic with a total of 53 drivers entered in their 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup machines.
The calendar of this year’s German Carrera Cup includes ten more rounds run as support to the ADAC GT Masters. This year, young racing drivers will also benefit from the series’ support programme, the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland Talent Pool.
Prior to the race on Saturday, drivers take part in a 60-minute qualifying on Friday and two free practices (45 minutes each). Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Nebulus Racing by Huber) can travel to the northwest of France feeling confident. As the newly crowned champion of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the 23-year-old is one of the Le Mans favourites.
His rivals include Supercup rival, Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/Förch Racing), as well as the two Porsche Juniors Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras) and Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing) who are both competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship.
Australian Joey Mawson, also marks his return to international Porsche one-make competition in Le Mans, as part of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland field with the Fach Auto Tech team. 2019 saw the 24-year-old contest the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship with the same team, clinching several Rookie podiums as well as a top 3 position in the overall rankings.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland broadcasts will air on Saturday (from 19.30 AEST) and Monday (from 03.30 AEST) after the race weekend. Fans can watch all races live online via the @CarreraCupDeutschland Facebook account and the one-make cup’s YouTube channel as well as the Porsche Motorsport Hub.
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NewsCommemorating the first Le Mans win: Porsche cars line up with special liveries
FIA World Endurance Championship, Round 7 Preview, Le Mans
On September 19th and 20th, Porsche will take on the challenge of the Le Mans endurance classic with vehicles finished in special designs. The two 911 RSR fielded by the Porsche GT Team tackle the hotly contested GTE-Pro class featuring red-white and black-white liveries – to commemorate the first of 19 overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 50 years ago.
With crisp lines and shapes, the special colours of the foil wrapping resemble the digital RSR that successfully contested the virtual Le Mans race on 13-14 June. The two 515 hp factory cars will carry the lettering “1970” on the front lid and the roof. In that year, Britain’s Richard Attwood and Hans Herrmann from Germany clinched the first overall victory at Le Mans for the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart at the wheel of the legendary Porsche 917.
On that occasion, the vehicle fielded by Porsche KG Salzburg flew the national colours of Austria. The No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR will race with the very same red-and-white paintwork. On the No. 92 sister car, black replaces the red. Of the ten 911 racing cars to line up on the grid, eight 911 RSR are campaigned by customer teams in the GTE-Am class.
The race
The race on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit des 24 Heures is the highlight of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) every year. Contrary to the original plan, the classic, which was held for the first time in 1923, was deferred to September due to the coronavirus pandemic. The three-month postponement means different weather and light conditions. The latest generation 911 RSR runs for the first time at the world’s greatest long-distance race. The cancellation of the critical pretests throws a special challenge at the Porsche GT Team, because testing is not possible on the Circuit des 24 Heures: Most of the storied racetrack in the south of the city of 150,000 consists of public roads. Under normal conditions, hundreds of trucks and cars drive over the famous Mulsanne straight on their way from Le Mans to Tours. Treacherous ruts pose special challenges, especially in the rain.
The Porsche drivers
The regular WEC drivers Gianmaria Bruni from Italy and Austria’s Richard Lietz share the wheel of the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR. Like last year, they will receive support from Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki. In 2018 and 2019, the experienced trio achieved second place in the GTE-Pro class. In the identical sister car sporting the starting number 92, the reigning World Endurance Champions Michael Christensen from Denmark and Kévin Estre from France are reinforced by Belgium’s Laurens Vanthoor, the defending titleholder of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Two years ago, the three drivers brought home a commanding class victory at Le Mans with the 911 RSR decked out in the legendary Pink Pig design. At the 24-hour race in the northwest of France, the WEC awards double points for the individual categories. In the manufacturers’ classification, the Porsche GT Team ranks second after six of eight rounds. The reigning champions Estre/Christensen also sit second in the drivers’ category, with their team colleagues Bruni/Lietz currently in fifth place.
The Porsche customer teams
In the GTE-Am class, three experienced customer squads field a total of eight 2017-spec Porsche 911 RSR. In the cockpit of the No. 56 entry, last year’s Le Mans class-winning Project 1 team put their faith title defender Egidio Perfetti from Norway, the newly crowned champion of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Larry ten Voorde from the Netherlands and Italy’s Matteo Cairoli. The No. 57 sister car is shared by the American Ben Keating, Felipe Fraga from Brazil and Jeroen Bleekemolen from the Netherlands. The team from Lohne in Germany’s Lower Saxony will announce the driver line-up for the No. 89 car at a later date. In the No. 86 entry, Gulf Racing relies on the all-British crew of Benjamin Barker, Michael Wainwright and Andrew Watson.
Dempsey-Proton Racing fields four Porsche 911 RSR at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team owner Christian Ried (Germany) shares driving duties in the No. 77 vehicle with the Australian Porsche works driver Matt Campbell and Riccardo Pera from Italy. Manning the No. 88 sister car is the Porsche Young Professional Thomas Preining from Austria, America’s Dominique Bastien and Adrien de Leener from Belgium. Proton Competition campaign the No. 78 car with drivers Horst Felbermayr Jnr. from Austria, Max van Splunteren from the Netherlands and Michele Beretta from Italy. In the 99 entry, Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak from Thailand joins forces with the Belgian Lucas Légeret and Julien Piguet from France.
The schedule (all times CEST)
Thursday, 17 September
10:00 am – 01:00 pm: Free practice
02:00 pm – 05:00 pm: Free practice
05:15 pm – 06:00 pm: Qualifying
08:00 pm – midnight: Free practice
Friday, 18 September
10:00 am – 11:00 am: Free practice
11:30 am – 12:00 am: Hyperpole
Saturday, 19 September
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Warm-up
02:30 pm: Start of the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans
Sunday, 20 September
02:30 pm: Finish of the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans
TV broadcasts and live-streaming of the event
Although spectators are not permitted to travel to the 88th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours, fans can witness the long-distance classic on numerous channels. The organiser ACO and the WEC offer live streams from the 24-hour race via their official apps. The Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, which is run as a support race to the event, will be broadcast live online via the @CarreraCupDeutschland Facebook account and the one-make cup’s YouTube channel as well as the Porsche Motorsport Hub.
Porsche’s outright Le Mans victories
1970 – Herrmann (D) / Attwood (GB) – Porsche 917 KH
1971 – Marko (A) / Van Lennep (NL) – Porsche 917 KH
1976 – Ickx (B) / Van Lennep (NL) – Porsche 936
1977 – Ickx (B) / Haywood (USA) / Barth (D) – Porsche 936/77
1979 – Ludwig (D) / Whittington (USA) / Whittington (USA) – Porsche 935 K3
1981 – Ickx (B) / Bell (GB) – Porsche 936
1982 – Ickx (B) / Bell (GB) – Porsche 956
1983 – Schuppan (AUS) / Haywood (USA) / Holbert (USA) – Porsche 956
1984 – Pescarolo (F) / Ludwig (D) – Porsche 956
1985 – Barilla (I) / Ludwig (D) / Krages (D) – Porsche 956
1986 – Bell (GB) / Stuck (D) / Holbert (USA) – Porsche 962C
1987 – Bell (GB) / Stuck (D) / Holbert (USA) – Porsche 962C
1994 – Dalmas (F) / Haywood (USA) / Baldi (I) – Dauer Porsche 962 LM
1996 – Wurz (A) / Reuter (D) / Jones (USA) – TWR Porsche WSC-95
1997 – Kristensen (DK) / Alboreto (I) / Johansson (S) – TWR Porsche WSC-95
1998 – Aiello (F) / McNish (GB) / Ortelli (F) – Porsche 911 GT1
2015 – Bamber (NZ) / Tandy (GB) / Hülkenberg (D) – Porsche 919 Hybrid
2016 – Jani (CH) / Lieb (D) / Dumas (F) – Porsche 919 Hybrid
2017 – Bernhard (D) / Hartley (NZ) / Bamber (NZ) – Porsche 919 Hybrid
Comments before the race
Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Motorsport): “I’m delighted that the 24 Hours of Le Mans can be held during the coronavirus pandemic – despite the very challenging conditions. I would like to thank the ACO and WEC management who worked alongside the authorities, manufacturers and teams to make this happen. In June, we gave our fans a great show with the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now the real race has arrived. I’m positive that we’ll provide our loyal fans with another exciting event – and I hope that the thousands of spectators can return to the racetrack next year.”
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “Le Mans will be completely different this year because of the lack of spectators and the heavily modified schedule. Still, I’m expecting a fantastic highlight for the fans. This year’s event is hugely significant for Porsche. Fifty years ago, Porsche’s winning streak began with the first outright victory for the 917. We commemorate that triumph with spectacular vehicle designs and special pit fit-outs. Our sporting aim is clear: After our win at the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, we now set our sights on claiming Porsche’s 109th class victory with the real 911 RSR.”
Alexander Stehlig (Head of Operations FIA WEC): “We’re competing under completely different circumstances. The climatic conditions in September are different compared to June. There are still some unknowns in terms of weather, temperatures, performance and tyres. We’ll use the existing data from our WEC and IMSA campaigns as well as the insights gained from testing so that we can hopefully be well sorted for the first free practice session. We’re competing for the first time with the Porsche 911 RSR-19 here. It’s not only new for us, but also for the ACO, which handles the BoP. We have complete confidence in the expertise and experience of the specialists. Remaining unchanged, however, are the two driver trios in the cockpits. This will be their third year of working together at Le Mans. That’s a strength we will build on.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “I’m very excited to see our Porsche 911 RSR decked out in the special Le Mans livery in real life. I’ve only seen the artwork and it looks fabulous. Turning up at the track with our stylish and fast cars on the anniversary of Porsche’s first overall victory at Le Mans is both a motivation and an obligation for us. We’re aiming for class victory. In the past two years, we finished in second place with our number 91 car. If we can make it over the distance without incidents, then nothing should stand in the way of a great success.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “The fact that Le Mans is being held in September this year will have a huge impact on the race. It gets dark earlier on Saturday and light much later on Sunday. We’ve never experienced such a ratio between day and night before at this 24-hour classic. What’s more, we’re facing very changeable weather. All of this promises an extremely thrilling race. Let’s see how the competition is in the GTE-Pro class. Our tests in the lead-up to Le Mans went well. Class victory is our clear goal.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “Le Mans will feel very different this year. I’ll really miss the spectators. We’re always very pleased to have their huge support in the paddock and especially at the drivers’ parade in the city centre – but unfortunately, that’s not possible this year. There are also some changes in the race operations. The weekend schedule is strictly streamlined, the test-day is cancelled and the chance of rain is higher in September. Our goal with the number 91 car is clear: After finishing the last two Le Mans races in second place, we’re determined to win our class this time. ”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We’re returning to Le Mans with the very best memories. In 2019, we won the WEC championship title here. As a Frenchman, Le Mans is a home race for me. I’ll miss the fans very much. Traditional events like the autograph session in the pit lane and the drivers’ parade are a huge part of the special charm. In terms of the sporting challenge, it’ll be extremely exciting: Our current 911 RSR has been fast everywhere so far. I hope this will be the case at the special Le Mans circuit. The distinctive design of our number 92 car looks great – I think the black areas suit the shape of the 911 RSR perfectly.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We’re heading to the highlight of the year with high expectations. At the previous WEC race at Spa-Francorchamps, we celebrated our first win of the season with the number 92 car – that was important for the championship and it gives us extra motivation for Le Mans. Even without a pretest, we’re very well prepared for the 24-hour classic.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “The time plan for this year is totally different from usual. The very long Le Mans week seems almost like a normal WEC race weekend. It’s important to be well prepared with the new 911 RSR right from the start of the first session. We prepared ourselves to the best of our ability during the test drives. Our team scored a class victory at Le Mans two years ago. I’m confident that we’ll be part of the fight for victory in the GTE-Pro class again in 2020.”
Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “I can hardly wait to contest my fourth 24 Hours of Le Mans. Our driver line-up is extremely strong this year, the car has been perfected and is good for a win. If we can do a flawless job and keep out of any trouble, we have good chances. I’m convinced that we could end up on the podium. Victory is also within the scope of our possibilities. We’re optimally prepared.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “Le Mans is held this year under different conditions, but I’m happy that we can drive there at all. It is and remains the biggest event of the year. Christian Ried and I won our class in 2018 – now I’m eager to repeat that with Riccardo Pera. We finished the previous WEC race at Spa-Francorchamps on the second podium step. We now want to take a big step forward in the championship with a success at Le Mans.”
Benjamin Barker (Porsche 911 RSR #86): “I’m very excited about our return to Le Mans. In the past, we’ve always had the pace in the 24-hour race, but our results didn’t reflect this. That needs to change this year. The atmosphere at the racetrack will be very different without the fans, but Le Mans in 2020 will have the same sporting significance as it’s always had.”
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NewsLe Mans 2020: Eleven consequences of the delayed start
24 Hours of Le Mans – with a difference
Fans of endurance racing have rarely had so much time to look forward to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as they have this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the French classic was moved from its traditional mid-June date to 19/20 September. There has only been one other delayed start in the almost 100-year history of the race: In 1968, the Le Mans 24-hour race was contested on 28/29 September due to ongoing unrest in Paris. The postponement of the race also has wide-reaching consequences for the Porsche GT Team. This includes changes to the schedule as well as the waiving of popular fan events such as the technical scrutineering in the town square and the drivers’ parade the day before the start.
The long night
In mid-June around the summer solstice (June 20th), the days are longest in the northern hemisphere. On the originally planned date for the 88th edition of the endurance race on 13/14 June, the vehicles would have driven in darkness for only 8.02 hours. On the new September date, the sun sets on Saturday evening at 8:01 pm. The first rays of light will appear on Sunday morning at 7:44 am – which means that the period of darkness is almost four hours longer than it would have been shortly before the official start of summer. In the fight twice around the clock on the Circuit des 24 Heures, teams will spend only around 12 hours in daylight.
The fast pace
The long night means a longer period with cooler asphalt and air temperatures. As a result, the engines of the two ca. 515-hp Porsche 911 RSR can run longer at an optimal level. Cooler air means more oxygen saturation and thus better and more efficient burning of fuel in the six combustion chambers. A good rule of thumb: If the ambient temperature drops by five degrees Celsius, the output of the engine increases by one per cent. Hence, in the long night of the 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours, a higher average pace can be achieved in the race. “If the weather conditions are good, we’ll witness a significantly faster race compared to June,” says Pascal Zurlinden, Director of Factory Motorsports at Porsche. With the sun setting earlier on Saturday evening and rising later on Sunday, temperature profiles will be different. The average temperature over a 24-hour period in mid-June (data from the last 30 years) is 16.8 degrees Celsius. The September average is exactly one degree lower. Like the higher oxygenation, this factor further influences the vehicles’ performance.
The soft tyres
The cooler night-time temperatures also have the advantage that the soft compound of the Michelin tyres can be run over longer periods. This rubber not only offers more grip but also more consistency when track conditions are good. “Unfortunately, we’re not permitted to drive triple or quadruple stints in the GTE-Pro class,” explains Zurlinden. After two stints, the GTE vehicles must be fitted with new wheels. “The changed regulations no longer allow refuelling at the same time as a tyre change, and every tyre change costs additional time. We’ll definitely see more double stints. That’s why we have to keep our pit stops as short as possible,” says the experienced engineer.
The anticipated rain
The weather statistics over the last three decades show that the highest and lowest temperatures during the day and night hardly differ between June and September. However, the data also clearly shows that although there is less rain in September, the showers are heavier than in June. “We just have to take it as it comes,” says Pascal Zurlinden. At the endurance classic, however, there is the old saying: It always rains at Le Mans. The big question is, at what stage during the race? “The possibility of rain plays an important role in the teams’ tactics – especially if the car isn’t 100 per cent competitive in the dry. In the wet, the cards are reshuffled – and that opens up new opportunities,” explains Zurlinden.
The low sun
During dusk and dawn at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, drivers often have to contend with sunstrike. At sunset on Saturday evening, the light shining through the windscreen at a low angle can blind the drivers, especially in the Indianapolis and Arnage passages. At sunrise on Sunday morning, this phenomenon occurs in the famous Tertre Rouge. “Our seasoned works drivers are very familiar with this problem. As the sun is generally lower in early autumn compared to the summer months, our boys will just have to squint a little more often. It’ll be okay. They’re professionals after all,” smiles the Frenchman.
The earlier start time
Unlike in previous years, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020 will start at 2.30 pm local time. One of the reasons for this is that the final stage of the Tour de France, the famous road cycling race through France, ends in Paris in the late afternoon on 20th September. To avoid a clash with this event, the 88th edition of the long-distance race as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will finish on Sunday at the earlier time of 2.30 pm. “From the outside, this slight adjustment may seem insignificant but it has a major impact on our team. We have to finish our preparations even earlier for the start on Saturday. This means shorter breaks and even more stress,” outlines the Director Factory Motorsport. That allows only four hours between the end of the warm-up and the start of the race to complete the final preparations.
The missing fans
For motor racing fans, the 24 Hours of Le Mans event is high on the list of favourites. Every year, around a quarter million people flock to the track to watch the race. Once a year on this occasion, the capital of the French Departement Sarthe with its 150,000 residents bursts at the seams. But not this year: The organiser, ACO, has prohibited spectators at the racetrack. “Fans always give us huge motivation,” says Pascal Zurlinden. The large grandstands opposite the pit lane are usually packed out, especially at the start on Saturday and the finish on Sunday. “When I look at the spectators from my gantry at the pit wall on Saturday and Sunday, I basically see the same faces. These euphoric fans always give me an additional boost when energy runs low after 24 hours. That’ll be different this year. Still, despite the restrictions, it’ll definitely be another great experience for the spectators watching from home.”
The cancelled pretest
The official one-day pretest held a fortnight before the race is a traditional part of the Le Mans 24-hour event. It is the one chance for manufacturers, tyre partners, teams and drivers to prepare for the unparalleled quirks of the 13.626-kilometre racetrack prior to the greatest classic of the year. The Circuit des 24 Heures is a combination of the permanent Circuit Bugatti and public roads. Such a constellation is virtually unique in the motor racing scene. Moreover, there are no other chances to test on this circuit outside the race week. “The elimination of the pretest is a big challenge,” says Pascal Zurlinden. “This is the first time we’re fielding our latest 911 RSR there, so we have some unanswered questions about the setup. We would’ve liked to have done this work during a test so that we could analyse the results and arrive at the official sessions as well prepared as possible. We would also have preferred to checked-out the handling of the tyres during test drives. Now we only have the practice sessions just before the race do to this work.”
The compact schedule
This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans deviates from the well-established time schedule. The practice sessions, which in the past were held alongside the qualifying on Wednesday and Thursday, are now scheduled for Thursday (ten hours free practice plus qualifying) and Friday (free practice and hyperpole). “The longer practice sessions allow us to do extensive work on the setup and tyre management,” explains Pascal Zurlinden. “We can complete a lot of tasks, but compared to the usual pretest, we are disadvantaged in that the breaks are no longer sufficient to conduct a really detailed analysis.” The Friday before the start of the race was always the last chance for drivers and team members to relax and catch their breath before the biggest race of the year. The so-called “Mad Friday” was normally all about the fans.
The missing drivers’ parade
During the day, wildly souped-up cars roll through camping grounds and over thoroughfares lined with fans. Every burnout is greeted with thunderous applause. The “Le Mans holiday” on Friday before the race traditionally ends with the famous drivers’ parade through the town centre. Not so in 2020: The spectacle with pilots driving classic cars from the Place des Jacobins to Place de la République has been cancelled. “It’s a real shame for the fans, but there’s no other way around the restrictions required to contain the coronavirus. We’ll try to offer our passionate Le Mans fans the same gripping and spectacular programme via our social media channels,” says Zurlinden, explaining Porsche Motorsport’s plans.
Flying pollen
Watery eyes, runny noses and medication at the ready belong to the usual picture in the Le Mans paddock in June: many drivers, team members and fans suffer from pollen allergies. In summer, the amount of grass pollen in the grain-growing Sarthe region in France is enormous. “I’m one of those affected,” reports Zurlinden. “There’s no way around taking antihistamines in June but the medication makes you tired. And that’s definitely something you don’t want at a 24-hour race. In this respect, I’m certainly not the only one who is happy to work almost allergy-free at Le Mans in September.”
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NewsLove finishes with Rookie classification podium in Supercup finale
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 8, Race, Monza
Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite) dominated the final round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Monza (Italy). Taking up the race from pole position, the 23-year-old Dutchman scored a commanding lights-to-flag victory and secured the title in the international one-make cup series with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The previous points leader Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing) finished in fourth behind Florian Latorre (CLRT) and rookie Leon Köhler (/Lechner Racing Middle East).
Porsche Junior, Jaxon Evans made up three positions to finish in fifth place in Monza, beating rookies Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (Lechner Racing Middle East) and reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Champion, Jordan Love (Fach Auto Tech) to the line.
Evans’ efforts helped secure the team classification for BWT Lechner Racing, “I was really happy with the performance, the car was great and we really showed we were more than fast enough in the race. Congratulations to Leon for a great race and to Larry on the championship.”
“I’m very happy to have been able to contribute to secure the Team Championship again for BWT Lechner Racing and I want to say thank you for a great season spent with Walter and his team” Evans concluded.
Love’s seventh position was the best result of his debut season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season. The young West Australian was rewarded with valuable points and a place on the rookie classification podium.
“Wow, I am so happy with this result,” said Jordan Love. “Our pace was good, and I knew from the start of the race that we had a good chance. The two safety car periods in the early stages meant that I couldn’t attack as I wanted to, so I had to push in the second half of the race.”
Fach Auto Tech Team Principal, Alex Fach, was full of praise for his driver following his progression from tenth to seventh during the race: “Jordan didn’t put a foot wrong today and was really clever in the way he drove. The results this season have not always reflected his performance, but he has been on a very steep learning curve.”
Ten Voorde’s Championship victory comes after five seasons in Supercup and claiming the inaugural Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition earlier this year. Pereira would conclude the season as runner-up in the overall standings, ahead of Porsche Juniors, Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras) and BWT team mate, Jaxon Evans.
Result Round 8 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Monza (I), 15 laps
1. Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 31:05.888 minutes
2. Florian Latorre (France/CLRT), + 1.887 seconds
3. Leon Köhler (Germany/Lechner Racing Middle East), + 2.364 seconds
4. Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), + 3.865 seconds
5. Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing), + 4.235 seconds
6. Jean-B. Simmenauer (France/Lechner Racing Middle East), + 7.362 seconds
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, Final Standings Overall after 8 rounds
1. Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 155 points
2. Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), 148 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras), 113 points
4. Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing), 108 points
5. Florian Latorre (France/CLRT), 105 points
6. Max van Splunteren (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 77 points
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, Final Standings Teams after 8 rounds
1. BWT Lechner Racing (Austria), 256 points
2. Team GP Elite (Netherlands), 232 points
3. Martinet by Alméras (France), 188 points
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NewsPorsche delivers first 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport in Australia
Porsche track-day customer takes delivery of first 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport in Australia
Interest among Porsche enthusiasts and track-day drivers around Australia has grown ever since the latest generation 718 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport race car was first unveiled to local customers at The Bend Motorsport Park, in Tailem Bend, South Australia in August last year.
The first customer for the car in the country is Dr. Mansoor Parker, an avid Porsche enthusiast from Sydney, NSW. After taking delivery of the vehicle recently, Parker has been able to drive the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport to its limits at a few track days held at the Sydney Motorsport Park Circuit.
While Parker has owned fifteen Porsches to date, this is his first track-day variant. Parker says that the attraction to the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport stemmed from the fact that the GT4 is a bespoke track-focussed Porsche, which is nimble in nature and can accommodate slick racing tyres.
“I’ve driven it on a few occasions and it is phenomenal, it really gives you a race-car like feel,” said Parker.
It’s a transitional step-up from a Cayman GT4 or even a GT3, so if you can drive the standard version, you can easily drive this car and feel confident, as it is lightweight and offers not only immense grip but infinite adjustability.”
“It really is the best of both worlds, without driving something too intimidating or too expensive to maintain, you can literally take this to your local Porsche dealer to get serviced. I’m certainly having a lot of fun with it.”
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/Mc3Dvl5YbIk
“We are receiving strong interest in the GT4 and have two further cars on order for new customers,” said Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, Porsche Cars Australia.
“While our Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series remain our focus domestically, we also see a place in the market for the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport as a track day car and GT4 race car.”
“The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is an ideal track day car for graduates of Level 5 of our Porsche Track Experience, who may be keen to do more track days and state-based racing before moving up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid into Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.”
All 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport customers enjoy full parts support and through Porsche Centres across Australia. Interested parties can contact motorsport@porsche.com.au for pricing, options and further information.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
The mid-engined race car comes in two versions from the Porsche Motorsport factory: the “Track day” model for enthusiast amateur racing drivers who enjoy Australian track days and would like to campaign the car in several state-based racing series.
The second is the “Competition” variant designed for national and international competition, allowing local drivers to contest the Australian GT Championship GT4 Class and Bathurst 12 Hour (GT4 class).
In developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the focus was not only on improving the driveability and performance of its predecessor but also on the sustainable use of raw materials in its development. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first-ever production race car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material.
As a result, the driver and co-driver doors and the rear wing are made of an organic fibre mix, sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres and feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness.
Powering the 718 GT4 Clubsport is a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 313kW (425hp). Compared to its predecessor, this represents a 30kW (40hp) increase in performance. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a mechanical rear-axle differential lock.
The lightweight spring-strut front suspension is taken from its big 911 GT3 Cup brother. The impressive racing brake system features steel brake discs all round measuring 380mm in diameter. The lightweight 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport tips the scales at a mere 1,320kgs and is delivered from factory with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness.
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NewsEvans misses out on Porsche Mobil1 Supercup podium after strong start
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 7, Race, Spa-Francorchamps
Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras) scored his second win of the season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). Güven crossed the finish line just 0.6 seconds ahead of Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing).
Second place was enough for the Luxembourger to move to the top of the leaderboard again in the international one-make cup with the 485-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Heading to the final round next Sunday (6 September 2020) in Monza (Italy), Pereira holds a tenuous four-point advantage over Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite). In Belgium, the Dutchman took the flag in fifth place behind Florian Latorre (France/Team CLRT) and Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing).
The Formula 1 circuit in the Ardennes lived up to its reputation as one of the most demanding racetracks in the world. After eleven laps, less than nine seconds separated the top ten drivers in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. “It’s always great to win at Spa,” said a delighted Güven, who had taken up the race from pole position. “Towards the end of the race I experienced minor problems with the balance of the car. Luckily, I was able to fend off Jaxon Evans and then Dylan Pereira.”
The two BWT Lechner Racing drivers put the leader under pressure over many laps. “That was great teamwork between Jaxon and me,” revealed Pereira, who nevertheless made repeated attempts to overtake his teammate. These attacks, however, were in vain – until the second-placed Evans overlooked some dirt on the track while braking at the end of the long Kemmel straight and, with locked-up front wheels, was forced to use emergency exit. “It was lucky that I took a different line than Jaxon in that corner, otherwise I might have been caught out too,” admitted Pereira. He overtook Evans and promptly closed the gap to the leading Güven. “I was faster than Ayhancan, but it wasn’t enough to really attack,” concluded the Luxembourger.
With third place, Florian Latorre scored his best result so far this season. “I’m thrilled for our team, which is new to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. We’ve waited all year for this,” said the Frenchman. Jaxon Evans, the second fastest in qualifying, was not entirely happy with fourth place. “I flat-spotted one tyre when it locked up under braking. My car, of course, didn’t handle as well after that,” explained the Porsche Junior, who then came under pressure from Larry ten Voorde over the last lap. “What a great race, it was such fun,” grinned the Dutchman, despite losing the championship lead. At the flag, he held a 0.7-second advantage over his compatriot Jaap van Lagen.
Van Lagen’s Fach Auto Tech teammate, Jordan Love, found himself in the mid-field after the start. “It was a rough ride, I’ve got used to that in the Supercup”, the Australian reports after not feeling entirely satisfied with his point haul at the Spa debut. “If you start from tenth on the grid, then you should at least finish better than eleventh. At half-time I lost several positions and couldn’t catch up again.”
After Belgium, the road now leads to Italy, where the eighth and final race weekend of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup season is scheduled for 4 to 6 September at the Monza Eni Circuit near Milan.
Results round 7 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Spa-Francorchamps (B), 11 laps
1. Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras), 26:50.573 minutes
2. Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), + 0.608 seconds
3. Florian Latorre (France/CLRT), + 1.297 seconds
4. Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing), + 1.981 seconds
5. Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), + 2.237 seconds
6. Jaap van Lagen (Netherlands/FACH AUTO TECH), + 2.956 seconds
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, standings after 7 of 8 races
1. Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), 134 points
2. Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 130 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras), 113 points
4. Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing), 96 points
5. Florian Latorre (France/CLRT), 85 points
6. Max van Splunteren (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 71 points
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NewsSpa hosts the penultimate round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 7 Preview, Spa-Francorchamps
This Sunday, Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) hosts the penultimate round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020. The fight for the title in the international one-make race series with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup has turned into a duel between Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite) and Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing).
With two wins each, Ten Voorde (118 points) and Pereira (114) hold a clear lead over the rest of the field. The closest rivals to the leading pair are the two Porsche Juniors Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras, 88 points) and Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing, 82).
Last year on the storied Belgian Formula 1 circuit, Pereira earned maximum points after securing pole position and victory in the 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. “The Spa-Francorchamps round is something of a home race for me,” the Luxembourger says about the 7.004-kilometre (4.352 miles) racetrack, the longest on the Supercup calendar.
“This track is very demanding. Passages like Eau Rouge and Blanchimont require a great deal of courage – and that’s why this circuit is one of my favourites. I’m eager to reclaim the points lead here.”
Ten Voorde also has a special connection to the rollercoaster racetrack in the Ardennes.
“I contested my first Supercup race in Spa-Francorchamps in 2016. It’s fantastic to race on this great track next weekend as one of the title aspirants, especially with a team that’s new to the Supercup,” said the delighted Dutchman, who finished fourth in 2019. “I’m obviously under pressure as the points leader, but I like that. It makes me mobilise all my reserves.”
Round seven of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be broadcast live on Sunday (30 August) at 20:23 on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, round 7, Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)*
FOX SPORTS 506 Sun 30 Aug 20:23 – 21:05
FOX SPORTS 506 HD Sun 30 Aug 20:23 – 21:05
* all times AEST
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, standings after 6 of 8 rounds
- Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 118 points
- Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), 114 points
- Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras), 88 points
- Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing), 82 points
- Florian Latorre (France/CLRT), 68 points
- Max van Splunteren (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 63 points
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NewsOne-off Porsche GT1 to headline The Bend Classic
Rare Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution to headline The Bend Classic
One of the rarest Porsche models currently on the road anywhere in the world will make a headline appearance at this year’s The Bend Classic.
A stunning Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution, thought to be the only one in the world converted from racing car to street use, will be a star attraction at the September 5-6 event at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Recently purchased by a South Australian collector, the car is literally a one-of-a-kind model that led Porsche’s charge at the famous Le Mans 24 Hour race in France in the 1990s.
While 23 road-going versions of the GT1 were produced by Porsche to satisfy homologation requirements for the racing program, this particular car is the only one of 18 racing versions built known to have been converted to road use.
The car in question, built in 1997, won the Canadian GT championship on three occasions, made regular starts in the Daytona 24-hour race in Florida and amassed 13 wins from 31 race starts prior to its conversion to road use.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.2-litre flat six engine, the GT1 Evo produces 640 Horsepower that saw it able to reach more than 330km/hr down the famous Mulsanne straight at Le Mans.
The ‘Evolution’ designation references significant mid-life upgrades the GT1 received in 1997 that upgraded its appearance to mirror the ‘996’ Porsche 911 road car.
Later versions of the GT1 would help deliver Porsche victory at Le Mans.
The 911 GT1 Evo will join a host of extreme performance Supercars at The Bend Classic – as the event celebrates both the pinnacle of motorsport and motoring, old and new.
“It is a coup for us to have secured this car to be demonstrated at The Bend Classic,” said The Bend Motorsport Park marketing manager, Michael Rossi.
“The car was only recently sold to a new owner here in Australia and they were eager for it to be on show to as many people as possible.
“The fact that it is the only known example in the world to have been converted from a race car to road use makes this truly one of a kind and we’re thrilled that it will be at The Bend classic for South Australian fans to see.
“It’s incredibly rare and very special and will join a host of other similar cars, road and race, at the event.”
The Bend Classic takes place from the 05 and 06 September 2020 at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia .
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NewsPorsche takes victory in WEC with Matt Campbell on podium in GTE-Am class
FIA World Endurance Championship WEC, round 6, Race GTE, Spa-Francorchamps
The Porsche GT Team has scored its second win of the season at round six of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC. The reigning GTE-Pro world champions Kévin Estre from France and Michael Christensen from Denmark took the flag in first place at the wheel of the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. In a chaotic race with heavy rain and three safety car phases, the factory squad kept cool at all times. Implementing a perfect tactic and with a strong driving performance, the successful team of the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart won the race from pole position. Italy’s Gianmaria Bruni and his Austrian teammate Richard Lietz achieved fifth place in the ca. 515 hp sister car with the starting number 91. In the GTE-Am category, the experienced Dempsey-Proton Racing customer squad finished the race in second place.
Shortly before the start of the rehearsal for the upcoming season highlight in Le Mans, the sky over the Belgian Ardennes opened its floodgates. Heavy rain flooded the racetrack to such an extent that the six-hour race had to start behind the safety car. When the race finally went green, the rain eased off but the works drivers found that their two Porsche 911 RSR offered barely any grip. Only when the track began to dry the two crews could catch up. Another heavy shower in the first half of the race resulted in a second safety car phase. Again, the two GT racers from Weissach lost ground. When the sun reappeared after three hours of racing, the strengths of the new 911 RSR also emerged. Christensen and Estre drove consistently fast stints and their team’s clever tactics helped them return to the front. Bruni and Lietz were unable to improve significantly in the close battle between the manufacturer teams.
In the overall standings, the second-placed Porsche factory squad managed to reduce the gap to the top. In the drivers’ championship, the defending champions Estre and Christensen advanced to second place.
In the GTE-Am class, the customer team Dempsey-Proton Racing claimed its first podium result of the season. Christian Ried (Germany), the Italian Riccardo Pera and Porsche works driver Matt Campbell (Australia) achieved second place. The young Australian put in a particularly impressive drive against tough competition. Campbell launched a renewed attack in the final phase of the race and mobilised the full potential of the 2017-spec version of the Porsche 911 RSR. At the flag, he was only 2.898-seconds off securing the first win of the season. The two ca. 510 hp nine-elevens fielded by the Project 1 team finished on positions four and six, with the second 911 RSR run by Dempsey-Proton Racing taking the flag in fifth. Gulf Racing concluded round six of the 2019/2020 FIA WEC season on position ten.
The FIA WEC contests round seven on 19/20 September at Le Mans, France, where the 88th edition of the legendary 24-hour race will be held on the 13.6-kilometre circuit at the Sarthe.
Comments on the race
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “Congratulations to the entire team at the track and to our development squad in Weissach. The Porsche 911 RSR proved extremely competitive in all sessions. In the race, the team’s and drivers’ wealth of experience paid off once again. The tactics were perfect in difficult conditions, our works drivers pushed the car to the limit at all times and brought them over the finish line unscathed. This win gives us an addition boost for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans in September. We’re ready for the big highlight!”
Alexander Stehlig (Head of Operations FIA WEC): “For us, this was a perfect restart after the 172-day enforced break in the WEC. Pole position on Friday, victory on Saturday – it couldn’t be better. Spa always throws huge challenges at us. Snow last year, torrential rain this year. We had some difficulties on the wet track but as soon as it dried up, we were back. Overall, it was extremely thrilling. The fight against Aston Martin and Ferrari was fun. We couldn’t have wished for a better dress rehearsal for Le Mans.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “It was a rollercoaster of emotions. With the changing conditions, it became really hard to always make the right decisions. Once again, our team did it perfectly. Only in this way we could manage to drive to victory after a few setbacks on the extremely wet track – simply brilliant!”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “What a wonderful weekend! We were fast in practice, we claimed pole position and won the race. The team put in a tactically strong performance. The second half of the race was on a dry track. It was precisely in this critical phase that we were back in full force and able to call on the full potential of our Porsche 911 RSR. We’ve taken an important step forward in the overall standings. At Le Mans, we aim to pick up exactly where we left off and go all-out.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “That was a difficult race for us. We lost a lot of time because we drove too long on wet tyres at the wrong moment. We took a gamble and tried to make up for it later. When the sun finally came out, we were the first ones back on the track with slicks. In the first laps I slid wildly and lost a lot of time. Once the grip improved, our train had already left the station.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “We didn’t do much wrong, but despite the good balance, our car simply couldn’t match the pace of the sister car. Position five is what we deserved based on our pace in the race. We couldn’t do much more considering today’s conditions. It’s a shame.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR #92, 135 laps
2. Sorensen/Thiim (DK/DK), Aston Martin Vantage #95, 135 laps
3. Lynn/Martin (GB/B), Aston Martin Vantage #97, 135 laps
4. Calado/Pier Guidi (GB/I), Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 135 laps
5. Lietz/Bruni (A/I), Porsche 911 RSR #91, 135 laps
6. Rigon/Molina (I/E), Ferrari 488 GTE #71, 135 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Perrodo/Collard/Nielsen (F/F/DK), Ferrari 488 GTE #83, 134 laps
2. Campbell/Ried/Pera (AUS/D/I), Porsche 911 RSR #77, 134 laps
3. Yoluc/Eastwood/Adam (TR/IRL/GB), Aston Martin Vantage #90, 134 laps
4. Perfetti/Hörr/Cairoli (N/D/I), Porsche 911 RSR #56, 134 laps
5. Giraudi/Sanchez/Legeret (I/MEX/CH), Porsche 911 RSR, 134 laps
6. Keating/Fraga/Bleekemolen (USA/BR/NL), Porsche 911 RSR #57, 134 laps
10. Wainwright/Barker/Watson (GB/GB/GB), Porsche 911 RSR #86, 134 laps
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NewsEvans on podium in Spain in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 6 Race, Barcelona
Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite) has won round six of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Barcelona. With his second win of the season, the Dutchman replaces Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing) at the top of the leader board.
Pereira scored third on the Circuit de Catalunya Formula 1 racetrack behind Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing). With two remaining races, the New Zealander maintains fourth overall behind the second Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras).
Initially, it looked as if Evans would wrest victory from polesitter Ten Voorde: He got the better start and overtook the Dutchman in the first corner. A collision, however, halted the race after a few seconds after a driver stalled at the start. The evasive moves of the drivers starting further behind led to a chain reaction with four vehicles becoming entangled in the collision.
Actor Michael Fassbender was also caught up in this accident. The German-Irish Hollywood star contested the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as a guest driver and was one of the drivers to be thrown out of the race after just a few metres.
When the race went green again, Ten Voorde turned the tables: He overtook the now-leading Evans and eked out a small advantage over the remaining laps. “Jaxon simply got off the line better at the first start,” admitted Ten Voorde. “But I couldn’t resist the chance of correcting that at the restart.”
For Evans, the two starts were the complete opposite. “My first was perfect, the second I misjudged my tyre temperature and fluffed the clutch – that opened the door for Larry to overtake me.” Pereira took his loss of the championship lead matter-of-factly: “After taking up the race from P5 I improved by two positions. More wasn’t possible today.”
Jordan Love delivered a strong performance, the Supercup Rookie overtook nine cars to finish in eleventh place, after a penalty forced the West Australian to begin the race from 20th position.
Next stop for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is the Formula One racetrack in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), where the seventh round is held as part of the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks’ time (30 August 2020).
Results round 6 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Barcelona (E), 13 laps
1. Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 41:33.214 minutes
2. Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing), + 0.524 seconds
3. Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), + 3.854 seconds
4. Florian Latorre (France/CLRT), + 4.421 seconds
5. Max van Splunteren (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), + 8.733 seconds
6. Leon Köhler (Germany/Lechner Racing Middle East), + 8.997 seconds
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, standings after 6 of 8 races
1. Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 118 points
2. Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), 114 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras), 88 points
4. Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing), 82 points
5. Florian Latorre (France/CLRT), 68 points
6. Max van Splunteren (Netherlands/Team GP Elite), 63 points
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NewsPorsche Supercup debut for Hollywood star Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender will join Jaxon Evans and Jordan Love on the grid for round six of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Hollywood star Michael Fassbender will join Jaxon Evans and Jordan Love on the grid for round six of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this weekend. The German-Irish actor tackles the international one-make cup run as support to the Spanish Grand Prix at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
“The level of competition in the Supercup is extremely high, so my goals are modest,” says Fassbender (“Inglourious Basterds”, “12 Years a Slave”, “X-Men”), who drives a Porsche 911 RSR in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). “I’m most looking forward to driving a different racing version of the Porsche 911 and gaining more experience.”
Fassbender went through a Porsche-run professional training programme for motor racing. He first completed a short training course with the 485-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup as part of the Porsche Driving Experience.
After advancing to the Porsche Racing Experience and competing in Porsche Sports Cup races, the Heidelberg-born actor started into his debut season in the ELMS in 2020 with the Proton Competition customer squad.
Last weekend, Fassbender finished the four-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) fourth in the GTE-class with the Porsche 911 RSR. He shared the cockpit of the 510-hp racer with Porsche works driver Richard Lietz (Austria) and Felipe Fernández Laser (Germany).
“It’s really cool to compete on the racetrack against such a famous actor. And it’s great to have him as a guest in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup,” says Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing), the current championship leader.
Porsche Junior, Jaxon Evans, lies fourth in the Championship with three races remaining while Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will again be an unknown quantity for reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jordan Love.
Love’s first season in the international one-make series is also his first year racing on European soil. The Catalonian circuit is all about its long start-finish straight, fast corners and tight chicanes and almost guarantees exciting racing.
Round six of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be televised live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports from 20:23 (AEST) on Sunday evening.
Broadcast times: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, round 6, Barcelona (AEST)
Fox Sports 506 – Sunday 16 August 20:23 – 21:05
Fox Sports 506 HD – Sunday 16 August 20:23 – 21:05
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, standings after 5 of 8 races
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 97 points
2. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 93 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 80 points
4. Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), 62 points
5. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), 54 points
6. Marvin Klein (F/Martinet by Alméras), 52 points
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NewsCampbell and the Porsche GT Team well prepared for the WEC restart
FIA World Endurance Championship WEC, round 6 Preview, Spa-Francorchamps
The 2019-2020 season of the World Endurance Championship resumes after more than a 24-week break due to the coronavirus pandemic. On August 15, round six of the World Endurance Championship WEC will be held at Spa-Francorchamps. Porsche tackles the six-hour race with two of the latest 911 RSR racers.
The defending world champions Michael Christensen (Denmark) and Kévin Estre (France) share the cockpit of the No. 92 car, with their teammates Richard Lietz (Austria) and Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) joining forces in the No. 91 Porsche.
The factory squad returns to Belgium with positive memories: Last year, Porsche claimed an early world championship title in the GTE-Pro manufacturer’s classification. Currently, the title defender ranks second in the GTE-Pro class after five races. The customer teams Dempsey-Proton Racing, Project 1 and Gulf Racing field five of last season’s 911 RSR in the GTE-Am class.
Porsche works driver Matt Campbell (Australia) has been included in the Dempsey-Proton Racing #77 alongside Team owner Christian Ried (Germany) and the Italian Riccardo Pera.
The race
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located in the far east of Belgium close to the German border. Opened in 1921, the 7.004-kilometre racetrack featuring 21 corners undulates through the Walloon countryside – not surprisingly, the circuit is also known as the “Ardennes rollercoaster”. Fast passages like Raidillon, Eau Rouge and Blanchimont are as notorious as the La Source hairpin at the end of the start-finish straight.
The Porsche 911 RSR
The current Porsche 911 RSR-19 contests its maiden WEC season. The engineers in Weissach were able to improve the ca. 515-hp vehicle compared to its extremely successful predecessor model, most notably in areas such as drivability, efficiency, ergonomics and serviceability. About 95 per cent of all components are new. The 911 RSR is powered by a 4.2-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine.
The Porsche GT Team drivers
After scoring second place at four of the five rounds so far this season, the reigning WEC champions Michael Christensen and Kévin Estre rank third in the WEC drivers’ classification. Richard Lietz and Gianmaria Bruni, the winners of the season-opening round in Great Britain, lie fifth. The latest Porsche 911 RSR underlined its potential at the previous races of the 2019/2020 season with pole positions in Japan, China and Bahrain.
The customer teams
At the WEC restart, Dempsey-Proton Racing fields two Porsche 911 RSR from the 2017 model year. At the wheel of the No. 77 car is Porsche works driver Matt Campbell (Australia), team owner Christian Ried (Germany) and the Italian Riccardo Pera. Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak (Thailand), Ricardo Sanchez (Mexico) and Lucas Legeret (Switzerland) share the cockpit of the No. 88 sister car.
The German customer team Project 1 also campaign a pair of 2017-generation 911 RSR. The No. 56 cockpit is shared by Laurents Hörr (Germany), Egidio Perfetti (Norway) and Matteo Cairoli (Italy). Ben Keating (USA), Felipe Fraga (Brazil) and Jeroen Bleekemolen (Netherlands) drive the No. 57 car. Gulf Racing entrusts the No. 86 vehicle to the all-British crew Michael Wainwright, Ben Barker and Andrew Watson.
The schedule (all times CEST)
Friday, 14 August
6:00 to 6:20 p.m. – Qualifying GTE-Pro and GTE-Am
Saturday, 15 August
1:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Race
The race on TV and on the Internet
Round six of the FIA WEC will be televised in full length on www.motorsport.tv. The FIA WEC app also offers live streaming and live timing for a fee.
Comments before the race
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “The wait for the next round of the World Endurance Championship is now over, as well. I’d like to pay a big compliment to the WEC organisers on successfully laying the foundations for the restart. In the upcoming races, we still have the best chances to defend our titles. Preparations for the final rehearsal before the 24 Hours of Le Mans went well. We’re aiming to score our second win of the season at Spa-Francorchamps.”
Alexander Stehlig (Head of Operations FIA WEC): “We were able to use the compulsory Corona-related break to work through many details and we’ve also completed successful test drives. We’ve further improved the drivability and the balance of the 911 RSR and honed the team’s processes. In the first race after the long break, it’s important that we get back to our usual routine quickly. We want to earn as many points as possible in Belgium and we aim to win.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “We can finally contest the WEC again – but unfortunately without any spectators. Still, the main thing is to compete again. Every-one in the team feels highly motivated and wants to achieve a good result. We’re heading to Spa very well prepared. The podium is our minimum target.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “Spa-Francorchamps is one of my favourite racetracks on the WEC calendar. I can hardly wait to finally race again. Richard Lietz and I are eager to achieve more race victories and podium results with the new 911 RSR. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to be careful and com-ply with the guidelines, but we’re very well organised in this respect, as well.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We had a crazy race at Spa last year with snow, rain and sunshine. Still, we reached the podium and managed to secure the manufacturers’ title for Porsche – that was fantastic. Obviously, everything will be very different this year. We’re competing at a different time of the year and it’s the first WEC round after the coronavirus break. We’ll miss the spectators and we’ll all be wearing facemasks. With the new 911 RSR, we want to move closer to the top of the championship.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “It’s important that we come back strong after such a long break. We’re still in the running for the title and we want to catch the championship leaders. During the break, we tried to keep in touch with each other and give good feedback so that we could continue to improve. We went testing with the new 911 RSR. It felt good to work with the Manthey squad again and to prepare for the races at Spa and Le Mans.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “I’m looking forward to competing in the WEC again with Christian Ried and Riccardo Pera. We want to push hard to achieve another top result and put the team on the podium.”
The Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC
In the Sports Car World Endurance Championship (WEC), which was first contested in 2012, sports prototypes and GT vehicles compete in four classes: LMP1, LMP2, GTE-Pro and GTE-Am. They all compete together in one race but are classified separately. The Porsche factory squad contests the GTE-Pro class as the reigning world manufacturers’ champions, while the customer teams Dempsey Proton Racing, Project 1 and Gulf Racing fight for honours in the GTE-Am class.
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NewsTough weekend for Evans and Love in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 5 Race, Silverstone
At round five of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020 season, held on the occasion of the “70th Anniversary Grand Prix”, Porsche Junior, Ayhancan Güven, took victory after a duel with Larry ten Voorde with Dylan Pereira crossing the line third to defend his overall lead in the international one-make cup.
After having to settle for eighth place last weekend at the same venue, Güven dedicated his first victory of the season to his mechanics. “We’ve improved with the car setup from race to race. We have to keep working in this direction.”
It was a tough weekend for Pereira’s BWT Lechner Racing teammate, Jaxon Evans, finishing in a hard-fought eighth position after a mistake in the last sector of the Silverstone circuit in Saturday’s qualifying, saw him start the race behind the lead pack in eighth.
Jordan Love’s race was over almost before it had even begun. The Australian in the #6 Fach Auto Tech Porsche was taken out on the first lap of the race.
“My start wasn’t too bad, and I was on my up through the field,” Love explained. “I got a push from behind and spun, before being hit by another car. The incident brought out the safety car and my Porsche had to be recovered. I’m really sorry for the team. I was looking to make up ground in the race after a difficult qualifying but never had an opportunity to do so.”
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup teams now travel straight to Barcelona. There, they will contest round six this coming weekend as part of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Results round 5 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Silverstone (GB), 13 laps
1. Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Martinet by Alméras), 28:57.721 minutes
2. Larry ten Voorde (The Netherlands/Team GP Elite), + 0.753 seconds
3. Dylan Pereira (Luxembourg/BWT Lechner Racing), + 1.135 seconds
4. Max van Splunteren (The Netherlands /Team GP Elite), + 5.569 seconds
5. Jean-B. Simmenauer (France/Lechner Racing Middle East), + 5.911 seconds
6. Marvin Klein (France/Martinet by Alméras), + 8.958 seconds
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, standings after 5 of 8 races
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 97 points
2. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 93 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 80 points
4. Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), 62 points
5. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), 54 points
6. Marvin Klein (F/Martinet by Alméras), 52 points
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NewsPadayachee dominates NSW Production Sports Car Championship in Porsche 911 GT3 Carrera Cup car
Duvashen Padayachee took outright victories in both NSW Production Sports Car Championship races at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend
Duvashen Padayachee took outright victories in both NSW Production Sports Car Championship races at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend, driving his Porsche 911 GT3 Carrera Cup car.
While the start to 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup season is yet to get underway due to the Coronavirus restrictions, Sydney-based Mobil Pro driver, Duvashen Padayachee, and his father, Indiran, took the opportunity to compete NSW Production Sports Car Championship races at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.
The results saw both Garth Walden Racing-prepared Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the top-five against current-specification GT3 race cars, with Duvashen taking outright victory in both races and Indiran finishing in sixth and fourth respectively for the two races.
Duvashen Padayachee returned to Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in 2019 after a short break from the championship, becoming teammate to his Pro-Am ranked father Indiran at the Sydney based GWR Australia team.
While the duo had never faced one another in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup competition before 2019, they did become the first father-son combination to race any international Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup round in the same entry during the 2015 two-driver Pro-Am event at Phillip Island. Since then the Padayachees have become consistent competitors in the national championship.
Porsche Cars Australia permitted owners of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup cars to race in other series while the start of the national series was delayed, providing a boost to its teams and drivers as well as state-level categories like NSW Production Sports Car Championship.
After the event Duvashen said, “We learned a lot this weekend – we were able to do some race runs in the Carrera Cup car and we were able to see how the tyres worked in different scenarios.”
“We knew it was going to be a challenge competing for outright wins up against some high-quality GT3-spec cars this weekend, but our performance just shows the quality of Porsches and we were pleased to showcase the potential of the current generation Cup cars.”
Father Indiran said, “It would have been nice to have followed Duvashen across the line for a 1-2 finish, but I’ve had a lot of fun this weekend.”
“The Production Sports Car field is very competitive and I was always in a battle with other cars.”
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU
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NewsJaxon Evans finishes on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup podium in Silverstone
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 4 race, Silverstone
Round four of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season in Silverstone, saw Larry ten Voorde claim victory by twelve seconds over the chasing field.
“I’ve never had such a well set-up car, it was so easy today,” said the 23-year-old from Enschede after his solo drive to the flag. “But I also benefited from the fact that I was able to stick to the racing line at the front, while my pursuers were kept busy with duels and lost time.”
Thanks to Ten Voorde’s teammate and compatriot Max van Splunteren, his Dutch team GP Elite also notched up a double victory. Over the entire 13-lap distance, the rookie managed to fend off a fair but unrelenting attack from Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand/BWT Lechner Racing).
“Max was clever,” Evans admitted. “My main priority was not to risk too much after going home empty-handed from the previous race in Budapest and to earn as many points as possible.”
For his part, the New Zealander managed to successfully defend himself against attacks from Florian Latorre (France/CLRT) and Jaap van Lagen (Netherlands/FACH AUTO TECH), who ultimately saw the flag in position four and five.
Van Lagen’s teammate, Jordan Love, got off to a good start from 15th on the grid and gained three places in the very first lap. The young Australian Porsche driver finally finished twelfth and secured fifth place in the Rookie category in his first visit to the Silverstone circuit.
Next weekend (7 to 9 August 2020), iconic Silverstone once again hosts the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Round five will be held as part of the Formula One “70th Anniversary Grand Prix”.
Results round 4 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Silverstone (GB), 13 laps
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 27:00.440 minutes
2. Max van Splunteren (NL/Team GP Elite), + 11.741 seconds
3. Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), + 12.113 seconds
4. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), + 12.408 seconds
5. Jaap van Lagen (NL/FACH AUTO TECH), + 13.055 seconds
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), + 13.399 seconds
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, standings after 4 of 8 races
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 80 points
2. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 73 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 56 points
4. Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), 54 points
5. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), 45 points
6. Marvin Klein (F/Martinet by Alméras), 42 points
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NewsEvans and Love head to Silverstone for Round 4 of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 4, Silverstone preview
Round four of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, run as support to the British Grand Prix, will be contested on one of the world’s most time-honoured racetracks. In 1950, the Silverstone circuit hosted the first-ever Formula 1 race.
Since 1994, the former airfield north of London has served as the venue for the international one-make cup, with the 485-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup teams using the Silverstone circuit as their base over the next two race weekends.
The 5,901 kilometre Silverstone Circuit ranks as one of the most demanding in the world, with its blend of long straights, fast and slow chicanes. While the circuit’s Maggots, Becketts, Woodcote and Hangar Straight are recognized by racing fans all over the world.
“The Silverstone Grand Prix circuit is a demanding racetrack,” said Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), who currently leads the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup standings after winning in Austria and Hungary.
“The pace here is usually very high and there are a handful of corners that take courage. What’s more, you always have to be prepared for rain in England. I’m expecting a very exciting weekend.”
Pereira’s BWT Lechner Racing teammate and Porsche Junior, Jaxon Evans, currently lies fourth in the Championship after winning the opening race of the season in Spielberg, Austria.
After claiming his first Rookie podium in the last round, reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jordan Love, will be doing his first laps on the ‘The Home of British Motor Racing’ in Free Practice on Friday, 31 July.
Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, while the 13-lap race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Channel 506 as well as Kayo Sports at 20:23 on Sunday evening.
Broadcast times: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 4, Silverstone (AEST)
Fox Sports 506 Sunday 02 Aug 20:23 21:05
Fox Sports 506 HD Sunday 02 Aug 20:23 – 21:05
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Standings after 3 of 8 races
- Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 70 points
- Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 48 points
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 48 points
- Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), 37 points
- Marvin Klein (F/Martinet by Alméras), 33 points
- Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East), 31 points
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NewsLove claims his first Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Rookie podium
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 3 Race, Hungary
Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing) put in a dominant performance to take victory at round three of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup on the Hungaroring. After qualifying in pole-position, the Luxembourger achieved an uncontested lights-to-flag victory on the Grand Prix circuit close to Budapest.
“Ayhancan Güven put pressure on me during the first lap after the start and straight after the safety car phase, but I managed to fend him off. Afterwards, I focused on not making any mistakes,” Pereira commented after the race.
Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing) qualified in sixth, after his fastest lap in the Saturday session was disallowed for exceeding track limits. After sparring with Jaap van Lagen (NL/FACH AUTO TECH) for fifth place in Sunday’s race, the two Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars made contact in the braking zone for Curve 1.
A resultant puncture saw van Lagen retire out of contention and the race stewards adjudge Evans to be at fault, handing the New Zealander a drive-through penalty and effectively end any hopes of another top five finish.
By contrast, in only his third Supercup race, reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jordan Love, would achieve his best ever result for the Fach Auto Tech team.
The young Australian put together an excellent drive from 14th on the grid to finish in eighth position. “I’m happy with that result,” the 21-year-old said. “I made up three places on the first lap, and that was a great foundation for my maiden top 10 finish and the third in the Rookie class.”
After a non-stop three weeks, the first third of the Supercup season is already concluded. The next race sees the teams travel to Silverstone in the UK from 31 July to 2 August.
Result round 3 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Budapest (H), 15 laps
- Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 28:24.825 minutes
- Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), + 1.915 seconds
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), + 7.704 seconds
- Marvin Klein (F/Martinet by Alméras), + 8.082 seconds
- Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (F/Lechner Racing Middle East), + 12.308 seconds
- Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), + 13.293 seconds
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, Standings after 3 of 8 races
- Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 70 points
- Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 48 points
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 48 points
- Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), 37 points
- Marvin Klein (F/Martinet by Alméras), 33 points
- Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East), 31 points
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NewsEvans and Love head to the Hungaroring for Round 3 of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 3 preview, Hungary
Three rounds within three weeks – the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races now come thick and fast. After the two events at Austria’s Red Bull Ring, the 25 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will compete as part of the Hungarian Grand Prix this coming weekend (17 to 19 July).
“Overtaking on the Hungaroring is difficult – for us and also the Formula-1-drivers. For this reason, a decent grid position is critical,” says series leader Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing).
Round three of the season also marks Jordan Love’s debut at the Hungaroring circuit. The reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion is competing in his maiden season in the one-make Porsche series. However, the young Aussie feels there is room for improvement despite a pair of top 15 finishes:
“We were able to lay the groundwork for the season at the Red Bull Ring but I definitely think there is potential there. I still have a lot to learn and can’t wait to get back on track.”
Round three of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be broadcast LIVE on Sunday (19 July) at 20:23p.m. (AEST time) on Fox Sports channel 506 and on Kayo Sports.
Broadcast times: Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, Round 3, Hungary
Fox Sports 506
Sun 19 Jul – 20:23pm – 21:05pm LIVE
Fri 24 Jul – 08.25am – 08:55am
Fox Sports 506 HD
Sun 19 Jul 8:23pm – 9:05pm LIVE
Fri 24 Jul – 08.25am – 08:55am
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NewsBelford clinches Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Virtual Cup Pro-Am Championship
Matthew Payne and Marc Cini dominate the final virtual round
Matthew Payne and Marc Cini dominate the final virtual round
After claiming nine race victories, and an enviable average finishing position of second, Cooper Murray, had a comparatively eventful round – by his lofty standards – finishing off the Silverstone podium in the final three sprint races of the inaugural Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Championship.
Fortunately for the Melbourne based McElrea Racing pilot, he had already sealed the Mobil Pro Championship after Round 5 in convincing style, leaving the Silverstone event to decide the minor placings and crown a Champion in the Pro-Am class.
Patrizicorse karting ace, Matthew Payne, set the pace from the very first practice session of the evening, taking pole position and going onto claim three dominant victories. The New Zealand driver was never challenged throughout the Silverstone round, his efforts netting him the runner-up position in the overall Championship – overtaking reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion, Harri Jones, in the final standings. Jones who would end up just 16-points behind Payne, marking a strong result for the McElrea Racing squad.
With six drivers still in with a mathematical chance of taking the Pro-Am class championship heading into the final round, all eyes were on the mid-field battle in the 32-car strong field. After a strong showing in round 5, Marc Cini, again used all of his Porsche experience to control the class taking victory in the evening’s three races.
But it was the consistency and pace of Cini’s Porsche Centre Melbourne teammate, Matthew Belford, who would retain his Championship lead heading into the final round and emerge victorious thanks to two strong podium performances in races 1 and 2.
Graham Williams couldn’t defend his second place in the Pro-Am Championship from Sergio Pires, who would finish ahead of the Melbourne driver by a margin of 40-points.
All three races from Round 5 in Silverstone will be shown on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channel at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening.
Results: Round 6, Silverstone
Race 1
Mobil Pro
- Matthew Payne
- Harri Jones
- Cody Burcher
Pro-Am
- Marc Cini
- Emanuel Palyaris
- Matthew Belford
Race 2
Mobil Pro
- Matthew Payne
- Hugh Barter
- Christian Pancione
Pro-Am
- Mark Cini
- Matthew Belford
- Sergio Pires
Race 3
Mobil Pro
- Matthew Payne
- Cody Burcher
- Aaron Love
Pro-Am
- Marc Cini
- Adrian Flack
- Sergio Pires
Championship classification:
Mobil Pro
- Cooper Murray 924pts
- Matthew Payne 778pts
- Harri Jones 762pts
Pro-Am
- Matthew Belford 745pts
- Sergio Pires 688pts
- Graham Williams 648pts
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NewsSilverstone to decide Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup Pro-Am champion
Six competitors still in with a chance of clinching Pro-Am title in season finale
Thanks to eight dominant victories in the first five rounds, Cooper Murray enters the sixth and final round of the Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Virtual Cup as the Mobil Pro Champion, enjoying a 196-point buffer over McElrea Racing teammate, Harri Jones, in second.
With the absence of both Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans for the final round, expect Matthew Payne and Cody Burcher to again challenge the leading Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup drivers for line honours in tonight’s three sprint races.
By contrast, the Pro-Am battle is still wide open, with the top six drivers in the class standings all having a mathematical chance of clinching the title.
Matthew Belford leads the way after a strong second half to his season, with the ever-present Graham Williams in second – only 40-points behind.
Sergio Pires, Dean Cook, John Goodacre and Marcel Zalloua make-up the remaining quartet still in the hunt, but based on past form, it would require a drastic turn of events for the leading pair to be ousted from the podium, having thus far showed great consistency,.
After technical issues plagued Marc Cini’s campaign in the first three rounds, the last round produced a master class from the seasoned Carrera Cup driver and he will be a favourite for the Pro-Am class victory heading into the Silverstone circuit – which again will be hosted on the iRacing platform.
The Porsche Team entry for crew members from Carrera Cup teams, will be entrusted to Cameron Hill Racing’s Media officer, Lachlan Mansell, who also manages both SimracingOz.com website and Chequered Flag media service.
All three races in the season finale will be broadcast on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channels at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday 17 July.
Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia on Facebook and Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU to keep up-to-date with information about the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia Championship.
Entry list: Round 6 – Silverstone
# | Name | Surname | Class |
1 | Ghost | Driver | Mobil Pro |
2 | Thomas | Maxwell | Mobil Pro |
3 | Will | Bamber | Mobil Pro |
4 | Reid | Harker | Mobil Pro |
5 | Nathan | Murray | Pro-Am |
7 | Ryan | Suhle | Mobil Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am |
10 | Sam | Brabham | Mobil Pro |
11 | Kyle | Gurton | Mobil Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Mobil Pro |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am |
15 | Josh | Hunt | Mobil Pro |
18 | Marcel | Zalloua | Pro-Am |
21 | Cody | Burcher | Mobil Pro |
22 | Jono | Webb | Mobil Pro |
23 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am |
24 | Adrian | Flack | Pro-Am |
25 | Hugh | Barter | Pro-Am |
28 | Aaron | Zerefos | Pro-Am |
30 | David | Ryan | Pro-Am |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Mobil Pro |
55 | Sergio | Pires | Pro-Am |
66 | John | Goodacre | Pro-Am |
67 | Matthew | Payne | Mobil Pro |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Mobil Pro |
78 | Aaron | Love | Mobil Pro |
91 | Emanuel | Palyaris | Pro-Am |
111 | Cameron | Hill | Mobil Pro |
112 | Lachlan | Mansell | Pro-Am |
131 | Graham | Williams | Pro-Am |
777 | Max | Vidau | Mobil Pro |
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NewsEvans finishes in top five in Round 2 of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 2 race review, Spielberg, Austria
Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing) shone at round two of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Red Bull Ring. The Luxembourger took the flag at the Grand Prix circuit in Styria almost four seconds ahead of a trio consisting of Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite) and Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle).
“No one can plan that, everything simply ran perfectly,” said an elated Pereira. With his win, Pereira moves to the top of the points table in the international Supercup, which has represented the pinnacle of Porsche’s one-make cup series since 1993 and is currently contested with 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racers.
Porsche Junior, Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing), the winner of the season-opening round at the same venue, rounded out the top five, moving up three places after a poor qualifying session saw him start the race from eighth.
“I lacked confidence in my car in qualifying,” admitted the New Zealander, “But my goal was to finish in the top five, so at least that worked,” said the New Zealander
2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jordan Love, just missed out on the top 10, but his FACH AUTO TECH Team Principal, Alex Fach, said he could recognize an upward trend.
“It was an extremely difficult start to the season”, Fach explained and added: “But in comparison to the first race a week ago, we’ve made some improvement. Even though results don’t show this at first glance, we’re on the right track.”
Jordan Love delivered the proof with his twelfth in Free Practice, which was a considerable improvement to his start position (18th) in his debut race. The Supercup rookie driver moved forward briefly during the race but fell back to finish 13th, two places behind teammate, Jaap van Lagen (11th).
After two back-to-back races at Spielberg, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup now travels to Hungary, where the third round of the season will be held at the Hungaroring near Budapest next weekend.
Result round 2 Lauf Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Spielberg (A), 17 laps
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 26:08.539 minutes
2. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), + 3.750 seconds
3. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), + 4.342 seconds
4. Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East), + 4.856 seconds
5. Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), + 7.120 seconds
6. Marvin Klein (F/Martinet by Alméras), + 8.860 seconds
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020, Standings after 2 of 8 races
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 45 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/BWT Lechner Racing), 37 points
3. Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East), 31 points
4. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 31 points
5. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 28 points
6. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), 21 points
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NewsMurray dominates penultimate round of Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Virtual Cup
Cooper Murray takes his eighth race victory of the season in Le Mans
Round 5 of the Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup saw Championship leader, Cooper Murray, extend his lead in Mobil Pro class with three hard-fought victories in the three 20-minute virtual sprint races on the iRacing platform.
Murray made a clean start in Race 1 from pole position, to lead Cody Burcher and real-world Le Mans winner, Matt Campbell, into turn 1. The long straights of the iconic French circuit saw drafting playing a key role in the numerous battles through the field, with the front pairing swopping positions on several occasions in the opening laps.
Murray would then drop to fourth behind Burcher, Campbell and Matthew Payne after a mistake onto the pit straight. The front quartet was in a race of their own after an early spin by Ryan Suhle split the chasing pack – Thomas Maxwell again an unlucky opening lap casualty.
Further back, Marc Cini had made his best start of the season to lead the Pro-am class in the early laps and was lying an impressive seventh overall. Cini would run wide and later spin while chasing down Max Vidau, handing Sonic Motor Racing race engineer, Jaidyn Job, the lead which he would hold to the flag.
Cini would hang on for second in class with the ever-consistent Graham Williams in third. At the front, Matt Campbell had made his way past Burcher and while embroiled in the battle for the lead, made contact with the young Formula Ford star, sending both off track and down the order.
This left the door open for Murray and Payne to take the top two positions from Burcher in third. The damage sustained by Campbell as a result of the accident saw him eventually limp home in seventh.
Race 2 saw Murray make a clean start followed by Matthew Payne. The young New Zealand karting ace would make a mistake however, exiting the famed Tertre Rouge and fall down the running order.
Murray and Burcher would then scrap for the next laps for the lead, before the inevitable contact between the pair, saw Burcher again relegated down the order. Murray would go onto claim the race win, with a 7.5-second advantage over his McElrea Racing teammate, Harri Jones, with Campbell recovering to third.
Despite contact with Christian Pancione while ninth, Jaidyn Job would regain the Pro-Am lead from Marc Cini in the second half of the race, with Graham Williams again third in class. Repeating the same results as Race 1.
The final race of the evening saw Campbell spin while following Murray and Jones into the first turn. Job also ran-wide on the same corner, handing the Pro-Am Lead to Sergio Pires.
Jones would eventually lose touch with Murray and fall back into the clutches of Payne. After clearing Jones and gradually closing the gap to Murray, Payne would carry too much speed into the same chicane as Jones did laps later, handing the Helimods driver back second place. The McElrea Racing teammates would hold that advantage to the end of the race, with an unlucky Burcher recovering to third.
Cini would overtake Pires for victory in the Pro-Am class, with Matthew Belford in third – extending his Pro-Am class lead to 40 points over Graham Williams heading into the final round at Silverstone on the 13 July.
All three races from Round 5 will be shown on both the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channel and Facebook page at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening.
Results: Round 5, Le Mans
Race 1
Mobil Pro
- Cooper Murray
- Matthew Payne
- Cody Burcher
Pro-Am
- Jaidyn Job
- Marc Cini
- Graham Williams
Race 2
Mobil Pro
- Cooper Murray
- Harri Jones
- Matt Campbell
Pro-Am
- Jaidyn Job
- Mark Cini
- Graham Williams
Race 3
Mobil Pro
- Cooper Murray
- Harri Jones
- Cody Burcher
Pro-Am
- Marc Cini
- Sergio Pires
- Matthew Belford
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NewsEvans and Love set to contest Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season-opener
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 1 preview, Spielberg, Austria
This weekend, drivers contesting the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will tackle a real-life race for the first time since October 2019. Most of them have spent the last months competing in virtual racing cars. At the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, the 28th season of the international one-make cup gets underway as a support race to the Austrian Grand Prix (3 – 5 July 2020).
The 2020 calendar is made up of eight races, all run alongside the FIA Formula One World Championship. Drivers from twelve countries, including Australia, Guatemala and the USA, will take the wheel of the 485-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. To prepare for the upcoming Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season, two official test days were held at the Red Bull Ring.
“Judging by the two test days in Austria, the fight for the 2020 title will be between a handful of young guns who are known for their spectacular driving style. This means that the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup once again lives up to its key role as the springboard for talented young racing drivers who are eager to become works drivers. Although the competitors will find it strange to race in front of empty grandstands, the line-up this year promises some gripping race action,” said Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, referring to the spectator-free races for the time being.
Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing) set the fastest time at the Spielberg tests. “It felt amazing to finally sit in a real racing car,” says the New Zealander. “I’m perfectly prepared for the start of the season.”
The second Porsche Junior, Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras) from Turkey, still has a score to settle at the Red Bull Ring. “The last time I drove here I got entangled in an accident in the second corner – and that was the end of my race.” Güven is one of the few drivers to claim a victory during the postponement of real races due to the pandemic. Driving for the Porsche Esports Team, he won the GTE class of the virtual “24 Hours of Le Mans” in the digital reproduction of the Porsche 911 RSR.
Reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Champion, Jordan Love, improved from 13th to 10th in the test standings after just two sessions, in his first visit to the Spielberg circuit.
The picturesque panorama of the Styrian Alps makes the 4.318-kilometre-long Red Bull Ring unique on the racing calendar. With the combination of high-speed passages and tight corners, the racetrack is famed for its many overtaking manoeuvres. Last year, Julien Andlauer (F) won the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race on the Styrian circuit.
Round one of the 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes off on Sunday 5 July 2020. Australian fans can enjoy the race via a live stream on F1.com or via the FoxSports broadcast on channel 506.
Broadcast Schedule:
SUNDAY 5
FOX SPORTS 506
Sun 5 Jul 8:23pm – 9:08pm
MONDAY 6
FOX SPORTS 506 HD
Mon 6 Jul 11:30am – 12:15pm
FOX SPORTS 506
Mon 6 Jul 11:30am – 12:15pm
FOX SPORTS 506 HD
Mon 6 Jul 3:45pm – 4:30pm
FOX SPORTS 506
Mon 6 Jul 3:45pm – 4:30pm
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NewsLe Mans winner returns for Round 5 of Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup
Circuit de la Sarthe to host battle royale between Campbell and Murray
The spiritual home of global endurance racing, the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, will host the penultimate round of the Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup.
Porsche holds many enviable records on the French circuit including the most recent GTE-class win at the Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the record for the most Le Mans victories by a constructor at 19.
2016 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Champion, Matt Campbell, also has a strong affiliation with the famous classic after the Queenslander took the victory (together with teammates Christian Ried and Julien Andlauer) in the GTE-Am class aboard the #77 Porsche 911 RSR of Dempsey-Proton Racing in 2018 – notching up the German manufacturer’s 107th class win in the process.
On Monday evening, the country’s top Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car drivers will get the opportunity to race the Porsche factory driver on the Le Mans circuit in Round 5 of Virtual championship – hosted on the iRacing platform.
Heading the challenge to Campbell will be Michelin Junior driver, Cooper Murray, who thanks to a string of early-season victories, currently holds a massive 166-point advantage over McElrea Racing teammate, Harri Jones, in second, with just six races remaining.
Round 4 saw Murray challenged to the line in all three Bathurst races by New Zealand Karting ace, Matthew Payne, and young Formula Ford star, Cody Burcher.
Others to watch in the Mobil Pro class include Josh Hunt, Garth Walden Racing’s Ollie Shannon and Thomas Maxwell, with Jaxon Evans missing the final two rounds of the virtual season due to his ‘real-world’ Porsche Mobil1 Supercup commitments.
The Porsche Asia Pacific Championship will again be well represented by both Reid Harker and Will Bamber, younger brother of Le Mans winner, Earl. While Sam Brabham, son of 2009 Le Mans 24 Hour winner, David Brabham, completes the international line-up.
The Pro-Am battle has been a balance of consistency and attrition this season and the class championship is still wide open, with new leader Matthew Belford only 14-points ahead of Dean Cook and 40-points ahead of John Goodacre.
The Porsche Team entries for Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup crew members have so far produced some of the strongest competitors in the Virtual Cup and this race will see the turn of Sonic Motor Racing Services’ Race Engineer, Jaidyn Job, take the reins.
Post-race highlights of each event will be broadcast on Porsche Motorsport Australia social channels, with all three races broadcast on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Facebook and Youtube channels at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday 03 July.
Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia on Facebook and Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU to keep up-to-date with information about the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia Championship.
Entry list: Round 5 – Le Mans
# | Name | Surname | Class |
1 | Ghost | Driver | Mobil Pro |
2 | Thomas | Maxwell | Mobil Pro |
3 | Will | Bamber | Mobil Pro |
4 | Reid | Harker | Mobil Pro |
5 | Nathan | Murray | Pro-Am |
7 | Ryan | Suhle | Mobil Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am |
10 | Sam | Brabham | Mobil Pro |
11 | Kyle | Gurton | Mobil Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Mobil Pro |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am |
15 | Josh | Hunt | Mobil Pro |
16 | Michael | Patrizi | Mobil Pro |
18 | Marcel | Zalloua | Pro-Am |
21 | Cody | Burcher | Mobil Pro |
22 | Jono | Webb | Mobil Pro |
23 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am |
24 | Adrian | Flack | Pro-Am |
25 | Hugh | Barter | Pro-Am |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Pro-Am |
28 | Aaron | Zerefos | Pro-Am |
30 | David | Ryan | Pro-Am |
34 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Pro-Am |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Mobil Pro |
55 | Sergio | Pires | Pro-Am |
66 | John | Goodacre | Pro-Am |
67 | Matthew | Payne | Mobil Pro |
74 | Jackson | Walls | Mobil Pro |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Mobil Pro |
78 | Aaron | Love | Mobil Pro |
88 | Ollie | Shannon | Mobil Pro |
91 | Emanuel | Palyaris | Pro-Am |
94 | Jaidyn | Job | Pro-Am |
131 | Graham | Williams | Pro-Am |
777 | Max | Vidau | Mobil Pro |
911 | Matt | Campbell | Mobil Pro |
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NewsRevised 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia calendar revealed
Porsche announces revised 2020 Carrera Cup Calendar
Following the first two rounds of the 2020 season in Adelaide and the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit earlier this year, Porsche Motorsport is pleased to announce its revised 2020 calendar for the Carrera Cup season following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The draft calendar dates for the remaining five rounds of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season see Australia’s top one-make Championship return as the premier support race for four Virgin Supercars Championship rounds in 2020, as well as a single Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship round in mid-August.
The revised calendar – which drops from eight rounds to seven – re-starts in Winton on the 18-19 July, before joining The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship program at Sydney Motorsport Park on the 15-16 August.
Teams then head north to Townsville at the end of August – in its new time slot – before returning to Sandown Raceway in mid-September. The season finale will now be held at the Bathurst 1000 on 8-11 October – the last two rounds retaining their original time slots.
Fans and competitors will be able to enjoy extensive broadcast coverage of every Carrera Cup race with Supercars rounds televised both on Fox Sports Channel 506 and free-to-air on Channel 10. The Sydney round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship will be broadcast free-to-air on Channel 7 and live-streamed on the 7 Plus app.
On the announcement, Head of Motorsport at Porsche Cars Australia, Troy Bundy said, “We are pleased to reveal our revised 2020 calendar that will see Porsche brand racing again in Australia, which is something that we are very passionate about. I would like to take the opportunity to thank both Supercars and Motorsport Australia for the support they have given us in developing this great line-up of events for the remainder of this season.”
“We are really looking forward to returning to the track and continuing to provide an excellent show for our fans, customers, teams and partners and we would like to thank them for their patience and support during this time.”
“We are blessed to be able to work with such a great group of people that are as passionate about motorsport as we are and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the track again soon.”
Further details regarding race formats for each round will be announced in the coming weeks.
*Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup – 2020 Revised Calendar
Winton Motor Raceway July 18-19
Sydney Motorsport Park August 15 -16
Townsville August 29-30
Sandown Raceway September 19-20
Bathurst 1000 October 8-11
*All events on the revised calendar are subject to change. Both Porsche Cars Australia and Supercars will ensure that all events are compliant with appropriate State, Territory and Federal regulations as they continue to be updated in response to COVID-19 and otherwise. The stringent guidelines developed by Supercars for each event are based on expert medical advice and the advice of their Australian Government partners (as well as Motorsport Australia) to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all teams, drivers and officials.
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NewsEvans and Love return to real racetracks as the Supercup calendar revs up again
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 2020 season preview
The enforced timeout from racing is over: On 5 July 2020, the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup makes a belated start to the season at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. And the programme is packed: Eight races within less than ten weeks make up the calendar of the one-make cup featuring 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing cars. As always, all races are held as support to the FIA Formula One World Championship.
After a second round in Spielberg one week later, teams head to Budapest followed by two consecutive race weekends at Silverstone before travelling to Barcelona (Spain) and on to Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). The finale is contested at Monza (Italy) on the first weekend in September. Each weekend features a 30-minute sprint race. To prepare for the most compact season in the history of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, official tests will be held at the Red Bull Ring on 23-24 June 2020. Porsche also fields a VIP vehicle at selected rounds of the 2020 season.
“Along with Formula 1, we are trailblazers within Europe with our return to the racetracks. This exceptional situation entails a high degree of responsibility. The health measures required to protect everyone involved pose a major challenge, but we have meticulously prepared for them,” says Oliver Schwab, Project Manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. “I’m looking forward to a shortened but extremely gripping season. As originally planned, the calendar includes eight races. Despite the difficult situation, the grid line-up is just as strong as in previous years. The sporting value of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is still high.”
The two Porsche Juniors for the 2020 season are the New Zealander Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing) and Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras) from Turkey.
“It’s been almost eight months since I last drove the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in Mexico City,” says Evans, who now enters his second season as a Porsche Junior.
“The waiting time has really tested my patience. Words can’t describe how eager I am to finally get into a racing car again. I reckon the 2020 season will be pretty hectic, but I’ve already had a year in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Now I’m driving for another team, but I know all the racetracks so I’m feeling very confident.”
“Over the past months, I’ve been contesting virtual races on a simulator. That was huge fun and great practice,” says Güven, for whom 2020 is his first season as a Porsche Junior. “But now, I can’t wait to drive a real Porsche on a real Grand Prix circuit. The races come in quick succession. I’m anticipating ten weeks of intense pressure. There’ll be no time for recovery or if need be, a mental reboot.”
Joining Evans and Guven is 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jordan Love, who announced his Supercup return earlier this month following a freak surfing accident which broke his hip in three places. All Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races will again be broadcast on FoxSports in 2020.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2020 calendar:
5 July – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg (Austria)
12 July – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg (Austria)
19 July – Hungaroring, Budapest (Hungary)
2 August – Silverstone (Great Britain)
9 August – Silverstone (Great Britain)
16 August – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona (Spain)
30 August – Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
6 September – Autodromo Nazionale Monza (Italy)
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NewsBurcher, Payne and Collins share the spoils in Bathurst
Murray increases Championship lead in Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Virtual Cup
Following three thrilling iRacing rounds in Europe and the United States, the top Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers turned their attention to the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit for round four of the Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup.
After amassing seven victories from nine races so far this virtual season, many wondered if Championship leader, Cooper Murray, would continue his winning form in Bathurst.
With both Jaxon Evans and Matt Campbell, sitting out this round after an arduous Virtual 24 Hour Le Mans schedule on the weekend – which saw the German sports car manufacturer claim victory in the GTE Class – Murray was a strong favourite to continue his winning streak.
But after the 20-minute qualifying session early on Monday evening, it was clear that the Melbourne resident’s steepest opposition in this round would be from rising young Formula Ford star, Cody Burcher, as well as New Zealand karting ace Matthew Payne – who had both challenged Murray on separate occasions already this season.
Payne and Burcher would proceed to lock-out the front row for Race 1, recording times more than 0.6 secs faster than Murray and his McElrea Racing teammate, Harri Jones.
There was also an impressive performance in the Pro-Am field by Ashley Seward Motorsport mechanic, Andrew Collins, who qualified in fifth overall on debut – over 1.2 seconds faster than his nearest class rival.
Race 1 would see the top five make a clean start before Burcher overtook the young Kiwi into Quarry corner on the opening lap. With Murray, Jones and Collins in close attendance, the top five cars quickly amassed a 4.5-sec gap over Ollie Shannon and Sam Brabham.
Jones would be the next to lose touch with the leading trio, after swerving to avoid a spinning backmarker. Collins meanwhile, had built-up a commanding lead in the Pro-Am battle over Matthew Belford, David Ryan and John Goodacre.
With five minutes remaining, Burcher and Payne were glued together with Murray just hanging on in third. Jones and Collins, by contrast, were having relatively lonely races, occupying fourth and fifth respectively.
The inevitable contact came between the two young guns in the dying laps though, when Payne nudged Burcher wide into turn two, and sportingly redressed straight away to stay in second position.
Burcher would succumb to the pressure moments later though, out braking himself into the pit straight on the final lap, dropping him to third behind Murray. This left Payne to take a well-earned victory, with the front pair, yet again, crossing the line with less than half a second between them.
Jones and Collins would retain their fourth and fifth positions over the line, while Marc Cini would post his best result of the season with second place in the Pro-Am class, ahead of both Belford and Goodacre.
Payne would make another clean start in Race 2 and take a defensive line to keep Murray behind him on the opening lap. Murray would out-brake himself into The Chase just laps later, dropping the Phase 8 driver down the order.
After gradually building a lead of 1.6secs over Burcher, it was then Payne’s turn to make a mistake from the lead dropping him to tenth position. In the remaining laps, he would recover to fourth with Burcher taking the race win ahead of Jones and Murray.
Collins would repeat his race 1 win ahead of Belford and Sergio Pires in the Pro-Am class, with Belford earning valuable points for his championship fight with Dean Cook.
Jones would make a poor start in Race 3, losing a position to Payne and tangling with Maxwell on the exit of Turn 1. Burcher unfazed by the carnage behind him quickly built a 1.2-second lead, while Payne would overtake Murray for second.
By the halfway mark, only 0.6 seconds split the top three, with Shannon a further 13 seconds back in fourth.
Unlike Collins, Pires and Zalloua had escaped the early carnage to lead the Pro-Am field from both Goodacre and Belford. But the quartet was gradually caught and passed by a recovering Collins in the dying laps of the race. Collins would go onto claim his third class win of the night in convincing fashion, coming home ahead of Goodacre, Pires and Belford.
At the front of the Mobil Pro field, Murray had lost touch with the front pair by the final laps. Burcher then pressured Payne into a mistake exiting The Chase.
This allowed Burcher to take the outside line and undercut Payne onto the pit straight. He would go onto hold this lead until the end of the race, followed home by Payne, Murray, Shannon and Josh Hunt.
All three races from Round 4 in Bathurst will be shown on both the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channel and Facebook page at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening.
Results: Round 4, Bathurst
Race 1
Mobil Pro
- Matthew Payne
- Cooper Murray
- Cody Burcher
Pro-Am
- Andrew Collins
- Marc Cini
- Matthew Belford
Race 2
Mobil Pro
- Cody Burcher
- Harri Jones
- Cooper Murray
Pro-Am
- Andrew Collins
- Matthew Belford
- Sergio Pires
Race 3
Mobil Pro
- Cody Burcher
- Matthew Payne
- Cooper Murray
Pro-Am
- Andrew Collins
- John Goodacre
- Sergio Pires
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NewsPorsche wins GTE class at the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans
Race GTE, virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans, France
The newly founded Porsche Esports Team has won the first edition of the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the hands of works driver Nick Tandy (Great Britain) and Porsche-Junior Ayhancan Güven (Turkey) as well as the professional sim racers Josh Rogers (Australia) and Tommy Östgaard (Norway), the digital version of the 2017-spec 911 RSR took the flag in first place on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit des 24 Heures after a total of 339 laps. In the GTE class, they crossed the finish line after a flawless marathon sprint twice around the clock with a one-lap lead over the second-placed crew.
Exactly 50 years after Porsche’s first overall victory at the real classic, the quartet now adds to the success of Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood. On June 14, 1970, the German-British duo won the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of the 917 KH. With a total of 19 overall wins at the endurance season highlight, Porsche has notched up more victories than any other manufacturer to date. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the real Le Mans 24 Hours has been postponed to the 19/20 September.
Porsche tackled the digital event with four virtual 911 RSR. Each car was crewed by two real racing drivers and two esports professionals from the Coanda Simracing team. From the very beginning, the driver crew of the No. 93 car proved particularly competitive. After a strong start for Dempsey-Proton’s No. 88 Porsche 911 RSR, Tandy – the 2015 Le Mans overall winner – handed the car off to Östgaard and after a good four hours, they swept into the lead. Putting in a remarkably steady drive, both Güven and Rogers extended their lead, and not even two pit stops due to technical problems could halt their charge. At around 6.15am with the rising sun, 20-year-old Rogers also turned the fastest race lap in the GTE class in 3:48.203 minutes.
The No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR was also on a steady course for a podium spot, only to have works driver Matt Campbell (Australia), Porsche-Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand), Mack Bakkum (Netherlands) and Jeremy Bouteloup (France) fall victim to a server error almost an hour before the end of the race. They reached the finish line ranking 11th in the GTE class.
Another candidate for a top-three finish was the No. 91 car, driven by the two Porsche Formula E works drivers André Lotterer (Germany) and Neel Jani (Switzerland) as well as the American Mitchell de Jong and Martti Pietilä from Finland. After running in the top four until the early hours of the morning, a server problem while changing drivers cost valuable time just as they were about to head into the final third of the race. For them, the digital Le Mans concluded in 12th place.
Bad luck plagued works drivers Simona de Silvestro (Switzerland) and Patrick Pilet (France) as well as sim racers Martin Krönke (Germany) and David Williams (Great Britain). De Silvestro became entangled in an accident after just 30 minutes and fell far down the field. Pilet’s crash midway through the race then threw them out of contention.
Comments on the race
Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Porsche Motorsport): „In the virtual world of racing, as well, meticulous preparation and total concentration over more than 24 hours contributed to this great result. My heartfelt thanks to Marco Ujhasi, the drivers and the entire Porsche Esports Team.“
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “That was a dream weekend for Porsche – what better way is there to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s first overall victory at Le Mans than to win the GTE class at the inaugural edition of the virtual 24-hour race? Congratulations to all drivers and particularly to the crew of the No. 93 Porsche 911 RSR. My sincere thanks as well to the fledgling Porsche Esports Team. The hard work of the last days and weeks has paid off. Congratulations as well to the ACO and the WEC for organising such a great event within just a few short weeks. Our endurance fans couldn’t have wished for a better replacement for the originally planned real Le Mans race. This event made us even more eager to tackle the postponed race in September.”
Marco Ujhasi (Manager Esports Porsche Motorsport): “I’m particularly proud that we were able to win as the Porsche Esports Team today. For me and many others, the story behind it began years ago: in 2013 we won Le Mans with the 911 RSR on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911. In 2018, the victory coincided with the ,70 Years of Porsche Sports Cars‘ celebration. And now, exactly 50 years after Porsche’s first overall Le Mans victory, we secured the GTE class win at the inaugural virtual edition. This was not only thanks to the four drivers in the number 93 car but also to a 30-strong team. And we also have to acknowledge our partners, Coanda Simsport and Peter Dimov, the founder of the Virtual Racing School, for this great success. Thank you so much. And now we’ll celebrate. In real-life.”
Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “This win is balm for the soul. We have some very difficult months behind us. The long break without real racing was and is a real strain for everyone at Porsche Motorsport, as well as for the fans and the drivers. For this reason, the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans was a brilliant initiative to revive motor racing. On this very day five years ago, I climbed to the top step of the podium as the overall Le Mans winner. Now to win the virtual race, it doesn’t get much better!”
Ayhancan Güven (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “That was pretty nerve-wracking in the final hours, I hardly dared to look, but it all went well. Victory feels great, especially since we’ve had some extremely exhausting weeks of preparation. The perfect teamwork paid off, and we deserve this win. We were definitely the fastest GTE vehicle in the field throughout the race. My first win at Le Mans is a virtual one – hopefully, I’ll be able to compete in the real race one day.”
Joshua Rogers (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “I don’t know what to say – we put so much work into this project over the last few weeks. It’s a massive team effort. Our weekend started very well with pole position. This allowed us to keep out of trouble at the start of the race and then we only had to turn our laps. We also managed to avoid mistakes when lapping slower cars and we tried to build on our lead as much as possible. Our strategy worked perfectly.”
Tommy Östgaard (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “This was an incredible race, everything ran perfectly for our car from start to finish. We were unlucky with the two red flags, but we’d prepared for every situation and stayed cool. Everyone at Porsche and Coanda made an incredible effort to ensure we could pull it off in the end. We were the quickest car and we made no mistakes. Once again, Porsche is writing Motorsport history, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of it.”
Jaxon Evans (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “Wow, what an event – from the intensive four-week preparation window to the final hours of the race itself. It was a privilege to start the race in the #92 Porsche Esports Team entry. We knew we had the speed across all team members to be within podium contention come Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately with 90 minutes remaining, we had a network failure – taking us out of podium contention. Surviving the chaos proved to be difficult, we had everything thrown at us – but we continued to fight on. A massive applause to not only the #92 crew – but everyone behind the scenes!”
André Lotterer (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “I was really excited to contest the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans and was impressed by how realistic it was and also by the new Porsche Esports Team. It was very professional. I learned a lot from the esports world. Unfortunately, things didn’t go so well for us because a few glitches on the sim platform threw a spanner in the works. A podium result would have been within reach. Driving was great fun, although sometimes it wasn’t easy. I think I’d do it again.”
Simona de Silvestro (Porsche 911 RSR #94): “We got off to a good start but unfortunately an ex-Formula 1 world champion shunted me off the track after just 30 minutes. The repairs needed to get us back on track cost us 90 seconds. There was a heavy thunderstorm at my home in Switzerland overnight. The result: my internet connection dropped out and it took me five minutes to get back on the server. We were running far behind when Patrick ended up in the gravel and got stuck. Unfortunately, there are no virtual salvage vehicles in the simulation, so our race ended early. What a shame.”
Result LMP2 class
1. Deletraz/Marciello/Wisniewski/Brzezinski (CH/I/POL/POL), Oreca 07 LMP2, 371 laps
2. Dillmann/Guerrieri/Simoncic/Pedersen (F/ARG/SLO/DK), Oreca 07 LMP2, 371 laps
3. Canapino/Aitken/Arana/Romanidis (ARG/GB/E/GR), Oreca 07 MP2, 371 laps
Result GTE class:
1. Tandy/Güven/Rogers/Östgaard (GB/TR/AUS/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 339 laps
2. Thiim/Westbrook/Sörensen/Biancolilla (DK/GB/DK/I), Aston Martin Vantage, 338 laps
3. Juncadella/Beche/Jajovski/Kappet (E/CH/NMK/EST), Corvette C7.R, 337 laps
5. Pera/Hartog/Francesconi/van Dooren (I/NL/I/NL), Porsche 911 RSR, 337 laps
9. Pereira/Olsen/Neuendorf/Siara (LUX/N/D/POL), Porsche 911 RSR, 335 laps
11. Evans/Campbell/Bakkum/Bouteloup (NZ/AUS/NL/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 333 laps
12. Lotterer/Jani/DeJong/Pietilä (D/CH/USA/FIN), Porsche 911 RSR, 333 laps
16. Hörr/Kolkmann/Giusa/Müller (D/D/D/D), Porsche 911 RSR, 325 laps
DNF Barker/Watson/Maguire/Masciulli (GB/GB/IRL/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 324 laps
DNF Pilet/de Silvestro/Krönke/Williams (F/CH/D/GB), Porsche 911 RSR, 166 laps
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NewsRogers puts Porsche on Pole in qualifying for the virtual Le Mans race
Four Porsche 911 RSRs in front in qualifying for the virtual Le Mans race
The Porsche Esports Team takes up the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday from pole position in the GTE-class. After the 20-minute qualifying session, four 911 RSR cars locked out the first four grid spots, with a total of six Porsche cars placed in the top ten. Joshua Rogers clocked the best time on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit des 24 Heures in 3:46.550 minutes.
The Australian topped the time charts in all three sectors, albeit not in the same lap. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old driving the No. 93 RSR relegated his American teammate Mitchell deJong to second place by 0.632 seconds.
The second grid row is occupied by the No. 88 Porsche campaigned by Dempsey-Proton Racing driven by Kevin van Dooren from the Netherlands, and the Frenchman Jeremy Bouteloup in the factory squad’s third 911 RSR.
Bouteloup is paired with Porsche Junior, Jaxon Evans, and Australian Porsche factory driver, Matt Campbell in the #92 911 RSR entry. While David Williams rounds off the result for Porsche with sixth place in the #94 car.
The virtual 24 Hour of Le Mans gets underway on Saturday, 13 June at 3pm (CEST). Each of the four 911 RSR cars in the Porsche factory Esports Team is shared by two professional sim racers and two works drivers, including the three overall winners of the real long-distance classic, Neel Jani (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Nick Tandy (GB).
Motorsport fans can follow the race as a live stream at motorsports.porsche.com, which is supplemented by background reports on the Porsche Esports Team. The Porsche channels on YouTube, Instagram and Twitch offer exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the paddock of the Porsche works squad. Moreover, the digital race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hour of Le Mans can be viewed on YouTube, with the Le Mans 24 Hours also shown on Facebook and Twitch.
Qualifying quotes
Marco Ujhasi (Manager Esports at Porsche Motorsport): “What a great start for our fledgling Porsche Esports Team. We worked hard during the past weeks and, thanks to perfect teamwork, we managed to fully incorporate the experiences from the real and virtual racing world. The significantly higher grip conditions didn’t surprise us and enabled this fantastic result in today’s qualifying. Now we’re going to have a virtual dinner together and then we’ll turn our full attention to preparing for the race.”
Joshua Rogers (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “Wow. That was one of the best laps I’ve ever done. I made a few mistakes, particularly in the last chicane. But now I’m on pole, and I even beat my teammate, Mitchell. I couldn’t have expected anything more in the quali. All in all, that was a strong team effort. We’re looking forward to the race. Starting on the front row makes it a little easier but it’s not the be-all and end-all in a 24-hour race.”
Mitchell deJong (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “I’m very happy I could put the number 91 car on second place and to have a front-row Porsche lockout in the GTE class. I’m thrilled that the race gets underway soon with Neel Jani taking the car to the green flag. We’re in a great position to fight for some fantastic results.”
Jeremy Bouteloup (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “Things went okay in the number 92 Porsche Esports 911 RSR. I’m not entirely satisfied with my performance although both of my attempts were decent and safe enough for place four. This is just one small part of the job and we’re looking forward to doing most of it in the race.”
David Williams (Porsche 911 RSR #94): “To lock out the front row and have four cars in the top six overall is an incredible result for the whole team! I was a little conservative on my first run and a bit scrappy on my second but still very happy to put the number 94 car in sixth position for the race.”
Result Porsche participants
- Joshua Rogers/Nick Tandy/Ayhancan Güven/Tommy Östgaard (AUS/GB/TR/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:46,550 min
- Mitchell DeJong/André Lotterer/Neel Jani/Martin Pietilä (USA/D/CH/FIN), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:47,182 min
- Kevin van Dooren/Riccardo Pera/Loek Hartog/Michael Francesconi (NL/I/NL/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:47,819 min
- Jeremy Bouteloup/Jaxon Evans/Matt Campbell/Mack Bakkum (F/NZ/AUS/NL), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:47,965 min
- David Williams/Patrick Pilet/Simona de Silvestro/Martin Krönke (GB/F/CH/D), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:48,213 min
- Zbigniew Siara/Dylan Pereira/Matteo Cairoli/Tim Neuendorf (POL/LUX/I/D), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:48,897 min
- Adam Maguire/Ben Barker/Andrew Watson/Eros Masciulli (IRL/GB/GB/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:48,931 min
- Danny Giusa/Laurents Hörr/David Kolkmann/ Lukas Müller (D/D/D/D), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:50,226 min
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NewsBathurst to host Round 4 of Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup
The best local and international Porsche drivers do battle on Mount Panorama
After three thrilling virtual rounds, the country’s best Porsche Mobil Pro and Pro-Am drivers take on the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit on the iRacing platform for Round 4 of the Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup.
At the mid-point of the season, present and former McElrea Racing drivers occupy the top three positions in the Mobil Pro class overall. After six classy victories from the last six races, Cooper Murray has built up a 72-point advantage over Porsche Junior international driver, Jaxon Evans.
Evans has challenged Murray in all three rounds to date, but has not been able to close the gap to the dominant Melbourne resident in the overall leader board.
Murray’s real world teammate, Harri Jones, occupies third spot- a further 63-points behind Evans – with three rounds remaining. With Porsche factory driver, Matt Campbell, unavailable for the Bathurst races on Monday evening – following his participation in the Virtual Le Mans 24-Hour this weekend – the top three are likely to again be challenged by the likes of Callum Hedge and Matthew Payne for race honours.
Others in contention include Christian Pancione and Porsche Asia Pacific regulars Will Bamber and Reid Harker, with the likes of the UK’s Sam Brabham and Bathurst winner, Jono Webb regularly in the top 10.
In the Pro-Am class, Matthew Belford will be looking to replicate the form he showed in Monza last time out and close the gap to the ever-consistent form of Dean Cook and Graham Williams, who share the top two class positions.
Others to watch include John Goodacre and Brett Boulton, having both shown strong pace at various points of the Virtual Cup season so far.
Post-race highlights of each event will be broadcast on Porsche Motorsport Australia social channels, with all three races broadcast on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Facebook and Youtube channels at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday 19 June.
Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia on Facebook and Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU to keep up-to-date with information about the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia Championship.
Entry list: Round 4 – Bathurst
# | Name | Surname | Class |
1 | Ghost | Driver | Mobil Pro |
2 | Thomas | Maxwell | Mobil Pro |
3 | Will | Bamber | Mobil Pro |
4 | Reid | Harker | Mobil Pro |
5 | Nathan | Murray | Pro-Am |
7 | Ryan | Suhle | Mobil Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am |
10 | Sam | Brabham | Mobil Pro |
11 | Kyle | Gurton | Mobil Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Mobil Pro |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am |
15 | Josh | Hunt | Mobil Pro |
16 | Michael | Patrizi | Mobil Pro |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Mobil Pro |
18 | Marcel | Zalloua | Pro-Am |
21 | Cody | Burcher | Mobil Pro |
22 | Jono | Webb | Mobil Pro |
23 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am |
25 | Hugh | Barter | Pro-Am |
27 | Liam | Talbot | Pro-Am |
28 | Aaron | Zerefos | Pro-Am |
29 | Rob | Woods | Pro-Am |
30 | David | Ryan | Pro-Am |
34 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Pro-Am |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Mobil Pro |
37 | Tony | Quinn | Pro-Am |
55 | Sergio | Pires | Pro-Am |
66 | John | Goodacre | Pro-Am |
67 | Matthew | Payne | Mobil Pro |
74 | Jackson | Walls | Mobil Pro |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Mobil Pro |
84 | Brett | Boulton | Pro-Am |
88 | Ollie | Shannon | Mobil Pro |
91 | Emanuel | Palyaris | Pro-Am |
96 | Joey | Mawson | Mobil Pro |
131 | Graham | Williams | Pro-Am |
777 | Max | Vidau | Mobil Pro |
912 | Jaxon | Evans | Mobil Pro |
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NewsJordan Love prepares for Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season after a freak hip injury
Reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Champion given the all-clear after surfing accident
2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jordan Love, has been given the all-clear to travel and compete in the 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season, after a freak surfing accident.
Based at his family home in Western Australia during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, Love fell badly while surfing, cracking his hip bone in three places.
Love recalls, “I knew straight away I had done something bad to my hip. I have never felt pain quite like that before. After I finally got dragged out of the water, I was taken to the hospital by ambulance. I knew it was broken straight away because my hip bone was sticking out, so it was never going to be good. Scans showed the extent of the injury and that my hip needed to be operated on. Luckily it was the top of my hip bone and not near the joint.”
After undergoing surgery to reassemble his hip with a plate and two screws 60mm in length, Love spent four nights in hospital.
“After breaking my hand last year in that crash in Darwin, I was lucky I had someone to call who knew me and what needed to happen to get me back into the car as soon as possible,” Love said.
With two weeks of rest and recovery following the operation, Love is making great progress to get his mobility and strength back to where it needs to be to get into his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. While Love has been given the all-clear to re-join his Fach Auto Tech team in Europe in time for the start of the Supercup season, his injuries will present some challenges and pain in competition this year.
“If there was a year to have a freak accident, this was the one.” Love said in jest of his first international season abroad.
“But now that the Supercup season calendar has been concreted in, I’m very excited to get back into it. This year was always about preparation for next year, with a new team, new tracks and completely new competition. I expect it to be a year with a lot of learning, but a challenge I’m extremely excited for.”
Having not been in a car since attending the Porsche Junior Shootout in November last year will also present its challenges for Love. The back-to-back rounds at the same tracks in the revised 2020 Supercup calendar, will be something new for all the rookie drivers this year.
The revised 2020 Porsche Mobil1 Supercup season gets underway as the support race for the opening FIA Formula One Grand Prix at Spielberg in Austria on the 3-5 July.
Revised 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar
Round 1 – Spielberg, Austria – 3-5 July
Round 2 – Spielberg, Austria – 10-12 July
Round 3 – Budapest, Hungary – 17-19 July
Round 4 – Silverstone, Great Britain – 31 July-02 August
Round 5 – Silverstone, Great Britain – 07-09 August
Round 6 – Barcelona, Spain – 14-16 August
Round 7 – Spa, Belgium – 28-30 August
Round 8 – Monza, Italy – 04-06 September
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NewsMurray dominates Round 3 of the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup
Cooper Murray extends Virtual Championship lead in a dominant performance at Monza
Following two split-second photo finishes in Round 2 in Daytona, the close racing continued between the country’s best Porsche drivers in Monza for Round 3 of the Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup.
Championship leader, Cooper Murray claimed his sixth victory in a row, and by doing so, extends his Mobil Pro Championship lead to 72 points over Porsche Junior driver, Jaxon Evans in second.
As in Daytona, the slipstreaming effect among the field’s front runners in the Mobil Pro class was again a factor in the lead changes on the long straights and sweeping turns which characterize the famous Grand Prix Circuit at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
Murray signalled his intentions early, topping the practice timesheets, 0.3 seconds clear of young go-karter, Matthew Payne and Porsche factory driver Matt Campbell. The Phase 8 McElrea Racing driver would start Race 1 in second behind young, Formula Ford star Cody Burcher.
The field’s usual suspects in Payne and Campbell rounded out the top four positions respectively, with the quartet promising to resume the tight, on track tussle they displayed in Daytona.
Burcher made the best of his pole position off-the-line to lead Murray and Evans (who started from fifth) on the first lap. Harri Jones and Campbell lost touch with leading trio midway through the first lap, after the front pack was split avoiding a spinning Aaron Love.
With Murray, Burcher and Evans swopping positions lap-after-lap, it would be Murray who would take the lead a final time and defend the position to the flag. The Pro-Am field, by contrast, was more spread out by the end of the first 20-minute sprint race, with Matthew Belford coming home over 20 seconds ahead of Graham Williams and John Goodacre.
Belford was able to repeat his winning performance in Race 2, coming home four seconds ahead of the Porsche Team entry of McElrea Racing’s Jamie Ross on that occasion, with Sergio Pires in third.
In the Mobil Pro field, Evans would make the best from the front row but out-brake himself into turn 1, handing the lead and advantage to Murray, Jones and Burcher. Campbell and Payne would also clash in the early laps dropping the pair down the 40-car field and out of contention for the remainder of the round.
As the race progressed, both Murray and Burcher would overtake Jones, while Evans would lose ground after making contact with a lapped backmarker.
The race was settled when Murray and Burcher made contact in the final stages, with Burcher running wide as a result. Evans meanwhile, would recover to second position after Jones spun on the final lap.
The final race of the evening would again see Evans lead off-the-line from and run wide into the first turn. The Porsche Junior would then clash with another backmarker mid-race dropping him to fourth behind Murray, Burcher and Jones.
Unlike the first two races, Murray was never challenged and by the end of the race crossed the line over four seconds ahead of Burcher.
After a huge start-line pile-up at the rear of the field, Pro-Am Championship leader, Dean Cook would emerge unscathed to take the class win from Marcel Zalloua and Emanual Palyaris. Cook now holds a 37-point lead over Graham Williams heading into Round 4. Round 4 of the Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Virtual Cup will take place on the 15 June at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst.
All three races from Round 3 in Monza will be shown on both the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channel and Facebook page at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening.
Results: Round 3, Monza
Race 1
Mobil Pro
- Cooper Murray
- Jaxon Evans
- Cody Burcher
Pro-Am
- Matthew Belford
- Graham Williams
- John Goodacre
Race 2
Mobil Pro
- Cooper Murray
- Jaxon Evans
- Cody Burcher
Pro-Am
- Matthew Belford
- Jamie Ross
- Sergio Pires
Race 3
Mobil Pro
- Cooper Murray
- Cody Burcher
- Harri Jones
Pro-Am
- Dean Cook
- Marcel Zalloua
- Emanuel Palyaris
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NewsPorsche announces dates and details for 2020 Junior Shootout
Porsche confirms details and Michelin Juniors in contention for the 2020 Junior Shootout nomination
Following a two month break in global motorsport – due the unprecedented steps implemented across the globe to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – Porsche Motorsport has announced the dates for the Porsche Junior Shootout in 2020 after global restrictions start to ease.
The announcement also reaffirms that the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme will again resume, once the country’s premier one-make Championship returns to race tracks in the coming months.
The scheduled dates for Porsche Junior Shootout are 01 to the 04 December and as in 2019, will again take place at an undisclosed European race track. Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jordan Love, attended the 2019 Shootout at the Portimao circuit in Portugal which opened the door for the West Australian to join the Fach Auto Tech team for the 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season.
The main goal for all Michelin Junior drivers in Australia is an opportunity to be nominated to attend the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout. The Shootout continues to play a crucial role in the development of the best emerging talent globally and is seen as the benchmark pathway for talented drivers to progress to the highest level, following in the footsteps of Porsche factory driver Matt Campbell and Porsche Junior driver, Jaxon Evans.
The driver who wins the Michelin Junior competition in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be nominated to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout at the end of the 2020 season.
Earlier this year five of the most talented young drivers in Australia were selected as Michelin Juniors for the 2020 season. That list included current both Mobil Pro Championship leader, Cooper Murray, and Albert Park Round winner, Cameron Hill together with Sonic Motor Racing teammates Aaron Love and Max Vidau, as well as 2019 Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion, Harri Jones.
Porsche Cars Australia will also include three young drivers from the Michelin Sprint Challenge field in the Junior Program for 2020. This includes McElrea Racing teammates Christian Pancione and Ryan Suhle as well as Sonic Motor Racing’s young Formula Ford graduate, Courtney Prince.
To be eligible as a Michelin Junior in 2020, Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers must be aged under 23 as of January 01, 2020, while Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup drivers must be aged under 25 as of January 01, 2020.
All Michelin Juniors in each series must commit to a full season and carry additional Michelin Junior branding on their racing apparel and Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. All eligible young drivers across both Michelin Sprint Challenge and Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup, will have access to a significant prize pool for the 2020 season, which they earn through their overall round results achieved throughout the season.
Further details regarding the revised 2020 calendar and start date for both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series will be announced in the coming weeks.
VIDEO LINK: Porsche Michelin Junior Programme 2019 review: https://youtu.be/CB1OHplS3jI
VIDEO LINK: Porsche Michelin Junior Training Days 2019: https://youtu.be/cquPduF6iqw
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NewsDavid Reynolds to make Porsche return in Round 3 of Virtual Cup
Former Carrera Cup champion to take on the best local and international Porsche drivers in Monza
2007 Porsche Carrera Cup Champion, David Reynolds will get behind the wheel of a virtual Porsche 911 Cup car on Monday evening when the Penrite Racing Supercar driver lines up against the best local and international Porsche drivers in the Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup.
Round 3 of the online championship takes place on the Autodromo Nazionale Monza Grand Prix circuit on the iRacing platform over three scheduled 20-minute sprint races. The fixed set-up races will all be held on clear sunny conditions, in contrast to the series’ first night races in Daytona last time out.
So far the race action has been intense with multiple lead changes and photo finishes characterizing the last two Porsche Virtual Cup races. Round 3 should be no different with the slipstreaming effect down Monza’s long straights sure to provide plenty of action in both the Mobil Pro and Pro-Am classes.
At the sharp end of the field, the Phase 8 McElrea Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car of Cooper Murray leads the Mobil Pro Championship after showing blistering pace and consistency at every round. The young Melbourne driver is expected to resume his lap-by-lap battle with young NZ karting star, Matthew Payne, as well as international Porsche stars, Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans.
Harri Jones, Callum Hedge and Christian Pancione have all shown they have the pace too, to take line honours with strong performances in each of the first two rounds.
Pro-Am class leader, Dean Cook will have a good opportunity to increase his class lead over Graham Williams and John Goodacre in Monza, with second-placed Rob Woods unfortunately not available. Woods was just five points adrift of Cook heading into the Italian round.
The Virtual Cup Team entry for Round 3 – which affords nominated crew members of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup teams to compete – will be entrusted to Jamie Ross from McElrea Racing. Timothy McReynolds of Wall Racing impressed all in the Team entry, taking two Pro-Am victories in the last round.
Other debutants joining the 39-car field for the first time in Monza include Formula Ford rising star, Cody Burcher and NZ V8 Super Touring car driver, Alexandra Whitley.
Post-race highlights of each event will be broadcast on Porsche Motorsport Australia social channels, with all three races broadcast on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Facebook and Youtube channels at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening.
Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia on Facebook and Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU to keep up-to-date with information about the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia Championship.
Entry list: Round 3 – Monza
Racing # | First Name | Last Name | Class |
1 | Ghost | Driver | Mobil Pro |
2 | Thomas | Maxwell | Mobil Pro |
4 | Reid | Harker | Mobil Pro |
5 | Nathan | Murray | Pro-Am |
7 | Ryan | Suhle | Mobil Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am |
10 | Sam | Brabham | Mobil Pro |
11 | Kyle | Gurton | Mobil Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Mobil Pro |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am |
15 | Josh | Hunt | Mobil Pro |
16 | Michael | Patrizi | Mobil Pro |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Mobil Pro |
18 | Marcel | Zalloua | Pro-Am |
19 | Alex | Davidson | Mobil Pro |
20 | Alexandra | Whitley | Pro-Am |
21 | Cody | Burcher | Pro-Am |
22 | Jono | Webb | Mobil Pro |
23 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am |
30 | David | Ryan | Pro-Am |
34 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Mobil Pro |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Mobil Pro |
37 | Tony | Quinn | Pro-Am |
55 | Sergio | Pires | Pro-Am |
66 | John | Goodacre | Pro-Am |
67 | Matthew | Payne | Mobil Pro |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Mobil Pro |
77 | Michael | Almond | Mobil Pro |
78 | Aaron | Love | Mobil Pro |
84 | Brett | Boulton | Pro-Am |
88 | Ollie | Shannon | Mobil Pro |
91 | Emanuel | Palyaris | Pro-Am |
92 | Jamie | Ross | Pro-Am |
96 | Joey | Mawson | Mobil Pro |
99 | David | Reynolds | Mobil Pro |
111 | Cameron | Hill | Mobil Pro |
131 | Graham | Williams | Pro-Am |
777 | Max | Vidau | Mobil Pro |
911 | Matt | Campbell | Mobil Pro |
912 | Jaxon | Evans | Mobil Pro |
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NewsPodium result for Van Gisbergen and Porsche in IMSA iRacing Pro Series
Podium result for Porsche at the virtual Virginia International Raceway
Porsche has notched up another success at round five of the IMSA iRacing Pro Series on the virtual Virginia International Raceway in Alton (USA). The New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen concluded the 90-minute race on second place at the wheel of the No. 97 Porsche 911 RSR. Works driver Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium was stymied by bad luck. After a strong qualifying performance, the reigning champion of the real IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was thrown far down the field after touching another car in lap one. The American Shinya Mishimi put in another impressive drive to finish fourth at the wheel of his No. 86 Porsche 911 RSR.
Van Gisbergen, who stars in the Australian Supercars Championship, had taken up the virtual race from fifth on the grid with the Porsche 911 RSR entered by the AIM Vasser Sullivan team. Over the race distance, the experienced touring car driver kept out of trouble and, with patience and oversight, held a steady course for the podium. Shortly before the end of the penultimate round of the IMSA iRacing Pro Series, the 31-year-old from Auckland profited from several incidents among the frontrunners to ultimately take the flag in second after 50 laps, just 4.957 seconds behind the winner.
For the Porsche works driver Vanthoor, the dream of scoring a top result in the sim racing competition on the tradition-steep 5.26-kilometre circuit was shattered early on. Starting from the fourth grid spot, the Belgium became entangled in an incident in the first lap and dropped back to 34th place. Putting in a spirited charge, Vanthoor worked his way back up to twelfth place by the mid-way mark, only to have a pit stop and subsequent damage repairs undo his good work. The 29-year-old Belgian, who lives in the German town of Waiblingen, finished his race on P38.
The sixth and final race on the IMSA iRacing Pro Series calendar takes place on 11 June at the virtual and venerable track of Watkins Glen (USA).
<strong>Comments on the race</strong>
<strong>Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #912):</strong> “I was extremely unlucky in this race. My qualifying result was strong; position four was great progress for me compared to the previous sim racing competitions. I deliberately tried to keep out of any trouble in the starting phase. I kept well clear of the other drivers, but then a typical phenomenon of online racing threw everything into disarray. Some driver close to me apparently had a poor internet connection. The iRacing platform then assesses some situations as contact, when in fact there was none. In the replay, you can see that I didn’t touch anyone. I suddenly spun like crazy and was hit by several cars. That was the end of that.”
<strong>Results Porsche participants</strong>
2. Shane van Gisbergen (NZ), Porsche 911 RSR #97, 50 laps
4. Shinya Michimi (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #86, 50 laps
11. Corey Lewis (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #48, 50 laps
12. Benjamin Waddell (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #98, 50 laps
20. Kyle Masson (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #38, 50 laps
27. Michael de Quesada (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #014, 48 laps
29. Scott Hargrove (CDN), Porsche 911 RSR #92, 47 laps
33. Robert Wickens (CDN), Porsche 911 RSR #9, 41 laps
34. AJ Allmendinger (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #60, 36 laps
35. James Vance (CDN), Porsche 911 RSR #32, 33 laps
38. Laurens Vanthoor (B), Porsche 911 RSR #912, 29 laps
39. Riley Dickinson (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #53, 28 laps
41. Parker Chase (USA), Porsche 911 RSR #19, 27 laps
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NewsPorsche names Campbell and Evans in Virtual Le Mans 24 Hour Esports team
Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans Preview - Porsche drivers join forces with sim racers
Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans have been named as part of the newly-established Porsche Esports team which will tackle the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans on 13/14 June. Porsche will field four 2017-spec Porsche 911 RSR in the GTE class, the same class they contest in the real world.
At the digital race on the legendary Circuit des 24 Heures in the French department of Sarthe, Porsche works drivers, juniors and young professionals will also share driving duties with seasoned sim racers – these professionals from the online and offline worlds will join forces to fight for honours.
A total of 16 drivers make up the Porsche Esports squad. The debut of the ultimate sim racing endurance event involving the works drivers is partnered by the online simulation platform rFactor2.
“Under the current circumstances, the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans offers an excellent opportunity to reach many fans around the world,” says Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport at Porsche. “Le Mans is considered the most traditional long-distance race and the digital version can now attract a completely new target group to professional motor racing. I’m curious to see how the combination of works drivers and elite sim racers will work.”
The virtual 24-hour race on the 13.626-kilometre circuit at Le Mans promises to be a lifelike and entertaining competition on a high racing niveau. Long before the coronavirus pandemic, Porsche had set its sights on the professionalization of online motorsport and last year expanded its motorsport activities to include sim racing. For the digital 24-hour event, the marque now combines its expertise from real and virtual motorsport for the first time. Marco Ujhasi, Manager Esports at Porsche Motorsport: “With the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans, two worlds converge. The passion for racing now builds the bridge between the real and virtual worlds. The know-how from the racetracks and the skills required on simulation platforms come together in the newly-founded Porsche Esports team. This unique synergy opens up new possibilities for everyone involved. Just like in real-life racing, the virtual motorsport marathon
requires not only a perfect setup and decent pace but also a little bit of luck.”
Last year, Porsche took home all four GT titles and a class win from Le Mans with the ca. 510 hp 911 RSR as part of the real FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). With 108 class wins and 19 overall victories, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer in the almost 100-year history of the Le Mans endurance event. The first virtual edition of the classic marks the start of a new chapter.
Drivers for the Porsche Esports team (all Porsche 911 RSR)
No. 91:
André Lotterer (DE) / Neel Jani (CH) / Mitchell Dejong (USA) / Martti Pietilä (FIN)
No. 92:
Jaxon Evans (NZ) / Matt Campbell (AUS) / Mack Bakkum (NED) / Jeremy Bouteloup (FRA)
No. 93:
Nick Tandy (GB) / Ayhancan Güven (TR) / Josh Rogers (AUS) / Tommy Ostgaard (NOR)
No. 94:
Patrick Pilet (F) / Simona DeSilvestro (CH) / Martin Krönke (DE) / David Williams (GB)
The schedule (all times CEST)
The virtual Le Mans 24-hour race will start on Saturday, 13 June 2020, at 3 pm local time. Prior to this, a free practice will be held on Wednesday (10 June) and Thursday (11 June) from 10 am to 10 pm each day. Friday (12 June) offers an additional free practice session from 10 am to 5 pm. The 15-minute qualifying session for the GTE class begins on Friday at 6.15 pm.
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NewsMurray takes clean sweep of victories in Round 2 of the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup
Barcelona and Daytona deliver three nail-biting finishes and plenty of action
From the very first lap of practice on the Grand Prix Circuit at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya on Monday evening, Porsche factory driver, Matt Campbell made his intentions clear to the rest of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers in the virtual field.
The Bathurst 12-Hour winner was clearly not here to play, he was here to win, topping the timesheets ahead of Michelin Junior, Cooper Murray, and Porsche Junior driver, Jaxon Evans. The prospect of seeing Porsche’s international superstars go head-to-head with the best young drivers from Australia’s premier one-make championships was mouth-watering for all and the ensuing races didn’t disappoint.
As the drivers lined up for Race 1 of the Virtual Cup, Campbell started on pole with young New Zealand karting ace, Matthew Payne in second followed by Murray, Evans, and reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion, Harri Jones.
In the Pro-Am class, it was Wall Racing’s Tim McReynolds who narrowly edged out Dean Cook for 13th position on the start grid – six places ahead of nearest rival Brett Boulton.
Payne made a good start off the line and marginally headed Campbell and the charging Mobil Pro field into Turn 1. Three-wide, with Payne and Murray on his inside, Campbell was squeezed onto the dirty line, resulting in him spinning the rear of the 911 GT3 Cup Car to the outside of the corner.
As the dust settled, it was Payne leading Murray, Jones, Christian Pancione, and Evans, with Campbell rejoining way down the field in twelfth. By Lap 5, Payne and Murray had pulled a slight gap on the rest of the field, while Campbell had already recovered to eighth.
McReynolds and Cook were never headed in the Pro-Am class and would go onto claim the top two class positions from John Goodacre and Rob Woods – the latter pairing split in the overall timesheets by none other than Bathurst winner Jono Webb, such was the quality of the field.
Murray would eventually overtake Payne for the Mobil Pro race lead into turn 1 on Lap 8 and hold that advantage to the line. Evans, Jones, Pancione would round out the top five with Campbell recovering to sixth by the time the flag fell.
Race 2 would mark the first night race of the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Championship and take place on the Daytona International Speedway. Murray, Payne, and Evans would again set the early pace with Campbell moving up to fifth.
Daytona’s long banked oval saw the front drivers slipstreaming one another lap-after-lap before jostling for position into the first turn. With Payne and Evans in close attendance, Murray managed to defend his lead for six successive laps by holding the inside line and forcing the following pair to try to overtake around the outside.
Payne eventually made the move stick on lap 8, but unluckily got caught up behind a backmarker two laps later, handing the lead back to Murray and Evans. Despite the 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Champion taking the lead from Murray in the final stages, Murray timed his final move to perfection, coming out of Evans slipstream to cross the line just 0.024secs ahead of the highly-rated Kiwi. Jones would take the final podium spot followed by Payne, with Will Bamber and Cameron Hill filling the top six.
Tim McReynolds would again impress with a convincing Pro-Am win for the Wall Racing Team entry, followed by Graham Williams, Matthew Belford, and Dean Cook.
The third and final race of the night again proved to be a titanic race-long battle between Murray, Campbell and Payne. The race lead would change more than seven times and climax on the last straight with the trio crossing the line three abreast in a photo finish. The timesheets showed Murray first, a mere 0.034secs ahead of Campbell and 0.06secs ahead of Payne, with Evans edging out Supercup counterpart Joey Mawson for fourth overall.
After a brilliant debut, Tim McReynold’s luck would run out retiring on Lap 5 of the last race. That left Rob Woods to take the Pro-Am Race 3 win from Sergio Pires and David Ryan. Woods is now only five points behind Cook in the Pro-Am championship, while Murray’s hard-fought victories see him as the new leader in the Mobil Pro class ahead of Evans and Jones.
All three races will be shown on both the @PorscheMotorsportAU Youtube channel and Facebook page at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening.
The third round of the Porsche PAYCE and Virtual Cup will take place on the 1st June at the Grand Prix Circuit of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, in Italy.
Results: Round 2
Race 1 – Barcelona
- Cooper Murray
- Matthew Payne
- Jaxon Evans
- Harri Jones
- Christian Pancione
Race 2 – Daytona
- Cooper Murray
- Jaxon Evans
- Harri Jones
- Matthew Payne
- Will Bamber
Race 3 – Daytona
- Cooper Murray
- Matt Campbell
- Matthew Payne
- Jaxon Evans
- Joey Mawson
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NewsJones and Murray to go head-to-head with Evans and Campbell in Round 2
International Porsche stars take on the best local drivers in Barcelona and Daytona
After an action-packed Round 1 of the Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Virtual Cup in Phillip Island, both past and present Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers will do battle this evening on the first of two international circuits featured on the six-round virtual championship.
Porsche factory driver, Matt Campbell makes his debut in the championship and will go head-to-head not only with best friend and Porsche Junior driver, Jaxon Evans but also the best Mobil Pro drivers from Australia’s premier one-make championships.
Campbell and Evans face strong opposition from reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion, Harri Jones who leads the Porsche Virtual Championship after Round 1, sharing race victories with pole-sitter Cooper Murray and Callum Hedge. The Helimods driver holds a slender five-point lead ahead of fellow Michelin Junior, Murray, with Porsche Junior, Evans a further six points adrift in third.
Other Michelin Junior drivers to watch for Round 2 include Aaron Love, Christian Pancione, and Ryan Suhle who all had strong performances in the opening round. Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup star, Joey Mawson is also likely to be a contender in Barcelona due to his experience on the fast European circuits throughout his career.
The list of international drivers also includes Sam Brabham and the Porsche Asia Pacific entries of Will Bamber and Reid Harker. The Team New Zealand pair, have confirmed that along with Campbell and Evans, they too will contend all six rounds of the series.
The Virtual Cup Team entry for Round 2 – which affords nominated crew members of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup teams to compete – will be entrusted to Timothy McReynolds of Wall Racing for Monday evening, while Tony Quinn makes his debut as a wildcard entry.
Dean Cook and Brett Boulton were the pick of Pro-Am drivers in Round 1 and regularly featured among the top five drivers overall in Phillip Island. The pair lead the Pro-Am class into Barcelona ahead of Rob Woods and Graham Williams.
Race 1 starts at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya Grand Prix Circuit at 19:50, before switching to the Daytona International Speedway road course for two 20min night races.
Post-race highlights of each event will be broadcast on Porsche Motorsport Australia social channels, with all three races broadcast on the @PorscheMotorsportAU Facebook and Youtube channels at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening.
Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia on Facebook and Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU to keep up-to-date with information about the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia Championship.
Quotes:
Matt Campbell, Porsche Factory driver
“Really happy to be joining the Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Virtual Cup grid tonight for Round 2, looked to be mega fun last week when Jaxon was taking part so just had to join in on the action! It should be great to race against some familiar names and some new ones!”
Jaxon Evans, Porsche Junior Driver
“It’s a really cool opportunity to join the Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Virtual Cup, for the remainder of the championship. A lot of familiar faces/voices of the guys we used to race against makes for a lot of fun and laughs, while the young guys prove to be very stiff competition. The calendar features some of the world’s most iconic tracks and a couple of night races thrown in the mix will be sure to spice things up for everyone. It’s great to see Porsche Motorsport Australia give their drivers the opportunity to get their racing fix and stay connected during the current situation.”
Entry list: Round 2 – Barcelona / Daytona
Racing # | First Name | Last Name | Class |
1 | Ghost | Driver | Mobil Pro |
2 | Thomas | Maxwell | Mobil Pro |
3 | Will | Bamber | Mobil Pro |
4 | Reid | Harker | Mobil Pro |
5 | Nathan | Murray | Pro-Am |
6 | Tim | Miles | Pro-Am |
7 | Ryan | Suhle | Mobil Pro |
9 | Marc | Cini | Pro-Am |
10 | Sam | Brabham | Mobil Pro |
11 | Kyle | Gurton | Mobil Pro |
12 | Harri | Jones | Mobil Pro |
14 | Matthew | Belford | Pro-Am |
15 | Josh | Hunt | Mobil Pro |
16 | Michael | Patrizi | Mobil Pro |
17 | Callum | Hedge | Mobil Pro |
18 | Marcel | Zalloua | Pro-Am |
22 | Jono | Webb | Mobil Pro |
23 | Dean | Cook | Pro-Am |
29 | Rob | Woods | Pro-Am |
30 | David | Ryan | Pro-Am |
34 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Mobil Pro |
36 | Cooper | Murray | Mobil Pro |
37 | Tony | Quinn | Pro-Am |
38 | David | Wall | Mobil Pro |
55 | Sergio | Pires | Pro-Am |
66 | John | Goodacre | Pro-Am |
67 | Matthew | Payne | Mobil Pro |
68 | Greg | Ward | Pro-Am |
76 | Christian | Pancione | Mobil Pro |
77 | Michael | Almond | Mobil Pro |
78 | Aaron | Love | Mobil Pro |
84 | Brett | Boulton | Pro-Am |
88 | Ollie | Shannon | Mobil Pro |
90 | Timothy | McReynolds | Pro-Am |
91 | Emanuel | Palyaris | Pro-Am |
96 | Joey | Mawson | Mobil Pro |
111 | Cameron | Hill | Mobil Pro |
131 | Graham | Williams | Pro-Am |
777 | Max | Vidau | Mobil Pro |
911 | Matt | Campbell | Mobil Pro |
912 | Jaxon | Evans | Mobil Pro |
TBC | Jackson | Walls | Mobil Pro |
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NewsMarc Cini claims the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition Pro-Am title
Larry ten Voorde wins both races and claims the championship title
The final round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition, saw Team Australia’s Marc Cini earn the decisive points from race eight and claim overall victory in the Pro-Am class. The final doubleheader round on the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, would also witness Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite) win both Pro class races in his 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and be crowned the overall champion.
The Dutchman snatched the trophy from his toughest rivals Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras) and Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing). The winners of the other classifications were also decided in the digital series of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East) achieved first place in the rookie category, with the GP Elite squad from the Netherlands celebrated first place in the team classification.
In the two 25-minute races, the 29-strong field made good use of slipstreaming to overtake, especially on the long straights on the virtual Monza circuit, treating fans to some action-packed racing. After the start of race seven, polesitter Güven immediately ducked to the inside and fended off ten Voorde. In lap four, the GP Elite driver inherited the lead when Güven slid from the track and fell back to position four. The final lap turned turbulent: In the Seconda Variante turn, Güven took the kerb hard and lost two places. Ten Voorde went on the take the flag in first place followed by Pereira and the rookie Köhler. Trailing the trio, the two Porsche Juniors Güven and Jaxon Evans (NZ/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing) concluded their first race of the day in positions four and five. Roar Lindland (N/Pierre Martinet by Alméras) won the ProAm class.
In the final race of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition, ten Voorde achieved a convincing lights-to-flag victory, which handed him the title. “I did a lot of preparation work with my team for these two races. Ayhancan Güven and I put on a great show for the fans. I managed to control the race well and I’m delighted with the title,” said ten Voorde.
In hot pursuit, Pereira left the racetrack and fell back to fifth place. Evans, Köhler and Güven then formed the trio chasing ten Voorde. The decisive move for second place came in lap six: Güven made the most of the heated battle in front of him to sweep past Köhler and then his junior teammate Evans. The order at the flag was Güven ahead of Köhler and Evans. Pereira rounded off the top five.
“That was an action-packed debut season for the virtual Supercup. Unfortunately, I only finished second, but it was a terrific experience. I hope we can soon compete against each other on real racetracks,” said Güven. Thanks to his two podium results today, Leon Köhler won the rookie classification. “I’ve improved from race to race over the season. Third place twice and the rookie title are great results. Jaxon Evans was determined to get past me in race two, but I managed to fend him off,” concluded Köhler.
Results
Monza, race 7 of 8
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
2. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing)
3. Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East)
4. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras)
5. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
Monza, race 8 of 8
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
2. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras)
3. Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East)
4. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
5. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing)
Points after 8 of 8 races
Drivers’ classification
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 180 points
2. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 166 points
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 123 points
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NewsMurray, Jones and Hedge share race wins in Round 1 of the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup
Michelin Junior drivers dominate Round 1 at Phillip Island
Michelin Junior drivers dominate Round 1 at Phillip Island
The opening round of the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia was held at the Phillip Island Circuit. While the track was familiar to most of the field, it was the first time many of the 44-strong field had driven on the iRacing platform.
Qualifying saw Cooper Murray take pole position ahead of Callum Hedge and reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion Harri Jones. Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup regulars, Jaxon Evans and Joey Mawson were baulked by traffic on their flying laps and the pair started alongside one another in sixth and seventh positions respectively.
Murray led the Race 1 field off the line but was collected by Hedge when the youngster out braked himself on the cold Michelin tyres into the hairpin at turn 4, dropping the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship leader to tenth. The carnage handed Christian Pancione the race lead, but he too was soon locked in a hard-fought battle with Jones.
A race-long tussle ensued until the penultimate lap, when Pancione was unlucky to be pushed wide while lapping Duvashen Padayachee, handing Jones the race one victory. Pancione limped over the line in second ahead of Matthew Payne and Cooper Murray – who had set the fastest pace throughout the race to recover from tenth to fourth position.
Porsche Junior, Jaxon Evans was fifth followed by Porsche Asia Pacific teammates Will Bamber and Reid Harker, while Rob Woods would emerge unscathed from the carnage to win the Pro-Am class.
A mixed grid for the second race saw Murray head Jones, Dean Cook, Evans and Alex Davison off the line and through the infamous Doohan corner. Pancione and Jones would soon run wide under braking for the Honda hairpin, handing the early advantage to Murray, Evans and Hedge.
The battle between Evans and Hedge for second was intense, but sadly short-lived, as Hedge punted Evans wide a lap later, dropping the former Carrera Cup champion back to fifth.
After being taken out in Race 1 Brett Boulton had scythed through the race 2 field, even passing Cameron Hill around the outside of Turn 1 in a massive move. Boulton would then overtake Cook and go onto claim the Pro-Am class victory.
While Murray, Jones and Hedge went on to fill the Race 2 podium spots, Aaron Love and Jaxon Evans were locked in a race-long scrap to the flag to round out the top five positions.
By the third and final race, most of the competitors had become more acclimatised to the virtual conditions and great on-track battles followed throughout the field. The early laps again saw plenty passing and action. First from McElrea Racing teammates Brett Boulton and Harri Jones on Lap 3 and later between Cooper Murray and Joey Mawson.
Evans eventually muscled Murray off the road at the Honda hairpin leaving Callum Hedge to lead from Harri Jones and Brett Boulton.
The front battle would then climax on Lap 9 when Jones got a slipstream onto Gardener straight behind Hedge. The Michelin Junior would challenge for the lead on the outside into turn one but the inevitable contact between the pair, saw Jones shouldered off.
Hedge would continue onto the flag ahead of Jaxon Evans, Matthew Payne, Aaron Love and Cooper Murray, with Brett Boulton taking another Pro-Am class win in sixth overall.
After the first three races Harri Jones, leads the Mobil Pro class Championship from Cooper Murray and Jaxon Evans, while Dean Cook leads the Pro-Am battle ahead of Brett Boulton and Rob Woods.
All three races will be shown on the CarreraCupAus Youtube channel at 20:00 (Melbourne time) on Friday evening with commentary from Carrera Cup series commentator, Richard Craill.
The second round of the Porsche PAYCE and Virtual Cup will take place on the 18 May, where competitors will contest two races at the Barcelona Circuit before heading across to Daytona in the USA for the series’ first night race.
Results: Round 1 – Phillip Island
Race 1
- Harri Jones
- Christian Pancione
- Matthew Payne
- Cooper Murray
- Jaxon Evans
Race 2
- Cooper Murray
- Harri Jones
- Callum Hedge
- Jaxon Evans
- Aaron Love
Race 3
- Callum Hedge
- Jaxon Evans
- Matthew Payne
- Aaron Love
- Cooper Murray
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NewsJaxon Evans and Matt Campbell to star in Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup
Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge drivers to take on Evans in the virtual season opener
Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge drivers to take on Evans in the virtual season opener
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for drivers of both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers preparing for Monday night’s opening round of the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia at the Philip Island circuit and hosted on the iRacing platform.
Intended as a fun, online race for drivers from both Porsche series competing in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup will also allow the local drivers to pit their driving skills against former and current Porsche Motorsport stars.
Headlining the Porsche All-star International entry will be the 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion and current Porsche Junior Driver, Jaxon Evans. Evans has been a regular top-five contender in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Virtual Edition this year and will share the International All-Star entry over the six-round virtual season with Porsche factory driver, Matt Campbell –the 2016 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion.
The Porsche Legends car for the opening round has been entrusted to the 2004 Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Alex Davison who is currently competing in the BP Supercars All-Stars Eseries.
Adding a further international flavor to the new official online series – the first in Porsche Cars Australia’s history – will also see two entrants from Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific in the form of Earl Bamber Motorsport’s Reid Harker and Will Bamber take to the Philip Island grid.
The Porsche Team entry for crew members of Carrera Cup teams has been allocated to Porsche Centre Melbourne for Round 1, with crew member Jess Hammond at the wheel.
Apart from the leading Michelin Junior, Mobil Pro and Pro-Am drivers from both the Carrera Cup and Michelin Sprint Challenge, the full field of 44 cars in Round 1 will also play host to former series drivers like Michael Patrizi, Bathurst 1000-winner Johnathan Webb and Supercup star, Joey Mawson.
Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “We are thrilled to have a full field of 44 cars for the opening round of the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Virtual Cup. We’ve had a lot of interest since the series was announced and I’m looking forward to a good evening of fun, competitive racing for all our drivers. It’s also great for our current top drivers to have this opportunity to pit their skills against not only former Bathurst winners like Jono Webb but also international stars like Jaxon, Matt, and Joey.”
In addition, Porsche has also secured a mystery guest driver for the full season in the Geisterfahrer (Ghost Driver) Car. Fans of the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages will be invited to guess who he/she is at the end of the series to stand a chance of winning a 1:43 scale Porsche 911 RSR model. More details on this will be announced this week.
Post-race highlights of each event will be promoted on Porsche Motorsport Australia social channels, with all three races shown on the CarreraCupAus Youtube channel at 20:00 (Melbourne time) every Friday evening of the race week, with commentary from Carrera Cup series commentator, Richard Crail.
Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia on Facebook and Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU to keep up-to-date with information about the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia Championship.
Entry list: Round 1 – Philip Island
Category Class Name Surname Racing #
1 Geisterfahrer Pro Ghost Driver 1
2 Carrera Cup Pro Thomas Maxwell 2
3 Carrera Cup Pro Will Bamber 3
4 Carrera Cup Pro Reid Harker 4
5 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Nathan Murray 5
6 Carrera Cup Pro-Am Tim Miles 6
7 Sprint Challenge Pro Ryan Suhle 7
8 Carrera Cup Pro Nick McBride 8
9 Carrera Cup Pro-Am Marc Cini 9
10 Carrera Cup Pro Sam Brabham 10
11 Sprint Challenge Pro Kyle Gurton 11
12 Carrera Cup Pro Harri Jones 12
13 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Matthew Belford 14
14 Carrera Cup Pro Josh Hunt 15
15 Carrera Cup Pro Michael Patrizi 16
16 Sprint Challenge Pro Callum Hedge 17
17 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Marcel Zalloua 18
18 Carrera Cup Pro Jono Webb 22
19 Carrera Cup Pro-Am Liam Talbot 27
20 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Rob Woods 29
21 Carrera Cup Pro-Am David Ryan 30
22 Carrera Cup Pro Duvashen Padayachee 34
23 Carrera Cup Pro Cooper Murray 36
24 Carrera Cup Pro David Wall 38
25 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Sergio Pires 55
26 Carrera Cup Pro Fraser Ross 59
27 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am John Goodacre 66
28 Sprint Challenge Pro Matthew Payne 67
29 Carrera Cup Pro-Am Greg Ward 68
30 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Michael Hovey 73
31 Sprint Challenge Pro Christian Pancione 76
32 Carrera Cup Pro Michael Almond 77
33 Carrera Cup Pro Aaron Love 78
34 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Brett Boulton 84
35 Sprint Challenge Pro Ollie Shannon 88
36 Team – PCM Pro-Am Jesse Hammond 89
37 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Emanuel Palyaris 91
38 Carrera Cup Pro Joey Mawson 96
39 Carrera Cup Pro Dale Wood 100
40 Carrera Cup Pro Cameron Hill 111
41 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am Graham Williams 131
42 Carrera Cup Pro Max Vidau 777
43 Legends Pro Alex Davison 911
44 Intl All-stars Pro Jaxon Evans 912
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NewsPorsche PAYCE and Michelin Virtual Cup Calendar released
Porsche Motorsport Australia has revealed the 8 Round calendar for the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Virtual Cup Championship
Porsche Motorsport Australia has revealed the 6 Round calendar for the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Virtual Cup Championship, which is due to get underway on the 04 May on the iRacing platform.
The tracks and formats selected were based on feedback from eligible Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers from the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
The race formats for each round will include a 30-minute Practice session, followed by a 20-minute Qualifying session and three individual 20-minute Races. The track conditions will follow the four seasons providing varying track conditions through the championship, while the grid for each race will be a Progressive grid, with Race 1 being based on the finishing positions from Qualifying.
The calendar starts on the fast sweeping turns of a local favorite among both the Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge drivers in the form of Phillip Island. Two weeks later the series travels to Europe for the first European round at the Barcelona circuit and also hosts the first US race in the form of a night race at Daytona.
The long tree-lined straights and curves of Monza mark the mid-point of the series before the championship returns to Australia’s most popular Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst. The 29th June then plays host to the infamous Spa Francorchamps before a night race at the Le Sarthe circuit in Le Mans.
The fast sweeping turns of Silverstone in the UK host the final round of the series, where the 2020 Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Virtual Champions will be crowned across the Mobil Pro and Pro-Am classes.
Follow the Porsche Motorsport social channels on @PorscheMotorsportAU (Instagram and Facebook) as well @PorscheMspAU on Twitter for further news and announcements.
Round Date Circuit
1 04 May Phillip Island
2 18 May Barcelona
18 May Daytona (Night Race)
3 01 June Monza
4 15 June Mount Panorama
5 29 June Spa Francorchamps
5 29 June Le Mans (Night Race)
6 13 July Silverstone
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NewsPorsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia
Porsche announces virtual iRacing championship for Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge drivers
Porsche announces virtual iRacing championship for Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge drivers
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce the creation of the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia. The intention of the new virtual Porsche Championship is to provide fun, online race events for Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers (from the 2019 and 2020 seasons) to race each other on the iRacing platform.
Porsche will also extend invitations to past Carrera Cup legends for guest appearances at each race, allowing current drivers to take on some of the former greats of the series. An official Porsche Motorsport Australia car will also be entered for each round to provide guest appearances from a range of Porsche drivers from around the world.
In addition, a mystery guest driver will compete for the full season in the Geisterfahrer (Ghost Driver) Car with fans invited to guess who he/she is at the end of the series to stand a chance of winning a range of prizes. To keep the teams involved, each team competing in either Series will also be allocated a ‘Team Car’ for one of the six rounds. This car provides one team with the opportunity to nominate a driver who is part of the working crew as the Team car driver for that event.
As in the real world, the six-round virtual championship will be split into two classes: Mobil Pro and Pro-Am, with races taking place every second Monday, commencing 4th May.
On the announcement, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “While the new Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Championship provides value to drivers, customers and partners alike, it will also provide entertaining content for race fans.”
A highlights video including post-race coverage of each event will be promoted via Porsche Motorsport Australia social channels and posted to the CarreraCupAus Youtube channel on the Friday evening following the race, with commentary from Carrera Cup series commentator, Richard Crail.
Entries will be limited to 45 competitors per race (depending on the track allowance) with all drivers utilising the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car provided by iRacing.
The provisional race format each Monday evening will include a 30-minute Practice, 20-minute Qualifying (all cars) followed by two races
Follow Porsche Motorsport Australia on Twitter @PorscheMspAU and on Facebook and Instagram @PorscheMotorsportAU to keep up-to-date with information about the Porsche PAYCE and MICHELIN Virtual Cup Australia Championship
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NewsMatt Campbell and Jaxon Evans: Flat-sharing in Germany “Down Under” style
Flat-sharing in Germany "Down Under" style
A traditional 1960s apartment building in the Stuttgart suburb of Uhlbach. The hedges in the front garden are meticulously trimmed, the door buzzers are clearly labelled, a classically Swabian weekly cleaning roster hangs in the entrance foyer. The view from the balconies over the countryside is idyllic. The vineyards on the nearby Württemberg hill are perfect for long strolls. A wonderful place for retirees? No way. This idyllic suburb, about 20 minutes by car from the city centre of Stuttgart, is home to two of the fastest young racers in the world. Factory driver Matt Campbell (Australia) and Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand) have set-up a special flat-sharing arrangement close to the Porsche headquarters.
“We found each other without really looking,” says 23-year-old Evans. “I moved into this three-bedroom apartment with kitchen, bathroom and laundry with Matt in February 2019. When you’re so far from home and you’re missing family, it’s great to have a brother in Germany.” The Porsche Junior feels at home with his colleague, friend and “brother” Matt Campbell. The Australian, who is only 17 months older than his flatmate, is certainly not the head of the household. The two young drivers are one unit, almost like fraternal twins. Both are around 1.8-metres tall, both have brown hair and brown eyes, both have the same wicked humour. “We’re always joking around and we hardly ever disagree,” says Evans about their lives in the 70-square-metre rental. Not even when it comes to divvying up domestic duties.
“I’m an orderly person, I always like things clean and tidy,” explains the New Zealander, who spent his youth in Australia. Evans stands in the modern, functionally-furnished living room, looks at the floor and adds with a wide grin: “I’m a virtuoso at vacuuming, Matt’s a hero at the stove.” The pair have come up with some weekly rituals in the small, cosy kitchen. “Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday at our place. We make tacos and other Mexican dishes. We’re always posting stuff on Instagram,” says Campbell. There is the familiar sight of a large glass of Nutella in the kitchen cupboard, next to it stands another glass with a yellow label and red lettering. It resembles a spice jar. “That’s vegemite, a kind of yeast extract that you spread thinly on your toast,” laughs the 2018 Le Mans class winner. This Australian delicacy tastes like a stock cube. Replacements of this and other goodies from Down Under – like chocolate-coated Tim Tam biscuits – are regularly sent from home.
“These care packages help alleviate homesickness a little,” says Evans. “We’re really like twins in this regard, as well. We both miss our families very much. We only get to see them once or at most twice a year.” Both drivers openly declare their close connections to family. Campbell’s helmet has a message of gratitude to his mum, his grandparents, his aunty. Evans’s is adorned with the national flags of New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji – the countries where his closest relatives were born. “And there’s something else missing,” says Campbell with a laugh. “At home, the weather is better and you can go to the beach whenever you like. We only have a simulator and a Playstation here, and in summer we have the outdoor pools.”
Things often heat up in the apartment when the two play on the consoles. No matter what the discipline, the most important thing is to win. “That’s just how we are,” laughs the Australian, who was promoted to works driver last winter. The Playstation proves more popular than learning German. That’s the motto even during the slower weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. “The language course is progressing slowly for me. That’s the downside of two guys from Australia living together,” Campbell openly admits. “I do know one word though,” jokes Evans. “Senf. I can’t remember what it means but I thought it was hilarious when they tried to teach me the word during dinner one evening.”
Sometimes the easy-going flatmates get special company in their Stuttgart apartment. “When our girlfriends come to visit life gets even funnier,” explains Evans, whose girlfriend also comes from Australia. Then, the powerful pair turns into an entertaining quartet. “The four of us get along brilliantly,” says Campbell. “Our partners know each other really well now. We enjoy going out and doing stuff together, and if we need a little space, everyone has their own room.”
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NewsEvans and Mawson in top five of opening Porsche Supercup Virtual Edition
Ten Voorde and Güven dominate season opener
Ten Voorde and Güven dominate season opener
At the action-packed opening event of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition, Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite) and Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras) celebrated their victories. Ten Voorde won the first of two races on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, with Güven claiming round two. A total of 31 drivers took up the virtual event in their 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racers. Joining the registered drivers for the real Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup on the grid were Porsche works drivers and well-known professional pilots.
“Now that was sensational racing, especially at the front of the field. Our virtual opening double-header event on the iRacing platform showed just how well our Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup drivers can perform at the limit – no matter whether it’s virtual or real motor racing,” Oliver Schwab, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Project Manager, said after the event.
Both races were packed with thrills and spills. Many overtaking manoeuvres led to accidents that resulted in a high number of retirements, especially among the Porsche works drivers. Only Sven Müller (D/Agility Management AG), Simona de Silvestro (CH/ABB) and Nick Tandy (GB/ExxonMobil Oil Corporation) were able to hold their own against the seasoned Supercup specialists at the wheel of their virtual 911 GT3 Cup vehicles.
The start of race one proved key: Taking up the race from the second grid spot, ten Voorde managed to squeeze past pole-sitter Güven. An enthralling duel unfolded between the pair. In the final phase, the 22-year-old Güven made a final attempt to overtake the Dutchman in the final corner – however, ten Voorde fended him off to cross the finish line first. “That was so much fun. I’m thrilled to win the very first virtual Supercup race. Unfortunately I made a couple of mistakes in the second race, which Ayhancan Güven used to his advantage,” said ten Voorde.
Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing) secured third place in both races. Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (NZ/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing) and Jesse van Kuijk (Team GP Elite) from the Netherlands rounded off the top five. First place in the rookie category went to Jaden Conwright (USA/Dinamic Motorsport), with Stephen Grove (AUS/Team Australia) featuring strongly in the Pro-Am classification.
Race two also turned into a gripping battle for victory between ten Voorde and Güven – this time the Turkish Porsche Junior prevailed. Güven passed the Team GP Elite driver in lap one and took the chequered flag after 14 laps two seconds ahead of ten Voorde. “That was a tough but fair fight with Larry ten Voorde. We’ve demonstrated just how exciting motorsport can be on a simulator. To kick off the championship with a win is fantastic,” said Güven. Third place again went to Pereira, with van Kuijk and Joey Mawson (AUS/Fach Auto Tech) finishing on fourth and fifth.
Leon Köhler (D/Lechner Racing Middle East) won the rookie class, with the Austrian Philipp Sager (Dinamic Motorsport) winning the ProAm category. Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans experienced bad luck during race two, with the New Zealander spinning off the racetrack in the first lap and concluding the race on 20th place. “My start in race two was really good and I was fighting for third place. I spun, unfortunately. Still, it was great fun and I’m looking forward to the next races,” said Evans.
After the season-opening event, Güven and ten Voorde are tied at the lead of the championship with 45 points each. Pereira ranks third with 34 points. The next double-header round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition is contested on 18 April, when the drivers will pit themselves against each other on the Silverstone Circuit in Great Britain.
Results
Barcelona, race 1 of 8
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
2. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras)
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing)
4. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
5. Jesse van Kuijk (NL/Team GP Elite)
Barcelona, race 2 of 8
1. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras)
2. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing)
4. Jesse van Kuijk (NL/Team GP Elite)
5. Joey Mawson (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
Points after 2 of 8 races
Drivers’ classification
1. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras), 45 points
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 45 points
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 34 points
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NewsLove, Evans and Mawson to line-up for the first virtual Porsche Supercup season
Strong line-up for the first virtual Supercup season
Strong line-up for the first virtual Supercup season
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition is ready to tackle its first-ever virtual season with an impressive line-up of 31 drivers. VIP vehicles driven by well-known professional racers will join the teams and drivers that have officially registered for this year’s real Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season. The season takes off this Saturday (4 April) with a double-header event on the virtual version of the Spanish Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
“The Supercup is the pinnacle of Porsche’s one-make cups. I’m delighted that we’ve managed to come up with a great alternative under the current circumstances with no real motor racing. We have a top-class field and I’m very excited to see who’ll perform the best on a screen,” says Oliver Schwab, Project Manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. The eleven Supercup teams compete with a total of 22 drivers, among them the two Porsche Juniors Jaxon Evans (NZ/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing) and Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras).
Nine Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racers will be entered by partners and sponsors: The four Porsche works drivers Richard Lietz (Austria), Sven Müller (Germany), Nick Tandy (Great Britain) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) helm the virtual vehicles fielded by App-Tech srl, Agility Management AG, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation and TAG Heuer SA. Porsche factory driver Simona de Silvestro (Switzerland) drives the Cup vehicle run by ABB. At the wheel of the digital racing car campaigned by Hugo Boss AG is Porsche Formula E driver André Lotterer (Germany). Porsche development driver Lars Kern (Germany) drives the ANSYS vehicle. Christian Engelhardt (Germany) and Fabienne Wohlwend (Liechtenstein) also take on the challenge in the Cup cars of ZF Friedrichshafen AG and the Vodafone Group Plc.
The first event of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition will be broadcast via live streaming on www.porsche.com/virtualPMSCBarcelona. The commentary is provided by the former Supercup driver and current Eurosport expert, Jan Seyffarth. Sport1 also reports on the virtual racing series and televises the first two races live on Saturday on www.sport1.de. Moreover, the German television channel will air selected highlights on Sunday. Eurosport broadcasts live on www.eurosport.com and selected local websites – for example Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands and Spain. The TV station Ziggo Sport covers the virtual one-make cup in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the Porsche Motorsport Hub, the Porsche Newsroom and the Twitter account @PorscheRaces keep fans up-to-date with information about the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition.
Last Sunday, contestants had the chance to take part in a nine-hour test on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The fastest time of the day was set by Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans, with the 23-year-old lapping the virtual circuit in a time of 1:47.738 minutes. The Luxembourger Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing/1:47.870 minutes) and Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite/1:47.906 minutes) from the Netherlands rounded off the top three.
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition utilises the iRacing simulation portal. The calendar consists of four events – each with two 25-minute races. The first double-header round on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is followed by three more meetings at the Silverstone Circuit (Great Britain/18 April), the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium/25 April) and the Autodromo Nazionale Monza (Italy/16 May).
The schedule (4 April):
4.00pm – 4.15pm: Qualifying
4.20pm – 4.45pm: Race 1
4.50pm – 5.10pm: Warm-up
5.12pm – 5.37pm: Race 2
(All times CEST)
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NewsPorsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday
One of the most successful works racing drivers of Porsche AG celebrates his 80th birthday
Richard Attwood, one of the most successful works racing drivers of Porsche AG, celebrates his 80th birthday on 4 April 2020
50 years ago, the British racing driver Attwood achieved the first overall victory for Porsche at the 24 Hours of Le Mans together with Hans Herrmann.
Attwood developed a passion for motorsports at an early age – inspired by the car dealership run by his parents. After racing in formula sport with Triumph and BRM, he first came into contact with the Porsche brand in 1967. Together with William Bradley, he finished second in Zeltweg driving a private Porsche 906 Carrera 6. Porsche engaged Attwood for the World Sportscar Championship two years later in 1969, and from then on he was retained under contract as a works driver. He raced in the World Championship for Makes in a Porsche 908/02, and came second in both Brands Hatch and Watkins Glen together with Vic Elford. In the season finale in Zeltweg, he finished third with Brian Redman in the 917. Together with Hans Herrmann, he took part in the Nürburgring 1,000 km driving a Porsche 908/03 in 1970 – finishing in 2nd place.
The first overall victory in the most important endurance race in the world is considered to be one of the greatest racing successes of the sports car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen. On 14 June 1970, Porsche achieved the first of a total of 19 overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After exactly 4,607.811 kilometres or 343 laps, Richard Attwood and Hans Herrmann crossed the finishing line first in the legendary Porsche 917 KH from Porsche Salzburg with the start number 23. “Unlike what many people may think, I never did any testing in the 917. I drove a 917 for the first time in a qualifying race in 1969,” says Attwood looking back. “In 1970 I did not believe for a minute that we had even the slightest hope of winning.”
In 1971, he achieved another first place in the 1,000 kilometre race at the Österreichring. Richard Attwood retired from active motor racing at the end of the season at the age of just 31. His last podium finish was in 1971 together with Derek Bell in the 917 KH at the season finale of the World Sportscar Championship in Watkins Glen (3rd place). However, the now 80 year-old was not quite ready to fully enjoy his retirement. In 1984, he finished 15th in Daytona in a Porsche 928. Today, Attwood still accompanies the Porsche Museum to its driving events at renowned classic car meets all over the world. Among other things, he can be seen at the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, the Sound Night as well as at various historic motorsports events.
Richard Atwood’s most important Porsche racing successes
1967
2nd place 500 km Zeltweg, Porsche 906 Carrera 6
1969
7th place 12h Sebring, Porsche 908/02
2nd place 6h Brands Hatch, Porsche 908/02
4th place 1,000 km Spa, Porsche 908 LH
4th place 1,000 km Nürburgring, Porsche 908/02
2nd place 6h Watkins Glen, Porsche 908/02
3rd place 1,000 km Österreichring, Porsche 917
1st place 9h Kyalami, Porsche 908/02
1970
3rd place 1,000 km Brands Hatch, Porsche 917 KH
5th place Targa Florio, Porsche 908/03
9th place 1,000 km Spa, Porsche 908/02
6th place 1,000 km Spa, Porsche 917 KH
2nd place 1,000 km Nürburgring, Porsche 908/03
1st place 24h Le Mans, Porsche 917
3rd place CanAm Watkins Glen, Porsche 917 KH
4th place 1,000 km Österreichring, Porsche 917 KH
1971
2nd place 24h Le Mans, Porsche 917 KH
1st place 1,000 km Österreichring, Porsche 917 KH
3rd place 6h Watkins Glen, Porsche 917 KH
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NewsJordan Love to contest Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup with FACH AUTO TECH
2019 PORSCHE PAYCE CARRERA CUP CHAMPION CONTINUES ASCENT UP PORSCHE MOTORSPORT PYRAMID
2019 PORSCHE PAYCE CARRERA CUP CHAMPION CONTINUES ASCENT UP PORSCHE MOTORSPORT PYRAMID
Despite a delayed start to the 2020 season, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup teams continue to work hard behind the scenes. FACH AUTO TECH is preparing for its eighth season at its headquarters in Sattel.
The team, based in the canton of Schwyz, will once again be entering three Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in 2020 driven by Joey Mawson, Jaap van Lagen and 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia champion, Jordan Love.
“At the moment the situation is extremely difficult,” explains Team Principal Alex Fach. “No-one knows when the motorsport season will start. But we can’t just sit here and do nothing. We will once again be part of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and want to be successful. That’s why we need to be well-equipped to take the season on once it gets going.”
In 2020, FACH AUTO TECH will be competing in the single-make Porsche series for the eighth season in succession. In 2014, the Sattel-based team secured the championship title before finishing as runners-up in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In 2019, Jaxon Evans headlined the FACH AUTO TECH team with podium finishes in his first year as a Porsche Junior driver. The team’s aim for 2020 is to enjoy similar success with Love, Mawson, and van Lagen.
“In Joey and Jordan, we have two young, talented drivers who have shown in the past that they have what it takes to win races,” Alex Fach adds. “Jaap van Lagen has a huge deal of experience, and we have enjoyed numerous successes with him already. The driver line-up is top class.”
Jaap van Lagen and FACH AUTO TECH tasted the victory champagne in the Principality of Monaco back in 2015, when the Dutch was a guest driver for the Swiss squad. In 2018, van Lagen then competed for the team as part of a full-season program in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, taking two podiums. He also raced in the single-make series in 2019. The 43-year-old also has race starts in the ADAC GT Masters and the World Touring Car Championship to his name.
Joey Mawson is competing in his second season of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. After one overall podium, two class victories and seven further class podiums in his debut season, the young Australian finished second in the Rookie classification in 2019. The 24-year-old is aiming to secure a maiden overall win in 2020.
Fellow Aussie Jordan Love also joins the team in 2020 as part of his debut season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Love’s career began in the Australian Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge before the 20-year-old moved on to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, where he was crowned champion in 2019. “I’m extremely excited to take this big step. The move from Australia to the Supercup is going to present its challenges but I have a great team around me to make the transition as smooth as possible”, Love explains.
Love will also compete in the Virtual Porsche Mobile 1 Supercup Championship on the simulator. 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
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NewsTechnical 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.
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NewsJaxon 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
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NewsTAG 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
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NewsPorsche 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
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NewsHill 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 15th 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 11th, 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:
Pos | Driver |
1 | Cameron Hill (ACT) |
2 | Nick McBride (VIC) |
3 | Cooper Murray (VIC) |
4 | David Wall (NSW) |
5 | Aaron Love (WA) |
6 | Duvashen Padayachee NSW |
7 | Harrison Jones (QLD) |
8 | Dale Wood (VIC) |
9 | Max Vidau (SA) |
10 | Stephen Grove (VIC) |
11 | Roger Lago (QLD) |
12 | Michael Almond (SA) |
13 | Sam Shahin (SA) |
14 | Max Twigg (VIC) |
15 | Marc Cini (VIC) |
16 | Tim Miles (NSW) |
17 | David Ryan (NSW) |
18 | Scott Taylor (QLD) |
19 | Greg Ward (NSW) |
20 | Dean Cook (VIC) |
21 | Indiran Padayachee (NSW) |
DNF | Craig Lowndes (VIC) |
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NewsStar 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
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NewsLowndes 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.
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NewsAmadio 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.
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NewsPorsche 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
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NewsCoffex 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
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NewsMurray 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 14th 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.
- Cooper Murray 180
- David Wall 162
- Aaron Love 132
- Dale Wood 119
- David Russell 104
- Cameron Hill 103
- Max Vidau 94
- Nick McBride 78
- Duvashen Padayachee 63
- Harri Jones 61
Pro-Am
- Stephen Grove 150
- David Ryan 116
- Max Twigg 114
- Dean Cook 114
- Marc Cini 113
- Tim Miles 96
- Indiran Padayachee 94
- Greg Ward 84
- Scott Taylor 74
Michelin Junior
- Cooper Murray 180
- Aaron Love 132
- Cameron Hill 103
- Max Vidau 94
- Harri Jones 61
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NewsMurray 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
Pos | Car | Competitor/Team | Driver | Laps | Race Time |
1 | 36 | Phase 8 | Cooper Murray (VIC) | 10 | 13:50.2408 |
2 | 38 | Wall Racing | David Wall (NSW) | 10 | 13:51.0564 |
3 | 78 | Sonic/Barbagallo/Porsche Centr | Aaron Love (WA) | 10 | 13:52.7990 |
4 | 100 | Timken | Dale Wood (Vic) | 10 | 13:54.1550 |
5 | 23 | Lago Cold Stores/Dayco | David Russell (QLD) | 10 | 13:54.5620 |
6 | 777 | Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/Exedy | Max Vidau (SA) | 10 | 13:55.7847 |
7 | 8 | Porsche Centre Melbourne | Nick McBride (VIC) | 10 | 13:56.4859 |
8 | 111 | Goodwin and Kenyon Group | Cameron Hill (ACT) | 10 | 13:57.4123 |
9 | 34 | Hyundai Forklifts Aus | Duvashen Padayachee NSW | 10 | 13:58.4450 |
10 | 12 | HeliMods | Harrison Jones (QLD) | 10 | 13:59.6063 |
11 | 15 | Volante Rosso | Josh Hunt (QLD) | 10 | 14:02.5875 |
12 | 80 | Max Twigg | Max Twigg (VIC) | 10 | 14:12.7683 |
13 | 22 | BMF Racing | Dean Cook (VIC) | 10 | 14:13.1986 |
14 | 4 | Grove Group | Stephen Grove (VIC) | 10 | 14:14.8357 |
15 | 6 | No Second Chance | Tim Miles (NSW) | 10 | 14:30.0749 |
16 | 9 | Hallmarc | Marc Cini (VIC) | 10 | 14:31.3363 |
17 | 30 | Sparesbox | David Ryan (NSW) | 10 | 14:31.8042 |
18 | 35 | RENTCORP FORKLIFTS | Indiran Padayachee (NSW) | 10 | 14:33.4385 |
19 | 68 | Wall Racing | Greg Ward (NSW) | 10 | 14:39.8602 |
DNF | 77 | Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA | Michael Almond (SA) | 7 | 9:45.7534 |
DNF | 222 | Scott Taylor Motorsport | Scott Taylor (QLD) | 2 | 3:07.3001 |
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NewsFlag 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 10th 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.
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NewsCooper 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!”
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NewsCaptivating 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
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NewsMurray, 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
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NewsHarri 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
Images WeTransfer Image Library Link (for download of livery images): https://bit.ly/2vxZUJi
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
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NewsPorsche 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.
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NewsPorsche announces partnership with Mobil as Official Fuel Partner
Porsche has announced that Mobil will be the Official Fuel Partner
Porsche Cars Australia has announced that Mobil will be the Official Fuel Partner for both Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series this season
The new partnership with Mobil provides a range of benefits to both parties ensuring that all cars competing in both series will now run on Mobil’s premium Supreme+ 98 octane fuel product moving forward.
This extends the long term partnership for Porsche with Mobil 1 (lubricants) to extend to fuel supply which ensures both products will be delivered in all race cars moving forward. As the “Official Partner” of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, Mobil have also secured naming rights to its premier class within both championships to be the ‘Mobil Pro Class’ and will be referred to as such in all official communications, including Porsche press releases, websites and social media accounts.
In addition to the naming rights, Mobil receives extensive branding on all Pro Class cars on the front windscreen together with the side mirrors, rear windscreen, side panels, inside drivers panels and in-car cameras. The Mobil logo will also be present on the podium backdrop and team garages for each Pro Car competing in the Carrera Cup championship this year.
In addition, a range of money can’t buy experiences will be delivered throughout the year that will provide the chance for race fans and Mobil fuel customers to enjoy the Porsche road cars at a range of exclusive events.
On the announcement, Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “We are thrilled to partner with a quality fuel supplier such as Mobil and provide them with the platform to showcase their product to our drivers, teams and customers. The association allows both premium brands to amplify this partnership to Porsche customers both on and off the racetrack as well as providing key brand assets to our Pro Class which will deliver exciting racing for all involved. The announcement also further reinforces our existing partnership with Mobil1, our Official Lubricant Partner.”
According to Australia Retail Sale Manager, Frank Tudic, from Mobil, “This fuel partnership is another demonstration of Mobil’s commitment to continue delivering premium quality fuels. We believe our fuels are amongst the best in the world, and what better way to showcase this than on a world stage in front of millions of race fans. The Porsche race series provides this opportunity, and we look forward to working alongside Porsche Cars Australia in 2020”.
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.
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NewsPorsche finishes fourth at Bathurst, victory in the Pro-Am class
Race, Intercontinental GT Challenge, round 1, Bathurst 12 Hour
Absolute Racing has finished in fourth place as the best Porsche customer team in the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour at Mount Panorama in Australia, also the season-opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
The three Porsche works drivers Matt Campbell (Australia), Mathieu Jaminet (France) and Patrick Pilet (France) shared driving duties in the 500+hp #911 Porsche 911 GT3 R. Three more identical nine-eleven racers finished the 12-hour race in Australia in the top ten on Sunday. Porsche achieved a one-two in the Pro-Am class, with Grove Racing winning ahead of the NED Racing Team.
This year’s edition of the long-distance classic was a turbulent race, with the interruptions causing the field to bunch up several times. Last year’s winner Campbell took up the race on home turf from pole position. Over long stretches, the Porsche 911 GT3 R ran amongst the leading pack. However, tyre damage in lap 117 relegated the #911 entry down a lap. Thanks to a clever pit stop strategy, the team was able to make up lost ground during a safety car phase. In the end, the gap to the podium was just 1.529 seconds after 314 laps.
The second 911 GT3 R run by Absolute Racing took the chequered flag in seventh. The driver of the final stint in the #912 entry was Porsche Young Professional Thomas Preining (Australia), who shared the vehicle with Porsche works driver Dirk Werner (Germany) and Matteo Cairoli (Italy).
Porsche works driver Laurens Vanthoor crossed the finish line two positions behind them. The Belgian was joined in the cockpit of the #1 Meguiar’s-backed car fielded by EBM (Earl Bamber Motorsport) by his works driver teammate Earl Bamber (New Zealand) and the Australian motor racing legend Craig Lowndes. At the start of the race, the squad fought for the front spots on the 6.213-kilometre racetrack, however, a time-consuming change of the brake pads prevented them from achieving a top result.
Grove Racing claimed first place in the Pro-Am class with drivers Stephen Grove (Australia), Brenton Grove (Australia) and Ben Barker (Great Britain). The class win for the Australian squad (No. 4) represented tenth overall. The NED Racing Team secured second in the Pro-Am category and position eleven overall. Porsche works driver Romain Dumas (France), Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand) and David Calvert-Jones (Australia) shared the cockpit of the No. 12 vehicle.
Round two of the Intercontinental GT Challenge is the Spa 24 Hours, held in Belgium from 23 to 26 July in Belgium’s Ardennes region.
Comments on the race
Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Porsche Motorsport and Group Motorsport Volkswagen AG): “Grove Racing’s victory in the Pro-Am class is really great. All five of our Porsche 911 GT3 R finished in the top eleven. After claiming pole position, we thought we could possibly win. But the field was very evenly matched. As the group representative for Volkswagen Motorsport, I’m of course delighted with Bentley’s win.”
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “It wasn’t a great race in the pro-category. We had problems with the tyres and brakes. But the drivers and teams fought their way through and made the best of the situation. As such, everyone can go home with their heads held high. For our long-standing customer team Grove Racing, I’m absolutely thrilled about their huge success in the Pro-Am class.”
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “We have five cars in the top eleven, a class win and a second place in the Pro-Am category. All in all, that result doesn’t sound too bad, but we just didn’t quite pull it all together against the competition today. Because of the punctures, brake problems and penalties we couldn’t make the most of the potential that was available to us.”
Mathieu Jaminet (#911 Porsche 911 GT3 R): “All things considered, it was a tough race for us. We had two punctures that threw us back. We lost a lap but we battled hard to get back up into the action. Towards the end, we hoped for the predicted rain, but unfortunately, it arrived only after the chequered flag came out.”
Earl Bamber (#1 Porsche 911 GT3 R): “We had a good car with an ideal setup, but unfortunately there was a problem with the brake pads in the middle of the race. We had to pit and that cost us two laps. We couldn’t recover from that. Afterwards, we had one of the fastest cars, which showed our potential, but after our win here last year we had simply expected more.”
Dirk Werner (#912 Porsche 911 GT3 R): “Starting in the night at Bathurst is something special. However, starting from twelfth on the grid surrounded by so many vehicles makes it difficult to gain any positions at the start. We managed to work our way up the field and were in the top group for the last two hours. At the end we hoped for rain, perhaps then we might have achieved an even better result.”
Stephen Grove (#4 Porsche 911 GT3 R): “First place in the Pro-Am class is fantastic. Ben’s first stint was very important because it put us in a good position. We then fought our way through the field bit by bit. The secret here is that you have to be able to read the traffic on the track correctly. We tried to stay out of trouble and are grateful for a perfect car.”
Jaxon Evans (#12 Porsche 911 GT3 R): “We started from a little further down the grid than we’d originally planned. The name of the game early on was to get through the dark hours of the race without any damage. After that we were able to manoeuvre ourselves further up the order. I’m really pleased with second place and eleventh overall in the Pro-Am class for the NED Racing Team.”
Race result
1. Gounon/Soulet/Pepper (F/B/ZA), Bentley Continental GT3, 314 laps
2. Parente/Barnicoat/Blomqvist (P/GB/GB), McLaren 720S GT3, 314 laps
3. Van Gisbergen/Whincup/Götz (NZ/AUS/D), Mercedes AMG GT3, 314 laps
4. Jaminet/Pilet/Campbell (F/F/AUS), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 314 laps
7. Werner/Preining/Cairoli (D/A/I), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 314 laps
9. Bamber/Vanthoor/Lowndes (NZ/B/AUS), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 312 laps
10. S. Grove/B. Grove/Barker (AUS/AUS/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 312 laps
11. Calvert-Jones/Dumas/Evans (USA/F/NZ), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 311 laps
Full results at: http://www.intercontinentalgtchallenge.com/
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NewsMatt Campbell secures first pole position for Porsche at Bathurst
Qualifying, Intercontinental GT Challenge, round 1, Bathurst 12 Hour
Australian ace Matt Campbell has earned Porsche its first major pole position at Mount Panorama with a stunning lap in the Top 10 Shootout for the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour.
It was the ideal qualifying for the Porsche customer team Absolute Racing at the opening round of this year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge.
Porsche works driver Campbell turned the fastest lap of the day (2:03.554 minutes) in qualifying. In the identical, 500+hp Porsche 911 GT3 R, Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) secured the fifth grid spot for Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM).
On the 6.213-kilometre racetrack, both Porsche drivers made it into the decisive pole shootout. Last year’s winner Campbell kept his cool in temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius and underlined his intentions of claiming another home victory. The 24-year-old shares the vehicle with his two French works driver teammates Mathieu Jaminet and Patrick Pilet. The two IMSA champions Vanthoor and Porsche works driver Earl Bamber (New Zealand) share driving duties with the Australian motor racing legend Craig Lowndes.
Matteo Cairoli narrowly missed out on taking part in the top 10 pole shootout by a mere 0.238 seconds. The driver from Como in Italy planted the Porsche 911 GT3 R, which is based on the high-performance Porsche 911 GT3 RS road-legal sports car, in twelfth. He shares the cockpit of the No. 912 vehicle with Porsche works driver Dirk Werner (Germany) and Porsche Young Professional Thomas Preining (Austria).
The Grove Racing squad claimed the second grid spot in the Pro-Am class (16th overall). In the No. 4 car, Ben Barker (Great Britain) was only 0.088-seconds shy of the class leader. Stephen Grove (Australia) and his son Brenton Grove round off the driver trio.
The qualifying for the NED Racing Team (No. 12) and Porsche works driver Romain Dumas (France) did not turn out quite as well. During his flying lap, the seasoned specialist encountered a red flag and was forced to stop. In the end, Dumas finished on fifth in the Pro-Am class (25th overall). For the race, Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand) and David Calvert-Jones (Australia) join the Frenchman at the wheel of NED Racing’s 911.
A total of 38 vehicles from eleven manufacturers take up the 12-hour event at Bathurst. The first round of the most important championship for GT3 sports cars gets underway on Sunday at 5:45am local time (7:45pm CET). Overseas fans can follow the event Down Under live on https://www.bathurst12hour.com.au – viewers in Australia can watch the entire race live on 7mate and FOX Sports.
Qualifying quotes
Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Motorsport): “I wanted nothing more than pole position for my first visit to Bathurst. And Matt did that very well. He is a fantastic driver, particularly here in Australia. Bathurst is an incredible track with many passages that are blind. The race will be really interesting. I’m looking forward to it.”
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “We’re happy with pole position. To set a perfect lap here you need to fit a sheet of paper between the wing mirror and the wall – and Matt had scratches on his wing mirror. Laurens also performed really well, and Cairoli did a super job too. As a newcomer, qualifying on 12th is a great achievement. We’ll take a look at why the other two vehicles didn’t place further up the field. We’re confident that the performance is there – we’ve already underlined that.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “Pole is, of course, a fantastic result. Luckily, I clocked a similar time in the first qualifying session. In the pole shootout, I had a pretty good idea what I had to do. Still, I got nervous when everyone else went out to turn their lap and I was the last to be allowed on the track. But it worked out well.”
Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #1): “In the first two corners I made two minor mistakes. After that my run went well, but the perfect lap was gone. It’s perfect for Porsche with P1 and P5. In the race, the weather may well play a role. Rain is predicted for the last hours of the race. That can make things really exciting.”
Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912): “The standard in the series is really high. I managed to get a good lap in, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the top ten. It’s my first time here at Bathurst and my goal is to improve from session to session. The qualifying setup was 95 percent right. We’ll work on the rest. The race runs over twelve hours and during that time we aim to get to the front.”
Ben Barker (Porsche 911 GT3 R #4): “Unfortunately, our qualifying was a little disappointing. We were much better in the free practice sessions. Our car wasn’t perfectly balanced so I lost a bit of confidence in some of the difficult passages. We’ll now adjust the setup for the race. Generally, our strategy is to keep out of any trouble and drive a good race.”
Romain Dumas (Porsche 911 GT3 R #12): “There was a crash in qualifying and then the session was red-flagged. That put a stop to my attempt at a fast lap. The team then decided to save the second set of tyres for the race. That was a strategic decision. Our qualifying result is not so great but the race is long. A lot can happen.”
Qualifying result
1. Jaminet/Pilet/Campbell (F/F/AUS), Porsche 911 GT3 R
2. Parente/Barnicoat/Blomqvist (P/GB/GB), McLaren 720S GT3
3. Fraga/Buhk/Marciello (BR/D/CH), Mercedes AMG GT3
4. De Oliveira/Liberati/Imperatori (BR/I/CH), Nissan GTR Nismo GT3
5. Bamber/Vanthoor/Lowndes (NZ/B/AUS), Porsche 911 GT3 R
12. Werner/Preining/Cairoli (D/A/I), Porsche 911 GT3 R
16. S. Grove/B. Grove/Barker (AUS/AUS/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 R
25. Calvert-Jones/Dumas/Evans (USA/F/NZ), Porsche 911 GT3 R
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NewsFive Porsche 911 GT3 R aim to defend Bathurst 12 Hour crown for Porsche
Preview, Intercontinental GT Challenge, round 1, Bathurst 12 Hour/Australia
Porsche launches its title defence for both the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) and the Bathurst 12 Hour at Mount Panorama in Australia this weekend.
In 2019, the sports car manufacturer claimed the IGTC titles in the manufacturers’ and drivers’ classifications. The gruelling twelve-hour race (January 31 to February 2) traditionally marks the start of the IGTC, the most important championship for GT3 sports cars. In the race at Mount Panorama, five Porsche 911 GT3 R face strong opposition from vehicles from ten other manufacturers.
Last year, Porsche won the long-distance event at Mount Panorama, Bathurst for the first time in its history thanks to the customer squad EBM (Earl Bamber Motorsport), including a stunning performance from local hero Matt Campbell. Campbell has been elevated to full Porsche works driver status for 2020.
The race
This year marks the 18th running of the 12-hour race at Mount Panorama in the Australian state of New South Wales. The 6.213-kilometre circuit 200 kilometres west of Sydney consists of public roads with 23 curves. Per lap, vehicles have to cope with an elevation difference of 174 metres. The track layout poses a great challenge to drivers and engineers. The tight corner combinations to the south demand utmost concentration at the wheel. The fastest passages are the two long sections, Conrod Straight (1.916 km) and Mountain Straight (1.111 km). Around 40 vehicles will line up on the grid this year, 33 of which are GT3 cars – a Bathurst 12-Hour record.
The Porsche teams and drivers
At the event Down Under, four Porsche customer teams compete with a total of five Porsche 911 GT3 R. As last year’s winners, EBM, the team of Porsche works driver Earl Bamber, tackles the race with the starting number one. Sharing the wheel of the 911 are the two reigning champions of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Earl Bamber (New Zealand) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) as well as the Australian motorsport legend Craig Lowndes. In the sister No. 12 NED Racing Team entry are Porsche works driver Romain Dumas (France), Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand) and David Calvert-Jones (Australia).
Absolute Racing will campaign two 911 GT3 R: Porsche works driver Matt Campbell (Australia) shares driving duties in the No. 911 car with the two Frenchmen, Mathieu Jaminet and Patrick Pilet. Porsche works driver Dirk Werner (Germany) and Porsche Young Professional Thomas Preining (Austria) team up with Matteo Cairoli (Italy) in the No. 912 contender. Grove Racing tackles the event with Stephen Grove (Australia), his son Brenton Grove, and Ben Barker (Great Britain).
The Porsche 911 GT3 R
In the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the latest Porsche 911 GT3 R made its first appearance at Laguna Seca (USA) last year. It is based on the high-performance 911 GT3 RS road-legal sports car. The flat-six engine in the rear puts out over 368 kW (500 hp). This coming weekend, the current version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R makes its debut at the Mount Panorama circuit.
The schedule
The event at Bathurst begins with the free practice this coming Friday. In the qualifying session on Saturday, drivers will battle for the best grid spots. Traditionally, the race takes off on Sunday, 2 February, before dawn at 5.45am local time (Saturday, 7:45pm CET). The entire race can be watched live globally on https://www.bathurst12hour.com.au/. Australian viewers can watch the race live via FOX Sports and the Seven Network.
Comments before the race
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “This year is the first time we race the new Porsche 911 GT3 R at Bathurst, but we’ll be calling on all the experiences we gained during the 2019 season. Combined with our teams, this gives us a very strong overall package. The track is one of the fastest on the racing calendar with an average speed exceeding 180 km/h. On the long straight, it’s even possible to reach a top speed of more than 270 km/h. Drivers also have to wind their way through rock walls and barriers – always at the limit. This means that our drivers must perform consistently at their peak and with total concentration over the entire race distance.”
Earl Bamber (#1 Meguiar’s EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R): “We’re absolutely thrilled to take part in this event as a team. Our victory last year was unbelievable, of course. To return as last year’s winners for Porsche is something special. As a driver, as always, it’ll be great to work alongside Laurens. We had a lot of success in America last year. We’re both really excited to have a legendary guy like Craig join us in the team. He’s one of the most successful Bathurst drivers on the grid.”
Laurens Vanthoor (#1 Meguiar’s EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R): “I’m proud to be able to drive in Earl’s team. As his teammate, I’ve followed the development of EBM very closely. It’s a great opportunity to be part of the squad and work with a Bathurst ace-like Craig. Of course, I dream of winning Bathurst. I hope we’re successful this year. On top of that, I’m curious to see how Earl will drive parallel to managing his own team.”
Matt Campbell (#911 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R): “I’m really looking forward to racing again at Bathurst, particularly after our victory there last year. It’s my only home race and the Mount Panorama circuit is one of my favourite racetracks in the world. We gained a lot of valuable experience with the new GT3 R last season, which will definitely benefit us now at Bathurst. We’ll do everything to start the new season successfully and defend our title.”
Mathieu Jaminet (#911 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R): “It’s fantastic to be able to drive again at Bathurst. Porsche won there for the first time last year, which was a great result. For me personally, it wasn’t so successful. We were in the lead until shortly before the end of the race but didn’t manage to bring home victory. Hopefully, that’ll be different this year. I’m pleased to drive with Patrick and Matt for Absolute Racing. We’re a strong team and I think we have very good chances. Our goal is to score as many points as possible at the season-opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, preferably by winning.”
Patrick Pilet (#911 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R): “Bathurst is a great challenge for me. I’ve never driven on this track before, but I’ve always dreamed of getting the chance one day. Now I can contest the Bathurst 12 Hour with Absolute Racing and I hope we can achieve a good result. A win would be fantastic.”
Dirk Werner (#912 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R): “Bathurst is always a special experience. It’ll be great to return as last year’s winners. I’m looking forward to sharing the cockpit of the car with my two young team-mates, Thomas and Matteo. With Absolute Racing we have a top team supporting us, so we’re in a perfect position for the first outing of the new Porsche 911 GT3 R at Bathurst.”
Thomas Preining (#912 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R): “This is my first time travelling to Australia, so it’s really exciting. The fact that I get the chance to contest the 12-hour race on this storied track makes it very special for me. We’re well-positioned with our Absolute Racing squad and we have a good chance of racing with the frontrunners. Plus, I work really well with my teammates Dirk and Matteo. It’s important that you get along well with each other. We’ll use the free practice to prepare ourselves as best as we can and we’ll do our best to bring home as many points as possible.”
Romain Dumas (#12 NED Racing EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R): “I’m very pleased to go racing again at Bathurst. In my opinion, the Mount Panorama circuit is one of the best tracks in the world. The combination of slow and fast corners as well as driving between the walls is a huge challenge. The Porsche 911 GT3 R has been fast there over the last three years, so hopefully, we’ll get a strong result.”
Jaxon Evans (#12 NED Racing EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R): “For me, a home race is a perfect way to start the 2020 season – and especially in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 R. Every lap at Bathurst is special. The feeling of snaking your way between the walls at the absolute limit is simply cool. You can’t compare it to any other racetrack – it’s a real rollercoaster. We have a very experienced driver with Romain in the team. I look forward to driving with him and David Calvert-Jones.”
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NewsGrove Racing open 2020 racing season at Bathurst 12 Hour
2020 Bathurst 12 Hour (Round 1, Intercontinental GT Challenge)
2020 Bathurst 12 Hour (Round 1, Intercontinental GT Challenge)
Grove Motorsport’s 2020 racing season kicks off at this weekend’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour as the team makes the leap into the outright class for the Intercontinental GT Challenge season opener.
The Melbourne-based outfit, a four-time winner of the race in Class B, is gearing up to tackle the Mount Panorama endurance race for the first time in Class A for GT3 machinery.
Drivers Stephen Grove, Brenton Grove, and Ben Barker will steer a Porsche 911 GT3 R under the Grove Racing banner with support from close partners Herberth Motorsport.
Track action begins on Friday with FP1 for bronze and silver-rated drivers at 08:40 local time immediately followed by FP2 at 09:15.
Four practice sessions take place across Friday in total, with FP3 at 12:20 and FP4 to close out the day 15:05.
Saturday’s running features a fifth practice session at 08:45 ahead of a pair of qualifying hit-outs, the first of which begins at 12:40.
There will be a Top 10 Shootout on Saturday evening to decide the pointy end of the grid for Sunday’s 12-hour race which will see the green flag at 05:45.
QUOTES:
STEPHEN GROVE
“It’s massively exciting to step up into the GT3 class this year at Bathurst; operationally and logistically it’s been no different to any other year. This year will be more about fine-tuning our processes and making sure we don’t make any little mistakes. The competition will be tighter than ever so we need to ensure we’re on the top of our game.
I think it’s a massive benefit that the driver line-up is consistent. We all understand our role within the team and get on really well so it’s exciting to take our crew and have a crack outright. Obviously we are wanting to ensure we do a good job. From strategy to the pit stops to the drivers, we are all trying to maximise ourselves and from there the results will sort themselves.”
BRENTON GROVE
“For us, this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour is quite similar to previous years in terms of planning and preparations, the difference being the extra gear needed to run a Class A car. We have a strong technical partnership with Herberth Motorsport which will see us utilise their car, their fuel rig, tyre ovens, etc. Those are the smaller things that are different to what we’ve needed before. Beyond that it’s also about the presentation as obviously there will be a lot more eyes on us. Trying to ensure all the I’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed. It’s really a culmination of 5 or 6 year’s work. We’ve always entered the event but you’d be lying if you said there wasn’t a desire to go to Class A. So to be there now with a familiar team in a familiar car with a strong driver line-up is really exciting.
“I think the car specific support Herberth bring will be invaluable for the weekend but the Grove Motorsport crew we have assembled from engineers to mechanics are also extremely experienced. I strongly believe every team member provides some unique bit of experience that makes it quite a strong crew for the weekend. As Stephen said the only goal is to maximise. From P1 to pit stop practice to race start to race finish if we are all able to maximise what we’re doing, I think we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the race.”
BEN BARKER
“It’s really exciting and a really good opportunity to have a proper crack at a good overall result. In previous years we’ve been in the Cup car which was really fun because that car suits that track but obviously the competition is in GT3 really, that’s where it’s really hard to cut the butter. Giving it a go this year is really exciting.
“We’re all ready for it, we’ve had enough knowledge of the track over the years together as a team. As a team Stephen, Brenton and I are very strong and a very familiar lineup, also with the team, mechanics, engineers, all very familiar people so that really helps to get a race performance to be honest. With all our experience together we can definitely take the pressure of a GT3 car and really have a good go and I think expectation for result is going to be eyes on the Pro-Am win, but also try and get a decent top 10 overall result, top 8 would be even better; it all depends on the race itself and how many safety cars there are. The idea and the ideal situation is to stay on the lead lap. Overall we’ve got a very strong package and we all know the track very well, so using all of that I think we stand ourselves a great chance.”
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NewsJaxon Evans joins Calvert-Jones and Dumas in the NED Racing EBM Porsche for Bathurst 12 Hour
2020 Bathurst 12 Hour (Round 1, Intercontinental GT Challenge)
Following the announcement that Craig Lowndes will team up with Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor for the 2020 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) has announced a second entry backed by Australian whiskey NED that will see 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans team up with former Le Mans 24 hour winner Romain Dumas and Bathurst stalwart David Calvert-Jones.
Calvert-Jones returns as the NED Racing team’s resident amateur driver joining Porsche factory driver, Dumas and the Porsche Junior driver, Evans, to make for a strong driver line-up in the hunt for a Bathurst 12 Hour Pro-Am podium.
Evans’ rise through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Australia has followed that of Porsche factory driver Matt Campbell, who last year crossed the line first in an outstanding debut in the Intercontinental GT Challenge for the Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) team. That historic performance also handed Porsche its first Bathurst 12-hour outright victory in one of the last race appearances for the previous generation 911 GT3 R.
For 2020, the NED Racing team will use the latest generation Porsche 911 GT3 R and welcome a new naming rights partner in NED together with key partners Virgin Australia and UMS (Urban Management Systems) for the event.
The EBM team will also be bolstered by key staff members from the hugely successful Queensland-based outfit McElrea Racing, who supported both Campbell and Evans to their Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship titles in 2016 and 2018 respectively.
The 2020 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour begins on 2 February followed by qualifying on Saturday. The race begins on Sunday at 5:45 am local time and will be broadcast in Australia on the Seven Network and FOX Sports, as well as streamed globally via https://www.bathurst12hour.com.au/.
QUOTES
David Calvert-Jones (#12 NED Racing EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R):
“Great to be heading to Mount Panorama with Earl Bamber Motorsport alongside some key staff from McElrea Racing. We think this is a proven and successful combination and the Bamber crew certainly know what it takes to win at The Mountain. Great to have Jaxon back with us and a proven racer like Romain just rounds things out perfectly. After a great test in Kuala Lumpur recently, we can’t wait to jump in the car for first practice at the 2020 12 Hour and see what we can do.”
Jaxon Evans (#12 NED Racing EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R):
“Very excited to not only re-join David Calvert-Jones but to team up with the experienced Romain Dumas and the Earl Bamber Motorsport crew for this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour. It’s the perfect way to kick off 2020 in the new 911 GT3 R. A mixture of new and familiar faces with some of the McElrea Racing crew joining the team will hopefully put us near the pointy end come Sunday. A big thank you to David, EBM and Porsche Motorsport for the opportunity!”
Will Bamber, Co-Team Principal EBM:
“We are really delighted to be adding a second car, with the #12 NED Racing Porsche 911GT3 R, for our assault at the mountain. Not only will be pushing for the Pro-AM victory but the line-up of David, Jaxon and Romain, will hold their own in the overall standings too. It is a tough race as we all know and we expect another tight year of competition, so to have the support of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific and joining forces with McElrea Racing for this entry is fantastic.”
Adem Karafili, Top Shelf International Chairman:
“NED Whisky’s partnership with the NED RACING TEAM serves as a fantastic way to continue the development and growth of the brand through an Australian-owned team led by David Calvert-Jones. This partnership with EBM is a great fit for NED given the team’s professionalism, achievements and hunger for success. I know that our Managing Director Drew Fairchild, staff, investors and supporters are as excited as I am by this partnership.”
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NewsLowndes teams up with Bamber & Vanthoor for Bathurst 12 Hour assault in a Meguiar’s backed Porsche 911 GT3 R
2020 Bathurst 12 Hour (Round 1, Intercontinental GT Challenge)
Multiple Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes will line up with Porsche factory team-mates Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor in a Meguiar’s liveried 911 GT3 R for the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour event.
As one of the most successful drivers in history on the famed Mount Panorama circuit, Lowndes’ Bathurst resume includes seven Bathurst 1000 wins and two Bathurst 12 Hour victories. In 2019, Lowndes finished fourth after starting from 19th on the grid in an action-packed race, which saw Matt Campbell cross the line first in an outstanding debut in the Intercontinental GT Challenge for the Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) team.
As team principal of the winning entry on that occasion, Bamber’s EBM team handed Porsche its Bathurst 12-hour victory in one of the last race appearances for the previous generation 911 GT3 R. The New Zealander gets back behind the wheel for the 2020 assault in the new 911 GT3 R and will again resume his successful partnership with Vanthoor. The Porsche factory duo enjoyed great success as a driver pairing in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship (IWSC) in the US last year, winning the GTLM championship sharing a factory 911 RSR.
With two of the most accomplished Porsche factory drivers teaming up with the most successful Bathurst driver on the 2020 grid in Lowndes – in the reigning Bathurst 12 Hour-winning team – the combination promises to be one of the strongest teams among this year’s 40 car grid, which features representation from 11 different GT3 manufacturers.
As a result of this dynamic union, premium car care brand Meguiar’s Australia has thrown its support behind the star-studded #1 Earl Bamber Motorsport entry, with the 911 GT3 R sporting a dynamic black and yellow livery for the Endurance race.
As part of their renewed partnership with the Porsche brand, Meguiar’s Australia will also provide a car care package to each of the Porsche 911 GT3 R teams competing in the 2020 event.
The 2020 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour event takes place from 31 January to 2 February, reverting to a three-day format this year. Practice begins on Friday followed by qualifying on Saturday. The race beginning before sunrise on Sunday at 5:45am local time. The race will be broadcast in Australia on the Seven Network and FOX Sports, as well as streamed globally via https://www.bathurst12hour.com.au/.
QUOTES
Craig Lowndes (#1 Meguiar’s EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R):
“I’m really excited to be joining the Porsche family for the Bathurst 12 Hour, teaming up with factory drivers Earl and Laurens. Earl Bamber Motorsport is the reigning race-winning team so it’s exciting to help them defend their title. Earl and I have been team-mates in the past and get on extremely well, so with a Belgian in the mix, it should also be a bit of fun too. It’s my first time racing in a Porsche and the new evolution 911 GT3 R looks like a weapon, I can’t wait.”
Earl Bamber (#1 Meguiar’s EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R):
”As a team we really very excited to go to the event. Obviously last year was amazing to win the race so to be able to return as defending champions for Porsche will be something special. As a driver, it will be awesome to team up with Laurens as we had a lot of success in America last year and follow each other all around the world racing. We are both really excited to have a legend in Craig Lowndes join the team and drive our car. He is the most successful Bathurst driver on the grid, so hopefully, he can bring us some of that Lowndesy magic during the Bathurst 12 Hour weekend. The prospect of taking the new generation 911 GT3 R to Bathurst is also going to be something incredible too and we are genuinely excited to have Meguiar’s come on board as they are such an iconic brand. I would like to thank Meguiar’s and everyone behind the scenes at Porsche who has made this opportunity happen.”
Laurens Vanthoor (#1 Meguiar’s EBM Porsche 911 GT3 R):
“I’m very excited to drive for Earl’s team. As his team-mate, I have been following EBM closely the last couple of years and this is a great opportunity to be part of, teaming up with a Bathurst legend such as Craig. Winning Bathurst is still a dream of mine and I have come close to date, but hope to succeed this year. I’m also curious to see how Earl is going to drive, while managing his own team.”
Bruce Morrison, Managing Director, Meguiar’s Australia and MotorActive:
“We are delighted to extend our association with Porsche Motorsport to include sponsorship of the Bathurst 12 Hour title defending team. Having Craig Lowndes team up with Bamber and Vanthoor in the new 911 GT3 R is a stunning combination. There is no other car brand that inspires a passion for performance quite like Porsche does and we feel honoured to have our Meguiar’s brand be part of that driving experience.”
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NewsVictories and championship titles for Porsche Motorsport in 2019
A successful year for the history books
A successful year for the history books
With many major wins in 2019, Porsche has added another chapter to its tradition-steeped history. The world champion title in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the title in the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, victory in the overall classification of the fiercely-contested Intercontinental GT Challenge and, last but not least, the successful debut of the factory squad in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship have made the 2019 motor racing season one of the most successful in the company’s history. The titles and triumphs of the past year once again underline that Porsche’s extensive commitment to motorsport upholds the brand’s tradition as consequently as it sets the standards of modern sports car development.
Porsche has always given top priority to the close relationship between motorsport and series production. “Motor racing is still a vector for development as it expedites further development. The extreme stresses of the races quickly reveal any weak points and as such motivate engineers to look for new and better ways. The greatest advances were always made in times of pressure and tension,” was the maxim of Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche, who developed the legendary 356 No. 1 Roadster in 1948 and thus laid the foundation stone for the Porsche brand.
Motorsport is and will remain an integral part of Porsche. The spectacular performances and successes against tough competition on the racetracks have shaped the image and positioning of the brand since the late 1940s – and continues to do so today. “With our iconic Porsche 911, we have won all titles in the world’s most important GT racing series. This is a clear indication of the quality of our sports cars and the competence of our engineers,” declares Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board. “Right from the outset, we’ve also proven that we’re competitive in Formula E and hence demonstrate our innovative ability in the field of electric mobility. Motorsport is part of Porsche’s DNA.”
Second place for works driver André Lotterer at the debut race with the new Porsche 99X Electric has opened the door to a new category of motorsport for Porsche. The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer tackles the “Electric Formula 1” against experienced works teams from eight brands. An intensive exchange between product development and the motorsport department is the key to success. Since 2010, insights from the racing department have flowed into the development of hybrid and electric sports cars. Racing and road models have always been closely linked to sports cars powered by classic combustion engines.
“Using the Porsche 911 GT3 RS* as the baseline, we’ve developed two racings cars, the 911 RSR and the 911 GT3 R, which have set the benchmark worldwide. Our works teams have held their own against the toughest competition in the FIA WEC and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Porsche’s customer teams around the world have worked closely with us in the Intercontinental GT Challenge and have come out on top against ten other automobile manufacturers. In Formula E, we’ve celebrated a sensational debut with second place at our race premiere. It doesn’t get much better than that,” claims Michael Steiner, R&D Board Member, outlining the most important milestones of the 2019 motorsport year.
In addition to winning the titles in the top series of global GT racing with major victories, for instance, at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), the Bathurst 12 Hour event in Australia and the GTE-Am class victory for the Porsche 911 RSR at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the customer-run racing vehicles from Stuttgart were amongst the frontrunners in almost all series. Porsche’s success story in motor racing will be continued in 2020.
In line with its product portfolio, Porsche Motorsport will again contest the world’s most important GT racing series with combustion-engine vehicles as well as Formula E with 100% battery-powered racing cars. The new Porsche 911 RSR celebrates its debut in 2020 in North America at the 24 Hours of Daytona. After winning all titles this year, the aim is to further improve on the IMSA SportsCar Championship results with the new GT flagship from Stuttgart. From the first four rounds of the FIA WEC, the new 911 RSR has already notched up two one-two finishes as well as three pole positions and podium results from three races. In June 2020, Porsche will again combine the factory squads from the WEC and IMSA to take on the world’s greatest endurance event at Le Mans with four vehicles.
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NewsMichelin to sponsor 2020 Porsche Junior Development Programme in Australia
Michelin Australia have reaffirmed their support of the Porsche Junior Development Programme for 2020
Michelin Australia have reaffirmed their support of the Porsche Junior Development Programme for 2020
Porsche Cars Australia and Michelin Australia have again partnered to deliver the most proven and successful driver development programme in the country. The programme remains an integral part of the Porsche Motorsport pyramid spanning across both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship and the newly rebranded Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series.
To be eligible as a Michelin Junior in 2020, Michelin Sprint Challenge drivers must be aged under 23 as of January 01, 2020, while Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup drivers must be aged under 25 as of January 01, 2020.
All Michelin Juniors in each series must commit to a full season and carry additional Michelin Junior branding on their racing apparel and Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. All eligible young drivers across both Michelin Sprint Challenge and Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup will enjoy a massive prize pool for the 2020 season, valued at approximately AUD$300,000.
All Michelin Juniors will also be invited to attend the Michelin Junior Training day program which will take place in Melbourne in the first half of next year. The 2019 Michelin Junior Training days saw Australia’s top junior drivers receive professional coaching on sports psychology, social media, media training, branding, sponsorship and more from Australia’s leading experts.
The drivers also received nutrition and dietary advice after completing a thorough physical assessment. At the end of the comprehensive two-day programme, drivers were able to compare their physical condition against that of their rivals and gain knowledge of a range of aspects including their body fat percentage, resting metabolic rates and body mass index to name but a few.
The 2020 Michelin Junior programme will again feature a Michelin Super Round, to be held at the Australian Grand Prix, from which the round-winning Michelin Junior will receive a trip to France to attend the 2020 Le Mans 24-Hour Endurance race.
The main goal for the Michelin Junior drivers is an opportunity to attend the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout which continues to play a crucial role in the development of the best emerging talent globally and is seen as the benchmark pathway for talented drivers to progress to the highest level.
The driver who wins the Michelin Junior competition in the premier Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be nominated to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout at the end of the 2020 season.
This year, Michelin Junior champion, Jordan Love competed against Carrera Cup Champions from the leading one-make Porsche championships around the world in three-day, all expenses paid driving evaluation at the Portimao circuit.
In addition to this, the 2020 Michelin Junior winner will also receive a trip to Germany in December to attend the 2020 Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions in Weissach.
On the announcement, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “The Porsche Michelin Junior Programme is an important element of our local motor racing programme and the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid continues to cement a pathway for the best young talent to reach the highest levels of the sport. Our 2016 and 2018 Carrera Cup champions, Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans are the best examples of this and have both gone onto established professional racing careers in Europe, with Matt recently elevated to a full factory works drive and Jaxon conducting his second year as a Porsche Junior.”
“Locally, we’re immensely proud to have had these two incredible talents rise through our system and we hope that this programme gives the 2020 cast of Michelin Juniors the best possible chance to follow in Matt’s and Jaxon’s footsteps.”
“Such a comprehensive driver development programme wouldn’t be possible without the support of Michelin Australia, who sees the potential in current Australian-based Porsche drivers and the importance to providing a programme through which young drivers can realise their racing dreams.”
Michelin Australia’s Marketing Manager Oceania, Swaroop Tulsidas, is excited to continue the French brand’s support of the region’s young racers.
“The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Series and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge categories are like no other in Australia; highly competitive, showcasing door-to-door racing from an incredible group of talented drivers. We are proud to continue our support of the next generation of motorsport stars through the Porsche Junior program.”
“The young drivers receive unprecedented support from both the Porsche and Michelin team to develop their skills through a one-of-a-kind training program; providing them with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the track.
To see the likes of Jaxon Evans, Matt Campbell and newly crowned Porsche Carrera Cup champion Jordan Love progress through this program is simply brilliant. Michelin is excited to be a part of their journey and look forward to seeing who will add their name to the winners’ list for next season.”
VIDEO LINK: Porsche Michelin Junior Programme 2019 review: https://youtu.be/CB1OHplS3jI
VIDEO LINK: Porsche Michelin Junior Training Days 2019: https://youtu.be/cquPduF6iqw
For more information on the 2020 Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia email motorsport@porsche.com.au
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NewsMatt Campbell elevated to full works driver status at 2019 Night of Champions
2020 Motorsport Programme: Firm commitment to GT sport and Formula E
2020 Motorsport Programme: Firm commitment to GT sport and Formula E
Australian Matt Campbell has been elevated to full Porsche works driver status for the 2020 season.
The news was confirmed at the Porsche Night of Champions motorsport gala at Weissach in Stuttgart, Germany, where Porsche reflected on its 2019 motor racing year.
The past season was one of the most successful in the history of the company, with titles in three of the world’s most important GT racing series, as well as many other victories in championships and individual events, including the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour, where Campbell drove to victory in the Porsche 911 GT3 R of Earl Bamber Motorsport. Porsche also made a successful debut in Formula E.
Members of the Executive Board at Porsche, as well as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, honoured the achievements of drivers and racing teams from all over the world. At the same time, the continuation of the extensive worldwide motorsport programmes as well as a number of new developments were announced.
Porsche relies on its upcoming drivers
For the 2020 season, the Porsche Motorsport squad for GT racing and Formula E is made up of 18 works drivers, two Young Professionals and two Porsche Juniors.
The Australian Matt Campbell (24) and Frenchman Mathieu Jaminet (25) from Porsche’s own youth development programme have been signed on as works drivers. Both have received extensive training initially as Porsche Juniors and then as Young Professionals in the Porsche one-make cups and in international GT racing.
The Frenchman Julien Andlauer (20), who claimed the 2019 Carrera Cup Deutschland title, advances into the next phase of his racing career as a Young Professional. Two Porsche Juniors tackle the 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup: Jaxon Evans from New Zealand (23) contests his second season as a junior. In November 2019, Ayhancan Güven beat the most talented drivers from the worldwide one-make cups at a comprehensive shootout and joins the junior programme of Porsche Motorsport for the coming season.
Both Campbell and Evans are former Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia champions.
Four works cars at Le Mans in 2020
Porsche will continue its GT offensive again in 2020. At the 88th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche again campaigns four works cars. The two championship-winning teams from the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech Championship again join forces and will each field two of the 515hp 911 RSR (2019 model year). A one-two victory in Le Mans, in race two of the 2018-2019 Super Season, laid the foundation for Porsche’s title win. At the final round of the season in June 2019, a double podium result sealed the manufacturer’s title as well as positions one and two in the team and drivers’ classification.
New 911 RSR celebrates North America debut at Daytona
After a sensational start into the FIA WEC season with two one-two victories and two pole positions from three races, the new Porsche 911 RSR celebrates its US debut on 25 January at the 24-hour race at Daytona. For the 2020 season, the 515 hp #911 GT racer will be driven by Nick Tandy (Great Britain) and Frédéric Makowiecki (France). The regular drivers will be supported at the longest races of the season at Daytona, Sebring and Petit Le Mans by Matt Campbell (Australia). Sharing driving duties in the #912 car are the two champions Earl Bamber (New Zealand) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium). Mathieu Jaminet (France) joins the team at the endurance events.
GT programme for Formula E development drivers
Parallel to their job as test and development drivers in Formula E, Porsche works driver Simona de Silvestro (31) and Porsche Young Professional Thomas Preining (21) will also compete in GT racing. De Silvestro joins forces with the former Porsche Junior Klaus Bachler to contest the ADAC GT Masters for the Team 75 Bernhard. Preining receives a regular seat in the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the Blancpain Endurance Series. In the FIA WEC, he supports the customer squad Dempsey Proton Racing.
Porsche’s winning drivers take on new roles
At the Night of Champions, Porsche Motorsport Vice President Fritz Enzinger farewelled three particularly successful and exemplary works drivers: the two Le Mans overall winners and two-time world champions Timo Bernhard (38) and Brendon Hartley (30) as well as “Mister 911” Jörg Bergmeister (43). The longest-serving Porsche works drivers, Bergmeister and Bernhard, who are among the most successful sports car drivers of all time and won the championship titles in the Carrera Cup and Supercup twenty years ago, remain loyal to Porsche AG as brand ambassadors. Brendon Hartley, who was on loan to Formula 1 and various prototype teams for the last three years, now dedicates himself totally to commitments independent of Porsche. Until recently, Hartley was involved in the development of the Porsche 99X Electric and in the preparation for Porsche’s maiden Formula E season. The two Young Professionals Matteo Cairoli and Dennis Olsen have successfully concluded their training from juniors to professional racers and will contest selected championships for Porsche customer teams next season.
Intensive customer team support
Porsche continues its customer sport strategy in international GT racing. Instead of fielding factory squads in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the Blancpain GT Series, the GTD category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship as well as regional GT championships, Porsche will support various customer teams by supplying drivers, engineers and consulting services at the racetracks.
2019 Porsche Cup winner: Alan Brynjolfsson in the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
The Porsche Cup, a trophy presented to the most successful Porsche private driver in the world, was awarded for the 50th time this year. The Porsche Cup is based on an idea of Ferry Porsche and has been presented annually since 1970. All national and international drivers who yielded race results in a vehicle manufactured or recognised by Porsche are eligible. Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche, presented the awards on the occasion of the Night of Champions. The Porsche Cup trophy and a Porsche valued at over 140,000 Euros went to Alan Brynjolfsson (USA, 51), who earned points in the USA in the Pirelli GT4 America and the Michelin Pilot Challenge. This is the first time a 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport driver has claimed the trophy. Last year’s winner Christian Ried received 30,000 Euros in prize money for second place, with Trent Hindman from America taking home 25,000 Euros for third.
Prize for Porsche Esports Supercup winner
For the first time, Porsche has honoured the winner of the Porsche Esports Supercup as part of the Night of Champions. After ten races, Joshua Rogers from Australia became the first champion of the virtual racing series. Run for the first time this year, the contest was conducted in collaboration with iRacing, a leading provider of realistic online racing simulations. After its successful launch, the Porsche Esports Supercup will be continued in 2020.
Porsche Motorsport driver squad 2020 (age/nationality)
Porsche works drivers
Earl Bamber (29/New Zealand)
Gianmaria Bruni (38/Italy)
Matt Campbell (24/Australia)
Michael Christensen (29/Denmark)
Romain Dumas (41/France)
Kévin Estre (31/France)
Mathieu Jaminet (25/France)
Neel Jani (35/Switzerland)
Richard Lietz (35/Austria)
Patrick Long (38/USA)
André Lotterer (38/Germany)
Frédéric Makowiecki (39/France)
Sven Müller (27/Germany)
Patrick Pilet (38/France)
Simona de Silvestro (31/Switzerland)
Nick Tandy (35/Great Britain)
Laurens Vanthoor (28/Belgium)
Dirk Werner (38/Germany)
Porsche Young Professionals
Thomas Preining (21/Austria)
Julien Andlauer (20/France)
Porsche Juniors
Jaxon Evans (23/New Zealand)
Ayhancan Güven (21/Turkey)
Overview of racing series
ABB FIA Formula E Championship Season 6
99X Electric – Neel Jani / André Lotterer
FIA World Endurance Championship 2019/20
911 RSR #91 – Gianmaria Bruni / Richard Lietz
911 RSR #92 – Michael Christensen / Kévin Estre
IMSA WeatherTech Championship 2020
911 RSR #911 – Frédéric Makowiecki / Nick Tandy / Matt Campbell (only North American Endurance Cup)
911 RSR #912 – Earl Bamber / Laurens Vanthoor / Mathieu Jaminet (only North American Endurance Cup)
Intercontinental GT Challenge
911 GT3 R
Matt Campbell
Mathieu Jaminet
Patrick Pilet
Dirk Werner
Thomas Preining
Matteo Cairoti
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NewsJaxon Evans to contest 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as Porsche Junior driver
Evans to contest 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at eight Formula 1 rounds
Evans to contest 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at eight Formula 1 rounds
2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia champion Jaxon Evans, has again been selected as one of only two Porsche Junior supported drivers to contend the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship next year.
The New Zealander comes from a motor racing family and began his career in karting at the age of twelve. After finishing as runner-up in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge (to be known as Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge from next year) he advanced to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia where he dominated the 2018 championship.
During the 2019 Evans won the Rookie title in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and completed his maiden season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, where he finished on the podium in Spa-Francorchamps and Mexico City.
After impressing all in his debut season, Evans returns as a Porsche Junior in 2020 alongside Ayhancan Güven from Turkey, who was recently announced as the winner of the Porsche Junior Shootout in Portimao.
As Porsche Juniors, the two receive a sponsorship package that includes 225,000 euros for a season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
For 2020 they will contest eight rounds at the wheel of a 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
Oliver Schwab, project manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, is looking forward to the new junior line-up: “Jaxon steadily improved over the last season and Ayhancan Güven at times even gave the seasoned Supercup regulars a run for their money. In 2020, the title fight amongst the world’s best one-make cup drivers will be more thrilling than ever.”
Both juniors receive support at all race weekends from the former Porsche works driver Sascha Maassen as a driver coach. Like the Porsche works drivers, the sponsored youngsters are provided with sports medicine and sports training-related mentoring from the University of Potsdam.
Media seminars and mental fitness training are also part of the instruction content on the path to becoming a professional racing driver. Moreover, the Porsche Juniors will be involved in marketing activities and PR events.
For the 2020 season, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will again support the premier class of motorsport contesting eight rounds of the Formula One support programme for the upcoming season. The Supercup will also visit Zandvoort. The seaside resort town near Amsterdam is the venue for the Dutch Grand Prix and hosts a Formula 1 race for the first time in 2020.
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup has been part of the F1 support programme since its 1993 debut season. With the extension of the Formula 1 contract up to and including 2022, the decision was made to focus on the eight European rounds in the future. After the official tests in Barcelona (Spain), the 28th season takes off with the first F1 European round at the Circuit Zandvoort.
The 2020 Supercup calendar also includes championship rounds on the legendary street circuit in Monte Carlo (Monaco) and at Hungary’s Hungaroring – two events that have been a permanent fixture on the series’ race calendar since the debut season.
The Supercup teams will also line up to compete at Barcelona, Spielberg (Austria), Silverstone (Great Britain) and Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). Italy’s Autodromo Nazionale Monza hosts the final round of the season. Each of the eight events includes a 30-minute sprint race.
“The fact that the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup events take place as part of the Formula 1 programme is a key factor for the success of this racing series,” said Oliver Schwab, project manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
At the end of the 2019 season, Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing) took home the championship crown for the third time in a row, while BWT Lechner Racing won the team championship.
The winners will be presented with their trophies at the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship Dinner on Friday, 29 November 2019.
2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race calendar
26.03-27.03.2020, Barcelona (Spain), official test
01.05-03.05.2020, Zandvoort (Netherlands), race 1
08.05-10.05.2020, Barcelona (Spain), race 2
21.05-24.05.2020, Monte Carlo (Monaco), race 3
03.07-05.07.2020, Spielberg (Austria), race 4
17.07-19.07.2020, Silverstone (Great Britain), race 5
31.07-02.08.2020, Budapest (Hungary), race 6
28.08-30.08.2020, Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), race 7
04.09-06.09.2020, Monza (Italy), race 8
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NewsJordan Love impresses on debut while Güven wins Porsche Junior Shootout
Porsche Motorsport will support another talented young driver in the 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Motorsport will support another talented young driver in the 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Ayhancan Güven from Turkey will contest the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2020 as a Porsche Junior. At the three-day selection process in Portimão in Portugal, the 21-year-old beat eleven other candidates from Carrera Cup series around the world, including Australia’s Jordan Love.
Love has impressed throughout his ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, earning his debut nomination in the Porsche Junior global shootout – after winning both the 2019 Michelin Junior title and clinching the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship on the Gold Coast recently.
He now carries huge momentum into next year with strong opportunities abroad on the horizon.
This year’s Porsche Junior Shootout fielded the strongest field on record, with champions and drivers nominated by their respective national Porsche one-make cups from around the world.
This year was Güven’s second nomination for the shootout earning his nomination as the reigning champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup France. Guven lost out to 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia champion and Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans in 2018, but went onto compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup championship this year, claiming both race victories and podiums this season.
Porsche has supported talented young racing drivers since 1997 and helps them on their way up the motorsport career ladder. “For Porsche, it is important to recognise the talents and abilities of drivers and to assist them. The competition in the national one-make cup series is extremely high. This was evident in the shootout this year and underlines how strongly we are positioned in motorsport,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.
“During the shootout at Portimão, the participants were literally checked out from top to toe. We got a comprehensive picture of their physical and mental fitness and also tested their driving skills,” explains Jasmin Steidle-Faas, project manager of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme.
Güven climbed into a kart at the age of five and was supported by his father, who is also an amateur racer in Turkey. At the age of twelve, the youngster from Istanbul switched to SimRacing and competed for the world’s largest team with today’s Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
At 17, he returned to real motorsport and won several races in Turkey. In 2016, Güven climbed the ladder into international GT racing. The following year he went on to contest the Porsche Carrera Cup France and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux, concluding the latter series as the rookie champion.
In 2018, Güven climbed another rung of the Porsche Motorsport ladder: He took home the championship crown from both the Carrera Cup France and the Carrera Cup Benelux. The following year he contested his maiden season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, run as part of the Formula 1 support programme.
This year, he again won the Carrera Cup France and concluded his debut Supercup season as runner-up and rookie champion. “That was a strong season and a truly great success for me and Philippe Almeras’s team,” declares Güven.
“It was a great honour to take part in the selection process. When I received the news that I was chosen as the new Porsche Junior I was absolutely thrilled. Being a Porsche Junior is a dream come true. From a very young age I’ve always wanted to win. Coming out on top at the shootout is the greatest victory of my life. I’d like to thank Porsche for the confidence they’ve placed in me,” said Güven.
Porsche traditionally supports two young drivers at the same time: the second driver alongside Güven is Jaxon Evans, who will return as a Porsche Junior in 2020.
As Porsche Juniors, the two receive a sponsorship package that includes 225,000 euros for a season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. For 2020 they will contest eight rounds at the wheel of a 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
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NewsPorsche offers record support package to 2020 Carrera Cup teams and drivers
Porsche Australia will offer a $225,000 travel and participation support package to Carrera Cup teams in 2020
Porsche Australia will offer a $225,000 travel and participation support package to Carrera Cup teams in 2020
In support of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia teams and drivers, Porsche Cars Australia has announced a record range of support measures designed to assist competitors in the 2020 season.
The new and extended support measures will be delivered in the form of two rebates pools consisting of a Travel Rebate and a Participation Rebate for eligible competitors.
The extended Travel Rebate increases the current assistance to Round 4 and 5 of the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship, which will be held at Townsville, Queensland and Darwin, Northern Territory respectively.
“Townsville and Darwin are two marquee events on the calendar but are the two furthest races for our teams to travel to. We are confident that this increased financial support will assist all teams, as these two events are highlights of our calendar next year alongside the Superloop Adelaide 500, Australian Grand Prix, Sydney Super Night Race, The Bend OTR 500, Supercheap Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600.”
In a first for the category, Porsche Cars Australia’s second support measure, totalling $120,000, is a Participation Rebate pool for competitors who compete in all of Rounds 1-4 and 5-8.”
Commenting on the announcement, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “Offering our drivers, teams and customers this record financial support is hugely gratifying. None of this would be possible without Porsche’s ongoing commitment to Australian motorsport and our partners such as PAYCE who recently renewed their sponsorship of the series until the end of 2021.”
He continued, “Having celebrated 15 seasons of Carrera Cup this year, Porsche is looking forward to an exciting 2020 with improved calendars, television packages, prizes as well the highly regarded Michelin Junior Driver Development program.”
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News2019 Carrera Cup Champion completes Porsche Junior Shootout
Twelve candidates have one goal to become the new Porsche Junior in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Twelve candidates have one goal to become the new Porsche Junior in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Twelve racing drivers took part in a selection programme at the Portuguese racetrack in Portimão to become the new Porsche Junior including Jordan Love, the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion.
The driver chosen by Porsche will receive a comprehensive sponsorship package that includes 225,000 euros for a season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2020. Over three days, the candidates had the chance to demonstrate their prowess. During a simulated racing weekend at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, which included practice, qualifying and race, they not only had to display their driving skills but also aspects such as technical understanding, interaction with the engineers, dealing with the media and physical fitness.
The drivers, who were selected for their outstanding performances in their respective Porsche national one-make cups, exhibited a high driving standard in the 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
All candidates had to fulfil certain requirements. They had to be 23 years or younger, finish a national Porsche one-make cup in the top five and pass a medical check-up. Together with 20-year old Love representing Australia, the international group of candidates included 21-year-old Vitor Baptista, who was nominated by Carrera Cup Brazil. Diego Bertonelli is 21 years old and competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. Nineteen-year-old Hugo Chevalier from the Carrera Cup France as well as the Canadian Roman De Angelis came to Portimão as wildcards.
Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain sent George Gamble (23). The 21-year-old Turk Ayhancan Güven travelled to the Algarve as the winner of the Carrera Cup France. Robin Hansson from Sweden (22) flew the flag for the Scandinavian Carrera Cup.At only 18-years-old, Daniel Lu from China was the youngest participant at the shootout and represented the Carrera Cup Asia. Dylan Pereira (22) from Luxembourg received a nomination from the Carrera Cup Deutschland and Ukyō Sasahara (23) from the Carrera Cup Japan. The 23-year-old Dutchman Max van Splunteren represented the Carrera Cup Benelux.
The selection of the new Porsche Junior will be based on the collected data, which will be evaluated in the coming days. In addition to financial backing for the season, the sponsorship programme includes support from the former Porsche works driver Sascha Maassen as a driver coach at all race weekends of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Similar to the Porsche works drivers, the successful candidate receives sports medicine and sports training-related mentoring from the University of Potsdam. Media seminars and mental fitness training are also part of the instruction content on the path to becoming a professional racing driver. Moreover, the Porsche Juniors will be involved in marketing activities and PR appointments.
Traditionally, Porsche has sponsored young racing drivers since 1997 and supports them in their climb up the motorsport career ladder. A prime example is New Zealander, Earl Bamber, who worked his way up through the ranks of Porsche’s motorsport pyramid from a national Cup Challenge to become a works driver. Bamber was selected as a Porsche Junior in 2013. Two years later he won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Porsche 919 Hybrid. In 2017, he secured another Le Mans victory, and in 2019 he won the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Nine of the current Porsche works drivers and Porsche Young Professionals are former Porsche Juniors.
Le Mans 24 Hour and Bathurst 12 hour winner, Matt Campbell is another who came through the Porsche Motorsport pyramid after being successful at both Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia and then in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia (2016 champion). Most recently, Jaxon Evans would ascend through the pyramid following Matt, after finishing runner-up in Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge in 2016 and winning the 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship, to earn his spot in the Porsche Junior Shootout last year.
After winning the Porsche Junior Shootout Evans competed in the Porsche Mobil 1 Shootout this year and sealed the Rookie of the Year title in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia arguably remain the most proven pathway in Australia to highest levels of motorsport.
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NewsPorsche to offer Le Mans 24 Hour opportunity to 2020 Carrera Cup Australia drivers
Carrera Cup Australia offers once in a lifetime opportunity at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020
Carrera Cup Australia offers once in a lifetime opportunity at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020
The 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup season is shaping up to be the biggest on record on the back of its recently announced 2020 calendar, which is set to take place at the Australian Grand Prix and the premier Supercar events around the country. The series will also enjoy the largest sponsorship support, television package and prize pool in Carrera Cup’s 15-year history.
Porsche have now announced it will be the official support category for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020, combining rounds of Porsche Carrera Cup France (PCCF) and Porsche Carrera Cup Germany (PCCD).
For 2020, Porsche has also offered the opportunity for one driver from each Carrera Cup series globally, to compete and represent their country at this iconic event racing against a field of over 60 Cup Cars just before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This once in a lifetime opportunity for one lucky competitor will be open to all 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup drivers in Australia.
To represent Australia at this event next year, Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) will conduct a raffle which will be drawn on the Sunday morning of the second round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup round held at the Australian Grand Prix.
To be eligible to enter the raffle, competitors must compete in the first two rounds of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup championship in 2020 and be able to attend the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the necessary financial support. Porsche Cars Australia will, in turn, provide options for a range of arrive and drive packages available at the event.
On the announcement, Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “The series is receiving huge interest from top teams and drivers across the country for next year and we are delighted to announce this once in a lifetime opportunity to one of our premier class drivers.”
“To race at this iconic event in a Porsche, for Australia, is an incredible opportunity for any driver, especially with the event’s special atmosphere and illustrious history,” he added.
This extraordinary competition between 60 identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars from around the world on the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe will take place on 13 and 14 June next year, just hours before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The winner will be announced on the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia website and social media channels after the draw. To view highlights of 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup race at Le Mans click here: https://youtu.be/-ewTwP2wj30
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NewsSeason review: Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup raises the bar in 2019
The 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season will go down as one of the most competitive in series’ history
The 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season will go down as one of the most competitive in series’ history
2019 will be remembered as the benchmark year in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia’s 15-year history, not only for the records broken and standard of competition but the success of the series both on and off the track.
The first stop on the 2019 calendar was the Superloop Adelaide 500 in South Australia. The opening round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season saw Porsche Centre Melbourne driver, Nick McBride take a spectacular clean sweep of race wins in the Pro class, while Anthony Gilbertson claimed the TAG Heuer Pro-Am round victory, despite an impressive final race from newcomer Liam Talbot.
Australia’s premier one-make championship would again feature as a Formula One support category for round two of the 2019 season at Albert Park.
While Dale Wood would take a solid points haul and the round win, his teammate Jordan Love proved to be the dominant Michelin Junior for the Melbourne round, placing third and second in the opening two races before winning race three and race four. Love’s prize for winning the Michelin Super Round meant he would embark on a unique trip to the FIA Formula E event in Germany for the Berlin E-Prix.
Love carried this form into Round 3 at the iconic Phillip Island circuit, winning all three races to complete a clean sweep of the weekend. Liam Talbot would again take the TAG Heuer Pro-Am race, while Stephen Grove took the round victory moving him into a tie for the top spot in the all-time winners’ list.
Cameron Hill would then deliver on the promise he had shown since joining the category in 2018 at Round 4 in Darwin. The Canberra driver took a superb pole position and a bold pass for the lead in the 33-lap Enduro Cup race at Hidden Valley, delivered a stunning win to the single-car family team.
The overall round victory in Darwin would go to South Australian Michael Almond, however, while Adrian Flack completed a sweep of all three races to win the Pro-Am class. Unfortunately, a massive accident between Love and Talbot saw Michelin Junior sent to the hospital with a broken hand, placing pressure on his Sonic Racing crew to ready the car in time for Townsville only two weeks later.
Following Almond’s victory in Darwin, the championship had witnessed four different outright winners from the first four rounds in the Pro class, while Adrian Flack added his name to three other winners after four rounds of TAG Heuer Pro-Am competition.
Townsville saw a future star take centre stage when Cooper Murray recorded a dominant clean sweep of race wins – making him the youngest ever victor in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup history. Of equal significance, was the efforts of TAG Heuer Pro-Am Roger Lago to not only break the outright pole record in qualifying for the street circuit but top the overall timesheet. This was the first time in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup’s history a Pro-Am driver had out-qualified the entire Pro field.
The crews then headed south and turned their attention to Round 6 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship in Tailem Bend, a fast, flowing South Australian track that is tailor-made for Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars.
On the track, Jordan Love marked his return to peak form at the best possible time, sweeping all three races, the round and the lap record, while in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class, Adrian Flack too completed a remarkable weekend via a pair of stunning Sunday performances.
After Pro-Am class rival Liam Talbot finished third outright in Race one, Flack repeated that performance on Sunday morning, before finishing fourth in the final race. That secured him a spot on the outright podium but also a comfortable win in his class over Talbot and Roger Lago.
Love’s crushing performance delivered the 20-year-old Sonic driver his first wins since Phillip Island in May and also ensured he sealed the Porsche Michelin Junior driver nomination towards the Porsche Shootout in Europe later this year.
With only two rounds remaining, the championship battle in both the Pro and the Pro-Am class was at fever pitch as the teams converged on the infamous Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst for Round 6.
Jordan Love would complete a remarkable sweep – his third of the season – to top off his meteoric rise from his Darwin Injury and in the process reducing a more than 200-point deficit to zero in the space of just six races.
Adrian Flack, meanwhile, ceded the race lead to Liam Talbot in Bathurst’s final nine-lap affair but still emerged from the penultimate round as the new TAG Heuer Pro-Am class leader.
The 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup championship titles would thus go down to the wire on the streets of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in the final round.
David Wall ended a year-long race-winning drought by sweeping to victory in Race 1 ahead of title contender Love and Murray. Love’s second position not only extended his lead in the overall championship but also clinched the Enduro Cup championship for 2019.
David Wall would continue his winning ways on Sunday and go onto secure the round win and third position in the overall championship in the process. Wall became the sixth different winner from the eight rounds this year, while Sam Shahin also completed a round sweep to take out TAG Heuer Pro-Am honours.
The big story, however, surrounded the remarkable championship battle between Sonic Motor Racing teammates Love and Wood. Leading by 14 points entering Sunday’s two 17-lap sprint races, Love needed to only finish in front of Wood in each race to claim the championship.
But contact in Race 2 between the championship pair sparked tensions and produced a remarkable comeback drive by Love from the back of the grid to eighth. Wood was later penalised 15 seconds by race officials for his role in the incident; ensuring he finished seventh on corrected results and returning the title lead to his teammate in the process.
The pair started side-by-side in a tension-riddled season finale. In the end, Love was classified fifth and Wood seventh – following a post-race penalty for short-cutting the turn one chicane. The result ensured Love of the overall Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup championship, backing up his 2017 title win in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge to showcase the strength of both the Porsche driver development Pyramid and Michelin Junior programs in Australia.
Liam Talbot’s victory in TAG Heuer Pro-Am was also only decided in the final race after a year-long battle with closest class rivals Adrian Flack and Roger Lago. Talbot, who claims the second title for Wall Racing in Carrera Cup history, ultimately won by just 30 points over Roger Lago, with Adrian Flack in third a further eight points back.
All the 2019 champions and past champions were celebrated in the series’ annual awards night on Sunday evening following the last race. On the night the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia calendar was announced together with a two-year extension by series sponsor PAYCE.
The 2020 calendar aligns with rounds of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and the Australian Grand Prix, with the country’s premier support category encompassing an eight-round series headlining at Australia’s marquee motorsport events across the country.
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NewsPorsche pays homage to past and present champions at 2019 Carrera Cup Awards Dinner
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia crowns 2019 champions with record Prize pool
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia crowns 2019 champions with a record prize pool
One of the most anticipated highlights of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season is the Awards Dinner. This year the event was again held at the prestigious QT hotel on the Gold Coast after the final round and played host to drivers, teams, sponsors and media partners of Australia’s premier one-make championship.
The theme to this year’s event was inspired by Cirque du Soleil with guests entertained by a host of performers and musicians throughout the evening. While the evening is intended to celebrate the achievements of both the drivers and teams of the current season, 2019 also marks the 15th anniversary of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
As a result the series’ took the opportunity at the start of the evening to pay homage to its past champions in attendance including: Jim Richards (2003); Alex Davison (2004); Fabian Coulthard (2005); Craig Baird (2006, 2008-2013); David Reynolds (2007); Steve Richards (2014) and David Wall (2017). Nick Foster (2015); Matt Campbell (2016) and Jaxon Evans (2018) were the only champions not in attendance due to their racing commitments abroad.
Thanks to the support of the series’ sponsors the 2019 winners will also enjoy the largest prize pool in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia’s history. Three new initiatives for 2019 include the Meguiar’s Best Presented Award; Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year and the Mechanic and Engineer of the Year awards.
With strong interest across every class including Pro, TAG Heuer Pro-Am and Michelin Junior for 2020, Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia continues to be the premier one-make series in Australia showing continued interest from top drivers, teams and sponsors.
Here is a list of the award winners and prizes for 2019:
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion JORDAN LOVE
Winner: Trip to the Porsche Ice Experience (Finland) in March 2020
Trip to the Night of Champions Dinner (Germany) in December 2019
Season entry to the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia
Second: TAG Heuer Watch DALE WOOD
Third: TAG Heuer Watch DAVID WALL
Class: TAG Heuer Pro-Am LIAM TALBOT
Winner: Trip to the Porsche Ice Experience (Finland) in March 2020
Trip to the Night of Champions Dinner (Germany) in December 2019
Season entry to the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia
Second: TAG Heuer Watch ROGER LAGO
Third: TAG Heuer Watch ADRIAN FLACK
Michelin Junior Champion JORDAN LOVE
Winner: Trip to compete in the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme
Shootout (Europe)
Trip to the Night of Champions Dinner (Germany) in December 2019
Porsche Teams Championship SONIC MOTOR RACING
Winner: Loan of a Porsche Cayenne for the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season
TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award
Pro: TAG Heuer Watch PRO: COOPER MURRAY
Pro-Am: TAG Heuer Watch LIAM TALBOT
Porsche Endurance Cup
Pro: TAG Heuer Watch JORDAN LOVE
Pro-Am: TAG Heuer Watch ADRIAN FLACK
Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award MICHAEL ALMOND
Winner: Trip to the Night of Champions Dinner (Germany) in December 2019
Meguiar’s Best Presented Award CAMERON HILL
Winner: $5000 of Meguiar’s Care Car Product
Engineer Mechanic of the Year SONIC MECHANIC – JAIDYN JOB
Winners: TAG Heuer Watch SONIC ENGINEER – MICHAEL RITTER
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champions
2003 Jim Richards Jim Richards Racing
2004 Alex Davison Greg Murphy Racing
2005 Fabian Coulthard Greg Murphy Racing
2006 Craig Baird VIP Petfoods Racing
2007 David Reynolds Sonic Motor Racing
2008 Craig Baird Fitzgerald Racing Services
2011 Craig Baird Alliance Group Racing
2012 Craig Baird Alliance Group Racing
2013 Craig Baird Alliance Group Racing
2014 Steve Richards Steve Richards Motorsport
2015 Nick Foster Sonic Motor Racing
2016 Matt Campbell McElrea Racing
2017 David Wall Wall Racing
2018 Jaxon Evans McElrea Racing
2019 Jordan Love Sonic Motor Racing
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NewsPorsche announce 2020 calendar and PAYCE as series sponsor for next two years
2020 Porsche Carrera Cup calendar and extension of PAYCE as series sponsor
2020 Porsche Carrera Cup calendar and extension of PAYCE as series sponsor
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia has announced an all Australian calendar for 2020. Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport for Porsche Cars Australia made the announcement to teams, drivers, sponsors and media partners at the series’ annual Awards Dinner after the final round on the Gold Coast.
The 2020 calendar aligns with rounds of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and the Australian Grand Prix, with the country’s premier support category encompassing an eight-round series headlining at Australia’s marquee motorsport events across the country.
The 2020 calendar kicks off with its traditional start at the Superloop Adelaide 500 on the 20-23 February followed by the glitz and glamour of the Australian Grand Prix on the 12-15 March. There is an early break over April and May before the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship reconvenes for round 3 at the Watpac Townsville 400 in 26-28 June.
The Championship stays up north for round 4 in Darwin Triple Crown on the 17-19 July before heading back south for the highly anticipated Sydney Super Night Race on the 28-10 August. A month later the teams will again enjoy the fast and flowing curves of The Bend Motorsport Park, before heading to the Bathurst 1000 in early October. The final round again will be at the Vodafone Gold Coast 600 on the 30 October – 01 November.
After the reveal Bundy explained the key factors when developing the 2020 calendar, “Every year we get feedback from our customers through a survey and from that feedback what stood out was that everyone wanted to continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year in front of the biggest crowds, while enjoying the best support and television package available.”
“This calendar delivers on these objectives with every race being a marquee event with great tracks, big crowds and just a premier class experience for our customers, teams and sponsors.”
The second big announcement of the night was that PAYCE have resigned as the title series’ sponsor for a further two years.
On the announcement Bundy said, “It gives me great pleasure to announce that PAYCE have secured the title partner rights for Carrera Cup for the next two years, taking them to the end of the life the 911 Gen II program.”
“Partners like PAYCE are incredibly important to us as we just couldn’t deliver the level of programme we do without their support,” he continued.
“We have been fortunate enough to secure the largest sponsorship support in Carrera Cup’s 15 year history and for us that has allowed us to reinvest that support back to the drivers and customers through improved calendars, television packages, prizes as well the Michelin Junior program,” Bundy continued.
“Personally, it’s hugely gratifying to secure PAYCE as our title partner for the series for the next two years as they have been a fantastic partner of the category for a number of years both partnering with the series as well as a range of teams and drivers. They secured our title partner rights at the end of the last year and we are very grateful for the faith they have shown in our program to continue until the end of 2021.”
According to John McMellan Director PAYCE Consolidated Pty Ltd, “PAYCE has a long-time association with Australian motorsport through its support of drivers, teams and categories. At PAYCE, we see many synergies between our company and this popular sport, including sharing a passion for what we do.”
“PAYCE has had a long term association with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia for quite some time on both the driver side and the series. This year we decided to take up the series title rights and it’s been a great partnership ever since,” McMellan said.
“PAYCE’s renewed investment in the series’ is a testimony to the standard of racing and presentation of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup, both on and off the circuit. We are very pleased to confirm the extension of our series partnership for another 2 years,” he concluded.
2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Calendar
Round 1 Superloop Adelaide 500 Adelaide 20-23 February
Round 2 Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne 12-15 March
Round 3 WatPac Townsville 400 Townsville 26-28 June
Round 4 BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown, Darwin 17-19 July
Round 5 Sydney Super Night Race, Sydney 28-30 August
Round 6 The Bend OTR 500, Tailem Bend 18-20 Sept
Round 7 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Bathurst 08 – 11 Oct
Round 8 Vodafone Gold Coast 600 Gold Coast 30 Oct– 01 Nov
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NewsJordan Love and Liam Talbot crowned 2019 champions
David Wall and Sam Shahin claim Gold Coast sweeps as dramatic day decides 2019 series champions
JORDAN LOVE has completed one of the more remarkable comebacks in recent racing history by claiming the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Liam Talbot clinched the TAG Heuer Pro-Am title in a dramatic day on the Gold Coast that saw both classes go down to the wire in the final race of the season. .
David Wall won all three races this weekend to claim his first overall round victory since the 2017 season, securing third position in the championship in the process.
Wall became the sixth different winner from the eight rounds this year, heading Cooper Murray and Cameron Hill on the outright podium.
Sam Shahin also completed a round sweep to take out TAG Heuer Pro-Am honours in Queensland, while Tim Miles posted his best result of the year in second and Dean Cook in third.
The big story, however, surrounded the remarkable championship battle between Sonic Motor Racing teammates that reverberated across a tension-filled day.
Leading by 14 points entering today’s pair of 17-lap sprint races, Love needed to only finish in front of Wood in each race to claim the championship – but of course it was never that easy.
A controversial touch between the pair on the opening lap of race two saw Love spun in the turn one chicane, dropping to the rear of the field.
While Wood continued on in third place, Love carved his way to finish the race in eighth position with his 14-point lead turning into a similar deficit in the title race. In front, Wall won the race ahead of a charging Cooper Murray.
However, Wood was later penalised 15 seconds by race officials for his role in the incident with his younger teammate; ensuring he finished seventh on corrected results and returning the title lead to his teammate in the process.
The pair started side-by-side in a tension-riddled finale with an ultimately straightforward race ending with Love finishing fifth and Wood seventh – following a post-race penalty for short-cutting the turn one chicane ensuring that Love sealed the championship.
Cooper Murray crossed the line first in the finale’, however he also copped a five second penalty for a kerb cut that handed the win, and a clean sweep of the weekend, to David Wall.
The 18-point final margin between the Sonic pair is the closest ever in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia’s 15-year history: Love, at 20, also becoming the youngest ever winner of the championship.
The title story is made even more remarkable due to the fact that Love broke his hand during an incident at the mid-way point of the championship in Darwin.
He competed in Townsville soon after surgery and left Queensland more than 200 points behind Wood.
However a remarkable streak of wins at The Bend and Bathurst two weeks ago ensured he was able to return to contention in time for the final round this weekend.
It was Sonic Motor Racing’s first title since Nick Foster claimed the 2015 championship, the team finishing 1-2 for the first time ever.
Love backs up his 2017 title win in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge to showcase the strength of both the Porsche driver development Pyramid and Michelin Junior programs.
“It’s been an awesome journey and I can’t put into words how this feels right now,” Love said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team and everyone who has helped me on the journey to get to this point here. I can’t explain it!
“After Darwin it was a case of head down, keep pushing and to come back from that is incredible.
“We’ve had some mega ups and some pretty low lows; it’s been one hell of a journey.
“It’s been an awesome battle with Dale all year. It’s tough competing against your teammate but it’s been awesome.”
Sonic’s 1-2 result is the first ever in the championship, Dale Wood recording his best ever finish since joining the series having led for a bulk of the year.
David Wall has finished first, second or third in each of the last four years and ultimately fell just 30 points short of the championship in third.
Meanwhile, Talbot’s victory in TAG Heuer Pro-Am came after a year-long battle with closest class rivals Adrian Flack and Roger Lago, with all three in the calculations entering this weekend.
Ironically, the Queensland based driver was an innocent victim in the crash that also claimed Jordan Love in Darwin – that incident ensuring neither driver scored many points in the top end yet still managed to rebound to claim their respective class championships.
Talbot, who claims the second title for Wall Racing in Carrera Cup history, ultimately won by just 30 points over Roger Lago, with Adrian Flack in third a further eight points back.
“I’m stoked – after Darwin we had a massive crash where Jordan and I got together. It wasn’t our fault but we both thought the championship was over,” Talbot said.
“Our guys just put so much work and effort getting the car back on track after the write-off and I just can’t thank the team.
“A national championship is just so special – what an amazing season. We’ve been building; we’ve had a lot of momentum. We had a lot of bad luck in the first part of the year but we put that out of the way, parked it, and said ‘lets do this’. It’s an amazing feeling winning the championship.”
The 2019 champions and prize winners will be celebrated in the annual Gala awards this evening on the Gold Coast, while the 2020 championship calendar will also be announced in due course.
FINAL STANDINGS
- Jordan Love 1047
- Dale Wood 1029
- David Wall 1017
- Nick McBride 899
- Cooper Murray 869
- Cameron Hill 810
- Michael Almond 727
- Warren Luff 658
- Thomas Maxwell 493
- Duvashen Padayachee 455
TAG HEUER PRO-AM
- Liam Talbot 958
- Roger Lago 928
- Adrian Flack 920
- Sam Shahin 800
- Tim Miles 749
- Dean Cook 694
- Anthony Gilbertson 610
- Stephen Grove 603
- Indiran Padayachee 460
- Scott Taylor 306
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NewsDrought ends for Wall as Love seals Enduro Cup
Sam Shahin takes TAG Heuer Pro-Am class win in Enduro Cup test
DAVID WALL has ended a year-long race winning drought by sweeping to victory in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia’s Enduro Cup decider on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
In a pulsating 25-lap affair, Wall headed home title contender Jordan Love and Cooper Murray today to take his first win since Bathurst last year. Jordan Love’s second position not only extended his lead in the overall championship, but also clinched the Sonic Racing driver the Enduro Cup championship for 2019.
Also tasting success on the streets of Surfers Paradise was Sam Shahin, who was never headed en-route to TAG Heuer Pro-Am success and an outstanding ninth outright finish in the process.
Wall’s ninth career win came in style as he executed a perfect race start and controlled the race from the outset.
Surviving an early Safety Car restart, he pulled away from Love and Cooper Murray who spent the entire duration battling for second, position and ultimately won by five seconds.
“I feel like we’ve been close to that all year, I just couldn’t get the car off the line,” Wall said.
“It’s great to finally get the win on the board again. We’re trying to do all we can to stay in this race but young Jordan finished second. We’ll just keep our head down and see what we can do.
“We gave up a few this year through mistakes and not getting things right but we came good and it’s good to get a win.
“Thoroughly enjoyed that race and racing on the streets of the Gold Coast – we’ll keep bouncing off those kerbs and see what we can do tomorrow.”
Love fended off attack after attack from Cooper Murray, ensuring he finished with one car between he and direct title rival Dale Wood, who was fourth.
With Murray disrupting the inter-team Sonic Racing team battle Love’s overnight lead of two points has now stretched to 14 heading into Sunday’s pair of sprint races.
Murray’s podium was his sixth from the last six straight races, while Wood had a quiet run to fourth place, finishing three seconds behind Love but two clear of Cameron Hill in fifth.
Hill made a flying start and passed both Nick McBride and Michael Almond on the opening lap to climb into the top five. Almond was another improver, gaining two spots to finish sixth, while McBride dropped two spots to seventh.
After his slow start, McBride spent much of the race dicing with Thomas Maxwell with the pair ultimately making contact in the final turn late in the event – the latter forced to pit lane with damage while McBride was able to finish without dropping a spot.
Steven Richards was another mover and shaker, gaining two spots, while Sam Shahin finished just behind the Bathurst champion and first of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am runners in a potentially championship-changing day for the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’.
Starting from the class pole, Shahin was away strongly and settled into a comfortable class lead as drama unfolded on the opening lap.
A big move from Pro-Am class leader Adrian Flack on the opening lap saw him slice down the inside of Tim Miles at turn eleven – failing to stop the car in time, making contact with the tyre barrier and ending his race on lap one.
It was a potentially championship-changing moment for the Queenslander as he saw a provisional lead slip to third place in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings with two races remaining.
With a ‘drop your worst round’ calculation to come, Liam Talbot provisionally leads the class over Roger Lago and Flack.
Shahin, meanwhile, was untroubled by those dramas as he powered to his fifth career class victory in The Bend Motorsport Park entry.
“I’m just so happy. It’s customary to thank a lot of people after a race win, but I really feel like I’ve worked my butt off all year but just haven’t had the results to show for it.
“It’s been disheartening to go to some tracks and not walking away with the results, but after my incident here last year I really came committed to do well and I’m so relieved.
“This is satisfying on so many levels. It’s a mental commitment to performing and I had to keep my head straight for the entire race – it’s pleasing on a lot of levels.”
Talbot finished second in Pro-Am while Miles was third; his first podium finish since Townsville in July.
Today’s race sets up a winner-take-all finale’ tomorrow in both classes, with 120 points up for grabs across a pair of sprint races on the Gold Coast.
Love leads Wood in the outright championship battle by 14 points while victory today for Wall means he remains in contention; 74 points behind the leader.
Both races will be shown live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports with the decider also shown on Channel 10.
STANDINGS – ENDURO CUP
- Jordan Love 286
- David Wall 259
- Dale Wood 251
- Cooper Murray 235
- Nick McBride 229
STANDINGS – ENDURO CUP (TAG HEUER PRO-AM)
- Adrian Flack 270
- Liam Talbot 258
- Roger Lago 242
- Dean Cook 223
- Sam Shahin 190
STANDINGS – OUTRIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
- Jordan Love 985
- Dale Wood 971
- David Wall 897
- Nick McBride 809
- Cooper Murray 773
TAG HEUER PRO-AM
(Including ‘worst round’ dropped prior to Round 8)
- Liam Talbot 890
- Roger Lago 854
- Adrian Flack 842
- Sam Shahin 680
- Tim Miles 647
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NewsWall, Shahin star in thrilling Gold Coast qualifying
TAG Heuer Pole Awards decided in record-smashing Surfers Shootout
ONE OF the great Gold Coast qualifying laps has seen David Wall storm to his second-straight Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia TAG Heuer Pole Award today in Surfers Paradise.
An equally impressive effort saw Sam Shahin superbly claim his second TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole position of the year and qualify his car ninth outright in one of the tightest fields of the entire season.
Exactly one second covered the top 14 cars in a pulsating 20-minute session that saw David Wall bank a new Qualifying record on the Gold Coast with a stunning 1m11.9712s flyer – the first ever lap under One minute, twelve seconds by a Cup Car at the circuit.
Title contenders Jordan Love and Dale Wood qualified second and fourth, respectively, and were split by Cooper Murray.
Love was also beneath the existing qualifying record – set last year by Wall – while the two on the front row were 0.2 seconds quicker than Murray and Wood who make up row two.
Remarkably, just 0.6 seconds covered third to fourteenth in the qualifying order, setting the tone for a stunning Enduro Cup decider tomorrow afternoon.
Wall’s pole was the ninth of his career and the third of his season, ensuring he finishes the year with more TAG Heuer Pole Awards than any other driver.
The Sydneysider sits third in the championship and remains in title calculations heading into race one tomorrow.
“I said to the boys before Qualifying that if we could be in the elevens it would be quite cool,” Wall said.
“You come from such a place of finesse like Bathurst and come here and basically hang on, it’s a very different atmosphere for sure. But I felt like we maximised the car and I felt like I got 99 per cent from it.
“It’s the business end of the year and we’re making sure we don’t leave anything behind. I had a red-hot go and glad to come out with the P1, for sure.”
The pulsating session saw Wall on top for a majority, banking his best lap on his final flyer even after his key rivals had finished their final laps.
Love jumped to second late in the session while Wood was also a contender throughout – the Sonic Racing teammates often trading positions.
Murray survived a hefty brush with the wall at turn two to qualify third while Nick McBride, the round winner on the Gold Coast twelve months ago, qualified fifth.
Michelin Juniors Thomas Maxwell and Cameron Hill were next, the latter remarkably surviving a wild spin in the beach chicane without making any contact with the wall.
Michael Almond put all four full-season Sonic Racing entries in the top eight with his effort.
Sam Shahin left his run to TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole to late, banking his 1m12.7855 on his 11th of 13 laps completed.
He then had to watch as class title contender Liam Talbot came agonisingly close to beating The Bend Motorsport Park-supported car to the category pole; the latter falling short by a tiny 0.01 seconds.
Tim Miles qualified third in TAG Heuer Pro-Am – at one stage leading the class – while title leader Adrian Flack was fourth in class and 14th overall.
Shahin’s pole was the third of his career and his second of the year, his last one coming at Albert Park in March this year.
His effort was equally satisfying given a hefty crash at the same venue twelve months ago left him with an injured ankle and a lengthy recovery.
“It feels actually amazing. I’m incredibly relieved and I’ve done the hard work throughout the year but without the results to show for it,” Shahin said.
“I’ve had to overcome some demons this weekend, I had a nasty, high-speed crash at this track exactly twelve months ago and only four weeks ago I had the pins and plates removed from my ankle. I really wanted to get that out of my mind before I came to this track again.
“It’s a track that needs a lot of commitment. I had my thinking cap on today and I was committed.”
While Steven Richards’ return to form following a tough season continued with a strong 10th outright, the pair of graduates from the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series impressed with their debut Carrera Cup efforts.
Harri Jones qualified his McElrea Racing entry 12th outright while his Cup Challenge title rival Aaron Love, the younger brother of Jordan, was 16th.
Despite the spread in positions between the Love siblings, in reality the margin between the pair was just 0.9 seconds – showing how tight the field is this weekend.
With the grid set attention now turns to the finale’ of the Carrera Cup Enduro Cup, which concludes on Saturday afternoon via a 28-lap challenge on the Surfers Paradise circuit.
The first major championship of the year to be decided has Jordan Love holding a 23-point lead over Dale Wood across the five longer-distance races contested to date.
Nick McBride, nine points further back, and David Wall (one behind McBride) also remain in contention for the prestigious award.
With 60-points up for grabs, Adrian Flack can-not be beaten for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am enduro cup championship thanks to his 64-point margin over Roger Lago.
The latter, however, sits just two points in front of Liam Talbot in the battle for second and third.
The enduro cup race commences at 1:25pm on Saturday afternoon and will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 506, Kayo Sports and Channel 10.
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NewsLiam Talbot and Wash it raise awareness for breast cancer
Liam Talbot reveals new Gold Coast livery in support of breast cancer awareness
Liam Talbot reveals new Gold Coast livery in support of breast cancer awareness
While Liam Talbot’s full focus will be on the Championship battle with TAG Heuer Pro-Am rivals Adrian Flack and Roger Lago on the Gold Coast this weekend. The Queenslander and his local sponsor Wash it Mobile Truck Washing has embarked on a noble charity initiative revealing a distinct Pink bubble livery on his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car at the Surfers Paradise circuit.
Ben Hennock founder of WASHIT Mobile Truck Washing, has pledged to donate one dollar to breast cancer awareness charity for every truck washed nationally by Wash it for the month of October
On unveiling the new livery, Hennock said, “The partnership with Liam and the exposure the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship provides sponsors like ourselves is great and it made sense to use the platform at the final race to get awareness for this new charity initiative.”
Wash it Mobile Truck Washing was founded in 2009, offering specialized washing services for warehouse and cold room cleaning as well as the washing of a range of industrial vehicles from prime movers, trailers and buses to containers and forklifts.
“We expect to donate in excess of $20 000 to breast cancer awareness by the end of October based on our customer database across the country.”
“We’ve always had bubbles feature in our corporate identity, shirts and vehicle designs and my wife made the suggestion to change them from blue to pink. People associate pink with breast cancer awareness so it made sense for us to launch the charity campaign using Liam’s revised livery at this race” Hennock continued.
Wash it is also planning to launch a prostate cancer awareness campaign in March next year, returning Talbot’s car to its signature blue. Interested parties looking to support the cause can contact Wash it on info@washit.com.au or get in contact with Liam Talbot direct via his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/liamtalbotracing
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NewsPorsche extends partnership with Formula 1®
Three-year contract: Porsche extends partnership with Formula 1®
Three-year contract: Porsche extends partnership with Formula 1®
Porsche will continue to run as a support series to Formula 1 in the future: The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer has extended its contract with the pinnacle of motorsport for another three years. As a result, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche’s national one-make cup series will run as part of the FIA Formula One World Championship™ up to and including 2022. “We’re proud to forge ahead with the close and long-established partnership. Formula 1 offers an exclusive setting with a unique flair. This fascination and high media importance represent an ideal overall package for our racing series,” explains Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup has been part of the Formula 1 support programme since its debut season in 1993 – with famous circuits such as the Belgian Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy and Monaco’s street circuit in Monte Carlo as regular fixtures on the racing calendar of the international one-make cup. All drivers compete in 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. All racing vehicles are technically identical, as are the tyres and the fuel – guaranteeing equal chances for all.
The Supercup represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s one-make cups and offers an ideal training platform for talented racing drivers. Earl Bamber, Jörg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Michael Christensen, Kévin Estre, Richard Lietz, Sven Müller, Nick Tandy and Dirk Werner made an impression in the international one-make cup series and now belong to the works squad at Porsche. The Porsche Young Professionals Matt Campbell, Matteo Cairoli, Mathieu Jaminet, Dennis Olsen and Thomas Preining also underlined their talent in the Supercup. Today’s DTM professionals Philipp Eng and René Rast used the series as a springboard into professional motor racing.
“In the future, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will focus on eight European rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Porsche’s national one-make cup series will enhance the Formula 1 support programme at many other events around the world, which showcases Porsche in an attractive environment,” says Michael Dreiser, Director Porsche Motorsport Sales.
The renewal of the contract means that the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will celebrate its 30th anniversary with Formula 1 in the year 2022. The very first round of the one-make cup was contested at the 1993 Grand Prix of San Marino in Imola. “We are pleased to have extended our long-standing partnership with Porsche for a further three years. This one-make series provides some of the most spectacular racing of any series and contributes significantly to the show that’s on offer over a Grand Prix weekend. Furthermore, in the thirty years during which it has run alongside Formula 1, the Porsche Supercup has provided an excellent launch pad for many drivers who have also made their mark in international races at all levels,” says Ross Brawn, Managing Director, Motorsport at Formula 1. In 1950, Formula 1® racing began and is now the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world’s most popular annual sporting series. The 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship™ runs from March to December and spans 21 races in 21 countries across five continents.
The debut of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in 2021 marks a new milestone in the history of Porsche Motorsport. The latest generation Cup vehicle will be unveiled next year and fielded in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and selected Carrera Cups in 2021. The world’s most widely produced GT racer is run in all of Porsche’s one-make cup series. From 1990 up to and including 2019, Porsche produced 4,251 units of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup at the main factory in Stuttgart and subsequently prepared the vehicles ready to race.
FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula 1 Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.
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NewsFinal nominations for 2019 Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year
Miles, Almond & Talbot nominated for Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year award
Miles, Almond and Talbot nominated for Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year award
Following the nominations of Adrian Flack, Nick McBride and Cameron Hill for the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year award earlier this year. Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia has announced the remaining nominations for this prestigious award ahead of the final round of the 2019 Championship on the Gold Coast this weekend.
The list of new nominations includes two TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers in Tim Miles and Liam Talbot, as well as the Bob Jane T-Marts sponsored driver of Michael Almond in the Pro category.
Like Flack, McBride and Hill, the three nominated drivers were adjudged to be excellent ambassadors for Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship in the manner they conduct themselves both on and off the track.
From this list of six nominations, one driver will be awarded the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year award at the Awards presentation dinner after the final race on Sunday evening. Each nomination was selected from the drivers in the 2019 championship that exhibited a passion for Porsche brand and the Series as well an enthusiasm and dedication to improve on track.
The award takes into consideration how each nominated driver treats their fellow competitors, team members, race officials and fans, demonstrating respect, fairness and integrity both on and off the track. The support, encouragement and advice shown to fellow competitors, team members and officials are also taken into consideration when selecting not only the nominations but the overall winner. The overall winner is the nominee that best distils and exhibits all of these traits.
Tim Miles is one of the most respected characters in not only the Porsche paddock but in Australian motorsport. The Sydney based businessman has also made a successful ascent of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid over the past few seasons, progressing from the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge series through to the ultra-competitive Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Miles’ racing resume over the past years includes a Bathurst clean sweep in the premier class and is sprinkled with strong appearances not only as Porsche Pro-Am driver, but co-driver for the likes of Renee Gracie and McElrea Racing teammates Matt Campbell and, in 2017, Jaxon Evans.
Liam Talbot is relatively new to the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship by comparison and heads into this weekend in contention for the 2019 TAG Heuer Pro-Am Championship, along with fellow nominee Adrian Flack. Talbot’s career includes victories in the 2013 Radical Australia Cup series, two class wins in the Bathurst 12hr endurance race in 2013 and 2017 as well as a podium finish at the famous Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
Further highlights include a first place in the Blancpain GT Endurance Cup (AM) in 2016, a Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hour class victory as well as GT3 race and GT4 round wins on debut in the Australian GT Championship.
Talbot, who recently proposed to television personality and social influencer, Charli Robinson on the 2019 Bathurst grid, only started his racing career at age 30 but has since built a strong competitive resume both in Australia and abroad.
Michael Almond needs little introduction and is one of the leading Porsche drivers since bursting onto the scene in 2010 when he qualified on pole on his debut in the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia. He has since gone on to and forge a strong career with the Porsche brand.
A race winner in GT3 Cup Challenge, Almond also won races in the classic Touring Car Masters series, racing a 1973 Porsche RS against much larger and more powerful cars – against drivers like Jim Richards, John Bowe and Glenn Seton.
A move to Carrera Cup in late 2012 has seen his career blossom and climb towards a breakout season in 2016 that netted his first career win. Appropriately for this Adelaide born driver, it came in front of his home town fans and friends on the streets of Adelaide at the Adelaide 500.
The overall winner of the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year award on Sunday night will receive a Business Class trip to Germany to attend the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions at Weissach, Germany.
Follow the awards, news and announcements from the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia awards evening on our social media pages: Instagram – @carreracupaus / Twitter – @CarreraCupAus / Facebook.com/CarreraCupAus
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NewsPorsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship to be decided in Gold Coast thriller
Love and Flack lead into Carrera Cup Championship decider on the Gold Coast
Love and Flack lead into Carrera Cup Championship decider on the Gold Coast
The streets of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast of Queensland will play host the eighth and final round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship this weekend.
The infamous street circuit – famous for its sharp kerbs and unforgiving nature – has hosted Australia’s premier one-make category every year it has been in operation. This year is the 15th time the championship has raced on the Gold Coast and the 10th time it has hosted the championship’s final round.
The Gold Coast is also the site of the closest finish in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup history – though it probably didn’t feel like it at the time! David Russell crossed the line 5.0456s in front of Steve Richards to win the first race in 2014, however, a five-second penalty for a start infringement meant the official margin was only 0.0456s in the final results!
No driver has ever won a Gold Coast Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia round without winning at least one of the races on that weekend. After dominant performances in the last two rounds at both Tailem Bend and Bathurst, the SRG Global Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car of Jordan Love leads the outright Championship and the Michelin Junior has won the last six races in a row, becoming the first driver to do this since Craig Baird in 2006.
Love is also only the fourth driver in series history to win six races in a row, joining Jim Richards, Alex Davison and Baird on the exclusive list. The record for most race wins in a row, however (8) was set by Richards in 2003.
Love’s 13 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia victories in his short career are only bettered by Baird, Davison, Richards, Matt Campbell and Fabian Coulthard in the series’ history books.
The 2019 series could end up having the closest margin in title history given Love enters the final round only two points in front of Sonic Racing teammate Dale Wood. The smallest series-winning margin in history is 20 points in 2017 when David Wall beat Andre Heimgartner to the title.
Cooper Murray will be Love and Wood’s biggest threat for race victory, based on his recent form and the fact that McElrea Racing has won three of the last four rounds on the Gold Coast (Matt Campbell 2015 & 2016, Jaxon Evans 2017)
Another race favourite in contention for the overall Championship fight is 2017 champion, David Wall. The Wall Racing driver and team owner, scored his 15th Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia podium finish in the last round at Bathurst, which moved him to fifth on the all-time podium list in series history behind only Craig Baird, Alex Davison, Jim Richards and Steve Richards. The ever-competitive Porsche Centre Melbourne entrant of Nick McBride lies in fourth in the championship on 780 points, behind Wall (837), Wood (929) and Love (931).
Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Championship leaders Harri Jones and Aaron Love will make their Carrera Cup debuts in the Pro class as well this weekend in preparation for the 2020 season. The Michelin Junior pairing along with TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver Greg Ward become the 212th, 213th and 214th drivers to compete in the series.
All eyes will also be on the TAG Heuer Pro-Am battle with Championship leader, Adrian Flack (842) expected to come under fire from Liam Talbot (836) and Roger Lago (818). Others to watch in the fiercely competitive Pro-Am class include Sam Shahin, Tim Miles, Dean Cook and Scott Taylor.
The weekend gets underway at 09:35 on Friday with two practice sessions, before a 20-minute qualifying session at the end of the day. Race 1 on Saturday will crown the Porsche Endurance Cup Champion in both classes while Sunday’s last two races will decide both the overall and TAG Heuer Pro-Am champions for 2019.
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.
Race Schedule – Round 8, Gold Coast
FRIDAY OCT 25 Session Television broadcast
09:35 – 10:00 Practice 1 FoxSports / Kayo
13:00 – 13:25 Practice 2 FoxSports / Kayo
16:10 – 16:30 Qualifying FoxSports / Kayo
SATURDAY OCT 26
13:25 – 14:05 Race 1 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10
SUNDAY OCT 27
08:45 – 09:10 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10
13:40 – 14:05 Race 3 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10
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NewsLove’s preparation on track for Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe
Jordan Love's preparation in top gear ahead of Porsche Junior Shootout in November
Jordan Love’s preparation in top gear ahead of Porsche Junior Shootout in November
Jordan Love will head to the final round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship on the Gold Coast this weekend with a slender two point advantage over Sonic Racing teammate Dale Wood.
While sealing the 2019 Championship will be Love’s primary focus this weekend, the young Porsche driver has also been preparing himself for arguably the biggest opportunity of his racing career, the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe in late November.
Despite an unfortunate mid-season accident, Love’s comeback in the second half of the season has been dominant, claiming the most race and round wins so far this season. Should Love lift the outright trophy on Sunday night, the next step up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid will be to attend the Junior Shootout in late November.
This year, the shootout takes place at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal with each Porsche Carrera Cup Championship around the world permitted to nominate one candidate for the shootout
A major part of Love’s preparation was to attend the Michelin Junior Training days in Melbourne recently, along with the leading junior drivers in both Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge. The Juniors underwent an intensive two-day training program receiving coaching on sports psychology, social media, branding, media training and nutrition from Australia’s leading experts on the first day.
The second day the Michelin Junior drivers also underwent physical assessments tests and analysis, while learning about aspects such as their body fat percentage, resting metabolic rate, body mass index and reaction rates to name but a few.
Jordan’s motorsport story began at the age of nine in go karting, finishing second in the West Australia State Championship in only his first year of competition. A very successful karting career followed winning numerous championships before making the shift from karts to formula car racing.
In his first year in international competition, Jordan won 14 out of the 15 Asia Cup races to become 2015 Champion in Formula BMW. At the final round of the series – at the age of 15 – he was given the opportunity to test a GP2 car as part of his prize for winning the championship.
A season in Formula 4 followed in 2016 finishing third in the Australian championship with 5 wins, 11 podiums and 4 fastest laps. Love’s first laps behind the wheel of Porsche Cup Car came when he contended the Bathurst 12-Hour in 2017, finishing third in class.
Love’s natural progression to Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge in 2017 saw him winning both the outright Championship as well as the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy in only his first year.
Love was also only the second recipient of the Porsche Junior Scholarship and during 2017 amassed the third most race victories in Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge history.
In 2018, Love progressed to Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia joining the successful Sonic Motor Racing team, finishing fourth in his first season, with 2 race wins, 1 round win and 1 lap record.
Love clinched the Porsche Junior Competition after round 6 of the 2019 championship as well as the inaugural Michelin Super Round earlier this season, after a strong performance at the Australian Grand Prix.
Jordan has been part of the Porsche Junior program in Australia ever since switching to sports cars in 2017. His impressive rise through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Australia means his nomination for the 2019 Porsche Junior shootout is well deserved as he plans to continue his ascent in 2020.
Quotes:
JORDAN LOVE
‘I’ve been training hard on and off the track in the last few months with my team, Porsche and my trainer Josh. While sealing the championship this weekend is my main goal, I feel honoured to be the Australian nominee for this year’s shootout and it was my major goal since starting in GT3 Cup Challenge 2 years ago.’
‘The Michelin Junior program is fantastic and as we’ve seen with Matt (Campbell) and Jaxon (Evans) genuinely provides young drivers with the opportunity to take their careers to Europe.’
‘My ultimate goal is to use the Porsche pyramid to become a Porsche factory driver and it will be interesting to see how I fare against the best Carrera Cup drivers from around the world.’
‘I’m incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity and I’m sure I will gain a lot of experience no matter what the outcome maybe.’
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NewsAaron Love to make Carrera Cup debut at Gold Coast
Aaron Love will make his Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia debut
Aaron Love will make his Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia debut at the Gold Coast street circuit next weekend.
17 year-old Aaron Love will join his brother Jordan in the Sonic Motor Racing Services team, making him the youngest driver to make a start in the competitive and prestigious Porsche championship this year.
Love’s news comes on the back of the recent announcement on social media that fellow Michelin Junior Harri Jones will also make his first step up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid in Gold Coast in the Helimods McElrea Racing prepared entry.
Love’s entry also means that Sonic will have five cars on the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup grid at the championship’s final round – the most amount of cars entered by a single team.
While this will mark Aaron’s Carrera Cup debut, he needs no introduction to Porsche racing. The West Australian has been racing in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge class this year (for the previous generation Porsche 911 Carrera Cup cars). He currently sits second in that title race with one round remaining.
Despite his youth, Love is no stranger to the Surfers Paradise circuit either. He competed in the now-defunct Australia Formula 4 Championship in 2017, finishing with a best result of fourth.
An excited Love said, “It’s a really good opportunity to experience this higher level of competition,”
“Carrera Cup is a very high level of competition. There are guys in there who have raced overseas and in Supercars. In the past, most of my racing has been against rookies and people my own age, so it is going to be a whole new challenge.
“It will be a massive learning curve, so I have an open mind. Of course, you always want to get up the front, but because I’m experiencing something new, I just want to take as much as I can out of it and move forward from there.
“I love the circuit too. It is one of the most unique street tracks around the world, so I can’t wait for it.”
Michael Ritter, Team Owner, Sonic Motor Racing said, “GT3 Cup Challenge does such a good job of preparing drivers for Carrera Cup and we are pleased to be able to give Aaron this opportunity. said
“The GT3 Cup Challenge Porsche 911 Cup cars are quite a bit different to the Carrera Cup cars. There’s a bit of less aero and engine power, so it will take a new approach for him.
“It will be a good chance to see how he goes as we start to prepare for 2020.”
Love’s car debut will carry the support of SRG Global for the event.
The final round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship will see Sonic drivers Jordan Love and Dale Wood go head-to-head for the title. The pair are separated by just two points.
Two practice sessions and qualifying will be held on Friday, followed by Race 1 on Saturday and the final two races of the season on Sunday.
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NewsThrilling decider in store as Bathurst delivers two new leaders
Jordan Love and Adrian Flack lead titles heading into Gold Coast finale'
BOTH Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia titles will be decided on the streets of Surfers Paradise after both the outright and TAG Heuer Pro-Am title leads changed hands following the penultimate round of the season at Mount Panorama.
Jordan Love completed a remarkable sweep – this third of the season – on Sunday morning at Bathurst to top off his meteoric rise from his Darwin Injury – reducing a more than 200-point deficit to nothing in the space of just six races.
The Bob Jane T-Marts driver now leads the championship by just two points, having overhauled his teammate Dale Wood thanks to six straight victories from the last six races.
Adrian Flack, meanwhile, ceded the race lead to Liam Talbot in today’s nine-lap affair but still emerged from the weekend as the new TAG Heuer Pro-Am class leader heading to the Gold Coast.
Talbot, who proposed to now-fiancee Charli Robinson on the grid prior to the race, finished second in class and trails the leader by just six points with a round to go.
However in front of the field was Jordan Love, who fended off fellow Porsche Michelin Junior Murray to sweep the round and race his way to the title lead.
“I certainly didn’t expect to be in the lead of the championship after this weekend,” he said. “It was great at weekend, credit to the boys. The car was mint all weekend.
“We were fast here last year, and I had some good confidence from the Tailem Bend round, but I had to keep its clean at the same time.
“We probably weren’t the fastest car out there, especially in the first and the last race, but we always had good track position, I pushed hard when I needed to and I’m pretty happy to come away with this.”
Love said obtaining the championship lead with one round remaining was a surprise, given the misfortune he suffered earlier in the season.
“After Darwin, I didn’t think we’d be in this position. You always want to have belief in yourself, but I never thought that this would be the case coming out of this weekend.”
Today’s race was a clean affair with Love leading Murray into turn one. The pair were never split by much more than a car length for the duration, the Sonic car having just enough in reserve to hold off the repeated attacks from Murray.
He finished second overall for the round, while David Wall was third for the race and third overall for the weekend as well.
Nick McBride completed his sweep of four, fourth-placed finishes with another solid drive while Thomas Maxwell’s Bathurst debut weekend ended in fifth.
Cameron Hill completed his charge through the field following a race-one DNF in sixth position while former championship leader Dale Wood made ground, however could only manage seventh and lost the title lead by two points.
Talbot finished eighth to win the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class in race three after an exciting, mid-race pass on Adrian Flack around the outside at the chase.
Flack, who finished just behind his season-long class rival, made a superb start and comfortably led his class early before being caught and passed by Talbot’s Wall Racing machine, the latter now trailing Flack by just six points heading into the season finale’.
“By the end of the race Liam was hunting me down and I had no answer for him – it was a good stoush all weekend and I really enjoyed it,” Flack said.
“From where we started at the beginning of the year where we crashed the car and it was a bit of a disaster. We’ve fought our way back and put in the effort. The results have come and I’m really, really happy.”
Stephen Grove returned to the class podium via third overall while Roger Lago, who was fourth, also remains in class contention just 18 points behind new leader Flack.
The final round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will see the championship go down to the wire on the streets of Surfers Paradise on October 25-27.
Four drivers remain in contention for the overall championship with David Wall 94 points from the lead and Nick McBride 151 back; 180 up for grabs across the three races.
Flack, Talbot and Lago are the three in contention for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class.
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:
- Jordan Love 931
- Dale Wood 929
- David Wall 837
- Nick McBride 780
- Cooper Murray 725
TAG HEUER PRO-AM
- Adrian Flack 842
- Liam Talbot 836
- Roger Lago 818
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NewsTitle fights on as Love, Flack score back-to-back Bathurst wins
Five in a row for Love as Flack takes class lead at Mount Panorama
BOTH the Professional and TAG Heuer Pro-Am title battles have come alive following race two in the penultimate round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Mount Panorama.
Jordan Love (Pro) and Adrian Flack (Pro-Am) both enhanced their title credentials by each taking their second race victories of the weekend – and both did it in crushing fashion.
Love led from pole position in today’s nine-lap affair and, thanks in part to another stunning opening lap on cold Michelin tyres, built an early buffer he’d never lose.
It was his fifth-straight win – the second time he has achieved that feat this year – and his 10th of a remarkable season that in five races has seen him reduce a more than 200-point title deficit to series leader Dale Wood to just 29 points with four races remaining.
“It’s what we needed to try and close this championship margin,” Love said.
“I got a good start and the changes we made overnight were really good, so I’m happy we’re going in the right direction and we’ll make a few more for tomorrow and it should be good.
“It was a mega first lap but the car came on good early and we were able to get a bit of a margin.
“The guys behind then had a bit of a battle which let us do our own thing out in front which was great.”
Championship leader Dale Wood had a tough race, having started fifth on the basis of his race one finishing position.
While his Polyfloor-supported Sonic Racing entry initially launched well, he bogged down moments after and was swamped by the field to cross the line 14th at the end of lap one.
He quickly commenced a process of working his way through the field and was able to salvage some points by finishing 9th.
While Love pulled away in his Sonic Porsche, the battle for second became a reversal of the one seen in race one as Cooper Murray fended off David Wall for the duration.
The McElrea racer passed the PAYCE-supported Wall Racing car on the opening lap and edged out a margin in the early laps, however the series champion surged as the race progressed.
The pair battled wheel-to-wheel on several occasions with Murray able to hold off several attacks to secure second. The pair are now locked together on 102 points for the weekend; the final race to decide the battle for second in the round tomorrow morning.
Nick McBride enjoyed a quiet race to finish fourth, while Thomas Maxwell made up several spots to grab fifth and finish in front of Steven Richards.
Adrian Flack won his second TAG Heuer Pro-Am race of the weekend – not having to rely on any last corner theatrics like race one to secure the seventh win of his season in Pro-Am.
Talbot finished second for the second straight race while Roger Lago was third in class. Stephen Grove, third yesterday, was fourth with Tim Miles, Dean Cook and Sam Shahin producing an entertaining battle for fifth place that lasted much of the race.
Provisionally, the results move Flack to the lead in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am Championship, having entered the round tied on points with Talbot and 18 behind former leader Roger Lago.
“It’s awesome, I didn’t realise that – it’s proof that if you keep winning the results come,” Flack said.
“Once you get comfortable with the speed of some of those corners, it becomes quite fun and it’s not quite as daunting as the end of the weekend.
“We trimmed the car up overnight and had a few ideas of how to make it better today and it certainly seemed to go quite well and we were able to stick with the pros and pull them in a bit, which was great.”
Lago and Talbot are now tied in second position, just 12 points behind Flack with one race to go this weekend.
Arguably the drive of the day went to Cameron Hill, who having failed to finish race one was able to storm his way through the field to 10th position today.
The Michelin Junior driver made up four positions on the opening lap, sat 12th by mid race distance and climbed back into the top-10 with two laps remaining to keep him in contention for Sunday’s decider.
Not quite so fortunate was Michael Almond, who was running seventh before he locked his rear brakes and spun at The Chase on the third lap. Though he was able to quickly recover, the Sonic driver dropped to 17th position at the finish.
That race, due to start at 10:05am local time, will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 506, Kayo Sports and Channel 10 around Australia and serves as the curtain-raiser to the Bathurst 1000 enduro.
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NewsFour-straight for Love as Flack steals Pro-Am win in final turn
Michelin junior closes title margin and assumes Enduro cup lead at Bathurst
JORDAN LOVE’S RESURGENCE as a Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia title contender has continued unabated, the Sonic Motor Racing driver storming to his fourth straight victory in a pulsating Enduro Cup race at Mount Panorama today.
Meanwhile, Adrian Flack won the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class after a stunning last-corner pass on Liam Talbot saw him steal victory literally within sight of the flag.
Starting from the second row of the grid, Love stormed off the line to pass polesitter David Wall at turn one and early leader Nick McBride with a bold move around the outside at turn two moments later.
He then withered attack after attack from Wall and Cooper Murray, plus a near-miss at the Dipper late in the race, to take his ninth win of the year and his fourth in a row.
The result reduces Dale Wood’s championship lead to 66 points, Love’s Sonic teammate finishing fifth in today’s 15-lap race.
Love also assumes a clear lead in the Endurance Cup standings with a round to go.
“It wasn’t a good start, to be honest, the launch wasn’t that great but I was lucky it was narrow so Cooper couldn’t get past Wall,” Love explained of the opening laps.
“I got around the outside of Wally and then had a big crack around the outside of McBride, which doesn’t usually work but I had to work really, really hard for that one – so I’m pretty happy.
“I think we had a bit of confidence early on. It was a bit damp across the top and I had a bit more confidence than the others, so when that cleared it was a different story.”
Love said that despite his win, he was still searching for more from his Sonic Motor Racing Porsche.
“I’m still lacking a bit of pace so we’ll tune that up tomorrow. It’s all about championship points and we just need to be smooth, clean and consistent.”
The race was held in dry but challenging conditions with light rain around the circuit at the beginning.
Love’s opening lap was immense and in slippery conditions at the top of the Mountain he quickly built a margin, while a slow-starting Wall staved off Murray in the battle for second
McBride slipped to fourth while Cameron Hill led Wood in fifth and sixth in the early stages.
Hill was an unfortunate non-finisher after light contact between he and McBride while battling for position at turn two saw his steering damaged; the Michelin Junior parking his Porsche on the entry to the Cutting and bringing out the Safety Car.
That elevated Wood to fifth position and Steven Richards to sixth – the latter finishing in that position to record his best finish of the season.
Wood fended off both Richards and Michael Almond in their race-long battle for a spot in the top five with the championship leader doing enough to secure a solid points haul; ensuring his series advantage remains more than one full race victory.
With Almond seventh, Thomas Maxwell enjoyed a consistent race to eighth position while the final two spots in the top 10 were completed by a stunning race-long battle for TAG Heuer Pro-Am honours.
Class polesitter Liam Talbot and fellow title rival Adrian Flack – the pair tied on points entering the round – battled all race for the victory with the result coming down to the final corner.
Flack executed a massive lunge into Murray’s and snuck through to steal the race in the final corner.
Talbot, trying to get on the throttle to get an over-under pass, promptly spun his car however was able to recover in time to save second place in class.
Stephen Grove finished third in class with TAG Heuer Pro-Am leader Roger Lago fourth.
“It was a great stoush!” a justifiably thrilled Adrian Flack said post-race.
“I was having a great run behind him (Talbot) and to get in front of him at the end was a good result.
“You just want a good race with your fellow competitors but in the end of the day wins are the most important!”
Race two will see the championship return to sprint racing while the third race will be contested on Sunday morning in the lead-up to the 2019 Bathurst 1000.
Both races will be shown live on FOX Sports, Kayo Sports and Channel 10.
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NewsWall goes from crash to pole following Bathurst qualifying thriller
Talbot takes second-straight TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole position
A DAY OF contrast has seen David Wall go from a hefty practice crash to ultimately securing pole for Round 7 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship today at Mount Panorama, while Liam Talbot grabbed pole in TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
Wall, a former series champion and one of the most successful Carrera Cup drivers at Mount Panorama, topped a thrilling 30-minute session that came down to the wire with drivers completing their best laps well after the chequered flag had dropped,
Wall’s 2m06.4306s flyer secured him his second Bathurst pole and the eighth of his career – and even more importantly placed him well in front of his two closest title rivals.
Perhaps more impressive was the fact that he ended practice earlier in the day on top of the times – but also in the fence at the top of the Mountain.
A lurid slide at McPhillamy Park saw him off the road and into the tyres late in the session, with the team completing a not insignificant repair job in the five-hour period between practice and qualifying.
Nick McBride was one of the last to complete his flying lap but jumped to second at the very end of the session, displacing Cooper Murray from the front row.
Jordan Love survived a wild moment at McPhillamy Park on his penultimate lap to qualify fourth while championship leader Dale Wood was seventh as the title battle builds in the penultimate round.
“I made my number one (Mechanic) work for it! It’s that point in the championship where we’re leaving nothing on the table and I probably stepped off it there,” Wall said.
“I did everything I possibly could to be P1 there and thankfully it was enough today. It’s a double pole for Wall Racing with Liam on top in Pole Position – credit to everyone at Wall Racing. The hard work has paid off.
“Last year we qualified fifth and won the first race; the field is so close so anyone in the top six can win. It’s Bathurst and everything can happen.”
The 30-minute qualifying session built and built across its duration with Wall among the early pacesetters.
A switch to a second set of brand-new Michelin Tyres saw times begin to tumble in the final five minutes, with most of the key positions changing hands with each lap.
The top 12 drivers in the session set their best lap on their second-last or final flyers with the top eight ultimately covered by just 0.60 seconds on the longest lap of the season.
Love’s wild moment saw him off the road but able to recover after a near-miss with the wall, while Cameron Hill wad fourth momentarily, before Love’s final flyer bumped him back to the third row of the grid.
There was relief from the O’Brien Racing camp as former champion Steven Richards qualified sixth – his best result of the season by a full six grid positions.
The five-time Bathurst champ was the last driver on a hot lap and moved to sixth from the bottom of the top-10 right at the end of the session.
Michael Almond (Eighth), Thomas Maxwell (Ninth) and TAG Heuer Pro-Am polesitter Talbot completed the -10.
He and Adrian Flack had their own battle for the class pole, Talbot coming out on top to record his second-straight pole award this season.
“Unbelievable! Wasn’t sure what was going to happen because you never know in these sessions. We put our best foot forward and got the setup right,” Talbot said.
“The team worked really hard behind the scenes, so it’s good that as a team we got the double pole positions.”
Flack will line up one position behind his title rival while Stephen Grove was third of the Pro-Am runners. Defending Bathurst round winner Tim Miles was fourth in class while championship leader Roger Lago was fifth.
Like Wall, Lago’s team was forced to repair his car after a hefty incident at the entrance to the dipper that brought out the red flag in practice earlier in the day.
His car lightly clipped the wall on drivers’ right before making more substantial contact with the barriers in the dipper on both sides of the car – though also like Wall, the damage was able to be repaired in time.
With the grid set, the field switches to endurance mode on Friday with the 16-lap enduro cup race to commence at 1:40pm local time.
Two further races, one each on Saturday and Sunday, complete the penultimate round of the 2019 series.
Race Schedule – Round 7, Bathurst
FRIDAY OCT 11
13:40 – 14:25 Race 1 FoxSports / Kayo
SATURDAY OCT 12
13:55 – 14:20 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10
SUNDAY OCT 13
10:05 – 10:30 Race 3 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10
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NewsWood and Love to resume Carrera Cup Championship battle in Bathurst
Round 7 of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship intensifies at Mount Panorama
Round 7 of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship intensifies at Mount Panorama
200 kilometres to the west of Sydney, lies one of Australia’s national treasures in the heart of the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. Like Albert Park and the MCG, Mount Panorama is haloed ground to any sporting enthusiast, enjoying global acclaim around the world as ‘the’ track to race in Australia.
In 2015, the NSW Geographical Names Board approved a dual official name for the track of Wahluu – after a 40-year campaign by the indigenous Wiradyuri Aborginal people to get the area historically recognised. Wahluu means a young man’s initiation place to the local people. Aptly in 2018, it was the youth and tenacity of Jordan Love that proved his tenacity and resolve to his more experienced counterparts around the challenging mountain circuit.
Love’s round victory last year was the second straight win for the Sonic Motor Racing team at the track, with Andre Heimgartner taking round honours in 2017. Love carries good momentum into round 7 this year, with the most round and race victories this season. A clean sweep in Tailem Bend helped him to narrow Dale Wood’s championship lead to 90 points.
Love’s return to the podium since his Darwin accident mid-year has earned the respect of all and along with line honours seen him secure the Michelin Junior shootout nomination after a season-long fight with Cameron Hill.
With the absence of Bathurst legend Warren Luff from this weekend’s grid, Wood and Love enter the race weekend as favourites for victory. But as the five different round victors (from the six rounds) have shown, they will not have it all their own way. The experience of the ever-consistent David Wall and Adelaide round-winner Nick McBride are sure to be a factor, with the pair lying third and fourth respectively heading into the penultimate round.
Others in contention this weekend will be Cameron Hill and Cooper Murray. The Michelin Junior pairing continues to show their raw pace in recent rounds – although both would have hoped to translate more of this into points during the second half of the season. Love’s fellow Bob Jane T-Marts teammate, Michael Almond will also be a factor this weekend, given the Sonic Motor Racing team’s domination of four of the last five rounds this season.
While the overall championship points log in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class reflects Roger Lago with 74 point advantage over Liam Talbot. The 2019 Pro-Am class regulations allow for each driver to drop the points from their worst round over the course of the season. With this in consideration, the championship fight is actually far closer heading to Bathurst.
Taking into effect each driver’s best five scoring rounds from the 19 races thus far, Lago’s lead is only 18 points from Liam Talbot and Adrian Flack. The intensity of competition in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class has witnessed a multitude of round winners from the six TAG Heuer rounds this year. The leading trio could also be challenged by the likes of a returning Stephen Grove (from his European Supercup campaign) and the McElrea Racing entry of Tim Miles.
Miles is the dark horse for the iconic event. Despite lying sixth in class, Miles will be aiming for his third straight TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win at Bathurst. No driver in the series’ 15 year history has won three Pro-Am rounds in a row at Bathurst. Rodney Jane won two in a row in 2006 and 2007.
The weekend gets underway at 08:50 on Thursday with a single 50 minute practice, before a 30 minute qualifying session that afternoon. Races 1 to 3 take place over the next successive days from Friday to Sunday ( 1 race per day) All races 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 more race information, videos and interviews throughout the weekend, follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @carreracupaus / Twitter – @CarreraCupAus / Facebook.com/CarreraCupAus
VIDEO Preview: https://youtu.be/–HZUoxBnH0
Entry List – Round 7, Bathurst
No | CLASS | CAR # | Name | Surname | SPONSOR NAME |
1 | Pro-Am | 4 | Stephen | Grove | Grove Group |
2 | Pro | 5 | Thomas | Maxwell | Sonic |
3 | Pro-Am | 6 | Tim | Miles | Garage 1 |
5 | Pro | 8 | Nick | McBride | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
6 | Pro-Am | 9 | Marc | Cini | Hallmarc |
8 | Pro | 12 | Steve | Richards | O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing |
9 | Pro-Am | 13 | Sam | Shahin | The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU |
11 | Pro-Am | 20 | Adrian | Flack | Agas National |
12 | Pro-Am | 22 | Dean | Cook | BMF |
13 | Pro-Am | 23 | Roger | Lago | Dayco / Lago Cold Stores |
14 | Pro-Am | 27 | Liam | Talbot | Wash It |
15 | Pro-Am | 30 | David | Ryan | DRM Motorsport |
16 | Pro | 34 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Hyundai Forklifts Australia |
17 | Pro-Am | 35 | Indiran | Padayachee | Hyundai Forklifts Australia |
18 | Pro | 36 | Cooper | Murray | Lodge Brothers |
19 | Pro | 38 | David | Wall | PAYCE |
20 | Pro | 77 | Michael | Almond | Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA Australia |
21 | Pro | 100 | Dale | Wood | Sonic/Polyflor |
22 | Pro | 111 | Cameron | Hill | Seears Workwear |
23 | Pro-Am | 222 | Scott | Taylor | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
24 | Pro | 777 | Jordan | Love | Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts/SRG |
Race Schedule – Round 7, Bathurst
THURSDAY OCT 10 Session Television broadcast
08:50 – 09:40 Practice FoxSports / Kayo
15:15 – 15:45 Qualifying FoxSports / Kayo
FRIDAY OCT 11
13:40 – 14:25 Practice 2 FoxSports / Kayo
SATURDAY OCT 12
13:55 – 14:20 Race 1 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10
SUNDAY OCT 13
10:05 – 10:30 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo / Channel 10
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NewsSimona De Silvestro and Thomas Preining join Porsche Formula E project
New faces in the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team
New faces in the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team
In Simona De Silvestro and Thomas Preining, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team welcomes two newcomers on board. De Silvestro and Preining will support the works team as test and development drivers in its debut season. They are involved in the simulator work in Weissach and will be on-site at select Formula E races. The two drivers will also be available to the team for in-season testing.
Experience and expertise
De Silvestro is no stranger to the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. The 31-year-old Swiss woman already has experience of the world’s first fully-electric street racing series. She drove in the final two races of the Formula E inaugural season in 2014/15. She was then signed as a regular driver by Andretti for the 2015/16 season. Last season, 2018/19, she supported the Venturi Formula E Team as a test driver.
Even as a youngster, De Silvestro was passionate about motor racing. Since then, she has passed through many different professional motorsport formulas having started her career in karting, before moving to America at the age of 18. De Silvestro finished fourth in Formula BMW USA in 2006. She then raced in the Atlantic Championship and IndyCar Series. In 2010, she was named Rookie of the Year at the Indianapolis 500. In 2013, she finished second to earn a spot on the podium in Houston. She then had a brief foray into Formula 1 as an affiliated driver with the Sauber F1 Team in 2014. The Swiss woman has spent the last three years competing in the Australian Supercars Championship. De Silvestro is the first female Porsche works driver.
Youngster from Porsche’s own talent factory
Thomas Preining has been a permanent fixture in the Porsche squad since 2017. However, in joining the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, the 21-year-old Porsche Young Professional is entering new territory, having previously driven in various GT classes.
Despite still being at the start of his career, Preining can look back on numerous successes. After starting out in karting, he raced up in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship, before switching to the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland as a Porsche Junior in 2017. The Austrian caught the attention of the motorsport community in the same year, finishing second in the rookie standings. The youngster then dominated the 2018 season, winning ten races on his way to the title. Preining also impressed in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. He finished third in the Drivers’ Championship and, together with champion Michael Ammermüller, secured the Team title for Lechner Racing. In 2019, now a Porsche Young Professional, Preining is driving for Porsche customer team Gulf Racing in the FIA WEC (GTE-AM class) and also competes in the ADAC GT Masters with Herbert Motorsport. He and his team-mates finished fourth in the 6 Hours of Fuji, the 1000 Miles of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Porsche Motorsport and Group Motorsport Volkswagen AG): “In Simona and Thomas, we have acquired two proven talents for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. Simona comes with a wealth of experience gained in various different race series and is also a familiar face in Formula E. We are looking forward to working with her and welcome her to the Porsche family. Thomas has been with us since 2017, during which time he has demonstrated his talent in GT racing on numerous occasions. With the Formula E programme, we are giving Simona and Thomas the opportunity to develop as drivers and to make a positive contribution to the Porsche Formula E project.”
Carlo Wiggers (Director Team Management & Business Relations Porsche Motorsport): “We are delighted to have secured the services of two outstanding racing drivers for the Porsche Formula E programme, in Simona and Thomas. As well as their sporting attributes, they are also both very well suited to our team. Simona and Thomas are excellent team players, who are very keen to help move the team forward. That is one of the keys to success in Formula E. Their experience and tireless dedication, both on and off the track, complete their profiles. With these two additional drivers, our overall package is really taking shape. This gives us confidence for our first season in Formula E.”
Simona De Silvestro (Porsche works driver): “It is a great honour to work for this prestigious brand. I am really looking forward to my new role as test and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. Over the last few years, I have gained a lot of experience from my previous involvements in Formula E. I will do my best to help Porsche on the road to success.”
Thomas Preining (Porsche Young Professional): “I am very much looking forward to my new role in the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. I have followed Formula E closely from the word go. I am very excited to see what it feels like to drive the Porsche 99X Electric on the track. It is great to be able to support Porsche in its debut season in Formula E, and to be a part of this future-oriented project from the outset.”
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NewsJaxon Evans seals Rookie classification in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland
Jaxon Evans continued his run of fine form in his first season of international competition
Jaxon Evans continued his run of fine form in his first season of international competition
Current Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, continued his run of fine form in his first season of international competition clinching the Rookie classification in the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland race on Sunday. Evans took sixth position in race 1 as well as pole position and an impressive second position for race 2 behind fellow Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer.
Andlauer’s victory saw the BWT Lechner Racing driver notch up his fifth victory of the season at the Hockenheimring circuit ahead of Evans with teammate Michael Ammermüller in third, “This win was extremely important for the championship. It was a spectacular race with many interruptions and I had no chance to pull clear,” said Andlauer.
Spectators in the ADAC-GT Masters grandstands witnessed an action-packed race under blue skies and in temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius. Andlauer made the best use of his Porsche 911 GT3 cup car’s 485 horsepower to snatch the lead off the front row. However, pole-sitter Evans stayed glued to the 20-year-old’s bumper.
The duel for the lead was interrupted three times by safety car phases, with Andlauer unable to shake Evans off. The race remained gripping to the finish, with only 0.297 seconds separating the two Porsche Juniors at the flag.
Evans, however, had plenty of reason to celebrate: “It’s great to have won the rookie class title. Unfortunately, my start wasn’t so great and that was the pivotal point for my race. Afterwards, I was slightly faster than Julien but there was no chance to overtake,” said Evans.
At the upcoming season finale on the Sachsenring, the championship will go down to the wire between the two Lechner drivers Andlauer (242.5 points) and Saturday’s winner Ammermüller (215 points). Fifty points are still up for grabs.
Result race 14:
- Julien Andlauer (F/BWT Lechner Racing)
- Jaxon Evans (NZ/Team Project 1 – JBR)
- Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing)
- Jaap van Lagen (NL/Förch Racing)
- Dylan Pereira (L/Lechner Racing Team)
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/Overdrive Racing by Huber)
- Leon Köhler (D/MSG/HRT Motorsport)
- Toni Wolf (D/Car Collection Motorsport)
- Gustav Malja (S/Förch Racing)
- Lukas Ertl (D/QA Racing by Kurt Ecke Motorsport)
Points’ standings after 14 of 16 races:
Drivers’ classification
- Julien Andlauer (F/BWT Lechner Racing), 242.5 points
- Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing), 215 points
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/Overdrive Racing by Huber), 175 points
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NewsJoey Mawson celebrates first Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup podium at Monza
Mawson takes first Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup podium at Monza, while pole sitter Jaxon Evans taken out
Larry ten Voorde (MRS GT-Racing) claimed his first victory in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy, making the Dutch youngster the fifth driver to win a round so far this season. Joining him on the podium at Monza after round eight on Sunday was Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing) and Joey Mawson from Team Australia.
The race on the tradition-steeped 5.793-km circuit turned turbulent right from the outset. After claiming his first pole position in his maiden season of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Porsche Junior driver Jaxon Evans (NZ/Fach Auto Tech) led the 32-strong field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racers through the first chicane. The 2018 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia champion would get punted wide by Güven mid-corner.
Evans lost several positions as a result of the contact, while Güven took the lead. Although the young Turkish driver defended his front spot until the end of the 15-lap race, he was subsequently handed a five-second penalty for the collision with Evans.
Thus, Güven’s closest rival ten Voorde inherited the top position in the 485 hp 911 and celebrated his maiden victory in the international one-make cup. Ammermüller followed 0.893 seconds behind while rookie Mawson celebrated his premiere on the Supercup podium.
The Australian fended Ammermüller off for ten of the 15 laps in the Royal Park, before the seasoned Supercup specialist overtook him. “That was a fantastic race with an excellent result for me. Unfortunately, a minor error cost me second place. Still, I’m delighted to make it to the podium,” said Mawson.
Due to the penalty, Güven was relegated to fifth place, with Porsche Junior Evans in sixth. “My start wasn’t ideal, but I was in the lead until Ayhancan Güven’s car and mine touched. That was, of course, the key moment of the race. Ultimately, I still managed to recover and finish sixth,” stated the New Zealander.
After languishing in 30th and 31st positions respectively after qualifying on their first visit to famous Monza circuit, Mawson’s Team Australia teammates Stephen Grove and Marc Cini progressed steadily through the Pro-Am field to finish in 25th and 27th positions overall.
Drivers from 21 countries have contested round eight of the season – making it the most diverse line-up in the history of the series. For the season finale, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup travels to Mexico City from 25 to 27 October. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez hosts the last two rounds of the international one-make cup for third time. In the past two years, Ammermüller was crowned the Supercup champion there.
Result
Monza, Race 8 of 10
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/MRS GT-Racing)
- Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing)
- Joey Mawson (AUS/Team Australia)
- Mikkel Pedersen (DK/Dinamic Motorsport)
- Ayhancan Güven (TR/martinet by ALMÉRAS)
- Jaxon Evans (NZ/Fach Auto Tech)
- Dylan Pereira (L/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
- Al Faisal Al Zubair (OM/Lechner Racing Middle East)
- Florian Latorre (F/Fach Auto Tech)
- Tio Ellinas (CY/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
Points standings after 8 of 10 races
Drivers’ classification
- Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing), 110 points
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/MRS GT-Racing), 96 points
- Julien Andlauer (F/BWT Lechner Racing), 92 points
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NewsHill nominated for Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award
Cameron Hill is the third nomination for the 2019 Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award
Cameron Hill is the third nomination for the 2019 Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award
Few competitors personify Christopher Earle’s famous quote, ‘Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat’ more than Porsche Michelin Junior driver, Cameron Hill. Hill’s nomination for the 2019 Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award comes after a weekend of jubilation and despair at Round 6 of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season in South Australia.
The young Canberra resident started the round with an impressive second position in Race 1. But fortunes changed while leading the second race of the weekend when Hill locked his brakes and speared off the circuit on the second lap of Race 2.
The resulting damage to the front splitter and badly flat-spotted front tyre necessitated an unscheduled pit stop, which ultimately dropped him down the order to 16th. He would recover in Race 3 to tenth, but it was the manner in which he accepted full responsibility for his mistakes (to his team and fellow competitors) after Race 2 that was admirable.
The Michelin Junior’s humble and friendly disposition is balanced only by his tenacity and unrelenting attitude on track. These traits together with his impressive talent, focus and attention-to-detail outside of the car, present Hill as one of the most endearing characters in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup paddock.
As a result, Hill’s nomination for the prestigious Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award follows that of Melbourne Performance Centre’s Nick McBride and TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver, Adrian Flack – both announced earlier this year.
Hill, who runs his own privately-managed team under the Cameron Hill Racing banner with the support from his family and sponsors Colliers international and Seears Workwear, started his racing career at age 9. By 2012 he had won the National Pro Junior (KF3) Australian Championship and would go onto claim the National Formula Ford Series Championship in 2015, winning 12 out of the season’s 18 races – making him the seventh most successful Formula Ford driver of all time. Hill would carry that form into the Toyota 86 series finishing 2nd and 3rd overall in the 2016 and 2017 championships respectively, before joining the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia grid in 2018.
The overall winner of the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award will receive a Business Class trip to Germany to attend the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Day of Champions and Night of Champions at Weissach, Germany.
The next nomination will be announced after the series’ travels to Bathurst in October, for Round 7 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia.
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NewsJaxon Evans on the podium in his debut season of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, round 7, Formula 1 race in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Jaxon Evans on the podium in his debut season of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Dylan Pereira (L/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing) celebrated his second victory of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Ayhancan Güven (TR/martinet by ALMÉRAS) was second from Porsche Junior driver, Jaxon Evans (NZ/Fach Auto Tech) in third. Evans, who is the current Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia champion, qualified fourth and set the fastest time of the Sunday’s race hounding the front pair to the line.
Over the entire eleven-lap race, Pereira led the field in his 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. After the start, the 22-year-old initially pulled clear of his pursuers. Güven took up the race alongside Pereira on the first row of the grid but had to fend off Evans when the lights went out. Over the course of the race, the Turkish rookie had managed to shorten the gap to Pereira, but on the final lap, Güven made several attempts to snatch the lead from Pereira.
The vehicles touched, but Pereira held strong and was the first over the finish line. “My third podium result so far this season is terrific. I put a lot of pressure on Dylan Pereira towards the end, but he defended himself brilliantly and deserved to win,” said Güven.
Porsche Junior Evans was delighted with his race, with the 22-year-old climbing the podium for the first time this season at the storied Belgian racetrack. “I’m really thrilled. My start was great and I managed to beat Larry ten Voorde in the sprint to the first corner,” declared Evans. Taking the flag behind the New Zealander were Larry ten Voorde (NL/MRS GT-Racing), Florian Latorre (F/Fach Auto Tech) and Tio Ellinas (CY/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing).
It was also the first visit to the famous Belgian circuit for #TeamAustralia too, with Joey Mawson finishing eleventh overall and crossing the line 2nd in the Rookie classification. After becoming the first father and son pairing in history to compete in the same Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race, Brenton Grove’s debut saw him make up three positions to finish in 20th overall, while father Stephen would come home fourth in the Pro-Am classification and 29th overall.
After round seven, the situation in the championship continues to be cutthroat. Porsche Junior Andlauer remains in the lead with 92 points but is tied for points with his teammate Ammermüller. For round eight of the season next week (6-8 September), the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup travels to the north of Milan.
Result
Spa-Francorchamps, Race 7 of 10
- Dylan Pereira (L/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
- Ayhancan Güven (TR/martinet by ALMÉRAS)
- Jaxon Evans (NZ/Fach Auto Tech)
- Larry ten Voorde (NL/MRS GT-Racing)
- Florian Latorre (F/Fach Auto Tech)
- Tio Ellinas (CY/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
- Jaap van Lagen (NL/martinet by ALMÉRAS)
- Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing)
- Julien Andlauer (F/BWT Lechner Racing)
- Mikkel Pedersen (DK/Dinamic Motorsport)
Points standings after 7 of 10 races
Drivers’ classification
- Julien Andlauer (F/BWT Lechner Racing), 92 points
- Michael Ammermüller (D/BWT Lechner Racing), 92 points
- Ayhancan Güven (TR/martinet by ALMÉRAS), 76 points
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NewsPorsche announces nominations for Meguiar’s “Best Presented Award”
Porsche and Meguiar’s have announced their 6 nominations for the best race livery in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia
Porsche and Meguiar’s have announced their 6 nominations for the best race livery in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia
Porsche and Meguiar’s Australia have announced their nominations for the best race liveries in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and invited fans and followers of Facebook.com/CarreracupAus to vote via the Facebook poll.
The announcement of the six finalists was made to drivers and teams by Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy at Round 6 of 2019 at The Bend Motorsport Park.
The Meguiar’s Best Presented Award will be awarded to the driver having received the most votes (Likes) on the Facebook poll between 27 August and 10:00 Am on the 05 September. In the unlikely event of a draw, the competition poll will be extended by 30mins, with the winner being the livery with the most amount of votes.
The six nominations include the following Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia drivers:
Dale Wood
Cameron Hill
Steven Richards
Dean Cook
Nick McBride
Sam Shahin
The final ranking of the six best race liveries from the field will be announced at the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Awards Dinner on the Gold Coast at the season finale in October.
The driver that receives the most votes will receive $5,000 worth of Meguiar’s products while the drivers in positions two to six will each receive $500 worth of Meguiar’s products.
Click the following link to cast your vote: https://poll.app.do/meguiar-s-best-presented-award
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NewsLove takes South Australian sweep and Michelin Junior prize
Adrian Flack takes TAG Heuer Pro-Am with outright podium finish at The Bend
JORDAN LOVE has returned to peak Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia form at the best possible time, sweeping all three races, the round and the lap record at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
The crushing performance delivered the 20-year-old Sonic driver his first wins since Phillip Island in May and also ensured he sealed the Porsche Michelin Junior driver nomination towards the Porsche Shootout in Europe later this year.
Though both races featured competitive early battles for the lead, Love was essentially untouchable in both of Sunday’s races to the point where he re-set his own lap record on the final lap of the final race.
His second clean sweep of the season saw him beat David Wall in the overall round results, while Adrian Flack was an outstanding third outright – also taking the TAG Heuer Pro-Am round in a stunning weekend.
To make matters even better, Love has now closed to within 90 points of series leader Dale Wood going into the final two rounds of the year.
“It was an awesome weekend to come away with pole and three wins is awesome, but I can’t go without thanking the boys at Sonic for providing me with an awesome package this weekend,” Love said.
“I’m hugely excited to wrap up the Michelin Junior drivers title – it’s been one of the goals since we started in GT3 Cup Challenge two years ago – really happy to lock that in the bag but there’s still two rounds in the championship to go so I’m really looking forward to Bathurst and the Gold Coast.”
Adrian Flack’s remarkable weekend came via a pair of stunning Sunday performances.
After Pro-Am class rival Liam Talbot finished third outright in Race one, Flack repeated that performance on Sunday morning before then finishing fourth in the final race.
That secured him an historic spot on the outright podium but also a comfortable win in his class over Talbot and Roger Lago.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend,” Flack beamed on the podium.
“It’s really nice to get up there and mix it with the Pro’s. I’ve always felt we should be up there somewhere, at some stage, so to be up there this weekend is awesome.
“I’ve been a little bit down on the championship so far given how the year started but we can bring it home strong – the car feels great and I feel good with a bit of time in the seat so hopefully we can bring it home at the end of the year.”
Sunday’s program started with the fourth round in the enduro cup series with the 20-lap dash providing plenty of thrills.
After finishing second in race one, Cameron Hill erupted into an early lead in race two and led the first lap; however a brake lock-up at turn one on the start of lap two saw him run off the road – damaging the front splitter of his car and dropping him to third place.
While Nick McBride assumed the lead and Jordan Love second, Hill then suffered more misfortune two laps later when a puncture, combined with the lack of front downforce, saw him run off at turn five and forced to take a visit to pit lane to repair the damage.
While he recovered a lap down, McBride held on for the next seven laps before Love’s storming pace saw him slip by on lap eight – ultimately pulling away to record a strong victory.
McBride slipped to fifth at the finish, behind David Wall, Adrian Flack and Cooper Murray – who stormed from the back of the field to fourth.
The third race was a more straightforward affair and saw Love lead the entire distance from pole position.
Murray leaped to second thanks to a strong start, however surrendered the spot to David Wall on lap five after a moment at turn 13.
The leaders finished in that order, while Flack maintained fourth place to secure his outright podium and class win. Duvashen Padayachee was fifth, banking his best finish of the season after running with the leaders for a majority of the race.
Title leader Dale Wood salvaged solid points from Sunday’s two races, finishing eighth and sixth, respectively. Following six rounds of the 2019 championship, the Sonic driver now leads the championship by a heavily reduced margin of 90 points with two rounds remaining.
Jordan love has moved to second while former champion David Wall now sits third; Warren Luff and Nick McBride completing the top five.
Roger Lago’s consistent weekend saw him continue to lead the TAG Heuer Pro-Am Championship, his margin now 74 points over Liam Talbot.
The Bend winner Adrian Flack has charged to third in the standings, 54 points behind Talbot.
Wood’s recovery effort in race two saw him move to the lead of the Endurance Cup standings with two races to go, the Victorian now holding a six-point lead over Warren Luff with former leader Michael Almond third.
The next round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship will see the series return to the iconic Mount Panorama circuit in New South Wales for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
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NewsLove, Talbot star in opening thriller at The Bend
Critical win ignites Love's title battle while Talbot stars stunning outright podium
WHEN IT came to the crunch, Porsche Michelin Junior driver Jordan Love has delivered in a key round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship fight.
After two challenging rounds and needing to score strongly at The Bend Motorsport Park to secure the Porsche Michelin Junior driver prize this year, the 20-year-old West Aussie was under serious pressure entering South Australia but ultimately delivered in spades.
Pole position and a strong race one victory saw him do everything in his power to make Round six of the championship his best yet, securing his sixth race win of the season in style.
His closest rival in the Porsche Michelin Junior battle, Cameron Hill, finished an outstanding second while TAG Heuer Pro-Am winner Liam Talbot not only won his class but finished a remarkable third outright in the process.
The race was a typically dramatic affair with action from the first corner – however after seeing off an early challenge from Hill and Talbot, Love was ultimately able to pull a margin on the field en route to a key victory.
“We had a good start but then Cam and Talbot had some pace on us early on,” Love explained of his early lap battles.
“They managed to get past us and we were side by side for a couple of corners there but I was able to do the criss-cross out of one. Once we got there it was just a case of head down and waiting for the tyres to come up.
“Once they did the pace was really good. Sonic put together an awesome package and I can’t thank them enough.
“It’s really nice for the championship. It’s been a tough couple of rounds so to come back and get a pole and a couple of wins is fantastic.”
Hill’s second position saw him continue to apply pressure to Love in the Michelin Junior standings, while Talbot’s outstanding third place eclipsed his previous best race finish by eight spots.
The Queensland-based, Wall Racing driver qualified sixth outright and then gained spots on the opening lap when Thomas Maxwell and Cooper Murray came together at turn one.
He then pressured – and briefly passed – both Love and Hill in a thrilling battle for the lead before trailing the latter home to secure a stunning outright podium finish.
“That was unbelievable!,” Talbot said.
“We knew we had pace in qualifying and we managed to do the job. You have to plan in your head the race start – and the stuff that happens there is nothing you can imagine. It’s about right place, right time. It really set up our race.
“The cars in front were two wide coming onto the straight and I thought ‘I have to have a look there’ and go for the lead.
“Third outright is awesome – unbelievable. I can’t thank the guys at Wall Racing enough for putting it together for me.”
Nick McBride finished fourth outright and was pressured to the line by David Wall, who was fifth.
In another giant-killing performance, Adrian Flack finished sixth outright and second in TAG Heuer Pro-Am. Warren Luff was seventh, Steven Richards eighth – his equal best result of the season – and Brenton Grove ninth on his return to the category.
Cooper Murray salvaged 10th position however the Townsville winner was a case of ‘what could have been’ after making a flying start from the second row of the grid.
Starting fourth, Murray was strong away from the line and challenged for second with Thomas Maxwell at turn one.
Maxwell had started second – his best ever qualifying performance – and held that position as the field negotiated the first corner. However, contact between he and Murray saw Maxwell spinning, only to collected by Murray who subsequently slipped down the field with damage to his right-front corner.
Michael Almond was also caught up in the incident; the 2018 Tailem Bend winner taking evasive action and spinning down the field.
While Maxwell retired from the race with damage to his left-rear corner, Murray was able to salvage a top-10 result despite front aero damage. Almond dropped to last, but stormed to twelfth position in a stout recovery drive.
The other key story-line was that of title leader Dale Wood, who could only manage 21st position.
After a challenging qualifying session saw him only 11th on the grid, the Polyfloor entry then suffered a puncture after hitting debris from the turn one, lap one drama early in the race. A second visit to pit lane for another puncture saw him cruse home last of the runners to salvage points and a now reduced, though still comfortable title lead.
Following the first of three races this weekend, Wood now leads the standings by a reduced margin of 152 points.
Jordan Love returns to second in the outright standings, with Warren Luff third and Nick McBride fourth. Cameron Hill sits fifth, just 41 points behind Love.
Sunday’s program features two races, including the next installment in the Enduro Cup series to be contested over 20 laps tomorrow morning.
The third and final race will likely decide the round with each to be shown live on FOX Sports 506.
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NewsForm continues for Cooper Murray with fastest time at The Bend
Teenage star on top early while Adrian Flack tops TAG Heuer Pro-Am ranks in tight day in South Australia
FRESH from his first ever Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia round victory before celebrating his 18th birthday, Cooper Murray has continued his remarkable form to top practice ahead of the sixth round of the series at The Bend Motorsport Park this weekend.
The Victorian teenager lapped beneath the existing qualifying record at the 4.9km circuit to take his No. 36 Lodge Brothers / McElrea Racing entry to the top of the charts in practice, a flying 1m51.074s lap putting him the fastest across two sessions at the South Australian circuit today.
Murray, who swept all before him in Townsville in July, edged out fellow Porsche Michelin Junior Cameron Hill by 0.1 seconds on combined times from today’s two sessions.
Wall Racing’s PAYCE entry driven by David Wall was third overall on the strength of his practice one-topping time set earlier in the day.
“It felt amazing out there,” Murray said.
“The McElrea team gave me an amazing car and it felt great for a Friday. Now we’ve just got to convert it into tomorrow. Tomorrow is payday with qualifying and race one so we’ll see how we go.”
Adrian Flack was fastest of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am contenders, just 0.1 seconds faster than title contender Liam Talbot on today’s combined times from both sessions.
“We’re certainly happy to be fast in practice, but it’s qualifying the next one we need to be quick in,” Flack said.
“Conditions are very difficult with the wind the way it is, so it’s hard to gauge how quick you can go into some of the corners, but we’re very happy. The car is quite good and we’re looking forward to the rest of the weekend.
“I love this track, I think it’s the best track in Australia by far. It’s quite difficult to pass because of the quite high speeds which we’re not used to doing but I’m looking forward to it and it will be a really good weekend.”
Murray was the fifth winner from five rounds contested to date this season, his early form in practice for Round 6 increasing his chances of becoming the first repeat winner of the season.
Perfect, if windy, conditions greeted the 23-strong field at The Bend with times rapid from the first flying laps of practice one.
The first session was topped by David Wall, the former champion yet to record a victory this season but showing strong early pace.
Cameron Hill was second in the opening 25-minute session, though 0.7 seconds behind Wall’s late flyer.
Dale Wood was third and Warren Luff fourth, while Adrian Flack topped the TAG Heuer Pro-Am contenders and placed sixth outright in the process.
A majority of the fastest times of the day came from the later session as the circuit rubbered in and conditions improved further thanks to bright sunshine and less wind.
Murray’s fastest lap came on his seventh lap – of nine in total – lap while Cameron Hill was second; backing up his performance in the first session in a positive start to his quest to top the Porsche Michelin Junior title standings this weekend.
On combined times Murray ended up fastest by 0.1 seconds with Hill second and Wall third.
Luff was fourth overall in the second McElrea entry while Jordan Love was the fastest of the Sonic quartet in fifth place. A strong run on newer Michelin tyres saw Nick McBride take his Porsche Centre Michelin entry to sixth overall while The Bend’s 2018 winner Michael Almond was seventh.
TAG Heuer Pro-Am contenders Adrian Flack and Liam Talbot were eighth and ninth, respectively and also topped their class while championship leader Dale Wood completed the top-10.
Exactly one second covered the 10 fastest runners in practice, with the first three all lapping beneath the existing practice record at the circuit.
Sam Shahin was third fastest overall in TAG Heuer Pro-Am and 12th outright, while Roger Lago – fresh from his remarkable outright pole position efforts in Townsville last time out, was fourth in class.
Of other notable stories, Brenton Grove’s return to Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia action saw him finish the day in 14th position overall, though well within striking distance of the top-10.
He was four places higher than his father, Stephen, who was 18th and will make his first Carrera Cup start since Phillip Island tomorrow.
Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge frontrunner Brett Boulton was 19th on his Carrera Cup debut with the returning Dave Ryan and Michael Loccisano just behind.
Round 6 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia continues apace tomorrow with qualifying at 10:55am local time to be followed by race one at 2:15pm.
Both sessions will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
FULL RESULTS: Click Here
Race Schedule – Round 6, The Bend Motorsport Park
SATURDAY AUGUST 24
1050 – 1110 Qualifying FoxSports / Kayo
1415 – 1440 Race 1 FoxSports / Kayo
SUNDAY AUGUST 25
0950 – 1035 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo
1230 – 1255 Race 3 FoxSports / Kayo
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NewsThe first Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 Clubsport in Australia revealed ahead of Round 6 at The Bend Motorsport Park
Porsche Cars Australia take the covers off the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
Porsche Cars Australia take the covers off the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
Following its world premiere on January 2019 at the Daytona 24 Hours, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport represents a further development from Weissach of the successful Clubsport model that first premiered in 2016.
For the first time, the mid-engined race car comes in two versions from the Porsche Motorsport factory: the “Trackday” model for enthusiast amateur racing drivers who enjoy Australian track days and would like to campaign the car in several state-based racing series.
The second is the “Competition” variant designed for national and international competition, allowing local drivers to contest the Australian GT Championship GT4 Class and Bathurst 12 Hour (GT4 class).
In developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the focus was not only on improving the driveability and performance of its predecessor but also on the sustainable use of raw materials in its development. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first-ever production race car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material.
As a result, the driver and co-driver doors and the rear wing are made of an organic fibre mix, sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres and feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness.
Powering the 718 GT4 Clubsport is a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 313kW (425hp). Compared to its predecessor, this represents a 30kW (40hp) increase in performance. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a mechanical rear-axle differential lock.
The lightweight spring-strut front suspension is taken from its big 911 GT3 Cup brother. The impressive racing brake system features steel brake discs all round measuring 380mm in diameter. The lightweight 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport tips the scales at a mere 1,320kgs and is delivered from the factory with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness.
The “Track day” version is aimed at amateur drivers who want to take part in private track and clubsport events features a fixed shock absorber setup, ABS brakes, ESC and traction control assistance systems ensure forgiving handling at the limit. The traction assistance can be deactivated if desired. Further factory fitted features include: an air-conditioning system, a rescue hatch in the roof, a handheld fire-extinguisher and an 80-litre FT3 safety fuel cell.
While each vehicle is built to order based on the customer’s requirements, the “Competition” model features a raft of details relevant for competition racing. The shock absorbers can be adjusted in three stages, while the safety fuel tank has a capacity of 115 litres and was developed for long-distance events. Thanks to a brake balance system, the balance bias can be infinitely adjusted between the front and rear axle.
An integrated air jack system guarantees fast pit stops, while the quick-release racing steering wheel adopted from the 911 GT3 R ensures a range of adjustment options for the individual needs of the drivers. An automatic fire extinguishing system adds another safety feature for the racetrack.
“The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport possesses significantly more racing genes than its successful predecessor,” says Porsche’s head of motorsport Fritz Enzinger.
“The power of the engine has increased considerably. At the same time, we were able to increase the downforce and the cockpit is now even better suited to drivers’ needs.”
The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport becomes the third racing car Porsche Cars Australia have imported into the country following the 996, 997, 991 and 992 generations of the 911 GT3 Cup Car as well as the Porsche 911 GT3 R.
On the unveiling of the car at The Bend Motorsport Park, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “While our Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Championships remain our focus in Australia, we see a place in the market for the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport as a track day car and GT4 race car.”
“The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is an ideal track day car for graduates of Level 5 of our Porsche Track Experience, who may be keen to do more track days and state-based racing before moving up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid into Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge.”
All 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport customers will enjoy full parts support and each vehicle can be serviced at Porsche Centres across Australia. Interested parties can contact Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy on troy.bundy@porsche.com.au for pricing options and further information.
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NewsPorsche PAYCE Carrera Cup celebrates 120th round at The Bend
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia heads to Tailem Bend for Rd6
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia heads to The Bend Motorsport Park with five different winners from the first five rounds
After two events at the top end of the country, the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia teams head south to the riverside town of Tailem Bend. The quaint, country town flanks the banks of the Murray River and is located less than 100km to the south-east of Adelaide.
Last year, the success of the inaugural Tailem Bend event saw a welcome injection of revenue to the rural area with The Bend Motorsport Park becoming the 17th venue to host a round of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia since the series began in 2003. The circuit configuration which the Porsche 9111 GT3 Cup cars will tackle this weekend, is the third-longest on the 2019 calendar at 4.95km – only Bathurst (6.213km) and Albert Park (5.303km) are longer.
Last year’s inaugural round was won by South Australian-local Michael Almond, who scored two race wins on his way to the round victory. Although David Wall crossed the line first in the first race last year, a five-second penalty incurred when passing Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans, dropped him to second place in the final results, handing Almond the inaugural Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia race win at the circuit.
The sixth round of the 2019 championship is also the120th in the history of the series – which this year also celebrates its 15th year of competition. Five different round winners have emerged from the first five Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia rounds so far this season with Nick McBride (Adelaide), Dale Wood (Albert Park), Jordan Love (Phillip Island), Michael Almond (Hidden Valley) and Cooper Murray (Townsville) all sharing round victories. This is the first time in series history that this has occurred and never before has the category witnessed such a tussle at the front of the field.
Dale Wood has never been off the podium this year and the Sonic Racing driver’s pace and consistency have seen his Polyflor-liveried 911 build a 201-point advantage over Warren Luff in second place overall. With more than a maximum round (180points) buffer in the championship, Wood’s lead is significant for several reasons.
Only three rounds of the championship remain, so every race from here on in is vital for the chasing pack to make up the deficit. Then factor in the constant improvement and pace of Michelin Juniors like Cooper Murray and Cameron Hill into the mix – as they continue to steal valuable points from more seasoned Pros in recent rounds – and the Tailem Bend round becomes massively important in the championship title race.
Bob Jane T-Marts teammates, Jordan Love and Michael Almond lie in third and fourth respectively, making it three Sonic Racing entries in the championship’s top four positions, while Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Nick McBride is fifth, only four points behind Almond.
The competition in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class is just as fierce with four different class winners from the five rounds so far this season including Anthony Gilbertson (Adelaide), Roger Lago (Albert Park, Townsville), Stephen Grove (Phillip Island) and Adrian Flack (Hidden Valley).
Lago’s record-setting pace (and outright pole) in Townsville last time out making him the man to beat heading into Round 6, as arch-rival Anthony Gilbertson takes a sabbatical this weekend due to work commitments. Along with the ever-present Adrian Flack, Lago’s biggest competition is likely to be from Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Pro-Am frontrunners Sam Shahin and Brett Boulton.
The Bend Motorsport Park marks Boulton’s Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia debut, becoming the 211th driver to compete in the series history. Other wildcards to watch in the Pro and Pro-Am field include father and son pairing of Brenton and Stephen Grove.
While Brenton is no stranger to the category having risen through the Porsche Motorsport pyramid, Stephen Grove returns to chalk up his 55th round – moving him to fourth on the all-time round starts list in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia history.
Both Grove Snr and Jnr will be in Ashley Seward Motorsport prepared Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars and are treating the weekend as part of their preparation for Round 7 of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race at the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit the following weekend. In doing so, the pair become the first Australian father and son pairing to compete in the global Porsche category together in the series’ history.
The weekend gets underway at 10:00 on Friday with Practice 2, qualifying and races 1-3 all televised live on both FoxSports (Channel 506) and Kayo, over the course of the weekend.
For more race information, videos and interviews throughout the weekend, follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @carreracupaus / Twitter – @CarreraCupAus / Facebook.com/CarreraCupAus
Entry List – Round 6, The Bend Motorsport Park
No CLASS CAR # Name Surname SPONSOR NAME
1 Pro-Am 4 Stephen Grove Grove Group
2 Pro 5 Thomas Maxwell Sonic
3 Pro-Am 6 Tim Miles Garage 1
4 Pro 7 Warren Luff MEGA/No Second Chance
5 Pro 8 Nick McBride Porsche Centre Melbourne
6 Pro-Am 9 Michael Loccisano Hallmarc
7 Pro 10 Brenton Grove Grove Group
8 Pro 12 Steve Richards O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing
9 Pro-Am 13 Sam Shahin The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU
10 Pro-Am 20 Adrian Flack Agas National
11 Pro-Am 22 Dean Cook BMF
12 Pro-Am 23 Roger Lago Dayco / Lago Cold Stores
13 Pro-Am 27 Liam Talbot Wash It
14 Pro-Am 30 David Ryan DRM Motorsport
15 Pro 34 Duvashen Padayachee Hyundai Forklifts Australia
16 Pro-Am 35 Indiran Padayachee Hyundai Forklifts Australia
17 Pro 36 Cooper Murray Lodge Brothers
18 Pro 38 David Wall PAYCE
19 Pro 77 Michael Almond Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA Australia
20 Pro-Am 84 Brett Boulton Bold Living
21 Pro 100 Dale Wood Sonic/Polyflor
22 Pro 111 Cameron Hill Seears Workwear
23 Pro 777 Jordan Love Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts/SRG
Race Schedule – Round 6, The Bend Motorsport Park
FRIDAY AUGUST 23 Session Television broadcast
1000 – 1025 Practice 1
1430 – 1455 Practice 2 FoxSports / Kayo
SATURDAY AUGUST 24
1050 – 1110 Qualifying FoxSports / Kayo
1415 – 1440 Race 1 FoxSports / Kayo
SUNDAY AUGUST 25
0950 – 1035 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo
1230 – 1255 Race 3 FoxSports / Kayo
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NewsAustralian father and son to make Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup history
Stephen and Brenton Grove, will be the first Australian father-son pairing in history to compete in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship
Stephen and Brenton Grove, will be the first Australian father-son pairing in history to compete in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship.
Seasoned Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship campaigner, Stephen Grove will compete against son, Brenton Grove in Belgium for Round 7 of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship, at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Stephen Grove has been a frequent visitor to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Pro-Am podium this year and comes off a strong third in the Pro-Am class last time out at the Hungaroring in Hungary.
The reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am Champion said, “It’s fantastic to have Brenton join the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup grid at Spa — it’s not often you get a father and son racing in the same series, especially at this level. Spa is a very special track, one of the best in the world and it’s got some great corners. I haven’t raced there for a few years, but I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel there.”
In preparation for Spa Supercup round, both father and son will also be in action at round 6 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup championship at Tailem Bend.
Grove Snr highlighted the pair’s intentions, “The Bend is quite a fast and free-flowing circuit, so we’re just trying to set ourselves up for Spa – which is unbelievably fast with high-speed corners. The Bend weekend will all be about conditioning ourselves and building-up to Spa, so we’re not too fussed on where we position ourselves, as long as we can have a dip.”
Brenton too carries good recent form into The Bend Motorsport Park after strong performances in the Dunlop Super 2 Championship this season. The young Victorian started his career in the Porsche 944 Challenge and has progressed up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid over the years before finishing second in the 2017 Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Championship to Jordan Love.
While the prospect of driving on the world stage in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be one of the highlights of Grove’s promising career thus far, he’s confirmed the opportunity will not become a regular occurrence, “This is just a one-off event for me and I’ll be driving for the same team Stephen drove for in the 2018 24 Hours of Dubai. I have no plans at this stage to go full-time in Supercup. We just saw the opportunity to achieve this milestone as there has never been a father and son compete in the same Supercup race before.
Brenton feels the experience gained through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and Michelin Junior competition will offer a great degree of familiarity, rather than an advantage, given the level of competition, “I’ve progressed through the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge, Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Michelin Junior program, so this is just a further opportunity to advance within the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid. At least I won’t be going in with my eyes shut.”
“Porsche do an awesome job to develop juniors and it’s a proven channel. It’s a positive framework to be part of both as a driver and team manager. The domestic championships in Australia are both competitive and professional, hence why we keep coming back each year” he continued.
Both Grove’s will be racing in Ashley Seward Motorsport prepared Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars.
ASM Team Manager, Ashley Seward is looking forward to working with Brenton, “I’ve watched Brenton race in a number of categories – he has an analytical approach to his racing and is good at adapting to different vehicles, so we’re looking forward to having him in our car for Tailem Bend.
“The Porsche Supercup is the most competitive one-make series in the world, and the level of competition is extremely high, so we’ll be doing our best to ensure Brenton is as well-prepared as possible for his outing at Spa.”
Seward’s Melbourne based outfit will also be hoping to provide Grove Snr with the right car for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class win, “Stephen has established himself as one of the top Pro-Am drivers in the country, and the experience he has gained against the world’s best Porsche racers in Supercup will have only enhanced his abilities.”
“We pride ourselves on our Pro-Am program, ensuring our competitors are enjoying themselves while also maximising their on-track performances. This season, we’ve worked with some fantastic competitors and Stephen will fit right into our team with his approach to the sport.”
Practice 1 for the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia at Tailem Bend gets underway on Friday 23 August at 10:00. Qualifying and Race 1 is scheduled for Saturday with Races 2 and 3 on Sunday. Tickets for the event are available from thebend.com.au.
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NewsPorsche celebrates one-two victory at Spa endurance classic
Porsche dominates the 2019 24 Hours of Spa
Porsche dominates the 2019 Total 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium, the world’s biggest GT3 sportscar race.
The GPX Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R crewed by the current FIA WEC Sportscar World Champions Kévin Estre (France), Michael Christensen (Denmark), and Austria’s Richard Lietz finished first at the Belgian long distance classic after 363 laps, securing Porsche its seventh Spa 24 Hour overall win.
The 500+hp Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by Rowe Racing (#998) rounded off the one-two victory of the Porsche teams at the marathon in the Ardennes. Five of the six Pro-cars from Porsche finished the 71st running of the 24 Hours of Spa in the top ten.
Right from the start, the rain played the leading role at the 24-hour classic in Belgium. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the race had to be stopped for almost six hours due to heavy downpours. But even this interruption couldn’t end the victorious drive of the number 20 Porsche 911 GT3 R. The crew with Estre, Christensen, and Lietz, which had been relegated down the field by a drive-through penalty in the evening, put in an impressive charge through the field.
When the race was halted, the driver trio had made it back to eighth place with a series of flawless and constantly fast stints and made up more positions after the race was restarted. With two hours to go, the GT3 R driven by Kévin Estre took the lead, which the Frenchman held driving the slick-shod car on a damp track surface. After nine years, it was time to celebrate again for Porsche at the prestigious endurance classic in the Ardennes.
The Rowe Racing #998 Porsche 911 GT3 R also had a race of mixed fortunes on the 7.004 kilometre storied circuit. Patrick Pilet (France), Frédéric Makowiecki (France) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain) also lost many places due to a drive-through penalty and caught up to the frontrunners in the night with a strong performance in the rain. During the closing stages of the race, rain specialist Tandy conquered second place with several skilful overtaking manoeuvres to secure the one-two win for Porsche.
Scoring three more top ten placings, the Porsche customer teams crowned their strong and unified showing at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. The #98 and #99 Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by Rowe Racing finished fifth and seventh. KÜS Team75 Bernhard brought its identical #117 911 GT3 R home in ninth place.
Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport: “Congratulations to our customer teams at Spa. The effort of the engineers, strategists, the pit crews, and the drivers impressed me deeply. They all co-operated with our support crew from Weissach in the best possible way. We’ve scored this victory together. And the Porsche 911 again proved to be the car to beat at sportscar races.”
VIDEO NEWS: https://vimeo.com/350594959
Result
1. Estre/Christensen/Lietz (F/DK/A), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 363 laps
2. Pilet/Makowiecki/Tandy (F/F/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 363 laps
3. Engel/Buurman/Stolz (D/NL/D), Mercedes-AMG GT3, 363 laps
5. Müller/Dumas/Jaminet (D/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 362 laps
7. Olsen/Campbell/Werner (N/AUS/D), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 362 laps
9. Bernhard/Vanthoor/Bamber (D/B/NZ), Porsche 911 GT3 R, 362 laps
248 drivers took up the 24 hour classic at Spa-Francorchamps in 72 cars. Eleven marques were represented at the 71st running of the Ardennes marathon, which is also Round 3 of the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge. Porsche also won the opening round of the 2019 IGTC at the Bathurst 12 Hour in February.
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NewsPorsche announces “Best Presented Award” in partnership with Meguiar’s
Porsche announces “Best Presented Award” in partnership with Meguiar’s Australia
Porsche Cars Australia has announced a “Best Presented Award” in partnership with Meguiar’s Australia.
The social media campaign between two of Australia’s premier automotive brands allows Porsche motorsport fans and followers to vote and rank their best racing liveries from the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
Porsche and Meguiar’s will nominate six of the best race liveries during the course of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season. Fans and followers of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia facebook page (Facebook.com/CarreracupAus) will then be invited to vote for their favourite race livery. The Meguiar’s Best Presented Award will be awarded to the driver having received the most votes by the end of the season.
On the announcement, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “We are very proud to partner with a premium automotive brand, such as Meguiar’s Australia for the “Best Presented Award” this season. Meguiar’s provides exceptional products for every vehicle surface including paintwork, wheels, tyres and the many different interior finishes. So the alignment with them on the “Best Presented Award” was a natural fit for both sides and yet another example of the continued investment and endorsement of our premier categories.”
Bruce Morrison from Meguiar’s Australia said, “Meguiar’s has been providing car enthusiasts with specialized surface care formulations for well over 100 years. Like Porsche, our customers are car enthusiasts and can be among the hardest to please, but they’re also the most brand loyal.”
“The products that get used by these enthusiasts are undoubtedly the best on the market. This award provides both recognition and reward for the best vehicle livery on the grid, in what is arguably Australia’s best presented race category.”
The ranking of the six best Porsche liveries from the field will be announced at the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Awards Dinner on the Gold Coast at the season finale in October. The driver that receives the most votes will receive $5,000 worth of Meguiar’s products while the drivers in positions two to six will each receive $500 worth of Meguiar’s products.
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NewsBathurst winning Porsche 911 GT3-R set to return to Australia
Matt Campbell's Bathurst winning Porsche 911 GT3-R set to return to Australia
The triumphant Bathurst12-Hour Porsche 911 GT3-R of Dennis Olsen, Dirk Werner and Porsche Junior Driver, Matt Campbell is set to return home.
The same Porsche 911 GT3-R that made a heroic charge from fourth to the lead of the 2019 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-Hour in the final hour, will return to Australia later this year.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia racing driver, Paul Tresidder has purchased the winning car piloted by Dennis Olsen, Dirk Werner and Porsche Junior Driver, Matt Campbell. The historical victory marked Porsche’s first outright win in Australia’s International Enduro, adding the iconic endurance event to their trophy case.
A long-term exponent of the famous German marque, Tresidder was competing in the race with team Porsche Carrera Cup Asia – eventually finishing second in Class B and 19th outright.
As the race built towards its thrilling climax, the Sydney resident was watching from his own pit garage as Matt Campbell hauled the Earl Bamber Motorsport-prepared car through the international field. Following the Bathurst triumph, the car was flown to Germany and placed on display in the Porsche museum.
However, Tresidder’s purchase of the 911 GT3-R from Porsche Motorsport last month, means the car will ultimately return to Australia.
“I was there in our pits watching the last hour of the race unfold. Whilst all three drivers contributed to the end result, for me the stand out drive of the day was Matt Campbell with three overtaking moves in the last hour of the race, the best I have ever seen,” Tresidder explained.
“I was also competing in the same race with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia team, so there are great memories associated with this epic win. As an Australian, I wanted to bring the car back home.”
Tresidder was presented the car last month in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, with Campbell on hand to ‘hand over the keys’ to the car. Despite his long relationship with the Porsche brand, Tresidder said he initially didn’t think he would be able to purchase the black GT3R, which features the iconic Silver Fern along its flanks.
“I thought I wouldn’t stand a chance of being able to secure the car, having won the 12-Hour,” he explained.
“However after the race I caught up with Alex Gibot (Head of Porsche Motorsport in the Asia-Pacific region) and told him I would like to buy it. Alex knows my history with Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and my love of Porsche, plus the car would be coming home to Australia and properly looked after.
“Alex started the process by contacting Porsche in Stuttgart and got the ball rolling, and fortunately we were successful.”
Currently still in Germany, the 911 GT3-R will begin a long journey home later this year via a stop at the Porsche Sports Cup China in October – a significant event in the region which will also feature several Porsche Museum cars on show on and off the track.
After driving the car for the first time in Shanghai, the car will return to Australia where Tresidder plans to race it as it was designed.
“I will race it lightly, probably the first event will be Bathurst at Easter 2020,” he confirmed.
“The now-famous livery will also stay, the only change will be to wipe off the sticky remains of Matt’s Champagne!”
With multiple starts to his credit in the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, Tresidder says the 12-Hour is well established as one of the world’s great races and the victory for Porsche had great significance for the brand and for him personally.
“This was Earl Bamber Motorsport’s first attempt running two factory cars and for him and his team to get a first time victory – and a first victory for Porsche – it doesn’t get much better.”
Bamber and Campbell, along with their Porsche GT team mates, will defend their 24-point lead in the Manufacturers standings of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in Lime Rock (USA) this weekend.
The race over 2:40 hours takes off on Saturday, 20 July and can be viewed live outside the USA and Canada on www.imsa.com.
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NewsMcElrea Racing returns to the podium in Races 2 and 3 in Townsville
Cooper Murray dominated Races 2 and 3 of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in Townsville, breaking yet another record for the biggest race-winning margin in the series’ history.
Cooper Murray dominated Races 2 and 3 of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in Townsville, breaking yet another record for the biggest race-winning margin in the series’ history.
The Michelin Junior Driver put in a master class performance in the first of the Sunday’s races. Starting from pole for the 45min Enduro Cup round, Murray got the whole shot ahead of McElrea Racing teammate Warren Luff, to lead down the long Townsville straight toward Turn 1.
Showing great tenacity and maturity beyond his years, Murray fended off Luff in the early stages of the opening lap, before pulling out a 0.5sec lead. Behind the McElrea Racing pairing, Sonic Racing teammates Michael Almond and Dale Wood jostled for position, with Jordan Love and Nick McBride making good progress through the field.
Murray recorded the fastest lap of the race on lap 4 and extended his lead to Luff by 2.7secs. Luff then struck one of the sharp kerbs that characterize the Townsville track. The No Second Chance ambassador’s bent front damper and the resultant damage saw Luff get passed by Michael Almond and leaving Murray to extend his lead to 4.9secs with 13 laps remaining.
Further back, Roger Lago could not replicate the pace he showed in qualifying the previous day, gradually slipping down the field from sixth overall to tenth by mid race. He would eventually finish 14th after contact late into the race with Thomas Maxwell.
Anthony Gilbertson by contrast was on a charge in Race 2 and proved to be the pick of the TAG Heuer Pro Am field. Gilbertson replicated the form he had showed throughout practice and moved past Lago to finish first in class and ninth overall.
After the race, the McElrea Pro Am driver said, “I got a great start and had a bit of work to do with Roger starting in P5. The Pros must have hustled getting passed him because the next thing I knew I was right on him. I passed him and pulled a good gap while keeping Steve Richards behind me.”
“It’s always a good feeling to beat a Pro like him” Gilbertson continued candidly.
At the end of Race 2, Murray had amassed a lead of 11.4 secs over Almond in second. This was the biggest race-winning margin in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia’s history. The previous record was 6.2 secs held by Steve Richards over Warren Luff in Race 2 back in 2014.
As the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars lined up for Race 3, all eyes were on Cooper Murray to see if he could defend his round position and make it five different winners from five rounds this season. Michael Almond initially got the jump on Murray off the line but the 17 year old held is his nerve and the lead into turn 1. The pair exited the corner side-by-side but Almond quickly lost ground on the outside of the turn allowing Sonic teammates, Dale Wood and Jordan Love by.
In the TAG Heuer Pro Am class, Gilbertson’s good luck ran out with a poor start seeing the Race 2 winner drop down the field to 13th. His recovery through the field ruined what had been a stellar race weekend until that point, after he made contact with Pro driver, Steve Richards. As Pro Am drivers are permitted to use ABS – to level the playing field with the Pro drivers – Richards braked earlier than Gilbertson expected. The contact spun the former Bathurst winner into the outside wall, blocking Sam Shahin and Scott Taylors race in the process. The damage to Richard’s stranded O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Porsche meant the safety car would have to be deployed. The DNF for the former Bathurst winner makes 2019 the unluckiest season of his career.
Murray made the best use of the restart, accelerating hard onto the main straight with 12 laps remaining. The Michelin Junior would proceed to pull out a 1.7 sec gap on the experienced Dale Wood and leading Juniors Jordan Love and Cameron Hill. As with Race 1 and 2, the youngest member of the McElrea Racing squad would manage the tyres and his lead to the flag.
After Gilbertson’s early woes, it was fellow McElrea Racing teammate Tim Miles who would seize the opportunity in TAG Heuer Pro Am class, passing Dean Cook and Roger Lago under braking in the final stages of the race. While Murray and Lago’s record breaking performances over the weekend would prove the talking points of the Townsville round.
What was of greater significance for the 2019 Championship was the return of McElrea Racing cars to form after Sonic Racing’s recent dominance. The battle among these two top teams – as well as the likes of privateer Cameron Hill – is as fierce as ever, as the crews now switch their attention to Round 6 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship in Tailem Bend. This fast, flowing South Australian track is tailor made for Carrera Cup cars and traditionally proves to be very hard on tyres.
For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @carreracupaus / Twitter – @CarreraCupAus / Facebook.com/CarreraCupAus
Results: Race 3, Round 5, Townsville
Pos Driver Class Race Time
1 Cooper Murray (VIC) Pro / Michelin Junior 20:59.2163
2 Dale Wood (VIC) Pro 21:00.9196
3 Jordan Love (WA) Pro / Michelin Junior 21:02.3945
4 Cameron Hill (ACT) Pro / Michelin Junior 21:05.0325
5 Warren Luff (QLD) Pro 21:05.8676
6 Michael Almond (SA) Pro 21:06.2122
7 David Wall (NSW) Pro 21:07.0663
8 Thomas Maxwell (NT) Pro / Michelin Junior 21:07.5956
9 Nick McBride (VIC) Pro 21:08.6631
10 Tim Miles (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:10.5858
11 Dean Cook (VIC) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:11.6569
12 Duvashen Padayachee Pro 21:12.0462
13 Roger Lago (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:14.2491
14 Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:16.5332
15 Liam Talbot (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:17.2740
16 Michael Loccisano (VIC) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:26.5598
17 Sam Shahin (SA) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:28.2082
18 Scott Taylor (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:32.2598
19 Indiran Padayachee TAG Heuer Pro-Am 21:33.8871
DNF Adrian Flack (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am 12:21.1248
DNF Steve Richards (VIC) Pro 1:27.2238
Media enquiries: Angus Thompson
Motorsport Communications Manager – Porsche Cars Australia
Phone: +61 403 233 548
E-mail: angus.thompson@porsche.com.au
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NewsLago and Murray make history in Race 1 in Townsville
Roger Lago and Cooper Murray rewrite the history books in qualifying and Race 1 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in Townsville
Roger Lago and Cooper Murray rewrite the history books in qualifying and Race 1 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in Townsville
Qualifying and Race 1 of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship had it all. Australia’s premier one make series witnessed records tumble, history made and new race winners crowned. Not to mention the usual, intense on track battle the series has become synonymous for.
The action started in qualifying early on Saturday morning. After uncharacteristic wet conditions plagued the North Queensland practice sessions on Friday, clear and cool tropical skies greeted the Porsche PAYCE Carrera cup Australia teams as they ventured onto the track for qualifying. While Dale Wood and Anthony Gilbertson were consistently quick through the Friday’s practice sessions, both felt that with the right conditions, the pace on Saturday would be even quicker.
They weren’t wrong and from the first lap, it became apparent that the track was only going to get faster as the session went on. Michelin Junior drivers Thomas Maxwell and Cooper Murray surprised many by setting the early benchmark. Michael Almond then showed the signs of his consistent form from Darwin, topping the table by the halfway mark.
By contrast, Nick McBride ran off the circuit and lost time in the pits repairing a broken front spoiler. Steve Richards would compromise his first set of Michelins by flat spotting them over the bumps under braking, while Dale Wood ran wide, narrowly missing the retaining wall. The ABS advantage the TAG Heuer Pro Ams enjoy over the Pros saw Anthony Gilbertson continue to head the Pro Am class for most of the session, but a last minute lap from Roger Lago would leave mouths agape and stun all in pitlane.
Lago who heavily crashed out of this event in 2015, not only broke the outright pole record – previously held by McElrea Racing’s Alex Davison – but topped the overall time sheets. This was the first time in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup’s history a Pro Am driver had out qualified the entire Pro field.
After the session Lago paid tribute to his Race engineer Dave Russel, “First run was 14.5 on greens and I thought that’s 0.8secs faster than I went yesterday. I said to Dave surely that’s enough for Pro Am, but he replied that Gilbertson had just done a 14.2, so I one last attempt to get a few more tenths.”
“I put my sectors together and looked down and saw a 13.5 as I crossed the line. Dave just erupted on radio and said mate you just got pole! Obviously the ABS makes it that bit easier for us around this circuit, but you still got to put the lap together.”
Cooper Murray would also put in his best qualifying result of the year in second, just in front of his McElrea Racing team mate Warren Luff. The attention then turned to Race 1 and as the lights went out, the 17 year old Michelin Junior had a near perfect get away jumping Lago into the first turn.
The McElrea driver then increased his lead to over 5 secs as Luff and the rest of the field battled one another behind Lago. Luff, Almond and Wood all gradually made their way past Lago with 8 laps remaining, but by then Murray’s advantage had grown to over 7.4secs which he held to the chequered flag. Wood’s result means he is now 188 points clear of his nearest rival Nick McBride. McBride, Luff, Wall and Love occupy positions 2 to 5 in the overall Championship – with only three points separating the quartet.
After the race Murray remarked, “I managed to get a good start and control the race from there. The competition level in this field is amazing and to get that first win by that margin feels pretty good.”
Lago would lead the TAG Heuer Pro Am class home in fifth position overall, with Cameron Hill holding on for 6th after his flying lap was impeded in qualifying, seeing him start in 7th. Despite showing good pace at separate times over the weekend, fellow Michelin Juniors Thomas Maxwell and Jordan Love will not look back on Race 1 fondly.
Love’s run of bad luck continued as Maxwell tagged him mid race dropping the Bob Jane T Marts driver down the order. Maxwell race would be compromised too after he was handed a drive through penalty for his efforts. The accident means that Love will start in 12th position for the Race 2 tomorrow.
Murray’s victory makes him the youngest victor in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup history and marks a return to the podium for the McElrea team with Warren Luff in second.
After the race, team manager, Andy McElrea said, “I’m thrilled, it gets harder and harder to win a race in this category, so to get a 1-2 is almost unbelievable, especially for Cooper coming across to us mid-season. I feel he’s repaid his faith in us and us in him. Then there’s the ultimate wingman Luffy’s (Warren Luff) result, not to mention Anthony Gilbertson in second in Pro Am, so at this stage I couldn’t be happier.”
The Sonic vs McElrea battle will resume in Races 2 and 3 on Sunday. Both races will be televised live on Fox Sports (Channel 506), Channel 10 and Kayo.
For more race information, videos and interviews throughout the weekend, follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @carreracupaus / Twitter – @CarreraCupAus / Facebook.com/CarreraCupAus
Results: Race 2, Round 5, Townsville
1 Cooper Murray (VIC) Pro / Michelin Junior 20:10.4504
2 Warren Luff (QLD) Pro 20:16.9554
3 Michael Almond (SA) Pro 20:17.8891
4 Dale Wood (VIC) Pro 20:21.8135
5 Roger Lago (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:28.9572
6 Cameron Hill (ACT) Pro / Michelin Junior 20:30.0916
7 David Wall (NSW) Pro 20:30.4042
8 Nick McBride (VIC) Pro 20:31.1639
9 Duvashen Padayachee (NSW) Pro 20:31.6331
10 Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:32.2335
11 Adrian Flack (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:33.5078
12 Jordan Love (WA) Pro / Michelin Junior 20:37.9097
13 Liam Talbot (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:40.1600
14 Sam Shahin (SA) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:41.0282
15 Steve Richards (VIC) Pro 20:41.0319
16 Dean Cook (VIC) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:41.7255
17 Scott Taylor (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:55.9168
18 Michael Loccisano (VIC) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:56.2041
19 Thomas Maxwell (NT) Pro / Michelin Junior 20:56.7390
20 Indiran Padayachee (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro Am 20:58.5875
DNF Tim Miles (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro Am 1:32.0882
Race Schedule – Round 5, Townsville
SUNDAY JUNE 16
0910- 0950 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo
1305 – 1330 Race 3 FoxSports / Kayo / Network 10
Media enquiries:
Angus Thompson
Motorsport Communications Manager – Porsche Cars Australia
Phone: +61 403 233 548
E-mail: angus.thompson@porsche.com.au
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NewsLove and Gilberston set early pace in wet Townsville practice
Jordan Love is not affected by his injured hand, posting the fastest time from the first practice sessions of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship in Townsville.
Jordan Love is not affected by his injured hand, posting the fastest time from the first practice sessions of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship in Townsville.
It’s been a testing few weeks for Jordan Love. After spate of victories in both Albert Park and Phillip Island rounds, an unfortunate accident in Darwin put the brakes on his 2019 championship campaign. The resultant surgery meant a two week break from behind the wheel heading into Round 5 this weekend. No one could be sure what part his injured hand would play in his performance in Townsville.
Given the circumstance and Love’s experience around the wet Townsville street circuit, few were surprised to see him adopting a cautious start to the Friday’s first practice session. By contrast, his fellow Michelin Junior driver, Thomas Maxwell relished in the wet conditions recording the fastest time in Friday’s first practice session.
Maxwell was closely followed by championship leader, Dale Wood, who was less than 0.02 secs behind the young Darwin driver by the time the first session ended. Wood’s experience and knowledge of the coastal circuit could well prove the difference this weekend. Other experienced Pro campaigners, Michael Almond and Warren Luff were third and fourth respectively, while another Michelin Junior, Cooper Murray completed the top five in fifth.
In the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class, Anthony Gilbertson proved again that his performances on the streets of Adelaide in the season opener were no fluke, recording the fastest time of the class ahead of Roger Lago, Sam Shahin and Dean Cook. The wet session saw most drivers cautiously getting to grips with the fast 2.9km circuit, building their confidence in the challenging wet conditions.
Rain persisted to fall before the second practice session, but just as the drivers ventured out, the sun appeared and the times soon began to tumble as a dry line emerged. Dale Wood again set a blistering time, topping the standings for most of the session.
On his return to the pit lane, Wood remarked, “To be honest I was surprised how quick the track dried. The whole field went out on wets and straight away I said to the team that I’m coming in and we need to put slicks on.”
‘When I went back out the track was faster than I expected despite some wet areas. If we get a good dry, run in qualifying tomorrow, I think the pace will be even better.”
But in the dying minutes, Love would steel the top spot from his Sonic team mate with only 2 minutes to spare.
After the second practice drew to a close, a relieved Love commented, “We pitted late as we had a good set of Michelins to bolt on for that session. Judging by the pace of the guys in first (session) we knew the car would be fast as we were just growing in momentum each lap. I didn’t feel too comfortable early on but I knew the car was good and managed to step it up for the second outing.”
“It’s good to get a result like that ahead of tomorrow. My hand’s not painful thankfully, and I just notice it over the bumps, it’s just a bit annoying to be honest.”
Gilbertson again set the pace in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class but found the conditions tricky with the drying circuit:
“It was difficult to tell how much liberty you could give the car as the track was still wet in parts, but we still went faster than the first session. You just didn’t want to drop a wheel off (the circuit) anywhere in that session, so there is still time out there.” Gilbertson remarked
Qualifying and races 1-3 will all be televised live on both Fox Sports (Channel 506) and Kayo, while free-to-air viewers can also watch the first and last races of the weekend on Channel 10.
For more race information, videos and interviews throughout the weekend, follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @carreracupaus / Twitter – @CarreraCupAus / Facebook.com/CarreraCupAus
Combined Results – Practice, Round 5 – Townsville
1 Jordan Love (WA) Pro / Michelin Junior P2 1:14.1518*
2 Dale Wood (VIC) Pro P2 1:14.2423
3 David Wall (NSW) Pro P2 1:14.3554
4 Thomas Maxwell (NT) Pro / Michelin Junior P1 1:14.6134
5 Cameron Hill (ACT) Pro / Michelin Junior P2 1:14.6818
6 Michael Almond (SA) Pro P1 1:14.7085
7 Cooper Murray (VIC) Pro / Michelin Junior P2 1:14.7105
8 Warren Luff (QLD) Pro P1 1:14.7547
9 Nick McBride (VIC) Pro P1 1:14.9422
10 Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P2 1:15.0249
11 Steve Richards (VIC) Pro P1 1:15.1330
12 Adrian Flack (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P2 1:15.2875
13 Roger Lago (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P2 1:15.3311
14 Duvashen Padayachee (NSW) Pro P2 1:15.5882
15 Scott Taylor (QLD) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P2 1:15.9810
16 Dean Cook (VIC) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P2 1:15.9969
17 Sam Shahin (SA) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P1 1:16.0105
18 Liam Talbot (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P1 1:16.1153
19 Tim Miles (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P2 1:16.1457
20 Michael Loccisano (VIC) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P1 1:17.4988
21 Indiran Padayachee (NSW) TAG Heuer Pro-Am P2 1:17.7543
Race Schedule – Round 5, Townsville
SATURDAY JUNE 15
0850 – 0910 Qualifying FoxSports / Kayo
1235 – 1300 Race 1 FoxSports / Kayo / Network 10
SUNDAY JUNE 16
0910- 0950 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo
1305 – 1330 Race 3 FoxSports / Kayo / Network 10
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NewsJunior battle intensifies as Carrera Cup returns to Townsville
First North Queensland trip since 2015 to play critical role in title battles
Porsche Michelin Juniors, Jordan Love and Cameron Hill will take centre stage in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup this weekend as Australia’s premier one-make Championship returns to Townsville after a four year hiatus.
The fifth round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship sees a return to north-east coast of Queensland this weekend. The last time Australia’s premier one-make category competed in Townsville was in 2015, while this year’s event marks the 119th round in the history of the series, since it began in 2003.
As the largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast, Townsville is affectionately referred to as the unofficial capital of North Queeensland by its local community. Victory in the third and final race in Darwin in the last Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup round earned Michael Almond not only overall victory, but the unofficial title of ‘the ‘King of the North.’
The Bob Jane T- Marts driver will hope to hold onto this crown and repeat that performance in Townsville this weekend, a track that has proved a happy hunting ground for the Sonic Motor racing team in previous years.
In 2015, it was Sonic’s Nick Foster who stood on the top of the podium after all three race victories at Reid Park and this year the team looks likely to repeat that trend given the pace its race winning drivers – Michael Almond, Jordan Love and Dale Wood – have shown to date this season.
Sonic Motor Racing cars have finished on the top two steps of the podium in eight of the last nine Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia races, including a hat trick of victories over the last three rounds. The only race in that period they didn’t cross the line first was Race 1 at Hidden valley which went to Michelin Junior, Cameron Hill.
The last Carrera Cup team to win four rounds in a row in Sonic’s fashion was Fitzgerald Racing Services with driver Craig Baird in 2008 across Barbagallo, Sandown, Queensland Raceway and Phillip Island.
Of the leading Sonic Motor Racing trio, Jordan Love is the most vulnerable heading into this weekend, after an unfortunate opening lap altercation with Liam Talbot, saw the Bob Jane T-Marts driver leaving the Hidden Valley circuit with a broken fifth metacarpal in his left hand.
While the resultant surgery – a plate and seven screws – meant that Love would need a quiet, yet quick recovery if he was to compete in Townsville, the ramifications for his Championship campaign were far greater. No points from an eleventh position in race one, a DNF and no result for races 2 and 3 in Darwin respectively, meant the Perth youngster would not only lose his overall lead to the experienced Wood, but also now come under threat from an hard charging Cameron Hill in the Michelin Junior competition.
Hill carries good pace and momentum into Townsville after his maiden pole and victory in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship. With only Townsville and Tailem Bend points in the Michelin Junior competition remaining, all eyes will be on Hill’s Seears Workwear Porsche and if it will challenge the injured Love.
Adelaide winner, Nick McBride lies third just behind Wood and Love in the overall Championship. McBride’s experience around the Townsville circuit will be beneficial as one of only six current drivers (Nick McBride, Steve Richards, Roger Lago, Duvashen Padayachee, Michael Almond, Scott Taylor) on the entry list to also contend the 2015 Carrera Cup Championship at the same venue.
Wood along with McElrea Racing’s Warren Luff will use their track knowledge from passed Virgin Australia Supercars races in Townsville to good use in the podium hunt. Luff will also rely on the local knowledge of his Queensland based team, as McElrea cars currently hold both the qualifying (Alex Davison) and race (Jonny Reid) lap records.
The PAYCE liveried Porsche 911 of David Wall will also be hoping to improve upon his early season form with the 2017 Champion celebrating his 55th Carrera Cup Australia appearance, moving past the likes of: Rodney Jane, Alex Davison, Max Twigg and Stephen Grove, on the all-time round starts list. Wall now sits third on the list behind only Marc Cini (105) and Craig Baird (66).
The TAG Heuer Pro-Am Class has witnessed four different overall winners from the first four events this year with Anthony Gilbertson taking victory at the season opener in Adelaide and Roger Lago (Albert Park), Stephen Grove (Phillip Island) and Adrian Flack (Hidden Valley) having shared the top step of the podium respectively thereafter.
Grove (2) and Roger Lago (1) have tasted victory in Townsville in previous years in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am Class.
With warm temperatures and a 30-70% chance of thundershowers forecast over the course of the weekend, the conditions will test the skill and nerve of all the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup drivers. The race schedule for the weekend starts on Friday with two early practices sessions, which teams will use to refine their race set up before heading into qualifying on Saturday morning.
Qualifying and races 1-3 will all be televised live on both FoxSports (Channel 506) and Kayo, while free-to-air viewers can also watch the first and last races of the weekend on Channel 10. A highlights package including the weekend’s action is also scheduled for Channel One following the conclusion of the event
For more race information, videos and interviews throughout the weekend, follow the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia social pages: Instagram – @carreracupaus / Twitter – @CarreraCupAus / Facebook.com/CarreraCupAus
Entry List – Round 5, Townsville
CLASS | CAR # | Name | Surname | SPONSOR NAME |
Pro | 5 | Thomas | Maxwell | Sonic/Hosepower |
Pro-Am | 6 | Tim | Miles | Garage 1 |
Pro | 7 | Warren | Luff | MEGA/No Second Chance |
Pro | 8 | Nick | McBride | Porsche Centre Melbourne |
Pro-Am | 9 | Michael | Loccisano | Hallmarc |
Pro | 12 | Steve | Richards | O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing |
Pro-Am | 13 | Sam | Shahin | The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU |
Pro | 15 | Josh | Hunt | Lory Construction / Volante Rosso |
Pro-Am | 19 | Anthony | Gilbertson | Hallmark Homes |
Pro-Am | 20 | Adrian | Flack | Agas National |
Pro-Am | 22 | Dean | Cook | BMF |
Pro-Am | 23 | Roger | Lago | Dayco / Lago Cold Stores |
Pro-Am | 27 | Liam | Talbot | Wash It |
Pro | 34 | Duvashen | Padayachee | Hyundai Forklifts Australia |
Pro-Am | 35 | Indiran | Padayachee | Hyundai Forklifts Australia |
Pro | 36 | Cooper | Murray | Lodge Brothers |
Pro | 38 | David | Wall | PAYCE |
Pro | 88 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
Pro | 77 | Michael | Almond | Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA Australia |
Pro | 100 | Dale | Wood | Sonic/Polyflor |
Pro | 111 | Cameron | Hill | Seears Workwear |
Pro-Am | 222 | Scott | Taylor | Scott Taylor Motorsport |
Pro | 777 | Jordan | Love | Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts/SRG |
Race Schedule – Round 5, Townsville
FRIDAY JULY 6 Session Television broadcast
0920 – 0945 Practice 1
1250 – 1315 Practice 2 FoxSports / Kayo
SATURDAY JULY 7
0850 – 0910 Qualifying FoxSports / Kayo
1235 – 1300 Race 1 FoxSports / Kayo / Network 10
SUNDAY JULY 8
0910- 0950 Race 2 FoxSports / Kayo
1305 – 1330 Race 3 FoxSports / Kayo / Network 10
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NewsPorsche increases support for young driver development in Australia
Karting, Formula Ford and Porsche 944 graduates to gain Porsche experience
Porsche Cars Australia will offer further opportunities to young drivers in Australia, via sponsorship of three key potential feeder categories to the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge and Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia.
At the conclusion of the 2019 season, champion drivers from both the Australian Formula Ford and the Porsche 944 Challenge will be joined by a top Karter from the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship, in being offered a Porsche GT3 Cup Track Experience valued at approximately $7,000 each.
The GT3 Cup Track Experience involves a full day behind the wheel of a current-specification Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Gen II), the same car used in highly competitive Porsche Carrera Cup Championships campaigned around the globe.
Held at Queensland Raceway, drivers will be given professional guidance and assessment by Bathurst winners and Porsche Chief Instructors Tomas Mezera and Luke Youlden and their team of experienced race engineers. This exclusive experience will not only build their confidence, but ability across the day.
The GT3 Cup Track Experience is the perfect stepping stone for both young drivers seeking to progress their careers and more experienced drivers to elevate their racing to the next level.
“We are pleased to expand our support of Australian Motor Sport to these three exciting categories,” said Motorsport Manager for Porsche Cars Australia, Troy Bundy.
“Karting and Formula Ford are key to young driver development and have a long track record of producing talent that excels in Porsche Cup racing. The Porsche 944 challenge is also the first step on the Porsche Motorsport pyramid and an affordable introduction for drivers of all ages to one-make Porsche racing. We are proud to support this great class.
“Porsche and our partners have made a significant investment into driver development locally and we are proud to expand that further this year.”
The announcement increases an already significant investment in junior driver development within Australian Motorsport. Working with major partner Michelin, Porsche’s Michelin Junior Program supports a total of eleven young drivers competing in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge this year, with approximately $300,000 in support and prizes on offer.
As part of the program, Michelin Junior driver Jordan Love received a trip to Germany to experience the Formula E Berlin E-Prix on May 25 by virtue of winning the ‘Michelin Super Round’ at the Australian Grand Prix. As in previous years, the leading Porsche Michelin Junior competing in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will receive a nomination to the Porsche Motorsport Junior Program Shootout in Europe later this year.
The winner of which will receive a scholarship to contest the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2020, following in the footsteps of both Jaxon Evans and Matt Campbell.
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NewsMcBride nominated for Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award
Second candidate confirmed for brand-new award
Perennial contender Nick McBride is the second nomination for the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia’s 2019 Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award.
Although the mid-point of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season shows Nick McBride occupying a strong third position overall in the 2019 Championship, it’s his personable demeanor that has been recognised by the German manufacturer off the circuit.
The Victorian’s unassuming professionalism, conduct and determination not only encompass the values of the Porsche brand, but that of Australia’s premier one-make championship.
As a result, his nomination for the prestigious Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award, follows that of TAG Heuer Pro-Am contender Adrian Flack which was announced earlier this year.
McBride, who is also a practicing lawyer in Melbourne, made his debut in 2014 and has since amassed 44 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia round starts: scoring 11 race victories, scoring four pole positions and four round victories. During that time, the Victorian driver has become one of the most valued and positive ambassadors for the Porsche brand and national one-make championship.
The overall winner of the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the year award, will receive a Business Class trip to Germany to attend the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Day of Champions and Night of Champions at Weissach, Germany.
The next nomination will be announced after the series’ travels to The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, for Round six of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia.
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NewsAlmond, Flack make it four from four in Darwin
Four rounds, four winners after dramatic Darwin weekend
FOUR FROM FOUR – that’s the statistic following victories by Michael Almond and Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) in the fourth round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in Darwin.
A win in the third and final race of the weekend delivered South Australian Michael Almond the overall victory for the second time in his career, while Adrian Flack completed a sweep of all three races to win the Pro-Am round in style.
Almond is the fourth different outright winner from four rounds this year, while Flack adds his name to three other winners after four rounds of TAG Heuer Pro-Am competition.
For the second successive year Darwin delivered remarkable Carrera Cup action with three winners from the three races.
Championship leader Dale Wood won race two, beating Almond and race one winner Cameron Hill after he grabbed the lead mid-race.
That set up a winner-take-all finale’ with the three drivers tied on points heading into the last race of the weekend.
Wood led early, however a perfectly-judged move mid-race saw Almond take the lead at turn one and then hold out his Sonic Racing teammate to take an impressive race, and round, victory.
He joins Nick McBride, Jordan Love and Wood as round winners this season, while Wood (second) and Hill (third) completed the Darwin podium.
“It’s been a while, since Tailem Bend last year. I’ve had a few good results but a bit of bad luck and the consistency hasn’t been there,” Almond said.
“I got away with it there with the move in the last race. I learned with the Safety Car we had in races one and race two how to manage the front tyre and probably caught Dale out with the braking ability.
“He gave me plenty of room, but he was catching me at the end so I was glad when the flag came. We played it smart and it came out well.”
Flack’s TAG Heuer Pro-Am victory was his first since the Gold Coast last season, and the third round win of his Carrera Cup career.
He took the top step of the round podium ahead of The Bend Motorsport Park driver Sam Shahin, and Roger Lago.
“It’s been a tough year for us, having some incidents earlier in the year, so it’s great for us to bounce back from that finally. I couldn’t be happier,” Flack said.
“All the pre-work to the event paid off, we came up with a good setup out of the gate and it was on fire. To contend with the pros and hold our own, we kept out of trouble as well. To come away with the win is absolutely awesome.
“To have that confidence to give it a red hot go and we’re looking forward to Townsville.”
As is typical in Darwin, Sunday’s pair of races created plenty of drama with several key contenders enduring challenging weekends – none more so than Jordan Love.
Second in points coming into the round, Love was the biggest to fall after he was the innocent victim in a crash on the opening lap of race two.
As the field negotiated the exit of turn five, Liam Talbot’s Wall Racing entry was tagged by another car and subsequently sent spearing across the infield towards turn six.
He unfortunately collided with Love’s Porsche as the Sonic entry negotiated the corner, sending both out of the race.
Love, who won at Phillip Island last time out, was taken to Darwin hospital following the incident and diagnosed with a broken bone in his left hand.
The Porsche Michelin junior driver will return home to Perth tonight (Sunday), and will consult with a specialist on Monday.
Talbot reported soreness in his left ankle and foot, and was checked and released in the circuit medical centre.
The incident left the field behind the Safety Car, prior to a dash to the line that saw Wood take his first race win since the Grand Prix in March, while Flack won Pro-Am ahead of Roger Lago and Anthony Gilbertson.
The stage was set for a combative final race with Wood, Hill and Almond tied on points heading into a winner-take-all scenario for the round victory. A lap one, turn five drama claimed Thomas Maxwell, Nick McBride and Duvashen Padayachee.
Another Safety Car interruption saw the race restart several laps later, Almond wasting little time before passing Wood to take the lead and, ultimately, the round win.
Flack won Pro-Am for the third-straight race with Tim Miles a remarkable second – bouncing back from his massive turn one accident in race one – and Shahin third.
At the half-way point of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Dale Wood has extended his lead to a considerable 165 points heading into the next round in Townsville in three weeks time.
The battle for second has become increasingly tight with 52 points – less than one race win – covering second to seventh in the standings.
McBride sits seven points behind Love, while David Wall, Warren Luff, Cameron Hill and Michael Almond are all within striking distance – big weekends from the latter pair keeping them well in contention.
The Darwin weekend has also energised the fight for TAG Heuer Pro-Am, with Anthony Gilbertson holding a narrow 13-point lead over Roger Lago after four rounds.
Sam Shahin sits a further 15 points further back in third with Liam Talbot and Stephen Grove fourth and fifth, respectively.
The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship will take a three-week break before continuing their Northern swing when the series returns to the streets of Townsville this July.
The championship has not raced in the North Queensland city since 2015.
Provisional Championship points – After 4 of 8 rounds.
- Dale Wood 640
- Jordan Love 475
- Nick McBride 468
- David Wall 463
- Warren Luff 439
- Cameron Hill 436
- Michael Almond 423
- Thomas Maxwell 289
- Duvashen Padayachee 205
TAG Heuer Pro-Am
- Anthony Gilbertson 515
- Roger Lago 502
- Sam Shahin 487
- Liam Talbot 428
- Stephen Grove 394
- Tim Miles 393
- Adrian Flack 392
- Dean Cook 309
- Indiran Padayachee 179
- Marc Cini 155
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NewsHill takes maiden victory in Wild Darwin enduro
Adrian Flack takes TAG Heuer Pro-Am in chaotic Hidden Valley opener
A FAIRYTALE RESULT in one of the wildest races of the year has delivered Cameron Hill his maiden Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia victory.
The 22-year-old from Canberra had never finished in the top three of a Carrera Cup race before today, but a superb pole position and then a bold pass for the lead in today’s 33-lap Enduro Cup race at Hidden Valley delivered a stunning win to the single-car team from Canberra.
Adrian Flack beat the heat to take his first TAG Heuer Pro-Am class victory of the season, finishing inside the top-10 outright.
Hill’s maiden victory was his first in Porsche competition, following an impressive junior career that delivered an Australian Formula Ford Championship and wins in Toyota 86 series competition.
Hill becomes the fourth different race winner of the season and sees his single-car team break a seven-race streak of victories by the four-car strong Sonic Racing outfit.
“That’s the toughest race I’ve ever done,” Hill said.
“It was hard to get a start from the dirty side of the track but I felt I had the pace on Mike (Almond). I was all over him and the Safety Car was just what I needed to cool my tyres down.
“I’m not sure what happened, maybe he made a mistake at turn one, but I put my head down and made sure they didn’t see me again. There’s so many people behind the scenes that have helped us out to keep us on track. We’re only a small team and we don’t have huge resources to go testing, so this was a great opportunity to show what we have on a level playing field.”
Flack attributed his first Pro-Am class victory of the season to making the right decisions following a wild mid-race restart that saw cars spread across the track as they raced towards turn five.
“I saw it all happen and had to pick left or right, decided left was it and put the foot into it!” he explained.
“It was pretty exciting. Firstly, getting away and getting through the first lap or two was key. I was able to hook onto the back of (Steven) Richards and it was good to keep that back and stay out of trouble.”
The race was a rough and tumble affair at times with a mid-race Safety car spicing up the action.
In baking sunshine and 30-plus degree temperatures, the race commenced with Michael Almond making a perfect start from the outside of the front row, leading the field into turn one. The South Australian led the first 15 laps under pressure from Hill, only to lose the lead a lap later following a Safety Car period.
The race was slowed to allow for the recovery of Tim Miles’ crashed car, after the McElrea Racing driver hit the fence on the exit of turn one.
Miles had been battling with Sam Shahin for a position on the podium in Pro-Am, however ran wide on the exit of the first corner, spinning across to the inside tyre wall. Miles emerged unscathed, with the team hoping to repair the damage in time for tomorrow.
Almond led the field back to green however, ran slightly wide at turn one which allowed his young rival to sneak up the inside and grab a lead he would never lose.
While wild racing unfolded behind him, Hill pulled away to record a comfortable three-second victory.
Almond finished second to record his best finish of the season, though had to survive a heady battle with former champion, David Wall to get there.
Wall, however, dropped back through the field after suffering damage to his radiator – limping home to sixth place before shutting his overheating car off as he crossed the line.
Attention then turned to the fight for the final step on the podium which was being waged between Sonic Racing teammates, Dale Wood and Jordan Love.
Love, second in the championship, started the race ninth however made quick work though the field to close on the championship leader on lap 29.
He then made a bold move at turn one on the final lap: locking a brake and making contact with Wood as he hustled his way past to third place.
The contact was deemed to be under investigation by race officials post-race.
Warren Luff finished a solid fifth, Wall sixth and Nick McBride got home in seventh. Steven Richards climbed into the top-10 to finish eighth place, with Adrian Flack ninth and first in TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
Duvashen Padayachee completed the top-10, while local hero Thomas Maxwell recovered to eleventh position.
Maxwell had run eighth early in the race however spun off the road on the sixth lap, dropping to last.
On the restart he made quick progress through the field to salvage a result and a solid starting position for tomorrow.
Young-gun Cooper Murray was another to slip to the back of the field after he spun down the order on lap eighteen, following the restart.
With Flack taking victory in TAG Heuer Pro-Am, Liam Talbot finished second in class while Sam Shahin worked his way through the field with aplomb to finish third.
Two sprint races will conclude the fourth round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship tomorrow at the BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown.
Both races will be shown live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Results from race one remain provisional pending the completion of post-race investigations.
Race 1 Results – Round 4, Hidden Valley
* Results Provisional
Pos | Car | Driver | CL | Laps | Race Time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 111 | Cameron Hill (ACT) | Pro | 33 | 41:16.2349 | 1:08.1337 |
2 | 77 | Michael Almond (SA) | Pro | 33 | 41:19.5497 | 1:08.2652 |
3 | 100 | Dale Wood (VIC) | Pro | 33 | 41:21.3948 | 1:08.2274 |
4 | 7 | Warren Luff (QLD) | Pro | 33 | 41:27.2629 | 1:08.5376 |
5 | 38 | David Wall (NSW) | Pro | 33 | 41:28.8865 | 1:08.2068 |
6 | 8 | Nick McBride (VIC) | Pro | 33 | 41:29.2706 | 1:08.3768 |
7 | 12 | Steve Richards (VIC) | Pro | 33 | 41:29.5412 | 1:08.3902 |
8 | 20 | Adrian Flack (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 33 | 41:30.0157 | 1:08.4286 |
9 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee (NSW) | Pro | 33 | 41:30.2755 | 1:08.3254 |
10 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell (NT) | Pro | 33 | 41:30.4555 | 1:08.3219 |
11 | 777 | Jordan Love (WA) | Pro | 33 | 41:30.9113 | 1:08.1195* |
12 | 27 | Liam Talbot (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 33 | 41:31.3290 | 1:08.2730 |
13 | 13 | Sam Shahin (SA) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 33 | 41:38.3099 | 1:08.9247 |
14 | 23 | Roger Lago (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 33 | 41:44.4268 | 1:08.9406 |
15 | 22 | Dean Cook (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 33 | 41:44.7798 | 1:08.3941 |
16 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 33 | 41:45.7114 | 1:08.7237 |
17 | 36 | Cooper Murray (VIC) | Pro | 33 | 41:49.3916 | 1:08.3259 |
18 | 222 | Scott Taylor (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 33 | 42:02.2570 | 1:09.4906 |
DNF | 6 | Tim Miles (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 11:50.6527 | 1:09.2189 |
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NewsMaiden pole for Cameron Hill in thrilling Darwin qualifying
Adrian Flack on top in TAG Heuer Pro-Am
CAMERON HILL has charged to his maiden TAG Heuer Pole Award in a remarkable qualifying session in Darwin, while Adrian Flack grabbed his first TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole award of the season.
Hill jumped to the top of the charts on his 14th and final lap of an enthralling 20-minute qualifying session, the closest and most competitive of the year to date.
He is the fourth different pole sitter from four rounds this year, with Flack also the fourth different to secure pole in Pro-Am this season.
Hill’s 1m07.4406s best came as the flag dropped to bump Michael Almond from pole position by 0.2 seconds.
The next five cars – Almond, David Wall, Dale Wood, Warren Luff and Nick McBride – were all covered by less than 0.1 seconds.
The result came after a compelling session that ebbed and flowed throughout with several drivers taking their turn at the top of the charts.
Cooper Murray, Thomas Maxwell, Jordan Love and TAG Heuer Pro-Am pacesetter Adrian Flack completed the top-10.
Four different drivers held the fastest time in Pro-Am throughout qualifying with Flack, like Hill, leaving his run to late.
He ultimately grabbed the top spot ahead of Anthony Gilbertson and Liam Talbot, with Roger Lago fourth.
Exactly one second covered the top 16 cars in qualifying today.
The opening race of round four will commence at 2:45pm on Saturday afternoon at Hidden Valley, broadcast live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Results, Qualifying – Round 4, Darwin
Pos | Car | Driver | CL | Fastest Lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 111 | Cameron Hill (ACT) | Pro | 1:07.4406* | |
2 | 77 | Michael Almond (SA) | Pro | 1:07.6668 | 0:00.2262 |
3 | 38 | David Wall (NSW) | Pro | 1:07.7049 | 0:00.2643 |
4 | 100 | Dale Wood (VIC) | Pro | 1:07.7463 | 0:00.3057 |
5 | 7 | Warren Luff (QLD) | Pro | 1:07.7475 | 0:00.3069 |
6 | 8 | Nick McBride (VIC) | Pro | 1:07.7597 | 0:00.3191 |
7 | 36 | Cooper Murray (VIC) | Pro | 1:07.7905 | 0:00.3499 |
8 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell (NT) | Pro | 1:07.8725 | 0:00.4319 |
9 | 777 | Jordan Love (WA) | Pro | 1:07.8830 | 0:00.4424 |
10 | 20 | Adrian Flack (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:07.9154 | 0:00.4748 |
11 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee NSW | Pro | 1:08.0380 | 0:00.5974 |
12 | 12 | Steve Richards (VIC) | Pro | 1:08.0392 | 0:00.5986 |
13 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.1535 | 0:00.7129 |
14 | 27 | Liam Talbot (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.2545 | 0:00.8139 |
15 | 23 | Roger Lago (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.2580 | 0:00.8174 |
16 | 6 | Tim Miles (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.4596 | 0:01.0190 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.5054 | 0:01.0648 |
18 | 13 | Sam Shahin (SA) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.9121 | 0:01.4715 |
19 | 222 | Scott Taylor (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:09.8239 | 0:02.3833 |
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NewsTitle contenders on top in Hidden Valley practice
Adrian Flack tops TAG Heuer Pro-Am in Darwin sunshine
THE DRIVERS first and second in the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship have topped practice at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin, continuing their team’s dominant form this season.
Fresh from a resounding sweep of the podium at Phillip Island during the last round of the championship, Sonic Motor Racing’s Dale Wood and Jordan Love filled the first two spots in practice today, mirroring their positions in the championship as the series reaches it’s half-way point this weekend.
2018 Darwin polesitter David Wall was third, but Sonic’s third driver Michael Almond was fourth overall today.
Adrian Flack topped TAG Heuer Pro-Am in both 25-minute sessions to set up a potentially strong weekend.
Hidden Valley was Melbourne-based Sonic Racing’s bogey track last season, however their recent Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia form stretches back to the start of round two; winning the last seven consecutive races, the last two rounds and filling the podium last time out in Victoria.
Wood’s 1m07.4912s flyer came late in the second practice session as several teams bolted new Michelin tyres onto their cars for a qualifying simulation.
He edged his teammate by 0.2 seconds with David Wall third overall based on his time set in practice one in cooler conditions earlier today.
Wood has finished first, second or third in every race so far this season while Love has won the last five straight to close to within 21 points of his teammate in the championship standings.
Wall is yet to win a round this year, however sits fourth in the championship and within striking distance of the leaders ahead of this weekend’s three races.
Friday’s practice sessions resembled qualifying as teams tried to dial in their cars ahead of setting the grid tomorrow morning.
Behind the top four, Porsche Michelin Junior driver Cameron Hill was an impressive fifth and Round 1 winner Nick McBride sixth in his Porsche Centre Melbourne entry.
Territorian Thomas Maxwell finished his first proper day of competition at Hidden Valley in seventh position, just 0.5 seconds behind the fastest time of the day.
After a challenging start to his season, Steve Richards was a strong eighth overall while young-gun Cooper Murray was ninth on his first run with new team, McElrea Racing.
Flack was fastest of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am bunch and tenth outright.
Remarkably, the Queenslander was only 0.7 seconds away from the fastest time of the day; 14 cars lapping within 1 second of Wood’s best at a circuit renowned for remarkably close margins between competitors.
Roger Lago was second in TAG Heuer Pro-Am while Dean Cook and Anthony Gilbertson were next.
Saturday will be a crucial day in the context of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship, with a 35-lap enduro cup race to follow qualifying in a busy day at the BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown.
Last year, David Wall scored pole position ahead of Nick McBride before going on to win the first race of the weekend the same day.
However, a dramatic weekend saw three different drivers win the three races with a fourth, young-gun Dylan O’Keeffe, going on to win the round without actually winning a race.
The 20-minute qualifying session starts at 11:35am local time on Saturday, with the 35-lap Enduro Cup race commencing at 2:45pm.
Both sessions will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Results – Combined Practice times, Round 4, Hidden Valley
Pos | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest Lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood (VIC) | Pro | 1:07.4912* | |
2 | 777 | Jordan Love (WA) | Pro | 1:07.6947 | 0:00.2035 |
3 | 38 | David Wall (NSW) | Pro | 1:07.7691 | 0:00.2779 |
4 | 77 | Michael Almond (SA) | Pro | 1:07.8498 | 0:00.3586 |
5 | 111 | Cameron Hill (ACT) | Pro | 1:07.8876 | 0:00.3964 |
6 | 8 | Nick McBride (VIC) | Pro | 1:07.9888 | 0:00.4976 |
7 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell (NT) | Pro | 1:07.9930 | 0:00.5018 |
8 | 12 | Steve Richards (VIC) | Pro | 1:08.0980 | 0:00.6068 |
9 | 36 | Cooper Murray (VIC) | Pro | 1:08.2121 | 0:00.7209 |
10 | 20 | Adrian Flack (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.2158 | 0:00.7246 |
11 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee NSW | Pro | 1:08.2831 | 0:00.7919 |
12 | 7 | Warren Luff (QLD) | Pro | 1:08.2868 | 0:00.7956 |
13 | 23 | Roger Lago (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.3140 | 0:00.8228 |
14 | 22 | Dean Cook (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.4136 | 0:00.9224 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.6388 | 0:01.1476 |
16 | 6 | Tim Miles (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.6448 | 0:01.1536 |
17 | 13 | Sam Shahin (SA) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.7468 | 0:01.2556 |
18 | 27 | Liam Talbot (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.8986 | 0:01.4074 |
19 | 222 | Scott Taylor (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:10.5742 | 0:03.0830 |
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NewsHome-town hero ready for Darwin debut
Birthday boy Thomas Maxwell ready for Top-End Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia challenge
NORTHERN TERRITORY fans will be able to cheer for one of their own when the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns to the Top End this weekend.
The fourth round of the 2019 championship will be the first in Carrera Cup series history to feature a Darwin-born driver racing on his home circuit; 21-year-old Thomas Maxwell ready to make his debut at Hidden Valley this weekend.
Despite being the only local in the field, the weekend actually marks the first time that Maxwell, who drives for Sonic Motor Racing, will have raced at his home circuit.
The Berrimah-based driver has spent much of his junior racing career overseas, prior to returning to Australia to contest the nations top one-make category this season as a Porsche Michelin Junior driver.
Following the first three rounds of the championship, Maxwell sits a promising eighth – third of the Juniors – in the Carrera Cup standings with top 10 finishes in every race and a best of fifth already to his credit.
Adding to the excitement of the week, Maxwell celebrated his 21st Birthday on Monday.
“It’s been a massive week and hopefully there’s a bit to celebrate by the end of the weekend – that would be an awesome birthday present,” Maxwell said.
“I’m super pumped to come back home and to race here. It’s special to be able to race around the world but nothing could be better than racing at your home event.
“It will be great for all the people to have helped and supported me to get me to where I am to come out and take it all in as well.”
Maxwell said that despite never having raced at the Hidden Valley circuit, it remained a familiar location.
“Growing up I think I’ve been at every single Supercars race there since I was about 5 years old,” He said.
“As a local and how close the track is to home I don’t actually know it as well as some of the others on the calendar and this will be my first race there. But I’m pretty confident I know it well and I’ve done laps in a variety of different cars practicing over the years.”
Just three rounds in to his ‘tin-top’ racing career, Maxwell has adapted quickly to the very different driving style required by the heavier, more powerful Porsche 991 GT3 Cup Car he is driving this year.
“It was always going to be a challenge but we’ve done quite well to settle in quickly and get some runs on the board,” he said.
“Our qualifying pace was a good step up last time out at Phillip Island and we want to keep moving that way in the top five or six and keep progressing forward. I’ve been slowly getting my head around re-programming my brain to drive a car with a roof, but it’s been an awesome experience.”
2019 marks the eighth visit of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia to the Hidden Valley circuit just outside of Darwin.
It also marks the half-way point of an increasingly competitive title fight that currently has Sonic Motor Racing teammates Dale Wood and Jordan Love first and second in the championship standings, just 21 points between them.
Wood, who won Round 2 at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, is being chased by his young teammate Love, who won last time out at Phillip Island and has now won the last five-straight races in the championship.
No driver has won six consecutive races since five-time series champion Craig Baird achieved the feat in 2006 – 13 years ago.
Meanwhile, the Sonic team has won the last seven consecutive races, only one behind the existing record set way back in 2003 by racing great Jim Richards and his own team en-route to the championship.
Round 1 (Adelaide 500) winner Nick McBride remains third in the standings with each of the top three drivers in the championship having won a round this year.
David Wall sits fourth in the standings and will be hopeful of a return to his 2018 Darwin form that saw him secure pole position and win the first race of the corresponding round twelve months ago.
Supercars star Warren Luff sits fifth in the standings entering the half-way mark of the championship.
The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ is no less competitive than the outright battle with competition in TAG Heuer Pro-Am also fiercely competitive.
Hallmark Homes driver Anthony Gilbertson leads the standings, however margins are tight.
While second-placed Stephen Grove will miss the Darwin round due to his overseas racing commitments in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, third-placed Liam Talbot (Wall Racing) is just 61 points behind Gilbertson.
The experienced Roger Lago is a further four points back in fourth while Sam Shahin (- 84 points) and Tim Miles (- 132 points) are within one round of the leader.
The Darwin round will also feature several milestones for some of the series most experienced drivers.
2014 champion Steven Richards will start his 50th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round, just the eighth driver in series history to reach the milestone.
Rentcorp Racing’s Duvashen Padayachee will then become just the 20th driver to start 100 Carrera Cup Australia races when he takes the starter in race two.
Meanwhile, experienced Queensland driver Scott Taylor joins the TAG Heuer Pro-Am field for the first time in 2019 aboard his #222 Scott Taylor Motorsport entry.
Following practice on Friday and qualifying Saturday morning, the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia field tackles three races across the BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown weekend.
Race 1 on Saturday will be a round of the Enduro Cup championship and contested over 35 laps, while the pair of Sunday races will each be 18 laps.
Practice 2, qualifying and all three races will be shown live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Entry List – Round 4, Darwin
5 (Pro) Thomas Maxwell Sonic/Hosepower
6 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Tim Miles Garage 1
7 (Pro) Warren Luff MEGA/No Second Chance
8 (Pro) Nick McBride Porsche Centre Melbourne
12 (Pro) Steve Richards O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing
13 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Sam Shahin The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU
15 (Pro) Josh Hunt Lory Construction / Volante Rosso
19 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Anthony Gilbertson Hallmark Homes
20 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Adrian Flack Agas National
22 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Dean Cook BMF
23 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Roger Lago Lago Racing
27 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Liam Talbot Wash It
34 (Pro) Duvashen Padayachee Hyundai Forklifts Australia
35 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Indiran Padayachee Hyundai Forklifts Australia
36 (Pro) Cooper Murray Lodge Brothers
38 (Pro) David Wall PAYCE
77 (Pro) Michael Almond Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA Australia
100 (Pro) Dale Wood Sonic/Polyflor
111 (Pro) Cameron Hill Seears Workwear
222 (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Scott Taylor Scott Taylor Motorsport
777 (Pro) Jordan Love Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts/SRG
Schedule – Round 4, Darwin
Friday, June 14
Practice 1: 9:20am – 9:45am
Practice 2: 12:30am – 12:55pm*
Saturday, June 15
Qualifying: 11:35am – 11:55am*
Race 1: 14:45pm (35 Laps)*
Sunday, June 16
Race 2: 10:00am (18 Laps)*
Race 3: 12:20pm (18 Laps)*
* Denotes session live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sport
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NewsPorsche Supercup to be shown Live on FOX Sports
All remaining races in 2019 season to be shown live in Australia
Corresponding with a record level of participation by Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia graduates, each remaining round of the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will also be shown live on FOX Sports Australia this year.
To be sponsored by Porsche Cars Australia, the 9 remaining rounds will air live on FOX Sports 506 with a majority of them in prime-time on a Sunday evening, Australian time.
Highlights of the opening round held in Spain aired on FOX Sports last week.
This year, reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion and new Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans will be joined by the full season by TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove, the most experienced Carrera Cup Australia driver Marc Cini and Aussie young-gun Joey Mawson at each round.
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is the pinnacle of Porsche’s global one-make program with each of the 10 rounds supporting a round of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
The announcement ensures Australian fans and supporters of the local contingent will be able to watch the always-competitive Supercup racing live and in HD, on the same network that shows every round of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia.
“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with FOX Sports to showcase the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup live this year,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Troy Bundy.
“With the addition of Jaxon, Stephen, Marc and Joey to the grid and memories of what was achieved by Matt Campbell two years ago still fresh in people’s minds, interest locally in Supercup has never been higher.
“We are sure the addition of each round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup to the FOX Sports programming will offer local fans sensational racing and showcase what our fantastic Carrera Cup Australia competitors are doing on the global stage.”
The 2019 championship continues this weekend at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, with live coverage on FOX Sports 506 commencing at 6:25pm AET this Sunday May 26.
For more information and live timing for each round, please visit the official Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup site: www.racecam.de.
2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Calendar
Round 2 | 26 May | FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO, Monte Carlo |
Round 3 | 30 June | FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS VON ÖSTERREICH, Spielberg |
Round 4 | 14 July | FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX, Silverstone |
Round 5 | 28 July | FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS VON DEUTSCHLAND |
Round 6 | 4 August | FORMULA 1 MAGAYAR NAGYDIJ, Budapest |
Round 7 | 1 September | FORMULA 1 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX, Spa-Francorchamps |
Round 8 | 8 September | FORMULA 1 GRAN PRE-MIO D’ITALIA, Monza |
Round 9 | 26 October | FORMULA 1 GRAN PRE-MIO DE MÉXICO, Mexico City |
Round 10 | 27 October | FORMULA 1 GRAN PRE-MIO DE MÉXICO, Mexico City |
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NewsGains for local contingent in Supercup opener
Evans, Mawson, Grove and Cini with solid international campaign start
THE FOUR antipodean drivers contesting the opening round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup were each able to improve on their starting positions in the first race of the 10-round championship, held at the Catalunya circuit in Spain on Sunday.
In a race dominated from lights-to-flag by Porsche Junior, Frenchman Julien Andlauer, Jaxon Evans improved two spots from his starting position to finish eighth on his Supercup debut.
Joey Mawson ran as high as 10th but ultimately finished one spot further back in the first of three Team Australia entries, another to improve two spots from his starting positions.
In Pro-Am, Stephen Grove and Marc Cini finished 4th and 5th respectively, each improving one spot from their grid positions.
The 14-lap race was dominated by Andlauer, who started from pole and led every lap en route to victory.
Evans’ made an impressive start and climbed to spots on the opening lap, gaining another position to run seventh a lap later when Dylan Periera struck dramas.
In a close battle pack headed by Tio Ellinas, Evans lost seventh to Al Faisal Al Zubair a lap later to settle into eighth.
A one-lap Safety Car mid-race saw little change in the order with Evans running in close company with Al Zibair to the line to finish first of the three entries from Fach Auto Tech – jumping teammate Florian Latorre who had qualified one spot in front of Evans on Saturday.
Starting 13th, Mawson was another big mover before the lap five Safety Car, running 11th when the race was briefly paused. He gained one spot on the restart, however was soon re-passed and finished just behind fellow Supercup rookie, Max van Splunteren.
In the ProAm battle, consistent races from Grove and Cini saw them each improve on their starting positions.
Grove immediately climbed to 23rd and remained their for the duration, while Cini spent some time behind his teammate mid-race before ultimately dropping to finish 25th after 14-laps.
They finished fourth and fifth in ProAm, respectively, to kickstart their season with a strong haul of points.
The next round of the Porsche Supercup will feature at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on May 23-24.
Jaxon Evans, however, will race once again next weekend with the second round of Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland to be staged at the Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic.
With the opening round of the German championship held one week ago, it will make for a stretch of four-straight rounds for the reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion.
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News‘Team Australia’ set for Supercup opener
Jaxon Evans, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini and Joey Mawson prepare for Barcelona
FOUR local drivers and ambassadors of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will make the step into full-time international competition this weekend, when the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup commences in Spain.
Drivers hailing from both the local Professional and TAG Heuer Pro-Am categories will take on the pinnacle of Porsche’s one-make competition this weekend (10-12 May), at the Catalunya circuit near Barcelona.
Reigning Carrera Cup Australia champion Jaxon Evans will commence his debut Supercup campaign as an official Porsche junior driver, looking to follow in the footsteps of close friend and fellow champion Matt Campbell as he climbs the ‘Porsche Pyramid’ of Motorsport.
The 22-year-old is fresh from the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland at Hockenheim last weekend, where he stood on the podium in both races.
Meanwhile, 2018 Carrera Cup Australia TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove headlines a three-car team ‘Team Australia’ outfit that includes the local series’ most experienced driver, Marc Cini, and Aussie young-gun Joey Mawson.
Grove and Cini will contest the Pro-Am category, while Mawson makes the switch from open-wheel racing for the first time this year following a successful stint in Formula 3 and GP3.
The trio will proudly fly the Australian flag on each of their cars thanks to a bold livery and Aussie branding shared across the three-car team.
Evans’ Supercup debut will come with FACH Auto Tech, the same team that helped Matt Campbell to four victories and third in the championship two years ago.
An opportunity to work with his new team owner and engineer last weekend proved positive ahead of the Supercup opener.
“Working with the Project 1 – JBR team, I was also able to work alongside my Supercup team owner and engineer Alex Fach,” Evans said.
“It was good to build our relationship as we launch an assault on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this coming weekend.
“Overall, It was a fantastic weekend and a very positive start to my campaign in Europe. It didn’t exceed my expectations but it was a relief to begin with two trips to the podium.”
Cini contested the first two rounds of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia, while Mawson raced at Albert Park to gain experience ahead of his Supercup debut.
Meanwhile, Grove won TAG Heuer Pro-Am at Phillip Island recently prior to heading to Europe for the official Supercup pre-season test in Spain.
“After going to Catalunya and doing the test a couple of weeks ago, there’s no doubt it’s going to be a very competitive season in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup,” he said.
“There are eight Pro-Am drivers in the field, so to try and get on the podium in class would be a goal I would like to set. Most of the others have been to Catalunya on many occasions, but for me, I haven’t done a lot of laps there. It’s a technical track, so I just need to make sure I push hard, get a good start — it’s about getting every aspect together.”
Following the opening round in Monaco, the Supercup tour heads to Monte Carlo for the famous Monaco Grand Prix. Grove raced their last year and said he is looking forward to returning to the principality along several other notable stops on the calendar.
“Monaco is a real highlight on the calendar with the glitz, the glamour, and all the history; it was a great event last year. Monza I’m also looking forward to and I’m pretty excited about Mexico and Silverstone.
“They’re a couple of tracks which are going to be great, so it should be an awesome season.”
With 156 rounds of experience in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia between them, Cini and Grove take extensive experience into the Supercup opener.
Though this year marks the first time each driver will have contested the full Supercup championship, both also have significant international one-make and endurance racing experience on which to draw.
Cini’s overseas experience includes two starts at LeMans, competing in a joint field of Carrera Cup cars from France, the UK and the Benelux region.
His last start at the home of the famous 24-hour race was in 2017 and came against a 61-strong field, where he was running a strong 33rd before being taken out by another competitor.
Grove has also started the LeMans Carrera Cup spectacular, as well as significant long-distance racing experience that included tackling the FIA GT Nations Cup, with son Brenton, in Bahrain last year.
23-year-old Mawson makes the shift from open wheel racing, having been a podium finisher in last year’s GP3 series that races on the Formula One program.
Prior to stepping up to GP3, the 23-year-old from Sydney was a race winner in European Formula 3 racing.
All four Aussie representatives completed the official pre-season test at the circuit in April, Evans and Mawson both comfortably inside the top-10 outright, while Cini and Grove proved competitive amidst the Pro-Am competition.
The opening round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series commences at 8:45pm Australian Eastern Time on Sunday, May 12, with Streaming coverage available via the Supercup official website; www.racecam.de.
Schedule: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (Catalunya, Spain)
All times Australian Eastern Time (AET).
Practice: Saturday, May 11 (2:45am – 3:30am)
Qualifying: Saturday, May 11 (9:25pm – 9:55pm)
Race: Sunday, May 12 (8:45pm – 9:20pm)
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NewsPodium for Evans in international one-make debut
Australian champion third on debut in Carrera Cup Germany
JAXON EVANS has commenced his international career by twice finishing on the podium in the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland at the weekend.
Racing at the famous Hockenheim circuit for the first time, the 22-year-old Porsche Junior qualified third and second for the two races, respectively, before finishing third in each to commence his overseas campaign in style.
Race one was held in wet conditions on Saturday, with Evans taking advantage of a dryer line on his side of the grid to make a superb launch and jump to second by turn one.
However he was one of several drivers caught out by the greasy conditions and ran wide at the turn six hairpin on the opening lap, dropping to third.
Luca Rettenbacher then slipped by at the same place a lap later, Evans settling into fourth.
A crash on the start-finish straight saw the Safety Car called on the fourth lap with the field held under yellow for one lap.
Evans gained a spot on the restart, as Rettenbacher ran off the road at turn six while attempting a pass for second, while behind another incident saw the Safety Car called for a second time.
After the second, two-lap Safety Car period Evans restarted in third for the dash to the flag where he remained.
Unfortunately, Evans and fellow podium finisher Jap van Lagen were both excluded from the results post-race; Evans due to his car being fitted with a non-compliant part. The team has appealed the decision.
Regardless of the post-race decision, Evans said he was proud of his debut amidst the 31-car Carrera Cup Germany field – one that includes many of his Porsche Supercup rivals.
“To finish third at my debut race in the Carrera Cup is a super start to the season,” Evans said.
“I’m not really familiar with wet asphalt in Australia, so I found the first laps a bit tricky and I found myself in the run-off zone in lap one. But the track dried up quickly soon after.”
Held in much better conditions, Evans started the second race from the front row and challenged for the lead into turn one – though ultimately was pinched for room costing him momentum and second place in the process.
Settled into third, Evans pulled away from the cars behind to retain a comfortable margin on his way to his second podium appearance of the weekend.
“At first I was a bit disappointed that I could not defend second place. But the competition is high here, so third place feels good,” he said.
Evans attention will quickly turn to the opening round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, to be held this weekend (May 10-12) at the Catalunya circuit in Spain alongside the Spanish Grand Prix.
The second round of Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland will be held the following week (May 17-19) at the Autodrom Most circuit in the Czech Republic.
Campbell wins Spa Francorchamps 6-hour World Endurance Championship race
MATT CAMPBELL claimed the LMGTE-AM victory in the penultimate round of the FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season at Spa Francorchamps, while Porsche claimed an early victory in the LMGTE Manufacturers title.
In chaotic conditions that included snow, Campbell – a Porsche Young Professional – teamed with Christian Reid and Riccardo Pera to win for Dempsey Proton Racing.
It was the third-straight win for Campbell in the WEC and the fifth of the current ‘Super Season’, that concludes with the LeMans 24 Hours in June.
The result lifts Campbell and Reid to fourth in the LMGTE-Am drivers standings, despite their earlier exclusion from the Fuji round in Japan earlier this year.
“I’ve never experienced a race like this before. Sun, rain and snow made it extremely difficult in terms of strategy,” Campbell said.
“The team did a particularly great job in the tricky tyre choice. And my two teammates Chris and Riccardo drove an almost flawless race. As was the often the case this season, that was the key to success.”
Porsche, meanwhile, built an unassailable lead in the Manufacturers championship to claim the title with a round to spare.
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NewsEuro campaign to commence for Jaxon Evans
Carrera Cup Germany season starts at Hockenheim
PORSCHE PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia champion Jaxon Evans international campaign commences this weekend with the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, at Hockenheim.
Evans will dovetail his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign with a full attack on the German series, driving with Team Project 1 – JBR.
The outfit has contested one-make Porsche racing since forming in 1993 and has more than 20 titles to their credit.
Drivers have often used the German series as extra miles to compliment a campaign in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, with this year no different.
Key Supercup runners including Michael Ammermuller, Julien Andlauer and Dylan Pereira will join Evans in double duties this year, while 31 drivers are entered for the opening round this weekend.
The German Championship commences at the Hockenheim circuit this weekend on the same layout used by Formula One. Round two will see the series travel to the Autodrom Most circuit in the Czech Republic for the first time, before tackling the Red Bull Ring in Austria in early June.
Street circuit experience from Carrera Cup Australia will be put into practice when the series heads to the famous Norisring in Nürnberg, a round quickly followed by a trip to the Netherlands and the equally well-known Zandvoort circuit.
The run home includes races at the Nurburgring (on the shorter, ‘sprint’ layout) and a return visit to Hockenheim, before finishing in late September at the Sachsenring – the first time the circuit in Germany’s East has hosted the season finale’.
Between eight Carrera Cup Germany and nine Porsche Supercup rounds, Evans will contest 17 events across Europe this year.
The 22-year-old will link up with FACH Auto Tech for the opening round of his Supercup campaign at the Catalunya circuit near Barcelona just one week after the Hockenheim event.
The Supercup opener will also feature the debut of ‘Team Australia’ in competition for the first time, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove and Joey Mawson to join Evans’ on the grid.
Porsche Carrera Cup Germany races can be streamed live via the official website of that series and Supercup – www.racecam.de.
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – Round 1 Schedule:
(All times Australian Eastern Standard Time)
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Fri, May 03, 2019, 9:45 PM – 10:45 PM Practice
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Sat, May 04, 2019, 7:05 PM – 7:40 PM Qualifying
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Sat, May 04, 2019, 11:15 PM – 11:40 PM Race (Race 1)
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Sun, May 05, 2019, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM Race (Race 2)
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NewsEvans, Mawson in the mix in Supercup test
Marc Cini and Stephen Grove also in action as international season kicks off
PORSCHE PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia stars have made a solid start to their respective Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaigns at the official series two-day test in Spain.
Reigning champion and Porsche junior Jaxon Evans – driving for FACH Auto Tech – was joined by Team Australia trio Joey Mawson, Stephen Grove and Marc Cini in the only official pre-season test, held at the Catalunya circuit near Barcelona.
Evans, who finished the test seventh fastest in the final session, and Mawson both lapped within a few tenths of the fastest time, while Grove and Cini proved competitive in the Pro-Am class throughout.
“It’s an interesting track,” Evans said.
“It’s fast and flowing but it also has some tight and twisty corners, so it’s a good mixture of both and it really tests you as a driver on track limits and how fast you can really carry some speeds.
“We made a lot of progress and learned with the team at FACH Auto Tech. The car looks fantastic and we are confident we are in a good place moving forward.”
FACH Auto Tech are the same team that former Porsche Junior and Australian champion Matt Campbell drove for throughout the 2017 season.
Mawson was an impressive sixth outright in the first testing session as the test opened and continued to show solid pace throughout the subsequent sessions.
With Evans seventh in the final session, Mawson was eighth – only 0.09s behind.
Turkish driver Ayhancan Güven set the fastest time of the test overall, lapping 0.2 seconds faster than the existing qualifying benchmark set by Michael Ammermüller last year.
Norwegian driver Roar Lindland topped the Pro-Am competition, Cini and Grove just outside the top three.
The opening round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be held at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona on 10-12 May.
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NewsTeam Australia Supercup squad launches liveries
Colours shown for ambitious three-car Aussie attack on Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
THE ALL-AUSSIE team that will contest the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season has launched the colours they will carry throughout their ambitious attack this year.
Designed by Melbourne-based SS Media, the three-car team features a mixture of both Marc Cini and Stephen Grove’s Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia liveries, each car also sporting a bold Aussie flag on the bonnet and roof.
The Aussie TAG Heuer Pro-Am contenders will be joined by young-gun Joey Mawson, who transitions to tin-top racing after several years racing open wheelers.
Mawson made his Porsche debut in round two of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in Melbourne, impressing early before dramas in race one unfortunately cut his weekend short.
All three are currently in Barcelona for the stand-alone Supercup test at the Catalunya circuit, the scene of round one next month.
On day one of testing, Mawson was an impressive sixth outright despite his relative lack of experience, while Cini and Grove placed 4th and 5th in Pro-Am, respectively.
Reigning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion Jaxon Evans made his Supercup debut with FACH Autotech and placed 13th on day one of testing, only 1.3 seconds behind the fastest time.
The teams return to the Barcelona circuit this evening (Australian time) for a second full day of running prior to the opening round, at the same circuit, on May 10-12.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup testing – day 1 video
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NewsLove leads the way at Phillip Island as Sonic sweeps
Talbot takes TAG Heuer Pro-Am race win, Grove the round
A DOMINANT Jordan Love has completed his best ever weekend in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship, winning the third race at Phillip Island to complete a clean sweep of the weekend.
Liam Talbot won the TAG Heuer Pro-Am race, while Stephen Grove took the round to move into a tie for top spot in the all-time winners list.
Having already won the first two races on Saturday, Love led from pole position in Sunday’s 14-lap affair and immediately built a strong lead.
He then survived a race restart and pressure from teammate Dale Wood to take his fifth straight race victory, his second round win overall and lead a Sonic Motor Racing 1-2-3 result of the round three podium.
Championship leader Dale Wood and Michael Almond completed the round sweep for the Melbourne-based team, who have now won the last seven races straight in the championship; finishing 1-2 in six of them.
“It was a good weekend; it doesn’t get much better than that!” said Love, also the Porsche Michelin Junior class leader.
“A pole and three race wins: I can’t thank the team enough. As soon as we rolled the car out of the truck on the Friday it was absolutely mega, so can’t thank them enough and hopefully we can do the same thing in a months time up in Darwin.”
Love’s stunning weekend closes the margin to leader Wood in the championship to just 21 points ahead of the next round in Darwin, this June.
Dale Wood has now finished second in the last five races and retains the series lead, while Almond’s podium was his first since Tailem Bend last August.
Behind the Sonic sweep, Nick McBride finished fourth in race three and in the round, while David Wall rebounded from a challenging Saturday to finish fifth.
In a race filled with furious battling for a spot in the top five, Tomas Maxwell, Josh Hunt, Steve Richards, Cooper Murray and Duvashen Padayachee completed the top-10.
In the battle for TAG Heuer Pro-Am, Liam Talbot completed a strong rebound from his race one non-finish by taking his fourth race win of the season in race three.
The first-year Carrera Cup racer quickly worked his way to the front of the class and chased several Professional class contenders in the run to the flag.
Talbot also secured a spot on the podium, finishing second in Pro-Am for the round, behind Stephen Grove and in front of championship leader Anthony Gilbertson.
Grove’s round victory was his 13th in the championship, the equal most of all-time in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup’s pro-am class to tie him with Max Twigg.
The Melbourne driver, who will commence his first Porsche Supercup season next month, said this weekend ranked as one of his most challenging.
“That was a pretty sweet win, it was tough, and we had to fight all weekend,” Grove said.
“There was a lot of passing, I don’t think I’ve done that much passing for many years now. Everybody was on their game, so to come away as the winner was fantastic.”
Regular TAG Heuer Pro-Am contender Sam Shahin and Warren Luff were early non-finishers in Sunday’s race: Shahin squeezed onto the grass at turn four on the opening lap.
Luff was in his path as the out-of-control The Bend Motorsport Park car made contact with the Pro class contender, who has earlier been forced wide at turn three and was further down the field than expected.
That incident necessitated the sole Safety Car interruption of the weekend, lasting for just one lap as the cars were quickly recovered – Shahin under his own power.
After three rounds, Dale Wood’s outright championship lead has been reduced to 21 points thanks to Jordan Love’s streak of five race wins in a row.
Nick McBride climbs back to third in the standings, with David Wall fourth and Warren Luff fifth.
In TAG Heuer Pro-Am, Anthony Gilbertson retains the series lead following the first three rounds.
With Grove to miss several rounds on account of his Supercup commitments, his closest title challenger is now Liam Talbot who sits 38 points behind the McElrea Racing driver. Roger Lago sits a further 17 points further back in fourth with Sam Shahin fifth.
Following a busy start to the season, the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship takes a well-earned break prior to the next round at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin, on June 12-14.
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NewsLove, Sonic sweep Phillip Island Saturday
Gilbertson and Grove share TAG Heuer Pro-Am honours
PORSCHE MICHELIN junior Jordan Love continued to establish his Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship credentials, dominating the opening two races in the third round of the 2019 championship at Phillip Island.
Meanwhile, Anthony Gilbertson and Stephen Grove shared the TAG Heuer Pro-Am honours, Gilbertson taking a commending win in the Enduro Cup opener while Grove took race two later in the day.
Starting from pole position for the first time, Love made a perfect start at the beginning of the 22-lap Endurance Cup opener and led teammate Dale Wood and Nick McBride into turn one.
He gradually built his margin over the race, ultimately taking a more than five-second victory to commence the long-distance portion of the championship in style with Wood and McBride behind.
He then completed the same process in race two, leading from lights to flag to take his fourth straight victory and narrow the gap to championship leader Dale Wood, who was second, to 27 points.
Michael Almond completed a 1-2-3 sweep for the Sonic team, who have now won the last six straight races.
“It was good, going into that one I knew we had to get a pretty good start, Dale is really hard to race against, so the plan was to try and get him off the start which we managed to do,” said Love after his dominant Enduro Cup race win.
“After that it was a focus on trying not to make a mistake and to stay smooth and consistent to try and keep the tyre under us which we managed to do, but yeah, it was good.”
Love’s second race win came despite pressure from his teammate as the pair spent a majority of the race in close company.
“He wasn’t really letting me go then, Dale was there the whole time and so was Almond,” Love said.
“But 1, 2, 3 for the team so huge credit to them, they’ve done a mega job all weekend and it’s been awesome. So huge credit to the team and we will try to do the same thing tomorrow, but I don’t think it’s going to come easily.”
Dale Wood continues to lead the championship, finishing second in each race on Saturday behind his young teammate.
Nick McBride and Michael Almond look set to battle for the final step on the round podium in Sunday’s final race, each grabbing one third and one fourth place across Saturday’s two races.
McBride was third in the Enduro Cup opener, withstanding sustained pressure from Almond for much of the second half of the race. Roles were then reversed in race two as Almond slipped by early to complete the Sonic sweep of the top three places, with McBride finishing fourth.
With the top four in each race set, there were intense battles for the minors in each race on Saturday.
Warren Luff and Cameron Hill had a lock of fifth and sixth position, respectively, in each race while Thomas Maxwell, David Wall, Cooper Murray and Josh Hunt filled the top-10 positions in race one. Murray, Wall, Maxwell and Steve Richards completed the 10 in the second race.
The battle for TAG Heuer Pro-Am honours saw two winners in the two races, Anthony Gilbertson striking first thanks to a commanding victory in the Endurance cup opener on Saturday morning.
The Hallmark Homes driver led all the way to beat home Sam Shahin and Stephen Grove.
Liam Talbot, who had qualified on pole, failed to make the start after his car suffered a driveline issue before taking to the track.
“The car was really good, a little light in the rear around Honda in the first sort of five laps or so but I dealt with it well and it came on really well in the second half of the race, the times were pretty consistent,” Gilbertson said.
“I don’t think we really need to touch it too much for the second race so we’ll just crack on.”
Unfortunately for the race one winner, his second race unraveled early when he was slow away from the line. While working his way through the field, he and teammate Tim Miles made contact at turn one – spearing both off the circuit at high speed.
Grove, Shahin and a recovering Talbot were the main beneficiaries, the three battling furiously for much of the race.
Grove grabbed the win while Talbot passed Shahin late to grab second having started last. Gilbertson recovered to eighth in class to salvage points for his championship lead.
“That was tough, to start a fair way back on the grid in race two, to get up to third and then push on to get a win, that was really special,” said Grove, who will commence his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign next month.
“It was really hard work the boys kept coming for me and pushing and pushing me so to get that win was quite sweet. It’s a tough track here, you need to be fairly committed, so it’s fantastic.”
The third and final race of the weekend will commence at 12:45 pm (local time) at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, and will be shown live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Race Schedule
Sunday April 14, 2019
12:45pm – Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule (local time)
Race 3 – 12:45pm, Sunday April 14
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NewsLove, Talbot claim maiden pole awards
TAG Heuer qualifying produces first-time polesitters at Phillip Island
A pair of first-time TAG Heuer Pole Award winners have highlighted qualifying for the third round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship, today at Phillip Island.
Jordan Love stormed to the top late in the session to beat teammate Dale Wood to the outright pole for the first time, while Liam Talbot also saved his best to last in Qualifying to score his first TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole award.
Setting his fastest lap towards the end of the 20-minute session, Love’s 1m30.7789s best edged out teammate and championship leader Dale Wood by just 0.03 seconds to secure an all-Sonic front row.
It means the Porsche Michelin Junior driver, who currently sits second in the championship, will line-up alongside the series leader in race one on Saturday morning.
“I’m pretty chuffed with that, it feels like a long time coming,” Love said.
“It’s definitely one thing we were focusing on this year and certainly going into this weekend after the last two rounds.
“So yeah, pretty happy with that: now we’ve just got to try and get the rest of the job done across the next three races.”
Round 1 winner Nick McBride utilised a risky strategy on his way to qualifying third, electing to use just one set of tyres in qualifying in order to save a set for Saturday’s endurance championship opener.
The gamble paid off and the Porsche Centre Melbourne driver secured his spot on the second row, just 0.1s from pole and the only driver in the field to complete less than 10 laps in the session.
Warren Luff qualified fourth for McElrea Racing while Michael Almond and Tomas Maxwell ensured Sonic qualified all four of their cars in the top six today.
Michelin Junior Maxwell’s sixth-place comfortably eclipsed his previous best of 11th, achieved in qualifying in each of the opening rounds this year.
Cameron Hill, David Wall, Cooper Murray and Josh Hunt completed the top-10.
The battle for TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole position went right down to the wire, with the top spot trading hands several times late in the session.
After Liam Talbot held a strong advantage early in the session, class leader Gilbertson charged to the top in the closing minutes – only to be beaten again by Talbot on his final flier.
It was the first TAG Heuer pole award for the Wall Racing driver, in just his third round competing in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia.
“I’m stoked, that’s a lot of effort. It’s not easy to get a pole position out there and I couldn’t be happier,” Talbot said.
“It’s our first pole position in our third race meeting so yeah – I’m stoked!”
With Gilbertson on the front row in class for the third time from three rounds this year, Tim Miles and Roger Lago qualified third and fourth in class, respectively, with Sam Shahin and Adrian Flack next.
Action continues at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on Saturday with the first race of round three doubling as the Endurance Championship opener.
The 24-lap race commences at 11:20am local time and will be quickly followed by Race 2 (14 Laps) at 2:40pm.
Both races will be shown live on FOX Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.
Race Schedule
Saturday April 13, 2019
11:20am – Race 1 (24 laps)
2:40pm – Race 2 (14 laps)
Sunday April 14, 2019
12:45pm – Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule (local time)
Qualifying – 3:55pm, Friday April 12
Race 1 – 11:20am, Saturday April 13
Race 2 – 2:40pm, Saturday April 13
Race 3 – 12:45pm, Sunday April 14
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NewsVolante Rosso to support Tour de Cure at Phillip Island
New look for Sydney team at Phillip Island
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia team Volante Rosso has teamed with ABC Bullion to lend its support to Tour de Cure at this weekend’s Phillip Island round.
The partnership aims to raise awareness and funding for Tour de Cure in their quest to beat cancer – starting the initiative with a sensational $100,000 donation to Tour de Cure.
ABC Bullion has joined Volante Rosso as the team’s major partner for the Phillip Island round. This includes a change to the livery to the #15 Carrera Cup entry of Josh Hunt, showcasing both ABC Bullion and Tour de Cure branding.
Hunt says the team is excited to be contributing to a worthy cause: “We are grateful to ABC Bullion for joining with us in our philanthropic approach to motorsport sponsorship. This is more than just creating branding opportunities, but about giving back to the wider community. Tour de Cure is a wonderful cause and we are pumped to be able to contribute in this way.”
The next round of Carrera Cup will be held at Phillip Island on April 12-14, 2019.
To donate to or get involved with Tour de Cure, head to their website: https://tourdecure.com.au/get-involved/make-a-donation/
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NewsCarrera Cup to commence endurance battle at Phillip Island
Phillip Island returns to three-race format
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will this weekend commence its 2019 Endurance Cup as the championship lines up for its 11th visit to the Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Now in its third year, the Endurance Cup will consist of six endurance races across the final six rounds of the season, starting from this weekend’s third round at Phillip Island.
The round also marks a change of race format at the Phillip island venue; this weekend sees a return to the traditional three-race format for the first time since 2012. The 4.445km Victorian circuit was the scene of multiple two-driver Pro-Am events, while last season it played host to the Endurance Cup opener, which consisted of two 45-minute endurance races.
After a sensational start to the season, Dale Wood will look to continue his Phillip Island form, claiming victory in both endurance races at last season’s Phillip Island round. Then, to start the 2019 season, the former Supercars driver has claimed seven top-three race results from as many races, including two race wins, to sit atop of the 2019 standings.
Trailing Wood in the standings is his Sonic Motor Racing Services teammate and Michelin Junior points leader Jordan Love. The Melbourne-based West Australian enters Phillip Island having won the final race at Albert Park, securing Love victory in the Michelin Super Round. The honour will therefore see Love head to Germany to attend the FIA Formula E Berlin E-Prix in late May.
Wood and Love will also look to continue Sonic Motor Racing’s winning streak, with a potential five-straight race wins in the race one Endurance Cup opener to set a new winning record for the Melbourne-based squad.
Besides Wood, only one other driver lining up at Phillip Island has won a Carrera Cup race outright at the venue – Nick McBride during the 2017 Pro-Am event alongside Dylan Thomas.
TAG Heuer Pro-Am racer Stephen Grove experienced one of his Carrera Cup highlights at Phillip Island, claiming outright round victory in the 2014 Pro-Am event when teamed with now-Supercars Champion Scott McLaughlin. This event also marks Grove’s last before he commences his 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign at the season opening race in Barcelona, Spain, on May 10-12.
Grove’s departure from the series on a full-time basis will ultimately benefit points leader and round one winner Anthony Gilbertson, who currently leads Grove by 39 points in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings.
Meanwhile, Liam Talbot and Roger Lago aim to spoil Grove’s full-time send off, both eager for a strong Phillip Island appearance sitting just 41 points shy of the class lead. Fifth place in class is Sam Shahin, who comes off a strong performance last weekend when taking a TAG Heuer Pro-Am clean sweep at the opening Michelin GT3 Cup challenge Australia round at Tasmania’s Symmons Plains Raceway.
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will commence round three with two practice sessions and qualifying on Friday before the first Endurance Cup race of the season on Saturday morning followed by a sprint race on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
All sessions from practice two from Phillip Island will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and on streaming service Kayo.
Race Schedule
Friday April 12, 2019
10:25am – Practice 1 (25 minutes)
1:25pm – Practice 2 (25 minutes)
3:55pm – Qualifying (20 minutes)
Saturday April 13, 2019
11:20am – Race 1 (24 laps)
2:40pm – Race 2 (14 laps)
Sunday April 14, 2019
12:45pm – Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule (local time)
Practice 2 – 1:25pm, Friday April 12
Qualifying – 3:55pm, Friday April 12
Race 1 – 11:20am, Saturday April 13
Race 2 – 2:40pm, Saturday April 13
Race 3 – 12:45pm, Sunday April 14
Entry List
1. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
2. #5 Thomas Maxwell (Pro) Sonic/Hosepower
3. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Garage 1
4. #7 Warren Luff (Pro) MEGA/No Second Chance
5. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
6. #12 Steve Richards (Pro) O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing
7. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU
8. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) Lory Construction/Volante Rosso
9. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
10. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
11. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF
12. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Lago Racing
13. #27 Liam Talbot (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Wash It
14. #34 Duvashen Padayachee (Pro) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
15. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
16. #36 Cooper Murrary (Pro) Lodge Brothers
17. #38 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE
18. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA Australia
19. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
20. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Seears Workwear
21. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/SRG
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NewsPorsche signs HUGO BOSS as official clothing partner
Global partnership reaches Australian race tracks
A global partnership between Porsche and HUGO BOSS will make its way to Australian race tracks for 2019.
The Metzingen-based fashion brand is now the official clothing partner of Porsche Motorsport and extends to both Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia championships.
The new partnership is part of a global agreement between Porsche and HUGO BOSS, which will see HUGO BOSS equip the entire Porsche Motorsport team worldwide, from works racing teams through to Porsche one-make series, and includes outfitting the future Porsche Formula E team.
“As we grow the partnership portfolio of both Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge series in Australia, it’s great to welcome such a brand as HUGO BOSS to both championships,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Troy Bundy.
“Both Porsche and HUGO BOSS are incredibly strong, premium brands and among the leaders in their respective industries. This comes at a perfect time when both Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge have strong grid sizes with incredible on track racing.”
Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, said: “Formula E is a highly attractive race series. It offers us the perfect environment to consistently further develop our vehicles in terms of efficiency and sustainability. We are looking forward to our debut in the series in the 2019/2020 season. The renowned fashion company HUGO BOSS is a perfect partner for us as the team outfitter.”
The brand partnership of the two companies also covers other areas away from motor sports. For example, the fashion house will offer a “Porsche x BOSS” collection on both the HUGO BOSS global online shop and, from August this year, in BOSS stores throughout Australia.
“HUGO BOSS and Porsche both stand for innovation and perfection,” says Mark Langer, CEO of HUGO BOSS. “We have already cooperated successfully in the area of motor sports over the course of recent years and decades. That is why I am delighted that our cooperation will now reach a new level with the future-oriented Formula E series.”
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NewsEvans confirms German series alongside Supercup campaign
Evans to contest Carrera Cup Deutschland
Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans will contest the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland championship in conjunction with his confirmed 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign.
The move makes the reigning Carrera Cup Australia Champion one of many Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup title hopefuls who use the German Carrera Cup series as a source of additional experience for the top-tier Porsche one-make Cup. The German series also races at both Hockenheim (Germany) and Red Bull Ring (Austria), providing valuable experience to Evans when Supercup attends each track later in the season.
The announcement comes at the same time as Evans’ confirmation of joining Fach Auto Tech for the 2019 Supercup season. The Swiss squad was home to both New Zealander Earl Bamber and Australian Matt Campbell during their time in the top-tier Supercup series. Evans will then join Project 1 in Carrera Cup Deutschland in partnership with Fach Auto Tech.
“2019 is shaping up to be a very busy and exciting year as I embark on my first racing season in Europe. I really don’t think I could have placed myself in a better position,” said Evans. “Through the help of Alex Fach and Fach Auto Tech’s new partnership with Project 1, I am able to run both Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland in parallel programmes to fast-track the learning process and gain valuable track time.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to be racing under the Project 1 entry, the team has all the right tools and has achieved very strong results in previous years – something I aim to replicate. They are a large Porsche team running in multiple championships outside Carrera Cup Deutschland and currently lead the GTE-Am class in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“Carrera Cup Deutschland is very similar to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in terms of competition. Many of the top drivers and teams compete in both championships, so it will be good to have that consistent comparison at each race weekend. With a total of 17 race weekends between the two championships, things will be very busy – a challenge in itself.”
Evans’ Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland season will commence on May 03-05 at Germany’s Hockenheimring one week ahead of the New Zealander’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup debut at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain on May 10-12.
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NewsPorsche launches first global virtual one-make cup
Porsche announces Porsche Esports Supercup
High performance online: Porsche is expanding its one-make motorsport series to include a virtual world championship, the ‘Porsche Esports Supercup’. The name ‘Supercup’ refers to the highest category of the one-make cup family and underscores the internationality and relevance of the online race series, the sports car manufacturer is organising with iRacing. The corresponding race series has provided the battleground for the best drivers of the 911 GT3 Cup for the past 25 years.
Forty sim racers, who have successfully made their way through the global qualifying process, will compete in series of ten online races – the first gets underway on April 13 on the virtual version of the Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama, USA. The final race will take place on September 28 at Monza, Italy. The championship offers a USD$100,000 prize pool.
“By adding an esports racing competition to our established series of one-make cups, we are extending our footprint in the world of motorsport and allowing sim racers to join the global Porsche Motorsport family,” said Fritz Enzinger, Head of Porsche Motorsport.
“With the Porsche Esports Supercup, we are launching a global championship that every serious sim racer will strive to win in his career. Only sim racers with a very high skill level have made it through the qualifying process. We are going to witness some very tight races,” said Marco Ujhasi, Manager Esports at Porsche Motorsport.
Shared honors of athletes
Porsche will also recognise the champion of the Porsche Esports Supercup at this year’s ‘Night of Champions’ gala, which honours the successes of the teams and drivers in motorsport. This makes Porsche the first major car manufacturer to recognise the achievements of virtual racers at the same event as their real-world racing peers.
“Porsche’s heart beats for motorsport. We can share this passion with a much broader audience through esports and create a unique community of esport fans and motorsport fans,” said Kjell Gruner, Vice President Marketing at Porsche.
Partnership with iRacing
For running the championship, Porsche has entered into a partnership with iRacing, a leading provider of realistic online racing simulations, which has been operating as an online subscription service since 2004. The race format is designed to force close competition at every stage of the season. All ten online events have a qualifying session, a sprint race and the main race.
Keen spectators can follow all ten rounds of the Porsche Esports Supercup live on YouTube (www.youtube.com/iracing-esports-network), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/iracing) and Twitch (www.twitch.tv/iracing).
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NewsCarrera Cup Champions continue IGTC success
Nick Foster wins California 8 Hours
Two races into the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge season and a former Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champions has stood on the top step of the podium on both occasions.
Carrera Cup Australia’s 2016 Champion Matt Campbell was the first to record a race victory in the five-round international endurance series with an impressive performance at the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour alongside German Dirk Werner and Norwegian Dennis Olsen.
The trio failed to replicate this success at last weekend’s California 8 Hours race at Laguna Seca, USA, being forced to retire from the eight-hour race due to a defective gearshift component.
“It’s really frustrating when you don’t get the just desserts when things had looked so promising,” said Campbell. “But sometimes this is just how it goes in motorsport. The important thing is that we managed to show how strong we are in the new version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. We want to win the next round in Spa.”
At the front of the field, it was Carrera Cup Australia’s 2015 Champion Nick Foster who shined alongside countryman Tim Slade and Miguel Molina for Taiwanese team, HubAuto.
“This is about as good as it gets, really,” said Foster. “It’s a massive credit to our engineering group and team for slowly chipping away through the week and putting together what they needed to do. Right from the word ‘go’ we focused on the race car and with that came a bit of qualifying performance – I think that’s what really set us up for the day as we were quite good in the cool conditions compared to everyone else. I think that really set up the race for us in terms of performance.”
Both Campbell and Foster sit equal second in the Intercontinental GT Challenge Driver Standings while Porsche sits second to Mercedes-Benz in the GT3 Manufacturers Standings.
The Intercontinental GT Challenge will next race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on July 25-28 for the 24 Hours of Spa endurance classic.
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NewsCampbell leads IGTC into California 8 Hours
Campbell continues Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign
After a perfect opening round to the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, Porsche aims to extend its championship lead at round two of the year in Laguna Seca, USA. At the Bathurst 12 Hour on the spectacular Mount Panorama racetrack, Australian ace Matt Campbell clinched a memorable victory alongside fellow Porsche Young Professional Dennis Olsen (Norway) and Porsche Works driver Dirk Werner (Germany).
Notching up the first win for Porsche at Bathurst, the trio not only gave a perfect maiden performance on the world stage with the customer team Earl Bamber Motorsport, but also a fitting farewell to the 2018-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R. After celebrating its race debut at Daytona (USA) in January, the new version of the over 500 hp GT3 vehicle will be fielded at the eight-hour race in Laguna Seca.
The U.S. Porsche customer squads Park Place Motorsports and Wright Motorsports each run a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the race on 30 March, with Campbell, Olsen and Werner to compete with the Wright Motorsports squad.
The race
Laguna Seca Raceway is famous for its legendary Corkscrew corner. In the tight passage on top of the hill, spectacular and memorable manoeuvres have been witnessed here in the past. The 3.601 kilometre racetrack features eleven corners. Per lap, competitors face an elevation change of 55 metres. Round two of the Intercontinental GT Challenge season runs over eight hours. Several highlights are included on the event schedule: In contrast to the season-opening round at Bathurst, all pilots allocated to each car must post a fast lap time in qualifying. Competitors have only one official free practice prior to the qualifying session.
The Porsche teams and drivers
Joining forces in the No. 912 vehicle run by Wright Motorsports are the Bathurst winners Dirk Werner, Matt Campbell and Dennis Olsen. Park Place Motorsports will also field a new Porsche 911 GT3 R. Sharing the cockpit of the No. 911 car are works drivers Romain Dumas (France) and Sven Müller (Germany) with Porsche Young Professional Mathieu Jaminet (France).
The Porsche 911 GT3 R
The Porsche 911 GT3 R was newly developed for the 2019 season. Improvements in the areas of aerodynamics, kinematics, efficiency and driveability were systematically implemented from the insights garnered from the many race outings of its predecessor. The six-cylinder engine in the rear of the GT3 customer racer produces over 368 kW (500 hp). The successful predecessor has notched up victories in numerous international racing series, for example in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, the World Challenge, the ADAC GT Masters, at the Nürburgring 24-hour race and the Bathurst 12 Hour.
The schedule & live streaming
The eight-hour race at Laguna Seca takes off on Saturday 30 March at 8.30am (2.00am Sunday 31 March AEDT). The race can be watched live in Australia on live stream at https://www.intercontinentalgtchallenge.com/live
Comments before the race
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912): “I can’t wait to go racing in California. I already know the Wright Motorsports team and I really like the circuit. I’m ready and raring to race. I’m excited to see how the new Porsche 911 GT3 R does at its first IGTC outing. After our Bathurst success and the perfect farewell to the predecessor model, it would be absolutely ideal if we could continue this performance seamlessly with the new car.”
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “We’re delighted to contest the second round of the season with our experienced American customer teams. Park Place Motorsports and Wright Motorsports are very familiar with the quirks of the Laguna Seca racetrack. Entering the famous Corkscrew, our drivers will be able to brake very late with the two Porsche 911 GT3 R vehicles. If you’ve ever looked at onboard footage of this passage, you’ll know just how spectacular it’ll be. With our new GT3 race car, we want to continue where we left off in Bathurst.”
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NewsFirst Morris Finance award nominee confirmed
Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award
TAG Heuer Pro-Am racer Adrian Flack is the first driver in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series to be nominated for the ‘Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award’.
The new honour will be given to the Carrera Cup driver who best encompasses the values of Porsche and the one-make championship, with the overall winner to receive a Business Class trip to Germany to attend the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Day of Champions and Night of Champions at Weissach, Germany.
Six different drivers will be nominated for the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award throughout the season, with the ultimate winner to be announced at the 2019 Carrera Cup Awards Night.
Flack endured a difficult start to the 2019 season after a heavy turn eight incident during qualifying at the Adelaide 500 season opener. The Brisbane-based driver maintained a positive attitude and battled to repair his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for the second round of the season at Albert Park, at which he placed seventh in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class.
The next nomination for the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award will be announced after the series’ visit to Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway for round four.
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NewsLove wins Michelin Super Round, Formula E trip
Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia
Leading Michelin Junior Jordan Love will embark on a unique trip to Germany this May as part of his prize of winning the Michelin Super Round last weekend in Albert Park.
The Michelin Super Round concept awarded the leading Michelin Junior driver from the Albert Park round with a trip to the FIA Formula E event in Germany for the Berlin E-Prix.
The all-electric open wheeler series sports a control Michelin tyre and is also the platform for Porsche’s future top-level motor racing programme for the 2019-2020 season.
Love was the dominant Michelin Junior for the Melbourne round, placing third and second in the opening two races before winning race three and race four. Love dominant race four performance saw him take an impressive 8.0744secs victory over his Sonic teammate and eventual round winner Dale Wood, a margin just shy of the record winning margin at the Albert Park circuit of 9.6411secs for Craig Baird’s victory over second-placed Daniel Gaunt during race two of the 2011 season opener.
“Albert Park didn’t begin the way we wanted it to. After not putting a lap together in qualifying we ended up in sixth. I was then pretty happy to come away with third in the first race and then even happier to keep the forward momentum going and end the weekend with two race wins,” said Love.
Soon after the coming Phillip Island round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia, Love will travel to Germany for the Formula E experience, a trip he looks forward to.
“With Albert Park being the Michelin Super Round, being the top Michelin Junior for the event was also a massive bonus with the prize of attending the Berlin E-Prix. To be able to come out on top at the end of the weekend is extremely exciting and I’m incredibly thankful to Michelin Australia and Porsche Cars Australia for this opportunity,” added Love, who sits 54 points ahead of Cameron Hill in the Michelin Junior standings.
“I’m a little happier where we are now than where I was going into Albert Park for round two. Of course there is still a few areas that need to be improved on from my side, so I’m very much looking forward to the next few rounds of the Carrera Cup championship.”
The next round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season will be held at Phillip Island on April 12-14, while the FIA Formula E Berlin E-Prix will be held on May 25.
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NewsRedemption for Wood, Lago tops Pro-Am at Albert Park
Strong finish to Carrera Cup round two
Last season, Dale Wood entered the fourth race at Albert Park with the round lead and was robbed of a round win after an opening corner crash. This year, the tables turned and second in the final race placed Wood on the top step of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia podium at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix alongside winning TAG Heuer Pro-Am racer Roger Lago.
While Wood took weekend honours, it was his young teammate Jordan Love who was the dominant driver of Sunday’s final race with an impressive eight-second victory from Wood, while Michael Almond continued his charge through the field to place third.
“I’m super stoked to come away with the win here at Albert Park,” said Wood. “It’s our home round and one of the biggest events of the year. I’ve got all my sponsors here, all my supporters, my little boys and wife. I’m a very happy man.
“I came here thinking we could have a repeat of last year. Once I got through turn one into second, I thought that this is what I’ve got to do to hold to get the round win, so really happy to come away with that one.
“Philip Island was really good for us last year so I’ve got to do that again this year. We will celebrate this one, put it behind us and then put our head down and bum up for the ‘Island’ and hopefully we can catch some penguins.”
Love secured second for the round and was the best placed Michelin Junior for the Michelin Super Round and will now venture to the FIA Formula E Berlin E-Prix as part of the prize for winning the Albert Park round.
Fourth place in race four handed Warren Luff the final position on the Albert Park round podium.
After two rounds, Wood now holds a 39-point lead in the Outright and Pro standings over Michelin Junior Love, with David Wall 10 points further behind in third.
Roger Lago was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers across the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend. The Brisbane-based racer followed his Saturday race victory with another win on Sunday’s race four to claim the class round win from Stephen Grove, who placed second in race four.
“It’s a pretty good feeling to win the round, especially at the Australian Grand Prix. We were third quickest for the Pro-Ams in qualifying and Thursday’s race was good, but Friday’s race was awful. We then made some changes and the boys tuned the car up beautifully and yesterday’s race and today’s races were absolutely perfect and I’ve had a ball.”
Anthony Gilbertson placed third in the final race from Dean Cook, Adrian Flack and Sam Shahin who, while dropping down the order in the final race to sixth in class, still narrowly secured the final position on the TAG Heuer Pro-Am podium.
While Gilbertson narrowly missed out on a podium position, the round one winner retains the lead of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings by 39 points over Stephen Grove, with Liam Talbot sits two points further behind in third.
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia returns to the track for round three at Phillip Island on April 12-14, 2019.
Results: Race 4
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 10 | 19:57.6284 | 1:59.1138* |
2 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 10 | 20:05.7028 | 1:59.2385 |
3 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 10 | 20:07.0293 | 1:59.1567 |
4 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 10 | 20:08.2475 | 1:59.5653 |
5 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 10 | 20:08.5622 | 1:59.4678 |
6 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 10 | 20:09.0222 | 1:59.4115 |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 10 | 20:09.2585 | 1:59.4256 |
8 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 10 | 20:11.5023 | 1:59.7979 |
9 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 10 | 20:13.4552 | 1:59.2049 |
10 | 12 | Steve Richards | Pro | 10 | 20:15.0134 | 1:59.2433 |
11 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 10 | 20:18.2690 | 1:59.9265 |
12 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:21.8927 | 2:00.8364 |
13 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:22.0471 | 2:00.6894 |
14 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:22.9546 | 1:59.9386 |
15 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:23.5067 | 1:59.6443 |
16 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:24.7710 | 1:59.9527 |
17 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:26.2396 | 2:00.5362 |
18 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 10 | 20:27.7151 | 1:59.2117 |
19 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 10 | 20:31.7034 | 1:59.5855 |
20 | 30 | David Ryan | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:40.9967 | 2:01.5111 |
21 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:45.7491 | 2:02.3740 |
22 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 20:56.1550 | 2:00.8677 |
23 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 10 | 21:15.9620 | 2:03.5646 |
DNF | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro Am | 1 | 2:15.9408 | 2:15.9408 |
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NewsLove and Lago take race three honours at Albert Park
Love takes Michelin Super Round stronghold
Michelin Junior Jordan Love has continued his impressive charge up the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia order with race three victory at Albert Park, while Roger Lago capitalised on a rival’s misfortune to take his first TAG Heuer Pro-Am win of the season.
Starting second, Love beat race one and race two winner Dale Wood to the opening corner and maintained his position at the front to the chequered flag.
In an impressive move up the order, over the past six races Love has placed sixth, fifth, fourth, third, second and first. The win also places Love in a strong position to claim the Michelin Super Round, for which the leading Michelin Junior for the round will win a trip to Germany for the FIA Formula E Berlin E-Prix.
“It doesn’t get much better than that. Obviously we were strong in qualifying so to come back and get third and second and then keep moving forward and get the win is awesome,” said Love. “Going into the race I knew that Woody is tough to pass and you know obviously being your teammate you don’t want to push too hard together, so the focus then was the start and we managed to get a good one and lead into turn one. After that I just concentrated and tried not make too many mistakes.”
Love now holds a 31-point lead in the Michelin Junior round standings for the Michelin Super Round from Cameron Hill.
“Of course the Michelin Super Round is on my mind. It’s a pretty cool prize to be able to head over and watch the Formula E race. However it’s a long year ahead and you’ve got to think about the championship. It’s good to be on the top of that so far and, with one race to go, anything can change.”
Despite race long pressure on Love, Wood was unable to get by his teammate and ultimately finished second, while Warren Luff placed third despite applying continuous pressure to the top-two teammates. David Wall finished fourth from Michelin Junior trio Cameron Hill, Cooper Murray and Thomas Maxwell.
While Liam Talbot was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am across the opening two races, it was Roger Lago who was the best-placed Pro-Am racer from race three.
Talbot started the race in the lead but a tyre puncture forced the series newcomer to pit lane. Lago then capitalised to claim his first class race win since race two at last season’s The Bend Motorsport Park event during the sixth round of the championship.
“I’ve had a few tough races throughout the season so far so it’s great to have one go our way,” said Lago. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s race and finish off the round on a high.”
Second in class was Tim Miles’ season best results from Stephen Grove, Anthony Gilbertson and Adrian Flack in fifth, while Sam Shahin sustained steering damage on the opening lap and slowly dropped down the order to eventually finish sixth in class by the finish.
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia has one race remaining for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, held at 12:55pm on Sunday, which can be viewed live on TEN, Fox Sports 506 and streaming service Kayo.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 17, 2019
12:55pm Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule
Race 4 – 12:55pm, Sunday March 17 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Results: Race 3
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 10 | 19:59.1989 | 1:58.9776 |
2 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 10 | 19:59.9549 | 1:58.8328 |
3 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 10 | 20:00.7774 | 1:58.7738 |
4 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 10 | 20:01.1110 | 1:58.8709 |
5 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 10 | 20:03.6477 | 1:58.8025 |
6 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 10 | 20:04.2340 | 1:58.3294R |
7 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 10 | 20:05.1663 | 1:58.8765 |
8 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 10 | 20:06.6915 | 1:59.1626 |
9 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 10 | 20:07.2723 | 1:59.1138 |
10 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 10 | 20:08.4806 | 1:59.0762 |
11 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 10 | 20:12.1216 | 1:59.1736 |
12 | 12 | Steve Richards | Pro | 10 | 20:15.0771 | 1:59.4457 |
13 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 10 | 20:16.3516 | 1:59.3742 |
14 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:26.2829 | 2:00.6052 |
15 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:28.4598 | 2:01.2952 |
16 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:28.5392 | 2:00.4741 |
17 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:29.5290 | 2:00.9038 |
18 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:30.1273 | 2:00.4074 |
19 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:34.4523 | 2:01.0063 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:34.8905 | 2:00.7280 |
21 | 30 | David Ryan | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:50.5726 | 2:02.7112 |
22 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 21:12.8969 | 2:02.8601 |
23 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 21:13.7160 | 2:04.3615 |
24 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 21:54.0665 | 1:59.7560 |
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NewsBack-to-back Albert Park wins for Wood and Talbot
Repeat wins for Thursday front-runners
Dale Wood has continued his perfect start to the second round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship at Albert Park by taking a dominant race two win, while Liam Talbot was again the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers.
Following his narrow race one win over Dylan O’Keeffe, Wood’s race two performance was more dominant. The Melbourne racer again led into the opening corner, though this time was followed by his teammate Jordan Love. O’Keeffe was third after the start though soon pulled off the circuit after sustaining damage to the front bodywork and radiator of his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
Wood pulled away from the field to claim victory by just under two seconds from Love, who was the leading Michelin Junior for the second race in a row. Importantly, Love is leading the Michelin Junior points for the Michelin Super Round, which will see the leading Junior driver for the round be sent to the FIA Formula E Berlin E-Prix in May.
“That’s two from two – a pole and two race wins,” said Wood. “I’m not happy with my starts at the moment, they’re probably the one thing that need a bit of tuning up. I’ve got to go home and work on those and come back and get a good start so we can do the same thing tomorrow.
“You’ve really got to break that tow in the race; while they’re close enough to be in that slipstream it keeps them in the game and as soon as I felt like I could break that, then I thought I was safe. We had a really good car, so we were able to race away and put down some good laps. I’m very happy with that one.”
Warren Luff placed third in what was his best result this season after closing in on Love in the final laps. Cameron Hill was the second best of the Michelin Junior drivers in fourth from young rookie Thomas Maxwell, who placed a season-high of fifth in the 10-lap race from David Wall, Duvashen Padayachee, Cooper Murray, Josh Hunt and Nick McBride in 10th.
The fight at the front of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am saw Talbot compete with Sam Shahin for class honours. While Shahin remained within striking distance for the majority of the race, Talbot capitalised on Pro drivers charging through the field to establish a substantial margin in the closing laps to ultimately take a comfortable race win.
“I’m really happy with the result and I obviously had to work hard for it. I had a bit of contact early on in the race and had to really attack to get my position back. The team have given me a good car and really exciting to be here at Albert Park,” said Talbot.
Shahin finished second from Tim Miles and Anthony Gilbertson, who claiming fourth position from Stephen Grove after a bold outside move at turn three on the second-to-last lap. Grove placed fifth from Roger Lago and Adrian Flack.
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will return on Saturday for race three at 3:20pm, while the final race of the round will be held on Sunday. Both remaining race will be broadcast live across TEN, Fox Sports 506 and Kayo.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 16, 2019
3:20pm Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 17, 2019
12:55pm Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule
Race 3 – 3:20pm, Saturday March 16 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Race 4 – 12:55pm, Sunday March 17 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 10 | 20:01.1096 | 1:58.8065* |
2 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 10 | 20:02.8954 | 1:59.1211 |
3 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 10 | 20:03.6233 | 1:59.0523 |
4 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 10 | 20:04.2269 | 1:59.1410 |
5 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 10 | 20:11.1035 | 1:59.1244 |
6 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 10 | 20:11.4248 | 1:59.1100 |
7 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 10 | 20:13.8128 | 1:59.5183 |
8 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 10 | 20:14.9227 | 1:59.3917 |
9 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 10 | 20:18.3740 | 1:59.4227 |
10 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 10 | 20:21.9824 | 1:59.1033 |
11 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:22.7008 | 2:00.7485 |
12 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 10 | 20:23.2354 | 1:59.7020 |
13 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:25.1411 | 2:00.2709 |
14 | 12 | Steve Richards | Pro | 10 | 20:28.2222 | 2:00.0725 |
15 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:31.0842 | 2:00.8541 |
16 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:31.5713 | 2:00.1585 |
17 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:32.3132 | 2:00.8075 |
18 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:34.7369 | 2:01.2759 |
19 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:34.8388 | 2:01.1129 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:35.1964 | 2:01.1723 |
21 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:48.7212 | 2:02.3328 |
22 | 30 | David Ryan | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 20:52.6277 | 2:03.0926 |
23 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 21:03.5492 | 2:03.5494 |
DNF | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 1 | 2:06.4406 | 2:06.4406 |
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NewsPorsche and Morris Finance create ‘Sportsperson’ award
Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia has partnered with Australian finance, leasing and risk management specialist Morris Finance for the creation of the ‘Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award’.
The new honour will be awarded to the Carrera Cup driver who best encompasses the values of Porsche and the one-make championship, as judged by a panel at the end of the season.
The winner will be recognised at the Carrera Cup Awards Night and also receive a Business Class trip to Germany to attend the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Day of Champions and Night of Champions at Weissach, Germany, while also receiving a tour of the Stuttgart-based Porsche Factory and Porsche Museum.
“It’s great to welcome Morris Finance to the Carrera Cup championship and also introduce such a great new award to the series,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Troy Bundy.
“We constantly award the front-running drivers at the end of each season, however with the creation of the Morris Finance Sportsperson of the Year Award, we are also able to recognise the achievement of a driver who best represents the championship and its values. We have also coupled this award with a tremendous prize – a Business Class trip to Germany for Porsche Motorsport’s global awards presentations, joining our 2019 Pro, TAG Heuer Pro-Am and Michelin Junior champions.”
Morris Finance Managing Director Nathan Murray is thrilled to join the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series as an Official Partner after backing title-winning driver Jaxon Evans last season.
“After being involved with Jaxon Evans’ incredible title-winning season in 2018, we definitely wanted to maintain involvement in the Carrera Cup championship into the 2019 season. This new award is a great way to begin our partnership with Porsche as an Official Partner,” said Murray.
“The Sportsperson of the Year Award provides both Porsche and Morris Finance the opportunity to recognise someone in the Carrera Cup championship who best represents the values of both Porsche and Morris Finance”
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NewsWood and Talbot take opening Albert Park wins
Wood returns to the top in Melbourne
Dale Wood has taken his first Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia race win of the season in the opening Albert Park battle on Thursday while series newcomer Liam Talbot continued his Adelaide form with TAG Heuer Pro-Am race victory.
Wood was the star driver of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix round last season, winning the opening three races before getting turned around at the start of the fourth race.
The Melbourne driver started this season’s Albert Park round in similar fashion, taking a lights-to-flag victory in the eight-lap race one.
The win wasn’t made easy by returning racer Dylan O’Keeffe, who pressured Wood throughout the race. Following three full-time Carrera Cup seasons, O’Keeffe made the move to the Super2 Series over the off-season however showed that he had lost none of his Porsche pace upon his one-off return, taking second place.
“Dylan has come back and was putting a heap of pressure on,” said Wood. “It’s good battling out there; I felt like I could get a little bit of clean air and then he’d reel me back in. It’s a good game and I’m loving it at the moment and to get the first race win of the year is bloody nice.”
While Wood was thrilled with the win, he hopes this round doesn’t have a similar ending to his 2018 Albert Park campaign.
“It’s all a bit scary; we’ll just have to wait and see what happens in race four. We’ve got another three races to get through yet.”
Michelin Juniors Cameron Hill and Jordan Love were fighting for third on track – and much more. As part of the Michelin Super Round, the leading Michelin Junior driver for the Albert Park round will receive a trip to the FIA Formula E Berlin E-Prix in May. While Hill gained the advantage from the start, moving to third, Love eventually moved by in the closing laps to take third and the all-important advantage in the Michelin Junior round points.
Hill placed fourth from Adelaide round winner Nick McBride, Warren Luff and David Wall in seventh.
The TAG Heuer Pro-Am honours were shared across Thursday; Sam Shahin was the best in the earlier qualifying session, however a strong start allowed Liam Talbot to move into the class lead and claim his second straight TAG Heuer Pro-Am race win after success in the final Adelaide race.
“I’m really stoked with the class win here at Albert Park after the race three win on debut a couple of weeks ago in Adelaide. I got a really good start which set me up for the race. It was an interesting race, the Pro drivers were all going pretty hard in front of me and were slowing themselves up so it was good to trail them and take the class win,” said Talbot.
Shahin placed second in class for race one from Roger Lago, Stephen Grove and round one class winner Anthony Gilbertson in fifth.
The opening race at Albert Park had one safety car intervention following a three-car accident between Steven Richards, Josh Hunt and Joey Mawson. While Mawson was the only driver of the trio to continue, ultimately finishing 17th, his 911 GT3 Cup sustained damage that will prevent him from returning to the track this weekend.
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will return on Friday for race two at 2:55pm, while race three and race four will be held on Saturday and Sunday. All three of the remaining races will be broadcast live across Network Ten, Fox Sports and Kayo (see below Broadcast & Streaming Schedule).
Race Schedule
Friday March 15, 2019
2:55pm Race 2 (10 laps)
Saturday March 16, 2019
3:20pm Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 17, 2019
12:55pm Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule
Race 2 – 2:55pm, Friday March 15 (10 Bold, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Race 3 – 3:20pm, Saturday March 16 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Race 4 – 12:55pm, Sunday March 17 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 8 | 20:13.5109 | 1:58.6638* |
2 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 8 | 20:13.8036 | 1:58.7218 |
3 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 8 | 20:13.9012 | 1:58.6738 |
4 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 8 | 20:15.2739 | 1:59.1229 |
5 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 8 | 20:15.8734 | 1:59.1273 |
6 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 8 | 20:16.6320 | 1:59.3856 |
7 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 8 | 20:17.0689 | 1:59.2761 |
8 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 8 | 20:17.3115 | 1:59.1501 |
9 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 8 | 20:18.3555 | 1:59.4748 |
10 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 8 | 20:19.0874 | 1:59.5414 |
11 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:21.2840 | 2:00.0821 |
12 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:22.4080 | 2:00.1874 |
13 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:23.8761 | 2:00.6618 |
14 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:24.5765 | 2:00.9507 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:25.1906 | 2:00.6623 |
16 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:25.7109 | 2:00.4773 |
17 | 10 | Joey Mawson | Pro | 8 | 20:26.7046 | 1:59.6068 |
18 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:27.1459 | 2:00.4809 |
19 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:29.5749 | 2:01.3464 |
20 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:32.7262 | 2:02.2386 |
21 | 30 | David Ryan | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:41.9600 | 2:05.0711 |
22 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 20:42.9104 | 2:05.1773 |
DNF | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1 | 2:11.4607 | 2:11.4607 |
DNF | 12 | Steve Richards | Pro | 1 | 2:12.1037 | 2:12.1037 |
DNF | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro |
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NewsWood and Shahin claim Albert Park pole
TAG Heuer Pole Position Award
Dale Wood has ended Wall Racing’s stronghold of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia qualifying sessions after claiming the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Between drivers David Wall and James Moffat, the Sydney based Wall Racing team had claimed six straight pole positions since the 2018 round at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Wood beat his Sonic teammate Michael Almond to the top qualifying position from former regular Dylan O’Keeffe in third, who is racing in a one-off drive in line with his Super2 Series commitments.
Sam Shahin was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers, taking his first pole position since the Sandown round in 2017. Shahin will start ahead of fellow TAG Heuer Pro-Am runners Anthony Gilbertson, Roger Lago and Liam Talbot.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 14, 2019
7:05pm Race 1 (11 laps)
Friday March 15, 2019
2:55pm Race 2 (10 laps)
Saturday March 16, 2019
3:20pm Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 17, 2019
12:55pm Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule
Race 2 – 2:55pm, Friday March 15 (10 Bold, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Race 3 – 3:20pm, Saturday March 16 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Race 4 – 12:55pm, Sunday March 17 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Results: Qualifying times
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:56.9768R | |
2 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:57.3818r | 0:00.4050 |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 1:57.5342r | 0:00.5574 |
4 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:57.6410r | 0:00.6642 |
5 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:57.6842 | 0:00.7074 |
6 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:57.7030 | 0:00.7262 |
7 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 1:57.8478 | 0:00.8710 |
8 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 1:57.8562 | 0:00.8794 |
9 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 1:57.8731 | 0:00.8963 |
10 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1:57.9877 | 0:01.0109 |
11 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 1:58.6302 | 0:01.6534 |
12 | 12 | Steve Richards | Pro | 1:58.6707 | 0:01.6939 |
13 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 1:58.9191 | 0:01.9423 |
14 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:58.9996 | 0:02.0228 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.1330 | 0:02.1562 |
16 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.2269 | 0:02.2501 |
17 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.4845 | 0:02.5077 |
18 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.5072 | 0:02.5304 |
19 | 10 | Joey Mawson | Pro | 1:59.7233 | 0:02.7465 |
20 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.7876 | 0:02.8108 |
21 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.7971 | 0:02.8203 |
22 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.8392 | 0:02.8624 |
23 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:02.2359 | 0:05.2591 |
24 | 30 | David Ryan | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:02.6052 | 0:05.6284 |
25 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:05.2316 | 0:08.2548 |
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NewsAll-Australian team to contest Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Three-car Team Australia confirmed
This season, three Australians will compete in the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series as part of a newly created outfit, Team Australia.
Run by German operation Herberth Motorsport, the team will be led by Australian racing sensation Joey Mawson, who will make the transition from open wheel racing to sports car competition in the world’s most competitive one-make sports car series.
Mawson will be joined in the three-car squad by two drivers with significant experience in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship – three-time TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove and the series’ most experience racer, Marc Cini.
The creation of Team Australia will mark Australia’s best ever representation for a season in the international sports car championship. While the series has featured several Australian full-time drivers since its 1993 inception – including the likes of Alex Davison, Sam Power, Spike Goddard and Matt Campbell – it has never before had three Australians contested an entire individual season.
The local trio will join New Zealander Jaxon Evans on the grid, who received a position as a Porsche Junior upon winning both the 2018 Carrera Cup Australia title and the 2018 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout.
For Mawson, the move sees a transition from the GP3 Series, in which he raced throughout the 2018 season. Before that, the Sydneysider won the 2016 ADAC Formula 4 Championship before stints in both the British Formula 3 and European Formula 3 series ahead of his eventually move to the GP3 Series and, ultimately, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“It’s surreal to think that I’ll be racing at many of the same events at which I competed last season, though this time in very different surroundings – and a roof over my head,” said Mawson.
“The move to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup definitely marks a different tact in my career, moving from open wheelers to sports car racing. It’s an ultra-competitive racing series and I look forward to lining up for the 2019 season alongside my Team Australia teammates Marc and Stephen. My maiden Supercup season will no doubt include some unique challenges so it’s great to have a couple of Australians in my corner throughout the season.”
Stephen Grove is one of Carrera Cup Australia’s most successful TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers having three class crowns to his name from title successes in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Grove also has international one-make experience having raced in several one-off appearances at Spa-Francorchamps (Carrera Cup France), Sepang International Circuit and Fuji Speedway (Carrera Cup Asia) along with three Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races in 2018 at Monaco, Hockenheim (Germany) and Hungaroring (Hungary).
“Having had my first taste of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup last season, I’m thrilled to now be part of this new Team Australia outfit for the entire 2019 season,” said Grove.
“The Supercup series limits the number of Pro-Am entries for each season, so it’s an honour for both myself and Marc to be accepted for 2019. After what I experienced last season at Monaco, Hockenheim and Hungaroring, I can’t wait to expand on that and compete in the entire Supercup series in 2019 and see how we go against the other experienced Pro-Am drivers in the series.”
Meanwhile, vastly experienced Pro-Am driver Marc Cini, who starts his 300th Carrera Cup Australia race this weekend at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, will complete the three-car team.
“This is truly a bucket list thing for me. I have great admiration for Porsche one-make series – I’ve raced in Carrera Cup Australia since its debut series – so when this opportunity to compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup came up, I had to jump at it,” said Cini.
“I’m still pinching myself by the fact that I’ll be racing at iconic tracks like Monaco and Monza – truly world-class circuits – and share this experience with Joey and Stephen. It’s an incredible opportunity and one made possible by the incredible Porsche Motorsport Pyramid – it not only allows young drivers to further their careers, but it also enables Pro-Am drivers like myself and Stephen who look for unique motor racing experiences. This certainly ticks that box.”
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Project Manager Oliver Schwab is pleased to have Team Australia add to the international flavour of the pinnacle of Porsche one-make racing.
“Our ambition is to be involved in global customer sport of the highest standard. With this in mind, it is obviously great that we have been able to inspire an Australian team to enter the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this year. The successful history of drivers from Down Under in the Supercup shows just how passionate Australians are about motorsport. As such, we are delighted that Joey Mawson, Stephen Grove and Marc Cini will take their place in our international field this season. The trio can look forward to exciting motorsport on the same bill as the Formula 1 World Championship,” said Schwab.
Team Australia’s Mawson, Cini and Grove, who will all race as part of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series at Albert Park this weekend, will begin their 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season campaigns at the season-opening Spanish round at Circuit de Catalunya on May 10-12, 2019.
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NewsStar additions for Carrera Cup’s 15th Albert Park visit
Event Preview: Round 2, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will welcome several new and returning drivers for round two of its 2019 season at Albert Park, including young Australian open wheel sensation Joey Mawson.
Mawson will be part of the 25-car strong all-Porsche grid for a one-off appearance, partnering Marc Cini and round one winner Nick McBride in the Porsche Centre Melbourne outfit. Mawson joins the series having contested the 2018 GP3 Series in Europe following two seasons of both Formula 4 and Formula 3 competition.
Fellow young racer Dylan O’Keeffe returns to the series at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix event for a single-round campaign. The Melbourne based driver placed third in the 2018 standings before moving to the Super2 Series, in which he debuted at the Superloop Adelaide 500. O’Keeffe now steps into the Porsche Centre Brighton entry last season campaigned by Glen Wood.
In addition to the two new Pro-ranked drivers, two TAG Heuer Pro-Am racers have entered Carrera Cup’s Albert Park round.
Former Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia driver David Ryan will make his first solo appearance in Carrera Cup; the Sydneysider contested both the 2015 and 2016 two-driver Pro-Am events alongside Fraser Ross. Meanwhile Australian GT regular Rio Nugara will replace Josh Hunt in the Volante Rosso-run 911 GT3 Cup.
The Albert Park round will host several milestones – both for the series and for two experienced drivers. As the series enters its 15th season, this weekend also marks Carrera Cup’s 15th visit to the Formula 1 event at Albert Park, the last 10 of which have been a point-scoring championship round.
Drivers Marc Cini and David Wall also celebrate significant milestones this weekend; Cini will start his 300th Carrera Cup Australia race in race one on Thursday while Friday will see 2017 champion Wall begin his 150th race in the championship.
This weekend’s Albert Park event follows a thrilling opening round of the Porsche championship in Adelaide earlier this month, in which young Melbourne lawyer McBride scored a clean sweep of race wins. In contrast to McBride’s perfect point-scoring weekend, former champion Steven Richards sustained event-ending damage to his new 911 GT3 Cup in opening practice and hopes Albert Park will mark his competition return since departing the series at the end of the 2016 season.
Leading the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings into Albert Park is round one winner Anthony Gilbertson, who beat newcomer Liam Talbot and reigning class champion Stephen Grove to the Adelaide round win. Grove will look to continue his strong Albert Park form; the Melbourne businessman has taken eight class race victories from the past 11 races at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will hold four races across the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend – one on each day of the event. The final three races of the event will be broadcast live on Network Ten, Fox Sports and streaming service Kayo. Race two on Friday will be televised on 10 Bold and Fox Sports 506 while race three and race four on Saturday and Sunday will be shown on TEN and Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 14, 2019
12:20pm Practice (20 minutes)
4:10pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
7:05pm Race 1 (11 laps)
Friday March 15, 2019
2:55pm Race 2 (10 laps)
Saturday March 16, 2019
3:20pm Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 17, 2019
12:55pm Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule
Race 2 – 2:55pm, Friday March 15 (10 Bold, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Race 3 – 3:20pm, Saturday March 16 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Race 4 – 12:55pm, Sunday March 17 (TEN, Fox Sports 506 & Kayo)
Entry List
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
#5 Thomas Maxwell (Pro) Sonic/Hosepower
#6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Garage 1
#7 Warren Luff (Pro) MEGA/No Second Chance
#8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
#10 Joey Mawson (Pro) Hallmarc/Porsche Centre Melbourne
#12 Steve Richards (Pro) O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU
#19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
#20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
#22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF
#23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Lago Racing
#27 Liam Talbot (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Wash It
#30 David Ryan (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) DRM Motorsport
#34 Duvashen Padayachee (Pro) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
#35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
#36 Cooper Murray (Pro) Lodge Brothers
#38 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE
#77 Michael Almond (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA Australia
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton
#100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
#111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Seears Workwear
#666 Rio Nugara (TAG Heuer Pro-Am)
#777 Jordan Love (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/SRG
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NewsClean sweep highlights Carrera Cup opener in Adelaide
McBride and Gilbertson take Adelaide round win
Nick McBride has completed a spectacular clean sweep of race wins at the opening round of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season in Adelaide while Anthony Gilbertson claimed the TAG Heuer Pro-Am round victory despite an impressive final race from newcomer Liam Talbot.
McBride replicated his impressive form from the opening two races in Sunday’s final race. In a carbon copy of race one and race two, McBride held the lead into the opening corner and maintained his position at the front to the finish.
The round win was McBride’s second on the streets of Adelaide, though in contrast this weekend’s performance, his first Adelaide event victory in 2016 came without scoring a single race win.
“This round couldn’t have gone any better. Porsche Centre Melbourne has given me a car that allowed me to carry on from where I left off in the Gold Coast last year and it’s just been a perfect race weekend. We’ve been fast all weekend from practice; I felt really comfortable in the car and it showed in the results,” said McBride.
“The Australian Grand Prix is my home event so I’ve got a lot of family and friends coming out for that one. I’ve had some good results there in the past; though leading and spraying it off the track on the safety car restart last year wasn’t ideal, but I really enjoy the track.”
Three second-place finishes handed David Wall second for the weekend, while Dale Wood was equally as consistent with three third-place finishes, holding off Jordan Love in the final race to claim his third top-three result for the weekend.
Warren Luff placed fourth for the round from Jordan Love, who was the winning Michelin Junior for the opening event of the season.
The battle for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am was closer than the action at the front, with Liam Talbot taking the race three class win to conclude his first event in the championship in style. However second place in class for Anthony Gilbertson in race three was enough to secure the South Australian an emotional home race win.
“This is a dream come true. I grew up just down the road and I used to come here for Formula 1 all the time. Unfortunately I moved up to Queensland but I still call this place home, so to get a round win here, I can’t imagine topping that apart from winning the Pro-Am championship,” said Gilbertson.
Talbot secured second on the TAG Heuer Pro-Am podium, while Stephen Grove recovered from a difficult start to the round to secure third in class.
McBride’s Adelaide dominance sees him lead the outright standings by 18 points from Wall, with Wood a further 18 points further adrift.
Gilbertson now enters round two with an 18-point lead in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings with Grove 36 points further adrift in third.
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will return in just two weeks for round two of the 2019 championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Results: Race 3
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 10 | 13:54.3692 | 1:22.5209 |
2 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 10 | 13:55.2350 | 1:22.1018* |
3 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 10 | 13:59.5800 | 1:22.9131 |
4 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 10 | 13:59.9938 | 1:22.9252 |
5 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 10 | 14:00.7184 | 1:23.0653 |
6 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 10 | 14:01.0305 | 1:22.8207 |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 10 | 14:01.7116 | 1:22.6083 |
8 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 10 | 14:04.0925 | 1:22.8950 |
9 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 10 | 14:05.2895 | 1:22.9265 |
10 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 10 | 14:08.3408 | 1:23.4719 |
11 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:13.1030 | 1:23.6483 |
12 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 10 | 14:13.9217 | 1:22.6310 |
13 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:14.8424 | 1:24.0008 |
14 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:18.6276 | 1:24.1012 |
15 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:19.0539 | 1:23.9743 |
16 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:19.9512 | 1:24.0985 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:24.2913 | 1:24.0951 |
18 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:27.5279 | 1:24.5244 |
19 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:35.0239 | 1:24.6764 |
20 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:41.4190 | 1:23.7098 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:52.4662 | 1:27.1054 |
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NewsMcBride and Gilbertson take repeat Adelaide wins
Back-to-back winners in scorching Adelaide heat
Nick McBride has continued his impressive start to the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season with race two victory in Adelaide, while Anthony Gilbertson also maintained his TAG Heuer Pro-Am dominance with his second win in as many races.
The Porsche field lined up for the 10-lap sprint race in scorching 39 degree conditions. McBride made the most of the conditions to lead through the opening chicane complex – despite entering turn one side-by-side with David Wall – following a self-confessed sluggish race start. From there, McBride managed to build a small margin to Wall, which he maintained to the chequered flag.
McBride’s win follows his impressive race one victory, which was his first on the streets of Adelaide despite winning the season-opening South Australian round in 2016.
“I absolutely stuffed up the start so I was lucky to get away with that. I managed to stay in front at turn one and from there it was a real sprint race, so head down and bum up. Again, the team gave me a rocketship carrying on from last year. Let’s see what happens tomorrow,” said McBride.
Despite a late charge for the lead, Wall secured second from Dale Wood and Warren Luff – the same top four result as Friday’s opening race.
After a difficult race one, Jordan Love placed fifth to be the best placed of the Michelin Juniors in race two, while sixth place for Josh Hunt was the best race result for both the Perth based racer and his Sydney based Volante Rosso race team. Michelin Juniors Cameron Hill and Thomas Maxwell placed seventh and eighth while Cooper Murray, who placed fifth in race one, struggled to get off the start line and dropped down the order on the run to turn one. Murray recovered to place ninth, one position ahead of Michael Almond, who made his own charge through the field after a race one DNF saw the South Australian start race two from the rear of the grid.
Anthony Gilbertson was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers from the start of the race, managing to take the race win despite struggling in the final laps. Newcomer Liam Talbot was on a late-race charge and was almost in a position to challenge for the class lead, though Gilbertson was able to continue his wins streak and establish a 24-point class lead just two races into the season.
“Pole position, race one win and race two win; it’s almost the perfect weekend so far. I’m as happy as Larry and can’t wait for tomorrow,” said Gilbertson.
“I was struggling with my rear tyres from about half way and I made a couple of errors from turn eight, on one occasion I accidently hit the down-shift from fifth to fourth mid-corner and it snapped the rear and the wall was looking really close at one point. From then I really buttoned off through that corner. I was letting Liam catch me to ensure I could finish and take the win.”
Talbot placed second in class in his second Carrera Cup race from South Australian Sam Shahin, Stephen Grove, Roger Lago and Tim Miles.
One race remains for the first round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia on the streets of Adelaide, which can be viewed live at 1:30pm ACDT on Sunday March 03 on both TEN and Fox Sports 506 and will also be streamed live on Kayo.
Event Schedule (local time)
Sunday March 03
1:30pm – Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 03 (TEN, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 10 | 13:55.7963 | 1:22.4641 |
2 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 10 | 13:56.4703 | 1:22.3588* |
3 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 10 | 13:59.2647 | 1:22.6105 |
4 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 10 | 14:00.3766 | 1:22.8393 |
5 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 10 | 14:00.8306 | 1:22.8156 |
6 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 10 | 14:01.8217 | 1:22.5408 |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 10 | 14:04.5594 | 1:22.7575 |
8 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 10 | 14:08.6272 | 1:23.0308 |
9 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 10 | 14:12.0394 | 1:22.5555 |
10 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 10 | 14:14.5462 | 1:22.7548 |
11 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:15.2710 | 1:23.6043 |
12 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:16.0959 | 1:23.4775 |
13 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:19.6468 | 1:23.6051 |
14 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 10 | 14:20.0121 | 1:23.4896 |
15 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:23.2777 | 1:24.2411 |
16 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:24.4450 | 1:24.2185 |
17 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:25.0468 | 1:24.1711 |
18 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:30.6513 | 1:24.6422 |
19 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:30.7802 | 1:24.9312 |
20 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 15:12.0633 | 1:26.3874 |
DNF | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2 | 3:02.0654 | 1:24.2131 |
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NewsMcBride and Gilbertson take opening Adelaide wins
Nick McBride and Anthony Gilbertson win race one
Nick McBride has started his 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia campaign with race one victory at the Adelaide 500, holding off a hard-charging David Wall in the 15-lap battle. Meanwhile, Anthony Gilbertson was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers, taking his first class race win on the streets of his home town.
Young Melbourne lawyer McBride started alongside pole-sitter Wall on the front row and quickly moved to the lead ahead of the opening corner. From there, McBride maintained the lead despite challenges from Wall.
The field was compacted after the safety car was called to the circuit to recover the stranded Tim Miles from the turn 11 gravel trap, though McBride was able to retain his position at the front to ultimately win and start the season in similar fashion to which he finished the last – taking round victory with two race wins from the 2018 Gold Coast finale.
“It was a perfect start to the season. Qualifying went pretty well this morning but I missed out on pole by a tenth to Wall. I got a decent start and managed to keep up a decent pace to stay in front of Wall. It certainly beats my race one last year here,” said McBride, who was taken out of contention of race one in Carrera Cup’s opening 2018 race.
“This just confirms that we’ve started 2019 where we left off in the Gold Coast last year. We always thoughts that we were quick enough to win races and be on the front row but as soon as a driver’s confidence goes, the results just don’t come. Hopefully we can continue this form tomorrow.”
Pole-sitter Wall placed second from Dale Wood, who raced well to keep returning racer Warren Luff in his rear view mirror to the chequered flag. Luff placed fourth in his Carrera Cup return, holding off young gun Cooper Murray who, after passing Jordan Love early in the race, was the best placed of the four Michelin Juniors. Love placed sixth from Cameron Hill and Josh Hunt in eighth.
Ninth place outright was an impressive result for TAG Heuer Pro-Am winner Anthony Gilbertson, who claimed the first class win of his Carrera Cup career at the beginning of his second season in the championship.
“It’s my first win of the season and my first Pro-Am win in Carrera Cup. Towards the end I was hanging on; it was getting pretty hot and slippery out there. To win in Adelaide, which is basically my home town, is incredible and I hope it continues over the next few days.” said Gilbertson.
Former class champion Max Twigg placed second in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am from local driver Sam Shahin in third and debutant Liam Talbot in fourth.
Two 10-lap races remain for Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia for the Adelaide season opener – one race on Saturday and one race on Sunday – both of which will be broadcast live across TEN, Fox Sports 506 and streaming service Kayo.
Event Schedule (local time)
Saturday March 02
3:00pm – Race 2 (10 laps)
Sunday March 03
1:30pm – Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 – 3:00pm, Saturday March 02 (TEN, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 03 (TEN, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 15 | 24:45.9974 | 1:22.6800 |
2 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 15 | 24:46.4371 | 1:22.5867* |
3 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 15 | 24:48.1435 | 1:22.9491 |
4 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 15 | 24:48.9684 | 1:23.1098 |
5 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 15 | 24:50.2959 | 1:22.6558 |
6 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 15 | 24:50.7591 | 1:23.0355 |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 15 | 24:51.4512 | 1:23.1167 |
8 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 15 | 24:52.1864 | 1:23.1308 |
9 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 24:54.9163 | 1:23.8639 |
10 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 15 | 24:55.9076 | 1:23.5458 |
11 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 24:57.0742 | 1:23.5039 |
12 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 24:58.3922 | 1:23.7941 |
13 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 24:59.0564 | 1:23.8064 |
14 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 25:03.1229 | 1:24.8321 |
15 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 15 | 25:03.9034 | 1:23.9311 |
16 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 25:07.6236 | 1:25.0080 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 25:07.9854 | 1:24.9344 |
18 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 25:09.1538 | 1:25.0306 |
19 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 25:24.3604 | 1:27.1250 |
20 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 13 | 25:25.0799 | 1:24.3041 |
DNF | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 5 | 7:03.4159 | 1:23.4184 |
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NewsWall, Gilbertson top shortened Adelaide qualifying
Wall Racing secured sixth straight pole
David Wall has secured Wall Racing’s sixth-straight TAG Heuer Pole Position at the opening Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia event of the 2019 season in Adelaide, while Anthony Gilbertson started his season in the same fashion as 2018.
The 2017 Carrera Cup champion Wall posted his best lap later in the session just before the red flag was waved following a heavy turn eight incident involving Adrian Flack, who emerged from his Porsche unscathed.
The pole position effort continued Wall Racing’s impressive qualifying run that has seen the team top the session at every event since Darwin in 2018.
Anthony Gilbertson was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers. The Adelaide-raised racer claimed TAG Heuer Pole Position at his Carrera Cup debut last season on the Adelaide streets and has replicated the feat to kick off his 2019 campaign.
Qualifying times
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 1:21.5979* | |
2 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:21.6829 | 0:00.0850 |
3 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:21.7346 | 0:00.1367 |
4 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 1:21.9607 | 0:00.3628 |
5 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:21.9712 | 0:00.3733 |
6 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:22.0164 | 0:00.4185 |
7 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 1:22.0257 | 0:00.4278 |
8 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:22.5787 | 0:00.9808 |
9 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:22.6154 | 0:01.0175 |
10 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:22.7129 | 0:01.1150 |
11 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 1:22.7665 | 0:01.1686 |
12 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1:23.0344 | 0:01.4365 |
13 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.0387 | 0:01.4408 |
14 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.1076 | 0:01.5097 |
15 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.4650 | 0:01.8671 |
16 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.5177 | 0:01.9198 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.5231 | 0:01.9252 |
18 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.5243 | 0:01.9264 |
19 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 1:23.6036 | 0:02.0057 |
20 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.7958 | 0:02.1979 |
21 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:24.5182 | 0:02.9203 |
22 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:29.1936 | 0:07.5957 |
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NewsLuff and Gilbertson top eventful Adelaide practice
Carrera Cup commences milestone 15th season
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia has officially kicked off its milestone 15th season at the Adelaide 500 with an eventful day of opening practice.
While the scorching Adelaide heat reached a high of 37 degrees, Thursday morning’s opening practice session lasted only three laps before a three-car accident between Dave Stevens, Steven Richards and Duvashen Padayachee ended the session early. The significant turn eight incident caused event-ending damage to the race cars of Stevens and Richards, while Padayachee will return for Friday qualifying.
In contrast to Richards’ horrid opening day, fellow returning racer Warren Luff posted the best lap time of the day from last year’s Gold Coast finale round winner Nick McBride and local racer Michael Almond in third.
“The car feels really good; obviously we don’t know what tyres everyone was running out there and we were running on a pretty good set of tyres. It’s good to be back in the car and feeling comfortable,” said Luff, who steps into the #7 McElrea Racing entry formerly occupied by eventual Carrera Cup champions Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans.
“I have some pretty big shoes to fill with Matt Campbell and then Jaxon Evans from last year. I’m just going out there to have some fun and hopefully be at the front of the field. I know I have the right team of guys around me so fingers crossed come Sunday afternoon.”
Queensland-based Adelaide-raised racer Anthony Gilbertson was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers, posting the eighth best outright lap time and beating the next best Pro-Am driver by over three-tenths of a second.
“I didn’t expect to be the fastest Pro-Am driver of the day; I did it on the last lap of the day and I‘m really happy with my pace. It’s bloody warm in the car; I’m sweating pretty hard now that I’m out of the car. I’ll get in the ice bath and recover in time for qualifying tomorrow morning,” said Gilbertson.
Max Twigg was the next best TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver from Thursday’s two practice sessions from Roger Lago, Adrian Flack and Tim Miles.
The Porsche championship will next be on track for Friday morning’s qualifying session at 10:30am, followed by the opening race of the season at 4:20pm. Race two will then be held on Saturday and race three on Sunday.
All remaining Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia sessions from the Adelaide 500 will be broadcast live across both Fox Sports 506 and Kayo, while all races, starting from tomorrow’s Race 1, will be aired live across Network Ten channels 10 Bold and TEN.
Event Schedule (local time)
Friday March 01
10:30am – Qualifying (20mins)
4:20pm – Race 1 (15 laps)
Saturday March 02
3:00pm – Race 2 (10 laps)
Sunday March 03
1:30pm – Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Qualifying – 10:30am, Friday March 01 (Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Race 1 – 4:20pm, Friday March 01 (10 Bold, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Race 2 – 3:00pm, Saturday March 02 (TEN, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 03 (TEN, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Results: Practice 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:24.9834* | |
2 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:25.0385 | 0:00.0551 |
3 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:25.0662 | 0:00.0828 |
4 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:25.7571 | 0:00.7737 |
5 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 1:26.0180 | 0:01.0346 |
6 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 1:29.8508 | 0:04.8674 |
7 | 50 | David Stevens | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:31.6358 | 0:06.6524 |
8 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 1:32.0035 | 0:07.0201 |
9 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:32.5741 | 0:07.5907 |
10 | 12 | Steve Richards | Pro | 1:32.6907 | 0:07.7073 |
11 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:32.9221 | 0:07.9387 |
12 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:32.9271 | 0:07.9437 |
13 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:33.0976 | 0:08.1142 |
14 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:33.4220 | 0:08.4386 |
15 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:33.6593 | 0:08.6759 |
16 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:34.0065 | 0:09.0231 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:34.9073 | 0:09.9239 |
18 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:34.9075 | 0:09.9241 |
19 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:34.9356 | 0:09.9522 |
20 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 1:35.0101 | 0:10.0267 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:35.5757 | 0:10.5923 |
22 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:41.6714 | 0:16.6880 |
23 | 34 | Duvashen Padayachee | Pro | 1:43.5824 | 0:18.5990 |
24 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1:48.7768 | 0:23.7934 |
Results: Practice 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | Warren Luff | Pro | 1:22.2624* | |
2 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:22.5784 | 0:00.3160 |
3 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:22.5821 | 0:00.3197 |
4 | 38 | David Wall | Pro | 1:22.8996 | 0:00.6372 |
5 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:23.1063 | 0:00.8439 |
6 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:23.1705 | 0:00.9081 |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:23.1868 | 0:00.9244 |
8 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.3312 | 0:01.0688 |
9 | 36 | Cooper Murray | Pro | 1:23.3717 | 0:01.1093 |
10 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1:23.5099 | 0:01.2475 |
11 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.6615 | 0:01.3991 |
12 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.6763 | 0:01.4139 |
13 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.8569 | 0:01.5945 |
14 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:23.9080 | 0:01.6456 |
15 | 5 | Thomas Maxwell | Pro | 1:24.2443 | 0:01.9819 |
16 | 27 | Liam Talbot | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:24.4194 | 0:02.1570 |
17 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:24.7100 | 0:02.4476 |
18 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:25.0804 | 0:02.8180 |
19 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:25.0857 | 0:02.8233 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:25.3152 | 0:03.0528 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:29.7270 | 0:07.4646 |
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NewsTAG Heuer expands Porsche partnership
Swiss watchmaker continues as Official Watch
Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has increased its support of Porsche racing in Australia, expanding its on-track involvement across both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia championships in 2019.
TAG Heuer is now the Official Watch of both Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge along with the naming rights partner of the Pro-Am class across both series. TAG Heuer will also retain naming rights of the Fastest Lap Award and Pole Position Award in Carrera Cup for the coming season.
The 2019 season will mark the 12th year of Carrera Cup’s partnership with TAG Heuer. Carrera Cup first partnered with the Swiss watchmaker from the 2004 season through to 2007. Thereafter, the two brands again collaborated from 2012 through to the coming 2019 season.
The expanded partnership will now see TAG Heuer race car branding added to all GT3 Cup Challenge entries and offering significant prizes at the end of the 2019 GT3 Cup Challenge season.
“It’s rare to have a relationship between two brands that is as strong and meaningful as what Porsche enjoys with TAG Heuer in Australia,” said Toni Andreevski, Porsche Cars Australia Director of Marketing & Motorsport.
“Both Porsche and TAG Heuer have a strong heritage in motor racing and both continue their motor racing involvement to this day. To have TAG Heuer not only continue with Carrera Cup but also expand the partnership into the GT3 Cup Challenge series, which has gone from strength to strength in the past few seasons, is tremendous for the Porsche motor racing programme in Australia.”
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will begin this week at the Adelaide 500 on February 28-March 03, while Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia will start its 2019 season at the Tasmania SuperSprint on April 5-7.
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NewsCarrera Cup celebrates 15th season with impressive driver line-up
Event Preview - Round 1, Adelaide
Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia this weekend embarks on its 15th year in Australia and is equipped with a 25-strong Porsche field to help celebrate the milestone season.
Since the 2018 Gold Coast finale, Porsche confirmed property development and investment company PAYCE as Carrera Cup’s new Title Partner for 2019 – the series’ second major partner in as many years.
This period also saw reigning Carrera Cup champion Jaxon Evans pack his bags and begin his European adventure as an official Porsche Junior driver, opening the door for other young racers looking to climb the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in the search for an international racing career with the German sports car brand.
Over the break several high-profile names have confirmed their Carrera Cup comeback, including 2015 series champion and five-time Bathurst 1000 winner Steven Richards and 2014 Carrera Cup runner-up Warren Luff, who steps into the title-winning #7 McElrea Racing entry.
Other Pro-ranked newcomers include 2018 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia runner-up Cooper Murray and Darwin native Thomas Maxwell, who returns to Australia after a three-year stint in European open wheel racing. Murray and Maxwell will be joined by returning young racers Jordan Love and Cameron Hill in the battle for the Michelin Junior title and the chance to following in the footsteps of Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans to compete against the best young international Carrera Cup drivers in the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout.
Also continuing is a group of former front-runners who will be looking to capture the title, including 2018 runner-up David Wall, Dale Wood, who won the most races last season, and Nick McBride, who finished last season with a commanding Gold Coast round victory. Adelaide racer Michael Almond will also look to continue his success in South Australia after claiming round victory in Carrera Cup’s inaugural visit to The Bend Motorsport Park. Perth-based racer Josh Hunt also returns with the aim to steer Volante Rosso up the Carrera Cup order in his, and the team’s, second Porsche season.
The ‘Padayachee’ name will have twice the presence in the 2019 field with the return of Duvashen Padayachee. With 32 round starts to his name, Padayachee will race alongside his TAG Heuer Pro-Am ranked father, Indiran Padayachee, in the GWR Australia stable, becoming the first father-son combination to race in Carrera Cup since Stephen and Brenton Grove both contested the final round of the 2017 season in Gold Coast.
Fresh from his third Class B win in the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour, Stephen Grove returns to Carrera Cup in pursuit of his fourth, and third-straight, TAG Heuer Pro-Am title. However, Grove is faced with arguably the most-competitive TAG Heuer Pro-Am field in Carrera Cup history.
Triple TAG Heuer Pro-Am class champion Max Twigg is back for 2019 in the search for his first Pro-Am title since 2013, while Adrian Flack and Tim Miles, who placed second and third respectively in last season’s TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings, will look to capitalise on experience gained in their first full Carrera Cup season to fight for the 2019 Pro-Am title.
Roger Lago will look to replicate his season-opening form from last year following a clean sweep on the Adelaide streets in 2018, while Adelaide drivers Sam Shahin and Anthony Gilbertson enter their home event with significantly more racing laps than at their maiden Adelaide 500 campaigns last season.
Just two drivers enter the 15th Carrera Cup season having also competed in the inaugural 2003 season: Marc Cini is set to embark on his 297th Carrera Cup race start for the opening Adelaide race while Dean Cook enters his 23rd Carrera Cup round after placing sixth in the 2018 Pro-Am standings.
Graham Williams and Dave Stevens have also committed to the 2019 season, as has former GT racer Liam Talbot, who transitions from a Porsche 911 GT3 R to the one-make 911 GT3 Cup model.
The 15th season of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will commence with opening practice on Thursday. Qualifying and race one will feature on Friday, with race two and race three to be held on Saturday and Sunday.
Carrera Cup will again feature a comprehensive broadcast package in 2019; all Adelaide sessions from practice two will be televised on Fox Sports 506 and streamed live on new streaming service, Kayo. All races will be broadcast on free-to-air television; race one will be shown live on 10 Bold with the following two races to be aired on TEN.
Event Schedule
Thursday February 28
10:50am – Practice 1 (20 minutes)
3:00pm – Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday March 01
10:30am – Qualifying (20mins)
4:20pm – Race 1 (15 laps)
Saturday March 02
3:00pm – Race 2 (10 laps)
Sunday March 03
1:30pm – Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Practice 2 – 3:00pm, Thursday February 28 (Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Qualifying – 10:30am, Friday March 01 (Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Race 1 – 4:20pm, Friday March 01 (10 Bold, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Race 2 – 3:00pm, Saturday March 02 (TEN, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 03 (TEN, Fox Sports 506, Kayo)
Entry List
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
#5 Thomas Maxwell (Pro) Sonic/Hose Power
#6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Garage1
#7 Warren Luff (Pro) Mega/No Second Chance
#8 Nick McBride (Pro) PCM/Marshalls+Dent+Wilmoth
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
#12 Steve Richards (Pro) O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing/BP Ultimate
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend Motorsport Park/HTFU
#15 Josh Hunt (Pro) Volante Rosso Workshop
#19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
#20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
#22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF
#23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Lago Racing
#27 Liam Talbot (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Wash It
#34 Duvashen Padayachee (Pro) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
#35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
#36 Cooper Murray (Pro)
#38 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE
#50 David Stevens (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Brennan IT
#77 Michael Almond (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA Australia
#80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am)
#100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
#111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Seears Workwear
#131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Williams Harcourts
#777 Jordan Love (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts/SRG
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NewsPorsche celebrates with Amadio in 2019
Amadio Wines partners two Porsche series
Porsche racers will have added incentive for success in 2019 following the announcement of Amadio Wines as the Official Wine and Champagne Partner for both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia championships.
As part of the new partnership, Amadio Wines’ Amadio GR Reserve Brut will be used for Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge podium celebrations throughout the 2019 season, while Amadio Wines will also hold the presenting rights to Carrera Cup’s 2019 Welcome Function, to be held at the Adelaide-based Amadio Wines Cellar Door.
Amadio Wines logos will also feature on every Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge entry throughout 2019.
“We’re certainly excited to have Amadio Wines on board for the 2019 Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge seasons. Carrera Cup has traditionally started its season by spraying Amadio on the Adelaide 500 podium, however it’s great to now have a direct partnership with Amadio Wines not only with Carrera Cup but also with the GT3 Cup Challenge series,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Troy Bundy.
“We will also hold our 2019 Carrera Cup Welcome Function at Amadio Wines’ Adelaide Cellar Door, which will provide a perfect setting to host our Porsche teams and drivers ahead of what is expected to be a sensational season on track.”
Amadio Wines Managing Director Danniel Amadio is pleased to join in the celebrations of two of Australia’s top sports car racing series.
“It’s great for Amadio Wines to partner with Porsche through its two motor racing series, Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge in 2019. The partnership is a great fit for both brands and fittingly, it’s great that we can help launch the start of the 2019 Carrera Cup season ahead of its opening round – and Amadio’s home event – the Adelaide 500,” said Amadio.
The 2019 season will feature a total of 14 podium presentations across both the Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge series, from which there will be 102 bottles of Amadio GR Reserve Brut presented and subsequently sprayed.
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NewsO’Brien Racing launches 2019 campaign
2014 champion Steve Richards ready for Carrera Cup return
O’Brien Racing has officially launched its 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia campaign with the unveiling of a striking new livery.
The new-look O’Brien Racing outfit will be led by five-time Bathurst 1000 winner Steve Richards and his successful Steve Richards Motorsport team as they return to the championship after a two-season absence.
The unveiling of the O’Brien Racing livery marks the official start of Richards’ return to Porsche Carrera Cup, as he looks to add to the title he won in the prestigious one-make series in 2014.
“I’m really excited to be returning to the Porsche Carrera Cup this season,” said Richards.
“It’s a fantastic championship, the latest-spec car is sensational and the entire SRM crew can’t wait to get the season started.”
O’Brien Racing may be a fresh addition to the Australian motorsport scene, but for Richards, there’s a sense of familiarity thanks to his long association with the O’Brien owned Laser Plumbing & Electrical brand, which has been a crucial part of his Porsche and GT programmes since 2011.
“Two of Australia’s leading services brands, O’Brien® & Laser came together in early 2018, creating O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing. O’Brien continue to develop the business model created by Laser with a focus on customers and the success of their Members while they expand services beyond vehicle glass repair and replacement and glazing and make a bigger difference to more Australians.”
“With Laser’s culture of providing a ‘totally dependable’ customer service and the O’Brien philosophy of ‘solving people’s problems with real care’, it seems like a match made in heaven.”
O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Director Steve Keil welcomed the transition to O’Brien Racing and Richards’ return to the Porsche Carrera Cup for 2019.
“We’re proud to have Steve Richards on board as our ambassador and thrilled to have O’Brien Racing on the Carrera Cup grid this year,” said Keil.
“The ongoing support of Richo is a key part of our national marketing strategy, particularly through the eight-round, fully-televised Porsche Carrera Cup season.
“While the branding is new, we have a long association with Richo through that side of our business. Given that customer care is the foundation of our business, nurturing a long-term relationship is the right fit for the O’Brien® brand.
“The O’Brien Racing Porsche looks fantastic and we can’t wait to see it on track.”
Richards added that the entire sponsorship group is crucial to getting the O’Brien Racing programme up and running for the 2019 season.
“I’m really proud to represent some incredible partners as we head back to Porsche Carrera Cup this year,” he said.
“BP Ultimate are also steadfast in their support of our O’Brien Racing Porsche Carrera Cup team.”
Adam Arnold, GM of Marketing at BP Australia says, “BP Australia is proud to partner with Steve Richards Motorsports again in 2019. We are looking forward to seeing our most advanced fuel brand, BP Ultimate, on Steve’s Porsche. Good luck in the 2019 race season.”
“Mosley Mining continue as a long-term partner of the team, along with DAF trucks providing our XF105 prime mover,” added Richards.
“We’ll also continue our support of Beyond Blue in 2019. It’s a partnership that stems from our previous association with Laser Plumbing & Electrical and continues under O’Brien® , but more recently we have been touched personally by mental health issues close to our family and friends.”
The 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at the Superloop Adelaide 500, between February 28-March 3.
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NewsStevens returns for title tilt
Wall Racing confirms TAG Heuer Pro-Am contender for full season
WALL RACING has confirmed David Stevens will contest the full Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia in 2019, fighting for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am title.
Stevens will race the distinctive Brennan IT #50 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car for the full season alongside Wall Racing teammates, David Wall and Liam Talbot.
Stevens, an accomplished racer in GT-style machinery, contested the final two rounds of the 2018 season as a warm-up to his full-time campaign this year.
Though results didn’t fall his way at Mount Panorama and Surfers Paradise, the performance was enough to impress a former outright series champion.
“David did a fantastic job on debut at Bathurst and was on track for a podium result,” Team Owner David Wall explained.
“Unfortunately, the final race didn’t go to plan, however his speed and results on debut impressed the team and hopefully will underline further success in 2019 that he deserves.
“David is not only a great guy, but he is also doing a fantastic job driving the car. His data and work ethic towards his Motorsport is first class and I’m sure comes from his previous success as a gold medalist in cycling,” Wall added.
David will be supported once again by Brennan IT in his 2019 campaign.
Stevens will test at Wakefield Park this week ahead of the opening round of the 2019 championship at the Superloop Adelaide 500 on February 28 to March 3.
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NewsCoffex to boost both Porsche series in 2019
Official Coffee supplier expands support in 2019
Teams across Porsche’s two Australian one-make motor racing series have cause for celebration with confirmation of Coffex Coffee Roasters increased support of both the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia championships in 2019.
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 – part of which included providing coffee, tea and associated products to all involved in the championship.
Not only will the popular service continue for the 2019 Carrera Cup championship but also expand to include the GT3 Cup Challenge series for all of its six rounds this season.
The new agreement also coincides with the introduction of a new racing-inspired Sanremo ‘Cafe Racer’ Coffee Machine, which will be unveiled to the series at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
“We are thrilled to continue our strong partnership with Coffex Coffee Roasters into the 2019 Carrera Cup season, but also expand their involvement into the 2019 GT3 Cup Challenge season,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager 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 and its Australian one-make series.
“Coffex and Porsche have enjoyed a tremendous partnership across the past four Carrera Cup season and it’s exciting to enter our fifth season with Carrera Cup in addition to now partner the GT3 Cup Challenge for 2019,” said Ernest.
“We are looking forward to working with Porsche in 2019 and increase our presence at this year’s motor racing events and also debuting a uniquely customised Café Racer with Porsche liveries by Sanremo Coffee Machines Australia, which brings a distinct racing flavour to the Porsche Paddock in 2019.”
Coffex Coffee Roasters will continue to receive branding on all Porsche Carrera Cup Australia entries this season, while all Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia race cars will now run Coffex branding for the first time in 2019.
Coffex – https://www.coffex.com.au/
Sanremo – http://www.sanremoaustralia.com.au/
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NewsMega support for N2C Porsche in 2019
Major backer and livery launched for Luff's Carrera Cup return
Returning Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia star, Warren Luff will have his McElrea Racing campaign supported by Gold Coast-based fuel distributor, MEGA Limited in 2019.
Luff unveiled his striking MEGA Porsche at the companies new Yatala headquarters this morning, while MEGA also confirmed their support of the No Second Chance program that will also support Luff’s McElrea Porsche this year.
It represents his return to Australia’s fastest single-make racing series after last racing Carrera Cup in 2014. He will be McElrea Racing’s outright Championship spearhead with Tim Miles and Anthony Gilbertson challenging for the hotly contested TAG Heuer Pro-Am Title.
Over recent years, while not being behind the wheel, Luff played an integral role within the McElrea Racing setup – mentoring Matt Campbell to the Championship in 2016 and Jaxon Evans to last year’s Title – both youngsters now based in Germany as factory-backed Porsche Juniors in Porsche Supercup.
The two time PIRTEK Enduro Cup Champion will again co-drive for Walkinshaw Andretti United in the Supercars endurance races, which further extends his relationship with MEGA, which earlier this month was unveiled as the co-naming rights sponsor of the team.
“McElrea Racing has proved itself as the outfit to beat in the Series. With Matt and Jaxon having won two of the last three years, the pressure’s really on to step up to the plate!
“I’m thrilled to be back in Carrera Cup, the competition seems to get tighter and tighter each year and this year will be no exception. There are some very quick new guys coming in, along with some drivers that have a few years there already, so it’s going to be on from the first race in Adelaide to the Gold Coast finale.
“To have MEGA come on-board for the season is fantastic. They are committed to motorsport in a big way and through my Supercars involvement at Walkinshaw Andretti United, I’ve had the chance to interact with the MEGA team and they are some of the most passionate sponsors going around, so to represent them here in Carrera Cup and in the quest for my third PIRTEK Enduro Cup is something I’m pretty excited about!”
Team Principal, Andy McElrea welcomed Luff back to the Carrera Cup grid – and MEGA to his team.
“Over recent years, Warren’s been at the centre of our team in the two year programs we had with both Matt (Campbell) and Jaxon (Evans) – and in both cases he has mentored them to Championships and global scholarships with the Porsche factory,” said McElrea.
“He’s one of the most consistent drivers going around and I couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Carrera Cup grid after spending those years on the sidelines. You could see at every round that he was itching to be out there and he’ll be right there from race one.
“I am also very happy to welcome a new naming rights sponsor in MEGA Limited to our team and to Carrera Cup. MEGA has established a well-recognised brand in a short period of time and is expanding rapidly. We’re elated that we can add further excitement to the MEGA Racing program this year and play our role in seeing them expand even more across Australia.”
Also part of Luff’s MEGA/McElrea Racing campaign in 2019 is Gold Coast-based Youth Charity, No Second Chance.
Luff – who is the lead stunt driver at Warner Bros Movie World – has played an ambassadorial role in No Second Chance since its launch in 2013 and will be central to the school visits associated with every Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia event this year.
No Second Chance delivers positive messages to teens about making correct decisions, highlighting the devastating effects of youth violence and driving under the influence.
MEGA Limited has also aligned itself with No Second Chance and it will be spreading the N2C message nationally through its growing bulk fuel distribution platform.
No Second Chance has long used a partnership with leading Porsche Carrera Cup Australia team, McElrea Racing to drive its message.
The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship gets underway in under two weeks’ time at the Superloop Adelaide 500 (February 28-March 3) and will wind its way across Australia until the Gold Coast 600 (October 25-27).
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NewsWall: ‘2019 field as competitive as ever’
Former champion confirms 2019 plans and returning sponsor
Former Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Champion David Wall has his eyes on the 2019 title though believes the 2019 field will be as competitive as the championship has seen.
Wall has experienced three strong seasons in the Porsche championship since his return after a stint in the Supercars Championship, placing third, first and second over the past three years.
The Sydney-based team owner now anticipates another extremely competitive season ahead, not only because of the return of several experienced racers but also due to his younger opponents looking to fill the void created by out-going champion Jaxon Evans.
“I think we’re in a good position to fight for the 2019 title. Over the past three Carrera Cup seasons we’ve finished third, first and second and since Jaxon and Dylan have moved on to other series, we are in a good position for fight for the 2019 championship,” said Wall, who suggests this feat won’t come easily.
“The depth of talent in Carrera Cup this season is unbelievable. The drivers with experience will be really hard to beat throughout the season, including guys like Warren Luff, Steven Richards and Dale Wood, who you know will be strong at every track.
“There is also great youth once again coming through the category. You look at Jaxon Evans; he was at the front of the Carrera Cup field at the end of his first season before becoming a real contender in his second season. I fully expect Jordan Love to do the same; he was really impressive in the latter round of 2018 and will be in the hunt for the 2019 title.
“Also don’t discount Cooper Murray; although it’s his first year in Carrera Cup he was super impressive in GT3 Cup Challenge last season and it shouldn’t be long before he is racing near the front of the Carrera Cup field this season.
“The top 10 in Carrera Cup will be immensely competitive and racing within the top five will be extremely close. I’m really looking forward to getting to Adelaide and seeing what we can produce in 2019.”
Wall will again take PAYCE into the 2019 season as the major backer for the #38 Wall Racing entry.
“A massive thank you to PAYCE for continuing their support, and hopefully we can repay them with a strong season and great championship result.”
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NewsValuable technical partnership confirmed for Cameron Hill
Canberra racer partners with GWR Australia for 2019 season
Second-year Porsche Carrera Cup racer Cameron Hill believes a technical alliance with an established outfit will help him and his team unlock race-winning speed in 2019.
Hill’s team will partner with the GWR Australia operation, the two squads agreeing to share data and technical resources at race meetings.
While Hill demonstrated his talent with a podium finish at Bathurst last year, the 22-year-old said the team’s lack of experience with the Porsche meant they started each round at a disadvantage compared to most others.
“We were learning on the run last year, and while other teams were able to arrive at each circuit with a clear baseline, we were usually a step behind,” Hill said.
“While everyone put in a massive effort, we lacked a few key human resources. I was analysing my own data between sessions, and there was a lot of guesswork with driving technique and car setup.
“The GWR outfit has a wealth of experience running Porsches, and one of the main advantages will be working with their data engineer, Dejan Ninic.
“I’ve seen Dejan in action and done a bit of work with him in the past. He’s an absolute gun when it comes to data analysis – he can instantly determine how a race car is behaving, and recommend adjustments to the car or the way I’m driving it.”
The GWR drivers will also benefit from the alliance, the father-and-son team of Indiran and Duvashen Padayachee being able to access Hill’s data.
“Indiran and Duvashen are both very passionate about motorsport, and keen to improve their own performances,” Hill said.
“Duvashen has had some strong results, especially in endurance races like the Bathurst 12 Hour where he has finished in the top four outright. I look forward to working with both of them.”
Hill and GWR tested at Winton yesterday ahead of the Carrera Cup opener at the Adelaide 500 in a fortnight.
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NewsFather-son combo confirmed for 2019 season
Duvashen joins father Indiran at Garth Walden Racing
TAG Heuer Pro-Am racer Indiran Padayachee will be joined on the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia grid by his Pro-ranked son, Duvashen Padayachee, for the 2019 season.
While the duo has never faced one another in Carrera Cup competition, they did become the first father-son combination to race any international Carrera Cup round in the same entry during the 2015 two-driver Pro-Am event at Phillip Island.
For the first time, both Indiran and Duvashen have committed to the 2019 Carrera Cup Australia season, racing with Sydney based outfit GWR Australia.
“It’s a pretty exciting prospect to think I will be racing the entire Carrera Cup Australia season alongside my father,” said Duvashen, who has 32 Carrera Cup round starts to his name since his series debut in Adelaide, 2013.
“I’ve seen Dad race the new Carrera Cup car throughout the 2018 season and I’d be lying to say that I wasn’t immensely jealous at every single round. Entering the 2019 season, the time was right to step back into the Carrera Cup championship.
“I’ve had some laps in the new Carrera Cup car, which was very impressive. It is certainly a great evolution of the 2014-spec 911 GT3 Cup car I raced previously in Carrera Cup and I can’t to take it to Adelaide and get the season underway.”
Upon completing his first full-time season in Carrera Cup, Indiran Padayachee is excited to become the first father-son combination to race in Carrera Cup since Stephen and Brenton Grove at the 2017 Gold Coast finale.
“2018 was a great first year in the championship with really strong Pro-Am competition,” said Indiran, who will enter his ninth Carrera Cup round in Adelaide.
“With a full season under my belt, I’m really looking forward to 2019; not only will I be better prepared for the challenges ahead, but it’s also really special to race in the same team as Duvashen and share the experience with him.”
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NewsTalbot confirmed for Carrera Cup campaign
Laim Talbot joins Wall Racing
Experienced sports car racer Liam Talbot will this season contest the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship with Wall Racing.
Talbot has vast experience in the Porsche 911 GT3 R and will aim to translate this knowledge to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car used in the Australian one-make series.
“I’m super excited to be joining Carrera Cup. I’ve kept a close eye on the championship for some time and it’s great to now join Carrera Cup with Wall Racing,” said Talbot.
“The depth of talent in the field is really impressive and the series races at the best tracks and events in Australia, which was a real attraction for me. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and start the season.”
Talbot will have his first laps of the 911 GT3 Cup on Wednesday February 13 but believes his previous Porsche experience should assist in acclimatising to his new race car.
“If I was coming into Carrera Cup with no 911 experience I’d be more hesitant. Hopefully my time in the 911 GT3 R makes it easier to learn and adapt to the GT3 Cup car ahead of the Carrera Cup season.”
Wall Racing team owner and driver David Wall is also looking forward to having Talbot as part of his Sydney-based operation.
“To be able to have Liam as a part of our team is a welcome addition. I feel that he will hit the ground running come round one in Adelaide, and we are all looking forward to seeing what he can produce as the season progresses,” said Wall.
Talbot will race in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am division, adding to the already strong competition throughout the semi-professional class.
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NewsPorsche and Michelin announce new-look 2019 Junior Programme
Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia
Tyre prizes, entry fees and a trip to Germany… young Australian-based Porsche drivers will this season race for a substantial $300,000 prize pool as part of a new-look Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia in 2019.
Porsche Cars Australia and Michelin Australia have again partnered to deliver one of Australia’s most comprehensive and successful driver development programmes spanning across both Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia one-make sports car championships.
Instead of nominating a select few Michelin Juniors at the start of the season, the new format allows all drivers who meet the selection criteria to race for a variety of prizes at each round. Across both series, each Michelin Junior round winner will receive free entry for the subsequent round, while the top three placed Michelin Juniors for each round will receive a free set of Michelin race tyres. All Michelin Juniors will also be invited to participate in a driver education and training course in March.
The programme will now also feature a Michelin Super Round, to be held at the Australian Grand Prix, from which the round-winning Michelin Junior will receive a trip to Germany to attend the Formula E Berlin E-Prix on May 25.
The Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout will continue to play a crucial role; the best placed Michelin Junior in Carrera Cup at the time of nomination for the Shootout will be the series’ selection for the 2019 driver evaluation event, giving the selected Michelin Junior the chance to follow in Matt Campbell’s and Jaxon Evan’s wheel tracks to Europe.
The 2019 Michelin Junior winner from Carrera Cup will also receive a trip to Germany in December to attend the 2019 Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions in Weissach.
“The Porsche Michelin Junior Programme is an important element of Porsche Cars Australia’s motor racing programme and we’re therefore thrilled to announce this new-look format for 2019,” said Troy Bundy, Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager.
“Our local Porsche Motorsport Pyramid has proven success, initially with Matt Campbell establishing his professional racing career in Europe. Then 2018 Michelin Junior Jaxon Evans followed two years later upon winning the international Junior Programme Shootout. Locally, we’re immensely proud to have had these two incredible talents rise through our system and we hope that this programme gives the current cast of Michelin Juniors the best possible chance to follow in Matt’s and Jaxon’s footsteps.
“Such a comprehensive driver development programme wouldn’t be possible without the support of Michelin Australia, who sees the potential in current Australian-based Porsche drivers and the importance to providing a programme through which young drivers can realise their racing dreams.”
Michelin Australia’s Marketing Manager Oceania, Swaroop Tulsidas, is excited to continue the French brand’s support of the region’s young racers.
“Michelin is proud to once again support the Junior Programme in 2019. The local partnership we have built with Porsche provides the Australian motorsport community with the most successful driver development programme currently available and we look forward to continuing this support into 2019,” said Tulsidas.
“Michelin’s ultimate goal for this programme is to help fast-track young and talented drivers from the region to the highest level of international motorsport. This year, we have made some improvements to the programme to benefit every Michelin Junior looking to grow on and off the track, including the exciting Michelin Super Round concept to include some added incentive at the Carrera Cup round at Albert Park.
“Le Mans winners Matt Campbell and Earl Bamber are providing a clear picture of what global success looks like with Porsche and Michelin. We wish our 2018 Michelin Junior Jaxon Evans the same fortune and look forward to welcoming and growing the class of 2019.”
To be eligible as a Michelin Junior in 2019, GT3 Cup Challenge drivers must be aged under 23 as of January 01, 2019, and Carrera Cup drivers must be aged under 25 as of January 01, 2019, without having previously attended the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout. All Michelin Juniors in each series must also commit to a full season and carry additional Michelin Junior branding on their race car and helmet.
For more information on the 2019 Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia, download the 2019 Michelin Junior Guide from the following link: http://bit.ly/MichelinJunior
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NewsOpen wheel ace makes Carrera Cup move
Tom Maxwell joins Porsche one-make series
Young open wheel racer Tom Maxwell will transition to sports car competition this season upon joining the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The 20-year-old Darwin native contested the 2015 Australian Formula Ford Championship before moving to Europe, first to race in the 2016 British Formula 3 Championship ahead of a two-year stint in Formula Renault Eurocup in 2017 and 2018.
Maxwell will now move to the Australian one-make championship to start his climb of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and, ultimately, return to European competition with the German sports car brand.
“I’m super happy initially just to be coming back to Australia and making the step into such an iconic global racing championship in Carrera Cup,” said Maxwell.
“There were many reasons we chose the Carrera Cup route as the next step after Formula Renault. I know the cars are fantastic to drive and the calendar is probably one of the best throughout Australia. The Carrera Cup competition is also incredibly strong and the depth of talent is amazing, which was another main attraction for us, to be able to race against, and learn from, far more experience rivals.
“I’ve had some laps in the 911 GT3 Cup car and it was very fun to drive. It’s has some real character about it; it’s really quick and has a fair bit of grip so I think they will be pretty cool cars to race.”
Maxwell will contest the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season with Sonic Motor Racing Services in the 911 GT3 Cup race car campaigned by Peter Major throughout the 2018 season.
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NewsCarrera Cup secures PAYCE as 2019 Title Partner
Porsche series confirms major backer for milestone season
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will enter its 15th season on track alongside its new Title Partner, PAYCE, as the property development and investment company expands its involvement in the Porsche championship.
PAYCE’s association with Australia’s leading one-make series spans several seasons, firstly as the major backer of former champion David Wall among other Porsche drivers, then as a Series Partner for the successful 2018 Carrera Cup season.
PAYCE is now Carrera Cup’s Title Partner, with the championship to become the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia.
This announcement precedes one of Carrera Cup’s most anticipated seasons. Several high-profile drivers have confirmed their continuation or return to Carrera Cup, including Wall, Steven Richards, Warren Luff and Dale Wood, while the series will again feature an incredible roster of both young up-and-coming racers and TAG Heuer Pro-Am ranked drivers. Meanwhile, Carrera Cup’s return to Townsville means that five of the eight 2019 events will be broadcast live on free-to-air television, while almost all qualifying and races will be available to watch across a comprehensive broadcast package, which includes coverage on Network Ten, Fox Sports and new streaming service, Kayo.
“This is a tremendous announcement ahead of what will be one of Carrera Cup’s strongest seasons on track. PAYCE has been a long-term supporter of drivers within our series and, more recently, an incredible partner for the series itself,” said Toni Andreevski, Porsche Cars Australia Director of Marketing & Motorsport.
“PAYCE’s confirmation as a Title Partner comes at a great time for the series; Carrera Cup enters what is expected to be one of its most exciting championship battles to date while the championship’s exposure will be better than ever with the addition of Townsville to a season that also includes the Adelaide 500, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600.
“PAYCE’s commitment to Carrera Cup also illustrates the current level of professionalism and popularity of the Porsche championship and we look forward to working with PAYCE to deliver another exciting season on and off the race track.”
PAYCE Chief Financial Officer, Brian Bailison, sees the synergy in the expanded partnership with Carrera Cup and Porsche.
“The decision to become the series naming rights partner was made after a great maiden season as an official Series Partner. We were thrilled with Carrera Cup and its commercial platform and so it’s great to take the opportunity to expand on this partnership into 2019 as the Title Partner,” said Bailison.
“On track, Carrera Cup provides a premium racing championship that aligns perfectly with PAYCE’s values around presentation, quality and brand and is a key element of what we look for in a partnership.”
The 2019 season of Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will commence at the Superloop Adelaide 500 from February 28 to March 03, 2019.
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NewsCarrera Cup promotion for teenage racer
Cooper Murray confirms Carrera Cup entry
Young racer Cooper Murray will take his next step up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid later this month when lining up for the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season opener at the Adelaide 500.
The 17-year-old Melbourne-based driver was one of the stand-out performers in last year’s Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series, scoring eight race wins and narrowly missing out on the 2018 series title.
With a season of Porsche one-make experience, Murray will continue with Ashley Seward Motorsport for his first Carrera Cup season.
“I’m certainly excited for the season ahead,” said Murray.
“I had a great season in GT3 Cup Challenge last year and achieved far more than I expected. The series was great preparation for Carrera Cup as the cars are obviously very similar with a lot of talented drivers. Naturally Carrera Cup’s on-track competition is at another level and I can’t wait to be in the same field as the likes of David Wall, Warren Luff and Steven Richards, a five-time Bathurst 1000 winner.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge and hopefully a great learning year for me. The Adelaide 500 can’t come soon enough.”
Murray follows in the footsteps of several successful Porsche one-make drivers who have used GT3 Cup Challenge as a springboard to Carrera Cup. Two such examples, Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans, won the Carrera Cup title in their second attempts before winning the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout, a development pathway Murray hopes to replicate.
“Our goal is to run a two-year Carrera Cup programme; the first year will be to learn all the tracks as I’ve only been to two of the eight tracks on the calendar. Hopefully then I can have a crack at the championship in the second year with the intention to continue my climb of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid into Europe.”
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NewsLove eyes Campbell, Evans pathway with Porsche
Young gun plans for continued motorsport pyramid ascent
Jordan Love has a clear goal… and knows what he has to do. The West Australian has seen the rise and rise of now-Porsche Young Professional and recent Bathurst 12 Hour hero Matt Campbell who, like himself, started in Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia before graduating to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
Campbell has since risen to fame in international sports car racing and now Jaxon Evans is the latest Carrera Cup Champion to win the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout and secure a position on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup grid in 2019.
Continuing in the #777 Bob-Jane T-Marts-sponsored, Sonic Motor Racing Services-run Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Love now looks to continue in their footsteps. Like Campbell and Evans, Love found success in GT3 Cup Challenge before securing his first race and round win in his maiden debut Carrera Cup season while defeating more experienced rivals in the final standings.
With Campbell and Evans now under the wing of Porsche Motorsport, Love has his sights on the 2019 Carrera Cup title and becoming the third Carrera Cup Australia graduate in four seasons to race in the white Porsche Junior race suit.
“Since joining GT3 Cup Challenge in 2017 I have had the goal of using the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Australia to progress my driving and hopefully one day becoming a Porsche-supported driver in Europe. Seeing Jaxon win the Shootout and make his own move to Europe further shows that it is possible to climb Porsche’s pyramid in Australia and become an international Porsche Junior. I’ve never been more motivated to reach this goal than now,” said Love.
“The 2018 season was a great year for us and I never thought that it would result in me getting my first Carrera Cup race win in Sydney and then my first round win at Bathurst.
“I learnt at Sydney what it takes to win a race, but at Bathurst I was able to convert that into a race weekend, and that’s what is vital for any title chase.
“Obviously my goal is to be a contender for the 2019 Carrera Cup championship. There’s a wealth of experienced drivers this season like David Wall, Steven Richards, Dale Wood and Warren Luff, who are no doubt going to make life extremely hard on track… but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
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NewsHill brings Olympic influence to 2019 Porsche campaign
Cameron Hill appoints former Olympic coach
Young Canberra-based racer Cameron Hill hopes that a key addition to his family-run team will provide a boost to his 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia chances.
Hill had a horror start to his rookie Carrera Cup season in 2018 though vastly improved towards the end of the season, highlighted by a string of three fourth-place finishes at Bathurst.
In his second Carrera Cup season, Hill has employed the services of former Olympic triathlon coach Ben Gathercole as performance manager for the 2019 season, in a move Hill says will lift the team to greater heights.
“Last year, there were times when I was very much involved in the organisational side of the race team, even on weekends,” Hill said.
“It’s no secret we’re only a small operation, and I enjoy the hands-on aspects of running the team, but on race weekends we identified the need for someone to manage the logistics so I could dedicate my entire focus to driving the race car.”
Gathercole guided Canberra triathlete Simon Thompson to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and from 2014 to 2017 he was team director for the Brumbies SuperRugby squad.
“While Ben hasn’t worked within the motorsport industry, a lot of the principles of our sport are very much the same as other sports,” added Hill.
“Ben has vast experience maximising the performance of both individual athletes and larger teams – this is very relevant to motor racing, which is both an individual and a team sport.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on our individuality, and coming from a non-motorsport background, Ben has a lot of fresh ideas. He’s looked at how we operate and already identified areas where we can improve.
“We want to bring a disciplined approach to our structures this season. Carrera Cup is so dynamic and as a small family team we are learning every day. To have someone like Ben to help steer a steady and disciplined path through the noise will help us achieve our potential – there will be a few major changes in place for the start of the season, which I’m already excited about.”
Hill finished the 2018 Carrera Cup season ninth in the standings and third in the Michelin Junior points.
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NewsQ&A: Evans on Bathurst, cold take-away and signing with Porsche
Carrera Cup and Michelin Junior winner ready for 2019 challenges
Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion Jaxon Evans will make a high-profile debut as a factory-selected Porsche Junior in the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour, starting as one of the favourites to win the fiercely-contested Pro-Am category.
The 22-year-old expatriate New Zealander, who defeated the best young international Carrera Cup drivers to win last November’s Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout at France’s Circuit Paul Ricard, will take his next step up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, co-driving the Porsche 911 GT3 R that was poised to win last year’s Bathurst 12 Hour outright until a red flag foreshortened the event in its final moments.
Evans will replace fellow Carrera Cup Australia Champion turned Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell in the #12 Competition Motorsport 911 GT3 R, owned by Australian David Calvert-Jones and managed by Queensland’s McElrea Racing, as Campbell steps up into a factory-backed #912 Earl Bamber Motorsport 911 GT3 R for the opening round of the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge in Porsche’s bid for a long-overdue Bathurst outright victory.
Importantly for Evans, his principal teammate is French GT specialist and Porsche Works driver Kévin Estre, who has been a key driver for Porsche in the past two Bathurst 12 Hour races.
Evans’ rise with Porsche saw the New Zealander race in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series for two seasons (2015-2016), placing runner-up in 2016. Evans then moved to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia for the following two years (2017-2018), winning in his second attempt in one of the series’ most competitive seasons to date.
We caught up with Evans in the Gold Coast ahead of the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour and his eventual move to Europe to contest the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Jaxon Evans Q&A
Q: When did you find out that you had won Porsche’s Junior Programme Shootout?
Jaxon Evans: “I was on my way with my girlfriend to pick up some take-away when I got the call from Germany. When I was told I had been chosen from the 11 finalists, I just went numb.
“The first people I called were my parents, who were on their way to a movie, but we went back to their place to celebrate with my then-cold take-away dinner.”
Q: What did this mean to you?
Jaxon Evans: “I had been working towards that phone call since I started racing Porsches four years ago in GT3 Cup Challenge. It was a life-changing moment.”
Q: When did the reality sink in?
Jaxon Evans: “The reality sunk in when I was mixing with all the Porsche factory drivers I had idolised at the ‘Night of Champions’ dinner in Stuttgart, where I was to collect my award for winning the 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title. I was amongst all my heroes and I thought, ‘Now I‘m one of them’.”
Q: What happened then?
Jaxon Evans: “I stayed on in Germany for a few days. I had a fitness assessment – I did OK, but even though I was pretty fit, there was room for improvement – and discussed my team options for the 2019 season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“It was a bit of an eye-opener. They knew I was quick, so the focus wasn’t on my driving. Instead they wanted me to become the best athlete I could be out of the car so that I could deliver my best inside the car. They gave me a set plan to work on back in Australia over the Christmas/New Year period.”
Q: When did you find out you’d be driving in the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour?
Jaxon Evans: “I found out that I’d be driving a Porsche at Bathurst at the Awards dinner when Matt Campbell was announced as a driver in the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge that starts at Bathurst.
“Effectively, I took his place in the Ice Break/Virgin Australia 911 GT3 R, which is rather cool as he’s a good mate and I’ve been following his moves ever since I started racing in GT3 Cup Challenge.
“Driving at Bathurst as a Porsche Junior is a huge opportunity for me. I’ll not only be in a top Porsche customer entry but also teaming with vastly experienced drivers in a potential outright race winner.
“Last year the same car was fuelled and on target to win outright before the red flag stopped the race, as its main rivals all still needed to pit. In 2017, it won the Pro-Am class and finished second outright, so it has always been up there.”
Q: What about you – are you ready for this new challenge?
Jaxon Evans: “This is my first race as a Porsche Junior and it’s on a circuit I know well, so I’m determined to do well.”
Q: Are you feeling under pressure to perform now?
Jaxon Evans: “Yes, I’m feeling pressure to justify the faith that has been put in me, but on the positive side, the car will be managed again by the same McElrea Racing team that was behind my Carrera Cup win and have two really experienced teammates – Porsche factory driver Kévin Estre and David Calvert-Jones.
“To share the car with Kévin is a great honour and an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s best GT drivers.”
Q: What happens after the Bathurst 12 Hour?
Jaxon Evans: “After Bathurst I head straight to Tenerife in the Canary Islands to take part in Porsche’s fitness camp for all its factory drivers. Then from late February I hope to be testing for my new Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup team before the first race of the season in May.”
Q: Do you expect to have trouble adjusting to living and racing in Europe?
Jaxon Evans: “Because of the calendar and the amount of testing between races, I plan to spend most of my time based in Stuttgart.
“I’ll be living with Matt Campbell, which will be a huge help as he knows the ropes now after two years there. We’ve been good friends for the past five years and we both share the same ambition to get to the top of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.”
Q: Is Matt showing you the way up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid?
Jaxon Evans: “Being around two years younger, I feel I’ve always been following his wheel tracks and we have often joked about that. But now it’s really cool that we are both with Porsche.”
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NewsQ&A: Matt Campbell talks 2019, Porsche and the Bathurst 12 Hour
Porsche Young Professional on his rise up the Porsche ranks
Australia’s latest international racing sensation, Matt Campbell, has an intense racing schedule across the next two weeks, making his first appearance in the famed 24 Hours of Daytona this weekend (January 26-27) before returning to Australia to contest the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour the following weekend (February 3).
Though his schedule is gruelling, Campbell wouldn’t have it any other way. The 23-year-old Australian is living in Germany and travelling the world as a Porsche Young Professional, racing in numerous GT championships and some of motorsport’s most prestigious endurance events. And winning.
Campbell was a member of the Dempsey-Proton Racing team that claimed GTE-Am honours at the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans and was also victorious in the following Barcelona 24 Hour race in a 911 GT3 R. Campbell also had his first taste of the Nurburgring 24 Hour event on the Nordschleife circuit and has three rounds remaining in the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour will be the start of Campbell’s maiden Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign, named in Porsche’s two-car squad to take on the 2019 season. This career milestone comes just five years since the Queensland-raised racer entered the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid at its base Australian level – Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia. Upon winning the 2014 Class B title in that series, he raced in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia for two seasons, winning in his second attempt and also claiming success in the 2016 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout, placing him on the grid for the 2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season as a Porsche Junior. Campbell finished third in that season and was promoted to a Porsche Young Professional and placed with Dempsey-Proton Racing in the 2018/19 FIA WEC along with select other endurance races.
Campbell’s promotion to the two-car factory-supported team at Bathurst represents his now-acknowledged rising status at Porsche, where he is regarded as of their rising stars.
Back in Australia catching up with family and friends, we caught up with Campbell to ask him about his strides up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid that nurtures driving talent from an amateur to professional level.
Matt Campbell Q&A
Q: What does it mean to be back at Bathurst this year in a front-line factory-backed Porsche?
Matt Campbell: “Driving a factory-supported Porsche in the full Intercontinental GT Challenge is another milestone step for me and I really want to make the most of the opportunity.
“We have a car with the potential of winning and the right team behind us – all we need this year is a little luck with the traffic and flags.”
Q: The two Porsches this time are being entered and managed by Earl Bamber Motorsport. Is that significant?
Matt Campbell: “Because of potential time and logistics issues with other series that Porsche is competing in, the Intercontinental GT Challenge entries are being managed by regional factory-approved teams, assisted by Porsche’s own Manthey-Racing engineers. At Bathurst, Earl Bamber effectively is stepping out of the driver’s seat to manage the team, so to have a World Endurance Champion, two-time Le Mans winner and experienced Bathurst 12 Hour competitor running things is a major plus for us.”
Q: Is moving into a factory Porsche for a full season a big step for you and your career?
Matt Campbell: “Getting a full season seat in the GT series is another important step up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, but at this stage it is not about going faster but being consistently fast.
“When you become a Porsche Junior, you are already probably as quick over a lap as some of the top factory drivers, but that doesn’t make you a winning endurance sports car driver.
“The steps from there are designed to develop you as both a person and as a driver. You learn how to achieve and manage your peak physical and mental fitness; how to deal with pressure, the media and all the other things that often throw young drivers off course. Endurance racing is a core activity for Porsche, so developing drivers who are able to excel at it is a priority.
“That’s why fellow Porsche Young Professional Dennis Olsen from Norway and I are teamed with an experienced driver like German Dirk Werner, so we can learn from his experience.
“Dennis and I got on really well from when we competed against each other as Porsche Juniors in 2017 and we are also both good mates with Dirk. It’s a real team effort and our egos don’t get in the way”.
Q: How much have you now integrated into the Porsche Motorsport Department?
Matt Campbell: “It wasn’t mandatory, but from the moment I started as a Porsche Junior I chose to live close to the Porsche Motorsport headquarters at Weissach. On average I visit the Race Department one to three times a week. Sometimes it’s just for a 20-minute chat about future events but at other times 80 per cent is spent on the test track outside testing new things.
“Most of the time my track work is on competition cars – for example, I did quite a bit of testing on the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport – but sometimes I get to test things like suspension set-ups or similar things on production Porsche models. I’ve been lucky to have done a lot of development work on a variety of models.”
Q: What are your ambitions at Porsche?
Matt Campbell: “I always saw myself driving car with a roof over my head, but now that the Porsche LMP1 programme has finished I’d certainly be keen to have a test in a Formula E car.
“However, for the moment, I see my future being at the top level of GT racing”.
Q: How many races are you contracted to drive in this year?
Matt Campbell: “At this stage it will be 16 or 17, but I might always get a late request to race in another events that are not currently on my programme. Being a Porsche Young Professional with a good racing CV puts you on every team’s international driver shopping list.”
Q: How different is it racing the RSR in events like Le Mans and the GT3 R in the GT series?
Matt Campbell: “The GT3 R and the RSR are very different cars to drive and being mid-engined, the RSR is very sensitive to set-up and you need to spend much longer on this.”
Q: Do you see yourself returning to Australia to race in the future?
Matt Campbell: “I have no plans to do that at present. You won’t even be going home to Warwick between the Daytona 24 Hour and Bathurst, which is the following weekend. With the time difference, there will be no opportunity.”
Q: Will having Jaxon Evans flat with you in Stuttgart help you both?
Matt Campbell: “I certainly hope I can make it easier for him. When I set off for Stuttgart in early 2016 all I had was a bag and a boarding pass. I couldn’t speak enough German to even order a beer and I had no idea where I was going to live.
“I’ll be able to help Jaxon get over all those little hurdles and he’s even got permission to drive my company Porsche that I became eligible for when I became a Young Professional.”
Q: Final question. Can you and your Porsche teammates win the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour?
Matt Campbell: “I don’t see why not. We have been strong every other year and our ambitions are the same. This year in a factory-backed car, I’m in an even better position to go for an outright win.
“Having said that, a win at Bathurst in my home race in a factory-backed Porsche would be very special!”
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NewsCampbell to make Daytona debut aboard new 911 GT3 R
Former champion set for North American classic
Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell is preparing the an almighty challenge – his first taste of the 24 Hours of Daytona on January 26-27 aboard Porsche’s brand new 911 GT3 R.
Australian Matt Campbell will race in the #73 Park Place Motorsports 911 GT3 R alongside American trio Patrick Long, Nicholas Boulle and Patrick Lindsey in the fight for GTD class honours. Three other customer teams will also be the first to race Porsche’s latest generation GT3 racer.
“I’m not really sure what to expect,”said Campbell.
“This is my first time contesting the Daytona classic. During the test I familiarised myself with the new car, with my Park Place Motorsports team and the racetrack, so I’m not expecting any difficulties. We want to do the best possible job. If we manage to do this, then let’s see what result comes out in the end.”
Meanwhile, Porsche will also field a pair of 911 RSR entries in the GTLM class in the hope to write another chapter in the success story at the season opener of this year’s IMSA SportsCar Championship.
About the race
The 24-hour race on the Daytona International Speedway is contested on a 5.73-kilometre-long combination of the tri-oval and a tight and twisty infield section. The storied event in Florida has been held every year since 1966. The endurance classic marks the start of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season and counts towards the North American Endurance Cup (NAEC).
The Porsche drivers
For the start of the 2019 motor racing year in North America, regular drivers Patrick Pilet (France) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain) share the No. 911 car, and like last year will be supported by Frédéric Makowiecki (France). In 2018, the trio won the long-distance races at Sebring and Road Atlanta. Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Mathieu Jaminet from France share the cockpit of the No. 912 sister car campaigned by the Porsche GT Team. Works driver Patrick Long (USA) takes the wheel of the 911 GT3 R with the starting number 73 with his compatriots Nicholas Boulle and Patrick Lindsey as well as Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell (Australia). In the identical No. 9 car sit Porsche development driver Lars Kern (Germany), Young Professional Dennis Olsen (Norway) and the two Canadians Scott Hargrove and Zacharie Robichon. The No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R is manned by works driver Sven Müller (Germany) and Klaus Bachler (Austria) as well as the Germans Steffen Görig, Alfred Renauer and Jürgen Häring. Sharing driving duties in the No. 540 vehicle are works driver Dirk Werner (Germany), Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (Italy), Marco Seefried (Germany) and Timothy Pappas from America.
Porsche’s Daytona successes
In the long history of the 24 Hours of Daytona spanning more than 50 years, no other manufacturer has enjoyed as much success as Porsche. 18 overall victories, four more as engine partner, and a record-setting 77 class wins remain unrivalled. Five outright victories in the years 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1991 and a class win in 1972 make US racing legend Hurley Haywood the most successful Porsche driver at Daytona.
The Porsche vehicles
For its third race season, the Porsche 911 RSR has undergone further optimisation primarily in the setup. Depending on the size of the restrictor, the engine, which is positioned in front of the rear axle, puts out around 375 kW (510 hp). The large rear diffuser combined with a top-mounted rear wing provides aerodynamic efficiency and significant downforce. The 911 GT3 R was newly developed for the 2019 season. Improvements in the areas of aerodynamics and kinematics were systematically implemented from the insights garnered from the many race outings of its predecessor. The six-cylinder engine in the rear of the GT3 customer racer produces over 368 kW (500 hp).
The schedule & live stream
The race gets underway on Saturday, 26 January, at 20:40 hrs CET (Sunday, 27 January at 06:40 hrs AEDT). The race can be watched live outside the USA and Canada at www.imsa.com.
Comments from Porsche
Fritz Enzinger (Head of Motorsport): “The season in North America always takes off with this great classic at Daytona. The race is a highlight that we definitely want to win this year with our superbly-engineered 911 RSR. Porsche is the most successful manufacturer at the 24-hour race in Florida. We sincerely hope that we can continue this success streak. The tests were promising. The entire team is well on track.”
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager 911 GT3 R): “We have high expectations. We’ve finished developing the new car, the first four customer teams tackle Daytona with the new 911 GT3 R. The pit crews and driver pairings are very good, so we can head into the race feeling optimistic. We all made good progress during the tests. If this trend continues, then I’m confident that we’ll ultimately see a strong result.”
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NewsFormer champ confirms Porsche comeback
Steven Richards returns to Carrera Cup competition
Steven Richards is the latest high-profile confirmation for the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The 2014 Carrera Cup champion will contest the 2019 season with his own Steve Richards Motorsport operation and will announce his major backer in the coming weeks ahead of the Adelaide 500 season opener.
Richards, son of inaugural Carrera Cup Australia champion Jim Richards, returns to Porsche one-make competition following two seasons of GT racing, in which time he also claimed his fifth Bathurst 1000 victory. Prior to that, Richards was a Carrera Cup regular from 2011 through to 2016, competing in 132 races across 46 rounds.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Carrera Cup. The series has certainly stepped up another notch since I was involved, from the new cars to its popularity and the incredible investment of Porsche into the championship,” said Richards.
“I was attracted back to Carrera Cup for numerous reasons. The professionalism of the series is second-to-none and racing at high-profile Supercars Championship events and the Australian Grand Prix is great value for the brands I’ll represent in 2019. Also, importantly, the racing is first class with a great blend of young up-and-coming drivers and some really serious Pro-Am competitors.”
Richards is eager to be competitive from the season-opening Adelaide 500 with the aim of adding to his current three round wins, 13 race wins, 21 round podiums and one title victory.
“My hope is to be competitive and start the season where we finished off in 2016. The competition has certainly stepped up but we’ll head into Adelaide as prepared as possible with the aim of podium finishes.”
The 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season commences in just six weeks for the series’ 13th visit to the Adelaide 500, to be held on February 28 to March 03, 2019.
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NewsPro-Am champ out to defend Class B crown
Reigning TAG Heuer-Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove will return to the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2019 in the hope to continue his Class B stronghold.
With three Class B crowns to his name from seven attempts, the Melbourne-based racer will be joined in the #4 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry by two former Carrera Cup racers, his son Brenton Grove and Brit Ben Barker, retaining the same driver line-up as his 2018 class-winning campaign.
“Having the same driver line-up heading into this year’s event was something really important for our preparations. We tried to keep some normality year on year and having the same three drivers really helps that process. It will be great to have Ben back again, so we are really excited to head to the Mountain in the new Porsche Cup car to see how we go.”
The Bathurst 12 Hour’s Class B will exclusively feature Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, with four teams currently entered in the division.
And is true Grove Racing style, the #4 car will run a vibrant colour scheme, predominantly red with a Grove flair, featuring a boxing kangaroo on the sides, an Australian flag on the bonnet and other iconic Australian symbols spread around the car.
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NewsLuff confirmed for Carrera Cup return
Warren Luff moves to title-winning Porsche seat
Popular racer Warren Luff will return to Carrera Cup Australia in 2019 following a stint on the sidelines as driver coach.
Following two seasons racing for McElrea Racing in 2013 and 2014, Luff moved aside in 2015 to make way for young gun Matt Campbell, who ultimately moved to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and replaced by Jaxon Evans in the #7 McElrea Racing entry. With Evans’ own move to Supercup, Luff will return to the #7 seat for the 2019 Porsche season.
“It’s exciting to be back in Carrera Cup – 2014 was the last time I was there but I’ve still been very close to the team and working with McElrea Racing since then as a driver coach,” Luff told motorsport website Speedcafe.com.
“I’ve always loved Carrera Cup, it’s a great championship and I’m excited to be back there.
“Our goal for going back is that we want to win races, we’d love to ultimately win the championship, but I’m not taking anything for granted.”
Luff hopes to expand on his three round wins and seven race wins he earned from his two Carrera Cup seasons, finishing runner-up to Steven Richards in his second attempt.
The 2019 Carrera Cup Australia season will kick off in Adelaide from February 28, 2019.
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NewsCampbell set for busy 2019 campaign with Porsche
Matt Campbell confirmed for Bathurst 12 Hour, two endurance series
Porsche will campaign two factory-supported 911 GT3 R entries in the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour, one of which will include young Australian sensation Matt Campbell.
The announcement came as part of the Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions overnight in Weissach, Germany, where Porsche officially recognised the worldwide achievements of its teams and drivers over the 2018 season.
Included in the announcements was the confirmation of a two-car campaign in the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge, which begins with the Bathurst 12 Hour. Campbell will join German Dirk Werner and Norwegian Dennis Olsen in one entry while Romain Dumas, Sven Müller and Mathieu Jaminet will fill the other Porsche entry. The same two-car driver line-ups will also compete in the entire 2019 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup.
The Night of Champions was also Jaxon Evans’ first official introduction as a Porsche Junior. The 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia Champion was announced as the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout winner last month and will now race in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2019. Joining Evans at the Night of Champions was Stephen Grove, who won the TAG Heuer Pro-Am title in Carrera Cup Australia, and 2018 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia Champion Simon Fallon.
Commitment to Le Mans
At the 87th edition of the 24-hour race at Le Mans, Porsche will again field four works vehicles. The two Porsche GT Teams from the FIA WEC and the IMSA Weathertech Championship each campaign a pair of ca. 510 hp GT racers from Weissach. The cockpit of the #91 car is shared by Gianmaria Bruni, Richard Lietz and Frédéric Makowiecki. The #92 vehicle is helmed by the title defenders Kévin Estre, Michael Christensen and Laurens Vanthoor. Patrick Pilet, Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber take up the race in the #93 car. Sharing driving duties in the 911 RSR with the starting #94 are the youngsters Sven Müller, Mathieu Jaminet and Dennis Olsen. As in 2018, customer teams contesting the GTE-Am classes will also be strongly. For the first time in the history of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans marks the season finale.
Top-flight squad
Porsche focuses on continuity in its works driver squad. All factory drivers who were part of the team in 2018 are also under contract for 2019. The same applies to all Porsche Young Professionals. The only newcomer to the team is the Porsche Junior Evans. The 22-year-old New Zealander is the reigning Champion of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia and came out on top at a shootout against ten other talented youngsters from international one-make cup series. A total of 24 drivers make up the squad for 2019.
Continued factory involvement in the USA
Porsche will again tackle the IMSA WeatherTech Championship with two 911 RSR in 2019. The collaboration with Core Autosport has been extended for another three years. As in the past, the cockpit of the #911 vehicle is shared by Nick Tandy and Patrick Pilet. They will be joined at the particularly long races in Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and at Petit Le Mans by Frédéric Makowiecki. The #912 sister car is manned by the regular crew of Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor. These two receive backing at the endurance classics from Mathieu Jaminet.
Intensive support for customer teams
Porsche continues its intensive support of customer teams in worldwide GT3 racing series. The new 911 GT3 R featuring particularly efficient aerodynamics and significantly improved driveability will be fielded for the first time. Porsche Motorsport has sold 45 units of this customer sport racer. In 2019, strong three-man crews will contest all rounds of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, including the season-opening 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour, and the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup: Romain Dumas, Sven Müller and Mathieu Jaminet as well as Dirk Werner, Dennis Olsen and Matt Campbell. In the Blancpain GT World Challenge America and the ADAC GT Masters, Porsche also supports at least two vehicles run by customer squads in the pro-category. Customer support will also be given at a number of national series and selected events.
Project title defence at the Nürburgring
The winning Manthey-Racing team aims to defend its title at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring in 2019. Backed by the factory for this campaign, the squad from Meuspath, Germany, will tackle the race with two new 911 GT3 R. The winning quartet of 2018 remains unchanged, with Richard Lietz, Frédéric Makowiecki, Patrick Pilet and Nick Tandy sharing the cockpit of the rear-engine car. In the sister vehicle, Earl Bamber joins forces with the Le Mans winning trio, Michael Christensen, Kévin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor. Moreover, Porsche assists a number of other teams with drivers and also provides technical and strategic support.
World premiere of a successful racer
The successor to the winning Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport will celebrate its world premiere on 3 January 2019, at the ‘Roar before the 24’ Daytona tests. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first ever production race car with body parts that are sustainably manufactured: the front hood, doors and rear wing are all made of natural-fibre composite material. Three weeks after its launch, the new clubsport racer will make its race debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The GT4 rounds off the clubsport family of Porsche Motorsport, which includes the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport and 935 models.
New head at Porsche Motorsport
As of 1 January 2019, Fritz Enzinger assumes the overall management of Porsche Motorsport, which in addition to GT racing will also include Formula E in the upcoming season. Until now, Enzinger was responsible for the management of the LMP1 project and in February 2018 also took on the role as head of Group Motorsport. The Vice President of Motorsport, Frank-Steffen Walliser, who has held this position since 2014, will move into the department of the CEO, where he will be responsible for the 718 and 911 sports car model lines.
Porsche Cup: Christian Ried defends private driver award
The Porsche Cup, the trophy for the world’s most successful private Porsche driver, again goes to Christian Ried (39). The racing driver/owner of Dempsey Proton Racing was awarded the coveted trophy by Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG. In addition, Ried takes home a Porsche valued at more than 120,000 Euro. Thanks to his successes in the FIA WEC and the European Le Mans Series, he earned 10,348 points over the past season at the wheel of the Porsche 911 RSR. Second-placed Robert Renauer, the 2016 winner of the Porsche Cup, can look forward to prize money totalling 30,000 Euro. For third place, Julien Andlauer from France wins 25,000 Euro. The Porsche Cup, based on an idea of Ferry Porsche, has been awarded since 1970.
Works drivers for 2019
Earl Bamber (28/New Zealand)
Jörg Bergmeister (42/Germany)
Timo Bernhard (37/Germany)
Gianmaria Bruni (37/Italy)
Michael Christensen (28/Denmark)
Romain Dumas (40/France)
Kévin Estre (30/France)
Brendon Hartley (29/New Zealand)
Neel Jani (35/Switzerland)
Richard Lietz (34/Austria)
Patrick Long (37/USA)
André Lotterer (37/Germany)
Frédéric Makowiecki (38/France)
Sven Müller (26/Germany)
Patrick Pilet (37/France)
Nick Tandy (34/Great Britain)
Laurens Vanthoor (27/Belgium)
Dirk Werner (37/Germany)
Young Professionals
Matteo Cairoli (22/Italy)
Matt Campbell (23/Australia)
Mathieu Jaminet (24/France)
Dennis Olsen (22/Norway)
Juniors
Julien Andlauer (19/France)
Jaxon Evans (22/New Zealand)
Race series overview
FIA World Endurance Championship
911 RSR #91 – Gianmaria Bruni / Richard Lietz
911 RSR #92 – Michael Christensen / Kévin Estre
24 Hours of Le Mans
911 RSR #91 – Gianmaria Bruni / Richard Lietz / Frédéric Makowiecki
911 RSR #92 – Michael Christensen / Kévin Estre / Laurens Vanthoor
911 RSR #93 – Earl Bamber / Patrick Pilet / Nick Tandy
911 RSR #94 – Sven Müller / Mathieu Jaminet / Dennis Olsen
IMSA WeatherTech Championship
911 RSR #911 – Patrick Pilet / Nick Tandy / Frédéric Makowiecki*
911 RSR #912 – Earl Bamber / Laurens Vanthoor / Mathieu Jaminet*
* North American Endurance Cup
Nürburgring 24 Hours, Team Manthey Racing
911 GT3 R – Earl Bamber / Michael Christensen / Kévin Estre / Laurens Vanthoor
911 GT3 R – Richard Lietz / Frédéric Makowiecki / Patrick Pilet / Nick Tandy
Intercontinental GT Challenge and Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup
911 GT3 R – Romain Dumas / Sven Müller / Mathieu Jaminet
911 GT3 R – Dirk Werner / Dennis Olsen / Matt Campbell
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NewsPorsche racer eyes Supercars success
Dylan O'Keeffe confirms Super2 move
Young racer Dylan O’Keeffe will move to the Super2 Series following a tremendous four seasons climbing the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
Following a season in Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia in 2015 and three subsequent seasons in Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, the 20-year-old Melbourne racer has used the pathway to assist in forging a career in Australia in his now-confirmed move to the Super2 Series.
O’Keeffe, who placed third in the 2018 Carrera Cup standings, will step into the 2018 Super2 title-winning seat with Garry Rogers Motorsport.
“I’ve learned a lot during my last three seasons in Carrera Cup, and this year I demonstrated my ability to match it with the best drivers in the category,” said O’Keeffe, who completed a recent rookie evaluation day with GRM week at Winton.
“I completed around 300km on Tuesday, which enabled me to fine-tune my driving technique – it’s a very different style to the Porsche.
“I also worked closely with the team on car setup, to understand the effects of different changes.”
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NewsPorsche champion gets first taste of Supercars
Evans and O'Keeffe sample Supercars at Winton
Jaxon Evans has had an incredible few weeks, securing the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia title before participating in, and eventually winning, the 2018 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout.
Evans will now move to Europe to take his position as a Porsche Junior and compete in the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Before this, however, Evans was given the opportunity to test a Supercar with Melbourne-based team Walkinshaw Andretti United at Winton Motor Raceway.
“A lot of fun,” Evans told Supercars.com at the rookie evaluation day.
“Very different to drive compared to what I’m used to in the Cup car, but I slowly came to grips with it and enjoyed it a lot.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to get my bum back in a seat and do more.
“In terms of sitting in the car and everything, it feels like I’m sitting in a lot bigger car. It’s a lot of power under your right foot and the braking and everything is obviously very different. Having a gearstick there and having to heel-and-toe was something unique for me, something I haven’t done before, but a lot of fun.
“I enjoyed adapting to that and coming to grips with it.”
Evans wasn’t the only Carrera Cup young gun at the test; fellow Junior Shootout attendee Dylan O’Keeffe also took part in the evaluation day with Garry Rogers Motorsport. The experience was O’Keeffe’s second in a Supercar having completed a test with Erebus Motorsport earlier in the year.
To view on-board footage of Evans in the Walkinshaw Andretti United Supercar, visit the Supercars.com website.
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News‘Unfinished business’ for Groves at GT Nations Cup
Father-and-son pairing conclude Bahrain event
Reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove and son Brenton Grove ended their campaign in the inaugural FIA GT Nations Cup with a DNF in the Main Race, leaving the pair with ‘unfinished business’ at the unique nation-versus-nation event.
The Team Australia duo raced a Herberth Motorsport-prepared Porsche 911 GT3 R at the Bahrain International Circuit event, finishing 13th and 12th in the two qualifying races.
The #911 entry was then caught up in opening corner carnage at the start of the final Main Race, ending its bid in the 2018 GT Nations Cup, which was ultimately won by the team representing Turkey.
In spite of the unfortunate conclusion, both Groves were thrilled by the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“It’s such a shame that the Main Race ended before it had really begun,” said Stephen Grove.
“All weekend the team had done a great job with the car and our strategy was really good.
“I think we were in for a great result. Obviously there was a lot of carnage in the race and unfortunately, we weren’t able to avoid it.
“However, the whole event was a great experience and driving with Brenton once again was something special.”
Brenton added: “Driving with Dad was such an amazing thing to do. Obviously, the result didn’t end up the way we wanted it to, but we worked so well together and were a very competitive pairing.
“From our side, there’s definitely an element of unfinished business so we are hoping we can get the blessing from CAMS to come back again next year and put our best foot forward.”
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NewsGroves to contest GT Nations Cup with Porsche
TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion makes GT3 debut
Father-and-son racers Stephen and Brenton Grove will this weekend represent Australia at the inaugural FIA GT Nations Cup at the Bahrain International Circuit, racing a Porsche 911 GT3 R in an 18-strong GT3 field.
The duo has teamed with German racing operation Herberth Motorsport for the unique GT event, which sees each entry represent a different country and every two-driver combination comprising of both a Silver-ranked and Bronze-ranked racer.
Brenton Grove enters the GT Nations Cup as the Silver driver in the Australian #911 entry, bringing significant Porsche experience to the Bahrain event having previous experience in both GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup championships in Australia.
Meanwhile, the Bronze-ranked Stephen Grove looks to continue the success he experienced in the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season; the Melbourne businessman secured his third TAG Heuer Pro-Am title at the Carrera Cup season finale at the Gold Coast 600 last month.
While Grove has vast experience at the wheel of a Porsche, he looks forward to the new challenges presented by the GT Nations Cup.
“It’s something quite special to pair up with Brenton and represent Australia at a world class event like the GT Nations Cup,” said Stephen.
“While we will be gunning for a good result, it’s also something you’ve got to enjoy and we’ll certainly learn from working with the Herberth Motorsport team.
“It’s great to contest the event with Porsche. For us, it was the only option. I’m going from a 911 GT3 Cup car in Carrera Cup to a 911 GT3 R. While there are differences, they are still related. I’ve actually never raced a 911 GT3 R, or any other GT3 car for that matter. There are certain things I am getting my head around – the buttons and knobs within the car – so I’m as prepared as possible leading into the event as we have had no test days.
“I also take the fact that we’re representing Australia quite seriously. We have the car wrapped in the Australian flag and we’ll get the best possible results for our country. It should be a great event and I can’t wait to get on track.”
A week after concluding his 2018 season of the Super2 Series, Brenton now looks forward to returning to racing a Porsche following his full-time 2017 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia campaign, two Carrera Cup rounds and the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hour, which he was the Class B winner alongside his father Stephen, Ben Barker and Dan Gaunt.
“I can’t wait, I’m so excited for the event. For us it will be our first time in a GT3 car so I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel and flying the flag for Australia,” said Brenton.
“We’ve been doing lots of simulator work in the lead up to the weekend, looking at on-board videos and we’ve also watched previous races there like WEC to get the best gauge of the circuit we can before we arrive. I watched some Blancpain GT races as well to better understand what cars have strengths in different areas and also to learn how you attack, pass and where to defend from certain cars. The Porsche always has nice traction so that will be a strength we will need to maximise over the weekend. There will be some good competition, but it’s going to be good to work with Herberth Motorsport – they’re an exceptional team with plenty of experience.”
About FIA GT Nations Cup
The inaugural FIA GT Nations Cup is the headline act for the SRO Motorsports Group-organised Bahrain GT Festival, with each GT Nations Cup race entry representing their country for national glory. Each two-driver team will comprise one Silver and one Bronze driver representing their home nation, with a maximum of one car entered per country. Cars can be entered by any team, regardless of nationality, with teams allowed to enter cars for multiple nations. The FIA GT Nations Cup is run to GT3 regulations.
Two qualifying sessions will set the grid for a pair of 60-minute qualifying races – the first on Friday, the second on Saturday – which in turn decide the grid for a 60-minute main race on Saturday afternoon. The winning drivers from the main 60-minute race and their country will be crowned as champions.
Countries represented in the FIA GT Nations Cup include Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Malaysia, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey and United Kingdom.
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NewsEvans wins Shootout, becomes Porsche Junior in 2019
Jaxon Evans to race in 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Jaxon Evans has taken victory in the 2018 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout and will follow in the footsteps of Matt Campbell when competing in the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as a Porsche Junior.
The Gold Coast-based New Zealander won the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia title at last month’s Gold Coast finale, along with becoming the Michelin Junior champion, and thereafter attended the three-day Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout at Circuit Paul Ricard near Le Castellet, France.
Following an anxious wait for the 22-year-old, Evans was confirmed as the winning Shootout participant from the 11 attending drivers; all standout young talents in their respective Porsche one-make series.
Evans is the second Carrera Cup Australia champion to be selected as a Porsche Junior; at the end of 2016, then-Carrera Cup champion Matt Campbell was the ultimate victor from the Shootout and became a Porsche Junior for the 2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, in which he placed third in the standings. Campbell was then promoted to a Porsche Young Professional position and is currently racing in the 2018/2019 World Endurance Championship Super Season in the GTE-Am class.
Evans will now receive 225,000 Euro towards next season’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup along with a comprehensive training programme from Porsche Motorsport, which includes on-track coaching, psychological and media relations training and an extensive fitness regime.
“When I received the phone call and they told me that I was their selection from the Shootout it was really special and I didn’t know what to say. It’s exciting and a privilege that they picked me and they put their faith in me after the Shootout. Honestly, it hasn’t sunk in yet, which is the hardest bit,” said Evans.
“To go from GT3 Cup Challenge, Carrera Cup and win the Shootout has always been my main goal in terms of building a career in motorsport and a future with Porsche. I’ve always closely followed the likes of Earl Bamber and, more recently, Matt Campbell. I’m close mates with Matt and seeing how successful he’s been in terms of racing but also being able to move to Germany and build a racing career with Porsche has been so cool to see. So to be rewarded with the first step towards replicating this – becoming a Porsche Junior – is really special and really is a dream come true for me.
“Matt was one of the first people that I told. It’s pretty exciting and we joked about that, from where we were four years ago, we wouldn’t have expected to both be living in Germany in 2019 and racing for Porsche. To see him do it was special, but to follow in his footsteps and make the move Germany and race in Supercup is incredible.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Troy Bundy, was thrilled to learn of Evans’ success in the Junior Programme Shootout, which further confirmed Australia’s Porsche Motorsport Pyramid as of the region’s best development pathways for young drivers.
“From the start of the season you could tell that Jaxon was on a mission and that, should he be selected to participate in the Shootout, he would be an unstoppable force. We had one of our most competitive Carrera Cup seasons to date in 2018 and for Jaxon to secure the title with such an impressive performance shows his immense talent behind the wheel of a Porsche race car. Porsche Motorsport obviously noticed this at the Shootout and therefore selected him as their Porsche Junior for next season,” said Bundy.
“This really reaffirms the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Australia. We initially had Matt Campbell move from GT3 Cup Challenge through to Carrera Cup and eventually win the Junior Programme Shootout. From there, he has had remarkable success racing for Porsche internationally. Jaxon followed the very same pathway and has been our second driver to be selected as a Porsche Junior in just three seasons. A benefit of this has been the tremendous swell of interest in both GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup locally by young drivers who want to be the next Matt Campbell and, now, the next Jaxon Evans.”
Evans will now attend the Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions in Germany in early December before relocating to Europe early next year to commence his 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign.
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NewsCampbell takes GTE-Am win in China
Former Carrera Cup champion wins 6 Hours of Shanghai
Former Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia Champion Matt Campbell continued his strong form in the final FIA World Endurance Championship race of the year with his No. 77 entry taking GTE-Am victory in the 6 Hours of Shanghai in China. Meanwhile, both Porsche 911 RSRs fielded by the Porsche GT Team finished the Chinese endurance battle on the GTE-Pro podium.
Heavy rain caused a turbulent race and led to multiple safety car phases, red-flags and many changes of position on the racetrack. After six hours and a strong team effort, the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR crossed the finish line in second place. The cockpit of the 510 hp sports car was shared by the Austrian Richard Lietz and Gianmaria Bruni from Italy. The No. 92 sister car driven by Kévin Estre from France and the Dane Michael Christensen came third in China. A total of eleven vehicles run by six manufacturers battled for GTE-Pro class victory on the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit. Thanks to this result, Porsche has extended its lead in the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship.
Porsche also had reason to celebrate in the GTE-Am class. The three Porsche 911 RSR campaigned by the customer team Dempsey Proton Racing and Project 1 concluded the race on positions one to three. Climbing to the very top of the all-Porsche podium was Porsche Young Professional Campbell, Christian Ried (Germany) and Porsche-Junior Julien Andlauer (F), who shared driving duties in the No. 77 Porsche 911 RSR.
Spectators were treated to a heart-stopping finale in both categories. Persistent downpours and the onset of darkness required utmost concentration from drivers. At the wheel of the No. 91 vehicle, Lietz fought his way from fourth to second place in the final 40 minutes. In the No. 92 entry, Christensen overtook a rival in the last lap to secure third.
In the GTE-Am class, Porsche works driver Jörg Bergmeister from Germany driving for the Porsche customer team Project 1 swept past the second Porsche 911 RSR fielded by the Dempsey Proton Racing squad in the penultimate lap and took the flag in second. Sharing the cockpit of the No. 56 car with Bergmeister was Patrick Lindsey (USA) and Egidio Perfetti (N). Position three was occupied by the No. 88 vehicle of Dempsey Proton Racing with drivers Khaled Al Qubaisi (UAE), Riccardo Pera (I) and Porsche Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (I). The Gulf Racing trio, Michael Wainwright (GB), Ben Barker (GB) and Porsche Junior Thomas Preining (A), finished on ninth place.
Round six of the FIA World Sports Car Championship WEC will be contested in Sebring on March 15, 2019.
Comments on the race
Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser (Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars): “After the first three hours of the race we were very uncertain whether it was still a race. But it turned into a brilliant event. Our drivers with Nordschleife experience underlined their prowess. Finishing second and third earned important points towards the world championship, it also expanded our lead, and we’re heading home from Shanghai feeling very happy. We’re also extremely pleased to have extended our collaboration with the Manthey Racing team for the next two WEC seasons. In the GTE-Am class Porsche locked out the entire podium. I’m thrilled for all three. A fantastic job – it doesn’t get any better than that!”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “I’m over the moon with our win. The race was anything but easy. Christian had a hard time, especially at the start. When Julien then climbed into the cockpit the situation eased up and the team did a super job strategically. The track conditions changed again for the worse during my stint and it was a very challenging driving experience.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Sorensen/Thiim (DK/DK), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 109 laps
2. Lietz/Bruni (A/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 109 laps
3. Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 109 laps
4. Lynn/Martin (GB/B), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 109 laps
5. Pier Guidi/Calado (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 109 laps
6. Tomczyk/Catsburg (D/NL), BMW M8 GTE, 109 laps
7. Priaulx/Tincknell (GB/GB), Ford GT, 109 laps
8. Rigon/Bird (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 109 laps
9. Mücke/Pla (D/F), Ford GT, 109 laps
10. Gavin/Milner (GB/USA), Corvette C7.R, 109 laps
11. Blomqvist/Felix da Costa (GB/P), BMW M8 GTE, 108 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Ried/Andlauer/Campbell (D/F/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 108 laps
2. Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti (D/USA/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 108 laps
3. Al Qubaisi/Pera/Cairoli (UAE/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 108 laps
4. Flohr/Castellacci/Fisichella (CH/I/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 108 laps
5. Dalla Lana/Lamy/Lauda (CDN/P/A), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 108 laps
6. Ishikawa/Beretta/Cheever (J/MC/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 107 laps
7. Mok/Sawa/Griffin (MAL/J/IRL), Ferrari 488 GTE, 107 laps
8. Yoluc/Adam/Eastwood (TR/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 107 laps
9. Wainwright/Barker/Preining (GB/GB/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 107 laps
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NewsEvans and O’Keeffe complete Junior Shootout
Australian representatives gun for Porsche Junior position
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia front-runners Jaxon Evans and Dylan O’Keeffe have completed the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout in France and now wait to hear the ultimate outcome in the coming weeks.
Evans and O’Keeffe, who finished first and third in the 2018 Carrera Cup Australia championship, respectively, joined nine other young racing talents from Porsche one-make series around the world, all dreaming to take the next step in their racing careers – into the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme.
In their bid for this, the talented youngsters took part in a three-day selection process in the southern French town of Le Castellet. In addition to setting consistently fast lap times, the candidates focused on working with the Porsche engineers. On the 3.862-kilometre Circuit Paul Ricard near the Côte d’Azur, the aspirants competed against each other in identical 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racers. The winner, who will be announced in a few weeks, receives support as a Porsche Junior for their 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign.
Jaxon Evans, who won the 2018 Carrera Cup Australia title in Gold Coast last month, was the championship’s nominee for the Junior Programme Shootout event.
“Overall, it was an amazing experience from the first day meeting the other drivers from different countries and all with different accents. Seeing it all roll out was unreal; from the transporters, engineers, mechanics and the amount of people on the ground to make it all work. It was like nothing I had ever experienced,” said Evans, who says he had the Shootout in his sights since he started racing in GT3 Cup Challenge in 2015.
“For me, to represent the Porsche brand as a Porsche Junior would be a massive honour. I have been working towards this for four years through GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup so to win the Shootout and become a Porsche Junior would be a dream come true.”
Meanwhile, Dylan O’Keeffe was a wildcard selection for the event, which he attended for the second time following his selection as Carrera Cup Australia’s Shootout nominee in 2017.
“This year’s Shootout was amazing and it was everything I thought it would be from attending last year. Having been before, it was beneficial in the sense that I knew everyone and I knew what to expect, we were just at a different circuit,” said O’Keeffe.
“The Paul Ricard track was mega; I’ve never been to a facility that amazing. Even though the track was wet, it was still really fun and you could only imagine how great it would be in the dry. I had a great time again this year and certainly left nothing on the table so we’ll have to wait and see who Porsche selects as the new Porsche Junior in the coming weeks.”
The new Porsche Junior receives 225,000 Euro towards next season’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which is run as a support series to Formula 1. In addition, Porsche Motorsport provides the successful applicant with a comprehensive training programme to become a professional racing driver. Aside from coaching on the racetrack, this support includes psychological training and media relations as well as an extensive fitness regime.
Other Shootout attendees included Dutchman Larry ten Voorde (Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland), German Philip Hamprecht (Porsche Carrera Cup Asia), Japanese driver Yoshiaki Katayama (Porsche Carrera Cup Japan), Brazilian Bruno Baptista (Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil), Turkish driver Ayhancan Güven (Porsche Carrera Cup France, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux), Gianmarco Quaresmini (Porsche Carrera Cup Italia), American Trenton Estep (Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA), Swede Lukas Sundahl (Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia) and Brit Lewis Plato (Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain).
“We’ve seen from the Shootout that there are some very talented youngsters in our worldwide Porsche one-make cups. At Le Castellet we simulated a complete race weekend. Moreover, all drivers underwent medical examinations and had to prove themselves in interview situations in front of the camera. Now we’ll analyse all the data to see who has the greatest potential,” said Jennifer Biela-Moll, project manager of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme.
Evans and O’Keeffe will look to become just the second ever Carrera Cup Australia representative to win the Shootout. 2016 Carrera Cup Australia champion Matt Campbell went on to win the 2016 Shootout event and secure a position as a Porsche Junior for the 2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, placing third in the standings. Campbell was then promoted to a Porsche Young Professional in 2018 and is racing in the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season, where he currently leads the GTE-Am classification.
Scouting initiatives for up-and-coming young racing drivers have a long tradition at Porsche. Many scholarship recipients have managed to climb the career ladder to become professional drivers in GT championships around the world. Out of the current squad of works drivers and Porsche Young Professionals, Earl Bamber (NZ), Timo Bernhard (D), Michael Christensen (DK), Patrick Long (USA), Sven Müller (D) as well as Campbell, Matteo Cairoli (I), Mathieu Jaminet (F) and Dennis Olsen (N) all received training in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme.
One out of eleven from Porsche AG on Vimeo.
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NewsGreater coverage key to 2019 Carrera Cup calendar
2019 Race Calendar announced
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will expand its television reach in 2019 with the series’ return to Far North Queensland.
Carrera Cup has added the Townsville 400 to its 2019 race schedule; the addition will be the championship’s sixth visit to the Reid Park venue and its first Townsville round since 2015.
Townsville’s inclusion adds a fifth round to the series which will feature live on free-to-air television, joining other high-profile free-to-air events Adelaide 500, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 500. The Townsville addition replaces the out-going Sydney SuperNight, which is not part of the 2019 Supercars Championship calendar.
The 2019 season will be the first time Carrera Cup will visit Supercars’ two northern-most events in one year, Townsville and Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway, and once again race at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and The Bend Motorsport Park.
“The 2018 Carrera Cup season has been a tremendous success for the category, with an average of 24 cars delivering some sensational racing on track. The addition of the newest generation 911 GT3 Cup car has been well received by our customers and has added to the spectacle through exciting and close racing,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Troy Bundy.
“Following a thrilling 2018 season, the 2019 championship has all the indications of being as strong, if not stronger, than this season; aided by many of the current drivers continuing on next season along with a range of new Pro and TAG Heuer Pro-Am competitors joining the series. We have also added six new cars to the market, which we hope to see on track from the start of the 2019 season.
“The addition of the Townsville round will also have additional benefit to our team, drivers and series partners who will have five 2019 rounds broadcast on free-to-air television. We will also continue the popular Endurance Cup as it continues to increase in significance and prestige year on year.”
The 2019 event formats and details on the 2019 Endurance Cup will be announced at a later date.
2019 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia Calendar
Round 1 – Adelaide 500, February 28-March 03, 2019
Round 2 – Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, March 14-17, 2019
Round 3 – Phillip Island 500, April 12-14, 2019
Round 4 – Darwin Triple Crown, June 14-16, 2019
Round 5 – Townsville 400, July 05-07, 2019
Round 6 – The Bend SuperSprint, August 23-25, 2019
Round 7 – Bathurst 1000, October 10-13, 2019
Round 8 – Gold Coast 500, October 25-27, 2019
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NewsCarrera Cup season concludes with Gold Coast thriller
Sunday wrap: Round 8, Gold Coast
Jaxon Evans and Stephen Grove will depart the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season as the Outright and TAG Heuer Pro-Am Champions, while Nick McBride and Adrian Flack completed the Gold Coast finale with round victory.
Evans finished his 2018 season in style with victory in the third and final race of the season. Following two race wins on Saturday, second place in race three secured McBride the round win and was flanked on the final podium of the season by second placed Earl Bamber and third placed Evans.
The strong finish to the season handed Evans an impressive 182-point victory in the Carrera Cup standings over out-going champion David Wall and Dylan O’Keeffe in third.
“It’s pretty special to grab a race win in the last race of the year after clinching the championship yesterday. I can’t really describe how I feel at the moment. I’m just stoked,” said Jaxon, who has attended the past Carrera Cup podiums in Gold Coast; in 2017 as the round winner and in 2016 to cheer on his good friend and now Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell after Campbell’s 2016 title win.
“I remember being here a couple of years ago watching Matt up here accepting the championship trophy. It’s great to be here two years later and being in the same position with the 2018 championship trophy in hand.”
Adrian Flack completed an impressive season finale with a clean sweep of TAG Heuer Pro-Am victories, finishing on the podium beside second place Anthony Gilbertson and Tim Miles.
While failing to finish on the round podium, Stephen Grove finished the Gold Coast round unscathed and was thrilled to conclude another title-winning season.
“This is great. There was such strong competition in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class this season so winning it this season is really special,” said Grove.
“Having Earl as part of the team has been incredible this weekend. We knew he was going to be fast and he did a great job, racing at the front and taking second for the round.”
The TAG Heuer Pro-Am title is Grove’s third in his time in the Carrera Cup series following his 2014 and 2017 successes.
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NewsCarrera Cup races for FA in Gold Coast
Raising awareness for Friedreich Ataxia
Notice anything different on the Carrera Cup cars in Gold Coast?
This weekend, Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia has thrown its support behind creating awareness for Friedreich Ataxia (FA), a condition that has affected a much-loved member of the Carrera Cup family.
As part of the support, the entire Carrera Cup field has placed FA branding on the front of each Porsche in the field, as well as using the event’s popularity to promote awareness for the condition.
What is Friedreich Ataxia (FA)?
FA is a debilitating, life-shortening degenerative neuro-muscular disorder, which affects about 1 in 30,000 people in Australia and New Zealand.
It is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 18 years and robs children and young adults of their mobility.
FA leads to loss of muscle co-ordination, fatigue, vision impairment, hearing loss and slurred speech, scolosis (curvature of the spine), diabetes and serious heart conditions.
It is caused by an inherited genetic mutation that limits the production of a protein called frataxin. This protein is needed by the mitochondria, which are the energy producing organelles in our cells. Without it the cells do not function properly resulting in debilitating medical problems, particularly neurological and cardiac.
Although there has been significant progress towards treatments, today there is no cure.
Why FA?
This cause is close to the hearts of those within the Carrera Cup paddock. One of the most capped Carrera Cup team members, Karl Batson, suffers from the disorder. Batson has experienced tremendous success in the Carrera Cup series, working with title winning campaigns with Jim Richards and Craig Baird.
Now, Batson is the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport Team Manager with drivers Nick McBride and Marc Cini, fittingly claiming race wins on the opening two encounters in Surfers Paradise this weekend.
What can you do?
For more information on FA and on how you can get behind the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association (FARA), visit the FARA website at https://fara.org.au.
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NewsMcBride and Flack sweep Saturday, Evans and Grove secure titles
Saturday wrap: Round 8, Gold Coast
Nick McBride and Adrian Flack have swept Saturday’s two Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia races in Gold Coast, while title leaders Jaxon Evans and Stephen Grove have secured unassailable leads in the Outright and TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings with one race remaining for the season.
The opening Gold Coast race was the final of the six-race 2018 Endurance Cup. McBride managed to pass pole-sitter David Wall early in the race before securing a narrow victory over Wall and Porsche Works driver Earl Bamber.
Second place for Wall was enough to secure him the 2018 Endurance Cup title in the Pro ranks following a strong end to the endurance series, finishing in the top two in the final three Endurance Cup races of the season. Grove finished race one sixth in class, though it didn’t affect his Endurance Cup hopes after building an unassailable lead after the Bathurst long-distance race.
In the sprint race two, McBride led from the opening lap however this time he had Bamber, not Wall, in his rear-view mirror. While Bamber applied pressure to the Melbourne racer, McBride was able to remain at the front and eventually pull a small margin on Bamber by the race two chequered flag.
“I am really happy with the two race wins. The last race was great with Bamber behind me, he put a lot of pressure on me, especially in the mid-part of the race,” said McBride.
“It’s pretty cool to finish ahead of Earl. Monday to Friday I’m stuck in the office reading books and looking at computer screens and he’s a factory driver. He’s obviously just jumped back into a GT3 Cup car for the first time in four years so he has absolutely nothing to prove out there and it’s great having him in the field this weekend as a really good measuring stick for all of us.”
Third and second was an impressive performance for Bamber in his solo debut in Carrera Cup Australia and will start the final race of the season on the front row alongside race three pole-sitter McBride.
Flack was able to follow up on his race one win with another victory in the final race, finishing five seconds ahead of his nearest Pro-Am rival Anthony Gilbertson.
“I couldn’t be happier. It was a perfect run, really,” said Flack. “In practice one I nearly wanted to packed my bag and go home because it was so scary but I was pretty comfortable with it by the time we got to qualifying and, race after race, we’ve really come on strong.”
With one race remaining, both Evans and Grove can’t be surpassed in the Outright and TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings, respectively.
“I’m really happy with how today went. It was pretty cool to wrap up the Carrera Cup championship in the first race and also to bring the car home safely. I really can’t thank the team and my supporters enough. This is really special,” said Evans.
With an impressive 97-point lead entering the final race, Grove is the champion-elect for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am and is en route to being crowned the class champion for the third time.
The 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season will conclude with race three on Sunday at 1:05pm, which will be broadcast live on both Fox Sports 506 and Channel Ten.
Race Schedule
Sunday October 21
1:05pm Race 3 (12 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 21
Channel: Ten
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 21
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NewsWall and Grove claim 2018 Endurance Cup title
Endurance Cup concludes on Gold Coast
Second place in the opening Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia race at the Gold Coast finale has handed David Wall the 2018 Endurance Cup win in the Pro class, while Stephen Grove has claimed the endurance crown in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
While the ultimate race one win went to Nick McBride, second place for Wall was enough to secure the Endurance Cup win ahead of Dale Wood and Jaxon Evans.
Wall had a slow start to the 2018 Endurance Cup, though three top-two results across the last three races elevated the 2017 Carrera Cup champion the endurance crown.
Meanwhile, a difficult race for Stephen Grove didn’t hamper his endurance hopes, who entered the Gold Coast round with an unassailable lead in the Endurance Cup points in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
Another highlight in the opening Gold Coast race was an impressive top-three performance by Earl Bamber.
Starting fourth, the dual 24 Hours of Le Mans winner worked his way to third by the chequered flag behind McBride and Wall.
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 29 | 39:17.4058 | 1:12.8560r |
2 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 29 | 39:17.8928 | 1:12.7214r |
3 | 911 | Earl Bamber | Pro | 29 | 39:18.3397 | 1:12.6418R |
4 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 29 | 39:18.7432 | 1:12.8847 |
5 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 29 | 39:20.1830 | 1:13.1345 |
6 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 29 | 39:20.8410 | 1:13.0440 |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 29 | 39:21.3656 | 1:13.0574 |
8 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 29 | 39:22.1159 | 1:13.6325 |
9 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 29 | 39:22.6429 | 1:12.9915 |
10 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 29 | 39:24.6668 | 1:13.8290 |
11 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 29 | 39:27.4403 | 1:13.9414 |
12 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 29 | 39:28.7572 | 1:14.0864 |
13 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 29 | 39:29.0383 | 1:14.1397 |
14 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 29 | 39:31.4785 | 1:14.1812 |
15 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 29 | 39:34.4543 | 1:14.1198 |
16 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 29 | 39:35.4852 | 1:14.3793 |
17 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 29 | 39:53.2756 | 1:14.0081 |
18 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 28 | 39:40.5223 | 1:16.4854 |
19 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 28 | 39:41.8246 | 1:17.0373 |
DNF | 50 | David Stevens | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 27 | 37:02.2592 | 1:13.8894 |
DNF | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 21 | 25:46.2928 | 1:12.7603r |
DNF | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 13 | 18:47.4697 | 1:12.9496 |
DNF | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 2 | 4:22.7204 | 2:59.0504 |
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NewsWall and Gilbertson top Gold Coast qualifying
Friday wrap: Round 8, Gold Coast
David Wall and Anthony Gilbertson finished the final qualifying session of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season in style on the streets of Surfers Paradise, taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position Awards while Porsche Works star Earl Bamber secured a second row start for Saturday’s race one.
In his 50th Carrera Cup round, reigning champion Wall had record-setting pace over the 20-minute qualifying session; his best lap of 1:12.2760 eclipsing David Russell’s previous qualifying record lap of 1m12.4167 set in 2014.
Wall’s impressive qualifying pace placed him on pole position for the final Endurance Cup race of the season. Starting alongside Wall for Saturday morning’s 32-lap race one endurance battle is Nick McBride in his best qualifying session since his Albert Park pole position earlier in the season.
“This round last year has very different to this year so to get a pole position here in my 50th round of the championship is obviously very special,” said Wall, who wrapped up the 2017 Carrera Cup title at last year’s Gold Coast finale.
“We learnt a bit from Moffat in the previous practice session; he was very quick as well and I’m rapt for everyone at Wall Racing for this performance, which is our fifth-straight pole position.”
Title favourite Jaxon Evans will start race one from third alongside Earl Bamber; the dual 24 Hours of Le Mans winner had a slow start to Friday with his opening practice campaign ending early after contact with a tyre bundle. Thereafter, Bamber bounced back to secure the fourth best qualifying time.
“It’s awesome to be here with Stephen Grove. Steve helped me back in 2013 when I was younger and now it’s pretty awesome to come to Gold Coast as his teammate. I apologise to the boys and him for absolutely eating a tyre bundle in the first session, but the team did an amazing job to turn the car around,” said Bamber.
“That qualifying session was a bunch of fun. I’m pretty happy with only being one-tenth from pole, I’m pretty rusty in one of these things too. I’m sure everyone will say it, but there was still some improvement in that lap time but I’m loving it and the level of competition is really high.”
The third row will be filled with teammates Jordan Love and Dale Wood ahead of Glen Wood and James Moffat. O’Keeffe will have to fight an uphill battle to keep his title chances alive in race one. Should Evans win, O’Keeffe must finish in the top three to remaining in the championship hunt.
The TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole position went to Gilbertson, his third for the season, a mere 0.06secs from Adrian Flack. Tim Miles was the next best Pro-Am runner while the fourth fastest driver in the class, Sam Shahin, will not take part for the remainder of the Gold Coast event following an accident exiting the back straight chicane, which brought an early end to qualifying.
“It’s my first time at the track and I never thought I’d get pole,” said Gilbertson. “It’s my first visit to this track and it’s so daunting but I’ve been really comfortable since practice one. I was building pace all day; I wasn’t the quickest in practice one or practice two but pulled it out of the bag on green tyres in qualifying.”
The opening race of Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia’s final 2018 round will be held at 8:35am on Saturday, which will be the sixth and final race of the 2018 Endurance Cup. Race two will then follow at 1:15pm on Saturday with race three to be held on Sunday at 1:05pm. All races can be viewed live on Fox Sports 506 and the final two races will be broadcast live free-to-air on Channel Ten.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 20
8:35am Race 1 (32 laps)
1:15pm Race 2 (12 laps)
Sunday October 21
1:05pm Race 3 (12 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 1 – 8:35am, Saturday October 20
Race 2 – 1:15pm, Saturday October 20
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 21
Channel: Ten
Race 2 – 1:15pm, Saturday October 20
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 21
Qualifying times
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 1:12.2760R | |
2 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:12.3202 | 0:00.0442 |
3 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 1:12.3458 | 0:00.0698 |
4 | 911 | Earl Bamber | Pro | 1:12.4204 | 0:00.1444 |
5 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:12.4786 | 0:00.2026 |
6 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:12.6008 | 0:00.3248 |
7 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 1:12.6144 | 0:00.3384 |
8 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 1:12.6154 | 0:00.3394 |
9 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 1:12.6682 | 0:00.3922 |
10 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:12.8967 | 0:00.6207 |
11 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:13.2322 | 0:00.9562 |
12 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:13.6233 | 0:01.3473 |
13 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:13.6849 | 0:01.4089 |
14 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:13.7196 | 0:01.4436 |
15 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 1:13.7607 | 0:01.4847 |
16 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:14.1227 | 0:01.8467 |
17 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:14.1406 | 0:01.8646 |
18 | 50 | Dave Stevens | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:14.2785 | 0:02.0025 |
19 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:14.3846 | 0:02.1086 |
20 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1:14.3962 | 0:02.1202 |
21 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 1:14.4534 | 0:02.1774 |
22 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:14.9131 | 0:02.6371 |
23 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:16.8322 | 0:04.5562 |
24 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:17.0478 | 0:04.7718 |
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NewsSecond local racer confirmed for 2018 Shootout
O'Keeffe to return for 2018 Junior Programme Shootout
Dylan O’Keeffe has been confirmed as Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia’s second representative to attend this year’s Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout in France.
Following the announcement of series leader Jaxon Evans as Carrera Cup Australia’s nominated driver, O’Keeffe has been accepted by Porsche Motorsport as a Wildcard nomination for the young driver evaluation event, to be held shortly after this weekend’s Carrera Cup season finale in Gold Coast at a yet-to-be-announced French circuit.
The Shootout is an evaluation for young drivers from Porsche’s international one-make series; each Carrera Cup is able to nominate one eligible driver and further submit Wildcard submissions for Porsche Motorsport’s consideration.
The 2018 evaluation event will be O’Keeffe’s second attempt at the Junior Programme Shootout following his nomination and attendance at last year’s two-day event at Lausitzring, Germany, which was ultimately won by now-Porsche Junior, Julien Andlauer.
O’Keeffe’s selection is just the second time a Carrera Cup Australia driver has been selected as a Wildcard for the Shootout; Richard Muscat was Porsche Motorsport’s Wildcard selection in 2015, when he joined eventual 2015 Carrera Cup champion Nick Foster at the Shootout.
“I’m thrilled to be selected as the Wildcard nomination for the Junior Programme Shootout. Last year’s Shootout event was such an incredible experience and I had never thought that I’d have the opportunity to return for another one. I feel like I’ve reached a new level in my driving this season and, with another season in experience under my belt, I’m well prepared for the Shootout to be able to give myself the best possible shot at success this time around,” said O’Keeffe.
“I have a lot to focus on between now and then, however. With the final Carrera Cup round on this weekend, my main focus is on the next three races and do all I can to secure the Carrera Cup title. It’s been great competition all season and I’ve enjoyed racing Jaxon all year, so I’m looking forward to getting on track for the final round of the season.”
Much like Evans and Matt Campbell, O’Keeffe used Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia as a motor racing springboard to Carrera Cup. Thereafter, Campbell paved the way for young Carrera Cup Australia racers by winning the 2016 Junior Programme Shootout and ultimately launching his international motorsport career. In 2017, Campbell placed third in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as a Porsche Junior before being promoted to a Porsche Young Professional in 2018, contesting the 2018-2019 FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season and several one-off endurance races.
The successful driver from the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout will receive a position in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme as a Porsche Junior and significant funding towards a drive in the 2019 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season.
Previous Carrera Cup Australia representatives to attend the Junior Programme Shootout include Andre Heimgartner (2012), Sam Power (2014), Nick Foster (2015), Richard Muscat (2015), Matt Campbell (2016) and O’Keeffe (2017).
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NewsCarrera Cup readies for beachside title decider
Preview: Round 8, Gold Coast
After seven thrilling rounds, Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia enters its season finale this weekend for the series’ 14th visit to the beachside Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, where the 2018 champions will be crowned.
Following Friday practice and qualifying, competition will commence with the 32-lap opening race on Saturday, the final encounter of the six-race 2018 Endurance Cup, which is currently led by Dale Wood (Pro) and Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am). The endurance mini-series started with a Phillip Island double-header followed by an endurance race at Darwin, The Bend Motorsport Park, Bathurst and this weekend’s Gold Coast decider.
Grove secured an unassailable Endurance Cup points lead in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am at Bathurst while Wood holds a narrow lead in the Pro ranks, with Dylan O’Keeffe, David Wall and Jaxon Evans all sitting within 15 points of Wood with one race – and 60 points – on offer.
The 2018 season points chase isn’t as tight as the Endurance Cup, with Jaxon Evans and Stephen Grove looking favourite to take the 2018 titles.
In his second Carrera Cup season, Evans enters the Gold Coast finale, his home event which he won last season, 108 points ahead of his closest Outright points rival O’Keeffe with 180 points still on offer.
While both Evans and O’Keeffe will look for Gold Coast success, this season has been far from predictable at the front of the field; the series has had six different Outright winners from the past six events: Jaxon Evans (Albert Park), Dale Wood (Phillip Island), Dylan O’Keeffe (Hidden Valley), James Moffat (Sydney Motorsport Park), Michael Almond (The Bend Motorsport Park) and Jordan Love (Bathurst). Evans won the season-opening round in Adelaide, making him the only repeat round winner so far in 2018.
Two drivers will be looking to continue this streak, including reigning Carrera Cup champion David Wall and Porsche Works ace Earl Bamber, who will compete in the #911 Grove Group entry in a one-off appearance for the season finale.
In the battle for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am title, Stephen Grove is on track for his third class title in five years. Following his title successes in 2014 and 2017, the Melbourne-based racer enters Gold Coast with a substantial 153-point lead over Adrian Flack with just three races remaining.
Flack moved to second in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings at Bathurst following Roger Lago’s unfortunate Mount Panorama campaign, while Lago’s absence from the Gold Coast finale will see teammates Tim Miles and Anthony Gilbertson fight for the final position in the top three of the Pro-Am season standings.
The final round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season will commence with practice and qualifying on Friday, race one and race two on Saturday and the final race of the season on Sunday. All sessions from Gold Coast as of practice two will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506. The free-to-air broadcast on Channel Ten will be confirmed via the series’ Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Race Schedule
Friday October 19
10:05am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
12:35pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
3:45pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
Saturday October 20
8:35am Race 1 (32 laps)
1:15pm Race 2 (12 laps)
Sunday October 21
1:05pm Race 3 (12 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Practice 2 – 12:35pm, Friday October 19
Qualifying – 3:45pm, Friday October 19
Race 1 – 8:35am, Saturday October 20
Race 2 – 1:15pm, Saturday October 20
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 21
Channel: Ten
To be confirmed.
Entry List
1. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
2. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
3. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage 1
4. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
5. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
6. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
7. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
8. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu
9. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
10. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) LORY Construction
11. #18 James Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL
12. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
13. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
14. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
15. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
16. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA
17. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group
18. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
19. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Seears Workwear
20. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams
21. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T-Marts
22. #888 Glen Wood (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton/Porsche Centre Doncaster
23. #911 Earl Bamber (Pro) Grove Group
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NewsCampbell retains lead despite Japan dramas
Former champion holds GTE-Am lead after FIA WEC's Fuji race
Porsche GT Team has taken victory at the fourth race of the FIA WEC World Sports Car Championship Super Season, the 6 Hours of Fuji, last weekend while Australian Matt Campbell has retained the GTE-Am class points lead despite a difficult race in Japan.
At Fuji Speedway, Kevin Estre (F) and Michael Christensen (DK) crossed the finish line in first place in the GTE-Pro category with the ca. 510 hp Porsche 911 RSR. The sister car driven by Richard Lietz (A) and Gianmaria Bruni (I) concluded the race in fifth place. With this, Porsche has extended its lead in the manufacturers’ and drivers’ classifications. Porsche also won the GTE-Am category on Sunday: The newcomer team Project 1 with Porsche works driver Jörg Bergmeister from Germany, Patrick Lindsey (USA) and Egidio Perfetti (N) secured its maiden victory in the WEC.
Ten vehicles from five manufacturers made a bid for victory in the GTE-Pro class under changing weather conditions. After drizzle fell in the first hour of the race, the track slowly dried during a 30-minute safety car phase. After an early switch to slicks, Estre and Christensen concentrated on working their way through the field. With an optimal setup and a clever pit stop strategy, the French-Danish duo systematically reeled in the frontrunners. With about 1.5 hours to go, Christensen swept into the lead. At the final pit stop with a driver change, the Porsche GT Team again timed things perfectly and Estre went on to take the flag in first place. Scoring fifth place on the 4.563-kilometre racetrack, the sister car earned vital points, however Bruni and Lietz struggled with a less than perfect pit stop and deteriorating tyres towards the end.
In the GTE-Am class, Project 1 celebrated its first WEC win and Dempsey Proton Racing its second place. Porsche Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (I), the Japanese driver Satoshi Hoshino and Giorgio Roda from Italy were delighted to climb the podium for the first time this year. Porsche Junior Thomas Preining (A) also enjoyed a successful debut. Joining forces with Michael Wainwright (GB) and Ben Barker (GB) for Gulf Racing, he concluded the race on fifth place.
A pit stop for repairs threw Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell (AUS), Christian Ried (Germany) and Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer down the field. Finishing on eighth, the second 911 RSR fielded by Dempsey Proton Racing earned more critical points towards the championship and continues to lead the GTE-Am classification. Campbell, Andlauer and Ried now hold a 14-point lead in the GTE-Am class standings over Project 1 trio Bergmeister, Lindsey and Perfetti.
Round five of the FIA WEC World Sports Car Championship takes place in Shanghai/China on 16 November.
Comments on the race
Alexander Stehlig (Program Manager Factory GT Motorsports): “After the disappointment with the qualifying results, today was a great day. It was a hugely successful weekend for Porsche with the victory at Petit Le Mans in the USA and the two successes here at Fuji in the Pro and Am categories. We almost always made the right decisions during the race and the car was good and fast. The number 92 car drove a flawless race, our number 91 unfortunately had problems during the pit stop. On top of that, the balance wasn’t great in the last stint. But all in all, we’re very satisfied.”
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “I’m a bit frustrated. In the middle of the race we were looking promising, we were fast and within striking distance of the leaders. Unfortunately an electrical problem cost us 25 laps. Ultimately we should be satisfied that we earned some points for the championship classification. However the speed of the 911 RSR was great and we’re feeling optimistic about the next race in Shanghai.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 207 laps
2. Blomquist/da Costa (S/P), BMW M8 GTE, 207 laps
3. Priaulx/Tincknell (GB/GB), Ford GT, 207 laps
4. Pier Guidi/Calado (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 207 laps
5. Lietz/Bruni (A/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 207 laps
6. Mücke/Pla (D/F), Ford GT, 206 laps
7. Sorensen/Thiim (DK/DK), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 206 laps
8. Tomczyk/Catsburg (D/NL), BMW M8 GTE, 206 laps
9. Lynn/Martin (GB/B), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 206 laps
10. Rigon/Bird (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 202 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti (D/USA/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 201 laps
2. Hoshino/Roda/Cairoli (J/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 201 laps
3. Yoluc/Adam/Eastwood (TR/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 201 laps
4. Dalla Lana/Lamy/Lauda (CDN/P/A), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 201 laps
5. Wainwright/Barker/Preining (GB/GB/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 201 laps
6. Flohr/Castellacci/Fisichella (CH/I/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 200 laps
7. Mok/Sawa/Griffin (MAL/J/IRL), Ferrari 488 GTE, 200 laps
8. Ried/Andlauer/Campbell (D/F/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 176 laps
9. Ishikawa/Beretta/Cheever (J/MC/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 14 laps
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NewsLove and Miles take memorable Bathurst round win
Sunday wrap: Round 7, Bathurst
Outright victory at Mount Panorama was a fitting result for the Bob Jane T-Marts-sponsored rookie Jordan Love in the final race of the penultimate 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia round, while a race three win handed Tim Miles his second-straight TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win at Bathurst.
After placing third and second in the opening two races, Love had an impressive race three start and led into the opening corner. Evans slotted into second from O’Keeffe in third, though O’Keeffe passed the series leader early in the race in pursuit of the lead.
Love was too good, however, pulling a small margin on the field to eventually take his second Carrera Cup race win and maiden round victory.
For Love, who also won race two at Sydney Motorsport Park, the Bathurst win was made more special as his Bob Jane T-Marts-sponsored team, Sonic Motor Racing Services, remembered the life of Bob Jane after the motorsport great’s recent passing.
“This is a great way to finish the Bathurst round. We went one step forward in every race, which was amazing. It was a challenging weekend for the team; obviously there was a fair bit of damage for my teammates, so it’s good to get this round win for the team,” said Love. “Half way through the year we had our sights set on being strong at the end of the year so to get my first round win with one round to go is incredible.
“Obviously this weekend we remembered the late Bob Jane with the memorial on the side of the car the whole weekend, so it was a great way to finish the weekend at such an iconic circuit.”
Evans, who finished the weekend equal on points with Love, placed second due to a lower finishing position in the final race and now takes a 108-point lead in the Outright standings over O’Keeffe to the season finale at Gold Coast in two weeks.
Miles was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers on Sunday, claiming a two-second victory over Adrian Flack by the chequered flag from race one and two winner Stephen Grove, Dean Cook and Sam Shahin.
Much like in the Pro class, Miles and Grove finished the weekend equal on points, with Miles’ race three win handing him the round victory.
“That was great racing. Steve and I three very clean races. He’s been the class of the field this year so it was nice to have enough pace to run with him. Our car was fantastic, it was the best race car I have ever had, it drove me, to be honest,” said Miles, who claimed a Bathurst class clean sweep last season.
Grove’s impressive weekend has the Melbourne-based racer well positioned to take his third TAG Heuer Pro-Am title. Grove now sits 153 points ahead of his closest Pro-Am points rival, Flack.
“We have a fairly big lead in the Pro-Am championship, but the pressure builds towards the end of the year so I’ll head to the Gold Coast and do my thing and see where we end up,” said Grove.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia returns on October 19-21, where the one-make series will hold its final three races of the 2018 championship on the streets of the Gold Coast.
Results: Race 3
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 9 | 19:04.9624 | 2:06.4555r |
2 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 9 | 19:06.3630 | 2:06.5172r |
3 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 9 | 19:06.7756 | 2:06.2285R |
4 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 9 | 19:12.3005 | 2:06.8686r |
5 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 9 | 19:15.7988 | 2:07.3627 |
6 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 9 | 19:28.5938 | 2:08.3502 |
7 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 9 | 19:29.3837 | 2:07.6155 |
8 | 14 | Peter Major' | Pro | 9 | 19:31.2522 | 2:08.1953 |
9 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 19:42.8454 | 2:09.7935 |
10 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 19:44.9909 | 2:09.2152 |
11 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 19:57.9129 | 2:10.9720 |
12 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:04.1976 | 2:10.9312 |
13 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 9 | 20:06.2470 | 2:07.2716 |
14 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:17.1341 | 2:11.5725 |
15 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:23.3332 | 2:13.2143 |
16 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:25.2858 | 2:09.8479 |
17 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:39.8209 | 2:15.3143 |
18 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:39.9894 | 2:14.8407 |
DNF | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 8 | 17:06.2474 | 2:07.3545 |
DNF | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 8 | 17:28.8335 | 2:08.6739 |
DNF | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 8 | 17:29.2985 | 2:07.9183 |
DNF | 50 | Dave Stevens | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 6 | 13:17.0662 | 2:10.7794 |
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NewsSeries leaders take impressive race two wins
Saturday wrap: Round 7, Bathurst
Jaxon Evans has strengthened his lead in the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship with victory in race two at Bathurst, while TAG Heuer Pro-Am points leader Stephen Grove capitalised on opening lap dramas to claim the Pro-Am class win and an impressive points haul with just four races remaining for the season.
David Wall started from pole position, though it was Evans who was first into the opening corner with Jordan Love moving from the second row of the grid to second place as the safety car was called to the circuit.
Roger Lago was passing Indiran Padayachee on the run up Mountain Straight when the duo touched, spearing Lago across the circuit and into Dale Wood; both Lago and Wood failing to finish their second race of the weekend.
Evans retained the front position from the restart and, despite challenges from fellow Michelin Junior Love, the Queensland-based New Zealander claimed the race win, his fifth for the season and 10th in the Carrera Cup championship.
“To start on the front row was one thing, but to get the jump on Wall and lead the field on the first lap was pretty special. I’m happy to come away with the win considering where we qualified on Friday,” said Evans, who ended Thursday’s qualifying session in ninth.
“We’re really just trying to build the gap between us and Dylan at the moment and hopefully we take a decent lead into the final round at the Gold Coast in a couple of weeks.”
Love placed just 0.4secs behind Evans in second while reigning champion and race one winner Wall placed third.
Cameron Hill continued his impressive Bathurst weekend with his second fourth place of the weekend from O’Keeffe in fifth, continuing his move through the field after his weekend hopes were dashed with dramas at the opening corner of race one.
Glen Wood placed sixth from Nick McBride, Adam Garwood and James Moffat, who finished ninth from the rear of the grid, while Peter Major rounded out the top 10.
O’Keeffe’s difficult Bathurst round has given Evans a significant advantage in the Outright and Pro class championship race. With four races and 240 points still on offer, Evans now holds a commanding 114-point lead in the Outright points and a 125-point margin in the Pro class standings.
Grove continued his impressive TAG Heuer Pro-Am performance at The Mountain, taking his second class race win at Bathurst.
Grove’s second win for the weekend didn’t come easily with Tim Miles pressuring Grove for the majority of the shortened seven-lap race.
Following Lago’s misfortune in both Bathurst races, Grove now holds a substantial 116-point lead in the Pro-Am standings ahead of the final Bathurst race on Sunday morning.
“This is a really special place to take two wins from two races. Tim Miles just kept coming and coming so I had to just keep my head down and push as hard as I could,” said Grove.
“Miles has a lot of pace this weekend and I’m really pushing, which is pretty close to my limit right around the track. I’ve got no more in me so it’s a real credit for the pressure he’s applied so far this weekend.”
Debutant Dave Stevens scored his first top-three Pro-Am result of his Carrera Cup career in just his second race, finishing ahead of Anthony Gilbertson, Adrian Flack, Dean Cook, Marc Cini, Sam Shahin and Graham Williams, who placed ninth in class.
Just one race remains for the penultimate Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia round at Mount Panorama, held at 9:30am on Sunday, which will be televised live on Fox Sports 506 and Channel Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday October 7
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 7
Channel: Channel 10
Race 3 – 9:30am*, Sunday October 7
*Subject to delay
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 7 | 20:32.0228 | 2:07.1085R |
2 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 7 | 20:32.4426 | 2:07.1655r |
3 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 7 | 20:33.7268 | 2:07.2883 |
4 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 7 | 20:37.5092 | 2:08.4348 |
5 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 7 | 20:39.5601 | 2:08.4220 |
6 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 7 | 20:39.9098 | 2:08.7653 |
7 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 7 | 20:41.0509 | 2:08.9590 |
8 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 7 | 20:41.5030 | 2:08.7745 |
9 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 7 | 20:50.1592 | 2:07.7294 |
10 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 7 | 20:51.6283 | 2:10.9590 |
11 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 20:51.7584 | 2:11.0382 |
12 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 20:51.9870 | 2:10.9925 |
13 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 7 | 20:58.2787 | 2:12.2237 |
14 | 50 | Dave Stevens | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 20:59.7657 | 2:12.3118 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 20:59.9996 | 2:12.0640 |
16 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 21:03.7000 | 2:10.8796 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 21:08.2865 | 2:13.7715 |
18 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 21:10.8772 | 2:14.4499 |
19 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 21:11.1576 | 2:13.3213 |
20 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 21:25.1815 | 2:18.3100 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 7 | 22:02.5831 | 2:20.1256 |
DNF | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | |||
DNF | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro |
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NewsWall wins dramatic Bathurst opener, Grove secures endurance crown
Friday wrap: Round 7, Bathurst
Reigning champion David Wall has successfully navigated a chaotic opening Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia race at Bathurst to take his second race win of the season, while TAG Heuer Pro-Am race victory secured Stephen Grove the Pro-Am class Endurance Cup title.
The action-filled race started with drama on the opening corner, with title contender Dylan O’Keeffe dropping to the rear of the field after contact with Peter Major. Then, later in the opening lap, leaders James Moffat and Dale Wood collided into the high-speed right-hand bend entering The Chase, ending with Wood stranded in the gravel – and ultimately out of the race – and Moffat, capitalising on the safety car period to recover Wood’s car, pitting to change a tyre and re-joining the race on the lead lap.
With the early leaders out of contention, teammates Michael Almond and Jordan Love claimed the lead. Several off-track excursions dropped Love behind Wall and series leader Jaxon Evans, while Almond’s race ended after heavy contact with the turn four wall while Wall was pressuring him for the lead.
The safety car was called for the second time to recover the cars of Almond and Roger Lago, who was unable to avoid Almond’s stationary car. Once the race resumed, Wall held the lead to the chequered flag to take his eighth Carrera Cup career win.
“I’m very happy with the race win. We put our head down and the car was mega. This new second-generation 911 GT3 Cup car is just sensational, you have a smile on your face the whole time you drive it around the mountain. Our car was really strong across the top and we’ll tune it up to make it a little bit stronger in areas where I think we can improve,” said Wall.
Evans placed second after starting eighth on the grid and, following a difficult race for O’Keeffe, extended his outright points lead to 93 with five races remaining. Love placed third from Cameron Hill, Glen Wood, Nick McBride, Adam Garwood and O’Keeffe in eighth.
The eventful race one has set the scene for a tremendous final race for the Endurance Cup in Gold Coast with the top four Pro-ranked drivers separated by just 15 points.
While the Endurance Cup Pro battle intensified after Friday’s race, the opposite can be said for TAG Heuer Pro-Am with the race one winner Grove establishing an unassailable lead in the Endurance Cup points while also recapturing the Pro-Am season standings lead.
Grove had a sensational race one start, moving to the class lead and eighth outright by the end of the opening lap. Grove’s closest rival, class pole-sitter Adrian Flack, spun at the top of Conrod Straight after contact with Lago, before Lago’s race ended six laps later after contact with Almond.
Grove ultimately finished just 0.3secs ahead of Tim Miles, who took a class clean sweep at Mount Panorama last year, with Anthony Gilbertson in third. Debutant Dave Stevens finished fourth in class from Dean Cook, Marc Cini, Indiran Padayachee, Graham Williams and Flack.
The class win not only handed Grove the Endurance Cup title, but also a 36-point lead over Lago in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am season standings.
“We got a good start, which was really important here, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect across the top because we hadn’t done a dry run after a wet practice and qualifying. We pushed on pretty hard but the other Pro-Am drivers kept on coming. I’d gap them, then there would be a safety car, then I would gap them, then they would come back; it was really hard and a really good win,” said Grove.
“I did enter the race with the Endurance Cup in mind. I really wanted to wrap up the title here to take a bit of pressure off going forward. I’ve just got to keep finishing, gathering points and being smart for the remaining races.”
Two nine lap sprint races remain for Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia at Bathurst; both will be broadcast live on both Fox Sports 506 and Channel Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday October 5
2:05pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday October 6
1:55pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 7
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 1:55pm, Saturday October 6
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 7
Channel: Channel 10
Race 2 – 1:55pm, Saturday October 6
Race 3 – 9:30am*, Sunday October 7
*Subject to delay
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 15 | 40:35.9799 | 2:07.4492* |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 15 | 40:36.7367 | 2:07.7663 |
3 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 15 | 40:37.9585 | 2:07.9918 |
4 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 15 | 40:39.7170 | 2:08.8082 |
5 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 15 | 40:41.2895 | 2:08.6375 |
6 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 15 | 40:42.7556 | 2:08.9817 |
7 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 15 | 40:45.7965 | 2:09.9378 |
8 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 15 | 40:48.1518 | 2:09.0139 |
9 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 40:51.5437 | 2:10.7918 |
10 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 40:51.7951 | 2:11.0857 |
11 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 15 | 40:52.9925 | 2:11.0179 |
12 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 15 | 40:54.1779 | 2:10.6348 |
13 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 40:57.0896 | 2:12.2673 |
14 | 50 | Dave Stevens | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 40:59.9167 | 2:13.1675 |
15 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 41:06.0253 | 2:14.6047 |
16 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 41:10.7444 | 2:14.1105 |
17 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 15 | 41:14.9842 | 2:08.6813 |
18 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 41:17.7492 | 2:15.0516 |
19 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 41:18.3113 | 2:16.7232 |
20 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 14 | 41:00.1014 | 2:13.4618 |
DNF | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 14 | 38:40.9329 | 2:11.6502 |
DNF | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 9 | 22:55.3430 | 2:07.5638 |
DNF | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 23:19.7151 | 2:10.7889 |
DNF | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 3 | 22:33.3348 | 2:24.2434 |
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NewsMoffat and Flack top challenging Bathurst qualifying
Thursday Wrap: Round 7, Bathurst
James Moffat has secured his second straight TAG Heuer Pole Position in what was the most difficult weather conditions the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship has seen this season, while Adrian Flack was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers at Mount Panorama.
The series started Thursday with an uninterrupted 50-minute practice session, topped by Jaxon Evans, David Wall and Jordan Love, giving the drivers a taste of the wet conditions at the iconic 6.213km Mount Panorama circuit.
The rain worsened for the afternoon qualifying session, with James Moffat proving to be the master in the rain, beating the next best driver Dale Wood by 0.9348secs by the end of the session. Love was the third best of the 30-minute qualifying from Michael Almond, with David Wall and Glen Wood to fill the third row of the grid for Friday’s opening race.
“It’s always nice to start on the front row of the grid, but more importantly, that’s four pole positions in a row for Wall Racing. It’s a fantastic effort from all the guys in the team,” said Moffat.
“It was really hard conditions as it was very wet out there and there’s a lot of concrete to hit around Mount Panorama so you have to weigh up the risk versus the reward. Tomorrow could bring anything. We’ll have to wait and see what the weather is going to do, but certainly if it’s a dry race, going into it without any dry laps this weekend will be challenging.”
Flack secured the TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole position in a late charge after the session resumed; the only red flag stoppage of the day occurred later in the qualifying session to recover Roger Lago’s car from the turn one run off area.
Stephen Grove was the second best of the Pro-Am drivers from Lago, The Bend class winner Anthony Gilbertson and Tim Miles.
“I haven’t driven this car in these conditions so I didn’t know what to expect,” said Flack. “You’d come up to a corner and turn in and not know what the car was going to do. After a couple of laps we started to settle into it. It was very scary, but quite fun”.
“Getting the pole position was unexpected; I was trailing the top guys for most of the session and managed to bring it home in the final laps. One of the biggest things is, if it’s wet tomorrow, I’ve never started one of these cars in the rain, so the start will be interesting.”
Next up for Carrera Cup at Mount Panorama will be the 16-lap opening race on Friday, which will be the penultimate race of the 2018 Endurance Cup, which Dale Wood (Pro) and Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) currently lead. Saturday and Sunday will then each feature one nine-lap race.
Each Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia race from Bathurst will be broadcast live on both Fox Sports 506 and Channel Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday October 5
2:05pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday October 6
1:55pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 7
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 5
Race 2 – 1:55pm, Saturday October 6
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 7
Channel: Channel 10
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 5
Race 2 – 1:55pm, Saturday October 6
Race 3 – 9:30am*, Sunday October 7
*Subject to delay
Results: Qualifying times
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 2:28.9636* | |
2 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 2:29.8984 | 0:00.9348 |
3 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 2:30.4760 | 0:01.5124 |
4 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 2:31.1043 | 0:02.1407 |
5 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 2:31.2547 | 0:02.2911 |
6 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 2:31.8092 | 0:02.8456 |
7 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 2:32.1336 | 0:03.1700 |
8 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 2:32.2334 | 0:03.2698 |
9 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 2:32.2773 | 0:03.3137 |
10 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 2:32.5175 | 0:03.5539 |
11 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 2:32.6042 | 0:03.6406 |
12 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:35.1303 | 0:06.1667 |
13 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:35.4226 | 0:06.4590 |
14 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 2:35.7663 | 0:06.8027 |
15 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:36.3550 | 0:07.3914 |
16 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:36.5101 | 0:07.5465 |
17 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:36.7917 | 0:07.8281 |
18 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:37.0229 | 0:08.0593 |
19 | 50 | Dave Stevens | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:37.9826 | 0:09.0190 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:39.7993 | 0:10.8357 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:40.2642 | 0:11.3006 |
22 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 2:40.7495 | 0:11.7859 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:42.5729 | 0:13.6093 |
24 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:42.6347 | 0:13.6711 |
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NewsWorld champion Porsche racer confirmed for Carrera Cup finale
Earl Bamber joins Grove Motorsport in Gold Coast
Porsche works driver and reigning FIA World Endurance Champion Earl Bamber will contest the final round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship later this month on the streets of the Gold Coast.
The New Zealander, who will also line up on the Supercars Championship grid for the Gold Coast 600, will race a second Grove Motorsport entry for the Surfers Paradise event as teammate to reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove.
Bamber is no stranger to Porsche one-make racing having previously won the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia title in both 2013 and 2014, the second season coupling his Carrera Cup Asia duties with a title-winning season in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Thereafter, Bamber was part of the ultra-successful Porsche LMP1 campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 2015 and 2017 along with the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship title alongside fellow Porsche works drivers Timo Bernhard and Brendon Hartley.
The Gold Coast event will be Bamber’s second appearance in the Carrera Cup Australia championship; his debut in the Australian series was as Grove’s co-driver for the inaugural Pro-Am round at the 2013 Porsche Rennsport Australia festival, held at Sydney Motorsport Park.
“It’s going to be really exciting, I can’t wait,” said Bamber, who will race alongside Shane van Gisbergen in both the Supercars endurance races at Bathurst and Gold Coast.
“Obviously it has been a long time since I’ve been in a Carrera Cup car, it’s going to be a bit of a challenge to adapt back to it. It’s completely different to the LMP1, or the Supercar, or even the RSR, it’s quite different to that as well.
“It will also be my first time racing on the Gold Coast streets, I’ve watched the Supercars and Carrera Cup races on TV a few times, but I’m so pumped to be driving this year not only in Supercars co-driving with Shane, but also in Carrera Cup. I guess everyone will be expecting me to be up the front, so the pressure is on.”
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will feature three races at the season-ending Gold Coast 600 event on October 19-21, the first of which will be the sixth and final race of the 2018 Endurance Cup.
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NewsFast Facts: Round 7, Bathurst
The best stats from Carrera Cup at Bathurst
EVENT HISTORY /SEASON STATS
The penultimate round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will be the 113th round held in the history of the series since it began in 2003.
The Bathurst round will feature races number 332, 333 and 334 in series history.
Bathurst has hosted a round of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia every year since its inception in 2003 – this year is the 14th time that Mount Panorama has hosted a round of the series.
No Bathurst Carrera Cup round has ever been won by a driver that did not win a race in that weekend’s round.
The lowest grid position for a Carrera Cup round winner at Bathurst is seventh – Shae Davies in 2014.
McElrea Racing has dominated the Bathurst round of Carrera Cup in recent years, winning four of the last five rounds held there – in 2013 with Warren Luff, 2014 with Shae Davies and 2015/16 with Matt Campbell. All up the team has won five of the last seven Carrera Cup rounds at Bathurst given that Michael Patrizi also won the 2011 round with the team.
Race 1 this year at Bathurst is part of the Endurance Cup and is due to be over 16 laps (99.408 kilometres). David Wall won the corresponding race last season.
Five different drivers have won the last five rounds of the series: Jaxon Evans (Albert Park), Dale Wood (Phillip Island), Dylan O’Keeffe (Hidden Valley), James Moffat (Sydney Motorsport Park) and Michael Almond (The Bend Motorsport Park). Evans won the season opening round in Adelaide, making him the only repeat round winner so far in 2018.
A total of 1005.981-kilometres and 250 laps of competition have been completed in the 2018 Carrera Cup across the six rounds and 17 races held so far.
Dave Stevens makes his PWSCCA debut at Bathurst – he is due to become the 205th driver to compete in series history.
DRIVER MILESTONES
Stephen Grove will make his 50th PWSCCA round start at Bathurst, becoming just the sixth driver in series history to start 50 rounds. He joins Marc Cini, Craig Baird, Rodney Jane, Alex Davison and Max Twigg in this exclusive club. Grove remains one TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win away from tying Twigg’s record of 13 round wins in the category.
BATHURST GAPS AND MARGINS
Closest Race-Winning Margin: 0.5655s, Alex Davison to David Reynolds, 2007 Race 3
Biggest Race-Winning Margin: 11.2530s, Warren Luff to Michael Patrizi, 2014 Race 2
Closest Pole-Winning Margin: 0.0663s, Steve Richards to Warren Luff, 2014
Biggest Pole-Winning Margin: 0.8823s, David Reynolds to Alex Davison, 2006
BATHURST LAP RECORDS
Qualifying: Matt Campbell – 2m06.2099s (2015)
Race: Andre Heimgartner – 2m07.1820s (2017)
BATHURST ROUND WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard
2006 David Reynolds
2007 Alex Davison
2008 Dean Fiore
2011 Michael Patrizi
2012 Craig Baird
2013 Warren Luff
2014 Shae Davies
2015 Matt Campbell
2016 Matt Campbell
2017 Andre Heimgartner
2 – Alex Davison, Matt Campbell
1 – Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, Dean Fiore, Michael Patrizi, Craig Baird, Warren Luff, Shae Davies, Andre Heimgartner
BATHURST RACE WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards, Jim Richards, Jim Richards
2004 Alex Davison, Fabian Coulthard, Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard, No Race, Fabian Coulthard
2006 Alex Davison, David Reynolds, David Reynolds
2007 David Reynolds, Alex Davison, Alex Davison
2008 Dean Fiore, Dean Fiore, Dean Fiore
2011 Michael Patrizi, Michael Patrizi, Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird, Craig Baird, Craig Baird
2013 Nick Percat, Warren Luff, Craig Baird
2014 Steve Richards, Warren Luff, Shae Davies
2015 David Russell, No Race, Matt Campbell
2016 Matt Campbell, Matt Campbell, Matt Campbell
2017 David Wall, Andre Heimgartner, Andre Heimgartner
5 – Alex Davison, Craig Baird 4 – Matt Campbell
3 – Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, Dean Fiore
2 – Michael Patrizi, Warren Luff, Andre Heimgartner
1 – Nick Percat, Steve Richards, Shae Davies, David Russell, David Wall
BATHURST PODIUM FINISHERS
2003 1. Jim Richards 2. Marcus Marshall 3. Peter Fitzgerald
2004 1. Alex Davison 2. Jonathon Webb 3. Klark Quinn
2005 1. Fabian Coulthard 2. Jim Richards 3. Jonathon Webb
2006 1. David Reynolds 2. Craig Baird 3. Alex Davison
2007 1. Alex Davison 2. Craig Baird 3. David Reynolds
2008 1. Dean Fiore 2. James Moffat 3. Bryce Washington
2011 1. Michael Patrizi 2. Steve Richards 3. Craig Baird
2012 1. Craig Baird 2. Alex Davison 3. Jonny Reid
2013 1. Warren Luff 2. Craig Baird 3. Nick Percat
2014 1. Shae Davies 2. Michael Almond 3. Warren Luff
2015 1. Matt Campbell 2. David Russell 3. Steve Richards
2016 1. Matt Campbell 2. Steve Richards 3. David Wall
2017 1. Andre Heimgartner 2. David Wall 3. Alex Davison
5 – Craig Baird, Alex Davison 3 – Steve Richards
2 – Jim Richards, Jonathon Webb, David Reynolds, Warren Luff, Matt Campbell, David Wall
1 – Marcus Marshall, Peter Fitzgerald, Klark Quinn, Fabian Coulthard, Dean Fiore, James Moffat, Bryce Washington, Michael Patrizi, Jonny Reid, Nick Percat, Shae Davies, Michael Almond, David Russell, Andre Heimgartner
BATHURST POLE POSITIONS
2003 Jim Richards – 2m16.1277s
2004 Jim Richards – 2m13.6760s
2005 Fabian Coulthard – 2m12.9827s
2006 David Reynolds – 2m11.1769s
2007 Alex Davison – 2m10.4002s
2008 David Russell – 2m10.5550s
2011 Craig Baird – 2m09.9866s
2012 Craig Baird – 2m20.3169s (wet)
2013 Nick Percat – 2m08.7722s
2014 Steve Richards – 2m08.6432s
2015 Matt Campbell – 2m06.2099s
2016 Matt Campbell – 2m07.4614s
2017 David Wall – 2m07.4398s
2 – Jim Richards, Craig Baird, Matt Campbell
1 – Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, Alex Davison, David Russell, Nick Percat, Steve Richards, David Wall
BATHURST TAG HEUER PRO-AM ROUND WINNERS
2004 Tony Quinn
2005 Andrew Luxton
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg
2012 James Koundouris
2013 Adam Gowans
2014 Shane Smollen
2015 Tony Bates
2016 James Bergmuller
2017 Tim Miles
2 – Rodney Jane, James Koundouris
1 – Tony Quinn, Andrew Luxton, Max Twigg, Adam Gowans, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, James Bergmuller, Tim Miles
BATHURST TAG HEUER PRO-AM RACE WINNERS
2004 Tony Quinn, Tony Quinn, Tony Quinn
2005 Dean Grant, No Race, Tony Quinn
2006 Rodney Jane, Rodney Jane, Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane, Rodney Jane, Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris, James Koundouris, James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg, Max Twigg, Shane Smollen
2012 Shane Smollen, Max Twigg, James Koundouris
2013 Adam Gowans, Adam Gowans, Adam Gowans
2014 Shane Smollen, Shane Smollen, Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen, No Race, Tony Bates
2016 Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, Tony Bates
2017 Tim Miles, Tim Miles, Tim Miles
7 – Shane Smollen
6 – Rodney Jane
4 – Tony Quinn, James Koundouris
3 – Max Twigg, Adam Gowans, Tony Bates, Tim Miles
1 – Dean Grant
BATHURST TAG HEUER PRO-AM POLE POSITIONS
2004 Tony Quinn
2005 Tony Quinn
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris
2011 Shane Smollen
2012 Shane Smollen
2013 Max Twigg
2014 Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen
2016 Shane Smollen
2017 Stephen Grove
5 – Shane Smollen
2 – Tony Quinn, Rodney Jane
1 – James Koundouris, Max Twigg, Stephen Grove
BATHURST TAG HEUER PRO-AM PODIUM FINISHERS
2004 1. Tony Quinn 2. Stephen Borness 3. Dean Grant
2005 1. Andrew Luxton 2. Marc Cini 3. Tony Quinn
2006 1. Rodney Jane 2. Tony Quinn 3. Paul Freestone
2007 1. Rodney Jane 2. Tony Quinn 3. Rodney Forbes
2008 1. James Koundouris 2. Theo Koundouris 3. Max Twigg
2011 1. Max Twigg 2. Shane Smollen 3. Simon Middleton
2012 1. James Koundouris 2. Tony Bates 3. Max Twigg
2013 1. Adam Gowans 2. Max Twigg 3. Shane Smollen
2014 1. Shane Smollen 2. Stephen Grove 3. Brenton Ramsay
2015 1. Tony Bates 2. Shane Smollen 3. Stephen Grove
2016 1. James Bergmuller 2. Tony Bates 3. Scott Taylor
2017 1. Tim Miles 2. Graham Williams 3. Marc Cini
4 – Tony Quinn, Max Twigg, Shane Smollen
3 – Tony Bates
2 – Marc Cini, Rodney Jane, James Koundouris, Stephen Grove
1 – Stephen Borness, Dean Grant, Andrew Luxton, Paul Freestone, Rodney Forbes, Theo Koundouris, Simon Middleton, Adam Gowans, Brenton Ramsay, James Bergmuller, Scott Taylor, Tim Miles, Graham Williams
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NewsCarrera Cup set for Australia’s biggest racing stage
Preview: Round 7, Bathurst
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia welcomes a new driver, car and half-century milestone to Mount Panorama this weekend, where the series continues the 2018 Endurance Cup with its second largest Bathurst field.
Twenty-four entries will line-up for the penultimate 2018 round for the championship’s 14th appearance at Bathurst – in its 14th season. Following practice and qualifying, race one of the Bathurst round will feature as the second-to-last Endurance Cup race of the season, with Dale Wood and Stephen Grove currently holding the respective Pro and TAG Heuer Pro-Am Endurance Cup leads.
Grove already has a reason to celebrate; the round will mark a special occasion for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am pace-setter, who will contest his 50th Carrera Cup Australia round this weekend. Since his Carrera Cup debut at Townsville in 2012, Grove has secured two Pro-Am titles (2014, 2017) and one outright round victory when teamed with Scott McLaughlin at the 2014 Phillip Island two-driver Pro-Am event.
“Fifty round starts is a source of pride for me,” said Grove, who sits 24 points behind Roger Lago in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am points. “Over all the years, I have raced at some really cool places with some great competitors, so to get to round number 50 in a single championship is something quite special. Bathurst is a track that I have done a lot of racing at, so it’s somewhat fitting to chalk up the 50th round there. I’m really looking forward to getting back there.”
In contrast, Wall Racing driver Dave Stevens has taken advantage of Porsche’s recent importation of six new 911 GT3 Cup cars by campaigning one of the new arrivals at the upcoming Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds before a full 2019 Carrera Cup season.
Championship leader Jaxon Evans enters Bathurst following his recent confirmation as the Carrera Cup Australia nominee for the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout, taking a 62-point lead in the outright standings to Bathurst from Dylan O’Keeffe in second and David Wall in third.
The duo who sits fourth and fifth in the championship – Dale Wood and James Moffat – will be busy at Bathurst and Gold Coast. Wood will couple his Carrera Cup duties with racing in the Supercars Championship alongside Tim Blanchard while Moffat will partner Chaz Mostert in the headline touring car category.
“There’s no better place in the country to go to than Bathurst,” said Moffat. “I’m really excited about the prospect of taking the Porsche around ‘The Mountain’. We didn’t have the benefit of doing double duty at Sandown this year so we’ll jump in the deep end this year at Bathurst and see how we go. We’ll be juggling priorities, but I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
McElrea Racing will look to continue its Bathurst dominance, winning four of the last five Carrera Cup rounds at Mount Panorama. Meanwhile, Evans remains the only dual round winner this season, with five different drivers winning the past five rounds: Evans (Albert Park), Wood (Phillip Island), O’Keeffe (Hidden Valley Raceway), Moffat (Sydney Motorsport Park) and Michael Almond (The Bend Motorsport Park).
Reigning champion David Wall will look to continue this streak at Bathurst. Wall, who won the Endurance Cup race at Bathurst last season, is the only driver in the field to have previously won a Carrera Cup race at Mount Panorama outright. Meanwhile, Tim Miles is the only TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver to have a class race win at Mount Panorama following his impressive clean sweep last season.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia hold practice and qualifying on Thursday, followed by one race each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each session from Bathurst will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, while each race will be broadcast free-to-air, live on Channel Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Thursday October 4
10:45am Practice (50 minutes)
4:45pm Qualifying (30 minutes)
Friday October 5
2:05pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday October 6
1:55pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 7
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Practice – 10:45am, Thursday October 4
Qualifying – 4:45pm, Thursday October 4
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 5
Race 2 – 1:55pm, Saturday October 6
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 7
Channel: Channel 10
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 5
Race 2 – 1:55pm, Saturday October 6
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 7
Entry List
1. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
2. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
3. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage 1
4. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
5. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
6. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
7. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
8. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu
9. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
10. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) LORY Construction
11. #18 James Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL
12. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
13. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
14. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
15. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
16. #50 Dave Stevens (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Wall Racing/Brennan IT
17. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
18. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Bob Jane T-Marts/PSA
19. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group
20. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
21. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Lifeline Canberra/Seears Workwear
22. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams
23. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T-Marts
24. #888 Glen Wood (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton/Porsche Centre Doncaster
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NewsEvans confirmed for international Shootout
Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia
Michelin Junior Jaxon Evans will look to follow in the footsteps of a former teammate when competing in the 2018 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout as the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia representative.
The Queensland-based New Zealander has been confirmed as the Carrera Cup Australia nominee following a breakout season in the Porsche championship where he currently leads the Outright standings by 62 points with four race wins and 11 top-two finishes from the season’s 17 races. Evans also holds a 252-point lead in the Michelin Junior points with two rounds remaining.
Evans’ motorsport journey has taken the 22-year-old from the base of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid to his current position at the head of the Carrera Cup field: A 2015 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia campaign in Class B was followed by an Outright campaign the following year, finishing runner-up. Evans then moved to Carrera Cup the following season, replacing a Europe-bound Matt Campbell in the #7 McElrea Racing entry, finishing fifth in the 2017 standings with five race wins and two round victories. A strong 2018 performance has now positioned Evans as the driver to beat this season.
“It’s incredible to be selected as the Carrera Cup Australia nominee for the 2018 Shootout and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to head over to Europe and compete among the best young Carrera Cup talent from around the world,” said Evans.
“It has been a great Carrera Cup season so far but there’s a long way to go between now and the end of the championship. We have two incredible events ahead of us – Bathurst and Gold Coast – so I’m looking forward to the remaining races and hopefully finish the season at my home event at the top of the standings. After that, I’ll have full focus on the Shootout event.”
Evans follows in the footsteps of his former McElrea Racing stablemate Matt Campbell, who used his GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup experience to successfully compete in the 2016 Junior Programme Shootout and ultimately launch his international motorsport career. In 2017, Campbell placed third in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as a Porsche Junior before being promoted to a Porsche Young Professional in 2018, contesting the 2018-2019 FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season and several one-off endurance races.
“Matt is a good friend and I’ve watched his progression through the motorsport ranks very closely. To win the Shootout and follow Matt’s pathway through to an international racing career with Porsche is indeed something I want to replicate so I’ll do all I can to prepare and give myself the best opportunity to win the Shootout.”
Evans will be the seventh Carrera Cup Australia representative to attend the Junior Programme Shootout following previous attendees Andre Heimgartner (2012), Sam Power (2014), Nick Foster (2015), Richard Muscat (2015), Matt Campbell (2016) and Dylan O’Keeffe (2017).
The Shootout will be held at a yet-to-be-announced French circuit after the conclusion of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season.
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NewsHill drives mental health awareness at Bathurst
Cameron Hill to support Mental Health Month
Canberra-based racer Cameron Hill will use the penultimate round of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season at Mount Panorama to promote Lifeline Canberra’s Mental Health Month October campaign.
Hill, a Lifeline Canberra ambassador since 2016, will feature Mental Health Month branding on the side of his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at what is one of the most popular Carrera Cup rounds to raise awareness for mental illness, something that affects one in five Australians.
Hill says the marquee event is the ideal environment for encouraging people to talk about mental health.
“The Bathurst 1000 is the most famous motorsport event in the country – it’s watched by millions of Aussies each year,” Hill said.
“A percentage of those people will be battling some sort of mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, and many of their family members or friends don’t find out until it’s too late.”
Hill is an advocate for the services provided by Lifeline Canberra, which include phone crisis support, as well as awareness and education programs aimed at individuals and communities.
“Organisations like Lifeline Canberra provide life-saving support for people who are struggling, but the sad thing is almost 70 per cent of people with a mental illness don’t seek help,” Hill said.
“Young men like myself are statistically the least likely to speak openly about their problems, because they think it’s perceived as weak.
“In actual fact, it takes a lot of strength to seek support, and my hope is that by promoting Mental Health Month at Bathurst, people will be inspired to care for their mates and themselves by speaking out.”
Hill and his Porsche will be on track for Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia at the Bathurst 1000, 4-7 October.
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NewsPorsche field expands with new arrivals
Dave Stevens the first to debut new GT3 Cup arrival
The Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia grid will receive a boost following the arrival of six new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars to Australia, with sports car driver Dave Stevens set to be the first to debut one of the recently imported 911 race cars.
The addition of six new 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.2) cars will boost the number of eligible race cars for the Carrera Cup championship to 32; most of the recent arrivals are expected to join the one-make series in 2019. Five of the six new 911 GT3 Cup cars, which will be eligible to race in Carrera Cup until the end of the 2021 season, have been sold, with significant interest on the final available car.
This season, Carrera Cup Australia has enjoyed an average field size of 24 cars, with a season-high 26 cars entered for the opening two events at the Adelaide 500 and Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
“We’re excited to take delivery of the six new 911 GT3 Cup cars ahead of the 2019 season. We look forward to welcoming more drivers to Carrera Cup in the near future, starting from next weekend’s Bathurst round,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Troy Bundy.
“While we couldn’t accommodate all Carrera Cup hopefuls who expressed genuine interest at the start of the 2018 season, this new injection of 911 GT3 Cup cars to the market allows us to welcome more participants to our series for what will be a thrilling conclusion to 2018 and, from all indications, another strong season in 2019.”
Stevens will race his new 911 GT3 Cup car in the final two rounds of the 2018 season – Bathurst and Gold Coast – before a full-season campaign in 2019. Stevens previously raced in the Australian Nations Cup Championship before a lengthy break from the sport, returning to compete in both the Australian GT Trophy Series and LMP3-based China Endurance Series.
“I’ve long admired Carrera Cup as a category however my career took me to open wheelers and GT racing in the past, so I’m delighted to have a crack for the remainder of this season and 2019 also,” said Stevens.
“During the 10 years off I revisited my cycle racing career; I was a young pro rider in Melbourne and felt I had unfinished business with the sport and managed to win four masters world titles and set two world records too. But now it’s back to motor racing as I feel there is unfinished business here too.”
Stevens will run with Sydney-based team Wall Racing, starting at next weekend’s Bathurst 1000, held from October 4-7, 2018.
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NewsGroves take Aussie themed 911 to world stage
TAG Heuer Pro-Am front-runner confirmed for FIA GT Nations Cup
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia racer Stephen Grove and his son, GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup graduate Brenton, will take a Porsche 911 GT3 R to the inaugural FIA GT Nations Cup as the Australian representatives in Bahrain later this year.
It is the first time the international event will be held, requiring a bronze and silver rated driver combination per car representing a particular country at the 5.412km Bahrain International Circuit.
Set to climb behind the wheel of a Herberth Motorsport prepared Porsche 911 GT3 R, the father-son team were attracted to the event due to their acceptable driver ratings.
The Herberth Motorsport are one of the most successful GT3 outfits in the world, having competed in world-renowned events such as the 24 Hours of Spa, as well as the 24H Series in which they experienced a recent victory with Matt Campbell in the 24H Barcelona.
For Brenton, a silver rated driver, the idea of representing Australia on the world stage with his Father was one of the main ambitions for applying.
“To represent Australia at an international event with my father is pretty special,” Grove said.
“We have strong ties to Porsche in Australia and Germany so to be able to do the event in a Porsche GT3 R, representing Australia is a really special thing.
“For us, it’s one of the most exciting racing programs we have embarked on. For everything to line up and fit into our schedule was pretty fortunate and also to both qualify for the required driver ratings.”
While the pair will be going into the event full of confidence after successful campaigns in a Porsche, including a class win at the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year, another factor in their decision to partake was the opportunity to make the step up from a Carrera Cup car to GT3 R.
However, Brenton admits there will be some added pressure, not being able to experience the car or circuit before the event, arriving the day before opening practice begins.
“Neither of us have ever driven a GT3 R before and we’ve never been to the circuit, so the preparation will be quite different,” Grove said.
“Because we can’t get there any earlier or drive the car beforehand, there will be a lot of simulator stuff in attempt to adapt to the car as quickly as possible.
“When we arrive, we will catch up with the team at Herberth Motorsport and they will get us up to speed with everything we need to know ahead of the race. They are an extremely experienced team and I’m sure they will accelerate our learning curve.
“It’s one of the main reasons we chose to do the event with Herberth. They are well regarded within the Porsche family and have had tremendous success with the car.”
Despite their short preparation time, Grove believes they will not be attending just to make up the numbers or for a holiday.
“If you ask my dad, he’ll say it’s more for fun but for me, I am going there to do well,” Grove joked.
“We are both pretty competitive people and whilst it is an event that will be a highlight for our careers, we are both wanting to do as well as possible.”
With only a few months to go until the Nations Cup, Grove has been busy bringing all the parties together as well as doing a lot of work behind the scenes.
However, while a lot of time and effort is going into the finer details, Brenton and Stephen Grove remain grateful and committed to making their country proud.
“For CAMS [Confederation of Australian Motor Sport] to give us the opportunity to apply and partake is such a good initiative,” Brenton added.
“The support we have received from everyone is amazing, so we are really wanting to do the country and CAMS justice, as well as try and receive as much exposure for Australian motorsport as possible”
The FIA GT Nations Cup will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit from 30 November – 1 December.
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NewsCampbell takes 24H Barcelona win
Former champion continues impressive enduro form
Matt Campbell has taken yet another 24-hour race victory last weekend, this time at the 24H Barcelona at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Partnered with Daniel Allemann, Ralf Bohn and Alfred Renauer in the Herberth Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R, Campbell was a late call up to the team, which completed 677 laps of the 4.655km circuit, three minutes ahead of their closest competition.
The performance was Campbell’s third 24-hour win this year following Campbell’s GTE-Am victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June with Dempsey-Proton Racing and his 991-Pro class win in January’s 24h Dubai endurance race.
“It’s great to win this race again, for the second time since 2016. Hopefully one more time next year!” said Campbell’s #911 teammate Alfred Renauer. “It was really hard. In the first half of the race, there was only one lap between us. So that was really tough to overcome, but we’re really happy!”
After winning the 2016 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia title, Campbell placed third in the 2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series, with the Queenslander’s 2018 calendar filled with FIA WEC commitments in addition to one-off endurance races.
Campbell’s next appearance in his main 2018 racing programme, the FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season, will be at the 6 Hours of Fuji on October 14, 2018, where he will aim to extend the team’s GTE-Am lead in the class standings.
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NewsAlmond, Gilbertson take home wins at The Bend
SUNDAY WRAP: SA natives claim maiden round honours
Michael Almond and Anthony Gilbertson have reasons to smile as they depart The Bend Motorsport Park, both claiming their maiden Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia round win in their native South Australia.
Almond started Sunday with victory in race two following his success in Saturday’s race one. It was Almond’s third Carrera Cup win, though just the first where he was the first to cross the finish line. His previous two wins came due to post-race penalties.
Dale Wood then won the final race of the weekend, returning to the top position for the first time since his Phillip Island clean sweep. Jaxon Evans placed second in the final race from Almond in third, who secured the round win by 18 points from Evans and Wood.
“I’m absolutely excited to get the win so close to home. It’s been a five-year wait until I have achieved a round win in Carrera Cup, so it’s taken long enough. I can’t ask much more than to do it in front of my family and friends,” said Almond.
“It’s a pretty surreal feeling to have such high calibre drivers in my rear view mirror. I feel like we had a good car and the boys at Sonic did an amazing job. We had our struggles but we regrouped as a team and kept the car at the front all weekend.”
A consistent weekend for series rookie Anthony Gilbertson helped the South Australian to the TAG Heuer Pro-Am win; three third place results was enough to secure his position on the top step of the class podium.
“I can’t believe it,” said Gilbertson. “I didn’t know exactly where I had placed for the round after the final race. I knew I had to finish ahead of Roger Lago but I still didn’t know what the points situation was. The boys got onto the radio on the in-lap and told me that I had won the round and I started crying in the car…it means that much to me. It’s a dream come true and for it to happen in South Australia – my home state – is just awesome.”
Race two winner in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am, Roger Lago, secured second for the round and regained the class points lead while a strong finish to the event in the final race for Max Twigg – second in class – promoted the Victorian to third in class for the round.
A highlight of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am on Sunday was the charge through the field by Adrian Flack. After a heavy impact accident in Saturday’s opening race, Flack was able to repair the damage and return to the circuit for race two, where he placed second in class from the rear of the grid. Flack then followed this with a class-winning performance in the third and final race.
A strong round for Jaxon Evans has seen the Queensland based racer expand his series lead over Dylan O’Keeffe, now sitting 62 and 73 points ahead in the Overall and Pro class standings.
Meanwhile Lago holds a 24-point lead over Stephen Grove in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings with Adrian Flack in third.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia returns to the track for the season’s penultimate round at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, on October 04-07, 2018.
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 8 | 15:08.1956 | 1:52.4142r |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 8 | 15:08.4082 | 1:52.4073r |
3 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 8 | 15:08.7630 | 1:52.2795r |
4 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 8 | 15:09.8434 | 1:52.0764R |
5 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 8 | 15:10.4548 | 1:52.3298r |
6 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 8 | 15:14.8128 | 1:52.8540r |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 8 | 15:14.9600 | 1:52.7152r |
8 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 8 | 15:15.2988 | 1:52.5785r |
9 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 8 | 15:16.7264 | 1:52.3718r |
10 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 8 | 15:20.3174 | 1:53.4095 |
11 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:27.8022 | 1:53.7431 |
12 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:28.1680 | 1:52.7372r |
13 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:34.5976 | 1:54.0162 |
14 | 15 | Ben Stack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:47.9765 | 1:55.9978 |
15 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:50.2301 | 1:54.3063 |
16 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:59.2731 | 1:55.1000 |
17 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:00.9808 | 1:54.3822 |
18 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:02.3395 | 1:57.2831 |
19 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:12.9848 | 1:59.2419 |
20 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:32.1889 | 1:57.3491 |
21 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 7 | 15:56.9292 | 1:54.6207 |
DNF | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 4 | 7:51.5622 | 1:54.7060 |
DNF | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1 | 2:42.9249 |
Results: Race 3
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 8 | 15:09.0148 | 1:52.4529* |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 8 | 15:09.9120 | 1:52.8780 |
3 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 8 | 15:11.0689 | 1:52.8486 |
4 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 8 | 15:12.4957 | 1:52.5559 |
5 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 8 | 15:12.9309 | 1:52.6387 |
6 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 8 | 15:14.9909 | 1:52.8548 |
7 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 8 | 15:15.7881 | 1:53.0785 |
8 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 8 | 15:15.9862 | 1:52.9135 |
9 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 8 | 15:16.2938 | 1:52.5291 |
10 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:23.5672 | 1:53.6385 |
11 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 8 | 15:24.0713 | 1:53.4198 |
12 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:34.8765 | 1:55.0910 |
13 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:35.5539 | 1:54.9006 |
14 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:38.0421 | 1:55.0670 |
15 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 8 | 15:38.5150 | 1:54.4266 |
16 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:39.1926 | 1:55.5269 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:48.4737 | 1:56.0021 |
18 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:49.6894 | 1:55.1406 |
19 | 15 | Ben Stack | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:50.2287 | 1:54.8981 |
20 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:58.5878 | 1:57.2529 |
21 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 15:58.7328 | 1:55.4966 |
22 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 16:15.5672 | 1:56.6041 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-AM | 8 | 16:16.5852 | 1:57.8079 |
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NewsLocal ace Almond takes two from two
Race 2 Wrap: Victory for Michael Almond and Roger Lago
Michael Almond has taken his second victory of round six for Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia’s first ever visit to The Bend Motorsport Park, while Roger Lago was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
Almond started on pole position and lost the lead at the start, only to regain his place at the front soon after. From there, Almond held off David Wall and, in the closing stages Jaxon Evans, to eventually take his third Carrera Cup race win – all of which have been in his native South Australia.
Evans finished second to extend his series points lead from David Wall and Jordan Love.
Roger Lago was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am, winning the class battle from Adrian Flack, who charged through the field following a heavy race one accident.
Race one Pro-Am winner Sam Shahin was a non-finisher after sustaining race-ending damage due to contact with Tim Miles.
Race three will be held at 12:35pm local time.
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 8 | 15:08.1956 | 1:52.4142r |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 8 | 15:08.4082 | 1:52.4073r |
3 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 8 | 15:08.7630 | 1:52.2795r |
4 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 8 | 15:09.8434 | 1:52.0764R |
5 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 8 | 15:10.4548 | 1:52.3298r |
6 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 8 | 15:14.8128 | 1:52.8540r |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 8 | 15:14.9600 | 1:52.7152r |
8 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 8 | 15:15.2988 | 1:52.5785r |
9 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 8 | 15:16.7264 | 1:52.3718r |
10 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 8 | 15:20.3174 | 1:53.4095 |
11 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:27.8022 | 1:53.7431 |
12 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:28.1680 | 1:52.7372r |
13 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:34.5976 | 1:54.0162 |
14 | 15 | Ben Stack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:47.9765 | 1:55.9978 |
15 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:50.2301 | 1:54.3063 |
16 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 15:59.2731 | 1:55.1000 |
17 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:00.9808 | 1:54.3822 |
18 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:02.3395 | 1:57.2831 |
19 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:12.9848 | 1:59.2419 |
20 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 16:32.1889 | 1:57.3491 |
21 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 7 | 15:56.9292 | 1:54.6207 |
DNF | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 4 | 7:51.5622 | 1:54.7060 |
DNF | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1 | 2:42.9249 |
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NewsGrove scores Supercup Pro-Am podium
Aussie collects silverware at Hungaroring
Stephen Grove scored a thrilling Pro-Am class podium on the world-stage at Round 6 of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Hungaroring, Budapest.
The Melbourne-based driver clawed his way to third in Pro-Am after a busy 14-lap race at the 4.3km circuit which saw him start from sixth in class.
It marks the first time an Australian driver has ever finished on the Supercup Pro-Am podium, with the achievement coming in only Grove’s third event in the series.
Speaking after the race, he was still buzzing with excitement from the result.
“I’m so happy with the podium, that was fantastic,” Grove exclaimed.
“To become the first ever Australian to finish on the podium in the Pro-Am division of Supercup is just unbelievable.
“The racing level over here is incredible, so when I’m passing guys like I did in that race at such a high level, it’s absolutely fantastic – I’m so rapt.
“It was an extremely hot race, 34 degrees [celsius] over here and even hotter in the car. We don’t run cool suits, we don’t run drink bottle systems in Supercup, so it was mega hot.
“You’ve got to push, but the tyre and track temperatures were blisteringly warm, so you’ve got to be really smooth in that scenario.
“The team is happy as well with what is for them, second and third in Pro-Am, so everything is really good.
“Of course, I’ve now got to find some space in my suitcase for the third place trophy, which is actually really big and it weighs about six kilos, so it’s quite heavy.”
Grove managed to survive a first corner incident early in the race, before setting his sights up the road and working through the order.
The experienced racer described his charge into the podium place positions as one of his best drives thus far.
“I was a bit conservative into Turn 1, because traditionally there’s always a crash, which there was. I was fairly tentative through there and then I just pushed and put pressure on,” added Grove.
“[Christof] Langer made a mistake, he just overcooked it at one of the corners, so I lined him up and I knew where I was quicker, so doubled back and passed him.
“On the last lap, I knew where I was faster than the English driver, [Mark] Radcliffe, which was through the sweeper at Turn 6, so I pushed through there.
“He would always take a wide line and ‘v’ the corner, so I got on the brakes and took the inside and that’s where I passed him, and that put me up into third.
“We brought it home after that and maintained third, which is just awesome, I’m really happy, that’s got to be one of my better drives.”
Hungary marks the end of part two of Grove’s triple header, which now sees him return to Australia in defence of his domestic Carrera Cup TAG Heuer Pro-Am crown.
Grove will head from Europe to Sydney Motorsport Park for Round 5 of Carrera Cup Australia this weekend at the Sydney SuperNight.
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NewsAlmond inherits victory, Shahin takes emotional win
Saturday Wrap: Round 6, The Bend Motorsport Park
South Australians Michael Almond and Sam Shahin have taken home victories in Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia’s first ever race at The Bend Motorsport Park in a thrilling – and eventful – opening battle at the new Tailem Bend circuit.
David Wall was the first to cross the chequered flag after an impressive finish to the race, however the reigning series champion received a five-second post-race penalty for failing to leave racing room for Jaxon Evans during a mid-race pass.
The penalty handed Almond his second Carrera Cup race victory; ironically, the Adelaide based driver’s maiden win also came courtesy of a post-race penalty at the 2016 Adelaide 500 event. The win also marked the seventh different race winner from the championship’s past seven races.
“We managed to piece a lap together in qualifying and then had a great start to race one. It’s not the way you want to win but I’m happy for the team to get another win on the board,” said Almond.
“It’s great to win at your home event; my first victory came at the Adelaide 500 and now my second came at The Bend. There’s something about racing in front of your friends and family that pushes you along. I feel for David for the penalty, but I’m stoked with the win and I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.”
Wall led from the start until the Safety Car was called to the circuit on the opening lap after Adrian Flack speared off the circuit and made heavy impact with Nick McBride at the following corner. Both drivers were uninjured by the impact, however both will be unlikely starters for Sunday’s two races.
On the restart, Wall was passed by local Michael Almond, Dale Wood and Jaxon Evans. Wall then started his charge back through the field, moving past Evans and Wood late in the race before moving by Almond with two laps remaining. The move on Evans, however, would ultimately lead to Wall’s post-race penalty.
Wall was therefore relegated to second place from Wood, Evans, Dylan O’Keeffe and Cameron Hill in sixth.
One of the highlights from the opening race was Shahin’s charge through the TAG Heuer Pro-Am field to claim the class victory in the championship’s first ever race at the venue he founded.
After tireless work behind the scenes creating the venue, Shahin was thrilled to claim success on track in Carrera Cup’s first ever race at The Bend.
“This is surreal. I’m just ecstatic. I’ve been out of the car for a while and completely messed up the start and didn’t have the balls to carry the pace into turn one. It was like swarming bees into turn one; the boys all got in on the act,” said Shahin.
“Those who didn’t pass me into turn one passed me in turn three and by turn five there was no one left behind me. I had to do it the hard way and I’m absolutely thrilled. I really didn’t think I was good enough to do that.”
Shahin’s win came after passing Tim Miles on the final lap to take the class lead, with Miles ultimately placing second in class from Anthony Gilbertson, Stephen Grove, Roger Lago and Dean Cook.
After four races now complete in the six-race Endurance Cup, Dale Wood holds a 26-point lead from Dylan O’Keeffe, with Michael Almond in third. Meanwhile, Stephen Grove leads the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings for the Endurance Cup by 54 points from Roger Lago and Anthony Gilbertson.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will hold two eight-lap sprint races on Sunday to conclude round six of the championship. Both Sunday races can be viewed live on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday 26 August
9:50am Race 2 (8 laps)
12:35pm Race 3 (8 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 9:50am, Sunday 26 August
Race 3 – 12:35pm, Sunday 26 August
Results: Race 1
1. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) 20 laps, 42:13.5277
2. #1 David Wall (Pro) 20 laps, 42:16.3363
3. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) 20 laps, 42:16.7082
4. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) 20 laps, 42:16.9036
5. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) 20 laps, 42:17.1500
6. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) 20 laps, 42:19.1029
7. #888 Glenn Wood (Pro) 20 laps, 42:26.1580
8. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) 20 laps, 42:26.4713
9. #18 James Moffat (Pro) 20 laps, 42:31.3831
10. #14 Peter Major (Pro) 20 laps, 42:35.6631
11. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) 20 laps, 42:42.1925
12. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 42:46.3385
13. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 42:47.3491
14. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 42:48.1541
15. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 42:51.5015
16. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 42:53.8719
17. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 42:54.3843
18. #80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 42:54.8039
19. #15 Ben Stack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 43:02.6700
20. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 44:03.9701
21. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 20 laps, 44:08.9026
22. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 19 laps, 42:29.2080
DNF #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am)
DNF #8 Nick McBride (Pro)
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NewsMoffat and Flack take maiden pole positions
TAG Heuer Pole Position Wrap
James Moffat has dominated qualifying at The Bend Motorsport Park to claim the TAG Heuer Pole Position by an impressive 0.8387 seconds over his Wall Racing teammate and reigning champion, David Wall.
The pole position performance was Moffat’s first in his 15th outing in the Porsche one-make category.
Dale Wood qualified third from local Michael Almond, Jordan Love, points leader Jaxon Evans, Cameron Hill and Dylan O’Keeffe.
Series rookie Adrian Flack was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers, claiming his first class pole position from Max Twigg, Sam Shahin, Tim Miles and Roger Lago.
Race 1 will be held at 2:50pm local time.
Results: Qualifying
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 1:51.3439* | |
2 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 1:52.1826 | 0:00.8387 |
3 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:52.2510 | 0:00.9071 |
4 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:52.4690 | 0:01.1251 |
5 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:52.4865 | 0:01.1426 |
6 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 1:52.5543 | 0:01.2104 |
7 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:52.7918 | 0:01.4479 |
8 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 1:52.8491 | 0:01.5052 |
9 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 1:53.1372 | 0:01.7933 |
10 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 1:53.3005 | 0:01.9566 |
11 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:53.4953 | 0:02.1514 |
12 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:53.5770 | 0:02.2331 |
13 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 1:54.1919 | 0:02.8480 |
14 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:54.3286 | 0:02.9847 |
15 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:54.5417 | 0:03.1978 |
16 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:54.5755 | 0:03.2316 |
17 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:54.6332 | 0:03.2893 |
18 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:54.7090 | 0:03.3651 |
19 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:54.8331 | 0:03.4892 |
20 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:55.0235 | 0:03.6796 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:55.6375 | 0:04.2936 |
22 | 15 | Ben Stack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:56.6586 | 0:05.3147 |
23 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:57.4625 | 0:06.1186 |
24 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:00.0137 | 0:08.6698 |
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NewsDrivers anticipate thrilling maiden round at The Bend
James Moffat and Adrian Flack top Friday practice
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia was unleashed on The Bend Motorsport Park to commence round six of the 2018 season, with the field of Porsche racers impressed by Australia’s newest motor racing circuit.
The Bend founder Sam Shahin was among the 24-strong Carrera Cup field for Friday’s two practice sessions, posting the sixth best overall time in the opening session before finishing the day 11th quickest overall and second best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am competitors.
“It’s a spectacular day on all fronts,” said Shahin after Friday’s second practice session. “I’m just exhausted really, but that’s the nature of the beast; you have to be 100 percent committed behind the wheel of the car. The car felt good and the morning session so we’ll work out how to get fast and stay safe tomorrow.
“I’m embarrassed to say the number of times I had to hit myself on the helmet to say ‘eyes forward’. My eyes kept glazing to the left at the stands and to the right at the mounts full of people, full of colour. It’s such a spectacular sight and I’m just so proud to showcase this wonderful venue in its full glory today.”
James Moffat was the best performer throughout Friday, topping both practice sessions and finishing the day with a time of 1:51.2942, a time 0.44secs ahead of Sonic Motor Racing duo Michael Almond and Jordan Love.
“You can’t be too unhappy about that; it’s good to hit the track with a good, fast car,” said Moffat.
“It’s a mega track and we’re definitely working hard out there. Full credit to the Shahin family; it’s just so great to have someone prepared to invest in a facility like this. It’s special to race here and the circuit really suits the Porsche. It’s a mega track to drive; very challenging but also very rewarding, which is what you want as a driver.”
Series leader Jaxon Evans was the fourth fastest driver of the day from reigning champion David Wall, Dylan O’Keeffe, Glen Wood and Nick McBride.
Fresh from his maiden TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win at Sydney Motorsport Park, series rookie Adrian Flack was the Pro-Am pace-setter on Friday from Shahin, Roger Lago, class leader Stephen Grove and Anthony Gilbertson.
“It was really good out there today. The car was balanced nicely and I was happy about how the team performed,” said Flack.
“We had a test day here so I was able to get my head around this circuit. Hopefully we can go out there and be faster tomorrow into qualifying and the opening race one.”
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will commence qualifying at 12:10pm on Saturday afternoon before the 20-lap race one, which will be the fourth race at the six-race Endurance Cup. Sunday will then feature two sprint races. Fox Sports 506 will broadcast qualifying and all races live nationwide.
Race Schedule
Saturday 25 August
12:10pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:50pm Race 1 (20 laps)
Sunday 26 August
9:50am Race 2 (8 laps)
12:35pm Race 3 (8 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Qualifying – 12:10pm, Saturday 25 August
Race 1 – 2:50pm, Saturday 25 August
Race 2 – 9:50am, Sunday 26 August
Race 3 – 12:35pm, Sunday 26 August
Results: Practice 1 & 2 (combined)
1. #18 James Moffat (Pro) 1:51.2942R
2. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) 1:51.7413r (-0:00.4471)
3. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) 1:51.7539r (-0:00.4597)
4. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) 1:51.8851r (-0:00.5909)
5. #1 David Wall (Pro) 1:51.9491r (-0:00.6549)
6. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) 1:52.5643 (-0:01.2701)
7. #888 Glen Wood (Pro) 1:52.6457 (-0:01.3515)
8. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) 1:52.9631 (-0:01.6689)
9. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:52.9755 (-0:01.6813)
10. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) 1:53.1547 (-0:01.8605)
11. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:53.2044 (-0:01.9102)
12. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) 1:53.5481 (-0:02.2539)
13. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:53.6505 (-0:02.3563)
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:53.7932 (-0:02.4990)
15. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) 1:53.9293 (-0:02.6351)
16. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:54.0560 (-0:02.7618)
17. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:54.2224 (-0:02.9282)
18. #14 Peter Major (Pro) 1:54.2339 (-0:02.9397)
19. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:54.6903 (-0:03.3961)
20. #80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:54.9235 (-0:03.6293)
21. #15 Ben Stack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:55.3063 (-0:04.0121)
22. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:57.2831 (-0:05.9889)
23. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:57.5112 (-0:06.2170)
24. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 1:58.4258 (-0:07.1316)
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NewsCarrera Cup set for The Bend debut
Preview: Round 6, The Bend Motorsport Park
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will this weekend continue its endurance battle as it heads to Australia’s newest motor racing venue, The Bend Motorsport Park.
The sixth round of the 2018 season, the Tailem Bend round comes just three weeks after Carrera Cup Australia was joined at Sydney Motorsport Park by its neighbouring Porsche one-make series, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
The Sydney event was not only highlighted by two spectacular joint races under lights, but also the intense Carrera Cup Australia racing that ultimately saw both Pro and TAG Heuer Pro-Am championship fights intensify leading into the last nine races of the season.
The battle at the front has seen Dylan O’Keeffe creep to within 13 points of series leader Jaxon Evans in the Outright standings, a margin that was once 109 points after the opening two rounds.
The battle at the front is as intense as ever, with six different drivers winning the past six races this season: Dale Wood (Phillip Island, Race 2), David Wall (Hidden Valley, Race 1), Evans (Hidden Valley, Race 2), James Moffat (Hidden Valley, Race 3), O’Keeffe (Sydney Motorsport Park, Race 1) and Jordan Love (Sydney Motorsport Park, Race 2). In addition, four different drivers have won the last four rounds: Evans (Albert Park), Wood (Phillip Island), O’Keeffe (Hidden Valley) and Moffat (Sydney Motorsport Park).
The TAG Heuer Pro-Am competition will also be one to watch, however one driver stands out with a heightened will to win – Sam Shahin. While missing the past two rounds, Shahin returns for this weekend’s round at ‘The Bend’ at the motorsport precinct which he founded.
Shahin was the class of the Pro-Am field in the 2018 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia season opener at The Bend in April and will look to carry this pace into Carrera Cup’s first taste of the new venue, which becomes the 17th different circuit at which Carrera Cup has raced since 2003. This weekend also marks the first time the Porsche championship will race twice in the state of South Australia following round one at the Adelaide 500.
Round six will commence with two practice sessions on Friday and qualifying on Saturday morning before the series embarks on the fourth endurance race of the season – a 20-lap, 99km race one battle. The race will act as the fourth in the six-race 2018 Endurance Cup, which is currently led by Dale Wood in the Pro class and Stephen Grove in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class. Two eight-lap sprint races will then be held on Sunday to conclude the round.
Qualifying and all races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule
Friday 24 August
10:00am Practice 1 (30 minutes)
2:20pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
Saturday 25 August
12:10pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:50pm Race 1 (20 laps)
Sunday 26 August
9:50am Race 2 (8 laps)
12:35pm Race 3 (8 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Practice 2 – 2:20pm, Friday 24 August
Qualifying – 12:10pm, Saturday 25 August
Race 1 – 2:50pm, Saturday 25 August
Race 2 – 9:50am, Sunday 26 August
Race 3 – 12:35pm, Sunday 26 August
Entry List
1. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
2. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
3. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage 1
4. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
5. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
6. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
7. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
8. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu
9. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
10. #18 James Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL
11. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
12. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
13. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
14. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
15. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
16. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts/PSA
17. #80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) WM Waste Management
18. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group
19. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
20. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) BAXX Australia
21. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams
22. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts
23. #888 Glen Wood (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton/Porsche Centre Doncaster
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NewsCampbell extends class lead with Silverstone victory
Aussie takes GTE-Am class win at 6 Hours of Silverstone
Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell has led his Dempsey Proton Racing #77 Porsche 911 RSR, alongside Christian Ried (Germany) and Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer (F), to victory in the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone, Great Britain.
Following the team’s impressive GTE-Am win at the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 2016 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia champion crossed the finish line after two tremendous stints to take the GTE-Am race win in front of a crowd of 60,240, extending the team’s lead in the class standings.
Starting from pole position, the Project 1 team with Porsche works driver Jörg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Lindsey (USA) and Egidio Perfetti (N) led the GTE-Am field over two-thirds of the race. A stop-and-go penalty as a result of a pit stop error relegated the team back to position five, however the trio manoeuvred their way up the field to third place and celebrated their first podium result in the WEC. Michael Wainwright (GB), Ben Barker (GB) and Australian Alex Davison achieved sixth place for the Gulf Racing customer team.
Under partly cloudy skies and with a temperature of 23-degrees Celsius, British spectators were treated to an inspired race start by Kevin Estre in the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR. The Frenchman got away well off the line and made the most of a collision amongst the front pack of the 34-strong field to sweep to the front of the GTE-Pro class. When his teammate, Michael Christensen, experienced tyre problems in the second stint, they fell back to position six, however, thanks to a good pit stop strategy, the pair worked their way back up to the front and at times held the lead. Towards the end of the race, however, they had to let vehicles pass.
Estre and Christensen finished in third place at the wheel of the 510 hp Porsche 911 RSR with the number 92. The No. 91 sister car driven by Austria’s Richard Lietz and Gianmaria Bruni from Italy initially scored second, however was subsequently disqualified due to an irregularity in the ride height.
Round four of the FIA World Sports Car Championship WEC is contested on 14 October in Fuji (Japan).
Comments on the race
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won again. After the first half of the race we thought we couldn’t do much better. But the fact that the number 56 and 90 cars were then handed a time penalty due to pitting under yellow put us back into contention. This was anything but an easy race, but our car was fast and we made the right strategic decisions.”
Pascal Zurlinden (Director GT Factory Motorsport): “Unfortunately we were informed after the race that an irregularity was detected in the ride height. That threw our number 91 car out of the classification and advanced the number 92 car to third place. We’re still leading the manufacturers’ and drivers’ classifications. Now we need to focus on the next tasks.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “Our race started well and I moved into first place after the start and built up a comfortable lead. Unfortunately, Michael was hampered by tyre problems during his stint. We had to call him in earlier than planned and change our strategy. This enabled the Ferrari to overtake us in the pits. At the end, our tyres weren’t fresh enough to attack again. Still, I’m satisfied with our result.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “This race was really exhausting and long. Kévin did a great job at the start. Unfortunately I then had bad luck with the tyres and lost positions and we never managed to really catch up again, even if at times the situation looked promising.”
Julien Andlauer (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “In my first stint I didn’t do such a great job – I stressed the tyres a little too much while pursuing the leader. After talking with the engineers my second stint went much better. We definitely had luck on our side when the penalty was handed to our rivals. Still, we were in the right place when it mattered. In the end we performed strongly as a team and can be proud.”
Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “That was a race with a lot of highs and lows. We held the lead over long stretches, but then came into the pits under safety car conditions. Unfortunately we received a 75-second stop-and-go penalty, which threw us down to fifth place. Luckily I managed to work my way up to third place in the last lap – a conciliatory result for us.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Pier Guidi/Calado (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 172 laps
2. Priaulx/Tincknell (GB/GB), Ford GT, 172 laps
3.. Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 172 laps
4. Lynn/Martin (GB/B), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 171 laps
5. Tomczyk/Catsburg (D/NL), BMW M8 GTE, 171 laps
6. Mücke/Pla (D/F), Ford GT, 170 laps
7. Rigon/Bird (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 157 laps
8. Sorensen/Thiim (DK/DK), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 155 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Ried/Andlauer/Campbell (D/F/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 168 laps
2. Yoluc/Adam/Eastwood (TR/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 168 laps
3. Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti (D/USA/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 168 laps
4. Dalla Lana/Lamy/Lauda (CDN/P/A), Aston Martin Vantage GTE, 168 laps
5. Mok/Sawa/Griffin (MAL/J/IRL), Ferrari 488 GTE, 167 laps
6. Wainwright/Barker/Davison (GB/GB/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 167 laps
7. Ishikawa/Beretta/Cheever (J/MC/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 167 laps
8. Roda/Roda/Cairoli (I/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 167 laps
9. Flohr/Castellacci/Fisichella (CH/I/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 158 laps
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NewsCarrera Cup Australia tops both joint battles
O'Keeffe and Lago wins Sydney joint races
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia drivers have come out on top in both Joint Races at Sydney Motorsport Park, where all drivers from both the Pro-Am and Pro classes competed against there regional rivals.
Joint Pro-Am Race
Roger Lago lined up on pole position for the Joint Pro-Am Race due to his pace-setting efforts in Carrera Cup Australia qualifying on Friday. Lago was the best off the line and immediately took a commanding lead in the 16-lap race. Meanwhile Adrian Flack was in his own battle for second place, ultimately passing Carrera Cup Asia rival Jinlong Bao for second place. The race was interrupted for two separate safety car periods, however Lago kept a cool head in both to ultimately take the chequered flag from Flack and Jinlong Bao.
Joint Pro Race
Dylan O’Keeffe was untouchable in the Joint Pro Race, claiming the lead at the start from fourth on the grid and pulled away from his Australia and Asia series rivals, managing the gap to the battle behind him to the finish. Will Bamber and Martin Ragginger battled for second before David Wall entered the mix. Bamber held second position for the majority of the race until Wall stole the position with a bold turn one move with one lap remaining. Wall place second from Bamber, Ragginger, Jaxon Evans and Dale Wood.
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NewsLove takes maiden win in thrilling race two
Love and Grove win Sydney race two
Jordan Love has secured his maiden victory in race two at the Sydney leg of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, with Stephen Grove winning the TAG Heuer Pro-Am race.
Starting fourth on the grid, Love executed a flawless start and moved from third to first in a move around the outside of Sydney’s turn one.
While initially pulling away, Love was ultimately chased down by James Moffat while race one winner Dylan O’Keeffe and David Wall eventually joined the battle.
The quartet bunched up in the closing laps, though the order remained the same, handing Love his first Carrera Cup race win in his debut full-time season.
Grove was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers, beating Adrian Flack, Anthony Gilbertson and Tim Miles to the chequered flag.
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 16 | 24:36.0023 | 1:30.9577 |
2 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 16 | 24:36.6607 | 1:30.8841 |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 16 | 24:36.9011 | 1:31.0659 |
4 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 16 | 24:37.1337 | 1:31.3401 |
5 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 16 | 24:41.3787 | 1:31.1452 |
6 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 16 | 24:42.9357 | 1:31.1750 |
7 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 16 | 24:43.6723 | 1:31.1922 |
8 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 16 | 24:44.1495 | 1:30.5619R |
9 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 16 | 24:50.6076 | 1:32.2884 |
10 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 16 | 24:51.7099 | 1:32.1637 |
11 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 16 | 24:52.8413 | 1:31.7237 |
12 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 16 | 25:01.2175 | 1:31.9882 |
13 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:01.6780 | 1:32.4067 |
14 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:03.2181 | 1:32.2840 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:17.0543 | 1:33.3651 |
16 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:19.4518 | 1:33.5011 |
17 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:19.8155 | 1:33.5395 |
18 | 5 | Shane Smollen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:20.3972 | 1:33.5716 |
19 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 16 | 25:20.5280 | 1:32.1683 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:26.5679 | 1:33.8735 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:37.9651 | 1:34.1201 |
22 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:47.2543 | 1:34.5152 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 26:04.0135 | 1:35.7546 |
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NewsO’Keeffe takes maiden victory in race one
O'Keeffe and Flack win opening Sydney battle
Young gun Dylan O’Keeffe has taken his maiden victory in the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship in the opening race of the Sydney Motorsport Park round.
O’Keeffe qualified second and charged to the lead after pole-sitter David Wall was slow from the start line.
The Melbourne based driver then continued at the front to ultimately take the chequered flag and, in the process, eclipsing Steven Richards’ 2014 Sydney Motorsport Park lap record.
James Moffat placed second from Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love and Wall in fifth, who limped across the line following last lap contact with Dale Wood, which ended the latter’s race.
Adrian Flack was the TAG Heuer Pro-Am race winner, cruising past Roger Lago mid-race into turn one and pulled away from his class rivals. Lago placed second from Steven Grove, Anthony Gilbertson and Tim Miles.
Race two will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:45pm local time.
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 16 | 24:33.6477 | 1:30.6594R |
2 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 16 | 24:34.3392 | 1:30.9736 |
3 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 16 | 24:42.8387 | 1:31.2502 |
4 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 16 | 24:44.5463 | 1:31.5732 |
5 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 16 | 24:44.7127 | 1:31.1064 |
6 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 16 | 24:47.4078 | 1:31.4024 |
7 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 16 | 24:48.1826 | 1:31.5159 |
8 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 16 | 24:49.1025 | 1:31.5361 |
9 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 16 | 24:50.6237 | 1:31.6933 |
10 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 16 | 24:55.7868 | 1:31.6602 |
11 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 16 | 25:01.9496 | 1:32.4991 |
12 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:06.1734 | 1:32.2472 |
13 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 16 | 25:13.3021 | 1:32.9350 |
14 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:17.5141 | 1:32.8873 |
15 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:17.6110 | 1:33.0661 |
16 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:18.3630 | 1:32.9763 |
17 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:19.5542 | 1:33.2028 |
18 | 5 | Shane Smollen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:20.3422 | 1:32.9945 |
19 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:20.5540 | 1:33.1655 |
20 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:45.8239 | 1:35.1724 |
21 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 25:47.1086 | 1:35.3608 |
22 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 25:23.7771 | 1:36.3798 |
DNF | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 15 | 23:08.3757 | 1:31.2958 |
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NewsWall secures pole, Lago slays qualifying curse
Friday Wrap: Round 5, Sydney Motorsport Park
A perfectly crafted qualifying session has handed reigning Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia champion David Wall the TAG Heuer Pole Position for Saturday’s opening race at Sydney Motorsport Park, while Roger Lago finally secured his maiden Pro-Am pole position following nine second-place qualifying results.
While Darwin round winner Dylan O’Keeffe spent much of the closing stages of qualifying at the top of the timesheets, Wall topped the session by a mere 0.0572secs in the final moments to grab his fifth career pole position. The time of 1:29.0114 also eclipsed the previous qualifying lap record set by Warren Luff in 2014.
“I’m very happy. I haven’t fist-pumped over the line for many years. I really enjoyed that qualifying session; the car was hooked, we made the right decisions and it will be one of those sessions that I remember for years to come,” said Wall. “It was nice and close, which goes to show the quality of the field. And I’m pumped for Wall Racing, which will start first and third on the grid.”
O’Keeffe qualified second from James Moffat in third. Dale Wood qualified fourth from Cameron Hill, who was consistently fast in all three Friday sessions, and series leader Jaxon Evans in sixth.
Roger Lago impressed with his maiden pole position in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class. The Queenslander held the noteworthy record of nine second placed class results from 14 qualifying sessions, four of which came from the first four events of the 2018 season.
“I knew that I’d been runner-up four times in a row this year and that I had missed out a few times when I previously raced in Carrera Cup,” said Lago.
“I had to dig deep there because the car was nowhere in practice and we made a slight change for qualifying and I also got a tow from Grove at the end there; he was just far enough away that he didn’t slow me down, so I was a bit lucky there.”
Adrian Flack was the second fastest Pro-Am driver in qualifying from Anthony Gilbertson and returning driver Shane Smollen, who hasn’t raced since the Joint Round at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit last season, in fourth.
The two qualifying sessions were made more important by the fact that they also determine the starting positions for Saturday’s two Carrera Cup Asia & Australia Joint Races.
Determined by a coin toss at Thursday’s Welcome Function, Carrera Cup Australia will line up on the non-pole position side of the grid with Wall starting from the second place grid position, while the Australia series’ Pro-Am contenders will start their Joint Race from the pole position side of the grid.
“It’s always good to beat your chest against some of the Carrera Cup Asia drivers,” said Wall. “Chris Van Der Drift got one up on me last year in Sepang. I’ll go into tomorrow focusing on race one and race two and then we’ll shift our concentration to the Joint Race.”
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will hold two individual races on Saturday – both awarding a maximum of 90 points – before the Joint Pro-Am Race and Joint Pro Race to cap off round five in Sydney.
Race Schedule
Saturday August 04
11:45am Race 1 (16 laps)
2:45pm Race 2 (16 laps)
5:15pm Joint Pro Race (16 laps)
5:55pm Joint Pro-Am Race (16 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Qualifying – 3:05pm, Friday August 03
Race 1 – 11:45am, Saturday August 04
Race 2 – 2:45pm, Saturday August 04
Joint Pro Race – 5:15pm, Saturday August 04
Joint Pro-Am Race – 5:55pm, Saturday August 04
Results: Qualifying
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 1:29.0114R | |
2 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 1:29.0686r | 0:00.0572 |
3 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 1:29.1543r | 0:00.1429 |
4 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:29.3644 | 0:00.3530 |
5 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:29.4029 | 0:00.3915 |
6 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 1:29.4690 | 0:00.4576 |
7 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:29.5679 | 0:00.5565 |
8 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:29.6665 | 0:00.6551 |
9 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:29.7414 | 0:00.7300 |
10 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 1:30.1282 | 0:01.1168 |
11 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 1:30.3263 | 0:01.3149 |
12 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 1:30.3335 | 0:01.3221 |
13 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:30.3336 | 0:01.3222 |
14 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:30.4172 | 0:01.4058 |
15 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1:30.7111 | 0:01.6997 |
16 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:30.9475 | 0:01.9361 |
17 | 5 | Shane Smollen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:30.9837 | 0:01.9723 |
18 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:30.9985 | 0:01.9871 |
19 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:31.1966 | 0:02.1852 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:31.8887 | 0:02.8773 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:32.5123 | 0:03.5009 |
22 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:34.0033 | 0:04.9919 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:34.8554 | 0:05.8440 |
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NewsFormer Pro-Am champ returns for Sydney
Shane Smollen returns to Porsche field
Shane Smollen will join the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia grid for this weekend’s Joint Round at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The 2015 TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion will step into the #5 Wall Racing 911 GT3 Cup while Greg Taylor is absent due to business commitments.
Smollen has a wealth of Carrera Cup experience, starting 46 rounds and 127 races ahead of his Sydney return. From his time in the championship, he has claimed eight Pro-Am round wins and 30 Pro-Am race wins.
Smollen is also no stranger to Wall Racing, having partnered with David Wall in the two-driver Pro-Am event last year at Phillip Island, where the duo took overall round victory.
The Sydneysider has also contested both previous Joint Rounds, racing in Sepang last season for a one-off return to the series.
“We are pleased that Shane was able to step in for the weekend to cover Greg. He is a great person to have around the garage and hopefully can get a great result over the weekend in the Tag Heuer Pro-AM class for Wall Racing”, said Wall Racing Team Manager, David Fyfe.
The Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship hits to track this Friday and Saturday for the two-day Sydney SuperNight event, where the Australian series will be joined at the event by sister series Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
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NewsCarrera Cups prepare for Sydney showdown
Preview: Round 5, Sydney Motorsport Park
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia heads to Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend to embark on its third-ever joint round with neighbouring Porsche one-make series, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
The Western Sydney venue hosted the inaugural Carrera Cup Asia & Australia joint round in 2016 ahead of last year’s second encounter at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.
Race Formats
The two Porsche championships now return to Eastern Creek in an event that will follow the previous joint round formats: Each Carrera Cup will hold separate practice, qualifying and two races, which award full championship points.
The two series then merge for two Joint Races; both series’ Pro-Am drivers will battle for 16 laps on Saturday evening as the sun sets on Sydney Motorsport Park before all Pro-ranked drivers compete for outright honours for a 16-lap night race. Drivers competing in a Joint Race will receive 10 championship points, while Carrera Cup Australia’s TAG Heuer Pro-Am participants will disable ABS for the Pro-Am battle to technically align with their Asian series counterparts.
Currently, the Joint Race win tally is even on two wins a piece; Carrera Cup Australia’s Matt Campbell and Stephen Grove won the Pro and Pro-Am Sydney races in 2016 while Carrera Cup Asia drivers Chris Van Der Drift and Yuey Tan claimed Joint Race honours at Sepang last year.
Milestones
Two Carrera Cup Australia drivers will reach significant milestones this weekend for the fifth round of the 2018 season. The championship’s most capped racer, Marc Cini, will start his 100th Carrera Cup Australia round. Following his debut at Winton in 2003, the Melbourne based driver has competed in 99 of a possible 108 Carrera Cup rounds.
Meanwhile, should Nick McBride get through race one unscathed, the young Melbourne lawyer will start his 100th Carrera Cup Australia race in race two in Sydney, becoming the 19th driver to achieve the milestone.
Title chase
Jaxon Evans enters the Sydney round with a significant points advantage, leading Darwin round winner Dylan O’Keeffe in the overall standings by 60 points, with Dale Wood dropping to third after a difficult Darwin outing.
Two strong rounds for Stephen Grove have elevated the reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am class champion back into Pro-Am contention. Grove has raced in the past two Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup rounds across the last two weekends, notably taking to the Pro-Am podium last weekend in Hungary. This weekend Grove will complete a Porsche one-make triple header in Sydney, entering the event just seven points adrift of class leader Roger Lago.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will hold two practice sessions and qualifying on Friday, with all racing – two Carrera Cup Australia races and two Joint Races – to feature on Saturday. Qualfying and all races will be broadcast live nationwide on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule
Friday August 03
11:00am Practice 1 (30 minutes)
1:00pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
3:05pm Qualifying (30 minutes)
Saturday August 04
11:45am Race 1 (16 Laps or 1 lap after 1213)
2:45pm Race 2 (16 Laps or 1 lap after 1513)
5:15pm Joint Pro Race (16 Laps or 1 lap after 1743)
5:55pm Joint Pro-Am Race (16 Laps or 1 lap after 1823)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Qualifying – 3:05pm, Friday August 03
Race 1 – 11:45am, Saturday August 04
Race 2 – 2:45pm, Saturday August 04
Joint Pro Race – 5:15pm, Saturday August 04
Joint Pro-Am Race – 5:55pm, Saturday August 04
Entry List
1. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
2. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
3. #5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild
4. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage 1
5. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
6. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
7. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
8. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
9. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
10. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) LORY Construction
11. #18 James Moffat (Pro) Payce/Wilson Security/JBL
12. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
13. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
14. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
15. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
16. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
17. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts/PSA
18. #80 TBC (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) WM Waste Management
19. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group
20. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
21. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) BAXX Australia
22. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams
23. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts
24. #888 Glen Wood (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton/Porsche Centre Doncaster
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NewsGrove scores Supercup Pro-Am podium
Aussie collects silverware at Hungaroring
Stephen Grove scored a thrilling Pro-Am class podium on the world-stage at Round 6 of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Hungaroring, Budapest.
The Melbourne-based driver clawed his way to third in Pro-Am after a busy 14-lap race at the 4.3km circuit which saw him start from sixth in class.
It marks the first time an Australian driver has ever finished on the Supercup Pro-Am podium, with the achievement coming in only Grove’s third event in the series.
Speaking after the race, he was still buzzing with excitement from the result.
“I’m so happy with the podium, that was fantastic,” Grove exclaimed.
“To become the first ever Australian to finish on the podium in the Pro-Am division of Supercup is just unbelievable.
“The racing level over here is incredible, so when I’m passing guys like I did in that race at such a high level, it’s absolutely fantastic – I’m so rapt.
“It was an extremely hot race, 34 degrees [celsius] over here and even hotter in the car. We don’t run cool suits, we don’t run drink bottle systems in Supercup, so it was mega hot.
“You’ve got to push, but the tyre and track temperatures were blisteringly warm, so you’ve got to be really smooth in that scenario.
“The team is happy as well with what is for them, second and third in Pro-Am, so everything is really good.
“Of course, I’ve now got to find some space in my suitcase for the third place trophy, which is actually really big and it weighs about six kilos, so it’s quite heavy.”
Grove managed to survive a first corner incident early in the race, before setting his sights up the road and working through the order.
The experienced racer described his charge into the podium place positions as one of his best drives thus far.
“I was a bit conservative into Turn 1, because traditionally there’s always a crash, which there was. I was fairly tentative through there and then I just pushed and put pressure on,” added Grove.
“[Christof] Langer made a mistake, he just overcooked it at one of the corners, so I lined him up and I knew where I was quicker, so doubled back and passed him.
“On the last lap, I knew where I was faster than the English driver, [Mark] Radcliffe, which was through the sweeper at Turn 6, so I pushed through there.
“He would always take a wide line and ‘v’ the corner, so I got on the brakes and took the inside and that’s where I passed him, and that put me up into third.
“We brought it home after that and maintained third, which is just awesome, I’m really happy, that’s got to be one of my better drives.”
Hungary marks the end of part two of Grove’s triple header, which now sees him return to Australia in defence of his domestic Carrera Cup TAG Heuer Pro-Am crown.
Grove will head from Europe to Sydney Motorsport Park for Round 5 of Carrera Cup Australia this weekend at the Sydney SuperNight.
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NewsGrove completes strong Supercup return in Germany
Stephen Grove fifth in class at Hockenheimring
Reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove has scored an impressive fifth in class in his second Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup outing at Hockenheimring, Germany.
The strong performance was highlighted by a clean start, which saw him improve four positions in the opening segment of the race.
It came after he was forced to start the 14-lapper from the rear of the field following a technical penalty that was handed down post-qualifying due to the car not being weighed in time at the conclusion of the session.
Clear skies greeted Supercup for the race on Sunday, where the Melbourne-based driver crossed the line an impressive fifth in the Pro-Am class at the chequered flag.
Speaking after the race, Grove said he was extremely happy with the end result of the weekend.
“The race was really good,” exclaimed Grove. “I managed to grab a couple of spots and ended up fifth in class which is pretty good at this level.
“It’s so important to know the tracks over here, it takes a year to work them out, so I’m still learning every step of the way.
“Qualifying, unfortunately was a little bit disappointing – I was running well up the order when everyone was on wet tyres, 14th or 15th I think, which is unbelievable.
“Then everyone came in to put slicks on and the team made an error and put wets back on my car, so I was out on wets, that’s why I struggled.
“At the end of the session there was a bit of confusion while I was talking about that to the team and we didn’t go get weighed in time, so that’s where we got the penalty.
“Overall though, I’m happy with the weekend – I’ve learnt a lot, even outside of the car, technical stuff, setup of the car, I’m learning so much.”
It won’t be long before Grove gets back behind the wheel, with the experienced racer returning to action on July 27-29, once again in Supercup with French outfit Pro GT by Alméras.
This weekend he will tackle yet another new European circuit, with Budapest’s Hungaroring in Hungary playing host to the next round in part two of Grove’s triple header.
“Budapest will be great – now I’ve got used to the team and everything even more, I will be pushing harder next weekend,” added Grove.
“It will be a challenge though, because the Hungaroring is effectively like Monaco, though without the walls so close.
“The heat will be a factor as well, but I’m looking forward to getting out on track again.”
Track action in Budapest kicks off with Free Practice on Friday ahead of Qualifying and the Race with takes place on Sunday.
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NewsGrove set for Supercup double-header
Stephen Grove to race at Hockenheim and Hungaroring
Reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove will continue his international racing campaign this weekend when contesting the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race at Germany’s Hockenheim circuit.
The event will be the first of two Supercup events on consecutive weekends, competing at Hungary’s Hungaroring the following weekend before returning to Australia for round five of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship at Sydney Motorsport Park for his third-straight weekend of Porsche one-make competition.
With Carrera Cup Australia joining Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in Sydney, Grove will look to repeat his 2016 performance of outright race victory in the all-in Joint Pro-Am race, which will be held after the two individual Carrera Cup Australia races.
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NewsCarrera Cup drivers set for more Bathurst miles
Current-spec GT3 Cup cars to race in sports car enduro
Drivers in the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship will now have the opportunity to race their Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in Australia’s greatest sports car endurance race, the Bathurst 12 Hour.
The move will be the second time in the history of the 12 hour event that a Porsche Cars Australia-imported current-generation Carrera Cup race car is eligible to compete; the 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour allowed the 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.I) to compete after its Carrera Cup lifespan was extended to a fourth year.
The inclusion of a new Class B contender will no doubt assist in Porsche’s continance as the best represented brand at the New South Wales event, featuring more cars than any other automotive manufacturer across the past six races.
“Porsche is excited to provide its Carrera Cup customers the opportunity to race their latest generation 911 GT3 Cup cars at next year’s Bathurst 12 Hour,” said Troy Bundy, Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager.
“In contrast to Carrera Cup’s tradition sprint and endurance formats, this initiative will enable our customers to experience their 911 GT3 Cup race cars in a full endurance setting – including pit stops, co-drivers and providing more racing laps in their 911 race car separate to their Carrera Cup campaigns.
“Porsche has been the best-represented manufacturer in the past six Bathurst 12 Hour events and this announcement will no doubt further boost the brand’s presence at the Mount Panorama sports car enduro.”
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NewsGrove expands Supercup campaign
Stephen Grove to race in Germany and Hungary
Stephen Grove will return to the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup next month at the iconic Hockenheimring and Hungaroring circuits.
Grove made his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup debut at Monaco in May before claiming the TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win at round four of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia series at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway.
The Melbourne-based driver will rejoin French squad Pro GT by Alméras for the back-to-back rounds – starting with the Hockenheimring in Germany on July 20-22 followed by a round at the Hungaroring in Hungary on July 27-29.
“I’m really excited to add all these overseas races to my calendar,” said Grove.
“They are quite unique experiences in that I’m adapting to new environments as such and new race tracks as well – it’s very different to racing back in Australia.
“Hockenheim and Budapest are two tracks I don’t know, but I will have the same engineer for those two rounds, whereas in Monaco I had someone different, so that will help the continuity.
“The risk versus reward is a lot different at those two circuits, they have a lot more run off because they are more traditional tracks so I’ll be able to push a little more.
“I’ve got to learn two different circuits that I haven’t been to in the next few weeks. It’s a good thing I’m doing it with the same team we did Monaco with, it’s in a Cup car, so it will be exciting.”
Following the two Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup rounds, Grove will return to Australia for round five of Carrera Cup Australia where the series is joined by Porsche Carrera Cup Asia at Sydney Motorsport Park on August 03-04.
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NewsMatt Campbell wins at Le Mans 24 Hour
Porsche claims double-victory at Circuit de la Sarthe
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia graduate Matt Campbell has taken victory in the world’s toughest long distance race, the Le Mans 24 Hours at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France.
The 2016 Carrera Cup Australia champion took victory in the GTE-Am class aboard the #77 Porsche 911 RSR of Dempsey-Proton Racing, led by high-profile team co-owner Patrick Dempsey.
Putting in an inspired drive, Porsche Young Professional Campbell (Australia), Christian Ried (Germany) and Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer (France) notched up the 107th class win for Porsche. At just 18 years of age, Julien Andlauer has become the youngest class winner at Le Mans. Like its factory-entered couterpart, the Dempsey-Proton Racing entry led the GTE-Am field for the majority of the 24 hour distance.
In the GTE-Pro category, the #92 Porsche 911 RSR concluded the 86th edition of the race in first place after 344 laps. The driver trio of Kévin Estre (France), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Michael Christensen (Denmark) held the lead for almost the entire distance and controlled the race on the tradition-steeped 13.626-kilometre racetrack. The sister car (#91) shared by Richard Lietz (Austria), Frédéric Makowiecki (France) and Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) perfectly rounded off the double victory for Porsche in the GTE-Pro class.
The #86 911 RSR campaigned by Gulf Racing, which included Australian Carrera Cup driver Alex Davison, was relegated to the back of the field at the beginning of the race after becoming entangled in an accident caused by another competitor. Pulling out all stops, the team fought their way back up the order to finish on tenth.
Comments on the race
Matt Campbell – Australia (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “Obviously the race went fantastically. We held the lead from about 5:30pm yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, which is really hard to believe. The car was mega all race. It was absolutely perfect. No mistakes, no contact, nothing like that. Julien and Christian did a fantastic job the while race. I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity.
“It’s only my debut here, my second year in Europe and my second year with Porsche, so I’m absolutely over the moon. It’s something crazy.
“Once you have that lead, you need to manage it, just trying to be as consistent as possible and keep the average lap time up as high as you can. It’s quite difficult for us to manage traffic, not to lose too much time ourselves and not fight too much, because you don’t want to get (tyre) pick-up or anything like that. Ferrari’s pace in the race was matching us all race. We got lucky there at the start of the race with a couple of Safety Cars. We were able to really manage that (lead) throughout the whole race, which was quite surprising because obviously in GTE-Am there is a lot of diversity in the driver line-ups. They were always there, the two Ferraris – I think it was #84 and #85 – for the whole race. There was never less than 30 seconds gap and up to a couple of minutes at times. It went perfectly. I can’t express what it feels like, that’s for sure.”
Patrick Dempsey, co-owner Dempsey-Proton Racing: “These young drivers, their first time here, with so many drivers, they just had a level of class in their driving. Matt was on the radio and he was just really calm and knew what he had to do. He just had this look in his eye and I was like ‘this guy is the real deal’. These are young stars emerging and we are a part of it …
“I’m lost for words. Everyone did a fantastic job, it was a victory for the whole team. The race was incredible, we made no mistakes and our work was rewarded with this great success. I can’t tell you how incredibly proud and happy I am for Porsche, too.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Christensen/Estre/Vanthoor (DK/F/B), Porsche 911 RSR, 344 laps
2. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 343 laps
3. Hand/Müller/Bourdais (USA/D/F), Ford GT, 343 laps
11. Pilet/Tandy/Bamber (F/GB/NZ), Porsche 911 RSR, 338 laps
GTE-Am class
1. Ried/Andlauer/Campbell (D/F/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 335 laps
2. Flohr/Castellacci/Fisichella (CH/I/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 335 laps
3. Keating/Bleekemolen/Stolz (USA/NL/D), Ferrari 488 GTE, 334 laps
4. Long/Pappas/Pumpelly (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 RSR, 334 laps
6. Babini/Nielsen/Maris (I/DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 332 laps
7. Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti (D/USA/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 332 laps
10. Wainwright/Barker/Davison (GB/GB/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 324 laps
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NewsTop End triumph for O’Keeffe and Grove
Darwin round winner now a title contender
Dylan O’Keeffe has his sights firmly set on the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia title following his maiden round win at Hidden Valley Raceway, while race three fortune handed Stephen Grove the TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win.
Sunday morning’s race two began with race one winner David Wall stalling from pole position. Third-placed Dylan O’Keeffe narrowly missed the motionless #1 Porsche, however Dale Wood wasn’t so lucky, contacting the rear of Wall and causing race-ending damage to both entries.
A subsequent turn one incident between John Steffensen and Dean Cook and contact on the restart, which ended Nick McBride’s event, allowed for a one-lap dash to the chequered flag. Jaxon Evans ultimately won race two from O’Keeffe and James Moffat.
After victory eluded O’Keeffe in race two, the final race of the weekend looked to be his, fending off a turn one challenge from Jaxon Evans before establishing a gap to second placed Moffat. Ultimately, however, Moffat charged past O’Keeffe late in the race to claim his first Carrera Cup race win in a decade, while second place for O’Keeffe, assisted by a mishap by Evans with two laps to go, handed the GT3 Cup Challenge graduate O’Keeffe his maiden round win in his third season of Carrera Cup racing.
“That wasn’t too bad. I’m about 95 per cent satisfied after leading the majority of the race. Moffat got me after the safety car as we’d lost all grip and it was so hard to drive. I just had to consolidate and it’s great to get the round win. Hopefully we can keep this going for the rest of the season,” said O’Keeffe.
“We’ve consistently been around second and third, but we still haven’t got that race win yet. It’s cool to tick off the round win and hopefully I can get that race win in the future. We’ve jumped to second in the championship and closed the gap to Evans in points so, all in all, the weekend was pretty good.”
Adrian Flack followed his race one victory on Saturday with a repeat win in the interrupted race two, in which he placed seventh outright after several Pro drivers failed to finish.
Flack was again racing well within the top 10 before a fight with several Pro runners saw the Brisbane racer drop to eighth in class by the finish, while victory to Stephen Grove handed the reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion his second straight round victory.
“Another round win is great. It’s been a hard weekend and it’s really tough; you had to work really hard at it this weekend as it had a mixture of everything. I’m rapt for Adrian Flack as he did a great job with two class wins and to be up on the podium. It’s been a good weekend,” said Grove.
Flack placed second for the round from Australian Grand Prix round winner Tim Miles, who secured fourth, third and second in class across the three Darwin races.
Following a horror event for Dale Wood and David Wall, with Evans dropping to 16th by the finish of race three, O’Keeffe has moved to second in the standings and now sits 59 points from Evans in the overall standings and 68 points in the Pro points tally.
“This is my third season in Carrera Cup,” said O’Keeffe. “Last year was more of a learning year with a few good results. This season, we have the new car and the team is really starting to gel. I couldn’t be happier with how we’re going and we’re only getting better. We’re finding new things in the car and I’d say I’m driving the car pretty consistently without doing anything silly, and that’s how you win the championship. We’ll keep the same approach and see where we end up at the end of the season.”
With TAG Heuer Pro-Am round victory, Grove moves to just seven points off class leader Roger Lago, while Flack sits 98 points further behind in third.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia returns to start the second half of the 2018 season at Sydney Motorsport Park on August 03-04 for a two-day joint round with its sister one-make series Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
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NewsWall and Flack claim race one honours in Darwin
Porsche records tumble at Hidden Valley
Reigning Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia champion David Wall has secured his first victory of 2018 in race one at Hidden Valley Raceway, while an impressive performance by Adrian Flack saw the series rookie claim his maiden TAG Heuer Pro-Am win.
Wall secured TAG Heuer Pole Position earlier on Saturday with a new qualifying lap record before leading into the opening corner of race one. Wall was unchallenged thereafter to eventually claim a one-second victory over series leader Jaxon Evans, while also posting a new race lap record.
While Wall has placing inside the top four in seven of the season’s nine races, the Darwin win was the Sydneysider’s first since race one at Bathurst last season.
“It’s good to get our first race win in the new car, which is slightly different to set up and drive to the previous version GT3 Cup car. I’m finally getting my head around it a little bit,” said Wall.
“Overall we’ve ticked a lot of boxes and I’m really happy with the weekend so far. Today was good; we’ll now see what tomorrow brings.”
Dylan O’Keeffe survived opening lap attacks to work his way back to third place by the chequered flag from James Moffat, who progressed to fourth from seventh on the grid following a four-place grid penalty for a qualifying infringement.
Dale Wood dropped several positions as the race progressed after an inspired opening segment of the race. Cameron Hill qualified a career-high third place though dropped to sixth by the finish, while Nick McBride started second but struggled with locked tyres under braking to ultimately finished seventh.
TAG Heuer Pro-Am reigning champion Stephen Grove was the quickest Pro-Am driver in qualifying, while Adrian Flack joined Grove at the front of the class in race one.
Grove led the class until lap 13, when Flack moved to the lead and eventually took his maiden Pro-Am victory in his rookie Carrera Cup season.
“It’s really the first time this year that we’ve had a good car underneath us. We did some testing a week ago and went through the processes. We’ve got our heads around it now and the boys did a great job to get the car to where it is now, which is just a beautiful race car,” said Flack.
“I started racing in Porsches years ago in GTs with my younger brother. It’s just a matter of getting back into it and learning about this car and how it works. I think we’re starting to get there now so hopefully we’ll be a lot more competitive for the rest of the year.”
Grove placed second in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am ahead of class points leader Roger Lago, Tim Miles and Anthony Gilbertson, who recovered after a qualifying accident which saw him crash moments after setting the quickest time in the opening sector late in the session.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia has two races remaining for round four in Darwin. The 18-lap race two will be held at 8:45am (local time) on Sunday morning before the third Endurance Cup race of the season is held at midday. Both of the remaining Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia races from Darwin can be viewed live nationwide on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday June 17, 2018
8:45am Race 2 (18 laps)
12:00pm Race 3 (35 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Race 2 – 8:45am, Sunday June 17
Race 3 – 12:00pm, Sunday June 17
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 18 | 20:39.2966 | 1:08.1006R |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 18 | 20:40.3819 | 1:08.1259r |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 18 | 20:41.3048 | 1:08.2412r |
4 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 18 | 20:45.1123 | 1:08.1923r |
5 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 18 | 20:45.6491 | 1:08.3736 |
6 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 18 | 20:48.0501 | 1:08.4476 |
7 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 18 | 20:49.6177 | 1:08.2748r |
8 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 18 | 20:51.5725 | 1:08.5859 |
9 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 20:52.6462 | 1:08.6475 |
10 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 18 | 20:53.6420 | 1:08.4812 |
11 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 20:55.1918 | 1:08.5462 |
12 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 18 | 20:55.4159 | 1:08.4851 |
13 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 21:00.3541 | 1:08.9900 |
14 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 21:02.0261 | 1:09.0013 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 21:03.3501 | 1:09.0059 |
16 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 18 | 21:04.3801 | 1:08.4304 |
17 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 18 | 21:06.1771 | 1:08.9734 |
18 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 18 | 21:07.9925 | 1:08.9674 |
19 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 21:09.6792 | 1:09.4166 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 21:16.5910 | 1:09.4471 |
21 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 18 | 21:45.3220 | 1:11.0363 |
DNF | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | |||
DNF | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am |
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NewsWall and Grove top Darwin qualifying
Pole-sitter eclipses Hidden Valley lap record
David Wall has continued at the front of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia series in Darwin with record setting pace.
After topping both Friday practice sessions, Wall exchanged top times with many of the Carrera Cup front-runners, though eventually came out with a new lap record and the best lap of the qualifying session.
Nick McBride will start alongside Wall on the front row ahead of second row starters James Moffat and Cameron Hill in his best qualifying performance of the season. Dylan O’Keeffe will start in fifth alongside 2017 Darwin round winner Jaxon Evans.
The battle of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am was just as entertaining as the fight for outright pole position. All eyes were on Anthony Gilbertson, who had recorded the best first sector of any driver late in the session until he crashed into the tyre barrier in the second sector to cause a session-ending red flag.
This left Stephen Grove to claim the class pole position and an impressive ninth outright, just over half a second from Wall’s pole lap. Roger Lago qualified second in class from Adrian Flack and Gilbertson.
At the conclusion of the 21-minute qualifying session, the top 15 cars were covered by less than one second.
Race one will be held at 3:05pm on Saturday.
Results: Qualifying times
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 1:07.2438R | |
2 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:07.4957 | 0:00.2519 |
3 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 1:07.4988 | 0:00.2550 |
4 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:07.5147 | 0:00.2709 |
5 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 1:07.5608 | 0:00.3170 |
6 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 1:07.5680 | 0:00.3242 |
7 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:07.6089 | 0:00.3651 |
8 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:07.6554 | 0:00.4116 |
9 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:07.8008 | 0:00.5570 |
10 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:08.0742 | 0:00.8304 |
11 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.0990 | 0:00.8552 |
12 | 888 | Glen Wood | Pro | 1:08.1652 | 0:00.9214 |
13 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.1775 | 0:00.9337 |
14 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 1:08.1947 | 0:00.9509 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.2418 | 0:00.9980 |
16 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 1:08.2964 | 0:01.0526 |
17 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.2977 | 0:01.0539 |
18 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 1:08.3274 | 0:01.0836 |
19 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:08.9598 | 0:01.7160 |
20 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:09.0053 | 0:01.7615 |
21 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:09.0410 | 0:01.7972 |
22 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:10.0923 | 0:02.8485 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:11.5981 | 0:04.3543 |
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NewsCarrera Cup sets record pace in Darwin practice
Wall and Gilbertson set Friday pace at Hidden Valley
David Wall has posted the fastest ever Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia lap of the 2.87km Hidden Valley Raceway after Friday’s two practice sessions, while Anthony Gilbertson was quick to acclimatise to the Darwin conditions with the best time in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
While Wall topped both practice sessions, the reigning champion’s best time came from the cooler morning session; his lap of 1:07.3779 was two-tenths better than the previous best of Matt Campbell set during Darwin qualifying in 2016 in the previous generation 911 GT3 Cup.
“Topping both sessions is all we can ask for. I was especially happy with the first session; I was a bit quicker there but conditions favoured the early session, but to back it up in the second session was great,” said Wall.
“The 2016 round was a turning point for us in Darwin, then 2017 was a very strong round for us so I felt like we could come here and be reasonably fast, but to come away first for the day is a credit to all at Wall Racing.”
Following his clean sweep in Darwin last year, leading Michelin Junior Jaxon Evans was the next best in both sessions finishing the day 0.28secs behind Wall, while former Supercars driver Dale Wood was third quickest on Friday.
Despite having never driven the Hidden Valley circuit, series rookie Anthony Gilbertson was the TAG Heuer Pro-Am pacesetter on Friday.
Adrian Flack was the best in the class in practice one however Gilbertson improved his pace by over half a second in practice two to record the best time in class.
“Our cars today are just working for this circuit. There is no doubt that the reason I’m up there and that Jaxon is at the pointy end is because the team has given us a great set-up,” said Gilbertson.
“I’m loving this circuit and it’s my first time here so it’s great to be able to get up to pace and top the Pro-Am class straight away.”
Class points leader Roger Lago and reigning class champion Stephen Grove both improved their times in the second session to place second and third in the combined class times ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will return on Saturday for qualifying at 12:30pm (local time) to determine the starting grid for the 18-lap race one at 3:05pm later in the day. The 18-lap race two will be held at 8:45am on Sunday morning before the 35-lap third race of the Endurance Cup is held at midday on Sunday.
Qualifying and all three Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia races can be viewed nationwide live on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule (local time)
Saturday June 16, 2018
12:30pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm Race 1 (18 laps)
Sunday June 17, 2018
8:45am Race 2 (18 laps)
12:00pm Race 3 (35 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Qualifying – 12:30pm, Saturday June 16
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Saturday June 16
Race 2 – 8:45am, Sunday June 17
Race 3 – 12:00pm, Sunday June 17
Results: Practice 1 & 2 (combined)
1. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 1:07.3779
2. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance – 1:07.6632 (0:00.2853)
3. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor – 1:07.7029 (0:00.3250)
4. #18 James Moffat (Pro) Payce/Wilson Security/JBL – 1:07.8306 (0:00.4527)
5. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts – 1:07.8599 (0:00.4820)
6. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts/PSA – 1:07.8664 (0:00.4885)
7. 388 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group – 1:08.0373 (0:00.6594)
8. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes – 1:08.1530 (0:00.7751)
9. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Southern Star Truck Centre – 1:08.1542 (0:00.7763)
10. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia – 1:08.1766 (0:00.7987)
11. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:08.1777 (0:00.7998)
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group – 1:08.3364 (0:00.9585)
13. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) LORY Construction – 1:08.5030 (0:01.1251)
14. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National – 1:08.5412 (0:01.1633)
15. #808 John Steffensen (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Crown/Timken/Porsche Melbourne – 1:08.5948 (0:01.2169)
16. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage – 1:08.6735 (0:01.2956)
17. #888 Glen Wood (Pro) Porsche Cent Brighton/Doncaster – 1:08.6824 (0:01.3045)
18. #5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild – 1:08.7016 (0:01.3237)
19. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4 – 1:08.8390 (0:01.4611)
20. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing – 1:09.0777 (0:01.6998)
21. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport – 1:09.1889 (0:01.8110)
22. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc – 1:10.2371 (0:02.8592)
23. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams – 1:12.7302 (0:05.3523)
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NewsEndurance battle continues in the Top End
Preview: Round 4, Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia has embarked on the longest road trip of the 2018 season ahead of this weekend’s round four, venturing almost 4,000km from its previous destination, Phillip Island, to the championship’s northern-most round at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway.
Following Phillip Island’s two 45-minute Endurance Cup races, Darwin will host two sprint races before the event concludes with a 100km, 35-lap race three, which will feature as the third race of the six-race 2018 Endurance Cup battle.
A noteworthy change to Carrera Cup in Darwin is the inclusion of Glen Wood, the brother of Endurance Cup points leader Dale Wood. Wood replaces Alex Davison in the #888 Porsche entry as the 2004 Carrera Cup champion contests the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend in the Gulf Racing Porsche 911 RSR.
Davison’s Darwin absence will provide relief for series leader Jaxon Evans, who claimed an impressive clean sweep in Darwin last season, with Davison finishing second for the round. While unbeaten in Darwin, Evans’ will likely see challenges from Phillip Island podium finishers Dale Wood and Dylan O’Keeffe, the latter entering Darwin after a recent test with Supercars squad Erebus Motorsport.
“Hidden Valley is one of my favourite tracks – as well as being a rewarding driver’s track, it also has a very friendly atmosphere. All the local fans turn out in force and the hairpin section has almost a sports stadium atmosphere,” said O’Keeffe.
“Some of this year’s Carrera Cup rounds have longer races, and I thought the format worked well at Phillip Island. This weekend’s long race will be a tough one – both car setup and driver fitness will be critical due to the high temperature and humidity.”
The TAG Heuer Pro-Am battle will see a new winner for the Darwin round. With the absence of 2017 round winner Sam Shahin who, along with Max Twigg and Indiran Padayachee, is unavailable for round four, all other Pro-Am drivers are yet to taste round success in the Top End. Tim Miles is the only Pro-Am driver attending Darwin to have claimed a class race win at Hidden Valley Raceway.
“My first Carrera Cup round as a sole driver was in Darwin last year and I really enjoyed it; I love the track, I love being up in the north and Stephen Grove and I had a fantastic battle in all three races… and relative to the Pro drivers we were only eight-tenths off,” said Miles.
“It’s also a track where braking is extremely important so with our cars having ABS and the Pros having no ABS, it will be a tight field for sure.”
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will first hit the track with two 20-minute practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying and race one on Saturday and conclude with two races on Sunday.
All sessions from practice two will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 throughout the Darwin event.
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday June 15, 2018
11:20am Practice 1 (25 minutes)
2:30pm Practice 2 (25 minutes)
Saturday June 16, 2018
12:30pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm Race 1 (18 laps)
Sunday June 17, 2018
8:45am Race 2 (18 laps)
12:00pm Race 3 (35 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Practice 2 – 2:30pm, Friday June 15
Qualifying – 12:30pm, Saturday June 16
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Saturday June 16
Race 2 – 8:45am, Sunday June 17
Race 3 – 12:00pm, Sunday June 17
Entry List: Round 4, Darwin
1. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
2. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
3. #5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild
4. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage 1
5. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
6. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
7. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
8. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
9. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×5
10. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) LORY Construction
11. #18 James Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL
12. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
13. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
14. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
15. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
16. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts/PSA
17. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group
18. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
19. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Southern Star Truck Centre/Anytime Fitness
20. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams
21. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts
22. #808 John Steffensen (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Crown/Timken/Porsche Melbourne
23. #888 Glen Wood (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton/Porsche Centre Doncaster
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NewsWood brothers set for Top End tussle
Glen Wood joins Carrera Cup in Darwin
Dale Wood has faced numerous challenges in his successful Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia rookie campaign, though one challenge he did not expect has surfaced – his brother.
Wood will be joined at Hidden Valley Raceway by his brother, Glen Wood, who replaces Le Mans-bound Alex Davison at round four of the Carrera Cup championship.
Glen himself has significant racing experience, most recently racing in the Australian GT Championship where the 29-year-old has campaigned a Lamborghini and KTM X-Bow over the past three seasons.
Glen now joins Ashley Seward Motorsport in the #888 Porsche entry, substituting Davison as the 2004 Carrera Cup champion competes in the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Gulf Racing Porsche 911 RSR.
“I’m a little nervous going to a track that I’ve never driven… in a car that I’ve never raced… in what currently is the most competitive support category, though I’m super excited about the Darwin round and extremely grateful for this opportunity,” said Glen.
“While I’ve never raced at Darwin, I’ve done ample track walks from years of data engineering and I’ll further prepare myself by reviewing footage and spending time on the simulator, along with plenty of discussions with Dale.”
In addition to his maiden Carrera Cup appearance, Glen also looks forward to the rare chance to race against his front-running brother.
“I’ve rarely raced against Dale on track, however life seems to be a race against Dale; everything we generally do is a competition, whether its motorbikes, wake boarding or a simple game of golf, but to be in an identical car at the same track in the same series is an unreal feeling.
“There was never any doubt the bloke could steer and it’s been unreal to watch him succeed. He is gifted in his ability to race under so much pressure and has clearly shown his speed from the moment he left the gates in Adelaide this year.”
Meanwhile, Dale is also keen to begin the battle with his brother at Darwin.
“Of all the people you want to race against, you want to race against your brother,” said Dale.
“It’s great to get him in Carrera Cup and all will be fine with Glen coming to the series, as long as I’m ahead of him.”
Dale and Glen Wood will be the first brothers to compete in the same Carrera Cup Australia race since James and Theo Koundouris contested the inaugural two-driver Carrera Cup Pro-Am event in 2013 at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will feature three races across the Darwin round, including two sprint races and an endurance-style 35-lap race three.
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NewsGrove thrilled by Monaco experience
"Monaco is the best track I’ve raced on."
After a thrilling weekend driving in the famed Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup around the streets of Monte Carlo, Stephen Grove is still relishing the once in a lifetime experience.
The Melbourne-based driver, who piloted a Pro GT by Alméras run Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, climbed from 26th outright on the grid to finish the 16-lap race 22nd outright and fifth in class.
Grove’s result comes on his first ever appearance not only in Porsche Supercup, but at the Monaco Grand Prix as well.
“I was really happy, it was an excellent result, to go over there and race with those boys in this sort of event is incredible,” said Grove.
“Monaco is the best track I’ve raced on, one-hundred percent, just from the prestige and history of the track.
“It’s very technical and it’s a circuit I really like; it’s very, very challenging and certainly up there as one of my favourites, for sure.
“I obviously started towards the back of the grid in the race, so we were quite conservative through Turn 1 on the opening lap – didn’t want to get involved in anything silly.
“I just sorted of bided my time there, pushed on hard through the first lap and managed to make a pass on another car and to pass on a circuit like that, it’s near impossible.
“So, I managed to get the pass done coming out of the tunnel and then I just kept building and getting some places and ended up with a fairly good result.
“Once people settled into the race it became a lot harder to pass because once the tyres came up to temperature it was a lot more difficult to stick a move.
“We had some oversteer towards the end of the race because you’re punching out of slow corners so you get a fair bit of wheel-spin, which you try and limit, but that heats your rear tyres up.
“I was happy with the laps times though and I was happy with where I ended up – I made up five positions which is really good.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to Australia next week and then we’ll get ready for Carrera Cup in Darwin and getting back into the rhythm of things over there.”
Grove now gears up for the next round of Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, which takes place at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway from June 15-17.
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NewsGarwood joins McElrea Racing stable
Tasmanian racer moves Queensland outfit
Michelin Junior Adam Garwood will transition from his family-run Garwood Motorsport to Carrera Cup powerhouse McElrea Racing.
Garwood moved from Touring Cars Masters for the start of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season and has since secured two top-10 results from the opening three rounds.
“Having only confirmed our season just weeks before Adelaide, we were rushed into the first three rounds which were only weeks apart, so we decided to quickly shuffle together and self-run our Garwood Motorsport team due to the limited time we had to get ourselves together,” said Garwood.
“With our team being based in Tasmania, it limited what we could do in regard to working on the car in between rounds, having the opportunity for test days, fixing panel damage, washing the car etc.
“We did the first few rounds completely self-sufficient, with our small family-oriented team, however discovered further the negatives of doing so, which encouraged our decision to work with Andy at the conclusion of round three.”
The Tasmanian based racer will now move his entry to the Yatala based McElrea Racing, joining the team’s current Carrera Cup campaigners Tim Miles, Anthony Gilbertson and series leader and fellow Michelin Junior Jaxon Evans.
“We are really looking forward to running Adam for the rest of the 2018 championship,” said Team Principal Andy McElrea.
“We’ve looked at his data from previous rounds and he certainly isn’t scared of it! It will be our job to help him understand where we need a bit more, but equally as importantly, where he is already doing a good job. Obviously having competitive team mates also be a huge help too.”
Garwood’s first championship outing with his new team will be at round four of Carrera Cup at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway on June 15-17, 2018.
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NewsGrove in Monaco: The car, team, track & television
The must-know info on Grove's Supercup debut
Reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove will this weekend race in one of international motorsport’s most exclusive motor racing events – the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix – in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Here is what you need to know ahead of the Pro-Am racer’s Monaco mission.
The Schedule
The Supercup race weekend in Monaco begins with a sole practice session on Thursday ahead of Qualifying on Friday and finally, a 16-lap race on Sunday.
“I’m excited to get over there and really take the challenge on,” said Grove.
“There’s only 40 minutes of practice, so I’ve got to be on it pretty quick to get up to speed.
“Most of the guys on the Supercup grid have been there before and I haven’t, but that’s a part of learning, a part of racing in a different country, a different series and with a different team.
“For me I just like the evolution of continually challenging myself and trying to get better in a cup car.”
Race Schedule (local time)
Round 2, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – Monaco
Thursday May 24, 2018
5:15pm – Practice
Friday May 25, 2018
10:00am – Qualifying
Sunday May 27, 2018
10:30am – Race (16 laps)
The Car
Grove will race an identical race car with which he contests the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship – the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (991.II).
“I’ve been in a GT3 Cup car for so long now because I just don’t think that I’ve quite mastered it yet – I want to keep going in a Cup car and the best way to do that is to keep challenging myself on tracks overseas in different environments.
“Heading into the weekend now, my mindset is just on doing the best job I can and trying to learn as fast as I can and to be there or thereabouts.
“So, we’ll try and get a balance between both. We only have really a limited time to set the car up; it’s really going to be more about learning the track.”
The Team
The weekend marks Grove’s second outing with the Pro GT by Alméras squad after he took part in a Carrera Cup France event at Spa-Francorchamps in 2017 with the French outfit.
“I ran with the Pro GT by Alméras crew at Spa, when I raced there in 2017,” explained Grove.
“The language barrier is pretty difficult – even though they speak English, it’s not fluent English, so it’s pretty difficult when trying to get the set-up right.
“We’ve got a couple good pro-drivers in the team; take Julien Andlauer for example, who won the French Carrera Cup championship last year.
“I’ll be following their direction pretty closely and just trying to have the set-up of the car the way I like it to react.”
The Track
A jewel in the crown of international motor racing: the Monaco Grand Prix circuit is 3.33 kilometres of beloved tarmac. The harbour-side clockwise-run Monaco track will by home to the second round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and, for Grove, one of the biggest challenges of his motor racing career.
“It’s a massive challenge and I’m just really looking forward to getting over there,” said Grove.
“We’ve got no on-board video to look at, but we’ve been lucky enough to acquire heaps of valuable car data and also my simulator work has been pretty extensive over the last month and a half.”
How to watch it
Eurosport (Channel 511) is set to broadcast the full race live in Australia at 6:15pm AEST on Sunday May 27, which takes place before the prestigious Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
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NewsCarrera Cup drivers help raise FA awareness
Porsche racers lend some muscle
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia drivers have thrown their support behind the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association’s #LendUsSomeMuscle campaign to raise awareness for the debilitating, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder Friedreich Ataxia.
Several of the Porsche drivers sported #LendUsSomeMuscle tattoos as part of the awareness campaign.
What is FA?
Friedreich Ataxia exactly? Well, FA is a debilitating, life shortening degenerative neuro-muscular disorder, which affects about 1 in 30,000 people in Australia and New Zealand.
It is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 18 years and robs children and young adults of their mobility.
FA leads to loss of muscle co-ordination, fatigue, vision impairment, hearing loss and slurred speech, scolosis (curvature of the spine), diabetes and serious heart conditions.
It is caused by an inherited genetic mutation that limits the production of a protein called frataxin. This protein is needed by the mitochondria, which are the energy producing organelles in our cells. Without it the cells do not function properly resulting in debilitating medical problems, particularly neurological and cardiac.
Although there has been significant progress towards treatments, today there is no cure.
For more information, click here to visit the FARA website.
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NewsPorsche wins Nurburgring 24 Hour
Manthey Racing wins, Campbell 11th in greulling 24h
After an enthralling final phase, Porsche has won the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in the Eifel. In pouring rain, the #912 Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by the Manthey-Racing team took the lead 70 minutes before the end of the race and held onto it to the flag. This marks Porsche’s first victory since 2011 on the legendary long-distance racetrack and hands the brand its 12th victory.
The #912 entry took up the race on Saturday at 15:30 hrs in bright sunshine from sixth on the grid, but fell far behind with a puncture. During the night, the driver line-up of Richard Lietz (AUT), Patrick Pilet (FRA), Frédéric Makowiecki (FRA) and Nick Tandy (GBR) caught up to the frontrunners and moved into second place despite a time penalty. When the race was restarted on Sunday after fog halted the race at 13.45 hours, Makowiecki snatched the lead with a masterful overtaking manoeuvre and crossed the finish line in first place after 135 laps.
The Falken Motorsports squad concluded the 24-hour race in Germany’s Eifel region in ninth place. After starting from second on the grid, the #44 Porsche 911 GT3 R managed to remain in the top five for a long time. As rain set in during the night, Klaus Bachler (GER), Sven Müller (GER), Martin Ragginger (AUT) and Dirk Werner (GER) lost contact to the front pack and were unable to close the gap.
Australian driver and Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell showed strong pace in his Nürburgring 24 Hours debut, finishing in 11th place overall. His #30 Frikadelli Racing Team Porsche 911 GT3 R ran in the top 10 for much of the race, sitting in eighth when the race was red flagged around lunchtime on Sunday. After the restart, the entry of Campbell (AUS), Wolf Henzler (GER), Alexander Müller (GER) and Lance David Arnold (GER), dropped to 11th, finishing three laps behind the winners.
The Nürburgring 24-hour race is one of the largest motorsport events in the world and this year attracted 210,000 spectators. At the Eifel classic, more than 500 drivers in 148 cars competed. With 43 vehicles, Porsche was the most strongly represented marque at the Eifel marathon.
Comments on the race:
Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser (Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars): “That was truly a race of the century, simply indescribable under the circumstances: with the rain, the red flag and that incredible final spurt. At no other endurance race in the world do you get two drivers sprinting against each other for one and a half hours. Fred secured this triumph with his sensational overtaking manoeuvre. We hope that Dr. Wolfgang Porsche is pleased with this belated present for his 75th birthday.”
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager 911 GT3 R): “I’m simply speechless. That was 24 hours of highs and lows. There were problems, we had to fight our way through the field, but we never stopped believing we could do it. This attitude paid off in the end.”
Patrick Pilet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912), Manthey-Racing: “It’s unbelievable what we’ve achieved today. We started off with a puncture, fell far behind, but always believed in ourselves. Everyone pulled their weight. Only then is such a victory possible.”
Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912), Manthey-Racing: “That was one of the most eventful races in my career. We experienced setbacks, but we knew that we had a winning car, a top team and top drivers. The restart towards the end played into our hands and Fred’s final stint was indicative of the entire race. Whenever we needed to, the team, drivers and car delivered a perfect performance.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912), Manthey-Racing: “What a race. Everyone worked perfectly and it was a well-deserved victory for the Manthey team and Porsche. And when you think about the bad luck we had, you can say it was also a well-deserved win for us drivers. This victory is also a win for Mr Porsche, who, as a huge motorsport fan, made it all possible.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912), Manthey-Racing: “That was a tough but completely fair fight for the lead and I’m very happy with this win. Our start with the puncture wasn’t good, but we improved from lap to lap. The car was perfectly setup for dry and wet conditions, so we could push hard to the very end.”
Sven Müller (Porsche 911 GT3 R #44), Falken Motorsports: “That was once again a typical Eifel race. We started in sun and warm temperatures and finished in rain and fog. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep up with the best teams in the rain, and we couldn’t do better than ninth under these conditions. For me personally, I’ll never forget my fast qualifying lap here. It was the best I’ve ever experienced by now in my motor racing career.”
Dirk Werner (Porsche 911 GT3 R #44), Falken Motorsports: “It’s always a great feeling to race in the Green Hell. Anything can happen here and it usually does. In sunny conditions we could match the pace of the frontrunners, but we didn’t do as well in the rain. The race was incredibly fast and the competition was very high. That’s why ninth place is a good result for us.”
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NewsCampbell ready for ‘dream’ enduro at Green Hell
Nurburgring 24 Hour Preview
Australian Porsche racer Matt Campbell will compete in a ‘dream’ endurance event this weekend when joining a 43-strong Porsche line-up for the 2018 Nurburgring 24 Hour at the 24.38km Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
In a year where it celebrates “70 Years of Porsche Sports Cars”, Porsche will have the greatest representation among the 150-car field with 43 911 and Cayman models competing at the German circuit, nicknamed the ‘Green Hell’.
Campbell will one of 13 Porsche works drivers and four Porsche Young Professionals joining customers teams across eight 911 GT3 R entries in the outright SP9 class in pursuit of overall victory.
Just one week after commencing his 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign with GTE-Am team Dempsey Proton Racing, with which the 23-year-old gained pole position and placed fourth in class, Campbell will now join Frikadelli Racing for his maiden Nurburgring 24 Hour race.
“After racing at Spa last weekend for the first WEC round, this weekend sees me at Nurburgring for what is probably the most challenging race event in the world – the Nurburgring 24 Hour,” said Campbell.
“I’ve raced at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife several times now, most recently with the Frikadelli Racing Team in the VLN qualifying races leading into the 24 Hour race. Here you get a taste of what to expect for the 24-hour race so I feel we’re well prepared.
“The Nurburgring 24 Hour is one of those events you dream of doing and to be racing among the eight-strong 911 GT3 R line-up is unbelievable. The GT3 R is an awesome race car on any track, but to drive it at Nordschleife at one of the most gruelling races of the season is absolutely a career highlight.”
Campbell, the 2016 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia champion, will join Lance David Arnold, Alexander Müller and fellow Porsche factory racer Wolf Henzler in the Frikadelli Racing 911 GT3 R. Other Porsche works drivers include: Kévin Estre (France), Romain Dumas (France), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Earl Bamber (New Zealand) share the cockpit of the 911 GT3 R (#911) fielded by Manthey-Racing. Richard Lietz (Austria), Patrick Pilet (France), Frédéric Makowiecki (France) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain) pilot the #912 sister car. Michael Christensen (Denmark), André Lotterer (Germany), Jörg Bergmeister (Germany) and Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (Italy) form a formidable quartet at the Nürburgring debut of the KÜS Team75 Bernhard. Sven Müller and Dirk Werner from Germany reinforce the Falken Motorsports crew. Porsche Young Professional Dennis Olsen (Norway) and Porsche test driver and former Carrera Cup Australia racer Lars Kern (Germany) drive the third 911 GT3 R campaigned by Manthey-Racing. Mathieu Jaminet (France) will team with Campbell in Frikadelli Racing’s second 911 GT3 R.
“We’re delighted with our customers’ extraordinary trust. This year, there will be more Porsche race cars contesting the Nürburgring 24-hour race than at most other editions of the race,” says Sebastian Golz, Project Manager 911 GT3 R.
“Preparations have been completed in close cooperation with the teams and everything has gone to plan so far. The VLN 1 win and double pole at VLN 2 have underlined that the 911 GT3 R is well ironed out. We’re very interested to see how we’ll perform in close collaboration with our customers against strong opposition from other manufacturers.”
For the 2018 season, the Porsche 911 GT3 R received an update: The parts kit includes a new front lid for the optimisation of thermal management plus side flicks to improve the aero balance.
On Friday, 11 May, Porsche fans can catch a glimpse of the future in the Ring Boulevard: The spectacular next-in-line to the successful 911 GT3 R, which will compete from 2019, will be unveiled at a public press conference. The race will commence on Saturday May 12 at 3:30pm local time (11:30pm AEST) and conclude on Sunday May 13 at 3:30pm local time (11:30pm AEST). The race can be viewed in Australia via live stream, available at www.nuerburgring.de/en/.
The Porsche customer teams in the SP9 class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours
Manthey-Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911)
Kévin Estre, Romain Dumas, Laurens Vanthoor, Earl Bamber
Manthey-Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912)
Richard Lietz, Patrick Pilet, Frédéric Makowiecki, Nick Tandy
Manthey-Racing (Porsche 911 GT3 R #12)
Otto Klohs, Lars Kern, Dennis Olsen, Philipp Frommenwiler
Frikadelli Racing Team (Porsche 911 GT3 R #30)
Lance David Arnold, Alexander Müller, Wolf Henzler, Matt Campbell
Frikadelli Racing Team (Porsche 911 GT3 R #31)
Norbert Siedler, Marco Seefried, Felipe Fernández Laser, Mathieu Jaminet
KÜS Team75 Bernhard (Porsche 911 GT3 R #17)
Michael Christensen, Matteo Cairoli, André Lotterer, Jörg Bergmeister
Falken Motorsports (Porsche 911 GT3 R #44)
Klaus Bachler, Sven Müller, Martin Ragginger, Dirk Werner
Gigaspeed Team GetSpeed Performance (Porsche 911 GT3 R #2)
Steve Jahns, Marek Böckmann, Lucas Luhr, Jan-Erik Slooten
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NewsDream team at Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, Porsche 956 C and the 'Green Hell'
Just before the Nürburgring 24 Hour race is green flagged on May 12, Porsche presents a legendary couple to the crowd of 200,000 expected spectators: Timo Bernhard and Hans-Joachim Stuck will take the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo and the Porsche 956 C respectively on a show run around the famous Nordschleife (literally ‘Northern Loop’). The 919 Hybrid – the Le Mans and FIA World Endurance Championship winning car of 2015, 2016 and 2017 – meets the prototype that won all titles in the World Sportscar Championship from 1982 to 1984 and still holds the outright Nordschleife track record.
The lap on the Nordschleife is the 919 Evo’s first public appearance. With the car that has been liberated from the restrictions that came from the championship regulations, Porsche recently established a new track record at Spa-Francorchamps. On April 9 2018, Porsche works driver Neel Jani (CH) lapped the 7.004 kilometre long Belgian circuit in 1:41.770 minutes. He was faster than any Formula One car ever, beating the previous record by 0.783 seconds set by Lewis Hamilton (GB) at the wheel of a Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid, securing him pole position for last year’s Grand Prix. At the Nordschleife, the second stop of the ‘919 Tribute Tour’, however, no stopwatches are required as the two racing cars will be driving behind a safety car and bypass the start-and-finish section because of the grid formation for the 24-hour race.
Porsche, Timo Bernhard, Hans-Joachim Stuck as well as both the racing cars are connected closely to the Nürburgring and the Nordschleife.
37-year old Timo Bernhard from Germany is the reigning FIA World Endurance Champion. On the way to the 2017 title, he has won the Le Mans 24-Hours and took his third consecutive win of the six-hour race at the Nüburgring, repeating his achievements from 2015 and 2016 at the wheel of the Porsche 919 Hybrid. Also on his tally: Five overall victories at the Nürburgring 24-Hours with Porsche, which makes him a record winner. In 2018 he now looks after his own team, Team75 Bernhard, entering a Porsche 911 GT3 R.
The Porsche works driver, who is racing himself this year in the GT Masters as well as in the GTE class at Le Mans, points out: “The Nordschleife is home for me. When I was a kid I used to accompany my father to the Eifel mountains. The complexity of this over 20 kilometre long track doesn’t compare to anything.” Timo Bernhard is a passionate admirer of Stefan Bellof who died at Spa in 1985. “I’m not only impressed by Stefan Bellof’s great performances”, he explains, “he must have been a really great guy. Whoever knew him seems to have adored him. His 1983 unbeaten lap record at the Nordschleife is terrific. I feel honoured to accompany a historic Porsche 956 C with the 919 Evo.”
On May 28 in 1983, during practice for the 1000-kilometre race, Bellof lapped the Nordschleife in a storming 6:11.13 minutes. Due to construction work, the exact track length was 20.835 kilometres at the time, which resulted in an average speed of more than 200 km/h. The 2,649 cc six-cylinder, twin turbocharged, flat engine in the 956 C produced 620 hp. Bellof’s car was chassis number 007. He was leading the race when he retired in a massive accident in the area called ‘Pflanzgarten’ but walked away unharmed. One year later, in 1984, he won the 1000-kilometre race at the Nürburgring, sharing a Rothmans Porsche 956 C with British driver Derek Bell.
On his way to his 1984 Driver’s World Endurance Championship title, Stefan Bellof once shared a 956 with German Hans-Joachim Stuck. Despite an incident by Stuck that required repairs, the couple won the Imola 1000-kilometre race.
“This race in Italy was of very high importance for me”, 67 year-old Stuck recalls. “The 956 was new to me and Stefan taught me how to drive this ground effect car. I learnt an awful lot from him. When I joined Porsche, I understood why those cars were unbeatable. You had no gearbox issues, the brakes were excellent and thanks to this tremendous downforce, you could enter the corners at very high speed. Literally, the car stuck to the ground. For me it is a world-class opportunity to take the 956 once again around the Nordschleife. Emotionally, this is something hard to top.”
Among Stuck’s many successes belong two Le Mans overall victories in 1986 and 1987, driving the successor to the 956, the 962 C. The Nürburgring 24-Hours he won three times when driving for BMW.
The 956 C that Stuck now takes for a lap around the Nürburgring carries chassis number 005. It is the car Jacky Ickx (BE) and Jochen Mass (DE) shared during the entire 1984 world championship season. For commercial rights reasons the name of tobacco sponsor Rothmans frequently had to be replaced by the word ‘Racing’. This was the case on Bellof’s record lap chassis 007 and is the same at the car that Stuck drives on May 12.
Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo
Just like the 956, the Porsche 919 Hybrid was the most innovative racing car of its time. The class 1 Le Mans Prototype, successfully entered in the FIA WEC from 2014 until the end of 2017, is powered by a compact two-litre turbocharged V4-cylinder engine and two different energy recovery systems. One transforms brake energy from the front axle into electricity. The second system generates electric energy from the exhaust where the gases accelerate a turbine up to 130,000 revs per minute. The electrical energy is temporarily stored in a liquid-cooled lithium ion battery. The combustion engine drives the rear axle while the electro motor boosts the front axle to accelerate the car with four-wheel drive while recuperating again energy from the exhaust system.
To prepare the 919 Evo record car, the base was the 2017 world championship winning car. Its entire hardware of the power train remained untouched. On top came developments that were prepared for the 2018 WEC but never raced after the end of 2017 withdrawal. Additionally, several aerodynamic modifications were made.
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NewsCampbell optimistic after promising Spa opener
Campbell fourth, Davison seventh at round one of WEC
After a gripping race at Spa-Francorchamps, the Porsche GT Team has started the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with second and fourth place, while Matt Campbell and Alex Davison finished fourth and seventh in the GTE-Am class at the Belgian circuit.
Frenchman Kévin Estre and Michael Christensen from Denmark scored second in the #92 car and narrowly missed out on clinching the maiden WEC victory for the new Porsche 911 RSR. Their team colleagues, the two former WEC champions Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) and Richard Lietz (Austria), concluded the race in fourth with the #91 Porsche 911 RSR. Over six hours and 148 laps, ten vehicles from five manufacturers battled it out in the GTE-Pro class. Under a cloudless sky and temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius, 63,000 spectators witnessed round one of the 15-month 2018/2019 Super Season.
At the season-opener on the tradition-steeped racetrack in the Ardennes, fans were treated to gripping battles for positions, overtaking manoeuvres and several safety car phases. Taking up the race from third on the grid, Bruni and Lietz moved into the lead of the GTE-Pro class with the Porsche 911 RSR after less than two hours, and only relinquished it shortly before the flag. In the sister car, Estre and Christensen made the most of the turbulent start to advance from fourth into third. After the last pit stop, Christensen as the final driver swept into second place with the Porsche 911 RSR.
Four other Porsche 911 RSR race cars lined up to contest the GTE-Am class. For the Dempsey Proton Racing customer team, Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell (Australia), Christian Ried (Germany) and Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer (France) secured fourth place with the #77 car after dropping two laps with technical issues. Sixth at the opening round in Spa went to the #88 sister car driven by Khaled Al Qubaisi (United Arab Emirates), Porsche Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (Italy) and Giorgio Roda (Italy). Directly behind them, Davison (Australia), Ben Barker (Great Britain) and Michael Wainwright (Great Britain) took the flag in the 911 RSR of the Gulf Racing customer squad in seventh in the GTE-Am class after crashing early in the race. The newcomer team Project 1 scored ninth place with pilots Patrick Lindsey (USA) and Egidio Perfetti (Norway) as well as Porsche’s works driver Jörg Bergmeister from Germany.
Round two of the FIA Sports Car World Endurance Championship (WEC) will be contested on 16/17 June at Le Mans/France. Prior to the legendary 24-hour classic, a test day will be held on the 13.6-kilometre racetrack on 3 June.
Comments on the race
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “Everything actually ran very well for the first race and we were amongst the leaders. Unfortunately a fuel pump problem forced us to make an extra pit stop, which of course cost us precious time. We’re heading to Le Mans feeling optimistic and we’re looking forward to our next task.”
Pascal Zurlinden (Director GT Factory Motorsport): “That was a very difficult race for us. The performance of the cars and the team was very good. In fact, everything looked good for us to win the race. But unfortunately Lady Luck wasn’t with us towards the end of the race, because the last safety car phase didn’t fit in with our strategy. Now we’re heading to Le Mans where we’ll go all-out.”
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Mücke/Pla/Johnson (D/F/USA), Ford GT, 148 laps
2. Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 148 laps
3. Rigon/Bird (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 147 laps
4. Lietz/Bruni (A/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 147 laps
5. Blomqvist/da Costa (GB/P), BMW M8 GTE, 146 laps
6. Lynn/Martin/Adam (GB/B/GB), Aston Martin Vantage AMR, 146 laps
7. Soerensen/Thiim/Turner (DK/DK/GB), Aston Martin Vantage AMR, 146 laps
8. Tomczyk/Catsburg (D/NL), BMW M8 GTE, 145 laps
9. Pier Guidi/Calado (I/GB), Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, 139 laps
Not classified: Priaulx/Tincknell/Kanaan (GB/GB/BR), Ford GT
GTE-Am class
1. Dalla Lana/Lamy/Lauda (CDN/P/A), Aston Martin Vantage, 144 laps
2. Yoluc/Alers-Hankey/Eastwood (TR/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 144 laps
3. Sun Mok/Sawa/Griffin (MAL/J/IRL), Ferrari 488 GTE, 143 laps
4. Ried/Andlauer/Campbell (D/F/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 142 laps
5. Ishikawa/Beretta/Cheever (J/MC/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 142 laps
6. Al Qubaisi/Roda/Cairoli (UAE/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 141 laps
7. Wainwright/Barker/Davison (GB/GB/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 137 laps
8. Flohr/Castellacci/Fisichella (Ch/I/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 136 laps
9. Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti (D/USA/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 131 laps
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News#Flashback: Campbell’s rise through Porsche ranks
Take a look at Aussie champion's one-make journey
This weekend marks the start of a new chapter in the career of young Australian racer, Matt Campbell: After five seasons in Porsche one-make series, the Warwick-raised 23-year-old graduates to the pinnacle of sports car racing – the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship ‘Super Season’.
The significance of this step is not lost on the other side of the world in Australia; Campbell’s continued ascent of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid from its base tier – GT3 Cup Challenge – validates the very pathway used by numerous young Australian-based drivers to reach the pinnacle of sports car racing.
Campbell will race alongside German Christian Ried and Frenchman Julien Andlauer in the Dempsey Proton Racing 911 RSR – the now-fastest factory-built competition race car from the German sports car brand.
As Campbell embarks on this new challenge, we look back at his past five seasons where Campbell has transitioned from being an the shy kid from rural Queensland to a factory-backed sports car star.
2014
Champion (Class B), 4th Outright – Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia
– Consistently competing amongst the newer Class A cars
– Contested the final round in a Class A car, winning all three races by a combined margin of 27 seconds
– New Lap Record: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
The 2014 season marked the start of Campbell’s ascent of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid – a key step in his short racing career. Campbell raced in the 2014 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia season, quickly turning heads for his speed in the 2005-spec Class B entry against a field mostly consisting of the 2011-spec Porsche. Campbell wrapped up the Class B title with one round remaining and was handed the opportunity to race a Class A Porsche for the season finale. Campbell claimed pole position and dominated all three races (with a total winning margin of 27 seconds).
2015
3rd – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
– Best Rookie
– Finished either 1st or 2nd in the final 11 races of the season
– Six race wins
– New Race Lap Record: Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst)
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst)
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Sandown Raceway
Campbell continued his ascent of the Motorsport Pyramid in 2015, moving to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship. Again, he quickly gained attention by qualifying second at Albert Park – his second ever Carrera Cup event. His true ability was then demonstrated at the tail end of the season. Campbell finished in the top two positions in the final 11 races of the season, including six race wins.
2016
Champion – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
– Won 13 out of 23 races, in addition to the outright joint Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Asia & Australia race
– New record: Most consecutive pole positions (seven)
– New record: Most pole positions gained in a season (seven)
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Hidden Valley Raceway
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Sandown Raceway
Campbell clinched the 2016 Carrera Cup title in just his second attempt. Campbell won 13 of the season’s 23 races, scored seven out of a possible eight pole positions and also claimed victory in the outright Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia joint race at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Such was Campbell’s talent, renowned Supercars Championship team, Nissan Motorsport, recruited the 21-year-old to co-drive in the touring car series’ three endurance events at Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast. True to form, Campbell impressed in all three events.
Campbell was also Carrera Cup Australia’s nominee for the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout, which he ultimately won and therefore secured a position as a 2017 Porsche Junior driver and a seat on the grid of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup grid for the following season.
2017
3rd – Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
– 2nd, Rookie Classification
– Four race wins
Campbell contested his debut season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2017, his first year of European motorsport. Campbell lined up for the Fach Auto Tech team and finished runner-up in the rookie competition. After eleven races, he ended the season in third place in the overall standings. The then-Porsche Junior won four races, in Spielberg (Austria), Monza (Italy) and the double-header in Mexico City. Promotion to a Porsche Young Professional meant Campbell would ultimately claim his spot on the FIA World Endurance Championship grid as part of Porsche GT customer programme in 2018.
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NewsCampbell, Davison start WEC Super Season at Spa
Australian duo part of six-strong Porsche line-up
Australians Matt Campbell and Alex Davison will this weekend begin their 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship campaigns as part of the six-strong Porsche 911 RSR line-up at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on May 5, 2018.
Both former champions of Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, the duo will be part of the FIA WEC Super Season, which spans eight events across 15 months, starting this weekend at the 7.004km Belgian circuit.
Davison, the 2004 Carrera Cup Australia champion and current driver of the #808 Porsche Centre Brighton entry in the Carrera Cup Australia series, will race alongside British drivers Michael Wainwright and Ben Barker in the Gulf Racing GTE-Am-entered 911 RSR.
Meanwhile Campbell, the 2016 Carrera Cup Australia champion and current Porsche Young Professional, will race in the Dempsey Proton Racing 911 RSR, also in GTE-Am, with German Christian Ried and French Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer.
The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on May 5, 2018, kicks off the Super Season of the FIA World Endurance Championship. On the time-honoured racetrack in the Ardennes region of Belgium, six 510 hp Porsche 911 RSR go up against strong opposition from Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari and Ford in the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am classes.
The race
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which is approximately 20km from the German border, sets motorsport fans’ hearts racing: The 7.004km circuit is an electrifying mix of high-speed passages such as the famous Eau Rouge and slower sections. An altitude difference of around 100 metres makes the season-opening round into a rollercoaster ride. One unpredictable factor in the Ardennes is the weather: The sun can be shining in the Bus Stop chicane, while in Le Combes it’s raining.
The Porsche GT Team drivers
Sharing the cockpit of the #91 car, the new driver pairing of Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) and Richard Lietz (Austria) tackles a world sports car championship race for the first time together. Bruni, as the two-time champion, has contested the second half of the 2017 IMSA Weathertech Championship in the USA and is thus well acquainted with the 911 RSR. Like last year, Kévin Estre (France) and Michael Christensen (Denmark) share the # 92 Porsche 911 RSR.
The customer teams
In the GTE-Am class, three Porsche customer teams run a total of four 911 RSR racers. The British pilots Wainwright and Barker join forces with Australian Davison to compete for Gulf Racing. Dempsey Proton Racing competes with two GT racers from Weissach. Sharing the wheel of the #77 car for the Super Season are the Porsche Young Professional Campbell (Australia), Ried (Germany) and Andlauer (France). Porsche Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (Italy), Khaled Al Qubaisi (United Arab Emirates) and Giorgio Roda (Italy) pilot the second 911 RSR of the squad supported by the Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey. The Porsche works driver Jörg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Lindsey (USA) and Norwegian Egidio Perfetti drive for the Project 1 team.
The Porsche 911 RSR
After securing runner-up in the driver’s championship thanks to Richard Lietz and Fréderic Makowiecki in 2017, the Porsche GT Team has now set its sights on the driver’s and manufacturer’s title in the world sports car championship. The Porsche 911 RSR celebrated its premiere in international long-distance racing in 2017 and is based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car. Depending on the restrictor, the water-cooled four-litre flat-six engine puts out around 510 hp.
The schedule
The six-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps begins on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 22:30 hrs AEST (14:30 hrs local time).
The race on TV and the internet
The final stages of the Spa-Francorchamps race can be viewed in Australia on Eurosport (Channel 511) from 01:15 to 03:45 AEST on Sunday May 06. For a fee, the FIA WEC app offers a live stream of the entire race plus live timing.
Pre-race quotes
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “For me, the six-hour race at Spa is the second most important event after the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Kicking off the season with such a highlight is a big challenge. The sports car world championship is a big step in my career. I still need to gain experience in the 911 RSR, however the official tests were very promising. Our car offers a lot of downforce and that gives us drivers a great deal of confidence.”
Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser (Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars): “Our Porsche GT Team is facing a long and exciting season. The Prologue in Le Castellet underlined that we’re ready for this task. Together with the three customer teams, the fans can look forward to seeing six Porsche 911 RSR in action at the first race in the Ardennes. For all the drivers and motorsport enthusiasts, the racetrack is a very special place. This huge interest motivates us even more to fight for victory in both categories and to show them what potential our 911 RSR has. It’s important for us to make a good start into the Super Season before we tackle Le Mans with ten of our 911 RSR.”
Pascal Zurlinden (Director GT Factory Motorsport): “The Spa circuit stands for top-league motor racing and throws very special challenges at drivers and the 911 RSR. You can only fight for victory on this diverse racetrack with the right setup. The entire team knows the importance of the season-opener and is perfectly prepared.”
Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “I can hardly wait to return to the WEC after a year’s break. The Spa racetrack is one of the most beautiful in the world. We’d like to hit the ground running at the first race and start with a good performance. The competition we want to win against is fierce.”
Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “A new driver pairing always takes a bit of getting used to. But this went really quickly with Gianmaria at the test. Our work together has been very promising so far and we complement each other excellently. 2017 wasn’t so great for us with fifth and sixth place. This year we have our sights set on the podium. For the new season, we’ve put a great deal of emphasis on developing and choosing the tyre compounds in conjunction with Michelin so that we’re well prepared for the changing weather conditions. The weather and the temperatures are known to change very quickly in Spa.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “The weather always plays a major role at Spa. Plus, it’s the only race before the 24 Hours of Le Mans. So it’s even more important to start the season successfully. I like the racetrack very much and I’m looking forward to the adrenalin rush in Eau Rouge.”
Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “The last few years didn’t go so well for us at Spa, so we’re keen to change that this year. We’re well prepared and we can’t wait for the season to begin. In 2017, Kévin and I were in great shape at the last races but we were plagued by a lot of bad luck. We’re well prepared and we want to attack.”
Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “Spa is my home track, which always makes the race something very special. It’s really exciting for Project 1 because it’s the first WEC race for my team. I’m in daily contact with the decision-makers and I try to support the crew with my experience. We’ve worked meticulously on preparing for this challenge. I’m looking forward to the new season.”
Julien Andlauer (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “Spa is a great racetrack that demands a great deal of skill from drivers. I’m really looking forward to my debut in the WEC. At the Prologue we managed to do a lot of testing and work on the setup. First, I had to get used to the Porsche 911 RSR, and the team gave me huge support with this.”
Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 RSR #88): “I’m pleased to be back working with Dempsey Proton Racing in the WEC. We’re one big family and we work together very professionally. In 2017 we had a chance at the title, and we’d like to go for it again in the Super Season. Spa is one of my favourite racetracks, and Eau Rouge is an impressive and very emotional corner.”
The Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC
In the Sports Car World Endurance Championship (WEC), which has been held since 2012, sports prototypes and GT vehicles contest four classes: LMP1, LMP2, GTE-Pro and GTE-Am. They all compete together in one race but are classified separately. The Porsche GT Team contests the GTE-Pro class, while the customer teams Dempsey Proton Racing, Project 1 and Gulf Racing fight for honours in the GTE-Am class.
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NewsGrove set for ‘bucket list’ Porsche race
Stephen Grove joins Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Monaco
Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps, Fuji Speedway, Sepang International Circuit … Monte Carlo: Porsche driver Stephen Grove continues to use international Porsche one-make series to race at motorsport’s most iconic and exclusive events, including this month’s Formula 1 2018 Monaco Grand Prix.
Using an identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car which is raced in Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, Grove will compete in the second round of the 2018 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Monaco Grand Prix with French team, Pro GT by Alméras, on May 24-27, 2018.
Grove has capitalised on Porsche’s global one-make formula to compete in Carrera Cup championships around the world. The Victorian started his international one-make campaign in 2014 when he travelled to France’s Circuit de la Sarthe for a joint Carrera Cup Great Britain & France event as a curtain raiser to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Then, in 2017, Grove competed at Japan’s Fuji Speedway (Carrera Cup Asia & Japan), Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps (Carrera Cup France) and at Sepang International Circuit on two separate occasions, once with Carrera Cup Australia at its maiden international round, and again later in the season with Carrera Cup Asia.
As the sole tip-top series at the exclusive Monaco event, Grove is thankful for the rare opportunity for a Pro-Am driver to compete on the streets of Monte Carlo.
“For me, just to be at the Formula 1 event in Monaco is an amazing thing, so to actually get into a current 911 GT3 Cup car and race around that track is a real bucket list thing for me,” said Grove. “It’s really hard to get the opportunity to race at the Monaco Grand Prix and I’ve been lucky through Porsche to get that opportunity.
“The only tin-tops that race around there on the Monaco Grand Prix weekend is the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, so it’s great to have the opportunity to go and do something so special and rare.”
Grove is no stranger to street circuits; the Carrera Cup Australia series traditionally book-ends its season with the Adelaide 500 and Gold Coast 600 circuits, though the reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion believes the 3.3km Monaco circuit will present its own unique challenges.
“Because it’s such a unique circuit, the only way to prepare for it really is on the simulator, so I’ve been doing a couple of hours on the sim each week to get acquainted with it all.
“It’s a pretty technical track and a pretty rough track from what I’ve found on the sim so far – there’s no run off and no room for error. The entire layout is so iconic and, given the characteristic of the track, the way you approach and take a corner and some of the key corners there are different to anywhere else.
“Monaco has a little bit of Gold Coast mixed in it. The concrete walls, small track, not very wide, you need to be precise and there’s a lot of stop and go where you need to stop, pitch the car in and go. There’s also quite a bit of free-flowing, especially in the back part of the circuit after the tunnel where you’ve got to carry momentum, so it’s got a good mixture.”
The last Australian to race in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix was now-Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell, who placed fifth in the sole 16-lap race in 2017.
Grove will enter the event on a high having recently claimed the TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win at the latest Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia event at Phillip Island.
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NewsWood, Grove triumph in enduro thriller
Breakthrough round victory for Sonic driver after epic battle
DALE Wood withstood 25-laps of sustained pressure at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit to seal his maiden Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia round victory, while Stephen Grove became the third winner from three rounds in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class.
Starting from pole thanks to his victory in race one, Wood erupted into an early lead in today’s second race in his Sonic Motor Racing prepared entry.
He and Alex Davison then engaged in a thrilling race-long battle for the lead that saw the pair separated by a car length for the duration, in a captivating battle.
Davison, who needed to win the race to take the round victory, made several attempts at snatching away from Wood however all proved futile.
The double Phillip Island victory helped Wood clinch his maiden Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia round victory, closed him to within just 17 points of Jaxon Evans in the championship standings and also saw him take an early lead in the Enduro Cup standings in the process.
Pole and two victories delivered a perfect weekend for the former Supercars full-timer, who is contesting his first full Carrera Cup season in 2018.
“That is one of the most rewarding weekends I think I’ve ever had,” Wood said, having clinched his sixth race win of the season.
“To get pole was good. Yesterday’s race was tough because the car wasn’t that good but today, I thought the car was really good – and so was Alex (Davison). We were battling hard but we both had pretty good cars.
“The pressure was massive. I think it helped bringing Supercars experience where you’re often doing that for 70 laps with someone on your bumper. It was a bloody fun race!”
Davison finished second overall, while his Ash Seward Motorsport teammate Dylan O’Keeffe finished third for the second time in two races – scoring the final spot on the round podium and also maintaining his third position in the standings.
Championship leader Jaxon Evans was fourth for the second time in two races, while James Moffat charged from 13th position to fifth in a storming drive aboard his Wall Racing entry.
An ill Michael Almond preserved to finish sixth with David Wall seventh, Josh Hunt eighth, Peter Major ninth and Nick McBride tenth.
Almond’s teammate Jordan Love had ran strongly in the early stages however ultimately failed to finish after his Sonic entry suffered damage.
Evans now leads the championship by just 17 points ahead of the next round at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin. Wood is second, while Dylan O’Keeffe holds third. Defending champion David Wall remains fourth, 109 points from leader Evans.
Grove’s path to victory in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class was not easy, after a series of dramas removed the contenders who locked out the podium in race one.
Race 1 winner Max Twigg was knocked to the back of the field in an incident at turn four, while Anthony Gilbertson – who had finished a season-best second in the Phillip Island opener – was also caught up in another incident and had to pit for repairs.
With the early contenders out of the way, Grove and Adrian Flack battled for the class victory, ultimately finishing just 0.3 seconds apart.
Grove became the third winner from as many TAG Heuer Pro-Am rounds this year, while Lago built on his title lead by finishing second.
“I wasn’t quite happy with qualy but third yesterday was good, solid,” Grove said.
“To come and win a race that is worth 90 points, rather than 60, was pretty special. This is a pretty daunting track – you’ve got to be on it so it’s a great result.”
John Steffensen posted his best class result of the season with third in race two, while Roger Lago was another contender to strike issues after being pushed off the road earlier in the race. He recovered to fourth, which gave him enough points to secure second for the weekend. Adrian Flack finished third in class – his first podium finish of the season.
Lago continues to lead the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings after three rounds, holding a 43-point margin over Grove ahead of the next round in Darwin.
Max Twigg sits third in the standings with Flack fourth and Dean Cook fifth.
Following a busy start to the season, the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia Championship teams and drivers will now enjoy an eight-week break before the next round, to be held at the Hidden Valley circuit in Darwin on 15-17 June.
Race 2 Results:
Position | Number | Driver | Class | Laps | Race Time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood (VIC) | Pro | 25 | 42:04.3 | 01:32.8 |
2 | 888 | Alex Davison (QLD) | Pro | 25 | 42:04.7 | 01:32.5 |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe (VIC) | Pro | 25 | 42:07.6 | 01:32.7 |
4 | 7 | Jaxon Evans (QLD) | Pro | 25 | 42:09.2 | 01:32.8 |
5 | 18 | James Moffat (TBC) | Pro | 25 | 42:10.9 | 01:32.9 |
6 | 77 | Michael Almond (TBC) | Pro | 25 | 42:14.7 | 01:33.2 |
7 | 1 | David Wall (NSW) | Pro | 25 | 42:15.1 | 01:33.2 |
8 | 15 | Josh Hunt (QLD) | Pro | 25 | 42:30.6 | 01:33.5 |
9 | 14 | Peter Major (WA) | Pro | 25 | 42:30.7 | 01:33.5 |
10 | 8 | Nick McBride (VIC) | Pro | 25 | 42:31.6 | 01:33.8 |
11 | 12 | Adam Garwood (TAS) | Pro | 25 | 42:32.6 | 01:34.0 |
12 | 4 | Stephen Grove (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 42:33.8 | 01:34.0 |
13 | 20 | Adrian Flack (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 42:34.1 | 01:34.0 |
14 | 808 | John Steffensen (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 42:48.4 | 01:34.6 |
15 | 23 | Roger Lago (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 42:48.7 | 01:34.6 |
16 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 43:27.9 | 01:36.0 |
17 | 22 | Dean Cook (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 43:30.7 | 01:36.6 |
18 | 9 | Marc Cini (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 43:37.2 | 01:36.5 |
19 | 131 | Graham Williams (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 43:37.8 | 01:37.0 |
20 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 23 | 43:32.3 | 01:33.5 |
DNF | 777 | Jordan Love (WA) | Pro | 23 | 39:19.2 | 01:32.9 |
DNF | 80 | Max Twigg (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 16 | 28:53.7 | 01:34.0 |
DNF | 111 | Cameron Hill (ACT) | Pro | 11 | 20:33.0 | 01:33.9 |
DNF | 13 | Sam Shahin (SA) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 3 | 04:57.1 | 01:35.1 |
DNF | 6 | Tim Miles (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 3 | 04:57.5 | 01:35.0 |
Standings – Outright
1. Jaxon Evans 468
2. Dale Wood 451
3. Dylan O’Keeffe 377
4. David Wall 359
5. Jordan Love 275
6. Michael Almond 266
7. James Moffat 265
8. Alex Davison 233
9. Nick McBride 192
10. Pete Major 166
Standings – TAG Heuer Pro-Am
1. Roger Lago 446
2. Stephen Grove 403
3. Adrian Flack 339
4. Max Twigg 328
5. Dean Cook 286
6. Tim Miles 274
7. Anthony Gilbertson 229
8. Indiran Padayachee 213
9. Sam Shahin 200
10. Marc Cini 199
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NewsWood, Twigg take thrilling Enduro Cup opener
Fifth win for Sonic driver in longest ever single-driver race in series history
DALE Wood has won a thrilling opener to the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia Enduro Cup at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, while a late-race pass saw Max Twigg take the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class victory.
Wood won the longest ever Carrera Cup Australia single-driver race contested, having held out a quartet of close rivals for much of the 25-lap duration.
The Sonic Motor racing driver started from pole position however spent the entire race fending off young gun Dylan O’Keeffe in a battle for the lead.
In an intense battle, O’Keeffe made several, ultimately unsuccessful, attempts to wrestle the lead away from Wood, including a run around the outside of turn one and a similar move several laps later at the fearsome ‘Hayshed’ corner.
He ran second until the final lap, when Alex Davison charged past at turn 10 to edge his young teammate to the line.
Victory at Phillip Island marked Wood’s fifth of the season and saw his 71-point defect to leader Jaxon Evans reduced to just 44 points at the top of the Carrera Cup standings, ahead of tomorrow’s second race.
“It was a very high pressure race – I’m not sure if I enjoyed it or not!” Wood said.
“It was a really good battle. Dylan put an enormous amount of pressure on and I saw Alex coming as well.
“I wasn’t happy with how the car was working there and getting around some of the lapped cars was like playing a drunk game of chess but I’m really glad to have got that first win here, It’s just what we wanted.”
Championship leader Jaxon Evans, defending champion David Wall and Alex Davison were also locked together with the leaders for the first half of the race.
Davison was the first driver to make key moves, passing first Wall and then Evans to climb into podium contention as the race progressed.
As O’Keeffe attacked Wood for the lead on the closing lap, Davison also battled with his younger teammate and slipped by in turn 10 to grab second on the final lap.
With O’Keeffe third, Evans withheld a concerted attack from Wall, Jordan Love and Michael Almond to retain fourth place and the championship lead.
In a testament to the Michelin tyres used by the entire Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia field, lap times remained consistent throughout the 25-lap duration, with some drivers setting personal-best times late in the race.
Twigg’s victory in the ultra-competitive TAG Heuer Pro-Am class came despite having qualified only sixth in class earlier in the day.
He marched his way up the order throughout the race and had closed to second by the closing stages, chasing Anthony Gilbertson who had convincingly led from pole position to that point.
Twigg attacked at turn four on the 23rd lap, slipping past to take his first victory in the class this season.
The Victorian, a former three-time class champion, is the fourth driver to win a TAG Heuer Pro-Am race this year.
“It was just great to get the race one win out of the way – we can go out and enjoy race two now,” Twigg said.
“Qualifying was very ordinary, I think we started 18th and raced up to 10th so it just goes to show we need to put more effort into qualy.
“The car was really strong and it came on about 10 laps in and from there we just raced our way forward and we were passing at a rapid rate.
“I’m thrilled. Thrilled for the car and the team.”
With Gilbertson second, Stephen Grove was third and Roger Lago fourth – the pair having battled for much of the race.
Twigg moves to third in the Pro-Am class standings ahead of tomorrow’s second, 25-lap race with Lago continuing to enjoy a healthy lead over Stephen Grove.
Wood and Twigg, respectively, will also be the early leaders of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Enduro Cup, with a second 25-lap race to follow tomorrow.
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday April 22, 2018
12:20pm Race 2 (25 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Race 2 – 12:20pm, Sunday April 22
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race Time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood (VIC) | Pro | 25 | 39:04.2 | 01:33.0 |
2 | 888 | Alex Davison (QLD) | Pro | 25 | 39:05.0 | 01:32.8 |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe (VIC) | Pro | 25 | 39:05.6 | 01:32.8 |
4 | 7 | Jaxon Evans (QLD) | Pro | 25 | 39:08.8 | 01:32.8 |
5 | 1 | David Wall (NSW) | Pro | 25 | 39:09.7 | 01:33.0 |
6 | 777 | Jordan Love (WA) | Pro | 25 | 39:10.4 | 01:32.9 |
7 | 77 | Michael Almond (TBC) | Pro | 25 | 39:15.1 | 01:33.0 |
8 | 8 | Nick McBride (VIC) | Pro | 25 | 39:17.4 | 01:33.1 |
9 | 14 | Peter Major (WA) | Pro | 25 | 39:32.0 | 01:33.4 |
10 | 80 | Max Twigg (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 39:34.8 | 01:33.6 |
11 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 39:34.9 | 01:33.8 |
12 | 15 | Josh Hunt (QLD) | Pro | 25 | 39:35.7 | 01:33.6 |
13 | 18 | James Moffat (TBC) | Pro | 25 | 39:39.6 | 01:33.1 |
14 | 4 | Stephen Grove (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 39:40.5 | 01:34.2 |
15 | 23 | Roger Lago (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 39:45.4 | 01:33.9 |
16 | 20 | Adrian Flack (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 39:46.5 | 01:33.9 |
17 | 13 | Sam Shahin (SA) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 40:00.6 | 01:34.5 |
18 | 6 | Tim Miles (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 25 | 40:01.0 | 01:33.9 |
19 | 9 | Marc Cini (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 24 | 39:25.7 | 01:36.5 |
20 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 24 | 39:26.4 | 01:36.4 |
21 | 808 | John Steffensen (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 24 | 39:29.0 | 01:35.9 |
22 | 22 | Dean Cook (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 24 | 39:29.2 | 01:36.6 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 24 | 39:44.0 | 01:36.6 |
24 | 12 | Adam Garwood (TAS) | Pro | 24 | 39:45.5 | 01:33.9 |
25 | 111 | Cameron Hill (ACT) | Pro | 23 | 39:39.8 | 01:33.3 |
Standings – Following race 1
Outright:
1. Jaxon Evans 405
2. Dale Wood 361
3. Davis Wall 316
4. Dylan O’Keeffe 305
5. Jordan Love 275
6. Michael Almond 218
7. James Moffat 211
8. Nick McBride 162
9. Alex Davison 152
10. Peter Majors 132
TAG Heuer Pro-Am:
1. Roger Lago 320
2. Stephen Grove 241
3. Max Twigg 238
4. Tim Miles 231
5. Dean Cook 211
6. Adrian Flack 203
7. Greg Taylor 164
8. Sam Shahin 152
9. Indiran Padayachee 125
10. Marc Cini 117
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NewsWood, Gilbertson top Phillip Island Qualifying
Wood scores maiden TAG Heuer Pole Award in tight session
DALE Wood has scored his first TAG Heuer pole award in qualifying for the third round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, while Anthony Gilbertson topped the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class for the second time this year.
Wood’s stunning 1m30.64s best came on his ninth and final lap of the session and saw him edge out Dylan O’Keeffe by just 0.27s in a tight session, and makes him the third different pole position winner this year.
Championship leader Jaxon Evans and defending champion David Wall make up the second row, while James Moffat and Alex Davison were fifth and sixth, respectively. Nick McBride, Jordan Love, Cameron Hill and Michael Almond completed the top-10.
Gilbertson and TAG Heuer Pro-Am class leader Roger Lago traded fastest laps in their battle for the class pole, the McElrea Racing driver coming out on top by just 0.3 seconds to back up his pole scored in Adelaide earlier this year.
Lago edged out Stephen Grove and Tim Miles for second, while Adrian Flack and Max Twigg were fifth and sixth in class, respectively.
The first of two, 25-lap races commences at 2:15pm AEST at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, and will be shown live on FOX Sports 506.
Race Schedule (local time)
Saturday April 21, 2018
2:15pm Race 1 (25 laps)
Sunday April 22, 2018
12:20pm Race 2 (25 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Race 1 – 2:15pm, Saturday April 21
Race 2 – 12:20pm, Sunday April 22
Pos | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest Lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood (VIC) | Pro | 01:30.6 | |
2 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe (VIC) | Pro | 01:30.9 | 00:00.3 |
3 | 7 | Jaxon Evans (QLD) | Pro | 01:31.0 | 00:00.3 |
4 | 1 | David Wall (NSW) | Pro | 01:31.0 | 00:00.4 |
5 | 18 | James Moffat (TBC) | Pro | 01:31.0 | 00:00.4 |
6 | 888 | Alex Davison (QLD) | Pro | 01:31.1 | 00:00.5 |
7 | 8 | Nick McBride (VIC) | Pro | 01:31.3 | 00:00.6 |
8 | 777 | Jordan Love (WA) | Pro | 01:31.3 | 00:00.6 |
9 | 111 | Cameron Hill (ACT) | Pro | 01:31.6 | 00:01.0 |
10 | 77 | Michael Almond (TBC) | Pro | 01:31.7 | 00:01.1 |
11 | 14 | Peter Major (WA) | Pro | 01:31.8 | 00:01.2 |
12 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:32.0 | 00:01.3 |
13 | 15 | Josh Hunt (QLD) | Pro | 01:32.0 | 00:01.4 |
14 | 23 | Roger Lago (QLD) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:32.2 | 00:01.6 |
15 | 4 | Stephen Grove (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:32.4 | 00:01.7 |
16 | 6 | Tim Miles (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:32.7 | 00:02.0 |
17 | 12 | Adam Garwood (TAS) | Pro | 01:32.9 | 00:02.3 |
18 | 20 | Adrian Flack (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.0 | 00:02.3 |
19 | 80 | Max Twigg (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.0 | 00:02.3 |
20 | 808 | John Steffensen (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.1 | 00:02.5 |
21 | 13 | Sam Shahin (SA) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.3 | 00:02.7 |
22 | 22 | Dean Cook (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:34.6 | 00:03.9 |
23 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee (NSW) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:35.2 | 00:04.5 |
24 | 9 | Marc Cini (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:35.2 | 00:04.5 |
25 | 131 | Graham Williams (VIC) | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:36.6 | 00:06.0 |
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NewsCarrera Cup field readies for enduro battle
Davison and Gilbertson fastest in Phillip Island practice
The Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia field has completed its final preparations ahead of the series’ two longest single-driver races, with Alex Davison and Anthony Gilbertson finishing the eventful Friday practice sessions at Phillip Island quickest in their respective classes.
Davison was the best of the Pro ranked drivers ahead of his stablemate Dylan O’Keeffe, James Moffat and Dale Wood. The fastest three drivers from Friday posted their best times in the morning session, while Wood’s best lap came from the slower afternoon practice session, in which the former Supercars driver was the pacesetter.
After his impressive Friday form, Davison will now look to begin his Endurance Cup title defence in Saturday’s race one in style.
“I didn’t do a test day like many others had done, so it was good to arrive and be on the pace from the start of the day. With longer races this weekend, we focussed our efforts in the second session on a race set-up for a long run. I feel well prepared for tomorrow,” said Davison.
Jordan Love was the fifth best across Friday’s two sessions from Jaxon Evans, David Wall, Nick McBride, Peter Major and Michael Almond in tenth.
Gilbertson was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am racers in the morning session, ultimately placing 11th outright for the day and ahead of Pro-Am rivals Max Twigg and Roger Lago. Having long-distance race experience in Carrera Cup’s feeder series, Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, Gilbertson feels well prepared for the two 25-lap races.
“I posted my best lap in the morning session when the track was a little bit faster and the sun wasn’t out. The car felt great straight out of the truck and it’s just as good at the end of today,” said Gilbertson.
“Having driven the longer races in GT3 Cup Challenge will really help me this weekend at Phillip Island. We’ve also done some longer runs in testing to find out how to conserve these rear tyres. This new car has more power so rear grip is everything, so if we can look after the tyres early in the race it will pay dividends towards the finish.”
While the morning session was uninterrupted, although delayed due to morning fog, the afternoon session was cut short after Dean Cook made heavy contact with the Hayshed tyre wall, handing the Ashley Seward Motorsport crew the large task of repairing the #22 TAG Heuer Pro-Am entry overnight.
Qualifying for the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at 11:35am on Saturday before the series’ kicks off the first of six Endurance Cup races for the 2018 season.
Race Schedule (local time)
Saturday April 21, 2018
11:35am Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:15pm Race 1 (25 laps)
Sunday April 22, 2018
12:20pm Race 2 (25 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Qualifying – 11:35am, Saturday April 21
Race 1 – 2:15pm, Saturday April 21
Race 2 – 12:20pm, Sunday April 22
Results: Practice 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest Lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 888 | Alex Davison | Pro | 01:31.3 | |
2 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 01:31.4 | 00:00.1 |
3 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 01:31.7 | 00:00.4 |
4 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 01:31.7 | 00:00.5 |
5 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 01:31.8 | 00:00.6 |
6 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 01:31.9 | 00:00.6 |
7 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 01:32.0 | 00:00.8 |
8 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 01:32.3 | 00:01.0 |
9 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 01:32.7 | 00:01.4 |
10 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 01:32.7 | 00:01.4 |
11 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:32.8 | 00:01.6 |
12 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 01:33.0 | 00:01.7 |
13 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.0 | 00:01.8 |
14 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.2 | 00:01.9 |
15 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.3 | 00:02.1 |
16 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.6 | 00:02.4 |
17 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 01:33.7 | 00:02.5 |
18 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 01:33.8 | 00:02.5 |
19 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:34.3 | 00:03.1 |
20 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:35.4 | 00:04.2 |
21 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:36.0 | 00:04.7 |
22 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:36.2 | 00:05.0 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:37.5 | 00:06.2 |
24 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:38.7 | 00:07.4 |
25 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:43.9 | 00:12.6 |
Results: Practice 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 01:31.7 | |
2 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 01:32.1 | 00:00.4 |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 01:32.4 | 00:00.7 |
4 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 01:32.5 | 00:00.8 |
5 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 01:32.6 | 00:00.9 |
6 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 01:32.7 | 00:01.0 |
7 | 888 | Alex Davison | Pro | 01:32.7 | 00:01.1 |
8 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 01:32.8 | 00:01.1 |
9 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 01:32.9 | 00:01.2 |
10 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 01:32.9 | 00:01.2 |
11 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 01:33.0 | 00:01.3 |
12 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.1 | 00:01.4 |
13 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 01:33.2 | 00:01.5 |
14 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.4 | 00:01.8 |
15 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:33.8 | 00:02.2 |
16 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:34.1 | 00:02.5 |
17 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:34.1 | 00:02.5 |
18 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:34.2 | 00:02.5 |
19 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:34.2 | 00:02.5 |
20 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:34.3 | 00:02.6 |
21 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 01:34.8 | 00:03.2 |
22 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:35.3 | 00:03.6 |
23 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:37.1 | 00:05.5 |
24 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:37.3 | 00:05.6 |
25 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:39.2 | 00:07.6 |
26 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 01:40.0 | 00:08.3 |
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NewsO’Keeffe: Tyre management key to ‘Island success
Young Victorian eager for strong round three showing
Dylan O’Keeffe is expecting tyre management to be a decisive factor in this weekend’s third round of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship at Phillip Island.
The race format for the weekend will see the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars competing in a pair of 25 lap, 50-minute races – the longest single-driver races in the category’s history.
“Because this year’s cars are more powerful that last year, tyre management is already more of an issue, and Phillip Island is a track that is punishing on tyres,” O’Keeffe said.
“It’s going to be critical to be smooth, and to avoid sliding the car or locking brakes.
“I definitely think we’ll see a situation where people will push too hard too early, run out of tyres at the end and fall backwards through the field.”
O’Keeffe is currently fourth in the Carrera Cup standings after a strong start to the season, highlighted by a second-place finish in his most recent race. But the 20-year-old is not feeling over-confident.
“We’ve tested at Phillip Island, but it’s not really an advantage because so have most others, he said.
“We were comfortable with the package we had on the test day but it could mean nothing, because Phillip Island is a track where the conditions change very quickly.”
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NewsFast Facts: Round 3, Phillip Island
All the facts and stats for Carrera Cup's third round
As the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season enters round three at Phillip Island – and kick starts the 2018 Endurance Cup – here are the best facts and stats from Australia’s fastest one-make series.
EVENT HISTORY
The third round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will be the 109th round held in the history of the series since it began in 2003. Phillip Island hosted the first-ever round of the series in that year, won by Jim Richards.
Last year Phillip Island hosted the 300th Carrera Cup championship race.
The Phillip Island round this year will feature races number 322 and 323 in series history.
Each race is scheduled to be held over 25 laps (111.125-kilometres), making them the longest single driver races ever seen in Carrera Cup history. Should they be affected by a time certain finish, at least 21 laps (93.345-kilometres) will need to be completed to break the record given the previous longest single driver race was Race 1 at Bathurst last year over 15 laps (93.195-kilometres).
This year is the 10th time the Carrera Cup has competed at Phillip Island and the first single driver round held there since 2012, won by Craig Baird.
The circuit has featured on the Carrera Cup calendar in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011-2012, 2014-2015 and 2017.
In 2005 and 2006 the circuit hosted the final round of the Carrera Cup and in 2014, 2015 and 2017 it hosted the Pro- Am round of the series with two drivers in each car.
David Wall and Stephen Grove are the only drivers in the 2018 field to have won a Carrera Cup round overall at Phillip Island. Grove teamed with Scott McLaughlin to win the 2014 Pro-Am round, while Wall teamed with Shane Smollen to win the 2017 Pro-Am round last year.
Grove and Scott McLaughlin made history at Phillip Island in 2014 – they won the round having qualified 15th – it’s the lowest qualifying position for a round winner in championship history.
Phillip Island is the only circuit in Carrera Cup history where there have been multiple occasions that drivers have won the round without winning a race that weekend. Jim Richards did it in 2005, Stephen Grove/Scott McLaughlin did it in 2014 and last year David Wall/Shane Smollen won the round without winning a race.
Jim Richards Racing remains the only team to ever win multiple Phillip Island Carrera Cup rounds. Team owner/driver Jim Richards won the 2003 and 2005 rounds while the remaining round wins have since been split between Sonic Motor Racing, Fitzgerald Racing Services, Melbourne Performance Centre, Alliance Group Racing, Grove Racing, McElrea Racing and Wall Racing.
Reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am Champion Stephen Grove has finished on the podium in the category in the last three Phillip Island rounds in a row. He was Pro-Am (and overall) round winner in 2014 and runner-up in 2015 and 2017.
GAPS AND MARGINS
Phillip Island is the site of the biggest race-winning margin in Carrera Cup history. Jonny Reid led home Alex Davison by 13.7760s to win Race 3 in 2012.
The closest race-winning margin at Phillip Island in Carrera Cup is 0.1234s with Craig Baird holding off Daniel Gaunt in Race 2 in 2011. It remains the fourth-closest race finish in the category’s history.
The closest pole position margin at Phillip Island in Carrera Cup is 0.0194s between Nick Foster and Jonny Reid in 2012.
The biggest pole margin at Phillip Island in Carrera Cup is 1.5672s (on combined times) between Nick Foster/Ryan Simpson and Shae Davies/Adam Gowans in 2014’s Pro-Am round. It is the biggest pole-winning margin in PWSCCA history.
DRIVER MILESTONES
Alex Davison will make his 54th Carrera Cup round start at Phillip Island, tying him with Rodney Jane for third on the list of most rounds started in series history. Only Marc Cini (97) and Craig Baird (66) have started more.
Stephen Grove makes his 46th Carrera Cup round start at Phillip Island, tying him with Steve Richards and Shane Smollen in series record books for eighth on the list of most rounds started.
STREAKS
Jaxon Evans is aiming for his fourth straight Carrera Cup round victory having won the last round in 2017 on the Gold Coast and first two rounds of 2018 at Adelaide and Albert Park. The last driver to win four rounds in a row in Carrera Cup was Craig Baird in 2008 – he won at Barbagallo, Sandown, Queensland Raceway and Phillip Island.
In fact, Alex Davison (six in a row across 2003/04), Jim Richards (four in a row in 2003) and Baird are the only drivers in PWSCCA history to ever win four rounds of the series in a row.
Evans’ team McElrea Racing has won the last three rounds of Carrera Cup with Evans driving and is aiming for four – Fitzgerald Racing Services (with Baird in 2008) is the last team to win four rounds of the series in a row.
PHILLIP ISLAND LAP RECORDS
Qualifying Matt Campbell McElrea Racing 1m30.0141s 2015
Race Scott Mclaughlin Grove Motorsport 1m31.1343s 2015
PHILLIP ISLAND ROUND WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards
2005 Jim Richards
2006 David Reynolds
2008 Craig Baird
2011 Daniel Gaunt
2012 Craig Baird
2014 Stephen Grove/Scott McLaughlin
2015 Shane Smollen/Nick Percat
2017 David Wall/Shane Smollen
2 – Jim Richards, Craig Baird, Shane Smollen
1 – David Reynolds, Daniel Gaunt, Stephen Grove, Scott McLaughlin, Nick Percat, David Wall
PHILLIP ISLAND RACE WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards Jim Richards Jim Richards
2005 David Reynolds Fabian Coulthard Fabian Coulthard
2006 David Reynolds David Reynolds David Reynolds
2008 Craig Baird Aaron Caratti David Russell
2011 Daniel Gaunt Craig Baird Daniel Gaunt
2012 Daniel Gaunt Craig Baird Jonny Reid
2014 Craig Baird/Max Twigg Shane Smollen/Nick Percat
2015 Shane Smollen/Nick Percat Nick Foster/Dylan Thomas
2017 Nick McBride/Dylan Thomas Dean Grant/Lee Holdsworth
4 – David Reynolds, Craig Baird
3 – Jim Richards, Daniel Gaunt
2 – Fabian Coulthard, Shane Smollen, Nick Percat, Dylan Thomas
1 – Aaron Caratti, David Russell, Jonny Reid, Max Twigg, Nick Foster, Nick McBride, Dean Grant, Lee Holdsworth
PHILLIP ISLAND PODIUM FINISHERS
2003 Jim Richards Peter Fitzgerald Marcus Marshall
2005 Jim Richards Fabian Coulthard Jonathon Webb
2006 David Reynolds Alex Davison David Wall
2008 Craig Baird Aaron Caratti Bryce Washington
2011 Daniel Gaunt Jonny Reid Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird Daniel Gaunt Steve Richards
2014 Stephen Grove/Scott McLaughlin Craig Baird/Max Twigg James Bergmuller/Dale Wood
2015 Shane Smollen/Nick Percat Nick Foster/Dylan Thomas Stephen Grove/Scott McLaughlin
2017 David Wall/Shane Smollen Dean Grant/Lee Holdsworth Andre Heimgartner/Aaron Ireland
4 – Craig Baird
2 – Jim Richards, Daniel Gaunt, Stephen Grove, Scott McLaughlin, David Wall, Shane Smollen
1 – Peter Fitzgerald, Marcus Marshall, Fabian Coulthard, Jonathon Webb, David Reynolds, Alex Davison, Aaron Caratti, Bryce Washington, Jonny Reid, Steve Richards, Max Twigg, James Bergmuller, Dale Wood, Nick Percat, Nick Foster, Dylan Thomas, Dean Grant, Lee Holdsworth, Andre Heimgartner, Aaron Ireland
PHILLIP ISLAND POLE POSITIONS
2003 Jim Richards
2005 Jim Richards
2006 David Reynolds
2008 Aaron Caratti
2011 Jonny Reid
2012 Nick Foster
2014 Nick Foster/Ryan Simpson
2015 Shane Smollen/Nick Percat
2017 Stephen Grove/Tim Slade
2 – Jim Richards, Nick Foster
1 – David Reynolds, Aaron Caratti, Jonny Reid, Ryan Simpson, Shane Smollen, Nick Percat, Stephen Grove, Tim Slade
PHILLIP ISLAND TAG HEUER PRO-AM ROUND WINNERS
2005 Andrew Luxton
2006 Dean Grant
2008 James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg
2014 Stephen Grove
2015 Shane Smollen
2017 Dean Grant
2 – Max Twigg, Dean Grant
1 – Andrew Luxton, James Koundouris, Stephen Grove, Shane Smollen
PHILLIP ISLAND TAG HEUER PRO-AM RACE WINS
2005 James Koundouris Andrew Luxton Andrew Luxton
2006 Tony Quinn Dean Grant Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris Max Twigg James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg Damien Flack Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg Max Twigg Max Twigg
2014 Stephen Grove Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen Shane Smollen
2017 Sam Shahin Dean Grant
6 – Max Twigg
3 – James Koundouris, Shane Smollen
2 – Andrew Luxton, Dean Grant
1 – Tony Quinn, Rodney Jane, Damien Flack, Stephen Grove, Sam Shahin
PHILLIP ISLAND TAG HEUER PRO-AM POLE POSITIONS
2005 James Koundouris
2006 Tony Quinn
2008 Peter Hill
2011 James Koundouris
2012 James Koundouris
2014 Tony Bates
2015 Shane Smollen
2017 Stephen Grove
3 – James Koundouris
1 – Tony Quinn, Peter Hill, Tony Bates, Shane Smollen, Stephen Grove
PHILLIP ISLAND TAG HEUER PRO-AM PODIUM FINISHERS
2005 Andrew Luxton Theo Koundouris Tony Quinn
2006 Dean Grant Tony Quinn Shaun Juniper
2008 James Koundouris Theo Koundouris Shaun Juniper
2011 Max Twigg Damien Flack James Koundouris
2012 Max Twigg Shane Smollen Tony Bates
2014 Stephen Grove James Bergmuller Ash Samadi
2015 Shane Smollen Stephen Grove Adrian Mastronardo
2017 Dean Grant Stephen Grove Sam Shahin
3 – Stephen Grove
2 – Theo Koundouris, Tony Quinn, Dean Grant, Shaun Juniper, James Koundouris, Max Twigg, Shane Smollen
1 – Andrew Luxton, Damien Flack, Tony Bates, James Bergmuller, Ash Samadi, Adrian Mastronardo, Sam Shahin
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NewsPorsche racers face record endurance test
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is no stranger to Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia endurance races, a trend that will continue in 2018… with a difference.
In its 10th visit to the Phillip Island circuit, the all-Porsche championship will hold two long distance races at the 4.4km circuit, much like the two-driver Pro-Am events held at the circuit in 2014, 2015 and 2017. Though instead of sharing the racing duties, Carrera Cup’s drivers will be faced with the longest single-driver races in the series’ history.
Carrera Cup will feature two 25-lap (111.13km) races across Saturday and Sunday, both of which eclipse the record of the series’ previous test of single-driver endurance: At 93km, the opening Carrera Cup race at Bathurst last year stands as the longest Carrera Cup test for a single driver. Completing only 21 of the scheduled 25 laps this weekend will still eclipse the record. The round will also be the first single-driver event at the Victorian venue since 2012, which was won by Craig Baird.
Following a successful Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Carrera Cup will bring an unchanged driver line-up to Phillip Island. This weekend marks the start of the six-race Endurance Cup, a concept that began last season ultimately won by Alex Davison and Marc Cini.
One of the Phillip Island favourites will no doubt be Jaxon Evans, who is aiming for his fourth straight Carrera Cup round victory having won the last event of 2017 on the Gold Coast and the first two rounds of 2018 at Adelaide and Albert Park. The last driver to win four Carrera Cup rounds in a row was Baird in 2008 – the fellow New Zealander won at Barbagallo, Sandown, Queensland Raceway and Phillip Island.
“It will be an interesting event. Having had a test day at Phillip Island before the round, hopefully that brings us level with the local teams. I love the circuit, it’s similar to Albert Park, and the level of competition will step up again so hopefully we can step up with it,” said Evans.
Evans’ teammate and fellow Albert Park round winner, Pro-Am driver Tim Miles, is also looking forward to the Phillip Island event.
“With the extra power and front grip, these new cars will suit the Phillip Island circuit perfectly. The Pro-Am class is hugely competitive this season so I’m looking forward to getting out there and seeing how we go,” said Miles.
Having not yet placed outside the top two positions in 2018, Evans sits 69 points ahead of his closest Pro-ranked rival Dale Wood, with reigning champion David Wall in third.
Meanwhile, round one Pro-Am winner Roger Lago takes a 79-point class lead into Phillip Island over reigning and former class champions Stephen Grove and Max Twigg.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will begin its third round on Friday with two practice sessions, followed by qualifying and race one on Saturday, and race two on Sunday. All sessions from practice two onwards can be viewed live on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule
Friday April 20, 2018
10:40am Practice 1 (30 minutes)
1:50pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
Saturday April 21, 2018
11:35am Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:15pm Race 1 (25 laps)
Sunday April 22, 2018
12:20pm Race 2 (25 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Practice 2 – 1:50pm, Friday April 20
Qualifying – 11:35am, Saturday April 21
Race 1 – 2:15pm, Saturday April 21
Race 2 – 12:20pm, Sunday April 22
Entry list: Round 3, Phillip Island
1. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
2. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
3. #5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild
4. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage 1
5. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
6. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
7. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
8. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
9. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu
10. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
11. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) LORY Construction
12. #18 James Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL
13. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
14. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
15. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
16. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
17. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
18. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T Marts/PSA
19. #80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) WM Waste Management
20. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group
21. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
22. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Southern Star Truck Centre/Anytime Fitness
23. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams
24. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts
25. #808 John Steffensen (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Crown/Timken/Porsche Melbourne
26. #888 Alex Davison (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton
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NewsUnbound 919 Hybrid smashes Spa record
Posche 919 Hybrid Evo faster than Formula 1
No rules or regulations: the ultimate evolution of the Le Mans-winning Porsche 919 Hybrid is faster than Formula 1.
An evo version of the Porsche 919 Hybrid established a new track record at Spa-Francorchamps. Porsche works driver Neel Jani lapped the 7.004 kilometre long Belgian Grand Prix Circuit in the Ardennes mountains in 1:41.770 minutes.
The 34-year-old Swiss has beaten the previous record by 0.783 seconds that was set by Lewis Hamilton (GB) at the wheel of a Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid. Hamilton’s lap of 1:42.553 minutes dates back to August 26 in 2017 and secured him pole position for last year’s F1 race. Jani achieved a top speed of 359 km/h and an average speed of 245.61 km/h on his record lap that he started at 10:23 hrs. Ambient temperature was 11° Celsius, track temperature was 13° Celsius.
Fritz Enzinger, Vice President LMP1: “This was an absolute fantastic lap – an outstanding drivers’ performance from Neel and the result of great engineering. Today’s track record impressively proves the ultimate performance of the most innovative race car of its time. Our target was to show what the Porsche 919 Hybrid is able to do when we loosen the restrictions that normally come from the regulations.”
Team Principal Andreas Seidl: “This additional success is the result of the LMP team’s hard work and a proud day for the engineers. One can only congratulate Neel and the entire crew for achieving it. All six 2017 LMP1 drivers contributed to the project. It was our target to show the Porsche 919 Hybrid’s abilities when we ease the restrictions that came from the World Endurance Championship regulations.”
With the 919 Hybrid, Porsche has won the Le Mans 24-Hours from 2015 to 2017 three times in a row as well as the world champion titles for both, manufacturers and drivers, in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) during the same years.
Neel Jani: “The 919 Evo is brutally impressive. It is definitely the fastest car I ever drove. The grip level is at a fully new dimension for me, I couldn’t imagine this amount beforehand. The speed on which everything happens on a single lap with the 919 Evo is that fast that the demand on reaction speed is very different to what I was used to in the WEC. We are not only faster than the F1 pole from 2017. Today’s lap was twelve seconds faster compared to our WEC pole position from last year! We have had three very intense days at Spa. Today I knew on the very first lap in the morning that the car’s performance was super. The race engineers did a great job setting up the car and the Michelin tyres are sensational. A big thank you to Porsche for this experience.”
Unchained for the record
The technical regulations from the FIA for the WEC and Le Mans successfully delivered close competition between the conceptually very different class 1 Le Mans hybrid prototypes entered by Audi, Porsche and Toyota. As a consequence this never allowed the question – what would be the potential of the Porsche 919 Hybrid if it wasn’t chained by the limitations – to be answered; until now.
Stephen Mitas, Chief Race Engineer LMP1, was heading the project: “It was kind of an engineer’s dream come true for us”, the Australian admits. “Having developed, improved and raced the car for four years, the guys had a very close relationship to it. We all knew, no matter how successful the 919 Hybrid was, it could never show its full abilities. Actually even the Evo version doesn’t fully exploit the technical potential. This time we were not limited by regulations but resources. It is a very satisfying feeling that what we’ve done to the car was enough to crack the Formula One record.”
To prepare the record car, the base was the 2017 world championship car. On top came developments that were prepared for the 2018 WEC but never raced after the end of 2017 withdrawal. Additionally, several aerodynamic modifications were made.
For the ‘Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo’ the entire hardware of the power train remained untouched.
The 919 is powered by a compact two-litre turbo charged V4-cylinder engine and two different energy recovery systems – brake energy from the front axle combined with exhaust energy. The combustion engine drives the rear axle while the electro motor boosts the front axle to accelerate the car with four-wheel drive. At the same time it recuperates energy from the exhaust system that otherwise would pass unused in to the atmosphere. The electrical energy that comes from the front brakes and the exhaust system is temporarily stored in a liquid-cooled lithium ion battery.
The WEC efficiency regulations limited the energy from fuel per lap by using a fuel flow meter. At the 2017 championship round in Spa, in the Porsche 919 Hybrid’s final season, it could use 1.784 kilogram/2.464 litres of petrol per lap. The V4 combustion engine’s output back then was around 500 HP. Freed from these restrictions, equipped with an updated software but running the regular race fuel (E20, containing 20 per cent bio ethanol), the 919 Hybrid Evo delivers 720 HP.
The amount of energy from the two recovery systems that could be used in Spa 2017 was 6.37 megajoule. This was by far below the systems’ potential. On his record lap Neel Jani enjoyed a full boost of 8.49 megajoule – the e-machine’s output increased by ten per cent from 400 to 440 HP.
The engineers also unchained the aerodynamics of the 919 Evo from the regulations. The new larger front diffuser now balances the new and very large rear wing, both of which have actively controlled drag reduction systems. The hydraulically operated systems trim the trailing edge of the front diffuser and opens up the slot between the rear wing main plane and the flap respectively in order increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the Evo. Underneath the Evo the turning vanes and floor have been optimised with fixed height side skirts to increase the aerodynamic performance again as efficiently as possible. In total the aero modifications resulted in 53 per cent higher downforce and an increase in efficiency by 66 per cent (compared to the 2017 Spa WEC qualifying).
To help further expand the performance envelope, the super-fast Evo gained a four-wheel brake-by-wire system to provide additional yaw control. Furthermore, the power steering was adapted for the higher loads and stronger suspension wishbones (front and rear) were implemented.
Compared to the car in race trim, the dry weight was reduced by 39 kilograms to 849 kilograms. To achieve this, everything was removed what isn’t needed for a single fast lap: air-conditioning, windscreen wiper, several sensors, electronic devices from race control, lights systems and the pneumatic jack system.
Porsche’s multi-year tyre partner Michelin was immediately interested to work with a car that produces more downforce than a Formula One car. Keeping the tyre dimensions (31/71-18), the target was to increase the grip level significantly. Michelin developed new compounds to deliver the necessary grip with no compromise on safety.
The ‘919 Tribute Tour’ continues
The record lap at Spa was the first appearance on the 919 Tribute Tour. It can next be seen doing a demo lap on the legendary Nordschleife before the start of the 24-Hours Nürburgring race on May 12. Drives at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 12-15) and the Festival of Porsche in Brands Hatch (September 2) will follow as well as the car’s participation at the Porsche Rennsport Reunion in Laguna Seca, California (September 26-29).
Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo (919 Hybrid WEC)
Specifications
Monocoque:
Composite material structure consisting of carbon fibre with an aluminium honeycomb core. The cockpit is closed.
Combustion engine:
V4 engine (90 degree cylinder bank angle), turbocharged, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC, 1 Garrett turbocharger, direct petrol injection, fully load-bearing aluminium cylinder crankcase, dry sump lubrication
Max. engine speed: ≈ 9,000/min
Engine management:
Bosch MS5
Displacement:
2,000 cm3 (V4 engine)
Output:
Combustion engine: 720 PS, rear axle (< 500 PS) MGU: 440 PS, front axle (> 400 PS)
Hybrid system:
KERS with a motor generator unit (MGU) mounted on the front axle; ERS for recuperation of energy from exhaust gases. Energy storage in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with cells from A123 Systems
Drive system:
Rear wheel drive, traction control (ASR), temporary all-wheel drive at the front axle via the electric motor when boosted, hydraulically operated sequential 7-speed racing gearbox
Chassis:
Independent front and rear wheel suspension, push-rod layout with adjustable dampers and Pitch Link System with actively controlled lockout system (no actively controlled lockout system in the 919 WEC version)
Brake system:
4-wheel brake-by-wire system (front-rear brake-by-wire system), monoblock light alloy brake calipers, ventilated carbon fibre brake discs front and rear.
Variable control of wheel torques to optimize the car balance (variable control of torque distribution front to rear)
Wheels and tyres:
Forged magnesium wheel rims from BBS; Michelin Radial tyres, front and rear: 310/710-18
Weight: 849 kg (888 kg including driver ballast)
Length: 5,078 mm (4,650 mm)
Width: 1,900 mm
Height: 1,050 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 62.3 litres
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NewsKiwis conquer Carrera Cup at Albert Park
Jaxon Evans and Tim Miles take Albert Park round victory
Jaxon Evans has avoided opening corner chaos to take victory in race four of Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia at Albert Park along with the round win, while Tim Miles secured round victory in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
Dale Wood was the star driver for the weekend until the start of the final race, where he and Alex Davison were contacted from behind at the opening corner. The incident spun both Wood and Davison; Wood continued at the rear of the field while the safety car was called to recover Davison’s stranded car from the turn one run-off area.
New Zealander Evans dominated after the restart to eventually cruise to his third win of the Carrera Cup season and further extend his series lead after two of eight rounds.
“To get back-to-back round victories for the first two rounds is obviously the perfect way to kick off the year and show that we’re not here to muck around, but to fight for the championship,” said Evans, who was joined on the Pro round podium by Dale Wood and Jordan Love.
“I was pretty lucky to get away with that one. I can’t thank to team enough for the car they’ve given me this weekend. I struggled to get past Dale in the first three races and it’s unfortunate what happened to him in the last race .”
Dylan O’Keeffe continued his Albert Park comeback after race two dramas to ultimately place second, moving past Love in the closing laps to gain his best result for the season.
Love placed third from David Wall; a fourth in the final race was little consolation for the reigning champion following a race three spin. Nick McBride placed fifth for the final race from James Moffat and Peter Major in seventh for the rookie’s best result for the season.
Stephen Grove placed eighth in the final race, which is the best overall performance by a TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver for the 2018 season. Twigg placed second in class for the final race from Roger Lago, Adrian Flack and Tim Miles in fifth.
Miles ended the weekend as the top TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver, joining his compatriot on the top step of the Albert Park podium on Sunday.
“I got a bit bullied in that last race, which was a bit frustrating. I didn’t have enough pace to fight with them properly and the team were on the radio just telling me to behave and consolidate the round win. I can’t thank the McElrea Racing boys enough, not just for giving me a good car but for keeping me calm.”
Evans now leads the Pro standings by 69 points from Wood; while Wood has more race wins, Evans is yet to finish outside the top two this season. Wall holds third in the Pro standings from O’Keeffe and Love. Evans also retains the Michelin Juniors standings lead from Love and Garwood.
Lago holds the lead of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings following his dominant opening round performance from triple champion Twigg, reigning champion Grove and Albert Park round winner Miles.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will return on April 22-25 for round three at Phillip Island.
Results: Race 4
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 9 | 19:57.0176 | 1:59.0820 |
2 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 9 | 20:00.5159 | 1:59.1384 |
3 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 9 | 20:04.2028 | 1:59.8672 |
4 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 9 | 20:04.5044 | 1:59.6364 |
5 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 9 | 20:05.3675 | 1:59.1892 |
6 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 9 | 20:06.6911 | 1:59.1032 |
7 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 9 | 20:09.4390 | 1:59.8148 |
8 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:12.9972 | 2:00.0788 |
9 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 9 | 20:13.3640 | 1:59.5934 |
10 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 9 | 20:16.4836 | 1:59.6304 |
11 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:17.5730 | 2:00.2427 |
12 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:23.6309 | 2:01.1412 |
13 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:23.6361 | 2:00.8017 |
14 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 9 | 20:26.3963 | 2:00.4468 |
15 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:33.3396 | 2:02.5798 |
16 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:33.9772 | 2:02.0929 |
17 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:38.2614 | 2:00.6616 |
18 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 20:55.7563 | 1:59.8925 |
19 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 21:00.3194 | 2:06.1473 |
20 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 21:08.7026 | 2:06.1653 |
21 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 8 | 20:22.6565 | 2:09.1098 |
22 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:16.3772 | 2:03.1440 |
DNF | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 5 | 12:12.0792 | 2:01.4683 |
DNF | 888 | Alex Davison | Pro |
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NewsSaturday success for Wood and Grove at Albert Park
Australian Grand Prix, Race 3 wrap
Dale Wood has continued his Albert Park dominance in Saturday’s race three with his third victory of the event, while reigning TAG Heuer Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove claimed his first class win of the season.
The race started in unusual conditions when the circuit’s starting lights failed, forcing the race to start behind the safety car. After the first lap, the safety car exited the circuit and Wood headed the field into turn one.
Much like the first two Porsche races at Albert Park, Wood led the charge with Evans closely behind, and despite several challenges for the lead by Evans, the former Supercars driver retained composure and raced to his fourth win of his short Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia career.
Wood will now aim to become just the fourth driver to claim victory in all Albert Park races following the previous clean sweeps of Alex Davison (2003), Jim Richards (2005) and Craig Baird (2012).
“That was a hard race. I could not shake Jaxon and even the tiniest mistake means he’s all over you. It was a tough race, but a good one. It’s a confidence booster but we can’t get complacent. I’m absolutely loving it,” said Wood.
Evans once again finished a narrow second in race three, with Alex Davison continuing his comeback from a race one post-race penalty to place third by the chequered flag, impressively navigating his way past fellow Pro racers to lead home a four car battle pack also consisting of Michael Almond, Jordan Love and Nick McBride, who finished sixth after starting ninth on the grid.
Dylan O’Keeffe placed seventh from James Moffat, who came together with his teammate David Wall on the final corner of lap three, resulting in the Wall Racing duo spinning and subsequently dropping down the order. Moffat recovered to finished eighth, while Wall ultimately placed 14th.
Stephen Grove’s fortunes changed dramatically from earlier in the weekend with victory in the competitive TAG Heuer Pro-Am.
After Grove failed to finish race one, a strong performance in race two and an equally impressive showing in race three elevated Grove to the head of the Pro-Am field at the race three finish.
The result was Grove’s maiden 2018 victory and his first class win since the opening race of the 2017 Gold Coast season finale.
“With the calibre of drivers that we have in Pro-Am now, a win is something special. The wins don’t just come, you have to work really hard. In that race I pushed from fifth and I worked hard and passed everyone cleanly; everyone gave racing room and that’s a real credit to all the boys I was racing with. To win in this category now is hard and to get the win is great. It will build momentum from here.”
Race two Pro-Am winner Tim Miles placed second in class from Dean Cook, Greg Taylor and Max Twigg. Sam Shahin was sixth in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am from race one and race two class winner Roger Lago.
One race remains for the second round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season, which can be viewed live on Network Ten and Fox Sports 506 at 1:05pm on Sunday March 25.
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday March 25, 2018
1:05pm – Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Ten & Fox Sports 506
Race 4 – 1:05pm, Sunday March 25
Results: Race 3
1. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) 10 laps, 21:40.1651
2. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) 10 laps, 21:41.4446
3. #888 Alex Davison (Pro) 10 laps, 21:46.0128
4. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) 10 laps, 21:46.0280
5. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) 10 laps, 21:46.5241
6. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) 10 laps, 21:47.1380
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) 10 laps, 21:47.2747
8. #18 James Moffat (Pro) 10 laps, 22:02.6732
9. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) 10 laps, 22:04.6951
10. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) 10 laps, 22:07.1319
11. #14 Peter Major (Pro) 10 laps, 22:07.8418
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:10.6368
13. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:11.8649
14. #1 David Wall (Pro) 10 laps, 22:15.9960
15. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:16.5119
16. #5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:19.0439
17. #80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:28.3776
18. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:30.1417
19. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:40.7615
20. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:45.9512
21. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 22:46.4089
22. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 10 laps, 23:22.1608
DNF #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 3 laps, 8:28.0144
DNF #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) 2 laps, 5:48.8643
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NewsWood and Miles top Albert Park race two
Round 2, Australian Grand Prix Race 2 wrap
Dale Wood has secured back-to-back race victories at Albert Park in round two of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship while an impressive Friday performance by Tim Miles ended Roger Lago’s TAG Heuer Pro-Am win streak.
Starting from pole position, race one winner Wood held the lead into the opening corner and, much like the opening race, the safety car was soon called to the circuit after Max Twigg’s and John Steffensen’s cars were recovered from the circuit. Twigg spun, seemingly caused by damaged incurred by an earlier altercation with Peter Major, while Steffensen spun in an effort to avoid Twigg, making contact with the barrier.
Once the safety car departed the circuit, Wood was left with a charging Jaxon Evans in his rear view mirrors. Despite the race-long pressure from the young Michelin Junior, Wood managed to hold his race lead and claim his third race win of the season.
“The wins aren’t coming easy by any means. I feel out of place at the moment; I don’t feel like we’ve got the car working where I want it. But I have no complaints, we have a win from another tough race. We’ll try to get it sorted and go again tomorrow,” said Wood.
Wood took the chequered flag in a closely fought battle pack consisting of second placed Evans, David Wall, James Moffat, Alex Davison and Michael Almond in sixth.
Tim Miles capitalised on Roger Lago’s slow start to claim the race two class victory, his first of the season. Following Lago’s poor start and Twigg’s lap one dramas, Miles was able to manage the gap to next best TAG Heuer Pro-Am racer to eventually claim his first class win of the season, ending Lago’s four-race win streak.
“I’m thrilled with that result. It’s such a tough and competitive field so it’s great to eventually get a Pro-Am race win,” said Miles.
“The car has been perfect since the beginning of the year, to be honest. And this weekend, if you can be sensible and behave you can get a better result that by pushing too hard.”
Dean Cook and Greg Taylor placed second and third in class for race two, their best class results of the season, from Lago in fourth and TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole-sitter Stephen Grove in fifth after starting from the rear of the field due to a race one DNF.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will hold its third and fourth race of round two on Saturday and Sunday, both broadcast live across Network Ten and Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule (local time)
Saturday March 24, 2018
3:20pm – Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 25, 2018
1:05pm – Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Ten & Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 3:20pm, Saturday March 24
Race 4 – 1:05pm, Sunday March 25
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest Lap | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 8 | 22:30.8367 | 1:59.3227 | |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 8 | 22:31.3129 | 1:59.2825 | |
3 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 8 | 22:31.6226 | 1:59.3876 | |
4 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 8 | 22:32.5372 | 1:59.5380 | |
5 | 888 | Alex Davison | Pro | 8 | 22:33.0862 | 1:58.6783* | |
6 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 8 | 22:33.4855 | 1:59.1707 | |
7 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 8 | 22:35.9842 | 2:00.0296 | |
8 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 8 | 22:36.7866 | 2:00.0834 | |
9 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 8 | 22:37.7696 | 1:59.6550 | |
10 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:45.1431 | 2:01.5940 | |
11 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 8 | 22:46.3598 | 1:59.8370 | |
12 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:46.8653 | 2:01.9982 | |
13 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:47.2619 | 2:01.8885 | |
14 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 8 | 22:47.7036 | 2:00.9886 | |
15 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:47.8835 | 2:01.9936 | |
16 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:51.3192 | 2:01.8427 | |
17 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:51.4416 | 2:01.3772 | |
18 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:54.4198 | 2:02.5040 | |
19 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 22:54.9507 | 2:01.2835 | |
20 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 23:00.9291 | 2:03.9203 | |
21 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 23:06.5160 | 2:05.5161 | |
DNF | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | ||||
DNF | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | ||||
DNF | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | ||||
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NewsWood and Lago win eventful Albert Park opener
Round 2, Australian Grand Prix Race 1 wrap
Dale Wood and Roger Lago have claimed race one victory in an eventful start to the second round of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship.
While it was pole-sitter Nick McBride to lead into the opening corner, green flag running was short-lived as Cameron Hill failed to launch from the start line and Anthony Gilbertson rear-ended Hill’s #111 Porsche. The contact ended both their races and called to safety car to the circuit for several laps.
Upon the restart, McBride ran off the circuit at turn one, allowing Wood to inherit the lead from Michelin Junior drivers Jordan Love and Jaxon Evans.
Wood continued at the head of the field though was challenged late in the race by Evans, who pressured past Love in the closing laps. Evans finished a mere 0.27secs behind Wood in second from Love, reigning champion David Wall and James Moffat in fifth.
For Wood, the race one victory replicated his performance in Adelaide, where he was also victorious in the opening race of the event.
“That’s two race wins by round two, so I’m pretty happy with that. Jaxon once again put on a ton of pressure and was really strong all race. I’ve got to get my starts sorted and then get a nice and fast car in the race. It’s all looking good,” said Wood.
“We’re definitely starting where we want to tomorrow. We can’t get complacent as there are 25 blokes behind who all want the position I’m in. It’s a grouse way to start the weekend.”
Meanwhile, TAG Heuer Pro-Am victory in the opening Albert Park battle extends Roger Lago’s win streak across the first four races of the season. Lago was the dominant Pro-Am racer in the season opener and, while he started second in class, the Queensland based driver was able to avoid the start-line drama to eventually claim race one victory.
“It’s obviously disappointing for the other boys not to finish the race; I’ve been on the receiving end of that a few times here. I just had to stay out of trouble. I had Pro drivers Peter Major and Josh Hunt behind me and I didn’t want to get involved with them so I let them go and cruised around to the finish,” said Lago.
Max Twigg placed second in class for the opening Albert Park race from Sam Shahin in the South Australian’s first visit to the 5.3km circuit. Tim Miles placed fourth in class from Dean Cook, Greg Taylor, Indiran Padayachee and John Steffensen.
The race is now on to fix the damaged race cars of Hill and Gilbertson, while Marc Cini, who was absent from race one, will return for race two after damaging his Porsche earlier on Thursday.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second race of the event at 2:55pm on Friday before the third and fourth race of round two is held on Saturday and Sunday. The remaining three races of the Albert Park event will be broadcast live on both Network Ten (Race 2, ONE; Race 3 & 4, Ten) and Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday March 23, 2018
2:55pm – Race 2 (10 laps)
Saturday March 24, 2018
3:20pm – Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 25, 2018
1:05pm – Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: ONE & Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 2:55pm, Friday March 23
Channel: Ten & Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 3:20pm, Saturday March 24
Race 4 – 1:05pm, Sunday March 25
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 10 | 26:04.5740 | 1:59.0187 |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 10 | 26:04.8475 | 1:58.7919 |
3 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 10 | 26:05.7887 | 1:59.0730 |
4 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 10 | 26:07.5029 | 1:59.4468 |
5 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 10 | 26:07.9118 | 1:59.5333 |
6 | 888 | Alex Davison | Pro | 10 | 26:08.1996 | 1:59.1589 |
7 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 10 | 26:10.3953 | 1:59.3369 |
8 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 10 | 26:14.6876 | 1:59.1851 |
9 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 10 | 26:19.6333 | 2:00.5355 |
10 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 10 | 26:19.9121 | 2:00.1020 |
11 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 26:22.0422 | 2:00.9021 |
12 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 26:25.0702 | 2:00.0626 |
13 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 26:28.6498 | 2:01.0532 |
14 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 26:28.9135 | 2:00.7125 |
15 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 10 | 26:29.3378 | 1:59.4932 |
16 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 26:32.5247 | 2:01.8443 |
17 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 26:33.1571 | 2:01.8328 |
18 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 27:05.4507 | 2:06.3702 |
19 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 27:52.0602 | 2:01.2204 |
20 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 9 | 26:39.7667 | 2:01.5261 |
21 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 9 | 27:44.7282 | 2:01.3557 |
DNF | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 6 | 18:33.3554 | 2:05.7424 |
DNF | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am |
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NewsMcBride and Grove top Albert Park qualifying
Local drivers take TAG Heuer Pole Position
Nick McBride has secured the TAG Heuer Pole Position late in the Thursday qualifying session, while fellow Melbourne based driver Stephen Grove was the best of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers.
McBride and Michelin Junior driver Jordan Love will start race one from the front row, ahead of series points leader Jaxon Evans and reigning champion David Wall filling the second row.
Michael Almond will start fifth from experienced racers Alex Davison and James Moffat, who’s best lap was also under qualifying lap record pace.
Grove, who placed third in class in Adelaide, was the best TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver in qualifying, ahead of round winner class winner Roger Lago, Max Twigg and Adelaide 500 Pro-Am pole-sitter Anthony Gilbertson.
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Fastest Lap | Gap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 1:57.4784 | 0:00.0946 |
2 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 1:57.5730 | 0:00.1658 |
3 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 1:57.6442 | 0:00.2424 |
4 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 1:57.7208 | 0:00.3694 |
5 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 1:57.8478 | 0:00.3892 |
6 | 888 | Alex Davison | Pro | 1:57.8676 | 0:00.4233 |
7 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 1:57.9017 | 0:00.5474 |
8 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 1:58.0258 | 0:00.6124 |
9 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 1:58.0908 | 0:01.2138 |
10 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 1:58.6922 | 0:01.5248 |
11 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.0032 | 0:01.7542 |
12 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 1:59.2326 | 0:01.8269 |
13 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.3053 | 0:02.0644 |
14 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.5428 | 0:02.1409 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 1:59.6193 | 0:02.2628 |
16 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 1:59.7412 | 0:02.9466 |
17 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:00.4250 | 0:02.9678 |
18 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:00.4462 | 0:03.1770 |
19 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:00.6554 | 0:03.2207 |
20 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:00.6991 | 0:03.2581 |
21 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 2:00.7365 | 0:03.3716 |
22 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:00.8500 | 0:03.8036 |
23 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:01.2820 | 0:06.5441 |
24 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:04.0225 | 0:06.5949 |
25 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 2:04.0733 |
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NewsAlbert Park Fast Facts
All the Carrera Cup facts and stats from Albert Park
EVENT HISTORY
The second round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will be the 108th round held in the history of the series since it began in 2003.
The Albert Park round will feature races number 318, 319, 320 and 321 in series history. Last year’s Albert Park round was the 100th round in PWSCCA history.
This year is the ninth time the PWSCCA has competed for championship points at Albert Park (2008 and from 2011 onwards). This year is the 14th time overall that PWSCCA has competed at Albert Park. The events from 2003 to 2007 were not a round of the championship.
The circuit has featured on the PWSCCA calendar every year since the category began in 2003, regardless of whether it has hosted a championship or non-championship event.
There have been five different PWSCCA round winners at Albert Park in the last five years – Craig Baird (2013), Warren Luff (2014), Steve Richards (2015), Alex Davison (2016) and Cameron McConville (2017).
Only two drivers have clean-swept a PWSCCA weekend at Albert Park with pole position and victory in every race – Alex Davison in 2003 and Jim Richards in 2005. No driver has managed the feat since the round became a part of the championship in 2008.
Davison is the king of Albert Park pole positions. He has four poles at Albert Park – 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 – however none of these have been in the era of Albert Park hosting rounds of the actual championship.
Max Twigg has proven to be the king of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am category at Albert Park, winning the round five times from the first six rounds held at the Grand Prix venue (2008, 2011-2013, 2015).
GAPS AND MARGINS
The closest PWSCCA finish in a championship race at Albert Park came in Race 4 in 2008 when Craig Baird beat Dean Fiore to the line by 0.4205s.
The biggest PWSCCA winning margin for a championship race remains 9.6411s in Race 2 in 2011 when Craig Baird beat home Daniel Gaunt.
The smallest pole position-winning margin for a PWSCCA round at Albert Park came in 2015 with Nick McBride just 0.0028s faster than Matt Campbell. It is the second closest in PWSCCA history, only 0.0001s off the record of 0.0027s (Alex Davison to Jonny Reid at Townsville in 2012).
The biggest pole margin in Albert Park in a championship PWSCCA round came in 2016 when Matt Campbell outqualified second-fastest Nick McBride by 0.5322s.
DRIVER MILESTONES
David Wall will make his 44th PWSCCA round start in Adelaide. He now passes Tony Quinn to move into 11th place on the all-time round starts list in series history.
Roger Lago’s TAG Heuer Pro-Am round win in Adelaide was his first win in the category since Albert Park in 2014.
STREAKS
Jaxon Evans is aiming for his third straight PWSCCA round victory having won the last round in 2017 on the Gold Coast and first round of 2018 in Adelaide.
The last driver to win three rounds in a row was Nick Foster in 2015. In fact, only four drivers – Alex Davison, Jim Richards, Craig Baird and Foster – have ever won three rounds in a row in the PWSCCA.
Evans’ team McElrea Racing has won the last two rounds of PWSCCA – the last round of 2017 on the Gold Coast and the first round of 2018 in Adelaide. The last time it won two rounds in a row was in late 2016 when Matt Campbell won Bathurst and the Gold Coast.
ALBERT PARK LAP RECORDS
Qualifying Warren Luff McElrea Racing 1m57.7313s 2014
Race Ben Barker Team BRM 1m58.3646s 2011
ALBERT PARK ROUND WINNERS
2008 Craig Baird
2011 Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird
2013 Craig Baird
2014 Warren Luff
2015 Steve Richards
2016 Alex Davison
2017 Cameron McConville
4 – Craig Baird
1 – Warren Luff, Steve Richards, Alex Davison, Cameron McConville
Note: Non-championship rounds held at Albert Park between 2003 and 2007.
ALBERT PARK POLE POSITIONS
2008 Aaron Caratti
2011 Jonny Reid
2012 Jonny Reid
2013 Nick Percat
2014 Warren Luff
2015 Nick McBride
2016 Matt Campbell
2017 Nick McBride
2 – Jonny Reid, Nick McBride
1 – Aaron Caratti, Nick Percat, Warren Luff, Matt Campbell
Note: Non-championship rounds held at Albert Park between 2003 and 2007. (Poles taken by Alex Davison in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and by Jim Richards in 2005).
ALBERT PARK RACE WINNERS (CHAMP AND NON-CHAMP RACES)
2003 Alex Davison Alex Davison Alex Davison
2004 Matt Halliday Alex Davison Matt Halliday Alex Davison
2005 Jim Richards Jim Richards Jim Richards
2006 Alex Davison Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
2007 Alex Davison Alex Davison David Reynolds David Reynolds
2008 Aaron Caratti Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
2011 Jonny Reid Craig Baird Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
2013 Steve Richards Craig Baird Craig Baird
2014 Steve Richards Warren Luff Warren Luff
2015 Nick McBride Steve Richards Steve Richards
2016 Matt Campbell Alex Davison Alex Davison Alex Davison
2017 Nick McBride Nick McBride Cameron McConville Alex Davison
13 – Craig Baird
12 – Alex Davison
4 – Steve Richards
3 – Jim Richards
2 – Matt Halliday, David Reynolds, Warren Luff, Nick McBride
1 – Aaron Caratti, Jonny Reid, Nick McBride, Matt Campbell, Cameron McConville
ALBERT PARK PODIUM FINISHERS
2008 Craig Baird Dean Fiore David Russell
2011 Craig Baird Daniel Gaunt Steve Richards
2012 Craig Baird Jonny Reid Alex Davison
2013 Craig Baird Warren Luff Steve Richards
2014 Warren Luff Steve Richards Nick Foster
2015 Steve Richards Cameron McConville Craig Baird
2016 Alex Davison Steve Richards Nick McBride
2017 Cameron McConville Nick McBride Alex Davison
5 – Craig Baird, Steve Richards
3 – Alex Davison
2 – Warren Luff, Cameron McConville, Nick McBride
1 – Dean Fiore, David Russell, Daniel Gaunt, Jonny Reid, Nick Foster
Note: Non-championship rounds held at Albert Park between 2003 and 2007.
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER PRO-AM ROUND WINNERS
2008 Max Twigg
2011 Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg
2013 Max Twigg
2014 Roger Lago
2015 Max Twigg
2016 Stephen Grove
2017 Stephen Grove
5 – Max Twigg
2 – Stephen Grove
1 – Roger Lago
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER PRO-AM POLE POSITIONS
2008 Peter Hill
2011 Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg
2013 James Koundouris
2014 Shane Smollen
2015 Max Twigg
2016 Tony Bates
2017 Stephen Grove
3 – Max Twigg
1 – Peter Hill, James Koundouris, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, Stephen Grove
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER PRO-AM RACE WINS
2008 Peter Hill Max Twigg Max Twigg Max Twigg
2011 Max Twigg Max Twigg Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg Max Twigg Max Twigg
2013 Max Twigg Max Twigg Max Twigg
2014 James Bergmuller Roger Lago Roger Lago
2015 Max Twigg Max Twigg Max Twigg
2016 Tony Bates Stephen Grove Stephen Grove Shane Smollen
2017 Stephen Grove Stephen Grove Stephen Grove Stephen Grove
15 – Max Twigg
6 – Stephen Grove
2 – Roger Lago
1 – Peter Hill, James Bergmuller, Tony Bates, Shane Smollen
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER PRO-AM PODIUM FINISHERS
2008 Max Twigg Shaun Juniper James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg Peter Hill Theo Koundouris
2012 Max Twigg James Koundouris Peter Hill
2013 Max Twigg James Koundouris Damien Flack
2014 Roger Lago Stephen Grove James Bergmuller
2015 Max Twigg Tony Bates Shane Smollen
2016 Stephen Grove Adrian Mastronardo Shane Smollen
2017 Stephen Grove Matt Palmer Dean Cook
5 – Max Twigg
3 – James Koundouris, Stephen Grove
2 – Peter Hill, Shane Smollen
1 – Theo Koundouris, Shaun Juniper, Damien Flack, Roger Lago, James Bergmuller, Tony Bates, Adrian Mastronardo, Matt Palmer, Dean Cook
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NewsCarrera Cup heads to unpredictable Albert Park
Round 2 Preview: Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Fresh from success in the opening round of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, round one winner Jaxon Evans and TAG Heuer Pro-Am leader Roger Lago are ready to continue their momentum into round two of the championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Michelin Junior driver Evans won two of the three races in Adelaide to establish himself as the early benchmark in season 2018, while Lago swept to three victories from three starts in his return to the series to build a strong early lead in the Pro-Am class.
However, continuing their strong form into the second round of the championship is likely to be a challenge given the unpredictable nature of Carrera Cup racing at the home of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix where five different drivers have won the last five rounds.
Evans heads to Albert Park looking for his third-straight round victory in the series, thanks to his success in Adelaide and, before that, on the streets of the Gold Coast at the end of the 2017 season.
Should he win in Melbourne, the McElrea Racing driver will not only continue his searing start to the season but also turn around a difficult Albert Park debut twelve months ago.
“Last year we didn’t have the best round at the Grand Prix, but I certainly enjoy the circuit and the atmosphere of the event is awesome,” Evans said.
“I’m looking forward to getting back there and completing what we couldn’t quite achieve last year and hopefully continuing the momentum we have.”
Making a fired-up comeback to the championship will be Alex Davison, who missed the season opener in Adelaide due to FIA World Endurance Championship commitments but returns to the grid with an imposing Melbourne record.
The 2004 Carrera Cup champion driver has twelve race victories to his credit at Albert Park; second most of any driver at the circuit and only one behind record-holder Craig Baird.
Davison has won three of the last eight races at the Grand Prix, including the final race of the 2017 round held last March.
Davison’s return adds further competitive intent to the battle for the championship this year following an intense start in Adelaide two weeks ago.
While Evans’ won two of the three races, race one winner Dale Wood, defending champion David Wall, Dylan O’Keefe and Michael Almond each featured in the top three in at least one race in South Australia.
Impressive Michelin Junior driver Jordan Love and Supercars Championship returnee James Moffat also starred at the front of the field.
The battle for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am category was just as competitive, though in Adelaide it was Lago who was quickest out of the blocks to start the new season.
His three victories delivered him the round victory in Adelaide, ahead of former triple champion Max Twigg and defending class winner, Stephen Grove.
Prior to his Adelaide success, Lago’s last Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia victory came at Albert Park in 2014 – a fact that only adds to his enthusiasm for the Formula One event.
“I love the Grand Prix, it’s one of my top five tracks of all time. I think the addition of the ABS is really going to help us and I can’t wait to get there,” he said.
“Everyone has good weekends and bad weekends. I happened had a good one in Adelaide but will probably have a bad one somewhere along the line, so you just have to keep pushing because the boys behind me will keep coming.”
A full field of 26 new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will contest the four Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia races in Melbourne; the only event of the year to feature the unique four-race format.
As well as featuring more racing, the Albert Park event is famed for being one of the most unpredictable on the Carrera Cup Australia schedule.
Despite featuring as either a championship round of exhibition event in every season of Carrera Cup Australia since its inception in 2003, only twice in series history has one driver won every race in a single weekend in Melbourne.
Five different drivers have won the last five rounds at the 5.3km circuit, with 2016 round winner Alex Davison the only driver in the 2018 field to have scored a round victory at the venue.
The Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia grid will tackle four races across the weekend at Albert Park, with practice, qualifying and the first race held on a busy Thursday afternoon. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will feature one race each.
Network Ten and Fox Sports will both broadcast the second, third and fourth races of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix round.
Race Schedule (local time)
Thursday March 22, 2018
12:20pm – Practice 1 (20 minutes)
3:50pm – Qualifying (20 minutes)
6:40pm – Race 1 (10 laps)
Friday March 23, 2018
2:55pm – Race 2 (10 laps)
Saturday March 24, 2018
3:20pm – Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 25, 2018
1:05pm – Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: ONE & Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 2:55pm, Friday March 23
Channel: Ten & Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 3:20pm, Saturday March 24
Race 4 – 1:05pm, Sunday March 25
Entry List: Round 2
#1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Group
#5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild
#6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners/Garage 1
#7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
#8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
#12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu
#14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
#15 Josh Hunt (Pro) LORY Construction
#18 James Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL
#19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
#20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
#22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
#23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
#35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
#77 Michael Almond (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts
#80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) WM Waste Management
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) APB Group
#100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
#111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Southern Star Truck Centre/Anytime Fitness
#131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Harcourts Williams
#777 Jordan Love (Pro) Bob Jane T Marts
#808 John Steffensen (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Crown/Timken/Porsche Melbourne
#888 Alex Davison (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton
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NewsVolante Rosso to share Maddie’s vision
Carrera Cup team announces charity partnership
Volante Rosso has entered a new partnership in the support of the Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision charity. This partnership will see the Volante Rosso #15 Porsche Carrera Cup car and crew dressed in a special purple themed livery for their Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia support races at the Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix.
Maddie’s Vision CEO, Nicky Long said that: “the Riewoldt family were really excited about being part of the launch and race with the Volante Rosso Team. To see Maddie’s Vision on a National and International stage in car racing will give Bone Marrow Failure the voice and attention it needs”.
Team Driver Josh Hunt is extremely excited going into the Melbourne race in support of Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.
“This partnership is very special to me as my little sister was school friends with Maddie and I was extremely saddened to hear of her passing”.
“The work that the Riewoldt Family have done with Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision is incredible and I am honoured to now be a part of raising awareness for Maddie’s Vision.”
“You will see the car dressed in purple over the race weekend with the Maddie’s Vision logo and #FightLikeMaddie. The team will also be wearing the #FightLikeMaddie T-shirts which will make us easy to see in the pits.”
“We encourage anyone that is at the event to come down and see us and get a photo with the car and team. The more hashtagged photos we can get out there to raise awareness the better.”
Team Principle Chris Papadopoulos is enthusiastic about the new partnership.
“When Josh came to me with the idea and backstory, it was clearly something that made sense to get involved with. There are lots of worthy charities, but when there’s a personal connection it’s a different level.
“Everyone at Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision has done such a great job so far. We hope we can do our bit to raise a little awareness for the cause.
“It’s a cause that deserves the exposure, so it made total sense to replace our ‘rosso’ livery with Maddie’s purple for this race, especially as we’re so close to Riewoldt territory at Albert Park.”
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NewsPorsche celebrates 70 years at the Australian Grand Prix
Carrera Cup, 70 Year display and the 911 GT2 RS to star at Albert Park
Porsche Cars Australia will begin Australian celebrations of 70 years of the Porsche sports car at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this week.
The event will be the Australian debut of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the fastest and most powerful 911 with approval for use on the road. Local hero and Porsche ambassador Mark Webber, who was involved in the development of this high-performance model, will be on-hand to drive the GT2 RS around the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit. The first Australian-bound version of this car will also be on display at the event.
Webber and the GT2 RS will also be a part of the exclusive Porsche Pole Position track activity on the Wednesday prior to the event, where Porsche owners will experience the special privilege of driving their Porsche sports cars around the GP circuit at speed.
In addition to the 911 GT2 RS, seven vehicles commemorating the last 70 years of Porsche racing in Australia will be on display in the Porschestraße (translation: Porsche street) situated next to the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia paddock, between Turn 1 and the Albert Park Lake. This display ranges from a 1951 Porsche 356 Cabriolet up to a 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. See below for full list and background on each display car.
Porschestraße will also include the Australian-built Porsche In Motion experience, where enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sit in the passenger seat of the iconic Porsche 911 and take it for a test drive through a virtual reality experience, discover the brand’s distinct sporting heritage and explore the latest model range on display.
Returning again in 2018 is the popular Porsche Kids Driving School, where junior race fans can get behind the wheel of a pint-size Porsche on a purpose-built track. Children from 120-150 cm tall can register to participate in the Porsche Kids Driving School, which consists of a theory and driving session, with all participants receiving their very first Porsche Kids Driving School Licence at the completion of the 20-minute session.
Guests inside the Porsche Pavilion will enjoy luxury hospitality as well as panoramic views of the first and second corners of the Albert Park layout all weekend. Some of these guests will dovetail their spectating with the Porsche High Flier Grand Prix Experience program, run by the Porsche Track Experience team at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in the new four-litre 911 GT3, before arriving at the circuit by helicopter.
On-track, Round 2 of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will be one of the highlights of the racing program, where 26 new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will be competing for glory in the Pro and TAG Heuer Pro-Am classes.
“We’re delighted to kick-start this year’s 70th anniversary of the Porsche sports car at the Australian Grand Prix with a wide variety of activities that should prove popular with sports car fans,” said Porsche Cars Australia Director of Marketing and Motorsport, Toni Andreevski.
70 years of Australian-racing Porsche sports cars display
1951 Porsche 356 Cabriolet
This is the first production right-hand drive Porsche built in July 1951 for newly-appointed Porsche agent Norman Hamilton. It arrived in Melbourne with its right-hand drive sister 356 Coupe in October 1951. Both cars spent 1952 on a promotional tour of South Australia and Victoria, driven by well-known racing and rallying identities in local speed events and hill climbs, putting Porsche on the map and paving the way for its glorious motor sport history, which continues to this day.
– Display courtesy of car owner, Greg O’Keefe
1969 Porsche 911 ST
Porsches competed as touring cars in Australia from the late 1960s, with Porsche agent Alan Hamilton finishing a close second in the 1969 title – just one point behind the V8 Mustang of Ian Geoghegan. From 1970, new factory-developed 2.3 litre 911 ST coupes in the hands of Melbourne’s Jim McKeown and Sydney’s Brian Foley and Bill Brown, took he fight to the big V8s. The 911 ST displayed is Foley’s former car, which began life as a highly-optioned 911 S 2.2 litre. It finished fifth in the 1970 Australian Touring Car Championship and later competed as a sports sedan, driven successively by Alan Hamilton, Leo Geoghegan, Peter Brock and John Harvey.
– Display courtesy of car owner, Ian Henderson
1969 Porsche 911 ‘RSR’
Representing the 1970s, this well-raced, former 911S 2.0 litre is arguably Australia’s most successful and prolific 911 racing car. Purchased by Melbourne driver Jim McKeown, it was converted to factory 911 ST specification and competed in Shell livery in the Australian Touring Car Championship in the early 1970s, finishing a close second to Norm Beechey’s V8 Monaro in the 1970 title. By the time McKeown sold it at the end of 1971, the 911 had competed in 41 separate races on all major Australian circuits – a figure believed to be a world record for a Porsche ‘Touring Car’. The Porsche then passed through other hands before being rebuilt as a replica Porsche RSR by Melbourne pilot Ross Mathiesen, who drove it to back-to-back titles in the Australian Sports Car Championship in 1978 and 1979.
– Display courtesy of car owner, Max May
1978 Porsche 935 K3
Porsches dominated Australian sports car racing throughout the mid-to-late 1970s, winning the Australian Sportscar Championship six times in successive years before focussing on the newly-revived Australian GT Championship in 1982. Porsches immediately dominated this category too, with newly-crowned Australian F1 Champion Alan Jones driving a turbocharged 935 K3 and winning all nine rounds, followed by Rusty French in a similar 935 K3, with Colin Bond third in a Porsche 944 Turbo. French then continued the Porsche GT domination throughout the 1983 season, winning the title emphatically in his 935 K3, with other Porsches finishing fourth, fifth and seventh.
– Display courtesy of car owner, Rusty French
1993 Porsche 964 RSR
This unique 1992 Porsche 964 is the world’s only factory right-hand drive 3.8 litre RSR out of the 51 track-ready cars built by Porsche for the 1993 season. Combining the 911 Turbo’s wide body with a 3.8 litre naturally-aspirated boxer six-cylinder engine developing 350bhp, the RSR was the racing version of the now highly-collectible 3.6 litre 964 RS of 1992. This RSR was built to special order for Sydney’s Geoff Morgan, who drove it to victory in the Australian Porsche Cup in 1995 and 1996. It is now owned by former Porsche Cup competitor Chris Stannard, who has restored it to its original factory glory.
– Display courtesy of car owner, Chris Stannard
2004 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia was established in 2003 as Australia’s premier one-make racing series. A full grid of 996-series 911 GT3 Cup cars lined up for the first event at the 2003 Australian F1 Grand Prix support race, and at the end of the first season it was seven-time Bathurst winner Jim Richards who was crowned the inaugural champion. This beautifully-preserved 2004 GT3 Cup, prepared by Tekno Autosports and driven by Jonathon Webb, finished sixth and third respectively in the 2004 and 2005 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championships. The 911 GT3 Cup is now owned by Porsche Club of Victoria member James Papas. It remains totally original and has not been raced since the end of the 2005 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship.
– Display courtesy of car owner, James Papas
2017 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Victorian Marine Pilot Matt Close has put Porsche back on the podium in Australian tarmac rallies in recent years, driving current-model 911 GT3 coupes. He and co-driver Cameron Reeves won Victoria’s Targa High Country Rally three years in succession in 2015, 2016 and 2017. They also won Targa Tasmania’s GT2 category in 2016 and finished third outright in 2017 driving current-model 911 GT3 and GT3 RS models. Close and Reeves will again be amongst the favourites in the 2018 Targa Tasmania from April 16-18, driving this GT3 RS.
– Display courtesy of car owner, Matt Close
2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Not historic, but already a history-maker and on display in the adjacent Porsche in Motion area, the new 911 GT2 RS last year established a new Production Car lap record on the demanding Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. The new 515kW (700bhp), lightweight rear-wheel drive turbocharged coupe can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 340km/h. Its driver for the weekend will be former F1 driver and Porsche World Endurance Champion Mark Webber, who already has a 911 GT2 RS on order for his personal Porsche collection.
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NewsCarrera Cup team announce junior series prize
F4 series standouts to receive Porsche test
Sydney based team Volante Rosso has announced a new prize offer for drivers in the Australian Formula 4 series.
A test day in a 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car will be offered to two outstanding drivers from the 2018 Formula 4 series.
Team Principal Chris Papadopoulos has experience in young driver development, having worked with young drivers in several junior formulas including Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula Renault 2.0, A1GP and right through to Formula 1.
Team driver in Carrera Cup Josh Hunt has travelled the driver development pathway himself, having come up through karts to race in many categories and competed in Champ Car Atlantics in the USA before moving to a career in GT cars and now Carrera Cup. During this time he has maintained an involvement with karting and well understands the transition to cars.
Together they will judge this years’ F4 field to find worthy prize contenders.
Chris Papadopoulos says: “I’ve had some involvement with Formula 4 before and am a fan of the category. Other categories have served the development pathway admirably in previous decades, but in the modern era, we are looking for young drivers that have knowledge of slick tyres, light aero and paddle shift gearboxes, which is exactly what Formula 4 delivers, so it’s the perfect training ground for both modern race cars and race craft. The perfect progression from karting into race cars.
“We’ve already seen some great young talent come through F4 since its’ inception, and they’ve gone on into Carrera Cup, Super 2 and even overseas. It’s only been going for a few years, but soon we’ll see F4 graduates filling out the top levels of competition both in Australia and abroad.
“I’ve got no doubt that’s where the future stars will come from, so we’re going to keep a close eye on the category this year, and then reward some of those standout drivers with a taste of Carrera Cup to help them plan their futures and progress.
“I’ve worked with a lot of drivers over my career, and I’m pleased to say some of them have gone on to win some pretty big championships here and overseas. But I’ve also seen how hard it is for these young guys and girls to progress. Our aim for this program is to help young drivers build their profiles and careers.”
Josh Hunt: “This is something that we are really excited about as young driver development is a focus for the team at VR to ensure drivers are getting the best chance to progress in their careers.
“I have been very fortunate to be on the receiving end of development programs that helped me to reach the levels I did. Most notably was the support of Champ Car in 2004.
“F4 is the logical place to offer this opportunity as it is the first step out of karts and the time of a drivers career when support and advice can have the biggest impact. We want to be a part of that, to contribute”.
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NewsDavison confirmed for WEC Super Season
Aussie racer returns to international Porsche competition
Sports car ace Alex Davison will return to international Porsche duties this season after confirmation the Australian will contest the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship ‘Super Season’.
Davison has joined the LMGTE Am classified team Gulf Racing for the eight round season, which spans across 2018 and 2019 and includes two 24 Hours of Le Mans events. Davison will team with former Carrera Cup Australia runner Ben Barker and team owner Mike Wainwright in the Porsche entry.
Davison will couple his FIA WEC duties with a part-time 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia campaign, which he begins at next weekend’s second round at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The announcement marks a decade since Davison last competed in a European series. After a stint in Porsche Carrera Cup Germany and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Davison raced in the 2008 European Le Mans Series, placing second in the GT2 Class alongside co-driver Marc Lieb.
A decade later, Davison is excited to return to international competition.
“There are very few opportunities in your career where the phone rings and such an opportunity arises. The call-up to race in the WEC was very much out of the blue and it’s literally a dream come true. I never truly thought I’d have the chance to race in Europe or at Le Mans again and now it’s becoming a reality,” said Davison.
Davison had his first taste of the new Porsche 911 RSR at a recent pre-season test at Vallelunga, Italy, which was the reason for his absence from the opening round of the 2018 Carrera Cup Australia season at the Adelaide 500. Davison will also miss the Carrera Cup round in Darwin, which clashes with the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“The new Porsche 911 RSR is incredible; it’s amazing how the cars have progressed over the past decade. The 2008 911 RSR was amazing, but the current RSR just feels like much more of a purpose built race car.
“While much of the Vallelunga test was wet, it was valuable experience in the new RSR. The car has loads of downforce and you could really push it through the high-speed sections of the circuit, even compared to the GT3 R, which meant I really had to recalibrate my brain. It was also odd seeing a 911 without the engine sitting in the back.”
Davison’s next outing with the team will be at the FIA WEC Prologue, held at Circuit Paul Ricard, France, on April 6-7, before the FIA WEC season starts at Spa-Francorchamps on May 5.
“It’s going to be an exceptionally busy season for me, between my FIA WEC and Carrera Cup commitments. Gulf Racing is a new team to me, but I know Ben already and Mike has been great. I have experience on many of the WEC circuits and also the longer distance formats. It will now be up to me to adapt to the new surroundings for what will be a hugely exciting season.”
Davison will be one of two Carrera Cup Australia champions competing in the FIA WEC, with 2016 champion and Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell entered in the LMGTE Am class with Dempsey-Proton Racing.
2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship
Round 1: WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – May 5, 2018
Round 2: 24 Hours of Le Mans, France – June 16-17, 2018
Round 3: 6 Hours of Silverstone, Great Britain – August 19, 2018
Round 4: 6 Hours of Fuji, Japan – October 14, 2018
Round 5: 6 Hours of Shanghai, China – November 18, 2018
Round 6: 12 Hours of Sebring, USA – March 16-17, 2019
Round 7: WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – May 4, 2019
Round 8: 24 Hours of Le Mans, France – June 15-16, 2019
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NewsNational champ begins Porsche ascent
Vernon to climb Porsche Motorsport Pyramid
Sydney racer Jimmy Vernon will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of two key graduates of Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia when he joins the series in 2018.
The 20-year-old will join McElrea Racing this year off the back of claimed the Toyota 86 Racing Series title in 2017.
Vernon will drive the same Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car driven to the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship by Matt Campbell, followed by a pair of round victories in the hands of Jaxon Evans last season.
Both drivers commenced their Porsche careers in GT3 Cup Challenge before progressing into Carrera Cup, where Evans now leads the championship.
Campbell’s well-documented career has seen him progress to becoming a Porsche Young Professional driver this year, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Both team and driver have targeted a similar progression through the ‘Porsche Motorsport Pyramid’.
“After a successful season last year, we sat down and did research on all the pathways in the sport we could think of – and it was the Porsche pathway that spoke to me the most,” Vernon said.
“It has been proven to get drivers not only to the point of succeeding in Supercars, but kickstarted overseas careers as well. It was at that point I started speaking to Andy (McElrea) because I saw them as a proven team that had already helped guys like Matt and Jaxon.
“They’re switched on and the one day I have had in the car was fantastic – they’re a team with so much experience that any question you have, they have an answer for.
“It has been great to put this together with the backing of an awesome support crew behind me and people who are helping me out for the year. We’re still searching for people to jump on board and get involved but the support has already been fantastic.”
Having signed with McElrea Racing earlier in the week, Vernon subsequently got his first taste of Porsche power at Queensland Raceway on Thursday.
“It was good. It’s obviously a big step up from the Toyota or anything else I’ve ever driven. It took a while to get my head around but by the end of the day we were posting competitive times,” he said.
“We’re going into the first round with quite a bit of confidence, but I know the competition is going to be tough from what I have heard and seen about drivers coming into the series.
“GT3 Cup Challenge looks like it’s going to be very strong and I’m looking forward to seeing how we shape up against the others.”
Team owner Andy McElrea said Vernon’s signing would build on their experience of developing drivers through the Porsche pyramid.
“We’re looking forward to working with Jimmy this year in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge,” McElrea said.
“In Matt and now Jaxon we have shown a solid three-year program of progression through GT3 Cup Challenge and into Carrera Cup and we are following that same model with Jimmy.
“He comes to us with a strong level of experience for someone his age, so we’re looking forward to building on that as he starts his Porsche career and working with him to develop him into a Carrera Cup champion.”
The Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia commences at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia on April 13-15.
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NewsQueensland racers shine with Adelaide round victory
Round 1, Adelaide 500 Race 3 wrap
A near-perfect performance by Jaxon Evans at the Adelaide 500 has handed the Michelin Junior victory in the opening round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season, while a TAG Heuer Pro-Am clean sweep saw Roger Lago visit the top step of the round podium upon his return to the championship.
Evans entered Sunday’s race three with a second and first placing across the opening two races, and a dominant performance in the final race ensured the young Queensland based New Zealander secured both race three victory and the round win.
The race was interrupted early by the safety car, called to the circuit after Leanne Tander hit the turn eight barrier. Evans then remained at the front from the restart to ultimately take a 1.2 second victory from reigning champion David Wall and local driver Michael Almond in third.
Reigning Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia champion Jordan Love placed an impressive fourth in race three from Dylan O’Keeffe. Following his two third place performances in the opening two races, fifth in race three handed O’Keeffe a position on the final step on the Pro podium behind round winner Evans and second placed Wall.
Race one winner Dale Wood placed sixth, placing the former Supercars driver fourth in the Pro round results, with Nick McBride, Cameron Hill and Adam Garwood completing the top 10 in race three.
Lago placed 11th outright in race three, his first race outside the top 10, claiming the TAG Heuer Pro-Am race three victory from Max Twigg, Adrian Flack and Stephen Grove to give the Queenslander a clean sweep in the Pro-Am class. Joining Lago on the TAG Heuer Pro-Am podium was Twigg in second and Grove in third. Anthony Gilbertson placed fifth in class in race three from Sam Shahin and Tim Miles.
As the series departs Adelaide, Evans holds a 24 point lead in the standings from Wall, with O’Keeffe a further 18 points behind in third.
Meanwhile Lago will enter round two with a 30 point lead in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am standings over Twigg, with Grove a further 6 points adrift in third.
The Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia series now waits only three weeks until its next on-track outing as it lines up at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix for round two on March 21-24.
Quotes
Jaxon Evans
“You certainly can’t ask for more than that for the first round of the year. There’s really strong competition in this year’s championship, which makes it even better to come away with the round win.
“It hasn’t taken too long to adapt to the new car. That’s credit to my engineer and the McElrea Racing boys, they certainly know what they’re doing with a Porsche.
“Having a full field is one thing, but to have the likes of Wall, Dale Wood and James Moffat really lifts the level of competition. It’s not going to be an easy year, but it’s great to get the first round of the year out of the way with a good results. It’s a big confidence booster.”
Roger Lago
“I didn’t expect to come here and be three from three, to be honest. I’m pretty rapt on how the weekend has worked out.
“The new car is great, but it has more front too, so it seems to go wherever I want to point it. All in all it’s a great car and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Results: Race 3
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 8 | 14:20.2762 | 1:23.0917 |
2 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 8 | 14:21.5473 | 1:23.2062 |
3 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 8 | 14:22.2564 | 1:23.4292 |
4 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 8 | 14:22.8263 | 1:23.1591 |
5 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 8 | 14:23.4317 | 1:23.2336 |
6 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 8 | 14:24.3026 | 1:23.6664 |
7 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 8 | 14:24.7701 | 1:23.3169 |
8 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 8 | 14:26.5609 | 1:23.7180 |
9 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 8 | 14:28.6233 | 1:24.7334 |
10 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 8 | 14:28.8391 | 1:24.0236 |
11 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:32.0131 | 1:25.2608 |
12 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:32.8270 | 1:25.2888 |
13 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:33.1769 | 1:25.1664 |
14 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:34.6743 | 1:25.7682 |
15 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 8 | 14:34.8819 | 1:24.8859 |
16 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 8 | 14:35.9868 | 1:24.2152 |
17 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:36.5390 | 1:24.2419 |
18 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:36.9383 | 1:24.0855 |
19 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:37.9686 | 1:24.0907 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:39.0392 | 1:24.7872 |
21 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:40.9963 | 1:25.7966 |
22 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:47.9142 | 1:28.5750 |
23 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:48.5962 | 1:27.9400 |
24 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 8 | 14:58.6368 | 1:24.7822 |
DNF | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | |||
DNF | 888 | Leanne Tander | Pro |
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NewsEvans and Lago claim race two honours in Adelaide
Round 1, Adelaide 500 Race 2 wrap
After narrowly missing victory in Friday’s opening race, Jaxon Evans has taken the race two win of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia at the Adelaide 500, while Roger Lago continued at the front of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am field.
Evans started second on the grid alongside race one winner Dale Wood and gained the lead into the opening corner. From there, Evans was able to build a gap to his rivals and manage the lead to second placed David Wall until the chequered flag.
Dylan O’Keeffe was able to avoid an oversteering Wood at the opening chicane to settle into the race in third position, where he remaining for the entire 15 lap race.
Fourth position was determined in the closing stages of the race after James Moffat was overtaken by local Michael Almond on the final corner of the final lap. Moffat placed fifth from Jordan Love, race one winner Wood and Cameron Wood in eighth.
Roger Lago continued his impressive run at the head of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class. The Queensland based driver finished nine seconds ahead of his closest class rival Max Twigg, with reigning class champion Stephen Grove in third.
Two impressive come-from-behind performances were the races of Nick McBride and Anthony Gilbertson. Following a DNF in race one, McBride came from 26th on the grid to 11th by the finish, while Gilbertson started 23rd and ultimately finished 15th.
Tim Miles was the only non-finisher of the event after sustaining damage in a multi-car turn one incident.
The final race of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia series in Adelaide will be held on Sunday morning at 9:05am local time, which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and delayed on Ten at 12:40pm.
Quotes
Jaxon Evans
“It was awesome to get the race win. The race went exactly how we wanted it to go; I managed to get a good jump off the line and lead the field into turn one and, from there, it was all about managing the gap and looking after the tyres. I pushed a little on the second-to-last lap to see how the car would perform later in the race but Wall was always putting the pressure on so I couldn’t relax too much.
“This was a massive confidence boost for tomorrow. We will now enter tomorrow with the intention of getting the round win.”
Roger Lago
“I got a better start today and watched a bit of carnage unfold at the start so I was waiting for something to happen, but they all got through. Grove made a move into turn nine, but then I got the undercut and I pressed on from there. I just drove my own race after that.
“It’s nice to put a couple of wins together and the pace is there so hopefully we put in another strong performance tomorrow for the final race.”
Results: Race 2
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Race time | Fastest Laps |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 15 | 20:47.1776 | 1:22.1115 |
2 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 15 | 20:49.3479 | 1:22.4496 |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 15 | 20:51.2671 | 1:22.5272 |
4 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 15 | 20:52.8721 | 1:22.3240 |
5 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 15 | 20:53.1132 | 1:22.4728 |
6 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 15 | 20:55.1621 | 1:22.4766 |
7 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 15 | 20:58.3822 | 1:21.9019R |
8 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 15 | 21:02.4005 | 1:22.9131 |
9 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:15.9671 | 1:23.6740 |
10 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 15 | 21:18.5478 | 1:23.5099 |
11 | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro | 15 | 21:18.5898 | 1:22.5463 |
12 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:24.7176 | 1:24.0513 |
13 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:25.0483 | 1:23.8546 |
14 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:28.4764 | 1:23.6299 |
15 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:32.6821 | 1:23.6154 |
16 | 9 | Marc Cini | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:35.2741 | 1:24.0433 |
17 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:35.7010 | 1:24.2294 |
18 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 15 | 21:36.8836 | 1:22.6515 |
19 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:40.6174 | 1:24.2788 |
20 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 15 | 21:41.0433 | 1:23.2558 |
21 | 888 | Leanne Tander | Pro | 15 | 21:46.6521 | 1:23.2678 |
22 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 21:46.9043 | 1:24.5780 |
23 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 15 | 22:22.4006 | 1:24.3336 |
24 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 14 | 21:15.5620 | 1:27.4137 |
25 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 14 | 21:25.1745 | 1:26.3722 |
DNF | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am |
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday March 04, 2018
9:05am Race 3 (15 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 9:05am, Sunday March 04
Ten
Race 3 – 12:40pm, Sunday March 04
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NewsWood, Lago victorious in Adelaide opener
Round 1, Adelaide 500 Race 1 wrap
Newcomer Dale Wood has taken victory in the opening race of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season in Adelaide, while an impressive eighth place outright has handed Roger Lago the top spot in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class.
The former Supercars driver qualified in second place alongside pole-sitter Jaxon Evans and was the first to the opening corner. From there, Wood maintained the lead until the chequered flag despite late pressure in the closing laps from Evans.
Evans finished second from fellow series young gun Dylan O’Keeffe and reigning champion David Wall in fourth.
James Moffat’s return to the series saw the Supercars race winner claim fifth outright, a decade after he last raced at the Adelaide circuit in a Porsche, from the two Bob Jane T-Marts Porsches of local racer Michael Almond and reigning GT3 Cup Challenge champion Jordan Love.
The highlight of the TAG Heuer Pro-Am was the exceptional performance from Roger Lago. The Queensland based driver and former GT3 Cup Challenge champion placed eighth outright and topped the class, claiming his fourth class win in the series.
Stephen Grove, who managed to sneak into the final spot of the top 10, placed second in class from Tim Miles and Max Twigg, who gained an impressive 10 places in the shortened 10 lap race.
Adrian Flack was fifth in class from Carrera Cup debutant John Steffensen, who placed sixth in class and 15th outright in his Carrera Cup debut.
Nick McBride was the only driver not to finish the opening race of the season after contact with TAG Heuer Pro-Am pole-sitter Anthony Gilbertson at turn nine on the opening lap.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will hold one race on both Saturday and Sunday, each to be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and delayed on free-to-air channel, Ten.
Quotes
Dale Wood
“I just wanted to come here and tick a box and come away with some okay points and a clean car, so at the moment we’re ticking all those. I’m absolutely pumped. Jaxon Evans put a heap of pressure on, he’s really good to race with. I’m still getting my head around these cars but I’m pumped to be out there and stoked to be going well.
“I didn’t expect to take the win. I’m a blank piece of paper with these cars. I’m only doing what my bum’s telling me to do and I’ve obviously got a pretty good yelling partner with Michael Ritter. He’s telling me what to do and, so far, it’s working.”
Roger Lago
“The result was a little bit better than I expected. I’ve come back to Carrera Cup after being out for a few years. I did well in qualifying and obviously, it was very important to do a good job in the race and bag a few points to start the weekend. I’m pretty stoked.”
Results: Race 1
Position | Car | Driver | Class | Laps | Time | Fastest Lap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100 | Dale Wood | Pro | 10 | 13:56.5425 | 1:22.7601 |
2 | 7 | Jaxon Evans | Pro | 10 | 13:56.8243 | 1:22.6291 |
3 | 88 | Dylan O'Keeffe | Pro | 10 | 13:57.7900 | 1:22.7522 |
4 | 1 | David Wall | Pro | 10 | 13:58.3598 | 1:22.5929 |
5 | 18 | James Moffat | Pro | 10 | 14:00.8633 | 1:22.7496 |
6 | 777 | Jordan Love | Pro | 10 | 14:01.8970 | 1:22.9838 |
7 | 77 | Michael Almond | Pro | 10 | 14:02.4258 | 1:22.4875* |
8 | 23 | Roger Lago | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:14.4290 | 1:24.0847 |
9 | 14 | Peter Major | Pro | 10 | 14:15.0031 | 1:24.0217 |
10 | 4 | Stephen Grove | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:18.0189 | 1:24.1917 |
11 | 12 | Adam Garwood | Pro | 10 | 14:18.5091 | 1:24.0326 |
12 | 6 | Tim Miles | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:21.0908 | 1:23.8161 |
13 | 80 | Max Twigg | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:27.8990 | 1:24.8220 |
14 | 20 | Adrian Flack | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:28.1127 | 1:24.6534 |
15 | 808 | John Steffensen | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:28.9231 | 1:24.7540 |
16 | 111 | Cameron Hill | Pro | 10 | 14:29.1918 | 1:23.5929 |
17 | 15 | Josh Hunt | Pro | 10 | 14:29.9276 | 1:24.3591 |
18 | 888 | Leanne Tander | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:34.7789 | 1:24.2779 |
19 | 9 | Marc Cini | Pro | 10 | 14:35.2823 | 1:24.2682 |
20 | 22 | Dean Cook | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:47.8345 | 1:25.9400 |
21 | 13 | Sam Shahin | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 14:53.0565 | 1:24.1406 |
22 | 5 | Greg Taylor | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 15:02.9361 | 1:25.7242 |
23 | 19 | Anthony Gilbertson | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 15:11.8543 | 1:24.0978 |
24 | 35 | Indiran Padayachee | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 15:14.3405 | 1:28.6856 |
25 | 131 | Graham Williams | TAG Heuer Pro-Am | 10 | 15:14.8577 | 1:28.1417 |
DNF | 8 | Nick McBride | Pro |
Race Schedule (local time)
Saturday March 03, 2018
11:10am Race 2 (18 laps)
Sunday March 04, 2018
9:05am Race 3 (15 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 11:10am, Saturday March 03
Race 3 – 9:05am, Sunday March 04
Ten
Race 2 – 1:45pm, Saturday March 03
Race 3 – 12:40pm, Sunday March 04
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NewsCarrera Cup kick starts 2018 season in Adelaide
Adelaide 500, Thursday Practice Wrap
Season 2018 of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship has officially started on the streets of Adelaide. At the head of a field of brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, McElrea Racing duo Jaxon Evans and Anthony Gilbertson set the pace in the Pro and TAG Heuer Pro-Am classes.
Young gun Evans started the season where he left off in 2017, posting the fastest time of the two Thursday practice sessions. The Queensland based New Zealander was the winner of the 2017 season finale on the Gold Coast before returning for his second season in the one-make championship, setting the pace in the opening day of the season.
The performance follows Evans inclusion in the four-driver Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia within Carrera Cup, which will see the young driver battle for a spot in the 2018 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout in Europe later in the season.
Evans’ best time of 1:21.6986 was 0.24secs ahead of his closest class rival, local racer and practice one pacesetter Michael Almond and former Supercars drivers Dale Wood and James Moffat; all drivers in the top four posting their best time on their final lap of the day.
Reigning champion David Wall was the fifth fastest on Thursday from Nick McBride, Dylan O’Keeffe and GT3 Cup Challenge champion Jordan Love, who was the best of the drivers new to the Adelaide circuit.
For the TAG Heuer Pro-Am pacesetter Anthony Gilbertson, merely driving on the circuit was a dream come true after attending school next to the former Australian Grand Prix venue during its days as Formula 1 host. The reigning Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia Elite Class champion not only achieved his dream, but was the best of his class across Thursday’s two sessions.
Gilbertson, the only TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver in the top 10, ended the day three-tenths ahead of his closest class rivals Stephen Grove and Roger Lago. Adrian Flack was fourth in class from Marc Cini and high-profile newcomer John Steffensen.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia returns to the circuit tomorrow for qualifying and the opening race of the season, before the series holds its second and third race of the weekend across Saturday and Sunday.
To watch Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia live on television throughout the Adelaide 500, tune into Fox Sports 506. All races are available to view via a delayed broadcast on Ten (details below).
Quotes
Jaxon Evans
“I’m really happy with my initial pace. It’s early days but it’s a confidence boost to come away from the first day of the event as the fastest driver.
“The extra power of the new cars is something that will play a big roll coming into the last couple of races for the weekend with tyre life, but the car feels quite similar to last year. I’m really enjoying it.”
Anthony Gilbertson
“I’m very happy being the top TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver after practice. I didn’t expect it, to tell the truth. I was going to take it super easy today and that’s what I feel like I’ve done. I don’t feel like I got the best out of the rear tyres but I had a good lap to top the Pro-Am class. I’m super rapt and can’t wait to get into qualifying tomorrow.”
Practice Results – combined sessions
1. #7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance – 1:21.6986s
2. #77 Michael Almond (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T Marts- 1:21.9385s
3. #100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor – 1:22.2418s
4. #18 James Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL – 1:22.2656s
5. #1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 1:22.3881s
6. #8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:22.6420s
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) Allstar Equipment Sales – 1:22.6701s
8. #777 Jordan Love (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T Marts – 1:22.9723s
9. #19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes – 1:23.1326s
10. #111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Southern Star Truck Centre/Any – 1:23.2575s
11. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Motorsport Pty Ltd – 1:23.3610s
12. #23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia – 1:23.3709s
13. #14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4 – 1:23.9228s
14. #15 Josh Hunt (Pro) Volante Rosso Motorsport – 1:24.0960s
15. #888 Leanne Tander (Pro) Porsche Centre Brighton – 1:24.4747s
16. #20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National – 1:24.7502s
17. #12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport – 1:24.7513s
18. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc – 1:24.8225s
19. #808 John Steffensen (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Crown/Timken/Porsche Melbourne – 1:24.9599s
20. #80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) WM Waste Management – 1:24.9639s
21. #6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners – 1:24.9938s
22. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu – 1:25.4101s
23. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing – 1:25.4714s
24. #5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild – 1:25.8990s
25. #35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia – 1:30.7300s
26. #131 Graham Williams TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Sonic/WRA – 1:30.9354s
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday March 02, 2018
8:35am Qualifying (20 minutes)
12:45pm Race 1 (15 laps)
Saturday March 03, 2018
11:10am Race 2 (18 laps)
Sunday March 04, 2018
9:05am Race 3 (15 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Fox Sports 506
Qualifying – 8:35am, Friday March 02
Race 1 – 12:45pm, Friday March 02
Race 2 – 11:10am, Saturday March 03
Race 3 – 9:05am, Sunday March 04
Ten
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday March 02
Race 2 – 1:45pm, Saturday March 03
Race 3 – 12:40pm, Sunday March 04
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NewsCarrera Cup’s Michelin Junior Team confirmed
Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia
Four young racers have been confirmed to form the top tier of the newly expanded Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia.
Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love, Adam Garwood and Cameron Hill will enter the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season as the championship’s four Michelin Juniors. As part of the programme, all four drivers will be provided financial benefits by way of entry fee support and an allocation of Michelin race tyres, along with access to training, mentorship and education throughout the racing season.
Evans enters the season with the most Carrera Cup experience of the four Michelin Juniors, entering this weekend’s Adelaide opener after an impressive debut season in 2017, in which the Queensland based driver claimed five race wins and two outright round wins.
Like Evans, West Australian Love entered Carrera Cup after graduating from the feeder Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series. Love dominated the 2017 GT3 Cup Challenge series, winning the title before competing in the final three Carrera Cup rounds of last season. Love’s announcement as a 2018 Michelin Junior sees him continue in the Junior Programme after being the sole Porsche Junior driver throughout 2017.
While Garwood and Hill have limited experience in Porsche one-make championships, both bring significant success in other racing series. Garwood enters the 2018 Carrera Cup season as a Touring Car Masters race winner while Hill joins the series as the 2017 Toyota 86 Racing Series runner-up and, before his move to tin-top racing, the 2015 Australian Formula Ford Champion.
All Michelin Junior drivers will be gunning for the Jamey Blaikie Scholarship – the pinnacle of the Junior Programme which will see the highest ranked Michelin Junior in Carrera Cup at the time of nomination for the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout be the Carrera Cup Australia nominee for the Shootout.
2018 Michelin Junior Team
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia
Jaxon Evans
“I can’t wait for the start of the season in Adelaide. Now entering my second Carrera Cup season, it’s great to head into this weekend as one of the inaugural Michelin Junior drivers. It’s a great programme for young aspiring drivers and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
Jordan Love
“It was great to race in 2017 as just the second ever Porsche Junior driver in GT3 Cup Challenge. I’m therefore extremely exciting to continue as part of the Junior Programme as it expands into the Carrera Cup championship in 2018.”
Adam Garwood
“It’s an exciting time in my career, entering Carrera Cup as part of the 2018 Junior Programme. This provides genuine benefit to young drivers like myself in what is a fairly significant step into the Porsche championship. It’s going to be a great season and I’m proud to enter 2018 as one of the four Michelin Junior drivers.”
Cameron Hill
“I’m really excited to be one of the four Michelin Juniors for the 2018 season. It’s an exciting step up to Carrera Cup this season and it’s an amazing opportunity that Michelin and Porsche has provided and I’m proud to represent both brands, along with all my supporters, into 2018. I hope to get some great value out of the programme in order to get some strong results this season and develop my career further into the future.”
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NewsAdelaide 500 Fast Facts
All the facts and stats for the Adelaide opener
EVENT HISTORY
The opening round of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will be the 107th round held in the history of the series since it began in 2003.The Adelaide round will feature races number 315, 316 and 317 in series history.This year is the 12th time the Carrera Cup has competed in Adelaide since it first appeared at the former Grand Prix venue in 2004. Every time it has been the opening round of the series.
Six different drivers have won the last six Carrera Cup rounds in Adelaide. Nick McBride (2016 winner) is the only one of these pilots in the 2018 field.The Adelaide round winner has gone on to win the Carrera Cup series that season five times in total, however it’s happened only once since the category was re-introduced in 2011 following a two-year hiatus. The drivers to achieve this were Alex Davison (2004), Fabian Coulthard (2005) and Craig Baird (2006, 2008, 2013).Alex Davison is the only repeat pole-sitter in Carrera Cup history in Adelaide.
Nick McBride is the only driver to win a Carrera Cup round in Adelaide without winning a race on that weekend. He achieved this in 2016, just the fifth time where this has occurred in the history of the series. The only time this has happened since was 2017 at Phillip Island won by David Wall and Shane Smollen.The field of 26 cars for the opening round of 2018 is the biggest seen in the series since way back in the inaugural 2003 season on the Gold Coast, when 26 cars lined up and competed in the first race of that weekend.
GAPS AND MARGINS
The closest Carrera Cup finish in Adelaide came in the first race last year when Andre Heimgartner held off David Wall by 0.1594-seconds.
Adelaide is the site of the second biggest win in Carrera Cup history in 2012 when Alex Davison beat Nick Foster by 12.0693s in Race 1. At the time it was a record, though it was beaten later in the season by Jonny Reid’s 13.7760s win over Davison at Phillip Island that May.
The smallest pole position margin for a round in Adelaide is 0.0090s between pole man Craig Baird and David Reynolds in 2007. It is the fourth closest in Carrera Cup history.
The biggest pole margin in Adelaide in Carrera Cup came last year – Andre Heimgartner beat Sonic Motor Racing teammate Nick McBride to pole position by 0.3419-seconds.
DRIVER MILESTONES
Max Twigg will make his 50th Carrera Cup round start in Adelaide. He becomes just the fifth man in series history (after Marc Cini, Craig Baird, Rodney Jane and Alex Davison) to achieve this milestone. Stephen Grove will start his 44th Carrera Cup round in Adelaide and surpass Tony Quinn to move to 10th on the all-time round starts list in series history.
Reigning Carrera Cup Champion David Wall will move to ninth on the all-time race starts list in series history in Adelaide, provided he starts all three races. If he does he will have started 125 races, meaning only eight drivers will have started more races than him in series history.
NEW AND RETURNING FACES
Six drivers will make their Carrera Cup debut in the 2018 season-opener in Adelaide – Josh Hunt, John Steffensen, Cameron Hill, Peter Major, Leanne Tander and Adam Garwood. The third of them to drive out onto the circuit in opening practice will officially be the 200th driver to compete in series history.
Four other drivers are making their first solo start in the Carrera Cup having previously competed as co-drivers at Pro-Am rounds. They are Anthony Gilbertson, Adrian Flack, Indiran Padayachee and Dale Wood. James Moffat will make his first Carrera Cup round start in nearly 10 years. He last competed in the series in the final round of 2008 on the Gold Coast and won the round overall.
Greg Taylor will make his first start in the series since the Gold Coast in 2014. Roger Lago makes his first start in the series since 2016 at Sydney Motorsport Park and his first solo round start in the series since he was injured in a qualifying accident in Townsville in 2015.
There are 13 Pro drivers and 13 TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers in the Adelaide field.
STREAKS
Sonic Motor Racing is aiming to win its third straight Adelaide Carrera Cup round, a feat no team has ever achieved in the history of the series at this circuit. Nick McBride won in 2016 and Andre Heimgartner won last year.
Sonic Motor Racing is aiming for its fourth straight Adelaide Carrera Cup pole position, a feat no team has ever achieved in the history of the series at this circuit. Nick Foster took pole in 2015, Ash Walsh in 2016 and Andre Heimgartner in 2017.
ADELAIDE LAP RECORDS
Qualifying: Shae Davies, McElrea Racing – 1m21.5255s 2014
Race: Shae Davies, McElrea Racing – 1m22.2914s 2014
ADELAIDE ROUND WINNERS
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard
2006 Craig Baird
2007 Craig Baird
2008 Craig Baird
2012 Alex Davison
2013 Craig Baird
2014 Warren Luff
2015 Steve Richards
2016 Nick McBride
2017 Andre Heimgartner
4 – Craig Baird
2 – Alex Davison
1 – Fabian Coulthard, Warren Luff, Steve Richards, Nick McBride, Andre Heimgartner
ADELAIDE POLE POSITIONS
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Jim Richards
2006 Alex Davison
2007 Craig Baird
2008 Bryce Washington
2012 Alex Davison
2013 Nick Percat
2014 Shae Davies
2015 Nick Foster
2016 Ash Walsh
2017 Andre Heimgartner
3 – Alex Davison
1 – Jim Richards, Craig Baird, Bryce Washington, Nick Percat, Shae Davies, Nick Foster, Ash Walsh, Andre Heimgartner
ADELAIDE RACE WINNERS
2004 Alex Davison, Alex Davison, Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard, Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard
2006 Alex Davison, Craig Baird, Craig Baird
2007 Craig Baird, Alex Davison, Craig Baird
2008 Dean Fiore, Craig Baird, David Russell
2012 Alex Davison, Alex Davison, Craig Baird
2013 Craig Baird, Craig Baird, Steve Richards
2014 Warren Luff, Warren Luff, Warren Luff
2015 Steve Richards, Steve Richards, Steve Richards
2016 Matt Campbell, Ash Walsh, Michael Almond
2017 Andre Heimgartner, David Wall, Andre Heimgartner
8 – Craig Baird
7 – Alex Davison
4 – Steve Richards
3 – Warren Luff
2 – Fabian Coulthard, Andre Heimgartner
1 – Jim Richards, Dean Fiore, David Russell, Matt Campbell, Ash Walsh, Michael Almond, David Wall
ADELAIDE PODIUM FINISHERS
2004 1. Alex Davison 2. Jim Richards 3. Fabian Coulthard
2005 1. Fabian Coulthard 2. Jim Richards 3. Luke Youlden
2006 1. Craig Baird 2. Alex Davison 3. David Reynolds
2007 1. Craig Baird 2. Alex Davison 3. David Reynolds
2008 1. Craig Baird 2. David Russell 3. Dean Fiore
2012 1. Alex Davison 2. Craig Baird 3. Daniel Gaunt
2013 1. Craig Baird 2. Steve Richards 3. Nick Percat
2014 1. Warren Luff 2. Steve Richards 3. Nick Foster
2015 1. Steve Richards 2. Craig Baird 3. David Russell
2016 1. Nick McBride 2. Michael Almond 3. Matt Campbell
2017 1. Andre Heimgartner 2. David Wall 3. Jaxon Evans
6 – Craig Baird
4 – Alex Davison
3 – Steve Richards
2 – Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, David Russell
1 – Luke Youlden, Dean Fiore, Daniel Gaunt, Nick Percat, Warren Luff, Nick Foster, Nick McBride, Michael Almond, Matt Campbell, Andre Heimgartner, David Wall, Jaxon Evans
ADELAIDE TAG HEUER PRO-AM ROUND WINNERS
2004 Tony Quinn
2005 Dean Grant
2006 Dean Grant
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 Shaun Juniper
2012 James Koundouris
2013 Max Twigg
2014 Tony Bates
2015 Tony Bates
2016 Tony Bates
2017 Stephen Grove
3 – Tony Bates
2 – Dean Grant
1 – Tony Quinn, Rodney Jane, Shaun Juniper, James Koundouris, Max Twigg, Stephen Grove
ADELAIDE TAG HEUER PRO-AM POLE POSITIONS
2004 Peter Hill
2005 Tony Quinn
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 James Koundouris
2008 James Koundouris
2012 James Koundouris
2013 Damien Flack
2014 Shane Smollen
2015 Tony Bates
2016 Shane Smollen
2017 Stephen Grove
3 – James Koundouris
2 – Shane Smollen
1 – Peter Hill, Tony Quinn, Rodney Jane, Damien Flack, Tony Bates, Stephen Grove
ADELAIDE TAG HEUER PRO-AM RACE WINNERS
2004 Dean Grant, Tony Quinn, Tony Quinn
2005 Tony Quinn, Dean Grant, Dean Grant
2006 Rodney Jane, Dean Grant, Dean Grant
2007 Rodney Jane, Rodney Jane, Theo Koundouris
2008 James Koundouris, Peter Hill, Max Twigg
2012 James Koundouris, James Koundouris, Max Twigg
2013 James Koundouris, Max Twigg, Max Twigg
2014 Tony Bates, Tony Bates, Tony Bates
2015 Tony Bates, Tony Bates, Tony Bates
2016 Tony Bates, Tony Bates, Tony Bates
2017 Stephen Grove, Stephen Grove, Stephen Grove
9 – Tony Bates
5 – Dean Grant
4 – James Koundouris, Max Twigg
3 – Tony Quinn, Rodney Jane, Stephen Grove
1 – Theo Koundouris, Peter Hill
ADELAIDE TAG HEUER PRO-AM PODIUM FINISHERS
2004 1. Tony Quinn 2. Dean Grant 3. Peter Hill
2005 1. Dean Grant 2. Ash Samadi 3. Marc Cini
2006 1. Dean Grant 2. Rodney Jane 3. John Kaias
2007 1. Rodney Jane 2. Theo Koundouris 3. Ash Samadi
2008 1. Shaun Juniper 2. Peter Hill 3. Marc Cini
2012 1. James Koundouris 2. Max Twigg 3. Tony Bates
2013 1. Max Twigg 2. James Koundouris 3. Shane Smollen
2014 1. Tony Bates 2. Shane Smollen 3. James Bergmuller
2015 1. Tony Bates 2. Roger Lago 3. Stephen Grove
2016 1. Tony Bates 2. Marc Cini 3. James Bergmuller
2017 1. Stephen Grove 2. Marc Cini (2 cars in field)
4 – Tony Bates, Marc Cini
3 – Dean Grant
2 – Peter Hill, Ash Samadi, Rodney Jane, James Koundouris, Max Twigg, Shane Smollen, James Bergmuller, Stephen Grove
1 – Tony Quinn, John Kaias, Theo Koundouris, Shaun Juniper, Roger Lago
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NewsTander completes record Carrera Cup field
Adelaide 500 Preview
In just three days 26 brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will roll out for opening practice to kick-start what will be Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia’s largest on-track presence at the Adelaide 500.
This year’s 26 Carrera Cup entries will surpass the championship’s previous record field in Adelaide, which saw 23 cars line up for the 2014 season opener. The record field will feature 13 Pro and 13 TAG Heuer Pro-Am drivers on the grid for Carrera Cup’s 315th, 316th and 317th race at its 12th visit to the iconic Adelaide street circuit.
One late change to the driver line-up has seen Alex Davison vacate his #888 entry for the opening round due to his soon-to-be-announced driving commitments, making way for a newcomer and former Formula Ford champion, Leanne Tander.
Tander will make a one-off appearance in the Porsche championship before Davison returns for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, getting her first taste of the new 911 GT3 Cup last weekend at a Sandown test session.
“Carrera Cup is a series in which I’ve never driven, but I’ve always wanted to. So when I got the call-up to race in Adelaide, I was absolutely all for it,” said Tander.
“The test went really well. It had been a while since I’ve driven anything that fast; the car has amazing speed and power but is also really enjoyable to drive. I’m really looking forward to Adelaide.”
Tander will be among six newcomers to Carrera Cup in Adelaide, joined on the Adelaide grid by fellow debutants Josh Hunt, John Steffensen, Cameron Hill, Peter Major and Adam Garwood.
A significant milestone on the other end of the spectrum is Max Twigg, who will this weekend reach his 50th round start in the one-make championship, becoming just the fifth driver to achieve the feat (behind Marc Cini, Craig Baird, Rodney Jane and Alex Davison).
From the drivers who have previously contested the championship, only one enters round one as a former Adelaide round winner – Nick McBride. Formerly with Sonic Motor Racing Services, McBride has switched to Porsche Centre Melbourne for the 2018 season. Sonic, however, will look to remain as the dominant force in Adelaide after claiming pole position in the past three Adelaide rounds (Ash Walsh, 2015; McBride, 2016; Andre Heimgartner, 2017) and have claimed outright victory in the past two Adelaide events (McBride, 2016; Heimgartner, 2017).
While only one driver enters Adelaide as a former Outright round winner, the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class features two drivers with past Adelaide success – Twigg (2013) and Stephen Grove (2017). This battle will be far from a two-driver race, however, as the 13-strong TAG Heuer Pro-Am will features six former class round winners (Twigg, Grove, Tim Miles, Sam Shahin, Dean Cook and Roger Lago).
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will feature two practice sessions on Thursday, qualifying and race one on Friday, and race two and race three on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. All sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, while free-to-air coverage will be confirmed in the coming days.
Race Schedule (local time)
Thursday March 01, 2018
11:35am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
1:55pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday March 02, 2018
8:35am Qualifying (20 minutes)
12:45pm Race 1 (15 laps)
Saturday March 03, 2018
11:10am Race 2 (18 laps)
Sunday March 04, 2018
9:05am Race 3 (15 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Fox Sports 506
Practice 1 – 11:35am, Thursday March 01
Practice 2 – 1:55pm, Thursday March 01
Qualifying – 8:35am, Friday March 02
Race 1 – 12:45pm, Friday March 02
Race 2 – 11:10am, Saturday March 03
Race 3 – 9:05am, Sunday March 04
Network Ten
To be advised
Entry List: Round 1, Adelaide 500
#1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Motorsport
#5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild
#6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners
#7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
#8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
#12 Adam Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu
#14 Peter Major (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
#15 Josh Hunt (Pro) Volante Rosso Motorsport
#18 James Moffat (Pro) Payce/Wilson Security/JBL
#19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
#20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
#22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
#23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
#35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
#77 Michael Almond (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T Marts
#80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) WM Waste Management
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) Allstar Equipment Sales
#100 Dale Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
#111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Southern Star Truck Centre/Anytime Fitness
#131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Sonic
#777 Jordan Love (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T Marts
#808 John Steffensen (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Crown
#888 Leanne Tander (Pro) Porsche Doncaster Motorsport/Porsche Brighton Motorsport
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NewsChampions, young guns and Supercar racers highlight 2018 Pro series
2018 Entry List: Pro Class
A fast-paced Pro field will grace the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia grid next week as the all-Porsche championship lines up for the season opening Adelaide 500.
The 2018 Pro class features a strong blend of former Supercar racers, seasoned Porsche drivers and several young guns eager to assert themselves as 2018 front-runners.
Leading the field into opening practice will be reigning champion David Wall. The Sydneysider had a standout 2017 season, ultimately winning the championship in the final race, and will now become the benchmark driver for his 2018 rivals.
Two drivers transitioning from the Supercars Championship to Carrera Cup in 2018, James Moffat and Dale Wood, come equipped with Porsche one-make experience. Moffat placed third in the 2008 Carrera Cup series before a two-year stint in Super2 and seven years in the top-flight Supercars Championship. Meanwhile, Wood joins Carrera Cup with two Pro-Am starts, performing co-driver duties alongside James Bergmuller in both 2013 and 2014.
Several seasoned Porsche drivers will look to capitalise on their familiarity of the 911 GT3 Cup in order to start the season strong. Nick McBride and Michael Almond both have 32 round starts entering Adelaide, while Jaxon Evans and Dylan O’Keeffe bring one and two seasons’ experience, respectively, and will look to impress against their more experienced competition.
Reigning Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia champion Jordan Love will look to continue his strong form from 2017 after a record-breaking season in the Carrera Cup feeder series, while four Pro drivers – Adam Garwood, Peter Major, Josh Hunt and Cameron Hill – will make their Carrera Cup debut in Adelaide.
In a field of brand new 911 GT3 Cup cars, reigning champion Wall expects tough competition from the season opening race.
“Starting the season in a brand new race car is something all race drivers want to do. We’ve done plenty of testing and to say the car is impressive is an understatement,” said Wall.
“There are many great drivers entered in Carrera Cup this year and we’re certainly prepared for some tough competition from the start of the season in Adelaide.”
Moffat is also looking forward to returning to the series after a decade-long absence. “It’s been 10 years since I last raced in Carrera Cup, so I’m eager to get out there and experience the cars again and see what we can achieve on track throughout the year,” said Moffat
The announcement of the final driver to line up on the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia grid in Adelaide will be made in the coming days.
2018 Entry List: Pro Class
#1 David Wall, PAYCE/Wilson Security (Debut: Adelaide, 2006; Round starts: 42)
#7 Jaxon Evans, Morris Finance (Debut: Adelaide, 2017; Round starts: 8)
#8 Nick McBride, Porsche Centre Melbourne (Debut: Adelaide, 2014; Round starts: 32)
#12 Adam Garwood, Garwood Motorsport (Debut: Adelaide, 2018; Round starts: 0)
#14 Peter Major, Sonic/Totally 4×4 (Debut: Adelaide, 2018; Round starts: 0)
#15 Josh Hunt, Volante Rosso Motorsport (Debut: Adelaide, 2018; Round starts: 0)
#18 James Moffat, PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL (Debut: Adelaide, 2008; Round starts: 9)
#77 Michael Almond, Sonic/Bob Jane T Marts (Debut: Sydney, 2012; Round starts: 32)
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe, Allstar Equipment Sales (Debut: Adelaide, 2016; Round starts: 16)
#100 Dale Wood, Sonic/Polyflor (Debut: Sydney, 2013; Round starts: 2)
#111 Cameron Hill, Southern Star Truck Centre/Anytime Fitness (Debut: Adelaide, 2018; Round starts: 0)
#777 Jordan Love, Bob Jane T Marts (Debut: Sandown, 2017; Round starts: 3)
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NewsTAG Heuer Pro-Am field set for 2018
2018 Entry List: TAG Heuer Pro-Am
This season’s TAG Heuer Pro-Am field will be one of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship’s most competitive since the series’ 2003 introduction.
Carrera Cup’s class for semi-professional drivers will consist of 13 racers, creating a 50/50 split between the Pro and TAG Heuer Pro-Am classes, for which all but one driver has previous Carrera Cup experience.
Headlining the 2018 driver line-up is returning champion Stephen Grove, one season after the Victorian claimed his second TAG Heuer Pro-Am title.
Returning to the series is the class’s top performer, Max Twigg, who was untouchable in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons, taking the TAG Heuer Pro-Am class title in each. Twigg also remains the most successful Pro-Am ranked driver in the class’s history with the most title wins (3), most round wins (13) and most race wins (46).
Marc Cini also returns, continuing his unprecedented run of race and round starts into 2018. The Melbourne based businessman will embark on his 96th round start in Adelaide and, in Race 1, his 275th race start.
Other notable inclusions are 2017 campaigners Tim Miles, Sam Shahin, Dean Cook and Graham Williams, as well as Greg Taylor and Roger Lago, who had part-time campaigns in previous seasons.
Former GT3 Cup Challenge drivers Anthony Gilbertson and Indiran Padayachee both return having tasted Carrera Cup in the two-driver Pro-Am event in addition to several seasons in the feeder Porsche one-make series. Adrian Flack, the brother of previous Pro-Am class front-runner Damien Flack, also returns having contested the 2016 Pro-Am with David Wall.
From all the drivers signed up for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am, there remains only one true debutant – John Steffensen. The former Olympic sprinter and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist joins Carrera Cup after an impressive initiation to motor racing in GT3 Cup Challenge.
“This is a huge step in my motor racing career,” said Steffensen. “Carrera Cup is one of Australia’s most professional and competitive motor racing championships and features an unbelievably high calibre of driver talent, including a raft of former and future Supercars Championship drivers. I can’t wait to make the move into the Carrera Cup series and get the season started.”
Unlike their Pro-ranked counterparts, the TAG Heuer Pro-Am field will received the benefit of ABS during the 2018 Carrera Cup season. Aside from this driver aid, Pro-Am drivers will line up in identical 2018-specification 911 GT3 Cup cars as their professional rivals.
The entire list of Pro-ranked drivers will be released tomorrow, completing the 26 strong line-up for the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season, starting at the Adelaide 500 on March 01-04, 2018.
TAG Heuer Pro-Am Entry List
#4 Stephen Grove, Grove Motorsport (Debut: Townsville, 2012; Round starts: 43)
#5 Greg Taylor, Arris/Strongbuild (Debut: Sydney, 2014; Round starts: 3)
#6 Tim Miles, Miles Advisory Partners (Debut: Phillip Island, 2014; Round starts: 7)
#9 Marc Cini, Hallmarc (Debut: Winton, 2003; Round starts: 95)
#13 Sam Shahin, The Bend/htfu (Debut: Phillip Island, 2017; Round starts: 5)
#19 Anthony Gilbertson, Hallmark Homes (Debut: Phillip Island, 2017; Round starts: 1)
#20 Adrian Flack, Agas National (Debut: Sydney, 2016; Round starts: 1)
#22 Dean Cook, BMF/Pitman Racing (Debut: Phillip Island, 2003; Round starts: 13)
#23 Roger Lago, JBS Australia (Debut: Adelaide, 2014; Round starts: 11)
#35 Indiran Padayachee, Hyundai Forklifts Australia (Debut: P. Island, 2015; Round starts: 1)
#80 Max Twigg, WM Waste Management (Debut: Bathurst, 2006; Round starts: 49)
#131 Graham Williams, Sonic (Debut: Albert Park, 2017; Round starts: 6)
#808 John Steffensen, Crown (Debut: Adelaide, 2018; Round starts: 0)
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NewsWood joins five-car Sonic assault
Supercars racer joins Carrera Cup full-time in 2018.
Sonic Motor Racing Services is armed with a five-car line-up for the Adelaide 500 to open the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season.
After a comprehensive two-day test session at Winton Motor Raceway this week with its five brand new 911 GT3 Cup cars, team Principal Michael Ritter is buoyant about one of the team’s busiest years.
“We’ve got a really exciting line-up in 2018,” Ritter explains. “It’s a great blend of youth, experience, aggression and consistency. I think we’re going to have a fantastic year.”
The Carrera Cup arsenal boasts a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds.
Victorian Dale Wood joins Carrera Cup for the first time after a four-year Supercars stint and a 2013 Super2 crown, venturing on the left side of the cockpit for the first time in his career.
“I really like the way that Carrera Cup do so many things,” says Wood. “I think I’ve reached a point in my life where I just want to enjoy my racing and I see this direction as the best way to do that. I can’t wait to get after it in these cars. I’ve never heard anyone get out of a Cup car and say ‘well that was disappointing.’ The more I think about it the more I’m looking forward to it.”
Wood has a personal connection to Sonic where his brother Glenn raced Formula Ford for the team back in the day.
“I think anyone who knows Michael and Maria Ritter knows that they do it right, and they do it 120 per cent. And Mick never beats around the bush, you always know where you stand.”
Wood will be joined by South Australian Michael Almond who is vastly experienced in many forms of circuit racing including Carrera Cup, GT3 Cup Challenge, Touring Car Masters and V8 Utes.
Almond recorded an historic Carrera Cup victory at his home round in Adelaide in 2016 and is determined to repeat that result next month.
West Australians Pete Major and Jordan Love will also saddle up with Sonic.
Love won the 2017 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia title and then promptly climbed aboard a three-round schedule in Carrera Cup with Sonic to get him ready for a full on assault in 2018.
Major has raced a variety of classes over the years including Formula Ford, Bathurst 12 Hour and GT3 Cup Challenge competition but looks to step up in his best year yet driving as part of Sonic’s Carrera Cup line-up.
Victorian Graham Williams began his motor racing career in Motocross but later in life progressed through a variety of state level circuit racing categories and conquests before Carrera Cup in 2017.
Williams admits: “2017 was a steep but exciting learning curve. In the lead up to 2018 I have ‘doubled down’ on the commitment to succeed and look forward to working with the team at Sonic to get the results on track.”
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NewsPorsche, Michelin announce expanded junior programme
Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia
Porsche Cars Australia and Michelin Australia have joined forces to launch one of Australian motorsport’s most extensive driver development programmes, providing total benefits of up to $300,000.
The new Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia will support seven young drivers across Australia’s two Porsche one-make series – Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia and Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia – providing all Michelin Juniors financial support by way of entry fee support and an allocation of Michelin race tyres, along with access to training, mentorship and education throughout the racing season.
The Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia will consist of two teams – the GT3 Cup Challenge Junior Team, consisting of three drivers, and the four-driver Carrera Cup Junior Team.
The three Michelin Juniors drivers who will be part of the GT3 Cup Challenge Junior Team will be selected through a panel of judges – with nominations open on Monday February 12, 2018. While the Carrera Cup Junior Team will consist of the four eligible drivers already entered in the championship.
The pinnacle of the Junior Programme will see the highest ranked Michelin Junior in Carrera Cup at the time of nomination for the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout receive the Jamey Blaikie Scholarship and be the Carrera Cup Australia nominee for the Shootout, with flights, accommodation and the Shootout opportunity itself covered by Porsche.
The Junior Programme offers a proven pathway from an entry into national level motor racing through to the opportunity of launching an international professional racing career.
“It’s exciting to offer this expanded driver development programme across our two Porsche one-make series,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Troy Bundy.
“In the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid we have a genuine pathway to help young Australian based drivers become racing professionals, from GT3 Cup Challenge, Carrera Cup and ultimately an opportunity to launch an international career in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout which, if successful, provides the opportunity to race in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. We have seen the proof of the programme’s success both locally in Matt Campbell and internationally with dual Le Mans winner Earl Bamber.
“It’s fantastic to have Michelin on board as the title partner of the Junior Programme. Porsche and Michelin understand the importance of such a programme in providing an opportunity for young local drivers. Michelin has been a long-time Carrera Cup tyre partner, so it’s tremendous to now not only confirm the brand as the GT3 Cup Challenge title partner but also to partner the brand in this great initiative.”
Michelin Australia’s Marketing Manager, Tim Hoare, is thrilled to be part of such an initiative, continuing Michelin’s increased involvement in Australian motorsport.
“It’s great to continue Michelin’s increased investment and involvement in Australian motorsport. This programme is a tremendous initiative for the brand and we’re looking forward to being a part of the development and education of these young Australian based drivers,” said Hoare.
“Michelin is now the Tyre Partner of Carrera Cup, the Title and Tyre Partner of GT3 Cup Challenge and, with this latest announcement, a partner of this truly beneficial programme for the support of education of young local drivers. We very much look forward to working with Porsche as we roll out this programme into the new season.”
Junior Programme Applications – Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia
The three drivers selected to be part of the GT3 Cup Challenge element of the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia will be selected through an application process.
Applicants must fill out the Application Form (available from Monday February 12 at: http://www.gt3cupchallenge.com.au/junior-programme/applications/) and return the completed Form, along with a copy of an up-to-date Driver CV and Cover Letter to motorsport@porsche.com.au by 5:00pm AEDT, Friday March 02, 2018.
Eligible drivers must:
– be aged under 23 by January 01, 2018
– be a resident of Australia
– be eligible for a CAMS Provisional Circuit (PC) License
– be able to show proof of success in motorsport/karting
– be able to secure season budget for, and evidence of intent to race in, the 2018 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia season
– not have raced a full season in Carrera Cup, GT3 Cup Challenge (Class A) or similar level GT, Touring Car or open wheel series (not including Australian Formula Ford, Formula 3 & Formula 4)
The three Junior Programme drivers for GT3 Cup Challenge will be selected by a panel from within Porsche based on previous results, eligibility and suitability to the Junior Programme.
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NewsThe next generation has arrived
The new 911 GT3 Cup is here ahead of the 2018 Carrera Cup season.
A spectacular fleet of the newest generation 911 GT3 Cup race car has arrived in Australia ahead of the fully subscribed 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season.
25 brand new 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.II) race cars were unloaded from shipping containers last weekend, uniting with the sole second generation 991-series GT3 Cup car which has been in the country since mid-2017.
Each Carrera Cup team will now perform their own pre-season testing programme ahead of the season opening Adelaide 500 on March 1-4, 2018.
“We’re thrilled to have all 26 911 GT3 Cup cars in the country and starting the process of delivering these race cars for some eager race teams and drivers,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Troy Bundy.
“The feedback on the new 911 GT3 Cup from overseas has been sensational and they certainly look the part. We’re looking forward to hosting many new and returning teams and drivers for what is anticipated to be one of our best seasons to date.”
Several teams have already taken delivery of the new Carrera Cup race car, with Canberra based Cameron Hill the first to receive his new 2018 challenger.
“It’s a bit surreal taking delivery of the new 911 GT3 Cup. It’s an amazing race car – the details and build quality is incredible. You can tell that it’s a factory built race car and I’m certainly looking forward to getting it on track in the coming weeks,” said Hill.
The new 911 GT3 Cup features improvements in all key areas – power, aerodynamics, longevity, safety.
Developed from scratch, the new naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine moves from 3.8 to 4.0 litres and provides 25 more horsepower – from 338 kW (460 hp) to 357 kW (485 hp) at 7,500 rpm. This component, along with the transmission, has doubled the time before the first rebuild is due from its predecessor.
New front and rear aprons give the 911 GT3 Cup a more angular appearance while providing optimised aerodynamics, while an enlarged roof hatch and proven bodyshell of aluminium and steel hybrid construction ensures this generation 911 GT3 Cup is the safest yet.
Technical Specifications
Concept
– Single-seater production-based race car
– Base model: 911 GT3
Engine
– Aluminium six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine, rear-mounted
– 3,996 cm3; stroke 81.5 mm; bore 102 mm
– Max. power: 357 kW (485 hp) at 7,500 rpm
– Max. torque: 480 Nm at 6,250 rpm
Transmission
– Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type transmission
– Pneumatic gearshift activation (paddle shift)
Bodyshell
– Intelligent lightweight construction in aluminium and steel composite
– Weld-in roll cage, certified compliance with FIA homologation regulations for safety cages
Brakes
– Two independent brake circuits with brake pressure sensors for front and rear axle, adjustable by the driver via brake balance system
– Bosch ABS system
Electronics
– COSWORTH colour display ICD with integrated fault diagnostics
– COSWORTH electrical system control unit IPS32
– VBOX Video HD2 in-car camera system
Weight/dimensions
Total weight: ca. 1‚200 kg
Total length: 4‚564 mm
Total width: 1‚980 mm
Total height: 1‚246 mm
Wheelbase: 2‚456 mm
2018 Race Calendar
Round 1 Adelaide 500, March 01-04, 2018
Round 2 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, March 22-25, 2018
Round 3 Phillip Island 500, April 20-22, 2018
Round 4 Darwin Triple Crown, June 15-17, 2018
Round 5 Sydney SuperSprint, August 03-04, 2018
Round 6 The Bend SuperSprint, August 24-26, 2018
Round 7 Bathurst 1000, October 04-07, 2018
Round 8 Gold Coast 600, October 19-21, 2018
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NewsStar returns to Carrera Cup in 2018
Supercars ace James Moffat will return to Porsche racing in 2018.
Moffat will join an expanded Wall Racing outfit for the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship, which includes reigning series champion David Wall and returning Pro-Am racer Greg Taylor.
Moffat placed third in the 2008 Carrera Cup Australia series before a two-year stint in Super2 and seven years in the top-flight Supercars Championship.
“It’s great to finally confirm that I’ll be racing with Wall Racing in the 2018 Carrera Cup championship. Last year with David (Wall) they proved they are more than capable of competing for not only race wins but also championships, so it exciting to be joining the team. It’s been 10 years since I last raced in Carrera Cup, so I’m eager to get out there and experience the cars again and see what we can achieve on track throughout the year,” said Moffat.
“None of this would have been possible without the great support of Wilson, PAYCE, JBL, Swann and Wall Racing. The start of the season on the streets of Adelaide can’t come soon enough.”
Moffat will have tough competition throughout 2018, none-more-so than from within his own team from defending series champion, David Wall.
“2017 was an amazing year to come home with the championship, equal pole positions, race wins and everything else that made it a year to remember,” said Wall.
“After a strong showing in 2016, last season was really everything that we set out to achieve. Coming back in 2018 with the brand new car, which is obviously something that we all look forward to as race drivers, to have a brand new car that no one else has driven before you is a special thing. I’m looking forward to the first run in the new 991 and to have James Moffat and Greg Taylor on board as team mates is going to be a fantastic addition to Wall Racing. I can’t wait to get going.”
Moffat isn’t the only Carrera Cup returnee for Wall Racing; TAG Heuer Pro-Am driver Greg Taylor will join the series for the first time since a part-time 2014 campaign.
“David Wall and I first met at The Farm at a Charity Drive Day and since then we have been good friends. I was able to start my racing career in a Porsche with Wall Racing so it’s great to come back to where it all started, after previous success with the team. I am looking forward to the season in the brand new 991 GT3 Cup car and working with a great group of people at Wall Racing,” said Taylor.
In addition to Wall Racing’s three-car Carrera Cup programme, the Sydney based team will also run Chelsea Angelo in the 2018 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series.
The 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season begins on March 01-04 at the Adelaide 500.
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NewsTitle winning 911 set for GT3 Cup Challenge
David Wall’s championship winning Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car is set to be a front-runner in the 2018 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series in the hands of an up-and-coming racer.
Young driver Chelsea Angelo will join GT3 Cup Challenge with Carrera Cup title winning team, Wall Racing, following a stint in Formula 3 and Super2.
With the 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.I) now eligible for GT3 Cup Challenge competition, Angelo will make the most of the newly available model.
Angelo tested the 2014-spec 911 GT3 Cup car at Wakefield Park late last year and, following the successful outing, is looking forward to the new challenge.
“It’s great to join Wall Racing this year in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series. I am really looking forward to racing in the series in a Carrera Cup championship winning car. I would like to thank PAYCE, Wilson Security, Grove Hire and OX Wheels for all of their assistance and support. I can’t wait for the season to start and to get back on track,” said Angelo.
Wall Racing Team Manager, David Fyfe, is pleased to sign Angelo and his high expectations for the Melbourne-based racer in the Porsche series.
“It is great to be able to get a deal together for Chelsea to join Wall Racing and run her in GT3 Cup Challenge championship,” said Fyfe.
“Chelsea has been given a fantastic opportunity to race a full season and to show everyone what she can do. Heading into the 2018 season we are confident of a very strong showing from Chelsea and for her to be a consistent front runner and in contention for the title at the end of the year.”
Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia will commence at the opening Shannons Nationals event of the season at the brand new The Bend Motorsport Park on 13-15 April.
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NewsNew Carrera Cup team brings F1 experience
The newest team to join the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia grid brings with it significant Formula 1 experience.
Sydney-based team Volante Rosso will enter a yet-to-be-named Pro ranked driver in the Porsche championship, coinciding with the series’ introduction of the brand new 2018 911 GT3 Cup race car.
Leading the new outfit into 2018 is Volante Rosso Team Principal, Chris Papadopoulos, who brings with him over two decades of motorsport experience, including several seasons in Formula 1 as a senior engineer.
“I remember I was working in F1 when the 991 series 911 GT3 Cup cars first raced in Porsche Supercup as our support category in Barcelona. There was a real buzz in the paddock and they were great to watch all year,” said Papadopoulos.
“The 991 was such a step up from the 997 and the cars looked and sounded great. From that point, Carrera Cup was a category I just had to get involved in at some stage, and the new second generation cars for 2018 gave us a fantastic opportunity.”
Papadopoulos is expecting a challenge upon the start of the Carrera Cup season, where he will battle against several seasoned Porsche teams.
“While we’re all starting fresh with the second generation 991, most other teams have four years’ experience with the original version, so we’re under no illusions of the challenge.
“Carrera Cup is so competitive, especially with the depth of field already confirmed for this year, but I’m confident in our team and experience, so we’re up for it! Interest in the category is incredible this year, which is great for Porsche and for the category. We would love to add a second car to our program if we could get our hands on one, but they sold out pretty quick.”
Papadopoulos has cherish the ability to select a worthy driver for his new team, though remains tight-lipped on his selection.
“For the last few years, since I left F1 really, drivers have generally come to me to talk about racing programs, so it was interesting to be back in a situation where I was able to approach the drivers I thought could do a great job for us.
“It was quite fun actually, had a few good chats and it was great to catch up with some of my favourite drivers. The option was there to sign a couple of big names that I knew back in Europe, but more than headlines, it was important to go with someone who we knew could deliver for us, especially on street circuits.
“It’s so important in this series not only to have someone that can deliver on track, but also someone you have a good relationship with and can trust with the gear. Unfortunately, I can’t confirm the name yet due to a couple of obligations, but I’m sure we can go public with it soon. It’s a Pro driver and we are aiming for the front of the grid.”
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NewsCanberra racer joins 2018 Porsche grid
Canberra racing driver Cameron Hill has chosen Porsche power for the next phase of his career, today announcing he will undertake a full-time campaign in the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia series.
The 21-year-old has demonstrated his talent over the last three seasons, winning the coveted Australian Formula Ford Series in 2015 and scoring more race victories than anyone else in the Toyota 86 Racing Series during 2016 and 2017.
“When we looked at my options for 2018, Carrera Cup was the standout category for a number of reasons,” Hill said.
“It runs at high-profile events such as the Australian Grand Prix and the larger Supercars race meetings and it’s professionally managed and presented, which makes it an ideal platform to showcase our corporate partners.
“Everyone recognises Porsche as a brand synonymous with upmarket sports cars and all the cars in Carrera Cup are identical – the results genuinely come down to driver ability.
“Another strong aspect is the pathways it can create – drivers who have been successful in Carrera Cup have been able to pursue overseas racing opportunities, or stay here in Australia and progress to the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
“Matt Campbell is the best example – he won lots of Carrera Cup races and was able to race overseas in the Porsche Supercup, but also received an offer from Red Bull Racing Australia to co-drive with Shane Van Gisbergen in the Supercars endurance races.”
Hill’s family team was successful in securing one of the 26 brand-new Carrera Cup cars making their way to Australian shores for next year’s series.
“I’ve looked at the new car and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel!” Hill said.
“It’s a pure race car, with a paddle-shift gearbox and the horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine which makes that distinctive Porsche bark. It will be the fastest and most-powerful race car I’ve ever driven.”
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NewsEnduro expansion, new formats and venue highlight 2018 calendar
An expanded Endurance Cup is one of several highlights of the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia race calendar, announced today, which includes new formats, a new circuit and the return of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
The Endurance Cup debuted in 2017, featuring three long distance races across the final three events – Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast. A change in race formats across several rounds has ensured more racing laps and an increased number of long distance races, expanding the popular Endurance Cup from three races in 2017 to six 45-minute races in 2018.
Bathurst and Gold Coast will each feature one Endurance Cup race, as will Hidden Valley Raceway, while Phillip Island will hold two Endurance Cup races – the Victorian circuit will feature two 45-minute single driver races, replacing the series’ traditional two-driver Pro-Am format, which will not feature in 2018.
An additional Endurance Cup race will be held at Carrera Cup’s maiden visit to South Australia’s new The Bend Motorsport Park.
The 2018 season will also see the return of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia to Australian shores; the Asian series will once again join Carrera Cup Australia at Sydney Motorsport Park with a similar blend of separate and joint races.
For the first time since 2012, Carrera Cup will race exclusively as a support to Formula 1 and the Supercars Championship, book-ending its 2018 season with Australian motorsport’s four highlight events – Adelaide 500, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600.
Porsche Cars Australia’s Director of Marketing & Motorsport, Toni Andreevski, believes next year’s Carrera Cup calendar adds to the already highly anticipated 2018 season, which has attracted a fully subscribed field of 26 entries and a Title Partnership with Wilson Security.
“Carrera Cup is going from strength to strength and the announcement of the 2018 race calendar certainly adds to the anticipation of the coming season,” said Andreevski.
“We’re proud that we will not only have a fully subscribed field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars on the grid in 2018, but that we will showcase our ‘sold out’ series in partnership with Wilson Security at some of the best motor racing events in the country.
“The addition of the Endurance Cup was very well received by our customer base this season so, in addition to our strong event line-up, we can build on our endurance focus with more Endurance Cup races throughout the coming season.”
Before the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season kicks off at the Adelaide 500 on March 01-04, the series will first visit Sydney Motorsport Park on January 24, at which time next year’s teams will take delivery and test their new 2018-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars for the first time.
Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia
2018 Race Calendar
Round 1 Adelaide 500 Adelaide, SA March 1-4, 2018
Round 2 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Melbourne, Vic March 22-25, 2018
Round 3 WD-40 Phillip Island 500 Phillip Island, Vic April 20-22, 2018
Round 4 CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown Darwin, NT June 15-17, 2018
Round 5 Red Rooster Sydney SuperSprint Sydney, NSW August 04, 2018
Round 6 The Bend SuperSprint Tailem Bend, SA August 24-26, 2018
Round 7 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Bathurst, NSW October 4-7, 2018
Round 8 Vodafone Gold Coast 600 Gold Coast, Qld October 19-21, 2018
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NewsCampbell promoted to international GT competition
Matt Campbell has received a significant promotion within the expanding Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme, which will see the 22-year-old Australian become a Porsche Young Professional in 2018.
Campbell will therefore move away from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2018 towards international GT competition. While Campbell’s exact racing programme is yet to be announced, Porsche’s Young Professional drivers contested several series in 2017, including the FIA World Endurance Championship, Pirelli World Challenge and IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Campbell and Norway’s Dennis Olsen will join current Porsche Young Professionals Matteo Cairoli from Italy and Frenchman Mathieu Jaminet in the top tier of the Junior Programme.
“I’m really looking forward to taking my career to the next step, moving from Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup into international GT racing as a Porsche Young Professional,” said Campbell.
“I’m really looking forward to next season. It will provide a tremendous opportunity for me and I couldn’t be happier to remain with Porsche in such a role.
“Porsche has provided amazing support thus far, from winning Carrera Cup Australia and the Junior Programme Shootout last year to racing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and now, my progression to a Porsche Young Professional. I am extremely grateful and want to repay the faith of my supporters and Porsche.”
Other promotions include Thomas Preining from Austria making the step up from the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, where he will be supported as a Porsche Junior. Porsche Motorsport will also support Julien Andlauer as a new Porsche Junior. The Frenchman came through an international trial and will also race in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2018.
“All our young racing drivers have developed superbly in 2017. The one-make cups, in particular, have proven to be an outstanding springboard for the Porsche Juniors,” said Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars.
Matt Campbell
Campbell contested his debut season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2017. This was the 22-year-old’s first year in European motorsport. Prior to that, the young man born in Warwick (Queensland) had done his racing in single-seater Formula cars, as well as national Porsche one-make cups in Australia. Campbell lined up for the Fach Auto Tech team in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, and finished runner-up in the rookie competition. After eleven races, he ended the season in third place in the overall standings. The Porsche Junior won four races, in Spielberg (Austria), Monza (Italy) and the double-header in Mexico City. Promotion to Porsche Young Professional means Campbell is now ready to take the next step in his motorsport career.
Dennis Olsen
Olsen won the title in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. The 21-year-old from the Konrad Motorsport team demonstrated a particularly impressive level of consistency. As well as six race wins, the young driver from Våler in Norway also finished on the podium in 12 of the season’s 14 races. Olsen also demonstrated his talent in the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, in which he drove for the Walter Lechner Racing Team. The youngster was victorious at the iconic British circuit in Silverstone, as well as the double-header at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). He ended the season second in the championship and was crowned top rookie. Having been supported for two years as a Porsche Junior, Olsen can now look forward to outings on the international GT customer racing scene as a Porsche Young Professional in 2018.
Matteo Cairoli
Porsche Motorsport will also support Cairoli as a Porsche Young Professional in 2018. The youngster spent the 2017 season at the wheel of a 2015 Porsche 911 RSR run by Porsche customer team Dempsey Proton Racing in the FIA World Endurance Trophy, in which he finished runner-up. The 21-year-old won the GTE-Am class at the Nürburgring and in Mexico City. He also finished sixth in this class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The driver from Como, Italy, also impressed at the 24 Hours of Dubai: Cairoli and Manthey Racing came home second at the most prestigious sports car race in the United Arab Emirates.
Mathieu Jaminet
Mathieu Jaminet completes the Porsche Young Professionals squad. The 23-year-old lined up in the ADAC GT Masters for KÜS Team75 Bernhard. Driving a Porsche 911 GT3 R, Jaminet took the chequered flag in Oschersleben and was runner-up at the Nürburgring. The driver from Woippy, France, also started selected races in the Pirelli World Challenge for the GMG Racing team. Jaminet, at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R, won the GT-X Pro-Am class in the races at the Utah Motorsports Campus (Utah) and the Circuit of The Americas (Texas). He also gained his first experience of the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Alegra Motorsports.
Thomas Preining
Thomas Preining is also making a step up in the world of motorsport, and will drive in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2018. He receives 225,000 Euros in funding from Porsche Motorsport as reward for his promotion. Preining contested his first season in a GT Racing car in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. The Porsche Junior won the final race, at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg, and finished third at the Norisring. This was enough to earn the 19-year-old from the Konrad Motorsport team second place in the rookie competition. Preining also won the invitational race in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, which was held on the same bill as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Nürburgring. The young driver gained his first experience in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Budapest, Monza and Mexico in 2017. His best result came at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico, where he crossed the finish line in fifth place.
Julien Andlauer
Julien Andlauer will also receive comprehensive support from Porsche Motorsport in 2018. The new Porsche Junior will benefit from 225,000 Euros of funding in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Andlauer won seven races en route to the title in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup France. On the back of this success, the 18-year-old was nominated by the national one-make cup to take part in a two-day trial at the Lausitzring, at which high school graduate came through against eight international candidates to earn a grand for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Andlauer made his debut in the international one-make cup at the season finale in Mexico City. After qualifying sixth, the driver from Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon crossed the finish line in fifth place.
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NewsMcBride confirmed as Porsche Centre Melbourne recruit
Porsche Centre Melbourne has recruited one of Australia’s leading sports car drivers, Nick McBride, for the forthcoming season of the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia series.
McBride, a 26-year-old Melbourne lawyer, has contested the past four seasons of the competitive one-make series, in which time he has achieved three pole positions, six race wins and two round victories across 32 round starts.
McBride will join Carrera Cup’s most experienced driver, Marc Cini, who was recently awarded the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Endurance Cup. Cini has been an integral part of the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport team for the last 16 years and is looking forward to line up alongside McBride in the 2018 season, which will feature the brand new 2018-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars.
Porsche Centre Melbourne General Manager, Piero Pellegrini, is excited by McBride’s addition to Porsche Centre Melbourne’s racing outfit.
“Nick is a fantastic young man and a sensational race driver and we warmly welcome him to the Porsche Centre Melbourne family,” said Pellegrini.
“Nick encompasses exactly what we look for in a Porsche Centre Melbourne race driver and representative. He is not only an expert behind the wheel of a 911 GT3 Cup race car, but he fits the image of our business; he is an ambitious, well presented young professional both on and off the track. We look forward to working with Nick for the remainder of 2017 and having him represent our dealership on track for 2018.”
McBride is also pleased to join one of Australia’s most successful Porsche teams, which won three consecutive Carrera Cup championships across the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Porsche Centre Melbourne for the 2018 Carrera Cup season. Having raced against Porsche Centre Melbourne in Carrera Cup for the past four season, I know the team and how it operates. That’s why I’m excited to now be part of the operation leading into the 2018 season,” said McBride.
“I had some strong results this season in Carrera Cup, including a round win at Sandown. I now look forward to the new challenges 2018 will present, including gelling with the new team and learning the new 911 GT3 Cup race car and, hopefully, continue similar success into the new year.”
McBride will make his first official appearance for Porsche Centre Melbourne this weekend when attending the Geelong Revival.
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NewsUsain Bolt samples Porsche 911 race car
The world’s fastest man, retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, was this week behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car at a private test at Winton Motor Raceway.
The 31-year-old eight-time Olympic gold medallist drove the 2014-spec 911 GT3 Cup car raced in the 2017 Carrera Cup season by experienced driver Cam McConville, who took the 460hp race car to victory in March’s Albert Park round.
Fellow former Olympic sprinter John Steffensen, who has confirmed his entry into the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia season, was present at the Monday test and was pleased Bolt’s progress throughout the day.
“Usain did a great job for his first time in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. He loves motorsport and he really enjoyed the experience of driving the race-bred Porsche at Winton,” said Steffensen.
“He honestly did a great job. There’s a fair bit to absorb in that situation and he really did impress with his ability to get up to speed and, in the end, was turning some respectable lap times.”
23Red Racing Team Principal, Cam McConville, echoed Steffensen’s thoughts on Bolt’s on-track performance.
“Usain was eager to get into a race car and it was great to be able to facilitate this earlier in the week at Winton. He didn’t put a foot wrong all day and didn’t go off the road at all. He absolutely loved the experience,” said McConville.
“I took him around for five laps in the Porsche before I sat with him for two five-lap runs. He then took John for five more laps and then did a 10-lap run by himself.
“He got down to lap times in the 1:30s, which is competitive. Given a couple more days in the car and I think he would be on the pace.
“I was actually surprised by how well he did, but like any athlete of that calibre, he has tremendous reflexes and hand-eye coordination so it’s just a matter of teaching him the feel of the race car.
“We were thrilled to have Usain along for the day, but he was equally as appreciative for the opportunity to drive in the 911 GT3 Cup car.”
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NewsOlympian racer confirmed for Carrera Cup
Dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist John Steffensen has confirmed his entry into next season’s Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship, announced in Newcastle today.
Steffensen impressed in his rookie motor racing season in the 2017 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series, ultimately finishing eighth in the outright standings.
Following his maiden Porsche season, Steffensen’s move to Carrera Cup follows the well-worn path of drivers using GT3 Cup Challenge as a stepping stone to Australia’s pinnacle one-make sports car series. Such drivers include young guns Jaxon Evans, Dylan O’Keeffe and, most notably, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race winner, international Porsche Junior Matt Campbell.
Steffensen’s confirmation to the Carrera Cup series was part of the launch of a new Supercars Championship and Carrera Cup team, 23Red Racing, owned by Phil Munday and Lucas Dumbrell and managed by former Carrera Cup front-runner, Cam McConville.
Steffensen looks forward to the new challenge of Carrera Cup competition following his enjoyable motor racing initiation in the feeder GT3 Cup Challenge series.
“This is a huge step in my motor racing career and I can’t wait to make the move into the Carrera Cup series for next season,” said Steffensen.
“Having retired from a professional athletics career, I feel incredibly privileged to be able to transition into another sport at such a professional level. Carrera Cup is one of Australia’s most professional and competitive motor racing championships and features an unbelievably high calibre of driver talent, including a raft of former and future Supercars Championship drivers.
“Racing in GT3 Cup Challenge this year was great preparation for the 2018 Carrera Cup season. Carrera Cup is a completely new challenge; in addition to the immense driving competition, you have more cars around you on some of Australia’s most challenging race circuits, including Adelaide, Bathurst and Gold Coast.”
Teams participating in the 2018 season of Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia will take delivery of their new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars at Sydney Motorsport Park on January 24, 2018, ahead of the season’s commencement in March.
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NewsWebber tackles fastest ever 911 in unique prize
Porsche Cars Australia has teamed with Xbox Australia and Michelin to provide one of the greatest hot lap experiences on offer – a ride in the Porsche 911 GT2 RS alongside Porsche Ambassador Mark Webber.
The exclusive prize is part of a promotion for the recently released Forza Motorsport 7, now available on Xbox One X, in which the 911 GT2 RS – Porsche’s fastest ever road-going 911 – features as the hero car.
Entrants must play Forza Motorsport 7 between November 06 and December 01 and, via Xbox.com, explain in 25 words or less why they are worthy of a hot lap with Webber in a 911 GT2 RS – a car which recently lapped the 20.6km Nürburgring-Nordschleife in a road car record time of 6 minutes and 47.3 seconds.
This unique prize will be available to five winners, who will each receive a flying lap around the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit alongside the former Formula 1 race winner and World Endurance Champion. The prize also includes airfares and three nights’ accommodation, a Mark Webber meet and greet, a scale model Porsche and an Xbox One X console.
For those who did not receive one of the five major prizes on offer, an additional five Xbox One X consoles are available for five lucky runners up.
“At Porsche, we’re thrilled to team with Xbox and Michelin to be part of this promotion and provide such a unique experience – placing one of Australia’s greatest ever race drivers in our fastest ever 911 at the world-famous Albert Park circuit,” said Porsche Cars Australia Director of Marketing and Motorsport, Toni Andreevski.
“Very few people have the opportunity to ride in a high performance sports car at its limits, so we’re excited to give this exact experience to five lucky winners in our fastest ever 911 – the GT2 RS – in the very capable hands of Mark Webber.”
Jeremy Hinton, Xbox Business Lead at Microsoft Australia is proud to announce the promotion befitting of the latest release in the Forza series.
“Forza Motorsport 7 is one of the most comprehensive, beautiful and authentic racing games ever made and it’s great to partner with Porsche and Michelin for such a promotion that encapsulates the thrill and excitement experienced by the game itself,” said Hinton.
“Our lucky prize winners are in for a treat – riding alongside Mark Webber at the wheel of the astonishingly fast 911 GT2 RS is certainly a prize worthy of such a racing game, which provides a sensational 4K racing simulation on the world’s most powerful console, the Xbox One X.”
Michelin Australia Marketing Manager, Tim Hoare, added: “We are very excited to partner with premium brands such as Porsche and Xbox for the release of Forza Motorsport 7. Both brands share our passion and enthusiasm for motorsport, and the release of Forza Motorsport 7 presents an exciting opportunity for the Michelin brand. We hope that this is the first of many such collaborations in the gaming and e-sports space in the coming years.”
Visit the below link to enter this promotion and to view its terms and conditions:
www.xbox.com/Porsche
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NewsCampbell dominates Supercup finale in Mexico
Porsche Junior Matt Campbell dominated the final event of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season at Mexico’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez with back-to-back race victories, handing the Australian third in the series standings.
On Saturday, Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech) started second and grabbed his chance for the lead at the start, pulling clear to eke out a comfortable 4.2-second advantage. When the safety car was deployed on lap six, he lost his margin. The Australian, however, kept his cool and fended off his pursuers to retain his lead. Gripping fights for positions played out behind him, and even a second safety car phase couldn’t deter the 22-year-old from his path to victory.
Following victory in Saturday’s penultimate race of the season, pole-sitter Campbell made a cracking start to maintain his lead position, with Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team) and Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team) slotting in behind him. For the next eight laps it looked as if the Australian would easily convert his pole into victory, however Ammermüller had opted for a different tyre strategy and, at the midway mark, began to put Campbell under increased pressure. The frontrunner, however, kept his cool and brought home his second victory of the weekend after finishing first in Saturday’s race.
“It’s fantastic that I managed to achieve a double victory in Mexico. What a great end of the season for me and my team! I have to say that the competition was incredible at every race this year. For me as an Australian, every racetrack was new territory and I first had to gain experience. Third overall in the championship is absolutely fine,” said Campbell, who, with four Supercup race wins, scored the equal highest number of victories for the season.
Second place was enough to give the 31-year-old Ammermüller a seven-point advantage over Olsen to become the new champion of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. “Four wins, five second places and a third – thanks to these consistent performances I was finally able to win the Supercup. I’m very pleased about that and I’m grateful for the terrific support I received from my Lechner team,” said a beaming Ammermüller.
Olsen, narrowly missed out on the 2017 Supercup crown, rounded off the podium next to Campbell and Ammermüller. “I did my very best in today’s race, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to take the title. It’s my first year in the Supercup and prior to the season I hadn’t imagined that I might be fighting so closely for the championship,” explained Olsen, who concluded his season as runner-up, seven points behind the champion.
For Josh Webster (Fach Auto Tech) from Great Britain and Porsche Junior Thomas Preining (Walter Lechner Racing Team) from Austria, the race concluded with positions four and five. “That was a nerve-racking race for me. I had lots of incredible duels and I kept losing places, but I managed to regain them. In the cool-down lap I looked at the grandstands packed with people. It’s truly impressive how much the Mexican people love their motor racing,” said Preining. Sixth place went to Zaid Ashkanani (MRS GT-Racing) from Kuwait, with Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport) taking the chequered flag in seventh. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing) secured eighth place. Thus, the top eight drivers came from eight different countries.
After eleven races run as support to the Formula 1 races, the championship titles have been awarded. Ammermüller is the 2017 champion with 193 points. The vice-championship went to Olsen with 186 points, who also took home the title as the best rookie. Campbell scored third overall with 151 points. In the B-classification for amateur drivers, Frenchman Roland Bervillé (Martinet by Almeras) won with 166 points over Egidio Perfetti (NL/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax, 162 points) and Roar Lindland (MRS Cup-Racing, 152 points). The team championship was awarded to Lechner MSG Racing Team. In the Nations League, Germany came first (195 points) ahead of Norway (188) and Australia (159).
Mexico City, results race 10 of 11*
1. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
2. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
3. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
4. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
5. Julien Andlauer (F/Martinet by Almeras).
6. Thomas Preining (A/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
7. Josh Webster (GB/Fach Auto Tech)
8. Mikkel Overgaard Pedersen (DK/MRS GT-Racing)
9. Ryan Cullen (GB/Lechner Racing Middle East)
10. Philip Morin (S/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax)
Mexico City, Results race 11 of 11*
1. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
2. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
3. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
4. Josh Webster (GB/Fach Auto Tech)
5. Thomas Preining (A/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
6. Zaid Ashkanani (KWT/MRS GT-Racing)
7. Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
8. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing)
9. Ryan Cullen (GB/Lechner Racing Middle East)
10. Julien Andlauer (F/Martinet by Almeras)
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – final standings
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team) – 193 points
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team) – 186 points
3. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech) – 151 points
4. Dan Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team) – 122 points
Nations League – final standings
1. Germany – 195 points
2. Norway – 188 points
3. Australia – 159 points
4. Great Britain – 125 points
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NewsWebber backs Campbell for ‘tricky’ Mexico finale
Porsche Junior Matt Campbell will fight for third place in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup title this weekend as Porsche’s pinnacle one-make series commences its two-race season finale at Mexico’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
With German points leader Michael Ammermüller and Norwegian Porsche Junior Dennis Olsen fighting for the title, Campbell’s focus is set on securing third in the Supercup standings at what is a new circuit to the series’ calendar.
Ahead of the Mexican finale, former FIA World Endurance Champion and Porsche Ambassador Mark Webber has praised Campbell’s rookie Supercup season and believes success is possible for the young Australian this weekend.
“Many of the Supercup drivers don’t have much experience in Mexico, which is a very specific circuit. It’s super high in altitude, very low on grip so the car moves around a lot and it has long straights so it’s very tricky to get braking for turn one right. I think it will be a great opportunity for Matt to get another really good result. The team is lifting and they have learnt an absolute truckload,” said Webber, who applauded Campbell’s efforts in his rookie Supercup season.
“In Supercup, it’s really hard to get the whole weekend together, getting the tyres in the right window in qualifying, track temperatures, the tracks in Europe are extremely technical and the competition is red hot, so for him to claim a few poles and get some victories is absolutely sensational.
“Porsche has a lot of red hot Juniors right now and he is certainly one of them. He’s flying the Australian flag very well for us. I’m hoping he’s back in 2018 and gives it another go.”
Meanwhile, Campbell is looking to finish his first season of international competition on a high having already scored two race wins – at Austria’s Red Bull Ring and Monza, Italy – in his debut Supercup season.
“I’m finishing the season strong. We’ve had a couple of difficult rounds there in the middle of the year but we finished the European season on a high by winning at Monza, so that was fantastic, but there’s two more races to go in Mexico so I’ll hope to get a couple more podiums. I’m third in the championship at the moment and obviously I want to stay there,” said Campbell, who was recently in Australia for the Supercars Championship’s Enduro Cup, placing fourth in the three-race title alongside Shane van Gisbergen.
“Mexico is the one round I’ve been looking forward to since the start of the year because it is a level playing field as no one can test there and no one has been there before. It’s a new experience for everyone and I’m really looking forward to experiencing a new circuit and the Mexican culture.”
Campbell, the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, holds a mere three point margin to fourth placed Briton Dan Cammish, with Polish driver Robert Lukas a further 13 points behind in fifth.
Should Campbell retain third in the standings, the result would place Australia third in the maiden National League title behind Germany and Norway.
The final two Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races will be broadcast in Australia on subscription channel Eurosport. Race one’s broadcast will be delayed and race two will be televised live, both on Monday morning.
Broadcast Schedule – Australia (AEDT)
Race 1 – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Mexico
Date: Monday October 30, 2017
Time: 2:45am-3:15am
Channel: Eurosport (Channel 511)
Race 2 – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Mexico
Date: Monday October 30, 2017
Time: 3:15am-4:15am
Channel: Eurosport (Channel 511)
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup standings – after 9 of 11 races
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 157 points
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team), 154 points
3. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech), 111 points
4. Dan Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 108 points
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NewsVideo: Matt Campbell’s season so far
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NewsVideo: 2017 Season Highlights
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NewsWilson Group to headline 2018 Porsche championship
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) has secured a landmark Title Partnership with long term motorsport supporter Wilson Security, further bolstering the 2018 Championship which will have its largest field since its inception in 2003.
The Title Partnership, commencing at the start of the 2018 season, provides Wilson Security with deep brand integration across the entire championship, including series logo, car signage, podium and media backdrops, television graphics and digital and social media rights.
In addition, Wilson Security will have naming rights to the Porsche Drivers Lounge, as well as the end of season Awards Dinner.
The Wilson Group’s new alignment with Porsche also provides the Australian based organisation with a strategic platform to connect with its key customers through Porsche’s exclusive drive and customer experiences extending the partnership well beyond the race rack.
“This is a significant alignment between two strong brands in Wilson Security and Porsche. We’re thrilled to announce this partnership and we’re excited by the vast opportunities this presents in 2018,” said Group Chief Executive Officer of Wilson Group, John McMellan.
“Wilson Security has been involved with Porsche Carrera Cup through various driver partnerships, including new Carrera Cup champion David Wall. We’re looking forward to building on this with a wider series and brand involvement for what will be a tremendous season on and off the track.”
The partnership coincides with Carrera Cup’s introduction of the new 911 GT3 Cup car for the 2018 season, the initial allocation of which has already sold out, ensuring strong participation for the coming season.
“Porsche is thrilled to have Wilson Security on board as the Carrera Cup title partner for 2018. The timing of Wilson Security joining the Porsche family couldn’t be better as we conclude the 2017 season and look forward to a fully subscribed grid in 2018,” said Porsche Cars Australia Director of Marketing & Motorsport, Toni Andreevski.
“Porsche is in the unique position to offer Wilson Security not only a strong motor racing platform in Carrera Cup but also exclusive additional opportunities through bespoke customer experiences that only come with a strategic alignment. We look forward to this exciting new partnership and working with Wilson Security throughout 2018.”
The 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship will debut on track on January 24 at Sydney Motorsport Park at the official hand-over of the new 911 GT3 Cup race cars to teams.
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NewsWall seals title as Evans, Cook take Surfers success
DAVID WALL has emotionally claimed his maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship, holding on to win the title over Andre Heimgartner on the streets of Surfers Paradise today.
Meanwhile, Jaxon Evans powered to his second overall victory of the 2017 season thanks to victories in two of the three races, and Dean Cook scored his maiden win in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class.
Wall’s title victory came after two tension-filled races for the 34-year-old Sydney driver, after he was shuffled from third to fifth in quick succession in the final enduro cup race on Sunday morning.
He had held third for a majority of the race however furious racing in the closing laps saw him lose two positions and see his title lead diminish further.
Heimgartner powered to an impressive victory in the 28-lap affair, narrowing the margin to just 32 points heading into the final race.
Wall then maintained fifth place throughout the 12-lap finale, needing to finish seventh or better to claim the crown should Heimgartner win.
However, the Sonic Motor Racing driver was slow away from the line and could ultimately only manage third place, behind race winner Jaxon Evans and Alex Davison.
It ensured Wall sealed the title by 20 points; the closest margin in Carrera Cup Australia championship history.
An emotional Wall dedicated the title to his late father, notable Australia national racing champion Des.
“It’s emotional for a lot of different reasons. I lost my father five years ago and I’ve been looking for something to dedicate to him, so this is all his. If he was here I’m sure he’d be pumped,” Wall said.
“It’s been a lot of years trying and a lot of water has passed under the bridge. It’s unbelievable and I’m very thankful the opportunity I’ve been given. Thanks to Wilson Security, Payce and Shannons who enable us to turn up every weekend.
“We’ve had a few things chucked at us this weekend – both good and bad – so it’s great to be standing here as champion for the year.”
Evans’ stunning round victory came thanks to victories in two of the three races this weekend, with his win in race three coming thanks to a sensational start from the front row of the grid.
He then pulled away from Davison and Heimgartner to record his fifth race win and second round win of the year. It also delivered McElrea Racing their third straight win on the Gold Coast.
“It’s an amazing feeling to come here for my first time on the streets of the Gold Coast and to get two wins – it’s pretty special,” Evans said.
“It’s capped off a pretty big learning year but I can’t wait to come back next year.”
Heimgartner finished second overall in both the round and championship, and his stunning victory in the Enduro Cup race ensured the title would go down to the wire. Davison charged to the final step of the podium despite having finished race one in a lowly 10th position.
The former Carrera Cup champion also sensationally clinched the inaugural Carrera Cup Enduro title by the narrowest of margins.
Working his way from 10th on the grid, Davison edged out Michael Almond by just 0.02s for third place in the 28-lap encounter, enough to see him tie Heimgartner in the Enduro Cup standings.
With the title determined on countback based on the winner of the first enduro cup race at Sandown, Davison scored the winner despite both sharing a first, second and third in each of the three races.
In the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, Dean Cook found himself winning the round after early rivals Stephen Grove and Max Twigg were both removed contention after a clash on the opening lap of the Enduro Cup race.
Cook then beat home Marc Cini and Sam Shahin to win that race and backed up that performance to win the final race later in the day.
“It feels good! We’ve been trying all year to get on the podium and we’ve been on the lower levels a couple of times. I was just trying to keep it all straight and on track for the entire weekend.”
Stephen Grove was officially crowned TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge winner, securing his second title despite not finishing the final two races of the year.
Marc Cini finished second overall while Sam Shahin climbed to third in class at the end of the season.
Cini also clinched the Carrera Challenge enduro cup, his first major title in the series. The Porsche Centre Melbourne racer overhauled early leader Stephen Grove this weekend, with Graham Williams second and Grove third..
Standings, Professional Class
1. David Wall 1145
2. Andre Heimgartner 1125
3. Alex Davison 1055
4. Nick McBride 901
5. Jaxon Evans 879.5
6. Dylan O’Keefe 855
7. Cameron McConville 789
8. James Abela 527.5
9. Michael Almond 465
10. Stephen Grove 386
Standings, TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
1. Stephen Grove 1061
2. Marc Cini 904.5
3. Sam Shahin 681
4. Graham Williams 668.5
5. Tim Miles 634
6. Dean Cook 580
7. Dean Grant 153
8. Matt Palmer 144
9. Shane Smollen 136
10. Rob Woods 129
Results, Race 2: Round 8, Gold Coast
1. #777 Andre Heimgartner (NZ) (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now
2. #7 Jaxon Evans (QLD) (Outright) Hungry Jacks
3. #888 Alex Davison (QLD) (Outright) President Limo Australia
4. #26 Michael Almond (SA) (Outright) Copyworld
5. #38 David Wall (NSW) (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
6. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (VIC) (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
7. #77 Nick McBride (VIC) (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts
8. #79 Jordan Love (WA) (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis
9. #136 James Abela (NSW) (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
10. #5 Cameron McConville (VIC) (Outright) Repair Management Australia
11. #29 Garth Walden (NSW) (Outright) Platinum Nightclub – Broadbeach
12. #23 Brenton Grove (VIC) (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne
13. #33 Simon Ellingham (NZ) (Outright) Peak Marketing
14. #22 Dean Cook (VIC) Zonzo Racing
15. #9 Marc Cini (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
16. #13 Sam Shahin (SA) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU
17. #131 Graham Williams (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
18. #18 Max Twigg (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – DNF
19. #4 Stephen Grove (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – DNF
Results, Race 3: Round 8, Gold Coast
1. #7 Jaxon Evans (QLD) (Outright) Hungry Jacks
2. #888 Alex Davison (QLD) (Outright) President Limo Australia
3. #777 Andre Heimgartner (NZ) (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (VIC) (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
5. #38 David Wall (NSW) (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
6. #136 James Abela (NSW) (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
7. #77 Nick McBride (VIC) (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts
8. #26 Michael Almond (SA) (Outright) Copyworld
9. #79 Jordan Love (WA) (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis
10. #5 Cameron McConville (VIC) (Outright) Repair Management Australia
11. #29 Garth Walden (NSW) (Outright) Platinum Nightclub – Broadbeach
12. #23 Brenton Grove (VIC) (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne
13. #33 Simon Ellingham (NZ) (Outright) Peak Marketing
14. #22 Dean Cook (VIC) Zonzo Racing
15. #9 Marc Cini (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
16. #13 Sam Shahin (SA) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU
17. #131 Graham Williams (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
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NewsEvans, Grove splash to Surfers wins
JAXON EVANS has stormed to the biggest ever Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race victory on the streets of Surfers Paradise, while Stephen Grove won the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge battle.
Meanwhile, championship leader David Wall produced one of the best wet-weather drives of his career to charge from fifth to second and extend his title margin over nearest rival, Andre Heimgartner.
The pair are now split by 68 points, with 120 up for grabs across tomorrow’s two races.
In treacherous conditions the field started the race behind the Porsche Safety Car, however once green it didn’t take long for Evans to work his way through to the lead.
He first passed Nick McBride on the first lap of racing and then pounced on Heimgartner on lap five, with a bold move at turn eleven.
The McElrea Racing driver then disappeared away from the field to record a 10.5-second victory: the largest ever for a Carrera Cup race on any variation of the Gold Coast street circuit.
It was Evans’ fourth win of the season and came at his home event; he lives just 20 minutes North of the circuit on the Gold Coast.
“It’s awesome and I can’t thank the McElrea boys for tuning up the car before we went out,” Evans said.
“We weren’t sure what to expect, but to get to the lead and pull a pretty handy margin was pretty special. To do it here on my home soil is even better.”
Starting fifth, Wall gradually worked his way into podium contention in the shortened, 10-lap affair and spent several laps battling Heimgartner for second place.
The sensational fight included several side-by-side moments and was only decided in the race to the line, when Wall got a superior run out of the final corner and out-dragged his rival to the line to snatch second by 0.03s.
Having stared down a reduced points margin for much of the race, the critical move ultimately extended Wall’s championship lead heading into the final two races.
Behind the title rivals, Dylan O’Keefe produced a strong drive to climb from seventh to fourth place, finishing hot on the heels of the two title combatants in front.
Michael Almond was also in the thick of the action and finished fifth, with Cam McConville sixth.
Garth Walden, Nick McBride – who started second but was shuffled down the field early – Brenton Grove and Alex Davison completed the top-10.
Davison had run as high as fourth in the race however lost track position when forced to take the escape road at turn eleven, ultimately working his way back into the top-10 by the end.
The former champion is now out of championship calculations, however retains third place in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings ahead of the final two races.
Stephen Grove’s twelfth win of the season came with three-time TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Max Twigg hot on the heels of the Grove Racing Porsche.
Twigg started four positions behind Grove but gradually worked his way through the field to tail the newly crowned champion by less than one second at the line. Dean Cook finished third in class.
“I think they are some of the wettest conditions I have ever experienced. You’re trying to stay off the white lines, trying to see through the spray and it was really tough,” Grove said.
“The process for me was to try and build a gap, which I did, and then just managed it to make sure that we finished.”
James Abela was the only non-finisher, forced to withdraw to pit lane after his car suffered broken steering whilst involved in a furious battle for seventh and eighth place on lap four.
The final round of the 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship concludes tomorrow, with two races on the Gold Coast.
Race two will be the 28-lap finale of the Carrera Cup enduro cup, to be followed by the sprint race finale just prior to the final leg of the Vodafone Gold Coast 600.
Races two and three will be shown live on FOX Sports, with delayed coverage of the season finale’ also available on Channel 10.
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday October 22, 2017
8:50am Race 2 (28 laps)
1:05pm Race 3 (12 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Ten
Race 3 – 1:10pm, Sunday October 22 (delayed)
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 8:50am, Sunday October 22
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 22
Results, Race 1: Round 8, Gold Coast
1. #7 Jaxon Evans (QLD) (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 16:06.5505
2. #38 David Wall (NSW) (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 16:17.2123
3. #777 Andre Heimgartner (NZ) (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now – 16:17.2480
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (VIC) (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 16:17.7445
5. #26 Michael Almond (SA) (Outright) Copyworld – 16:18.3586
6. #5 Cameron McConville (VIC) (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 16:21.3328
7. #29 Garth Walden (NSW) (Outright) Platinum Nightclub – Broadbeach – 16:21.9171
8. #77 Nick McBride (VIC) (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 16:26.5504
9. #23 Brenton Grove (VIC) (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 16:26.9882
10. #888 Alex Davison (QLD) (Outright) President Limo Australia – 16:27.4166
11. #79 Jordan Love (WA) (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis – 16:31.4064
12. #4 Stephen Grove (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 17:12.1503
13. #18 Max Twigg (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 17:12.8238
14. #22 Dean Cook (VIC) Zonzo Racing – 17:17.6868
15. #33 Simon Ellingham (NZ) (Outright) Peak Marketing – 17:21.8195
16. #13 Sam Shahin (SA) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 17:27.0524
17. #131 Graham Williams (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 17:02.6477
18. #9 Marc Cini (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 17:11.6163
DNF. #136 James Abela (NSW) (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:13.5379 (-0.9743)
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NewsHeimgartner boosts title hopes as Grove takes class pole
Andre Heimgartner has given his chances of winning the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship the best possible boost, taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position on the Gold Coast today.
Meanwhile, TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion-elect Stephen Grove grabbed his class pole position as he seeks to wrap up his second title in style.
Heimgartner trails championship leader David Wall by 62 points ahead of the three races this weekend, however a stunning 1m12.5636s final lap saw him lock away the top spot – with his nearest rivals for the championship only able to climb as high as the third row of the grid.
Adding to his already good day, Heimgartner’s Sonic Motor Racing teammate Nick McBride qualified second with a last-minute flyer late in the session – locking out the front row for the Melbourne squad with the pair split by just 0.19s.
Sonic’s 1-2 qualifying punch has given Heimgartner the best possible advantage to try and reel in Wall’s championship lead, starting with race one tomorrow morning.
“I’m pretty pumped. It’s a weekend where I need to win every race to give myself the best chance in the championship. It puts us in a good position for tomorrow; it’s going to be wet so you never know what to expect. We’ll have to see what comes and play it by ear,” said Heimgartner.
Jaxon Evans qualified third on his Surfers Paradise Street Circuit debut, however was 0.4s from Heimgartner’s stunning pole position lap.
Michael Almond qualified fourth, though was frustrated by traffic that could have seen him potentially further up the grid.
However, in what may be a smart call, the Adelaide driver was able to save a new set of tyres today – a decision that could pay off later in the weekend should conditions remain dry.
Championship contenders David Wall (5th) and Alex Davison (6th) both struggled to compete with their Sonic Motor Racing rivals and will line up together on the third row of the grid.
Wall competed for the top spot early in the session but was unable to match the Sonic cars on his second new-tyre run, while Davison’s sixth place came after enduring gearbox issues during an earlier practice session.
The 2004 Carrera Cup Champion was forced to replace a clutch prior to qualifying and could only manage the sixth fastest time in the 20-minute dash.
Dylan O’Keeffe and Cam McConville completed the fourth row, while James Abela and the returning Garth Walden rounded out the top 10.
Surfers Paradise rookie Brenton Grove was eleventh and fellow first-timer Jordan Love twelfth – the pair of GT3 Cup Challenge Australia graduates rebounding from contact with the wall earlier in the day on their respective street circuit debuts.
Grove’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge pole position came despite becoming the first driver at this year’s Gold Coast event to find the wall; bouncing the rear of his 911 GT3 Cup car off the tyre barriers on the exit of turn ten.
With his car quickly repaired, his closest rival for class honours tomorrow will be Dean Cook, who managed to edge Marc Cini out by 0.05s for second and third in class.
“It’s good to come here and put it on pole position, which gives you an advantage in race one. We have a staggered grid and it’s really hard to pass. Hopefully with a good start we can push on and claim a race one win,” said Grove.
Max Twigg – who rebounded from a crash in practice two – Sam Shahin and Graham Williams completed the Challenge class runners.
The first of three Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races will be held on Saturday. The 12-lap race will start at 10:45am local time and will be shown live on Fox Sports 506, and delayed on Channel 10 later in the day.
Sunday’s two races complete the weekend, including the 28-lap Endurance Cup race on Sunday morning.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion will be crowned shortly after the 1:45pm season finale’ on Sunday afternoon.
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday October 20, 2017
9:40am Practice 1 (30 minutes)
12:45pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
3:50pm Qualifying (minutes)
Saturday October 21, 2017
10:45am Race 1 (12 laps)
Sunday October 22, 2017
8:50am Race 2 (28 laps)
1:05pm Race 3 (12 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Ten
Race 1 – 12:40pm, Saturday October 21 (delayed)
Race 3 – 1:10pm, Sunday October 22 (delayed)
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Practice 2 – 12:45pm, Friday October 20
Qualifying – 3:50pm, Friday October 20
Race 1 – 10:45am, Saturday October 21
Race 2 – 8:50am, Sunday October 22
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 22
Results, Qualifying: Round 8, Gold Coast
1.#777 Andre Heimgartner (NZ) (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now – 1:12.5636*
2. #77 Nick McBride (VIC) (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 1:12.7584 (-0.1948)
3. #7 Jaxon Evans (QLD) (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 1:13.0374 (-0.4738)
4. #26 Michael Almond (SA) (Outright) Copyworld – 1:13.0694 (-0.5058)
5. #38 David Wall (NSW) (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 1:13.1008 (-0.5372)
6. #888 Alex Davison (QLD) (Outright) President Limo Australia – 1:13.2278 (-0.6642)
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (VIC) (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 1:13.4948 (-0.9312)
8. #5 Cameron McConville (VIC) (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 1:13.5036 (-0.9400)
9. #136 James Abela (NSW) (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:13.5379 (-0.9743)
10. #29 Garth Walden (NSW) (Outright) Platinum Nightclub – Broadbeach 1:13.8357 (-1.2721)
11. #23 Brenton Grove (VIC) (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:14.1535 (-1.5899)
12. #79 Jordan Love (WA) (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis – 1:14.3537 (-1.7901)
13. #4 Stephen Grove (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 1:14.5263 (-1.9627)
14. #33 Simon Ellingham (NZ) (Outright) Peak Marketing – 1:14.9825 (-2.4189)
15. #22 Dean Cook (VIC) Zonzo Racing – 1:15.6649 (-3.1013)
16. #9 Marc Cini (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 1:15.7159 (-3.1523)
17. #18 Max Twigg (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 1:15.7425 (-3.1789)
18. #13 Sam Shahin (SA) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 1:15.9400 (-3.3764)
19. #131 Graham Williams (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 1:18.7959 (-6.2323)
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News2018 Carrera Cup: Sold Out
Australia’s premier one-make sports car series, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, is sold out for the 2018 season.
All 24 brand new 911 GT3 Cup cars destined for the 2018 Porsche championship have been secured by future drivers and team owners.
Such was the demand for the new 357 kW (485 hp) race-bred 911, Porsche Cars Australia has made available an additional two 911 GT3 Cup cars previously set aside for the Porsche Sport Driving School to Carrera Cup, both of which have multiple competitors looking to secure them.
Importantly, the series has attracted an increased number of semi-professional drivers, with the 2018 field to feature a 50/50 split between Pro and Pro-Am racers.
“We’re thrilled to announce that we’re fully subscribed for the 2018 Carrera Cup season, especially as we have not yet completed the current Porsche racing season,” said Porsche Cars Australia Director of Marketing & Motorsport, Toni Andreevski.
“Porsche has built a strong foundation for Carrera Cup over the past few seasons and the forthcoming introduction of the new 911 GT3 Cup race car has been the catalyst for many customers to commit to the 2018 Carrera Cup season.
“Porsche prides itself on having one of the most professionally run motor racing series which competes at Australia’s best motor racing events – the likes of the Adelaide 500, Albert Park, Bathurst and Gold Coast. Add to this the new 911 GT3 Cup car, which has received fantastic reviews from Europe and the United States, and you have what is evidently a hugely enticing product in the motorsport landscape.
“We look forward to ultimately handing over the fleet of 911 GT3 Cup cars in January next year to our 2018 Carrera Cup customers and seeing them on the grid at the 2018 season opening event.”
The new 911 GT3 Cup cars are currently in the construction phase. The first 911 GT3 Cup car of the Australian allocation was built on October 09, with the final Australia bound 911 to be completed on October 25.
Those who have secured a new 911 GT3 Cup car will collect their new Carrera Cup race car at the series’ hand-over event, confirmed for Sydney Motorsport Park on January 24, 2018.
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NewsPorsche series readies for Surfers decider
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will go down to the wire this weekend, with three drivers set to battle for the title in a climactic final round showdown on the Gold Coast.
Leader David Wall enjoys a 62-point margin over nearest rival Andre Heimgartner, while Alex Davison sits a further 30 points back in third place.
The three – each representing a different team – all finished on the podium at Mount Panorama a week ago to help set up the Surfers showdown.
With 180 points up for grabs across the three races to be staged on the demanding street circuit, the championship remains wide open and well poised for what could be its most competitive showdown yet.
Wall, already a two-time Australian champion in GT racing, is yet to finish outside the top six in any race this season and believes he is ready for the fight.
“I’m feeling good and I think it’s a testament to everyone at Wall Racing that we’re in the hunt,” he said.
“I’m very chuffed to be there. Everyone has put in the hard yards since a strong showing at the end of last year and I’m proud of that and looking forward to getting stuck into it.
“We’ve put everything we can into making the car as good as possible and I’m ready personally, too.”
The Sydney-based driver said the competition in the championship this year was a highlight.
“There’s plenty of competition both with the guys I’m battling for the title, and outside of that as well,” he explained.
“Andre has lots of experience even though he’s a young guy and is obviously very good at what he does. I’ve also raced Alex for years and he is world renowned as a Porsche driver – and a driver in general.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Sitting second in the standings, Bathurst round winner Heimgartner led the championship after the opening round of the season in Adelaide earlier this year and says he is determined to return to the top step on another tough street circuit.
“After leading the championship early and now chasing David Wall, this title has been something I have been working towards all year long and with the final round hitting the track this weekend, I am going to be throwing everything I can at it,” said Heimgartner.
Sonic Motor Racing ace Heimgartner will again do double duty, racing in Carrera Cup and the Supercars Championship in the Gold Coast, but says after his strong Bathurst performance, doing ‘double duties’ will pose no problems.
“After the results at Bathurst, I am feeling confident of a strong result this weekend, but as we know, anything can happen on the streets of the Gold Coast!”
2004 Carrera Cup Australia champion Alex Davison has rebounded from a tough start to the year in the second half of his season, racing to the top three in 11 out of the last 12 races.
Davison remains the most successful driver currently in the Carrera Cup Australia field and will also be working hard to ensure he can clinch the inaugural Carrera Cup Australia Endurance Cup title while still competing for the overall crown.
The Gold Coast based driver leads Heimgartner and Wall in the enduro series, thanks to a win at Sandown and second at Bathurst last week.
Race two of the three-race program will be the longer race and will decide the Enduro Cup title, introduced for the first time this season.
This weekend will mark the final fling in Carrera Cup for the first-generation Type 991 911 GT3 Cup car, and the field has been bolstered to give the car a fitting farewell.
Following his successful Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut at Sandown, Brenton Grove returns to the Porsche Centre Melbourne car this weekend, while experienced Sydney driver Garth Walden will make his first Carrera Cup start of the season.
Stephen Grove sealed his second TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title win across the Bathurst weekend, however there remains plenty of interest in the class heading into the final round.
A non-finish in the Bathurst enduro sees Grove only fourth in the Challenge class Enduro Cup standings, led by McElrea Racing’s Tim Miles.
However, the Kiwi driver has been forced to miss the Surfers round due to business commitments overseas – throwing the title race wide open.
The most experienced driver in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia history, Marc Cini, sits second in the Enduro Cup standings with Graham Williams third and both could take the crown this weekend.
While Grove and Cini hold unassailable positions in first and second in the overall TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, third place could also be up for grabs given Miles’ absence.
Williams sits fourth – 85.5 points behind Miles, while Sam Shahin is a further 5.5 points back in fifth and both remain chances to grab third in the series standings.
Max Twigg and Sepang pole sitter Dean Cook both return to the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge this weekend, adding to the competitive grid.
The three Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races will form a key part of this weekend’s Vodafone Gold Coast 600 event, with practice and qualifying held Friday ahead of race one on Saturday.
Sunday will see the Enduro Cup race held in the morning and the final race of the 2017 season later that afternoon.
Qualifying and each race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 with selected sessions also shown on Network Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday October 20, 2017
9:40am Practice 1 (30 minutes)
12:45pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
3:50pm Qualifying (minutes)
Saturday October 21, 2017
10:45am Race 1 (12 laps)
Sunday October 22, 2017
8:50am Race 2 (28 laps)
1:05pm Race 3 (12 laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: Ten
To be confirmed
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Practice 2 – 12:45pm, Friday October 20
Qualifying – 3:50pm, Friday October 20
Race 1 – 10:45am, Saturday October 21
Race 2 – 8:50am, Sunday October 22
Race 3 – 1:05pm, Sunday October 22
Entry List: Round 8, Gold Coast
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia
#7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks
#8 Brenton Grove (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU
#18 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge)
#22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing
#26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld
#29 Garth Walden (Outright) Platinum Nightclub Broadbeach
#33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing
#38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
#77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts
#79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
#131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
#136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop/Strathbrook Industrial Services
#777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now
#888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia
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NewsPorsche champion and Top Gun instructor blitz Bathurst 1000
Porsche’s top racers and professional drivers were the standout performers in a treacherous and tricky 2017 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 yesterday.
2007 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) champion David Reynolds and leading Porsche Sport Driving School (PSDS) instructor Luke Youlden took a maiden Bathurst victory; fending off wet weather, driving carnage and an errant kangaroo on their way to an epic victory over seven hours in the making.
Former PSDS pilot and current Porsche Carrera Cup driving coach Warren Luff secured second spot on the Bathurst podium while 2005 PCCA Champion Fabian Coulthard completed the Porsche podium trifecta with third place.
In all, five former PCCA champions raced in the 2017 edition of Australia’s Great Race – Alex Davison (2004), Coulthard (2005), Reynolds (2007), Steven Richards (2014) and Matt Campbell (2016) who finished a strong fifth.
The 2017 – and sixth – Carrera Cup champion also featured in yesterday’s enduro and will be crowned in a fortnight at the 2017 PCCA season finale on the Gold Coast – looking highly likely to be either current PCCA series leader David Wall or Andre Heimgartner who were both prominent in the Supercar event finishing 13th and 9th respectively.
Further evaluation of yesterday’s Supercars grid revealed two current PSDS instructors in Dean Canto and Steve Owen as well as no less than a further six drivers who honed their racing skills in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – 2016 Bathurst 1000 winner Jonathon Webb, Nick Percat, James Moffat, Dean Fiore, David Russell and Karl Reindler.
In all, a staggering 17 former or current Porsche pilots started yesterday’s Supercars race.
“It’s not until you scan the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 entry list that you see so many of the top flight drivers have some degree of Porsche racing or professional Porsche driving experience,” says Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Troy Bundy.
“It’s rewarding when you see former young Carrera Cup champions like David Reynolds and Fabian Coulthard racing successfully at the absolute elite level of Australian motorsport while young guns like last year’s Carrera Cup champion Matt Campbell continue to impress behind the wheel of whatever race car comes their way.”
The eighth and final round of the 2017 PCCA will be held through the concrete lined streets on the picturesque Gold Coast from October 20-22.
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NewsVideo: Bathurst Round Wrap
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NewsHeimgartner and Miles claim Bathurst honours
Andre Heimgartner has dominated the final race of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s penultimate 2017 event at Mount Panorama to claim the round victory, while Tim Miles capped a successful Bathurst weekend with a TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge clean sweep.
After placing third and first in the opening two races, Heimgartner charged to the lead at the start of Sunday’s race three and quickly established a strong race lead. The New Zealander continued his record-setting pace to the chequered flag to ultimately claim a six-second victory over Alex Davison in second, meanwhile eclipsing Matt Campbell’s 2015 race lap record with a time of 2:07.1820 on the second-to-last lap.
“Getting the round win at Bathurst is always pretty good. The race start was good and I managed to get into the lead at the first corner and, from there, I just put my head down,” said Heimgartner.
“The car was amazing, it was straight the whole race and I didn’t have to push too hard and got the lap record as well. Overall, the weekend couldn’t have gone much better, apart from the first race. I’m now looking forward to the Bathurst 1000 later today.”
Davison placed second after passing series leader David Wall at The Chase mid-race, though race one winner Wall secured second place for the round, with Davison taking to the third step on the podium.
Nick McBride and Cam McConville placed fourth and fifth, respectively, finishing just behind the Davison/Wall battle, with race two action man Jaxon Evans charging from the rear of the grid to sixth by the chequered flag. Dan Gaunt finished seventh from James Abela, Dylan O’Keeffe, Jordan Love and Michael Almond in 11th.
Tim Miles was the class of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge in all three races, including Sunday’s final race of the weekend. Miles placed 12th outright and was the lead Challenge entry to the finish, completing his Bathurst clean sweep of race wins.
“I really have to thank the McElrea Racing guys as they’ve helped me drive the car cleanly and consistently, as well as giving me a great car. The other guys were taking care of themselves so I had to remain consistent to get it done. I’m over the moon,” said Miles.
Simon Ellingham placed 13th in the final race from Max Twigg, who’s second place in the Challenge class was the highlight in an otherwise horrid weekend. Sam Shahin was 15th outright and third in class for the race from Graham Williams in 16th.
For Williams, fourth in the Challenge class in the final race was enough to place the Carrera Cup rookie on the second step of the Challenge class podium, with Marc Cini, who was caught up in a turn one incident with Stephen Grove, finishing third in the Challenge class for the round.
Stephen Grove’s difficult weekend at Bathurst was bittersweet; the Melbourne based racer secured the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title with one round remaining. The title was the second for Grove after winning the Challenge crown in the 2014 season.
Meanwhile, Wall takes a 62 point lead into the final round of the season over Heimgartner, with Davison a further 30 points behind.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will head to the streets of Surfers Paradise for the final round of the season in two weeks time, which will also be the final round in which the first generation 991 series 911 GT3 Cup cars will be used in the one-make championship.
Results – Race 3
1. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now – 9 laps, 19:11.9017s
2. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 9 laps, 19:18.1857s
3. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 9 laps, 19:18.6158s
4. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 19:19.0193s
5. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 9 laps, 19:24.1605s
6. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 9 laps, 19:24.6731s
7. #8 Dan Gaunt (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 9 laps, 19:27.8904s
8. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 9 laps, 19:28.3679s
9. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 9 laps, 19:28.6881s
10. #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis – 9 laps, 19:39.6383s
11. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 9 laps, 19:54.9688s
12. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 9 laps, 19:58.3766s
13. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 9 laps, 19:58.8462s
14. #18 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 9 laps, 20:04.1982s
15. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 9 laps, 20:18.8615s
16. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 8 laps, 20:00.1553s
DNF #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
DNF #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
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NewsHeimgartner and Miles win race two thriller
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racers displayed some of the best racing of the season in the closing laps of race two at Bathurst, with Andre Heimgartner and Tim Miles prevailing in the nine-lap thriller.
Race one winner David Wall continued his strong form in the opening laps with Heimgartner, who started third on the grid, closely in tow.
Heimgartner then moved into the lead mid-race at The Chase, triggering an exciting battle for second while the New Zealander established a strong race lead.
Wall was left to defend second place from a charging Alex Davison, Jaxon Evans and Nick McBride. While Wall managed to retain second place by the finish, the battle for third on the final lap was the highlight of the race.
Following Evans’ spectacular opening lap pass on the outside of Davison at Griffins Bend, the New Zealander once again tried to make his way past the former champion on the final lap. Evans pulled up alongside Davison on Conrod Straight, two wheels on the grass, and passed Davison on the outside of the right-hand entry to The Chase.
Moments after the incredible manoeuvre, Evans ran wide at the final corner, as did McBride, handing Davison third position by the finish and, fourth and fifth, to Cam McConville and Jordan Love, who were closely trailing the entertaining battlepack.
McBride recovered to finish sixth, though Evans’ fate wasn’t so kind, the young gun failed to finish the race after getting caught in the final turn gravel trap.
The ever-consistent Heimgartner was thrilled to get his first win of the season since race three at the season opening Clipsal 500.
“I’m really happy with that result. It’s been a long time since our last race win at the start of the year. There’s a bit of relief; the move I did for the lead was one of those moments where I had to just go for it and it came off. I’m pretty happy,” said Heimgartner.
“Wall has been incredibly fast all weekend so it’s great to get one up on him and then to build a gap was pretty good. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race; hopefully I can win again.”
Dylan O’Keeffe placed seventh for the race from Dan Gaunt and ninth placed James Abela.
Tim Miles continued his impressive Bathurst form with back-to-back victories in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge. The Sydneysider maintained his class lead throughout the nine laps to beat his closest class rival, Marc Cini, by over two seconds at the finish.
Stephen Grove placed third in class and 12th outright from Simon Ellingham, Sam Shahin and Graham Williams.
Joining Evans on the DNF list was Michael Almond, who was caught up in contact leading into the opening corner, and Max Twigg, who failed to make the start of the race with drive shaft issues.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has just one race remaining for the penultimate event of the season, to be held on Sunday at 9:30am as the final on-track session before the Bathurst 1000 endurance race.
Race Schedule
Sunday October 08, 2017
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 3 – 9:35am, Sunday October 08
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 08
Results – Race 2
1. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 9 laps, 19:24.3020s
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 9 laps, 19:26.0522s
3. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 9 laps, 19:28.0543s
4. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 9 laps, 19:28.6840s
5. #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis – 9 laps, 19:29.3536s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 19:30.0660s
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 9 laps, 19:34.5539s
8. #8 Dan Gaunt (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 9 laps, 19:38.2384s
9. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 9 laps, 19:44.6000s
10. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 9 laps, 20:08.2839s
11. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps, 20:10.8147s
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 9 laps, 20:11.2810s
13. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 9 laps, 20:11.8374s
14. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 9 laps, 20:27.8288s
15. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 8 laps, 20:05.9813s
DNF #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 8 laps, 17:17.8373s
DNF #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld
DNF #18 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge)
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NewsWall and Miles top Bathurst endurance battle
David Wall remains the driver to beat in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s penultimate round at Mount Panorama, while Tim Miles capitalised on opening lap carnage to claim a convincing TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race win.
After securing the TAG Heuer Pole Position earlier on Friday, the series leader Wall established a strong race one lead, which was short-lived after the safety car was called to the circuit following an accident between Challenge class rivals Stephen Grove and Max Twigg at turn two.
Wall had an impressive restart, continuing at the front of the field until the chequered flag, though a charging Alex Davison and Andre Heimgartner placed pressure on the Sydneysider in the closing laps.
“My car was really good across the top and Alex’s was strong from Forrest’s Elbow to the start-finish line, so I had to maximise my pace across the top and do what I could do across the bottom. We were both pushing really had and I really enjoyed it; to come to Bathurst and have a win and a pole position is amazing,” said Wall.
“We were not happy with our results at Sandown so to come here and claim a pole position and a race win so far at Bathurst has been great.”
Davison secured second and maintained his position at the top of the Endurance Cup standings following his race three win at Sandown last month.
Heimgartner managed to hold off challenges from Jaxon Evans during that majority of the race before pulling away to catch the leading duo by the finish, ultimately finishing third.
Evans placed fourth from Nick McBride, Dylan O’Keeffe, Cam McConville, Michael Almond and Jordan Love in 10th, who dropped down the order after contact with James Abela in the closing laps. Dan Gaunt placed 11th from Abela, who was handed a 15-second penalty for the Love contact.
Miles crossed the chequered flag in 11th outright and was unchallenged in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge ranks, finishing nine seconds ahead of Marc Cini, who placed second in class. Simon Ellingham placed 14th outright from Graham Williams in 15th and third in the Challenge class.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with the class win. It was a quiet race for me but the car was brilliant. I had a really good car under me, though it would have been good to have someone to race against,” said Miles.
“Any day that you get to do 15 laps around here is a good day. Those guys who didn’t finish today will have better tyres for tomorrow but I’ll have the start position advantage so hopefully we’ll have a strong battle tomorrow.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points leader Grove and Twigg failed to finish the race with both cars sustaining substantial damage from the opening lap accident.
The second leg of the Endurance Cup was schedule to run for 16 laps, though the shortened 15 lap race, at 93km, still stands as the longest ever single-driver race in the series’ history.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will return on Saturday for the second race of the Mount Panorama round ahead of the final race of the weekend on Sunday, which is the last on-track session ahead of the famous 1000km Supercars Championship endurance race.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 07, 2017
4:30pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 08, 2017
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 07
Race 3 – 9:35am, Sunday October 08
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 07
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 08
Results – Race 1
1. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 15 laps, 40:43.8844s
2. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 15 laps, 40:45.0418s
3. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now – 15 laps, 40:45.3872s
4. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 15 laps, 40:48.0564s
5. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 15 laps, 40:48.5616s
6. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 15 laps, 40:53.1459s
7. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 15 laps, 40:54.2877s
8. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 15 laps, 40:54.6169s
9. #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis – 15 laps, 41:10.1273s
10. #8 Dan Gaunt (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 15 laps, 41:10.4057s
11. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 15 laps, 41:18.9184s
12. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 15 laps, 41:48.2635s
13. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 15 laps, 41:56.9039s
14. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 15 laps, 41:57.2929s
15. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 14 laps, 42:12.1580s
DNF #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
DNF #18 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge)
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NewsTAG Heuer Pole Position for Wall and Grove
David Wall and Stephen Grove have secured TAG Heuer Pole Position at Mount Panorama ahead of the round’s opening race.
The duo both posted their best time of the session on their final lap, as did nine other drivers, placing them in an ideal position entering the series’ longest ever scheduled single driver race, which will be held Friday afternoon.
Sandown round winner Nick McBride will start alongside the series leader in second, with Andre Heimgartner and Alex Davison to complete the second row of the grid.
The session was momentarily red flagged due to a spin at The Dipper by Sam Shahin.
Race Schedule
Friday October 06, 2017
2:05pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday October 07, 2017
4:30pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 08, 2017
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 06
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 07
Race 3 – 9:35am, Sunday October 08
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 06
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 07
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 08
Results – Qualifying
1. #38 David Wall (NSW) (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 2:07.4398*
2. #77 Nick McBride (VIC) (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 2:07.6564s (-0.2166)
3. #777 Andre Heimgartner (NZ) (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now – 2:07.8880s (-0.4482)
4. #888 Alex Davison (QLD) (Outright) President Limo Australia – 2:08.1600s (-0.7202)
5. #7 Jaxon Evans (QLD) (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 2:08.1636s (-0.7238)
6. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (VIC) (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 2:08.3707s (-0.9309)
7. #79 Jordan Love (WA) (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis – 2:08.4098s (-0.9700)
8. #5 Cameron McConville (VIC) (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 2:09.0537s (-1.6139)
9. #136 James Abela (NSW) (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 2:09.0781s (-1.6383)
10. #26 Michael Almond (SA) (Outright) Copyworld – 2:09.1533s (-1.7135)
11. #8 Dan Gaunt (NZ) (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 2:09.3912s (-1.9514)
12. #4 Stephen Grove (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 2:10.3739s (-2.9341)
13. #18 Max Twigg (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 2:11.9755s (-4.5357)
14. #70 Tim Miles (NSW) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 2:12.4449s (-5.0051)
15. #33 Simon Ellingham (NZ) (Outright) Peak Marketing – 2:13.3919s (-5.9521)
16. #9 Marc Cini (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 2:13.9606s (-6.5208)
17. #13 Sam Shahin (SA) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 2:14.4683s (-7.0285)
18. #131 Graham Williams (VIC) (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 2:26.4866s (-19.0468)
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NewsSeries leaders strong in Bathurst practice
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia series leader David Wall has set the early pace at Mount Panorama for the penultimate round of the 2017 season, while a ‘risky’ practice session launched Stephen Grove to the top of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge times.
Wall, who is racing in both Carrera Cup and the Supercars Championship at Bathurst, was four-tenths quicker than his nearest rival Andre Heimgartner in the 50-minute practice session, with Jaxon Evans posting the third fastest time on Thursday.
With no further practice sessions, Wall was content with his pace entering Friday morning’s qualifying session despite an early practice spin, which brought the only red flag to the session.
“The turn one spin was just a mistake and proved that we’re all pushing pretty hard. I’ve been pumping myself up all day to get back in the Porsche as I really enjoy it. We tuned the car during the session; I wasn’t really happy with it at the start of the session and, bit by bit, it came to us and I eventually got a clean lap to top the session. We’ll go to bed happy tonight,” said Wall.
Alex Davison was the fourth fastest from Thursday practice from Michael Almond, Cam McConville, Nick McBride, James Abela and returning racer Dan Gaunt in ninth. Young guns Jordan Love and Dylan O’Keeffe were 10th and 11th, respectively.
Grove was the clear pace-setter in the Challenge class. Having plenty of experience at the iconic New South Wales venue, Grove suggested he found the limit early and is expecting his rivals to do the same on Friday.
“The practice session was good but this is a tough track and you’ve just got to keep building. I wasn’t too quick at the start of the session but we just kept chipping away at it and finished pretty well,” said Grove, who leads the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings.
“The other Challenge drivers will be quick tomorrow; I think I just took a bit more risk. I know this track pretty well and there’s no question that I was on the limit in some parts. I just took a little more risk – calculated risk – but they’ll catch up, they always do.”
Max Twigg was the second quickest in class in his return to the series from Marc Cini, Tim Miles and Sam Shahin fifth for his first time driving the Bathurst circuit. Simon Ellingham was the next quickest from Graham Williams.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia returns to the circuit Friday morning at 10:00am for qualifying followed by the opening 16-lap race, which is set to be the longest single driver race in Carrera Cup Australia history, scheduled for 2:05pm.
Race Schedule
Friday October 06, 2017
10:00am Qualifying (30 minutes)
2:05pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday October 07, 2017
4:30pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 08, 2017
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 06
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 07
Race 3 – 9:35am, Sunday October 08
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Qualifying – 10:00am, Friday October 06
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 06
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 07
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 08
Results – Practice
1. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 2:09.0563*
2. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now – 2:09.4478s
3. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 2:09.5269s
4. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 2:09.8906s
5. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 2:10.3639s
6. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 2:10.4524s
7. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 2:10.5218s
8. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 2:10.5952s
9. #8 Dan Gaunt (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 2:10.8709s
10. #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis – 2:11.0963s
11. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 2:11.1544s
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 2:11.9252s
13. #18 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 2:13.5028s
14. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 2:14.6973s
15. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 2:14.8257s
16. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 2:15.1320s
17. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 2:17.4781s
18. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 2:31.8830s
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NewsXbox and Porsche get race-y for Forza Motorsport 7
This October, as race fans around Australia prepare to start their engines with the release of Forza Motorsport 7 on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, out today, Xbox and Porsche has set out to make motorsport more comfortable than ever before.
Designed to celebrate the launch of the most comprehensive automotive game ever made, the Xbox Onesie: Forza Motorsport 7 Performance Edition puts the player firmly in the driving seat with the most advanced automotive gamewear ever created; offering gamers unparalleled coziness and functionality as they hit the virtual track.
Inspired by Porsche-level performance, real race gear and the original Xbox Onesie, the limited-edition garment retains many fan-favourite features – including enlarged pockets for your controllers and smartphones, and personalised Gamertag embroidery – whilst adding a whole host of new and exciting upgrades, including:
– Fully breathable fabric that offers a stain proof gaming experience
– A tighter, tailored fit, providing race suit performance from the comfort of the couch
– Elasticated pockets, ensuring your devices stay secure – even when drifting
– Leather forearm grips to keep your arms on the road
– Enhanced backside padding, making even the longest stint a breeze
– Built-in detachable hydration pouch with easily accessible mouthpiece – giving gamers access to their favourite drinks whilst laying down their lap time
Built with gaming performance in mind, Xbox Australia worked with Porsche Cars Australia to ensure the Onesie captured the essence of local motorsport, enlisting the help of two Porsche race drivers to test and unveil the suits.
“Motorsport is a risky business with dangers at every turn, so keeping cool and remaining comfortable is crucial to success. With so many similarities to real race suits, the Performance Edition Onesie is the perfect pairing to the most realistic motorsport game ever created”, said Chelsea Angelo, Australian professional driver, who experienced the suit alongside Matt Campbell, Current Australian Carrera Cup champion and official Porsche junior driver in the European Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, at Sydney Motorsport Park this week.
With Forza Motorsport 7, everyone can experience the danger and beauty of competitive racing at their limit. Collect over 700 Forzavista cars, including the largest collection of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches available in any racing game. Master over 30 famous environments with dynamic conditions that change every time you race. In addition, Forza Motorsport 7 will feature more than 15 different “Voices of Motorsport,” including professional race car drivers, TV personalities and more.
Forza Motorsport 7 is available now at the Microsoft Store and all good retailers, including JB Hi Fi, EB Games and Harvey Norman. A limited number of Forza Motorsport 7 Performance Edition Xbox Onesies will be made available to local fans via the Xbox Australia Facebook page later this week.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the #XboxOnesies hashtag.
About Xbox
Xbox is Microsoft’s premier entertainment brand for the TV, phone, PC and tablet. In living rooms or on the go, Xbox is home to the best and broadest games, as well as one of the world’s largest libraries of movies, TV, music and sports. Your favourite games, TV and entertainment come to life in new ways through the power of Kinect, Xbox SmartGlass and Xbox Live, the world’s premier social entertainment network. More information about Xbox can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.
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NewsRacers set for record Bathurst challenge
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers will this weekend tackle Australia’s most challenging race circuit in Mount Panorama, where the 18-strong field, including two returning racers, will face the series’ most demanding endurance test to date.
With just two rounds remaining for the 2017 season, Carrera Cup will hold a 16-lap race on Friday afternoon as the second instalment of the three-race Endurance Cup. At 99.4km in length, Friday’s opening race is the longest scheduled single-driver race in Carrera Cup Australia history. The race eclipses the length of the 89.4km Gold Coast endurance race in 2004, which was won by current Endurance Cup points leader Alex Davison.
Two former front-runners will return to Carrera Cup for this weekend’s Bathurst round. Six-time Carrera Cup Australia race winner Dan Gaunt returns to the Porsche series in the #8 Porsche Centre Melbourne entry. Meanwhile, former triple TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Max Twigg makes a return to the series for the final two events of 2017.
Following his recent round victory at Sandown Raceway, Sonic Motor Racing driver Nick McBride hopes to continue his winning momentum into Bathurst, where he looks to break the recent four-year winning streak of McElrea Racing – Warren Luff (2013), Shae Davies (2014) and Matt Campbell (2015-2016) – at the regional New South Wales round.
“Bathurst is the ultimate driving challenge. It hasn’t traditionally been a strong track for me but I’m really looking forward to changing that for the coming round this weekend,” said McBride.
“Sandown was a great round for me and a change in form from earlier in the season. I’m hoping I can continue this at Bathurst for what is one of the best rounds of the year.”
Meanwhile, fresh from his second Porsche Carrera Cup Asia appearance of the season at Sepang International Circuit last weekend, Stephen Grove is hoping for a strong performance at his favourite Australian circuit.
“I love Bathurst. Outside of Spa-Francorchamps it’s my favourite track and I can’t wait to get up there for the next Carrera Cup round,” said Grove, who holds a convincing lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings.
“Bathurst is a track that really awards commitment so I just want to go there and give it my all and hopefully that results in a strong performance.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its sole practice session on Thursday, qualifying and the endurance-style race one on Friday, followed by a single sprint race on both Saturday and Sunday.
Race Schedule
Thursday October 05, 2017
3:55pm Practice 1 (50 minutes)
Friday October 06, 2017
10:00am Qualifying (30 minutes)
2:05pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday October 07, 2017
4:30pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 08, 2017
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Practice – 3:55pm, Thursday October 05
Qualifying – 10:00am, Friday October 06
Race 1 – 2:05pm, Friday October 06
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 07
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 08
Channel: TEN
To be confirmed.
Entry List: Round 7 – Mount Panorama, Bathurst
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia
#7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks
#8 Dan Gaunt (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU
#18 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge)
#26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld
#33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing
#38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
#70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners
#77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts
#79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing / Quintis
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
#131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
#136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
#777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now
#888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia
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NewsO’Keeffe completes Junior Programme Shootout
Australian young gun Dylan O’Keeffe has a nervous wait on his hands following his participation in the two-day Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout on September 25-26.
The 19-year-old Carrera Cup Australia driver was one of nine participants in the evaluation days at German race circuit, Lausitzring, with the winner of the Shootout to receives 225,000 Euro towards a season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. In addition to this funding, the successful candidate will receive support in areas of driver mentoring, fitness, psychological training and media relations as well as integration into public relations activities.
The new Porsche Junior will be announced in a few weeks after extensive evaluation of all data and factors from Lausitzring.
“It was an amazing experience and certainly unique compared to anything I’ve done in my motor racing career so far,” said O’Keeffe.
“I was among a great group of young race drivers and it was amazing to experience the professionalism of Porsche Motorsport and see how it runs such an event.
“I have to thank Porsche for sending me over and allowing me to be involved in such a programme. I had my sights on reaching the Shootout ever since I starting racing with Porsche, and having come through 944 Challenge, GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup, I’ve really enjoyed my time being part of its Motorsport Pyramid. Making the next step to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup would be a dream come true.
“It’s an amazing prize on offer so now we have to wait until the winner is announced in a few weeks. Fingers crossed.”
Jennifer Biela-Moll, head of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme, was thrilled with the level of talent on show by the nine nominees.
“Once again we have a very talented driver line-up this year. I’m impressed at how local markets are playing an active role in the one-make race series and are sending top-quality drivers from their national youth development programmes to take part in our junior shootout,” said Biela-Moll.
Joining O’Keeffe at the Shootout was the brother of factory Porsche driver Earl Bamber, New Zealander Will Bamber, who competes in Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, along with Julien Andlauer (Porsche Carrera Cup France), Rodrigo Baptista (Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Brasil), Charlie Eastwood (Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain), Jake Eidson (Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA), Philip Morin (Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia) and Riccardo Pera and Alessio Rovera (both Porsche Carrera Cup Italia).
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NewsO’Keeffe named 2017 Shootout nominee
Porsche young gun Dylan O’Keeffe will be Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s top gun candidate in the 2017 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout.
The 19-year-old Victorian will travel to Europe this weekend to compete in a two-day evaluation against the best up-and-coming talent from each international Porsche Carrera Cup series (Asia, Australia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and Scandinavia).
Nominees are assessed on multiple criteria in addition to their ability behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, including engineering and communications skills. Taking it all in his stride, O’Keeffe is confident he can continue Australia’s presence as a country to watch in the prestigious test.
“This is without a doubt the biggest opportunity of my motor racing career to date. I am really looking forward to going to Europe and giving it my best shot,” said O’Keeffe.
“Having raced Porsches throughout my career has worked out really well – from the 944 Challenge through to GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup. The obvious next step is the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, and my dream has always been to one day race in that series.
“Matt Campbell racing in Porsche Supercup this season has certainly made more people take notice of that series and has shown how extremely competitive it is. It would be a dream to follow in Matt’s footsteps and become a Porsche Junior next season so I’m excited to head over there, do what I would usually do at the race track and see where I end up at the end of it.”
The 2017 representative has big shoes to fill with Campbell quickly becoming a standout in the Porsche Supercup series. Following a similar development pathway to that of his predecessor, O’Keeffe says the chance to be named a Porsche Junior has been a motivating factor from the early stages of his Porsche career.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Troy Bundy says he is proud to announce O’Keeffe as the Australian nominee after seeing the progress he has made in all facets of his motorsport career.
“Like Matt Campbell, Dylan is a perfect example of how Australia’s Porsche Motorsport Pyramid can benefit young drivers looking to make a name for themselves on the international stage,” he said.
“Dylan has made progress in leaps and bounds since making his debut in the Porsche 944 series and we can see that he will only continue to evolve as a driver. He is one of Australia’s leading young drivers and we are confident he can continue where Matt left off and put his best foot forward in year’s shootout.”
O’Keeffe will be the fifth Carrera Cup Australia representative to compete in the prestigious Porsche event, following Matt Campbell (2016), Nick Foster (2015), Sam Power (2014) and Andre Heimgartner (2012).
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NewsMcBride and Grove win round, Davison dominates enduro opener
Alex Davison has dominated the opening Endurance Cup race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season to conclude the Sandown Raceway event, as Nick McBride and Stephen Grove were the ultimate round victors.
Placing third and second in Saturday’s two races, Davison moved into the lead early in the 24-lap endurance race and pulled away to ultimately claim a five-second victory from teammates Andre Heimgartner and McBride, who held Jaxon Evans at bay after a challenge for position in the final laps.
McBride’s third place secured him his second round victory in what was his 30th Carrera Cup round start, with the Melbourne based racer thrilled to star at his home event.
“It’s been a long time since my last round win. I was disappointed at the Grand Prix where I was equal on points but was relegated to second, so this feels pretty special,” said McBride.
“The car has been really strong from practice one this weekend. Overall it’s been a really positive weekend and a big thanks to the team who has helped turn around what has been a bit of a form slump over the previous two rounds.”
Davison’s race three victory placed him second for the round ahead of Heimgartner, who stood on the final step of the outright round podium.
Grove, meanwhile, jumped to the lead of the Endurance Cup standing in TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge with class victory in race three.
Grove was third in class for Saturday’s race one and inherited the class win in race two after Tim Miles, along with 10 other drivers, received a five-second time penalty for weaving once the race two safety car had turned off its lights ahead of the restart.
Thereafter Grove was the Challenge pacesetter in the final race to finish on equal round points with Miles by the end of the weekend, though Grove’s race three victory handed him the round win.
“This is normally a good track for me, but I struggled in practice and had a poor qualifying session so to work my way back to win race three is really good,” said Grove. “I’ve just got to continue accruing points and trying to make sure I’m finishing every race for the remainder of the season.”
Miles placed second in class for the weekend from third placed Dean Cook.
Series leader David Wall had a quiet Sandown round, finishing fourth, sixth and sixth in the three races, from Davison, Heimgartner and McBride.
Grove retains his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge stronghold with two rounds remaining from Marc Cini and Miles.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia returns for the penultimate round of the 2017 season on the first weekend of October at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, to continue its Endurance Cup.
Race 3 Results
1. 888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 24 laps, 28:36.9556s
2. 777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 24 laps, 28:42.1860s
3. 77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 24 laps, 28:42.8423s
4. 7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 24 laps, 28:43.1711s
5. 88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 24 laps, 28:44.9421s
6. 38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 24 laps, 28:45.3272s
7. 5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 24 laps, 28:49.1975s
8. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 24 laps, 29:05.6673s
9. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 24 laps, 29:29.8490s
10. #23 Brenton Grove (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 24 laps, 29:30.6534s
11. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 24 laps, 29:33.9335s
12. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 24 laps, 29:41.0714s
13. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 24 laps, 29:42.2631s
14. #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing/Quintis – 24 laps, 29:44.1878s
15. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 23 laps, 28:51.9822s
16. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing – 23 laps, 29:00.2560s
17. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 23 laps, 29:19.4095s
DNF #34 John Morriss (Guest) Motorsport Leasing/Race Ramps – 6 laps, 7:31.8805s
DNF #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld
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NewsMcBride, Miles sweep Sandown Saturday
Melbourne racer Nick McBride claimed stunning back-to-back Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race victories at his home Sandown Raceway event on Saturday, while Tim Miles swept the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
McBride started Saturday by claiming the TAG Heuer Pole Position in qualifying before leading home a Sonic Motor Racing one-two to the chequered flag in race one, with teammate Andre Heimgartner placing second from Alex Davison in third, who caught the leading duo in the final laps after passing young debutant Jordan Love for third position.
David Wall and Cam McConville also muscled their way past Love before the finish, placing fourth and fifth, respectively, while Love placed sixth, one position ahead of fellow GT3 Cup Challenge graduate, Brenton Grove.
McBride was equally as impressive in race two, which was shortened to nine laps following the lengthy delay to fix the turn six tyre barrier after a crash in the Supercars Championship race. Heimgartner challenged McBride at the start however the race one winner took command of the lead until a mid-race safety car intervention caused by Love spinning into the turn nine gravel trap. McBride continued at the front after the restart to claim his fifth race win of the season and sixth career race win in the Porsche series.
“It’s been a perfect Saturday with the two race wins. I can’t thank this team enough for preparing the car to an awesome standard,” said McBride.
“We had to stay focussed today, especially in the second race, which was always going to be time certain. We’ll now look to Sunday and the start of the Endurance Cup, which I’m really looking forward to.”
Davison placed second at the finish of race two from Heimgartner, Wall, McConville and young guns Dylan O’Keeffe and Grove in sixth and seventh.
While McBride was dominant at the front of the field, Tim Miles was the driver to beat in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
Sam Shahin was the class pole-sitter, though Miles gained the upper hand in the opening race, ultimately claiming the Challenge class win from Dean Cook, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, Shahin and Graham Williams. Miles returned with another impressive class win in race two – and ultimately finished 10th outright – from fellow class runners Grove, Shahin, Cook, Cini and Williams.
“I was really happy with both races today. My car was a bit unstable after the first race and the McElrea Racing guys produced a much better car for the second race. Both races were great and we had a lot of fun,” said Miles.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia returns on Sunday for the final 25-lap race of the weekend, which will feature as the opening race of the inaugural Endurance Cup.
Race Schedule
Sunday September 17, 2017
11:55am Race 3 (25 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 3 – 11:55am, Sunday Sept 17
Race 1 Results
1. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 12 laps, 14:13.8971s
2. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 12 laps, 14:14.4595s
3. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 12 laps, 14:14.8802s
4. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 12 laps, 14:18.1297s
5. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 12 laps, 14:22.4707s
6. #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing/Quintis – 12 laps, 14:23.4725s
7. #23 Brenton Grove (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 12 laps, 14:25.2331s
8. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 12 laps, 14:26.2543s
9. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 12 laps, 14:27.2929s
10. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 12 laps, 14:30.0811s
11. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 12 laps, 14:41.6936s
12. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 12 laps, 14:45.0889s
13. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing – 12 laps, 14:49.5028s
14. #34 John Morriss (Guest) Motorsport Leasing/Race Ramps – 12 laps, 14:50.1050s
15. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 12 laps, 14:50.4050s
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 12 laps, 14:51.7195s
17. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 12 laps, 14:59.6779s
18. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 12 laps, 15:12.8199s
DNF #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks
Race 2 Results
1. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 12:09.1614s
2. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 9 laps, 12:09.8071s
3. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 9 laps, 12:10.6218s
4. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 9 laps, 12:11.0549s
5. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 9 laps, 12:11.3616s
6. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 9 laps, 12:12.7485s
7. #23 Brenton Grove (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 9 laps, 12:14.1815s
8. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 9 laps, 12:14.3347s
9. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 9 laps, 12:14.5751s
10. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 9 laps, 12:17.4050s
11. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 9 laps, 12:18.9582s
12. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 9 laps, 12:18.9635s
13. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 9 laps, 12:22.2828s
14. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 9 laps, 12:22.8890s
15. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing – 9 laps, 12:23.3806s
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps, 12:25.6495s
17. #34 John Morriss (Guest) Motorsport Leasing/Race Ramps – 9 laps, 12:26.2959s
18. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 9 laps, 12:31.6814s
DNF #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing/Quintis – 3 laps, 5:55.1970s
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NewsMcBride, Miles top Sandown practice
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia was met with variable weather conditions as the series kicked off its sixth round at Sandown Raceway, with Nick McBride and Tim Miles the best performers in the early dry conditions.
Friday practice marked the series’ return to home soil following its maiden international round at July’s Sepang event; conditions at the hot and humid Malaysian visit were vastly different to that experienced at the Melbourne venue for practice.
McBride was the pacesetter in the opening session, making the most of the dry conditions to post a time a mere 0.0475secs ahead of his teammate Andre Heimgartner. In his 50th Carrera Cup Australia round, Alex Davison was the third quickest on Friday with Dylan O’Keeffe, following his impressive second outright in Sepang, the fourth fastest driver in Sandown practice.
“It was a really good day as we got to experience both wet and dry conditions and the forecast for this weekend is pretty similar,” said McBride. “It was the first time I’ve ran the new Michelin wet tyre, which performed really well in those conditions. I’m really looking forward to qualifying, whether it be a wet or dry session.”
Debutant Jordan Love had a strong first showing in the Porsche championship. The 18-year-old last weekend won the second-tier Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge title and had an impressive transition to Carrera Cup, claiming the fifth best time in the dry opening session before posting the second best time in the wet second session, which was topped by Jaxon Evans.
Tim Miles was the standout TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver of the day. The Sydneysider was the eighth fastest driver of the 19-strong field in opening practice, placing him atop of the class practice result following the slower second session in which Sam Shahin was the fastest Challenge ranked driver.
“I’m really happy with my pace today. I haven’t been here since GT3 Cup Challenge in April last year so I was really looking forward to this round. The car felt great and the pace was excellent.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying session Saturday morning followed by two sprint races ahead of the series’ first Endurance Cup race of the season on Sunday.
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Ten
Race 1 – 2:50pm, Saturday Sept 16
Race 2 – 3:40pm, Saturday Sept 16
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Qualifying – 9:45am, Saturday Sept 16
Race 1 – 12:55pm, Saturday Sept 16
Race 2 – 2:45pm, Saturday Sept 16
Race 3 – 11:55am, Sunday Sept 17
Race Schedule
Saturday September 16, 2017
9:45am Qualifying (25 minutes)
12:55pm Race 1 (14 laps)
2:45pm Race 2 (14 laps)
Sunday September 17, 2017
11:55am Race 3 (25 laps)
Practice times – Combined Practice 1 & 2
- #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 1:11.4541*
- #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 1:11.5016s
- #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 1:11.5945s
- #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 1:11.6637s
- #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing/Quintis – 1:11.6793s
- #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 1:11.7543s
- #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 1:11.8658s
- #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 1:11.9227s
- #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:11.9548s
- #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 1:11.9665s
- #23 Brenton Grove (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:12.0551s
- #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 1:12.5474s
- #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 1:12.6871s
- #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 1:12.7553s
- #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing – 1:13.5735s
- #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 1:14.0115s
- #34 John Morriss (Guest) Motorsport Leasing/Race Ramps – 1:14.0431s
- #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 1:14.1599s
- #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA – 1:15.5633s
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NewsCarrera Cup Fast Facts: Round 6, Sandown
Sandown will host the 306th, 307th and 308th race in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia history and the 104th round in series history.
This is the 10th time Sandown has hosted a round of PCCA. It was part of the calendar for the first six years of the category’s history in this country (2003-2008) before a gap of six years until the next visit in 2014. The category has been competing there ever since.
The round will also feature the first of three Endurance Cup races for the PCCA with a longer Race 3 on Sunday at Sandown over 25 laps. It will be the longest PCCA race held at Sandown and the second longest single driver race in PCCA history (77.5-kilometres). The longest was 89.4-kilometres held on the Gold Coast in 2004 won by Alex Davison.
The Endurance Cup will be determined by the points scored in the longer, endurance race at each of the next three rounds at Sandown, Bathurst and the Gold Coast. The points from these three races will be tallied up to determine a Professional Endurance Cup champion and a TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Endurance Cup champion.
Alex Davison will make his 50th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round start at Sandown, becoming just the fourth driver after Marc Cini, Craig Baird and Rodney Jane to reach this milestone. He’s won 16 of his 49 rounds (32.7%), had pole for 15 of them (30.6%), finished on the podium in 35 of them (71.4%) and won 45 of his 141 races (31.9%).
Stephen and Brenton Grove will create PCCA history at Sandown, becoming the first father and son to race against one another in the all-Porsche series. Father and son Indiran and Duvashen Padayachee shared a car together in the Pro-Am round at Phillip Island in 2015 but this is the first time in PCCA history a father and son combination will compete against one another in a round.
Brenton Grove, John Morriss and Jordan Love all make their PCCA debuts at Sandown. They become the 195th, 196th and 197th drivers to compete in the series since it kicked off back in 2003.
Only one driver – Nick Foster – has managed to clean sweep all three races in a PCCA round at Sandown. Jim Richards (2003) and Michael Patrizi (2014) each won two races in a round with no third race officially declared given one race on each of those weekends was declared a ‘no race’.
Four different drivers – Andre Heimgartner, Cameron McConville, David Wall (co-driven by Shane Smollen at Phillip Island) and Jaxon Evans – have won the first five rounds of the 2017 championship.
Wall is the only repeat winner so far this season. Four different drivers – Heimgartner, Nick McBride, Stephen Grove and Wall – have taken the first five pole positions of the 2017 championship. Wall is the only multiple Professional Class pole winner so far this year.
The closest PCCA race winning margin at Sandown is 0.1694s – Nick Foster beat home Matt Campbell by this slender margin in Race 3 in 2015. The biggest winning margin is 4.9185s set in Race 2 in 2003 when Jim Richards led home Kevin Bell.
The closest PCCA pole-winning margin at Sandown is 0.0207s – David Reynolds beat Alex Davison to pole in 2006 by this margin. The biggest PCCA pole-winning margin at Sandown is 0.6468s Matt Campbell over Nick McBride last year.
SANDOWN LAP RECORDS
Race Lap Record: Michael Patrizi, 1m10.5295s, 2014
Qual Lap Record: Matt Campbell, 1m09.6782s, 2016
SANDOWN ROUND WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards
2004 Jim Richards
2005 Jim Richards
2006 David Reynolds
2007 Alex Davison
2008 Craig Baird
2014 Michael Patrizi
2015 Nick Foster
2016 Alex Davison
3 – Jim Richards
2 – Alex Davison
1 – David Reynolds, Craig Baird, Michael Patrizi, Nick Foster
SANDOWN RACE WINS
2003 Peter Fitzgerald, Jim Richards, Jim Richards
2004 Jim Richards, No Race, Jim Richards
2005 Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, Jim Richards
2006 Alex Davison, Craig Baird, David Reynolds
2007 Alex Davison, Alex Davison, Craig Baird
2008 Craig Baird, Craig Baird, David Wall
2014 Michael Patrizi, No Race, Michael Patrizi
2015 Nick Foster, Nick Foster, Nick Foster
2016 Matt Campbell, Matt Campbell, Alex Davison
6 – Jim Richards
4 – Craig Baird, Alex Davison
3 – Nick Foster
2 – Michael Patrizi, Matt Campbell
1 – Peter Fitzgerald, Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, David Wall
Note: Race 2 in 2004 was red-flagged before enough distance was covered for points to be awarded.
Therefore it has been declared a ‘no race’ in PCCA record books. Race 2 in 2014 was red-flagged after a Safety Car period due to a multi-car accident. The race was not restarted and therefore was also declared a ‘no race’.
SANDOWN POLE POSITIONS
2003 Jim Richards 1m14.2031s
2004 Fabian Coulthard 1m13.0387s
2005 Jim Richards 1m13.3503s
2006 David Reynolds 1m12.1631s
2007 David Reynolds 1m11.8984s
2008 Craig Baird 1m11.9524s
2014 Warren Luff 1m09.9816s
2015 Matt Campbell 1m09.6854s
2016 Matt Campbell 1m09.6782s
2 – Jim Richards, David Reynolds, Matt Campbell
1 – Fabian Coulthard, Craig Baird, Warren Luff
SANDOWN PODIUMS
2003 Jim Richards, Jonathon Webb, Peter Fitzgerald
2004 Jim Richards, Alex Davison, Jonathon Webb
2005 Jim Richards, Cameron McLean, Fabian Coulthard
2006 David Reynolds, Craig Baird, Alex Davison
2007 Alex Davison, David Reynolds, Craig Baird
2008 Craig Baird, David Wall, Bryce Washington
2014 Michael Patrizi, Shae Davies, Craig Baird
2015 Nick Foster, Matt Campbell, Richard Muscat
2016 Alex Davison, Nick McBride, Steve Richards
4 – Craig Baird, Alex Davison
3 – Jim Richards
2 – Jonathon Webb, David Reynolds
1 – Peter Fitzgerald, Cameron McLean, Fabian Coulthard, David Wall, Bryce Washington, Michael Patrizi, Shae Davies, Nick Foster, Matt Campbell, Richard Muscat, Nick McBride, Steve Richards
SANDOWN TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE ROUND WINNERS
2004 David Thexton
2005 Dean Grant
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 James Koundouris
2008 James Koundouris
2014 Stephen Grove
2015 Tony Bates
2016 James Bergmuller
2 – James Koundouris
1 – David Thexton, Dean Grant, Rodney Jane, Stephen Grove, Tony Bates, James Bergmuller
SANDOWN TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE POLE POSITIONS
2004 Peter Hill
2005 Dean Grant
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris
2014 Tony Bates
2015 Tony Bates
2016 Tony Bates
3 – Tony Bates
2 – Rodney Jane
1 – Peter Hill, Dean Grant, James Koundouris
SANDOWN TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE RACE WINS
2004 Peter Hill, No Race, David Thexton
2005 Tony Quinn, Dean Grant, Dean Grant
2006 Rodney Jane, Rodney Jane, Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Forbes, Rodney Forbes, James Koundouris
2008 James Koundouris, Peter Hill, James Koundouris
2014 Tony Bates, No Race, Stephen Grove
2015 Tony Bates, Tony Bates, Tony Bates
2016 Tony Bates, Tony Bates, James Bergmuller
6 – Tony Bates
3 – Rodney Jane, James Koundouris
2 – Dean Grant, Rodney Forbes, Peter Hill
1 – David Thexton, Tony Quinn, Stephen Grove, James Bergmuller
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NewsSeason-high field to open Endurance Cup
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will take its biggest field of the season into this weekend’s Sandown Raceway round as the series prepares to launch its 2017 Endurance Cup.
The one-make series will feature 19 cars on track at its 10th visit to Sandown, boosted by the addition of three debutants – young guns Jordan Love and Brenton Grove and experienced Porsche racer John Morriss. Love, Grove and Morriss – who will become the 195th, 196th and 197th drivers to race in Carrera Cup – all raced at last weekend’s GT3 Cup Challenge series finale at Phillip Island, where the trio finished the season first, second and third respectively in the outright standings.
Grove’s transition from GT3 Cup Challenge to Carrera Cup will make this weekend the first time he and his father, Stephen, will compete against one another on track. Having competed in the same entry across several racing events, the duo will become the first father-son combination to compete in the same Carrera Cup race in separate entries.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge will also feature a season-high six entries at Sandown, with Sepang entrants Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, Dean Cook, Tim Miles and Graham Williams joined by returning driver Sam Shahin, while Challenge ranked Morriss will debut in the series in a one-off Guest entry.
While David Wall and Andre Heimgartner sit first and second in the outright standings, third-placed Alex Davison will have cause for celebration at Sandown. The 2004 Carrera Cup champion will make his 50th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round start, becoming just the fourth driver after Marc Cini, Craig Baird and Rodney Jane to reach the milestone. During his impressive time in the series, Davison has won 16 of his 49 rounds (32.7%), had pole for 15 of them (30.6%), finished on the podium in 35 of them (71.4%) and won 45 of his 141 races (31.9%).
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will kick off its sixth round of the season with two Friday practice sessions, followed by a busy Saturday schedule, which features qualifying and two 14-lap sprint races. The series will then hold its first of three Endurance Cup races of the season with a 25-lap race on Sunday morning before Supercars’ own 500km endurance event.
Race Schedule
Friday September 15, 2017
9:00am Practice 1 (25 minutes)
12:25pm Practice 2 (25 minutes)
Saturday September 16, 2017
9:45am Qualifying (25 minutes)
12:55pm Race 1 (14 laps)
2:45pm Race 2 (14 laps)
Sunday September 17, 2017
11:55am Race 3 (25 laps)
Entry List: Round 6, Sandown Raceway
1. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
2. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia
3. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks
4. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
5. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU
6. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing
7. #23 Brenton Grove (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne
8. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld
9. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing
10. #34 John Morriss (Guest) Motorsport Leasing/Race Ramps
11. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
12. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners
13. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
14. #79 Jordan Love (Outright) Sonic Motor Racing/Quintis
15. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
16. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
17. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop/Strathbrook Industrial Services
18. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now
19. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia
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NewsVIDEO: Carrera Cup set for 10th Sandown visit
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NewsNew Porsche champion to debut at Sandown
Newly crowned Porsche champion Jordan Love will conclude his record-setting 2017 season with a three-round initiation into the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship, starting this weekend at Sandown Raceway.
The 18-year-old last weekend secured the 2017 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia title in an impressive season, where he equalled the record for consecutive round wins (4) and eclipsed the previous benchmark for consecutive race wins (12).
Love now prepares to step into the ultra-competitive Carrera Cup championship for the Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast events while remaining with his championship winning team, Sonic Motor Racing Services.
“Making the move from GT3 Cup Challenge to Carrera Cup is hugely exciting and probably the biggest challenge of my motor racing career so far,” said Love.
“It has been a great season for me and to race as the second-ever Australian Porsche Junior has been an honour. The pathway that Porsche provides has been amazing for young drivers like me, especially for this coming weekend where I step into Carrera Cup having spent a season in a very similar 911 GT3 Cup race car.
“I tested at Sandown last week, which was my first time in the current Carrera Cup car. There were several things to get used to, including the paddle shift and brakes, but my 2011-spec GT3 Cup Challenge car and the 2014-spec Carrera Cup car share many of the same characteristics, which makes the transition a lot easier.
“While not yet confirmed, I’m hopeful to race in Carrera Cup next season. Should that happen then I’ll be better prepared having raced at the tail-end of the 2017 season.”
The Sandown round also marks the start of Carrera Cup’s Endurance Cup, which will see the championship hold one longer-distance race at each of the three final rounds at Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast. Love is no stranger to long distance Porsche races having won the 2017 Jim Richards Endurance Trophy – the long distance mini-series within GT3 Cup Challenge.
Love’s announcement follows the confirmation of GT3 Cup Challenge runner-up Brenton Grove into Carrera Cup for the Sandown and Gold Coast rounds.
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NewsCarrera Cup launches Endurance Cup at Sandown
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia prepares for one of the longest single driver races in the series’ history at Sandown Raceway next weekend with the launch of the inaugural Endurance Cup.
As the Supercars Championship kick starts its season of endurance, the Porsche series begins the 2017 Endurance Cup, which will see one long-distance race held at each at its Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds.
Following two 14-lap sprint races on Saturday at Sandown, Carrera Cup will embark on a longer 25-lap, 77.5km endurance style third race on Sunday which, should it last the distance, will become the second longest race in the series’ history.
Only one Carrera Cup Australia race has ever surpassed the scheduled 77.5km Endurance Cup opener in length: In 2004, Carrera Cup held a Friday night 20-lapper on the 4.47km Gold Coast ‘Indy’ circuit, with eventual champion Alex Davison claiming victory under lights in the 89.4km race.
The new title will see the highest point scorer from the three Endurance Cup races in both Outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge classifications being awarded the Endurance Cup at season’s end.
Carrera Cup races are traditionally 25-30 minutes in length, while the Endurance Cup race at each of the final three events will be 40-45 minutes in length, providing those within the championship additional race time across three of the most popular motor racing events in the country.
As the series prepares to launch the Endurance Cup, Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Troy Bundy believes introducing the new endurance format will not only provide more race time, but also create new challenges for those on track.
“The start of the Endurance Cup has been greatly anticipated since its announcement before the start of the season. It’s tremendous to be able to extend our overall race time at some of the most popular events on the racing calendar at three remarkably different race circuits,” said Bundy.
“We hold a similar mini-series, the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy, in our GT3 Cup Challenge series, which has proven extremely popular since its 2011 introduction, so replicating this format for Carrera Cup was an easy decision.
“The longer Endurance Cup races are a true test of fitness for our drivers, especially at a circuit like Surfers Paradise, but also adds the challenge of tyre management. We are always looking for new ways to improve our product and I believe this is a great addition to the series entering the final stages of the season.”
The points structure for the Endurance Cup will follow that of the regular three-race rounds, with the highest point scoring Outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge ranked drivers from the three long distance races to be awarded the two Endurance Cup titles at the end-of-season Awards Night.
The first of three Endurance Cup races will take place at the forthcoming Sandown round, to be held on September 15-17, 2017.
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NewsCampbell scores second Supercup race victory
Porsche Junior Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech) scored his second victory of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season on Sunday at Monza, Italy, and in doing so moved into third in the series standings with two races remaining. Zaid Ashkanani (KUW/MRS GT Racing) and Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport) finished on positions two and three respectively after an eventful ninth championship round. In the overall classification heading into the double-header grand finale in Mexico with the 485 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the situation looks extremely close: Only three points separate championship leader Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team) and Porsche Junior Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team), after Olsen achieved fifth place today, with Ammermüller on tenth. At Monza, Olsen has clinched an early victory in the rookie classification.
The weekend at the racetrack on the outskirts of Milan held several surprises for the 31-strong field of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. After the free practice on Friday in bright sunshine, Saturday brought heavy rain. With water flooding the track surface, the qualifying session scheduled at midday Saturday had to be cancelled for safety reasons. Accordingly, the free practice result determined the grid positions. Campbell was thrilled with his pole position, which he turned into a lights-to-flag victory: “I’m really pleased to have won this race. After the first lap there was a brief safety car phase because a car went into the gravel. My restart went really well and that was the key to success. I managed to build on my lead and bring my win safely home,” said the 22-year-old Australian.
Behind Campbell, Ashkanani achieved his best Supercup result so far with position two: “It was my goal of the season to finally finish on the podium. At times we had a little bad luck, but the team never stopped believing in me. Now I can give something back.” Drudi made the most of his home advantage. The 19-year-old started from position six and finished on third. “That was a wild rollercoaster. At one point I was running in seventh place but I always managed to make up ground. When I looked at the packed grandstands during the cool-down lap on my way to the podium I got goosebumps,” said Drudi.
The reserve drive Jaap van Lagen (NL/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax) crossed the finish line after 14 laps on fourth, with Porsche Junior Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team) claiming fifth: “What a race! First of all, I’m thrilled to have already won the rookie championship title. However, several unexpected things happened out on the track. I had a problem with braking and it cost me a podium spot, which I was on track for at times. Things are really tight in the championship and, of course, I’d like to ultimate take home the title.”
Sixth place went to Ryan Cullen (GB/Walter Lechner Racing Team) followed by Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing). Porsche Junior Thomas Preining (A/Walter Lechner Racing Team), who contested the Monza round as a guest driver and who is a regular driver in the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland this season, saw the flag in eighth. “The start was crazy but I managed to make up positions from tenth on the grid. However I was hit as I was exiting the first corner and suddenly found myself in 16th. From there I worked my way back up the field.” Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team) came ninth.
For the championship leader, Ammermüller, the race turned into a nightmare. The 31-year-old had taken up the race from third on the grid and overtook Olsen in the sprint to the first corner. In lap seven, Ammermüller and another competitor swapped paint, which saw the seasoned Porsche specialist fall back from fourth to eleventh. In the action-packed midfield, there was another minor collision in lap ten and Ammermüller settled into 13th place. He finally reached the flag in tenth position after 80.793 kilometres. The German now heads to the season finale of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup held for the first time in Mexico as the series leader just three points ahead of Olsen. Rounds ten and eleven will be contested on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack, where the championship will be decided.
Monza, result round 9 of 11*
1. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
2. Zaid Ashkanani (KUW/MRS GT Racing)
3. Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
4. Jaap van Lagen (NL/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax)
5. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
6. Ryan Cullen (GB/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
7. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing)
8. Thomas Preining (A/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
9. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
10. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
*Preliminary result
Championship standings – after 9 of 11 races
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 157 points
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team), 154 points
3. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech), 111 points
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NewsGrove Jr joins Carrera Cup at Sandown, Gold Coast
Expect to see two Groves on the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia grid later this season: Son-of-a-gun Brenton Grove is joining the championship at Sandown and Gold Coast.
The 20-year-old has joined Melbourne based team Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport to drive the 911 GT3 Cup car raced earlier in the season by German racer Lars Kern.
Grove, the son of TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points leader Stephen Grove, currently races in the second-tier Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series, where he sits second in the outright standings ahead of the GT3 Cup Challenge season finale at Phillip Island next weekend.
The young racer will then join the Carrera Cup championship the following weekend at Sandown Raceway, where he raced both last year in the Australian Formula 4 Championship and in April this year, where he claimed victory in the opening race of the 2017 GT3 Cup Challenge season.
“I look forward to my Carrera Cup debut at Sandown. I feel like this has been a long time coming as I’ve attended Carrera Cup events since Dad started racing in the series,” said Grove, who has been Grove Racing Team Manager since 2012.
“The opportunity to race with Porsche Centre Melbourne became available recently and I jumped at the chance. Porsche Centre Melbourne has won more Carrera Cup titles than any other team and, having been around the Carrera Cup traps for a few seasons, I know how well the Porsche Centre Melbourne team operates so it’s a privilege to now become part of it.
“I haven’t actually raced against Dad before, which will make the Sandown event fairly interesting. We have competed together in the same car on a few occasions, including at the Bathurst Motor Festival and Island Magic events, so I think we’re both looking forward to the chance of being on the track at the same time. Though we haven’t yet discussed what will happen if we actually do come up against each other on track!”
Meanwhile Porsche Centre Melbourne General Manager, Piero Pellegrini, is thrilled with Grove’s addition to the dealership’s Carrera Cup race team.
“We’re pleased to have Brenton join the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport team. Not only has he proven himself as a fantastic young driver, as demonstrated by his performance in this season’s GT3 Cup Challenge series, but his nature outside the car makes him a tremendous ambassador for Porsche Centre Melbourne,” said Pellegrini.
“This move to Carrera Cup is an important step for Brenton in his motor racing career. GT3 Cup Challenge is the perfect preparation for a young driver entering Carrera Cup so, with this foundation, we look forward to supporting Brenton and providing him the guidance and resources required to best transition into what is one of Australia’s most competitive motor racing championships.”
The addition of Grove to the championship makes the Sandown event the first time the series has featured a father and son racing on track in separate Porsche entries. Indiran and Duvashen Padayachee entered the record books in 2015 by becoming the first father-son combination to compete in same Carrera Cup event, though the duo raced the same car at the Phillip Island Pro-Am.
Grove will use his two-event Carrera Cup campaign to display bonnet signage of White Ribbon Australia, a campaign to prevent men’s violence against women.
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NewsCampbell closes in on top-three at Spa
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Matt Campbell has moved closer to the top three in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup standings following a strong showing at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
The Queenslander endured a tough race one, dropping down the order from fourth on the grid at the start before climbing back to sixth by the finish. “That wasn’t an easy race,” said Campbell. “I had several tough battles for positions early on and it took some time for me to push through. My car’s balance was good.”
Campbell qualified ninth for race two and was able to improve his position throughout the race, which featured two safety car periods. Campbell was able to capitalise on a late spin from rival Mattia Drudi to move through to fifth by the chequered flag.
Importantly, Dan Cammish, who sits third in the standings, failed to finish the second Spa-Francorchamps race, therefore allowing Campbell to depart the Belgian event just nine points adrift of third place in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup standings.
“We’ve all edged closer in the points and I’m pleased about that. I started the race from ninth and finished on position five. The two safety car phases were good for me, because I was able to make up positions each time. The competition in the Supercup is incredibly tough and it’s very difficult to overtake,” added Campbell after race two.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup has a short turn-around between events, holding its penultimate round of the season at Monza, Italy, this weekend.
Spa, result race 7 of 11
1. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
2. Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
3. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
4. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
5. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing)
6. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
7. Nick Yelloly (GB/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax)
8. Daniele di Amato (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
Spa, result round 8 of 11
1. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
2. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
3. Dylan Pereira (L/Lechner Racing Middle East)
4. Nick Yelloly (GB/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax)
5. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
6. Steven Palette (F/Martinet by Almeras)
7. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing)
8. Henric Skoog (S/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
Overall classification
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 150 points
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team), 142 points
3. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 100 points
4. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech), 91 points
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NewsVideo: Porsche and Michelin
Michelin is one of the world’s leading tyre makers and as the official supplier to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia develops race rubber that is also sharing technology with its road car tyre.
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NewsAustralia represents on invitational podiums
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers have represented their championship in style during the pair of joint races with Porsche Carrera Cup Asia regulars, David Wall and Tim Miles securing podium finishes in their respective races.
After Australian drivers won both combined races on their home turf last year, Carrera Cup Asia runners evened the score with two victories at the Sepang circuit this weekend, however there was representation from Australian runners on both podiums.
In the first race for TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge and Carrera Cup Asia Pro-Am runners, Tim Miles finished a hard-fought third outright, behind winner Yuey Tan and Chinese driver Evan Chen.
Dean Cook started from pole however it was a flying start from Miles that saw him leap from fifth to third by the first corner.
Tan and Miles both passed Cook and settled in at the lead of the race, while Stephen Grove and Evan Chen battled for third.
Chen passed Grove mid race, then relegated Miles to third at the finish – ensuring Australian series representation on the podium.
Grove finished fourth, Shane Smollen seventh and Dean Cook tenth while Graham Williams and Marc Cini scored 14th and 16th respectively.
“I got a good start and elbowed myself into second place and lost a position back to third by the finish,” said Miles.
“It’s such a fantastic event. It’s amazing for Porsche to bring us here and race on an F1 circuit in such a welcoming atmosphere… and it cost me the same as going to Winton! It’s just a fantastic experience.
“It would be great to do more of these events. The invitational race gives the Challenge class drivers a chance to race for a win, which is fantastic. It was a very cool event.”
In the race for professional drivers from both series, David Wall made a perfect start from pole position and led the field into turn one.
A battle with Carrera Cup Asia pacesetter Chris van der Drift followed, the Kiwi working his way past early in the race to secure a lead he wouldn’t lose.
The Pro race was run at breakneck pace; the fastest racing laps of the entire weekend set by the leading four cars, who ran line astern for much of the highly competitive race.
Wall maintained a margin of less than one second for the remaining laps however ultimately settled for a close second position behind the former Carrera Cup Asia champion.
Austrian young-gun Phillip Hamprecht finished third with Andre Heimgartner fourth in his Sonic Motor Racing entry. Will Bamber completed the top-five, with five cars each from Carrera Cup Asia and Australia represented in the top-10 finishing positions.
Dylan O’Keefe (7th), Alex Davison (8th) and Jaxon Evans (9th) were the other Aussies represented in the top 10.
“I gave everything I could to Chris [van der Drift] then. I got a good start but the car took a little bit longer to come on than I wanted it to. I lost a bit time at the start and managed to get back to him but not enough to get the win, unfortunately. It was great race and the times were fast considering the rubber everyone was on,” said Wall.
“Now we roll the car back into a container and go home with a big smile on my face.”
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NewsWall and Grove claim Sepang round honours
David Wall and Stephen Grove have powered to debut Porsche Carrera Cup Australia international success in the fifth round of the 2017 season at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
Wall raced to a second successive victory in the final race of round five which, coupled with dramas for nearest championship rivals Alex Davison and Andre Heimgartner, has delivered the Sydneysider a commanding championship lead with three rounds remaining.
Wall won Carrera Cup Australia’s first international round ahead of Dylan O’Keeffe and Davison, while Grove’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round win came over Tim Miles and Dean Cook.
Wall now enjoys a 118-point lead over Heimgartner with three rounds remaining in the championship. Davison sits second, just 24 points ahead of Heimgartner.
Wall said his second career Carrera Cup round victory was an emotional one.
“I haven’t been to Sepang since 2007 and the last time I was here I was with my dad so it was a little bit emotional coming here,” said Wall.
“I’m absolutely speechless. I would never have expected to top every session and win every race. The competition here is unbelievable so the team has done a mega job to allow us to be at the front all weekend. Knowing the track definitely helped but having the car well balanced was the biggest benefit.”
Wall powered to a second successive lights-to-flag victory in race two, while once again the action was behind the leader with furious battles for the minor positions in the top 10 throughout the 13 laps.
A remarkable opening lap of side-by-side action saw Wall gap the field, while Davison, Heimgartner and Jaxon Evans battled for second place.
Evans spun at turn two early in the race, while Davison and Heimgartner battled hard for second place for a majority of the first half – swapping positions twice before contact between the pair saw Davison spin and Heimgartner penalised 25 seconds (post-race) for his role in the incident.
Both drivers suffered for the accident: Davison finishing fifth and Heimgartner eighth following his penalty.
Dylan O’Keeffe was the main beneficiary of their dramas, scoring his best-ever Carrera Cup result with second. O’Keeffe’s second overall was also his best ever Carrera Cup Australia round result and lifts the young Victorian to fourth in the championship standings.
Lars Kern finished third – also his best-ever Carrera Cup race result – after spending much of his race battling with Nick McBride, who ultimately finished fourth.
With Davison fifth, Michael Almond, Evans, Heimgartner, Cameron McConville and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge winner Grove completing the top 10.
Grove’s perfect weekend extended his already significant lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings ahead of the final three rounds.
He again narrowly edged out Tim Miles for victory in race two, while Dean Cook grabbed the final spot on the podium after a close fight with Marc Cini.
“It’s great to come here and get two race wins after Darwin,” said Grove.
“This event is just awesome. This is like Sydney last year, we go and have two good races and heaps of track time and now we’ve got the combined race to go. It’s a new track for us and the facility is unbelievable, the best I’ve ever experienced.”
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will see the series return to the classic Sandown Raceway in Melbourne, alongside the Supercars Sandown 500.
The round will feature the first round of the all-new Endurance Cup championship; the final three rounds of the 2017 championship to feature one longer distance race alongside two sprints in a new innovation for the series this year.
The Sandown 500 will be held on 15-17 September this year.
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NewsWall, Grove win Carrera Cup thriller in Malaysia
The first ever international Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race has also turned out to be one of the most memorable in the series’ history, David Wall and Stephen Grove triumphing in an action-packed opener at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia today.
Wall powered to a lights-to-flag victory from pole position while Grove had to fend off TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge rival Tim Miles for his class victory, edging his rival out by less than a car length in a stunning battle.
Wall started from pole and led the field into turn one, never really troubled en route to his second race victory of the season.
While the remainder of the professional drivers furiously battled for positions second through eighth for much of the 13-lap distance, Wall extended his championship lead and etched his name into the record books as the first ever winner of a Carrera Cup Australia race held outside Australia.
“The car was fantastic to drive and I’m really chuffed with not only the win but also pole position earlier in the day. It was great to get my first international win but to also be the first ever international winner for Carrera Cup Australia,” said Wall.
“I did what I needed to at the front of the field to make sure that, if there was a safety car, I could hold off Alex. I could see that he was unbelievably fast and he’s going to be very hard to beat tomorrow. Congratulations to Dylan O’Keeffe too, he’s a good young bloke and it was a great result for him.”
Alex Davison and O’Keeffe both stormed through the field, the team-mates picking off car after car to work their way towards the top three.
Davison started fifth and made up one spot into turn one, before dispatching Cam McConville and Andre Heimgartner en route to a storming second place. Davison also set the fastest lap – and by virtue a Carrera Cup Australia lap record at Sepang – on the twelfth lap.
O’Keeffe went the opposite way at the start and lost positions before methodically working his way through the field to finish third following a series of outstanding passes.
Heimgartner finished fourth and James Abela fifth, though Abela was ultimately dropped to 10th after a 25 second post-race penalty following contact with Nick McBride mid-race that saw McBride pointing in the wrong direction at the turn nine hairpin.
The addition of post-race penalties to rivals promoted Jaxon Evans and Lars Kern finished fifth and sixth. McConville finished fourth on the road however was penalised five seconds for a grid infringement – being out of his grid box – and thus slipped to seventh in the final results. Michael Almond placed eighth from McBride in ninth and Abela in 10th.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge battle was a thriller from lights to flag – Stephen Grove and Tim Miles battling from the opening lap in an incredible fight.
The pair swapped the lead six times throughout the race, including a last corner battle that saw Miles dive down the inside of Grove, only to run wide and allow the class points leader through once more.
The pair then battled side-by-side to the line with Grove winning by 0.016 seconds.
“We had a great battle in the last part of the race. The tyres were going off he was getting close and then into the last corner I left one car width and he took it but ran wide. I couldn’t get the car turned and then it was a race to the line. It was fantastic,” said Grove, who is elated with his Sepang experience thus far.
“It’s a great track and Porsche has put on an unbelievable event. It’s a tough track, it’s hot, you’ve got loads of passing with all the great elements that car racing is all about. It was one of the best and most fun races I’ve had in a long time.”
Dean Cook finished third in class, having earlier secured his maiden pole position in the class.
Round five of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will conclude with a second 13-lap race at 12:55pm (AEST), before a pair of combined races see Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia battle it out.
The Pro-Am/TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race will commence at 4:25pm AEST, prior to the Outright drivers doing battle at 5:20pm AEST.
All races will be streamed live via the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia website, Facebook page and Speedcafe.com.
HOW TO WATCH: Broadcast/Live Stream Schedule
Race 2 – 12:55pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Invitational Race, Overall – 4:25pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Invitational Race, Challenge/Pro-Am – 5:20pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Race Schedule
Sunday July 23, 2017
10:55am Race 2 (13 laps)
2:25pm Invitational Race, Overall (13 laps)
3:20pm Invitational Race, Challenge/Pro-Am (13 laps)
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NewsOn-board lap with pole-sitter David Wall
Take a ride with pole-sitter David Wall during qualifying at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
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NewsWall, Cook secure TAG Heuer Pole Position in Sepang
David Wall has secured TAG Heuer Pole Position for this afternoon’s opening race at Sepang International Circuit.
The Sydneysider posted his best lap late in the Saturday morning session to claimed the top spot ahead of Cam McConville and Kiwi Andre Heimgartner.
Meanwhile Dean Cook was the standout TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver in his first visit to the Malaysian venue, taking the class pole position and 11th outright.
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NewsCarrera Cup hits Sepang for maiden international event
David Wall and Tim Miles have set the early pace as Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s maiden international event got underway today at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
Wall topped the first session on Friday morning before a well-timed new-tyre run saw him bump Andre Heimgartner from the top spot late in the second session; his flying 2m08.711s lap the fastest Carrera Cup time of the day.
Heimgartner and Lars Kern completed the top three ahead of a typically competitive Carrera Cup pack.
Despite the temperatures soaring by the time the cars hit the track for the second session late in the day, lap times improved as teams came to grips with the circuit with a majority of competitors banking their quickest times in the second session.
Just 1.6 seconds covered the 10 fastest cars despite varying strategies – some electing to run new tyres and some not.
Wall, who has bountiful experience at Sepang racing in the circuit’s annual 12-hour endurance race, said he was focusing on making sure his car was in good shape for qualifying tomorrow.
“I haven’t been here in a long time so we were fortunate enough to find a pretty good setup quite quickly in the first practice,” said Wall. “I’m happy with where we are at. We’ll just make a few little tweaks in the car now for tomorrow.
“It’s mega to be back here in Malaysia. It has been seven years since I last raced here and this time around I’ve got a few more grey hairs and three kids. We’re having an incredible time and I think everyone is enjoying it as much as I am, for sure.”
Lars Kern was third overall in his Porsche Centre Melbourne entry, making his return to the championship after contesting the opening two rounds earlier this year.
Nick McBride and Cameron McConville completed the top five, with Dylan O’Keeffe, Jaxon Evans, Alex Davison, Michael Almond and James Abela completing the top-10.
Meanwhile, Miles was only 0.09s faster than Stephen Grove in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge times, with Dean Cook an impressive third.
The McElrea Racing driver edged Grove in both sessions today, however said he was anticipating a close fight amongst the Challenge class runners this weekend.
“It’s so cool to be at a circuit like this. Sepang really suits our cars; it’s flat and really open and is a lot of fun in a GT3 Cup car. I’m a bit surprised to be setting the pace in the Challenge class because a couple of guys in the class have been here before,” said Miles.
“This is a really special experience. I’m really looking forward to the combined race with all the Challenge drivers and Pro-Am drivers from Carrera Cup Asia, that will be a lot of fun, but to come to a facility like this that is set up for Formula 1 and really suits our cars is just incredible.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia cars will hit the track tomorrow morning, Malaysian time, for qualifying prior to the first of two 13-lap races that make up round five of the 2017 championship.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia will then combine for a pair of races on Sunday afternoon.
HOW TO WATCH: Broadcast/Live Stream Schedule
All qualifying and race sessions, including the two joint races, will be available to view via Facebook Live on the championship’s page and also streamed live via the porschecarrera.wpengine.com and www.speedcafe.com websites.
Stream sessions (AEST)
Qualifying – 12:35pm (AEST), Saturday July 22, 2017
Race 1 – 7:00pm (AEST), Saturday July 22, 2017
Race 2 – 12:55pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Invitational Race, Overall – 4:25pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Invitational Race, Challenge/Pro-Am – 5:20pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Race Schedule
Saturday July 22, 2017
10:35am Qualifying (30 minutes)
5:00pm Race 1 (13 laps)
Sunday July 23, 2017
10:55am Race 2 (13 laps)
2:25pm Invitational Race, Overall (13 laps)
3:20pm Invitational Race, Challenge/Pro-Am (13 laps)
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NewsCarrera Cup arrives in Sepang
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has arrived in Malaysia ahead of its highly anticipated maiden international appearance at the world-class Sepang International Circuit this weekend.
The series’ fleet of 911 GT3 Cup cars has completed its 6,500km journey from Brisbane to Malaysia in preparation for the event, with teams to unpack their cars and equipment on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of Friday’s opening practice.
This weekend’s round will be the first occasion the majority of the Carrera Cup Australia field will race at Sepang, though several drivers, including series leader David Wall and veteran Marc Cini, have previously competed at the popular race track.
“It’s an F1 circuit with all the bells and whistles,” said Cini. “Fortunately it’s a circuit that I’ve raced on a number of times before so it won’t be as daunting for me as for some others who haven’t been there before. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Sepang round is the first time a new circuit has appeared on the Carrera Cup calendar since 2011, when the Porsche series raced at two new circuits – Townsville and Sydney Olympic Park – thus becoming the 16th different circuit at which the series has raced.
The Malaysian circuit, at a length of 5.543km, will also be the second longest circuit on the Carrera Cup calendar behind Bathurst.
The 17-car Carrera Cup grid will see the return of former TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Shane Smollen for Sepang. While the Sydneysider races – and won – the recent Phillip Island Pro-Am event, this weekend’s round will be Smollen’s first single driver event since the 2016 finale in Gold Coast.
Graham Williams returns having raced at the Albert Park and Phillip Island rounds earlier in the year, while Albert Park entrant Dean Cook also returns to the series in Malaysia.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold two practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying on Saturday morning, where Stephen Grove will aim to take his sixth straight TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge pole position, leaving him one pole position shy of Rodney Jane’s class qualifying record.
Race one will be held on Saturday afternoon. Sunday will then feature the second Carrera Cup Australia race ahead of the two invitational Outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge/Pro-Am races featuring both Carrera Cup Australia and Carrera Cup Asia races.
HOW TO WATCH: Broadcast/Live Stream Schedule
All qualifying and race sessions, including the two joint races, will be available to view via Facebook Live on the championship’s page and also streamed live via the porschecarrera.wpengine.com and www.speedcafe.com websites.
Stream sessions (AEST)
Qualifying – 12:35pm (AEST), Saturday July 22, 2017
Race 1 – 7:00pm (AEST), Saturday July 22, 2017
Race 2 – 12:55pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Invitational Race, Overall – 4:25pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Invitational Race, Challenge/Pro-Am – 5:20pm (AEST), Sunday July 23, 2017
Race Schedule
Friday July 21, 2017
11:30am Practice 1 (45 minutes)
4:15pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
Saturday July 22, 2017
10:35am Qualifying (30 minutes)
5:00pm Race 1 (13 laps)
Sunday July 23, 2017
10:55am Race 2 (13 laps)
2:25pm Invitational Race, Overall (13 laps)
3:20pm Invitational Race, Challenge/Pro-Am (13 laps)
Entry List – Round 5, Sepang
#104 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#105 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia
#106 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia
#107 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks
#108 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#109 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#122 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing
#133 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing
#131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
#136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop/Strathbrook Industrial Services
#138 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
#156 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Central Element Property Development
#170 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners
#177 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts
#188 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
#777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Money Now
#888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia
Note: Drivers will all run three digit race numbers to avoid clashes on the two joint races.
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NewsCampbell seventh as Olsen wins at Silverstone
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech) endured a frustrating Silverstone round of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, finishing seventh in his fifth race of the season, while it was a perfect weekend for fellow Porsche Junior Dennis Olsen (Walter Lechner Racing Team) at Silverstone in Great Britain. The 21-year-old Norwegian not only secured the fastest time in qualifying but also notched up his first victory in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. At round five of the championship, Olsen crossed the finish line first on Sunday at the wheel of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup with a two-second advantage. Germany’s Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team) and Dylan Pereira (Lechner Racing Middle East) from Luxembourg finished in positions two and three respectively. “I’m so incredibly happy to have won a Supercup race for the first time. It’s definitely a very special day for my team boss Walter Lechner, because the first four places were locked out by four Lechner pilots,” said an ecstatic Olsen after the award ceremony.
When the race took off on Sunday in temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius, the youngster from the Norwegian town of Våler immediately put several metres between him and the other 32 pilots. In the race watched by large Formula 1 crowds, Olsen gradually increased the gap to his pursuers to ultimately bring home a commanding victory. Behind him a fight for positions raged: Pereira, who had taken up the race from the second grid spot, was overtaken in lap five by Ammermüller.
Pereira, who already achieved a podium result at Spielberg, took the flag in third place after 13 laps. “Michael Ammermüller is an experienced driver who immediately makes the most of any mistake and he overtook me. Still, I’m very happy to hold a trophy in my hands,” said Pereira. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team) from Great Britain narrowly missed out on a podium result with fourth place, but made the Lechner success perfect. Fifth place went to his compatriot Josh Webster (GB/Fach Auto Tech) ahead of Robert Lukas (Olimp Racing) from Poland.
Starting fifth on the grid, Campbell battled with his teammate Webster early in the race though dropped down the order to seventh by the finish. The 22-year-old Australian was disappointed: “That’s not the result I’d hoped for. We didn’t really have the pace today. I hope that we can follow up on my win from Spielberg at the next round in Budapest,” declared Campbell. Eighth place went to the Italian Mattia Drudi (Dinamic Motorsport). The best amateur driver was Egidio Perfetti (NL/Momo-Megatron Team Partrax), who secured the laurels ahead of Roar Lindland (N/MRS Cup-Racing) and Philipp Sager (A/MRS GT-Racing).
Seventh place at the British event dropped Campbell to fourth in the championship standings. Ammermüller leads with three wins and 96 points. Right behind him is Olsen with 84 points ahead of Cammish (70). In the Nations League, Germany ranks first ahead of Norway and Great Britain. In the rookie classification, Olsen is first, with Lindland at the top of the B classification.
Round six of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be contested on the Hungaroring not far from Budapest from 28 to 30 July.
Silverstone, results race 5 of 11
1. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
2. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
3. Dylan Pereira (L/Lechner Racing Middle East)
4. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
5. Josh Webster (GB/Fach Auto Tech)
6. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing)
7. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
8. Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
9. Philip Morin (S/Martinet by Almeras)
10. Charlie Eastwood (GB/Porsche Cars GB)
Overall classification
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 96 points
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team), 84 points
3. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 70 points
4. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech), 69 points
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NewsCampbell secures first Supercup victory
Porsche Junior and reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech) achieved a commanding lights-to-flag victory at the Red Bull Ring in Austria in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The 22-year-old Australian, who contests his maiden season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, won round four watched by his family who had travelled from Down Under specifically. “I’m really happy. If I’m honest, I was a little relieved when I crossed the finish line. When you start from pole position you want to win. I managed to do this and I’m thrilled,” said Campbell. Second place went to the championship leader from Germany, Michael Ammermüller (Lechner MSG Racing Team). Finishing in third, Dylan Pereira (Lechner Racing Middle East) from Luxembourg achieved his best result so far in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
In qualifying, Campbell turned the fastest lap in the 32-strong Supercup field. With a rocket start, he defended his lead spot and proceeded to immediately build a gap between him and his pursuers until shortly before the flag. Even during the short safety car phase to salvage a vehicle, Campbell kept his cool to become the first Australian to win a Supercup race since Alex Davison’s victory at Indianapolis in 2002. Behind him, a fight for the other grid positions raged over the 16 laps on the 4.326-kilometre racetrack.
Heading into the race from the second grid spot, Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport) held his position until lap 13. Ammermüller and Pereira trailed close behind in their 485 hp 911. When Drudi suddenly lost some pace, the two grabbed their chance to slip past. “Mattia Drudi got slower towards the end and when he made a mistake I overtook him. I won the last three races and now I’ve finished on second. I’m happy with that,” declared the seasoned Porsche specialist, Ammermüller. A beaming Pereira accepted his trophy: “A dream has been fulfilled with this podium result. This gives me huge motivation for the future. At times I was even a little faster than Michael Ammermüller, but I couldn’t find a way around him. As far as I’m concerned this can happen more often.” Drudi ultimately finished on fourth place.
Taking up the race from seventh on the grid, Porsche Junior Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team) managed to work his way up to fifth place. “I tried everything during the race but I couldn’t do more. Josh Webster and I had a tough duel and luckily I was able to get past him in the last lap. Now I’m looking ahead. Next week we race at Silverstone and I would like to attack again.” Behind Olsen, Josh Webster (GB/Fach Auto Tech) secured sixth place. The best amateur pilot was the Norwegian Roar Lindland (MRS Cup-Racing) ahead of Egidio Perfetti (NL/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax) and Philipp Sager (A/MRS Cup-Racing).
In the championship standings, Ammermüller maintains his lead with 78 points after four of eleven races. Olsen ranks second with 64 points. Thanks to his win, Campbell moves up the points’ table to sit third. In the separate rookie classification, Olsen leads ahead of Campbell. First place in the amateur category is occupied by Lindland. In the newly created Nations League, Germany leads with 78 points, followed by Norway (64) and Australia (60).
Round five of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is contested from 14 to 16 July at Silverstone in Great Britain. For five Supercup regulars, this race will be on home turf: Daniel Cammish from Leeds, Josh Webster from Stowmarket, Paul Rees from Oxford competes for the MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax, Ryan Cullen was born in Britain but earns points towards the Nations League for Ireland. Tom Sharp (Surrey) as well as Marc Radcliffe (Rufford) drive for the British IDL Racing squad.
Spielberg race
1. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
2. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
3. Dylan Pereira (L/Lechner Racing Middle East)
4. Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
5. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
6. Josh Webster (GB/Fach Auto Tech)
7. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing)
8. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
Overall classification
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team), 78 points
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team), 64 points
3. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech), 60 points
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NewsCarrera Cup sets sail for Sepang
Eight 40-foot shipping containers carrying a fleet of 911 GT3 Cup cars will set sail from Australia for Malaysia tomorrow ahead of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s maiden international round next month.
The Carrera Cup race cars, teams’ equipment and Porsche spare parts will depart Brisbane’s Hutchinson Port ahead of the 12-day, 6,500 km voyage north-west to Port Klang, Malaysia.
From there, all eight containers will be transported to the world-class Sepang International Circuit ahead of the joint Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia round. Containers will be unloaded on July 19-20 before cars hit the track for Friday’s opening practice on July 21.
The Australian Porsche championship will have 17 cars on the grid for its maiden international appearance at the spectacular 5.54 km Sepang International Circuit.
“This is an exciting time for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. Seeing the Porsche field being loaded and shipped to Malaysia is the result of 12 months’ planning. We’ve also had great cooperation from our teams to ensure all logistics ran smoothly – from managing a tight turn-around time post-Darwin to preparing and loading cars and equipment for Sepang,” said Paul Ellis, Porsche Cars Australia’s Director of Public Relations and Motorsport.
“Even though our last round was in Darwin, which is situated closer to Malaysia, global shipping routes dictated that it was quicker to transport the fleet of Porsches from Brisbane. Therefore, our Melbourne teams packed their race cars and equipment on Monday, which were transported 1,700 km north to Brisbane. Our Queensland and Sydney teams then packed their containers near Brisbane on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s departure by sea to Malaysia.
“We now wait to get on the ground in Malaysia and begin what will be one of the most anticipated and spectacular rounds of Carrera Cup Australia racing ever. What started off as a dream a few seasons ago has turned into reality and we’re thrilled to bring this truly unique experience to our motor racing customers.”
The series’ Malaysian round, where it will join Porsche Carrera Cup Asia on the race schedule, follows Carrera Cup Asia’s maiden visit to Australia last season when the two championships lined up at Sydney Motorsport Park on August 26-28,2016.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s maiden international round in Malaysia will be held on July 21-23, 2017.
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NewsEventful return for Cini at Le Mans
Experienced Porsche racer Marc Cini was among a spectacular 61-strong Porsche Carrera Cup field as a support category to the 85th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The colossal Porsche field, the joining of Carrera Cup France, Carrera Cup Great Britain and GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux, was on track four times throughout the French event – the three series featuring two practice sessions, qualifying and a 45-minute race, held on Saturday morning as a precursor to the 24-hour endurance race.
It had been three years since Cini had raced at the Circuit de la Sarthe; in 2014 Stephen Grove and Cini raced at the 13.6 km circuit, placing 25th and 29th, respectively.
Starting 44th on a grid of 61 911 GT3 Cup cars, Cini began his charge through the field and reached 33rd by mid-race when he and Irish young gun Charlie Eastwood, who dropped down the order after an earlier incident, made contact; the result of which saw Cini spin into the gravel trap.
Once retrieved from the gravel trap, Cini pitted to replace a damaged rim before finishing 49th outright (29th in Class B), one lap down from the ultimately race winner, Brit Dan Cammish.
While his race was bittersweet, Cini was thrilled with the overall experience of his second Le Mans appearance in Carrera Cup.
“The race was going very well and I was running in 33rd and chasing the cars in front. I was then hit by a pro driver coming through the field who was involved in an earlier incident. I had a damaged wheel so I had to pit and finished around one lap down,” said Cini.
“It was a fantastic event on and off the track; it was as good as it was back when I raced at Le Mans in 2014. Having 61 Porsches on track at the same time was a thrilling experience, there was always something happening on track.
“Being able to jump into a different Carrera Cup championship with an identical race car to what I race in Australia makes life much easier. As you already know the equipment, all you have to do is learn the circuit, which makes for a far more enjoyable motor racing experience.”
Cini will continue his international racing programme when he lines up at the next Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round, to be held at Sepang International Circuit in just five weeks.
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NewsSunday success hands Evans and Shahin round victory
Young gun Jaxon Evans has scored his maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round win at Hidden Valley Raceway with victory in all three Darwin races, while two race wins for Sam Shahin on Sunday handed the South Australian the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round honours.
Following Evans’ impressive race one victory, the 20-year-old led from the start of race two, keeping Alex Davison and David Wall at bay until the chequered flag.
Evans repeated the feat in the final race of the weekend, leading from the start and again holding off Davison to become the third driver to claim a clean sweep at Hidden Valley Raceway, following Davison’s and David Reynolds’ efforts in 2004 and 2007, respectively.
“Getting my first race win yesterday was pretty special but to continue that success with a clean sweep today is even better,” said Evans.
“It was my first time here and I wasn’t sure how I’d go so to come up here and keep drivers like David Wall and Alex Davison at bay for all three races was pretty special. I have massive respect for those drivers so to keep them behind me and take the round win is awesome; I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Third in race one and two second places on Sunday handed Davison second for the round from new series points leader David Wall, who added two third place results to his second place on Saturday.
Dylan O’Keeffe and James Abela continued their impressive pace on Sunday; the duo placed fourth and fifth in race two, while Andre Heimgartner recovered from a horror start to the weekend following a Friday practice accident to finish with a fourth place result in race three.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge continued to provide on-track highlights for the Darwin round.
Shahin, following his third place finish in race one, had an impressive Sunday performance, taking the class win in the final two races of the weekend, handing him the class round win on his debut as a single-driver entry.
“This is absolutely surreal. I have the utmost respect for every driver on the Carrera Cup grid and I’m honoured to just be standing amongst them, so to be on the podium with a class win is absolutely brilliant,” said Shahin.
“I’m more and more comfortable in the car and I’m looking forward to a few more rounds in Carrera Cup. I’m unfortunately going to miss Sepang – I’m going overseas on a family holiday – but hopefully I can re-join the championship for more thrilling racing later in the season.”
Tim Miles was second for the round in class; the Sydneysider sustained damage and failed to finish race two after contact with Stephen Grove on the final corner of the final lap. Meanwhile Grove, who failed to finish race three after a radiator hose came loose, placed third for the round and retains the lead of the Challenge standings over Marc Cini, who was racing in Porsche Carrera Cup France this weekend at Le Mans, and Shahin in third place in the class standings.
Wall is now 40 points clear at the top of the Carrera Cup outright standings from Heimgartner, with Davison reducing his margin to the top spot over the weekend, now 97 points from the standings leader.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will now travel to Malaysia for its next round at the Sepang International Circuit for the Australian championship’s first ever international round, to be held on July 21-23, 2017.
Results – Race 2
1. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 18 laps, 20:52.0671s
2. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 18 laps, 20:52.8883s
3. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 18 laps, 20:55.4019s
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Austr – 18 laps, 20:58.4295s
5. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 18 laps, 20:58.8683s
6. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 18 laps, 20:59.0043s
7. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 18 laps, 21:00.2567s
8. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 18 laps, 21:06.0637s
9. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 18 laps, 21:06.6398s
10. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 18 laps, 21:21.3984s
11. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 18 laps, 21:24.3253s
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 18 laps, 21:37.8992s
DNF #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 17 laps, 20:12.2712s
Results – Race 3
1. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 18 laps, 21:04.3988s
2. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 18 laps, 21:05.8253s
3. #38 David Wall (NS (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 18 laps, 21:06.4670s
4. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 18 laps, 21:06.9253s
5. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 18 laps, 21:11.9517s
6. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 18 laps, 21:12.6328s
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 18 laps, 21:13.6254s
8. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 18 laps, 21:14.4148s
9. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 18 laps, 21:34.0391s
10. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 18 laps, 21:42.2331s
11. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 18 laps, 21:43.2249s
12. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 16 laps, 21:29.8763s
DNF #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
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NewsEvans, Miles claim maiden wins in Darwin
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rookie Jaxon Evans has kept a cool head in race one to claim his maiden series win in sunny Darwin, while his McElrea Racing teammate Tim Miles finished his debut single-driver race with the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge victory.
David Wall started Saturday on top, taking his first ever TAG Heuer Pole Position in his 38th round in the championship, with Evans joining the Sydneysider on the front row in second.
Evans had the best jump off the start line to lead into turn one, closely followed by Alex Davison and Wall.
Evans maintained the lead and didn’t look threatened until the closing laps, when Davison closed to within striking distance. Then, on the final lap, Davison ran wide at turn one and lost second place to Wall, while handing Evans an easy run to the chequered flag to claim his maiden Carrera Cup win in just his fourth event.
“I’m really happy; I couldn’t have asked for a better start to this weekend. It is my first Carrera Cup race win so it feels pretty special,” said Evans, who raced the past two seasons in the second-tier Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series.
“I didn’t think my first win would come this soon. I knew I had the speed but putting it all together for the win this early in the season certainly wasn’t expected.
“Race two will be my first race start off pole position. Wall got away to a pretty slow start so I’m not sure if that was due to the track conditions on the inside. But I look forward to hopefully leading the field into turn one again.”
Wall placed second from Davison in third, who was able to hold off Dylan O’Keeffe and James Abela; both were on the rear of the #888 Porsche once Davison re-entered the circuit following his final lap mishap.
O’Keeffe and Abela placed an impressive fourth and fifth from Cam McConville, Nick McBride and Andre Heimgartner, who dropped down the order following turn one contact with O’Keeffe mid-race, placing eighth from Michael Almond in ninth.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge provided plenty of highlights from the opening race.
Stephen Grove was the best in class from qualifying, while he and Miles battled at the head of the class in the opening race. However off-track excursions and spins from both mid-race allowed Sam Shahin to move into the class lead. Miles soon regained the top spot in class to eventually claim a two-second class win from Shahin.
Simon Ellingham placed 12th for the 25-lap race, with Grove placing 13th.
“I had an absolute ball out there. I made it hard for myself, as did Steve; it was the race that no one wanted to win. But to have my first ever solo race in Carrera Cup and to win the Challenge class, I couldn’t be happier,” said Miles.
“I think there were only two-tenths between Sam, Steve and myself and it was all clean racing between us. Obviously we all want to win and, being so close, it was a really fun race.”
Wall’s second place result promotes him to the championship lead, now 18 points ahead of Heimgartner, with McBride retaining third place 79.5 points further behind.
Meanwhile Grove continues his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge stronghold, now 157.5 points ahead of Marc Cini, who will this afternoon contest the Porsche Carrera Cup race in France as a support of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold two 18-lap races on Sunday, both of which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule
Sunday June 18
12:20pm Race 2 (18 laps)
3:25pm Race 3 (18 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Race 2 – 12:20pm, Sunday June 18
Race 3 – 3:25pm, Sunday June 18
Results – Race 1
1. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 25 laps, 28:48.8495s
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 25 laps, 28:51.9368s
3. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 25 laps, 28:56.4983s
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Austr – 25 laps, 28:57.0400s
5. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop/Strathbr – 25 laps, 28:57.4804s
6. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 25 laps, 28:58.3097s
7. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 25 laps, 29:00.6436s
8. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 25 laps, 29:02.9177s
9. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 25 laps, 29:05.5561s
10. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 25 laps, 29:39.1836s
11. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 25 laps, 29:41.0755s
12. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 25 laps, 29:44.5558s
13. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 25 laps, 29:59.1179s
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NewsWall and Shahin fastest in eventful Darwin
David Wall has set the pace in Friday practice at Hidden Valley Raceway in his bid to chase down series points leader Andre Heimgartner, who had a horrid start to his Darwin campaign. Meanwhile, Sam Shahin was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers in his maiden Carrera Cup event as a single-driver entry.
After taking his first ever outright round victory at last month’s Phillip Island Pro-Am, Wall sits just 10 points behind Heimgartner in the standings. And while Wall had an impressive Friday, taking the top time of the day, Heimgartner suffered a different fortune.
Seven laps into practice one, Heimgartner spun at the exit of turn one, making contact with the inside concrete wall and heavily damaging his #777 911 GT3 Cup car. The New Zealander’s day ended prematurely, however his team is expecting to get the car on track by Saturday morning’s qualifying.
Wall’s best overall time of 1:08.2685, posted in practice one, was the quickest of the day, closely followed by practice two pacesetter and six-time Darwin race winner Alex Davison just 0.17secs behind.
“It was a very good day for us. I was pretty happy with my car here last year and we’ve learnt a little more since last year so we brought a car with a similar set-up to last year with some small tweaks and it was great. I’m looking forward to putting on new tyres and getting qualifying underway tomorrow,” said Wall.
McBride was third fastest from Heimgartner, Dylan O’Keeffe, Jaxon Evans, Michael Almond, James Abela and Cameron McConville in ninth.
After finishing on the Challenge class podium on debut at Phillip Island, Shahin posted the best time in the class across the two Friday practice sessions.
“I’m absolutely stoked with my pace. My aim today was to be safe and work up some speed during the day but the car felt fantastic on old tyres. It was damn hot in that sessions but the car behaved and, other than a small spin in that last lap, it was a terrific day,” said Shahin.
“I wasn’t expecting to be anywhere near the other two experienced Challenge guys so hopefully it will be close and exciting racing tomorrow.”
Tim Miles was 11th quickest across the two Friday sessions from Stephen Grove and Simon Ellingham.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying and opening race on Saturday, followed by two races on Sunday. All four sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506.
Race Schedule
Saturday June 17
10:20am Qualifying (25 minutes)
1:00pm Race 1 (25 laps)
Sunday June 18
12:20pm Race 2 (18 laps)
3:25pm Race 3 (18 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Qualifying – 10:20am, Saturday June 17
Race 1 – 1:00pm, Saturday June 17
Race 2 – 12:20pm, Sunday June 18
Race 3 – 3:25pm, Sunday June 18
Combined Practice Results (Practice 1 & 2)
1. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 1:08.2685*
2. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 1:08.4461s
3. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 1:08.4699s
4. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 1:08.4759s
5. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 1:08.5961s
6. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 1:08.7470s
7. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 1:08.8256s
8. #136 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:08.9593s
9. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 1:08.9830s
10. #13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU – 1:09.4463s
11. #70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners – 1:09.6079s
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 1:09.8883s
13. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 1:10.0452s
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NewsCarrera Cup treks north to tropical Darwin
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this weekend travels north to Darwin as the championship welcomes two solo debutants to Hidden Valley Raceway.
Just three weeks after Carrera Cup held its two-driver Pro-Am event at Phillip Island – its southern-most round – the series travels 3,228 km north to Hidden Valley with yet another competitive driver line-up, though this time including two new racers who have scaled the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid towards their Carrera Cup goal.
Tim Miles and Sam Shahin are no strangers to Porsche competition; in fact both have visited the Carrera Cup podium at previous Pro-Am events, though both will this weekend make their maiden appearance in a single-driver round, bringing with them significant GT3 Cup Challenge experience.
Miles has had three Pro-Am starts over the past four seasons, racing alongside Renee Gracie, Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans in 2014, 2015 and 2017, respectively. During this time Miles visited the Professional Class podium twice – placing third with Gracie in 2014 and third alongside Evans at Phillip Island this season.
The Sydneysider also boasts 20 GT3 Cup Challenge round starts and capped his time in the series by winning the 2016 Elite Class crown.
Meanwhile, Shahin posted his maiden Carrera Cup appearance at this season’s Pro-Am alongside Dan Gaunt. The duo drove an impressive two races and finished equal on points at the top of the Challenge standings for the round, though ultimately finished third for the round in class after the top three in class – all equal on points – were determined by finishing positions in the final race.
Like Miles, Shahin brings significant GT3 Cup Challenge experience – 22 round starts in total – in his climb of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid to Carrera Cup as a single driver entry. Shahin currently leads the series’ Elite Class standings and is the favourite to emulate Miles’ achievement of becoming class champion with three rounds remaining.
This weekend marks Carrera Cup’s sixth appearance at the 2.87 km Darwin circuit, with many of the drivers looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s nice to go to Darwin being from Victoria, where the weather is terrible at this time of year in June,” said round two winner Cam McConville.
“It’s a very different track; it’s a lot about braking, particularly into turn one. And it’s vital to get a good run out of the final corner as the track has a great one kilometre front straight.”
While many of the series stars have vast experience at the circuit, including six-time Darwin race winner Alex Davison, others, including series rookie Jaxon Evans, will be driving on the circuit for the first time.
“It’s a new track and a new place for me; I’ve never been that far north in Australia. I’m excited about learning the new track but also immersing myself in the culture and seeing what the event is all about,” said Evans.
Andre Heimgartner enters to round with the championship lead, though David Wall, coming off his first ever outright round win at Phillip Island, is only 10 points adrift in second place.
Stephen Grove holds a dominant 109.5 lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings. The Victorian has amassed four straight TAG Heuer Pole Positions in the Challenge class, a feat last achieved by Rodney Jane in 2007, who went on to post a record seven-straight pole positions in class.
“I can’t wait to get to Darwin,” said Grove, who raced at Fuji Speedway two weeks ago as part of the joint Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Japan round. “Fuji Speedway is a good mix of fast, flowing sections with some very technical corners. The event was great preparation for Darwin; both tracks have a very long straight, heavy braking sections and free flowing elements. I’m looking forward to it.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold two practice sessions on Friday, qualifying and a lengthy 25 lap race on Saturday, followed by two 18 lap races on Sunday.
All sessions from Hidden Valley Raceway from Friday’s second practice session can be viewed live throughout the weekend on Fox Sports 506.
Entry List – Round 4, Darwin
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia
#6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia
#7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU
#33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing
#38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
#54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop/Strathbrook Industrial Services
#70 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Miles Advisory Partners
#77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
#777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now
#888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia
Race Schedule
Friday June 16
10:00am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
1:50pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Saturday June 17
10:20am Qualifying (25 minutes)
1:00pm Race 1 (25 laps)
Sunday June 18
12:20pm Race 2 (18 laps)
3:25pm Race 3 (18 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Fox Sports 506
Practice 2 – 1:50pm, Friday June 16
Qualifying – 10:20am, Saturday June 17
Race 1 – 1:00pm, Saturday June 17
Race 2 – 12:20pm, Sunday June 18
Race 3 – 3:25pm, Sunday June 18
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NewsCampbell scores first European victory in Austria
Porsche Junior Matt Campbell has scored his first European win last weekend when joining Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland for two races at Red Bull Ring.
The reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion used the German Carrera Cup opportunity as a test run for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which next visits the Austrian circuit in early July, scoring first and third in the event’s two Porsche races.
Starting second on the grid of race one, Campbell fended off an early overtaking attempt by Frenchman Florian Latorre to initially retain second place behind Dutchman pole-sitter Larry Ten Voorde.
Campbell then closed the gap to Ten Voorde and finally snatched the lead in lap three. At the front, Campbell proceeded to pull clear of the field until a collision in lap ten brought out the safety car and the field closed up. Campbell, however, kept his cool and, after the restart, gave Ten Voorde no chance to overtake.
“My first win in the Carrera Cup feels fantastic. Because of the late safety car phase my advantage suddenly disappeared, but I didn’t let it throw me off balance,” said Campbell after race one.
Campbell then started from pole position for race two, though he was not able to his defend his lead spot from fellow Porsche Junior Dennis Olsen, who made a catapult start and beat the 22-year-old Australian in the sprint to the first corner. Olsen proceeded to build a half-second gap, only to have his advantage erased by a safety car which was deployed after a collision between two midfielders. Olsen made the most of the restart to again pull clear of Campbell. The Norwegian junior driver kept a cool head after another safety car phase to ultimately bring home victory after 19 laps. After the start, Brit Nick Yelloly worked his way through the field from fifth on the grid to third place before catching Campbell and, on the penultimate lap, swept past Campbell on the inside of the hairpin for second, with Campbell finishing third.
“A win on Saturday and third place today – that’s great. In the mid-sector of the second race I wasn’t able to match the pace of the frontrunners but all in all it was an excellent weekend,” said Campbell.
Campbell will next be on track at the coming round of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Austrian Red Bull Ring on June 30-July 02.
Results – Race 5:
1. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
2. Larry Ten Voorde (NL/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
3. David Kolkmann (D/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
4. Nick Yelloly (GB/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
5. Christopher Zöchling (A/MRS GT-Racing)
6. Dennis Olsen (N/Konrad Motorsport)
7. Ryan Cullen (GB/raceunion Huber Racing)
8. Michael Ammermüller (D/raceunion Huber Racing)
9. Henric Skoog (S/raceunion Huber Racing)
10. Philip Morin (S/Martinet by Alméras)
Results – Race 6:
1. Dennis Olsen (N/Konrad Motorsport)
2. Nick Yelloly (GB/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
3. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
4. Larry Ten Voorde (NL/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
5. Dylan Pereira (L/Zele-Racing)
6. Christopher Zöchling (A/MRS GT-Racing)
7. David Kolkmann (D/Team Deutsche Post by Project 1)
8. Florian Latorre (F/Martinet by Alméras)
9. Zaid Ashkanani (KWT/MRS GT-Racing)
10. Michael Ammermüller (D/raceunion Huber Racing)
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NewsGrove awarded at ‘ferocious’ Fuji round
Stephen Grove has made yet another international Porsche one-make appearance at Japan’s Fuji Speedway as part of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia championship.
Grove’s maiden Carrera Cup Asia round, which was a joint event with the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan series, came just a month after the Australian raced in Porsche Carrera Cup France at the famed Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
In what was his first time in Japan, the Australian qualified 19th on the 25-car grid for the opening race and moved through the field to place 13th outright by the finish and sixth in the Pro-Am classification. Grove’s charge through the field earned the Victorian the Outstanding Performance Award, the series’ recognition for the driver who gains the most positions during the race.
Grove continued his impressive form in race two, again moving from 19th on the grid to place 13th outright – this time finishing fourth in the Pro-Am class – and again receiving the Outstanding Performance Award for the most positions gained in the race.
The weekend concluded with a joint Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Japan race, featuring a field of over 40 identical 911 GT3 Cup cars.
“It was another fantastic weekend. The racing was just ferocious every race. The level of competition among the Pro-Am drivers was excellent and we were racing bumper to bumper, door to door, with no one hitting anyone. It was good, clean, but ferocious, racing,” said Grove.
“It was great to receive the Outstanding Performance Award in both races for passing the most cars. I didn’t qualify too well so it was great to pass a few cars during the races. The joint race was more difficult as I had to start towards the back of the field. With that many cars on track it was very hard to pass. It was a bit of a precession but still very enjoyable racing within such a huge field.
“It was a great event off track too; Jacky Ickx was there as a guest of Porsche and was amazing to chat with.”
Grove now returns to Australia to attend this weekend’s Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia round at Winton Motor Raceway, where his son Brenton will continue his GT3 Cup Challenge campaign in round three of the series, before Grove Racing heads north to Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway for round four of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
“Fuji Speedway is a good mix of fast, flowing sections with some very technical corners. The event was great preparation for Darwin next weekend; both tracks have a very long straight, heavy braking sections and free flowing elements. I’m looking forward to it.”
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NewsPorsche unveils new 911 GT3 Cup
Porsche Cars Australia launched its new 911 GT3 Cup model for next year’s Carrera Cup championship at Phillip Island tonight.
Over 120 drivers, sponsors, stakeholders and media attended the gala launch at San Remo’s Silverwater Resort on the eve of Carrera Cup’s annual Pro-Am round to view the highly anticipated one-make race car first hand. The new car will be exclusively raced in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia seasons.
Current Carrera Cup Australia drivers and teams will have the first option to purchase the new race-bred 911, followed by GT3 Cup Challenge participants and then other interested parties.
Porsche will also introduce a new class structure for 2018 with the Elite Class now divided into Professional-Amateur (Pro-Am) and Amateur (Am) in addition to the existing Outright class for professional drivers.
“Carrera Cup is, first and foremost, Porsche customer sport and it’s critical we get the right mix of professional and semi-professional racers,” said Porsche Cars Australia Director of Public Relations and Motorsport, Paul Ellis.
“As well as providing a level playing field for the best professional drivers to showcase their talent we also need to make the series appealing for the semi-pros which form the backbone of Carrera Cup in Australia.
“Initial feedback from those racing this car overseas has been extremely positive – from the driving experience through to general maintenance and cost of ownership, which has been a key focus in the development of this next generation GT3 Cup car.
“We are talking some significant figures in the lifecycle of several key components between scheduled maintenance; engine run time is doubled now to 100 hours while gearboxes can run 30 and 60 hours between minor and major services, respectively.”
The new 911 GT3 Cup features improvements in all key areas – power, aerodynamics, longevity, safety.
Developed from scratch, the new engine offers even greater power output than before. Engine capacity for the naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer unit goes up from 3.8 to 4.0 litres with power raised from 338 kW (460 hp) to 357 kW (485 hp) at 7,500 rpm. Drive is transmitted to the rear axle by a racing clutch and a Porsche six speed sequential dog-type transmission. Gears are changed manually by means of paddle shifters with electro-pneumatic assistance.
The addition of a Bosch anti-lock braking system sees the return of the driver aid to Carrera Cup Australia since the 2005 season.
ABS will be used exclusively for Pro-Am and Am competitors.
New front and rear aprons give the 911 GT3 Cup a more angular appearance while providing optimised aerodynamics, while an enlarged roof hatch and proven bodyshell of aluminium and steel hybrid construction ensures this generation 911 GT3 Cup is the safest yet.
Revised software enables vehicle diagnostics to be performed on the steering wheel display. Extra sensors on the car augment the information content of acquired vehicle data, increasing the data evaluation potential.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold two one-hour, two-driver races across the Shannons Nationals event at Phillip Island.
Technical Specifications
Concept
– Single-seater production-based race car
– Base model: 911 GT3
Engine
– Aluminium six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine, rear-mounted
– 3,996 cm3; stroke 81.5 mm; bore 102 mm
– Max. power: 357 kW (485 hp) at 7,500 rpm
– Max. torque: 480 Nm at 6,250 rpm
Transmission
– Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type transmission
– Pneumatic gearshift activation (paddle shift)
Bodyshell
– Intelligent lightweight construction in aluminium and steel composite
– Weld-in roll cage, certified compliance with FIA homologation regulations for safety cages
Brakes
– Two independent brake circuits with brake pressure sensors for front and rear axle, adjustable by the driver via brake balance system
– Bosch ABS system
Electronics
– COSWORTH colour display ICD with integrated fault diagnostics
– COSWORTH electrical system control unit IPS32
– VBOX Video HD2 in-car camera system
Weight/dimensions
Total weight: ca. 1‚200 kg
Total length: 4‚564 mm
Total width: 1‚980 mm
Total height: 1‚246 mm
Wheelbase: 2‚456 mm
Price
Base Price: Euro €197,142.00
Parts Package 1: Euro €6,300.00
Parts Package 2: AUD $9,205.00
Prices exclusive of Freight, Import Duty and Australian Taxes.
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NewsCampbell fifth in Monaco
Porsche Junior Matt Campbell finished an impressive, yet frustrating, fifth place for his debut on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit in just his second Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup event.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion qualified fifth on the notoriously hard-to-pass Côte d’Azur circuit and battled for fourth with Zaid Ashkanani, though he couldn’t get by the Kuwaiti driver by the chequered flag during the 16 lap race. “I attempted to keep up the pressure, but Zaid put in an immaculate drive. Considering it’s my first Monaco race, I’m happy with fifth place,” said the 22-year-old Campbell. “I had great speed again but I wasn’t able to capitalise on it. I’m happy though as I got the opportunity to race around Monaco; I can’t complain about that. It’s another amazing track to tick off the list.”
A dream came true for Michael Ammermüller: The German secured his first victory in Monte Carlo/Monaco on Sunday, and thus has claimed a hat trick in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. When he parked his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup at the royal box for the podium ceremony, he kissed the vehicle that carried him to victory. “I’m over the moon. My first victory in Monaco is something very special. I was nervous beforehand and would have preferred to have driven the race immediately after Friday’s qualifying session. But ultimately everything went well,” said Ammermüller. Monaco rookie Daniel Cammish finished second ahead of Porsche Junior Dennis Olsen.
After three races, Ammermüller leads the overall classification of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup with 60 points, with Olsen (52), Cammish (48) and Campbell (40) ranking second, third and fourth.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup celebrated a very special anniversary in Monaco: For the last 25 years, the one-make race series has been contested in Monaco as support to Formula 1. This year, an average of around 30 drivers from 19 countries take up the challenge. Next up on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar is the Spielberg race in Austria, with the international makes cup setting up its tents in the paddock of the Red Bull Ring from 7-9 July.
Race result – Monte Carlo
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
2. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
3. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
4. Zaid Ashkanani (KWT/MRS GT-Racing)
5. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
Standings
1. Michael Ammermüller – 60
2. Dennis Olsen – 52
3. Daniel Cammish – 48
4. Matt Campbell – 40
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NewsGrove continues world tour in Japan
Less than a month after hurtling through the world-famous Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps, Australian Porsche racer Stephen Grove will this weekend add the picturesque Fuji Speedway to his list of tracks on which he has raced a 911 GT3 Cup car.
The Victorian, who currently leads Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, has arrived in Japan for his next Porsche one-make series challenge – racing in the joint Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Japan event at the world-class Fuji Speedway.
Earlier in the month Grove ventured to Belgium to race with Porsche Carrera Cup France, joined on track by Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux, at the world-renowned Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Grove then returned to Australia to team with Supercars driver Tim Slade for the Carrera Cup Pro-Am round, where the duo qualified on pole position before taking second in class and fourth outright for the weekend.
Grove is now in Japan, where he will be part of the Carrera Cup Asia championship, and is excited to continue to broaden his international experience in the familiar 911 GT3 Cup race car.
“I’m really excited about racing at Fuji. From what I can see, the circuit is fast and flowing and a lot like both Spa and Phillip Island. Being a Formula 1 circuit, the curbs are all quite flat so, to get a good lap time, you have to be committed and keep up your speed,” said Grove.
“I’ve spent some time on the simulator on the circuit and I can’t wait to get on the track itself this weekend. It will be another amazing international one-make experience and a great warm up for Sepang, which is another fast, flowing Formula 1-style circuit.”
Grove also stressed the benefit of jumping into familiar machinery on a foreign circuit.
“Can’t overemphasise enough the thrill and ability of being able to jump into a Carrera Cup car overseas and know how it performs, where all the buttons are and how to adjust the seats. You might not know the circuit, but you’re already comfortable in the car and you know how to get the most out of it. It’s not like you’re jumping into a random GT car that takes you the whole event to become familiar with; you’re on the pace straight away.
“Spa was a tremendous experience and I’m sure Fuji will be no different.”
Both Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan will each hold two races individually before the two grids combine for one joint race to conclude the weekend.
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NewsGrant/Holdsworth win Race 2, Wall/Smollen crowned Pro-Am champions
David Wall and Shane Smollen have prevailed through a pair of dramatic races to win the annual Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am event at Phillip Island.
Dean Grant and Lee Holdsworth combined to win an unpredictable race two held across wet and dry conditions on Sunday, the 300th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race delivering the first win for both drivers in the championship.
Wall and Smollen won the Professional Class for round three of the championship, ahead of Andre Heimgartner/Aaron Ireland and Jaxon Evans/Tim Miles.
Grant and Holdsworth won the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class, a three-way tie with Stephen Grove/Tim Slade (2nd) and Sam Shahin/Dan Gaunt (3rd) ending in a countback in favour of the race two winners.
It was Grant’s first outright victory in 37 Carrera Cup round starts, dating back to the inaugural season in 2003.
After finishing second overall in five previous Carrera Cup rounds, Wall was justifiably proud to have broken through for his first overall victory.
“I’m getting more and more grey hairs so to finally take a trophy home with the number one on it is a nice change,” Wall said.
“With all the hours you put in behind the scenes away from the race track it’s amazing how good a little trophy with a number one on it can make you feel.
“We dragged Shane out of semi-retirement and from the first laps at the official test and into this week he did a mega job, everything we could have asked.
“We got as many points as we could this weekend and it’s great for the championship.”
Wall and Smollen’s round win came without winning a race – just the sixth time in championship history that has been the case.
“It’s been such a great experience with a new team. I’m delighted to be part of David’s win,” Shane Smollen said.
“I felt sorry for Adam Gowans behind me putting on slicks on the dummy grid. We had to drive to the maximum grip that we had and for the first few laps it was basically nothing and we just had to keep it on the track.
“It’s never been one of those races where it’s not been close at the finish!”
Wall now trails Andre Heimgartner by just 10 points in the Carrera Cup championship ahead of the next round in Darwin.
Holdsworth and Grant prevailed through a dramatic one-hour race that saw rain just before the start, causing chaos as teams switched between the wet and dry Michelin tyres.
The #8 Porsche team switched on the formation lap, in what turned out to be an inspired decision that saw them running third and just one of three cars one lap ahead of the field by the time the pit stop window opened.
Holdsworth emerged from the pits in the race lead and then set about conserving his margin while nursing wet tyres on a drying circuit.
A majority of the field switched to slicks at the compulsory stop, with several of the Carrera Cup stars setting about storming through the pack after a mid-race Safety Car.
Alex Davison and Geoff Emery rebounded from their race one pit stop penalty with an inspired drive, Davison taking his #888 Porsche from eighth place when he stopped to second by the flag.
The winning margin of only six seconds would have seen Davison challenge for the lead had the race run one lap longer.
Andre Heimgartner and Aaron Ireland came from even further behind to finish third, Ireland running 12th before the pit stops.
Heimgartner then set about an inspired charge through the field and scythed his way through the field, grabbing the final spot in the top three on the last lap.
David Wall and Shane Smollen finished fourth and did enough to secure the round overall – backing up their strong second-place effort in race one.
Rob Woods and Duvashen Padayachee finished fifth in a solid return to the championship for the GWR duo.
The race had a dramatic start when two of the leading contenders from race one were removed from the equation when the lights went green.
Polesitter Dylan Thomas stalled and was clipped by Adam Gowans, damaging both cars and forcing the latter out of the race. Thomas and co-driver Nick McBride returned to the circuit however ultimately failed to complete enough laps to be classified.
Unlucky were early leaders Dan Gaunt and Sam Shahin, who were one of a few drivers to gamble on starting on wet weather tyres.
Gaunt stormed to the lead on the second lap and built a nearly one-minute lead before a Safety Car (called for a stranded James Abela/Anthony Gilbertson Porsche) erased the margin.
Shahin resumed on wet tyres and despite a drying track scored a solid ninth at the finish.
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will see the championship return to the Northern Territory on June 16-18.
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NewsMcBride, Thomas claim convincing race one Pro-Am win
Nick McBride and Dylan Thomas have combined to win a dramatic Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am race at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit today.
The Sonic Motor Racing duo had run in the top three for most of the one-hour race, however inherited the lead on the 30th of 36 laps after a penalty was handed to leader Geoff Emery in the race’s closing stages.
Emery was handed the #888 Porsche entry in second position following the compulsory pit stops, after regular driver Alex Davison climbed from sixth to second in the first eight laps of the race.
However the duo was penalised three minutes following a pit lane infringement during their pit stop – handing Thomas the race lead and sending them tumbling down the order.
Thomas and McBride ultimately won by just over ten seconds, with David Wall and Shane Smollen second and Dylan O’Keeffe and Adam Gowans third.
“It was a great race and a huge effort from Dylan to bring the car home at the end,” said McBride, who recorded his fourth career Carrera Cup race victory.
“It was an interesting start and we had to get past Stephen Grove at the Southern Loop on the opening lap – but my teammate Andre also got past. He did a great job to build a big lead but it was up to the Sonic Motor Racing guys in the stops, and Dylan drove a great race to bring it home.
“Overall it was a real team effort to get us over the line first.”
Thomas said his focus was bringing the car home in one piece to ensure a good points haul for his title-contending teammate.
“I’m always going to take a conservative approach because I’m not in the cars all the time,” he said.
“I’m not going to be going for glory, we’re here to go for it as a team but my job is to bring the car home safe, be consistent and traditionally I’ve been able to do that.”
Wall and Smollen charged to second having started from sixth place, while Dylan O’Keeffe and Adam Gowans raced in the top three for most of the race – having started from the front row.
A starring performance from Porsche Carrera Cup Australia newcomer Sam Shahin saw he and Daniel Gaunt grab fourth place on debut.
The HTFU team took an alternate approach to a majority of the field, electing to start Challenge ranked driver Shahin and save Gaunt for the race to the flag.
The gamble paid off superbly, with Gaunt emerging from the pit stops in 12th place and storming through the field in the race’s closing stages – delivering Shahin the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class race win in the process.
Stephen Grove and Tim Slade started from pole position and, following the same strategy as Shahin and Gaunt, started Grove behind the wheel of the #4 car.
The former Carrera Challenge title winner handed his car over to Tim Slade at the start of the pit stop window, the BJR driver also working his way through the field throughout his stint.
The result ended a 10-straight streak of TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class victories for Grove.
Leading the championship coming into the race, Andre Heimgartner led the first 23 laps of today’s race, ultimately finishing sixth with co-driver and Carrera Cup rookie Aaron Ireland.
James Abela and Anthony Gilbertson rebounded from their dramatic crash on Friday to finish seventh, one ahead of their McElrea Racing teammates Jaxon Evans and Tim Miles.
The two Porsche Centre Melbourne entries rounded out the top-10, Marc Cini and Dean Fiore leading home Dean Grant and Lee Holdsworth.
The penalised Davison/Emery car ultimately finished 14th, one position ahead of Cam McConville and Tony Bates who suffered the same fate.
Earlier in the day, a pair of 15-minute qualifying sessions determined the grid – one session each for the respective Pro and Am drivers.
Stephen Grove and Tim Slade grabbed the top spot – the first for both in Carrera Cup competition, edging out Dylan O’Keeffe and Adam Gowans by 0.03s on combined times.
The first six cars on the grid were covered by just 0.6 seconds, showcasing the competitive nature of the Pro-Am grid.
Heimgartner retains the lead of the outright standings by a single point from second placed finisher in today’s race, Wall. Race 1 winner McBride sits just 10.5 points behind the lead in third.
Grove retains his lead of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge by 85.5 points from Marc Cini.
Tomorrow’s one-hour race will start with grid based on today’s finishing positions – the same drivers who finished today’s race set to start the second encounter.
The race will be broadcast live via the Shannons Nationals live stream.
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NewsSupercars racer completes Pro-Am line-up
The field for the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am has been set following the announcement of several strong driver combinations for what will be a milestone event for the all-Porsche championship.
Supercars driver Lee Holdsworth is a highlight addition to the final Porsche Pro-Am entry list. With international driver Lars Kern remaining in Europe due to a clash in his busy driving schedule, Porsche Centre Melbourne secured the services of dual TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Dean Grant, who will be joined by Holdsworth in the #8 Porsche.
Holdsworth raced with Stephen Grove in last year’s Porsche Pro-Am event and is looking forward to returning at Phillip Island this weekend.
“It’s always great fun to jump in a Porsche, especially when you get to do it at a pretty incredible place like Phillip Island,” Holdsworth said.
“I had a really enjoyable time last year with Steve Grove and his team and I’m looking forward to more of the same this weekend. I know the guys at Porsche Centre Melbourne prepare a good car so hopefully Dean and I can have a solid weekend.
“It’s always great to have a chance to drive different cars and work with different people, especially at an event where there’s not so much pressure and you can really go and enjoy it.
“At the same time you’re always looking for a good result so we’ll be pushing hard!”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia veteran Marc Cini will be joined by regular co-driver Dean Fiore in the sister entry as the experienced Victorian seeks his first Carrera Challenge class victory.
Fiore raced in Carrera Cup full-time for the Porsche Centre Melbourne team last year, however will this year link with long-time friend and co-driver Cini.
Another returning driver to the championship is Dan Gaunt, the former Carrera Cup racer joining GT3 Cup Challenge Outright and Elite Class series leader Sam Shahin, who will make his Carrera Cup debut at Phillip Island.
Shahin has impressed with his rise in the GT3 Cup Challenge series, taking a remarkable outright round victory at the Sandown opening round last month. Shahin will continue his GT3 Cup Challenge campaign at Phillip Island in addition to his Carrera Cup duties alongside Gaunt.
Another Carrera Cup debutant is Rob Woods, who started his Porsche one-make series career at Sandown last month before tackling the Bathurst 6 hour Production Car race.
Woods’ Carrera Cup entry will also see the return of Garth Walden Racing to the championship along with former full-time racer Duvashen Padayachee, who lines up as Woods’ co-driver.
The latest additions to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field add to a compelling mix of drivers ahead of this weekend’s event – the fifth Pro-Am in Carrera Cup history. The first was held at the inaugural Porsche Rennsport Australia festival at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2013, before shifting to Phillip Island for the next two years and thereafter returning to Sydney last season. This year will mark the third Pro-Am event at the high-speed Victorian circuit – the fastest on the Carrera Cup calendar.
Four drivers – Shahin, Woods, Anthony Gilbertson and Aaron Ireland – will climb the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid to make their Porsche Carrera Cup debut this weekend with each having experience in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series.
The field will tackle a pair of one-hour races – one each on Saturday and Sunday – with compulsory pit stops this weekend.
The driver that starts the first race will finish the second, ensuring teams will run different strategies as to when to place their Pro or Am driver in the car.
Supercars ace Scott McLaughlin holds the Carrera Cup qualifying record (1m31.1343s) at Phillip Island, while reigning champion Matt Campbell holds the race lap record (1m30.0141s).
The championship will reach an important milestone in race two, set to be the 300th in the history of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. The championship recently celebrated its 100th round at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in March.
Sunday’s warm up and race two will be available to view live via a free live stream on the Shannons Nationals website – www.thenationals.com.au.
Entry List – Round 3, Porsche Pro-Am
#4 Stephen Grove/Tim Slade (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#5 Cameron McConville/Tony Bates (Professional Class) Repair Management Australia
#7 Jaxon Evans/Tim Miles (Professional Class) Hungry Jacks
#8 Dean Grant/Lee Holdsworth (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini/Dean Fiore (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#13 Sam Shahin/Dan Gaunt (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) HTFU
#29 Rob Woods/Duvashen Padayachee (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Platinum Night Club
#33 Simon/Ellingham John Goodacre (Professional Class) Peak Marketing
#38 David Wall/Shane Smollen (Professional Class) PAYCE/Wilson Security
#54 James Abela/Anthony Gilbertson (Professional Class) Horsley Park Gun Shop
#77 Nick McBride/Dylan Thomas (Professional Class) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe/Adam Gowans (Professional Class) APB Group/President Limo Australia
#131 Graham Williams/Nick Foster (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
#777 Andre Heimgartner/Aaron Ireland (Professional Class) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now
#888 Alex Davison/Geoff Emery (Professional Class) President Limo Australia
Race Schedule
Friday May 26, 2017
10:10am Practice 1 (25 minutes)
12:15pm Practice 2 (25 minutes)
2:20pm Practice 3 (25 minutes)
Saturday May 27, 2017
9:25am Qualifying 1 (15 minutes)
12:05pm Qualifying 2 (15 minutes)
3:00pm Race 1 (60 minutes)
Sunday May 28, 2017
10:45am Warm Up (10 minutes)
12:30pm Race 2 (60 minutes)
Live Streaming (available at www.thenationals.com.au)
Sunday May 28, 2017
10:45am Warm Up (10 minutes)
12:30pm Race 2 (60 minutes)
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NewsCarrera Cup young guns secure experienced Pro-Am talent
The 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am is likely to be one of the most competitive yet, a prediction supported by the recent co-driver announcements of the series’ leading young guns.
Several of the series’ young drivers, including Dylan O’Keeffe, Nick McBride and series leader Andre Heimgartner, have locked in key partnerships that further boost the depth of an already ultra-competitive grid.
The 19-year-old Melbourne based O’Keeffe has secured former Aussie Racing Cars champion Adam Gowans to co-drive in the two Phillip Island races.
Tasmanian Gowans has become a regular face in the annual Porsche Pro-Am weekend, having twice contested the event with now-Supercars racer Shae Davies; including scoring a second-place finish in the 2013 event.
“Adam has a wealth of experience in all different cars and he’s very adaptable,” O’Keeffe said.
“He slotted into our Porsche very comfortably and I’m confident he will be competitive against the other Am drivers.
“We were looking for someone with some endurance experience, and Adam ticks this box as well – he has raced in the Bathurst 12 Hour.”
O’Keeffe is currently fifth in the standings after a consistent start to the season.
“Our pace has been good in the first two rounds at the Clipsal 500 and the Grand Prix, so we’ll be looking to convert it into podium finishes and hopefully race wins at Phillip Island,” O’Keeffe said.
Meanwhile, fellow title contender Nick McBride will reunite with the experienced Dylan Thomas following their Pro-Am appearance last year at Sydney Motorsport Park where they finished eighth in the first race before improving to a strong second – by a car length – in the final race.
This weekend will mark Thomas’ third attempt at the Pro-Am event having driven with Nick Foster the year prior.
“Because Dylan drives a lot of different cars, he’s been able to adapt really easily to the Porsche,” McBride said.
“Also, his team work ethic has been really impressive. Because he runs his own team (in production cars and Formula Vee), he understands how to be a good team player and he fits in really well.”
McBride currently sits fourth in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings, following a pair of race victories at the most recent round at Albert Park.
His Sonic Motor Racing teammate Andre Heimgartner will be joined by Aaron Ireland in the #777 Porsche entry.
Ireland made his GT3 Cup Challenge debut at Sandown earlier this year and despite racing the oldest car in the field – a 996 GT3 Cup car – he still managed to impress on debut in sopping wet conditions.
The Porsche Club Victoria regular has been a long-time supporter of Heimgartner’s racing activities and a regular at Porsche Club events, including competing at last year’s Porsche Rennsport festival.
“It is obviously exciting to have Aaron on board with us for this weekend,” said Heimgartner.
“He has done quite a lot of Porsche racing, which is very positive, and we have a good working relationship together also, so I am looking forward to seeing what we can do.”
Heimgartner launched into the 2017 season with a round victory at Adelaide, storming to two race victories on the famous street circuit. He continues to lead the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings by a narrow 37 point margin ahead of David Wall.
At McElrea Racing, Sydneysider James Abela has locked in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge frontrunner and teammate Anthony Gilbertson to co-drive his Horsley Park Gun Shop entry in the pair of one-hour races this weekend.
Gilbertson linked with McElrea Racing for this season’s Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge season, having finished sixth outright and third in the Elite Class on debut last year.
He qualified third in the opening round at Sandown, with Phillip Island’s event marking his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
The Queenslander will be one of a host of GT3 Cup Challenge drivers pulling ‘double duties’ over the Phillip Island weekend, the Gold Coaster set to tackle both Porsche one-make series across the weekend.
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NewsGT3 Cup Challenge champions create strong Pro-Am line-ups
A trio of champion drivers from the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series has been snapped up by Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racers ahead of this weekend’s Pro-Am.
With significant pressure applied to part-time co-drivers in the full championship round, experience is key when the title contenders secure their driving partners for the annual event, to be held this weekend at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
John Goodacre, Geoff Emery and Tim Miles have all tasted success in GT3 Cup Challenge, having been crowned champion of the series’ Elite Class in 2013, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Each also has Carrera Cup experience to bring to their respective professionally ranked drivers ahead of the always-competitive Pro-Am event that will this year run alongside the Shannons Nationals event on May 26-28.
While Miles and Goodacre have each contested multiple Porsche Pro-Am events, Emery is a Porsche Carrera Cup Australia winner – having teamed with Matt Campbell to dominantly win both races and the round at the Porsche Rennsport event held in Sydney last year.
Miles will race with McElrea Racing’s Jaxon Evans, while Goodacre will also join the McElrea squad to partner Simon Ellingham.
Emery, however, will jump from the McElrea team to join Alex Davison; the combination of the most successful driver currently in the Porsche Carrera Cup field and the defending Pro-Am winner makes the combination one of the favourites for the pair of one-hour races.
“My job is to be smart, consistent and bring the car home for Alex,” Emery said.
“It’s an important weekend for the championship chances of the Pro drivers so there’s pressure on to make sure you do a sensible job and bring the car home. I’m looking forward to the weekend. The cars are great to drive and the racing is always very competitive.”
Davison sits seventh in the championship, however is one of seven drivers covered by just 92 points at the pointy-end of the field.
He’s also one of five drivers to have won across the first seven races of the ultra-competitive season this year.
Rising star Jaxon Evans will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his McElrea Racing predecessor Campbell – Evans is racing the same car that dominated the Pro-Am event at Porsche Rennsport last year in hands of Campbell and Emery.
“I’m looking forward to teaming up with Tim, he’s not only a close friend but knows what he’s doing in a Porsche as he showed in the GT3 Cup Challenge last year,” Evans said.
“Hopefully we can have a solid run and be fighting for a spot on the podium by the end of the weekend. Being able to do some testing last week helped the cause.”
Evans’ emphasised how important the weekend was for the overall championship picture.
“It’s an important round and we put 50 per cent of the pressure on the co-drivers as we can only do so much time in the car. They have to perform their part but everyone’s in the same boat.
“It’s great to have the longer races as it brings the team into the equation and adds them as another element of the weekend.”
Goodacre, meanwhile, holds the record for the most ever starts in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series, ensuring he’ll bring plenty of experience to the table alongside Carrera Cup rookie, Ellingham.
The South Australian raced with Cameron McConville in the 2015 Pro-Am event, coming agonisingly close to a round podium before his car broke a driveshaft in the closing laps of the race.
He paired with Michael Almond last year, and in a difficult weekend for the combination, recorded finishes of 15th and 14th in the two races, respectively.
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NewsFormer champion returns for Porsche Pro-Am
Former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Nick Foster will return to the series at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit next weekend for the series’ annual Pro-Am event.
Foster, now driving a Gulf Racing Porsche 911 RSR alongside fellow Carrera Cup Australia graduate Ben Barker in the FIA World Endurance Championship, will pair with series’ newcomer Graham Williams in the Pro-Am event to be held on May 26-28.
The event will mark a big return to local shores for the 2015 champion having now firmly made his mark in international Porsche competition, following an initial season in Carrera Cup Germany last year.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back and, in particular, to drive with Graham,” Foster said.
“Getting him into Carrera Cup has been a plan we set in motion a long time ago and he’s come a very long way from being a Porsche Centre Victoria ‘casual competitive’ club member to racing in Carrera Cup.
“It’s a massive learning curve for him to be driving at the pointy-end of such a competitive class but the plan is to keep our noses clean, have some fun and keep the learning process going over the course of the weekend.
“Racing full-time in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is an enormous part of my career and I can’t wait to come back and catch up with everyone again.
“Last time I raced in the championship there was a lot of pressure as I was fighting for the championship so this will be a nice change to go and really enjoy it, work with Graham and have a great weekend.”
Williams, who graduated into Carrera Cup straight from Porsche Club competition and made his championship debut at Albert Park in March, said he was looking forward to partnering with Foster.
“Nick has been coaching me for about a year now,” Williams said.
“He’s an amazingly mature and competent driver, he’s awesome. Albert Park was a massive learning experience in every way, but it was a great event and one to tick off the bucket list.
“The whole professionalism that Porsche wrap around the event for an ‘Am’ driver is amazing and I’d love to see more of them engaged. It’s very professional.”
The Victorian is taking a long-term approach to his Carrera Cup career and sees this weekend as a big opportunity to continue to learning the championship and get up to speed against his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge rivals.
“My goal is to continue to improve and get closer to the other guys,” Williams explained.
“This is the first in what is a five year plan for me – I see it as a long term relationship and commitment. I’m looking forward to the new car coming next year and I’m treating this year as a run-up and preparation for that.
“I know Phillip Island very well, being a Victorian, and Nick and I have done a lot of driving together on test days and I’ve learned a lot from him.
“It’s all about his ability to work with me, and our personalities gel, so that makes it pretty special.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold a one-hour, two-driver race on both Saturday and Sunday of the Phillip Island Pro-Am event.
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NewsGrove recruits Supercars star for Pro-Am
Stephen Grove will enter this month’s Porsche Pro-Am round as one of the outright favourites after securing Supercars Championship ace Tim Slade for the two-driver event.
Slade is no stranger to Carrera Cup racing having partnered Adrian Mastronardo for the past two Porsche Pro-Am events.
Slade replaces Scott McLaughlin in the #4 Porsche, the Kiwi’s commitments with DJR Team Penske keeping him out of his regular Carrera Cup seat this year.
Grove and McLaughlin proved to be one of the most effective Pro-Am combinations at the flowing 4.46km circuit in Victoria, their four races together at the venue netting finishes of third, second, second and sixth, respectively.
Grove, the 2014 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class champion, scored his maiden outright Carrera Cup round victory alongside his old co-driver at the venue in 2014.
Slade said he was keen to continue Grove’s strong form in the unique pair of one-hour, two-driver races.
“It’s always great any time you get the chance to jump in a Porsche Carrera Cup car. The cars are sensational to drive, especially at Phillip Island, on a really good tyre and the result is that the racing is always very competitive,” said Slade.
“The Pro-Am events are always really enjoyable so I’m happy to be jumping in alongside Steve at Phillip Island. Adrian (Mastronardo) and I have had a great time the last few years and we’ve always been quick, so hopefully that can continue.
“Grove Racing has a really strong record at these events and hopefully we can continue that this year. There are a lot of points up for grabs so it’s an important weekend for the Challenge championship, so we’ll be working hard to get two strong results and a good points haul for Steve.”
Grove, who stands on a seven-race winning streak in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge heading into the third round of the season, will enter the Pro-Am ready to go thanks to a trip to Belgium to race earlier this month.
Grove tackled the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit during a joint round of Porsche Carrera Cup France/Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux, finishing 9th in class in the second race.
“I’m really looking forward to the Pro-Am this year; you have twice the number of drivers so there are a whole lot of people to compete with. It’s also a great learning experience, so I can’t wait,” said Grove.
“Racing at Spa recently was great preparation for the Pro-Am; both Phillip Island and Spa are fast, free-flowing race tracks.
“The Pro-Am will be the only occasion this year, outside the joint Challenge race at Sepang, that I can get an outright win. I’ve had the pleasure to start from the front row at Phillip Island before, which is incredible because you don’t usually get that opportunity. Let’s hope we can be at the front again this year and hopefully compete for another outright Pro-Am win.”
Grove Racing will enter two cars at the Phillip Island Shannons Nationals event, with Stephen’s son Brenton to tackle the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia round to be held on the same weekend.
The 2017 Porsche Pro-Am event doubles as the third round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, the series returning to the Shannons Nationals program to stage the pair of one-hour races across the May 26-28 weekend.
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NewsCampbell visits Supercup podium on debut
Porsche Junior Matt Campbell has made immediate impact on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series with an impressive debut in the opening two races of the 2017 season at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.
The reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, who relocated from the Queensland town of Warwick to Germany over the off-season, started the weekend with his customary strong qualifying performance, scoring pole position for both races.
A poor launch from the start line of race one saw Campbell drop down the order, an error made worse by the long run from the starting grid to turn one. Campbell battled with his teammate Josh Webster for fifth mid-race, eventually getting by the Brit and commencing his pursuit of fourth place. Campbell managed to reach the rear of fourth placed Robert Lukas’s Porsche, however ran out of laps to pass the Polish driver before the finish.
Michael Ammermüller claimed a dominant 10-second victory in race one from Dennis Olsen, Daniel Cammish, Lukas and Campbell in fifth.
Campbell had a better start to race two, however dropped behind fellow front row starter Daniel Cammish. Campbell had front-running pace and went for the lead early in the race, a move that momentarily placed him in the lead, though he ran wide, which allowed Ammermüller into the lead. Campbell then dropped to third when fellow Porsche Junior Olsen passed the Australian at the final chicane mid-race.
Campbell had no answer for the leading duo, who were battling for the lead in the closing laps; Ammermüller ultimately claiming his second race win from Olsen and Campbell.
“I’m very happy with my debut weekend in Supercup. Qualifying was great, as were the first two races of the season. I just need to work on the starts!” said Campbell.
“I didn’t know where I would stack up after testing but to come away with the double pole positions in my first weekend, I couldn’t have been happier. And even though we didn’t convert our qualifying and starting positions into better results over the weekend, I’m still over the moon.
“We had a new clutch in the car for race one and I was just a bit too aggressive on the release, but to grab a podium and to be able to fight for the lead in race two was great. There’s a long season ahead but it’s a great starting point for the year that we can only build on from here.
“I can’t thank Fach Auto Tech enough for the great weekend and I can’t wait to get to Monaco.”
Campbell was also thrilled with the support he received from Australia during his Supercup debut.
“The support from home has been incredible. A few friends from Australia came to support me at the track to see my Supercup debut in person, including Andy and Mel McElrea, so it was great to have them there.
“I had so many messages from home and my phone was always going off which was great to see. Porsche Supercup were also talking about how much interest there was from Australia. I’m really thankful for the support!”
Campbell now sits fourth in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup standings after the first of eight events for the 2017 season. Ammermüller’s two victories places the German in the lead of the series with 40 points from Olsen (36), Cammish (30) and Campbell (28).
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will return in two weeks when it races as a support category at the iconic and technical Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix circuit on May 25-28, 2017.
Results
Race 1, Barcelona
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
3. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
4. Robert Lukas (PL/Olimp Racing by Lukas Motorsport)
5. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
6. Josh Webster (GB/Fach Auto Tech)
7. Mattia Drudi (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
8. Dylan Pereira (L/Lechner Racing Middle East)
Race 2, Barcelona
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
2. Dennis Olsen (N/Walter Lechner Racing Team)
3. Matt Campbell (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)
4. Daniel Cammish (GB/Lechner MSG Racing Team)
5. Dylan Pereira (L/Lechner Racing Middle East)
6. Tom Oliphant (GB/Lechner Racing Middle East)
7. Philip Morin (S/Martinet by Almeras)
8. Daniele die Amato (I/Dinamic Motorsport)
Standings – after Race 2
1. Michael Ammermüller – 40 points
2. Dennis Olsen – 36 points
3. Daniel Cammish – 30 points
4. Matt Campbell – 28 points
5. Robert Lukas – 21 points
6. Dylan Pereira – 20 points
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NewsCampbell set for Supercup debut in Spain
Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Matt Campbell will this weekend make his debut in the world’s most competitive one-make sports car championship, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Campbell’s progression to Porsche’s pinnacle one-make series is the result of the 22-year-old’s three-year rise of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid: the driver from Warwick, Queensland, made his sports car debut in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia category in 2014 before two successful seasons in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (2015-2016), the second of which he was crowned champion.
Campbell was also Carrera Cup Australia’s nomination to attend the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout, which he won to become a Porsche Junior with partial funding for a seat on the grid of the Supercup championship.
Since relocating from his hometown of Warwick to Germany, Campbell has aligned himself with the Swiss-based Fach Auto Tech – the team with whom now-Porsche works driver Earl Bamber won the 2014 Supercup crown.
Campbell, now more settled into European life, is looking forward to the new challenge of racing against some of the world’s top sports car stars.
“It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Europe for two months,” said Campbell.
“When I left Australia, I didn’t know where I was going to live or how everything was going to unfold – literally all I had was a boarding pass, a bag, my helmet and Stuttgart as a destination.
“Fortunately, it’s all come together and I’m staying with some great people who have made me feel at home and allowed me to dive into preparations for racing this year.”
Campbell’s busy program has included multiple test days at three separate locations, including a strong run in the official pre-season Supercup test at Catalunya where he was consistently in the top 10 times across the two days of running.
“I’ve tested at Spa-Francorchamps, Catalunya (Spain) and the Hungaroring so it’s been great to get some experience on three very different circuits and in different environments,” Campbell explained.
“There’s pretty limited track time in the Supercup so getting as much preparation and experience before the season starts will hopefully be extremely beneficial. I’ve been working well with my new teammates, Josh Webster and Glauco Solieri, and the relationship with them and the team has been great.
“I’ve been taking it all in and even though it’s too early to tell where we are placed relative to everyone else, it has felt pretty good and it looks like our times have been competitive.
“I’ve been happy with the process so far and I’m just now really keen to get on track and go racing to find out where we sit amongst the field.”
The testing process has also allowed Matt to get up to speed in the second-generation Type 991 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, which will be adopted into Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2018.
“The new car is really good and it drives very similarly to the old car, just with more low-down torque and more power than its predecessor,” Campbell explained.
“It’s all been a pretty amazing experience so far, and that’s before we actually go racing.”
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, starting this weekend with two races at the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, runs as a support category for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and visits iconic locations such as Monaco, Monza, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and the season finale in Mexico City.
2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Calendar
Round 1 – Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona) May 12-14, 2017
Round 2 – Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix (Monaco) May 25-27, 2017
Round 3 – Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg) June 30-July 02, 2017
Round 4 – Formula 1 British Grand Prix (Silverstone) July 07-09, 2017
Round 5 – Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest) July 21-23, 2017
Round 6 – Formula 1 German Grand Prix (Hockenheim) July 28-30, 2017
Round 7 – Formula 1 Belgium Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) August 25-27, 2017
Round 8 – Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix (Monza) September 01-03, 2017
Round 9 – Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix (Mexico City) November 02-05, 2017
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NewsGrove thrilled by Spa experience
Porsche racer Stephen Grove experienced a ‘dream come true’ moment when racing in Porsche Carrera Cup France at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend, and now plans for more international one-make appearances throughout 2017.
The Australian fulfilled a long-standing ambition to race at the iconic Belgian circuit, competing in the bumper 39 car field featuring both Porsche Carrera Cup France and the neighbouring Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux series.
Grove improved throughout the event – a support category for the FIA World Endurance Championship – finishing 14th in Class B (30th outright) in the opening 13 lap race before claiming 9th in class (23rd outright) in the 11 lap race two.
“The experience was incredible and unlike anything else; it was as if I was driving my own car on a different circuit in a different championship. Therefore I just had to adapt to a new team and get my head around the circuit, which was, outside of Bathurst, the best track I’ve ever been to,” said Grove.
“The first session was on the new Michelin wet tyres, which I hadn’t driven on before, with 40 odd cars charging around the track, so it was a real learning experience. The track was far better than I had ever imagined; watching vision of Spa or even driving it on a simulator didn’t do the track justice. It’s an awesome circuit; its super high speed and you have to be super committed to post a good lap time.
“Eau Rouge is just epic; you’re flat out for most of it and the exit is unsighted so if it goes wrong it’s ‘goodnight, Charlie’. It was my best performing part of the track too; Earl Bamber gave some great advice and I did my track walk with Nick Foster so I was well prepared for when I went on track.
“The championship was super welcoming with a really professional feel. I certainly learnt a lot about European motorsport and I picked up a few ideas I want to implement into our team back home.”
Following his tremendous Spa-Francorchamps experience, Grove is now looking for his next international Carrera Cup adventure.
“I’m definitely going to do more international Carrera Cup racing this year. With so many Carrera Cups around the world there are countless opportunities to race abroad and I expect to see more guys take up this opportunity in the near future.”
Grove will return to Australia for his next event, teaming with a yet-to-be-named high profile professional driver for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s annual Pro-Am event, held at Phillip Island on May 26-28, 2017.
Results – Qualifying 1 & 2/Race 1 & 2
Porsche Carrera Cup France/GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
May 04-06, 2017
Qualifying 1
Outright
1. #555 Julien Andlauer (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 2:22.773s
2. #10 Florian Latorre (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 2:23.384
3. #27 Valentin Hasse Clot (FRA /Sébastien Loeb Racing) 2:23.845
Class B
1. (7th) #11 Lindland Roar (NOR/Sébastien Loeb Racing) 2:24.827
2. (10th) #98 Glenn Van Parys (BEL/Belgium Racing) 2:25.223
3. (11th) #888 Egidio Perfetti (NOR/Mentos Racing) 2:25.363
14. (29th) #23 Stephen Grove (AUS/Martinet By Alméras) 2:28.496
Qualifying 2
Outright
1. #7 Vincent Beltoise (FRA/Saintéloc) 2:22.366
2. #555 Julien Andlauer (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 2:23.141
3. #9 Joffrey De Norda (FRA /Sébastien Loeb Racing) 2:23.817
Class B
1. (5th) #55 Nicolas Misslin (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 2:24.337
2. (6th) #888 Egidio Perfetti (NOR/Mentos Racing) 2:24.521
3. (8th) #911 Christophe Lapierre (FRA /Sébastien Loeb Racing) 2:24.830
8. (20th) #23 Stephen Grove (AUS/Martinet By Alméras) 2:26.648
Race 1
Outright
1. #555 Julien Andlauer (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 13 laps, 31:40.013
2. #99 Dylan Derdaele (BEL/Belgium Racing) 13 laps, 31:48.863
3. #10 Florian Latorre (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 13 laps, 31:49.371
Class B
1. (7th) #11 Lindland Roar (NOR/Sébastien Loeb Racing) 13 laps, 32:10.228
2. (9th) #55 Nicolas Misslin (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 13 laps, 32:13.677
3. (10th) #911 Christophe Lapierre (FRA /Sébastien Loeb Racing) 13 laps, 32:16.196
14. (30th) #23 Stephen Grove (AUS/Martinet By Alméras) 13 laps, 33:09.756
Race 2
Outright
1. #555 Julien Andlauer (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 11 laps, 30:35.468
2. #9 Joffrey De Norda (FRA /Sébastien Loeb Racing) 11 laps, 30:40.113
3. #85 Antoine Jung (FRA/Team 85 /Bourgoin Racing) 11 laps, 30:45.247
Class B
1. (6th) #55 Nicolas Misslin (FRA/Martinet By Alméras) 11 laps, 30:49.865
2. (8th) #888 Egidio Perfetti (NOR/Mentos Racing) 11 laps, 30:51.674
3. (11th) #911 Christophe Lapierre (FRA /Sébastien Loeb Racing) 11 laps, 30:53.135
9. (23rd) #23 Stephen Grove (AUS/Martinet By Alméras) 11 laps, 31:24.541
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NewsKern tackles ‘Green Hell’ in new 911 GT3
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rookie Lars Kern has been making headlines in his day job, as Porsche’s Test and Development driver, when taking the new 911 GT3 around Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Kern posted a lap time of 7 minutes, 12.7 seconds for the iconic circuit. The road-approved 911, with specifications similar to its motorsport counterpart, beat the time set by the previous model by 12.3 seconds.
“By achieving this time, we have emphatically proven that the new 911 GT3 not only provides the best driving experience, but can also deliver an impressive performance on the Nordschleife. The focus was on optimising the driving quality and adapting to the slight increase in engine power”, says a delighted Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT cars at Porsche. “A few years ago, lap times like this could only ever be achieved by thoroughbred racing cars with slick tyres”, adds Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Product Line. “The new GT3 can now achieve this with comparatively modest power, but is still fully suited to everyday use.”
The 911 GT3 also relies more on pure racing technology than the previous model. Its 368-kW (500-hp), high-rev, naturally aspirated engine can also be found in the 911 GT3 Cup racing car. Equipped with rear-axle steering, a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Michelin Sport Cup 2 N1 tyres, the sports vehicle approached the starting line in the Eifel in its standard trim. At an air temperature of 8 degrees and an asphalt temperature of 14 degrees, the conditions for Porsche test driver Kern were ideal for racing. The road-approved rear-wheel drive Coupé recorded its best time under notarial supervision. “If you can drive fast on the Nordschleife, you can drive fast anywhere in the world”, Frank-Steffen Walliser comments.
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NewsAussie to Spa with French in Belgium
Porsche racer Stephen Grove will tick off a bucket list experience this weekend when joining Porsche Carrera Cup France at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.
Grove will compete with 2016 championship winning team Pro GT by Almeras for the second round of the French series, which will run as a support category to the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The event will be Grove’s second international Carrera Cup appearance following his participation at the joint Porsche Carrera Cup France & Great Britain round in support of the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hour race.
Grove’s experience highlights Carrera Cup drivers’ ability to use Porsche’s international one-make racing platform to compete at the world’s most iconic race tracks in identical 911 GT3 Cup cars to what they race in their local Carrera Cup championship.
“This is an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait to line up at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend. The two tracks I’ve always wanted to race on are Le Mans and Spa. I was lucky enough to race in Carrera Cup at Le Mans in 2014, and now, to be able to drive a 991 GT3 Cup car around Spa will be amazing,” said Grove.
“I’ve never been to Spa before so to go over there and benchmark myself against the French Elite drivers will be really good. And to work with another team and another engineer will be fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it.
“Porsche has a great international racing programme that allows you to race in different Carrera Cup championships around the world and race in a car you’re familiar with on some of the world’s best tracks. It’s an unbeatable experience.
“I’ll see how we go this weekend and hopefully do some more overseas Carrera Cup rounds later in the year.”
Not only will this weekend fulfil a life-long ambition for Grove, the round will also act as preparation for the forthcoming Carrera Cup Australia round on May 26-28 at Phillip Island, which will see all drivers race with a co-driver for the annual Pro-Am event.
“Spa is a fast, free-flowing track, which will no doubt prepare me for the Phillip Island Pro-Am event later this month. I’ve won that event before, which will certainly be the aim again this year.”
From 37 round starts, Grove’s Carrera Cup Australia highlights include winning the 2014 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title, claiming the outright victory at the Carrera Cup Pro-Am event alongside Scott McLaughlin, also in 2014, and winning the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge/Class B race at last season’s Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia joint round at Sydney Motorsport Park.
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NewsSmollen joins Wall for Phillip Island Pro-Am
Former TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Shane Smollen will return to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia next month when partnering David Wall at the Phillip Island Pro-Am event.
Smollen needs no introduction for what he has achieved in Porsche racing, being one of the front runners in the Elite Class for multiple seasons.
“With Shane’s previous experience in Elite Class it is a massive plus to have him join Wall Racing,” said Wall.
“We are really happy to have Shane onboard, he is going to be an asset to our team for the weekend and hopefully we can get a great result and gain plenty of championship points”.
Smollen has been out of a car this season so far but will join Wall Racing for an upcoming test day at Phillip Island, to get him up to speed and back in the groove. David Wall will also test on the day as it has been a few years since David has raced a Porsche around the Phillip Island circuit.
Round 3 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at Phillip Island on May 26-28, 2017.
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NewsDavison wins, McConville and Grove claim Albert Park honours
Alex Davison has overcome a slow start to his Albert Park campaign to claim his first win of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season in Sunday’s race four, while Cam McConville and Stephen Grove were the ultimate round winners at the popular Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix event.
Starting on pole position, McConville took the early race lead however Davison gained the upper hand on lap four, moving through to the lead of the race and ultimately claimed the race win – his 45th Carrera Cup victory and 12th at the Albert Park circuit.
Davison struggled earlier in the weekend after a poor qualifying performance, however he was happy to show his true pace and eventually finish on the round podium.
“Obviously we had some work to do after a poor qualifying, which was disappointing because I knew eighth place didn’t reflect our true pace. I tried to battle through the first two races without taking too many risks and luckily got myself onto the front row for the last race. The car was pretty quick in the opening two races however, for the last two races, the car was the best 991 GT3 Cup car I’ve ever driven,” said Davison.
“Hopefully we’ve now found that mojo with the set-up that we can keep charging forward as we have some catching up to do.”
McConville finished second for the race from Andre Heimgartner and Nick McBride in fourth, holding David Wall and Jaxon Evans at bay to the chequered flag.
The race four results placed both McConville and McBride equal on points, however McConville’s higher position in the final race handed him the outright round victory.
“I’m absolutely stoked. I thought Nick had won the round, but because I was ahead in the last race I came away with the round win,” said McConville.
“I’m a realist and I know this season will get harder with every round. We’ll now try to do a test day with our co-drivers for Phillip Island and hope to be just as competitive for the Pro-Am.”
Wall and Evans finished race four in fifth and sixth, respectively, from Dylan O’Keeffe, Michael Almond, Lars Kern and James Abela in 10th.
Grove continued his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge dominance with 10th outright and another class win – his seventh straight this season – from Simon Ellingham, Marc Cini, Matt Palmer, Dean Cook and Graham Williams in 16th.
Joining Grove on the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge podium was debutant Palmer in second and returning racer Cook in third.
“It’s great to get the class win here at Albert Park. I had the consistency I was looking for and the class win is a bonus. The only thing with racing at Albert Park is the added pressure being my home event, but I love the free-flowing track and love the atmosphere,” said Grove.
Following his impressive season opener in Adelaide, Heimgartner retains the series lead by 34 points from Wall, followed by McConville, McBride, O’Keeffe and Davison after two of eight rounds.
Grove meanwhile holds a commanding 76.5 point lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings from Cini and Palmer in third.
The next round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will be held at Phillip Island on May 26-28 for the championship’s annual Pro-Am event.
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NewsMcConville, Grove win hard-fought race three
Cam McConville has added his name to the list of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race winners following an impressive performance in Saturday’s race three at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, while Stephen Grove continued his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge winning streak.
Starting third on the grid, McConville moved by Andre Heimgartner to place second by the opening corner before taking the race lead from Nick McBride moments later at turn nine.
From there, McConville built an unassailable lead to claim his first race win in the Porsche championship, moving him to third in the standings.
“I’m absolutely stoked with my first Carrera Cup win, particularly for the Zagame Motorsport team. Putting this team together was relatively last minute; we started back in November so to get a race win in round two is amazing. This championship is all about the first three laps and the car was great so I took advantage while I could,” said McConville.
“I think McBride had a bit of a wobble on the back straight and just dropped two wheels off the track, so I had a run on him. I actually wasn’t going to pass him but he braked quite early into the turn nine right-hander so it was quite an easy pass. Then Alex Davison had some great speed at the end of the race so it will be a very interesting final race tomorrow.”
Alex Davison, who started fourth, made the most of his strong mid-race pace to get by Andre Heimgartner on lap six, then claiming Heimgartner’s teammate, McBride, on the following lap to ultimately take second for the race.
A third place for McBride followed his impressive victories in the opening two Albert Park races and retains the lead in the round standings.
Heimgartner was less fortunate in race three; the series points leader dropped from his starting position of second to fourth by the finish on track, however a five-second post-race penalty for a jump start dropped the Kiwi down the order to seventh in the final results.
Dylan O’Keeffe, David Wall and Jaxon Evans were the beneficiaries of Heimgartner’s penalty; the trio moved up the final order to fourth, fifth and sixth place, respectively. Evans’ performance was particularly impressive considering he started from the rear of the field following his failure to start race two.
Michael Almond placed eighth outright from Lars Kern and James Abela in 10th.
Stephen Grove was again the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge pace-setter. The 2014 class champion retained the lead of the class throughout the 10-lap event to take his sixth straight class win this season.
“The most pleasing think about that race was tacking onto the back of the professional guys to learn from them. I really learnt a lot that race, chasing them to follow their lines and see what they do. It gives me the confidence to keep pushing and hopefully tag onto the back of them tomorrow. I’ll see how we go,” said Grove.
Marc Cini placed second in class, however he was lucky to escape contact from Matt Palmer; the Carrera Cup newcomer slightly tagging Cini’s Porsche when spinning on lap four.
Dean Cook finished 13th outright and third in class from Palmer and Graham Williams.
Simon Ellingham was the only DNF of the race, spinning into the turn one gravel trap on the final lap.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final race of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix event on Sunday at 1:50pm.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 26, 2017
1:50pm Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Ten
Race 4 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 26
Race 3 Results
1. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 10 laps, 20:12.2169s
2. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 10 laps, 20:12.9722s
3. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts – 10 laps, 20:15.6693s
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 10 laps, 20:17.3760s
5. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 10 laps, 20:18.1145s
6. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 10 laps, 20:18.5545s
7. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Sonic – 10 laps, 20:21.3280s
8. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 10 laps, 20:21.5020s
9. #8 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 10 laps, 20:24.3079s
10. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 10 laps, 20:41.1154s
11. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 10 laps, 20:43.8923s
12. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 10 laps, 20:48.5801s
13. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) DNA Racing – 10 laps, 20:56.8337s
14. #48 Matt Palmer (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) STR Truck Bodies – 10 laps, 21:01.2529s
15. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) DNA Racing – 10 laps, 22:21.2201s
DNF #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 9 laps, 18:56.0062s
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NewsMcBride, Grove strike again with race two wins
Nick McBride has continued his dominance of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s Albert Park round, leading home his teammate to the chequered flag in Friday’s race two, while Stephen Grove was unchallenged to the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class win.
Following McBride’s impressive Thursday performance – pole position and race one victory – the local driver led from the start of race two, holding off fellow Sonic Motor Racing driver Andre Heimgartner to the finish line over the fast paced 10 lap race.
Following a difficult opening round in Adelaide, Friday’s victory promoted McBride to third in the standings behind Heimgartner and David Wall.
“It’s a great result for the team because Rod, the owner of Bob Jane T-Marts, is out here today along with a lot of the Bob Jane T-Marts team so it’s really good to put on a good show for them,” said McBride.
“It was great to keep Andre behind me. I saw that he made a little mistake which allowed me to breathe a little bit there towards the end. He is a class driver so I have to be on my game every time I go out there otherwise I’m going to be beaten.
“In a way I feel that the disappointing start to the season at the Clipsal 500 was good for me as I’ve always had a really good start to the season and then dropped off for the second half. I have the mentality this year just to go for it and see what happens.”
The battle of the race was between Cam McConville and Alex Davison; the duo dicing for third throughout the 10 lap event, with McConville winning the battle and his second top-three result for the event.
Davison placed fourth from Wall, Dylan O’Keeffe, Michael Almond, Lars Kern and ninth placed James Abela.
Tenth placed Grove was thrilled with his improved pace in race two, claiming a substantial class victory.
“We changed the car a bit overnight; I wasn’t really happy with it yesterday. I got a pretty good start and pushed hard on old tyres and then tried to manage the gap,” said Grove.
“I’m really happy with the changes we made and also my performance throughout the race, which I hope to continue over the next two races.”
Simon Ellingham placed 11th from Marc Cini, who charged up the order having started at the rear of the grid following his race one DNF, with Matt Palmer, Dean Cook and Graham Williams in 13th, 14th and 15th respectively.
Young gun Jaxon Evans, who placed 10th in Thursday’s race one, failed to make the starting grid after breaking a driving shaft on the warm-up lap.
Two Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races remain for the Albert Park event, with race three and race four to be broadcast on Channel Ten on Saturday and Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 25, 2017
12:45pm Race 3 (10 laps)
Sunday March 26, 2017
1:50pm Race 4 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Ten
Race 3 – 12:45pm, Saturday March 25
Race 4 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 26
Race 2 Results
1. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 10 laps, 20:07.0288s
2. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 10 laps, 20:07.8152s
3. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 10 laps, 20:09.3071s
4. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) POLAR/President Limo Australia – 10 laps, 20:09.8085s
5. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 10 laps, 20:13.0628s
6. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 10 laps, 20:14.0224s
7. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 10 laps, 20:16.0527s
8. #8 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 10 laps, 20:18.0562s
9. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 10 laps, 20:23.2467s
10. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 10 laps, 20:43.2154s
11. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 10 laps, 20:43.6594s
12. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 10 laps, 20:59.3619s
13. #48 Matt Palmer (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) STR Truck Bodies – 10 laps, 20:59.6750s
14. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 10 laps, 21:29.1404s
15. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) DNA Racing – 10 laps, 22:20.3825
DNS #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jack’s
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NewsMcBride, Grove strike early at Albert Park
Nick McBride has bounced back from a horrid season opener in Adelaide to win race one at the 100th round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship, held at Albert Park, while Stephen Grove claimed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class victory after capitalising on a late error by an experienced rival.
McBride proved his superior pace in qualifying, taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position from his teammate Andre Heimgartner and young gun Dylan O’Keeffe.
The Melbourne driver then held the lead from the start of the opening race and managed to hold Heimgartner at bay for the entire 10-lap race, leading home a stunning one-two victory for the Sonic Motor Racing Porsches, something that the team narrowly missed out on in Adelaide.
“It’s been a great day, especially coming from Adelaide where I unfortunately spun out in race one; I was really sorry to the guys because it’s not every day that you’re running one-two in such a competitive championship. This is a great result for the team and one they deserve,” said McBride.
“There are four races so it’s such a long weekend that you just have to keep the intensity up. There’s a bit of strategy this weekend with tyres so there will still be a fair bit to play out this weekend. It should be good.”
Series leader Heimgartner finished second and extended his lead in the standings, while Cam McConville placed third, closely trailing the teammates in the front battlepack.
O’Keeffe continued his promising Thursday form in the opening race, placing fourth from Alex Davison, David Wall and Michael Almond.
James Abela and Lars Kern placed eighth and ninth while Jaxon Evans lamented an error on the opening lap, dropping from fifth to 10th after running onto the grass on the exit of turn 11.
Grove continued his winning streak in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge at Albert Park. The Melbourne racer, who won all three races in Adelaide, led the class from the start before a small error allowed a hard charging Marc Cini to move into the class lead.
With one lap remaining, as Cini looked to be a certainty to claim his first ever Challenge class race victory, the experienced racer spun into the gravel trap entering the opening corner of the final lap, ending his race.
Grove capitalised, claiming the class win and taking 11th outright from Simon Ellingham, debutant Matt Palmer, returning driver Dean Cook and newcomer Graham Williams in 15th.
“It wasn’t easy out there. I made a small mistake into the last turn and Marc got up the inside and went through and from there I just tried to put pressure on him. Being a one-make series it’s pretty hard to pass in these cars so I chased and chased and, to my luck, he made a mistake,” said Grove.
“Marc has really stepped up and chased us since the start of the year. I gapped him at the start and then made a little mistake and there he was on my bumper again. I can’t wait for more battles throughout the weekend.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will return on Friday for the second race of its 100th round before its third and fourth race on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, all of which will be broadcast live across ONE and Channel Ten.
Race Schedule
Friday March 24, 2017
2:55pm Race 2 (25 minutes/10 laps)
Saturday March 25, 2017
12:45pm Race 3 (25 minutes/10 laps)
Sunday March 26, 2017
1:50pm Race 4 (25 minutes/10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: ONE
Race 2 – 2:55pm, Friday March 24
Channel: Ten
Race 3 – 12:45pm, Saturday March 25
Race 4 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 26
Race 1 Results
1. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 10 laps, 20:05.1396
2. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now – 10 laps, 20:05.9937
3. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 10 laps, 20:06.2963
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 10 laps, 20:09.4546
5. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) POLAR/President Limo Australia – 10 laps, 20:09.7341
6. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 10 laps, 20:10.0978
7. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 10 laps, 20:12.5320
8. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 10 laps, 20:15.7185
9. #8 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 10 laps, 20:16.2298
10. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 10 laps, 20:19.9905
11. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 10 laps, 20:50.1914
12. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 10 laps, 20:50.5267
13. #48 Matt Palmer (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) STR Truck Bodies – 10 laps, 21:29.0802
14. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) DNA Racing – 10 laps, 21:35.7983
15. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) DNA Racing – 10 laps, 22:10.4149
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps, 18:44.6340
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NewsCentury milestone for Porsche series
Thirteen seasons, 294 races, 3775 laps with a combined 13,598km of Porsche one-make racing: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will this weekend celebrate a remarkable milestone – its 100th round – at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Having held a successful opening round at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500 in early March, the premium one-make championship will now return to Albert Park with an expanded 16-car line-up for the milestone event.
The series has come a long way since its first appearance Down Under at the 2003 Australian Grand Prix – a non-championship round – before it officially kicked-off at Phillip Island a month later.
Over the past 99 rounds, there have been 28 individual round winners, 35 race winners and 50 drivers who have stood on the Carrera Cup podium. Eight drivers have been crowned the outright Carrera Cup champion, with five-time winner Craig Baird the only multiple champion. Meanwhile the series’ semi-professional class, which was introduced in 2004, has featured seven champions; Dean Grant, Rodney Jane and Max Twigg the only multiple class winners.
The race cars have also been the stars of Carrera Cup Australia. Four generations of the 911 GT3 Cup have been the centrepiece of the championship – the Type 996 from 2003 to 2005, the Type 997 from 2006 to 2008, the second generation Type 997 from 2011 to 2013 and the Type 991 currently used in Carrera Cup, introduced in 2014.
As for the circuits, Carrera Cup has graced 15 different Australian venues, from the iconic permanent circuits of Sandown, Phillip Island and Bathurst, to the two variations of the Gold Coast street track and the now defunct Oran Park and Sydney Olympic Park layouts.
On the eve of the 100th Carrera Cup round, young Kiwi Andre Heimgartner holds the series points lead after victory in the opening Adelaide round. However several other sports cars stars including the experienced David Wall and GT3 Cup Challenge graduate Jaxon Evans, who both joined Heimgartner on the Adelaide podium, will be looking to capture the series lead.
Meanwhile, Albert Park specialist Alex Davison will look for redemption after a horrid Adelaide outing. The 2004 champion, who finished the season opener eighth in the standings, has 11 race wins to his name at the Melbourne circuit, including three wins from four races last season.
Since 2003, 188 individual drivers have competed in Carrera Cup and, this weekend, one the original racers from the inaugural Phillip Island round, Dean Cook, will return 13 years after his last appearance in the championship.
Matt Palmer and Graham Williams will become the 189th and 190th individuals to race in Carrera Cup. Palmer is transitioning from a touring car background to the one-make series, having races in the Super2 Series at the Clipsal 500 three weeks earlier. Williams meanwhile is a former speedway racer with recent Porsche experience in state level and Porsche Club motor racing events.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold four races across the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend, beginning the event with practice, qualifying and the opening race on Thursday, followed by the remaining three races to be held over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
To watch the 100th round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, tune into ONE on Friday for race two and Channel Ten to watch race three and race four.
Key Carrera Cup Records and Stats
Most round starts: Marc Cini (89), Craig Baird (66), Rodney Jane (54)
Most round wins: Craig Baird (21), Alex Davison (16), Jim Richards (10)
Most round wins (Challenge class): Max Twigg (13), Rodney Jane (10), James Koundouris, Tony Quinn, Shane Smollen (8)
Most consecutive round wins: Alex Davison – 6 (2003/2004)
Most round wins in a season: Jim Richards – 6 (2003)
Most race starts: Marc Cini (257), Craig Baird (192), Rodney Jane (153)
Most race wins: Craig Baird (60), Alex Davison (44), Jim Richards (31)
Most race wins (Challenge class): Max Twigg (46), Shane Smollen (30), Rodney Jane, James Koundouris (29)
Most consecutive race wins: Jim Richards – 8 (2003)
Most race wins in a season: Jim Richards – 20 (2003)
Smallest winning margin: 0.0456s – David Russell/Steve Richards (Gold Coast, 2014)
Biggest winning margin: 13.7760s – Jonny Reid/Alex Davison (Phillip Island, 2012)
Most pole positions: Alex Davison (15), Jim Richards (14), Craig Baird (12)
Most podium positions: Craig Baird (43), Alex Davison (32), Jim Richards (26)
Most podium positions (Challenge class): Rodney Jane, James Koundouris, Shane Smollen (16)
Race Schedule
Thursday March 23, 2017
12:20pm Practice 1 (20 minutes)
2:35pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
4:20pm Race 1 (25 minutes/10 laps)
Friday March 24, 2017
2:55pm Race 2 (25 minutes/10 laps)
Saturday March 25, 2017
12:45pm Race 3 (25 minutes/10 laps)
Sunday March 26, 2017
1:50pm Race 4 (25 minutes/10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: ONE
Race 2 – 2:55pm, Friday March 24
Channel: Ten
Race 3 – 12:45pm, Saturday March 25
Race 4 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 26
Entry List – Round 2
1. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
2. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia
3. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia
4. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks
5. #8 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne
6. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
7. #22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Zonzo Racing
8. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing
9. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security
10. #48 Matt Palmer (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) STR Truck Bodies
11. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop/Strathbrook Industrial Services
12. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic / Bob Jane T-Marts
13. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia
14. #131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) WRA
15. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Money Now
16. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia
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NewsFormer champion lands WEC seat
Nick Foster, the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, has secured the opportunity to race in the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship with Gulf Racing.
Foster will join team principle and driver Mike Wainwright and former Carrera Cup Australia racer Ben Barker in the Gulf Racing Porsche 911 RSR for the entire 2017 WEC sports car championship, which includes the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Foster competed in last year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Germany series before the move to the Milton Keynes based team in the Pro-Am sports car entry.
“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to compete in the 2017 WEC and can’t wait for it to kick off!” said Foster.
“I am very grateful to Gulf Racing and proud that they have chosen me to join their team. To compete in the WEC is a dream come true and in the famous Gulf Racing colours is an absolute honour. I know there are many challenges that lie ahead, but with strong pace and results for the team in 2017 we can look forward to challenging at the front in a very competitive Pro-Am category.”
The drivers will come together for the first time in April for the WEC Prologue, where Foster will get his first taste of the car, before the season opening Silverstone event on April 16, 2017.
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NewsHeimgartner edges Wall for Adelaide honours
Andre Heimgartner has marked his return to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer championship in the best possible way at the Adelaide season opener, taking race three victory and the ultimate round win.
The New Zealander followed his previous first and third place finishes from the opening two races to take a 0.4secs win in the final race over David Wall, who himself claimed race two victory and two second places.
The battle at the front ultimately saw Heimgartner and Wall finish equal on 168 points, however Heimgartner’s higher position in the final race elevated him to the top of the round podium.
“It was a pretty interesting weekend. It was nice to enjoy my racing again and go out there and be competitive,” said Heimgartner.
“The competition hasn’t dropped at all in the championship with guys like Davison and Wall, and even Evans, in the series. And it was good clean racing as well, which made for a great return to Carrera Cup.
“The 911 GT3 Cup is a very pure race car and driving them feels very natural so I didn’t find it too hard to be on the pace straight away. It was great to get the win and I can’t wait to return at Albert Park.”
Jaxon Evans finished his spectacular debut round on the podium, finishing the round in third after placing third, sixth and fifth in the event’s three races.
Evans’ debut performance was made more incredible by the fact that he sustained a broken back over the off-season after a water skiing accident.
“I’m stoked to get a podium on debut here in Adelaide. I’m down a little bit on my training as I broke my back just before Christmas, so I spent a lot of my Summer in a back brace. Therefore I struggled a bit with the heat this weekend so it was great to get such promising results.”
Dylan O’Keeffe narrowly missed out on a podium in Adelaide, finishing race three in third place and just three points shy of Evans.
Stephen Grove was the best TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver of the Clipsal 500 weekend.
Grove won the class in each of the three races and was thrilled to compete among some of the professional racers in Adelaide.
“One of the goals this year is to learn from the professional guys. This weekend there were a few starting from the back in each race and you try to tag onto the back of them in order to learn as much as you can,” said Grove, who started his 100th race in race one.
“It was also great to get my 100th race start as well. I’ve had a great time in the category so far and 100 races certainly came up quickly.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer will hold its next round in Melbourne in three weeks at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Race 3 results
1. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Sonic – 20 laps, 28:03.3
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 20 laps, 28:03.7
3. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Austr – 20 laps, 28:09.6
4. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 20 laps, 28:10.2
5. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 20 laps, 28:10.4
6. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 20 laps, 28:13.5
7. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 20 laps, 28:14.1
8. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 20 laps, 28:21.3
9. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 20 laps, 28:26.7
10. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 20 laps, 28:52.1
11. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 20 laps, 28:53.7
12. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 20 laps, 28:54.5
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NewsWall wins eventful race two in Adelaide
David Wall has continued his strong start to the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer season with victory in Saturday’s race two in Adelaide, moving to the top of the series standings.
An impressive race two start allowed Wall to lead into the opening chicane before the Sydneysider built a strong lead, which he maintained until the finish of the eventful 20 lap race.
After finishing second in Friday’s race one, Saturday’s win places Wall in the lead of the championship standings entering the final day of the opening round.
“I was very happy with my start in race two. The car was okay during the race; the track definitely changed compared to yesterday, as it normally does here, so we’ll tune up the car a little bit again for tomorrow’s race. It’s a great way to start the championship and I can’t wait for tomorrow and hopefully remain at the front,” said Wall.
Race one winner Andre Heimgartner was initially Wall’s closest rival, however a mid-race error allowed Cam McConville to sneak into second after initially starting sixth on the grid.
McConville was able to hold Heimgartner at bay for the remainder of the race, placing second from Heimgartner and James Abela in a career high fourth position, one place better than his race one performance.
“I wasn’t expecting to have results like these so early coming into the season. I’ve been getting faster and faster all weekend so to get a fourth in today’s race is amazing. Running among the guys at the front makes it more enjoyable and is a massive confidence booster along with learning some of their tricks along the way,” said Abela.
Dylan O’Keeffe improved on his seventh place in race one to claim fifth from Jaxon Evans and Nick McBride, who both endured a difficult race two.
Evans was trailing Alex Davison in the opening laps and attempted an overtake at turn nine on lap eight; the move was unsuccessful and contact between the two drivers spun Davison, who sustained race ending damage. Evans dropped five positions and was subsequently handed a drive through penalty, ultimately recovering to finish sixth.
McBride had his own difficulties during the race; the Melbournian dropped to seventh after spinning with one lap remaining.
Stephen Grove placed eighth outright and claimed TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge honours from Marc Cini in ninth, with Simon Ellingham finishing 10th after missing the opening race due to ill health.
“I really needed to push hard early,” said Grove. “I knew that if I could gap the cars behind me that would help me for the remainder of the race. I just pushed and pushed, it was hot and the car was slippery and I just had to hang on. I’m happy with the class win and my outright result and I hope to push the pro drivers some more in tomorrow’s third race.”
Lars Kern’s drama-filled debut round continued in race two. The German fell victim to a broken rim in race one, which sent him into the turn 11 barrier and ended his race. Kern then moved up the order in race two until drama found the German once again; Michael Almond spun late in the race and collected the rear end of Kern’s Porsche, which forced Kern into the turn four wall. While Kern emerged unscathed, his race car sustained significant damage and won’t return to the track for Sunday’s final race. Meanwhile Almond retired from the race with front end damage, but will return for race three.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer will hold its final race of the Clipsal 500 on Sunday at 1:30pm.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 05, 2017
1:30pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Ten
Race 3 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
Race 2 results
1. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 20 laps, 28:02.9
2. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 20 laps, 28:04.5
3. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Sonic – 20 laps, 28:06.0
4. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 20 laps, 28:15.2
5. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 20 laps, 28:17.6
6. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 20 laps, 28:36.0
7. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 20 laps, 28:53.8
8. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 20 laps, 28:58.6
9. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 20 laps, 29:08.1
10. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 19 laps, 29:19.5
DNF #8 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 18 laps, 25:27.0
DNF #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 18 laps, 25:36.1
DNF #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 7 laps, 09:54.5
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NewsKiwi newcomers star in opening Adelaide race
Andre Heimgartner has taken victory in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer race of the season upon his return to the competitive one-make series, while rookie Jaxon Evans impressed with a top-three result on debut.
Heimgartner claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position earlier in the day and gained the race one lead at the opening chicane after entering the corner side-by-side with his teammate Nick McBride.
The 21-year-old New Zealander then held the front position from McBride until the second-placed racer spun on lap 13 and dropped down the order to eighth after sustaining rear end damage.
Thursday pace-setter David Wall then pressured Heimgartner for the lead in the closing laps in what was his 100th Carrera Cup race; however Heimgartner was able to hold off the charging Wall to take the chequered flag by just 0.16secs for his first Carrera Cup win.
“It was pretty hot out there but I was able to get out in front at the start and managed the race from there. I had no idea what the car was going to be like over a race distance, so I just looked after the tyres and eventually came home with the win,” said Heimgartner, who competed in the Porsche one-make series throughout the 2012 season.
“I wasn’t expecting to have this pace so early in the season. It’s pretty good to go straight out there and get pole position and the race one win. That was a learning experience as I hadn’t done more than three laps in one of these cars so it got a bit messy towards the end there. It was great to get the win and I look forward to the rest of the weekend.”
Behind the second placed Wall was one of the star performers of the race – rookie Jaxon Evans finished only a second behind Wall in third place and well ahead of vastly more experienced competition.
“I can’t ask for much more; I’m pretty stoked to come away with a third place in my first race both in Adelaide and in Carrera Cup. I’m really happy,” said Evans, who replaced reigning champion Matt Campbell in the #7 911 GT3 Cup.
“To run with those guys at the front was a very special feeling. I knew I had the one lap speed, but knowing that I could run with them for the entire race was quite exciting.”
Alex Davison placed fourth from James Abela, who capitalised on a five-second penalty to Cam McConville for a starting grid infringement, to claim his first top-five result in the championship, beating his previous best of sixth at Darwin last season.
Dylan O’Keeffe placed seventh from McBride, TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge winner Stephen Grove, who also celebrated his 100th race, and Marc Cini in 10th.
Debutant Lars Kern had a promising start to his first Carrera Cup Australia outing, running in seventh mid-race until a broken rear rim forced the German into the turn 11 exit barrier, ending his race.
As a result of the incident, Kern’s rear tyre was left stranded on the race track, which was collected by Michael Almond one lap later, damaging the local racer’s radiator and forcing him out of the race.
Newcomer Simon Ellingham was not able to make the start line for race one after falling ill overnight.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer will hold its second race on Saturday before concluding the opening round with race three on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 04, 2017
2:05pm Race 2 (20 laps)
Sunday March 05, 2017
1:30pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Ten
Race 2 – 2:11pm, Saturday March 04 (local time)
Race 3 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Race 2 – 2:05pm, Saturday March 04 (local time)
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
Race 1 Results
1. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Sonic – 18 laps, 25:16.4283
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 18 laps, 25:16.5877
3. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 18 laps, 25:17.4789
4. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 18 laps, 25:20.1134
5. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 18 laps, 25:29.0228
6. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 18 laps, 25:29.1095
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 18 laps, 25:32.5270
8. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 18 laps, 25:41.0179
9. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 18 laps, 26:05.1183
10. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 18 laps, 26:05.7022
DNF #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 11 laps, 15:31.4628
DNF #8 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 10 laps, 14:08.8581
DNS #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing
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NewsHeimgartner takes TAG Heuer pole upon return
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NewsPorsche competition heats up in Adelaide
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer began its 2017 season with opening practice at the Clipsal 500 where David Wall overcame stifling conditions to set the pace early.
As the temperate soared into the mid-30s, Alex Davison was the quickest in opening practice before Wall topped the second session on a cleaner, faster surface.
Wall finished the day with a best time of 1:22.7133 from Nick McBride, Alex Davison and returning racer Andre Heimgartner in fourth.
“I was happy with the car in the second session and my pace at this stage of the weekend. We probably have some pace up our sleeve, but I’m sure others aren’t 100 per cent satisfied with what they did either,” said Wall.
“It will be cooler for qualifying tomorrow morning so the times will be quicker. The kerb striking is something that will play a part in the story of the weekend; the tolerance of being a strike or not is very minute and if you are too cautious you can lose a lot of time. It will be a great opening round.”
Fifth fastest on Thursday was Adelaide based racer Michael Almond, who was thrilled to return to his home event a year after his maiden Carrera Cup win at the same venue.
“I love coming to the Clipsal 500, and I’d be saying that even if I wasn’t racing. So to be racing here is a privilege and I love doing it in a Porsche with such a good team,” said Almond.
“We had far more grip in the second practice session. We had good pace but it’s hard to gauge everyone’s true speed because you never know who had what set up in practice. I followed David Wall in practice one and he was really quick, so he’ll be a favourite in qualifying. Alex Davison and Cam McConville are always quick and will also be ones to watch.”
Cam McConville was sixth fastest from Dylan O’Keeffe, debutants Lars Kern and Jaxon Evans and James Abela in 10th.
Stephen Grove was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge competitors in 11th from Marc Cini and Simon Ellingham.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer returns to the track tomorrow for qualifying and the opening race, with race two and race three to be held on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Race Schedule
Friday March 03, 2017
8:30am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm Race 1 (20 laps)
Saturday March 04, 2017
2:05pm Race 2 (20 laps)
Sunday March 05, 2017
1:30pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Ten
Race 1 – 3:09pm, Friday March 03 (local time)
Race 2 – 2:11pm, Saturday March 04 (local time)
Race 3 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Qualifying – 8:30am, Friday March 03 (local time)
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Friday March 03 (local time)
Race 2 – 2:05pm, Saturday March 04 (local time)
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
Practice – Combined times
1. #38 David Wall (Outright) PAYCE/Wilson Security – 1:22.7133
2. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Sonic/Bob Jane T-Marts – 1:22.8746
3. #888 Alex Davison (Outright) President Limo Australia – 1:23.0663
4. #777 Andre Heimgartner (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Sonic – 1:23.1053
5. #6 Michael Almond (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 1:23.1150
6. #5 Cameron McConville (Outright) Repair Management Australia – 1:23.1693
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) APB Group/President Limo Australia – 1:23.2413
8. #8 Lars Kern (Outright) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:23.3322
9. #7 Jaxon Evans (Outright) Hungry Jacks – 1:23.3787
10. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:23.7872
11. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group –:24.9016
12. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 1:24.9586
13. #33 Simon Ellingham (Outright) Peak Marketing – 1:25.785
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NewsCompetitive field highlights Adelaide opener
A tremendous line-up of sports car racers will highlight this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer championship as the one-make series returns to Adelaide this weekend to commence its 13th season ‘down under’.
With series champion Matt Campbell stepping up to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, many of the championship’s best performing racers from 2016 have returned with the goal of adding their name to the Carrera Cup honour roll.
Alex Davison, who was runner-up to Campbell in 2016, lines up as the only former series champion – winning the title in 2004 – while former race winners David Wall and Nick McBride return having placed third and fourth, respectively, last season.
McBride also enters the opening event as the defending round winner, while Michael Almond returns having claimed his maiden Carrera Cup win on home turf in Adelaide last season.
Two former Supercars Championship racers return after time away from Carrera Cup. Cam McConville completed three rounds at the start of the 2015 season and will now partner Almond in the newly formed Melbourne based Zagame Motorsport. Meanwhile Andre Heimgartner, who contest the 2012 Carrera Cup season – and, in doing so, became the youngest ever Carrera Cup Australia driver – enters the series after two seasons in the top tier touring car championship.
The list of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia alumni has grown this season with the addition of series runner up Jaxon Evans, who replaces the Europe bound Campbell in the championship winning McElrea Racing 911 GT3 Cup, while fellow Kiwi Simon Ellingham will also line up at the Queensland based Porsche team in his first appearance in the Carrera Cup championship.
Talented teenagers James Abela and Dylan O’Keeffe both stepped into Carrera Cup in 2016 after a season in GT3 Cup Challenge and now return to tackle the series equipped with a season’s experience.
Both David Wall and Stephen Grove will this weekend record their 100th Carrera Cup Australia race start in race one at the Clipsal 500. Wall debuted in the Porsche series in Adelaide in 2006 and has since claimed two race wins and six round podiums. Meanwhile Grove, the 2014 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion, started his Carrera Cup career in Townsville, 2012, and last year became the first Challenge ranked driver to claim outright victory in a Carrera Cup race in Australia, taking the chequered flag at the Carrera Cup Asia & Australia joint Class B race in Sydney.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s most experienced racer, Marc Cini, returns for 2017 and will be lining up for his 89th round start, vastly more than his rookie Porsche Centre Melbourne teammate, Lars Kern.
Entering the season as the only driver not to have local Porsche one-make series experience, Kern will make his much anticipated debut in Carrera Cup Australia in Adelaide. The Europe based test and development driver for Porsche is widely known for his efforts in production sports cars – he holds the record for the first sub-eight minute lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit (7m59.74s) in a production SUV, achieved in a Cayenne Turbo S, and the fastest lap of the ‘Green Hell’ (7m38s) in a production sedan when at the wheel of a Panamera Turbo.
In addition to extending its partnership with Porsche Carrera Cup for a further two seasons, Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer will begin the 2017 Carrera Cup season as Event Partner in Adelaide, and will therefore feature on the windscreen banners of every Carrera Cup car in the field.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by TAG Heuer will hit the track on Thursday for its opening round which will feature two practice sessions, one qualifying and three races across the four day event.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 02, 2017
12:30pm Practice 1 (20 minutes)
3:35pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday March 03, 2017
8:30am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm Race 1 (20 laps)
Saturday March 04, 2017
2:05pm Race 2 (20 laps)
Sunday March 05, 2017
1:30pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: Ten
Race 1 – 3:09pm, Friday March 03 (local time)
Race 2 – 2:11pm, Saturday March 04 (local time)
Race 3 – 1:50pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Practice 1 – 12:30pm, Thursday March 02 (local time)
Practice 2 – 3:35pm, Thursday March 02 (local time)
Qualifying – 8:30am, Friday March 03 (local time)
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Friday March 03 (local time)
Race 2 – 2:05pm, Saturday March 04 (local time)
Race 3 – 1:30pm, Sunday March 05 (local time)
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NewsKiwi ace makes Carrera Cup return
Five seasons ago, a teenage Andre Heimgartner was barely old enough to steer a road car when he became the youngest ever driver to compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
This weekend, the now-21-year-old returns to the Porsche championship with more experience and greater expectations as he lines up in the 2015 title winning 911 GT3 Cup car.
Heimgartner entered the 2012 Carrera Cup season aged just 16 years and 8 months, becoming the youngest driver to race in the championship – eclipsing the previous record set by Jonathon Webb, who was 19 years and 4 months for his 2003 debut.
Heimgartner made immediate impact, placing fourth in his debut race in Adelaide and ultimately finished the season seventh outright. The New Zealander was also the Carrera Cup Australia representative at the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme shootout Vallelunga, Italy, later in the season.
Following his season in Carrera Cup, Heimgartner went on to contest two seasons in the Super2 Series, followed by two seasons in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship before his Carrera Cup return with Sonic Motor Racing Services.
“To sign up with a top ranking team within what is a prestigious and respected racing series is very exciting and I am really looking forward to seeing what we can do together in 2017,” said Heimgartner.
“I am so very lucky to enjoy the support of an amazing sponsor group who have stuck by me throughout what has been a topsy-turvy few months and backed me to enable me to lock in a promising drive for 2017 with a top-running outfit.
“I am also working on co-driving possibilities amongst the Supercars field and am hopeful that I will make a return to the main game sometime in the future.
“I can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store!”
Heimgartner is one of three New Zealanders to added to the Carrera Cup grid this season, joined at the Clipsal 500 by countrymen Jaxon Evans and Simon Ellingham.
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NewsTAG Heuer strengthened Porsche partnership
Porsche Cars Australia and TAG Heuer are delighted to announce the continuation of their long-standing partnership, with TAG Heuer as the Official Watch of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship for the next two seasons, kicking off as the series’ Event Partner at this weekend’s Clipsal 500.
The iconic Porsche series will feature the Swiss watchmaker on the windscreen of every Carrera Cup car in Adelaide, along with continuing as the naming rights partner for many of the series’ properties – Pole Position Award, Fastest Lap Award, In-Car Camera and the Elite Class.
TAG Heuer will also continue to award a selection of timepieces from its Carrera range to the best performing Carrera Cup drivers at the conclusion of each season. The brand awarded eight watches to Carrera Cup drivers at the 2016 Awards Night with a combined retail value close to $70,000.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is thrilled to have TAG Heuer on board for another two seasons along with the Adelaide Event Partnership.
“It’s exciting to have TAG Heuer continue as the Official Watch of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia for a further two seasons. The brand is a great element of our motor racing programme and we look forward to working together to continue this successful relationship,” said Sakzewski.
“TAG Heuer and Porsche share many brand values and have tremendous synergies and motor racing heritage – all reasons that have helped this partnership prosper.
“Exciting times are ahead for Carrera Cup, both in 2017 with our maiden international round at Sepang in Malaysia, and also into 2018 when we introduce our newest generation 911 GT3 Cup race car. We look forward to rolling out these initiatives over the coming two seasons with the close association of TAG Heuer.”
TAG Heuer’s General Manager for Australasia, Pierre Blouin said: “We are thrilled to continue as the Official Watch of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
“The partnership is an important platform to celebrate our rich heritage in motor sport, and adds to our strong motor racing involvement in 2017. Globally, we continue as the Official Partner of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, FIA Formula E Championship, Indy 500, Carrera Panamericana , the mythical Monaco Grand Prix, and of course our naming rights team partnership with Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing.”
“Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is a great local addition to this portfolio and its highly competitive spirit fits perfectly with the TAG Heuer mindset, Don’t Crack Under Pressure,” added Blouin.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s season officially begins this Thursday March 02 when the series hits the Clipsal 500 circuit for opening practice.
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NewsDavison returns for Carrera Cup title tilt
Former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion and reigning runner-up Alex Davison is eager to go one better this season when lining up for new Porsche team, President Limo Racing.
Following the departure of series champion Matt Campbell to Europe, the Queensland based Davison returns as one of the firm favourites to claim the 2017 title, 13 years after he was last crowned Carrera Cup champion.
Davison enters this weekend’s Clipsal 500 as one of two winners of the Adelaide round in the field – Davison won on the parklands circuit in 2012 while Nick McBride enters the event as defending round winner.
Davison is now eager to get the season underway with the ambition to reclaim his Carrera Cup crown.
“It’s really exciting to be part of the Carrera Cup championship again this season. As usual the field is really competitive and, once again, we have an awesome race calendar,” said Davison.
“I’m excited to be part of the newly formed President Limo Racing. George Kenyeres is a great supporter of Carrera Cup and it’s great that he’s stepped up his involvement with this team. It’s also fantastic to have the continued support of Phase 8 and to welcome Polar Electro Australia has a major backer for my 2017 Carrera Cup campaign.
“My goal this season is to go one better than the last. I have a really good team looking after my car in Ash Seward Motorsport and I’m confident that we can fight for race and round victories throughout the season and hopefully, ultimately, I am in a position to take the title when we line up for the final round in Gold Coast.”
The 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship kicks off this weekend at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 02-05, 2017.
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NewsCarrera Cup goes presidential
President Limo Australia is the latest premium brand to officially partner the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The professional transfer specialist has signed on as the Official Limousine Service Provider to the Porsche championship for 2017 and will feature branding on all Porsche 911 race cars in this year’s championship, starting at this weekend’s season opening Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
The partnership will also see President Limo Australia become the exclusive limousine service provider to Porsche Cars Australia for its motorsport events – both for Carrera Cup and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series.
President Limo Australia Director, Mark Kenyeres, is pleased to expand his involvement in Carrera Cup, in which the brand will also support the #888 and #88 Porsche entries of Alex Davison and Dylan O’Keeffe, repectively.
“Having been involved with the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship for several seasons as a team sponsor, I am aware of the benefit and exposure it can bring. For President Limo Australia, the benefits are obvious – our brand fits perfectly with the premium motor racing series which represents luxury, style and efficiency,” said Kenyeres.
“I look forward to not only throwing my support behind Alex and Dylan this season, but also to support the entire championship. The series will again feature some of the region’s best sports car drivers, ensuring it remains as one of Australia’s most competitive and high-profile championships.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is thrilled to have President Limo Australia on board as the Official Limousine Service Provider.
“A brand such as President Limo Australia fits perfectly within the partnership portfolio of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. It is a premium brand which provides an efficient, luxurious service, similar to what we offer our motor racing customers,” said Sakzewski.
“It will be great to line up at the Clipsal 500 with the support of President Limo Australia, as well as using the premium service to get to and from the airport for our race events in style.”
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NewsPorsche test star turns Carrera Cup racer
The name Lars Kern isn’t well known in Australia. But this behind-the-scenes racer has done more laps in a Porsche than any other driver he’ll line-up against in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
As a Porsche test and development driver, the German has been responsible for the development of Porsche models such as the Boxster, Panamera, 911 GT3 and even the race-bred 911 RSR.
With experience in rally, sports car and touring car racing, Kern’s reputation derives from his pace in road-going Porsche models – he holds the record for the first sub-eight minute lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit (7m59.74s) in a production SUV, achieved in a Cayenne Turbo S, and the fastest lap of the ‘Green Hell’ (7m38s) in a production sedan when at the wheel of a Panamera Turbo.
Kern started racing again last year, which included a stint in Nürburgring’s VLN Endurance Championship, and will now line-up in Carrera Cup alongside Marc Cini in the multiple title winning team, Porsche Centre Melbourne.
“Racing in Australia is a dream for me. I have followed the growth of sports car and one-make racing in Australia for many years so it’s great to be able to now be part of it. Having Porsche one-make racing on street circuits is always spectacular and provides great racing. From what I’ve seen so far, the series races at some cool locations with big, enthusiastic crowds,” said Kern.
“For the last five years I’ve focussed on my job as a Test and Development Driver at Porsche, but I’m looking forward to racing more this season. Ever since we started talks about racing in Australia, I’ve started watching a lot of Carrera Cup races, mainly to learn the tracks as I’ve never seen them in real life.
“I’m a real greenhorn when it comes to racing in Australia, but I’m comfortable with that. I just look forward to getting there and starting the season in Adelaide.”
Porsche Centre Melbourne’s General Manager, Piero Pellegrini, is excited to have an ambassador so strongly linked with the Porsche brand as the dealership continues to build upon its successful motor racing heritage.
“I’m thrilled to have Lars join Marc as part of our two-car team in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship,” said Pellegrini.
“Motor racing has always been at the heart of Porsche Centre Melbourne and we have enjoyed vast success across several forms of the sports, including multiple Carrera Cup titles and Targa rally victories.
“Marc is a tremendous part of our motorsport programme and has been has many seasons, and now Lars will bring a new international element, with a distinctive Porsche flavour, to our dealership.”
The 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will get underway at the season opening Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 02-05, 2017.
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NewsExperienced duo heads new Porsche team
Experienced sports car racers Cam McConville and Michael Almond will reunite this season to represent the newly formed Zagame Motorsport in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The duo were team-mates for the opening three rounds of the 2015 Carrera Cup season and now rekindle the partnership with the new Melbourne based outfit.
For McConville, the road back to the Carrera Cup championship has been a season-and-a-half in the making, in which time he has established Zagame Motorsport, which will compete in several series including Carrera Cup and the feeder Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series.
“I can’t wait to step back into Carrera Cup. I contested three rounds back in 2015, which were thoroughly enjoyable but also a tremendous experience as a driver – the cars were great to drive and the series was incredibly competitive,” said McConville.
McConville made immediate impact in the Porsche championship, placing second in his second ever Carrera Cup appearance at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Now the former Supercars racer hopes to build on this promising start into the 2017 season.
“It’s certainly our aim to be a front-running team from the season’s outset. Both Mike and I have experience around the Clipsal 500 and Albert Park circuits, and Mike returns to Adelaide as a defending race winner. I’m looking forward to the challenge of not only managing Zagame Motorsport into its maiden Carrera Cup season, but also, as a driver, doing my best in what will be an extremely competitive Porsche field.”
Michael Almond will also be looking for Carrera Cup success in 2017. The Adelaide local enters the season in tremendous form, competing door-to-door with Matt Campbell and Alex Davison at last season’s final round in Gold Coast.
Almond also enters his home event having placed second at the Adelaide round last year, which included his maiden Carrera Cup victory in race three.
“Racing in Adelaide is always special, and it’s great to be back alongside Cam and be part of the new Zagame Motorsport operation,” said Almond.
“Last year’s Adelaide round was a highlight of my motor racing career; taking the race win in front of a home crowd. It’s an event I thoroughly enjoy and I hope I can take similar success from this year’s season opener.
“Each season we look at the front end of the Carrera Cup field and say how competitive it is. I don’t think this year is any different; there are some great drivers in this year’s championship, including my team-mate Cam, so the series will again provide some great racing and a real challenge to get to the pointy end. I’m really looking forward to getting the season underway in Adelaide.”
The season opening Clipsal 500 begins next week, with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to hit the track from Thursday March 02, 2017.
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NewsFront-running goal for Porsche young gun
Melbourne teenager Dylan O’Keeffe is eager to become a regular front-runner in what will be an ultra-competitive 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season.
Having moved into Carrera Cup from Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia in 2016, O’Keeffe spent last year building his racing experience in the 911 GT3 Cup as well as gaining valuable track time on Carrera Cup’s unique race calendar.
O’Keeffe’s results were promising: after finishing runner-up in the 2015 GT3 Cup Challenge season, the 19-year-old placed 10th in last season’s Carrera Cup standings, finishing with 12 top-10 results from the final 15 races, along with a season-best result of fourth in Darwin.
Now, having recently claimed Class B victory at the 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour, O’Keeffe is eager to capitalise on his experience to challenge Carrera Cup’s pacesetters this season.
“It’s great to enter the 2017 season with a year’s experience under my belt. Last year was a massive learning year for me and racing against the likes of Matt Campbell, Alex Davison and Steven Richards certainly allowed me to develop as a race driver,” said O’Keeffe.
“I’ve completed a season in the current generation 911 GT3 Cup car and now have experience on all the 2017 circuits except for Sepang, so hopefully I can implement what I’ve learnt from last year and gain some strong results in 2017.
“The battle at the front of the 2017 field will likely be just as competitive as it was in 2016 and I can’t wait to see how I stack up against some of the more experienced racers. Hopefully I can challenge for more top five and top three results as I improve throughout the season. I can’t wait!”
O’Keeffe enters this season with major backing from APB Group, as well as support from President Limo Australia, and his car will continue to be run by Ash Seward Motorsport throughout the 2017 Carrera Cup championship.
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NewsJohnson joins Porsche as DSA
Australian touring car ace Steven Johnson has been recruited by Porsche to serve as the Driving Standards Adviser across Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia in 2017.
The new appointment will see Johnson replace Craig Baird in the role after the latter accepted the same position within the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
The vastly experienced Johnson entered top-level motorsport in 1998 and has since contested 13 consecutive full-time Australian Touring Car/Supercars Championships (2000-2012) and, more recently, raced in the popular Touring Car Masters championship.
Johnson has an existing relationship with Porsche: the Gold Coast resident, who competed in Carrera Cup in 2013, is one of several current and former Supercars drivers working alongside Tomas Mezera at the Queensland based Porsche Sport Driving School.
“I’m thoroughly looking forward to this new challenge with Porsche for both the Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge series,” said Johnson.
“Both series hold an important role in Australian motorsport for racing enthusiasts and future talent alike, and it’s great to have the opportunity to help develop and educate these drivers as part of the driving standards process.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is pleased with the appointment of Johnson as the new Porsche DSA.
“It’s great to welcome Steve as part of the Porsche team. He was the first person we approached after Craig made us aware of his move to Supercars and I believe he will make a strong Driving Standards Adviser for both the Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge championships,” said Sakzewski.
“The Driving Standards Adviser is a crucial role to a series and can, at times, be quite testing. Therefore, it was important that we recruited a worthy replacement for Craig. And I believe, in Steve, we have.”
The move sees Carrera Cup continue as an effective preparation for future Supercars DSAs, with Baird following in the footsteps of Tomas Mezera and Cam McConville in the move from Carrera Cup to the Supercars Championship.
“Craig’s recruitment is testament to Porsche and the professionalism of the Carrera Cup series, where it can prepare individuals like Craig – and Tomas and Cam before him – for such an important role in the Supercars series. We wish Craig all the best in his new endeavour,” said Sakzewski.
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NewsEvans moves to title winning seat in 2017
New Zealand born, Gold Coast based racer Jaxon Evans is the latest young gun to join the country’s premier one-make series, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, following two seasons in the feeder Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia category.
Having finished a close runner-up in last season’s GT3 Cup Challenge series, Evans will now follow in the footsteps of another young Porsche star, Matt Campbell, when entering the 2017 Carrera Cup season and stepping into Campbell’s title winning McElrea Racing 911 GT3 Cup car.
The 20-year-old Evans is the latest drivers to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, joining the likes of Campbell, Fraser Ross, Dylan O’Keeffe and James Abela as a driver to enter Carrera Cup having gained experience behind the wheel of a race-bred 911 in the GT3 Cup Challenge series.
“To be running out of the McElrea Racing camp, and in the 2016 championship winning car, will give me the best chance to adapt and to learn as quickly as possible,” said Evans.
“Although I’ll be facing new challenges like street circuits and some very experienced competitors, I’m really looking forward to mixing it up near the front of the field and developing and learning both on and off the track.”
McElrea Racing team boss, Andy McElrea, is equally as excited to have another fast youngster on his hands.
“Jaxon will surprise quite a few people this year. He’s very quick and shows great racing intelligence and was stiff not to claim last year’s GT3 Cup Challenge win,” said McElrea.
“He’s already well ensconced in the team and a really likeable young man, who I feel sure can follow in the footsteps of Matt Campbell, which is really exciting for our whole operation.”
The opening round of this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be contested on the streets of the Adelaide Parklands Circuit during the weekend of March 02-05, 2017.
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NewsFather-son team set for 2017 Porsche campaign
The Groves are a Porsche family… now more so than ever.
Popular Porsche driver Stephen Grove has raced with the sports car brand since 2011, starting in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia before moving to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2012.
Grove has experienced much throughout his six years in Porsche one-make series, highlighted by his 2014 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title victory and becoming the first Challenge ranked driver to win a single-driver Carrera Cup race when taking the chequered flag at the Carrera Cup Asia & Australia Class B battle in Sydney.
Along the way, Stephen has had the unwavering support of his son, Brenton Grove, who will now follow in his father’s footsteps.
In 2017, Brenton will begin his own ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid when lining up in a Class A Porsche in the GT3 Cup Challenge series.
Brenton made his debut in the Porsche series in 2014 in a one-off appearance at Phillip Island, where he claimed Class B honours. Having completed his high school studies in 2015, Brenton entered motorsport full-time in 2016 in the Australian Formula 4 Championship.
Now Brenton will join Stephen as a full-time Porsche racer, something his father is excited to experience this season.
“Brenton has been around the Porsche paddock ever since I started in GT3 Cup Challenge in 2011, in which time he’s learnt much about the ins and outs of motorsport, so much so that he is largely responsible for the growth and day-to-day running of the motorsport component of our Grove Group business,” said Stephen.
“It will be great to see Brenton now race with a roof over his head. He did a great job in his GT3 Cup Challenge debut a couple of years ago and has continued to improve both in Formula 4 and in various events in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. GT3 Cup Challenge will now be a great next step in his racing career.
“From a personal point of view, it’s exciting to see Brenton move into Porsche racing. Hopefully I can teach him a thing or two this year and, eventually, I’m sure he can return the favour.”
Brenton is also excited about the season ahead, where he will campaign the same car his father raced in Carrera Cup throughout the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
“I’m excited to make the step up from Formula 4 to GT3 Cup Challenge. I’ve been around the Porsche paddock for some time so I’m familiar with the GT3 Cup Challenge series, but I’m looking forward to seeing it from a different prospective in 2017,” said Brenton.
“Racing the 2011-spec 911 GT3 Cup is going to be a tremendous experience, but more so, I get to share it with Dad again, though now the roles are reversed. I’ll certainly lean on him for advice as he’s done this all before.
“My immediate focus is GT3 Cup Challenge and improving my performance at the wheel of a Porsche. From there, my ultimate goal is to progress to the top-tier Carrera Cup championship and race alongside Dad in the family team. We are a racing family at heart and it would be awesome to share that experience with him.”
Stephen’s Carrera Cup season kicks off in three weeks at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 02-05 before Brenton begins his GT3 Cup Challenge assault at Sandown Raceway on April 07-09.
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NewsWall confirmed for 2017 season campaign
David Wall has confirmed he will return to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in season 2017.
Last year was David’s first full season back behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup since 2008, but he and his team were quickly up to speed with the new car.
David claimed 3rd place outright in the 2016 Championship with Wall Racing, and together they are looking forward to building on their success, and aiming even higher for 2017.
“It is really good to come back after a huge learning year last year for both myself and Wall Racing,” said David.
“To have finished third in the Championship in our first year back was very satisfying. Most teams already had a few years of running the new Porsche under their belt, but we persevered and the results came. We had a really good run of podium finishes including a race win in the second half of the season.”
Since finishing the season on the Gold Coast in October last year, David and the team have been busy working on the car.
“Wall Racing has done some work on the car already, and between now and Clipsal we will have at least one test day to ensure we are ready for the new season,” David continued.
“We know the challenge on track will be just as tough as any other year in Carrera Cup. There will once again be some really tough combinations of drivers and teams that we know are more than capable of winning races day in and day out. We will be coming back with the same team, the same car, and the same loyal group of sponsors, so we are hoping this continuity will serve us well.
“To say I am looking forward to getting back in the #38 Porsche is a huge understatement – Clipsal can’t come round quick enough!”
David will again be backed by his long standing supporters, PAYCE, Wilson Security, and Shannons Insurance. David has been in partnership with these three companies for much of his racing career, and he is proud to have the opportunity to race for them once again.
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NewsCampbell lands GT3 R seat at Bathurst
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Matt Campbell is the latest addition to what is already a strong line-up for the Competition Motorsports entry in the upcoming Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 hour.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of Australian Motorsport’s hottest properties, backed up by recent confirmation that he will be joining defending Supercars Champion Shane Van Gisbergen at Triple Eight Race Engineering for this year’s Enduro Cup.
Campbell will drive alongside experienced Porsche driver Marc Lieb, three-time American Le Mans Series driver’s champion Patrick Long and David Calvert-Jones who has competed in a Porsche at the Bathurst 12 hour for the past four years.
“Matt (Campbell) is super talented, super fast and it is great that he has become available at the last minute to strengthen what is already a very strong line up in the Pro/AM class,” Calvert-Jones said.
“Who knows, now we might go for outright victory!”
Campbell has racing in his blood, his grandfather Bill Campbell ran Morgan Park Raceway in Queensland and he was taught to race by both his grandfather and Auntie “TC.”
By the age of 16 he was Queensland State Champion for Super Sprints and second in the Queensland Formula Ford Championship. In 2014 he was the recipient of the Will Power Young Achiever of the Year Award, held the Lap Record at Phillip Island for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge and was awarded the Pirelli Performer of the Year Award.
More recently he was announced the winner of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout from a group of nine youngsters who tested at the Lausitzring, Germany. The prize consisted of 200,000 Euros towards a Supercup seat, as well as training and mentorship from the program’s driver coach and former Porsche champion, Sascha Maassen.
Campbell said he is excited about the opportunity to be part of such a professional outfit for an endurance event like the Bathurst 12 hour.
“I can’t wait to be able to race at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit with the calibre of talent that Competition Motorsports has been able to put together,” Campbell said.
“It is a great honour for me to be part of the Porsche family and I have been very fortunate to be given some fantastic opportunities that have allowed me to progress my career year on year.
“I see this as one of those opportunities and I can’t wait to get to the mountain, get on track and make sure we can do whatever we can to finish on the podium.”
Competition Motorsports has joined world renowned Porsche works drivers with experienced German engineer Stefan Pfeiffer who will also be part of the team for the event.
Pfeiffer has a long history with Porsche factory driver Patrick Long, first finding success together with Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and winning numerous American Le Mans Series GT2 titles together.
The team will be supported by Carrera Cup Teams Champions, McElrea Racing, and Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) and along with sponsors Ice Break Iced Coffee and Virgin Australia, will also have support from social media orientated gifting app Whilo and Los Angeles based racing simulator manufacturer CXC Simulations.
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NewsReigning champ scores leading enduro gig
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Matt Campbell has been signed to co-drive with 2016 Virgin Australia Supercars Champion, Shane van Gisbergen, in the No.97 Red Bull Holden Racing Team Commodore in 2017.
Campbell made his Supercars debut last year at the three endurance events and impressed the field. Now teaming up with reigning Supercars champion van Gisbergen, he will be taking on the PIRTEK Enduro Cup with the six-time Bathurst 1000-winning outfit.
“I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity with the championship-winning team,” said Campbell.
“There is no doubt that it is going to be a big year, but after my debut in Supercars last year I do feel that I was able to gain the experience for what is required of me in this position. To be able to drive with the 2016 champ is pretty awesome.”
Red Bull Holden Racing Team Managing Director Roland Dane reckons the 21-year-old ticks all the boxes when it comes to co-driving with van Gisbergen.
“We’ve been watching Matt for a while now and have been super impressed by his speed and maturity driving a range of different cars, “said Dane.
“The chance to have such a great young talent driving with us this year was too tempting to pass up. Plus he was Shane’s number one choice to share his Red Bull Holden Racing Team Commodore. We try to give our drivers what they ask for.”
After a stellar first year with the team, van Gisbergen is looking to continue his momentum into 2017, already with his eyes fixed on bringing home the PIRTEK Enduro Cup for the second year in a row with Campbell by his side.
“Last year you could see that in every race Matt was fast and consistent, and that’s what you want,” said van Gisbergen.
“The enduros pretty much set up the championship. To have someone who is fast and doesn’t make mistakes is a no-brainer, especially when so many points are riding on it.”
Ahead of his Supercars co-driving duties, Campbell has been busy preparing for his first season competing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Europe.
“It’s been quite a busy off-season readying myself for my first season racing outside Australia, keeping up my training for a big year ahead.”
Campbell will co-drive van Gisbergen’s Holden Commodore VF at the Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600 for 2017.
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NewsTriple champion returns to Carrera Cup
Three time TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Max Twigg will return to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2017 with the intent to reclaim his class crown.
While not competing full-time in Carrera Cup since 2013, Twigg has contested several Pro-Am and one-off events over the past three seasons, which has seen Stephen Grove, Shane Smollen and Tony Bates claim respective class titles in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Twigg holds an enviable Carrera Cup record since his series debut at Bathurst, 2006, accruing 13 round wins and 46 race wins in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge ranks from 133 race starts across 47 rounds.
The pace-setting semi-professional racer was also the first Challenge ranked driver to win a Carrera Cup round outright when he and Luke Youlden were victorious in the inaugural Pro-Am event at Porsche Rennsport Australia in 2013.
“I’m very much looking forward to returning to Carrera Cup full-time in 2017. I’ll be competing against some tough competition and racing at amazing events, so there’s a lot to be excited about for the coming season,” said Twigg.
“It will be great to race at some of the biggest events in Australia – Clipsal 500, Australian Grand Prix, Bathurst and Gold Coast – as well as heading to Sepang. I previously raced at Sepang in Carrera Cup Asia so it will be good to return there for the Australian series.
“I’m also looking forward to racing against some of my old Elite class rivals, who have all stepped up a level since I was last in the category full-time. It will be a challenge and I can’t wait to see how I go once we hit the track in Adelaide.”
Twigg will field the 911 GT3 Cup car previously campaigned by Scott Taylor, which will be prepared and run by Melbourne based team, Ash Seward Motorsport.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, suggests Twigg’s inclusion will add some strong competition to the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class.
“It’s great to see some returning faces to the championship for the 2017 season. Max is a top addition and will no doubt return as the benchmark Challenge ranked driver this year,” said Sakzewski.
“The 2017 Carrera Cup field is shaping up to be quite strong – in both outright and Challenge classifications – with many drivers looking to take advantage of our strong driver line-up and premium race calendar. We’re very much looking forward to getting the series underway in Adelaide.”
The opening round of the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 02-05, 2017.
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NewsCarrera Cup adds Endurance Cup in 2017
This year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers will have a long-distance fight on their hands when battling for the 2017 Endurance Cup.
The new initiative will see the Carrera Cup championship complete one longer distance race, in addition to two regular sprint races, at three of the season’s marquee events – the Wilson Security Sandown 500, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600.
As a true test of the drivers’ endurance, there will be no co-drivers used for these races, so drivers will need to be prepared to last the distance – approximately double that of the series’ regular sprint races. The Endurance Cup will not only provide drivers more racing laps at iconic events, but also provide increased opportunity for valuable exposure at the traditionally popular Supercars Championship endurance rounds.
Each race of the Endurance Cup will also count towards the regular series points for each weekend. The highest point-scoring driver from the combined three endurance races in both the Outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge classifications will be awarded the Endurance Cup.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is looking forward to rolling out the three race mini-series for the coming season.
“We’re excited to confirm the Endurance Cup for the 2017 Carrera Cup championship. Having longer races is something our drivers have requested, and thanks to Supercars, we have been able to accommodate this at three of the best events on the 2017 motor racing calendar – Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast,” said Sakzewski.
“Carrera Cup is, first and foremost, a sprint format championship, however adding elements such as an Endurance Cup enhance the overall experience for our customers, providing extra track time and another on-track incentive.
“While new to Carrera Cup, this initiative has successfully been part of our GT3 Cup Challenge series since 2011 in the form of the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy. It’s a popular part to the GT3 Cup Challenge championship and will be a welcome addition to Carrera Cup in 2017.”
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NewsKiwi racer joins 2017 Carrera Cup grid
New Zealand sports car racer Simon Ellingham will contest the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship with reigning Teams Champion, McElrea Racing.
The 24-year-old, a former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge and Australian GT driver, will campaign the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car raced by Duvashen Padayachee for the past three Carrera Cup seasons.
Ellingham, a former New Zealand Endurance Series champion, tested his new race-bred 911 at Queensland Raceway last week and is excited by the challenge that awaits him in Australia’s premier one-make series.
“I’m eager to get the 2017 season underway; the Carrera Cup calendar is awesome and includes some of my favourite tracks… and I can’t wait to finally race at Bathurst. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is a sensational car and I’m with an outstanding team in McElrea Racing, so there’s a lot to be excited about for the coming season,” said Ellingham.
“My first test in the car was really positive; I felt comfortable returning to the Porsche, which is quite different to the Audi R8 I raced in Australian GT, and made progress throughout the day.
“Having raced with McElrea Racing for the past few seasons, I have been able to keep a close eye on Carrera Cup and have wanted to compete in the series for some time. I have driven the older 911 GT3 Cup car around half the circuits on the Carrera Cup calendar so we will really target those events for strong result and aim to quickly learn the tracks that are new to me.”
Ellingham suggests that his prior GT3 Cup Challenge experience, the series in which he has contested five rounds, will be beneficial for his Carrera Cup initiation.
“My GT3 Cup Challenge experience will be a big help next year. It’s the only time I’ve raced in a one-make series, so I have a bit of an idea what to expect. Standing starts, which are part of GT3 Cup Challenge, are a lot different to Australian GT’s rolling starts so it’s great to bring that experience into Carrera Cup next season.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is excited about Ellingham’s announcement for Carrera Cup in 2017; the first of several professional and semi-professional drivers making the transition to the one-make series.
“We’re excited to have Simon on board with Carrera Cup for the next stage in his racing career. He has raced with us in GT3 Cup Challenge and now he will join us for what will be an incredible 2017 season,” said Sakzewski.
“There has been tremendous interest for the coming Carrera Cup season, continuing the momentum from what was a fantastic end to 2016.
“Since we announced the 2017 calendar, which includes the series’ first international event in Malaysia, we have had many drivers, both professional and semi-professional, looking to join us next season. And today, we are thrilled to announce Simon as the first of these new additions to the championship.”
Ellingham’s first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia event will be at the season opening Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 02-05, 2017.
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NewsCampbell wins lucrative Porsche scholarship
Rising Australian superstar Matt Campbell is the winner of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout and is set to continue his ascent of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in next year’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
The 21-year-old from Warwick, Queensland, was selected from nine young drivers from international Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge series around the world after a rigorous two-day evaluation at Lausitzring, Germany, on September 26-27, 2016.
Campbell was deemed the best candidate and will now receive the lucrative scholarship, which awards him 200,000 Euros towards a position on the grid of the ultra-competitive Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup championship. Porsche’s premier international one-make series competes as a support category to Formula 1 across Europe and the United States, including events at iconic circuits such as Barcelona, Monaco, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and the Circuit of the Americas. As part of his inclusion in the Junior Programme, Campbell will also receive training in communications, fitness and mental preparation and receive mentorship from the programme’s permanent driver coach and former Porsche champion, Sascha Maassen.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me and an honour to become a Porsche Junior driver in 2017,” said Campbell.
“The Shootout was an incredible experience with some very talented drivers from around the world, so to be selected by Porsche as the scholarship recipient is huge honour.
“It’s pretty amazing to think that I’ll be lining up on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup grid in 2017. It’s a hugely competitive series, which races on some of the world’s best circuits at some of Formula 1’s biggest events. I’m looking forward to the challenge of learning new circuits and racing the new 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed racing Porsches for the last three seasons, firstly in GT3 Cup Challenge and then in Carrera Cup, and it’s amazing that I can continue racing with the brand in 2017 in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. It’s great that Porsche provides such a strong pathway for young drivers in Australia to advance their careers, such as I did, both locally and abroad.”
Porsche Cars Australia’s Director of Public Relations and Motorsport, Paul Ellis, believes the appointment of Campbell as a Porsche Junior – the hotbed from which drivers are selected for the Porsche factory team, which this year included FIA World Endurance Champions Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley and 2015 Le Mans 24 Hour winner Earl Bamber – is the next step in a long and successful career with Porsche for the young Australian.
“Matt is a phenomenal talent and we are thrilled, but not surprised, that he won the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout. He has been a stand-out performer in both our GT3 Cup Challenge and Carrera Cup championships over the past three years and we wish him all the best as he begins this new challenge in 2017,” said Ellis.
“Matt’s rise through the ranks of motorsport has demonstrated how drivers can use the genuine pathway provided by Porsche to launch an international motor racing career. The Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, which locally includes our popular GT3 Cup Challenge feeder series and competitive Carrera Cup championship both nurtures and promotes young drivers. Current Supercars drivers David Reynolds, Fabian Coulthard, James Moffat, Nick Percat, Jonathon Webb and Andre Heimgartner all progressed through Carrera Cup while Ben Barker, Nick Foster and Sam Power used the series to help launch their career overseas.
“From all of us at Porsche Cars Australia, and on behalf of our vast Porsche racing family, we wish Matt all the best for the 2017 season and beyond.”
Campbell’s maiden Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season follows three seasons in Porsche one-make racing in Australia. Campbell entered Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia in 2014 in a 2005-spec Class B Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, cementing himself as one to watch by remaining competitive among Class A runners, who were equipped with more powerful 2011-spec 911 GT3 Cup cars.
Campbell then joined Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2015, initially demonstrating immense pace in a 911 GT3 Cup car before translating this into strong race results in the latter half of the season. In the final four rounds (11 races), Campbell scored 10 top two performances, including six race victories, and finished third for the season behind eventual champion Nick Foster and David Russell.
Campbell then clinched the 2016 Carrera Cup title in his second attempt. Campbell won 13 of the season’s 23 races, scored seven out of a possible eight pole positions and also claimed victory in the outright Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia joint race at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The Australian is one of two drivers to be confirmed for the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme; 18-year-old Austrian Thomas Preining is the new Porsche Junior to race in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, run as support to the DTM, and given 150,000 Euros towards his campaign. Preining was selected ahead of over 100 applicants for the entry-level Porsche Junior position following a strong maiden season in single seaters, placing fourth in the 2016 ADAC Formula 4 Championship.
About Matt Campbell
Matt Campbell is one of the stand-out young drivers in Australian motor racing, underpinned by a tremendous story of his rise in the sport.
Campbell is from humble beginnings; he grew up around motor racing in the small country town of Warwick, Queensland. His grandfather, Bill Campbell, ran the local race track, Morgan Park Raceway, which was where Bill and ‘TC’, Campbell’s Auntie, taught Campbell how to drive… and how to race.
Campbell’s natural ability was soon apparent.
At 16, Campbell was Queensland Super Sprints State Champion and second in the Queensland Formula Ford Championship. The following season, he won the Queensland Formula Ford title before taking another Super Sprints title in 2013 – a season where he contested the national Formula Ford championship, placing ninth.
Campbell then started his ascent of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid – a key step in his short racing career. Campbell raced in the 2014 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia season, quickly turning heads for his speed in the 2005-spec Class B entry against a field mostly consisting of the 2011-spec Porsche. Campbell wrapped up the Class B title with one round remaining and was handed the opportunity to race a Class A Porsche for the season finale. Campbell claimed pole position and dominated all three races (with a total winning margin of 27 seconds).
Campbell continued his ascent of the Motorsport Pyramid in 2015, moving to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship. Again, he quickly gained attention by qualifying second at Albert Park – his second ever Carrera Cup event. His true ability was then demonstrated at the tail end of the season.
Campbell finished in the top two positions in the final 11 races of the season, including six race wins.
Entering his second Carrera Cup season in 2016, Campbell’s momentum continued, taking 13 wins from the season’s 23 races and winning the series title with two races remaining.
Such is Campbell’s talent, renowned Supercars Championship team, Nissan Motorsport, recruited the 21-year-old to co-drive in the touring car series’ three endurance events at Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast. True to form, Campbell impressed in all three events.
This is a snippet of a tremendous motorsport story – one that will take Campbell to Europe in 2017 to compete the world’s premier one-make sports car championship, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Matt Campbell – Racing History
2016
Champion – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
– Won 13 out of 23 races, in addition to the outright joint Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Asia & Australia race
– New record: Most consecutive pole positions (seven)
– New record: Most pole positions gained in a season (seven)
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Hidden Valley Raceway
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Sandown Raceway
2015
3rd – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
– Best Rookie
– Finished either 1st or 2nd in the final 11 races of the season
– Six race wins
– New Race Lap Record: Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst)
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst)
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
– New Qualifying Lap Record: Sandown Raceway
2014
Champion (Class B), 4th Outright – Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia
– Consistently competing amongst the newer Class A cars
– Contested the final round in a Class A car, winning all three races by a combined margin of 27 seconds
– New Lap Record: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
2014
Champion – Queensland Super Sprint State Championship
Recipient of the Will Power Young Achiever of the Year Award
2013
Champion – Queensland Super Sprint State Championship
9th – Australian Formula Ford Championship
New Lap Record: Morgan Park Raceway, Historic Group R Sports
2012
Champion – Queensland Formula Ford Championship
New Lap Record: Morgan Park Raceway, Historic Group Q Racing
2011
Champion – Queensland Super Sprint State Championship
2nd – Queensland Formula Ford Championship
New Lap Record: Sydney Motorsport Park, Historic Group Q Racing
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NewsGrove wins round, Bates takes 2016 title
Stephen Grove won the battle on the Gold Coast, but ultimately it was Tony Bates who won the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge war on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
A consistent weekend ensured the Victorian driver had built an unassailable lead by the conclusion of the second race of the weekend, clinching his first circuit racing championship in style after years of trying in both Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, the Supercars Development Series and Commodore Cup.
Stephen Grove won the eighth and final round of the year, ahead of James Bergmuller and the champ Bates.
Grove finished third in the semi-pro category this year but was pleased to end the year on a high.
“That’s awesome. To put it on pole and lead every lap is really special,” said the former TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion.
“After Bathurst and the disappointment I’ve had this year I really wanted to set up for next year, so I’m stoked and it’s an awesome way to finish the year.”
After the most competitive year in TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge history, Bates won eight races in 2016 – however it was his consistency that delivered the overall championship results.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic. Between Carrera Cup and Commodore Cup there has been lots of placings in lots of championships over the years,” Bates explained.
“It was all about consistency this year with only the one round win. Over the previous years I’ve had the most round wins or most race wins but didn’t win the championship, so it’s funny how it works. I was more consistent this year, kept out of trouble and that is what got us the championship.”
Four drivers achieved both race and round victories this season, James Bergmuller, Stephen Grove and defending champion Shane Smollen also tasting the champagne throughout 2016.
The immense competition of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge ensured that Bates’ title was hard fought and, as such, particularly satisfying.
“The quality is there. There’s been a hugely different amount of race and round winners and though there’s been six guys at most of the rounds and if you didn’t qualify well you knew it was going to be a battle.
“It was a shame in that last race (where Bates finished second) because Grovey doesn’t make mistakes and it’s tough to pass in these cars. It was a very competitive year and I’m just over the moon to have won it.”
A personal best year in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia saw James Bergmuller score second in the championship, while Stephen Grove’s up-and-down season saw him third.
Grove won six races in 2016, however four non-finishes cost him championship points.
Bergmuller’s second place came thanks to enormous consistency finishing 13 races on the podium this year including a late season swing of eight podiums from the last eight straight races.
Outgoing champion Shane Smollen ended his title defence in fifth place, scoring no points in Queensland this weekend after a hefty crash in the opening practice session damaged his car beyond repair.
Adrian Mastronado leapfrogged the Sydney driver in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, scoring fourth overall in the final race of the season to end his best ever year in the category strongly.
The ever-improving Sonic Motor Racing driver scored a trio of podium finishes this year and finished every race on the calendar.
Marc Cini finished his record-breaking season – one that included his 250th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia start – in sixth place of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners and with one of the strongest performances of his season in Queensland.
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NewsCarrera Cup concludes stellar season in Surfers
Matt Campbell and Stephen Grove have claiming round honours in the final round of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Emsteq season on the streets of Surfers Paradise, where Campbell and Tony Bates departed as champions.
After securing the 2016 outright title in Saturday’s opening race, Campbell was beaten off the line by Alex Davison and Michael Almond in Sunday’s race three, the Copyworld Racing duo holding the front two positions until the chequered flag.
“It’s good to finish the season on a high and get at least one race win in the final weekend of the year,” said Davison.
“Congratulations to Matt and McElrea Racing. I know how long Andy McElrea has been trying to get a championship win so I’m really happy for them. I’m disappointed we couldn’t give it a better crack, but second is still a great result for the team.”
Third place in race three, following his two Saturday wins, handed Campbell the round win from Davison and Almond.
“It is awesome to get the round win and to take the championship here in race one. I couldn’t be happier. McElrea Racing has been fantastic to me over the past few years; they’ve done a lot of hard work so I’m very grateful to Andy McElrea and Leigh Geyer and everyone else in the team, it’s great to get the championship for them as well,” said Campbell.
“Starting in GT3 Cup Challenge in 2014 with McElrea Racing and now after two years in Carrera Cup, it’s been a great journey up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and one I have thoroughly enjoyed.”
Stephen Grove was the star TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver in Gold Coast, taking his third round win of the season, joined on the podium by James Bergmuller and Bates.
“That’s awesome. To put it on pole and lead every lap is really special. After Bathurst and the disappointment I’ve had this year I really wanted to set up for next year, so I’m stoked and it’s an awesome way to finish the year,” said Grove.
Meanwhile Bates was thrilled with what was a sensational season on track after securing the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge championship in Saturday’s race two.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic. Between Carrera Cup and Commodore Cup there has been lots of placings in lots of championships over the years. It was all about consistency this year with only the one round win. Over the previous years I’ve had the most round wins or most race wins but didn’t win the championship, so it’s funny how it works. I was more consistent this year, kept out of trouble and that is what got us the championship. I’m just over the moon for my team, for my crew and for everyone who has supported me it is a great reward,” said Bates.
Campbell finished the season with a 130 point lead over second placed Alex Davison, with David Wall placing third a further 81 points adrift.
Bates topped the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class by 86 points from Bergmuller, with Stephen Grove finishing third, 37.5 points further behind.
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NewsCampbell and Bates secure 2016 titles
Matt Campbell and Tony Bates have secured the outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge titles with one race remaining for the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Emsteq season finale in Surfers Paradise, while McElrea Racing sealed its place as the top team in the competition.
After claiming his seventh straight TAG Heuer Pole Position on Friday, Campbell led from the green light in race one, charging to a 2.6 second victory over Michael Almond, his best race result since winning race three at the Clipsal 500, and Alex Davison in third.
The result handed Campbell an unassailable lead in the standings, securing his first national championship win and McElrea Racing’s maiden driver’s title. This didn’t slow the 21-year-old in race two, crossing the finish line over three seconds ahead of Davison and Almond.
“It’s great to get my first championship win and also to get the first for McElrea Racing. We’ve worked so hard for this over the past two years so to finally win the Carrera Cup championship is unbelievable. I’m just speechless,” said Campbell.
“It was great to win the title after the first race, taking the pressure off for the second. I love this circuit and had a great time out there in race two without having to think about the championship. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s final race of the season.
“There are a lot of people behind the scenes who have worked very hard to make this all possible, so I can’t thank them enough and it’s awesome to win this championship for them.”
While Davison remains second in the standings, David Wall has jumped to third ahead of Nick McBride. McBride’s practice accident, which caused him to miss qualifying, forced him to start from the rear of the race one grid and managed to charge through to 12th. McBride then finished 16th in race two following a drive through penalty sustained for contact with Dylan O’Keeffe. For Wall, however, two sixth place results enabled him to jump into the top three in points.
Stephen Grove was the dominant force in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge on Friday, taking two race wins from James Bergmuller in each.
“It was important to finish the season strong. Coming into this weekend I knew the championship win wasn’t going to happen this year with the four DNFs, so it’s great to start the final round of the year with two strong race results,” said Grove.
While Bates wasn’t a class pace-setter in the opening two races, the Victorian did enough – a third and fourth in class – to secure the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title with one race remaining.
“This is fantastic. I feel very relieved; I’ve been knocking on the door of the Challenge championship for the past two years and it hasn’t happened for one reason or another, so to finally win it is sensational,” said Bates.
“The competition has been tough all year – Shane Smollen, Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller, who has been very competitive this year. The competition has been close which has increased the competitiveness of the class, which makes it so rewarding to take the win this year.”
Bergmuller remains second in the Challenge class standings, while Grove jumped to third due to the absence of Smollen, whose Gold Coast campaign ended after an accident in opening practice.
McElrea Racing, along with its drivers James Abela, Campbell, Duvashen Padayachee and Shane Smollen, had another reason to celebrate on Saturday; not only did the team win its first driver’s title, it also secured the 2016 Teams Championship – the award recognising the best point scoring driver from each team from each race.
“We’re thrilled for Matt and his achievements, but also what James, Duvashen and Shane did for us during the year. We’re very happy,” said team boss, Andy McElrea.
“It’s great for the guys in the team to be acknowledged and this award is the best way to do it. I’m really pleased with the season and proud of the all in the team for their efforts.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Emsteq will hold its final race of the season on the Surfers Paradise street circuit on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Sunday October 23, 2016
12:55pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Network Ten
Race 3 – 1:15pm local time (2:15pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Fox Sports 5
Race 3 – 12:55pm local time (1:55pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Race 1 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8 – 15 laps, 18:28.4380s
2. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 15 laps, 18:31.0338s
3. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 15 laps, 18:31.5020s
4. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 15 laps, 18:40.5912s
5. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 15 laps, 18:41.7344s
6. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 15 laps, 18:46.7884s
7. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 15 laps, 18:48.8167s
8. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 15 laps, 18:50.5441s
9. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Shooters NC / DNA Racing – 15 laps, 18:50.7841s
10. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 15 laps, 18:51.5563s
11. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 15 laps, 18:55.2937s
12. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 15 laps, 18:55.9465s
13. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 15 laps, 19:12.4409s
14. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 15 laps, 19:12.6696s
15. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/C Tech Laser – 15 laps, 19:22.4324s
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 15 laps, 19:23.8020s
17. #8 Tony Longhurst (Guest) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 14 laps, 18:53.1170s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 14 laps, 19:11.2667s
Race 2 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8 – 15 laps, 18:30.1135s
2. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 15 laps, 18:33.3450s
3. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld/Toshiba – 15 laps, 18:34.5596s
4. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 15 laps, 18:35.1362s
5. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Infants Friend – 15 laps, 18:37.5879s
6. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 15 laps, 18:40.4306s
7. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 15 laps, 18:42.4122s
8. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Shooters NC / DNA Racing – 15 laps, 18:54.1565s
9. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 15 laps, 18:55.4455s
10. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 15 laps, 19:00.1435s
11. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 15 laps, 19:21.0442s
12. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 15 laps, 19:21.3969s
13. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 15 laps, 19:22.0814s
14. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/C Tech Laser – 15 laps, 19:22.5013s
15. #8 Tony Longhurst (Guest) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 15 laps, 19:33.5592s
16. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 15 laps, 19:33.8521s
17. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 15 laps, 19:36.8676s
DNF 88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 3 laps, 3:54.8297s
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NewsCampbell, Grove top record Friday qualifying
Matt Campbell has cemented his place as Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Emsteq’s star qualifier by recording an unprecedented seven straight TAG Heuer Pole Positions at the Gold Coast season finale.
The 21-year-old championship leader equalled Jim Richards’ 13-year-old record of six straight pole positions two weeks prior at Bathurst and followed it up with yet another pace-setting performance on the streets of Surfers Paradise. In gaining pole position for Saturday’s opening race, Campbell also equalled Jim Richards’ record of seven pole positions in a season.
“It’s a nice record to have, especially in a one-make category. My strength really is qualifying so to get seven in a row and pole position at the last round is fantastic for myself and McElrea Racing,” said Campbell.
“The track was quite different to the previous session, especially at the beach chicane. Thankfully we were able to take the top spot and the car is in one piece for tomorrow. Passing is hard around this circuit so, starting off the front row, I’ll plan to a stay out of trouble.”
Michael Almond will start alongside Campbell on the front row after his best Carrera Cup qualifying performance; the South Australian finishing the session second quickest, bettering his previous best qualifying of fourth, which he has achieved three times.
Alex Davison, who is Campbell’s closest points rival sitting 124.5 points adrift of the series lead, was the third fastest in the qualifying session from Steven Richards, David Wall, Ash Walsh. Duvashen Padayachee qualified seventh from Dylan O’Keeffe, Garth Walden and Fraser Ross, who stopped mid-session due to a broken drive shaft, in 10th.
Stephen Grove was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners for Friday’s qualifying. While out of Challenge title contention, the 2014 class champion is eager to finish the season on a high.
“It was important for me to get pole position here. You have to be super committed here and it can be quite scary. I pushed as hard as I could and pole position was something I really wanted to achieve, especially with the staggered grid,” said Grove.
“I want to finish the year strong and even to prepare for next year. It hasn’t been the greatest year with a few DNFs, but I’ll come back tomorrow and try to win, finishing the season positively.”
Tony Bates was second in class, qualifying in 12th outright behind James Abela, from James Bergmuller, Guest starter Tony Longhurst, Marc Cini and 17th placed Adrian Mastronardo.
While good for some, Friday proved difficult for several Carrera Cup drivers.
In the opening session, Shane Smollen spun and hit the wall in the braking zone of turn one; the damage to his Porsche too significant to return to the circuit this weekend.
Practice two then saw Scott Taylor hit the wall at the exit of the opening chicane, before coming to a stop moments after. Nick McBride was then left with nowhere to go and careered into the side of Taylor’s 911 GT3 Cup. The damage to McBride’s Porsche caused him to miss the qualifying session. Taylor, meanwhile, will not continue in the Gold Coast finale; the Gold Coast based racer suffered a leg injury, though with no fractures, during the accident, while his Porsche sustain heavy damage from the impact.
The opening race of the season finale will held at 9:00am on Saturday where, should Campbell finish ahead of Davison, the series leader could establish an unassailable lead in the championship with two races remaining.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 22, 2016
9:00am Race 1 (15 laps)
12:50pm Race 2 (15 laps)
Sunday October 23, 2016
12:55pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Network Ten
Race 1 – 12:10pm local time (1:10pm AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 3 – 1:15pm local time (2:15pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Fox Sports 5
Race 1 – 9:00am local time (10:00am AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 2 – 12:50pm local time (1:50pm AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 3 – 12:55pm local time (1:55pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Qualifying Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8 – 1:12.6414*
2. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld/Toshiba – 1:12.7779s
3. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 1:12.9103s
4. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 1:13.0127s
5. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 1:13.1473s
6. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Infants Friend – 1:13.2899s
7. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 1:13.6566s
8. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales / APB Group – 1:14.1015s
9. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 1:14.1959s
10. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Shooters NC / DNA Racing – 1:14.2389s
11. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 1:14.3104s
12. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:14.3642s
13. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/C Tech Laser – 1:14.3880s
14. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 1:14.9763s
15. #8 Tony Longhurst (Guest) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne -1:15.4618s
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 1:15.9709s
17. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) TOGA/Veritas Property Group – 1:16.7525s
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NewsEmsteq concludes season as Event Partner
Queensland based motorsport software specialist, Emsteq Systems, has increasesd its involvement with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this weekend at its home event as Australia’s premier one-make championship concludes its season on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
The maintenance software company joined the Porsche series mid-season at the Sydney Motorsport Park round and will cap the year with a Gold Coast event partnership, which will see the Emsteq logo displayed on each 911 GT3 Cup car in the 20-strong Carrera Cup field.
“The streets of Surfers Paradise make for the best possible location for our Carrera Cup season finale and we’re thrilled to share this with Emsteq Systems this weekend,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“It’s great to be able to provide substantial exposure at the Gold Coast 600 for what is Emsteq’s home event. Gold Coast provides a substantial television viewership and an electric trackside atmosphere, something that will maximise the benefit for Emsteq as part of their partnership with the Porsche Carrera Cup championship.”
Emsteq Systems’ Tim Noske is pleased to finish the Porsche Carrera Cup season with increased presence in the company’s backyard.
“Emsteq Systems has had a great season on track, with its software being successfully used by teams competing all over the world, from Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to the 24 Hours of Daytona,” said Noske.
“It was a pleasure joining the Porsche championship this season and a real thrill to cap the year with an increased presence at our home event in Gold Coast. It will be a fantastic end to a spectacular season.”
Emsteq Profile
Emsteq is one of only three companies on the planet to provide specialist maintenance software to motorsport. Its system has been used to improve reliability by some of the biggest motorsport organisations in the world. It was trusted by these companies for its attention-to-detail, ease-of-use, flexibility and high bang-for-buck value. Now they’ve applied that expertise to business software. With their TranMS fleet maintenance system and BizMS enterprise software, now your business will go the distance.
Race Schedule
Friday October 21, 2016
10:00am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
12:40pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
3:05pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
Saturday October 22, 2016
9:00am Race 1 (15 laps)
12:50pm Race 2 (15 laps)
Sunday October 23, 2016
12:55pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Network Ten
Race 1 – 12:10pm local time (1:10pm AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 3 – 1:15pm local time (2:15pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Fox Sports 5
Practice 2* – 12:40pm local time (1:40pm AEDT), Friday October 21
Qualifying – 3:05pm local time (4:05pm AEDT), Friday October 21
Race 1 – 9:00am local time (10:00am AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 2 – 12:50pm local time (1:50pm AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 3 – 12:55pm local time (1:55pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Broadcast subject to change
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NewsAsia visit highlights epic 2017 season
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is going to Asia in 2017 – just one initiative that will make next season one of its most thrilling to date.
Highlights of the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season:
– Carrera Cup Australia’s first ever Asia round
– Introduction of an Endurance Cup
– Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix driver exchange
– Retention of top-tier events
– Pro-Am returns to Phillip Island
– Overseas prize drive opportunities
– Current 911 GT3 Cup eligible for 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour
The highlight of the 2017 season will be the championship’s maiden voyage to the world-class Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for a joint round with Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. The event will be the second occasion the two series have shared the race track after the Asia based sister series successfully raced at Sydney Motorsport Park in August, 2016.
To make the international round cost-effective for teams, Porsche Cars Australia will transport the fleet of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars to and from the Malaysian circuit.
An Endurance Cup will be introduced to Carrera Cup in 2017. While details are still to be confirmed, the initiative will likely see three long distance races run towards the end of the season, separate to the Pro-Am, which will crown the endurance champion.
The Porsche championship will retain its premium event schedule, returning to the largest motor racing events in Australia – Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600 – continuing the series’ reputation as Australia’s most visible support category, both for television and trackside exposure. The season’s opening event in March, the announcement of which is pending governmental release, will also be a highlight event on the Carrera Cup schedule.
The series’ Pro-Am will return to Phillip Island, where it was held in 2014 and 2015, for the series’ sole Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals appearance before venturing north for Carrera Cup’s second Hidden Valley visit in as many seasons.
In addition to Carrera Cup’s Sepang round, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will allow four Australian series drivers to compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia round at the popular Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix event. In return, the Australian series will allow four Asian series competitors to compete at Carrera Cup Australia’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix round at Albert Park.
Other international one-make series racing opportunities will be made available for Carrera Cup Australia drivers, including the Carrera Cup support race for the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In addition to these opportunities, the prize for the 2017 outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champions will be a Porsche-funded one-off drive in an international Porsche one-make series in 2018.
Also new for 2017, TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers will count their best seven rounds towards their end-of-season pointscore, allowing them to miss a round and still shoot for the class title.
Ahead of the 2017 season, all competitors entered into the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be able to use their 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) in the 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour event. This will be the first time a current Carrera Cup spec 911 GT3 Cup car will compete in the once-around-the-clock race.
As the 2017 Carrera Cup season will be the last using the current generation 911 GT3 Cup car, competing teams will have the first opportunity to purchase the new 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.II), which will enter Carrera Cup Australia as of the 2018 season.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is exciting about the initiatives that will make the 2017 Carrera Cup season one of the most spectacular to date.
“There’s no doubting that the 2017 Carrera Cup season will be special, highlighted by our first event in Asia. This is something we have wanted to do for some time and have now put the foundations in place to make it happen. Taking the Carrera Cup championship to Malaysia is a significant investment by Porsche, but will be a priceless experience for our teams and drivers,” said Sakzewski.
“We have also created numerous money-can’t-buy opportunities, available only to those racing in Carrera Cup Australia. You can’t purchase a spot on the grid at the Singapore Grand Prix, so it’s invaluable to be able to offer this to our drivers. We also retain our premium event schedule, attending the best motorsport events in the country, while continuing the popular Pro-Am format.
“An endurance mini series will also add a new element to the championship and provide more racing laps around some of the country’s greatest circuits.”
The 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will conclude this weekend at the Gold Coast 600, where both the outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champions will be crowned.
2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Calendar
Round 1 – TBC*
Round 2 – Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix*, Melbourne, Victoria (March 23-26, 2017)
Round 3 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island, Victoria (May 26-28, 2017)
Round 4 – Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin, Northern Territory (June 16-18, 2017)
Round 5 – Sepang International Circuit*, Sepang, Malaysia (July 21-23, 2017)
Round 6 – Sandown 500, Melbourne, Victoria (September 15-17, 2017)
Round 7 – Bathurst 1000, Bathurst, New South Wales (October 05-08, 2017)
Round 8 – Gold Coast 600, Gold Coast, Queensland (October 20-22, 2017)
* Subject to confirmation
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NewsFAST FACTS: Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
The eighth round of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to be held on the Gold Coast is the 98th held since the category debuted in 2003. The Gold Coast will host the 289th, 290th and 291st races in PCCA history.
The streets of Surfers Paradise have hosted PCCA every year the category has been in operation – this year is the 12th time the championship has raced on the Gold Coast and the seventh time it has hosted
the championship’s final round.
There have been nine different winners of the last nine PCCA rounds held on the Gold Coast. Craig Baird is the only two-time PCCA round winner at the venue, claiming a round win in 2004 on the old longer ‘Indy’ circuit layout and in 2011 on the current, shorter layout.
Championship leader Matt Campbell is aiming to break Jim Richards’ record of most consecutive poles in PCCA history. Richards scored six in a row in 2003 in the inaugural year of the series and Campbell now also has six in a row following his Bathurst pole. If Campbell can also take pole on the Gold Coast he will tie Jim Richards’ record for most poles in a PCCA season – seven.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points leader Tony Bates will bring up his 100th PCCA race start in Race 1 on the Gold Coast. He becomes the 15th driver in championship history to start 100 races.
Bates and Shane Smollen have dominated the Challenge category on the Gold Coast over the last three years, winning all nine races held in that time between them.
Smollen’s Challenge pole at Bathurst now puts him into a tie for the record of most pole positions in the class in the history of PCCA. He now has 16 poles, tied with Rodney Jane and James Koundouris.
The Gold Coast is the site of the closest finish in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racing – though it probably didn’t feel like it at the time! David Russell crossed the line 5.0456s in front of Steve Richards to win the first race in 2014, however a five-second penalty for a start infringement meant the official margin was only 0.0456s in the final results!
Alex Davison and Matt Campbell have alternated the round wins for the last six PCCA rounds in a row. By the way the season has gone so far, it’s Davison’s turn on the Gold Coast, where he won the round in 2006. Between them the two have won 16 of the last 17 PCCA races held.
The Gold Coast is the venue of the largest pole position margin in PCCA history – Jim Richards was 1.1937s faster than Peter Fitzgerald in qualifying for the inaugural round in 2003.
David Wall now has 6 PCCA podium results but remains winless. Only David Russell has more PCCA podium finishes without a round win – 10.
Michael Almond will make his 25th PCCA round start when he competes on the Gold Coast. He becomes just the 29th driver in the category’s history to achieve this.
GOLD COAST LAP RECORDS
Race Lap Record: David Russell, 1m12.8643s, 2014
Qualifying Lap Record: David Russell, 1m12.4167s, 2014
GOLD COAST ROUND WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards
2004 Craig Baird
2005 Fabian Coulthard
2006 Alex Davison
2007 Marcus Marshall
2008 James Moffat
2011 Craig Baird
2012 Jonny Reid
2013 Nick Percat
2014 Nick Foster
2015 Matt Campbell
2 – Craig Baird
1 – Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, Alex Davison, Marcus Marshall, James Moffat, Craig Baird, Jonny Reid, Nick Percat, Nick Foster, Matt Campbell
GOLD COAST POLE POSITIONS
2003 Jim Richards 1m57.6609s
2004 Alex Davison 1m56.6408s
2005 Fabian Coulthard 1m55.3670s
2006 Alex Davison 1m53.7053s
2007 Marcus Marshall 1m52.4563s
2008 Craig Baird 1m52.5347s
2011 Craig Baird 1m14.1579s
2012 Craig Baird 1m13.6152s
2013 Nick Percat 1m13.2369s
2014 David Russell 1m12.4167s
2015 David Russell 1m12.6448s
* – Moved to Gold Coast 600 shorter layout in 2011
3 – Craig Baird
2 – Alex Davison, David Russell
1 – Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, Marcus Marshall, Nick Percat
GOLD COAST RACE WINS
2003 Jim Richards Jim Richards Jim Richards
2004 Alex Davison Jim Richards Craig Baird
2005 Fabian Coulthard Fabian Coulthard Fabian Coulthard
2006 Alex Davison Alex Davison No Race
2007 Marcus Marshall Marcus Marshall Alex Davison
2008 Craig Baird Craig Baird James Moffat
2011 Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird Craig Baird Jonny Reid
2013 Nick Percat Nick Percat Steve Richards
2014 David Russell Nick Foster Nick Foster
2015 Matt Campbell Matt Campbell Matt Campbell
8 – Craig Baird
4 – Jim Richards, Alex Davison
3 – Fabian Coulthard, Matt Campbell
2 – Marcus Marshall, Nick Percat, Nick Foster
1 – James Moffat, Jonny Reid, Steve Richards, David Russell
GOLD COAST PODIUMS
2003 Jim Richards Marcus Marshall Peter Fitzgerald
2004 Craig Baird Fabian Coulthard Jim Richards
2005 Fabian Coulthard Klark Quinn Ian Dyk
2006 Alex Davison David Reynolds Jim Richards
2007 Marcus Marshall Alex Davison David Reynolds
2008 James Moffat David Wall Craig Baird
2011 Craig Baird Daniel Gaunt Steve Richards
2012 Jonny Reid Steve Richards Craig Baird
2013 Nick Percat Steve Richards Shae Davies
2014 Nick Foster David Russell Shae Davies
2015 Matt Campbell David Russell Nick Foster
4 – Craig Baird
3 – Jim Richards, Steve Richards
2 – Marcus Marshall, Fabian Coulthard, Alex Davison, David Reynolds, Shae Davies, David Russell, Nick Foster
1 – Peter Fitzgerald, Klark Quinn, Ian Dyk, James Moffat, David Wall, Daniel Gaunt, Jonny Reid, Nick Percat, Matt Campbell
GOLD COAST TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE ROUND WINNERS
2004 Tony Quinn
2005 Dean Grant
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 Theo Koundouris
2011 Paul Kelly
2012 Max Twigg
2013 Shane Smollen
2014 Tony Bates
2015 Tony Bates
2 – Rodney Jane, Tony Bates
1 – Tony Quinn, Dean Grant, Theo Koundouris, Paul Kelly, Max Twigg, Shane Smollen
GOLD COAST TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE RACE WINNERS
2004 Tony Quinn Tony Quinn Tony Quinn
2005 James Koundouris Dean Grant Tony Quinn
2006 Rodney Jane Rodney Jane No Race
2007 Rodney Jane Rodney Forbes James Koundouris
2008 Max Twigg James Koundouris James Koundouris
2011 James Koundouris Paul Kelly Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg Max Twigg Max Twigg
2013 Shane Smollen Shane Smollen Shane Smollen
2014 Tony Bates Tony Bates Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen Tony Bates Tony Bates
5 – James Koundouris, Max Twigg, Shane Smollen
4 – Tony Quinn, Tony Bates
3 – Rodney Jane
1 – Dean Grant, Rodney Forbes, Paul Kelly
GOLD COAST TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE POLE POSITIONS
2004 Rodney Jane
2005 Tony Quinn
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris
2011 James Koundouris
2012 James Koundouris
2013 Shane Smollen
2014 Tony Bates
2015 Stephen Grove
3 – Rodney Jane, James Koundouris
1 – Tony Quinn, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, Stephen Grove
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NewsCarrera Cup set for thrilling coastal decider
There are few sights more spectacular than Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars navigating the 15-turn 2.96 km Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, a spectacle that will come to life this weekend as Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Emsteq tackles the beachside circuit for its 2016 season finale.
The Gold Coast round will see two titles decided: The outright championship will be a battle between youth and experience while the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge crown is set to once again change hands.
It will take an ill-fated Gold Coast round to displace series leader Matt Campbell from the top of the standings. The 21-year-old holds a commanding 124.5 point lead over second placed Alex Davison and two critical elements are in his favour: Campbell is the star qualifier in the series entering the notoriously hard-to-pass Gold Coast circuit, where he claimed a clean sweep in 2015.
“We had a fantastic weekend in the Gold Coast last year, winning all three races, so I think we’ll have good speed there. It is obviously a vastly different track to what we are used to throughout the season and especially our last round at Bathurst. You have to be very close to the walls and push hard over the high kerbs. It’s a track that rewards commitment and I’m looking forward to racing there,” said Campbell.
Behind Campbell, just 15 points separate the chasing trio of Davison, Nick McBride and David Wall. Davison has four previous Gold Coast race wins across the 2004, 2006 and 2007 seasons, just one ahead of Campbell, who accrued his three victories last season. The pair also exclusively shares race victories across 16 of the past 17 Carrera Cup races this season.
Wall, who has previously stood on the Gold Coast podium in 2008, brings to the season finale an incredible run of form; 10 top three results from the past 11 races, including a Darwin race win. McBride is yet to visit the Surfers Paradise podium, but has posted nine top-three performances from the season’s 20 races.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title looks set to go to a fourth different winner in as many seasons, with class points leader Tony Bates taking a substantial 98 point lead into the final round.
Bates was dominant at Gold Coast last season, winning two of the three races and claiming the round win from James Bergmuller and Shane Smollen – the 2015 class champion.
Both Smollen and 2014 Challenge champion Stephen Grove endured tough Bathurst campaigns, allowing Bates to pull a handy points margin entering the final round and, for Bergmuller, who won the Sandown and Bathurst rounds, sneak into second in the Challenge class standings. Bergmuller also has impressive form in the Gold Coast, stepping onto the Challenge podium for the past three seasons.
The round will also see Emsteq Systems step into an Event Partner role, with the maintenance software specialist to feature on the windscreen banners of every Porsche Carrera Cup car.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Emsteq will hold two practice sessions and qualifying on Friday, which will see Campbell shoot for a record seventh consecutive TAG Heuer Pole Position Award and a record equalling seventh pole position in a season. The premier one-make championship will then hold two races on Saturday and the final race of the season on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Friday October 21, 2016
10:00am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
12:40pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
3:05pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
Saturday October 22, 2016
9:00am Race 1 (15 laps)
12:50pm Race 2 (15 laps)
Sunday October 23, 2016
12:55pm Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Network Ten
Race 1 – 12:10pm local time (1:10pm AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 3 – 1:15pm local time (2:15pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Fox Sports 5
Practice 2* – 12:40pm local time (1:40pm AEDT), Friday October 21
Qualifying – 3:05pm local time (4:05pm AEDT), Friday October 21
Race 1 – 9:00am local time (10:00am AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 2 – 12:50pm local time (1:50pm AEDT), Saturday October 22
Race 3 – 12:55pm local time (1:55pm AEDT), Sunday October 23
Broadcast subject to change
Round 8: Entry List
1. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8
3. #8 TBC (TBC) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
4. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
5. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical
6. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au/MotorOne
7. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects
8. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/C Tech Laser
9. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking
10. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld/Toshiba
11. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security/PAYCE
12. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) TOGA/Veritas Property Group
13. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX
14. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
15. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
16. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
17. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group
18. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
19. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Shooters NC/DNA Racing
20. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend
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NewsBergmuller wins Bathurst, Bates extends lead
James Bergmuller is a Bathurst winner, while Tony Bates will aim to seal the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera championship’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge on the streets of the Gold Coast in two weeks’ time.
A trio of second-placed finishes this weekend ensured the consistent Bergmuller grabbed the victory at Mount Panorama as several of his key title rivals enjoyed mixed results at the challenging 6.2km circuit.
Bergmuller now sits second in the Challenge standings ahead of the final round.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever come here – and I’ve been here four years in a row – and the car has not been scratched or had a DNF, so I’m wrapped,” said Bergmuller.
“That was the plan all weekend, just to pound around all weekend as long as I could and keep out of trouble. Coming off the back of Sandown with confidence really helped and I was here for the Bathurst 12 Hour at the start of the year which also helped a lot, just getting miles under my belt.
“I didn’t qualify as quickly as I wanted to but as each race went on and I got laps under my belt I got quicker and quicker and the boys did a great job this weekend and it all fell into place.”
Bergmuller says he’s not focussing on the impending championship fight on the Gold Coast – rather heading to the Queensland event seeking a clean final round of the year.
“I’m 80 or 90 points behind Bates. I’m not thinking about it too much, to be honest, I just need to finish three races and see where we end up,” he explained.
“Two years ago I was second coming into Bathurst and had two DNFs and left in fourth for the year so it’s all about finishing.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge leader Bates completed a superb recovery effort at Bathurst, after his championship hopes had earlier been dented after a race one incident with another car.
Spun into the tyres at turn two late in the race, Bates only finished sixth in the first race – with Shane Smollen taking maximum advantage by winning the race.
Bates, however, stormed back into contention in the second race and took a remarkable victory, backing it up with a second win in the final race to score second overall on The Mountain.
“It’s fantastic! It’s amazing the difference a few years can make. I was pretty dejected after what happened on Friday and you have to be able to pick yourself up and get back on the horse. I’ve done that a few times in my career and there’s nothing better so we’ll sail onto the Gold Coast and the final round,” Bates said.
“We’ve all had our bad luck, me and Shane, and it’s been the survival of the fittest this year. I’m just wrapped that we’ve shown that when we can get in front we can race and sail on.”
Scott Taylor finished third overall at Mount Panorama, marking his first visit to the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge podium this year.
Consistent finishes of fourth, third and fifth across the three races allowed the Queensland-based driver to grab the final spot on the dais.
The Challenge field at Bathurst featured plenty of highlights, including the 250th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race start from the series’ most experienced driver, Marc Cini, who finished fourth in class in his milestone event.
Much like the outright Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship battle, the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge will be decided at the Gold Coast 600 event on the Gold Coast in two weeks’ time.
Bates’ leads Bergmuller by 98 points heading into the final three races of the season, with 180 up for grabs.
Defending champion Shane Smollen sits a further 1.5 points further back in third place, while former class champion Stephen Grove remains in mathematical contention, 159.5 points from the lead.
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NewsCampbell and Bergmuller conquer The Mountain
A clean sweep for sports car sensation Matt Campbell has seen him streak to a dominant 126.5 point lead in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera championship with one round remaining, while a strong Mount Panorama performance handed James Bergmuller the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round win.
Campbell was the form driver of the weekend, claiming the TAG Heuer Pole Position – his sixth straight for the season – before winning the opening two races.
Campbell then backed up his earlier efforts by claiming victory in the third race of the weekend, though it wasn’t made easy by Steven Richards, who gained the lead at the start. The 2014 Carrera Cup champion led for the opening two laps before Campbell jumped to the lead before pulling away to secure the perfect weekend – pole position, three race wins a maximum 180 championship points.
“Nothing beats Bathurst in my books. I couldn’t be happier to get maximum points for the weekend, though there are plenty of points still up for grabs in the Gold Coast. We lost some points at Sandown after the race three DNF but thankfully I’ve come back strong at Bathurst,” said Campbell, who was the outright victor at last year’s Bathurst round.
“I had fantastic pace here last year, winning the round, and another win this year; I have good pace here and thoroughly love the circuit. It’s great to get a clean sweep this weekend and now we can focus on the Gold Coast final round.”
Richards placed second in the nine-lap race from David Wall, Ash Walsh, Nick McBride, Michael Almond and Garth Walden who, with seventh place, scored his equal best result of the season. Dylan O’Keeffe finished eighth from James Abela, Duvashen Padayachee and Guest entry, Max Twigg, in 11th outright.
Richards’ second place finish secured him second for the round in the outright classifications, followed by Wall with the final podium placing.
While Tony Bates took the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race three win, Bergmuller was the best in the class for the round, stepping onto the top step of the Challenge podium from Bates and third placed Scott Taylor, his maiden visit to the round podium this season.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever come here – and I’ve been here four years in a row – and the car hasn’t been scratched or had a DNF, so I’m wrapped. That was the plan all weekend, just to pound around all weekend as long as I could and keep out of trouble,” said Bergmuller.
Bergmuller finished 13th outright and second in class from Steven Grove, Shane Smollen, Danny Stutterd, Taylor and Marc Cini in 18th.
Alex Davison had a horror race three, running in fourth before a late race spin at Griffins Bend; the damage to his Porsche was substantial, but not enough to stop him finishing the race, placing 19th outright ahead of Adrian Mastronardo in 20th.
Davison’s misfortunate not only allowed Campbell to strengthen his series lead, but also intensified the battle for second in the standings – Davison, McBride and Wall now within 15 points entering the Gold Coast finale.
The final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera championship will be held on the Gold Coast in two weeks, where the outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge titles will be decided.
Results: Race 3
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8 – 9 laps, 19:17.5033
2. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 9 laps, 19:19.9985
3. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 9 laps, 19:20.5025
4. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Infants Friend – 9 laps, 19:20.8117
5. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 19:23.2670
6. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 9 laps, 19:23.9874
7. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects 9 laps, 19:29.6936
8. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 9 laps, 19:33.1511
9. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 9 laps, 19:33.5505
10. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 9 laps, 19:37.4628
11. #18 Max Twigg (Guest) DNA Racing/Beyond Blue – 9 laps, 19:54.0007
12. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet / C Tech Laser – 9 laps, 19:56.8149
13. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 9 laps, 19:57.2434
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 9 laps, 19:59.1814
15. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 9 laps, 19:59.5268
16. #32 Daniel Stutterd (Guest) DJS Racing – 9 laps, 20:12.0591
17. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 9 laps, 20:15.4437
18. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps, 20:15.5129
19. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 9 laps, 21:33.2097
20. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 8 laps, 19:51.1378
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NewsSeries leaders triumph as Cini hits 250
Matt Campbell continued his Bathurst brilliance in Saturday’s race two with his 10th win of the season, while Tony Bates bounced back to claim the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race victory and Marc Cini reached an unprecedented 250 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera race starts.
Unlike Friday’s opening race, Campbell was able to beat David Wall to the opening corner and led the race from its outset. The 21-year-old then produced a comfortable lead until the safety car was called to the circuit on lap seven, which remained at the head of the field for the remainder of the nine lap race.
The win was Campbell’s seventh in eight races and extends his series lead to 73.5 points with four races remaining for the season.
“I love this place and I’m very happy to get the race two win, but there’s still one more to go and a big day ahead for me tomorrow,” said Campbell, who will also contest his debut Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event alongside Todd Kelly.
“I had a better start than in race one and got a great exit from turn one up Mountain Straight. I slowly pulled away from Steven Richards and then the safety car came out, which isn’t what we want, but a win is a win.”
Richards moved from third on the grid to second on the opening lap and, despite a hair-raising moment entering The Dipper mid-race which saw him nearly hit the concrete wall, he held his position to finish second from Wall, Alex Davison, Ash Walsh, Nick McBride and Garth Walden in seventh, his best race result of the season. Michael Almond placed eighth from Dean Fiore, James Abela, Dylan O’Keeffe and Duvashen Padayachee in 12th.
Tony Bates, who endured a horror opening race where he spun at turn two to ultimately finish sixth in class, charged through the field to eventually sneak by James Bergmuller into the class lead moments before the safety car was called to the circuit, allowing the Challenge class leader to gain maximum race points.
Bates’s title chances were improved as his nearest rival, Shane Smollen, failed to finish after contact with Guest entry Danny Stutterd at Forrest’s Elbow on lap six, ending both their races and causing the late-race safety car period.
“There are racing gods after all. It was a great race; it was pretty spirited over the first few laps so you can tell that we’re approaching the end of the season as everyone is racing pretty hard, which is fantastic,” said Bates, who extends his Challenge points lead to 111.5 following Smollen’s failure to finish and subsequent 60 point penalty after the incident, 30 of which is suspended.
“No one likes to see DNFs and that’s certainly not the way you want weekends to go. I’ve certainly had my fair share of bad luck yesterday and in other rounds so it’s very much survival of the fittest at the moment.”
Bergmuller placed second in class and 13th overall for the race from Scott Taylor and Marc Cini, who finished 16th in his milestone 250th Carrera Cup Australia race having started in the category in its inaugural 2003 season.
“We went around okay today. I got a little hit at the start and bent the steering so, considering that, we were very fortunate to have finish our 250th race,” said Cini.
“I still enjoy racing in Carrera Cup a lot and intend to continue doing it. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go and have made a lot of friends out of it. I’ve seen a lot of young guys go through their careers – the David Reynolds and Fabian Coulthards of this world who are at the top of their game in Supercars. It’s fantastic and I still love it.”
Adrian Mastronardo finished fifth in class and 17th outright from Max Twigg in 18th, who was on the verge of the top 10 before spinning on lap four upon exiting The Chase.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera will hold its final race of the Bathrust event at 9:30am on Sunday morning as the curtain racer to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
Double Duty: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Supercars Championship
#7 carsales Racing – Todd Kelly/Matt Campbell
#14 Freightliner Racing – Tim Slade/Ash Walsh
#23 Nissan Motorsport – Michael Caruso/Dean Fiore
#33 Wilson Security Racing GRM – Scott McLaughlin/David Wall
#888 TeamVortex – Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards
Race Schedule
Sunday October 09, 2016
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 3 – 9:45am (delayed), Sunday October 09
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 09
Results: Race 2
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8, 9 laps, 24:04.1265
2. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical, 9 laps, 24:04.7551
3. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security, 9 laps, 24:05.1170
4. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking, 9 laps, 24:05.8138
5. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend 9 laps, 24:06.4883
6. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts 9 laps, 24:06.8400
7. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commerical Interior Projects 9 laps, 24:07.1732
8. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld 9 laps, 24:07.5844
9. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne 9 laps, 24:07.9290
10. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop 9 laps, 24:08.1596
11. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 9 laps, 24:08.5586
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX 9 laps, 24:08.8907
13. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet / C Tech Laser 9 laps, 24:09.5321
14. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au 9 laps, 4:09.8393
15. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport 9 laps, 24:11.8186
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc 9 laps, 24:12.5625
17. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group 9 laps, 24:13.1030
18. #18 Max Twigg (Guest) DNA Racing/Beyond Blue 9 laps, 24:19.1293
DNF #32 Daniel Stutterd (Guest) DJS Racing 5 laps, 11:16.8197
DNF #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents 5 laps, 11:17.1702
DNF #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire 2 laps, 4:35.6364
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NewsCampbell, Smollen claim Bathurst opener
Matt Campbell had the perfect day at Mount Panorama to extend his lead in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera standings following an impressive victory in race one, while Shane Smollen claimed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge win to edge closer to the class lead.
Campbell’s Friday started in style, equalling Jim Richards’ qualifying record of six-straight TAG Heuer Pole Positions (Richards’ claimed pole position at Winton, Hidden Valley, Queensland Raceway, Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast in 2003), a feat achieved by Campbell across the past six Carrera Cup outings – Albert Park, Rennsport, Hidden Valley, Sydney Motorsport Park, Sandown and Bathurst.
While starting from pole position, Campbell was beaten from the start by David Wall, the duo entering the opening corner side-by-side before Wall led into turn two. Wall’s lead was short-lived, Campbell moving into the top spot on lap two to eventually pull away and claim a convincing two-second win.
“Wall and I had very good starts and went side-by-side up Mountain Straight and thankfully he made a small mistake in turn one of the following lap, where I was able to get a better run and get by him ahead of turn two. I felt really comfortable in the car and it was a nice and consistent race,” said Campbell, who now holds a 55.5 point lead in the standings over Davison, with McBride a further 31 points adrift.
“It’s a long wait until tomorrow’s race two, but obviously I’m looking forward to it. I love this place and we’ve had some great speed so hopefully we can get a slightly better start tomorrow.”
Campbell was also thrilled to score his sixth straight TAG Heuer Pole Position, equalling Richards’ 13-year-old record.
“Our car works very well in qualifying on the green Michelin tyre and, being a one-make series, it’s a critical part of the weekend to be able to start at the front of the field. We’ll go for another pole position at the Gold Coast but our focus won’t be to lay it on the line for qualifying, but rather focus on points for the championship.”
Wall won the battle for second place, closely trailed by Steven Richards, Alex Davison and Michael Almond to the chequered flag. Ash Walsh placed sixth following a heart-stopping moment entering The Chase early in the race, where his team-mate, Nick McBride, closed the gap on the inside of the right-hander at approximately 280 km/h.
McBride placed seventh from Garth Walden, Dylan O’Keeffe and Dean Fiore, who bounced back from his heavy Thursday practice accident to claim the final top 10 position in race one. Guest racer Max Twigg placed 11th in his first Carrera Cup race this season from James Abela in 12th.
Thirteenth placed Smollen was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers, capitalising on a poor race by Tony Bates, who spun after contact with Abela at turn two, to move to just 21.5 points of Bates’s class lead with five races remaining for the season.
“All you can do is win races and whatever happens behind you is out of your control,” said Smollen. “After a strong qualifying performance I used the gap that I was fortunate enough to have and didn’t try to break any records; it was just about keeping my head on and remain focussed corner after corner. It was pretty warm out there after a cool session this morning and, even at the end of nine laps, it’s critical to keep that focus lap after lap.”
Danny Stutterd had an impressive Carrera Cup debut with 14th outright, ahead of Duvashen Padayachee. James Bergmuller placed second in the Challenge class with 16th outright from Stephen Grove, Scott Taylor, Adrian Mastronardo, Bates and Marc Cini, who will complete his 250th race in the Porsche championship in Saturday’s race two.
The field was reduced by one after qualifying, with Guest entrant Tony Longhurst making heavy impact with the concrete wall across the top of The Mountain; his Porsche sustaining significant, event-ending damage.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera will hold its second of three races on Saturday afternoon at 4:30pm before its final race of the weekend, the curtain racer to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at 9:30am on Sunday morning.
Double Duty: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Supercars Championship
#7 carsales Racing – Todd Kelly/Matt Campbell
#14 Freightliner Racing – Tim Slade/Ash Walsh
#23 Nissan Motorsport – Michael Caruso/Dean Fiore
#33 Wilson Security Racing GRM – Scott McLaughlin/David Wall
#888 TeamVortex – Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards
Race Schedule
Saturday October 08, 2016
4:30pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 09, 2016
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 08
Race 3 – 9:45am (delayed), Sunday October 09
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 08
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 09
Results: Race 1
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8 – 9 laps, 19:29.9477
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 9 laps, 19:32.1851
3. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 9 laps, 19:32.4999
4. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 9 laps, 19:33.2680
5. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 9 laps, 19:33.7922
6. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 9 laps, 19:34.8745
7. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 19:36.8695
8. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 9 laps, 19:42.0244
9. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 9 laps, 19:47.7118
10. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 9 laps, 19:54.8191
11. #18 Max Twigg (Guest) DNA Racing/Beyond Blue – 9 laps, 20:01.1802
12. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 9 laps, 20:01.6003
13. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 9 laps, 20:07.3571
14. #32 Danny Stutterd (Guest) DJS Racing – 9 laps, 20:11.4816
15. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 9 laps, 20:11.7496
16. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 9 laps, 20:14.6909
17. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 9 laps, 20:19.2681
18. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 9 laps, 20:20.4309
19. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 9 laps, 20:31.3500
20. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet / C Tech Laser – 9 laps, 20:36.2349
21. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps, 20:41.0482
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NewsCampbell, Bates top bathurst practice
Series leader Matt Campbell has shown strong initial pace in Mount Panorama practice as the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera championship kicks off its penultimate 2016 event, while Tony Bates bounced back from a horror Sandown round to top the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge times.
David Wall was the early pace-setter in practice one, a session interrupted by a short red flag period, ahead of Campbell and Steven Richards.
Track time in the second session was then significantly reduced after Dean Fiore made heavy contact with the concrete barrier at the entrance of The Dipper, ending his day and halting the session for a lengthy period.
With limited time available upon the session restarting, the majority of the field could only manage one flying lap, while Campbell was one of three drivers who were able to post two flying laps at the end of the session, the last of which was the fastest of the day.
“The second session was tight for time after the red flag so it’s going to be a difficult qualifying as it was hard to get a read on the car after only a few laps. We have good pace and hopefully we can do well in qualifying tomorrow,” said Campbell, who is gunning for a record equalling six-straight TAG Heuer Pole Position.
“It would be great to get six-straight pole positions, though anything can happen around this place. Qualifying is our biggest strength; I really like that green Michelin tyre and it’s very enjoyable around this circuit. I’m looking forward to it.”
Wall was the second quickest driver of the day from Richards, Ash Walsh, Michael Almond, Nick McBride and Alex Davison in seventh.
Fiore, who posted the eighth best time of the day, was taken to the circuit’s Medical Centre for precautionary checks after the practice two accident, suffering only general soreness from the impact. Fiore’s car received significant damage on the left-hand rear corner; initial indications suggesting the car will return to the race track for Friday’s qualifying session.
Garth Walden was ninth fastest for the day, followed by the leading TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver, Tony Bates, who had a strong Thursday showing following a disastrous final race at the Sandown round last month, where he made heavy contact with the turn eight barrier and losing what would have been a round clean sweep.
“It’s really good to get out on the track and build some confidence as this is very much a confidence track. Unfortunately we all didn’t get as many laps as we would have liked due to a couple of incidents. The team has done a great job getting the car prepared for this event, I’m feeling confident and I’m looking forward to a good weekend,” said Bates.
“Sandown was like falling off a horse. You’ve got to get back on the horse and get going again for Bathurst. That’s the aim for the last two rounds, to show the strong form we had early in the year and hopefully win as many races for the rest of the year as we can.”
Two-time Bathurst 1000 winner Tony Longhurst had a strong debut outing in the Porsche series, finishing the day 11th quickest from fellow Guest driver Max Twigg, Duvashen Padayachee, James Abela and Shane Smollen in 15th outright and second in class.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hytera will return to the Mount Panorama circuit Friday morning for qualifying, followed by the opening race of the weekend at 2:25pm.
Double Duty: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Supercars Championship
#7 carsales Racing – Todd Kelly/Matt Campbell
#14 Freightliner Racing – Tim Slade/Ash Walsh
#23 Nissan Motorsport – Michael Caruso/Dean Fiore
#33 Wilson Security Racing GRM – Scott McLaughlin/David Wall
#888 TeamVortex – Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards
Race Schedule
Friday October 07, 2016
10:10am Qualifying (20minutes)
2:25pm Race 1 (9 laps)
Saturday October 08, 2016
4:30pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 09, 2016
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 1 – 2:25pm, Friday October 07
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 08
Race 3 – 9:45am (delayed), Sunday October 09
Channel: Fox Sports 5
Qualifying – 10:10am, Friday October 07
Race 1 – 2:25pm, Friday October 07
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 08
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 09
Combined Times – Practice 1 & Practice 2
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8, 2:09.0229*
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security, 2:09.2524s
3. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical, 2:10.1607s
4. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend, 2:10.5430s
5. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld, 2:10.8701s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts, 2:10.9195s
7. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking, 2:11.0569s
8. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne, 2:11.5714s
9. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects, 2:11.6653s
10. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/C Tech Laser, 2:12.1564s
11. #11 Tony Longhurst (Guest) The Boatworks, 2:12.2403s
12. #18 Max Twigg (Guest) DNA Racing/Beyond Blue, 2:12.5472s
13. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX, 2:13.1728s
14. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop, 2:13.3183s
15. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents, 2:13.4259s
16. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au, 2:14.0509s
17. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire, 2:14.2672s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group, 2:14.3474s
19. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group, 2:14.4613s
20. #32 Daniel Stutterd (Guest) DJS Racing, 2:15.1609s
21. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc, 2:16.7760s
22. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport, 2:19.4516s
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NewsHytera signs to Porsche championship
Leading mobile radio communications brand, Hytera Communications, is the newest partner of Australia’s premier one-make championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia; the association commencing this weekend at Bathurst.
Hytera Communications, as the new Official Communications Partner of the Porsche championship, will be the series’ Event Partner this weekend and feature on the windscreen banners of all Carrera Cup cars. The Chinese brand will then continue as a Series Partner for the Gold Coast season finale and the entire 2017 season.
As part of the partnership, Hytera radios will be provided to all Carrera Cup teams for the 2017 season as part of their participation in the championship; the move ensuring all Carrera Cup teams utilise industry leading radio technology throughout every on-track session.
Trackside support of the partnership between Carrera Cup and Hytera Communications will be provided by Gearhouse Broadcast Australia, which also manages the communications for the Supercars Championship’s racing and event management teams.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is thrilled to have Hytera Communications on board in a partnership that will ultimately improve the Carrera Cup experience for its participants.
“It’s great to announce this partnership with Hytera Communications – an industry leader in mobile radio communications. Not only is this a great association between brands, it also provides significant benefit to our teams for the coming season,” said Sakzewski.
“Prior to confirming the partnership, Porsche extensively tested the radios with one of our existing Carrera Cup teams with immensely positive results. The team suggested it was communicating more often due to the improved clarity of radio transmissions with the Hytera units, which is obviously beneficial for our teams and drivers. We warmly welcome Hytera as a new Series Partner and look forward to using their products across the 2017 season.”
Meanwhile, Hytera Communications Managing Director, Terry Feng, believes the new partnership is perfect for the leading radio communications brand.
“With vast experience in the industry, Hytera has become a leader in radio communications and we are thrilled to bring these technologies to the race track with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia,” said Mr Feng.
“Hytera understands the crucial link in motor racing between a team and its driver and we look forward to bringing industry leading products to Carrera Cup in 2017 to provide the best possible communication pathway from pit lane to the race track. Our products are perfectly suited for motor racing communications and we are eager to demonstrate this in the Carrera Cup championship in 2017.”
About Hytera
Hytera Communications, a leading designer and manufacturer of professional mobile radio communications equipments, is dedicated to bringing most valuable and customised solutions to clients across the world. Hytera offers complete and customised communication solutions to government, public security, utility, transportation, enterprise and business for higher organisational efficiency.
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NewsFast Facts: Mount Panorama, Bathurst
ROUND 7 – MOUNT PANORAMA FAST FACTS
The seventh round of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to be held at Bathurst is the 97th held since the category debuted in 2003. Bathurst will host the 286th, 287th and 288th races in PCCA history. This is the 12th time the category has raced at Bathurst since its debut in 2003.
No PCCA season has ever been held without a round at Bathurst being part of it.
Five drivers – Matt Campbell, Dean Fiore, Steve Richards, David Wall and Ash Walsh – will be on double duty at Bathurst with duties in both the PCCA round and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. No PCCA driver has ever won the Bathurst 1000 and the Bathurst Carrera Cup round on the same weekend.
Two drivers – Danny Stutterd and Tony Longhurst – are making their Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut when the series visits Bathurst. They become the 184th and 185th drivers to compete in the series since it was introduced back in 2003.
Tony Longhurst is a two-time Bathurst 1000 winner. He won in 1988 with Tomas Mezera (who later become the inaugural Driving Standards Observer in PCCA in 2003!) and again in 2001 with Mark Skaife for HRT. Longhurst also won the Bathurst 12 Hour in a Mitsubishi Lancer in 2009.
Marc Cini will create history at Bathurst given he’s due to become the first driver in PCCA history to start 250 championship races. All going well he’ll rack up his 250th race in Race 2 at Bathurst.
Championship leader Matt Campbell is aiming to tie Jim Richards’ record of most consecutive poles in PCCA history. Richards scored six in a row in 2003 in the inaugural year of the series and Campbell will tie that mark if he gets pole at Bathurst.
Campbell took pole last year for the Bathurst round and now sits fourth on the all-time PCCA pole list behind Alex Davison, Jim Richards and Craig Baird.
Alex Davison is the only driver to have multiple Bathurst PCCA round wins. He won in 2004 and 2007; nine different drivers have won the last nine PCCA rounds at Mount Panorama.
McElrea Racing has won the last three Bathurst PCCA rounds in a row and four of the last five rounds there. It started with Michael Patrizi in 2011 and followed with further wins in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Shae Davies won the 2014 PCCA round at Bathurst after qualifying seventh on the grid. It’s the lowest qualifying position for a Bathurst PCCA round winner.
Shane Smollen is the form driver in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge when it comes to Bathurst. He’s taken four of the last 5 Challenge poles at the circuit and is tied for most Challenge race wins at the famous track with Rodney Jane – 6.
One more pole will give Smollen a share of the record for most Challenge class poles in PCCA history – he’d be in a three-way tie with Rodney Jane and James Koundouris.
Smollen also now sits equal second in the record books for most race wins in TAG Heuer Carrera
Challenge history. He’s tied on 29 wins with Rodney Jane and James Koundouris; one more will move
him to a clear second though still a way off the record of 46 held by Max Twigg, who makes a return to
the series for the Bathurst round.
If this season is any guide to go by, Matt Campbell is due to win this round at Bathurst. He and Alex
Davison have alternated the last five round wins between them. Davison won Albert Park, Campbell
(sharing with Geoff Emery) won Rennsport in Sydney, Davison won in Darwin, Campbell at Sydney
Motorsport Park and Davison last time out at Sandown. They duo has won 13 of the last 14 races held.
Bathurst is the site of the second closest race-winning margin in PCCA history – Alex Davison beat David
Reynolds in 2007 in Race 3 by just 0.0565s.
BATHURST LAP RECORDS
Race Lap Record: Matt Campbell, 2m07.4299s, 2015
Qualifying Lap Record: Matt Campbell, 2m06.2099s, 2015
BATHURST ROUND WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard
2006 David Reynolds
2007 Alex Davison
2008 Dean Fiore
2011 Michael Patrizi
2012 Craig Baird
2013 Warren Luff
2014 Shae Davies
2015 Matt Campbell
BATHURST POLE POSITIONS
2003 Jim Richards 2m16.1277s
2004 Jim Richards 2m13.6760s
2005 Fabian Coulthard 2m12.9827s
2006 David Reynolds 2m11.1769s
2007 Alex Davison 2m10.4002s
2008 David Russell 2m10.5550s
2011 Craig Baird 2m09.9866s
2012 Craig Baird 2m20.3169s (wet)
2013 Nick Percat 2m08.7722s
2014 Steve Richards 2m08.6432s
2015 Matt Campbell 2m06.2099s
2 – Jim Richards, Craig Baird
1 – Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, Alex Davison, David Russell, Nick Percat, Steve Richards, Matt Campbell
BATHURST RACE WINS
2003 Jim Richards Jim Richards Jim Richards
2004 Alex Davison Fabian Coulthard Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard No Race Fabian Coulthard
2006 Alex Davison David Reynolds David Reynolds
2007 David Reynolds Alex Davison Alex Davison
2008 Dean Fiore Dean Fiore Dean Fiore
2011 Michael Patrizi Michael Patrizi Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
2013 Nick Percat Warren Luff Craig Baird
2014 Steve Richards Warren Luff Shae Davies
2015 David Russell No Race Matt Campbell
5 – Alex Davison, Craig Baird 3 – Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, Dean Fiore
2 – Michael Patrizi, Warren Luff
1 – Nick Percat, Steve Richards, Shae Davies, David Russell, Matt Campbell
BATHURST PODIUMS
2003 Jim Richards Marcus Marshall Peter Fitzgerald
2004 Alex Davison Jonathon Webb Klark Quinn
2005 Fabian Coulthard Jim Richards Jonathon Webb
2006 David Reynolds Craig Baird Alex Davison
2007 Alex Davison Craig Baird David Reynolds
2008 Dean Fiore James Moffat Bryce Washington
2011 Michael Patrizi Steve Richards Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird Alex Davison Jonny Reid
2013 Warren Luff Craig Baird Nick Percat
2014 Shae Davies Michael Almond Warren Luff
2015 Matt Campbell David Russell Steve Richards
5 – Craig Baird 4 – Alex Davison
2 – Jim Richards, Jonathon Webb, David Reynolds, Warren Luff, Steve Richards
1 – Marcus Marshall, Peter Fitzgerald, Klark Quinn, Fabian Coulthard, Dean Fiore, James Moffat, Bryce Washington, Michael Patrizi, Jonny Reid, Nick Percat, Shae Davies, Michael Almond, Matt Campbell, David Russell
BATHURST TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE ROUND WINNERS
2004 Tony Quinn
2005 Andrew Luxton
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg
2012 James Koundouris
2013 Adam Gowans
2014 Shane Smollen
2015 Tony Bates
2 – Rodney Jane, James Koundouris
1 – Tony Quinn, Andrew Luxton, Max Twigg, Adam Gowans, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates
BATHURST TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE POLE POSITIONS
2004 Tony Quinn
2005 Tony Quinn
2006 Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris
2011 Shane Smollen
2012 Shane Smollen
2013 Max Twigg
2014 Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen
4 – Shane Smollen
2 – Tony Quinn, Rodney Jane
1 – James Koundouris, Max Twigg
BATHURST TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE RACE WINS
2004 Tony Quinn Tony Quinn Tony Quinn
2005 Dean Grant No Race Tony Quinn
2006 Rodney Jane Rodney Jane Rodney Jane
2007 Rodney Jane Rodney Jane Rodney Jane
2008 James Koundouris James Koundouris James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg Max Twigg Shane Smollen
2012 Shane Smollen Max Twigg James Koundouris
2013 Adam Gowans Adam Gowans Adam Gowans
2014 Shane Smollen Shane Smollen Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen No Race Tony Bates
6 – Rodney Jane, Shane Smollen
4 – Tony Quinn, James Koundouris
3 – Max Twigg, Adam Gowans
1 – Dean Grant, Tony Bates
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NewsStar inclusions highlight Bathurst round
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQTtmRIdKbc]The largest and strongest Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field of the 2016 season will gather at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit this weekend, joining what is an intense fight for the Outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge titles.
Two-time Bathurst 1000 winner Tony Longhurst will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut this weekend, while three-time TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Max Twigg will make a triumphant return to the championship for the first time this season.
Longhurst won ‘The Great Race’ in 1988 with Tomas Mezera and again in 2001 with Mark Skaife and, after several years out of the driver’s seat, made a return to racing this year.
Bathurst will mark the Queenslander’s debut in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and will see him race a car prepared by Steve Richards Motorsport.
Twigg, who joins the DNA Racing stable this weekend, won the 2011 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round at Mount Panorama and has three class race wins to his credit on ‘The Mountain’.
Also joining the field for the first time this weekend will be Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia graduate, Danny Stutterd, who finished second in Class B of the GT3 Cup Challenge this season.
Scott Taylor will also return for his third round of the 2016 season to take the grid to a season-high 22 cars this weekend.
Challenge class stalwart Marc Cini will also notch up a milestone this weekend, set to become the first driver in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to reach 250 race starts in the second race of the weekend.
With two rounds remaining in 2016, the hunt for both the outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge titles have heated up after an eventful Bathurst round.
Shane Smollen, who has won four of the last five Bathurst races in the Challenge class, has reduced the margin to class leader Tony Bates to just 49.5 points with six races remaining for the season. Meanwhile, just 4.5 points separate third placed Stephen Grove from fourth placed James Bergmuller in the class standings.
Meanwhile, the battle for the outright Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship is set to intensify as Alex Davison continues his pursuit of series leader Matt Campbell.
The Queenslander had looked to comfortably extend his lead thanks to a pair of victories in the opening two races at Sandown last month, however a DNF in the third race due to a mechanical issue cost him valuable championship points as Davison soared to victory. Campbell, however, remains the form driver in the championship and is also the defending Bathurst round winner.
The McElrea Racing ace has now scored five consecutive TAG Heuer Pole Positions and sits just one behind the all-time series record of six, held by Jim Richards.
He will also draw confidence from his team’s remarkable record on The Mountain – McElrea Racing having won four of the last five Bathurst rounds, including the last three in a row.
Key title challenger Davison is the only driver to have scored more than one Carrera Cup round victory at Mount Panorama, having taken the top spot on the podium in 2004 and 2007.
Davison currently sits just 37.5 points behind Campbell – and just 18 ahead of Nick McBride as the championship pressure intensifies. At 109.5 points behind the leader, David Wall also comfortably remains in championship contention and sits in fourth place ahead of the final two rounds.
Title contenders Campbell and Wall are amongst five drivers who will tackle both the seventh round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 this weekend.
Campbell will team with Todd Kelly, while Wall reunites with Scott McLaughlin. Ash Walsh and Dean Fiore will driver with Tim Slade and Michael Caruso, respectively, while Steven Richards will attempt to defend his 2015 victory in the Bathurst enduro, driving with Craig Lowndes.
The seventh round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be contested over three races this October 06-09, including the curtain raiser to Sunday’s Bathurst 1000.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506) with all three races also live on the Ten Network this weekend.
Double Duty: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Supercars Championship
#7 carsales Racing – Todd Kelly/Matt Campbell
#14 Freightliner Racing – Tim Slade/Ash Walsh
#23 Nissan Motorsport – Michael Caruso/Dean Fiore
#33 Wilson Security Racing GRM – Scott McLaughlin/David Wall
#888 TeamVortex – Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards
Race Schedule
Thursday October 06, 2016
8:55am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
4:25pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday October 07, 2016
10:10am Qualifying (20minutes)
2:25pm Race 1 (9 laps)
Saturday October 08, 2016
4:30pm Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday October 09, 2016
9:30am Race 3 (9 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 1 – 2:25pm, Friday October 07
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 08
Race 3 – 9:45am (delayed), Sunday October 09
Channel: Fox Sports
Practice 1 – 8:55am, Thursday October 06
Practice 2 – 4:25pm, Thursday October 06
Qualifying – 10:10am, Friday October 07
Race 1 – 2:25pm, Friday October 07
Race 2 – 4:30pm, Saturday October 08
Race 3 – 9:30am, Sunday October 09
Entry List: Round 7
1. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8
3. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
4. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
5. #11 Tony Longhurst (Guest) The Boatworks
6. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical
7. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au/MotorOne
8. #18 Max Twigg (Guest)
9. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects
10. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/C Tech Laser
11. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking
12. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld/Toshiba
13. #32 Danny Stutterd (Guest) DJS Racing
14. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security/PAYCE
15. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) TOGA/Veritas Property Group
16. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX
17. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
18. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
19. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
20. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group
21. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
22. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend
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NewsCampbell completes Porsche shootout
Young Australian Matt Campbell has completed the most important driving test of his life in Germany’s Lausitzring with the intent to become a Porsche Junior driver in 2017 and compete in next year’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup alongside Formula 1.
The 21-year-old from Warwick, Queensland, who currently leads the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship, was one of nine talented young drivers from Porsche’s worldwide one-make race series showcasing their skills on and off the track in Germany. All aged 24 and under, the emerging talents were gunning for the ultimate prize – to be selected into the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme, collect 200,000 Euros from Porsche towards a Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign and receive support in the fields of fitness, personal development, media relations and driver coaching.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all nine of us and highlights how it’s possible to rise through the ranks of Porsche racing. Two seasons ago I was racing in GT3 Cup Challenge Australia and, across the past two days, I was auditioning to become a Porsche Junior. It’s unbelievable,” said Campbell.
“The Shootout was a tremendous experience and a great privilege to represent Carrera Cup Australia and demonstrate my skills alongside some of the best young Porsche drivers in the world. Without racing Carrera Cup I would never have been given this opportunity.”
To start with, the young drivers had to prove themselves at the wheel of the 460 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup on the racetrack. In this regard the talented racers already have a great deal of experience from their respective Porsche one-make series. Two years ago, Campbell took on Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and now, with six races still on this season’s calendar, the Australian currently leads the championship. Frenchman Joffrey De Narda (21) from Plappeville in the region of Lothringen was nominated by Porsche Carrera Cup France, where he ranks fourth with four races to go. Mattia Drudi (18) from Italy contests the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. He has obviously inherited his racing gene from his father Luca, who back in 2002 clinched class victory at Le Mans with Porsche. Young Drudi lives right next to the Italian Misano race circuit and grew up with the sound of engines. In the Italian one-make cup he currently sits third with three races left.
The Canadian Scott Hargrove lives in Tsawwassen close to Vancouver. He has just finished the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, where the 21-year-old concluded the 2016 season as vice champion. Porsche Carrera Cup Japan put forward 23-year-old Yuichi Mikasa from Utsunomiya, who ranks second with one round left on the championship calendar. Sweden’s Philip Morin (20) was nominated by Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia and also took home runner-up honours this season.
Twenty-one-year-old Andrew Tang from Singapore and 24-year-old Zhang Da Sheng from China took part as representatives of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. In the Asian series, they still have three races to contest, with Tang currently on fourth place and Da Sheng on fifth. Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain nominated Dino Zamparelli. The 23 year old was born in Bristol and began racing at the age of ten. He currently ranks second in the British championship.
“We have strong driver line-up from the international Porsche one-make race series this year. The ultimate decision on who we choose will not be an easy one for us. We look at the driving performance as well as the development potential of each individual pilot. And we also take into account their abilities away from the racetrack. No matter who wins in the end, everyone who has made it this far deserves it thanks to their tremendous efforts and an outstanding season,” says Andrea Hagenbach, the Head of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme.
The new Porsche Junior will be announced in a few weeks after extensive evaluation of all data and factors.
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NewsBergmuller tops tied trio at Sandown
James Bergmuller won a remarkable sixth round of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge at Sandown Raceway, edging out Stephen Grove and Marc Cini in a three-way tie for the round win.
Meanwhile, class leader Tony Bates escaped unscathed from a huge crash in the final race, denying him the round victory following wins in the first two races of the weekend.
Bergmuller qualified third of the Challenge runners on Friday before battling to fifth in the first two races of the weekend, held on Saturday.
However Bates’ crash in the 20-lap finale elevated the Victorian driver to first place and handed him the round win on a countback: Grove and Cini denied in the final moments of the weekend.
Sandown represented Bergmuller’s second TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race victory of the season – the first coming at Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this year.
“That was really close!” he exclaimed on the podium.
“I was racey at first on Friday and was feeling good. I was quickest in practice two but I couldn’t string it together in qualifying which put us in third. Grove and I came together in the start of the first race and I thought ‘oh no, another bad weekend for me, here we go’.”
Bergmuller said a conservative approach early in the weekend paid off later on.
“Yesterday we just consolidated, went around and around and chipped away and today everything came together. I got lucky with Tony at the end, so I’m rapt. I didn’t expect it and it’s a great result.”
The strong weekend from Bergmuller, coupled with dramas for contenders Shane Smollen and Tony Bates, means just 108 points now split the top four drivers battling for the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title.
Bergmuller sits fourth, but says he’s still a shot at the title.
“There’s two to go and it’s going to be really close,” he said.
“I think anyone can have a shot at winning this championship. With both Shane (Smollen) and Tony (Bates) having troubles this weekend I think it’s going to be close and a great fight. I can’t wait.”
Bates now has a 49.5 point margin in the championship lead over Shane Smollen, with Stephen Grove sitting in third – just 4.5 points ahead of Bergmuller for the final spot on the podium.
Bates’ weekend unravelled in the final race when he crashed heavily in the braking zone to Dandenong Road corner, his car veering wide and spearing head-on into the outside barrier.
Leading the race at the time, Bates climbed unscathed from his car showing the safety of the 991 GT3 Cup Car – however it ended his chances of a round win.
Grove backed up finishes of second and fourth, respectively, in the first two races with third in the finale – his finish in the final race allowing him to edge Cini (who was fourth) out for the final spot on the Challenge podium.
On home turf, Carrera Cup’s most experienced contender Marc Cini posted his best round result since the season opening Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
Defending class champion Shane Smollen missed the podium, however rebounded superbly from a race one DNF to finish second in the final race and keep his challenge for back-to-back titles alive. Adrian Mastronado had a consistent weekend, posting results of fourth, sixth and fifth respectively.
A critical penultimate round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will see the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge field join the outright drivers at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, this October.
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NewsDavison, Bergmuller surprise Sandown victors
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings has received a shake-up at Sandown after both series leaders failed to finish Sunday’s race three, as victory for Alex Davison and James Bergmuller handed the duo surprise round wins.
Outright points leader Matt Campbell was favourite to claim a Sandown clean sweep following victory in race one and race two, however a sluggish race three start saw Campbell and Nick McBride drop down the order, with Davison charging to the front.
Campbell’s race worsened when gearbox dramas slowed the 21-year-old’s GT3 Cup car; the issue ultimately ending his race.
Davison continues his charge at the front from Steven Richards and David Wall when the safety car was called late in the race when Tony Bates spectacularly made heavy impact with the turn eight barrier; a horror finish to what was set to be a TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge clean sweep at Sandown – his second in two years.
With the race finishing under safety car conditions, Davison claimed the race win from Richards and Wall, handing the 2004 Carrera Cup champion the Sandown round win. Dean Fiore placed a round high fourth place from McBride, Dylan O’Keeffe, Duvashen Padayachee, Garth Walden, Ash Walsh and Michael Almond in 10th.
“I’m really happy with the car in the final race. I held the lead quite comfortably and, if I really needed to, I probably could have extended it. But the conditions were tricky and I just did what I had to do,” said Davison, who moved to just 37.5 points behind Campbell in the standings.
“It’s unfortunate for Matt; I don’t wish that upon anyone, but we all have bad luck during the year; I had some mechanical dramas in Sydney which cost me some points as well as some issue here on Friday. You take these advantages when you can and the important thing is that we’re still in the championship hunt.”
After finishing second and third on Saturday’s races, fifth on Sunday was enough to secure McBride second for the round, with Richards claiming the last position on the outright round podium.
“That’s not the way you want to gain on the championship lead, with poor Matt having a mechanical drama. It was a great weekend up until race three where I made a little mistake and dropped a couple of spots. I still finished in fifth, but it wasn’t my greatest race,” said McBride, who sits 55.5 points from the series lead.
“The tightening of the championship is certainly great from a spectator point of view. It was a better round for us. Qualifying on the front row with Matt and leading the first race was a positive; it just finished on a downer in race three. It left a little sour taste in my mouth, but it will keep me hungry for Bathurst.”
Bates’ race three DNF made for an incredible conclusion for the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, with James Bergmuller, Stephen Grove and Marc Cini finishing the weekend equal on 144 points, though with race three positions determining the round winner, Bergmuller came away with the spoils.
“I got lucky with Tony at the end, so I’m rapt. I didn’t expect the round win,” said Bergmuller.
“There are plenty of other boys who have won when I’ve had a round like that or they’ve taken me out so you have to take these results while you can. There are two rounds to go and it’s going to be really close. I think anyone can have a shot at winning this championship.”
Tony Bates retains his lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, though Shane Smollen, who placed second in the final race, now sits only 49.5 points behind Bates in second, with Grove a further 54 points adrift.
Only two rounds remain for the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, with the Porsche one-make series next visiting Mount Panorama, Bathurst, before its series finale on the Gold Coast.
Results: Race 3
1. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 18 laps, 24:41.4935s
2. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 18 laps, 24:42.6396s
3. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 18 laps, 24:43.0875s
4. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 18 laps, 24:43.6506s
5. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 18 laps, 24:44.3202s
6. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) Allstar Equipment / APB Group 18 laps, 24:44.6491s
7. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 18 laps, 24:45.5055s
8. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 18 laps, 24:46.7783s
9. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Infants Friend – 18 laps, 24:48.5624s
10. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 18 laps, 24:48.9120s
11. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 18 laps, 24:49.2340s
12. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 18 laps, 24:49.6789s
13. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 18 laps, 24:50.2857s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 18 laps, 24:50.7514s
15. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 18 laps, 24:51.3769s
16. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 18 laps, 24:51.8338s
DNF #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet / A.F.S – 14 laps, 17:15.3894s
DNF #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8 – 5 laps, 6:20.1302s
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NewsSuper Saturday for series leaders
Matt Campbell and Tony Bates have extended their respective championship leads after dominant Saturday performances at Sandown Raceway.
After snaring his fifth straight TAG Heuer Pole Position on Friday, Campbell started race one on the back foot, losing the battle to the first corner to Nick McBride. It took until the closing laps for the 21-year-old to take the lead and claim his fourth consecutive Carrera Cup victory from McBride, David Wall, Alex Davison and Steven Richards.
Campbell then went on to take his fifth straight race win in race two, taking the lead from the start. The race was interrupted by the safety car after Stephen Grove and Ash Walsh made contact on the opening corner. Campbell was unstoppable from the restart with an unchallenged run to the chequered flag, finishing ahead of Davison, McBride, Richards and fifth placed Wall.
“It’s great to get two more race wins for the season today. I certainly got a better start in the second race and a good restart after the safety car period, pulling away for the win,” said Campbell who, between Saturday’s two Porsche races, made his Supercars race debut in the co-driver qualifying race.
“In race two I jumped straight from the Supercar into the Carrera Cup car and I felt comfortable straight away. I feel pretty good jumping between the two, that’s for sure. Today was fantastic but we don’t know what the weather is going to do tomorrow so we’ll have to wait and see. We’ve had some great pace so hopefully I can continue that going into tomorrow.”
Bates claimed similar success in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, taking two class wins on Saturday and extending his class points lead on a horror day for his division rivals.
“I won all three Sandown races last year and two more today; if we could just have a season of Clipsal 500, Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast I’d be happy! I’ve had pace in the middle part of the year, but just no luck. To be in the championship race you’ve got to keep it clean and today we’ve done that. I had a stroke of luck in race one where I narrowly missed Shane Smollen and Dylan O’Keeffe and also in race two when I was almost turned around at turn one. You need those ounces of luck that I haven’t had over the past two years to win the championship so hopefully, touch wood, we’re on song,” said Bates.
Bates won the opening Sandown race from 2014 class champion Grove and Marc Cini while, Smollen, who is second in the Challenge standings, failed to finish. Bates dominated the second race, finishing ahead of Cini in an impressive second and James Bergmuller in third.
The final race of the weekend will be held at 12:05pm on Sunday, which can be viewed live on Fox Sports 5.
Double Duty: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Supercars Championship
#7 carsales Racing – Todd Kelly/Matt Campbell
#14 Freightliner Racing – Tim Slade/Ash Walsh
#23 Nissan Motorsport – Michael Caruso/Dean Fiore
#33 Wilson Security Racing GRM – Scott McLaughlin/David Wall
#888 TeamVortex – Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards
Race Schedule
Sunday September 18, 2016
12:05pm Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5
Race 3 – 12:05pm, Sunday September 18
Results: Race 1
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8 – 16 laps, 19:08.8125s
2. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 16 laps, 19:09.8015s
3. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 16 laps, 19:10.3905s
4. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 16 laps, 19:11.0914s
5. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 16 laps, 19:11.3958s
6. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 16 laps, 19:13.4758s
7. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 16 laps, 19:18.5178s
8. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 16 laps, 19:22.5764s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 16 laps, 19:32.0318s
10. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/AFS – 16 laps, 19:42.8355s
11. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 16 laps, 19:44.5621s
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 16 laps, 19:46.0714s
13. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 16 laps, 19:47.7382s
14. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 16 laps, 19:48.9336s
15. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 16 laps, 19:48.9867s
16. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 16 laps, 19:53.4091s
DNF #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 9 laps, 11:09.7027s
DNF #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 8 laps, 9:47.2012s
Results: Race 2
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8 – 13 laps, 18:11.1943s
2. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 13 laps, 18:13.7624s
3. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 13 laps, 18:14.7717s
4. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 13 laps, 18:15.1810s
5. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 13 laps, 18:15.9981s
6. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 13 laps, 18:16.5780s
7. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 13 laps, 18:24.9057s
8. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 13 laps, 18:28.7284s
9. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 13 laps, 18:32.0922s
10. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/AFS – 13 laps, 18:34.4149s
11. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 13 laps, 18:36.4496s
12. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 13 laps, 18:40.5384s
13. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 13 laps, 18:41.6325s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 13 laps, 18:46.7727s
15. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 13 laps, 18:58.4372s
16. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 13 laps, 19:09.3804s
DNF #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 9 laps, 19:10.1013s
DNF #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld
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NewsCampbell, Bates top Sandown qualifying
Matt Campbell has become just the second driver in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia history to score five straight TAG Heuer Pole Positions, topping the times in Friday’s qualifying session at Sandown along with the best TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver, Tony Bates.
For the first time in his short racing career, Campbell will compete in both Carrera Cup and the Supercars Championship, though the heavy workload didn’t interfere with his qualifying form, becoming the first driver since Jim Richards in 2003 to claim five consecutive pole positions.
“It’s very nice to achieve five straight pole positions, but it’s the race wins we’re going after. Now I’m going focus on tomorrow for the opening race,” said Campbell, who was an incredible 0.64 seconds ahead of second placed Nick McBride.
“I’m feeling really comfortable on the green tyre, which has allowed me to perform strong in qualifying this season, while the team has given me a fantastic car all year.
“As important as Supercars is this weekend, Carrera Cup is just as important because I’m going for the championship. Points are critical at the moment; the championship is only just starting; I had a fantastic round in Sydney but now it’s all about getting a good lead entering the final two events.”
Campbell is now just one TAG Heuer Pole Position away from Jim Richards’ record of six consecutive pole positions, all gained in his title winning 2003 season.
McBride will start race one alongside Campbell in second from Steven Richards and Michael Almond who, with fourth, gained a personal best qualifying result.
Double duty drivers Ash Walsh and David Wall qualified fifth and sixth, ahead of Alex Davison, Dean Fiore, Duvashen Padayachee, Dylan O’Keeffe and Garth Walden in 11th.
Tony Bates was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers in qualifying, taking his third straight pole position at the venue.
“I do like racing at Sandown; in fact the final three rounds were good for me last season and hopefully it will be the same this year,” said Bates, who scored a clean sweep of race wins in class at last season’s Sandown round.
“Like last year it was a frustrating middle of the season and it has been a while since I’ve been on pole position, so it’s good to show the pace we have so far this round.”
Bates qualified ahead of James Abela and fellow Challenge class drivers Shane Smollen, James Bergmuller, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini and Adrian Mastronardo.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold two races on Saturday, both of which will be broadcast on Fox Sports 5 and Network Ten (see below Broadcast Schedule), while five Carrera Cup stars will also compete in the co-driver Supercars qualifying race tomorrow afternoon.
Double Duty: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Supercars Championship
#7 carsales Racing – Todd Kelly/Matt Campbell
#14 Freightliner Racing – Tim Slade/Ash Walsh
#23 Nissan Motorsport – Michael Caruso/Dean Fiore
#33 Wilson Security Racing GRM – Scott McLaughlin/David Wall
#888 TeamVortex – Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards
Race Schedule
Saturday September 17, 2016
10:45am Race 1 (17 laps)
3:10pm Race 2 (17 laps)
Sunday September 18, 2016
12:05pm Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5
Race 1 – 10:45am, Saturday September 17
Race 2 – 3:10pm, Saturday September 17
Race 3 – 12:05pm, Sunday September 18
Channel 10
Race 1 – 12:40pm (delayed), Saturday September 17
Race 2 – 3:25pm (delayed), Saturday September 17
Qualifying Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8 – 1:09.6782R
2. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 1:10.3250s
3. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 1:10.4751s
4. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 1:10.4827s
5. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 1:10.5265s
6. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 1:10.5424s
7. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 1:10.6556s
8. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:10.7865s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX–1:10.8339s
10. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/APB Group – 1:10.9046s
11. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects – 1:10.9498s
12. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 1:11.2235s
13. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:11.2694s
14. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 1:11.4272s
15. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 1:11.7008s
16. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 1:11.7846s
17. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 1:12.6092s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 1:12.7890s
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NewsSandown success vital for busy racers
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia moves from the excitement of a joint Sydney round to the vital Sandown event where, as the number of races that remain hits single digits, the fight for championship points intensifies.
Matt Campbell currently leads the charge in the outright standings; the 21-year-old has claimed victory in five of the past eight Carrera Cup races, including four 90-point battles and the joint Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia race in Sydney.
Campbell will now join four other Carrera Cup racers – Dean Fiore, Steven Richards, David Wall and Ash Walsh – who will compete in both the Porsche series’ ninth visit to Sandown and the Supercars Championship endurance race in a co-driver role. This is the greatest number of Carrera Cup drivers also competing in the Supercars endurance race at Sandown since 2006 and the same number of duel-roled drivers as the V8 Supercars Development Series.
While Campbell’s nearest points rivals, Nick McBride and Alex Davison, can focus their efforts solely on Carrera Cup’s three races, Campbell will have to manage the weekend-long transition between the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the Nissan Altima Supercar.
“I really won’t know how I will handle the transition and the busy schedule until this weekend. Driving the two different cars will be a challenge; I have done it before on the same weekend, but only once each time. Changing multiple times will be a challenge but, going off past experience, I think I’ll be fine,” said Campbell, who placed second in all three Sandown races last season behind eventual champion, Nick Foster.
“It’s really good to have the lead in the Carrera Cup points; though it might sound like a big lead, it’s not. I’ll just head into this weekend with the same approach as the past few rounds. I really enjoyed Sandown last year and I’m looking forward to racing there again.”
Campbell will also shoot for his fifth straight TAG Heuer Pole Position, an effort only ever achieved by Jim Richards in 2003, who topped six straight qualifying sessions.
Another double duty driver in fine form is Wall; the former full-time Supercars racer hasn’t finish outside the top two positions in the past five Carrera Cup Australia races (one win, four seconds) and is looking to stop his climb up the order of most podium appearances without a round win – now second in the category with five, behind 10-time podium getter, Russell.
The battle at the front of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge is edging closer, with Tony Bates now leading the division by 19.5 points from reigning class champion, Shane Smollen.
While Smollen has outscored Bates in the past four Carrera Cup rounds, Bates has form at his home circuit, claiming four wins in the last five Sandown races, including a clean sweep at the 2015 event, which gives him the most ever Sandown race wins in the class.
“The Sandown track is busy with not a lot of areas where you can have a rest during the race. Being a home round I’m sure to get a whole lot of friends, family and business associated that come out and watch. It’s an event I love racing at and, after success last year, I’m looking forward to returning again this season,” said Bates.
The round is also home for three other TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers – the series’ most experienced driver, Marc Cini, and third and fourth placed drivers, Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller, with just 4.5 points separating the pair in the Challenge standings.
Grove enters Sandown as the only multiple Challenge round winner in 2016 and spectacularly claimed victory in the Class B/TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge joint Carrera Cup Asia & Australia race at Sydney Motorsport Park last round.
The Sandown event marks the series’ return to live broadcast on Network Ten, something that Carrera Cup will enjoy for the remainder of the season. The opening two races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 5 and delayed (as live) on Channel 10, while Sunday’s final race will be solely broadcast on Fox Sports 5.
Double Duty: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Supercars Championship
#7 carsales Racing – Todd Kelly/Matt Campbell
#14 Freightliner Racing – Tim Slade/Ash Walsh
#23 Nissan Motorsport – Michael Caruso/Dean Fiore
#33 Wilson Security Racing GRM – Scott McLaughlin/David Wall
#888 TeamVortex – Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards
Race Schedule
Friday September 16, 2016
9:30am Practice 1 (25 minutes)
12:30pm Practice 2 (25 minutes)
3:35pm Qualifying (25 minutes)
Saturday September 17, 2016
10:45am Race 1 (17 laps)
3:10pm Race 2 (17 laps)
Sunday September 18, 2016
12:05pm Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5
Practice 2 – 12:30pm, Friday September 16
Qualifying – 3:35pm, Friday September 16
Race 1 – 10:45am, Saturday September 17
Race 2 – 3:10pm, Saturday September 17
Race 3 – 12:05pm, Sunday September 18
Channel 10
Race 1 – 12:40pm (delayed), Saturday September 17
Race 2 – 3:25pm (delayed), Saturday September 17
Entry List: Round 6, Sandown
1. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8
3. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
4. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
5. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical
6. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au
7. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects/PlastaMasta Minchinbury
8. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S
9. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking
10. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Toshiba/Copyworld
11. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security/PAYCE
12. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) TOGA/Veritas Property Group
13. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX
14. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
15. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
16. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
17. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre
18. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend
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NewsCampbell confirmed for Porsche shootout
Sports car phenomenon Matt Campbell is one step closer to achieving his motor racing dream: to become a factory Porsche driver.
Last weekend, the 21-year-old from Warwick, Queensland, was announced as the nominee to represent Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout – a two-day evaluation of the best young talent from each international Porsche Carrera Cup series (Asia, Australia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and Scandinavia).
Every representative will be assessed on their engineering and communications skills, along with their ability behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
Campbell will be the fourth Carrera Cup Australia representative to compete in the Shootout – in addition to Andre Heimgartner (2012), Sam Power (2014) and Nick Foster (2015) – and will be gunning for the Shootout’s coveted prize: a position as a Porsche Junior and the majority funding for a seat in the 2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“This nomination is a dream come true for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed racing with Porsche over the past three seasons and this is a huge bonus on top of what has been a great season on track,” said Campbell.
“I’m lucky to have raced with a brand which provides such a clear driver development path; through GT3 Cup Challenge, Carrera Cup and, with this initiative, onto Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“The Junior Programme has promoted many young drivers into the Porsche factory squad. It has been my goal to get to this point and be able to test myself against the best young Carrera Cup drivers in the world. I can’t wait to head to Europe and represent the Australian championship in this Shootout.”
Campbell’s nomination was announced on the podium of last weekend’s Sydney Motorsport Park round, where the 21-year-old claimed victory in both Carrera Cup Australia races before beating the best of the Carrera Cup Australia and Carrera Cup Asia drivers in the joint overall race. Campbell also extended his series lead at the New South Wales round to 73.5 points ahead of second placed drivers Nick McBride and Alex Davison.
The decision to send Campbell as the local nominee was an obvious one, said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“We are proud to announce Matt as our nominee for the 2016 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout. We have seen Matt progress from a quick, shy, quietly spoken teenager in GT3 Cup Challenge to the well-rounded and immensely talented race car driver he is today. We believe he will be a leading contender for this year’s Shootout and can’t wait to see how he performs,” said Sakzewski, who suggests Campbell is a model representative of Australia’s Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
“We have established a fantastic model in Australia where young racers can rise through the ranks to one of the nation’s most competitive championships. Matt has not only followed this path, but has become one of the country’s stand-out young drivers, so much so that he has gained the attention of talent hungry Supercars teams.
“From our perspective, it would be fantastic to see Matt receive the scholarship and continue his ascent up the Motorsport Pyramid. We have seen what drivers can achieve with the support of the Porsche brand; Earl Bamber being the star success story – moving from GT3 Cup Challenge through to Le Mans victory. Matt has every bit of talent needed to replicate this feat.”
Campbell, now in his second year of Carrera Cup competition, began racing with Porsche in 2014, winning the Class B title in the second-tier Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series. Campbell then graduated to Carrera Cup in 2015, taking third in the championship in his rookie season. Now, five rounds into the eight round season, Campbell holds a commanding series stronghold.
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NewsCampbell sweeps Sydney round
A perfect weekend has propelled Matt Campbell to an extended lead in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship following two races at Sydney Motorsport Park, while Stephen Grove snared the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class round victory.
Campbell’s perfect weekend – he scored pole and two comfortable victories in his McElrea Racing Porsche – has returned him to clear leadership at the top of the championship table with three rounds remaining.
The young Queenslander now leads Alex Davison and Nick McBride, who are tied on points in second place, by 73.5 points heading into the next round at Sandown. He led the series by 4.5 points prior to the pair of races in Sydney.
Campbell’s perfect Sydney Sunday started with a lights-to-flag victory in the second championship race of the round, before he defeated the best of the professional drivers from Porsche Carrera Cup Asia championship in the joint Asia/Australia race later in the day.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend. We were quick in practice, got pole and had two race wins so we couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Campbell.
“In the races it was all about the first few laps and being able to build a lead before containing it to the finish. The pressure was still there, for sure, but thankfully we got there at the end.”
David Wall scored his second consecutive round podium, while Nick McBride finished third overall thanks to a pair of thirds this weekend.
Wall now has four seconds and a win from the last five championship races, while McBride’s solid weekend saw him draw level with Alex Davison in the battle for second in the championship.
Davison finished fourth in race two on Sunday afternoon, with Dean Fiore completing a competitive weekend in fifth place – having grabbed fourth in race one on Saturday.
Ash Walsh finished sixth, having stormed through the field from 11th following his off-track excursion yesterday, while Steven Richards, Michael Almond, Dylan O’Keeffe and James Abela completed the top-10.
Sydneysider Shane Smollen won the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge battle today, while Stephen Grove executed a strong last-lap pass on Adrian Mastronardo to elevate himself to second on the final lap – enough to ensure he won the round.
Grove becomes the first repeat winner in the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ this year and now trails class leader Tony Bates and Shane Smollen in the standings.
Grove also won the first of two races that pitted the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Australia competitors head to head. The Victorian narrowly edged out Yuan Bo in the race for Carrera Challenge/Class B runners, Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak finishing third.
In the later race for Professional drivers from both series, Campbell led from lights to flag but faced serious pressure from Nick McBride for much of the race.
McBride had started from the third row however rocketed his way to the front of the field and pressured Campbell, though he was unable to work his way past and ultimately settled for second.
Alex Davison raced his way to third and Ash Walsh to fourth from even further down the grid.
Frenchman Maxime Jousse, the current Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship leader, battled Campbell early before dropping to fifth place.
Dean Fiore, Carrera Cup Asia round winner Mitchell Gilbert, Martin Ragginger, David Wall and Dylan O’Keeffe completed the top-10.
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will see the series return south of the border to Sandown Raceway in Melbourne, the start of a frantic end to the championship that will see the final two rounds contested in October at Bathurst and the Gold Coast, respectively.
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NewsGrove wins Sydney round, joint race
Stephen Grove has become the first repeat winner in the 2016 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class, a win and a second enough to seal him the round victory at Sydney Motorsport Park at the weekend.
The Victorian driver then capped off the outstanding performance by narrowly winning the first ever combined Porsche Carrera Cup Asia & Australia race in stunning fashion.
Grove won the first championship race on Saturday, however had to push hard in the second to have any chance of securing the round victory.
A slow start dropped him to fifth place amongst the challenge runners and it was only a bold pass on Adrian Mastronardo in the closing stages of the second 16-lap affair that allowed him to clinch round five, ahead of Shane Smollen and Tony Bates.
Smollen won the second race while Tony Bates continues to lead the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, with Grove now third thanks to his successful Sydney weekend.
“I got a terrible start and I knew I had to push and get as far up as I could. I knew that if I didn’t pass Mastronardo I wouldn’t win the round so I took the opportunity and it worked,” Grove explained.
“To his credit he gave me room, he gave me a bit of a touch but it was all far and clean, fair racing.”
Meanwhile, local hero Shane Smollen’s race two victory ensured he continues to apply the pressure to Tony Bates in the challenge points’ battle.
“We rescued a weekend that looked a bit patchy yesterday,” Smollen said.
“It was hard not to look in the mirrors and see what was going on behind! Adrian (Mastronardo) held the race really well until about half a lap to go which would have given us the round, but we came out level on points with Tony and that’s the race for the championship so we’re pretty happy with that.”
Bates’ podium finish ensured he continues to lead the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings following the fifth round of the championship, despite dramas in race two that saw him drop down the order in the early stages.
He bounced back to third place at the finish, backing up his second-placed effort in race one on Saturday.
Consistent weekends from James Bergmuller and Mastronardo saw them fourth and fifth, with Marc Cini and Scott Taylor completing the Challenge results.
In the combined Carrera Cup Australia & Asia race, Stephen Grove led from start to finish in an exciting 10-lap affair, fending off a late challenge from Carrera Cup Asia Class B leader Yuan Bo in the closing laps to record a narrow victory.
Grove found lapped traffic in the closing stages and saw much of his early lead diminished in a thrilling final lap that saw the Absolute Racing driver locked to the rear bumper of the leading Aussie entry – Grove able to hold on and record a maiden ‘outright’ triumph in Carrera Cup.
“That was awesome! It’s about Aussie’s winning,” Grove enthused after the race.
“It was a great race. I led from the front and pushed as far as I could. I caught some lapped traffic there at the end and it was pretty cut-throat at the end and he’d get me! I really wanted to win for the Aussie’s and I felt like I was representing them so I’m wrapped!”
Shane Smollen ran strongly early in the combined race, challenging Grove for the race lead before slipping behind Yuan Bo and Thai driver Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak in the closing stages – ultimately finishing fourth.
Tony Bates finished fifth and Marc Cini eighth amongst the 22-car combined grid.
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NewsCampbell, Grove take Sydney opener
Matt Campbell reinforced his position at the top of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings today at Sydney Motorsport Park, while Stephen Grove edged out Tony Bates in a close TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge battle.
A different schedule this weekend, featuring two rather than the usual three races, mean Campbell’s win will be especially valuable in his championship chase.
The additional points on offer for this weekend’s races mean Campbell’s lead over nearest rival Alex Davison exploded out from 4.5 to 46.5 points prior to tomorrow’s second 16-lap race.
The McElrea Racing driver had earlier scored his fourth straight TAG Heuer Pole Position in qualifying, equalling a ten-year old record in the series held by Alex Davison.
The Queenslander led from pole position and despite the margin never extending to much more than three seconds, never looked seriously challenged on the way to his 11th career victory – and the 5th of his season.
“David Wall was there the whole time and even though the gap extended towards the end I couldn’t back off – the pressure was still on. I couldn’t make a mistake or he would be right there,” said Campbell.
“The first half of the race was really strong and the car felt really good but we dropped off a little bit in the second half with the tyres (wear) and we just tried to look after the car and get to the flag.
“It wasn’t ideal in Darwin, where we had some fantastic pace but didn’t show it, so it was really good to get a good start to our weekend here.”
Sydneysider David Wall started and finished second, continuing his strong run of form that saw him on the podium in the series’ most recent round at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin.
Wall pressured Campbell early in race but later fell into the clutches of Nick McBride, who narrowly missed out on grabbing second at the line.
With Alex Davison finishing sixth, McBride’s strong performance has closed him to within nine points of second position in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
Steven Richards was the biggest improver in the race, storming from eighth on the grid to fifth at the finish in an impressive performance from the #12 Porsche.
Behind sixth-placed Davison, Dylan O’Keeffe, Fraser Ross, Michael Almond and James Abela completed the top 10.
Championship contender Ash Walsh had a tough day, initially penalised four grid positions following qualifying for impeding another car.
He was then running strongly early in the race before spinning out of sixth position on the third lap – dropping as low as last before rebounding to 11th at the line.
In the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, Stephen Grove stormed to his third race win of the season.
The Victorian driver was happy to rebound from a tough round in Darwin, one that saw him finish just one of the three races.
“This weekend it was really important for me to come out strongly early in the weekend and push on. We had a pretty bad round at Darwin so it was important for us to come out strongly and push on so I’m really, really happy,” said Grove.
“I really wanted to work hard in practice one to get on it early and build from there and it’s worked well.
“I just had to manage the tyres at the end and I knew with a few laps left that Tony Bates wouldn’t get me so I just brought it home.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge leader Tony Bates finished second, closing in on Grove in the closing laps however, mindful of the championship situation, ultimately settled for a safe second in class.
“I had great speed towards the end but I knew I was racing Shane (Smollen) for the championship, and not Grove,” Bates explained.
“I played it smart and got the points, which was what we wanted to do.”
Shane Smollen finished third, now sitting 37.5 points behind Bates in the Challenge standings.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia contenders will return for a further 16-lap championship race tomorrow (Sunday) morning prior to the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers joining with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Class B runners for a combined race in the afternoon.
The Professional drivers from both series will then go head to head later in the day to complete the first joint weekend between the Australian and Asia series.
Race Schedule
Sunday August 28, 2016
10:55am Race 2 (16 laps)
12:55pm Invitational Race – TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge/Class B (10 laps)
4:05pm Invitational Race – Overall (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 – 10:55am, Sunday August 28 (Fox Sports 5)
Invitational Race – Challenge/Class B – 12:55pm, Sunday August 28 (Fox Sports 5)
Invitational Race – Overall – 4:05pm, Sunday August 28 (Fox Sports 5)
Race 1 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8 – 16 laps, 24:41.6004s
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 16 laps, 24:44.7455s
3. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 16 laps, 24:45.4871s
4. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 16 laps, 24:45.7478s
5. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical 16 laps, 24:47.0554s
6. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 16 laps, 24:53.1146s
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) Allstar Equipment/Dexion Supply Centre – 16 laps, 24:54.9998s
8. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire – 16 laps, 25:00.1090s
9. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Toshiba – 16 laps, 25:00.5768s
10. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 16 laps, 25:04.4416s
11. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Infants Friend – 16 laps, 25:04.6826s
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 16 laps, 25:05.7431s
13. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) PlastaMaster 16 laps, 25:18.6097s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 16 laps, 25:25.5356s
15. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet / A.F.S – 16 laps, 25:25.8486s
16. #56 Shane Smollen (Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 16 laps, 25:27.0969s
17. #13 James Bergmuller (Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 16 laps, 25:27.4111s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Challenge) Veritas Porperty Group – 16 laps, 25:33.5954s
19. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 16 laps, 25:44.6421s
20. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 16 laps, 25:46.2317s
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NewsEmsteq signs as Carrera Cup Australia partner
Australian based software specialist, Emsteq Systems, will partner Porsche Carrera Cup Australia for the second half of the 2016 season.
The partnership commenced this weekend at the championship’s fifth round at Sydney Motorsport Park and will continue for at least the remainder of the season.
Emsteq Systems will then feature as the Title Partner of the all-Porsche championship at the season ending Gold Coast round in October.
Emsteq Systems’ maintenance software is used widely in the motorsport industry – both locally and globally – managing race components throughout their life on track, a resource already widely used by Porsche Carrera Cup teams.
The association brings one of the country’s strongest motor racing championships with a leader in motorsport software.
“It is great to join forces with Emsteq Systems, a brand with existing strong ties to motorsport and even Porsche racing in Australia,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“Emsteq Systems software is currently used by a number of our Porsche teams to efficiently life components used in their Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars; an important undertaking by any motor racing team. Tim Noske and his team at Emsteq Systems know their motorsport and are leaders in their field; it’s fantastic for Carrera Cup to partner with a strong brand with proven success in our industry.”
Emsteq Systems’ Tim Noske is thrilled to partner with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia as of this weekend’s Sydney event.
“We’re excited to begin this partnership with what is one of the strongest and most exciting championships in Australia,” said Noske.
“Emsteq Systems and Porsche has had a long and successful relationship, including a class win in the 24 Hours of Daytona. So when we decided to launch our enterprise products to the greater business community, who better to team up with than one of the most recognisable brands in the business.”
Emsteq Profile
Emsteq is one of only three companies on the planet to provide specialist maintenance software to motorsport. Its system has been used to improve reliability by some of the biggest motorsport organisations in the world. It was trusted by these companies for its attention-to-detail, ease-of-use, flexibility and high bang-for-buck value. Now they’ve applied that expertise to business software. With their TranMS fleet maintenance system and BizMS enterprise software, now your business will go the distance.
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NewsClose practice times point to intense Sydney battle
THE INTENSITY at the pointy-end of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship fight shows no signs of abating at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.
Championship rivals Matt Campbell and Alex Davison finished official practice split by just 0.09 seconds after a full hour of track time at the Western Sydney circuit today, as the pair look to entrench their position at the top of the Carrera Cup ladder.
Meanwhile, Tony Bates topped practice in practice for the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners, the class leader topping local driver Shane Smollen by nearly 0.8 seconds today.
Campbell leads Davison by just 4.5 points with four rounds remaining – including two races this weekend – and the pair have been the dominant force in the championship to date.
Today’s pair of 30-minute sessions were held in mostly sunny conditions but it was the second outing – held later in the day – that set the scene for the weekend’s racing.
All except three drivers in the 20-strong field set their fastest time of the day in practice two with the top 11 cars covered by just 0.9 seconds.
Campbell’s best of 1m30.23s was also comfortably quicker than the fastest time in practice set at Porsche Rennsport earlier this year – the top six runners all quicker than the practice best set in April.
Behind the championship leaders, Dean Fiore was third fastest today with former champion Steven Richards fourth and impressive rookie Dylan O’Keefe a strong fifth.
The Allstar Equipment / Dexion Porsche driver has continued the strong from Hidden Valley, where he qualified fourth and finished the first race in the same position.
Ash Walsh finished practice sixth (0.35s from the fastest time) with Duvashen Padayachee, Michael Almond, David Wall and Nick McBride completing the top-10.
Walsh had topped practice one earlier in the day, leading Campbell, Fiore, Wall and Davison in the morning session, held in cooler conditions.
Almond bounded back into the top-10 in practice two after gearbox issues limited him to just three laps in practice one.
Bates’ early pace is promising for the Victorian driver given the incredibly competitive fight in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge championship battle this year.
The Victorian driver leads defending champion Shane Smollen in the standings by 28.5 points amidst a title battle that has seen four different round winners from the four rounds held to date.
Bates’ practice best of 1m31.76s put him within striking distance of the fastest professional cars and comfortably ahead of Smollen, Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller in the Carrera Challenge standings. Adrian Mastronado, Scott Taylor and Marc Cini completed the Challenge running order today.
A monster day on Saturday sees the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers tackle qualifying at 12:15pm and the first of two, 16-lap Championship races at 2:45pm.
The second race for points will be held on Sunday morning, prior to the Carrera Cup Australia runners joining with their compatriots from Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in a pair of combined races – one each for the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge / Class B and Professional runners from each respective series.
All sessions on Saturday and Sunday will be live on FOX Sports / Channel 506.
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NewsFast Facts: Sydney Motorsport Park
The fifth round of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to be held at Sydney Motorsport Park is the 95th held since the category debuted in 2003. The championship will hold its 100th round in 2017.
Sydney Motorsport Park will host the 281st and 282nd races in PCCA history. It will be a two-race format weekend rather than the regular three-race format used for single driver weekends.
This is the second time this year that SMP has hosted a PCCA round. In fact this year is the second time in history the 3.9-kilometre circuit has hosted the category twice within the one season. The inaugural year of PCCA in 2003 was the only other time this has occurred.
Matt Campbell sits just one race win off Jim Richards’ PCCA record of five race wins at SMP. The young gun has won four of the last five PCCA races held at the circuit across 2015 and 2016.
Campbell is aiming for his fourth pole position in a row in 2016 when he heads into qualifying at SMP. No driver has managed this feat in the category in a decade since Alex Davison took four poles in a row at Adelaide, Wakefield Park, Hidden Valley and Oran Park in 2006 for Paul Cruickshank Racing.
Campbell has qualified on the front row for the first four rounds of this season – second in Adelaide and poles at Albert Park, Sydney Motorsport Park and Hidden Valley.
The last time a driver qualified on the front row for the first four rounds of a PCCA season was Alex Davison in 2006 – in fact he ended up qualifying on the front row for the first seven rounds of eight in that season before missing the front row at the Phillip Island finale.
Amazingly, there has never been a repeat pole-sitter in PCCA history at SMP. Eight rounds (including a pair of two-driver Rennsport rounds in 2013 and 2016) have produced different pole sitters every time.
Alex Davison is the only repeat round winner in PCCA at SMP. He won the final round of 2003 at the circuit for Greg Murphy Racing in a one-off start and then won on the next visit when it hosted round two in 2004, by which time he was racing full-time for GMR.
Davison’s two round wins this year have taken him to 15 career PCCA round wins, now six short of the record held by Craig Baird.
Davison is also the only driver with multiple round wins in the 2016 PCCA. This is the fourth time in his career in the category that he’s won multiple rounds within a season – 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2016.
Four times in PCCA history the round winner at SMP has been victorious for the weekend after qualifying 7th. Max Twigg and Luke Youlden won the Rennsport round there in 2013 and Craig Baird managed the feat a year later in the single-driver round of 2014.
Steve Richards is moving his way up in the PCCA record books. SMP is his 43rd round in the category, tying him with Tony Quinn for seventh on the all-time round starts list.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge fast man Shane Smollen is aiming for his third straight SMP pole position in PCCA. No driver has ever managed this feat at the Sydney circuit since the ‘class-within-the-category’ was introduced to PCCA in 2004.
There have been four different TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round winners from the first four rounds of this year given Tony Bates, Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller have all tasted success so far this season. In fact, this is just the third time in PCCA history this has happened (2006 and 2008 the others).
The next driver to score their first outright career podium finish will actually become the 50th driver to score a podium finish in PCCA competition.
12 PCCA races have been held this year and only two of them (Race 2 in Adelaide and Race 1 at Rennsport) have had a 100 percent finish rate. 202 laps of racing have been held so far this year.
SMP LAP RECORDS
Race Lap Record: Steve Richards, 1m30.9042s, 2014
Qualifying Lap Record: Warren Luff, 1m29.1185s, 2014
SMP ROUND WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards (May round)
2003 Alex Davison (November round)
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Jonathon Webb
2013 Max Twigg/Luke Youlden (Rennsport round)
2014 Craig Baird
2015 Nick Foster
2016 Matt Campbell/Geoff Emery (Rennsport round)
2 – Alex Davison
1 – Jim Richards, Jonathon Webb, Max Twigg, Luke Youlden, Craig Baird, Nick Foster, Matt
Campbell, Geoff Emery
SMP RACE WINS
2003 Jim Richards Jim Richards Jim Richards
2003 Alex Davison Alex Davison Alex Davison
2004 Alex Davison Jim Richards Peter Fitzgerald
2005 Jim Richards Jonathon Webb David Reynolds
2013 Nick Percat/Rodney Jane Max Twigg/Luke Youlden
2014 Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
2015 Matt Campbell Matt Campbell Nick Foster
2016 Matt Campbell/Geoff Emery Matt Campbell/Geoff Emery
5 – Jim Richards 4 – Alex Davison, Matt Campbell
3 – Craig Baird 2 – Geoff Emery
1 – Peter Fitzgerald, Jonathon Webb, David Reynolds, Nick Percat, Rodney Jane, Max Twigg,
Luke Youlden, Nick Foster
SMP POLE POSITIONS
2003 Marcus Marshall 1m34.5818s
2003 Tim Leahey 1m35.2499s
2004 Alex Davison 1m33.2562s
2005 Jonathon Webb 1m33.9633s
2013 James Koundouris/Steve Owen 3m03.3155s (Combined Times)
2014 Warren Luff 1m29.1185s
2015 Shae Davies 1m29.3396s (Two grid position penalty)
2016 Matt Campbell/Geoff Emery 3m00.3343s (Combined Times)
SMP PODIUMS
2003 Jim Richards Marcus Marshall Tim Leahey
2003 Alex Davison Jim Richards Matt Coleman
2004 Alex Davison Jim Richards Peter Fitzgerald
2005 Jonathon Webb Luke Youlden David Reynolds
2013 Twigg/Youlden Davies/Gowans Luff/Emery
2014 Craig Baird Steve Richards Warren Luff
2015 Nick Foster Matt Campbell David Russell
2016 Campbell/Emery Bergmuller/Tander McBride/Thomas
3 – Jim Richards
2 – Alex Davison, Warren Luff, Matt Campbell, Geoff Emery
1 – Marcus Marshall, Tim Leahey, Matt Coleman, Peter Fitzgerald, Jonathon Webb, Luke
Youlden, David Reynolds, Max Twigg, Luke Youlden, Shae Davies, Adam Gowans, Craig Baird,
Steve Richards, Nick Foster, David Russell, James Bergmuller, Garth Tander, Nick McBride,
Dylan Thomas
SMP TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE ROUND WINNERS
2004 Tony Quinn
2005 Tony Quinn
2013 Max Twigg (Rennsport round)
2014 Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen
2016 James Bergmuller (Rennsport round)
2 – Tony Quinn, Shane Smollen
1 – Max Twigg, James Bergmuller
SMP TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE POLE POSITIONS
2004 Dean Grant
2005 Dean Grant
2013 James Koundouris (Rennsport round)
2014 Stephen Grove
2015 Shane Smollen
2016 Shane Smollen (Rennsport round)
2 – Dean Grant, Shane Smollen
1 – James Koundouris, Stephen Grove
SMP TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE RACE WINS
2004 Dean Grant Stephen Borness Tony Quinn
2005 Dean Grant Dean Grant Tony Quinn
2013 Max Twigg Max Twigg
2014 Tony Bates Shane Smollen Shane Smollen
2015 Shane Smollen Stephen Grove Shane Smollen
2016 James Bergmuller Shane Smollen
5 – Shane Smollen
3 – Dean Grant
2 – Tony Quinn, Max Twigg
1 – Stephen Borness, Tony Bates, Stephen Grove, James Bergmuller
SMP TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE PODIUMS
2004 Tony Quinn Dean Grant Peter Hill
2005 Tony Quinn Dean Grant James Koundouris
2013 Max Twigg Damien Flack Stephen Grove
2014 Shane Smollen Tony Bates James Bergmuller
2015 Shane Smollen Stephen Grove James Bergmuller
2016 James Bergmuller Shane Smollen Tony Bates
3 – James Bergmuller, Shane Smollen
2 – Tony Quinn, Dean Grant, Stephen Grove, Tony Bates
1 – Peter Hill, James Koundouris, Max Twigg, Damien Flack
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NewsLargest Carrera Cup event set for Sydney
Sydney Motorsport Park will this weekend host the largest Porsche Carrera Cup event to be staged in Australia, with 44 911 GT3 Cup cars set to start the nation’s first Carrera Cup joint round.
As Porsche Carrera Cup Australia enters the second half of its 2016 season, the championship will be joined at the Sydney SuperSprint by its closest one-make neighbour, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, for the Asian series’ first ever event Down Under.
With 44 identical cars competing across the two series, the event marks the largest gathering of current generation Carrera Cup cars in the Southern Hemisphere.
The two championships will contest their weekends separately (practice, qualifying and two races) before the series combine for two class based races to conclude the weekend. An all TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge and Class B race will provide these drivers their best chance to claim an outright victory for a single driver Carrera Cup race, which will precede a race with both series’ outright ranked drivers, including the likes of reigning Porsche Carrera Cup France champion Maxime Jousse, Porsche China Junior Programme driver Andrew Tang and German young gun, Nico Menzel.
While joint Carrera Cup rounds have been a common fixture in Europe, this weekend marks the first joint round to be held in Australia and the first to involve the Australian one-make championship.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Porsche Carrera Cup Asia this weekend to Sydney Motorsport Park for what will be a truly unique and incredible experience for both championships,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“As all Carrera Cup championships have uniform regulations, we are able to hold such events and pit the best professional and semi-professional drivers against each other. It’s not only a great experience for our teams and drivers, but also a tremendous representation of our brand and its global motorsport program.”
Drivers from both series are eager to get the joint round underway and ultimately compete against those racing in the sister series.
“Versing Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in Sydney will be pretty exciting. I know the Carrera Cup Asia drivers race pretty hard so we should expect to see some exciting combined races at the end of the weekend,” said series rookie Dylan O’Keeffe. “I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how the best of Carrera Cup Australia fares against the best from the Carrera Cup Asia series.”
“We are all looking forward to racing in Australia,” added young German ace, Nico Menzel. “Besides the Singapore Grand Prix, I would say that the Sydney round is the highlight of the season. The track looks great and racing against the Carrera Cup Australia drivers will be good. Last year I was at the Porsche Junior Scholarship shootout and Nick Foster was there; he was quite fast and was a great represention of the quality of the championship in Australia. The Australian drivers have a small advantage having the track knowledge, but let’s see.”
As the second half of the season kicks off, the focus for the opening two races will be on the title fight in both outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge classifications.
Matt Campbell enjoyed a strong start to the 2016 season; however Alex Davison’s recent resurgence has seen the former champion move to within 4.5 points of the young series leader.
Meanwhile Tony Bates continues at the top of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings with a 28.5 point lead over Shane Smollen leading into the latter’s home event.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will start the weekend with two Friday practice sessions, followed by qualifying and race one on Saturday and, on Sunday, race two and the combined invitational races.
Race Schedule – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
Friday August 26, 2016
9:55am Practice 1 (30 minutes)
12:15pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
Saturday August 27, 2016
12:15pm Qualifying (30 minutes)
2:45pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Sunday August 28, 2016
10:55am Race 2 (16 laps)
12:55pm Invitational Race – TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge/Class B (10 laps)
4:05pm Invitational Race – Overall (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
Practice 2 – 12:15pm, Friday August 26 (Fox Sports 5)
Qualifying – 12:15pm, Saturday August 27 (Fox Sports 5)
Race 1 – 2:45pm, Saturday August 27 (Fox Sports 5)
Race 2 – 10:55am, Sunday August 28 (Fox Sports 5)
Invitational Race – Challenge/Class B – 12:55pm, Sunday August 28 (Fox Sports 5)
Invitational Race – Overall – 4:05pm, Sunday August 28 (Fox Sports 5)
Round 5 Entry List
1. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8
3. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
4. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
5. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical
6. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au
7. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects
8. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S
9. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking
10. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Stone’s Original
11. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security/PAYCE
12. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) TOGA/Veritas Porperty Group
13. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX
14. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
15. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
16. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
17. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre
18. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
19. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire
20. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend
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NewsVIDEO, Pt 2: Speedcafe chats to Asia’s best
As Porsche Carrera Cup Asia readies for its first ever round in Australia in late August, Speedcafe.com continues its preview of its Sydney Motorsport Park round.
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NewsVIDEO, Pt 1: Speedcafe’s Carrera Cup Asia preview
As Porsche Carrera Cup Asia readies for its first ever round in Australia in late August, Speedcafe.com had a chat to some of its racers ahead of their trip Down Under.
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NewsSydney Joint Round: Information Guide
Round five of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship is unlike any other. In fact, it is far from it.
Later this month Sydney Motorsport Park will host the most unique Carrera Cup round seen in Australia since its local inception in 2003.
Come August 26-28, two Carrera Cup championships will line up at the western Sydney venue for the first ever joint Carrera Cup round to be held in Australia, and the first ever to involve the Australian one-make series.
Our guests: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
Here is a brief lowdown on the coming event:
Race Format
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will run much like a normal event in Sydney; expect only contesting two races as part of the championship. Below is the race format of Carrera Cup Australia for the weekend:
Practice 1 (Friday)
Practice 2 (Friday)
Qualifying (Saturday)
Race 1 (Saturday)
Race 2 (Sunday)
Joint Races
Thereafter, the most anticipated part of the weekend comes to life: two joint races between Carrera Cup Australia and Carrera Cup Asia.
The first of the two races will consist of TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners from the Australia championship and Class B drivers from the Asia series, held just prior to the final Supercars Championship race on Sunday. Then, after the final Supercars race, the outright contenders from both championships will race head-to-head in a race of their own. Two must-watch events!
Points
Being a two-race weekend, Carrera Cup Australia points will be awarded accordingly (1st, 90 points; 2nd, 81 points; 3rd, 72 points) as per the series’ previous two-race Pro-Am rounds. The championship will also award 10 championship points to each of its drivers who competes in the joint races.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia series is our closest Carrera Cup geographically while, being part of the global Carrera Cup formula, the two series share similar technical regulations and the use of the iconic 911 GT3 Cup car.
Much the Australian championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia has a mix of professional racers at the front of the field, trailed closely by a fleet of semi-professional Class B drivers – a class that makes up the majority of the field.
While our Carrera Cup races solely in Australia, Carrera Cup Asia has a truly international flavour having visited China, Japan and Thailand ahead of the Sydney round and, thereafter, concluding the championship at events in Singapore, Malaysia and its return to China.
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NewsFoster fourth at Norisring
Press Release: Nick Foster
Round 5 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany headed to the famous streets of Norisring.
Another new circuit and another new challenge, a technical bumpy street circuit with absolutely no room for error.
Practice: 7th
Over the course of the 1-hour practice session we ran through our normal testing procedure while I familiarised myself with the Norisring layout.
During the session we ran as high as P2 trading fastest sectors eventually ending the session in P7 as we elected not to run a fresh set of tyres.
Qualifying: 5th, 5th
During qualifying the fight between myself the usual challengers, was as intense as it has been all year.
Comfortably placed amongst the top three for most of the session and sitting as high as P2 I ended the session in P5.
Just one tenth would have leapfrogged me into P2!
Although not as high up the order as I have qualified in previous rounds; Norising is very technical and for my first visit to the circuit I’m happy to be competitive.
Race 1: P4
The first encounter at Norisring was to be 25 laps in beautiful 35-degree conditions. Starting out in p5 I was keen to get away well as Norisring is notoriously hard to pass on.
After a strong start I found myself in P4 and settled in to the early race applying the usual pressure to P3. I came out at half race distance in P3, with P2 in sight I pushed on to try and continue to move forward.
Unfortunately with around a third of the race remaining I began to cook my rear tyres and dropped pace. After a several lap battle to hold P3 I eventually relinquished the position and as a result came home in P4.
I was slightly disappointed with the result and how I managed the race, however picking up good points, and most importantly progressing forward.
Race 2: 4th
Starting again from P5 in the 37 lap feature race, I once again started well and as the field streamed down to the first hairpin I attempted the long way around in what the Germans call a ‘ballsy’ manoeuvre.
Having managed to make it stick once the race settle on the second lap I found myself running in P3.
For well over 30 laps I managed to comfortably hold my position in P3 until I made a small mistake a handful of laps from home. Unfortunately it cost me a position and I was forced to settle for P4.
The Team75 guys gave me a double podium car but unfortunately I couldn’t quite seal the deal on the day. Having said that, two P4 finishes and a new circuit are ticked off as well as cementing myself into p4 in a tight championship race.
I again have to thank all the KUS Team75 Bernhard and Outback Camps Australia guys for continuing our push forward and all our supporters, friends, family and fans following in Australia.
Thanks for all your support.
Regards,
Nick
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NewsChallenge title fight intensifies in Top End
A dramatic fourth round of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge will see the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s race within a race head into the season’s half-way break wide open.
Defending class champion Shane Smollen won the round at Hidden Valley Raceway in the Northern Territory, returning himself to championship calculations following a challenging start to the season.
The Sydney driver has now won five of the last six races this year, closing to just 28.5 points of class leader Tony Bates in the process.
Bates (second) and Adrian Mastronado (third) completed the Darwin TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge podium however it was Smollen who was all smiles after a comprehensive performance.
“It got better as the weekend went on,” Smollen said.
“We had a reasonable practice day on Friday but qualifying was just crazy. We had one problem after the other and got out with just minutes to go and managed to bank a pole lap.
“Race one was messy but we won it on penalties (to other drivers) but today was just outstanding. I had a really quick and mistake-free day, kept my head on in the heat and as it turns out it’s probably quite a reasonable re-order of the standings which has helped a lot.”
Smollen is ready for the title fight that now has five drivers covered by just 145.5 points – potentially less than one round victory.
“It’s always gloves off! We generally have very close racing and the best man wins,” Smollen said.
“Some people have bad luck but I’ve had my share this year for the year and caught up in other people’s DNFs. It’s still anybody’s championship and if this has happened after four rounds this and more can happen for the next four.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge leader Tony Bates survived a challenging weekend with his points lead in-tact, though reduced from its earlier more comfortable margin.
The Victorian was penalised in race one following contact with erstwhile leader James Bergmuller, and then copped a five second penalty in the third race for a start line infringement – dropping him behind Smollen at the end of the race.
He still posted a fourth and two second-place efforts in the Top End to continue his strong form this year.
Adrian Mastronardo finished third, his consistent results ensuring he still sits a strong fourth in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings.
Round three winner James Bergmuller was another to endure a tough weekend in Darwin, though he retains third in the standings.
The Victorian driver led a majority of the opening race before contact from behind spun him out of the lead in the final corner of the first race. He then finished fourth in race two, however failed to finish race three when he and Stephen Grove made contact on the high-speed run through turns three and four on the opening lap of the race.
Both drivers emerged unscathed from the incident however were unable to continue.
Grove, the 2014 Challenge class champion, walked away with one finish from three races in Darwin however remains in championship calculations, just 145.5 points from the series lead.
A fast if unlucky weekend highlighted the efforts of Scott Taylor, making his first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia start of the season this weekend.
The Queenslander qualified fourth in class on Saturday and finished sixth in race one, however was ousted from race two after he and Marc Cini banged wheels at turn one.
Deemed a racing incident by the race officials, the contact saw Cini’s car launched into the air with both cars subsequently out of the race.
Both cars were quickly repaired and both finished the final race strongly – Taylor third in class and Cini fourth.
The next round of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge will see the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field combine with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia at Sydney Motorsport Park in August.
Challenge leader Smollen said he was looking forward to racing against the best of the Asian series’ challenge runners.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Smollen enthused.
“I suggested the idea to separate the Pro and Challenge ranks (the respective classes will contest separate races) and I think it will work really well.
“Hopefully it will be damage free and I’m sure we’ll enjoy racing the Asia boys – hopefully it’s not the last time we do it.”
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NewsDavison, Smollen take Darwin round victory
Alex Davison and Shane Smollen have secured crucial Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round victories at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway as the one-make championship hits its halfway mark in 2016.
Davison followed race one victory on Saturday with second in Sunday’s race two, and finished the weekend with victory in the final race, securing his place on the top step of the outright round podium. The win was Davison’s sixth at Hidden Valley in the one-make series and, importantly, reduced his points deficit to series leader Matt Campbell, who himself endured a difficult weekend, to just 4.5 points.
“I’ve very happy. I made a couple of mistakes this weekend that I wasn’t happy about. It was great that we had good pace to fight back from those two driver errors from qualifying and race two. The car had a clean sweep in it this weekend but I threw that away in race two,” said Davison.
“A big thanks to the team because we had the quickest car here this weekend. It was fantastic to close the gap in the championship and we’re back in the fight now for our next round at Sydney Motorsport Park.”
David Wall placed second for the round following a strong weekend-long performance: the Sydneysider placed second in the opening race before taking his second ever Carrera Cup race win in race two. Wall then trailed Davison to the chequered flag in race three in second place to take second for the round.
Steven Richards rounded out the outright Carrera Cup podium in Darwin following a consistent weekend of fifth, fourth and third place finishes, while series rookie Dylan O’Keeffe continued his impressive run in Darwin in just his fourth Carrera Cup event, placing fourth for the round after placing fourth, fifth and ninth in Darwin.
Other drivers, including Campbell, Nick McBride, Dean Fiore, Ash Walsh and James Abela all showed glimpses of strong performances, though inconsistency dropped them down the round order.
Smollen was the star performer in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge; the reigning class champion took a clean sweep of race wins to secure the round victory and claw back crucial championship points from Challenge leader Tony Bates.
“I’m very happy; happy and hot. It probably looked easier than what it was; a clean sweep of all sessions, but we had to work for it. I was really happy about today; it was mistake-free and we kept our pace up. Yesterday was pretty patchy; I was lucky to win after penalties and I took pole position after two mechanical errors in a row,” said Smollen.
“As it turns out there’s been a fairly big move in the standings with different incidents with different drivers. We’re half way through and it’s going to be a great second half to the season.”
Bates placed second for the round in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge from a consistent Adrian Mastronardo, who placed fifth in each race.
Campbell enters the championship’s mid-point with a 4.5 point lead in the standings from Davison, with McBride a further 33 points adrift.
Meanwhile Bates holds a 28.5 point lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings from Smollen, with James Bergmuller 67.5 points behind in third.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia returns for round five at Sydney Motorsport Park, where it shares the venue with his nearest Porsche one-make series, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
Race 2 Results
1. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security, 18 laps – 21:36.3044s
2. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking, 18 laps – 21:39.2402s
3. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts, 18 laps – 21:39.7737s
4. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical, 18 laps – 21:40.6118s
5. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment/Dexion Supply Centre, 18 laps – 21:40.9448s
6. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop, 18 laps – 21:42.3844s
7. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne, 18 laps – 21:43.5952s
8. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Stone’s Original, 18 laps – 21:44.2190s
9. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend, 18 laps – 21:44.4353s
10. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) CIP/GWR, 18 laps – 21:47.6181s
11. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents, 18 laps – 21:55.5040s
12. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S, 18 laps – 21:58.5562s
13. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX, 18 laps – 21:59.0693s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire, 18 laps – 22:10.7615s
15. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire, 18 laps – 22:13.5042s
16. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8, 17 laps – 21:36.7414s
17. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au, 17 laps – 22:13.7269s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group, 17 laps – 22:22.6203s
DNF #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport, 8 laps – 10:22.0427s
DNF #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc, 8 laps – 10:22.0432s
Race 3 Results
1. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking, 14 laps – 19:23.7019s
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security, 14 laps – 19:24.7944s
3. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical, 14 laps – 19:26.5851s
4. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne, 14 laps – 19:26.9959s
5. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend, 14 laps – 19:27.2218s
6. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8, 14 laps – 19:27.7851s
7. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop, 14 laps – 19:30.3445s
8. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) CIP/GWR, 14 laps – 19:31.8804s
9. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) Allstar Equipment/Dexion Supply, 14 laps – 19:33.2255s
10. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX, 14 laps – 19:34.0630s
11. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents, 14 laps – 19:42.1494s
12. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S, 14 laps – 19:46.3766s
13. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport, 14 laps – 19:48.2615s
14. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc, 14 laps – 19:57.5281s
15. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire, 14 laps – 20:04.1318s
16. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Stone’s Original, 14 laps – 20:04.6594s
17. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts, 14 laps – 20:06.1132s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group, 14 laps – 20:17.5282s
DNF #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
DNF #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au
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NewsDavison and Bates win lively Darwin opener
Alex Davison continues his run as the most successful Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racer at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway with victory in Saturday’s eventful opening race, while Tony Bates took the provisional TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge win from Shane Smollen and James Bergmuller.
Matt Campbell and Steven Richards traded the race lead in the opening laps before Davison joined the battle and soon trailed pole-sitter Campbell for the lead. When Campbell lost control on turn five coolant, Davison capitalised and cruised to a seemingly easy race win, beating David Wall to the chequered flag by 3.5 seconds, with Campbell in third a further 0.2secs behind in third.
The race win was Davison’s fourth for the season and his fifth at the Hidden Valley circuit.
“I’m very happy, especially after crashing the car in qualifying, but we really snuck through in the race. I got a good start, Ash [Walsh] ran off the circuit at turn five on the opening lap and, as Matt and Steve were squabbling, I was able to get by Steve and, Matt having a spin, allowed me to take the lead. From then on I maintained the gap pretty comfortably,” said Davison.
“It was a great way to bounce back from a difficult qualifying session and, it goes without saying, we want to keep it up tomorrow.”
Equally impressive as Davison’s form at the front was the pace of series rookie Dylan O’Keeffe who, in just his fourth round in the category, placed fourth in the race from Richards, teammates Nick McBride and Walsh, Dean Fiore, Fraser Ross and James Abela in 10th.
The outright battle was action packed, though it was not to be outdone by the scrap for positions in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
Bergmuller looked set for the class win after a strong performance throughout the 18 lap race, though Bates was in a position to challenge for the class win in the final stages. Then, as the pair entered the final corner, they made contact, resulting in Bergmuller dropping down the order and Bates taking the provisional class win; with a post-race investigation continuing.
Smollen finished second in class from Marc Cini, Bergmuller, Adrian Mastronardo and Scott Taylor in sixth.
Duvashen Padayachee was the final placed driver, forced to pit after sustaining damage in a crash after the opening corner, which also ended the race of Stephen Grove.
Michael Almond and Garth Walden both failed to finish after separate incidents at turn five, the former’s race ending from contact with Fiore while in fourth.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second and third races for the weekend on Sunday, both to be broadcast live on Fox Sports 5.
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 – Sunday June 19, 12:25pm, Fox Sports 5
Race 3 – Sunday June 19, 4:30pm, Fox Sports 5
Race Schedule
Sunday June 19, 2016
12:25pm-12:50pm Race 2 (18 laps)
4:30pm-4:55pm Race 3 (18 laps)
Race 1 Results
1. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking, 18 laps – 20:50.1619s
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security, 18 laps – 20:53.7036s
3. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8, 18 laps – 20:53.9449s
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) Allstar Equipment/Dexion Supply Centre, 18 laps – 20:56.3993s
5. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical, 18 laps – 20:57.0977s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts, 18 laps – 20:58.1945s
7. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend, 18 laps – 20:58.5596s
8. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne, 18 laps – 20:59.6353s
9. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire, 18 laps – 21:04.0093s
10. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop, 18 laps – 21:15.7273s
11. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S, 18 laps – 21:20.8170s
12. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents, 18 laps – 21:21.4918s
13. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au, 18 laps – 21:28.5744s
14. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc, 18 laps – 21:44.3997s
15. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group, 18 laps – 21:54.5204s
16. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport, 18 laps – 21:55.0180s
17. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX, 17 laps – 21:32.3334s
DNF #21 Garth Walden (Outright) CIP/GWR, 6 laps – 7:11.2299s
DNF #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Stone’s Original, 5 laps – 5:56.3900s
DNF #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
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NewsCampbell, Smollen claim TAG Heuer pole
Matt Campbell has secured his third straight TAG Heuer Pole Position in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s return to Hidden Valley.
Campbell eclipsed the previous Qualifying Lap Record time of 1m09.4004s, set by Alex Davison in 2007, with a 1:07.5609 lap of the Darwin circuit.
Campbell will start alongside Ash Walsh and ahead of second row starters Steven Richards and Dylan O’Keeffe, who posted his best qualifying performance of fourth.
Shane Smollen looked to be out of the qualifying session, missing a large portion of the session due to mechanical dramas. Smollen managed to start the session late and made up for lost time, posting the best lap of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge competitors.
The opening race of the Hidden Valley weekend will be held at 3:10pm on Saturday, to be broadcast on Fox Sports 5.
Qualifying Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8 – 1:07.5609R
2. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 1:07.7641r
3. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 1:07.9152r
4. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) Allstar Equipment/Dexion Supply Centre – 1:08.0678r
5. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 1:08.1102r
6. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:08.1623r
7. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 1:08.1907r
8. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Stone’s Original – 1:08.3012r
9. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire – 1:08.4112r
10. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 1:08.5006r
11.#21 Garth Walden (Outright) CIP/GWR – 1:08.5178r
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 1:08.5430r
13. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gunshop – 1:08.7576r
14. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 1:09.0402s
15. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 1:09.2687s
16. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 1:09.2729s
17. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 1:09.7243s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 1:09.7287s
19. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 1:09.7547s
20. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 1:10.3234s
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NewsFiore, Smollen on top in NT practice
Dean Fiore and Shane Smollen have cause to celebrate Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s return to Hidden Valley Raceway, taking the top time in the outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class, respectively.
Fiore had a mixed day in the Top End; the West Australian ended his practice one prematurely after making contact with the Turn 10 barrier. Fiore then posted the quickest time of the day in the second practice session, a time vastly improved on that of the current qualifying and race lap records.
“The team were able to fix the car for practice two and I was able to pick up where I left off, which was a reasonable position from the opening practice, so I’m happy with where we finished up,” said Fiore.
“I really like Hidden Valley. I never really had good results here in the V8 but I always enjoyed driving here; it’s a challenge with the heat. The off-track stuff is great too. It’s a really good break from the winter weather.
“Now we’ll have a good look at everything from today and hopefully capitalise tomorrow.”
David Wall, who posted the quickest time in opening practice, was the second quickest Carrera Cup racer of the day from teammates Ash Walsh and Nick McBride, series leader Matt Campbell, Alex Davison, Dylan O’Keeffe, Garth Walden, Steven Richards and Michael Almond in 10th.
Smollen impressed on his maiden Hidden Valley Raceway visit, finishing Friday practice over half-a-second ahead of his closest TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge rival.
“A new track is always the great equaliser so it’s good to get an advantage early on, but at least it gave me a good feel and better rubber for tomorrow’s qualifying. It was hot work, but great fun out there; it’s a great little track,” said Smollen.
Smollen’s time placed the Sydneysider 11th outright from Fraser Ross and James Abela, and class rivals James Bergmuller, Scott Taylor, Stephen Grove, Adrian Mastronardo, class points leader Tony Bates, Duvashen Padayachee and Marc Cini.
This weekend’s round is just the fifth Hidden Valley visit for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and the first since the 2007 season.
The championship will hold qualifying and race one on Saturday and the final two races of the weekend on Sunday – all of which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 5.
VIDEO: Friday Practice interviews:
Broadcast Schedule
Qualifying – Saturday June 18, 11:05am, Fox Sports 5
Race 1 – Saturday June 18, 3:10pm, Fox Sports 5
Race 2 – Sunday June 19, 12:25pm, Fox Sports 5
Race 3 – Sunday June 19, 4:30pm, Fox Sports 5
Race Schedule
Saturday June 18, 2016
11:05am-11:25am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:10pm-3:35pm Race 1 (18 laps)
Sunday June 19, 2016
12:25pm-12:50pm Race 2 (18 laps)
4:30pm-4:55pm Race 3 (18 laps)
Combined Practice Times
1. #8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 1:08.8002R
2. #38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security – 1:08.8144r
3. #777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 1:08.8378s
4. #77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts – 1:09.0095s
5. #7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8 – 1:09.0286s
6. #25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking – 1:09.2152s
7. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) Allstar Equipment/Dexion Supply Centre – 1:09.2404s
8. #21 Garth Walden (Outright) CIP/GWR – 1:09.3162s
9. #12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 1:09.3202s
10. #26 Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld – 1:09.5816s
11. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 1:09.6605s
12. #360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire – 1:09.6847s
13. #54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop – 1:09.7343s
14. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 1:10.2929s
15. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 1:10.5095s
16. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 1:10.5911s
17. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 1:10.6785s
18. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 1:10.6850s
19. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX – 1:11.0337s
20. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 1:11.6714s
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NewsCarrera Cup returns to Top End
Australia’s fastest one-make championship will this weekend return to Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway for the first time in nine years as its drivers eagerly await the winter getaway.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will contest its fourth round of 2016 at the popular Northern Territory venue – the championship’s fifth Darwin round (2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007) – ending a near-decade break from the circuit.
The lengthy break means that the majority of the championship’s drivers have not competed at Hidden Valley, though four of the current Carrera Cup crop were present for the one-make series’ previous Top End adventures – Alex Davison, Dean Fiore, David Wall and Marc Cini.
“The good thing about Darwin is that none of us, expect for a few drivers, have been there for such a long time, so you start fresh. That creates a little bit of excitement; you really look forward to those events,” said Cini, the most experience Carrera Cup racer in the field.
“It has a mega atmosphere off the track; that’s the best thing about Darwin. As soon as you step off the plane the weather hits you and it’s like you’re on a holiday and everyone’s there to party. It’s brilliant,” added Cini’s teammate, Fiore.
Several other Carrera Cup drivers have competed at the circuit of late in various race categories: In addition to Davison, Wall and Fiore, Ash Walsh and Steven Richards have raced at Hidden Valley since 2007 in the Supercars Championship.
“We’ll have lots of grip and the cars will be on the edge of their performance window and I think the circuit will suit our cars incredibly well; it’s nice and smooth with not many kerbs. It will be great,” said Richards.
Adelaide race winner Michael Almond competed at Darwin in 2012 and 2013 in Touring Car Masters and in 2014 in a V8 Ute. Meanwhile series rookie James Abela raced at last year’s Darwin round in an Aussie Racing Cars, as did Scott Taylor, who returns to Carrera Cup in Darwin for the first time this season.
With the championship’s halfway point looming, Matt Campbell holds a 36.5 point advantage over his nearest rival Nick McBride, aided by his Pro-Am clean sweep at the recent Porsche Rennsport Australia event when teamed with Geoff Emery. Davison sits third in the standings from Walsh and Wall in fifth.
Tony Bates’ strong start to the season has handed the Victorian a 42.5 point lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings over Rennsport class winner James Bergmuller, Stephen Grove and Shane Smollen.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold three races across the Hidden Valley round.
Broadcast Schedule
Practice 1 – Friday June 17, 9:20am, Fox Sports 5*
Practice 2 – Friday June 17, 12:40pm, Fox Sports 5*
Qualifying – Saturday June 18, 11:05am, Fox Sports 5
Race 1 – Saturday June 18, 3:10pm, Fox Sports 5
Race 2 – Sunday June 19, 12:25pm, Fox Sports 5
Race 3 – Sunday June 19, 4:30pm, Fox Sports 5
*broadcast subject to change
Race Schedule
Friday June 17, 2016
9:20am-9:40am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
12:40pm-1:00pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Saturday June 18, 2016
11:05am-11:25am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:10pm-3:35pm Race 1 (18 laps)
Sunday June 19, 2016
12:25pm-12:50pm Race 2 (18 laps)
4:30pm-4:55pm Race 3 (18 laps)
Entry List
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
#7 Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8
#8 Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#12 Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical
#13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au
#21 Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects
#24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S
#25 Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking
#26 Michael Almond (Outright) Stone’s Original/Copyworld
#38 David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security/PAYCE
#39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group
#45 Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX
#54 James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
#56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
#77 Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales / Dexion Supply Centre
#222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
#360 Fraser Ross (Outright) Preston Hire
#777 Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts / Infants Friend
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NewsFoster fourth after Austrian outing
Press Release: Nick Foster
Round 3 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland championship came upon us very quickly.
This time we headed south and out of Germany to the beautiful countryside of Austria, more specifically Spielberg and the famous Red Bull Ring.
Another new circuit for me was going to pose another difficult challenge as the fast technical Red Bull Ring has only two corners under 3rd gear!
Practice: 7th
During the one-hour session running older used tyres from Hockenheim, we completed our full testing program pitting multiple times for changes and progressively working our way forward with car setup.
Huge credit to the Team75 Bernhard guys as they have continued to work hard off track to improve and develop the Porsche to my style.
A lot of the session was dedicated to me learning the circuit and dialling myself in for Qualifying and the races.
Qualifying: Race 1 – 5th, Race 2 – 7th
Qualifying for us was a really solid session. Our outright speed considering our little track running time was really strong.
During the session between our green tyre runs we made a small change and on our second run of greens I managed to improve to P3 with five mins of the session remaining.
In the end we dropped to P5 overall as the track got quicker at the end of the session.
Unfortunately I ended with my second fastest lap on good enough for P7 as I boxed a lap too early during the second run.
A small error in my part but I was happy with our speed. The times between P3 and P7 were very close.
Race 1: 9th
Starting from P7 I had a really good jump off the line and battled my way to P4 after the first four laps. After one of the competitors was given a drive through for a jump start I found myself in P3 driving a very similar pace to the leaders.
The Team75 Porsche was really strong and I pushed on under some pressure from behind but managed our pace and gap with P1 and P2.
Sadly an ambitious and fairly desperate move from another competitor as I entered the mid-corner phase of Turn 1 saw my right rear bumper get caved in and a pretty wild spin dropped us back to P9 with only a handful of laps remaining.
It was a really disappointing end to a great race but I was really happy with the pace of our Porsche and I was keen to replicate the same in Race 2.
Race 2: 6th
Starting from P5 I made a good getaway off the line but was forced to run wide through Turn 1 to avoid contact with other cars, loosing a place but gaining one at the same time.
As the race settled I began to apply pressure on fourth with strong early pace. While battling for P4 I made a small mistake that dropped me back to P6 and eventual dropped back to P7 after a few laps of shuffling positions.
Unfortunately although I pace during the race was comparable to the Top 3 with track position and a small error I was unable to move forward during the race.
Although on paper the results are not what we desire, what is important is that this weekend we where competitive the whole weekend with race pace and in Qualifying. We also leave the weekend a strong P4 in the championship despite a few setbacks this weekend.
I again have to thank all the KUS Team75 Bernhard and Outback Camps Australia guys for continuing our push forward and all our supporters, friends, family and fans following in Australia.
Thanks for all your support.
Regards,
Nick
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NewsFoster continues solid German campaign
Words by Nick Foster.
This weekend we found ourselves at Round 2 of the German Porsche Carrera Cup Championship on the historic circuit of Hockenheim Ring.
Coming off the back of a relatively strong debut in Oschersleben. It was important to keep our momentum going and keep building as a team.
As it turned out, Germany turned on the Australian weather just for me and with 27 degrees across the weekend I felt like I was right at home!
Practice – 7th
Again having not tested nor seen the Hockenheimring prior to the race weekend, I was keen to head out in practice and to learn the circuit and dial myself in for the race weekend.
During the 1-hour session using older tyres from Round 1 we went through our testing program pitting multiple times for changes and progressively working our way forward.
A lot of the session was dedicated to me learning the circuit and dialling myself in for Qualifying and the races.
Not running new tyres in the session dropped us down the order a little, but I was happy with our progress over the 25 laps completed and was looking forward to Qualy.
Qualifying – Race 1 – 5th, Race 2 – 5th
As it turned out we had our best and most consistent Qualifying of the year. Easy after my round 1 effort! 😉 We ended P5 for both races, however the times were very close. Just half a tenth would have jumped me to 3rd and only a few tenths to Pole.
The team did a great job; I was actually slightly quicker on my final lap but got a little loose coming through the high-speed sector 3 in the famous Motor drome.
Still for us this was a really positive result and after a few changes we headed into the first race.
Race 1 – 5th
Starting from 5 the race was intense up the front with lots of movement in the high speed first sector and again in the first gear chicane. As the race panned out I was still in P5, but unfortunately with all the dicing I touched with another car causing some damage to the front of my Porsche.
I dropped pace slightly but pushed on in P4 for around half of the race. I came under pressure and eventually had to relinquish a position back to P5 however held off the train of cars behind me.
Obviously it was a little disappointing to not move forward in the race, but still P5 was a good result considering the front-end damage.
Race 2 – 5th
The start of race 2 was again fairly hectic with a lot of movement and rubbing paint going on inside the top 5. A few more changes over night proved to be promising as we battled for P3 in the early stages of the race.
Struggling a little bit with rear tyres I slowly dropped of the leading pack and had a quiet race to myself, ultimately finishing in 5th Position.
Although I love to be battling for podiums as a team we made a lot of progress during the weekend and I’m really looking forward to Round 3 on the famous Red Bull Ring.
Once again, big thanks to Outback Camps Australia and KUS Team75 Bernhard for their hard work and support.
Thanks for all your support.
Regards,
Nick
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NewsCampbell/Emery take stunning Pro-Am sweep
Matt Campbell and Geoff Emery have stunned the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia establishment, taking Sydney Motorsport Park by storm this weekend to become the first combination to win two Pro-Am races at the same event.
A strong first stint from Emery in today’s 34-lap race saw him hand his car over to Campbell placed well inside the top 10; the young Queenslander and new Porsche Carrera Cup championship leader wasting no time to move back to the front of the field to complete the weekend sweep in style.
Campbell even dealt with a two-lap dash to the line following a late Safety Car with ease, pulling away to win today’s race ahead of Nick McBride/Dylan Thomas and Shane Smollen/Nick Percat.
James Bergmuller and Garth Tander combined to win the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round overall, ahead of Smollen/Percat and Tony Bates and David Reynolds.
“It was a perfect weekend for us and I couldn’t be happier,” Campbell said.
“I have to thank McElrea Racing for their effort and Geoff Emery for doing a flawless job all weekend – he was the class of the field of the Challenge drivers. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be up there today. He knew who was faster in the field and knew to let them by before handing the car back to me. He did a fantastic job in that sense.”
Campbell said it was satisfying to take a championship points lead into the next round, to be contested at Hidden Valley Raceway in mid-June.
“Making up a lot of points this weekend was great and we maximised a lot of points thanks to two race wins, so I couldn’t be happier.”
The experienced Emery had high praise for his talented young co-driver this weekend.
“We were quickest every session and we had the pace between the two of us and it rolled into the race. I just had to keep the thing alive for Matty to be honest, you roll over to let the pros though, keep up the pace and keep the Challenge guys behind and I did that job,” Emery explained.
“I loved driving with Matt. There’s a lot of pressure thinking of his championship, but he’s a really good kid and I think he’s going to go a long way in motorsport. When you overlay the data, given he’s not been doing it a long time, he’s very clever and he’s going to go places no doubt.”
Bergmuller’s maiden TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round victory also came in a weekend where he lodged his best ever round and race finishes.
“It’s the first time I’ve won in the Challenge class. I’ve come close a couple of times but not quite got there so this is quite unexpected, to be honest,” Bergmuller said.
“We had a plan and stuck to it all weekend and we did what we had to do. We kept tweaking the car and stayed out of trouble. It builds on our momentum and I told (class leader) Tony Bates on the podium that it won’t be the first time this happens! We’re on our way now and have great momentum and I’m feeling great.”
Tander enjoyed his Carrera Cup debut, working closely with Bergmuller to help his championship campaign.
“Second overall, first in class and it was a successful weekend so you probably couldn’t ask for more,” Tander said.
“I was thinking about points all weekend – not so much this weekend but for the championship points for James and this weekend has been a successful one as far as that goes. It was lots of fun – the cars are great to drive, really challenging and those last few laps after the safety car with Percat, (Shane) van Gisbergen, myself, (David) Wall, it’s like an old supercar race out there. It was great.”
Race two was another thriller, and began with David Reynolds taking an early lead, despite being penalised five seconds for rolling at the start.
The V8 Supercar ace was in the thick of the action for much of the race and ultimately helped Bates to third in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round results, with Bates’ still leading the class standings.
Shane van Gisbergen was again a star performer, storming his way to fourth place at the finish after inheriting his Scott Taylor Motorsport Porsche well outside the top-10 when he commenced his stint.
A brief Safety Car interruption late in the race came when young Sydney driver James Abela came together with Jake Camilleri at turn three, Abela’s car ending parked on the fence just prior to turn four.
It was the only Safety Car interruption in an otherwise clean weekend for the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field.
The championship will now enjoy a well-earned six-week break before reconvening at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway in mid-June.
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NewsCampbell and Emery take Pro-am race one victory
Matt Campbell and Geoff Emery claimed a likely race one win at Sydney Motorsport Park in the opening Pro-Am race of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – highlighted by a spirited charge to the front by Shane van Gisbergen from the rear.
Campbell and Emery started the day well, both topping their respective qualifying session to place their #7 Porsche on the TAG Heuer Pole Position.
David Wall shot to the early lead from third on the grid, though Campbell soon regained the front position for the opening half of the race.
While Campbell was comfortably at the head of the field, V8 powerhouse van Gisbergen was looming; starting at the rear, the Kiwi charged through to eventually claim the race lead ahead of their compulsory pit stop.
Van Gisbergen handed the #222 Porsche to countryman Paul Kelly while Emery replaced Campbell in the second placed 911 GT3 Cup.
It didn’t take Emery long to claim the lead and pull away from his rivals, crossing the finish line nine seconds ahead of the second placed James Bergmuller, who paired with Garth Tander to take his best ever Carrera Cup result.
The result was Campbell’s ninth Carrera Cup career win and his third of the season.
“I was turning some pretty consistent laps and was conserving my tyres as best as I could. I saw Shane was pushing pretty hard and started to drop off a bit at the end. I was happy with my stint at the start and Geoff did a fantastic performance to pull away to take the win.”
The 34-lap event was Emery’s seventh Pro-Am race start and his first Carrera Cup race victory.
“I thought I was struggling for pace after the pit stop because the car was sliding around, but the team said everyone was battling for grip. Matt handed the car over in a great position so I just had to maintain our place. I’m really happy with the result,” said Emery.
Second placed Bergmuller was thrilled with his best ever Carrera Cup result after his strong performance in the latter half of the race.
“I was nervous getting in; Garth put us in fifth before I got in the car and I didn’t want to muck it up. I had really good tyres and started picking guys off. I didn’t know we were in second outright until after the race, which is a great result from the opening Pro-Am race,” said Bergmuller.
Tander, who started the race in the #13 Porsche, was equally thrilled with the second placed result on debut in the one-make championship.
“The first lap was good; I made plenty of spots and just sat in behind the lead bunch. Campbell and van Gisbergen were in a different league and then, after our pit stop, James was awesome. The end goal this weekend was to race the Challenge guys and to get as many points as possible for James. Second overall and first in class ticked all the boxes,” said Tander.
Tony Bates and David Reynolds placed third for the race from David Wall/Adrian Flack, van Gisbergen/Kelly and Alex Davison and David Calvert-Jones.
The opening day of the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival was a fitting celebration of the Porsche brand, attracting over 3000 spectators through the gates of the Sydney Motorsport Park venue.
The second of the two Carrera Cup Pro-Am races from the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival will be held on Sunday at 1:15pm.
Live stream of race two and the entire second day of the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival is available from www.speedcafe.com and www.motorsportstv.com.au.
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NewsCAMPBELL AND EMERY TOP PRO-AM PRACTICE
AN EARLY form guide has been set following practice for the third round of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park today.
Three sessions were held for the Porsche Pro-Am event, with Matt Campbell (Pro) and Geoff Emery (Challenge) topping both of their respective sessions in a strong performance for the McElrea Racing Porsche squad.
Emery topped the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers-only session while Campbell topped an intensely competitive 30-minute shootout for professional drivers later in the day. The pair were second quickest in a combined session earlier today.
“I couldn’t be happier to be in the top two throughout all the practice sessions today. Geoff has done an awesome job and we’re really happy with where the car is at. It’s really balanced and because these cars are so good around here it makes it so much more enjoyable,” Matt Campbell said.
“You never know how these races are going to play out. You look at the last couple of years and it’s been up and down for a lot of people. It’s a mixed up weekend with drivers and everything like that. Hopefully we can stay out of trouble and get some points.”
Emery said he was instantly comfortable with both car and co-driver today however was aware that Campbell’s season-long championship campaign was going to play a role in his role this weekend.
“It’s not in the back of my mind – it’s in the front of it. It’s the most important thing of the weekend,” Emery said.
“If I’m going to get harassed by a Pro I’ll be safe and move over for them. Obviously if I’ve got the pace I’ll be driving as hard as I can but I’m not going to let that get in the way of his championship.
“I’m very comfortable, and the car is fantastic. The McElrea boys have put an awesome car together and Matty has worked hard to get it where it is as well. It’s been so easy for me to get into the car. We’ve got a very similar seating position and we’re a really good match so I think we’re going to have a very solid result.”
Combinations with the most evenly matched pair of drivers are most likely to succeed in the Pro-Am format and as such it was the combination of Adrian Mastronardo and Tim Slade who ended the day second – both drivers second quickest in their respective sessions.
Seven of the 20 combinations had drivers inside the top 10 in both the stand-alone Challenge and Professional practice sessions today.
“I’ve been working really hard to get where I’m am so I’m really happy, understanding where I’m at right now is making my job a lot easier,” said Mastronardo, who returns to the Pro-Am event with his now regular co-driver, Tim Slade.
“It’s hopefully the third time lucky.. or unlucky for us! I’ve entered with no expectation other than to go out there and have fun and the results will take care of themselves.”
Sonic Motor Racing driver Ash Walsh topped the first practice session of the weekend – his 1m30.7s lap ultimately standing as the fourth fastest time set today.
Campbell and Emery were second while Shane van Gisbergen’s first laps in a Porsche Carrera Cup Car were unsurprisingly very quick – he ended the session third fastest.
Emery topped the stand-alone 30-minute session for TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers, ending it 0.4s faster than Mastronardo, who in turn was 0.1s quicker than third-placed James Bergmuller. Tony Bates was fourth while defending Porsche Pro-Am winner Shane Smollen finished fifth.
David Calvert-Jones (sharing with Alex Davison) was sixth while Adrian Flack (David Wall), Roger Lago (Duvashen Padayachee), Paul Kelly (Shane van Gisbergen) and Sam Walter (Dylan O’Keefe) completed the top-10.
The final session of the day was a 30-minute run for all professional drivers and it ended as one of the closest ever in Porsche Carrera Cup history.
Campbell, Slade and David Wall locked out the top three, all three drivers split by just 0.078s at the top of the charts.
Former series champion Steven Richards, current championship leader Nick McBride, Dean Fiore, Shane van Gisbergen, David Reynolds, Alex Davison and Garth Tander completed the top-10.
14 of the 20 cars were covered by just 0.9 seconds, while Campbell’s 1m30.4099s benchmark was 0.4s underneath the race lap record.
A pair of qualifying sessions – one each for Challenge and Professional drivers – will be held on Saturday, to be followed by the first of two one-hour races.
All of the action will be streamed live via MotorsportsTV or Speedcafe.com.au tomorrow and Sunday.
COMBINED PRACTICE RESULTS:
1. Campbell / Emery 1:30.4099
2. Mastronardo / Slade 1:30.4809
3. Wall / Flack 1:30.4884
4. Walsh / Twigg 1:30.7595
5. Kelly / van Gisbergen 1:30.8594
6. Richards / Grant 1:30.8801
7. McBride / Thomas 1:30.8899
8. Fiore / Camilleri 1:30.8966
9. Bates / Reynolds 1:31.0023
10. Davison / Calvert-Jones 1:31.0340
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NewsPorsche Pyramid delivers Pro-Am talent
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am event offers opportunities for several new drivers to get behind the wheel of the 991 series Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car – but perhaps those relishing it the most will be those coming from within the ranks of Australian Porsche racing itself.
Several drivers currently competing full or part time in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia will join the Carrera Cup ranks at Porsche Rennsport Australia this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park.
It’s an opportunity for them to pair with professional drivers from Carrera Cup and show off the strength of the GT3 Cup Challenge competition at the same time.
With event regulations stipulating that each car must contain only one ‘professional’ driver, front-running semi-pro talent from the GT3 Cup Challenge field has been in high demand from teams looking to give themselves the best chance at a Pro-Am victory.
The strength of GT3 Cup Challenge positions that series as an ideal place for leading Carrera Cup drivers to find a semi-pro driver with relevant experience in very similar cars.
Two key additions will be John Goodcare and David Ryan, who both join previous GT3 Cup Challenge graduates in their own right on the Pro-Am grid.
Goodacre, who recently notched up a record 100th GT3 Cup Challenge race start, will pair with fellow South Australian Michael Almond while Ryan will pair with former GT3 Cup Challenge title winner Fraser Ross.
Goodacre drove with Cameron McConville in last year’s Pro-Am event and was on course for a potential victory before ultimately settling for third place in the first race.
“We were on track for a great result and potentially a win but things didn’t quite go our way, though it was good to get a podium,” Goodacre said.
“The Pro-Am event is a great opportunity for guys like me to team up with a pro driver and have a real chance at winning races in Carrera Cup, which isn’t an easy thing to do because it’s about the most competitive series around.
“Our job is about making sure we bring the car back straight so the full time guy can do the job and get it home – but it’s pretty competitive amongst the guys coming in just for the one round!”
Meanwhile, double GT3 Cup Challenge series winner Roger Lago will make his return to Carrera Cup for the first time since a major crash at Townsville last July.
The Queenslander will team up with Duvashen Padayachee in the #45 entry run by McElrea Racing and is in strong form following a promising start to the Australian GT Championship this year.
Lago had a remarkable run of success in the GT3 Cup Challenge, sweeping to the title in both 2010 and 2011.
Having finished third in the 2015 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series, Geoff Emery will provide strong support for 2016 Carrera Cup title contender Matt Campbell as the pair combine in the McElrea Racing entry.
Campbell – another driver to cut his teeth in GT3 Cup Challenge before stepping up into Porsche Carrera Cup – currently equal second in the 2016 standings with two race wins to his credit already this year.
The Almond/Goodacre, Ross/Ryan and Campbell/Emery combinations are three of five entered – a quarter of the field – to feature two drivers both with race miles in GT3 Cup Challenge.
The 2015 Jim Richards Endurance Trophy winner James Abela will be joined by Tony Walls while last year’s rookie sensation Dylan O’Keeffe has locked in Tasmanian driver Sam Walter as his co-driver.
A third of the Pro-Am field of 40 drivers have at least some experience in the GT3 Cup Challenge prior to the step into Carrera Cup – showcasing the strength of Porsche’s own in-house development category.
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia will contest three races across the Porsche Rennsport Australia weekend, while the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field will tackle two, one-hour races with compulsory pit stops in each.
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News‘Closest ever’ Pro-Am set for Rennsport
The fourth Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am event is also likely to be the most competitive ever staged – at least that’s the word from the paddock ahead of the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival to be contested at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.
The 20-strong Carrera Cup field includes 40 drivers and a host of full-time V8 Supercar stars that will all be looking to make their mark on the pair of one-hour, two-driver races.
The Pro-Am format returns to the 3.9km Sydney Motorsport Park circuit this week, having been first contested at the Western Sydney venue during the inaugural Porsche Rennsport festival in 2013. The last two Pro-Am events were contested at Phillip Island in Victoria.
Drivers from all walks of life are excited about the weekend – especially the semi-professional drivers that make up the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class fight.
“I’m personally looking forward to the qualifying session where it’s just the professional drivers out there in the cars going for it,” enthused Stephen Grove.
“That’s going to be an incredible session and the whole field could be covered by a very small amount and that will be great just to watch that from the side of the track.”
Marc Cini, the most experienced driver in the field, said he enjoyed the Pro-Am format because it put more pressure on the Challenge drivers to perform.
“The Pro field will be so close together that it’s more of a situation of which of the Challenge drivers can do the best job.
“It’s a hard event because while on one hand it’s really good fun, it’s also the most stressful of the year because you know you’re going to be somewhere up there because of the job your Pro driver has done!”
The stacked field includes a remarkable array of drivers and plenty who have tasted Carrera Cup success in the past.
Defending Pro-Am winners Shane Smollen and Nick Percat return to defend their 2015 title, with the #56 Porsche the only entry in the field to feature two former PCCA race winners.
The pair have a remarkable track record together, with two race wins and a second from four Pro-Am starts across the previous two years at Phillip Island. Percat has a further Pro-Am win to his credit, having won the first one-hour race staged in 2013 with Rodney Jane.
Following his Pro-Am round victory last May, Smollen went on to win the 2015 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title while Percat famously won the Clipsal 500 Adelaide in March this year.
Meanwhile, inaugural Pro-Am round winner Max Twigg will make a welcome return to the championship this weekend when he suits up alongside Ash Walsh in the #777 entry.
The triple Challenge title winner combined with Luke Youlden to win the 2013 Rennsport Carrera Cup round – his only overall round win from 45 starts in the championship.
Walsh’s teammate Nick McBride will be joined by Dylan Thomas in the sister #77 entry.
Thomas combined with eventual champion Nick Foster to win the second of two Pro-Am races at Phillip Island last year while McBride is in hot form, currently leading the championship following the first two rounds in Adelaide and Melbourne, respectively.
Seven drivers will make their Porsche Carrera Cup debuts this weekend, including V8 Supercar full-timers Garth Tander (driving with James Bergmuller), Lee Holdsworth (Stephen Grove), Michael Caruso (Marc Cini) and Shane van Gisbergen (Paul Kelly).
Also on debut will be the experienced Jake Camilleri – who will share the #8 entry with Dean Fiore, experienced Porsche racer Adrian Flack (driving with David Wall) and American-based Aussie expat, David Calvert-Jones.
‘CJ’ will team up with friend Alex Davison, the pair having contested the Bathurst 12 Hour race together in a Porsche GT3 Cup car in 2014. Calvert-Jones is an experienced Porsche racer – as well as racing a Porsche GT3 R at Bathurst in 2015 he is currently racing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA.
Calvert-Jones’ addition to the grid adds to an already strong line-up for the Adelaide based Copyworld Racing outfit this weekend, with Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge frontrunner John Goodacre to drive with the in-form Michael Almond in the sister entry.
David Reynolds, the 2007 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, returns to the grid this weekend to drive with TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge leader, Tony Bates.
Reynolds’ inclusion will ensure there are three former champions on the grid this weekend with the Erebus V8 Supercar star joining Steven Richards and Alex Davison in the stacked field.
The Pro-Am field includes a remarkable 13 former PCCA race winners.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am commences with practice on Friday April 29 ahead of qualifying – with separate sessions for both Pro and Challenge class drivers – and the first of two races on Saturday April 30. The final race will be held on Sunday May 01.
Race Schedule
Friday April 29, 2016
10:25am Practice 1 – All drivers (30 minutes)
12:15pm Practice 2 – Challenge drivers (30 minutes)
2:05pm Practice 3 – Professional drivers (30 minutes)
Saturday April 30, 2016
10:40am Qualifying 1 – Challenge drivers (20 minutes)
12:20pm Qualifying 2 – Professional drivers (20 minutes)
3:10pm Grid Walk
3:30pm Race 1 (34 laps)
Sunday May 01, 2016
10:15am Warm-up (10 minutes)
12:55pm Grid Walk
1:15pm Race 2 (34 laps)
Round 3 – Entry List
#4 Stephen Grove/Lee Holdsworth (Grove Hire)
#7 Matt Campbell/Geoff Emery (Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8)
#8 Dean Fiore/Jake Camilleri (Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne)
#9 Marc Cini/Michael Caruso (Hallmarc)
#12 Steven Richards/Dean Grant (Laser Plumbing and Electrical)
#13 James Bergmuller/Garth Tander (pricepressure.com.au/MotorOne Car Care)
#21 Garth Walden/Ash Samadi (Commercial Interior Projects)
#24 Tony Bates/David Reynolds (Moveitnet / A.F.S)
#25 Alex Davison/David Calvert-Jones (Wilson Parking)
#26 Michael Almond/John Goodacre (Stone’s Original)
#38 David Wall/Adrian Flack (Wilson Security/PAYCE)
#39 Adrian Mastronardo/Tim Slade (TOGA/Veritas Property Group)
#45 Duvashen Padayachee/Roger Lago (Darrell Lea STIX)
#54 James Abela/Tony Walls (Horsley Park Gun Shop)
#56 Shane Smollen/Nick Percat (McGrath Estate Agents)
#77 Nick McBride/Dylan Thomas (Bob Jane T-Marts)
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe/Sam Walter (All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre)
#222 Paul Kelly/Shane Van Gisbergen (Scott Taylor Motorsport)
#360 Fraser Ross/David Ryan (360fly)
#777 Ash Walsh/Max Twigg (Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend)
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NewsBates confirms Reynolds for Pro-Am assault
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points leader Tony Bates says he believes his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am co-driver David Reynolds will be the best bet to help him maintain his series lead ahead of the championship’s third round, to be held at Sydney Motorsport Park next weekend.
Bates, who has had an impressive start to his 2016 campaign, was quick to secure Reynolds as a co-driver for the Porsche Rennsport Australia event.
Now racing for Erebus Motorsport in the V8 Supercars Championship, the former Bathurst 1000 runner-up is one of the more successful Carrera Cup drivers of the last decade, having won 13 races and four rounds in the category prior to launching into his V8 Supercars career.
Bates said he was keen to continue his strong early season form in the critical two-driver event.
“We did what we always seem to do in Adelaide, which is grab a win, and the Grand Prix started well when we won the first race – but once we got caught up in some other drivers’ errors it put us in the pack,” he explained.
“I think we’ve shown that when you qualify well and stay out of trouble the results flow but when you get caught up in the pack, it’s tough.
“The Pro-Am event represents some tricky thinking for us because there’s two races in a race – there’s the outright fight and the chance to grab a race win and then there’s keeping out of trouble and racing the guys you’re competing against for the full championship.”
2007 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion David Reynolds tested Bates’ car in Sydney last week and was excited to be back driving a thoroughbred race car.
“It was a while since I had driven a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, so it was great to be back behind the wheel,” Reynolds said.
“The latest 991 Porsche is very different to drive compared to the older models I raced; it has a lot more power and technology so it is a real weapon.
“We spent the test day tuning up the car, making it easy for both of us to drive. Tony and I get on like a house on fire so I’m sure we’ll work really well together.
“I’ve also worked with Tony’s crew chief, Ash Seward, a lot in the past, so it’s a really comfortable environment.”Bates explained that his relationship with Reynolds was a factor in making it a strong weekend for the combination at Sydney Motorsport Park.
“I think we’ll be a good combination,” Bates confirmed.“
Dave has a lot of Carrera Cup experience and knows both Dan Gaunt and Ash Seward (who prepares the car) really well. He’s a funny guy and brings a lot to the team.
“To get someone who has already won a Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship in the car is a great thing and gives us some high expectations on how we can perform – though we definitely know that the enduros are won by the combination that might not always be the fastest, but the most solid and consistent.”
A high level of semi-professional drivers entering the category for the two-driver round will likely be another factor that adds to the challenge of the two one-hour races scheduled for the Porsche Rennsport event.
As well as a host of V8 Supercar stars, some of the top rated semi-pro drivers will be on the grid racing with Carrera Cup’s ultra-competitive professional class pack at the pointy end of the grid.
“The V8 Supercar guys coming in are fantastic, but there’s some seriously good guys racing with the Pros as well – people like Max Twigg and Geoff Emery, who will be coming in and piling on the pressure.
“You’ll have to make the choice as to what you get involved in and what to stay out of!”
The third round of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held with the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park between April 29 – May 1, 2016.
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NewsBergmuller takes Tander for Rennsport Pro-Am
James Bergmuller believes the addition of V8 Supercars champion Garth Tander to his team for the upcoming Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am at Sydney Motorsport Park will help build on his already strong start to the 2016 season.
The Melbourne based racer sits fifth in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, however is only 27 points behind second in the class after the two highly competitive rounds that commenced the season.
The Victorian explained the process of signing someone of Tander’s ability for the Porsche Rennsport event.
“Last time we had Alex Davison driving with me, but he’s now driving full time in the category so I went to Steve Richards (who’s team prepares Bergmuller’s car) and asked if he knew anyone from the V8 Supercars scene who would be keen,” said Bergmuller.
“He’s mates with GT who jumped at it when he was asked. Garth tested the car at Sydney last week and was happy with it straight away – he was also very fast.”
Tander will be one of several V8 Supercars full-timers joining the Carrera Cup grid for the Porsche Pro-Am event; the field to include the likes of Lee Holdsworth, Michael Caruso, Nick Percat and Tim Slade.
Bergmuller says he enjoys the opportunity to see someone else steering the car he usually races solo throughout the remainder of the Carrera Cup calendar.
“It’s bizarre when you’re standing in pit lane and watch your own car drive out on to the track, but I love it,” he said.
“Anytime you get someone who’s a better driver than you in the car you learn something. You’re always learning in this game and I’ve been teammates with Steve for a while and I know how he thinks and how he drives.
“Another driver like Garth will look at it a bit differently which can only help.
“He drove the car at Sydney Motorsport Park last week and it was the first time that he’d ever driven a GT3 Cup car, but he banked a great time.”
After being on the back foot for much of the early stages of the 2015 season, Bergmuller’s strong start to the 2016 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge has him in a positive mindset ahead of the third round of the championship in Sydney.
“I have had a good start. At Clipsal we got third and at the F1 round we were fast and just missed out on getting pole to Bates,” he explained.
“Unfortunately we had the speed but couldn’t quite consolidate the result but it’s good to be quick.
“It’s great to get into the car when you’re feeling good and you can bank a time without overdriving the car.
“I love the format at Rennsport. Last year we had pace but got punted on the first lap so there are expectations for this year that we’ll be able to go pretty well.”
Now entering his 26th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round, Bergmuller said he was also warming to the virtues of Sydney Motorsport Park as well.
“It’s funny because it’s been a track where in Formula Ford and Development Series I never really liked,” Bergmuller explained.
“I’ve found in the Cup car that I’ve been there more and more and got more comfortable there. We’ve had a few days testing which have been really good. The place suits the cars, like Phillip Island, so I think it’s going to be good.”
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NewsCini secures star V8 recruit for Pro-Am
Marc Cini has locked in a gun co-driver for the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am next week, confirming that Nissan Motorsport V8 Supercar star Michael Caruso will join him at the Porsche Rennsport Australia festival.
It locks away a strong two-car attack from the Porsche Centre Melbourne team with teammate Dean Fiore set to drive with experienced enduro and production car racer, Jake Camilleri.
Caruso will be making his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut at the Sydney Motorsport Park event (April 29-May 01, 2016) however will not be short of knowledge to draw on within his team next weekend.
Regular teammate Fiore – the pair race in the V8 Supercar enduros together – will be starting his 30th Carrera Cup round while Cini remains the most experienced driver in series history, with 82 round starts currently to his credit.
Cini said he was looking forward to Caruso joining the Hallmarc-supported squad in Sydney.
“Michael came to us through (teammate) Dean Fiore. They’re Nissan teammates and good friends and it works out well,” Cini explained.
“They know each other well and know their driving styles and work together so they’ll be very good for the team.
“I love this endurance round and it gives the Carrera Cup format some real spice.”
Cini said he enjoyed continuing to be pushed by the pro drivers joining the Carrera Cup grid.
“It’s not a question of learning from these guys – it’s about remembering. We’ve all done more than enough racing to know how to drive the cars but the Pros come in and get into micro-analysing everything in detail and you end up doing better because of it. They push you along.
“You’re also certain that the car is right. If they’re doing good times and racing with their contemporaries then you don’t need to worry if the car is good or not.
“If they’re doing the job you know its fine and you focus on your driving.”
Jake Camilleri will make also make his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut, driving with Dean Fiore in the #8 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The Queensland car dealer is a dab hand at long-distance racing however having raced regularly in both Australian Production Car Championship enduros and recently with the MARC Cars Australia program in a series of international long-distance events.
Fiore currently sits ninth in the championship on his return to the series, a best finish of third in the opening race at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix his season highlight to date.
Teammates Cini and Caruso will also be competing for honours in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s race within a race for semi-professional drivers.
Cini currently sits sixth in the Challenge standings, which is led by round one winner, Tony Bates.
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NewsFoster third after impressive German debut
Nick Foster Release: It has been quite a big build up to Round 1 of Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. Unfortunately our testing program was not quite as big as we’d hoped to try and maximise the early races of the championship, but nevertheless I was quite happy with where we were at as a team.
It’s quite a unique experience moving to the other side of the world to compete in a non-English speaking country. A big thanks to Team75, they have made me feel very welcome and assisted me in getting set-up as quickly as possible to be running at 100% as early as possible.
Practice – 9th
Having not driven on Oschersleben before practice for me it was very important to get much needed track time. As I have quickly come to find is normal in Germany, practice started off in the rain. A new wet tyre that we have not previously used was bolted to the car and we headed out onto a slowly drying track.
During the opening wet 30 mins we continued to try different setup configurations to try and find an optimum setting for the new wet tyre. It was obviously important; as it was likely we would drive on them further during the weekend!
We pitted for slicks mid way through the session and continued to make improvements as the track dried. Late in the session we where running well inside the top 5 before I pushed too hard and had an off-track excursion.
I sat out the final few minuets of the session and as a result dropped down the order quite substantially as I missed the track at its driest.
Qualifying – 9th, 9th
It was looking to be a dry session as we rolled onto the track. Unfortunately as we headed out on track Oschersleben copped a small drizzle that coated the entire track with water. Straight out of the gate on slicks I pushed maximum 100% to try and get as many laps on slicks on the driest possible track expecting rain and to hopefully start close to the front.
Stupidly though I pushed far too hard for the track conditions and ran off the track and made contact with wall at the final turn. I tried to make the most of early dry conditions but in the end the track dried for the majority of qualifying while I was sitting in pit-lane after making an early mistake.
I was obviously disappointed with my efforts and as a result I would start both races from P9.
Race 1 – 3rd
Starting from P9 the goal was obviously to minimise the damage from a poor qualifying and try to score as many points as possible. Having not done a start since October I must admit I was slightly nervous, however I got away well and immediately jumped into P7 by Turn 2. Some contact between a few cars in front of me on the exit of Turn 2 had me jump into P4 on the run to Turn 3.
For much of the race I pushed to pressure P3, but eventually we both caught P2. With a few mistakes up front I ended up P3 with 5 laps from home and settled for a strong podium finish in my first German hit out. We where for sure lucky, but we have worked hard to be competitive and it was a good result for the team.
Race 2 – 5th
Having come off a podium in Race 1 it was always going to be difficult to match our first race performance starting from the same grid position in P9, but it was important nonetheless to push on as much as possible.
Unfortunately a pretty average getaway had me only picking up 2 spots by the end of the first flying lap. As it turned out for much of the race I was in a pack of 4 cars all dicing for 4th. As the race progressed a slowly worked my way into P5 and with 4 laps to go pushed hard to get to P4 but unfortunately I had burned up my tyres early in the race trying to get past everyone.
Still in the end P5 was a reasonable result having started from P9, minimising the points damage to our weekend. In the end we actually left the first race weekend sitting in P3 in the championship, so it was a good start and something we can build on over the year.
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NewsNew co-driver, same expectation for Grove
Stephen Grove will hope a new co-driver helps keep his strong record of success in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia two-driver races intact at the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival on April 29-May 01.
With regular co-driver Scott McLaughlin scheduled to be overseas with commitments to his V8 Supercars team, Grove has secured a more than suitable replacement in fellow V8 ace Lee Holdsworth.
The Team 18 Holden V8 Supercar driver will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut at Sydney Motorsport Park driving the #4 Grove Group Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
Grove and McLaughlin won the Porsche Pro-Am event outright at Phillip Island in 2014 before backing that up with second in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class last year, however the Melbourne-based driver is confident Holdsworth will be able to help continue that strong form in Sydney later this month.
“When Scotty told me he had duties with Volvo in Sweeden that same weekend it was important that we went out and got the right person,” Grove explained.
“They obviously had to be quick but needed to have the personality to fit into the team like Scotty does and Lee was the natural choice.
“We tested last week and he was as quick or quicker than anyone there on the day. His ability to adapt to the car was incredible – within three laps he was right on it.”
Holdsworth said he was looking forward to working with Grove, having sampled his Grove Hire Porsche at Sydney Motorsport Park last week.
“It’s always good to drive in other categories, especially a great category like Porsche Carrera Cup Australia,” Holdsworth said.
“They are an amazing car to drive and the grip they have is incredible. You can push to the limit and get rewarded and you can be aggressive and attacking driving the car.
“It’s like driving a go-kart – they’re stiff and you feel every bump and dip in the track.
“V8 Supercars is my main priority and what I focus on during the year but to do some driving outside of that is always fun and a chance to try your hand at something else.
“Hopefully I can help Steve out as much as I can with his championship. It will be good to go for a win but they will be tough races and very competitive. Steve is very competitive amongst the Challenge class drivers and I think we’ll be within a good shot at the top three or possibly a win.
“Scotty and Steve have had some success in the past so hopefully we can pick up where they left off.”
Holdsworth’s Carrera Cup debut was scheduled for the inaugural Rennsport Pro-Am in 2013; however tornadoes in the United States, and subsequent flight cancellations, prevented the racer from returning from the V8 series’ Texas event in time for the Pro-Am.
Holdsworth adds to an incredible list of professional co-drivers enlisted by Grove over the years – something the 2014 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion says only benefits his driving.
“I’ve learned a lot from racing with guys like Earl (Bamber) and Scotty. Lee brings another component and that helps with my driving – I can get snippets from each of the guys and I learned a lot from Lee and his data last week,” Grove explained.
“I think we’re in with a real chance. You have to manage the Safety Cars if they come out and get the strategy right but I really enjoy the two-driver and longer distance racing. I’ve done a fair bit of it and really enjoy it.
“Just about every combination I’ve looked at I think can win the weekend. Everyone looks very strong and anyone can win – that’s not a cliché’, it’s a fact.”
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NewsVan Gisbergen set for all-Kiwi Pro-Am entry
V8 powerhouse Shane Van Gisbergen will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut later this month when lining up in the championship’s annual Pro-Am – the headline act for the upcoming Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park on April 29-May 01, 2016.
The über talented 26-year old, who sits seventh in the V8 Supercars standings, will race in the all-Kiwi entry alongside countryman Paul Kelly, who competed in the Australian Porsche series across the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
The Kiwi pairing will race with Scott Taylor Motorsport, with the team’s owner Scott Taylor crafting the deal to place his Porsche, which has not raced this season, back on the Carrera Cup grid and in winning contention for the annual two-driver event.
Van Gisbergen, who was recruited by championship winning V8 Supercars team Red Bull Racing Australia in the off-season, has recent Porsche experience having raced in the past three Daytona 24 Hour events with the German marque before his Carrera Cup debut in the Scott Taylor Motorsport 911 GT3 Cup car.
“I’ve driven a Porsche quite a few times; I raced in GT3 Cup Challenge in New Zealand in 2009 and also at the Daytona 24 Hour in a Porsche each year; they are great to race and I like the style of car so I’m looking forward to racing in Sydney for the Pro-Am,” said Van Gisbergen.
“I watch Carrera Cup racing at V8 rounds and have seen the battles between [Scott] McLaughlin and [Nick] Percat at the Pro-Am before; they certainly don’t hold back. I really like the Sydney Motorsport Park circuit too so I can’t wait to get on track at Rennsport. There’s a pretty good line up of drivers so far and ‘PK’ is a great steerer so I think we’ll do well.”
Paul Kelly made his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut in 2011 upon the relaunch of the one-make series Down Under and has since gone on to claim two race and two round victories in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class.
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NewsMcBride, Bates retain points lead
Nick McBride retains his outright points lead of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship despite not taking Albert Park honours.
The Melbourne racer holds a 23.5 point buffer over both Alex Davison and Matt Campbell – the duo are equal on points in second.
“My pace was a lot better this weekend, I was among the front guys in every race. Alex found a bit of pace this weekend but I’m happy where we are at,” said McBride.
“The championship favourite is Matt Campbell, so poor Matt has all the pressure on his shoulders and I’m able to sneak around and keep on collecting points. Obviously I would have liked to have won this weekend, but we’ll head to the next round and see if we can win there.”
Meanwhile Tony Bates continues at the front of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings despite a horror Albert Park round, though Stephen Grove’s impressive Melbourne performance sees him reduce the gap to him and points leader Bates to just 25.5 points.
STANDINGS – Post-Round 2
Outright
1. Nick McBride – 300
2. Matt Campbell – 276.5
3. Alex Davison – 276.5
4. Michael Almond – 223.5
5. Steven Richards – 209
6. David Wall – 198.5
7. Ash Walsh – 178.5
8. Fraser Ross – 170
9. Dean Fiore – 140
10. Duvashen Padayachee – 130
11. Tony Bates – 92.5
12. Garth Walden – 68.5
13. Stephen Grove – 68
14. Adrian Mastronardo – 63
15. Shane Smollen – 62.5
16. James Abela – 61
17. James Bergmuller – 60.5
18. Dylan O’Keeffe – 33
19. Marc Cini – 30
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
1. Tony Bates – 292.5
2. Stephen Grove – 267
3. Adrian Mastronardo – 236.5
4. Shane Smollen – 225
5. James Bergmuller – 223.5
6. Marc Cini – 190.5
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NewsGrove returns to top step at Albert Park
Two rounds, two weeks and two winners – it’s been a competitive start to the season for competitors in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge racing within the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages championship.
Stephen Grove became the second different winner in two rounds this season, claiming the class TAG Heuer Pole Position Award on Thursday and taking victory in races two and three to score the round win on home turf.
Grove edged out Adrian Mastronardo and defending champion Shane Smollen for the class victory this weekend after round one winner Tony Bates struck dramas in the final race of the weekend.
A win at his home track and in front of the massive Formula One audience highlighted a competitive weekend for the Challenge class racer.
“You can never give up at this level; you’ve got to keep pushing. I was disappointed with a DNF coming off the back of Adelaide so to come here and win is a real confidence boost. It’s hard work and you can never take a race or round win for granted racing against these boys in the Challenge class,” said Grove.
“Winning at Albert Park does rate pretty highly for me. I love this track and love this event so to win here this weekend is a definitely highlight of the season. What this tells me is that it’s ‘game on’ for all of us and anyone can win the Challenge title this season.”
Clipsal 500 winner Bates won the opening race however slipped to third in race two after a race long dice with Grove and Smollen.
His weekend became more challenging in race three after contact with Adrian Mastronardo in the penultimate corner saw him off the road and limping to the line.
His fourth race was over early when he ended up in the sand trap at turn three on the second lap, dropping him out of the round podium contention. Bates, however, remains in the lead of the Challenge standings ahead of round three, now a reduced margin over second-placed Grove.
A stunning second overall for Mastronardo saw the New South Wales driver finish fifth in the opening race prior to scoring a trio of third-placed results in the subsequent three races, respectively.
“It’s my first single driver podium in 25 years. I’m very happy with the result; I’ve stepped up my driving this weekend so finally great results are starting to come,” said Mastronardo.
“Like [team boss] Michael Ritter has always told me, you can’t force it, it has to come but you’ve got to push through. I felt like I had a lot of speed. It was just a shame in the last race that the power steering was broken; had that not happened it may have been a different result. But I’ll take this with open arms.”
Defending TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion Shane Smollen rebounded from a race three non-finish to score the final spot on the podium at Albert Park, rebounding from a tough start to the season at the Clipsal 500.
Though remaining in fifth place in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, the Sydney driver is less than 70 points from class leader Bates ahead of the third round of the championship.
With Bates fourth overall in Melbourne, James Bergmuller finished fifth – a non-finish in the second of four races costing his chances of a round podium.
Bergmuller stormed from last to second in race three to rebound strongly – finishing that race just two-tenths-of-a-second behind winner Grove.
A spin at turn one while battling for position in the final race saw him spin into the gravel, though he was able to re-join the circuit and finish the race.
A challenging weekend for Marc Cini saw him sixth of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners this weekend in Melbourne – a race three non-finish costing him valuable round and championship points.
The next round of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge and the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will take place within the Porsche Rennsport Australia festival at Sydney Motorsport Park on April 29-May 01.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Standings – Post-Round 2
1. Tony Bates – 292.5
2. Stephen Grove – 267
3. Adrian Mastronardo – 236.5
4. Shane Smollen – 225
5. James Bergmuller – 223.5
6. Marc Cini – 190.5
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NewsDavison, Grove claim Albert Park honours
Alex Davison and Stephen Grove have sealed round victory at Albert Park in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages, while Shane Smollen capped the event with his first TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge victory of the season.
Following two race wins across Friday and Saturday, Davison again dominated Sunday’s race four from the outset. The 2004 series champion charged clear of the field from the start and kept Steven Richards at bay for the duration of the 10-lap event.
The race win was Davison’s 40th in the championship and his 11th at the Albert Park circuit.
“I was being careful not to get too excited over the first win of the weekend because it was slightly lucky; the second win was a bit better but I had my doubts on our true speed with different tyre wear, but in the final race I had my most worn set of tyres for the weekend and we still managed to win with reasonable comfort and the car was the best it had been all weekend,” said Davison.
“It’s great to win some races so early in the year. I certainly wasn’t expecting that. The Almond family has been fantastic in giving me this opportunity. I’m rapt to be racing and rapt to be winning some trophies.”
Richards claimed second in race four; one fourth place finish and three consecutive second place results was enough to secure the former champion second for the round.
Nick McBride finished the final race in third, claiming third for the round and securing his lead in the Carrera Cup standings, now 23.5 points ahead of equally placed Davison and Matt Campbell.
“My pace was a lot better this weekend, I was among the front guys in every race. Alex found a bit of pace this weekend but I’m happy where we are at,” said McBride.
“The championship favourite is Matt Campbell, so poor Matt has all the pressure on his shoulders and I’m able to sneak around and keep on collecting points. Obviously I would have liked to have won this weekend, but we’ll head to the next round and see if we can win there.”
Ash Walsh worked his way back from a race one DNF to place fourth in race four from Campbell, David Wall, Duvashen Padayachee, Michael Almond and Dean Fiore in ninth, followed by rookie duo James Abela and Dylan O’Keeffe and 10th and 11th.
Smollen became the third TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race winner for the season in race four, passing Grove late in the race to claim the win from Grove, Adrian Mastronardo, Marc Cini and James Bergmuller.
Second place handed Grove his first Challenge round win since the 2014 Sandown round.
“Winning at Albert Park does rate pretty highly for me. I love this track and love this event so to win here this weekend is a definitely highlight of the season. What this tells me is that it’s game on for all of us and anyone can win it,” said Grove.
Mastronardo claimed his second Carrera Cup trophy, following his third place in class at last year’s Pro-Am round alongside Tim Slade, and his first in a single driver format.
“It’s my first single driver podium in 25 years. I’m very happy with the result; I’ve stepped up my driving this weekend so finally it’s starting to come,” said Mastronardo.
Though Tony Bates failed to finish race four, he remains the leader in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings from Grove, who now sits just 25.5 points adrift.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages will next race at the Porsche Rennsport Australia event on April 29-May 01 at Sydney Motorsport Park, where the championship uses its two-driver format across two one-hour races.
Race 4 Results
1. #25 Alex Davison Wilson Parking – 10 laps, 20:11.4
2. #12 Steven Richards Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 10 laps, 20:13.0
3. #77 Nick McBride Bob Jane T-Marts – 10 laps, 20:15.2
4. #777 Ash Walsh Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 10 laps, 20:15.4
5. #7 Matt Campbell Nuveau Construct. Qld/Phase 8 – 10 laps, 20:18.4
6. #38 David Wall Wilson Security – 10 laps, 20:21.9
7. #45 Duvashen Padayachee Darrell Lea STIX 10 laps, 20:25.6
8. #26 Michael Almond Copyworld – 10 laps, 20:26.1
9. #8 Dean Fiore Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 10 laps, 20:26.6
10. #54 James Abela Horsley Park Gun Shop – 10 laps, 20:26.9
11. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe Allstar Equipment/Dexion Supply Centre – 10 laps, 20:28.8
12. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 10 laps, 20:52.3
13. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 10 laps, 20:57.0
14. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 10 laps, 20:57.4
15. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 10 laps, 21:00.8
16. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 10 laps, 21:19.5
DNF #360 Fraser Ross 360fly – 8 laps, 16:17.9
DNF #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 1 lap, 02:14.8
EXC #21 Garth Walden (NSW) Commercial Interior Projects
STANDINGS – Post-Round 2
Outright
1. Nick McBride – 300
2. Matt Campbell – 276.5
3. Alex Davison – 276.5
4. Michael Almond – 223.5
5. Steven Richards – 209
6. David Wall – 198.5
7. Ash Walsh – 178.5
8. Fraser Ross – 170
9. Dean Fiore – 140
10. Duvashen Padayachee – 130
11. Tony Bates – 92.5
12. Garth Walden – 68.5
13. Stephen Grove – 68
14. Adrian Mastronardo – 63
15. Shane Smollen – 62.5
16. James Abela – 61
17. James Bergmuller – 60.5
18. Dylan O’Keeffe – 33
19. Marc Cini – 30
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
1. Tony Bates – 292.5
2. Stephen Grove – 267
3. Adrian Mastronardo – 236.5
4. Shane Smollen – 225
5. James Bergmuller – 223.5
6. Marc Cini – 190.5
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NewsRepeat wins for Davison and Grove at Albert Park
Alex Davison has secured a ‘satisfying’ lights-to-flag domination of race three at Albert Park following a chaotic opening lap, while Stephen Grove overcame early crash damage to claim an intense TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge victory.
Davison took his first win of the season on Friday’s race two after the leading duo, Matt Campbell and Nick McBride, ran off the circuit in variable weather conditions, with Davison inheriting the race lead and, ultimately, victory. Today, however, the former series champion led from the start and pulled away from his rivals to claim an emphatic race win from quiet achiever Steven Richards, who scored his second consecutive second place finish.
“That win was very satisfying. I also won yesterday but it didn’t feel quite as good because the other guys speared off before the safety car. To dominate from start to finish today is very satisfying; we had really good pace and managed to get a safety buffer, which is not always easy in a one-make championship like Carrera Cup. For me, that was the first proper win of the season,” said Davison.
“It’s been so tough watching everyone else race and improve for the last couple of years and you’re sitting on the couch, where you don’t really improve your driving very much. To be back racing Carrera Cup again is awesome and to get our first proper win is also fantastic.”
McBride and Campbell, who sit first and second in the standings, placed third and fourth, from Michael Almond, who held off a fast-finishing Ash Walsh during the closing laps for fifth place.
Fraser Ross placed seventh, his first result outside the top six this season, from David Wall, Duvashen Padayachee, Garth Walden and Dylan O’Keeffe in 11th.
The battle in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge was the highlight of the race – a four-way battle for the lead in the closing laps was won by Grove, his second straight class win.
“To back up yesterday’s win with another victory today is really good, but they made me work for it. I worked hard,” said Grove, who sustained rim and tyre damage after contact on the opening lap.
“I was driving with a vibration the whole race and I was hanging on for dear life. Dear life! Especially through the high speed corners because the rear of the car wanted to let go, but I had to stay on the gas or else James Bergmuller would pass me. They just kept coming. I was hoping Tony Bates would give Bergmuller a harder time and give me a jump but it just didn’t happen. I worked hard. That was a hard, hard race.”
Bergmuller placed second in class from Adrian Mastronardo and Bates.
James Abela was well placed in eighth early in the race though he received a mechanical black flag due to an unsecured rear bumper, which forced to 17-year-old to the pits to remove.
The safety car was called to the circuit after the opening lap following a turn one accident involving Marc Cini, Dean Fiore and Shane Smollen – all sustaining race ending damage from the turn one contact.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages will hold its final race of the weekend at 1:50pm on Sunday, which will be broadcast live on Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Sunday March 20, 2016
1:50pm – Race 4 (25 minutes)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 4
Date: Sunday March 20, 2016
Time: 1:50pm (local time)
Channel: Ten
Race 3 Results
1. #25 Alex Davison – Wilson Parking – 10 laps, 22:10.0133s
2. #12 Steven Richards – Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 10 laps, 22:11.8307s
3. #77 Nick McBride – Bob Jane T-Marts – 10 laps, 22:13.1501s
4. #7 Matt Campbell – Nuveau Construct. Qld/Phase 8 – 10 laps, 22:15.2579s
5. #26 Michael Almond – Stone’s Original/Copyworld – 10 laps, 22:16.2634s
6. #777 Ash Walsh – Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 10 laps, 22:16.6076s
7. #360 Fraser Ross – 360fly – 10 laps, 22:20.8751s
8. #38 David Wall – Wilson Security – 10 laps, 22:26.2053s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee – Darrell Lea STIX – 10 laps, 22:28.2873s
10. #21 Garth Walden – Commercial Interior Projects – 10 laps, 22:30.3035s
11. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe Allstar Equipment/Dexion Supply Centre – 10 laps, 22:30.6860s
12. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 10 laps, 22:48.5013s
13. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 10 laps, 22:48.7066s
14. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 10 laps, 22:52.5236s
15. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 10 laps, 23:19.8466s
16. #54 James Abela – Horsley Park Gunshop – 10 laps, 24:06.4826s
DNF #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
DNF #8 Dean Fiore – Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
DNF #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
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NewsDavison, Grove claim long-awaited wins at Albert Park
Alex Davison made the most of his vast sports car experience at Albert Park to claim race two victory in variable weather conditions, while Stephen Grove broke Tony Bates’ winning streak to claim his first TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge win of the season.
Davison, the 2004 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, spent the majority of the shortened race two in third behind young guns Matt Campbell and Nick McBride, who shared the lead in the opening laps.
Light rain started to fall mid-race race and, entering the opening corner on lap seven, both Campbell and McBride ran wide onto the turn one gravel trap, allowing the experienced Davison and Steven Richards to move into first and second, respectively, moments ahead of the safety car being called to the circuit to retrieve James Bergmuller’s beached Porsche from turn one.
The race was concluded under safety car conditions, handing Davison his 39th Carrera Cup career win and his first in the championship since 2012 – his last full-time season campaign.
“It was very tough conditions and I haven’t been in the car much in the wet over the past couple of years so I probably wasn’t as sharp as what I’d like to have been. In the dry conditions the car was great and I managed to keep it on the track when it was damp; a little bit of experience probably helped me there when I saw it bucket down over the start/finish line. I just picked a slightly better braking point than the other boys and managed to get the lead and keep it when the safety car was called,” said Davison.
“It’s great to get my first win of the year and I can feel myself and the team getting better every outing, so I think we’re only going to get stronger from here.”
Campbell and McBride finished third and fourth, from David Wall, Fraser Ross, Michael Almond, rookie James Abela, Duvashen Padayachee, who ran a race-high position of fourth, Ash Walsh in 10th, who started from the rear of the grid following a race one DNF, and Garth Walden in 11th.
Grove, who placed 12th outright, battled Bates and Bergmuller for the top three of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class in the early stages of the race; losing second place to Bergmuller early before regaining the position and ultimately passing Bates for the class lead before the weather turned.
The Challenge race victory, ahead of Shane Smollen, Bates, Adrian Mastronardo and Marc Cini, was the 2014 class champion’s first in 14 races, last taking class victory at Sydney Motorsport Park last season. The victory also broke Bates’ winning streak of six races in the Challenge class.
“It’s great to get another Challenge win. I knew I had to pass Bates as soon as I could and then try to build a gap because the conditions were going to change, which they did,” said Grove.
“I’m really happy with my speed this weekend. I was disappointing in qualifying; I made a mistake on my fastest lap and, because the Challenge class is so competitive, I dropped down the order. So to come back and take the race two win is just awesome.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages will hold its third and fourth race of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend on Saturday and Sunday, both to be broadcast live on Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Saturday March 19, 2016
12:45pm – Race 3 (25 minutes)
Sunday March 20, 2016
1:50pm – Race 4 (25 minutes)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3
Date: Saturday March 19, 2016
Time: 12:45pm (local time)
Channel: Ten
Race 4
Date: Sunday March 20, 2016
Time: 1:50pm (local time)
Channel: Ten1
Race 2 Results
1. #25 Alex Davison Wilson Parking – 9 laps 2.2:40.9195s
2. #12 Steven Richards Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 9 laps 22:41.6206s
3. #7 Matt Campbell Nuveau Construct. Qld/Phase 8 – 9 laps 22:42.0736s
4. #77 Nick McBride Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps 22:42.4792s
5. #38 David Wall Wilson Security – 9 laps 22:42.6719s
6. #360 Fraser Ross 360fly – 9 laps 22:43.1000s
7. #26 Michael Almond Copyworld – 9 laps 22:43.4597s
8. #54 James Abela Horsley Park Gun Shop – 9 laps 22:43.5680s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee Darrell Lea STIX – 9 laps 22:44.4645s
10. #777 Ash Walsh Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 9 laps 22:45.0661s
11. #21 Garth Walden CIP/GWR – 9 laps 22:45.7872s
12 #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 9 laps 22:46.2999s
13. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 9 laps 22:47.2734s
14. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 9 laps 22:48.9882s
15. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre – 9 laps 22:49.5044s
16. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 9 laps 22:50.0273s
17. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps 22:54.3407s
18. #8 Dean Fiore Saint/Porsche Centre MelbournE – 9 laps 22:55.7991s
DNF #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 6 laps 12:39.8049s
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NewsCampbell, Bates take opening Albert Park victory
Twelve months ago, Matt Campbell arrived at Albert Park as a rookie and struggled to challenge the front-runners. Today, the 21-year-old was the clear front-runner, claiming victory in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages race, along with Tony Bates, who snared his sixth straight TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race win.
Campbell claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award earlier in the day and led from the start of the 10-lap race one, ultimately claiming the race win by over three seconds from nearest rival Nick McBride, who claimed his first Carrera Cup race win at Albert Park 12 months ago and won this season’s opening round at the Clipsal 500 just two weeks prior.
Campbell was thrilled with the win, his second for the season, and his improved performance upon his Albert Park return.
“I’m happy with the win. There was a bit going on behind me on the first lap so I’m glad I was able to get the lead and pull a gap early on,” said Campbell.
“I struggled here last year but I’ve had plenty of experience since and was able to capitalise today. It’s a fast, flowing European-style circuit and really suits these cars, which makes it really fun to drive. I’m hoping I can get a good start tomorrow and take another race win.”
Behind Campbell and McBride in race one was Dean Fiore, who scored his best result upon his Carrera Cup return this season, ahead of Alex Davison, David Wall, Fraser Ross and Duvashen Padayachee in seventh.
Reigning Albert Park round winner Steven Richards placed eighth from 18-year-old rookie, James Abela, who placed an impressive ninth – his best Carrera Cup result to date. Adelaide race three winner Michael Almond placed 10th from rookies Dylan O’Keeffe and Garth Walden.
Bates continued his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge stronghold in race one. The local suffered a mid-race mishap at turn nine, losing several positions in class, before regaining the lead and eventual taking the class win; his sixth straight in the championship.
“You’re always happy with a class win. That was tough work as it’s a busy track. I lost the Challenge class race lead to James Bergmuller for a while, which I eventually got back and controlled the race from there. It was good to come away with another win.”
Stephen Grove placed second in class from Bergmuller, who held the class lead for several laps. Smollen placed fourth in class from Adrian Mastronardo and Marc Cini.
Ash Walsh failed to finish the race after sustaining rear suspension damage from contact with rivals on the opening lap.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages will return to the Albert Park circuit on Friday for race two, which will be held at 3:30pm local time and broadcast live on ONE. Carrera Cup will then hold one race each on Saturday and Sunday, both broadcast on TEN.
Race Schedule (local time)
Friday March 18, 2016
3:30pm – Race 2 (25 minutes)
Saturday March 19, 2016
12:45pm – Race 3 (25 minutes)
Sunday March 20, 2016
1:50pm – Race 4 (25 minutes)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2
Date: Friday March 18, 2016
Time: 3:30pm (local time)
Channel: ONE
Race 3
Date: Saturday March 19, 2016
Time: 12:45pm (local time)
Channel: Ten
Race 4
Date: Sunday March 20, 2016
Time: 1:50pm (local time)
Channel: Ten
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NewsCarrera Cup set for four-race fight in Melbourne
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will venture to Albert Park this weekend, where Australia’s premier one-make championship will contest four races across one of the nation’s largest sporting events.
Just two weeks after the season opener at the Clipsal 500, Carrera Cup readies for its 12th visit to the Melbourne event, the seventh of which that awards championship points. After enjoying Michelin as the Event Partner in Adelaide, the championship will have a new Event Partner in premium Australian event hire company, Pages Event Equipment, at Albert Park.
Three former Albert Park race winners will line up this weekend as part of the 19-strong Carrera Cup field.
Alex Davison is the most successful of this trio with eight Albert Park race wins, including a clean sweep at Carrera Cup’s first ever appearance in Australia, held in 2003 as a non-championship round.
Steven Richards has won Albert Park races over the past three seasons, which included the round victory last year as part of his early season domination.
Meanwhile, Nick McBride claimed his maiden Carrera Cup victory in the opening Albert Park race in 2015. The Melbourne ace then started the 2016 season with round victory in Adelaide, entering this weekend’s second round with the best possible preparation.
“Last year’s Albert Park event was certainly special. It’s not only my home race, it was also where I claimed my first race win,” said McBride.
“Entering this weekend as winner of the opening round and points leader is a great feeling, though not something I’ll be thinking about. I’m looking forward to a strong weekend and, hopefully, finish the weekend with another podium result.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points leader Tony Bates enters the Albert Park round as the form racer in the class. The Melbourne based driver claimed his third straight clean sweep on the streets of Adelaide, where he equalled Rodney Jane’s class record of four consecutive round wins. At the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Bates will shoot for an unprecedented five straight Challenge round wins and, in race one, his sixth consecutive class race win.
While Bates has form on track, James Bergmuller enters this weekend as the only current Challenge driver to have taken race victory at Albert Park. The local driver won the opening Albert Park race in class in 2014 and went on to claim second for the round.
Bates, Shane Smollen and Stephen Grove have also stood on the Albert Park podium and will look to repeat the feat, while Marc Cini enters Albert Park having placed second in class for the Adelaide round; his first Challenge podium since the 2011 season finale.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages will hold its practice, qualifying and opening race this Thursday. The subsequent three races will be held across Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the championship’s first four race format since the 2008 Albert Park round.
Three of the four Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Pages races from Albert Park will be broadcast live on free-to-air network, Network Ten. Friday’s race two will be broadcast on ONE, while race three and race four will be televised live on Ten.
Race Schedule (local time)
Thursday March 17, 2016
12:20pm – Practice 1 (20 minutes)
3:55pm – Qualifying (20 minutes)
5:35pm – Race 1 (25 minutes)
Friday March 18, 2016
3:30pm – Race 2 (25 minutes)
Saturday March 19, 2016
12:45pm – Race 3 (25 minutes)
Sunday March 20, 2016
1:50pm – Race 4 (25 minutes)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2
Date: Friday March 18, 2016
Time: 3:30pm (local time)
Channel: ONE
Race 3
Date: Saturday March 19, 2016
Time: 12:45pm (local time)
Channel: Ten
Race 4
Date: Sunday March 20, 2016
Time: 1:50pm (local time)
Channel: Ten
Entry List: Round 2
#4. Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
#7. Matt Campbell (Outright) Nuveau Constructions/Phase 8
#8. Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9. Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#12. Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical
#13. James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au
#21. Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects
#24. Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/AFS
#25. Alex Davison (Outright) Wilson Parking
#26. Michael Almond (Outright) Stone’s Original
#38. David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security/PAYCE
#39. Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) TOGA/Veritas
#45. Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX
#54. James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
#56. Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
#77. Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88. Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre
#360. Fraser Ross (Outright) 360fly
#777. Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend
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NewsBates storms to third straight Clipsal triumph
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin ‘king of Clipsal’ has continued his reign after round one of the 2016 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge on the Adelaide streets.
Tony Bates swept to his third straight victory on the streets of Adelaide, taking his race winning streak in South Australia to nine straight across the last three years.
Bates won the opening round of the 2016 championship ahead of Marc Cini – who scored his first podium in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge since the 2011 season – and James Bergmuller.
After narrowly missing out on the class pole to defending champion Shane Smollen, Bates stormed to victory in the first of three races of the weekend, before passing Smollen with two laps to go in the second race to grab a narrow victory.
He then took charge in a dramatic third race to race with several leading outright contenders before taking his third straight victory and the round win.
“I was really disappointed about qualifying – I was disappointed that we didn’t do a better job but it’s all about racing,” Bates said.
“The first race was great, then Shane got me in race two and I just kept chipping away but in the back of my mind was the fact that I don’t like losing here. I had the one chance and got Shane on the second last lap which was great.
“Race three was just mega. Being able to hang on to someone like Dean Fiore was fantastic and my lap time in the race was quicker than my qualifying time. I love this place and though we say it each year, it’s about getting off to a good start and banking points early and trying to keep safe and out of trouble for the championship.”
Bates’ fourth round victory in a row equalled a category record previously held outright by former dual class champion, Rodney Jane.
After two seasons of starting strongly but being unable to go on and seal the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class championship, Bates says he is taking a new approach into the 2016 season.
“We just have to focus on the rounds where we’ve not had a lot of luck at, for one reason or another,” he explained.
“I’m not going to focus on the championship – we did that after Eastern Creek last year (where Bates’ crashed in practice and failed to start) and we won the last three rounds.
“We’re not going to use that naughty word ‘championship’ this year and just keep chipping away round by round.”
In his 81st Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin round, Cini scored his best TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round result in six seasons by finishing second overall this weekend thanks to a trio of consistent results.
He finished fourth in race one and two before taking advantage of non-finishes from key rivals Shane Smollen and Stephen Grove in race three to grab second place.
“It’s been a long time,” Cini said.
“It was a really good weekend. The first two races were very good, nice and consistent and I finished fourth in both. The last race was one of those races where everything fell into place. I got a really good start, got to where I needed to get and a couple of guys in our field had a bit of attrition so that helps as well.
“I would have finished third if nothing had happened, but unfortunately Shane had the incident and I finished second for the weekend which was great.
“You’ve got to be a little but lucky around here because I missed a couple of incidents that happened and I was lucky to get through them cleanly. I was in the right spot and consolidated from there.”
Bergmuller finished third for the round, kicking off his 2016 season in style after starting slowly last year.
Defending class champion Smollen finished second in the first two races however was caught up in the lap one incident at the Senna Chicane that saw Ash Walsh find the wall.
Smollen spun in avoidance of Walsh’s spinning car and was forced to retire, however still sits fourth in the standings ahead of the next round.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge continues with the second round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by MIchelin championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on March 17-20.
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NewsAlmond, McBride and Bates celebrate in Adelaide
Nick McBride has taken his maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin round victory at the season opening Clipsal 500, where Adelaide racer Michael Almond scored an emotional maiden race win and Tony Bates claimed his third straight Adelaide clean sweep in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
McBride led from the start of race three into a chaotic opening lap; race two winner Ash Walsh spun at the opening chicane and made contact with the turn four wall, resulting in the safety car joining the circuit.
Upon the restart it was announced McBride would be handed a five second penalty for starting outside his grid box, effectively handing Steven Richards the race lead from Almond and David Wall.
Richards then made contact with the turn 11 barrier on lap 10, ending his race after a promising start.
Almond continued in pursuit of McBride for the remainder of the race and was within five seconds of the race leader by the finish, handing the Adelaide driver his first Carrera Cup win in front of his home crowd.
“It’s very exciting to get my first Carrera Cup win. I’m privileged to even race cars, so to win here in front of a home crowd is just fantastic,” said Almond.
Matt Campbell, who was closing in on Almond in the closing laps, placed second, with McBride placing third in the race following the implementation of his five second post-race penalty.
The result handed McBride the round win – his first round podium in the championship after four fourth place finishes.
“This is a great result to get my first round win… and an awesome feeling. I’ve got to thank my team, who has really nurtured me and turned me into a faster, more complete driver,” said McBride.
“Over the past two seasons I’ve been around second or third in the championship mid-season and haven’t capitalised. Hopefully I can carry this pace all season and see where I end up at the end.”
Alex Davison placed fourth from David Wall, Fraser Ross and Dean Fiore in seventh.
Bates was the victor in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, claiming a remarkable ninth straight class race win at the Clipsal 500, third straight round win in Adelaide and a record equalling fourth straight Challenge round win after claiming the Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds in 2015.
“I love the street circuits and this event in particular. I was really focussed and, this year, I really wanted to step up and hang on to the back of some of the pro driver. Yesterday I was mixing it with Alex and Matt, and today my aim was to hunt down Fiore and stick on the back of him, which I did.”
Marc Cini claimed an impressive second place in class in the final race, handing Carrera Cup’s most experienced racer second in class for the round, with James Bergmuller in third for the race and the round.
“It’s been a long time,” Cini said.
“It was a really good weekend. The first two races were very good, nice and consistent and I finished fourth in both. The last race was one of those races where everything fell into place. I got a really good start, got to where I needed to get and a couple of guys in our field had a bit of attrition so that helps as well.”
McBride now leads the Carrera Cup outright standings on 156 points from Almond (140), Campbell (137), Davison (110) and Walsh (108).
Bates’s clean sweep hands him a 42 point lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings from Cini (138), Bergmuller (120), Smollen (108) and Mastronardo (106).
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin will next race in two weeks at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Race 3 Results
1. #26 Michael Almond, Copyworld – 16 laps, 25:24.4
2. #7 Matt Campbell, Nuveau Construct. Qld/Phase 8 – 16 laps, 25:24.7
3. #77 Nick McBride, Bob Jane T-Marts – 16 laps, 25:25.1
4. #25 Alex Davison, Wilson Parking – 16 laps, 25:25.7
5. #38 David Wall, Wilson Security – 16 laps, 25:26.5
6. #360 Fraser Ross, 360fly – 16 laps, 25:33.8
7. #8 Dean Fiore, Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 16 laps, 25:41.8
8. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 16 laps, 25:42.3
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee, Darrell Lea STIX – 16 laps,:44.5
10. #54 James Abela, Horsley Park Gun Shop – 16 laps, 25:52.2
11. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 16 laps, 26:06.2
12. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 16 laps, 26:06.7
13. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 16 laps, 26:08.4
DNF #12 Steven Richards, Laser Plumbing and Electrical 9 15:38.0
DNF #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 7 laps, 13:24.7
DNF #21 Garth Walden, CIP/GWR – 3 laps, 7:12.7210
DNF #88 Dylan O’Keeffe, All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre – 16 laps, 7:13.2775
DNF #777 Ash Walsh, Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Frien
DNF #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
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NewsWalsh, Bates impress with race two wins
Championship rookie Ash Walsh has claimed his maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin victory in the second race of the season at the Clipsal 500, while Tony Bates continued his Adelaide domination in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
Walsh’s teammate, Nick McBride, led from the start and was helped at the front by a turn four incident involving race one winner Matt Campbell and Alex Davison – contact that was later deemed a racing incident – which dropped the duo to the rear of the field.
McBride was slowly hunted down by Walsh, who stole the lead in the closing laps and eventually claimed the race win.
“I wasn’t expecting that today. Off the second row, I had a bit of a bad start again but the Campbell/Davison incident really played out well for us. I just missed the Davison car as I came through but, by then, Nick had pulled away. He was fast and I really pushed at the start to try to catch him. I started reeling him in as my tyres increased in temperature and had a couple of attempts to pass and managed a really good run into turn four and got the job done,” said Walsh.
“This is my second year in a row as a rookie. I’ve got a great team behind me and it’s making my job easier as a newcomer to the championship.”
After finishing second in Friday’s race one, McBride was again the runner-up in race two from Adelaide racer, Michael Almond in third.
“That was fantastic,” said Almond. “The car was great and I was lucky enough to get through the turn four incident and pull a bit of a gap. I’m very happy; it is my first top-three finish in Carrera Cup and to do it in front of my home crowd is amazing.”
Steven Richards and David Wall moved up the order in the 18 lap race to place fourth and fifth, ahead of Fraser Ross and Dean Fiore in sixth and seventh.
After dropping to the rear after the turn four incident, Davison recovered to finish eighth, ahead of ninth placed Campbell and 10th placed Tony Bates.
The final laps consisted of a spectacular battle between the leading TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers Bates and Shane Smollen, and the charging Davison and Campbell, resulting in a late-race, four way battle.
Bates was the ultimate victor in the class results, claiming his eighth straight Challenge race win at the Clipsal 500.
“I’m ecstatic with the win, but I’m also ecstatic that it was earnt. Shane pulled a move on me and was good enough to get it done, and then it was game on. Then two pro drivers decided to get in the mix in Alex and Matt, and that was exciting. I think it shows how far the semi-pro drivers have raised the bar once again to be able to mix it with those drivers. I’m over the moon to take the race win,” said Bates.
Newcomers Garth Walden, Dylan O’Keeffe and James Abela placed 12th, 13th and 14th, respectively, from Stephen Grove and Marc Cini, who placed third and fourth in class.
Duvashen Padayachee, James Bergmuller and Adrian Mastronardo placed 17th, 18th and 19th in the 18 lap race.
Teammates Walsh and McBride are now tied on 108 points at the top of the standings from Campbell (83), Almond (80) and Ross (68).
Bates is ahead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings on 120 points from Smollen (108), Grove (96) and Cini (84).
The final Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin race in Adelaide will be held on Sunday at 2:10pm.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 06, 2016
2:10pm-2:40pm Race 3 (20 Laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: TEN
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
Channel: Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
VIDEO – Race 2 interviews: https://youtu.be/m8Sr6sDp6So
Race 2 Results
1. #777 Ash Walsh, Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 18 laps, 25:05.0
2. #77 Nick McBride, Bob Jane T-Marts – 18 laps, 25:08.5
3. #26 Michael Almond, Copyworld – 18 laps, 25:12.8
4. #12 Steven Richards, Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 18 laps, 25:15.5
5. #38 David Wall, Wilson Security – 18 laps, 25:18.0
6. #360 Fraser Ross, 360fly – 18 laps, 25:19.7
7. #8 Dean Fiore, Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne – 18 laps, 25:20.5
8 #25 Alex Davison, Wilson Parking – 18 laps, 25:41.4
9. #7 Matt Campbell, Nuveau Construct. Qld/Phase 8 – 18 laps, 25:42.4
10. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S – 18 laps, 25:45.7
11. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 18 laps, 25:46.4
12. #21 Garth Walden, Commercial Interior Projects – 18 laps, 25:46.7
13. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe, All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre – 18 laps, 25:50.5
14. #54 James Abela, Horsley Park Gun Shop – 18 laps, 25:52.9
15. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire – 18 laps, 25:56.7
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 18 laps, 25:59.3
17. #45 Duvashen Padayachee, Darrell Lea STIX – 18 laps, 26:06.3
18. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au – 18 laps, 26:21.7
19. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group – 18 laps, 26:27.2
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NewsCampbell, Bates continue win streak into 2016
Matt Campbell has started the 2016 season in the same fashion in which he finished the last: with victory in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin race at the Clipsal 500. Tony Bates was another to repeat the feat, continuing his Surfers Paradise success onto the Adelaide streets.
In qualifying, Campbell had initially claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award until Ash Walsh had a kerb hopping breach overturned for the quickest lap of the session.
Starting second, Campbell charged to the lead by the opening corner from Nick McBride and Walsh.
An early safety car brought the field together as the stricken cars of James Abela and Garth Walden were recovered, before Campbell held the lead from the restart until the chequered flag in the shortened 10 lap race, claiming his fifth straight Carrera Cup race victory following his strong finish to 2015.
“It’s a great way to start the season. It’s good to get a win and have a clean car after race one and hopefully we can have a similar result in the next two races across the weekend,” said Campbell, who has been slated as a championship favourite entering 2016.
“We’re not thinking of the championship at the moment. I’m going out and doing the best I can each race and see where I end up. This round last year was woeful by anyone’s standards with a bit of bad luck and a couple of my mistakes. I’ve been quick throughout this weekend so far and I’m hoping I can continue this pace across the next two races.”
McBride started his third season on a strong note with second place ahead of newcomers Walsh and Alex Davison and regulars Fraser Ross and Michael Almond in fifth and sixth.
“I made a nice start, for once, which was a good start to the year,” said McBride. “I’ve been a little bit disappointed with my pace so far this weekend but it was nice to find a bit for race one. I’m going to have to find a bit more if I’m going to win a race tomorrow, so that’s the challenge we have overnight, to see what we can do for tomorrow.”
Former V8 Supercars trio David Wall, Steven Richards and Dean Fiore placed eighth, ninth and 10th, respectively, ahead of leading TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge racer, Tony Bates in 11th outright.
The Challenge race win was Bates’s seventh straight at the Clipsal 500 having clean swept the last two Adelaide events, while this weekend, he also aims for a record equalling four straight Challenge round wins.
“That’s seven race wins in a row in Adelaide and I’m shooting for four rounds in a row. It’s a good start, not that we’re worrying about that sort of stuff. I’ve got to put a strong season together; I’ve done this two years in a row now; I’ve gone well at the Clipsal 500 but I have to maintain this form throughout the season,” said Bates.
“Qualifying didn’t go our way this morning, we should have been a lot further up the grid. With two races to go the car feels good and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Shane Smollen was second in class and 12th outright from Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, James Bergmuller and Adrian Mastronardo.
Abela and Walden failed to finish after early race contact, while Dylan O’Keeffe failed to make the race one grid following a qualifying incident, though will be on the grid for Saturday’s race two.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin will hold race two on Saturday and race three on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 05, 2016
11:35am-12:05pm Race 2 (20 Laps)
Sunday March 06, 2016
2:10pm-2:40pm Race 3 (20 Laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: TEN
Race 2 – 11:35am, Saturday March 05
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
Channel: Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 2 – 11:35am, Saturday March 05
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
Race 1 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell – Nuveau Construct. Qld/Phase 8 – 10 laps 20:23.1
2. #77 Nick McBride – Bob Jane T-Marts – 10 laps 20:24.5
3. #777 Ash Walsh – Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend – 10 laps 20:24.8
4. #25 Alex Davison – Wilson Parking – 10 laps 20:25.1
5. 360 Fraser Ross – 360fly – 10 laps 20:27.1
6. #26 Michael Almond – Copyworld – 10 laps 20:27.7
7. #38 David Wall – Wilson Security – 10 laps 20:28.7
8. #12 Steven Richards – Laser Plumbing and Electrical – 10 laps 20:29.0
9. #8 Dean Fiore Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne 10 laps 20:29.8
10. #45 Duvashen Padayachee – Darrell Lea STIX –10 laps 20:30.6
11. #24 Tony Bates – Moveitnet/A.F.S (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps 20:35.4
12. #56 Shane Smollen – McGrath Estate Agents (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps 20:36.0
13. #4 Stephen Grove – Grove Hire – (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps 20:40.5
14. #9 Marc Cini – Hallmarc (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps 20:41.3
15. #13 James Bergmuller – pricepressure.com.au – (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps 20:41.9
16. #39 Adrian Mastronardo – Veritas Property Group (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps, 20:42.7
DNF #54 James Abela – Horsley Park Gun Shop
DNF #21 Garth Walden – CIP/GWR
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NewsVIDEO: TAG Heuer Pole Position Award
Note: Ash Walsh was later awarded the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award after a Kerb Hopping Breach finding was overturned.
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NewsWall, Bates on pace in Adelaide practice
Returning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racer David Wall has impressed on the opening day of the 2016 season by posting the fastest time in both Thursday practice sessions, while TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers Tony Bates and Shane Smollen shared top spot in the first two outings of the season.
Following a lengthy V8 Supercars stint, Wall posted the quickest time on Thursday upon his championship return ahead of young gun Matt Campbell, local ace Michael Almond and 2014 champion, Steven Richards.
“I’m very happy with my initial pace. I did plenty of laps to get me back in the groove and I’m happy with where I’m at after Thursday practice. I can’t speak highly enough of my team and sponsors, who have allowed me to keep racing after my stint in V8 Supercars,” said Wall, who is racing with his family outfit, Wall Racing.
“I’m feeling comfortable in the car. This model GT3 Cup car is a lot different to the old Porsches I used to race in Carrera Cup, so I’m getting use to the car still, but absolutely loving being back and racing in this championship.”
Championship newcomer Ash Walsh was the fifth quickest of the day from 2004 champion Alex Davison, Fraser Ross, Dean Fiore, Duvashen Padayachee, Nick McBride, Garth Walden and GT3 Cup Challenge graduate, Dylan O’Keeffe.
Tony Bates was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners for Thursday, being the only driver to post a better lap time in the opening practice session. Smollen was fastest in the second session with the second best Challenge time of the day from young rookie James Abela, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove and Adrian Mastronardo.
“I was definitely a little bit rusty this morning, but with the better tyre in the second session I was able to push on and posted a pretty good time. I feel more comfortable now as I haven’t done too many laps since last October; I feel like a race car driver again,” said reigning Challenge champion, Smollen.
“Tony is obviously right on the pace also so I’m confident it will be good, close racing this weekend.”
Meanwhile Adelaide racer Almond, who posted the third best time of the day, is hopeful he can continue his Thursday form further into the four-day event in front of his home crowd.
“Seventh in the opening session was a surprise; it’s always nice to be around the top five but it’s a very strong field this year. We made a change on the car and it worked for practice two, which enabled us to improve in the second session,” said Almond.
“Racing at home is always great and having a strong practice puts you in a good mindset going into qualifying tomorrow morning. I’ve had a few strong practice results but the hard work starts now.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying and opening race on Friday and race two and race three on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Race Schedule
Friday March 04, 2016
8:45am-9:05am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm-3:30pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday March 05, 2016
11:35am-12:05pm Race 2 (20 Laps)
Sunday March 06, 2016
2:10pm-2:40pm Race 3 (20 Laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: TEN
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Friday March 04
Race 2 – 11:35am, Saturday March 05
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
Channel: Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Qualifying – 8:45am, Friday March 04
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Friday March 04
Race 2 – 11:35am, Saturday March 05
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
Practice Results (Combined P1/P2)
1. #38 David Wall – Wilson Security: 1:22.3722*
2. #7 Matt Campbell – Phase 8 – McElrea Racing: 1:22.6079s
3. #26 Michael Almond – Copyworld1: :22.6624s
4. #12 Steven Richards – Laser Plumbing and Electrical: 1:22.8043s
5. #777 Ash Walsh – Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend1: :22.8362s
6. #25 Alex Davison – Copyworld Racing: 1:22.8365s
7. #360 Fraser Ross – 360fly: 1:23.2532s
8. #8 Dean Fiore – Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne : :23.2901s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee – Darrell Lea STIX: 1:23.4202s
10. #77 Nick McBride – Bob Jane T-Marts : :23.4961s
11. #21 Garth Walden – CIP/GWR: 1:23.5808s
12. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe – All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre :1:23.9469s
13. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S: 1:23.9789s
14. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents: 1:24.1222s
15. #54 James Abela – Horsley Park Gun Shop: 1:24.2707s
16. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire: 1:24.7439s
17. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc: 1:24.8909s
18. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au: 1:25.0046s
19. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group: 1:25.4623s
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NewsWall, Bates on pace in Adelaide practice
Returning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racer David Wall has impressed on the opening day of the 2016 season by posting the fastest time in both Thursday practice sessions, while TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers Tony Bates and Shane Smollen shared top spot in the first two outings of the season.
Following a lengthy V8 Supercars stint, Wall posted the quickest time on Thursday upon his championship return ahead of young gun Matt Campbell, local ace Michael Almond and 2014 champion, Steven Richards.
“I’m very happy with my initial pace. I did plenty of laps to get me back in the groove and I’m happy with where I’m at after Thursday practice. I can’t speak highly enough of my team and sponsors, who have allowed me to keep racing after my stint in V8 Supercars,” said Wall, who is racing with his family outfit, Wall Racing.
“I’m feeling comfortable in the car. This model GT3 Cup car is a lot different to the old Porsches I used to race in Carrera Cup, so I’m getting use to the car still, but absolutely loving being back and racing in this championship.”
Championship newcomer Ash Walsh was the fifth quickest of the day from 2004 champion Alex Davison, Fraser Ross, Dean Fiore, Duvashen Padayachee, Nick McBride, Garth Walden and GT3 Cup Challenge graduate, Dylan O’Keeffe.
Tony Bates was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners for Thursday, being the only driver to post a better lap time in the opening practice session. Smollen was fastest in the second session with the second best Challenge time of the day from young rookie James Abela, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove and Adrian Mastronardo.
“I was definitely a little bit rusty this morning, but with the better tyre in the second session I was able to push on and posted a pretty good time. I feel more comfortable now as I haven’t done too many laps since last October; I feel like a race car driver again,” said reigning Challenge champion, Smollen.
“Tony is obviously right on the pace also so I’m confident it will be good, close racing this weekend.”
Meanwhile Adelaide racer Almond, who posted the third best time of the day, is hopeful he can continue his Thursday form further into the four-day event in front of his home crowd.
“Seventh in the opening session was a surprise; it’s always nice to be around the top five but it’s a very strong field this year. We made a change on the car and it worked for practice two, which enabled us to improve in the second session,” said Almond.
“Racing at home is always great and having a strong practice puts you in a good mindset going into qualifying tomorrow morning. I’ve had a few strong practice results but the hard work starts now.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying and opening race on Friday and race two and race three on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Race Schedule
Friday March 04, 2016
8:45am-9:05am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm-3:30pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday March 05, 2016
11:35am-12:05pm Race 2 (20 Laps)
Sunday March 06, 2016
2:10pm-2:40pm Race 3 (20 Laps)
Broadcast Schedule (local time)
Channel: TEN
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Friday March 04
Race 2 – 11:35am, Saturday March 05
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
Channel: Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Qualifying – 8:45am, Friday March 04
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Friday March 04
Race 2 – 11:35am, Saturday March 05
Race 3 – 2:10pm, Sunday March 06
Practice Results (Combined P1/P2)
1. #38 David Wall – Wilson Security: 1:22.3722*
2. #7 Matt Campbell – Phase 8 – McElrea Racing: 1:22.6079s
3. #26 Michael Almond – Copyworld1: :22.6624s
4. #12 Steven Richards – Laser Plumbing and Electrical: 1:22.8043s
5. #777 Ash Walsh – Bob Jane T-Marts/Infants Friend1: :22.8362s
6. #25 Alex Davison – Copyworld Racing: 1:22.8365s
7. #360 Fraser Ross – 360fly: 1:23.2532s
8. #8 Dean Fiore – Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne : :23.2901s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee – Darrell Lea STIX: 1:23.4202s
10. #77 Nick McBride – Bob Jane T-Marts : :23.4961s
11. #21 Garth Walden – CIP/GWR: 1:23.5808s
12. #88 Dylan O’Keeffe – All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre :1:23.9469s
13. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Moveitnet/A.F.S: 1:23.9789s
14. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents: 1:24.1222s
15. #54 James Abela – Horsley Park Gun Shop: 1:24.2707s
16. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire: 1:24.7439s
17. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc: 1:24.8909s
18. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au: 1:25.0046s
19. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property Group: 1:25.4623s
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NewsExperiences increases Challenge competition
This season’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge will feature speed, skill and vast experience from some of the best semi-professional racers in the country.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will begin its 12th season in Australia at this weekend’s Clipsal 500 with six racers battling out the Challenge division – a ‘race within a race’ for semi-professional drivers in the one-make championship.
TAG Heuer will continue as the naming rights partner of the Challenge class as part of its greater classification as the championship’s Official Watch.
All TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers this season come with substantial experience in Carrera Cup, led by the championship’s most capped racer, Marc Cini.
Equipped with a fresh looking Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and new team mate in Dean Fiore, Cini will start his 81st Carrera Cup round this weekend, more than another other past or present Porsche driver.
With 36 round starts, Shane Smollen enters this weekend’s event as the second most experienced racer in the Challenge class and looks to continue his strong form having taken the 2015 class title at last season’s Gold Coast finale.
Smollen was impressive in his title winning year, but believes defending his crown will be a tough ask in 2016.
“Consistency alone isn’t enough to win in the Challenge class; whilst one DNF will probably cost you a championship, you have no choice but to push from start to finish, as the Challenge class competitors are never too far away,” said Smollen.
“I want repeat last year’s achievement of completing the most fastest race laps, but also finishing every race. If Stephen Grove wasn’t ahead, then he was likely in my rear view mirror and we remained close in the standings throughout the season and I can’t see that changing.
“Likewise, Bates also has great speed so if he has a consistent season this year, he will be right in the title battle, much like the other Challenge drivers. It’s clearly a competitive class and a tough championship. I’m really looking forward to getting the season underway in Adelaide this weekend and setting the tone for our 2016 defence.”
Smollen captured the Challenge title from rival and previous victor Grove, who was triumphant in 2014 with a consistent season on track. Grove had yet another consistent year in 2015 though was unable to catch Smollen in the points race. Now, after recently taking the Class B crown at the Bathurst 12 Hour alongside V8 Supercars driver Scott McLaughlin and 2015 Le Mans 24 Hour winner Earl Bamber, Grove is eager to add another Challenge class title to his trophy cabinet.
“It’s been a good start to the 2016 season and I’m hoping it continues in Adelaide for the start of the Carrera Cup season. It hasn’t necessarily been my strongest event in the past but I certainly love heading to Adelaide for round one. It’s going to be a competitive year in the Challenge class with a bunch of experienced, fast drivers returning this season. As usual, I’m going to go out and race my own race and see where I end up at the Gold Coast finale,” said Grove.
Tony Bates will look to continue his strong form at the Adelaide event. The Melbourne based racer has won the last six races in the Challenge class over the past two Adelaide events and, having dominated the last three events of the 2015 season, enters the 2016 opening round as a favourite in Adelaide.
James Bergmuller is another driver with momentum on his side. After an inconsistent 2015 season, Bergmuller showed his best form as the season came to a close, taking his equal best round result of second in Surfers Paradise.
Meanwhile, Adrian Mastronardo will be a driver to watch this season. The Sydneysider has the least Carrera Cup experience in the Challenge class, lining up for his 17th Porsche round this weekend, though his impressive rise up the order over the past 12 months suggests Mastronardo will be standing on the round podium more times in 2016 than ever before.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s 2016 season will kick off this weekend at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500, with three races to be held across the four day motor racing festival.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 03, 2016
1:15pm-1:35pm Practice 1 (20 minutes)
4:50pm-5:10pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday March 04, 2016
8:45am-9:05am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm-3:30pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday March 05, 2016
11:35am-12:05pm Race 2 (20 Laps)
Sunday March 06, 2016
2:10pm-2:40pm Race 3 (20 Laps)
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News360fly announced as uncropped new partner
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will partner with leading 360º camera, 360fly, for the 2016 season. 360fly is a unique action camera that records in 360 degrees, providing an interactive virtual reality experience like no other.
As part of the partnership, 360fly will feature branding on the rear wing end plates of every Porsche Carrera Cup car throughout 2016 along with video and digital integration.
In addition to its Carrera Cup partnership, 360fly will be the major partner of Fraser Ross’s 2016 Carrera Cup entry for his second season in the championship.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, says the new partnership will allow the championship to share the thrilling experience of being inside a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car to a wider audience.
“It’s great to announce 360fly as an official Carrera Cup partner for 2016,” said Sakzewski.
“Motorsport is exciting and fast paced, though it’s rare to experience it from within the race car. For us, 360fly can provide the closest alternative to being inside a 460hp 911 GT3 Cup car with its innovative 360º camera.
“360fly is a tremendous product and is paving the way for a new kind of virtual experience. We’re pleased to partner with this new product and provide the thrilling virtual reality experience previously only experienced by our Porsche Carrera Cup racers.”
360fly Australia and New Zealand CEO, Jason Haynes, is looking forward to joining the all-Porsche championship.
“We’ve had great interest in the 360fly product since it launched in Australia, in which time we have shared our 360fly experience – an inspiring, uncropped way to view the world – with a vast new audience. With this new partnership, we look forward to sharing this experience with Carrera Cup’s drivers and teams and the wider motorsport community,” said Haynes.
“With the addition of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Fraser Ross to our growing partnership portfolio, which also includes V8 Supercar drivers Chaz Mostert and Jamie Whincup and Motocross superstar Chad Reed, we are in partnership with some of the greatest motorsport properties and athletes in Australia. Our partnership with Carrera Cup will share the 360fly experience with a wider audience while aligning the product with one of the greatest motor racing championships in the region.”
The 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will kick off at the season opening Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 03-06, 2016.
360fly Videos
360fly with driver of the #360 360fly Porsche, Fraser Ross:
Onboard footage – #360 360fly Porsche:
In-car footage – #360 360fly Porsche:
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NewsTop driver line-up highlights 2016 season
The 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season kicks off this weekend at the Clipsal 500, where the Porsche championship will feature one of its best professional and semi-professional driver line-ups since its 2003 inception.
In three days, the one-make battle begins with Michelin continuing as the traditional Event Partner of the Clipsal 500 round.
The last season ended in emphatic style; two young guns, Nick Foster and Matt Campbell, battled for the top spot in the Porsche championship, though with the departure of reigning champion Foster, 20-year-old Campbell enters this weekend’s Adelaide round as the form driver.
A returning group of Porsche racers will be looking to halt his charge. Dethroned Steven Richards enters his sixth Porsche season following his fourth Bathurst 1000 crown last year, with the hope to regain the title. While four young racers, Michael Almond, Nick McBride, Duvashen Padayachee and Fraser Ross, are eager to rise up the order after multiple seasons of Porsche experience.
This season will also feature seven newcomers, three of which are very familiar to Carrera Cup competition.
Alex Davison, the 2004 Carrera Cup Australia champion, returns to the championship on a full-time basis. The former Porsche Cup winner brings his 104-race experience to the championship with all intentions to take the title upon his return. Davison is not alone; fellow former V8 Supercar racers Dean Fiore and David Wall return to Carrera Cup, both having contested 76 races in the Porsche championship ahead of this weekend.
Other former V8 racers entering Carrera Cup include Ash Walsh, who steps into the championship winning #777 911 GT3 Cup car, and Garth Walden, who swaps his role as team boss to contest his first ever Carrera Cup round.
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia continues as a hotbed for future Carrera Cup stars with the graduation of Dylan O’Keeffe and James Abela, who finished second and fourth respectively in last year’s feeder series, to Porsche’s pinnacle Australian championship. The duo follows the well-worn path previously travelled by current drivers Almond, Campbell, Grove and Ross.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge is also set for one of its most competitive seasons yet.
The class for semi-professional racers will see the return of its reigning champion, Shane Smollen, who will look to defend his 2015 title from his experienced rivals.
Marc Cini enters his 81st Carrera Cup round at the Clipsal 500, continuing his unprecedented level of participation in the championship.
Stephen Grove enters the Clipsal 500 on a high having taken victory in the Bathurst 12 Hour in the Class B division alongside V8 Supercars driver Scott McLaughlin and Le Mans 24 Hour champion, Earl Bamber.
James Bergmuller looks to start his season on a better note than 2015, where a Clipsal 500 qualifying crash at turn eight ended his weekend prematurely, though a strong end to last season has momentum on his side.
Adrian Mastronardo, in his third full-time season, has displayed growth in the series like no other over the past 12 months and will look to challenge for more class podiums and race wins this season.
Meanwhile, Tony Bates has his eyes firmly set on the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title. The Victorian is a constant class pace-setter and, having stood on the top step of the class podium at the past two Adelaide events, enters the round eager to continue his Adelaide domination.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold three races across the season opening Clipsal 500 weekend.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 03, 2016
1:15pm-1:35pm Practice 1 (20 minutes)
4:50pm-5:10pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday March 04, 2016
8:45am-9:05am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:05pm-3:30pm Race 1 (16 laps)
Saturday March 05, 2016
11:35am-12:05pm Race 2 (20 Laps)
Sunday March 06, 2016
2:10pm-2:40pm Race 3 (20 Laps)
Entry List – Round 1
#4. Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
#7. Matt Campbell (Outright) Phase 8/McElrea Racing
#8. Dean Fiore (Outright) Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9. Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#12. Steven Richards (Outright) Laser Plumbing and Electrical
#13. James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) pricepressure.com.au
#21. Garth Walden (Outright) Commercial Interior Projects
#24. Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Move It Net/AFS
#25. Alex Davison (Outright) Copyworld/Toshiba
#26. Michael Almond (Outright) Copyworld/Toshiba
#38. David Wall (Outright) Wilson Security
#39. Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas Property #Group
#45. Duvashen Padayachee (Outright) Darrell Lea STIX
#54. James Abela (Outright) Horsley Park Gun Shop
#56. Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
#77. Nick McBride (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88. Dylan O’Keeffe (Outright) All Star Equipment Sales/Dexion Supply Centre
#360. Fraser Ross (Outright) 360fly
#777. Ash Walsh (Outright) Bob Jane T-Marts
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NewsRichards unveils 2016 challenger
Since his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship back in 2011, Steven Richards has been supported by Laser Plumbing & Electrical, the partnership enduring the highs and lows of the sport across six seasons, culminating in the 2014 drivers championship title. For 2016 the relationship continues, with Steven Richards Motorsport unveiling their 2016 title challenger, a subtle design change on what had been a race winning design last season.
“Wow, is it really that long, it feels like just yesterday we kicked off at Albert Park with our maiden season together,” Richards admitted.
“Our partnership with Laser Plumbing & and Electrical now goes much deeper than branding on the car, the many dealers and their staff around Australia have become close friends, and some are like family, because like us, they’re very much involved ‘hands-on’ in the operation of the company.
“We’ve had a successful relationship too, with 13 race wins, and 53 podiums (including wins) across the last five seasons, a pattern I’m hoping to continue this year, although with the influx of former V8 Supercar drivers, and some sharp young guys coming through the ranks, I think it’s going to be tougher than ever this season!”
As it has the last four seasons, the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia [PCCA] program will kick off with the demanding Clipsal 500 event, a race Richards knows only too well, the reigning Bathurst 1000 winner looking to emulate his results from 12-months ago.
“We had a great start to the 2015 season at Clipsal, we started on the front row and claimed three wins on the Adelaide Parklands Circuit, so things couldn’t have been any better, but whilst the SRM/Laser Racing team nailed the setup of the car perfectly last year, I’m not sure we’ll catch too many teams napping this year.
“There will also be plenty of pressure to ensure the car completes all three races, because with the Melbourne Grand Prix just two weeks later for the second round of the championship, we can’t afford to suffer any setbacks – it will certainly be a challenging weekend.”
Whilst the opening round of the 2016 season gives fans a chance to take in the new livery on the Laser Plumbing & Electrical supported Type 991 Porsche Cup Car, it also gives SRM a chance to unveil some new partners for the coming season.
“I thought our livery the last few seasons was perfect, it certainly stood out and was easy to see anywhere on the circuit, so the changes to the design are only subtle,” Richards admitted. “However there are some changes to our partners, as we’re proud to welcome Price Pressure and DAF Trucks to the team to join our long-standing partners Laser Plumbing & Electrical, Shannons Insurance, BP Ultimate Diesel and Mosley Mining.
“Price Pressure will also feature on James Bergmuller’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class car, whilst DAF is an iconic brands that we’re proud to be partnered with for both our PCCA and Australian GT programs this year.
“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead, but under no illusions it’s going to be easy, not with the big influx of new Pro drivers into the championship, but it’s going to be an interesting year, especially with the additional challenge of competing against the Carrera Cup Asia drivers in Sydney in August, that will present a real battle royale over just who has the dominant series in the Asia Pacific region.
“For now though the focus is 100% on Clipsal, where we will not only get a chance to kick off the season, but spend some time with our supporters and our fans at one of the best events of the year.”
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NewsDavison eyes title in Carrera Cup return
Former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Alex Davison will return to the one-make Porsche championship in 2016, driving one of the two Copyworld Racing entered cars alongside South Australian Michael Almond.
36-year-old Davison, also a two-time runner-up in the Carrera Cup title, will add further class to this year’s already strong entry and has his sights firmly set on challenging strongly for this year’s crown.
“I’ve been trying to get back into Carrera Cup for some time now and I’m delighted to be a part of the Almond family team. Michael is a very competitive driver despite having never previously raced anything before he sat in a GT3 Cup Challenge machine just a few years back, and I am sure I can help with his ongoing development, while also giving the championship a real shake.
“The Porsche Carrera Cup program has proven it can keep you sharp and focused, and I will be looking to use the platform of competition to ensure the V8 Supercar teams don’t forget about me for this year’s endurance races.
“The current spec Carrera Cup cars are just awesome to drive and my aim is to be right in the thick of the action from the outset in Adelaide.”
Round 1 of the eight round 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship will take place on the streets of Adelaide – as part of the Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar opener – during the weekend of March 3-6.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia facts, Alex Davison.
· Champion, 2004
· Championship runner-up, 2006-2007
· Championship 3rd place, 2012
· 13 round wins
· Holds the record for the most consecutive round wins at six in 2003/2004
· 37 race wins (2nd most of all time to Craig Baird’s 60)
· 15 pole positions (record)
· 28 podium finishes (2nd most of all time to Craig Baird’s 42)
· 37 Fastest Laps (record)
· 35 round starts (equal 10th on all-time list)
· Contested 102 races (10th on all-time list)
· Winner of eight non-championship races at Albert Park, claiming four poles and seven fastest laps – more than any other driver
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NewsO’Keeffe set for Carrera Cup transition
Melbourne teenager Dylan O’Keeffe will take the biggest leap of his motor racing career next month when making his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
The 18-year-old is touted as one of the country’s best up-and-coming sports car drivers, proving his worth after placing second in last season’s Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia championship in his rookie season.
O’Keeffe has joined Melbourne team Ash Seward Motorsport for his Carrera Cup debut and hopes his speed in Porsche’s feeder series will translate into strong results in the country’s most competitive one-make sports car championship.
“I’m excited to make the transition from GT3 Cup Challenge to Carrera Cup, which is one of the strongest categories in the country. I look forward to seeing how I go and to also improve and progress up the order throughout the season,” said O’Keeffe.
“For me, the biggest challenge will be learning new circuits. Last week’s Sydney Motorsport Park test was great as we’ll be racing there twice this year, but that’s the only circuit from the 2016 Carrera Cup calendar that I’ve raced on before. I’m looking forward to the challenge and racing at the biggest motorsport events in the country.”
O’Keeffe, like many other drivers transitioning from GT3 Cup Challenge to Carrera Cup, will benefit from the similarities between the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup models, making the switch from the second generation 997 series race car to the current 991 model – two race car models that share similar on track traits.
“The transition to the new car has been really good. It’s still a GT3 Cup car, so many of its characteristics remain the same; you will sit on the left-hand side and it feels very similar. There are some differences to get used to though; the handling and balance vary slightly from the 997, and the paddle shift makes a big difference. It’s still a Porsche but I’ve got to adapt to get the most out of the car. We’ve seen drivers like Matt Campbell and Fraser Ross successfully make the transition and I’m looking forward to making the switch myself.
“I have to thank my supporters – my family, Dexion Supply Centre, All Star Equipment Sales, Lowbake Spray Booths and Moore & Associates – who have made this all possible.”
O’Keeffe’s debut GT3 Cup Challenge season consisted of 12 top-three finishes from 18 races, concluding the season with his maiden race win.
The 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will kick off at the season opening Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 03-06, 2016.
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NewsTeams take to Sydney for pre-season test
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia teams are one step closer to finalising their preparations ahead of the 2016 season with the conclusion of the championship’s official pre-season test day at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The Wednesday test was a crucial part of the Porsche teams’ preparations, as the Carrera Cup championship will contest two rounds of its 2016 season at the Sydney venue.
Among the championship newcomers testing in Sydney were former V8 Supercars drivers Ash Walsh and David Wall, former V8 racer and team boss Garth Walden, and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia graduates Dylan O’Keeffe and James Abela.
The reigning series runner-up, Matt Campbell, was among the returning drivers at the test and suggested his sole 2016 pre-season outing in the Porsche was crucial to his title chances.
“It was good to get in the car at least once before the Clipsal 500. It was a pretty productive day, which will certainly help when the season starts in Adelaide. It was pretty hot today but it was good getting more laps in the car before the season and especially at Sydney Motorsport Park where we race twice this year,” said Campbell.
“We had a great end to last season and had a good championship position, though I hope to improve on that this year. I’m really looking forward to this season.”
Other professionally ranked racers at the test included Michael Almond, Nick McBride, Duvashen Padayachee, Steven Richards and Fraser Ross.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers Tony Bates, Marc Cini, Adrian Mastronardo and class champion Shane Smollen also attended the Sydney test, along with James Bergmuller, who is confident leading into 2016 after a promising pre-season preparation.
“Today was a great day. This is the first time I’ve come to a pre-season test having done the Bathurst 12 Hour and it’s got me in the groove straight away. I feel comfortable in the car and I’m uninjured unlike last season, so for me, it’s been a great start to the year,” said Bergmuller.
“I’m coming in this year better than I’ve come into any season previously. It’s my best preparation yet so I’m looking forward to this season. It’s exciting.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s opening round will be held at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 03-06, 2016.
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NewsWalden’s role swap: Team boss to racer
Garth Walden is set for a role change this season as the team boss dusts off his helmet for a 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia campaign.
An accomplished racer, Walden has run his own race team, GWR Australia, in the Porsche championship for the past two seasons, fielding TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver, Ash Samadi.
Having strong experience in Carrera Cup from behind the pit wall, when asked to pilot the Commercial Interior Projects entry, Walden decided to make the switch to full-time driver for the upcoming Porsche season.
“The time was right to get back into a race car full time, and Carrera Cup was the perfect category in which to do so,” said Walden.
“Having been around the Porsche paddock for some time, I know the championship and the cars well, so that brings an added benefit as a championship rookie. This knowledge also made the decision to join the championship very easy when the opportunity presented itself.”
Walden has vast racing experience, including seven Bathurst 12 Hour starts and a full season in the V8 Supercars Championship in 2004 in addition to a range of race categories both in Australia and internationally; most notably the World Time Attack Challenge, in which he has been champion for the past three years.
“I’ve had a limited racing programme over the past few years so, for me, the priority is to get as much time behind the wheel of the Porsche as possible to get up to speed.
“I’d like to thank all that made this possible – Rob & Astrid Woods for their commitment and having faith in me as a driver; Commercial Interior Projects and all our sponsors for the car; as well as the boys and my partner Myriam at team GWR. I can’t wait to get the season under way at the Clipsal 500. It’s going to be a great year.”
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NewsRacers return from frosty Finnish prize
The country’s top Porsche racers have received the ultimate prize for their successes in the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season – driving the brand’s top-of-the-range sports cars on Finnish frozen lakes.
The end-of-season prize, a position on the Porsche Driving Experience’s Ice-Force S programme, was awarded to Nick Foster, Matt Campbell, Stephen Grove and Tony Bates for finishing in the top three of either the outright or TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge classifications. Sydneysider Ryan Simpson was also awarded a spot on the programme for his 2015 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia title win.
The programme saw the five drivers venture to the small Finnish resort town of Levi where, during the three day driving course, the Australians drove a selection of the Porsche 911 range – Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 RS – on frozen lakes before sampling a Carrera Cup car, the GT3 Cup, in the unique conditions.
In addition to the ice driving, the Porsche racers went on a snow mobile adventure and, in a return to their competitive side, competed against each other in ice karting.
The programme was surreal for 2015 championship runner-up, Campbell, who had little experience away from Australian race tracks.
“The whole experience was surreal. Racing in Carrera Cup is amazing, but driving Porsche sports cars, and even a Carrera Cup car, on ice is quite unreal,” said Campbell.
“Growing up in Australia you don’t get to experience anything remotely close to driving on snow and ice, let alone experiencing such cold temperatures. It was great to be able to translate what I’ve learned about driving a Porsche on a race track into driving one on ice.
“It was an incredible trip and something I’d love to experience again.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge racer, Bates, was equally thrilled with his Finnish experience ahead of the 2016 season.
“It’s not often that you get to drive in those conditions, so to do it in top-of-the-range Porsche 911s was an amazing and unique opportunity,” said Bates.
“The whole experience was amazing, from driving in completely foreign conditions in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees, to seeing how the cars performed with such little traction. Add to that the snow mobile adventure and ice karting and it was a tremendous prize for our 2015 efforts.
“We now shift our focus to the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide to get the 2016 season underway.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion, Shane Smollen, and David Russell, who placed third in the Carrera Cup standings, were unable to make the trip to Finland.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will begin at the season opening Clipsal 500 on March 03-06, 2016.
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NewsFiore returns full-time with champion team
Dean Fiore will make a full-time return to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this season to partner series stalwart Marc Cini in the team run by Porsche Centre Melbourne.
The West Australian contested the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons of the all-Porsche championship and has since raced in the past two Carrera Cup Pro-Am events alongside Cini (2014) and Ash Samadi (2015).
The 2008 season runner-up will now return to Carrera Cup competition full-time with the support of apparel brand, Saint.
“I’m looking forward to the season ahead; to be able to race a Porsche full-time with Porsche Centre Melbourne this season with the support of Saint is a tremendous honour,” said Fiore.
“I’ve raced many different series and cars since 2008 and little compares to the Carrera Cup experience, both on and off the track. I can’t wait to represent both Porsche Centre Melbourne and Saint on the grid of the Clipsal 500.
“Having raced against Porsche Centre Melbourne in the past, I know that it’s an experienced and immensely competitive outfit, so I’m looking forward to taking advantage of this in 2016. Marc is also a great friend, so to race alongside him this season will certainly add to the experience. I have to thank Marc, Porsche Centre Melbourne and Saint for making this all possible.”
Fiore’s Carrera Cup record features two round wins, five race wins and six round podiums from 76 races across 27 rounds.
Porsche Centre Melbourne General Manager, Piero Pellegrini, is pleased with the introduction of Fiore to the team alongside Carrera Cup’s most experienced racer, Cini.
“It’s great to welcome Dean to the Porsche Centre Melbourne team. We greatly value our Carrera Cup programme and believe Dean is not only a talented racer, but a worthy ambassador for our business,” said Pellegrini.
“We have had tremendous success in the past, including three championship titles with Craig Baird in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and one with Jim Richards in the inaugural 2003 season, while Craig has been a fantastic ambassador for the dealership for the past five seasons. We hope Dean can replicate the team’s success in 2016 upon his return to Carrera Cup.
“The Porsche Centre Melbourne racing programme wouldn’t be the same without Marc Cini – a long-time customer and supporter of our Carrera Cup programme. We wish Marc, Dean and the entire team all the best for the year ahead.”
Fiore will have his first outing with the team at the official Porsche Carrera Cup Australia test at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 10 before the championship begins on the streets of Adelaide for the Clipsal 500 on March 03-06, 2016.
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NewsBaird takes on new Carrera Cup role in 2016
Driving standards in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will be in great hands this season – now under the control of five time series champion, Craig Baird.
Baird will swap his racing duties in the Porsche championship for a new role as Driving Standards Adviser and Driver Coach, starting from the season opening Clipsal 500.
Baird’s unprecedented level of success in Carrera Cup includes 21 round wins, 60 race wins and 43 round podiums along with five championship titles – 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Baird is eager to begin his new role as Driving Standards Adviser and Driver Coach – positions he has occupied in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series for the past four seasons.
“Continuing as part of the Carrera Cup championship is an exciting prospect and I’m looking forward to adding to the series from a different angle,” said Baird.
“The championship is home to some of the country’s best semi-professional racers, who I look forward to assisting to help them get the most out of their Carrera Cup experience. There are also many young talented racers who I’m sure I could help fast-track their learning in the championship.
“Having watched drivers develop and improve in the GT3 Cup Challenge series has been very rewarding and it will be great to see a similar trend in Carrera Cup this season.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is excited about Baird joining the Porsche administrative team.
“Having Craig as part of our team has a two pronged benefit – his ability to coach drivers in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car is unrivalled while the respect he has from his fellow drivers and extensive experience makes him the perfect candidate to serve as Driving Standards Adviser,” said Sakzewski.
“Craig has added great value to our GT3 Cup Challenge series; his educational approach has increased the quality of racing and therefore, reduced the need for judicial intervention. He provided much to Carrera Cup as a driver and he will be greatly beneficial to the championship in his new role.”
In addition to Baird ‘s new Carrera Cup appointment, the New Zealander will continue as Driving Standards Adviser and Driver Coach for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series.
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NewsV8 ace joins Carrera Cup for 2016
Touring car ace Ash Walsh will transition from V8 Supercar racing to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this season, with the 28-year-old impressed with his first taste of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car.
Walsh, who yesterday tested at Phillip Island, will contest the 2016 season in the championship winning #777 Porsche, which was last year raced by champion Nick Foster.
The former V8 driver enjoyed his first outing in the Porsche 911 race car and looks forward to racing in competitive one-make series.
“Driving the Carrera Cup car for the first time was an eye opener and very different to the V8 Supercar. It has less power than the V8, the balance is completely different with more weight towards the rear and the tyres have incredible grip. Much of the test was driving on old tyres getting used to driving the Porsche,” said Walsh, who is eager to once again enjoy going racing.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to that feeling of enjoying my motor racing again in 2016 and hopefully win some trophies along the way. From what I’ve seen of Carrera Cup last season, it’s certainly a very competitive championship with a lot of good young drivers. I know it’s going to take a lot of work to get up to speed but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Walsh added that he looks forward to joining the championship winning outfit, Team Sonic, having raced against the Melbourne based team earlier in his career.
“I’ve raced against Sonic for many years in Formula Ford so I know how competitive the team is and that its preparation is second-to-none. So when the opportunity presented itself to race with Sonic in Carrera Cup this year, I jumped at it.”
Walsh is the second driver to make the move from V8 Supercars to Carrera Cup over the off-season; David Wall was also confirmed to race in the Porsche series after four seasons in the V8 ‘main game’.
Walsh will next test the Porsche 911 race car at the championship’s official test day at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 10 before the season opening round at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 03-06, 2016.
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NewsPadayachee adopts fresh approach in 2016
Duvashen Padayachee hopes a change to Queensland outfit McElrea Racing will help his continued rise in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2016.
Padayachee, who enters his fourth season in the Porsche championship, had a series of strong performances throughout 2015, highlighted by qualifying third at last season’s Townsville round.
McElrea Racing has experienced vast success in the one-make series; the former Teams Champion placed second outright in the 2015 Drivers Standings with young star Matt Campbell and also claimed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title with Shane Smollen.
Padayachee hopes the change to McElrea Racing will help continue his rise up the order in the competitive Porsche championship.
“I have competed against McElrea Racing and its drivers for a while now and they have always been up the front. Andy McElrea runs a great program, especially for younger drivers, so it is great to be joining the team and benefitting from their experience with Porsche,” said Padayachee.
“Having a driver of Warren Luff’s calibre as a driver coach along with a strong engineering squad is a huge benefit, especially in a series as competitive as Carrera Cup where you’re racing against some of the best drivers in the country. It is also really beneficial to discuss feedback and data with someone who understands the car from a driver’s perspective.
“McElrea Racing has proven how strong its driver development program is in both Outright and Challenge classes and I am looking forward to developing my driving further with the team.”
Team Principal Andy McElrea is excited by his team’s new addition.
“We are really looking forward to running Duvashen for the 2016 Carrera Cup season. I’ve been watching him for a few years now and am rapt that we finally get to have him as part of our team,” said McElrea.
“With a good test program in place and our in-house resources, I expect he will be competitive from the first round at the Clipsal 500. For a few different reasons I don’t believe he has had a decent crack at this championship yet and we can’t wait to put the best car we can underneath him, sprinkle some of Luffy’s magic dust on him, and see how he goes.”
McElrea Racing will have at least four drivers in its 2016 Carrera Cup line-up. Campbell will return as one of the favourites to claim the 2016 Carrera Cup title, as does reigning Challenge champion Smollen, who will look to defend his class crown. Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge graduate James Abela will also move to Carrera Cup having raced with McElrea Racing in the Porsche feeder series.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will hold its official test day at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 10 before the season kicks off at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 03-06, 2016.
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NewsWall returns to Carrera Cup in 2016
V8 Supercar driver David Wall will make a return to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2016.
The Carrera Cup race winner competed in 26 rounds of Porsche one-make championship across the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons, taking the Rookie of the Year crown in his maiden attempt.
After four seasons racing full-time in V8 Supercars, Wall is now looking forward to his new role in the sports car series.
“It is no secret that I have a passion for racing sports cars, so for me the prospect of returning to Carrera Cup is an exciting one,” said Wall.
“I have already had an opportunity to test drive a current Porsche 991 GT3 Cup car. It was amazing to drive as you would expect. The whole Carrera Cup package, including Michelin tyres, is great from a driver’s point of view. It really feels like coming home.
“The category is incredibly strong at the moment – easily one of the strongest one-make categories in the world – so I know it is not going to be an easy task. I am really looking forward to the challenge it offers.”
David will also reunite with team Wall Racing that helped him win two Australian GT Championships in a Porsche, which he started with his father, Des Wall.
“The fact I will be returning to racing a Porsche with Wall Racing makes the move even sweeter, as does the fact that I will be able to run number 38 again. This is the number that both my father and I have traditionally run, including when we won our championships,” said Wall.
Wall’s first official outing in the Wall Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be at Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s pre-season test day at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 10, 2016.
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NewsAbela confirmed for Carrera Cup
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia graduate James Abela will contest the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season with McElrea Racing.
The 17-year-old placed sixth in the 2015 GT3 Cup Challenge standings and claimed the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy in his debut Porsche season before moving to the Type 991 Carrera Cup car previously raced by Tony Walls for 2016.
“The car was amazing to drive, a little strange at first, but once I got my head around it, and the team was more confident, my times got faster and faster as the day went on,” said Abela told Speedcafe.com after a recent test of his new machinery.
“[The test] was all about learning the new car and getting my head around the changes from my 2011 [911 GT3 Cup] car to the car I will campaign in 2016.
“I’m very fortunate to have such an amazing team like McElrea Racing behind me who understand what it takes to win races. They showed how they developed my teammate Matt Campbell from GT3 Cup Challenge race winner to a Porsche Carrera Cup championship contender and that is really promising.”
Abela will follow the path of many drivers who used GT3 Cup Challenge as a pathway to Carrera Cup, including Michael Almond, Matt Campbell, Stephen Grove, Matt Kingsley, Roger Lago, Richard Muscat, Fraser Ross and Scott Taylor.
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NewsFresh 2016 Carrera Cup calendar confirmed
In 2016, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will continue to attend Australia’s most popular motor racing events while the addition of new events, destinations and initiatives will give the sports car championship a fresh feel for the season ahead.
The one-make series will start the 2016 season with the popular Clipsal 500 and Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix events.
Carrera Cup will then headline the second ever Porsche Rennsport Australia, to be held at Sydney Motorsport Park on April 29-May 01, 2016. The inaugural Rennsport event hosted the championship’s first ever Pro-Am round in 2013 and, after two years of a Phillip Island Pro-Am, the two-driver format will return to the Sydney Porsche festival in 2016.
Carrera Cup will then travels north to Darwin for the first time since 2007 – its fifth visit to the Northern Territory circuit (2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007) – replacing the Townsville round.
The championship will return to Sydney Motorsport Park in August for round five, joined at the New South Wales venue by Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. This event will feature both separate and joint on-track racing between Carrera Cup Australia and its sister one-make series, allowing the region’s best professional and semi-professional Porsche racers to compete in the same race.
The final three events of the 2016 season – Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600 – will ensure Carrera Cup continues to be one of the most visible support categories in Australia; all featuring strong event attendance and television audiences.
Sydney Motorsport Park will host the championship’s official test day, to be held on February 10, 2016.
Porsche Cars Australia will also continue to help facilitate local Porsche drivers to compete in international Carrera Cups, with arrive and drive packages to again be offered to the series’ regular drivers.
“We’re happy to confirm and announce another strong calendar for the 2016 Carrera Cup Australia season. It features a great mix of Australia’s best motor racing events and a new destination to give 2016 a fresh look and feel,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“The inclusion of Darwin is a key change for 2016; it’s truly an amazing location and the entire region throws its support behind the Hidden Valley event. Meanwhile, our Rennsport return enables the championship to again headline the popular all-Porsche racing festival. We also welcome Porsche Carrera Cup Asia to our second Sydney round. This will be the first ever joint Carrera Cup round in Australia and will be a unique and incredible experience for both our local and visiting Porsche drivers and teams.
“It is also important to retain the Clipsal 500, Australian Grand Prix, Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds – all are tremendous events and hold a vital place in the Australian motor racing landscape.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s return to racing in 2016 will also mark the championship’s 10th visit to Adelaide’s Clipsal 500.
2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Race Schedule
Round 1: Clipsal 500 Adelaide, Adelaide, SA (March 03-06, 2016)
Round 2: Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne, Vic (March 17-20, 2016)
Round 3: Porsche Rennsport Australia, Sydney, NSW (April 29-May 01, 2016)
Round 4: Darwin Triple Crown, Darwin, NT (June 17-19, 2016)
Round 5: Sydney Motorsport Park, Sydney, NSW (August 26-28, 2016)
Round 6: Sandown 500, Melbourne, Vic (September 16-18, 2016)
Round 7: Bathurst 1000, Bathurst, NSW (October 06-09, 2016)
Round 8: Gold Coast 600, Gold Coast, QLD (October 21-23, 2016)
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NewsCarrera Cups unite for Sydney showdown
The region’s best Porsche one-make racers will converge on Sydney Motorsport Park next August when Australia hosts its first ever joint Porsche Carrera Cup event.
In a feast for Porsche one-make enthusiasts, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will be joined by Porsche Carrera Cup Asia at V8 Supercars’ Sydney Motorsport Park SuperSprint event on August 26-28, 2016.
The historic occasion will be the first time the two championships race at the same event and also Carrera Cup Asia’s maiden round ‘Down Under’.
Both Carrera Cups will run the majority of the event separately, both rewarding points for the respective championships with individual races. However, the event will also feature a component that will pin the best of Carrera Cup Australia against Carrera Cup Asia’s stars, with race formats to be announced in the coming months.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is excited to welcome Porsche Carrera Cup Asia to the popular Sydney event.
“Combining the two championships has been a long time coming; the Carrera Cup formula is extremely strong in the Asia-Pacific region and it was only a matter of time before we joined forces for a combined Carrera Cup event,” said Sakzewski.
“As a global formula using identical 911 GT3 Cup race cars, joining Carrera Cup championships is something successfully achieved by other Porsche regions, predominantly in Europe. To bring this to Australia is an exciting prospect”
“I have no doubt the Carrera Cup Asia drivers and teams will enjoy the Australian motor racing culture and the unique atmosphere experienced at V8 Supercars events. We are committed to holding separate races to maintain each series’ integrity as part of the greater championship chase; however we also look forward to introducing a combined racing element which will certainly add to the spectacle.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will be just the second international Porsche one-make series to race in Australia; the first being Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in its 1999 appearance at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Sydney’s combined Porsche Carrera Cup round will be the Australian championship’s second visit to Sydney Motorsport Park for the 2016 season following its headline role at the second ever Porsche Rennsport Australia event on April 29 to May 01.
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NewsSmollen crowned, Bates takes round hat trick
With championship finishes of fourth, third and second in the last three seasons, Shane Smollen finally climbed to the top step of the podium by winning the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
The Sydney driver clinched his maiden Porsche title with a third place round result in the eighth and final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season to beat home defending champion Stephen Grove and a fast-finishing Tony Bates to the prestigious ‘race within a race’ title.
Smollen took the championship by just 66 points – little more than one race victory – over Grove after a year-long arm wrestle between the semi-professional pair.
Bates won the Gold Coast round, his third in a row this season, but it was the ever-consistent Smollen who did exactly what he needed to do to win the title.
After finishing fourth overall in 2012, third in 2013 and second last year, a title victory was the only result possible in the eyes of Smollen this season.
“By finishing fourth, third and second in the last three years – there was really only one way to go,” said Smollen.
“We really needed this win and we worked hard for it. We didn’t have a DNF all year and the team gave me a faultless car every single time.
“I had that piece of mind knowing that everything was going to be right and it was all up to me. We had great pace and some really strong consistency. I’m really happy.”
Bates’ third TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round win in succession ensured he locked away third place in the standings, heading into the off season full of confidence after a fast yet unlucky season.
The Victorian driver won six of the last eight races and backed up his round one victory at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide with wins at Sandown, Bathurst and the Gold Coast.
“I made that statement (about winning the final three rounds) going into Sandown!” Bates grinned.
“We’ve changed a few things with our driving and I wish it was the start of the season three rounds ago. We’ve bookended the season again by winning at Clipsal and then at the Gold Coast.
“We won the most rounds and races – but you can’t have ‘letters’ – DNFs or DNSs probably, ultimately really hurt us.”
A podium finish for James Bergmuller ensued he was another driver who ended the year stronger than he started it.
The Melbourne racer started the year carrying some off-season injuries but bounced back in the second half of the year with a series of strong results.
“I’m very happy about that. It gives you confidence for next year,” he explained.
“The boys have worked hard all year and I went and did stupid things like getting hurt! It makes it hard, but this is great and we’re very, very happy.
“I didn’t make any mistakes this weekend: Practice was great and gave us plenty of confidence.
“Qualifying wasn’t brilliant but we kept our tyres and didn’t do anything silly. We had no damage and I just kept on banking points and did what we needed to do.”
Defending TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge winner Stephen Grove finished second in his title defence, a consistent season having him in the top three 17 times from the 22 races contested this year.
With Bates third, Ash Samadi finished fourth overall and Bergmuller fifth. Marc Cini, Adrian Mastronado and Scott Taylor completed the order of the eight drivers who contested every round of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge this year.
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NewsChampions crowned in epic Gold Coast finale
Nick Foster and Shane Smollen have departed the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season finale as the newly crowned 2015 champions, while Matt Campbell and Tony Bates claimed round honours in Surfers Paradise.
Foster entered the final round on top of the standings, and three third place race finishes in Gold Coast, behind round winner Campbell and David Russell in each, was enough to become the 2015 title winner – the championship’s third outright champion in as many seasons.
Foster’s 2015 journey began with a horror start to the championship after failing to score a single point in the opening four races of the season. Foster’s campaign turned around at Phillip Island, in which time the 23-year-old claimed eight race wins and finished in the top three in 14 of the remaining 15 races of the season.
Foster took the points lead at Sandown, maintained the same gap at Bathurst and completed the fairy tale ending to the championship chase in the Gold Coast, transforming a 298 point deficit after round two into a 64 point lead over second placed David Russell at the end of the season.
“I’m absolutely speechless. I have to thank everybody – Mick, Maria, Rod, Mike, the teams and my family,” said Foster after securing the title.
“This means so much to me, I can’t describe it. It is incredible. This is by far the highlight of my career; it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.
“Who would have thought that we’d come back from nearly 300 points behind to secure the championship with a race to go. As I said at the start of the year, this team is incredible, the car was incredible and has continued to be all year. I let them down in the first couple of races of the year and it’s nice to reward them for all the effort that they put in and get the job done.”
Foster wasn’t the only driver to be crowned on Sunday; Smollen claimed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title after a strong, consistent season in the semi-professional class.
“I’m delighted. It was an important goal to win the Challenge championship. I’ve had a fast, but much more consistent year, than the last. I haven’t had a DNF all season and Stephen Grove won it last year with the same qualities,” said Smollen.
“Over the past few seasons we’ve finished fourth, third and second in the Challenge standings so it would have been frustrating to not have gone that extra step. We really thought it could be our year this year but also knew we couldn’t have a single DNF. To wrap it up with one race to go is just fantastic.”
Campbell was the outright round victor with a Gold Coast clean sweep; the 20-year-old taking his second straight round win, fourth straight race win and eighth straight top two race result.
“To get that round win, and especially with a clean sweep, is a great way to end the season. It was great getting the round win after not racing at the Gold Coast before. I can’t thank McElrea Racing enough for everything they’ve done for me and hopefully we can come back and do it all again next year,” said Campbell.
Russell placed second in each of the Gold Coast races, promoting him to second in the 2015 standings, while Campbell’s impressive run home in 2015 – four straight race wins – pushed the 20-year-old Queenslander to third in the outright standings.
Bates was the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round winner, placing second in Saturday’s opening race before claiming victory in both Sunday races.
“I won the last three rounds and I won more races and rounds for the year than anyone else, but also had a few DNFs which certainly didn’t help the championship. After our Sydney Motorsport Park incident my aim was to win the last three rounds, which I did,” said Bates.
Bates was joined on the round podium by second placed James Bergmuller and new class champion Smollen.
With the 2015 season now finalised, the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will get underway in five months at the Clipsal 500, Adelaide.
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NewsVIDEO: Nick Foster: 2015 Carrera Cup Champion
Nick Foster has secured the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title after finishing third in race two at Gold Coast.
Foster, now untouchable in the standings, was lost for words after achieving the incredible feat.
“I’m absolutely speechless. I have to thank everybody – Mick, Maria, Rod, Mike, my family,” said an emotional Foster.
“I’m stoked. That last race wasn’t easy. I could feel every vibration, every marble and kerb that I hit, I saw every wall; it was the worst race I’ve ever had!
“This means so much to me, I can’t describe it. It is incredible. This is by far the highlight of my career; it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.
After scoring no points from the open four races of the season, Foster turned a 298 point deficit into a 70 point lead drivers standing with one race to go.
“Who would have thought that we’d come back from nearly 300 points behind to secure the championship with a race to go. It’s pretty incredible. As I said at the start of the year, this team is incredible, the car is incredible and has continued to be all year. I let them down in the first couple of races of the year and it’s nice to reward them for all the effort that they put in and get the job done.”
Race two was won by Matt Campbell from David Russell, Foster and Craig Baird.
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NewsCampbell, Smollen take opening Gold Coast win
Young sports car sensation Matt Campbell continues his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia crusade with a stunning victory in the opening race on the streets of Surfers Paradise, while Shane Smollen moved one step closer to the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title with class victory.
Starting third on the grid, Campbell quickly moved into second, passing series points leader Nick Foster off the start line. The 20-year-old then claimed the lead on lap two from pole-sitter David Russell before extending his margin at the front, ultimately crossing the chequered flag 2.6secs ahead of Russell and Foster.
The impressive result was Campbell’s second straight race win after taking victory in the final Bathurst race, and his eighth top two result in nine races.
“I was able to get a good start and pass Foster by turn one and, fortunately for me, Russell made a small mistake and I was able to squeeze by. I then pulled a gap and held that until the finish,” said Campbell.
“I know I have good pace and I didn’t get the result I was looking for in qualifying; I made a bit of a mistake, but it’s great to get that race win and hopefully continue this pace into tomorrow.”
Russell placed second with Foster placing third, extending his points lead to 47.5 points – a margin helped by the 35 second post-race penalty handed to Steven Richards for kerb hopping, relegating the reigning champion to 12th in the results.
While Foster extended his points lead, the title hopeful still wanted more from his opening race.
“I had a pretty average start, which wasn’t ideal; I was hoping to get away cleanly and race a little bit at the front because, to be honest, we’ve got a car that’s very much capable of winning,” said Foster.
“I was pretty reserved in that race and my pace was still relatively quick. It was another nice, placid run and the front three guys ran away with that race. I did what I needed to do. We have two more races tomorrow which will hopefully be similar to today.”
Michael Almond placed fourth in a brilliant season high result from Craig Baird, Richard Muscat, Duvashen Padayachee, Shae Davies and Nick McBride in ninth.
Tenth place went to Smollen, who claimed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race victory and took one step closer to the class title.
Tony Bates placed second in class from James Bergmuller, Marc Cini, Scott Taylor and Ash Samadi, while Grove, who sits second in the Challenge standings, spun in the closing laps and placed seventh in class.
Smollen therefore enters the last day of the Carrera Cup championship with a 78 point lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings.
“It’s a good result in a really mixed race. I don’t know what happened to Tony but he seemed to slow down momentarily, which allowed me to pass. My objective was to run a safe race but the window opened twice so I was happy to take the win. I was very lucky to avoid contact with Stephen and very unfortunate for him to have that lose at the first chicane,” said Smollen.
“That result certainly builds my buffer and places a lot more emphasis on race two compared to race three. I still need to finish races; I can’t afford to lose 120 points, for example, over the next two races. I’ve just got to take it corner by corner, race by race.”
Just two races remain in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, the first of which will be held at 8:45am on Sunday followed by the final race of the season at 11:10am.
Race Schedule
Sunday October 25, 2015
8:45am – Race 2 (16 laps)
11:10am – Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 2 – 8:45am, Sunday October 25
Race 3 – 11:10am, Sunday October 25
Channel 10
Race 3 – 11:15am, Sunday October 25
Race 1 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional Class) Phase 8 – 15 laps, 18:28.8
2. #10 David Russell (Professional Class) Finance Ezi – 15 laps, 18:31.4
3. #777 Nick Foster (Professional Class) Bob Jane T-Marts – 15 laps, 18:33.0
4. #26 Michael Almond (Professional Class) Copyworld – 15 laps, 18:41.6
5. #8 Craig Baird (Professional Class) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 15 laps, 18:42.2
6. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional Class) Wilson Security/PAYCE – 15 laps, 18:44.3
7. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional Class) Darrell Lea STIX – 15 laps, 18:44.6
8. #88 Shae Davies (Professional Class) Davbridge Constructions – 15 laps, 18:52.6
9. #77 Nick McBride (Professional Class) Bob Jane T-Marts – 15 laps, 18:55.4
10. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 15 laps, 19:05.7
11. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard – 15 laps, 19:11.1
12. #1 Steven Richards (Professional Class) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 15 laps, 19:14.7
13. #13 James Bergmuller (Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 15 laps, 19:16.0
14. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 15 laps, 19:16.7
15. #65 Fraser Ross (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Porsche Centre Brighton – 15 laps, 19:27.5
16. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 15 laps, 19:29.6
17. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 15 laps, 19:52.4
18. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 14 laps, 18:34.9
19. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas – 14 laps, 18:48.5
20. #25 John Martin (Professional Class) Copyworld – 13 laps, 19:23.8
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NewsRussell and Grove top Gold Coast qualifying
David Russell and Stephen Grove have secured the TAG Heuer Pole Position for the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season finale in Gold Coast in a session that drastically favoured championship leader, Nick Foster.
Russell claimed the top time late in the session, 0.4secs ahead of second placed Foster – a result crucial to the Queensland driver’s title hopes after his nearest points rival Steven Richards qualified a lowly 10th.
“It was our goal to qualify on the front row. I felt like I probably had enough pace to get pole position, and if it wasn’t for the mechanical issue late in the session we might have given it a good crack,” said Foster, who spent the closing laps of the qualifying session parked in the run off area at the turn four hairpin.
“Regardless, we did enough on our first set of tyres to be on the front row so, at the end of the day, it’s good enough. Racing is a different story; Dave Russell and Matt Campbell will be fast; everyone is very close at the moment so we’ll give it our best in race one tomorrow.”
Matt Campbell continued his strong 2015 qualifying form with the third best time, ahead of a surprise second row starter Michael Almond in fourth; his best qualifying result since he started in the one-make championship.
Richard Muscat will start fifth from Craig Baird, Nick McBride, Shae Davies, Fraser Ross and title contender Richards in 10th, who struggled to execute a clear lap in the session’s heavy traffic.
Stephen Grove claimed his maiden pole position for the season in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class, and the Victorian was over the moon with the result given he is within striking distance in the standings of class leader Shane Smollen, who qualified second in class from Tony Bates, James Bergmuller, Marc Cini, Adrian Mastronardo, Scott Taylor and Ash Samadi.
“It’s really good to get a pole position. It’s been really hard this year with Shane Smollen and Tony Bates and the rest of the Challenge drivers being so competitive. You’ve really got to work hard to get a pole position so when you get one, you really cherish it,” said Grove.
“I’ve come to the Gold Coast with a simple philosophy: I’ve just got to be up the front. All I can do for the title is win, or stay ahead of Shane.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its first race for the weekend on Saturday, with the final two races of the season to be held on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 24, 2015
1:15pm – Race 1 (16 laps)
Sunday October 25, 2015
8:45am – Race 2 (16 laps)
11:10am – Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 1 – 1:15pm, Saturday October 24
Race 2 – 8:45am, Sunday October 25
Race 3 – 11:10am, Sunday October 25
Channel 10
Race 1 – 1:15pm, Saturday October 24
Race 3 – 11:15am, Sunday October 25
Qualifying Results
1. #10 David Russell (Finance Ezi) 1:12.6448*
2. #777 Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) 1:12.6878 (-0:00.0430)
3. #7 Matt Campbell (Phase 8) 1:12.7463 (-0:00.1015)
4. #26 Michael Almond (Copyworld) 1:13.1462 (-0:00.5014)
5. #22 Richard Muscat (Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel) 1:13.1600 (-0:00.5152)
6. #8 Craig Baird (Windsor Smith) 1:13.1692 (-0:00.5244)
7. #77 Nick McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) 1:13.2542 (-0:00.6094)
8. #88 Shae Davies (Davbridge Constructions) 1:13.3725 (-0:00.7277)
9. #65 Fraser Ross (Make-A-Wish Foundation) 1:13.4371 (-0:00.7923)
10. #1 Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 1:13.6094 (-0:00.9646)
11. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea STIX) 1:13.7271 (-0:01.0823)
12. #25 John Martin (Copyworld) 1:13.8683 (-0:01.2235)
13. #4 Stephen Grove (Grove Group) 1:14.2633 (-0:01.6185)
14. #56 Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) 1:14.3774 (-0:01.7326)
15. #24 Tony Bates (AFS/Fleetguard) 1:14.3880 (-0:01.7432)
16. #13 James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) 1:14.7986 (-0:02.1538)
17. #9 Marc Cini (Hallmarc) 1:15.3309 (-0:02.6861)
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas) 1:15.8002 (-0:03.1554)
19. #222 Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 1:16.1768 (-0:03.5320)
20. #6 Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) 1:16.4419 (-0:03.7971)
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NewsRoss unveils Make-A-Wish livery
Several Queensland Make-A-Wish kids have lent Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Fraser Ross a hand in designing a very unique car livery in the lead up to his race at the Castrol Gold Coast 600.
Fraser, a passionate ambassador for the children’s charity, invited a group of wish children to help come up with the new design, with each colouring in a special picture representing their recently-granted wish.
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses, giving them hope for the future, strength to face the challenges of their illness, and joy from their incredible wish experience. Each wish is as unique as the child who has chosen it, and the bright, colourful designs gracing Fraser’s Porsche 911 race car are certainly testament to this.
Wishes featured on the car include Sophie’s wish for a dachshund puppy, Maia’s wish for a circus party, Tasman’s wish to go to the snow, Ari’s wish to go on a plane, boat and a train, Isabella’s wish to meet the Australian Diamonds netball team, Lucy’s wish to go on Puffing Billy, Beau’s wish to see dolphins, and Nika’s wish to go to Hamilton Island and play mini golf.
Fraser Ross is looking forward to unveiling the new look Porsche at the Surfer’s Paradise track this weekend.
“Over the last month, these amazing eight kids have taken great care in colouring in their wish pictures. They’ve done such an incredible job, the car looks fantastic,” he said.
“I’m really proud to be an ambassador for Make-A-Wish, and I’m looking forward to showing off the kids’ designs this weekend when I hit the track.”
“I’m also hoping to bring some more awareness of the incredible work Make-A-Wish do for very sick kids and teenagers. As an organisation funded solely on donations, they rely on the support of the community to help make wishes like these come true.”
For more information, or to make a donation to Make-A-Wish, please visit www.makeawish.org.au or phone 1800 032 260.
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NewsGold Coast to decide Carrera Cup titles
Seven rounds down, one to go: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia enters its Gold Coast season finale this weekend with one of its closest points battles to date – in both the outright standings and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
In the championship’s 90th round and 11th visit to the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, just 84 points separate the top four drivers with three races (and a potential 180 points) remaining for the season. In 2013, the closest previous four-way battle saw 93.5 points separate the top quartet.
Nick Foster takes an 18.5 point lead into the Gold Coast round. Therefore, if his closest rival and reigning champion Steven Richards clean swept the beachside round, second place in each race would secure Foster the title; his first in the one-make championship.
David Russell and Craig Baird also remain in the title hunt – 82 and 84 points from the title lead, respectively – while both aim to secure their place in the top three at season’s end.
Foster has been the form driver in the latter half of the 2015 season and the 23-year-old Gold Coast local hopes to continue this pace on the streets of his home town.
“Gold Coast is an exciting track for me and it’s also my home event, but Richards, Baird and even Matt Campbell will want to get more wins on the board. These drivers have all been strong at the back half of the year. It’s not going to be easy, but I have current form and runs on the board so hopefully I can be at the front by the end of the season,” said Foster.
With no championship to fight for, young form racer Campbell sits fifth in the standings and will look to take his second straight round win following his maiden Carrera Cup round victory at Mount Panorama.
“I’ll definitely be pushing at the Gold Coast. I’m not fighting for a championship so I have nothing to lose. It’s quite a hairy track and I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” said Campbell.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge could also be set for a first-time champion. Shane Smollen currently leads the class standings by 47 points from reigning class titleholder Stephen Grove.
Smollen has been the driver to beat in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge this season, taking six class race wins and 14 top three results in the class en route to a potential maiden class title.
Smollen hopes for a consistent weekend so that, by the end of race three, his 100th in Carrera Cup Australia, he will take home the class championship in his fifth attempt.
“The Gold Coast circuit is unforgiving but I’ve enjoyed racing there in the past. I’ve had my share of unfortunate moments but I’ve also been reasonably quick there. It’s just about keeping it on the track and maintaining this lead. I have a handy lead, but it’s certainly not an unassailable lead so it’s going to make for a very interesting event,” said Smollen.
Grove will unlikely be challenged for second place, with Tony Bates an almost unassailable, but mathematically possible, 178.5 points adrift of the reigning TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion in third.
Two of the championship’s most experienced campaigners, Ash Samadi and Marc Cini, hold fourth and fifth place in TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, respectively, from Adrian Mastronardo and James Bergmuller in sixth and seventh place in class.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its two practice sessions and qualifying on Friday, its opening race on Saturday and the two final races of the season on Sunday.
All session of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia finale will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 5, while race one and race three will be televised free-to-air on Channel 10.
Race Schedule
Friday October 23, 2015
10:50am – Practice 1 (20 minutes)
2:30pm – Practice 2 (20 minutes)
5:10pm – Qualifying (20 minutes)
Saturday October 24, 2015
1:15pm – Race 1 (16 laps)
Sunday October 25, 2015
8:45am – Race 2 (16 laps)
11:10am – Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Practice 1 – 10:50am, Friday October 23
Practice 2 – 2:30pm, Friday October 23
Qualifying – 5:10pm, Friday October 23
Race 1 – 1:15pm, Saturday October 24
Race 2 – 8:45am, Sunday October 25
Race 3 – 11:10am, Sunday October 25
Channel 10
Race 1 – TBC*, Saturday October 24
Race 3 – TBC*, Sunday October 25
Times to be confirmed in pre-event TV Alert
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NewsBates conquers Challenge at the Mountain
Just 47 points split TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title contenders Shane Smollen and Stephen Grove following the penultimate round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship at Mount Panorama.
Meanwhile, Tony Bates put years of frustration behind him to win round seven of the championship in style – his first such success on The Mountain and his second straight class victory in the ultra-competitive title race.
Bates and Smollen tied for the round seven honours with one race win each – race two was red flagged on the opening lap following a massive downpour – however Bates won the round by virtue of grabbing the class victory in the final race.
The Melbourne based driver was thrilled to grab a Bathurst victory after years of bad luck at the famous Mountain venue.
“It’s been a long time coming, I’ve certainly had my fair share of incidents at Bathurst over the years,” Bates said.
“I remember James Koundouris, Max Twigg and I had a close finish and I lost it on a countback – James and I crossed the line side by side and he just eased me out. It’s worked in my favour today and it’s always nice to come out of here with a straight car.
“Winning is an absolute buzz. It’s a highlight. We never had a lot of luck here. I was very determined to keep the car straight and finish. My improvement over the last couple of rounds with a new focus and a few new things we’re trying is working well.
“We had a great weekend at the Gold Coast last year. Our plan was to try and win the last three rounds – and we’re two down now!”
Bates was penalised 10 championship points for brief contact with Smollen during his overtake in the final race, however retains the round victory.
Points’ leader Shane Smollen was pleased to rebound with a solid points haul following a hefty crash in qualifying that left him behind the eight ball.
“We showed great potential early but that incident earlier in the weekend shortened our stride – it kept us on pole but it also left us with one set of tyres. Yesterday (red flag) played into our hands a little bit. It was just a small mistake and Tony, to his credit, took advantage.
“There was nothing between the three top Challenge guys and it was a really fun race.”
Smollen said he has the championship big picture in mind ahead of the climactic finale set for the Gold Coast in two weeks.
“The team has been in my ear,” Smollen explained. “It’s a track you want to push on but you really just have to inch on: We go into the Gold Coast with a handy lead but it’s a long way from being unassailable – so we’ll have to work hard and stay focussed.”
Defending TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class champion Grove finished third overall at Mount Panorama and will need to find 47 points over Smollen at the Gold Coast should he wish to grab back-to-back titles.
“Good to get on the podium! There was an incident in the last race coming around turn two and I had to run wide – then (Tony) Walls came through. I had to pass him and then push to get to Smollen – I wasn’t too concerned about Bates but I had to get to Smollen for the championship and I pushed and pushed as best I could and did some good times.
“Let’s go to Gold Coast, have a big go and see what happens.”
On his return to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship for the first time since the Gold Coast round in 2014, Tony Walls finished fourth overall with a pair of fourth-placed finishes this weekend.
The consistent Ash Samadi finished fifth, Marc Cini sixth and Adrian Mastronado seventh.
On his Porsche Carrera Cup debut Brenton Griguol finished 8th in race one however failed to finish the second race.
The final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held on the streets of Surfers Paradise on October 23-25.
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NewsCampbell takes dream Bathurst win
Matt Campbell’s motor racing dream came true at Bathurst this morning when the 20-year-old Queenslander claimed his first outright round victory in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, while Tony Bates secured his second straight TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge event win.
Campbell had strong pace across the weekend, taking pole position before finishing a close second to David Russell in race one, losing the lead due to a mid-race driving error. He made no such mistake in race three though; moving into the race three lead on lap three before consecutive lap records increased his gap to the competition.
Following Russell’s race one win, Campbell’s race three victory placed the two drivers level on round points, though Campbell’s higher place in the final race handed him his maiden round win.
“It’s great to get my first round win, especially at Bathurst. I was pretty disappointed after making the mistake in the first race, which cost me the race lead. This is definitely a dream come true; I couldn’t have asked for a better place to win my first round,” said Campbell.
Russell finished second from the championship’s leading duo – Steven Richards, Nick Foster – and Craig Baird in fifth.
Bates was the race winner in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, which also handed him the class round win.
Bates and Shane Smollen battled throughout the 10 lap race, with Bates taking the class lead from Smollen on lap six – a move which cost Bates 10 championship points. Bates went on to win the final race from Smollen and Stephen Grove, which is the same order the trio finished for the round.
Returning Porsche racer Tony Walls placed fourth in class for the race, followed by the exciting battlepack of Scott Taylor, Ash Samadi, James Bergmuller and Marc Cini in the challenge for fifth in class. Adrian Mastonrardo placed ninth in class, with newcomer Brenton Griguol failing to finish the final Porsche race of the weekend.
Two weeks now remain in the 2015 Carrera Cup season. Foster retains an 18.5 point lead in the standings from Richards. Russell has now moved into third in the standings, 82 points from Foster, with Baird two points further behind in fourth.
Smollen has strengthened his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge lead at Bathurst. The Sydneysider now leads Grove by 47 points with Bates a further 187.5 points further adrift in third.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has one round remaining for the season, to be held at Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, on October 23-25, 2015.
Race 3 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions 10 laps, 21:24.9855s
2. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi 10 laps, 21:26.5130s
3. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical 10 laps, 21:27.6265s
4. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts 10 laps, 21:28.0440s
5. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Winsor Smith 10 laps, 21:28.3889s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts 10 laps, 21:34.2716s
7. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security/PAYCE 10 laps, 21:40.0039s
8. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld/OPS Gateway 10 laps, 21:42.0148s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX 10 laps, 21:46.7133s
10. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton 10 laps, 21:59.4059s
11. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld/Toshiba 10 laps, 21:59.5540s
12. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard 10 laps, 22:18.2108s
13. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents 10 laps, 22:18.7582s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group 10 laps, 22:19.2317s
15. #5 Tony Walls (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Objective Racing 10 laps, 22:22.2311s
16. #222 Scott Taylor (Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport 10 laps, 22:35.7230s
17. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel 10 laps, 22:36.0676s
18. #13 James Bergmuller (Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care 10 laps, 22:36.3214s
19. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc 10 laps, 22:37.5888s
20. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform 10 laps, 22:40.7679s
DNF #69 Brenton Griguol (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Koala Car Rentals
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NewsRain robs gutsy Baird at Bathurst
Rain has played havoc in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s race two at Mount Panorama, with a sudden heavy downpour forcing officials to abandon the race.
Storm clouds loomed as the Porsche field began the warm up lap, though all teams elected to remain on Michelin slick tyres on the then-dry Bathurst surface.
The race started under safety car conditions for safety reasons as light rain began to fall prompting several drivers changing to Michelin wet tyres, including Craig Baird, the sole front-runner to do so.
As conditions worsened several runner still on slicks spun behind the safety car.
The conditions were then deemed too dangerous to continue; the race was abandoned and no points were allocated for Saturday.
The result was frustrating for Baird, who was well placed after his early decision to change to wet tyres.
“It was too wet for me to carry on so I decided to come in and change to wets, which was obviously the right call,” said Baird.
“I think I’ve done 21 Bathurst races and it’s pretty simple; when it’s that wet on top of the mountain, you may as well pull in and do your tyre stop early. It’s disappointing the race was declared as we were in a great position with the early call, but it is what it is.”
Another driver to make the early change to wet tyres was debutant Brenton Griguol; the newcomer facing some unique challenges in his first ever Carrera Cup event.
“On the warm up lap I was coming down Conrod Straight on hard lock, the car was heading toward the wall and I said ‘Oh, dear!’… or something similar,” said Griguol, who managed to avoid carnage in the tough conditions.
“It was just so, so wet. At the end of the day, the best call was made for the safety of all competitors, whether you’re a Professional or a Challenge driver.”
The Bathurst round for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will be reduced to two races; with the final race for the weekend scheduled for 9:25am on Sunday morning, the final on-track event before V8 Supercars’ Bathurst 1000.
Race Schedule
Sunday October 11, 2015
9:25am Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015
Channel 10
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015
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NewsRussell, Smollen win Bathurst opener
David Russell has scored his first win of the 2015 season in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race at Bathurst, while Shane Smollen continued his strong form at ‘The Mountain’ to expand his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points lead.
Youngster Matt Campbell was the star driver early in the day, taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award with a time of 2:06.2099, 2.43secs quicker than the previous qualifying lap record.
Campbell then led from the start of race one and pulled a small gap on the field before a mid-race safety car. Campbell’s race bid for victory then came unstuck when he ran wide on the exit of turn one at the restart, which allowed Russell to lead the race into turn two.
While Campbell challenged for the lead in the remaining laps, he was unable to regain the top spot, handing Russell his first race win of the 2015 season.
“It’s taken long enough to get my first race win of the season,” said a relieved Russell, who last won a Carrera Cup race at the 2014 Gold Coast season finale.
“I was impressed by Matt’s pace. He had a great start but made it easier for me on the restart when he ran wide. It’s great to get a win here at Bathurst and also for the championship chase, which is still pretty tight.”
Campbell finished in second from Nick Foster, Steven Richards, Craig Baird, Nick McBride, Michael Almond, Richard Muscat, Duvashen Padayachee and Fraser Ross in 10th.
Campbell was pleased with his pace, though lamented a missed opportunity in what could have been his third race win of the season.
“I was happy with my pace; I set the fastest lap again, which was good,” said Campbell.
“I was able to create a good margin from the field early on before the safety car. I was pushing after the restart and made a small mistake, which allowed Russell to get by. Hopefully I can go one better tomorrow.”
Smollen had a bitter sweet Friday at Bathurst. The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points leader crashed in qualifying, however his third lap of the session was quick enough to secure 12th outright and pole position in class.
Smollen then went on to take the class win in race one from Tony Bates, Stephen Grove, series returnee Tony Walls, Ash Samadi, Marc Cini, Adrian Mastronardo and newcomer Brenton Griguol.
“The day didn’t start as planned; it was great to rescue pole after the qualifying incident; I had great speed this morning but pushed a little too hard,” said Smollen.
“Regardless, that enabled us to start from pole position in class. I just try to drive a measured race and maintain a gap right to the end. I am happy to bank the win and the points.”
Scott Taylor and James Bergmuller failed to finish the race; both caught up in an incident at The Chase, which brought out the mid-race safety car.
Third place allowed Foster to extend his championship lead to 24.5 points from Richards, with Baird 53.5 points further behind with five races remaining for the season.
Smollen also strengthened his lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, now 29 points ahead of his nearest rival, Stephen Grove.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second race of the Bathurst event on Saturday at 4:25pm, with the final race of the penultimate to be held on Sunday morning before the 1000km V8 Supercars event.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 10, 2015
4:25pm Race 2 (10 laps)
Sunday October 11, 2015
9:25am Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 2 – 4:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015
Channel 10
Race 2 – 4:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015
Race 1 Results
1. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi – 9 laps, 24:02.8832s
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions – 9 laps, 24:03.1073s
3. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 24:03.8691s
4. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 9 laps, 24:04.2468s
5. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Windsor Smith – 9 laps, 24:05.2909s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 24:06.7479s
7. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld/Toshiba – 9 laps, 24:08.8925s
8. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel – 9 laps, 24:09.2040s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX – 9 laps, 24:09.5718s
10. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton – 9 laps, 24:15.8307s
11. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld/OPS Gateway – 9 laps, 24:16.2435s
12. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 9 laps, 24:18.5622s
13. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard – 9 laps, 24:18.7213s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 9 laps, 24:22.1928s
15. #5 Tony Walls (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Objective Racing – 9 laps, 24:25.3691s
16. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 9 laps, 24:27.2626s
17. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps, 24:28.1979s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform – 9 laps, 24:36.2863s
19. #69 Brenton Griguol (Carrera Challenge) Koala Car Rentals – 9 laps, 25:12.7861s
DNF 222 Scott Taylor (Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 6 laps, 20:35.3066s
DNF 13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 2 laps, 4:36.0129s
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NewsVIDEO: Campbell, Smollen take Bathurst pole
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NewsCampbell, Smollen top Bathurst practice
Twenty-year-old sports car ace Matt Campbell has set unprecedented pace at Mount Panorama in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia practice, while Shane Smollen topped the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge time sheets in both sessions.
Campbell has been one of the standout performers of the last few rounds, taking his maiden Carrera Cup win at Sydney Motorsport Park in August.
The Queenslander, who competed at the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier in the year, posted the fastest time ever around the 6.213km circuit in a Carrera Cup car (2:08.5722) and is confident of reduced lap times for Friday morning’s qualifying session.
“To be fastest in both practice sessions is a great start to the weekend, but tomorrow is where it really starts to count,” said Campbell.
“After the first session we knew today’s lap times were going to be fast. We made a small adjustment between sessions and went even quicker in the second session. We should reduce our lap time further with new tyres tomorrow morning in qualifying.”
Craig Baird was the second fastest driver of the day from David Russell, championship leader Nick Foster, reigning champion Steven Richards and Duvashen Padayachee in sixth.
In a great day for McElrea Racing, Campbell’s teammate, Smollen, was the fastest TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver from Tony Bates, James Bergmuller, Marc Cini, Ash Samadi and Scott Taylor, who was sixth quickest in class.
“I’m not overdriving the car to get those times,” said Smollen. “I’m feeling confident with the car and it’s well set up; it was a good day of practice and we’ve got to continue this form into tomorrow. Clearly the main priority this weekend is accruing points for the championship, and this track can certainly bite, so I’m looking for consistency rather than wringing the last few tenths out of the car.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will continue its 11th visit to Bathurst on Friday, with qualifying to be held at 7:55am. The championship is yet to have a repeat pole-sitter this season, with experienced racers Richards and Baird still yet to top a qualifying session in 2015.
The championship’s opening race will be held on Friday at 2:15pm with the final two races of the weekend to be held across Saturday and Sunday – all of which will be televised on both Fox Sports 5 and Channel 10.
Race Schedule
Friday October 9, 2015
7:55am Qualifying (25 minutes)
2:15pm Race 1 (10 laps)
Saturday October 10, 2015
3:25pm Race 2 (10 laps)
Sunday October 11, 2015
9:25am Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Qualifying – 7:55am, Friday October 9, 2015
Race 1 – 2:15pm, Friday October 9, 2015
Race 2 – 3:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015
Channel 10
Race 1 – 2:15pm, Friday October 9, 2015
Race 2 – 3:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am*, Sunday October 11, 2015
Combined Practice times
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions – 2:08.5722R
2. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Windsor Smith – 2:08.6545s
3. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi – 2:09.1337s
4. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 2:09.1959s
5. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 2:09.9104s
6. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX – 2:09.9590s
7. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security / PAYCE / Genis Steel – 2:10.0917s
8. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 2:10.1426s
9. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld/Toshiba – 2:10.3201s
10. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld/OPS Gateway – 2:11.2863s
11. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 2:11.5163s
12. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard – 2:11.8703s
13. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 2:11.9934s
14. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton – 2:12.2909s
15. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 2:12.6644s
16. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 2:14.8829s
17. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 2:14.9844s
18. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 2:16.2487s
19. #5 Tony Walls (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Objective Racing – 2:16.7293s
20. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform – 2:18.7357s
21. #69 Brenton Griguol (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Koala Car Rentals – 2:21.4363s
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News‘Phenomenal’ Shooutout experience for Aussies
Young Australian racers Nick Foster and Richard Muscat have returned to home shores following their participation in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout – and they have hit the ground running.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers returned from their evaluation in the Junior Programme Shootout on Wednesday night before traveling to Bathurst for Thursday morning practice, which Foster and Muscat were third and seventh fastest, respectively.
As part of a two-day selection process for the Shootout, Foster, Muscat and seven other talented young race drivers from around the world showcased their skills at Lausitzring, Germany. The young hopefuls took part in driving tests in the 460 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and conducted discussions with experts, which will all be evaluated over the next few weeks to determine a winner.
The most promising talented young driver receives funding of 200,000 Euro as well as comprehensive support: On the programme are fitness tests with regularly adapted training plans as well as media coaching and sponsor obligations. The winner will contest the 2016 season of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Foster was thrilled to be given the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of Porsche Motorsport.
“It was a phenomenal experience and a privilege to not only be part of the Shootout, but also to work so closely with Porsche Motorsport and see the level of professionalism that comes with running with the factory,” said Foster.
“There were eight other drivers who were just as fast and deserving to be there as I was so it will be interest to see how I fare. I did the best I could and we’ll find out who Porsche Motorsport ultimately picks in a few weeks.”
Muscat was also impressed with his Shootout experience.
“It was an amazing opportunity to work with everyone from Porsche Motorsport. It was an eye opener; it was certainly a different experience and something that has made me hungrier to compete at that level. It was a great experience and I learnt a lot from it,” said Muscat.
A prime example of a successful talent promotion within the Porsche motorsport pyramid is Earl Bamber. The New Zealander launched his career as a Porsche privateer in the GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand and then switched to the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, where he secured the title in 2013 and was nominated for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup talent scout initiative. As a Porsche Junior, Bamber won the Supercup in 2014, defended the title in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia that same year and earned himself a contract as a Porsche works driver. In June 2015, he won the world’s most famous long distance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the wheel of the 919 Hybrid.
Now, the hopeful young aspirants at the shootout are eager to follow in his footsteps. “Bamber is a perfect role model. Every race driver dreams of such a career,” was the unanimous sentiment of all participants. These young hotshots know that the Porsche scholarship might open the door to becoming a works driver. The non-Australian aspirants also in the running for the scholarship are Mathieu Jaminet (20) from Woippy near Metz representing the Porsche Carrera Cup France. Twenty-one-year-old Riccardo Agostini from Padova was nominated for the selection process by Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. Josh Webster (21) from Stowmarket, England, represents Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain. Mikkel Overgaard Pedersen (18) from the Danish town of Struer was sent as a delegate of Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia. Yuya Motojima (24) from Nagoya, who has just concluded his season in the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan, travelled as the Japanese champion to the Lausitz. Germany’s Nico Menzel (17), who lives in Kelberg in der Eifel, contested this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and was selected to represent this one-make cup series. Elliott Skeer (21) from Carlsbad in America received an invitation to the shootout after his excellent performances as champion of the GT3 Cup Challenge USA.
“With nine strong drivers it’ll be a tough decision for us. Fast lap times are equally as important as how they conduct themselves away from the race track. The talented youngsters are nominated by countries and regions in which a Porsche one-make cup is contested and who have the potential to be successful at an international level. We will analyse all parameters in order to select the best candidate,” said Andrea Hagenbach, Manager of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme.
Talent scout initiatives have a long tradition at Porsche Motorsport. Using this path, many scholarship pilots have managed to climb the career ladder into international GT and prototype racing. The Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme gives drivers from the worldwide Porsche one-make cups the chance to earn themselves a season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. The Supercup serves as a launching platform into a professional racing career.
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NewsVIDEO: Muscat, Foster behind the coffee machine
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia stars Nick Foster and Richard Muscat tried their hand behind the coffee machine at Sandown, with some guidance from Carrera Cup partner, Coffex Coffee’s Ernest Tong.
See how they go out of their element…
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NewsOutright, Challenge battles the focus at Bathurst
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is immersed in one of its most anticipated title battles to date, which is set to intensify this weekend as the one-make championship travels to Mount Panorama, Bathurst, for the 11th time.
Among this weekend’s 21-car field, Carrera Cup welcomes the return of TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge competitor Tony Walls, who contested 15 Carrera Cup rounds across the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Brenton Griguol will also line up at Bathurst for his Carrera Cup debut, boosting the Challenge class to 10 drivers for the regional New South Wales round.
The championship will also feature one of its strongest weekend’s on television since its 2003 inception. Carrera Cup will have all three races broadcast live across the Bathurst weekend on both Fox Sports 5 and Channel 10. Both practice sessions and qualifying will also be broadcast live on Fox Sports 5.
The championship fight, in both the outright and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge classifications, is just as impressive.
In the outright results, Nick Foster has emerged an unlikely championship leader. Failing to score points in the opening four races of 2015, the 23-year-old has turned a 298 point deficit into an 18.5 point lead entering the penultimate Bathurst round.
“I didn’t except this recent run of results, especially after the start of the year,” said Foster, who has won eight of the last 10 races of the season. “I don’t really think about my recent results; I just take it race by race and I’ll take the same mentality into Bathurst and the Gold Coast.”
While Foster leads the standings, he has two experienced Bathurst veterans, Steven Richards and Craig Baird, who currently sit second and third in the standings, eager to reduce their points deficit.
Foster isn’t the only form young gun in the series; Matt Campbell has been the only other drivers over the past 10 races to claim victory and is looking forward to take on his more experienced rivals across ‘The Mountain’.
“I’ve really started to come on strong towards the end of the season, which is great, but Bathurst is one of those tracks that the more experienced drivers, like Craig Baird and Steven Richards, will come on strong. I love the track and can’t wait to get there,” said Campbell.
Shane Smollen is seeking his maiden class title in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge. The Sydneysider has been creeping towards the top spot over the past seasons; placing third in 2013 and finished runner-up to Stephen Grove last season.
Smollen has finished on the round podium over the past five rounds, three of which he won. Second placed Grove, who boasts the same number of class podiums this season, remains the only likely contender for the 2015 Challenge title, but admits he needs to push for strong results this weekend.
“There are two big rounds ahead. Everyone is there and if you’re off one-tenth, it’s ‘goodnight Charlie’!” said Grove.
“I’ve got to win, it’s pretty simple. All year you try to be conservative and build the points but that goes out the window now. You’ve got to go all out and win and if you want to win the championship you’ve got to win races.”
Meanwhile, Tony Bates sits third in the standings, with the 2015 Challenge title all but out of his reach. Therefore, Bates is hunting race and round wins to finish the season on a high.
“We start the year well; we won at the Clipsal 500 and had a really good end to last year at the Gold Coast, so the plan is: good Bathurst, good Gold Coast and finish with a bag full of points and see where it takes us,” said Bates.
Two Carrera Cup drivers will also race in V8 Supercars’ Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. Triple Bathurst 1000 winner Richards will join five-time winner Craig Lowndes while David Russell will partner dual Bathurst champion Rick Kelly.
Race Schedule
Thursday October 8, 2015
9:15am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
4:15pm Practice 2 (30 minutes)
Friday October 9, 2015
7:55am Qualifying (25 minutes)
2:15pm Race 1 (10 laps)
Saturday October 10, 2015
3:25pm Race 2 (10 laps)
Sunday October 11, 2015
9:25am Race 3 (10 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Practice 1 – 9:15am, Thursday October 8, 2015
Practice 2 – 4:15pm, Thursday October 8, 2015
Qualifying – 7:55am, Friday October 9, 2015
Race 1 – 2:15pm, Friday October 9, 2015
Race 2 – 3:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015
Channel 10
Race 1 – 2:15pm, Friday October 9, 2015
Race 2 – 3:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am*, Sunday October 11, 2015
*Broadcast time TBC
Entry List – Bathurst
1. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical
2. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
3. #5 Tony Walls (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Objective Racing
4. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel
5. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions
6. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Windsor Smith/Porsche Centre Melbourne
7. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
8. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi
9. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care
10. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel
11. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard
12. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld/Toshiba
13. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld/OPS Gateway
14. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform
15. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX
16. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
17. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton
18. #69 Brenton Griguol (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Koala Car Rentals
19. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
20. #222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
21. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
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NewsMuscat secures Shootout wildcard slot
Richard Muscat is packing his bags for an adventure of a lifetime – set to join countryman Nick Foster at next week’s Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout in Germany.
Foster was selected as Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s nominee to attend the Shootout, which accepts one stand-out driver under 26 from each international Carrera Cup championship.
The Shootout also accepts two wildcard entries from any Carrera Cup or GT3 Cup Challenge series. Muscat’s impressive 2015 campaign made Porsche Motorsport take notice and hand the Melburnian a chance to take the prize – a place in the Porsche Junior programme and 200,000 Euros towards a 2016 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup drive.
The 2015 Shootout will be the first to host two Australians. Sam Power is the sole Australian to previously attend a Shootout (2014), while New Zealander Andre Heimgartner was the Carrera Cup Australia nominee in 2012.
“I really can’t believe I’ve been awarded this opportunity to represent Carrera Cup Australia alongside Nick. This will be the biggest opportunity of my career; the experience to work with Porsche Motorsport alone will be priceless for my development, both in and out of the race car,” said Muscat.
“I’ve been racing Porsches nearly my whole career so to be able to attend this Porsche Motorsport event in Germany is an absolute dream come true. It’s a big step forward to becoming a professional racing driver and I’m sure what I take from it will benefit me greatly in the future.”
The location of the 2015 Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout (October 05-06) remains under wraps.
Upon their return to Australia, Muscat and Foster to travel directly to Mount Panorama, Bathurst, for the penultimate round of the 2015 Carrera Cup Australia season (October 08-11).
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NewsPorsche racers compete for competitive edge
Never mix business with pleasure? Well… for some of Australia’s most successful and savvy businessmen, this blend helps deliver the perfect motor racing experience within Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
While competing wheel-to-wheel at up to 280km/h in the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, Carrera Cup’s semi-professional drivers are using the racing environment to strengthen their business relationships to ensure they have a competitive edge off the circuit, as well as on it.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge frontrunners Tony Bates and Marc Cini both enjoy the spirited on-track competition and the vibrant off-track atmosphere that the championship offers competitors.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge is a ‘race within a race’ for semi-professional racers in the Carrera Cup championship, which also features the likes of professional stars Steven Richards and Craig Baird.
Bates, who has raced successfully in the one-make Commodore Cup, V8 Utes and V8 Supercars’ Development Series, believes the package offered to Carrera Cup competitors is impossible to top within the Australian motorsport marketplace.
“You can’t beat the environment that we race in. It’s the main stage and you get amazing exposure with the crowds and live TV,” he explains.
“The level of presentation is very high and there is a significant interest in what we are doing from the crowds at each event. At the Grand Prix, we’re on just before Formula 1 and at the V8 rounds we’re usually on right before the main game. We’re the entrée before the main event and that means people watch what you are doing.”
Bates’s successful transportation business, Alternative Freight Services (AFS), adorns the side of his Carrera Cup race car but he believes the championship offers more than just a branding and exposure boost for business.
“The ability to bring clients to each event is fantastic, and you’re bringing them to a big event – something major,” he explained.
“The crowds you get around the Porsche paddock are amazing and people you bring along are blown away by the size and scope of it all. It’s a great atmosphere for them. There’s no other category like Porsche that gives you the opportunity to bring people into the lounge, have a coffee and something to eat and mix with the other drivers and other supporters and sponsors. To give them that experience and give them access to major events is something I don’t think you can get anywhere else.”
Melbourne driver Marc Cini has used his lengthy association with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – he is the series’ most experienced driver – to not only enjoy the on-track competition but promote his off-track businesses in the process.
His business (Hallmarc Property Group) used Craig Baird’s Carrera Cup racer to promote their latest Melbourne development, Arthur Apartments, earlier this season at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
As competitive in business as he is on track, Cini says there’s nothing like the challenge of competing in the level playing field that Carrera Cup offers.
“First and foremost there’s identical equipment, and if you’re challenging yourself within a sport then having the same equipment is an imperative,” Cini explains.
“Because of that, the learning curve is easier because you’re benchmarking yourself against everybody in the field in the same equipment. The cars are really good, as good as any race car. The GT cars may be more equipped and more technological but a Cup car is a real race car that is fantastic to drive.
“Our field at the moment, front to back, is covered by just two seconds at a track like Townsville. You learn your craft to the point where, because the equipment is the same, the field closes up – you can’t go out and just buy horsepower!”
Business and pleasure: an otherwise questionable combination that allows some of Australia’s top businessmen to get the most out of their motor racing experience, on and off the track.
Bates, Cini and the entire Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field will next line up at Mount Panorama for the iconic Bathurst 1000 event on October 08-11, 2015.
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NewsBates sweeps Sandown, title fight simmers
Tony Bates’s second TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge ‘clean sweep’ of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season delivered him a round six victory on home turf at Sandown Raceway at the weekend.
Rebounding from a non-start at Sydney Motorsport Park in August, Bates claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award and won all three races in the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ at the suburban Melbourne venue.
Bates was forced out of the recent Sydney round following a practice accident, however he rebounded superbly in front of friends and family at Sandown to win his second round of the year.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge leader Shane Smollen was a consistent second at Sandown while defending champion Stephen Grove finished third.
“We came here with no pressure of the championship and where we need to finish or what points we need to reel in,” Bates explained on the podium.
“We came in with a relaxed attitude and put Sydney Motorsport Park behind us and remind a few people that we can drive and that it was a one off incident. We came here with a really good focus: Dan (Gaunt) and I had talked about a few really good strategies and we just wanted to win every session – which we did.”
Behind the dominant Bates, Smollen scored finishes of second, third and second across the three races, respectively, to secure second overall for the weekend.
The Sydney driver extended his points lead over nearest rival Grove to 29 points this weekend and said he was cautious to maximise his score at the challenging 3.1km circuit.
“Points are exactly what we wanted,” he explained.
“Knowing coming into the round that this was perhaps our least experienced track out of the season we just wanted to maintain our lead – and fortunately we’ve been able to build on it.
“Today (Sunday) we had great pace and I had a good clean battle with Tony – but I didn’t want to push my way past. There was more pace in the car and that was a good sign going into Bathurst.
“I had a few opportunities to get past but there’s no point to push past when he’s not in the championship. Having said that, Tony drove well and consistently and won with good margins in races one and two.
“I’m happy with it and it’s definitely going to go down to the wire!”
Meanwhile, Grove said it was time to drop his ‘Mr. Consistency’ tag and start challenging for more regular victories in his pursuit for back-to-back title wins.
“There’s two big rounds ahead. Everyone is there and if you’re off one-tenth off, it’s ‘goodnight Charlie’!” he grinned.
“I’ve got to win, it’s pretty simple. All year you try and be conservative and build the points but that goes out the window now. You’ve got to go all out and win and if you want to win the championship you’ve got to win races.”
James Bergmuller finished fourth overall at Sandown in a weekend that included a podium effort in race one.
Adrian Mastronardo, Ash Samadi and Marc Cini rounded out the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge field this weekend with each driver finishing every race across the weekend.
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge will be held at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, with the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on 8-11 October.
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NewsFoster and Bates clean sweep Sandown
Nick Foster and Tony Bates have completed flawless performances at Sandown Raceway to clean sweep the outright results and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, respectively, at the Melbourne circuit.
Having won the previous two Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rounds at Townsville and Sydney Motorsport Park, Foster continued his recent form at Sandown with three wins, though the Queensland based racer was pushed by young gun Matt Campbell all weekend.
After two race wins on Saturday, Foster claimed a narrow 0.2secs victory over Campbell in Sunday’s race three to turn a 90.5 points deficit in the 2015 standings entering the weekend to an 18.5 point championship lead with two rounds remaining.
“It was a perfect weekend here at Sandown. It wasn’t easy though; it was a much harder clean sweep than what I achieved at Townsville as Matt pushed me all the way. We had a great battle in the opening race and he made a decent push for the lead. It didn’t come off but I rated his effort. The second race was easier as I drove away in the closing laps. I tried to do the same in the final race but he came back very strong in the end and it was very tight at the finish. He’s pushing me to drive hard and I’m sure I’m doing the same to him,” said Foster.
“On top of the three race wins I’ve come away with the championship lead, which is a bonus. The next two rounds will be pretty interesting. You can never count out Steven Richards and Craig Baird at Bathurst as they have so much experience on Mount Panorama. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and the results will come.”
Campbell finished second in all three races, while Richard Muscat placed third in each Sandown race – the duo completing the round six Professional Class podium.
“It was a fantastic weekend. I had great pace in practice and qualifying and it was great racing with Nick over the three races also. In the last race, there was never more than a second gap between us. We were pushing each other really hard and started to pull away from the pack.”
Richards continued to claw back positions in the final race following his race one DNF; the former standings leader and reigning champion placed fourth in the final race from David Russell, Baird, John Martin, Michael Almond, Shae Davies and newcomer Aaron Seton in 10th.
Bates had one of his most impressive rounds in Carrera Cup; his race three TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge win was his third of the weekend. Shane Smollen and Stephen Grove placed second and third in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge for both the final race and the class round points. James Bergmuller finished fourth in class in the final race from Adrian Mastronardo, Ash Samadi and Marc Cini.
Bates was thrilled with his Sandown performance following a horror Sydney Motorsport Park round, where a practice crash ended his weekend prematurely.
“We came here with no pressure of the championship and where we need to finish or what points we need to reel in. We came in with a relaxed attitude and put Sydney Motorsport Park behind us and remind a few people that we can drive and that it was a one off incident. We came here with a really good focus and we just wanted to win every session – which we did.”
Foster now holds a 18.5 point lead in the standings from Richards, with Baird now 66 points from the championship lead.
Smollen holds a 29 point lead of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge from Grove. The leading duo are clear of their rivals; Bates is the next best placed driver in the class, 225.5 points from the class lead.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s next round will be held at Australia’s most iconic motor racing circuit, Mount Panorama, Bathurst, on October 08-11, 2015.
Race 3 Results
1. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 20 laps, 23:47.4782s
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8 – 20 laps, 23:47.6476s
3. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security / PAYCE – 20 laps, 23:51.9541s
4. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 20 laps, 23:52.8147s
5. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finanze Ezi – 20 laps, 23:55.2372s
6. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 20 laps, 23:58.5141s
7. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld – 20 laps, 23:58.9084s
8. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld – 20 laps, 24:00.4213s
9. #88 Shae Davies (Professional) Davbridge Constructions – 20 laps, 24:01.1750s
10. #222 Aaron Seton (Professional) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 20 laps, 24:01.5691s
11. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 20 laps, 24:06.2018s
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX – 20 laps, 24:07.8413s
13. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard – 20 laps, 24:27.4453s
14. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 20 laps, 24:27.6590s
15. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 20 laps, 24:33.8763s
16. #13 James Bergmuller (Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 20 laps, 24:34.1759s
17. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas – 20 laps, 24:38.5012s
18. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 20 laps, 24:41.9243s
19. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 20 laps, 24:42.1899s
DNF #11 John Magro (Professional) Team BRM – 13 laps, 18:15.7281s
DNF #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton – 7 laps, 8:29.4426s
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NewsFoster and Bates take opening Sandown wins
Nick Foster has turned a seemingly impossible task into reality at Sandown: taking the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship lead after a horror start to 2015.
Foster failed to score points in the opening four races of the 2015 season and, after round two, trailed the standings leader Steven Richards by 298 points. With two impressive Sandown race wins on Saturday and seven races remaining in 2015, the 23-year-old holds a narrow 0.5 point lead in the standing.
Foster won the opening Sandown race in spectacular circumstances; Matt Campbell attempted to pass on the final lap, though Foster regained the lead and ultimately won from Campbell, Richard Muscat, David Russell and newcomers John Magro and Aaron Seton in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Importantly for Foster’s championship chase, both Richards and second-placed Craig Baird failed to finish.
While Richards and Baird started race two from the rear, Foster was unchallenged at the front to take his seventh win of the season, ninth straight top-two result and a seemingly impossible lead of the championship points.
“The first race didn’t go as planned; it was a lot harder and a bit of a wild race at the end, but we got the job done. The second race went much better; Matt was quick early and our car improved throughout the race and I was able to pull a gap in the closing laps. Let’s hope tomorrow brings similar results,” said Foster.
Foster added that he never lost faith in his ability, despite the poor start to the season.
“I said at the Clipsal 500 after I crashed and was out for the weekend that we had the speed to be an unstoppable force. We knew we had the speed and I had to work on smoothing out some rough edges.
“All the best stories feature adversity and hopefully this is a fairy tale for us by the end of the season. At the end of the day, there are still two rounds to go. I’m sure there’s much more to unfold in this story.”
Campbell placed second in race two from Muscat and Russell, with Michael Almond and Fraser Ross posting their season best results of fifth and sixth, respectively.
“I have improved over the last two rounds to consistently become a top 10 contender. It was great to be up the order in race two, battle with Michael and get my season best result of 6th at my home race,” said Ross.
Tony Bates was the star TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge performer on Saturday. The Victorian claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position in the class and stormed to two dominate TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race wins. By Bates’s own admission the class title is out of reach, so he suggests his focus for the remainder of the season is on race victories.
“My pace is great and I think I’m only around a second off the quickest professional driver. I won fairly convincingly in the Challenge class in the second race. The car feels great and my confidence is high so I’ll aim to finish off the job tomorrow with another class win.”
Bates’s race one performance saw him not only win the class, but finish seventh outright – a season best outright result. Shane Smollen finished second in the class in race one from James Bergmuller, Stephen Grove, Ash Samadi, Marc Cini and Adrian Mastronardo.
In race two, Bates claimed his second class win in as many races from Grove, Smollen, Mastronardo, Cini, Samadi and Bergmuller.
The final race of the Sandown round will be held at 12:10pm on Sunday, just before the feature Sandown 500 V8 Supercars race.
Saturday Videos
Qualifying interviews
Race 1 interviews
Race 2 interviews
Race Schedule
Sunday September 13
12:10pm – Race 3 (19 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 3 – 12:10pm, Sunday September 13
Channel: Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 3 – 12:10pm, Sunday September 13
Race 1 Results
1. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 14 laps, 16:42.3083s
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions – 14 laps, 16:44.0409s
3. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security / PAYCE – 14 laps, 16:45.7098s
4. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi – 14 laps, 16:47.5428s
5. #11 John Magro (Professional) Team BRM – 14 laps, 16:54.5358s
6. #222 Aaron Seton (Professional) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 14 laps, 17:00.5340s
7. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard – 14 laps, 17:09.0430s
8. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld – 14 laps, 17:11.7429s
9. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 14 laps, 17:17.1076s
10. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton – 14 laps, 17:17.5320s
11. #13 James Bergmuller (Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 14 laps, 17:18.0102s
12. #88 Shae Davies (Professional) Davbridge Constructions – 14 laps, 17:21.2696s
13. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 14 laps, 17:23.9015s
14. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 14 laps, 17:24.1387s
15. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 14 laps, 17:24.5671s
16. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas – 14 laps, 17:30.8123s
17. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 13 laps, 17:10.8587s
DNF #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 12 laps, 14:24.4037s
DNF #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld – 3 laps, 3:41.6964s
DNF #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne
DNF #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX
Race 2 Results
1. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 17 laps, 20:12.5493s
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions – 17 laps, 20:13.0608s
3. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security / PAYCE – 17 laps, 20:16.5013s
4. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi – 17 laps, 20:22.2869s
5. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld – 17 laps, 20:26.1196s
6. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton – 17 laps, 20:27.0833s
7. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 17 laps, 20:30.5358s
8. #11 John Magro (Professional) Team BRM – 17 laps, 20:32.9343s
9. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld – 17 laps, 20:34.1270s
10. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 17 laps, 20:37.1721s
11. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 17 laps, 20:37.5876s
12. #222 Aaron Seton (Professional) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 17 laps, 20:39.1367s
13. #88 Shae Davies (Professional) Davbridge Constructions – 17 laps, 20:41.1350s
14. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard – 17 laps, 20:43.9589s
15. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 17 laps, 21:05.0386s
16. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 17 laps, 21:05.3204s
17. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX – 17 laps, 21:05.5492s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform – 17 laps, 21:07.8414s
19. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 17 laps, 21:08.2201s
20. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 17 laps, 21:11.0173s
21. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 17 laps, 21:23.5038s
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NewsSeton provides Friday highlights at Sandown
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia newcomer Aaron Seton’s Friday performance has been the highlight of the opening day of the Sandown round, where Matt Campbell and Tony Bates topped the practice times.
Campbell entered the Melbourne round following a breakthrough Sydney Motorsport Park performance, where he claimed his first two Carrera Cup race wins. The Queenslander backed up this effort with the best Friday lap time at Sandown, 0.34secs ahead of Richard Muscat, Nick Foster, Craig Baird and Seton in fifth – a result that pleased the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia regular and son of former Australian Touring Car ace, Glenn Seton.
“I’m pretty happy with my pace here today,” said Seton, who also provided the best off-track highlight with a spectacular trip into the turn one run-off area. “It’s great to gain some more experience in these cars and around Sandown. Unfortunately Scott Taylor couldn’t be here this weekend, but he’s given me an amazing opportunity to run his car. I’m going to try and make the most of it, gain more experience and see where we end up by the end of the weekend.”
Practice pacesetter Campbell was also pleased with his Friday form.
“We were quick in the first session and then made a few improvements to the car in the second session and had a nice little gap to the rest of the field by the end of the day. I was able to get a couple of wins in Sydney and battle with Nick and I’ll be gunning for similar results this weekend,” said Campbell.
John Martin was the sixth fastest driver from the two Friday practice sessions from Nick McBride, Steven Richards and Bates in ninth outright.
Bates endured a difficult Sydney Motorsport Park round, crashing in practice and watching the remainder of the round from the sidelines, so the Victorian was thrilled to bounce back from the Sydney setback as the fastest TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver from Friday.
“The team has done a great job getting the car ready for this weekend so it’s great to reward the boys with a successful day. When things go well we’re pretty hard to beat in the Challenge class and we’re usually not far off the Professional drivers. I’m probably out of the championship running so I’m nice and relaxed and here to win the next three rounds to finish off the year on a good note,” said Bates.
Shane Smollen was the second quickest of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge competitors from Stephen Grove, Ash Samadi, James Bergmuller, Adrian Mastronardo and Marc Cini.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying and opening two races on Saturday, with the third and final race of the Sandown round on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday September 12
9:40am – Qualifying (25 minutes)
11:40am – Race 1 (17 laps)
3:15pm – Race 2 (17 laps)
Sunday September 13
12:10pm – Race 3 (19 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Channel: TEN
Race 2 – 3:15pm, Saturday September 12
Race 3 – 12:10pm, Sunday September 13
Channel: Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Qualifying – 9:40am, Saturday September 12
Race 1 – 11:40am, Saturday September 12
Race 2 – 3:15pm, Saturday September 12
Race 3 – 12:10pm, Sunday September 13
Practice Results (Combined times)
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions, 1:11.0266*
2. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security / PAYCE, 1:11.3669s
3. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts, 1:11.4427s
4. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne, 1:11.5974s
5. #222 Aaron Seton (Professional) Scott Taylor Motorsport, 1:11.6069s
6. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld, 1:11.7604s
7. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts, 1:11.9053s
8. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical, 1:11.9453s
9. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard, 1:12.2289s
10. #88 Shae Davies (Professional) Davbridge Constructions, 1:12.2615s
11. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi, 1:12.2971s
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX, 1:12.3845s
13. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld, 1:12.4024s
14. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton, 1:12.5406s
15. #56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents, 1:12.6833s
16. #11 John Magro (Professional) Team BRM, 1:12.7835s
17. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group, 1:13.4562s
18. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel, 1:13.5029s
19. #13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care, 1:13.5617s
20. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform, 1:13.5955s
21. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc, 1:13.7445s
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NewsSmollen shoots for record at Sandown
New drivers and a winning record will highlight Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s eighth visit to Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway this weekend.
In a season showcasing Australia’s best young sports car talent, the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – a class for semi-professional drivers – will this weekend be the focus as one of the championship’s oldest records is set to be reached.
Shane Smollen’s recent success places him at the top of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, so class victory in this weekend’s Sandown round will not only extend his points lead. Smollen is on the verge of equalling Rodney Jane’s 2006 effort of four straight round wins in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, something he is eager to achieve.
“It’s really important I focus on Sandown. I know I’m strong at Bathurst and Gold Coast, so I’ve got to ensure I get strong results this weekend,” said Smollen.
“This season is really about the balance of speed and finishing races. Consistency is still going to win this championship. The field is starting to thin out at the top end but, having said that, it only takes one bad race to drop back in points. We’ll aim to keep up our strong results at Sandown and hopefully enter the last two rounds in a strong position.”
Two drivers will join the Professional Class ranks at Sandown. Young gun Aaron Seton will make the move from Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia into the #222 Porsche, replacing Scott Taylor. The one-off appearance in the championship will make Seton, son of Glenn, the fifth son of an Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars champion to compete in the one-make Porsche championship (joining Rodney Jane, James Moffat, Steven Richards and Steven Johnson).
Another newcomer is former Formula 3 and current Australian GT racer, John Magro; the Queenslander will replace Simon Hodge in the #11 Porsche.
Leading the points outright is Steven Richards who, along with David Russell, will perform double duty at Sandown. Richards will contest the Sandown 500 V8 Supercars race alongside Craig Lowndes while David Russell, who will become just the 13th driver to reach 100 Carrera Cup race in race one, will join Rick Kelly.
Richards leads Craig Baird the championship battle, while young guns, third placed Nick Foster and Matt Campbell are the recent form drivers, between them winning the past seven races.
“Sandown is quite a hard track. It requires a lot of commitment, which hopefully translates to great racing,” said Campbell, who became the championship’s 31st different race winner at Sydney.
Foster, who is aiming for his third straight round win at Sandown, added: “Sandown is an interesting track. It’s a permanent circuit but has so many characteristics of a street track. It can have mixed weather also; you can start the race in the dry and finishing in the wet, and vice versa. I’m looking forward to getting down there as it’s always fun to race at Sandown.”
Carrera Cup’s unpredictable qualifying continued at Sydney Motorsport Park, with the championship yet to see a repeat pole-sitter in 2015. Over this season’s five rounds, the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award has been shared between Foster, Nick McBride, Smollen, Russell and Shae Davies.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold a similar event schedule to what the championship enjoyed at Sydney Motorsport Park. Friday will be dedicated to practice, Saturday will host qualifying and two races and the final race will be held just prior to Sunday’s 500km V8 Supercars event.
Race Schedule
Friday September 11
11:20am – Practice 1 (25 minutes)
3:15pm – Practice 2 (25 minutes)
Saturday September 12
9:40am – Qualifying (25 minutes)
11:40am – Race 1 (17 laps)
3:15pm – Race 2 (17 laps)
Sunday September 13
12:10pm – Race 3 (19 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 – 3:15pm, Saturday September 12
Race 3 – 12:10pm, Sunday September 13
To be confirmed
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Practice 1 – 11:20am, Friday September 11
Practice 2 – 3:15pm, Friday September 11
Qualifying – 9:40am, Saturday September 12
Race 1 – 11:40am, Saturday September 12
Race 2 – 3:15pm, Saturday September 12
Race 3 – 12:10pm, Sunday September 13
Entry List – Sandown
#1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel
#7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions
#8 Craig Baird (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi
#11 John Magro (Professional) Team BRM
#13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care
#22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel
#24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard
#25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld
#26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld/Toshiba
#39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform
#45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX
#56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
#65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton
#77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88 Shae Davies (Professional) Davbridge Constructions
#222 Aaron Seton (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
#777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
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NewsFoster one step closer to Le Mans dream
New Year’s Eve, 2000. Adelaide was hosting its inaugural – and only – Race of a Thousand Years. And sitting in the pit straight grandstand was an eight-year-old, crafting a dream.
This October, Nick Foster will take one step closer to realising this vision.
The now 23-year-old racer will represent Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in this season’s Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout in Europe.
The two-day competition, held on October 05-06 by Porsche Motorsport, evaluates the best young driver (aged 18-26) from each international Porsche Carrera Cup – Asia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and Scandinavia. Each driver is tested on their engineering and communications skills, along with their ability behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
The ultimate winner will become a Porsche Junior driver and receive the majority of funding for the 2016 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – the pinnacle of Porsche one-make racing, which supports Formula 1 racing in Europe and the United States.
Foster now hopes to make the most of this opportunity and get one step closer to his racing dream.
“I’ve wanted to race in top level sports car racing ever since I watched the Race of a Thousand Years in Adelaide. I’d seen nothing like it. That event was the reason I became involved in motorsport,” said Foster, who hopes to emulate the path taken by 2014 Junior Programme Shootout winner and reigning Le Mans 24 Hour champion, Earl Bamber.
“The fact that Porsche is now in the World Endurance Championship in both LMP1 and GT racing, and drivers like Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy have moved up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid to where they are now, is hugely inspirational for me, especially with what they achieved at Le Mans in 2015. Sports car racing at that level has always been my ambition ever since that New Year’s Eve in Adelaide and I’m thrilled to be climbing the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid towards this goal.”
Foster is undoubtably the in-form driver in Carrera Cup Australia. Foster has won five of the past seven races in the championship, during which time he hasn’t placed outside the top two, though he realises the enormity of the challenge ahead.
“Porsche Carrera Cup is extremely competitive both here in Australia and around the world, so I’m not underestimating the challenge that lies ahead when I go to Europe. At the end of the day, there will be another seven or eight Nick Fosters who have also won three or four rounds, all vying for one place,” added Foster.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is proud to have Foster represent the Australian championship in October’s Shootout.
“Nick was the obvious choice to represent Australia in the Junior Programme Shootout. He has been the absolute pace-setter all season and, over the past few rounds, been untouchable in a Porsche race car,” said Sakzewski.
“Nick has shown what he is capable of on Australian race tracks and we’d love to see him receive the scholarship and show his talents on the world stage. Our fingers are crossed.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has previously sent two drivers to the Junior Programme Shootout – V8 Supercars driver, Andre Heimgartner (2012), and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup racer, Sam Power (2014).
About the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Scholarship
– One nominee is represented from the world’s seven international Porsche Carrera Cup championships – Carrera Cup Asia, Carrera Cup Australia, Carrera Cup France, Carrera Cup Great Britain, Carrera Cup Italy, Carrera Cup Japan and Carrera Cup Scandinavia.
– All participants must be aged between 18 and 26
– The Shootout location remains unknown for now so drivers cannot test beforehand
– The test evaluates the drivers’ skill behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car
– The winner will be determined solely by Porsche Motorsport – Porsche’s central motor racing arm, based in Weissach, Germany
– Previous winners: 2013, Jean-Karl Vernay (FRA); 2014, Earl Bamber (NZ); 2015, Matteo Cairoli (ITA)
About Nick Foster
– Born: Brisbane, Queensland
– Resides: Gold Coast, Queensland
– Raced in Karts (1999-2007), Australian Formula Ford Championship (2008-11), Toyota Racing Series (2011), Australian Formula 3 Championship (2013), Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (2012, 2014-15)
– Currently sits third in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia points standings with five race wins
– Races for Melbourne based team, Sonic Motor Racing Services, in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
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NewsMichelin faultess in Sydney
Round five of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia was held at Sydney Motorsport Park – one of the hardest tracks on tyres in Australia, but the Michelin tyres again performed faultlessly.
This weekend it was the young drivers in the Championship that shone in the challenging conditions. After dominating the previous round in Townsville, winning all three races, it was young Nick Foster who again claimed the round win.
Behind the wheel of the Bob Jane T-Marts Porsche, Foster claimed the Round win with a race win and two second place finishes. Matt Campbell, the young rookie came into the weekend having never stood on the podium and walked away with two race wins and second place from the round.
Each driver has just two sets of the Michelin N2 tyres to run over the whole weekend, which includes qualifying and three 17 lap sprint races.
The racing was fierce with the racers in front pushing hard all weekend. This was made possible due to the long lasting, high performance nature of the Michelin tyre. This performance has been on show all season; from the heat and humidity of Townsville, to the very low track temperatures at Phillip Island, and this weekend was no different even with the abrasive nature of the track.
Round winner, Nick Foster, praised the performance of the Michelin tyres.
“We know this track is tough on tyres, but our racing was in no way compromised by the performance of our Michelin tyres. Of course we did see a bit of a drop off after the opening 5 or 6 laps, but we were still able to continue to push hard right through to the end of the race,” said Foster.
With reigning Champion and current leader Richards having a very difficult weekend, Foster capitalised and has closed the gap to just 90.5 points. Five time Porsche Champion, Craig Baird has proven once again that consistency is what counts in this series and currently sits just 28.5 points behind Richards. With plenty of points still on offer, the Championship is wide open going into the 6th of 8 round to be held at Sandown Raceway in just under three weeks time.
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NewsChallenge battle intensifies after Sydney
Shane Smollen has raced to a home-track round victory in the fifth round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park.
While Nick Foster and Craig Baird significantly closed the points gap to outright championship leader Steven Richards in the Professional Class, the same tight competition was on offer in Carrera Cup’s ‘race within a race’ this weekend.
Sydney driver Smollen scored two wins and a third to edge his points leading margin over defending class champion Stephen Grove to just 17 points across the first five rounds of the 2015 season.
It sets up a thrilling battle to the line between the pair this season with three rounds – at Sandown, Bathurst and the Gold Coast – remaining.
Smollen edged out Adrian Mastronado for the Carrera Challenge pole on Saturday before winning race one, ahead of Grove and Ash Samadi.
Grove levelled the score with a win in race two before Smollen returned to the top in the finale’, sealing a narrow round victory over Grove and James Bergmuller – the same top class three as the Townsville round held in July.
Smollen explained that it was satisfying to win the round on his home turf.
“It’s satisfying and there were a few friends and family out watching this weekend,” he said.
“It makes you try a bit harder and it’s also a track I’m very familiar with. I was happy to bookend the weekend with two good races – and one sketchy one in the middle – and come out with our third round win, which is excellent.
“I just wish we could have had a bigger margin when we look at the points score. It’s what you want – it’s been good clean racing and we had a good clean tussle with Steve and James in race two.”
Smollen said he was aware that Grove would pose a strong challenge in the remaining three rounds of the season.
“We know he will be consistent in the final rounds and we plan to do the same. Making sure we keep winning races is the goal and that’s all we can do.”
Second-placed Stephen Grove said his plan for the remainder of the year was to go on the attack and focus on grabbing as many race wins as possible.
“I need to push and win now: This time last year I had a good bank of points and was able to consolidate but this year we have to push and go for wins. I’ve got to win and that’s what I plan to do.
“The weekend was good and just to get a first place and put that behind me was good. James was there (in race three) and pushed and pushed and got the result but it was good, clean and fun racing.”
After failing to finish the first three races of the season, James Bergmuller scored his second successive TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge podium in Sydney this weekend, climbing to seventh in the class standings in the process.
The Melbourne driver sits less than two race victories outside the top three in the class standings, with just 113 points splitting third placed Tony Bates and Bergmuller on the points table.
“This year it’s a case of being fit again, I’m not injured and I’m back driving like I was last year. Because I’m not banking points I’m really just going for round wins and that’s my goal for the rest of the year.
“I want to try and get a (Challenge class) pole and a round win and that would be great. With Tony Bates having a DNF this weekend it might, just let me sneak back into the podium at the end of the year.”
Third, sixth and fourth-placed results across the weekend saw Ash Samadi finish fourth in class this weekend with Scott Taylor in fifth.
Samadi now sits equal third in the Carrera Challenge standings, tied on 514.5 points with Bates.
Bates failed to start the Sydney Motorsport Park round following a hefty accident at turn one early in Friday practice – the Victorian forced to withdraw from the weekend in an effort to get his car repaired in time for his home round at Sandown this September.
Despite a disappointing non-finish in the first race, Mastronado had one of his strongest rounds to date.
The second-year Carrera Cup racer enjoyed battles with the likes of Smollen, Grove, Bergmuller and Samadi across the weekend, ultimately finishing fourth and fifth in class in the final two races, respectively.
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship, and the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, will be at Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway on September 11-13.
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NewsFoster, Smollen continue win streak at SMP
Nick Foster has continued his recent stronghold of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship with outright victory at Sydney Motorsport Park, while Shane Smollen claimed his third straight TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round win.
Foster placed second in the two Saturday races and finished the round in the best possible way – with victory in the final race. The in-form 23-year-old was beaten to the finish line by David Russell, though Russell was given a five-second time penalty for a jump start, handing the race victory and outright round win to Foster; his third straight Professional Class round win and second consecutive overall victory.
Last year’s Sydney Motorsport Park round winner Craig Baird finished second in race three from Russell, placing third after the time penalty was applied, and Shae Davies in fourth.
“Dave jumped the start and got into the lead; he did get a great start and drove well on cold tyres. I hunted him down and stayed within five seconds to take the win,” said Foster.
“At the end of the day we’re rapidly catching the championship leaders, trying to make up for the poor start to the year. Since Phillip Island we’ve had three round wins on the trot, so it’s amazing how we’ve turned our season around.”
After winning the round’s opening two races, Matt Campbell placed fifth in Sunday’s final race. The result placed the young Queenslander second outright for the round, ahead of Russell in third.
“We didn’t get the outright round win but it was still a great result overall. I’ve shown we’ve had great pace this year and now I’ve finally been able to put a couple of race wins together and a good round result. We hope to continue this form for the rest of the year,” said Campbell.
Smollen sealed his third straight TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round win in race three after sharing class race wins with Stephen Grove over the two Saturday races.
Smollen claimed a five second class victory in the sole Sunday race from James Bergmuller, Grove and Ash Samadi to continue his recent TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge domination.
“I was really happy with today’s race. I had a poor start but we picked up some places. It was great to bring it home for the round win,” said Smollen, who despite his recent class form, suggests his points rivals are still too close for his liking.
“That was our third round win in a row so it would be nice to look at the standings and see a bit more of a margin, but that’s testament to Grove’s consistency. Even when I am in front there is always his car taking up the rear view mirror. We’re looking good so far this year but the class battle is still very close.”
While Smollen took his third straight class win, Grove has now taken his third straight second place for a round, with Bergmuller joining the duo on the class podium in third.
In the outright standings, Richards’ lead has significantly reduced following a horror Sydney round. The multiple Bathurst 1000 champion is now only 28.5 points ahead of Baird in the points, with Foster quickly chasing down the leading duo, now 90.5 points from the championship lead in third.
Smollen now holds the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge lead by 17 points from Grove, with Ash Samadi and Tony Bates, who was absent from the Sydney races following a practice accident, in equal third.
The next event for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will be at Sandown Raceway for the sixth round of the championship.
Race 3 Results
1. #777 Nick Foster (Professional Class) Bob Jane T-Marts – 17 laps, 26:28.8170s
2. #8 Craig Baird (Professional Class) Porsche Centre Melbourne – 17 laps, 26:33.4297s
3. #10 David Russell (Professional Class) Finance Ezi – 17 laps, 26:33.6401s
4. #88 Shae Davies (Professional Class) Davbridge Constructions – 17 laps, 26:34.2156s
5. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional Class) Phase 8 – 17 laps, 26:34.8386s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Professional Class) Bob Jane T-Marts – 17 laps, 26:35.6936s
7. #26 Michael Almond (Professional Class) Copyworld – 17 laps, 26:41.9739s
8. #1 Steven Richards (Professional Class) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 17 laps, 26:43.1335s
9. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional Class) Wilson Security/PAYCE – 17 laps, 26:44.8107s
10. #25 John Martin (Professional Class) Copyworld – 17 laps, 26:47.4500s
11. #11 Simon Hodge (Professional Class) Team BRM – 17 laps, 26:47.9680s
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional Class) Darrell Lea STIX – 17 laps, 26:50.4646s
13. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 17 laps, 27:17.5590s
14. #13 James Bergmuller (Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 17 laps, 27:22.5339s
15. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 17 laps, 27:23.4851s
16. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 17 laps, 27:35.7844s
17. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas – 17 laps, 27:54.5979s
18. #222 Scott Taylor (Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 17 laps, 27:56.2816s
19. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional Class) Porsche Centre Brighton – 16 laps, 27:47.6436s
DNF #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
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NewsCampbell win as Challenge battle intensifies
Young gun Matt Campbell has translated his renowned blistering one lap pace into two perfect races at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday, while Shane Smollen and Stephen Grove topped an immensely competitive TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
Qualifying second, Campbell won the opening race after Nick Foster, who crossed the finish line in first place, was handed a five-second post-race penalty for jumping the start. The win was Campbell’s first in the championship in his rookie season.
Foster claimed second place from Steven Richards, Shae Davies, David Russell and Craig Baird in 6th.
Campbell was even more impressive in race two, holding off a charging Foster to the chequered flag after a race-long bumper-to-bumper battle.
“It was great racing with Nick; we were nose-to-tail all race with no contact. I don’t think there was more than a metre between us all race. It was awesome racing and a great job by Nick. I couldn’t be happier, starting on the front row with two race wins,” said Campbell.
“We’ve had the pace all year but have struggled in areas, so now it’s awesome to finally get a couple of wins.”
Foster placed second in race two from Russell, Baird, Davies, Nick McBride and Michael Almond in seventh.
Shane Smollen was the class of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge early on Saturday; the Sydneysider was untouchable in both qualifying and the opening race.
The class battle then intensified in race two. Grove lept to the class lead early before a four-way battle ensured in the closing laps between Grove, James Bergmuller, Smollen and Adrian Mastonardo, who came from the rear after his race one DNF.
Grove won the battle and was pleased to score his first TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race win since race three at Sandown last year.
“I really needed to get a win. I’ve been really consistent all year but I’ve been the bridesmaid to Smollen for far too long. I needed a win to get going and I’ve got it, so I’m wrapped,” said Grove.
“Smollen was coming and Bergmuller was coming; it was relentless. That was one of the hardest races I’ve done in a long time.”
Steven Richards lined up for his 100th Carrera Cup race in race two, though the celebrations were short-lived after he retired early following contacted with Davies.
Richards’ failure to finish reduces his points lead to 56.5 from Baird, while Foster has moved to third in the standings.
Grove now trails Smollen by five points in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, while Tony Bates remains third after withdrawing from the event after his practice accident.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s final race at Sydney Motorsport Park will be shown live on Sunday on Fox Sports 5.
Race Schedule
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (17 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Race 1 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Phase 8 /Nuveau Constructions) 17 laps, 26:19.2333s
2. #777 Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) 17 laps, 26:22.5190s
3. #1 Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 17 laps, 26:25.0857s
4. #88 Shae Davies (Davbridge Constructions) 17 laps, 26:25.3016s
5. #10 David Russell (Finance Ezi) 17 laps, 26:29.0694s
6. #8 Craig Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 17 laps, 26:29.3409s
7. #25 John Martin (Copyworld) 17 laps, 26:35.8172s
8. #77 Nick McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) 17 laps, 26:39.0227s
9. #65 Fraser Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton) 17 laps, 26:45.4611s
10. #26 Michael Almond (Copyworld) 17 laps, 26:48.2623s
11. #11 Simon Hodge (Team BRM) 17 laps, 26:52.4916s
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea STIX) 17 laps, 26:52.9375s
13. #56 Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) 17 laps, 26:58.8244s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (Grove Group) 17 laps, 27:08.4319s
15. #6 Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) 17 laps, 27:09.1644s
16. #13 James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) 17 laps, 27:09.4755s
17. #222 Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 17 laps, 27:20.1513s
18. #9 Marc Cini (Hallmarc) 17 laps, 27:21.8694s
DNF #22 Richard Muscat (Wilson Security / PAYCE/Genis Steel) 2 laps, 3:32.1790s
DNF #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas/Builtform)
Race 2 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Phase 8 /Nuveau Constructions) 17 laps, 26:17.3204s
2. #777 Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) 17 laps, 26:17.4954s
3. #10 David Russell (Finance Ezi) 17 laps, 26:25.1648s
4. #8 Craig Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 17 laps, 26:29.5526s
5. #88 Shae Davies (Davbridge Constructions) 17 laps, 26:35.5123s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) 17 laps, 26:37.7375s
7. #26 Michael Almond (Copyworld) 17 laps, 26:42.5981s
8. #65 Fraser Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton) 17 laps, 26:45.0989s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea STIX) 17 laps, 26:48.8190s
10. #11 Simon Hodge (Team BRM) 17 laps, 26:49.0691s
11. #4 Stephen Grove (Grove Group) 17 laps, 27:10.8860s
12. #13 James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) 17 laps, 27:11.2388s
13. #56 Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) 17 laps, 27:11.6624s
14. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas/Builtform) 17 laps, 27:12.2346s
15. #222 Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 17 laps, 27:26.6044s
16. #6 Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) 17 laps, 27:31.5194s
17. #9 Marc Cini (Hallmarc) 16 laps, 26:27.2570s
DNF #1 Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 5 laps, 8:13.2241s
DNF #25 John Martin (Copyworld)
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NewsCampbell ecstatic with maiden Carrera Cup win
It was inevitable: Young gun Matt Campbell has taken his first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia victory, winning the opening race at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Campbell claimed the top spot after Nick Foster received a post-race five second penalty for jumping the start. The race was the five straight where the #777 Porsche crossed the finish line in first place, though the penalty put a stop to the impressive achievement.
Foster finished second from Steven Richards and Shae Davies, who also received a five second post race penalty for a track boundary breach.
Campbell, who is the reigning Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia Class B Champion, was ecstatic with his maiden win.
“I’m ecstatic. It’s great to get the first win under my belt. It wasn’t the way I wanted to win, but a win is a win and it’s great to get it out of the way,” said Campbell.
“I had great pace in the first part of the season but struggled with my starts and race craft. Fortunately I was able to get a good start today and battle with Foster. I made a mistake and he got past, but to ultimately take the win is fantastic.
“I hope we can get more race wins. I’m still working on my starts, today was a bit of a fluke, but I’ll be chipping away and hopefully get some strong results in the next two races.”
Shane Smollen was the winning TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver from Steven Grove and Ash Samadi.
Be sure to watch every Porsche Carrera Cup Australia session at Sydney Motorsport Park live throughout the weekend on Fox Sports 5.
Race Schedule
Saturday August 22, 2015
3:40pm – Race 2 (19 laps)
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (19 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Saturday August 22, 2015
3:40pm – Race 2 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Race 1 Results
1. #7 Matt Campbell (Phase 8 /Nuveau Constructions) 17 laps, 26:19.2333s
2. #777 Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) 17 laps, 26:22.5190s
3. #1 Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 17 laps, 26:25.0857s
4. #88 Shae Davies (Davbridge Constructions) 17 laps, 26:25.3016s
5. #10 David Russell (Finanze Ezi) 17 laps, 26:29.0694s
6. #8 Craig Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 17 laps, 26:29.3409s
7. #25 John Martin (Copyworld) 17 laps, 26:35.8172s
8. #77 Nick McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) 17 laps, 26:39.0227s
9. #65 Fraser Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton) 17 laps, 26:45.4611s
10. #26 Michael Almond (Copyworld) 17 laps, 26:48.2623s
11. #11 Simon Hodge (Team BRM) 17 laps, 26:52.4916s
12. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea STIX) 17 laps, 26:52.9375s
13. #56 Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) 17 laps, 26:58.8244s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (Grove Group) 17 laps, 27:08.4319s
15. #6 Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) 17 laps, 27:09.1644s
16. #13 James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) 17 laps, 27:09.4755s
17. #222 Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 17 laps, 27:20.1513s
18. #9 Marc Cini (Hallmarc) 17 laps, 27:21.8694s
DNF #22 Richard Muscat (Wilson Security / PAYCE/Genis Steel) 2 laps, 3:32.1790s
DNF #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas/Builtform)
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NewsFoster, Mastronardo top Friday times
With four straight race victories, Nick Foster is looking to continue his winning streak at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend after the in-form Porsche racer, along with TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver Adrian Mastronardo, topped the Friday practice times.
Foster was the fastest in both Friday practice sessions, taking the best time of the day (1:31.1176) in the morning session. He now hopes to continue this strong form into the busy Saturday schedule, which features qualifying and two races.
“My pace is good, the car is good; we’ve just kept the ball rolling from where we finished off in Townsville,” said Foster, referring to his clean sweep of race wins at the Far North Queensland event.
While quickest in both sessions, Foster’s Friday ended early after a turn one incident saw him lightly contact the barrier.
“I ran a bit wide through turn one and was caught out by some of the V8 Supercar marbles; they’re running on soft tyres today, therefore there were a lot of marble on track. I’m looking forward to tomorrow; I’m happy with the way I’m driving at the moment so we’ll put on some new tyres and see how we go.”
Young gun Matt Campbell was also impressive at the Sydney circuit, posting the second best lap time in both sessions, with Shae Davies third across the two sessions.
South Australian Michael Almond continued his strong practice form with the fourth fastest practice time of the day from David Russell, Richard Muscat, Simon Hodge and Steven Richards in eighth.
Mastronardo was the surprise TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge pacesetter, posting a time 0.3secs quicker than class leader and fellow Sydneysider, Shane Smollen.
“I’m extremely happy with my pace today. I’m starting to understand and know what I need to do with the car. I’m progressing well,” said Mastronardo, who declared no home track advantage at Sydney Motorsport Park.
“I treat every track the same. Have I done a lot of laps here? No, I’ve probably done more laps at Phillip Island than at Sydney Motorsport Park. I think the time has come where I’m starting to understand what is needed of me to improve my pace and challenge some of the front-running drivers in the class.”
Tony Bates was the third quickest TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver of the day, however his weekend has ended prematurely; Bates’s Porsche received substantial damage following heavy contact with the turn one exit barrier mid-practice one.
James Bergmuller was the fourth quickest TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver from Friday practice from Ash Samadi, Scott Taylor, Stephen Grove and Marc Cini.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying and two races on Saturday, with the third race of the round on Sunday, prior to the feature V8 Supercars race.
Be sure to watch every Porsche Carrera Cup Australia session at Sydney Motorsport Park live throughout the weekend on Fox Sports 5.
Race Schedule
Saturday August 22, 2015
8:40am – Qualifying (30 minutes)
10:55am – Race 1 (19 laps)
3:40pm – Race 2 (19 laps)
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (19 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Saturday August 22, 2015
8:40am – Qualifying (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
10:55am – Race 1 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
3:40pm – Race 2 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Practice Results (combined times)
1. #777 – Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) 1:31.1176*
2. #7 – Matt Campbell (Phase 8 /Nuveau Constructions) 1:31.1585s -0:00.0409
3. #88 – Shae Davies (Davbridge Constructions) 1:31.3981s -0:00.2805
4. #26 – Michael Almond (Copyworld) 1:31.5031s -0:00.3855
5. #10 – David Russell (Finanze Ezi) 1:31.6876s -0:00.5700
6. #22 – Richard Muscat (Wilson Security / PAYCE / Genis Steel) 1:31.7592s -0:00.6416
7. #11 – Simon Hodge (Team BRM) 1:31.7606s -0:00.6430
8. #1 – Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 1:31.7691s -0:00.6515
9. #25 – John Martin (Copyworld) 1:31.8062s -0:00.6886
10. #77 – Nick McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) 1:31.8864s -0:00.7688
11. #45 – Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea STIX) 1:32.0622s -0:00.9446
12. #8 – Craig Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 1:32.1121s -0:00.9945
13. #65 – Fraser Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton) 1:32.1993s -0:01.0817
14. #39 – Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas/Builtform) 1:32.7949s -0:01.6773
15. #56 – Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) 1:33.1076s -0:01.9900
16. #24 – Tony Bates (AFS / TOP CAT Video Prod.) 1:33.2157s -0:02.0981
17. #13 – James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) 1:33.2850s -0:02.1674
18. #6 – Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) 1:33.9132s -0:02.7956
19. #222 – Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 1:33.9906s -0:02.8730
20. #4 – Stephen Grove (Grove Group) 1:34.0055s -0:02.8879
21. #9 – Marc Cini (Hallmarc) 1:36.1141s -0:04.9965
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NewsFast Facts: Sydney Motorsport Park
Sydney’s fifth round of the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is the 87th round in championship history and will feature races 257, 258 and 259 in PCCA history. It’s also the seventh time PCCA has competed at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The venue – when it was known as Eastern Creek – hosted the PCCA twice in its inaugural season in 2003, including the final round of that year’s championship.
Sonic Motor Racing’s Nick Foster is aiming for his fifth straight PCCA race win in Race 1 at Sydney Motorsport Park and if he can win it he’ll join Jim Richards, Alex Davison, Craig Baird and Fabian Coulthard as the only men to win five PCCA races in a row. Richards holds the record for most consecutive race wins in PCCA history – 8 in 2003. Foster is the first man since Jonny Reid in 2012 to win four PCCA races in a row.
Reigning PCCA Champion Steve Richards will start his 100th race in the category in Race 2 at Sydney Motorsport Park and also make his 35th round start – the same number of rounds his father Jim competed in from 2003 to 2006 in PCCA!
Craig Baird is the defending round winner at Sydney Motorsport Park, however he’s not won a round or race in the 12 months since then. The Gold Coast-based Kiwi won all three races last year, the first man to clean sweep a PCCA round at SMP since Jim Richards in 2003. Since then he’s gone 19 races without a PCCA victory.
There is yet to be a repeat pole sitter in the 2015 PCCA. Four different drivers – Foster, McBride, Smollen and Russell – have taken the four poles so far this year. (Nick Percat is also attributed in PCCA record books with pole alongside Smollen for the Phillip Island Pro-Am).
The same thing occurred last year with four different pole sitters in the first four rounds. Sonic Motor Racing and Steve Richards Motorsport are the two form teams in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the moment. Between them the two Melbourne-based teams have won 12 of the last 13 PCCA races held since last October.
Sydney Motorsport Park is a venue where you don’t need to quality well to win in PCCA. The last two rounds have both been won by the car that qualified seventh on the grid (Baird in 2014, Twigg/Youlden at Rennsport in 2013).
Shane Smollen is aiming for his third straight TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge round win, a feat that hasn’t been achieved in PCCA since Max Twigg in 2013. In fact, Twigg and Rodney Jane are the only drivers to have ever won three rounds in a row in the TAG Heuer category, so Smollen could join them in the record books. Smollen is also aiming for his third straight TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge pole position – he was the last driver to do this in the category across the 2013/2014 seasons.
PCCA is really close in 2015 – only one of the 11 races held so far this year has been won by more than three seconds, and 0.9864s is the combined margin of pole positions across the four rounds held so far.
SMP LAP RECORDS
Race Lap Record: Steve Richards, 1m30.9042s, 2014
Qual Lap Record: Warren Luff, 1m29.1185s, 2014
SMP ROUND WINNERS
2003 Jim Richards (May round)
2003 Alex Davison (November round)
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Jonathon Webb
2013 Max Twigg/Luke Youlden (Rennsport round)
2014 Craig Baird
2 – Alex Davison
1 – Jim Richards, Jonathon Webb, Max Twigg, Luke Youlden, Craig Baird
SMP RACE WINS
2003 Jim Richards Jim Richards Jim Richards
2003 Alex Davison Alex Davison Alex Davison
2004 Alex Davison Jim Richards Peter Fitzgerald
2005 Jim Richards Jonathon Webb David Reynolds
2013 Nick Percat/Rodney Jane Max Twigg/Luke Youlden
2014 Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
5 – Jim Richards
4 – Alex Davison
3 – Craig Baird
1 – Peter Fitzgerald, Jonathon Webb, David Reynolds, Nick Percat, Rodney Jane, Max Twigg, Luke Youlden
SMP POLE POSITIONS
2003 Marcus Marshall 1m34.5818s
2003 Tim Leahey 1m35.2499s
2004 Alex Davison 1m33.2562s
2005 Jonathon Webb 1m33.9633s
2013 James Koundouris/Steve Owen 3m03.3155s (Combined Times)
2014 Warren Luff 1m29.1185s
SMP OUTRIGHT PODIUMS
2003 Jim Richards Marcus Marshall Tim Leahey
2003 Alex Davison Jim Richards Matt Coleman
2004 Alex Davison Jim Richards Peter Fitzgerald
2005 Jonathon Webb Luke Youlden David Reynolds
2013 Twigg/Youlden Davies/Gowans Luff/Emery
2014 Craig Baird Steve Richards Warren Luff
3 – Jim Richards
2 – Alex Davison, Warren Luff
1 – Marcus Marshall, Tim Leahey, Matt Coleman, Peter Fitzgerald, Jonathon Webb, Luke Youlden, David Reynolds, Max Twigg, Luke Youlden, Shae Davies, Adam Gowans, Geoff Emery, Craig Baird, Steve Richards
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NewsCarrera Cup records to tumble in Sydney
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will kick off the second half of its 2015 season at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend as several eager racers look to add to the championship’s record books.
As drivers prepare for the season’s fifth round in Sydney, in-form young gun Nick Foster aims to become only the fifth Carrera Cup driver to score five-straight race wins. After success in Phillip Island’s race two and a Townsville clean sweep, Foster is eager to add his name to the list of drivers who have achieved the impressive feat: Craig Baird, Fabian Coulthard, Alex Davison and Jim Richards, who holds the outright record – eight consecutive wins in 2003.
“In terms of car set-up, Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the most difficult circuits in Australia; it has fast, flowing sections but also slow, off-camber corners. It’s an amazing circuit so I’m looking forward to going there,” said Foster.
“Last year I was one of the fastest drivers towards the end of the weekend and, fast forward 12 months, I’m in a much better position in the championship than I was in 2014. Townsville was our worst weekend in 2014 in terms of pace and 12 months down the track we’ve turned that around. I’m now looking to do that same for the remainder of 2015.”
Reigning champion Steven Richards will reach two unique milestones at this weekend’s round. Richards will make his 100th Carrera Cup start in race two, while he will also contest his 35th Carrera Cup round – equaling the overall round starts of the inaugural champion and his father, Jim Richards.
Two teams have dominated Carrera Cup competition this year: Sonic Motor Racing and Steve Richards Motorsport have won 12 of the 13 races so far this season. One driver looking to change this will be Team BRM racer, Richard Muscat.
The Victorian scored a career best second outright in Townsville and hopes to continue this momentum in Sydney.
“I’ve done a few laps at Sydney Motorsport Park; from Phillip Island onwards I’ve been to all the tracks except Gold Coast. I was pretty quick at the track in GT3 Cup Challenge so I hope that translates to strong pace and good results in the Carrera Cup round,” said Muscat.
In the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, Shane Smollen aims to become the third driver to take three consecutive round wins in the class, a feat only previously achieved by Rodney Jane and Max Twigg.
Sydneysider Smollen currently leads the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings by 11 points from reigning class champion Stephen Grove and Tony Bates. Roger Lago, fourth in the class points, will not return for the Sydney round following his Townsville crash, while fifth placed local racer Ash Samadi is looking forward to competing at his home event.
“Sydney is my home track, I’ve been racing there for years and therefore I hope to have an advantage there. The track is fast and flowing, which certainly suits these cars. The smoother you are, the faster you are,” said Samadi.
“Last year we had a new car so we were getting our heads around it regarding the set up and how the car behaved. With a year’s experience, it will be easier when we turn up with the data and knowledge from last year.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia features an expanded track schedule at Sydney Motorsport Park; the championship will provide an hour-and-a-half of racing across three 30 minutes races. Two races will be held on Saturday, with the third race of the event to be held on Sunday, just prior to the feature V8 Supercars race.
Be sure to watch every Porsche Carrera Cup Australia session at Sydney Motorsport Park live throughout the weekend on Fox Sports 5.
Race Schedule
Friday August 21, 2015
9:25am – Practice 1 (30 minutes)
12:35pm – Practice 2 (30 minutes)
Saturday August 22, 2015
8:40am – Qualifying (30 minutes)
10:55am – Race 1 (19 laps)
3:40pm – Race 2 (19 laps)
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (19 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Friday August 21, 2015
9:25am – Practice 1 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
12:35pm – Practice 2 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Saturday August 22, 2015
8:40am – Qualifying (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
10:55am – Race 1 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
3:40pm – Race 2 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Sunday August 23, 2015
12:45pm – Race 3 (Fox Sports 5, Channel 506)
Entry List – Sydney Motorsport Park
#1 – Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical
#4 – Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel
#7 – Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions
#8 – Craig Baird (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 – Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#10 – David Russell (Professional) Finanze Ezi
#11 – Simon Hodge (Professional) Team BRM
#13 – James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care
#22 – Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security / PAYCE / Genis Steel
#24 – Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/TOP CAT Video Productions
#25 – John Martin (Professional) Copyworld
#26 – Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld
#39 – Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform
#45 – Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX
#56 – Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
#65 – Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Willoughby
#77 – Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88 – Shae Davies (Professional) Davbridge Constructions
#222 – Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
#777 – Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
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NewsBaird remains second in Carrera Cup Asia points
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia front-runner Craig Baird remains second in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia standings after finishing third and fourth last weekend at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit.
Fellow New Zealander Chris van der Drift claimed his fifth and sixth consecutive win in the eighth round of the 14-race season, extending his lead in the Carrera Cup Asia title chase.
Baird finished behind van der Drift and Nico Menzel in the opening race while he trailed van der Drift, Nico Menzel and Chinese racer, Tung Ho-Pin in the second race.
The weekend saw significant changes to the overall championship leader board. Van der Drift now has 15 point lead from Baird in second. Menzel climbs to third in the standings ahead of Tung, who moves up to fourth, two points clear Martin Ragginger. In Class B, Tjia has closed the gap to rival Tan to just three points, while Wayne Shen retains the third spot.
While van der Drift’s victory looked effortless, it was meticulously planned as the New Zealander was mindful of the two Safety Car periods in Round 7: “My start was OK but Nico’s was better and I had to make sure I had him covered. It was matter of finding where the grip was after the heavy rains overnight, finding the speed, and then not making any mistakes.”
Having made a spectacular return to Thailand, with two action-paced races at the new Buriram track, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia embarks upon the second half of the 2015 season next month. Asia’s premier sportscar championship returns to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit for Rounds 9 and 10 from September 4-6.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2015
Round 7 Results
1 68 Chris VAN DER DRIFT (NZL) Kamlung Racing (CHN) 26:34.000
2 99 Nico MENZEL (GER) PICC Team StarChase (CHN) +1.077
3 12 Craig BAIRD (NZL) Clearwater Racing (SIN) +1.967
4 86 Martin RAGGINGER (AUT) Team Porsche Holding (CHN) +2.556
5 58 TUNG Ho-Pin (CHN) Budweiser Team Absolute Racing (HKG) +3.380
6 2 *Evan CHEN (TPE) B Evan Chen (TPE) +6.517
7 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK (THA) B est Racing Team (THA) +7.264
8 21 Francis TJIA (HKG) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +8.985
9 9 LI Chao (CHN) B Team Betterlife (CHN) +11.938
10 5 Yuey TAN (SIN) B Team Jebsen (HKG) +12.736
11 16 Wayne SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) +13.883
12 51 Johnson HUANG (TPE) B Team BC Racing (TPE) +14.343
13 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN (THA) B True Visions Motorsports Thailand (THA) +15.607
14 60 Marcel TJIA (SIN) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +16.983
15 98 *Max CHEN (TPE) B Max Chen (TPE) +19.463
16 65 ZHU Jun Han (CHN) B Absolute Racing (HKG) +21.356
17 22 SIU Yuk Lung (HKG) B LKM Racing (HKG) +25.101
18 8 Ro Charlz SKYANGEL (SIN) Team Yonda (CHN) +25.223
19 28 John SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) +26.576
20 80 Sontaya KUNPLOME (THA) B Racing Spirit Thailand (THA) +27.225
21 17 FUNG Yui Sum (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) +28.379
22 3 Michael S. (INA) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +54.572
DNF 55 BAO Jin Long (CHN) Zheng Tong Auto (CHN) –
DNF 72 Alif HAMDAN (MAS) Alif Hamdan Motorsport (MAS) –
DNF 20 Rodolfo AVILA (MAC) Team Jebsen (HKG) –
DNF 11 *Mikko Patteri NASSI (MAL) B Team Kangshun (CHN) –
DNF 88 *Daniel BILSKI (AUS) B Spark Motorsports (HKG) –
DNF 23 Paul TRESIDDER (AUS) B Paul Tresidder (AUS)
Round 8 Results
1 68 Chris VAN DER DRIFT (NZL) Kamlung Racing (CHN) 21:37.900
2 99 Nico MENZEL (GER) PICC Team StarChase (CHN) +2.569
3 58 TUNG Ho-Pin (CHN) Budweiser Team Absolute Racing (HKG) +4.824
4 12 Craig BAIRD (NZL) Clearwater Racing (SIN) +6.108
5 8 Ro Charlz SKYANGEL (SIN) Team Yonda (CHN) +7.043
6 2 *Evan CHEN (TPE) B Evan Chen (TPE) +25.507
7 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK (THA) B est Racing Team (THA) +26.541
8 21 Francis TJIA (HKG) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +29.483
9 55 BAO Jin Long (CHN) Zheng Tong Auto (CHN) +30.212
10 5 Yuey TAN (SIN) B Team Jebsen (HKG) +30.608
11 9 LI Chao (CHN) B Team Betterlife (CHN) +32.940
12 51 Johnson HUANG (TPE) B Team BC Racing (TPE) +36.385
13 16 Wayne SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) +36.702
14 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN (THA) B True Visions Motorsports Thailand (THA) +47.437
15 3 Michael S. (INA) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +53.938
16 98 *Max CHEN (TPE) B Max Chen (TPE) +58.520
17 65 ZHU Jun Han (CHN) B Absolute Racing (HKG) +58.978
18 22 SIU Yuk Lung (HKG) B LKM Racing (HKG) +1:19.490
19 80 Sontaya KUNPLOME (THA) B Racing Spirit Thailand (THA) +1:36.073
DNF 17 FUNG Yui Sum (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) –
DNF 60 Marcel TJIA (SIN) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) –
DNF 28 John SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) –
DNF 23 Paul TRESIDDER (AUS) B Paul Tresidder (AUS) –
DNF 11 *Mikko Patteri NASSI (MAL) B Team Kangshun (CHN) –
DNF 88 *Daniel BILSKI (AUS) B Spark Motorsports (HKG) –
DNF 20 Rodolfo AVILA (MAC) Team Jebsen (HKG) –
DNS 72 Alif HAMDAN (MAS) Alif Hamdan Motorsport (MAS) –
DNS 86 Martin RAGGINGER (AUT) Team Porsche Holding (CHN) –
*Non series registered
Overall Points after Round 8 (top 5)
1 68 Chris van der Drift Kamlung Racing 140
2 12 Craig Baird Clearwater Racing 125
3 99 Nico Menzel PICC Team StarChase 96
4 58 Tung Ho-Pin Budweiser Team Absolute Racing 85
5 86 Martin Ragginger Team Porsche Holding 83
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NewsMcBride, Foster secure top 10 in Belgium
Australian youngsters Nick McBride and Nick Foster have secured strong top 10 results on the international stage at last weekend’s joint Porsche Carrera Cup Italy/France round at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, while Marc Cini also claimed a top 10 result in Class B.
McBride and Foster started ninth and tenth on the grid, respectively; the latter demoted five grid positions due to an infringement in practice.
Dry practice and qualifying sessions throughout the weekend were followed by heavy rain before and during the 45 minute Carrera Cup race.
McBride was the star Australian, finishing eighth after 15 laps, two places ahead of Foster in 10th.
“Spa-Francorchamps turned on the weather; it was very wet out there today. I had a little contact on lap one and drove with bent steering throughout the race. I drove safe and brought it home in tenth. The five-grid spot penalty didn’t help but it was an awesome circuit and a tough old lap in the wet. I was very happy with my pace, especially in qualifying,” said Foster.
Fellow Australian Marc Cini placed 30th outright from 36 entries and 10th in Class B, one place behind former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia racer, Yuey Tan, in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia guest entry.
Frenchman Stefan Palette ultimately won in Belgium from Carrera Cup Asia points leader, New Zealander Chris Van Der Drift, who was awarded the drive for his current top standings in the Asian championship.
Pole-sitter Mathieu Jaminet finished third from Vincent Beltoise, Stefano Colombo – the best Italian driver – Riccardo Agostini, Robin Hansson, McBride, Mattia Drudi and Foster in 10th.
The Australian trio will now return home ahead of the fifth Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round at Sydney Motorsport Park on August 21-23, 2015.
Race results
1. Steven Palette (Martinet by Almeras) 15 laps
2. Chris Van der Drift (Team Carrera Asia) -6.893
3. Mathieu Jaminet (Racing Technology) -10.396
4. Vincent Beltoise (Sainteloc) -11.482
5. Stefano Colombo (LEM Racing – Centri Porsche di Milano) -15.637
6. Riccardo Agostini (Antonelli Motorsport – Centro Porsche Padova) -18.361
7. Robin Hansson (Fragus Motorsport) -22.709
8. Nick McBride (Martinet Team Pro GT) -23.231
9. Mattia Drudi (Dinamic Motorsport – Centro Porsche Bologna) -24.217
10. Nick Foster (Martinet by Almeras) -25.902
29. Yuey Tan (Team Carrera Cup Asia) -1:50.167
30. Marc Cini (Racing Technology) -1:54.798
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NewsAll-Aussie fifth row at Spa
It will be an all-Australian fifth row at Spa-Francorchamps for the 45 minute race following the Superpole session of the joint Porsche Carrera Cup Italy/France round.
Nick Foster has been among the pace-setters, qualifying fifth fastest but was hit with a five-place penalty from an infringement in practice.
Foster’s demotion bumped Nick McBride, who was the tenth best after Superpole, up to ninth on the grid.
Marc Cini qualified 34th outright with a time of 2:30.462.
To watch the race live, head to http://goo.gl/Oi79lk at 8:55pm AEST on Saturday July 25, 2015.
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NewsSpa Update: Foster in practice top 10
Nick Foster has shown strong pace in opening practice at the combined Porsche Carrera Cup Italy/France event at Spa-Francorchamps, Belguim.
The Townsville round winner was the ninth quickest driver in the second practice session and the 10th fastest in the combined practice times.
Nick McBride was the 16th quickest for the day while TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runner was 14th in Class B for both sessions at the famous 7km circuit.
Qualifying will be held at 11:30am Friday July 24, 2016 (7:30pm Friday July 24, 2016 AEST)
Practice 1
1. Côme Ledogar (Tsunami RT) – 2’26”091
2. Joffrey De Narda (Sebastien Loeb Racing) – 2’26”837
3. Chris Van der Drift (Team Carrera Asia) – 2’27”044
4. Mathieu Jaminet (Racing Technology) – 2’27”196
5. Riccardo Agostini (Antonelli Motorsport – Centro Porsche Padova) – 2’27”384
6. Robin Hansson (Fragus Motorsport) – 2’27”599
7. Mattia Drudi (Dinamic Motorsport – Centro Porsche Bologna) – 2’28”007
8. Stefano Colombo (LEM Racing – Centri Porsche di Milano) – 2’28”241
9. Sylvain Noel (Racing Technology) – 2’28”489
10. Gian Luca Giraudi (Antonelli Motorsport – Centro Porsche Torino) – 2’28”500
14. Nick Foster (Martinet by Almeras) – 2’29”356
19. Nick McBride (Martinet Team Pro GT) – 2’29”733
31. Yuey Tan (Team Carrera Cup Asia) – 2’32”319
36. Marc Cini (Racing Technology) – 2’38”221
Practice 2
1. Chris Van der Drift (Team Carrera Asia) – 2’24”991
2. Riccardo Agostini (Antonelli Motorsport – Centro Porsche Padova) – 2’25”620
3. Joffrey De Narda (Sebastien Loeb Racing) – 2’26”260
4. Mathieu Jaminet (Racing Technology) – 2’26”529
5. Robin Hansson (Fragus Motorsport) – 2’26”608
6. Steven Palette (Martinet by Almeras) – 2’26”841
7. Stefano Colombo (LEM Racing – Centri Porsche di Milano) – 2’26”969
8. Mattia Drudi (Dinamic Motorsport – Centro Porsche Bologna) – 2’26”972
9. Nick Foster (Martinet by Almeras) – 2’27”179
10. Enrico Fulgenzi (Heaven Motorsport – Centro Porsche Latina) – 2’27”624
15. Nick McBride (Martinet Team Pro GT) – 2’27”948
26. Yuey Tan (Team Carrera Cup Asia) – 2’29”658
36. Marc Cini (Racing Technology) – 2’33”515
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NewsRennsport returns with 2016 Carrera Cup Pro-Am
The inaugural Porsche Rennsport Australia was a highlight of the 2013 motor racing calendar.
And in 2016, it returns.
The second running of the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival will be held at Sydney Motorsport Park, expanding to a three day event from April 29 to May 01, 2016.
Headlining the festival will be the annual Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am and Porsche’s ‘Rolling Museum’ – a selection of iconic race cars that have played a key role in shaping the German sports car brand.
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia will also race at the Sydney event along with iconic Porsche demonstrations, historic and modern sports car races and Porsche Regularity.
Porsche Rennsport Australia will also retain its comprehensive off-track entertainment, featuring its popular Porschestrasse car display, Concours d’Elegance and Show ‘n’ Shine, Porsche Centre Rennsport pop-up dealership, Kids Zone including Porsche Kids Driving School, corporate hospitality and retail precinct.
The 2013 Porsche Rennsport Australia attracted over 500 Porsches to the Sydney Motorsport Park venue with a two-day crowd of approximately 4,000.
Porsche Cars Australia Managing Director Sam Curtis says the return of Rennsport was inevitable following the success and tremendous feedback from the inaugural event.
“There was never any doubt that we would continue the Rennsport concept in Australia. It is immensely popular in North America and the inaugural Australian event was a resounding success. The popularity – both in participation and attendance – in 2013 along with the incredible feedback thereafter made our decision to repeat the event very easy,” said Mr. Curtis.
“Porsche’s vast motor racing heritage and popularity in Australia allows us to hold such events, something that makes us unique in the market. Rennsport is a true celebration of the Porsche brand and its motor racing pedigree – past and present.
“There will be no shortage of on- and off-track entertainment at Porsche Rennsport Australia. Porsche offers two spectacular one-make motor racing championships in Australia which will both be on show, along with some truly iconic race and road cars from the Porsche Museum and many locally based Porsches with important ties to the brand.
“Porsche is an ‘experience’ brand and we will certainly live up to this reputation for all who attend Porsche Rennsport Australia in 2016.”
Porsche Rennsport Australia has increased to three days to allow for more track time, especially for the Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge, and also allow for extended hot lap sessions during Saturday and Sunday.
The line-up of iconic sports cars from the ‘Rolling Museum’ will be confirmed closer to the event, along with the exact line-up of Porsche motor racing categories.
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NewsMcBride joins Foster and Cini at Spa
Australia’s bid for Spa success has strengthened ahead of this weekend’s joint Porsche Carrera Cup Italy/France round with the late inclusion of a local race winner.
Young gun Nick McBride has struck a last minute deal to drive in the joint Porsche round, joining two fellow Australians, Townsville round winner Nick Foster and experienced racer Marc Cini, on the grid.
Teammates in Australia, Foster and McBride will continue to race side-by-side in Belgium; both racing with French outfit Almeras Racing.
McBride will also bring experience of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit having raced on the famous 7km track during the 2012 British Formula 3 season.
“It’s really exciting to head back to Spa this weekend for the joint Carrera Cup round. I’d known about the event for some time but never considered racing there until I spoke to my teammate Nick Foster in Townsville. It sounded like an amazing opportunity so I made a few calls and was able to secure a last minute drive,” said McBride, who won the opening Albert Park race in March.
“I drove at Spa in 2012 in Formula 3 and, while it was a great experience, it was a pretty soggy event so I’m hoping for clear skies and great racing in Belgium this weekend.
“It’s great to be joining Nick at Almeras Racing. When you’re out of your comfort zone we search for as much familiarity as possible. I’ll be racing an identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car that I race in Australia and I’ll have Foster’s face around the garage which will also help throughout the weekend; we work very well as teammates in Australia and I’m sure we’ll help each other succeed at Spa.”
The joint Porsche Carrera Cup Italy/France round will also feature two drivers from the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia championship – outright points leader, New Zealander Chris van der Drift, and Class B frontrunner and former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia racer, Yuey Tan.
Cini, Foster and McBride will first hit the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Thursday July 23 for opening practice followed by qualifying on Friday July 24 and the 45 minute Carrera Cup race on Saturday July 25.
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NewsFoster, Cini to take on France, Italy and Asia
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prfsJYaaucA]In-form Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Nick Foster and experienced racer Marc Cini will take on the best of Italy, France and Asia next weekend when lining up at the famous Belgian circuit, Spa-Francorchamps.
The Australian duo will race in the joint Porsche Carrera Cup France/Italy round on July 23-25 just two weeks after Foster dominated Carrera Cup Australia’s latest event in Townsville, winning all three races at the north Queensland round.
Foster will join Almeras Racing in Belgium and Cini will drive with Racing Technology – the same team with which Carrera Cup Australia’s most capped racer contested last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Porsche support race.
The Belgian race will also feature Porsche Carrera Cup Asia’s points leader, New Zealander Chris van der Drift, and Class B frontrunner, Yuey Tan; a drive awarded to the duo for leading their respective pointscores in the Asian championship.
Foster is looking forward to the new challenge and hopes to impress on his European motorsport debut.
“This is a massive opportunity for me. It’s great that I’ll be driving an identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car that I race in Australia so that adds a level of familiarity and, coming off the back of Townsville, I’m going to take a lot of confidence with me in driving the car,” said Foster.
“Obviously Spa is a completely different beast. It’s going to be tough learning a whole new circuit but I’m certainly going to make the most of it, relish the opportunity and try to come away with a pretty solid result.
“Racing outside Australia is a big step. Being the support race to the Spa 24 Hour, I’m going to be racing in front of a lot of renowned sports car teams. If I get a strong result at a new track I hope to spark some awareness for me and racing ‘Down Under’ in Europe; you never know where things can lead in the next 12 months.”
The event will consist of two practice sessions on Thursday July 23, qualifying on Friday July 24 and the 45 minute Carrera Cup race on Saturday July 25 – the last on-track session before the start of the 24 Hours of Spa endurance event.
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NewsSmollen builds narrow lead in Townsville class battle
Shane Smollen has maintained a narrow lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings following round four of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship in Townsville this weekend.
Smollen edged out defending challenge class champion Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller for the round victory after three tough races for the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ contenders.
Grove remains within close company of class leader Smollen heading into the second half of the Carrera Cup season, whilst Bergmuller’s podium was the clear highlight of an otherwise tough year blighted by non-finishes.
Having earlier scored the TAG Heuer pole position award in qualifying, only 1.0 seconds from outright pole winner David Russell, Smollen recorded finishes of first, first and third across the three races held on the challenging 2.87km Reid Park circuit.
“It was a tale of two races today,” Smollen said of Sunday’s pair of 20-lap encounters.
“The first race couldn’t have been clearer with a 13 second gap at the end but it was all happening at the start – I’ve never been able to survive so many hits in a race and still be able to finish it.”
Smollen encountered damage in the final race following contact with another car, however was able to limp his car home under a race-ending safety car.
“It’s just a bit of a freak that we didn’t do a radiator or a steering arm because they were coming from everywhere,” Smollen explained. “The rear left was shredded at the end of the race from mudguard damage and we’re probably very fortunate it finished under safety car.
“Across the board the two prior races, and the three sessions before, we had great pace and it certainly gives us plenty of confidence going into round five.”
Smollen now leads Grove by just 11 points as the championship heads into the second half of the season.
“It’s given us a good gap over a few of the guys and a small gap over Grove, and he’s always there banking points as he always does so well, but I’m confident with the tracks ahead,” Smollen said.
“A few of our favourite tracks are coming up and we’ve just got to keep it together and, as you can tell from this afternoon, anything can happen. We’ve just got to take it corner by corner, race by race.”
Defending Challenge class champion Grove said he was pleased to escape the challenging Townsville circuit with a solid haul of points towards his title defence.
Grove finished second in all three races and led the finale before being passed by Tony Bates in the races closing stages.
“It was very action packed! Three seconds was all we could do this round,” he explained.
“I lead there (in race three) after the safety car came out but got past me and from there it was just about keeping on, keeping on. It’s 100 per cent about building points from here. (Bates) had a lunge on me and I had to get out of it to make sure he got through because we can’t afford a DNF at the moment. It’s about chasing points and chasing the championship from here.”
Having started the season with a weekend-ending crash at the Clipsal 500, Bergmuller celebrated a birthday weekend with his first podium of the season.
The Melbournian qualified third in class on Saturday morning before logging finishes of third, seventh and fourth, respectively, across the three races.
“I always come to Townsville a bit nervous because we’ve had two massive crashes here over the last two years,” a relieved Bergmuller said following the podium.
“It started well and qualifying and the first race were quite good. In the second race everyone wanted to hit me and I hit them too.
“It’s great to be on the podium and I certainly didn’t expect it after this morning’s (race two) effort.
“I’m excited. Having a birthday here and this is great way to celebrate. It’s my first podium for the year after so many DNFs, a big crash at Clipsal and being injured coming into the year, so I’m pumped.”
Bates’ win in the final race made up for a challenging start to the weekend that saw him qualify 18th before failing to finish the opening race. He rebounded to third in the Challenge class in race two before storming through to score his fifth race win of the season in race three.
Bates remains third in the Carrera Challenge standings following the first four rounds this year.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge frontrunner Roger Lago, fourth in the standings entering the round, failed to score in Townsville following a qualifying crash.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia continues at Sydney Motorsport Park in New South Wales on 21-23 August.
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NewsFoster and Smollen take Townsville honours
Nick Foster was unstoppable at Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s fourth round in Townsville taking three dominant race wins while Shane Smollen claimed his second straight class round win.
After victory in Saturday’s opening race, Foster quickly found the front in race two and eventually claimed the race win from David Russell, Steven Richards, Richard Muscat and Craig Baird.
Foster then took control of the final race of the weekend, leading into the first safety car period – brought on to recover the car of Scott Taylor from turn one – and then when the safety car joined the circuit for the second time to recover the car of Adrian Mastronardo. Foster’s race win was confirmed when the race was declared under safety car, taking the win from Richards, Baird, Muscat, Matt Campbell and John Martin. The dominant performance was the first clean sweep of race wins in Townsville since Dan Gaunt’s 2011 success.
“It doesn’t get much better than that. We’ve had a well-documented tough start to the year so this is a good way to bounce back. It was great to get the Professional Class victory at Phillip Island along with a race win and then to string all three races here in Townsville is awesome. We won comfortably in the first two races and then made a change in the last race and improved even further; my fastest lap was towards the end of race three when the tyres were at their oldest. The team is doing a great job and I’m really happy with the way I’m driving. Three out of three is amazing.”
Fourth for Muscat, following a second and fourth result in the opening two races, was enough to secure him second for the round in the Professional Class and a career best Carrera Cup round result.
“I wanted to be in the top five in the championship after the first three rounds and had hoped that I would start to push up the field. This weekend proved that we can run with the front guys,” said Muscat.
Richards placed third for the round from Baird and Russell, who looked set for a round podium until receiving a pit lane drive through penalty for a restart infringement in race three.
Smollen and Tony Bates shared TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race wins. Smollen claimed victory in the opening two races however damaged suffered in the third race placed him third in class behind Bates and Stephen Grove, however it was enough to hand the Sydneysider the round win from reigning class champion Grove and James Bergmuller.
“Across the board the two prior races, and the three sessions before, we had great pace and it certainly gives us plenty of confidence going into round five. It’s given us a good gap over a few of the guys and a small gap over Grove, and he’s always there banking points as he always does so well, but I’m confident with the tracks ahead,” said Smollen.
Richards extended his championship lead at Townsville, enjoying an 82.5 point buffer to Baird, while Muscat has moved to third in the standings from McBride and Foster.
Smollen retains the lead of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class by 11 points from Grove and Bates.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will return to the race track on August 21-23 at Sydney Motorsport Park to kick off the second half of the Porsche championship.
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NewsDriver update: Roger Lago
Roger Lago will return to Brisbane today following his crash in Saturday morning’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Qualifying session, where his Porsche 911 race car made contact with a barrier at the Townsville Street Circuit.
Lago was immediately taken to the Medical Centre at the circuit and then to Townsville Hospital.
As a result of the Qualifying accident Lago sustained a fractured left tibia, broken ribs and lung contusions.
Upon arriving in Brisbane Lago’s condition will continue to be observed.
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NewsFoster and Smollen take opening Townsville win
Nick Foster has taken victory in a scintillating opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race among some new faces at the front while Shane Smollen continued his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class dominance in Townsville.
TAG Heuer Pole-sitter David Russell led from the start of the 20 lap race and remained at the front in the opening laps, holding off Duvashen Padayachee in the early stages of the race before Foster came through from fourth on the grid to take the race lead on lap 13.
Russell was demoted to third on the same lap by Richard Muscat, who qualified sixth, posting the fastest lap of the race on his charge to the front.
Muscat then put pressure on Foster for the lead but couldn’t stop the Queensland based driver from taking his second consecutive race win in the championship.
“It was always going to be a big ask from fourth but we had the pace and it showed. As soon as we got towards the front my pace came on. It was a big gap to close to Russell when I passed Padayachee, but I was able to slip past and then maintain the gap to Richard. It’s great to see some fresh faces up the front,” said Foster.
“It’s really good for the team; a couple of wins on the trot will hopefully bring us back into the championship.”
Matt Campbell, who started alongside Russell on the front row, finished the race in fourth from points leaders Craig Baird and Steven Richards, Michael Almond, Simon Hodge and Padayachee, who dropped to ninth by the finish after a spectacular start to the race.
John Martin placed 10th in his Carrera Cup debut from Fraser Ross and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race winner Shane Smollen in 11th, who finished 4.5secs clear of his nearest class rival, Stephen Grove.
“I’m happy to consolidate after topping the previous three sessions. It was really about getting a good start and, ideally, hanging onto the pros, which I did for a few laps. After that I had clear track both in front and behind so it was all about keeping my concentration. I managed to do that and obviously took the class win,” said Smollen.
James Bergmuller finished 14th from Marc Cini, Ash Samadi, Scott Taylor and Adrian Mastronardo, who came together with Tony Bates mid-race, ending the latter’s race prematurely.
Richards now holds a 64.5 point lead in the standings from Baird, with Nick McBride dropping to third after damage sustained in a qualifying crash could not be fixed by the race one start.
Smollen has extended his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge lead to 11 points to Grove, while Bates’s DNF has dropped him to 81.5 points from the class lead.
Saturday’s earlier qualifying session was red flagged after Roger Lago made contact with the barrier. The Queensland based racer was taken to the circuit’s Medical Centre and then to Townsville Hospital for observation and further checks, from where he has since been discharged.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final two races on the Townsville weekend on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Sunday July 12, 2015
8:30am – Race 2 (20 laps)
2:05pm – Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Network Ten
Race 2 – 2:30pm, Sunday July 12
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 2 – 8:30am, Sunday July 12
Race 3 – 2:05pm, Sunday July 12
Race 1 results
1. #777 Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) Professional – 20 laps, 25:18.7236s
2. #22 Richard Muscat (Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel) Pro – 20 laps, 25:19.1885s
3. #10 David Russell (Finanze Ezi) Professional – 20 laps, 25:20.0825s
4. #7 Matt Campbell (Phase 8) Professional – 20 laps, 25:21.6336s
5. #8 Craig Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) Professional – 20 laps, 25:22.1475s
6. #1 Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) Professional – 20 laps, 25:22.5349s
7. #26 Michael Almond (Copyworld) Professional – 20 laps, 25:26.0325s
8. #11 Simon Hodge (Team BRM) Professional – 20 laps, 25:29.2582s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea Stix) Professional – 20 laps, 25:30.7392s
10. #25 John Martin (Copyworld) Professional – 20 laps, 25:32.4530s
11. #65 Fraser Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton) Professional – 20 laps, 25:34.9413s
12. #56 Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) TAG Heuer Challenge – 20 laps, 25:50.3469s
13. #4 Stephen Grove (Grove Group) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 20 laps, 25:54.9888s
14. #13 James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) TAG Heuer Challenge – 20 laps, 25:55.5453s
15. #9 Marc Cini (Hallmarc) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 20 laps, 26:04.2033s
16. #6 Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 20 laps, 26:16.0002s
17. #222 Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) TAG Heuer Challenge – 20 laps, 26:16.9256s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 20 laps, 26:45.5684s
DNF #24 Tony Bates (AFS / TOP CAT Video Prod.) TAG Heuer Challenge – 11 laps, 14:41.1682s
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NewsAlmond and Smollen top close Townsville practice
Michael Almond was the unlikely pacesetter in a fast-paced opening day in Townsville, with Shane Smollen proving to be the form TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver.
Almond showed impressive pace in both practice sessions, posting the second quickest time in the opening session behind Craig Baird before setting the fastest time of the day in practice two.
Baird set the second best Friday time from Nick Foster. Duvashen Padayachee, debuting a new-look for his 911 for Townsville, was fourth fastest outright from David Russell and young Queenslander Matt Campbell in sixth.
Almond was pleased with his Friday form but admits having new Michelin tyres for practice certainly contributed to his top times.
“That was the best result I’ve had in Carrera Cup be it practice, qualifying or races so I’m pretty ecstatic with that. Obviously we had a good set of tyres although our times were pretty consistent throughout the session so hopefully I can get inside the top 10 in qualifying and the opening race tomorrow; and top five would be awesome,” said Almond.
Richard Muscat was seventh quickest in practice from Simon Hodge, Steven Richards, Nick McBride and newcomer John Martin in 11th.
Smollen posted the 12th best outright time and was the highest placed TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver from both sessions. The Sydneysider now hopes he can convert initial pace into strong race results.
“It’s only practice but my initial pace has certainly given me confidence in the changes that I’ve made coming into this meeting on how I drive the track. I’ve traditionally been on the pace in Townsville but have had some bad luck in the races but there’s no reason why that can’t come to an end this weekend,” said Smollen.
Fraser Ross, the 13th fastest driver in practice, was still less than a second from pacesetter Almond. Ross finished ahead of Tony Bates, Roger Lago, Stephen Grove, James Bergmuller, Ash Samadi, Marc Cini, Scott Taylor and Adrian Mastronardo in the combined practice times.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold qualifying and race one on Saturday, followed but its two final races of the weekend on Sunday – all of which can be viewed live on Fox Sports 5.
Race Schedule
Saturday July 11, 2015
9:40am – Qualifying (25 minutes)
3:00pm – Race 1 (20 laps)
Sunday July 12, 2015
8:30am – Race 2 (20 laps)
2:05pm – Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Network Ten
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Saturday July 11
Race 2 – 2:30pm, Sunday July 12
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Qualifying – 9:40am, Saturday July 11
Race 1 – 3:00pm, Saturday July 11
Race 2 – 8:30am, Sunday July 12
Race 3 – 2:05pm, Sunday July 12
Combined Practice times
1. #26 Michael Almond (Copyworld) Professional – 01:14.6 (Fastest lap)
2. #8 Craig Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) Professional – 01:14.7
3. #777 Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) Professional – 01:14.8
4. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea Stix) Professional – 01:14.9
5. #10 David Russell (Finanze Ezi) Professional – 01:14.9
6. #7 Matt Campbell (Phase 8) Professional – 01:14.9
7. #22 Richard Muscat (Wilson Security / PAYCE / Genis Steel) Professional – 01:15.0
8. #11 Simon Hodge (Team BRM) Professional – 01:15.1
9. #1 Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) Professional – 01:15.2
10. #77 Nick McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) Professional – 01:15.3
11. #25 John Martin (Copyworld) Professional – 01:15.4
12. #56 Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:15.4
13. #65 Fraser Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton) Professional – 01:15.6
14. #24 Tony Bates (AFS / TOP CAT Video Prod.) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:15.7
15. #23 Roger Lago (JBS Australia) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:16.1
16. #4 Stephen Grove (Grove Group) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:16.2
17. #13 James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:16.3
18. #6 Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:16.7
19. #9 Marc Cini (Hallmarc) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:16.9
20. #222 Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:17.0
21. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – 01:17.3
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NewsLocals hope to buck trend in Townsville
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will this weekend return to the V8 Supercars spectacle as the championship readies for its fourth ever visit to the Townsville streets.
The competitive Porsche championship will feature 21 cars for the sunny north Queensland round, with one well credentialed debutant set to take on the talented Carrera Cup competition.
Carrera Cup’s return to the V8 Supercars calendar strongly increases its visibility; every session from Townsville will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506) while races one and two will be televised on Network Ten.
History has favoured New Zealand born Carrera Cup drivers at Townsville; all four previous Townsville rounds and 10 of the past 12 races at the venue have been won by drivers born across the Tasman Sea: Alex Davison and Michael Patrizi the only drivers to buck the trend, brought on by the success of Dan Gaunt, Jonny Reid, Craig Baird and reigning Townsville victor Steven Richards – the only multiple round winner over the last 12 months.
Nick McBride is looking to improve the ratio for locally born talent. Sitting second in the standings, the Melbourne born racer is looking to continue his strong start to 2015 and hopefully outpace his more experienced rivals.
“I’m going to go out there this weekend and go as fast as I can, not worrying about the championship standings. I know that Richards and Baird don’t make mistakes so I’ll just go out there and be as fast as I can and hopefully the results follow,” said McBride, who will sport the DonateLife logo on his race car in Townsville to raise awareness for the government programme to improve organ and tissue donation and transplantation outcomes in Australia.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge is tight at the front, with its three top drivers – Shane Smollen, Stephen Grove and Tony Bates – split by 21.5 points before the Queensland round.
Smollen enters the round having taken outright victory in the Phillip Island Pro-Am alongside Nick Percat while Grove has proven his pace in Townsville, winning the event in the class last year. Meanwhile Ash Samadi will move to sixth in the list of most Carrera Cup rounds start with his 44th appearance in the championship.
With competition in the Challenge class better than ever, Bates hopes Townsville success will place him in a strong position entering the championship’s mid-season mark.
“We’re nearly at the half way point of the season and points are really starting to become valuable now so no one wants a bad round in Townsville because you want to kick off the second half of the season in Sydney with a bag full of points. There aren’t many points between the top three so this weekend will be very interesting,” said Bates.
One exciting addition to the championship is John Martin. The Queenslander has chosen Carrera Cup for his return to Australian motorsport following an impressive record in several international championships – British Formula 3, World Series by Renault, A1GP, Superleague Formula, United Sportscar Championship and the World Endurance Championship.
“The likes of Craig Baird and Steven Richards are definitely the benchmarks in Carrera Cup Australia so if we can run with them I’ll be very happy. I’m looking forward to seeing where I stack up against those guys,” said Martin, who will become the 169th driver to have competed in Carrera Cup Australia since 2003.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold three races over the Townsville weekend, all of which can be viewed live on Fox Sports. The opening two races of the weekend will also be broadcast free-to-air on Network Ten.
Race Schedule
Friday July 10, 2015
11:25am – Practice 1 (20 minutes)
2:40pm – Practice 2 (30 minutes)
Saturday July 11, 2015
9:40am – Qualifying (25 minutes)
3:00pm – Race 1 (20 laps)
Sunday July 12, 2015
8:30am – Race 2 (20 laps)
2:05pm – Race 3 (20 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Network Ten
Race 1 – 3:05pm, Saturday July 11
Race 2 – 2:30pm, Sunday July 12
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Practice 1 – 11:25am, Friday July 10
Practice 2 – 2:40pm, Friday July 10
Qualifying – 9:40am, Saturday July 11
Race 1 – 3:00pm, Saturday July 11
Race 2 – 8:30am, Sunday July 12
Race 3 – 2:05pm, Sunday July 12
Entry List
#1 Steven Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) Professional
#4 Stephen Grove (Grove Group) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#6 Ash Samadi (Apartment Hotel) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#7 Matt Campbell (Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions) Professional
#8 Craig Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) Professional
#9 Marc Cini (Hallmarc) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#10 David Russell (Finance Ezi/Hydraulink/Actron Air) Professional
#11 Simon Hodge (Team BRM) Professional
#13 James Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#22 Richard Muscat (Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel) Professional
#23 Roger Lago (JBS Australia) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#24 Tony Bates (AFS/Top Cat Video Productions) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#25 John Martin (Copyworld) Professional
#26 Michael Almond (Copyworld) Professional
#39 Adrian Mastronardo (Veritas/Builtform) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#45 Duvashen Padayachee (Darrell Lea STIX) Professional
#56 Shane Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#65 Fraser Ross (Cigweld/Porsche Centre Brighton) Professional
#77 Nick McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) Professional
#222 Scott Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
#777 Nick Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) Professional
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NewsBarker fourth at home Supercup round
Former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Ben Barker was one position away from standing on his home race podium after finishing fourth in the competitive Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at Silverstone as Austrian Philipp Eng celebrated his maiden 2015 victory.
On the 5.891 kilometre Silverstone circuit, famed for its fast corners, 25-year-old Eng crossed the finish line first ahead of Alex Riberas and Michael Ammermüller. “I got away perfectly at the start and I’m over the moon with this important win. Silverstone is a demanding track and everything simply ran very smoothly for me,” said Eng, after receiving his trophy. With 70 points, Eng ranks first in the drivers’ standings after four of eleven championship rounds.
Barker, as the best British contender, scored fourth in his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, which is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 sports car, relegating Christian Engelhart to the fifth spot. For sixth place, Porsche Junior Matteo Cairoli pocketed the all-important points towards the rookie classification.
A total of 31 competitors from 13 countries headed into the Silverstone weekend on Friday with their 460 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars. By Sunday, Eng was the undisputed man of the series, claiming pole position in qualifying and victory at Sunday’s race.
Spike Goddard was the best placed Australian, moving from 19th through to 12th by the chequered flag. Sam Power started in 22nd place – relegated three positions on the grid after driving too fast under yellow flag conditions in qualifying – finished 18th. Power and Goddard now sit 15th and 17th in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup standings, respectively.
Four different winners from four rounds show just how intense the competition is in the strongly-supported Porsche one-make race series: Ammermüller won in Barcelona, the Dutchman Jaap van Lagen triumphed in Monaco for his Fach Auto Tech squad, Christopher Zöchling came first at Spielberg and now Eng has claimed victory at Silverstone.
The Hungaroring in Budapest/Hungary hosts the next Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup meeting from 24 to 26 July. Poland’s Kuba Giermaziak won here last year: “Hungary is almost like a home race for me. Until now the season hasn’t really gone very well, but I’m hopeful that I can pick up from where I left off last year on the Hungaroring,” says Giermaziak. Hungary is also a home event for the team from Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport. Team principal Wieslaw Lukas has already competed there this year in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Eastern Europe that he has organised.
Result
Round 4 Silverstone
1. Philipp Eng (A/Market Leader Team by Project 1)
2. Alex Riberas (E/The Heart of Racing by Lechner)
3. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner Racing Middle East)
4. Ben Barker (GB/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax)
5. Christian Engelhart (D/MRS GT-Racing)
6. Matteo Cairoli (I/Market Leader Team by Project 1)
7. Christopher Zöchling (A/Fach Auto Tech)
8. Côme Ledogar (F/Martinet by Almeras)
9. Dan Cammish (GB/Redline Racing)
10. Jeffrey Schmidt (CH/The Heart of Racing by Lechner)
12. Spike Goddard (AUS/MRS GT-Racing)
18. Sam Power (AUS/MOMO-Megatron Team PARTRAX)
Points’ standings after 4 of 11 races
Drivers
1. Philipp Eng (A/Market Leader Team by Project 1), 70 points
2. Alex Riberas (E/The Heart of Racing by Lechner), 56
3. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner Racing Middle East), 55
4. Christian Engelhart (D/MRS GT-Racing), 54
5. Ben Barker (GB/MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax), 37
15. Sam Power (AUS/MOMO-Megatron Team PARTRAX), 14
17. Spike Goddard (AUS/MRS GT-Racing), 9
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NewsSA team embraces change after strong 2015 start
Two-car Porsche team Copyworld Racing plans to continue its strong start to 2015 despite a mid-season driver change.
Michael Almond started his second Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season strongly while Cam McConville made an impressive start to his Carrera Cup career, sitting second in the standings before the final Pro-Am race at Phillip Island.
McConville will now step aside from his racing role at Townsville to oversee the inaugural Australian Formula 4 Championship, opening the door for racer John Martin for the remaining five rounds.
The team’s main driver, Almond, is excited to bring Martin’s overseas racing experience after a positive start to 2015 alongside McConville.
“We’re all looking forward to Townsville. Apart from the obvious – it’s an amazing place – it will be great having John as part of Copyworld Racing. He brings great international experience and a lot of external interest to the team and to the championship. Hopefully we can help each other for the coming rounds,” said Almond.
“Cam has been a great inclusion to the team. He has been a great mentor to me on track and added a high level of experience and professionalism to Copyworld Racing, which has been vital for our development.”
McConville is disappointed to leave the championship mid-season but has been pleased with his immediate pace in the Porsche.
“It has been great racing full-time again and I’ve enjoyed every moment with the Copyworld Racing team. My day-to-day role is now my immediate focus, which is to launch the Australian Formula 4 Championship at Townsville,” said McConville.
“Being back behind the wheel this season has been a truly great experience; the championship is strong and we’ve been happy with our results so early in the season. Add to that my mentor role with Michael, which has allowed him to further develop as a driver. Good luck to Michael, John and the team for Townsville and for the remainder of the season.”
McConville achieved five top five results from eight races with a personal best of second place at Albert Park.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s next round will be held at Townsville on July 10-12, 2015, with a 21 car field set for the Far North Queensland round.
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NewsPorsche opens doors to young Aussie drivers
Porsche Junior opens doors to young Australian drivers
Australia. Porsche has opened a second tier to its young driver development programme to young Australian drivers, providing the opportunity to fast track their international racing career with the German sports car brand.
For the first time Porsche is accepting applications for the Porsche Junior programme, which will award the winning applicant/s 150,000 Euros towards a drive in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. This new opportunity compliments its existing programme, the International Cup Scholarship, which sees one driver from each international Carrera Cup compete in a two-day shootout in Europe, awarding the winner a 200,000 Euro funded drive in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup the following season.
Positioned as an entry level programme under the International Cup Scholarship, this new opportunity is accepting applicants who were born between January 1st, 1994, and February 28th, 1998. Aspirants must be able to prove their participation in a touring car and/or single-seater series and have not completed a full season of either GT3 Cup Challenge, Carrera Cup or a similar GT series.
To apply for the Porsche youth development programme, potential candidates should use the following application form: www.porsche.com/juniorprogramme. Candidates who are successful in the application procedure will participate in a two-stage selection process which includes fitness and endurance tests as well as demonstrating their driving skill at the wheel of the 460 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The chosen Porsche Juniors sign a contract with Porsche AG and will receive support in the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. Aside from 150,000 Euros in funding, the Porsche Juniors receive assistance similar to the internationally successful Porsche factory driver. Fitness tests with constantly adapted training plans as well as media coaching and sponsor obligations are also part of the programme. The former Porsche works driver Sascha Maassen is on hand as a mentor to the juniors at every race. From the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland the juniors move up to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Should they be successful at this level a Porsche works driver position potentially beckons.
Porsche continues to pursue one goal: to train promising youngsters to become professional race drivers. Porsche’s youth development programme was launched in 1997 when the first UPS Porsche Junior team lined up on the grid. Since then, 19 of the young race drivers who have received support in the junior programme have managed to climb the ladder to become professional race drivers: Porsche factory pilots like Timo Bernhard (D), Marc Lieb (D), Patrick Long (USA), Michael Christensen (DK) and Earl Bamber (NZ). Bamber wrote history as the youngest graduate of the junior programme: The New Zealander gained his first one-make cup experience in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. He was awarded the Porsche International Cup Scholarship, won the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as a Porsche Junior, and in 2015 he clinched victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a Porsche works driver at the wheel of the 919 Hybrid LMP1 vehicle.
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NewsLocals progress in Spielberg Supercup race
An ecstatic Christopher Zöchling from Austria won his first ever Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race at Spielberg, while Australians Sam Power and Spike Goddard finished 14th and 15th.
The 27-year-old Zöchling won Sunday’s round after being signed on at short notice to contest the race as a substitute for the squad’s regular driver. “I’m absolutely thrilled with my first place, especially since it was a last minute deal. It’s incredible for the team and me,” remarked Zöchling with a huge grin. An Austrian also clinched position two: With his result, Philipp Eng (A/Market Leader Team by Project 1) from Salzburg has now moved to the top of the points’ table of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Third place went to Spaniard Alex Riberas (E/The Heart of Racing by Lechner).
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia graduates Power and Goddard both drove an impressive race further down the field. Power charged from 21th on the grid to finish 14th while Goddard met the chequered flag in 15th after starting 27th.
Power, who was disappointed with his qualifying performance, was pleased with his race recovery. “I had some great battles and made some great passes today. It was a decent recovery from qualifying and I’m happy to bag some points and move onto the next round. Austria is nothing short of gorgeous; such a phenomenal, green countryside. I had a blast. Bring on the UK,” said Power.
The third of eleven rounds treated spectators in the packed grandstands to thrills and spills at the Red Bull Ring. Many overtaking manoeuvres and bumper-to-bumper duels amongst the 28-strong field from 14 countries got the motorsport fans’ hearts racing. Directly after the start, the race was thrown into a turmoil by the front pack around pole-sitter Connor de Phillippi (USA/VERVA Lechner Racing Team). De Philippi managed to get away cleanly off the line to settle in at the front. Coming from second, Eng became sandwiched between Porsche Junior Sven Müller (D/Lechner Racing Middle East) and Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner Racing Middle East) which threw him down the field to fifth. The eventual winner Zöchling gained two positions to slip into third place. Spectators were treated to gripping duels over the 16 laps. Zöchling gradually closed the gap to the front runner and finally overtook de Phillippi in the sixth lap. Eng also battled his way up the order and from lap seven the two Austrians were running in first and second. “I can’t recall ever having such a terrible start to a race,” said Eng. “It wasn’t easy working my way to the front. It’s great that my second place today has put me at the top of the championship.”
Former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Ben Barker finished 19th after a mid-race spin while battling for sixth place and now sits seventh in the standings.
The next race weekend of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is contested from 3rd to 5th July at Silverstone in Great Britain. Barker (MOMO-Megatron Team Partrax) comes from the nearby city of Oxford. Barker’s teammate Cameron Twynham lives in Harborough about 45 minutes from the Silverstone circuit. Joining the two registered Supercup pilots from Britain for the Silverstone round are a number of drivers from the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain. As guest starters in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, they get the chance to gain some initial experience in the higher class of the international one-make race series.
Results
Round 3 Spielberg
1. Christopher Zöchling
2. Philipp Eng
3. Alex Riberas
4. Connor de Phillippi
5. Christian Engelhart
6. Robert Lukas
7. Matteo Cairoli
8. Philipp Frommenwiler
9. Michael Ammermüller
10. Sven Müller
14. Sam Power
15. Spike Goddard
19. Ben Barker
Points standings after 3 of 11 races
Drivers
1. Philipp Eng, 50 points
2. Christian Engelhart, 42
3. Michael Ammermüller, 39
4. Alex Riberas, 38
5. Kuba Giermaziak, 29
6. Connor de Phillippi, 28
7. Ben Barker, 23
8. Jaap van Lagen, 20
15. Sam Power, 12
18. Spike Goddard, 4
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NewsAussie export returns to race Carrera Cup
One of Australia’s top racing exports, John Martin, will contest the remainder of the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, starting from the championship’s fourth round in Townsville.
The move is Martin’s first full-time drive in Australia since winning the 2006 Australian Formula Ford title, in which time he has raced in numerous open wheel and sports car championships: British Formula 3, World Series by Renault, A1GP, Superleague Formula, Tudor United Sportscar Championship and the World Endurance Championship.
Martin will join the Copyworld Racing team for the July 10-12 event after attending the championship’s previous round at Phillip Island as a spectator. The Queenslander is now eager to get to Townsville and enjoy Porsche racing from the other side of the barrier.
“Carrera Cup is a worldwide category; it’s all over the world and everyone knows what Porsche Carrera Cup is. I’ve watched it over the years both in Australia and internationally and it’s always delivered some of the best racing,” said Martin.
“The likes of Craig Baird and Steven Richards are definitely the benchmarks in Carrera Cup Australia so if we can run with them I’ll be very happy. I’m looking forward to seeing where I stack up against those guys.”
Martin plans to use his Carrera Cup experience to open doors both on a local and international level.
“These cars are identical to what you see in Carrera Cup series anywhere in the world. I’ve been fortunate to drive on most of the major circuits, so if we can get some experience in the cars and there is a chance to do a race overseas, we’re dialed in and ready to go. I think Porsche Carrera Cup is a fantastic opportunity for me to get some experience around Mount Panorama and to measure myself against some seriously tough racers in this category. When the chance to run with Michael Almond’s team presented itself, it was too good to refuse.
“We’re certainly not giving up on pursuing opportunities in LMP1 and other sports car categories, but at the same time I would love to do something in the local professional series as well. For sure, the link with the manufacturer in Carrera Cup is a great advantage. I’ve watched a number of guys I’ve raced against progress their careers through the Porsche series.”
Martin, who will replace Cam McConville in the Copyworld Racing Porsche, and the entire Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will first hit the Townsville track on Friday July 10 with its opening two practice sessions.
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NewsBamber helps Porsche to Le Mans win #17
While New Zealand ace Earl Bamber only competed in one Porsche Carrera Cup Australia event, the Kiwi has more Carrera Cup runs on the board than most: two Porsche Carrera Cup Asia titles and one Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup crown.
And now, Bamber can add a Le Mans 24 Hour win to his CV – the 17th outright victory for Porsche.
The winning number 19 prototype, driven by Bamber, German F1 star Nico Hülkenberg and Briton Nick Tandy, had started third on the grid, and for a short time at the beginning even dropped down the order to eighth before settling in sixth for a longer period. Of all things, it is the rookie crew that won the monstrous classic. Neither Hülkenberg, who had the joy of being in the car at the most emotional moments of the race, being the start and the finish driver, nor Bamber brought Le Mans experience with them. Tandy, the third driver of the winning trio, had at least done two Le Mans 24-Hours for Porsche in the GT class. By doing super fast laps, staying calm but highly focused, the three of them drove a race with no errors and won it by their own merits.
“It feels incredible. I have enjoyed every single stint. It is been a long, long day to drive in the evening and then again in the morning. I just had a very short break. But I am not tired at all – I am pumped up on adrenalin now. I thought I would have heard strange noises in the car. But, of course, you fancy every kind of noise if you are on your way to win Le Mans,” said Bamber.
Wind the clock back to the 2013 season and Bamber was a participant in the inaugural Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am event at Porsche Rennsport Australia, placing third in the Challenge Class with Stephen Grove.
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NewsVIDEO: Carrera Cup features on RPM
Carrera Cup attracted some of the country’s greatest racing stars at the Phillip Island Pro-Am. Coincidently, Network Ten’s leading motorsport programme, RPM, came along to check out the Porsche racing weekend.
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NewsNew lap record set at Phillip Island
The long lasting, high performance of the Michelin N2 tyre has been proven this weekend at Phillip Island. This round saw a change in format in the Porsche Carrera Cup from the normal sprint race format, to a mini-endurance Pro/Am format.
The weekend saw tight, hard fought battles throughout the entirety of both hour long races in the Porsche Carrera Cup. Quick lap times, including a new lap record, were set right up until the end of the second race. While it was the combination of Shane Smollen and Nick Percat that took the round win, the lap record fell to Scott McLaughlin in the Grove Racing Porsche.
The Grove Racing team opted not to change their Michelin tyres during the driver change, meaning they ran the full hour race on the same set of tyres. These tyres had also been run in qualifying. With McLaughlin behind the wheel and chasing down the pack, they were able to consistently set quick lap times. It was on lap 33 of the 36 lap race that McLaughlin set the new Carrera Cup lap record.
Speaking after the race, round winner Nick Percat said he enjoyed his successful return to the Carrera Cup series.
“The tyre and chassis combination is just awesome; the package compliments a really aggressive driving style. Having a tyre like this Michelin tyre that can last so long and has so much grip is a good thing,” said Nick.
The winner of the second race, Nick Foster, also praised the performance of the Michelin tyres.
“At the end of the race my co-driver was still pumping out really quick times; he was actually not far off his qualifying time. That really shows how well the tyre has performed this weekend, and is a testament to just how good the Michelin tyres are,” said Foster.
This weekend the teams ran an additional set of Michelin tyres, meaning they had three sets to run over two, half hour qualifying sessions, as well as the two, one hour long endurance races.
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NewsSmollen/Percat crowned Pro-Am champions
Shane Smollen and Nick Percat have been crowned 2015 Pro-Am champions following another spectacular Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race at Phillip Island while Nick Foster and Dylan Thomas won race two on their way to the Professional Class round honours.
Smollen and last year’s Pro-Am champion Stephen Grove started race two from the front row, though both encountered issues early; Smollen jumped the start and incurred a five-second post-race time penalty while Grove spun in the opening laps, dropping to the rear.
While most teams opted for their Professional drivers to start race one, the combinations of Adrian Mastronardo/Tim Slade and Foster/Thomas opted for the opposite – Slade and Foster instead starting the Sunday race. The duo made the most of the approach, charging to first and second place ahead of the pit stop window.
By the time all driver changes were complete Mastronardo was leading from Thomas, though Percat was making his way through the field with Nick McBride in tow.
Thomas moved to first place and eventually claimed the race win after an exciting final lap battle with Percat, who had caught the leader on the closing lap.
Smollen and Percat finished second – the five seconds added to their race time not affecting their position – from Richard Muscat/Sam Walter, Mastronardo/Slade, McBride/Neale Muston and Grove/Scott McLaughlin in sixth.
The result handed Smollen and Percat the 2015 Pro-Am victory, which Smollen describes as an amazing feeling after experiencing heartache at the 2014 event.
“We were pretty frustrated last year when we had the race pace but failed to finish race one,” said Smollen. “It’s great to get the Pro-Am win this year and it certain helps our Challenge championship chances heading into the middle part of the season.
“It was great this weekend having the peace of mind having the McElrea Racing team behind me and having a great co-driver in Nick. It was therefore up to me and I’m pretty happy with my performance as well. This is exactly what we set out to do.”
Percat was pleased to return to Carrera Cup for the weekend and thrilled to leave Phillip Island as Pro-Am champion.
“Thanks to Shane for getting me back this year. The race was really enjoyable coming through the field. I knew in the back of my head that I had the five-second penalty but I wanted to push for the win. Credit goes to the Sonic team, who’s strategy worked also. Having the Professional driver come through the field and catch the Challenge driver and finishing so close shows you can use either strategy and still get a similar race time.”
Foster has been the pacesetter of the 2015 season but strong results have eluded the racer in the opening two rounds, meaning his race two win and ultimate Professional Class round victory was a welcome change of fortune.
“We put our best foot forward today. I couldn’t quite keep up with Slade but I knew Dylan would do a solid job; it’s a two driver race and we both did our part. Yesterday didn’t work out but today did, so the opposite strategy worked in the long run. It’s great for the team getting one-two on the Professional podium and Mastronardo third in the Challenge class.”
McBride and Muston placed second in the Professional Class – actually equalling Foster and Thomas in points but dropped to second for the round after finishing behind in the final race – from third placed Shae Davies and Geoff Emery, who finished fifth and eighth in the two Pro-Am races.
Grove and McLaughlin placed second in the Challenge class for the weekend from Slade and Mastronardo, who stood on the Carrera Cup podium for the first time.
Steven Richards retains the lead of the championship by 58.5 points from McBride, Baird and McConville, who didn’t make the start of race two with drive issues.
Smollen has jumped to the Challenge class point lead from Grove, Tony Bates, Roger Lago and Mastronardo in fifth.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia returns to the track at Townsville on July 10-12,2015.
Race 2 results
1. N.Foster/D.Thomas (Bob Jane T-Marts) 57:41.1604s
2. S.Smollen/N.Percat (McGrath Estate Agents) 57:46.4890s
3. R.Muscat/S.Walter (Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis) 57:54.2444s
4. A.Mastronadro/T.Slade (Veritas / Builtform) 57:54.8658s
5. N.McBride/N.Muston (Bob Jane T-Marts) 57:56.5485s
6. S.Grove/S.McLaughlin (Grove Group) 58:02.3224s
7. C.Baird/M.Twigg (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 58:03.6736s
8. S.Davies/G.Emery (Davbridge Constructions) 58:14.4074s
9. R.Lago/S.Owen (JBS Australia) 58:20.1691s
10. J.Bergmuller/A.Davison (MotorOne Car Care) 58:20.8398s
11. S.Richards/D.Grant (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 58:22.8516s
12. M.Campbell/T.Miles (Phase 8) 58:23.8194s
13. S.Taylor/D.Canto (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 58:48.9511s
14. A.Samadi/D.Fiore (Apartment Hotel) 58:52.6285s
15. M.Cini/C.Mies (Hallmarc) 58:53.5822s
16. D.Russell/J.Koundouris (Finanze Ezi) 59:09.5219s
17. D.Padayachee/I.Padayachee (VIP Petfoods) 58:36.8104s
18. S.Hodge/R.Angus (Team BRM) 59:04.8768s
19. T.Bates/D.Gaunt (AFS/Top Cat) 58:15.8335s
DNF John Goodacre (OPS Gateway)
DNF Michael Almond (Copyworld Toshiba)
DNF Fraser Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton)
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NewsPerfect Pro-Am start for Smollen/Percat
Shane Smollen and Nick Percat have taken opening victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am at Phillip Island as two V8 counterparts displayed a spectacular battle at the head of the field.
After Smollen and Percat snared the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award, Percat started the race alongside Dylan Thomas in second ahead of Cam McConville, Nick McBride and Scott McLaughlin.
Percat led from the start while McLaughlin soon joined him at the front – the duo exchanging the lead on multiple occasions in a spectacular battle before pitting towards the end of the pitstop window.
Smollen replaced Percat in the #56 Porsche and quickly built a lengthy 11-second lead after Grove had an issue disengaging his pit speed limiter exiting the pits. Smollen made the most of the gap, ultimately taking race one victory from Grove and the pairing of McConville/John Goodacre and McBride/Neale Muston in fourth.
It was the second victory for the Percat/Smollen pairing, who won the second Pro-Am race at the same venue last year.
“Nick did a great job in the first stint and that really set me up,” said Smollen. “We got out of the pits well thanks to a great team effort and really weren’t threatened from there. It was my first outright win while being in the car at the finish so it was good to do it without too much stress.”
Percat was equally as thrilled after an ‘enjoyable’ battle with his V8 counterpart, McLaughlin.
“That was an awesome result, especially for Shane and the McElrea team,” said Percat. “The car was faultless in my stint. I had a massive battle with McLaughlin which was the most fun I’ve had since the Porsche race here last year, where we also had a great battle. We were waving at each other and I had a massive smile on my face. You can push these Porsches so hard and they reward you, making the racing super enjoyable. That’s why we all line up to come and race at the Pro-Am.”
Grove was pleased with today’s second place result, which was one position better than the pair’s race one finish in last year’s Pro-Am en route to the outright event win.
“Scott did a really good job; he and Nick Percat continued what they did last year,” said Grove. “I just couldn’t get the pit lane speed limiter off so that cost us some time. It’s really great to see Percat and Scott racing together, and then for me and Shane to race each other. Shane and I will be off the front row tomorrow, which will be great, and then watch the boys bring it home.”
McLaughlin was also thrilled with his spectacular battle with Percat.
“That is what racing is all about. I was battling with my mate out there, which got pretty loose there for a while, but it was really good fun. I’m very lucky that Volvo has allowed me to do this and happy to be up the front with Stephen. It was cool for me as a confidence booster to catch and pass Nick and then to pass him again; a guy who I race day in and day out. It was good fun.”
Nick Foster, paired with Thomas, placed sixth from points leader Steven Richards/Dean Grant, Roger Lago/Steve Owen, Craig Baird/Max Twigg and Adrian Mastronardo/Tim Slade in 10th.
The drivers who did not start race one will be required to start race two, placing Smollen and Grove on the front row of the grid for final race of the weekend.
The second Pro-Am race will be held at 10:45am on Sunday, which can be viewed online from www.motorsportstv.com.au.
Race Schedule
Sunday May 24
09:30am Warm up (10 mins)
10:35am Race 2 (36 laps)
Race 1 results
1. S.Smollen/N.Percat (McGrath Estate Agents) 57:51.8006s
2. S.Grove/S.McLaughlin (Grove Group) 57:54.6201s
3. C.McConville/J.Goodacre (OPS Gateway) 57:55.8830s
4. N.McBride/N.Muston (Bob Jane T-Marts) 58:04.2103s
5. S.Davies/G.Emery (Davbridge Constructions) 58:05.2051s
6. N.Foster/D.Thomas (Bob Jane T-Marts) 58:09.5046s
7. S.Richards/D.Grant (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 58:10.6244s
8. R.Lago/S.Owen (JBS Australia) 58:10.8808s
9. C.Baird/M.Twigg (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 58:20.1614s
10. A.Mastronadro/T.Slade (Veritas / Builtform) 58:24.5664s
11. M.Almond/J.Karytinos (Copyworld Toshiba) 58:29.7149s
12. R.Muscat/S.Walter (Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis) 58:30.3416s
13. A.Samadi/D.Fiore (Apartment Hotel) 58:39.9708s
14. T.Bates/D.Gaunt (AFS/Top Cat) 59:00.0794s
15. F.Ross/D.Ryan (Porsche Centre Brighton) 57:52.1113s
16. D.Padayachee/I.Padayach (VIP Petfoods) 58:11.2280s
17. S.Hodge/R.Angus (Team BRM) 58:47.2176s
18. M.Cini/C.Mies (Hallmarc) 58:28.7132s
DNF S.Taylor/D.Canto (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 54:40.3717s
DNF M.Campbell/T.Miles (Phase 8) 49:29.2384s
DNF J.Koundouris/D.Russell (Finanze Ezi) 12:36.3319s
DNF J.Bergmuller/A.Davison (MotorOne Car Care)
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NewsVIDEO: Smollen/Percat grab Pro-Am pole
Shane Smollen and Nick Percat have taken the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award for the opening Pro-Am race.
Smollen posted the second quickest time of the Challenge class session behind John Goodacre while Percat was the third fastest driver of the Professional session from Matt Campbell and Tim Slade.
The duo will start on the grid alongside Nick Foster/Dylan Thomas and ahead of third placed Cam McConville/Goodacre and Nick McBride/Neale Muston.
Race 1 is scheduled for 12:45pm on Saturday.
Race 1 starting order
1. Nick Percat /Shane Smollen
2. Nick Foster /Dylan Thomas
3. Cam McConville /John Goodacre
4. Nick McBride/Neale Muston
5. Scott McLaughlin/Stephen Grove
6. Alex Davison/James Bergmuller
7. Craig Baird/Max Twigg
8. Shae Davies/Geoff Emery
9. Tim Slade/Adrian Mastronardo
10. Steve Owen/Roger Lago
11. Michael Almond/John Karytinos
12. Richard Muscat /Sam Walter
13. Dean Fiore/Ash Samadi
14. Matt Campbell/Tim Miles
15. Steven Richards/Dean Grant
16. Dean Canto/Scott Taylor
17. Daniel Gaunt/Tony Bates
18. David Russell/James Koundouris
19. Fraser Ross/David Ryan
20. Simon Hodge/Ray Angus
21. Christopher Mies/Marc Cini
22. Duvashen Padayachee/Indiran Padayachee
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NewsPacesetting duo keen for change in fortune
Adrian Mastronardo and Tim Slade have started their Pro-Am weekend on a high at Phillip Island, setting the fastest lap time in Friday practice – a complete change of fortune for the duo from a year ago.
A heavy practice crash forced Mastronardo and Slade out of the 2014 Pro-Am and subsequently watched the Phillip Island event from the sidelines. Their 2015 Pro-Am campaign has started in much better fashion – Slade posting the quickest time of the day and Mastronardo scoring the sixth quickest time of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers.
Slade was pleased with his Friday form, finishing ahead of Nick Percat, Scott McLaughlin, David Russell and youngster Matt Campbell on the timesheets.
“Adrian is doing an awesome job and he’s come a long way since last year. He’s put a lot of work into his driving and I think that showed today. We had a decent run in practice two and now we’re looking forward to qualifying tomorrow,” said Slade.
Mastronardo was also pleased with the duo’s performance after their horrid 2014 Pro-Am event.
“This is a vast improvement from the 2014 round at Phillip Island. I’ve been looking forward to this event since last year and hopefully we can come out with a good result. I think there’s no doubt we can get a podium this weekend,” said Mastronardo.
Nick Foster’s co-driver Dylan Thomas was the quickest Challenge class competitor, posting the fastest Challenge lap time from GT3 Cup Challenge racers Geoff Emery and John Karytinos and Carrera Cup regulars Tony Bates, Roger Lago, Mastronardo, Shane Smollen and Stephen Grove.
Carrera Cup will hold its Challenge and Professional qualifying sessions at 9:10am and 11:00am, respectively, with race one to be held at 12:45pm.
To view the opening Pro-Am race live, visit www.motorsporttv.com.au. Saturday’s live stream starts from 12pm while Sunday’s stream begins at 9am.
Race Schedule
Saturday May 23
09:10am Qualifying 1 – Challenge (15 mins)
11:00am Qualifying 2 – Professional (15 mins)
12:45pm Race 1 (36 laps)
Sunday May 24
09:30am Warm up (10 mins)
10:35am Race 2 (36 laps)
Practice 1 results
1 D.Thomas (Bob Jane T-Marts) 01:33.1
2 G.Emery (Davbridge Constructions) 01:33.2 -00:00.1
3 J.Karytinos (Copyworld Toshiba) 01:33.5 -00:00.4
4 T.Bates (AFS/Ned Whisky & Cola) 01:33.6 -00:00.5
5 R.Lago (JBS Australia) 01:33.7 -00:00.6
6 A.Mastronadro (Veritas / Builtform) 01:33.8 -00:00.7
7 S.Smollen (McGrath Estate Agents) 01:34.0 -00:00.9
8 S.Grove (Grove Group) 01:34.0 -00:00.9
9 J.Bergmuller (MotorOne Car Care) 01:34.2 -00:01.0
10 S.Walter (Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis) 01:34.2 -00:01.0
11 J.Goodacre (OPS Gateway) 01:34.2 -00:01.1
12 N.Muston (Bob Jane T-Marts) 01:34.4 -00:01.3
13 D.Ryan (Porsche Centre Brighton) 01:34.7 -00:01.6
14 M.Twigg (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 01:34.9 -00:01.8
15 R.Angus (Team BRM) 01:35.0 -00:01.8
16 M.Cini (Hallmarc) 01:35.1 -00:02.0
17 A.Samadi (Apartment Hotel) 01:35.2 -00:02.0
18 T.Miles (Phase 8) 01:35.3 -00:02.1
19 D.Grant (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 01:35.3 -00:02.2
20 J.Koundouris (Finanze Ezi) 01:36.1 -00:02.9
21 I.Padayachee (VIP Petfoods) 01:38.8 -00:05.6
22 S.Taylor (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 01:42.2 -00:09.1
Practice 2 results
1 T.Slade (Veritas / Builtform) 01:30.6
2 N.Percat (McGrath Estate Agents) 01:31.2 -00:00.6
3 S.McLaughlin (Grove Group) 01:31.3 -00:00.7
4 D.Russell (Finanze Ezi) 01:31.8 -00:01.1
5 M.Campbell (Phase 8) 01:31.8 -00:01.1
6 D.Canto (Scott Taylor Motorsport) 01:31.8 -00:01.1
7 S.Owen (JBS Australia) 01:31.8 -00:01.2
8 N.McBride (Bob Jane T-Marts) 01:31.8 -00:01.2
9 S.Richards (Laser Plumbing & Electrical) 01:31.9 -00:01.3
10 N.Foster (Bob Jane T-Marts) 01:31.9 -00:01.3
11 C.Baird (Porsche Centre Melbourne) 01:31.9 -00:01.3
12 D.Fiore (Apartment Hotel) 01:31.9 -00:01.3
13 C.McConville (OPS Gateway) 01:32.2 -00:01.5
14 S.Davies (Davbridge Constructions) 01:32.2 -00:01.5
15 D.Gaunt (AFS/Top Cat) 01:32.5 -00:01.8
16 D.Padayachee (VIP Petfoods) 01:32.5 -00:01.9
17 C.Mies (Hallmarc) 01:32.5 -00:01.9
18 R.Muscat (Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis) 01:32.5 -00:01.9
19 M.Almond (Copyworld Toshiba) 01:32.6 -00:02.0
20 F.Ross (Porsche Centre Brighton) 01:32.7 -00:02.1
21 A.Davison (MotorOne Car Care) 01:33.0 -00:02.3
22 S.Hodge (Team BRM) 01:33.2 -00:02.5
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NewsVIDEO: Slade/Mastronardo top Pro-Am practice
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NewsVIDEO: Grove/McLaughlin out to defend Pro-Am title
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NewsChampions keen for repeat Pro-Am win
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will feature its largest ever driver line-up this weekend when 44 racers take to Phillip Island for the annual Pro-Am round.
Round three of the 2015 season will feature 22 entries, the championship’s largest Pro-Am grid comprising more experience and titles than ever before.
The most experienced pairing will be Craig Baird and Max Twigg; the duo has amassed 104 round starts, five Carrera Cup Australia championship wins and three TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge titles. Baird and Twigg also competed in Porsche Carrera Cup Asia last weekend in South Korea, giving them crucial recent mileage in the one-make category.
Among the many combinations in contention is also Steven Richards and Dean Grant – the reigning Carrera Cup champion is gunning for three straight round wins, something not achieved since Baird’s effort in 2008 where he actually achieved four straight at Perth, Sandown, Ipswich and Phillip Island.
V8 Superstars Tim Slade and Nick Percat will also aim to steal Grove and McLaughlin’s Pro-Am crown, pairing with talented Challenge regulars Adrian Mastronardo and Shane Smollen, respectively, as will German sports car ace Christopher Mies and Carrera Cup’s most experienced driver, Marc Cini. Mies will enter the round on a high having won the gruelling Nurburgring 24 Hour race last weekend.
Nick Foster experienced a disastrous Pro-Am round last year, though expect him to perform in qualifying. The young Queenslander will be shooting for his third straight pole position at Phillip Island. Impressively, Carrera Cup qualifying has seen six different drivers take the last seven pole positions.
Grove and McLaughlin are aware of the tough competition and are eager to replicate their 2014 form at the seaside circuit. Last year the duo not only won the event, they uniquely became just the fourth round winners to have claimed round honours without winning a race and also set a new record for the lowest qualifying position for a round winner/s in the championship’s history – 15th.
“The format for this event is fantastic. I learnt a lot from Scott last year; the ability to have him in the car, go through the data and pick up some driving tips is awesome for us,” said Grove.
“I traditionally haven’t gone well at the first two rounds – Clipsal 500 and the Grand Prix – so it’s good to get them out of the way, even though they are great circuits and great events. It’s ‘game on’ from here.”
McLaughlin is also looking forward to his Carrera Cup return, aiming to add to his single event win from as many starts.
“Steve is a good mate and someone who has supported me a lot throughout my career and for me, coming back and doing this race with him is great. It’s awesome getting into a different car and really enjoy my racing. There’s not much pressure; I just have to focus on doing a good job for my co-driver and bring it home straight as I’m also racing for Steve’s championship. We had a great round last year; we won the event and came away with the Challenge championship lead so hopefully we can do the same this year,” said McLaughlin.
“This year it will be even harder with guys like Christopher Mies in the field in addition to Percat and Slade. It will be a great challenge for both myself and Steve and we’re looking forward to it.”
Five drivers will make their Carrera Cup debut in the unique, two-driver, endurance round. German GT star Mies, Indiran Padayachee, David Ryan, Dean Canto and Dylan Thomas will all make their first start in the category.
Padayachee will co-drive with son Duvashen, making it the first time in the history of Carrera Cup Australia – as well as Porsche Carrera Cup worldwide – that a father and son combination has teamed up in a race.
There are 12 former Carrera Cup Australia race winners in the entry list for the Phillip Island round. Just six combinations have remained intact from last year’s two-driver round at Phillip Island – and tellingly, three of them are ‘winning’ combinations from 2014. Defending overall Phillip Island round winners Grove and McLaughlin return while 2014 race one winners Baird and Twigg are back together and race two winners Smollen and Percat again pair up. The other combinations carried over from last year are Tony Bates/Daniel Gaunt, Michael Almond/John Karytinos and Mastronardo/Slade.
Both Saturday and Sunday on-track sessions of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals event will be streamed live online, available free-of-charge and worldwide, while the Carrera Cup races will be broadcast on television three weeks later on ONE and SBS.
Race Schedule
Friday May 22
12:25pm Practice 1 – Challenge (30 mins)
2:45pm Practice 2 – Professional (30 mins)
Saturday May 23
09:10am Qualifying 1 – Challenge (15 mins)
11:00am Qualifying 2 – Professional (15 mins)
12:45pm Race 1 (36 laps)
Sunday May 24
09:30am Warm up (10 mins)
10:35am Race 2 (36 laps)
Entry List
#1 – Steven Richards/Dean Grant (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical
#4 – Stephen Grove/Scott McLaughlin (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group
#6 – Ash Samadi/Dean Fiore (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel
#7 – Matt Campbell/Tim Miles (Professional) Phase 8
#8 – Craig Baird/Max Twigg (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 – Marc Cini/Christopher MieS (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
#10 – David Russell/James Koundouris (Professional) Finanze Ezi
#11 – Simon Hodge/Ray Angus (Professional) Team BRM
#13 – James Bergmuller/Alex Davison (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care
#14 – Cam McConville/John Goodacre (Professional) OPS Gateway
#22 – Richard Muscat/Sam Walter (Professional) Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel
#23 – Roger Lago/Steve Owen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) JBS Australia
#24 – Tony Bates/Dan Gaunt (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Ned Whisky & Cola
#26 – Michael Almond/John Karytinos (Professional) Copyworld/Toshiba
#39 – Adrian Mastronardo/Tim Slade (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform
#45 – Duvashen Padayachee/Indiran Padayachee (Professional) VIP Petfoods
#56 – Shane Smollen/Nick Percat (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
#65 – Fraser Ross/David Ryan (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton
#77 – Nick McBride/Neale Muston (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
#88 – Shae Davies/Geoff Emery (Professional) Davbridge Constructions
#222 – Scott Taylor/Dean Canto (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
#777 – Nick Foster/Dylan Thomas (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
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NewsDream round for record father-son pairing
Duvashen Padayachee and his father Indiran will make Carrera Cup history next weekend as the duo become the first ever father-son entry to compete in any Carrera Cup event worldwide.
The professional Carrera Cup racer was required to select a Challenge class co-driver for the upcoming Pro-Am and decided his father, Indiran, was the perfect pick for the two-driver event.
With co-driver races rare in Porsche one-make championships, Duvashen is excited to be part of the first father-son driver entry in Carrera Cup history.
“It’s certainly pretty special to be able to race with Dad in the Pro-Am. We’ve competed together on a few occasions but never before in Carrera Cup, which rarely offers the opportunity. To know that we are the first father-son combo to achieve this is pretty special,” said Duvashen.
“I’m used to seeing Dad in the garage at Porsche rounds so I can’t wait to see him strap on the helmet and be part of the action. He’s done some Porsche racing in the past and I look forward to helping him adapt to the new car and hopefully achieve two decent race results.”
Indiran Padayachee will be one of five drivers making their Carrera Cup Australia debut at Phillip Island. Other Carrera Cup first-timers include Marc Cini’s co-driver – German GT star Christopher Mies, Scott Taylor’s professional partner Dean Canto, Fraser Ross’s co-driver David Ryan and Dylan Thomas, who will team with recent series pacesetter Nick Foster.
Several TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers will also return to the championship. Former full-time racers James Koundouris and Ray Angus return for the one-off event, co-driving with David Russell and Simon Hodge, respectively, while Neale Muston will team with Albert Park race winner Nick McBride after he partnered Padayachee at last year’s Pro-Am. Sam Walter will also return to the scene of his one-off Carrera Cup appearance in 2008 when joining reigning Australian GT Champion Richard Muscat.
The Russell/Koundouris pairing will be among the contenders, with the Canberra businessman and 2008 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion keen for a strong result in his Carrera Cup return.
“I can’t wait for the Pro-Am. I competed in the first co-driver event at Sydney Motorsport Park as a full-time driver with Steve Owen and at last year’s Pro-Am as Sam Power’s co-driver. It’s always a great event and I’m pleased to be part of it with Dave next weekend,” said Koundouris.
“Dave is obviously very talented and I’ll do all I can to help improve his standing in the championship. Anything can happen at the Pro-Am round so we’ll aim to stay out of trouble and hopefully be towards the front by the end of the weekend.”
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NewsTop drivers scout GT3 Cup Challenge ranks
Porsche’s second-tier GT3 Cup Challenge series has emerged as a popular source of talent for Carrera Cup’s top drivers ahead of this month’s Pro-Am at Phillip Island.
With each Carrera Cup professional having to choose a Challenge co-driver, the popular Porsche feeder series will have six of its full-time racers feature in the upcoming two-driver Carrera Cup round.
Geoff Emery and Tim Miles have both previously stood on the Carrera Cup Pro-Am podium and will aim to replicate the feat on May 22-24, racing with Shae Davies and Matt Campbell, respectively. John Goodacre will join Cam McConville, John Karytinos will again race with Michael Almond and Fraser Ross will enter his home event alongside Sydneysider David Ryan. Scott Taylor will also race as the primary driver alongside Dean Canto as he continues to race in both series.
Eight of the current regular Carrera Cup drivers graduated from the GT3 Cup Challenge category, five of who are outright or class champions.
Reigning GT3 Cup Challenge Class B champion Campbell suggests selecting a Challenge driver from the feeder series was the obviously choice for his Pro-Am campaign.
“I know first-hand what the transition from GT3 Cup Challenge to Carrera Cup is like. The two series are vastly different in professionalism and competitiveness, but at the end of the day the different generations of 911 race car have many of the same characteristics on track, which gives you confidence when making the transition,” said Campbell.
“For our team getting a strong driver from the GT3 Cup Challenge ranks was the obvious choice. Tim is part of our GT3 Cup Challenge line-up and he helped Renee Gracie gain her first Carrera Cup podium at last year’s Pro-Am event. I think Tim and the other GT3 Cup Challenge guys will have an edge for the event, though all the co-drivers will have plenty of pace. It will be an awesome event.”
GT3 Cup Challenge’s most experienced campaigner, Goodacre, is looking forward to the transition to the top tier Porsche championship. Goodacre sits on a record 28 round starts in GT3 Cup Challenge along with one Carrera Cup appearance when co-driving with Matt Kingsley in the 2013 Pro-Am.
“Racing in Carrera Cup is always pretty special; the championship is highly competitive and it’s a thrill to race in the latest spec 911 race car,” said Goodacre, who is looking forward to joining McConville in the two Phillip Island endurance races.
“I can’t think of a better circuit to race the 991 GT3 Cup car and Cam is one of the best out there so I’m looking forward to the event. GT3 Cup Challenge is a great preparation for something like the Pro-Am and it will be fun to line up against a lot of my usual competitors for the two races. I’m very pleased to be given the opportunity to race alongside Cam and I’m hoping I can help deliver the Copyworld Racing team its second podium result of the season.”
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round will be the first Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals event of the season, which will feature two hour-long Pro-Am races.
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NewsPower secures top 10 in Supercup debut
Former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Sam Power has finished an impressive 10th on his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup debut in Barcelona, Spain.
The South Australian qualified 15th and moved through the field to record the top 10 finish in the 14 lap event, which was won by Michael Ammermüller (Lechner Racing Middle East). The 29 year old Ammermüller triumphed over strong international opposition at the wheel of his 460 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. “What a perfect weekend. Pole position and victory after a flawless race. It can continue like this,” said Ammermüller with a grin. Kuba Giermaziak (PL/VERVA Lechner Racing Team) and Christian Engelhart (D/MRS GT-Racing) crossed the finish line of the Circuit de Catalunya as second and third.
In sunny 22-degree Celsius temperatures, 28 drivers from 13 countries lined up on the grid in front of packed Formula 1 grandstands. Ammermüller, who lives in Bavaria, got away cleanly at the start and settled in at the front of the field. Côme Ledogar (Martinet by Alméras) from France, the reigning champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup France, slotted in behind him. With a cracking start off the line, Giermaziak catapulted from ninth on the grid to third place. In the first lap, Porsche Junior Sven Müller (D/Lechner Racing Middle East) collided with fellow-Junior Connor de Phillippi (USA/VERVA Lechner Racing Team) which resulted in the deployment of the safety car. The 23 year old from Bingen in Germany was unable to continue: “That was a most unfortunate race for me. I managed to make up a lot of positions at the start, but then I braked on the dirty part of the track and slid into Connor. I’m incredibly sorry about that.”
After two laps, the safety car driver and former Supercup pilot Bernd Mayländer pulled into the pits and the field went green again. Ammermüller grabbed his chance and eked out an advantage from lap to lap. Behind the Bavarian a battle for positions raged. In lap six, Giermaziak squeezed past Ledogar and held on to second place to the flag. “That was tough racing. I came from ninth on the grid and finished second. It wasn’t easy, but I’m super happy,” said Giermaziak. In the tenth lap, Engelhart slipped into third place which he defended to the flag. “The race was full of action. Kuba and I were faster than Côme, but it was really hard to get past him,” said Engelhart. Philipp Eng (A/Market Leader Team) was flagged off in fourth ahead of Barcelona-local Alex Riberas (E/The Heart of Racing by Lechner). Ledogar saw the flag in sixth place.
Power finished one place behind fellow Carrera Cup Australia graduate Ben Barker, while Spike Goddard, who raced in the opening two rounds of the 2015 Australian season, placed 17th.
For the Porsche Juniors Müller, de Phillippi and Matteo Cairoli (I/Market Leader Team), the weekend turned out somewhat bleak. After Müller’s retirement, de Phillippi was able to continue his race and finished on eleventh. “I was hit in the very first lap. After starting on third that was disappointing! Now I just have to look ahead to the Monaco street race and hope that I can earn a bunch of points there,” said the disgruntled de Phillippi. After starting from the tenth grid spot, Cairoli worked his way up to position six. In the sixth lap, the vehicles of Cairoli and Jeffrey Schmidt (CH/The Heart of Racing by Lechner) touched and Cairoli fell back to 19th. He finally saw the flag as fourteenth. “I had bad luck today. First I need to process what happened,” stated Cairoli.
The next Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race is contested on the unique street circuit of Monaco. From 21 to 24 May, the Porsche paddock is set up in the circus tent at Monaco. With very few chances to overtake, the narrow 3.340 kilometre track through the streets of the Principality is very unforgiving of mistakes and poses a challenge to the pilots in their 460 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars.
Results
Round 1 Barcelona
1. Michael Ammermüller (D/Lechner Racing Middle East)
2. Kuba Giermaziak (PL/VERVA Lechner Racing Team)
3. Christian Engelhart (D/MRS GT-Racing)
4. Philipp Eng (A/Market Leader Team)
5. Alex Riberas (E/The Heart of Racing by Lechner)
6. Côme Ledogar (F/Martinet by Alméras)
7. Robert Lukas (PL/FÖRCH Racing by Lukas Motorsport)
8. Jeffrey Schmidt (CH/The Heart of Racing by Lechner)
9. Ben Barker (GB/MOMO-Megatron Team PARTRAX)
10. Sam Power (AUS/MOMO-Megatron Team PARTRAX)
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NewsVIDEO: POWER SET FOR SUPERCUP DEBUT
Australian driver Sam Power will this weekend begin the greatest challenge of his motor racing career – competing at the opening round of the 2015 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Spain.
Racing for German-based, American team MOMO Megatron, Power will be pitted against 25 of the world’s top Porsche one-make series drivers representing 12 countries at the season opener in Barcelona as support to Formula 1.
Power, a graduate of last season’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, is eager to begin his long-awaited Supercup campaign, in which he will contest the entire season.
“The build up to the first round of the Porsche Supercup has been an incredible journey,” Power said.
“Many people have assumed that this venture of mine has been organised with both plenty of resources and time. The reality is the opposite; I’ve had to dedicate 95% of my time to finding the budget required to make sure I can get on the grid. The remaining 5% has then had to deal with finding a place to live, a job to pay for living expenses, building relationships, finding time for fitness training all before I think about driving a race car. Unfortunately, it has meant that in the last 6 months I’ve seen the inside of a race car three times.
“However, I will be in with a chance, and that is all I’ve been trying to achieve. I’ve earned my stripes and I just want to give myself a shot, even if it is a long one. Having completed one full test in the car we can see the pace is there, and I know the areas I need to work on.”
Joining Power on the grid will be two other Carrera Cup Australia graduates: Briton Ben Barker will join Power at MOMO Megatron having completed the 2011 Australian season while Spike Goddard will also make his Supercup debut after contesting the opening two rounds of the 2015 Carrera Cup Australia season.
Power and his 25 combatants will all have just one goal – to earn maximum points from eleven races. But it all depends on the performance of the individual competitors in this tradition-steeped brand trophy series. Their race car is the 911 GT3 Cup – a near-standard, 460 hp sports car powered by the characteristic 3.8-litre, flat-six engine in the rear.
Pitting themselves against a few seasoned veterans, many talented young hopefuls are eager to step into the limelight in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Amongst the experienced pilots are Michael Ammermüller (Lechner Racing Middle East) and Christian Engelhart (MRS GT-Racing) from Germany, last year’s runner-up Kuba Giermaziak (PL/Verva Lechner Racing Team), and Robert Lukas (PL/Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport). Most of the competitors come well prepared from the 20 Porsche one-make series around the world. Philipp Eng (D/Team Project 1) competes as the winner of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, Porsche Junior Matteo Cairoli (I/Team Project 1) clinched championship honours in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia, and Côme Ledogar (F/Martinet by Almeras) won the Porsche Carrera Cup France.
With the number of races increasing from nine to eleven this season, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is more attractive than ever: Nine races are held at seven European events – with Spa and Monza hosting a double-header. Two races will also be contested at the final race weekend in America at Austin/Texas.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Race Schedule
08-10.05.2015
Formula 1 Gran Premio de España 2015, Catalunya (Race 1)
21-24.05.2015
Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2015, Monte Carlo (Race 2)
19-21.06.2015
Formula 1 Großer Preis von Österreich 2015, Spielberg (Race 3)
03-05.07.2015
Formula 1 British Grand Prix 2015, Silverstone (Race 4)
24-26.07.2015
Formula 1 Magyar Nagydíj 2015, Budapest (Race 5)
21-23.08.2015
Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix 2015, Spa-Francorchamps (Races 6 & 7)
04-06.09.2015
Formula 1 Gran Premio D’Italia 2015, Monza (Races 8 & 9)
23-25.10.2015
2015 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2015, Austin (Races 10 & 11)
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NewsChampion recruitments for Porsche Pro-Am
Two champion driver combinations are among the favourites for the upcoming Pro-Am round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia as both primary drivers battle for the points lead.
Reigning champion Steven Richards and five-time winner Craig Baird have both selected their co-drivers from the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge honour roll: Richards picking inaugural winner Dean Grant while Baird recruited triple champion Max Twigg.
Twigg has experienced considerable success in the Pro-Am winning the inaugural event in 2013 with Luke Youlden before taking Professional Class victory alongside Baird at last year’s event. This success extends to the Challenge class record books: the Victorian has a record 46 class race wins, most round wins (16) and an unprecedented three Challenge titles.
Twigg also contested the Albert Park round this season, taking the Challenge class win.
Meanwhile Richards is hoping his recruit, dual Challenge champion Grant, will help continue his 2015 success.
Richards has claimed outright victory in the opening two rounds of the 2015 season and holds a 76 point lead in the championship standings over Baird.
The Pro-Am round has traditionally given the points tally a mid-season shake up, though Richards hopes the appointment of Grant will add some stability to his points lead.
“As far as Challenge co-drivers go, Dean will be one of the strongest and most consistent out there. He has vast Carrera Cup experience and has clocked plenty of time behind the wheel of sports cars of late; both pretty crucial factors that will help at the Phillip Island event,” said Richards.
“This round usually throws a curve ball at the championship standings so I’ll plan to stay out of trouble and focus on retaining the vital championship lead by the end of the weekend.
“I’ve known Dean since he first started racing cars and he’s always dedicated a vast amount of time and energy to being successful. We’ll be out to have a good time driving together and finish both races; simple as that.”
Grant is looking forward to his Carrera Cup return. The Melbourne based businessman has 100 races of Carrera Cup experience (35 round starts) from which he has 16 race wins and six round victories in the class, the fifth highest of any Challenge racer.
Grant also claimed the first two TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge titles in 2004 and 2005, making him one of three multiple class champion alongside Rodney Jane and Twigg.
“It’s been a while since I’ve raced in Carrera Cup and I’m thrilled to re-join the category for the Pro-Am event,” said Grant.
“I’ve raced against many of the Challenge drivers in the past few seasons but it has been far too long since I’ve raced them in the same machinery. I’m looking forward to lining up against those guys and having a great battle on track. It’s also great to be given the opportunity to join Steven in his title defence season. It’s a huge responsibility and a great championship so I’m truly looking forward to my Carrera Cup return for the Phillip Island round.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s Pro-Am round will be held at Phillip Island as part of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals on May 22-24, 2015.
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NewsInternational ace to take on Pro-Am
International sports car star Christopher Mies will take on some of Australia’s top racing talents in next month’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am at Phillip Island. And the German can’t wait.
Mies will join the championship’s most experienced campaigner, Marc Cini, in the two-driver event and will look to add to his winning tally on Australian soil, which includes two outright Bathurst 12 Hour victories.
The duo has previously raced together in multiple endurance races including this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour, placing third in the GT3-Am class.
Mies now looks forward to racing against some of Australia’s best drivers in the Pro-Am from both the Carrera Cup and V8 Supercars championships.
“It’s great to join Marc in the Carrera Cup Australia championship for the Pro-Am. I’ve enjoyed racing with Marc many times but never in Carrera Cup so I’m looking forward to returning to Australia for this unique opportunity,” said Mies.
“The event has some great local talent – both Carrera Cup drivers and local V8 racers. I’ve raced many of them before in the Bathurst 12 Hour; now I’m looking forward to competing against them in the same spec race car. There will be some great racing and I can’t wait to line up with Carrera Cup’s most experienced driver at Phillip Island.”
The championship’s second most experienced TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver, Ash Samadi, has sourced local talent for the two-race event in 2008 Carrera Cup Australia runner-up Dean Fiore.
“Ash and I have had one test already and have another planned prior to the event. I believe we’re as good a combination as any and a good chance to finish on the podium. Ash is doing a fantastic job this year and his approach and consistency is serving him really well. My job is to add value and hopefully some extra points to Ash’s championship tilt for 2015. I can’t wait,” said Fiore.
An unchanged format will see all Professional Class drivers competing alongside non-regular Challenge drivers in two hour-long races while the permanent Challenge drivers can be joined by a Professional driver of their choice.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am event will be held at the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on May 22-24, 2015.
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NewsCarrera Cup ace takes 918 Spyder to 350km/h
Five-time Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird has reached an astonishing 350km/h in the Porsche 918 Hybrid on unrestricted roads in the Northern Territory.
The remarkable feat in the Australian Outback was achieved on the one stretch of road north of Alice Springs – driving the first 25 kilometres out of the city centre on electric power alone before unleashing all 652 kW of power from its electric motors and racing V8 engine to reach a top speed of 350 km/h.
The transition from cruising silently at city speeds of 60 km/h to roaring race car for the road reaching V-Max took just 40 seconds, completing an achievement no other production car has ever managed on Australian roads.
The controlled test took place with a professional driver at the wheel on the only public road in Australia where such a feat is possible – the Northern Territory’s section of straight, open speed highway. The use of radios and spotters ensured the road was completely devoid of traffic at the time.
Baird took the car for a series of runs on the Stuart Highway north of Alice Springs for a video titled ‘Flat out in the Australian Outback’.
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NewsLocal duo shines in Shanghai
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia stars Craig Baird and Max Twigg have displayed their familiar strong pace in the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in Shanghai, both taking a race one win.
Baird was able to take the lead from pole-sitter Rodolfo Avila on the opening lap and remained at the front until the chequered flag, holding off a late challenge from fellow New Zealand driver Chris van der Drift.
“To come out of the blocks and win the first round is very, very satisfying, especially with [team owner Mok Weng Sun] giving me this opportunity,” said Baird, who returns to the series for a full season for the first time since 2010.
Twigg was victorious in Class B after a race-long battle with former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia driver Yuey Tan.
Baird then placed fourth in the second race, which was won by Tung Ho-Pin from Avila and Martin Ragginger, placing the Carrera Cup Australia racer at the top of the Carrera Cup Asia standings.
Wayne Shen won Class B in race two, while Twigg failed to finish.
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NewsTaylor secures Canto for Pro-Am
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver Scott Taylor has secured V8 Supercars endurance driver Dean Canto for next month’s Phillip Island Pro-Am event.
The event will be Canto’s debut in the one-make series, though the 34-year-old has been involved in the series previously with driver coaching duties.
“I’m looking forward to working with Scott and coaching him ahead of the event,” Canto told motorsport website, Speedcafe.com.
“It will also be great to work with Campbell [Little] again. We’ve worked together in previous years at a couple of race teams and we’ve always worked well together. “
Canto is again set to race with 2007 Carrera Cup champion David Reynolds and Prodrive Racing Australia for the Pirtek Enduro Cup V8 Supercars races later this season.
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NewsTwigg and Bates all smiles at Albert Park
Max Twigg has shown he has lost no pace through his absence in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc at Albert Park with an impressive cameo performance in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, though Tony Bates also has reason to smile.
Twigg’s pristine performance at Albert Park, his first solo round since the 2013 Gold Coast finale, included pole position and three race wins, adding to his already impressive record at the Melbourne circuit – 15 class race wins from 19 championship races, three in which he did not compete.
“I’ve lost one race here in five years so it was always the aim to get three race wins. It’s my favourite track and it’s also my home event so I’m very happy with the results this weekend,” said Twigg.
While Twigg was the Challenge class pace-setter, Bates came away from the Albert Park round with a positive result – second for the round and an extended points lead. What was a 24 point lead to Roger Lago entering the weekend turned into a 54 point advantage to Stephen Grove; a result of Lago struggling early at Albert Park and Bates’s strong showing at his home race.
For Bates, a third, second and fourth in class was enough to secure second for the round ahead of Shane Smollen in third.
Grove finished the round on equal points with Smollen but was lower in the order in the final race, handing Smollen the trophy place. Grove is now looking to repeat his 2014 effort: after a horrid season start, Grove and Scott McLaughlin claimed the outright round win at last year’s Phillip Island Pro-Am. Retaining his popular V8 co-driver, Grove is ready to again challenge for the class point lead at the coming round.
“Adelaide and Albert Park weren’t my two best rounds and I think I’m actually further ahead this year on points than I was last year, so now I’ve got to press on and see how we go. I’m really looking forward to Phillip Island racing with Scott McLaughlin; we won there last year and I’m confident for another strong result this time around,” said Grove.
Marc Cini finished fifth in class with fourth place in race one followed by a sixth placing in the Saturday and Sunday races. Lago recovered from his race one DNF to place sixth for the round from Ash Samadi, Adrian Mastronardo, James Bergmuller and Scott Taylor.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers will be well placed for an outright event win at the coming round at Phillip Island on May 22-24. The Pro-Am event will see the Challenge drivers pair with a non-regular professional driver and, vice-versa; the professional drivers will team with a non-regular Challenge driver, vastly increasing the winning odds for the regular Challenge drivers.
Round 2 points – TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge
1. Max Twigg – 180
2. Tony Bates – 144
3. Shane Smollen – 126
4. Stephen Grove – 126
5. Marc Cini – 106
6. Roger Lago – 102
7. Ash Samadi – 81
8. Adrian Mastronardo – 78
9. James Bergmuller – 78
10. Scott Taylor – 49
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NewsRichards and Twigg take top step at Albert Park
Steven Richards has led home an experienced top three at Albert Park in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc while Max Twigg completed a perfect championship return.
Victory in race two placed Richards on pole position for Sunday’s final race, which the reigning champion controlled from the start. Leading into the opening corner, Richards was closely followed by Craig Baird, who had a blistering start from fourth on the grid.
Richards maintained his position at the front until the chequered flag from Baird, Cam McConville and Shae Davies in fourth. The victory placed Richards on the top step of the round podium from McConville, in his second ever Carrera Cup round, and Baird in third.
“I’m driving with a lot of confidence at the moment; it’s the best car I’ve ever driven anywhere in any category; I love driving it and I think that’s when you drive at your best,” said Richards.
“You can’t take these results lightly; this is an unbelievably competitive championship so I’m making the most of it now because I don’t know how many I’ve got left. The less experienced guys have more experience at the coming circuits than Adelaide and Albert Park so the competition is only going to get tougher.”
Nick Foster continued his weekend-long charge through the field after failing to finish race one. Foster placed fifth after a great battle with David Russell, who placed sixth from Matt Campbell, Richard Muscat, Michael Almond, Fraser Ross, Spike Goddard and Duvashen Padayachee in 12th.
Max Twigg continued his winning ways in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, taking his third race win in as many races.
“Race three was the most enjoyable race of the weekend as I held onto the professional drivers a lot longer and I think if we started with some more pressure in the front tyres we would have stayed there,” said Twigg.
Twigg placed 13th outright ahead of Simon Hodge in 14th. Roger Lago placed 15th and second in class from Shane Smollen and Tony Bates, finishing third and fourth in class. Smollen gained a position late in the race, elevating him to the Challenge class podium alongside round winner Twigg and second placed Bates.
Stephen Grove finished 18th outright and on equal points to podium-getter Smollen, though Smollen’s higher placing in the third race saw him awarded a round trophy.
Marc Cini finished the final race in 19th outright and sixth in class from Ash Samadi, Adrian Mastronardo, James Bergmuller and Nick McBride in 23rd; the race one winner forced to pit after sustaining damaged steering and a broken rim after contact with Davies at the start, a move that handed Davies a 25 point suspended penalty.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc will next race at Phillip Island on May 22-24, 2015, for the much anticipated Pro-Am event.
Race 3 results
1. Steven Richards (Professional) 10 laps – 20:08.5
2. Craig Baird (Professional) 10 laps – 20:09.0
3. Cam McConville (Professional) 10 laps – 20:09.6
4. Shae Davies (Professional) 10 laps – 20:09.9
5. Nick Foster (Professional) 10 laps – 20:13.8
6. David Russell (Professional) 10 laps – 20:15.3
7. Matt Campbell (Professional) 10 laps – 20:16.5
8. Richard Muscat (Professional) 10 laps – 20:20.4
9. Michael Almond (Professional) 10 laps – 20:21.4
10. Fraser Ross (Professional) 10 laps – 20:29.4
11. Spike Goddard (Professional) 10 laps – 20:29.6
12. Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) 10 laps – 20:30.8
13. Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:31.1
14. Simon Hodge (Professional) 10 laps – 20:31.8
15. Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:40.5
16. Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:44.8
17. Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:45.3
18. Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:53.6
19. Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:58.8
20. Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 21:08.1
21. Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 21:08.5
22. James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 21:21.4
23. Nick McBride (Professional) 9 laps – 21:01.5
DNF Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 8 laps – 17:08.3
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NewsRichards and Twigg take Race 2 thriller
Steven Richards has held off a hard charging Cam McConville to take race two victory at Albert Park as Max Twigg continued his class domination in the 250th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc championship race.
Richards led from the start with McConville in second, passing pole-sitter Nick McBride into the opening corner.
Reigning champion Richards looked to be in control of the race until the closing laps when McConville closed to be within striking distance of the win. Richards held onto the lead, taking his fourth 2015 race win, 12th career win and his third victory at Albert Park in as many seasons.
“That was a great win. We had the tyre pressures a little higher than we should. It was a good start and a strong first five laps, which was enough to maintain the balance of the car as the rear tyres faded,” said Richards.
“We’ve got to consolidate these points while the young guys are still trying to get up to speed on a track they probably haven’t driven as much. They will come on pretty strong in the next few rounds.”
McConville finished less than a second adrift of Richards in second place, the result his best in Carrera Cup to date.
“It’s a thrill, to be honest. I thought I’d be stronger here than at Clipsal 500 because I’ve done more laps around Albert Park. The car has been great since we got here and it’s great to race my old mate Richards, but I didn’t quite have enough tyre life at the end there to get him. I’m confident we can have a crack at the win tomorrow.”
Race 1 victor McBride finished third, leading home a close battle of Craig Baird, Shae Davies and Richard Muscat, while Matt Campbell, David Russell and Michael Almond pleased seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively, after a bumper-to-bumper battle in the closing laps. The biggest mover of the race, Nick Foster, finished 10th after charging through from 22nd on the grid.
Max Twigg repeated his impressive performance in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, taking his second class win of the event and 11th outright; his 14th class race win at Albert Park from the 18 championship races held – a remarkable 77 per cent race win conversion.
“I’m happy because my pace at the end of the race was pretty similar to the front guys. I just need to work out how I can be a little faster in the first four laps because that’s where I lose some time. I’m rapt; to race at this track and be at the front of the Challenge class again is a real buzz,” said Twigg.
Fraser Ross and Duvashen Padayachee finished 12th and 13th, respectively, while Tony Bates and Roger Lago capitalised on an off-track excursion from Shane Smollen on the third-to-last lap to take second and third in class and 14th and 15th outright.
Spike Goddard placed 16th from Smollen, who dropped to fourth in class, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, Adrian Mastronardo, Ash Samadi, James Bergmuller and Scott Taylor in 23th outright.
Simon Hodge failed to finish after contacting the concrete barrier on lap six.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc will hold its third and final race of the weekend on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 15, 2015
12:55pm-1:20pm – Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3
Date: Sunday March 15, 2015
Time: 12:55pm (AEDT)
Channel: TEN
Race 2 results
1. Steven Richards (Professional) 10 laps – 20:09.0
2. Cam McConville (Professional) 10 laps – 20:09.4
3. Nick McBride (Professional) 10 laps – 20:12.1
4. Craig Baird (Professional) 10 laps – 20:12.6
5. Shae Davies (Professional) 10 laps – 20:13.1
6. Richard Muscat (Professional) 10 laps – 20:13.9
7. Matt Campbell (Professional) 10 laps – 20:15.0
8. David Russell (Professional) 10 laps – 20:16.5
9. Michael Almond (Professional) 10 laps – 20:18.9
10. Nick Foster (Professional) 10 laps – 20:20.0
11 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:28.2
12. Fraser Ross (Professional) 10 laps – 20:28.6
13. Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) 10 laps – 20:34.1
14. Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:43.5
15. Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:43.8
16. Spike Goddard (Professional) 10 laps – 20:45.5
17. Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:46.6
18. Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:55.7
19. Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 20:58.3
20. Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 21:02.0
21. Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 21:02.3
22. James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 21:15.4
23. Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 21:16.0
DNF Simon Hodge (Professional) 5 laps – 10:28.8
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NewsMcBride takes first win as Twigg tops Challenge
Nick McBride has taken a popular maiden victory in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc race at Albert Park as misfortune struck two in-form drivers – Nick Foster and Shane Smollen.
Teammates McBride and Foster took early control of the race until a safety car was called to the circuit on lap two after a turn one incident involving Fraser Ross, Roger Lago, James Bergmuller, Adrian Mastronardo and Simon Hodge, who was the only driver in the incident not to continue in the race.
McBride and Foster retained the top two positions on the restart until Foster, who was pressuring for the lead, sustained radiator damage and was force to withdraw from the race. This left McBride with a lengthy lead to second placed Steven Richards, who had Cam McConville and Matt Campbell in close pursuit.
Richards closed on the leader, eventually reducing the gap to under a second but was unable to stop McBride taking his maiden victory in the competitive Porsche championship, the 29th driver to achieve the feat.
“It feels really nice to get a win because it’s been a while since my last victory. I really feel for my teammate Nick Foster; he must have broken a few mirrors as he’s having some really bad luck at the moment. I saw Richards coming and coming and I made a few little mistakes towards the end but I think he did as well,” said McBride.
“I’m really ecstatic for the team, all the Sonic guys and especially the two guys on my car as we worked really hard over the summer. It wasn’t a great summer for me personally but I’m really glad someone was looking down over me for that race win.”
Richards placed second and extended his lead in the standing while McConville finished third from Campbell, David Russell, Craig Baird, Shae Davies, Richard Muscat, Duvashen Padayachee and Michael Almond in 10th.
Max Twigg continued his impressive form in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, taking a dominant race win while competing among the Professional Class drivers. Twigg won the class and finished 11th outright ahead of Spike Goddard, Stephen Grove, Ross, Tony Bates and Marc Cini, who finished an impressive fourth in class.
Much like Foster, Shane Smollen was the hard charger of the Carrera Challenge class. Radiator issues in qualifying forced Smollen to start the race from the rear of the grid and, after working his way up the order, the Sydneysider spun while challenging Grove for second in the Challenge class.
“We had a great start and managed to avoid the carnage on the second lap. I was challenging for second in class but clearly I went a bit deep into turn one and spun. From then on it was all about survival. I had no splitter and the alignment was out so it was all about getting to the finish. At least we have pace and we’ll come back through the pack in race two and race three,” said Smollen.
Smollen ultimately finished fifth in the Challenge class and 17th outright ahead of Bergmuller, Scott Taylor, Ash Samadi, Mastronardo, who lost his rear wing in the earlier accident but managed to reach the finish, and Roger Lago in 22nd. Foster and Hodge were the only two drivers to not finished the race.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc will return to the track on Saturday for its 250th championship race, with race three to be held on Sunday before the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 14, 2015
12:45pm-1:10pm – Race 2
Sunday March 15, 2015
12:55pm-1:20pm – Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2
Date: Saturday March 14, 2015
Time: 12:45pm (AEDT)
Channel: TEN
Race 3
Date: Sunday March 15, 2015
Time: 12:55pm (AEDT)
Channel: TEN
Race 1 results
1. Nick McBride (Professional) 10 laps – 21:54.9
2. Steven Richards (Professional) 10 laps – 21:55.7
3. Cam McConville (Professional) 10 laps – 21:56.0
4. Matt Campbell (Professional) 10 laps – 21:56.4
5. David Russell (Professional) 10 laps – 21:58.7
6. Craig Baird (Professional) 10 laps – 21:59.1
7. Shae Davies (Professional) 10 laps – 21:59.9
8. Richard Muscat (Professional) 10 laps – 22:05.5
9. Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) 10 laps – 22:06.8
10. Michael Almond (Professional) 10 laps – 22:08.2
11. Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:09.1
12. Spike Goddard (Professional) 10 laps – 22:14.1
13. Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:21.5
14. Fraser Ross (Professional) 10 laps – 22:21.9
15. Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:32.9
16. Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:39.9
17. Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:40.4
18. James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:40.9
19. Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:49.8
20. Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 10 laps – 22:50.4
21. Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 9 laps – 22:30.7
DNF Nick Foster (Professional) 4 laps – 09:53.7
DNF Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 4 laps – 13:14.2
DNF Simon Hodge (Professional) 1 lap – 02:15.9
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NewsMcBride and Twigg on top at Albert Park
Young guns Nick McBride and Matt Campbell have locked out a surprise front row in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc qualifying at Albert Park while series returnee Max Twigg is the man to beat in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge.
Sports car protégé Campbell held the front position for the majority of the session until McBride eclipsed Campbell’s best time in the closing laps; the time split between the two – 0.0028secs – was the second closest gap to pole position in the championship’s history.
“This is exciting because this season for me is all about showing my pace; I’ve been finishing between third and fifth most of last year and it’s nice to now get pole position, especially at the Grand Prix,” said McBride, who expects the more experienced racers to quickly challenge for the front position.
“Steven Richards and Craig Baird have achieved so much in their career and have so much experience so I’ll have to be on my game in the races to keep those guys behind.”
Behind the young front row duo in qualifying was speedster Nick Foster and Cam McConville on the second row with title favourites Richards and Baird gracing the third row of the grid; the latter’s best time deemed invalid, which would have placed the New Zealander third on the grid.
David Russell qualified in seventh from Shae Davies, Australian GT champion Richard Muscat, Duvashen Padayachee, Michael Almond, GT3 Cup Challenge champion Fraser Ross and Australian Formula 3 champion Simon Hodge in 13th.
Twigg quickly returned to the top of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, qualifying best in class and 14th outright.
The Victorian was the dominant Carrera Challenge driver throughout the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons, taking both the Albert Park round win and the class championship titles – a record he wants to add to this weekend.
“I’m thrilled to be in front of the Challenge class again; it’s a great feeling. Hopefully I can get off the line okay and do well in the races. It’s nice to know that you’ve still got it and that you can race at the front.”
Roger Lago qualified second in class from Clipsal 500 winner Tony Bates, James Bergmuller, class champion Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, Adrian Mastronardo, Ash Samadi, Scott Taylor and Shane Smollen in 24th, who punctured a radiator and could not complete a flying lap.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc will hold its opening Albert Park race on Friday followed by one race on both Saturday and Sunday.
Race Schedule
Friday March 13, 2015
3:30pm-3:55pm – Race 1
Saturday March 14, 2015
12:45pm-1:10pm – Race 2
Sunday March 15, 2015
12:55pm-1:20pm – Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Race 1
Date: Friday March 13, 2015
Time: 3:30pm (AEDT)
Channel: ONE
Race 2
Date: Saturday March 14, 2015
Time: 12:45pm (AEDT)
Channel: TEN
Race 3
Date: Sunday March 15, 2015
Time: 12:55pm (AEDT)
Channel: TEN
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NewsBumper field for Carrera Cup at Albert Park
The largest field of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at Albert Park since 2008 will take to the track for this weekend’s second round of the championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Hammering home the Melbourne theme for the event is sponsorship of the round by leading Melbourne based property developer Hallmarc and its new residential development, Arthur Apartments, located on Queens Road overlooking Albert Park.
Hallmarc figures prominently in Carrera Cup with company director Marc Cini a stalwart of the championship, lining up for 213th race in the one-make series this weekend as the category also celebrates its 250th Carrera Cup championship race on Saturday.
As part of the partnership Craig Baird will race a striking gold Arthur Apartments-branded 911 race car for the event.
Baird enters the second round 30 points adrift of championship leader and defending champion Steven Richards, who scored a hat trick of race wins at the Clipsal 500 and, in doing so, becoming the fifth different round winner in as many events – Baird (Sydney Motorsport Park), Michael Patrizi (Sandown), Shae Davies (Bathurst), Nick Foster (Gold Coast) and Richards (Adelaide).
With 13 Carrera Cup race wins and four round victories at Albert Park (2008, 2011-2013) Baird is eager to build on this strong record to claw back Richards’ early points lead.
“Albert Park is a circuit that is well suited to the Porsche and, being a Formula 1 round, it’s the biggest race we have in Australia so we all want to perform well there,” said Baird.
“It’s a great, really enjoyable track and each year we’ve always had close Carrera Cup racing at the Albert Park circuit.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge kicked off its 2015 season with Melbournian Tony Bates taking three wins from as many races at the Clipsal 500.
Bates now aims for his third straight round win following his 2014 Gold Coast finale and 2015 Adelaide opener successes, with his closest points rivals, last year’s Albert Park class winner Roger Lago and reigning class champion Stephen Grove, to look out for.
Bates will also have to keep a close eye on returnee Max Twigg, who re-joins the championship for the Albert Park round. Not only is Twigg a triple class champion, the local has won the Challenge class at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on four occasions (2008, 2011-2013).
Entering his home event, Bates is relishing the increased competition in the class at the most attended motorsport event in the country.
“The Australian Grand Prix gets a great crowd and there are some really strong Challenge drivers I’m racing against. These Challenge drivers have raised the bar again and our lap times have improved in comparison to the professional drivers,” said Bates.
“It’s a great event and on Sunday we’re on before Formula 1 so there is great hype and buzz. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Hallmarc will first hit the Albert Park circuit on Thursday for practice and qualifying before completing one race per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 12, 2015
2:40pm-3:00pm – Practice
4:45pm-5:05pm – Qualifying
Friday March 13, 2015
3:30pm-3:55pm – Race 1
Saturday March 14, 2015
12:45pm-1:10pm – Race 2
Sunday March 15, 2015
12:55pm-1:20pm – Race 3
Round 2 Entry List
1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical
4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
5 Spike Goddard (Professional) Spike Racing
6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel
7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8
8 Craig Baird (Professional) Arthur Apartments/Porsche Centre Melbourne
9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi
11 Simon Hodge (Professional) Team BRM
13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care
14 Cam McConville (Professional) OPS Gateway
18 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge)
22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel
23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) JBS Australia
24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS / Ned Whisky & Cola
26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld
39 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform
45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) VIP Petfoods
56 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton
77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
88 Shae Davies (Professional) Scott Taylor Motorsport
222 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
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NewsFast Facts: Albert Park
This year is the 11th time that Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has competed at Albert Park and the sixth time it’s counted towards the championship.
Race 2 at Albert Park will be the 250th PCCA race since the first championship race at Phillip Island was held 12 years ago in 2003. At present a total of 248 PCCA races and 18 non-championship races at Albert Park (2003- 2007) have been held across the category’s lifetime in this country.
24 cars are entered for Albert Park – the biggest field at the Grand Prix since the round became part of the championship in 2008.
Steve Richards arrives in Melbourne as the points leader after the first clean sweep of his PCCA career in Adelaide. He claimed all three race wins and now is searching for his first Albert Park round win. Richards has finished on the podium in three of the last four Albert Park PCCA rounds and won the opening race on the Grand Prix layout the last two years running.
Richards is in fact the fifth consecutive different round winner in PCCA from mid 2014 to now. Craig Baird (SMP), Michael Patrizi (Sandown), Shae Davies (Bathurst) and Nick Foster (Gold Coast) won the previous four rounds last year. His three Adelaide wins have launched Richards to within one of equaling Jonny Reid and two from equalling David Reynolds in championship record books. Richards is seventh on the all-time PCCA race wins list with 11. He is also now tied for fourth on the list of podium results with Fabian Coulthard and David Reynolds (14).
Finance-Ezi driver David Russell finished third in the opening round at Adelaide and holds a PCCA record he’d like to shed quickly – the most podium finishes in PCCA history without a round win. Russell has seven career podiums without a round win.
Three-time TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion (and four-time round winner in the category at the AGP), Max Twigg returns at Albert Park and will make his first solo PCCA round start since the final round of 2013 on the Gold Coast. His Albert Park appearance is his 44th PCCA round and moves him past Tony Quinn for fifth on the all-time list. He will compete as a Professional driver this weekend for the first time.
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenger points leader Tony Bates is aiming to become the first driver in the class to win three straight rounds since Twigg did it back in 2013. Bates won the last round last year on the Gold Coast and round one this year in Adelaide. He also took pole for the last two rounds – the last time a driver scored three Challenge Class poles in a row was Shane Smollen across 2013 (Gold Coast) and 2014 (Adelaide, Albert Park).
Only two drivers have clean-swept a weekend at Albert Park with pole position and victory in every race – Alex Davison in 2003 and Jim Richards in 2005. No driver has managed the feat since the round became a part of the championship in 2008.
The smallest pole position margin for a Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round at Albert Park is 0.0102s between pole man Aaron Caratti and Craig Baird in 2008. It’s the fifth closest pole-winning margin in PCCA history.
The largest pole position margin in Porsche Carrera Cup at Albert Park came in the very first non-championship event in 2003 when Alex Davison bested Jim Richards by 0.692s to claim pole for the VIP Petfoods team.
The biggest race win in PCCA at Albert Park came in 2011 in Race 2 when Craig Baird led home Daniel Gaunt by 9.6411s. It’s the fifth biggest win in PCCA history.
The smallest race-winning margin in Porsche Carrera Cup at Albert Park came in Race 3 in 2007 when David Reynolds beat Craig Baird by just 0.0805s.
ALBERT PARK LAP RECORDS
Qual Lap Record: Warren Luff, 2014, 1m57.7313s,
Race Lap Record: Ben Barker, 2011, 1m58.3646s
ALBERT PARK ROUND WINNERS
2008 Craig Baird
2011 Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird
2013 Craig Baird
2014 Warren Luff
Note: Non-championship rounds held at Albert Park between 2003 and 2007.
4 – Craig Baird
1 – Warren Luff
ALBERT PARK POLE POSITIONS
2003 Alex Davison
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Jim Richards
2006 Alex Davison
2007 Alex Davison
2008 Aaron Caratti
2011 Jonny Reid
2012 Jonny Reid
2013 Nick Percat
2014 Warren Luff
4 – Alex Davison
2 – Jonny Reid
1 – Jim Richards, Aaron Caratti, Nick Percat, Warren Luff
ALBERT PARK RACE WINS
2003 Alex Davison, Alex Davison, Alex Davison
2004 Matt Halliday, Alex Davison, Matt Halliday, Alex Davison
2005 Jim Richards, Jim Richards, Jim Richards
2006 Alex Davison, Craig Baird, Craig Baird, Craig Baird
2007 Alex Davison, Alex Davison, David Reynolds, David Reynolds
2008 Aaron Caratti ,Craig Baird, Craig Baird, Craig Baird
2011 Jonny Reid, Craig Baird, Craig Baird
2012 Craig Baird, Craig Baird, Craig Baird
2013 Steve Richards, Craig Baird, Craig Baird
2014 Steve Richards, Warren Luff, Warren Luff
13 – Craig Baird
8 – Alex Davison
3 – Jim Richards
2 – Matt Halliday, David Reynolds, Steve Richards, Warren Luff
1 – Aaron Caratti, Jonny Reid
ADELAIDE ROUND PODIUMS
2008 Craig Baird, Dean Fiore, David Russell
2011 Craig Baird, Daniel Gaunt, Steve Richards
2012 Craig Baird, Jonny Reid, Alex Davison
2013 Craig Baird, Warren Luff, Steve Richards
2014 Warren Luff, Steve Richards, Nick Foster
Note: Non-championship rounds held at Albert Park between 2003 and 2007.
4 – Craig Baird
3 – Steve Richards
2 – Warren Luff
1 – Dean Fiore, David Russell, Daniel Gaunt, Jonny Reid, Alex Davison, Nick Foster
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE ROUND WINNERS
2008 Max Twigg
2011 Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg
2013 Max Twigg
2014 Roger Lago
4 – Max Twigg
1 – Roger Lago
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE POLE POSITIONS
2008 Peter Hill
2011 Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg
2013 James Koundouris
2014 Shane Smollen
2 – Max Twigg
1 – Peter Hill, James Koundouris, Shane Smollen
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE RACE WINS
2008 Peter Hill, Max Twigg, Max Twigg, Max Twigg
2011 Max Twigg, Max Twigg, Max Twigg
2012 Max Twigg, Max Twigg, Max Twigg
2013 Max Twigg, Max Twigg, Max Twigg
2014 James Bergmuller, Roger Lago, Roger Lago
12 – Max Twigg
2 – Roger Lago
1 – Peter Hill, James Bergmuller
ALBERT PARK TAG HEUER CARRERA CHALLENGE PODIUMS
2008 Max Twigg, Shaun Juniper, James Koundouris
2011 Max Twigg, Peter Hill, Theo Koundouris
2012 Max Twigg, James Koundouris, Peter Hill
2013 Max Twigg, James Koundouris, Damien Flack
2014 Roger Lago, Stephen Grove, James Bergmuller
4 – Max Twigg
3 – James Koundouris
2 – Peter Hill
1 – Theo Koundouris, Shaun Juniper, Damien Flack, Roger Lago, Stephen Grove, James
Bergmuller
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NewsBates wins toughest ‘Challenge’ yet
Tony Bates has swept the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide – however he still believes the toughest season yet lays ahead of the ‘Elite’ division drivers.
Bates won all three races in his class on the demanding Adelaide parklands circuit, heading Roger Lago and defending class champion, Stephen Grove to grab the top step on the famous Clipsal 500 podium.
The Melbournian benefited from another driver’s penalty to take the Race 1 victory however led from lights-to-flag in Race 2 and Race 3 to lock away the class round win in style.
“The Porsche was hooked up all this weekend and Ash Seward and the boys did a great job,” said Bates after spraying the champagne for the first time this year.
“We had a mindset to come here and consolidate what we did at the end of last year. If we qualify well, on pole, and lead a race we generally go on with it and we made sure we kept it out of trouble. In Race 1, unfortunately, there was an incident with a pro driver and that’s something we’ve got to be careful of this year – we need to avoid being stuck racing with the professional drivers who are keen to get stuck in and just pass on by. If we keep out of trouble the results will come.”
Bates, who finished third in the class last year, believes that this year’s TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge field presents the most competitive grid yet seen in Porsche Carrera Cup’s ‘race within a race’ – and that it’s only getting tougher.
“There’s been no new entrants, but the competition is just as tough as ever and I think people are starting to take notice that we are lifting the bar,” he explained.
“The gap to the Pros is closing and on lap 4, 5 and 6 they’re still there and in sight of us, and we’re battling with some of the tail-end pros so it all bodes well for a really, really solid year.
“Stephen Grove is doing a lot of laps, Shane Smollen has gone to a new team and Roger Lago is in a lot of different cars in a lot of different races so the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge is really lifting the bar.”
Roger Lago scored a third and two seconds to lock away second position in Adelaide, with Stephen Grove enjoying his first visit to the Clipsal 500 podium via a second, third and fourth in the three races, respectively.
Grove’s podium ensures he commences his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class title defence in a better position than his 2014 season, where he failed to feature in the top three in the opening round before building his championship charge later in the season.
“All we wanted to do this weekend was be consistent and get on the podium if we could,” Grove explained.
“I haven’t gone very well here in the past so to be able to get up here and spray the champagne is everything we wanted and a great start to the year.”
Sydney driver Shane Smollen finished fourth overall for the round thanks to a consistent trio of races that saw him score a fourth in Race 1 and two sixth-place finishes in Race 2 and Race 3, respectively.
He sits 16 points ahead of Ash Samadi, who placed fifth in class in Adelaide.
Scott Taylor, Marc Cini and Adrian Mastronardo completed the eight semi-pro racers on the grid this weekend with Mastronardo in particular impressing despite failing to finish the opening race of the weekend. A driveshaft issue on the start line cost Mastronardo a chance of a result in the opening race however a strong drive through the field to 5th in class in Race 2 represented a strong performance.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – known last year as the Elite Class – is the ‘race within a race’ for semi-professional drivers in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The next round will be held in conjunction with the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, at Albert Park in Melbourne, between March 12-15, 2015.
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NewsRichards and Bates perfect in Adelaide opener
Steven Richards and Tony Bates have emerged as the drivers to beat in the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin championship after a perfect weekend on the streets of Adelaide.
Richards entered the final day of the Clipsal 500 with two outright race victories while Bates was unbeaten in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge; a trend the pair continued in Sunday’s Race 3 to claim the clean sweep of race wins.
Richards’ performance in Race 3 was a carbon copy of his Race 2 win; a blistering race start was followed with a dominant performance at the front, managing the gap to second placed Craig Baird until the chequered flag.
The round win was Richards’ first at the Adelaide event, something the former V8 racer considers a special milestone for any driver.
“To get the win here at the Clipsal 500, regardless of the category, is always something special. It has always been a goal to get first place at this event, so to do it in this fashion is fantastic,” said Richards.
Richards now leads the standings over Baird by 30 points, with Baird predicting a strong fight for the 2015 title.
“It’s nice to come away with second for the weekend. I’ve changed cars and we’re a little bit behind the eight ball at the moment. Richards did a great job and I feel for Nick Foster, who was the quickest driver all weekend,” said Baird.
“There are always quick young guys in the championship so it’s great to see two-and-a-half old guys – Dave is getting older – on the podium. There is some real talent on the grid and there are around eight drivers that have the pace to win races. It’s going to be a very competitive season.”
David Russell placed third for the round after finishing third in Race 3, crossing the finish line ahead of Nick McBride, who narrowly missed out on his maiden podium, Cam McConville, Richard Muscat, Michael Almond, the best of the debutants Simon Hodge and Duvashen Padayachee in ninth.
Bates placed 10th in Sunday’s Race 3, scoring his sixth straight Carrera Challenge race win at the Clipsal 500, finishing ahead of Roger Lago, Shane Smollen, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini, Ash Samadi, Adrian Mastronardo and Scott Taylor with eighth in class.
For Lago, second place in Race 3 secured him second in class for the round while Grove beat Smollen to the final step on the podium.
Bates was ecstatic with his form in the opening round and his continued strong pace in Adelaide.
“We had many of last year’s Carrera Challenge drivers fronting up again this year and they’re all improving. I had to up the ante; I worked pretty hard on my fitness over summer and was quick in testing so I knew I was going to be quick this year,” said Bates.
“I’m now just looking for some consistency. I was quick last year but I wasn’t consistent enough and didn’t keep the car out of trouble. The aim this year is to keep it clean and continue to score strong results.”
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge graduates Fraser Ross and Matt Campbell failed to finish the final race. Ross spun on Lap 7 at Turn 4 with Campbell making contact with the stricken Porsche. The contact broke Ross’s steering while Campbell sustained race-ending radiator damage.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin will next appear on track at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in two weeks where the Porsche category will reach the impressive milestone of 250 races in Australia.
Race 3 results
1. Steven Richards (Professional) 12 laps – 16:44.3
2. Craig Baird (Professional) 12 laps – 16:45.6
3. David Russell (Professional) 12 laps – 16:46.2
4. Nick McBride (Professional) 12 laps – 16:49.5
5. Cam McConville (Professional) 12 laps – 16:51.0
6. Richard Muscat (Professional) 12 laps – 16:51.5
7. Michael Almond (Professional) 12 laps – 16:52.2
8. Simon Hodge (Professional) 12 laps – 16:52.6
9. Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) 12 laps – 16:55.9
10. Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:09.7
11. Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:10.6
12. Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:11.1
13. Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:21.7
14. Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:23.8
15. Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:31.3
16. Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:32.1
17. Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:52.7
DNF Fraser Ross (Professional) 6 laps – 08:38.8
DNF Matt Campbell (Professional) 6 laps – 08:39.0
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NewsRichards and Bates take repeat win in Adelaide
Steven Richards and Tony Bates have scored sensational repeat victories in the second race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin season at the Clipsal 500 as devastation hit pace-setter Nick Foster.
Richards took advantage of his pole position to lead into the opening lap when, at turn eight, second-placed David Russell glazed the outside wall at high speed; the impact miraculously only slightly affecting the pace of his #10 Porsche, though it allowed Craig Baird to claim second position and, for Richards, build a larger buffer on the field and eventually take the chequered flag.
“I got a great start and was able to press on to a point where I was able to manage the race and the gap to second. The car feels the best it’s ever been and thankfully, at the moment, I’m driving half all right,” said Richards.
Craig Baird improved on his fourth placing in Friday’s opening race to finish second while Nick McBride took his second third placing for the weekend ahead of Russell, Richard Muscat, Cam McConville, Michael Almond, Simon Hodge and Fraser Ross in ninth.
Rounding out the top 10 was Bates – the first TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver to the finish. Bates was handed a four grid-spot penalty following Friday’s race, placing him behind three class competitors on the grid. A blistering start in race two allowed Bates to reach the class lead by the opening corner and ultimately take a dominant race win; his fifth straight class win at the Adelaide street circuit.
“I know we’re quick but we just need luck this year. We need to keep the car in front and get in a groove. I’m quick this weekend, I feel great in the car and the Porsche is really hooked up on track. The other Challenge drivers had a good race too so we’ll just see if I can do what I did last year and win all three races,” said Bates.
Roger Lago placed second in the Carrera Challenge class, one position behind 11th placed Duvashen Padayachee on track, from third placed Carrera Challenge driver Stephen Grove, Shane Smollen and Matt Campbell in 15th, who started from the rear of the field after failing to finish Friday’s race.
Adrian Mastronardo, Ash Samadi and Scott Taylor respectively finished 16th, 17th and 18th outright and fifth, sixth and seventh in the Carrera Challenge class.
The heart breaking story of the race was the premature end to Nick Foster’s charge to the front of the field. The young pole-sitter failed to make the start of Friday’s opening race and charged from the rear of the grid to fourth. Foster’s charge was halted, however, when making heavy contact with the turn eight barrier on the third-to-last lap, causing event-ending damage to his Porsche.
Marc Cini also failed to finish the race with radiator damage after contacting the turn 11 tyre wall.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin will hold its final Adelaide race on Sunday at 2:50pm.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 1, 2015
12:50pm-1:10pm – Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Ten (Channel 10)
Sunday March 01, 2015
Race 3 – 1:00pm local time (1:30pm AEST)
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506) Every session live!
Sunday March 01, 2015
Race 3 – 12:50pm local time (1:20pm AEST)
Race 2 results
1. Steven Richards (Professional) 12 laps – 16:47.6
2. Craig Baird (Professional) 12 laps – 16:50.0
3. Nick McBride (Professional) 12 laps – 16:51.8
4. David Russell (Professional) 12 laps – 16:54.4
5. Richard Muscat (Professional) 12 laps – 16:56.0
6. Cam McConville (Professional) 12 laps – 16:57.9
7. Michael Almond (Professional) 12 laps – 16:59.3
8. Simon Hodge (Professional) 12 laps – 17:06.4
9. Fraser Ross (Professional) 12 laps – 17:09.5
10. Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:16.9
11. Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) 12 laps – 17:17.6
12. Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:20.4
13. Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:22.1
14. Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:22.4
15. Matt Campbell (Professional) 12 laps – 17:24.3
16. Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:42.0
17. Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:43.0
18. Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 18:02.0
DNF Nick Foster (Professional) 9 laps – 12:42.2
DNF Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 6 laps – 08:51.0
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NewsRichards and Bates win controversial first race
Steven Richards and Tony Bates have claimed first spoils in the opening race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin season as the championship started with confusion and controversy.
What should have been an additional formation lap turned into a race start after drivers were shown a five-second board after the car driven by Duvashen Padayachee drove slowly off the grid onto the pit apron with a broken driveshaft.
Some drivers were caught out in the confusion but this did not matter to Richards who led the field into the first corner after pole-sitter Nick Foster was unable to make the start due to broken driveshaft on the warm-up lap.
Once teams got into a rhythm Richards continued at the front and ultimately claim the first race win of the season; his second Porsche victory at the Adelaide circuit. Carrera Cup returnee David Russell finished second, two seconds behind the race winner, with Nick McBride and Craig Baird placing a close third and fourth, respectively.
Australian GT champion Richard Muscat began his maiden full-time Carrera Cup season with a strong fifth place from former V8 ace Cam McConville, Michael Almond, debutant Fraser Ross and Bates in ninth, while Simon Hodge, a victim of the race start confusion, finished in 10th.
The reigning champion Richards was pleased with the outcome of his race despite the contentious race start.
“That’s the way you want to kick off the season. There was a bit of confusion at the start, we were told on the radio there was a formation lap and then the red lights went out and away we went. I just got the car started and into gear as the lights went out,” said Richards.
“It’s a nice way to start the weekend. We’ll have a good look at the car now, give it a polish and see how it goes tomorrow.”
Tony Bates followed his top qualifying performance with TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge race victory despite an eventful race of his own.
Bates was clear in the class lead but was turned around mid-race at turn nine, dropping him down the order. Roger Lago inherited the lead however was handed a 10-second post-race penalty for kerb hopping, handing the class win to Bates.
“I was holding on to Cam McConville there for a while and unfortunately I was turned around while I was clear of any other Challenge driver, but as it turns out we still won the race after all the race incidents and penalties,” said Bates, who received a four grid-spot penalty for a dangerous circuit re-entry following his spin.
“It’s still a good result, but now I have the challenge of starting behind a couple of Challenge drivers now. But the way I raced today makes me confident of another strong performance tomorrow.”
Stephen Grove finished second in the class from Lago, Ash Samadi, Marc Cini, Shane Smollen, who wore the brunt of Bates’s re-entry, and Scott Taylor.
Foster and Padayachee were not the only ones to have start-line woes as Adrian Mastronardo, who was very impressive in practice, also could not make the warm-up lap due to a mechanical issue.
Young gun Matt Campbell failed to finish with clutch issues while former open wheel driver Spike Goddard made contact with the barrier at the opening chicane complex with three laps to go, sustaining race ending damage while running an impressive sixth place on debut.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Michelin will hold its second race of the weekend tomorrow at 9:40am followed by its final race on Sunday immediately before the Sunday V8 Supercar endurance race.
Race Schedule
Saturday February 28, 2015
9:40am-10:00am – Race 2
Sunday March 1, 2015
12:50pm-1:10pm – Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Ten (Channel 10)
Race 2 – 11:40am local time (12:10pm AEST)
Sunday March 01, 2015
Race 3 – 1:00pm local time (1:30pm AEST)
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506) Every session live!
Saturday February 28, 2015
Race 2 – 9:40am local time (10:10am AEST)
Sunday March 01, 2015
Race 3 – 12:50pm local time (1:20pm AEST)
Qualifying results
1 Nick Foster (Professional) – 01:21.9
2 Steven Richards (Professional) – 01:22.2 (-00:00.3)
3 Nick McBride (Professional) – 01:22.4 (-00:00.5)
4 David Russell (Professional) – 01:22.7 (-00:00.8)
5 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) – 1:22.8 (-00:00.9)
6 Richard Muscat (Professional) – 01:23.1 (-00:01.2)
7 Craig Baird (Professional) – 01:23.1 (-00:01.3)
8 Cam McConville (Professional) – 01:23.5 (-00:01.6)
9 Simon Hodge (Professional) – 01:23.6 (-00:01.7)
10 Spike Goddard (Professional) – 01:23.9 (-00:02.0)
11 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:23.9 (-00:02.1)
12 Matt Campbell (Professional) – 01:24.1 (-00:02.2)
13 Michael Almond (Professional) – 01:24.1 (-00:02.3)
14 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:24.2 (-00:02.3)
15 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:24.7 (-00:02.8)
16 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:24.7 (-00:02.8)
17 Fraser Ross (Professional) – 01:24.8 (-00:02.9)
18 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.1 (-00:03.3)
19 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.4 (-00:03.6)
20 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.5 (-00:03.6)
21 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.6 (-00:03.7)
22 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:30.3 (-00:08.5)
Race 1 results
1 Steven Richards (Professional) 12 laps – 16:49.4
2 David Russell (Professional) 12 laps – 16:51.4
3 Nick McBride (Professional) 12 laps – 16:52.4
4 Craig Baird (Professional) 12 laps – 16:52.8
5 Richard Muscat (Professional) 12 laps – 16:54.8
6 Cam McConville (Professional) 12 laps – 17:02.3
7 Michael Almond (Professional) 12 laps – 17:06.7
8 Fraser Ross (Professional) 12 laps – 17:18.6
9 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:23.1
10 Simon Hodge (Professional) 12 laps – 17:23.2
11 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:29.0
12 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:31.3
13 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:31.4
14 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 17:47.7
15 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 18:00.7
16 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) 12 laps – 18:02.3
DNF Spike Goddard (Professional) 10 laps – 14:09.4
DNF Nick Foster (Professional)
DNF Duvashen Padayachee (Professional)
DNF Matt Campbell (Professional)
DNF Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge)
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NewsFoster and Bates claim Adelaide pole
Nick Foster and Tony Bates have taken the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award for the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race at the Clipsal 500.
Foster was quickest in Thursday practice and followed with a strong showing early in the Friday morning qualifying session while Bates was able to edge out his closest class rival Roger Lago for the quickest time.
The session was cut short when James Bergmuller crashed at turn eight. Bergmuller was unscathed however his car sustained round-ending damage.
Qualifying times
1 Nick Foster (Professional) – 01:21.9
2 Steven Richards (Professional) – 01:22.2 (-00:00.3)
3 Nick McBride (Professional) – 01:22.4 (-00:00.5)
4 David Russell (Professional) – 01:22.7 (-00:00.8)
5 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) – 1:22.8 (-00:00.9)
6 Richard Muscat (Professional) – 01:23.1 (-00:01.2)
7 Craig Baird (Professional) – 01:23.1 (-00:01.3)
8 Cam McConville (Professional) – 01:23.5 (-00:01.6)
9 Simon Hodge (Professional) – 01:23.6 (-00:01.7)
10 Spike Goddard (Professional) – 01:23.9 (-00:02.0)
11 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:23.9 (-00:02.1)
12 Matt Campbell (Professional) – 01:24.1 (-00:02.2)
13 Michael Almond (Professional) – 01:24.1 (-00:02.3)
14 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:24.2 (-00:02.3)
15 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:24.7 (-00:02.8)
16 Shane Smollen (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:24.7 (-00:02.8)
17 Fraser Ross (Professional) – 01:24.8 (-00:02.9)
18 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.1 (-00:03.3)
19 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.4 (-00:03.6)
20 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.5 (-00:03.6)
21 Adrian Mastronardo (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:25.6 (-00:03.7)
22 Scott Taylor (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) – 01:30.3 (-00:08.5)
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NewsCarrera Cup stars hit the track in Adelaide
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia kicked off its 2015 season in the searing Adelaide heat today featuring an impressive line-up of professional and semi-professional racers, with Nick Foster and Shane Smollen setting the pace in Thursday practice.
Foster’s Thursday practice performance at the championship’s ninth Clipsal 500 visit comes after his round victory at last season’s season finale in Surfers Paradise. While Foster is pleased with his initial pace he hopes to continue this momentum over the entire weekend.
“It’s a great start to the weekend. It’s been a long break since October and I haven’t done any driving since then,” said Foster.
“It’s important to start the season on a good note; we did that last year but we’re more refined this season – the car speed is there and I’m more comfortable as well. At the moment it’s going to plan but it’s a long weekend ahead of us.”
Carrera Cup champion Steven Richards placed the second fastest time from returnee David Russell and young gun Matt Campbell, making his championship debut.
Nick McBride was the fifth quickest driver from Craig Baird, Cam McConville, Michael Almond, Australian GT champion Richard Muscat, Duvashen Padayachee and Australian Formula 3 champion Simon Hodge in 11th, with Spike Goddard and Fraser Ross further down the order.
Shane Smollen was the best of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge runners following an off-season team change to McElrea Racing.
“I had a small and personalised team with great relationships last year and I think we did well, but there’s no mistaking that having a deeper set of resources and lots of good benchmarking does help so I’m really looking forward to that over this year,” said Smollen, who enjoyed having 2014 championship runner-up Warren Luff on his radio while on track.
“I felt relaxed today as I had good people in my corner and Luff on the radio, which encourages you that little bit more, but you can’t get away with anything either. There’s a lot of time to gain so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Tony Bates was the second quickest Carrera Challenge driver from Roger Lago, with Adrian Mastronardo an impressive fourth fastest in the class.
Marc Cini posted the fifth quickest Carrera Challenge time from James Bergmuller, Ash Samadi, reigning class champion Steven Grove and Scott Taylor.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying and opening race tomorrow, with Race 2 and Race 3 to be held on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Race Schedule
Friday February 27, 2015
8:30am-8:50am – Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:55pm-3:15pm – Race 1
Saturday February 28, 2015
9:40am-10:00am – Race 2
Sunday March 1, 2015
12:50pm-1:10pm – Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Ten (Channel 10)
Friday February 27, 2015
Race 1 – 3:00pm local time (3:30pm AEST)
Saturday February 28, 2015
Race 2 – 11:40am local time (12:10pm AEST)
Sunday March 01, 2015
Race 3 – 1:00pm local time (1:30pm AEST)
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506) Every session live!
Friday February 27, 2015
Qualifying – 8:30am local time (9:00am AEST)
Race 1 – 2:55pm local time (3:25pm AEST)
Saturday February 28, 2015
Race 2 – 9:40am local time (10:10am AEST)
Sunday March 01, 2015
Race 3 – 12:50pm local time (1:20pm AEST)
Thursday combined Practice times
1 Nick Foster (Professional) – 1:21.9992*
2 Steven Richards (Professional) – 1:22.3868 (-0:00.3876)
3 David Russell (Professional) – 1:22.3995 (-0:00.4003)
4 Matt Campbell (Professional) – 1:22.5557 (-0:00.5565)
5 Nick McBride (Professional) – 1:22.6304 (-0:00.6312)
6 Craig Baird (Professional) – 1:22.7357 (-0:00.7365)
7 Cam McConville (Professional) – 1:22.8967 (-0:00.8975)
8 Michael Almond (Professional) – 1:23.1181 (-0:01.1189)
9 Richard Muscat (Professional) – 1:23.3379 (-0:01.3387)
10 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) – 1:23.3753 (-0:01.3761)
11 Simon Hodge (Professional) – 1:23.7691 (-0:01.7699)
12 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) – 1:23.8333 (-0:01.8341)
13 Tony Bates (Carrera Challenge) – 1:24.0046 (-0:02.0054)
14 Spike Goddard (Professional) – 1:24.1594 (-0:02.1602)
15 Roger Lago (Carrera Challenge) – 1:24.2439 (-0:02.2447)
16 Adrian Mastronardo (Carrera Challenge) – 1:24.8891 (-0:02.8899)
17 Marc Cini (Carrera Challenge) – 1:24.9112 (-0:02.9120)
18 James Bergmuller (Carrera Challenge) – 1:24.9347 (-0:02.9355)
19 Ash Samadi (Carrera Challenge) – 1:24.9565 (-0:02.9573)
20 Fraser Ross (Professional) – 1:24.9751 (-0:02.9759)
21 Stephen Grove (Carrera Challenge) – 1:25.8963 (-0:03.8971)
22 Scott Taylor (Carrera Challenge) – 1:28.1602 (-0:06.1610)
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NewsMichelin and Carrera Cup set for strong 2015
Michelin Australia will continue its strong partnership with Porsche Carrera Cup racing in Australia into 2015, starting with an increased presence at the season opening Clipsal 500.
As the Official Tyre Partner for the Porsche championship, Michelin will continue as the exclusive tyre supplier for the entire 2015 season, a supply echoed by all eight Carrera Cup championships worldwide.
Michelin is also the Carrera Cup event partner for this weekend’s Clipsal 500 event in Adelaide, featuring windscreen banner branding on every Porsche in the championship.
Porsche Cars Australia’s Motorsport Manager Kurt Sakzewski is pleased to start a new season with the continued support of Michelin.
“Porsche Carrera Cup is synonymous with Michelin tyres and we’re incredibly excited to enter our 11th season in Australia with the brand. Michelin has been a long term supporter of Porsche racing both in Australia and globally and we’re looking forward to continuing this partnership into what will be one of Carrera Cup Australia’s greatest seasons yet,” said Sakzewski.
Michelin Australia Managing Director, Cedric Binoit, is looking forward to continuing the premium partnership with the Porsche championship.
“We are proud to be chosen to continue our long and successful partnership with Porsche Motorsport, both globally and here in Australia with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. Porsche sets the bar very high of Michelin, and the Michelin tyres deliver exactly what the drivers need; speed, reliability, and above all, safety,” said Binoit.
“For Michelin, motorsport is the ultimate test of performance. What we learn on track we use to build our road tyres including the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 – the tyre chosen for the Porsche 918 Spyder.
“We wish all the competitors a safe and successful 2015 season.”
The Michelin tyre used in Carrera Cup Australia is the Michelin Cup N2 (27/65-18 front and 31/71-18 rear dimensions), designed to match the demands of the German manufacturer in terms of durability and performance. As this Michelin tyre is used in all Carrera Cup championships, it has been designed to perform in all conditions, from the cool climate in Europe to the heat and humidity of Asia and the dry heat experienced in Australia.
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NewsCarrera Challenge set for big season
Stephen Grove will have a target on the rear of his Porsche this season as his closest rivals aim to dethrone the 2014 Elite Class champion.
Grove enters the Clipsal 500 as the class titleholder following his success last season. While the class has undergone a name change – now the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge – the battle among the championship’s semi-professional drivers will be as intense as ever.
This weekend the two racers who narrowly missed out on the 2014 Elite Class title, Tony Bates and Shane Smollen, are preparing to begin their 2015 campaigns with one clear objective – claim Grove’s class title.
“Last year was not necessarily won by the fastest driver but the most consistent. Grove did a great job keeping his car out of trouble and his bad rounds still netted him good points. He drove well and for that he won the title. Shane and I won’t make it so easy for him this year; we’ll all push harder in an effort to etch our own name on the title trophy,” said Bates, who placed third in the class last season, winning the equal most races in the class.
In 2014 Smollen was awarded for posting the most Elite Class fastest laps for the season. Now the Sydneysider will aim to translate this impressive pace into consistently strong results.
“Grove certainly proved last year that championships are built on race finishes and it only takes one poor result to put you behind the eight ball, though this won’t take away from my desire to win races,” said Smollen.
“We all have a season of the new car under our belt which will assist the newer drivers from last year so the competition will be more even than ever. With the assistance of Warren Luff as driver coach and the experience of McElrea Racing, I’m hoping I can take out a lot of the guess work to piece together a successful season in the Carrera Challenge class.”
As the season nears, Grove won’t change his approach to racing in his attempt to defence the title.
“I’m treating this season like any other, solely focussing on my own performance each race,” said Grove. “It will be a competitive year in the Carrera Challenge class and I’m looking forward to racing against some great drivers. The Clipsal 500 hasn’t traditionally been a great event for me though I’m hoping to overcome this and start the season on a great note.”
The battle for the Carrera Challenge extends to more than three drivers; the entire class will be eager to reach the Clipsal 500 podium.
The most experienced driver in the championship, Marc Cini, enters the Adelaide round having contested 209 Carrera Cup Australia races, trailed by Ash Samadi with 110 races; both hoping to draw upon their experience to challenge for Carrera Challenge trophies.
James Bergmuller and Roger Lago both claimed silverware last season and hope to revisit the Carrera Cup podium while Adrian Mastronardo and Scott Taylor now have substantial experience and are looking to make their first podium appearance in the championship.
Race Schedule
Thursday February 26, 2015
1:05pm-1:25pm – Practice 1 – 20 minutes
5:10pm-5:30pm – Practice 2 – 20 minutes
Friday February 27, 2015
8:30am-8:50am – Qualifying – 20 minutes
2:55pm-3:15pm – Race 1
Saturday February 28, 2015
9:40am-10:00am – Race 2
Sunday March 1, 2015
12:50pm-1:10pm – Race 3
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NewsCarrera Cup Fast Facts: Clipsal 500
This year is the 11th time the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has been held since the first in 2003. No championship was held in 2009 and 2010.
It is the ninth time the category has competed in Adelaide and every time it has been the opening round of that year’s championship. PCCA didn’t compete in Adelaide in 2003 and 2011.
The 2015 season opener is the 83rd PCCA round held since the category began in 2003.
The races in Adelaide will be the 246th, 247th and 248th in PCCA history. The milestone 250th race should come in Race 2 in Round 2 at Albert Park.
Reigning PCCA Champion Steve Richards has been the runner-up in Adelaide the last two years but is yet to claim an Adelaide round victory. He has won a race in Adelaide but has never greeted the chequered flag first there given Craig Baird crossed the line first in Race 3 in 2013 only to receive a five second penalty for a start infringement, handing the win to Richards.
Richards is moving up the stats sheets in PCCA history books. His next podium finish will tie him with Fabian Coulthard and David Reynolds for fourth on the list of most podium finishes in PCCA history.
Such was the competitiveness of last year’s championship, just 40 points covered Richards, Craig Baird and Warren Luff at season’s end and Richards’ championship-winning points tally of 954 was the smallest ever scored by a PCCA driver to claim the title.
Five drivers will make their PCCA debut in the opening round of 2015 in Adelaide. Reigning Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Champion Fraser Ross, GT3 Cup round winner Matt Campbell, former Porsche Motorsport manager Cam McConville, recent Force India F1 test pilot Spike Goddard and reigning Australian Formula 3 Champion Simon Hodge. Last year in Adelaide there were seven PCCA rookies and in 2013 there were six, showing that there’s a steady flow of talent coming into the category in both Professional and Elite ranks.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title returns in 2015 for the winner of the Elite Class. It was first held in 2004 and has gone under a few different names over the years. However, the only former champion in the class in the 2015 field is the reigning champion – Stephen Grove.
He may have had a tough year in 2014, but Craig Baird is still the Porsche ‘King of Adelaide’. He’s won more rounds there than anyone else (four), had more podiums (five) and more race wins (eight). The Kiwi starts the year three poles behind record holder Alex Davison for the PCCA record of 15.
No currently active PCCA driver has taken multiple pole positions in Adelaide. There have been seven different pole sitters from the last seven rounds held there! Alex Davison is the only repeat pole sitter.
Five times has the Adelaide round winner gone on to claim that year’s championship. The drivers to achieve this were Alex Davison (2004), Fabian Coulthard (2005) and Craig Baird (2006, 2008, 2013).
Warren Luff achieved a rare piece of history last year by clean sweeping all three races in Adelaide. It was just the second time it’s happened in PCCA history at the circuit after Alex Davison did it in the inaugural round in 2004. There were three clean sweeps in last year’s PCCA – Luff in Adelaide, Baird at Sydney Motorsport Park and Michael Patrizi at Sandown (though one of the three races was deemed a ‘no race’).
The end of the 2014 series was amazing – six different drivers won the last seven races across the Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds.
Adelaide was the site of the second biggest win in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia history in 2012 when Alex Davison beat Nick Foster by 12.0693s in Race 1.
At the time it was a record, though it was beaten later in the season by Jonny Reid’s 13.7760s win over Davison at Phillip Island in May.
The closest Porsche Carrera Cup Australia finish in Adelaide came in the first race held there in 2004 when Alex Davison held off Jim Richards to win by 0.2576s.
The smallest pole position margin for a Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round in Adelaide is 0.0090s between pole man Craig Baird and David Reynolds in 2007. It is the third closest in PCCA history.
The biggest pole margin for PCCA in Adelaide came in 2005 when Jim Richards was 0.2313s faster than Fabian Coulthard. It’s amazing to think that just over two-tenths of a second is the biggest PCCA polewinning margin in Adelaide.
ADELAIDE LAP RECORDS
Race Lap Record: Shae Davies, 1m22.2914s, 2014
Qual Lap Record: Shae Davies, 1m21.5255s, 2014
ADELAIDE ROUND WINNERS
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard
2006 Craig Baird
2007 Craig Baird
2008 Craig Baird
2012 Alex Davison
2013 Craig Baird
2014 Warren Luff
4 – Craig Baird
2 – Alex Davison
1 – Fabian Coulthard, Warren Luff
ADELAIDE POLE POSITIONS
2004 Alex Davison
2005 Jim Richards
2006 Alex Davison
2007 Craig Baird
2008 Bryce Washington
2012 Alex Davison
2013 Nick Percat
2014 Shae Davies
3 – Alex Davison
1 – Jim Richards, Craig Baird, Bryce Washington, Nick Percat, Shae Davies
ADELAIDE RACE WINS
2004 Alex Davison Alex Davison Alex Davison
2005 Fabian Coulthard Jim Richards Fabian Coulthard
2006 Alex Davison Craig Baird Craig Baird
2007 Craig Baird Alex Davison Craig Baird
2008 Dean Fiore Craig Baird David Russell
2012 Alex Davison Alex Davison Craig Baird
2013 Craig Baird Craig Baird Steve Richards
2014 Warren Luff Warren Luff Warren Luff
8 – Craig Baird
7 – Alex Davison
3 – Warren Luff
2 – Fabian Coulthard
1 – Jim Richards, Dean Fiore, David Russell, Steve Richards
ADELAIDE PODIUMS
2004 Alex Davison Jim Richards Fabian Coulthard
2005 Fabian Coulthard Jim Richards Luke Youlden
2006 Craig Baird Alex Davison David Reynolds
2007 Craig Baird Alex Davison David Reynolds
2008 Craig Baird David Russell Dean Fiore
2012 Alex Davison Craig Baird Daniel Gaunt
2013 Craig Baird Steve Richards Nick Percat
2014 Warren Luff Steve Richards Nick Foster
5 – Craig Baird
4 – Alex Davison
2 – Jim Richards, Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds, Steve Richards
1 – Luke Youlden, David Russell, Dean Fiore, Daniel Gaunt, Nick Percat, Warren Luff, Nick Foster
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NewsCarrera Cup readies for season 2015
Young guns, experienced drivers and highly competitive semi-professional racers will highlight the on-track racing for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this season, starting this weekend at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500.
The South Australian season opener will be the first of eight rounds for the 11th Carrera Cup Australia season and will feature Michelin as its presenting sponsor for the Adelaide event.
With the 2015 Carrera Cup driver line-up now finalised, the focus shifts to the impressive depth of talent among the championship’s professional and semi-professional racers.
Heading the field is its current and former champions – reigning title holder Steven Richards and five-time championship winner Craig Baird, both among the favourites to claimed the #1 at the end of 2015. A third former V8 Supercars racer, Cam McConville, will break his racing hiatus to join these drivers in the Porsche championship.
The list of returning professional racers also include 2014 Gold Coast winner Nick Foster, Nick McBride, Michael Almond and Duvashen Padayachee, while David Russell starts his first full-time Carrera Cup season since 2008 along with his 30th championship round start.
Other drivers familiar with Porsche one-make racing is reigning Australian GT champion and former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge winner Richard Muscat – having also made cameo appearances in both Carrera Cup Australia and Carrera Cup Great Britain – and two reigning GT3 Cup Challenge Australia victors, outright champion Fraser Ross and Class B winner Matt Campbell.
Two open-wheel specialists round out the Professional Class line up. Simon Hodge enters the championship as the reigning Australian Formula 3 champion while Spike Goddard has a wealth of international experience, racing in European Formula 3 over the past two seasons followed by a Formula 1 test drive late last year with Force India.
While the championship hosts a strong list of professional racers, the fiercest battles may not be at the front, but rather with Carrera Cup’s impressive roster of semi-professional drivers.
Reigning Elite Class champion Stephen Grove is eager to retain his crown in 2015, though those who missed out on the title last season are eager for redemption this season, namely the second and third placed duo of Shane Smollen and Tony Bates.
The class, renamed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge for the 2015 season, has experienced a strong driver retention over the off-season and welcomes back some of the country’s most experienced semi-professional racers – including Carrera Cup’s most experienced driver Marc Cini, who will line up for his 73rd championship round, and seventh most capped driver Ash Samadi.
Former GT3 Cup Challenge competitors Roger Lago and Scott Taylor also return, as will James Bergmuller, who will compete with a hand-controlled clutch after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury, and Adrian Mastronardo, who had a strong debut season in 2014.
With three races over the Clipsal 500 weekend, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is ready to deliver another strong season of ultra-competitive sports car racing.
Race Schedule
Thursday February 26, 2015
1:05pm-1:25pm – Practice 1 (20 minutes)
5:10pm-5:30pm – Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday February 27, 2015
8:30am-8:50am – Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:55pm-3:15pm – Race 1
Saturday February 28, 2015
9:40am-10:00am – Race 2
Sunday March 1, 2015
12:50pm-1:10pm – Race 3
Round 1 Entry List
Car # – Driver (Class) Sponsor
1 – Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical
4 – Stephen Grove (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Hire
5 – Spike Goddard (Professional) Spike Racing
6 – Ash Samadi (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel
7 – Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8
8 – Craig Baird (Professional) Porsche Centre Melbourne
9 – Marc Cini (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc
10 – David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi
11 – Simon Hodge (Professional) Team BRM
13 – James Bergmuller (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care
14 – Cam McConville (Professional) OPS Gateway
22 – Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security
23 – Roger Lago (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) JBS Australia
24 – Tony Bates (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS / Ned Whisky & Cola
26 – Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld
39 – Adrian Mastronardo (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) Veritas
45 – Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) VIP Petfoods
56 – Shane Smollen (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents
65 – Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton/TRP
77 – Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
222 – Scott Taylor (Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport
777 – Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts
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NewsGrove unveils new-look 2015 challenger
Reigning Elite Class champion Stephen Grove has unveiled his new-look Porsche race car with which he will aim to defend his 2014 title.
Grove Racing revealed the new team colours at The Grid in Melbourne’s Docklands at a launch event, with Grove excited about the fresh livery and season ahead.
“I really wanted to have a change this year,” said Grove. “We’ve traditionally used a lot of black on our car but we’ve taken the majority of that out now and it’s a completely fresh look. We’ve reset the goals that we want to achieve this year and I think that a different look will help us with that process.
“Considering that we visit the same eight tracks this year, it will be about trying to improve my performance on each circuit and finding tenths of a second here and there to improve my lap times. It’s ultimately about having fun.”
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NewsRussell returns for Carrera Cup title tilt
David Russell has fought off inclement weather to finalise his preparations for next weekend’s Clipsal 500, where the racer will start his tilt at the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title.
Russell took the reins of his new Finance Ezi Racing Porsche, driven by Maurie Pickering last season, for the first time yesterday at Queensland Raceway.
While Cyclone Marcia cut short Russell’s Queensland Raceway preparations, he suggested the rain won’t dampen his Clipsal 500 hopes.
“It all went really well in the Queensland Raceway test. It was the first time driving the car and it felt great; we did a few laps but we’re fighting off a cyclone up here so we were lucky to get some laps in at all,” said Russell.
The Queensland based racer has completed three full-time seasons of Carrera Cup Australia (2006-2008) with a best result of third in the 2008 standings. Russell then raced in the final two rounds of the 2014 season, highlighted by a race win at the Gold Coast season finale.
“It is fantastic to be back in the Carrera Cup championship and to be in a position to have a real tilt at the title with Finance Ezi Racing. It will be a lot different to making a couple of cameos like I did last season.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve contested a whole championship and even longer since I’ve contested a Carrera Cup championship. There’s going to be a very strong competition this year and I’m proud to be part of it.”
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NewsCoffex to fuel Carrera Cup racers in 2015
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will continue to provide its premium on- and off-track experience in 2015 – the latter boosted by the signing of its newest partner, Coffex Coffee Roasters.
As part of the partnership, Melbourne-based Coffex will deliver a café-style coffee service within the Porsche Teams Lounge throughout the 2015 season, providing what has become an integral part of the Carrera Cup experience.
Coffex will also feature signage on every Porsche in the Carrera Cup field and branding within the Porsche Teams Lounge.
Coffex’s new status at the Official Coffee of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia adds to its already fast-pace status as official coffee supplier for both the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Coffex to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. The 2015 season is shaping up to be one of the best yet with new teams, drivers and partners joining the Porsche championship,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Kurt Sakzewski.
“Porsche aims to deliver the best possible Carrera Cup experience at the race track. As part of this experience, our Teams Lounge facility and, more specifically, our coffee service have developed into an extremely popular and important element of the Carrera Cup championship. For this we have engaged a great partner in Coffex to help us continue to provide the highest standard of hospitality and the best coffee on track.”
Coffex Coffee Roasters’ Managing Director, Fong Loong is looking forward to this partnership with Porsche’s flagship motor racing championship.
“Coffex Coffee Roasters is proud to partner with Porsche Carrera Cup as one of the key supporters of this world-class racing series. As current sponsors of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and Motorcycle Grand Prix, Coffex shares a passion for motorsport,” said Mr. Loong.
“Born in 1959, Coffex has a rich heritage in Melbourne. Locally roasted in Brunswick using European machinery, Coffex is now one of the largest coffee roasters in the southern hemisphere. Coffex draw on more than 50 years of experience in roasting and blending, to produce coffees of award-winning flavour. Our founding goal was to deliver premium, locally roasted and, above all, the freshest coffee to baristas and coffee lovers. Coffex looks forward to being an integral part of Porsche Carrera Cup and ensuring that drivers and motor racing fans enjoy some of the finest coffee from around the globe.”
Coffex will officially commence its premium coffee service to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the championship’s opening round at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on February 26-March 01, 2015.
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NewsFour national champions set for Carrera Cup
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will host four reigning national motor racing champions on its grid this season following the signing of open-wheel ace Simon Hodge.
Hodge was dominant in the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship last year with Team BRM, the same outfit with which the 21-year-old Adelaide driver will make his Porsche racing debut.
As the F3 title holder, Hodge will be the fourth national champion to line up for the coming Carrera Cup season, joining fellow victors Steven Richards (2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion), Richard Muscat (2014 Australian GT champion) and Fraser Ross (Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia champion).
Hodge is now eager to begin his transition from open wheel racing to sports car competition at his home event.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into a good year of Carrera Cup – it’s looking like an amazing field and it’s going to be a great challenge for me,” said Hodge, who joins Duvashen Padayachee and Muscat at the South Australian BRM outfit.
“I really can’t wait for the Clipsal 500. It’s a fantastic race and a mega circuit and I’m looking forward to getting on the track again this year. I had a very successful run there last year, but I think it will be key for me to not take any expectations into the weekend – but at the same time I feel it’s one of my stronger circuits.
“It’s fantastic to be staying with Team BRM and I must thank them for their amazing help and support in making the transition into a GT3 Cup car for this season.”
Hodge is the third Australian Formula 3 champion to graduate to Porsche Carrera Cup racing the follow year, first achieved by 2005 F3 champion Aaron Caratti followed by 2010 F3 title winner Ben Barker, who now competes in the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Hodge will start his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia campaign in eight days at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
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NewsTAG Heuer and Porsche strengthen partnership
Iconic Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has extended its partnership with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia for the next two seasons, increasing its involvement in the sports car championship to the end of 2016.
A significant change in the championship will be the re-introduction of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, formerly running throughout the 2004-2007 seasons. Known as the Elite Class over the past four seasons, the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge is a race within a race, which solely recognises the semi-professional drivers in the Porsche field.
With its renowned timing expertise, TAG Heuer retains the naming rights for the Fastest Lap and Pole Position awards, and the new agreement will see a larger prize pool of TAG Heuer products for the championship’s quickest competitors from both classes.
TAG Heuer will also continue its strong presence in the Carrera Cup Australia television broadcasts as the championship’s in-car camera partner.
“TAG Heuer has been a tremendous supporter of Porsche racing in Australia and we’re truly excited to continue this fantastic association with the brand,” said Porsche Cars Australia’s Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“Our brands share many of the same values and hold such a strong presence in our respective markets, not to mention our respective ‘Carrera’ models and strong links through our past motorsport involvement.
“We’re also excited to return the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge title to Porsche Carrera Cup competition featuring the championship’s semi-professional racers, who are a core element of Porsche racing both in Australia and globally.”
TAG Heuer Australia’s General Manager, Philip Richards, shares the excitement in renewing his company’s partnership with the premium Porsche motor racing championship.
“TAG Heuer’s intense passion for motor racing has fuelled our technical innovation and performance since the earliest days of the brand” says Mr. Richards. “Through our continued partnership with the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, TAG Heuer is looking forward to writing yet another new page of its rich motor racing history.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold eight events for the 2015 season, which begins at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on February 26 to March 01, 2015.
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NewsCARRERA CUP TEST KICKS OFF 2015 SEASON
PORSCHE Carrera Cup Australia teams have taken to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the first major pre-season hit out ahead of the season opening Clipsal 500 Adelaide later this month.
15 New and existing teams, drivers and cars used perfect weather conditions to complete extensive preparations for the year ahead, as anticipation builds towards the opening round of what is expected to be one of the most competitive Porsche Carrera Cup seasons yet.
Reigning outright and professional class champion Steven Richards took to the circuit in his newly-numbered No. 1 Laser Plumbing and Electrical Porsche 991 GT3 Cup Car and suggests that reclaiming his hard-won crown may be even harder than winning it for the first time.
“I think we are in for some cracking racing this year,” Richards said.
“It’s great to see so many cool young guys coming into the championship, that’s something that really motivates me and the team to keep pushing and improving.
“We really took time to enjoy the championship win last year and let it sink in and we had a really satisfying break, but it’s great to be back in the car today.”
The champion says he is keen to see both his team cars perform at the front throughout the 2015 season.
“We had a great year last year and are hoping for more of the same – James Bergmuller was in a position to win Elite until the final few rounds last year, so our focus again is not just on my car but getting two Steve Richards Motorsport cars in contention at every round.”
Former full-time V8 Supercars regular Cameron McConville is making his return to regular racing competition this season after several years out of a full time ride.
His new partnership with the Copyworld Racing outfit has seen the team expand this year – McConville to drive the OPS Gateway 991 GT3 Cup Car alongside Michael Almond’s identical Toshiba entry in a sharp-looking two-car outfit.
“Today has probably been the most fun I’ve had in a car in the last 10 years,” said McConville.
“I had 8 or so laps in one last year but to get 40 laps in it today is just great. I’ve had a ball.
“We’ve only just scratched the surface of what the car can do but we have been working on very small changes and making sure I can feel the changes, which I can, so that’s a good sign.
“I’m really enjoying working with the Buik (Motorworks) boys and looking forward to going and testing at Mallala next week, which I think will be a bit more representative for racing at Clipsal.”
Others testing at Phillip Island today included Team BRM’s new signing Richard Muscat and teammate Duvashen Padayachee, Sonic Motor Racing drivers Nick McBride and Adrian Mastronado, and two cars from Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport.
Marc Cini, Australia’s most experienced Porsche Carrera Cup racer, shook down his brand-new for 2015 car while Craig Baird drove Cini’s 2014 example as he begins his quest for Carrera Cup title number six.
Meanwhile, reigning Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge champion Fraser Ross finally stepped up to the top level of one-make Porsche racing in Australia today, shaking down his new ride for the first time.
The Melbourne driver is the latest in a line of GT3 Cup Challenge series winners to make the step to Carrera Cup including Roger Lago and Richard Muscat.
In the always-competitive Elite division, experienced racer Ash Samadi returns for another season of Porsche competition in a brand-new 991 GT3 Cup Car.
The Apartment Hotel-sponsored car is also sporting slick new livery and will again be run by Sydney-based Garth Walden Racing this season.
“We started the day shaking the car down and running it in and it feels great,” said Samadi.
“We have already lapped quicker than I went here last year. The car feels the same as the old one – but it’s always nice to have something new!
“The Elite division is really close racing and that’s what I like about Carrera Cup. Every round is different and before we had three DNFs in a row I was first or second in every round last year, so we are keen to start the season.”
The competitive Elite division ranks are expected to again provide close competition this year with 2014 champion Stephen Grove, Tony Bates, Shane Smollen, Roger Lago and James Bergmuller all set to return this year.
To win the Elite division this year Samadi will have to go through reigning class winner Stephen Grove, who enlisted the support of an expert to help shake down his Grove Group Racing 991 GT3 Cup Car today.
V8 Supercars ace Scott McLaughlin completed several turns behind the wheel of the Grove Porsche to help the defending champion dial the car in to the circuit, with both reporting positive improvements to the No. 4 entry.
McLaughlin’s V8 Supercar rival Tim Slade was assisting his old team – Sonic Motor Racing – and also drove Adrian Mastonado’s VERITAS-sponsored car today.
Queensland-based teams will test at Queensland Raceway tomorrow (Friday, February 13) ahead of the season-opening Clipsal 500 Adelaide event between February 26 and March 1.
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NewsBERGMULLER BRACED FOR CARRERA CUP RETURN
ELITE CLASS contender James Bergmuller will return to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this year – but don’t expect him to be running anywhere in the Porsche paddock.
The Melbournian snapped his left Achilles tendon in a water skiing crash during a holiday on New Year’s Eve and is today making his return to the driver’s seat at the official pre-season Porsche Carrera Cup test at Phillip Island.
Bergmuller’s Porsche Brighton 991 GT3 Cup Car is sporting a hand-operated clutch to enable him to get off the line – and the driver has had some additions to his race kit as well.
“I came off the Skis at about 50kph and it snapped the tendon,” he explained.
“I’ve had five stitches and only just got off the crutches last week. I’m in a moon boot outside of the car and in it I am wearing a special brace that allows me to drive.
“I’m sitting a bit uncomfortably in the car and I can’t put any weight on the left foot when I’m braking to brace myself, but other than that there’s no pain and the driving itself is fine.
“It was very, very painful at the time but in a way I’m lucky that I didn’t do it closer to the season.”
Bergmuller added that his first thought after injuring himself wasn’t necessarily about his own welfare.
“My first thought after I got back in the boat was ‘what on earth am I going to tell Steve!”, he said of teammate and reigning champion, Steven Richards.
Bergmuller expects to be in his brace – and using his special hand clutch – through the opening round of the championship at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
“I’ve got four more weeks in the boot and another six months’ worth of recovery and physio after that to get back to full strength, but I’ll definitely be on the grid at Clipsal – there’s no way I’d miss it.
“I’m fortunate in that if I was competing in another sport like football I’d be out of it for six months or more, but at least I can get back in a car and still compete.”
Bergmuller finished fourth in the 2014 Elite class standings, scoring one class race win and 12 race podium finishes across the eight-round championship.
He finished 13th overall in the 2014 PCCA standings.
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NewsROSS READY FOR CARRERA CUP DEBUT
REIGNING Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia champion Fraser Ross says it’s a ‘dream come true’ to be lining up for his first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season.
The young Melbournian took the wraps off his stunning Bausele / Porsche Brighton / The Ross Partnership Porsche 991 GT3 Cup Car today at Porsche’s official pre-season test day at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in Victoria and he says entering Carrera Cup will be the fulfillment of a long-held career dream.
“People say it really is a dream come true, but this really is for me,” Ross said today.
“I have been watching Carrera Cup since it was first formed in Australia and I have always aspired to be part of it. To have this deal come together as it has and know that I will be on the grid at places like the Clipsal 500 and the Grand Prix is unbelievable.
“I’m pinching myself that it’s happening and I’m very thankful for my partners continuing the ride from last year.”
His fans will be pleased to note that the striking livery includes the customary bright colours that made his championship winning livery so popular last year – and that the orange wheels will also return.
“The car looks sensational and we’re really thrilled to have Bausele and Porsche Brighton back on board,” he said.
“We have a new sponsor to announce at the Clipsal 500 and the full livery will be unveiled there, but the orange wheels will definitely be back: they’re a bit of a trademark of mine now!”
Fraser joins a host of GT3 Cup Challenge graduates on the Carrera Cup grid this year, the progression from one Porsche series to another clearly appealing to drivers seeking to build experience before taking the leap into the competitive world of Carrera Cup racing.
Fraser joins former GT3 Cup Challenge series winners Richard Muscat and Roger Lago on the Carrera Cup grid this year – a grid filled with graduates from the series. As well as the three former champions on the grid, Elite class champion Steve Grove, Michael Almond and newcomer Matt Campbell also cut their Porsche teeth in the series prior to stepping to Carrera Cup.
“I think it’s the best possible way to enter Carrera Cup,” he explained.
“I feel more prepared and confident in entering the series this year than ever and it’s thanks to the level of competition and depth in the GT3 Cup Challenge field. It’s a great way to learn the cars and Porsche racing before making the step to Carrera Cup.”
Ross has modest ambitions ahead of his debut Carrera Cup season, targeting consistency and experience rather than outright results – at least in the early part of the season.
“I just want to learn and get as much experience as possible. I’m loving driving the 991 already, it’s such a step up from the 997 and I love the paddle shift.
“I just want to learn from the experienced guys all season and the aim is to be around the top 10. That would be great.”
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NewsSports car prodigy to take on Carrera Cup
Up-and-coming sports car racer Matt Campbell will display his talents on the main stage this year when joining the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The 19-year-old raced a sensational debut season in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series last year, winning Class B with one round remaining. Campbell then swapped his Class B Porsche for an outright Class A contender in the season finale and clean swept the Phillip Island event.
Campbell will now graduate to the top-level Porsche championship with the opportunity to race at the largest motorsport events in the country, campaigning the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car driven by Warren Luff last season.
“To be able to race in the Porsche Carrera Cup championship is a truly amazing opportunity for me. I’ve followed the championship closely for many years and admired the talents of the top drivers. It will now be surreal to line up against these drivers on the Carrera Cup grid,” said Campbell.
“I felt very comfortable in the Porsche by the end of last season. Moving into the 991 GT3 Cup car will be another big challenge but hopefully one made easier with tuition from Warren Luff throughout the season. I’m not expecting to be at the front straight away though hopefully I can move in that direction throughout the season.
“This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without McElrea Racing and my supporters Michael Hovey and John and Ruth Graham from Phase 8. I’ll try to repay them the best I can with promising results on the race track.”
For Porsche Cars Australia, Campbell’s inclusion to Carrera Cup is another demonstration of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid promoting the careers of young, talented drivers, according to its Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“Matt’s addition to the Carrera Cup field in 2015 is exciting for Porsche. Matt displayed immense talent in the 2014 GT3 Cup Challenge series and now he will be able to show his pace on a completely level playing field,” said Sakzewski.
“The advantage for young drivers in Porsche one-make series is they can display their talents against some of the best in the business, using drivers like Steven Richards and Craig Baird as their benchmark. You will stand out if you can compete with these front-runners.
“We will also again send the best youngster to Europe as a nominee for the Porsche International Cup Scholarship in 2015. There are many young drivers eligible this season so it will be great to see this battle play out throughout the season.”
As the 2014 Class B GT3 Cup Challenge Australia champion, Campbell’s addition to the 2015 Carrera Cup line-up follows the confirmation of reigning Class A and outright champion Fraser Ross to the Porsche championship along with former champions Richard Muscat and Roger Lago.
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NewsPorsche racers impressive in Bathurst enduro
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racers past and present have taken victory in Class B in the 2015 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, while other 2014 Carrera Cup drivers impressed on Mount Panorama.
Young gun Sam Power, along with his team of former Carrera Cup drivers Marcus Marshall and James and Theo Koundouris, raced their #47 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S to victory in Class B, two laps ahead of their nearest class rivals and 16th place outright.
Power, who placed sixth in the 2014 Carrera Cup standings, was pleased with the team’s performance ahead of his 2015 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign.
“It was an epic race. I’m lucky enough to have been on the podium at Bathurst before but never on the top step, so to do it in that fashion and to go through the relentless rollercoaster ride of ups and downs makes this result much more special,” said Power.
“We knew we had to perform well to take the class win; the Grove Porsche was fast with a top driver combination, but everyone in our team did a brilliant job. Marcus has vast experience at Bathurst and his knowledge was great with setting up and car and the Koundouris brothers did a mega job – both made no mistakes and drove a perfect race.”
Reigning Carrera Cup Elite Class champion Stephen Grove, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup racer Ben Barker and Luke Youlden finished second in Class B from third placed Tim Macrow, Peter Rullo and Devon Modell.
The highest placed Porsche in the Mount Panorama endurance race was driven by the trio of factory driver Pat Long, David Calvert-Jones and Chris Pither, finishing 11th in a 911 GT3 R.
“You focus on hitting your marks and sticking to a plan in races like this, and in general we did just that. We had an unlucky break getting hit from behind when there was a concertina at the Cutting during Chris’s stint, but the team worked their tails off and just put in an outstanding effort all day – and all weekend long. All in all we can be pleased with making it to the end of a race as gruelling as this,” said Long.
Porsche regulars also faired well in the race: GT3 Cup Challenge champion and Carrera Cup entrant Richard Muscat finished fifth outright in a Mercedes-Benz SLS, Roger Lago finished seventh outright in a Lamborghini Gallardo alongside 2014 Carrera Cup race winner David Russell and Steve Owen, Marc Cini rounded out the top 10 in a Audi R8 with Christopher Mies and Mark Eddy and Carrera Cup driver Michael Almond finished 14th with Peter Fitzgerald and Matt Halliday.
GT3 Cup Challenge racer John Goodacre placed sixth in Class B and 22nd outright teamed with Jeff Bobik, Terry Knight and Nick Cresswell while fellow GT3 Cup Challenge driver Richard Gartner led his four-driver team to the finish in 30th.
The Bathurst 12 Hour featured a strong Porsche presence at Mount Panorama – over 20 per cent of the endurance field. The 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour saw a record 20 safety car interventions – surpassing the previous record of 15 in 2013 – and was ultimately won by the NISMO Global Athlete Group Nissan GT-R.
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NewsIcy thrills for Australian Porsche pilots
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup on snow and ice? Just ask some of Australia’s top Porsche drivers.
The 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup runner-up Warren Luff, Elite Class runner-up Shane Smollen and GT3 Cup Challenge champion Fraser Ross were last week awarded a trip to Levi, Finland, by Porsche Cars Australia to participate in the top-level Porsche Driving Experience programme, Ice Force S. The prize was offered to the top three place-getters in the Professional Class and the Elite Class for 2014, though several drivers were unable to attend.
The four-day experience saw the Porsche racers and a host of Australian and international Porsche enthusiasts drift a range of Porsche, including the 911 GT3 and Turbo models, on Finnish frozen lakes. The drivers then graduated to the 911 GT3 Cup car, more commonly found on the Carrera Cup grid, for several laps of the ice circuit.
For Elite Class driver Shane Smollen, drifting Porsche’s most desirable sports cars on ice was an unforgettable experience.
“The combination of the amazing location, the organisation of the event and the driving skills required made this a very memorable week,” said Smollen.
“It was bitterly cold in the arctic circuit and right in the middle of extraordinary ice plains with some of the most exotic cars on the planet, including the GT3 Cup and the Porsche 918 – both of which we sampled, not to mention the snow mobiles and ice go-karting. It was truly an amazing experience.”
Warren Luff also returned with a new appreciation of the Porsche brand and the diverse abilities of the Carrera Cup race car.
“I absolutely loved it; it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime things to do and something I would recommend to anyone. Just to drive such amazing cars in an environment like that was just amazing,” said Luff.
“Knowing the 991 GT3 Cup car so well, to experience it on snow and ice was so much fun and, with the studded tyres, it had so much more grip than I ever could have imagined. It hooked up and drove out of the corners really well. It was a real eye-opener to drive that car in that environment.
“For me, the whole experience rates up there as one of the best things I’ve ever been able to do in terms of driving experiences. To be able to get that as a prize was incredible. It certainly beats a trophy and a pat on the back.”
The focus now shifts to the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, which begins at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on February 26-March 01, 2015.
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NewsChampion Ross joins Carrera Cup competition
Young racer Fraser Ross will be the third Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge champion to line up on this season’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia grid.
The 24-year-old has secured a seat with new team DNA Racing – formed by long-time Porsche specialist Dave Macmillan – for the eight round season, starting at the Clipsal 500 this February.
Ross is the reigning GT3 Cup Challenge champion, winning the title in his third season in the Porsche series. Joining Ross on the 2015 Carrera Cup grid is 2013 GT3 Cup Challenge champion Richard Muscat and 2010-2011 series winner Roger Lago.
“This is truly a dream come true; winning the GT3 Cup Challenge title was unexpected and I certainly never thought I’d follow it up with joining Carrera Cup this season,” said Ross.
“There was some tough competition in GT3 Cup Challenge and winning the title was a struggle, though I got there in the end. This season will bring whole new challenges and will be the toughest year yet of my racing career. I’m not expecting to win, or be in the top five, but my aim is to build as a driver and move through the field as the season progresses. I can’t wait.”
Ross has only once driven in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) car, though this year’s Carrera Cup championship will provide a totally different experience.
“I had my first drive of the new 991 GT3 Cup car earlier this week in Finland, though instead of the race track I drove it on ice in Levi, Finland. It is an incredible car on ice and I’m excited to see how it performs on the track.”
The graduation of Ross from GT3 Cup Challenge champion to Carrera Cup driver also successfully illustrates the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in action, suggests Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“To have three GT3 Cup Challenge champions in the 2015 Carrera Cup field and numerous more with GT3 Cup Challenge experience truly demonstrates its importance as a feeder series and a great way to hone your craft in a Porsche,” said Sakzewski.
“We wish Fraser all the best for the season ahead and hope he paves the way for future GT3 Cup Challenge champions to move up to Carrera Cup competition.”
The first round of the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on February 26-March 01, 2015.
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NewsSAM POWER TO CONTEST PORSCHE SUPERCUP IN 2015
– Adelaide driver Sam Power to graduate from Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to international Porsche Supercup in 2015.
– Power to race for top Team – MOMO Megatron – and will be based in the UK throughout the season having relocated in December.
– Supercup is a pathway to top GT series in Europe including major races like the LeMans 24 Hour.
– New Zealand drive Earl Bamber won Porsche Supercup in 2014 and now is a factory Porsche endurance driver.
– Sam is the second team BRM driver to graduate from CCA to Supercup – following the lead of Ben Barker in 2010/11.
– Sam will continue to support Adelaide-based charity, the Childhood Cancer Association.
– Please find below Sam’s rundown of why he’s making the trek to Europe this year – in his own words!
Sam Power. Adelaide Racing Driver. Porsche Supercup.
I really don’t enjoy putting out personal press releases.
The problem is, it’s a necessary evil – you have to stay in circulation. Like other drivers, I owe it to people who support me and sponsor me to keep them up to date about my career. So I do this for those wonderful people, however I am going to do it a little bit differently to the norm – an honest appraisal.
For the 99.56%(1) of readers who don’t know me, I am Sam Power from Australian Carrera Cup. A curly haired racing driver who’s ambition last year was to not only rival Warren Luff for the craziest driver hair award, but to see if I could hang onto the likes of himself, Baird or Richards on the track. In the same fashion a rookie water skier would, by holding onto the tow rope after losing both skis and getting dragged through water at 100kph by a speed boat with Justin Cotter(2) at the helm.
In other words, with difficulty.
Did I do well? I had my moments, sure, but as the championship ladder will tell you, 5 other people did better. However, contrary to the saying that winning is everything, It really isn’t – especially as a junior.
Winning is great, it is also very important, but the journey is invariably more important; and in 2014 our journey was epic. We won a race, had a few podiums, battled with some of the best in the business, got sent to Europe by Porsche and to top it off we raised heaps of money for The Childhood Cancer Association.
I was very fortunate to have 2014 remind me exactly why I began racing in the first place.
I race because I want to be a sportsman. But what does that mean exactly? It means that I don’t do this because I want the fame or notoriety3, I certainly don’t do it for the money4 (I am in motorsport after all, sorry mum and dad(5).
I do this because I love the idea of sport, the power of sport. All I want is to try my best up against the biggest test of skill I can find, so long as I am worthy of it, so long as I’ve earned my stripes. And if I fail? So be it. I would rather fail trying something insane, than go insane knowing I never tried it. But crucially, I have an opportunity most would kill for, and with that opportunity comes the responsibility to do whatever I can with it.
So speaking equally of insanity and opportunity, shortly after the Australian season ended in December I risked everything, abandoned all plans to race an Australian championship in 2015 and moved to the UK immediately to pursue a career against the Europeans.
It is, and will continue for some time to be, the biggest challenge of my career.
However, as I write this from a room which size would make most Hobbits claustrophobic, I am happy to announce I will be competing in the 2015 Porsche Supercup, the highest one-make GT series in the world, with Team Momo Megatron(6).
So if you want to see if I sink or swim, or are genuinely interested to see if my hair is as crazy as Luffy’s – follow me on facebook, tweet me @sammy_power or laugh at my silly selfies on Instagram. It’s going to be one crazy journey. Come on board, the more the merrier.
Footnotes:
1) Based on a personal survey conducted at the Gold Coast 600 counting the number of people who recognised me, said hello, in relation to event attendance. Figures included family members and cases of mistaken identity.
2) Justin Cotter, despite being one of the best driver trainers in the country is a crazy, crazy man behind a wheel of a vehicle.
3) I did admittedly pay to boost my Facebook likes, and my number of selfies for 2014 was 54% higher than the same time last year.
4) I currently need massive help with sponsorship.
5) Should have picked Tennis, sorry again Mum and Dad.
6) No, I didn’t choose the team based on the name. Ok yes I did.
MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/SamPowerRacing
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NewsGrove and Richards recognised at Porsche awards
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title winners Stephen Grove and Steven Richards have been recognised for their 2014 on-track achievements at the Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions last weekend in Germany.
Held at Porsche’s Research and Development Centre in Weissach, Grove and Richards were awarded at the Night of Champions for winning the Elite Class and outright championship, respectively, for the 2014 Carrera Cup Australia season.
The Australian champions were also taken for a tour of the Porsche Musuem at the company’s headquarters in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, along with visiting production lines of the Porsche 911 and 918 models.
Grove was thrilled to be awarded in front of some of the world’s best sports car racers at an event that places a large emphasis on semi-professional drivers.
“It was great to be recognised for my achievements this year at the Night of Champions on the same stage as Mark Webber and Earl Bamber,” said Grove.
“To be awarded at such a prestigious international event as a semi-professional racer to quite special, especially in the same room as such a great to mix with other semi-professional and professional drivers from around the world. Mark Webber came over to our table to congratulate all the winning drivers from Australia.
“The whole experience was fantastic, from visiting the Porsche Museum and 911 factory including the 918 production line to being part of the Night of Champions. It was also great to see Earl Bamber be announced as a Porsche factory driver after having driven with him at Rennsport last year.”
Richards was also proud to be awarded at the international event.
“The Porsche Night of Champions in Weissach is an incredible event. It was great to be recognised for our efforts and also to catch up with other drivers doing great things with Porsche, including Mark Webber.”
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NewsRising sports car star set for Carrera Cup
The 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver line up has been bolstered by the announcement of talented young racer, Richard Muscat.
The 22-year-old enters the competitive one-make class following three impressive seasons on Australian – and international – race tracks, including three championships titles in three seasons.
Following victory in the Victorian based 2012 Porsche 944 Challenge Series, Muscat moved to Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia in 2013 where he claimed 17 fastest laps and 13 victories from 18 races, taking a convincing title win. Thereafter Muscat moved to the 2014 Australian GT Championship, where he was crowned champion at the season finale in New Zealand.
A GT3 Cup Challenge champion, Muscat is also familiar with top-level Porsche one-make competition having already competed in three Carrera Cup events.
The Victorian raced in the inaugural Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am round in 2013 alongside Simon Middleton and the following Winton Motor Raceway round, where he placed an impressive second in the opening race.
Muscat also tried his hand at Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain in 2014 at Snetterton as a guest entrant, placing a remarkable third place in both races contested.
Muscat now looks to bring this success to Carrera Cup Australia when he joins the 2013 Teams Champion outfit, Team BRM, for the season opening Clipsal 500.
“The Carrera Cup is a very competitive category because all the cars are identical. I took part in two races this year but I’m looking forward to racing against the likes of Craig Baird, Warren Luff and Nick Foster on a regular basis and hopefully challenging them for podiums and race wins,” said Muscat.
Throughout his short career Muscat has followed the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid – a driver progression pathway from GT3 Cup Challenge through to Carrera Cup.
Porsche Cars Australia’s Director of PR and Motorsport, Paul Ellis, believes this not only shows the benefits of the pathway, but also the vast ability of Muscat in a Porsche race car.
“Having Richard return to Porsche one-make competition is an exciting prospect and we certainly look forward to seeing him on the 2015 Carrera Cup grid,” said Ellis.
“Richard was an exceptional competitor in the 2013 GT3 Cup Challenge series, ultimately becoming champion, along with his subsequent GT racing involvement.
“Richard’s progression through various levels of Porsche motorsport reinforces our desire to provide a pathway to top-level motorsport for all drivers.”
The opening round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will be held at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, South Australia, on February 26 to March 01, 2015.
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NewsCarrera Cup announces premium 2015 calendar
The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will again visit the country’s top motor racing events in 2015.
Carrera Cup will hold six of its eight rounds at signature motorsport events next season: The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will again feature as a highlight of the Porsche calendar and will also race at the Clipsal 500, Townsville 500, Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600 events.
The championship will also visit Sydney Motorsport Park alongside V8 Supercars and venture to the picturesque Phillip Island circuit as part of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals. Confirmation on the location of the Pro-Am event will be confirmed at a later date.
Carrera Cup will also hold a pre-season test day at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on February 12, 2015.
This impressive event schedule is one reason why Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is considered the most premium motor racing product in Australia, according to Porsche Cars Australia Director of PR and Motorsport, Paul Ellis.
“This Carrera Cup calendar outlines many exciting aspects of the 2015 season. Not only will we see Porsche racing at the best venues in Australia, but we will also receive great exposure from our presence at six signature events in 2015,” said Ellis.
“From our on-track presence, professional presentation and high level of exposure for our teams and partners, Porsche will continue to provide a premium experience for those involved in Carrera Cup.
“I’d like to thank our out-going Motorsport Manager Cam McConville for brokering such an impressive calendar and welcome his successor Kurt Sakzewski to the role for what will be a sensational year of Porsche Carrera Cup racing in Australia.”
2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Pre-Season Test – Phillip Island (Phillip Island, Vic) – February 12, 2015
Round 1 – Clipsal 500 (Adelaide, SA) – February 26-March 01, 2015
Round 2 – Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne, Vic) – March 12-15, 2015
Round 3 – Phillip Island* (Phillip Island, Vic) – May 22-24, 2015
Round 4 – Townsville (Townsville, QLD) – July 10-12, 2015
Round 5 – Sydney Motorsport Park* (Sydney, NSW) – August 21-23, 2015
Round 6 – Sandown 500 (Melbourne, Vic) – September 11-13, 2015
Round 7 – Bathurst 1000 (Bathurst, NSW) – October 08-11, 2015
Round 8 – Gold Coast 600 (Gold Coast, QLD) – October 23-25, 2015
*denotes potential Pro-Am rounds
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NewsRichards crowned, Foster and Bates win season finale
Steven Richards has been crowned the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion following a strong performance in Surfers Paradise, where Nick Foster and Tony Bates finished the season with round honours.
Richards hit the lead of the championship after Saturday’s opening race, entering the final day of the season with a single point lead over Warren Luff.
The turning point of the round came in Race 2 when Luff spun at the Turn 1 chicane after contact with a competitor. While Luff dropped down the order, Richards charged home to place second behind Foster, who claimed the race lead in an impressive last lap battle, with Shae Davies, David Russell and Craig Baird filling the remaining top five places. Luff recovered to finish eighth.
Richards made the most of his 29 point lead entering the final race, driving conservatively to ultimately place fifth behind Race 3 and round victor Foster, Davies, Russell and Baird.
Richards was ecstatic to take the championship win, following in the footsteps of his racing father, Jim Richards – the inaugural Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion in 2003.
“I’m relieved and a bit overwhelmed to win the Carrera Cup title to be honest,” said Richards.
“These achievements tend to mean a lot when you have family and friends involved. We go racing with family and friends so to get results like these is really rewarding. It certainly wasn’t easy and I’m just rapt with myself and everyone in the team; a very satisfying feeling. We just had to tick all the boxes this weekend, and we did.”
Foster was equally as happy with his efforts, winning the final round from Davies and Russell with a third place on Saturday and two race wins on Sunday.
“This is unreal; words can’t describe this. To get the win in Race 2 which was pretty emotional, we’ve had some tough times over the last couple of years. It was awesome to put all that behind us,” said Foster.
“I had my head down in Race 3; built the margin and was pretty comfortable in the car, which was unbelievable this weekend. We plugged away and this is a great reward for our efforts.”
Stephen Grove secured the Elite Class championship in Saturday’s Race 1, which was won by Bates.
Bates continued his impress form into Sunday to claim the Race 2 Elite Class win and placed second behind Shane Smollen in Race 3, taking the round win from Smollen and James Bergmuller.
“We came here to win the round. We’ve booked-ended the year; won the first round and won the last round with a lot of frustration in between, but that’s motorsport. We’ll be back again next year to do it all again.”
Smollen secured second in the Elite Class for the season from Bates, Bergmuller and Tony Walls in fifth.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will return in 2015 for the opening round at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, closely followed by its annual appearance at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
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NewsTitle intensifies after epic Gold Coast opener
A single championship point now separates Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s two front-running drivers in their chase for the 2014 title following a dramatic opening race at Gold Coast, featuring the closest ever winning margin.
Steven Richards holds a one point lead into the penultimate race of the season after placing a narrow second to David Russell, demoting Warren Luff to second in the standings.
Richards look set to take the opening race win after front-runner Russell was penalised five seconds to his race time for jumping the start.
Russell charged ahead and gradually pulled a gap on Richards, lap by lap creeping toward a potential five second lead.
Russell crossed the line in first position, an incredible 5.0456 seconds ahead of Richards. With the penalty implemented, Russell won the battle by a mere 0.0456 seconds from Richards, Nick Foster, Shae Davies, Craig Baird and former points leader Luff. Sam Power finished seventh from Michael Almond and Duvashen Padayachee.
The gap at the top of the timesheets between Russell and Richards was the smallest ever winning margin in Carrera Cup Australia history, eclipsing Alex Davison’s 0.0565 second triumph over David Reynolds in Race 3 at Bathurst, 2007.
“I was happy with my start but I knew I jumped so to unwind the penalty with pace was extremely pleasing. I was worried about lapped cars towards the end but they managed to look in their mirrors and see me coming. I was very relieved when the guys told me I’d won by five seconds,” said Russell.
Richards has now amassed 864 points for the season, one point more than Luff with Baird 27 points further behind with two races remaining, though Richards suggests the season is far from over.
“There are two races to go and there’s still a lot that can happen. This whole championship has ebbed and flowed at different times and it’s not over until tomorrow afternoon,” said Richards.
While the fight for the outright title is alive and well, Stephen Grove has secured the Elite Class championship following Saturday’s Race 1.
Tony Bates won the Elite Class race from Shane Smollen, James Bergmuller and Stephen Grove – fourth place enough to secure the Elite Class championship with two races remaining.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s been a big year and the crew has put in a massive effort. To finish it here today is awesome,” said Grove.
“At the start of the season I never thought I’d be in this position with the Elite Class championship. I set my goal for 2014 to finish in the Elite Class top three so to win the title with two races to go, I’m absolutely rapt.”
Elite Class race winner Bates was also pleased with his effort.
“We did what we had to do. We’ve shown from our pace yesterday and today that we’re quick. The guys have done a great job all year and the team has deserved a better result. We’ll press on and look to finish the weekend well.”
Renee Gracie placed 14th from Marc Cini, Tony Walls, Nick McBride, Ash Samadi, Scott Taylor, Maurie Pickering, Greg Taylor and Adrian Mastronardo.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final two races of the season on Sunday, with Race 3 to be broadcast live on the Seven Network (details below).
Race Schedule
Sunday October 26th, 2014
9:30am – Race 2 (16 laps)
12:30pm – Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 26th, 2014
Time: 12:30pm (QLD, local time), 1:30pm (AEDT)
Channel: Seven (7mate in Perth)
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NewsRussell and Bates show early pace in paradise
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has embarked on its final round of the 2014 season on the streets of Surfers Paradise, with David Russell and Tony Bates the early pace-setters.
The 23-strong Porsche field held two uninterrupted practice session on Friday to begin the epic final round where both the Professional Class and Elite Class championships will be decided.
After previously partnering Roger Lago in the Phillip Island Pro-Am event in May, Russell was handed sole-driving duties for the final two 2014 rounds at Bathurst and Gold Coast, and today commenced the final round with the strongest form in Friday practice.
Russell’s lap record pace of 1:12.8524 eclipsed the best times of the top title combatant Warren Luff and Steven Richards, who posted the second and third fastest times, from Shae Davies, Nick Foster, Craig Baird, Sam Power, Nick McBride and ninth-placed Michael Almond.
Russell was pleased to return for the finale and is looking forward to translating his Friday form into the crucial Carrera Cup qualifying session on Saturday morning.
“I love driving these cars; they’re so fun to drive and it’s great to be on top today, but it’s not really where it counts. I’d love to now convert this into qualifying pace,” said Russell, who is glad to again experience the thrill of Porsche racing in Surfers Paradise, something he last experienced in 2008.
“You’re very busy behind the wheel in these cars at this track. It’s pretty thrilling to drive because you don’t get a rest and you’re on the edge the whole time. If you drive them hard and fast, they’re a ton of fun.”
Tony Bates was the fastest Elite Class racer from the opening practice sessions from Shane Smollen, Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller – the top four in the Elite Class points.
Bates suggests aggression is key to getting the most out of the Gold Coast track following his impressive practice performance.
“The car felt really good in the second session. We fitted some new brake pads which really lifted my confidence. You’ve got to be aggressive at this track to be fast. We can go faster but I was pretty happy with my pace today,” said Bates.
The battle for the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award will be crucial, according to the Carrera Cup history books.
Every year the Porsche championship has visited Surfers Paradise the pole-sitter has gone on to win the opening race. Therefore, with just 31 points separating Luff, Richards and Baird for the 2014 title with three races remaining, the fight for the TAG Heuer Pole Position will be more fierce than ever.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying session tomorrow morning at 9:10am following by Race 1 at 1:20pm before its final two races of the season on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 25th, 2014
9:10am – Qualifying (20 minutes)
1:20pm – Race 1 (16 laps)
Sunday October 26th, 2014
9:30am – Race 2 (16 laps)
12:30pm – Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 26th, 2014
Time: 12:30pm (QLD, local time), 1:30pm (AEDT)
Channel: Seven (7mate in Perth)
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NewsCarrera Cup set for Surfers Paradise decider
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is preparing for the closest title fight in the championship’s history this weekend in Surfers Paradise, while Stephen Grove has one hand firmly on the Elite Class crown.
For the final of eight rounds, just 31 points separate three of the championship’s greatest competitors – Warren Luff, Steven Richards and Craig Baird.
Luff and Richards charged ahead in the opening rounds while Baird has clawed his way back into contention throughout the second half of the season to be within striking distance with three races remaining.
The result: The closest ever Carrera Cup Australia points battle leading into the final round featuring three immense Porsche talents:
Warren Luff – 831 points
Season 2014: Race wins – 6, Top 3 race results – 13, Round wins – 2, Top 3 round results – 4
Championship leader Luff planned to set the tone of the 2014 season from its outset, claiming a clean sweep of race wins at the opening Clipsal 500 round followed by victory at Albert Park. Since then, however, momentum shifted and Luff has only finished on the round podium a further two times and failed to finish three races – inconsistencies that have allowed Richards and Baird to remaining in title contention.
Steven Richards – 810 points
Season 2014: Race wins – 3, Top 3 results – 13, Round wins – 1, Top 3 round results – 4
The Australian touring car great and son-of-a-gun, Richards is looking to make Carrera Cup history this weekend. His father, Jim Richards, won the inaugural Carrera Cup Australia title in 2003. Now, Steven Richards is aiming to be part of the first ever father and son combination to win a Carrera Cup championship. Only 21 points, three races and the concrete canyon of the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit stand in his way.
Craig Baird – 800 points
Season 2014: Race wins – 4, Top 3 results – 6, Round wins – 1, Top 3 round results – 3
The master has had a difficult season in 2014 though remains in the title chase with three races remaining. A horror opening two rounds were followed by a string of solid performances while his rivals suffered several dramas throughout the season. And while all looked lost in the closing stages of the previous round at Bathurst, a crash on the final lap involving points leaders Luff and Richards gave Baird a fighting chance to claim his six Carrera Cup Australia crown. Don’t discount Baird – the only multiple Carrera Cup round winner at Surfers Paradise.
The previous closest championship battle was in 2007 – just 63 points separated David Reynolds, Alex Davison and Baird come the end of that year’s championship, won by the now-V8 Supercar ace Reynolds.
While the outright Carrera Cup title is closer than ever, conversely, Stephen Grove holds a convincing 135 point lead in the Elite Class.
Grove’s strong points standing follows top-five finishes in all but one Elite Class race for the season and was highlighted with outright victory in May’s Pro-Am round at Phillip Island when teamed with co-driver Scott McLaughlin.
Grove can secure the Elite Class title in Race 1 this weekend by finishing in the top three of his class, should his nearest points rival Shane Smollen win the race.
Smollen’s Bathurst dominance – three Elite Class race wins – promoted the Sydneysider to second in the Elite Class points from Tony Bates and James Bergmuller. Just 43 points separate these three drivers.
In what is Carrera Cup Australia’s tenth visit to the Surfers Paradise circuit, all eyes will be on the Porsche championship as it enters one of its most anticipated rounds, concluding its tenth season on Australian race tracks.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold the first of its three remaining title deciding races this Saturday at 1:20pm. Two races will also be held on Sunday, the final of which will be broadcast live on the Seven Network around the country.
Race Schedule
Friday October 24th, 2014
10:50am – Practice 1 (20 minutes)
4:15pm – Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Saturday October 25th, 2014
9:10am – Qualifying (20 minutes)
1:20pm – Race 1 (16 laps)
Sunday October 26th, 2014
9:30am – Race 2 (16 laps)
12:30pm – Race 3 (21 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 26th, 2014
Time: 12:30pm (QLD – local time)
Channel: Seven (7mate in Perth)
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NewsDavies, Smollen claim Bathurst round victory
Shae Davies has claimed a surprise Bathurst round victory following a spectacular final Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race on Mount Panorama, while Shane Smollen continued his perfect weekend in the Elite Class.
Championship leader Warren Luff led the entire Race 3 up until a late safety car appearance, brought to the circuit to recover the Porsche of Michael Patrizi, which made heavy contact with the concrete barrier exiting the Dipper.
When the race resumed there was one lap remaining in the race, though the action was far from over.
On the run into Griffins Bend, Nick Foster made a move on the inside of David Russell for second place. As a result, Foster made contact with the race leader Luff with the accident also taking out Russell and Steven Richards. Russell continued in the race, albeit at the rear of the field, while the race was over for Foster – who was penalised 25 championship points with an extra 100 points suspended until season’s end – and the two series leaders, Luff and Richards.
Fifth-placed Davies inherited the lead and continued at the front until the chequered flag, which ultimately handed the Queenslander the Bathurst round victory.
“It’s great to have a Bathurst round win on the CV. It’s upsetting for the team with what happened to Luff, though he managed to gain a few points and extend his lead in the championship,” said Davies.
“I was in the right place at the right time. I took it easy in the early part of the weekend and we had great pace at the end of the weekend, so I’m very happy.”
South Australian Michael Almond was close behind Davies on the restart incident and finished the race second – his best ever race result in Carrera Cup – which handed him second for the Bathurst round. Luff finished third in the round points despite his Race 3 DNF.
Like Davies, Almond was equally as elated, and surprised, with his maiden Bathurst podium.
“Being on the podium at Bathurst is something you dream about. I’m very appreciative of my team; they gave me a car that was extremely stable. I just kept out of trouble, kept my eyes forward and it paid off,” said Almond, who was pleased to avoid and final lap mishap.
“Going into Griffins Bend I braked early to give myself a bit of room, and then I saw Foster’s car facing the wrong way, so I backed off and turned in early and avoided the carnage. It’s not what you want to see but we kept it straight and are very happy with the result.”
Craig Baird capitalised on Richards and Luff’s misfortune by placing third from Sam Power, Nick McBride and Duvashen Padayachee in sixth.
Smollen was the best Elite Class performer with an impressive seventh place from Stephen Grove, Brenton Ramsay and 10th placed Tony Bates.
Smollen was pleased with three commanding Elite Class victories for the Bathurst round and is looking forward to finishing the season on a high.
“We were at the opposite end of the spectrum to a lot of the drivers this weekend, so I guess that’s just how things go. We were pretty focussed entering the round, the team did a great job preparing the car and we really had a mistake-free weekend,” said Smollen.
“It sets us up well to finish the year similar to last year; we had a clean sweep at the Gold Coast and we’ll certainly have that goal in mind again.”
Grove placed second for the round in points while, for Ramsay, two fourths and a third place in the Elite Class secured the South Australian his maiden Elite Class podium.
Tony Walls finished 11th for Race 3 from Renee Gracie, James Bergmuller, Scott Taylor, Marc Cini, Maurie Pickering, Adrian Mastronardo and 18th placed Russell.
Only 31 points now separate the top three drivers, with Luff (831 points) holding a 21 point advantage from Richards (810 points) and Baird (800 points) a further 10 points adrift.
Grove (930 points) holds a convincing 135 point lead in the Elite Class standings from Smollen (795 points) and Bates (761 points).
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will return to racing in two weeks on the streets of Surfers Paradise for the Gold Coast 600 on October 24-26, 2014.
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NewsLuff and Smollen win dramatic Race 2 at Bathurst
Warren Luff has claimed a dramatic victory in the second Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race at Mount Panorama, while Shane Smollen continued his Elite Class stronghold.
Pole-sitter Steven Richards led from the start from Luff and David Russell, with the leading trio pulling away from the rest of the field.
Nick Foster and Michael Patrizi gained several positions to fight for fourth while a train of Shae Davies, Sam Power, Craig Baird, Michael Almond and Nick McBride closely followed.
Russell progressed past Luff on Lap 4 into second, which was followed by the top three drivers bunching together in the closing laps.
Richards was then held up at Forrest Elbow by a slower car on the final lap, allowing Russell to challenge for the lead entering The Chase. This challenge resulted in contact between the two drivers with Richards spinning onto the grass.
Russell crossed the line first, though was later handed a 13 second time penalty, relegating him to fifth.
Luff therefore inherited the race win from Michael Patrizi, Nick Foster with Richards recovering to finish fourth.
For Luff, the win was advantageous to his championship standing, who now sits 21 points ahead of Richards.
“I just tried to keep my nose clean today after the weekend that I’ve had and I was happy to have a clean race and stay out of trouble,” said Luff.
“Obviously we caught a lapped car at Forrest Elbow on the last lap, then I saw Russell get within striking distance of Richards. From behind it looked like he might have got into the back of Richards, then Richards went firing off. Obviously for Richards it’s disappointing but, for us from a championship standpoint, we have to grab every point we can get. You don’t want those situations happening; you still want to beat each other fair and square on the track.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully finish the weekend on a high.”
Davies finished sixth from McBride, Almond and Power – who dropped slightly in the order after contact between him and Baird at The Chase mid-race – from Duvashen Padayachee and Baird in 11th.
Smollen drove much of the race unchallenged at the head of the Elite Class, finishing in 12th position outright.
“For us it was pretty much a repeat of the first race. We went out on lower tyre pressures and the car came up beautifully in the second half of the race and did some really solid times, so I was really happy,” said Smollen.
“I think the margin to the next Elite Class driver was around 12 seconds in the end. I’ll focus on tomorrow and it would be great to take a trophy home that has ‘Bathurst’ written on it.”
Stephen Grove and Tony Walls were the next best Elite Class drivers in 13th and 14th respectively, from Brenton Ramsay, Renee Gracie, Tony Bates and Adrian Mastronardo in 18th.
An accident on the final lap between James Bergmuller, Ash Samadi and Scott Taylor ended the race for the Elite Class trio while Marc Cini also failed to finish with mechanical issues.
The final Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race of the Bathurst event will be held at 8:50am on Sunday, which will be broadcast live on Seven before the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 endurance event.
Race Schedule
Sunday October 12, 2014
8:50am Race 3 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 12, 2014
Time: 8:50am (local time)
Channel: Seven
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NewsRichards closes in as Smollen wins Elite Class
Steven Richards has inched closer to the lead of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship with victory in a shortened Race 1 at Mount Panorama, while Shane Smollen cruised to a convincing Elite Class race win.
Richards secured the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award early on Friday before charging to the lead at the start of the opening race.
The safety car was soon called to the circuit following an opening lap accident on the run to The Cutting which ended the race for four Elite Class drivers – Tony Bates, Marc Cini, Ash Samadi and James Bergmuller.
Richards was able to streak ahead of his combatants after the restart when Warren Luff, David Russell and Nick Foster battled for second position, with Sam Power and Craig Baird in close pursuit.
Richards continued at the front until the chequered flag, though only half championship points were awarded as 75 per cent of the original race distance was not completed; the scheduled 10-lap race concluded at the end of Lap 7 due to the early safety car.
Richards was ecstatic with the win and is comfortable with his Porsche entering the remaining two races.
“The car feels great and everything is going well. Gaining pole position and getting a good start helped; that set up the rest of the race. It’s great to get the win,” said Richards.
“This championship has been unbelievably tough the whole season; no one has been able to get away and I can’t see that changing. There seems to be all these little twists and turns along the way that somehow managed to keep us all together. We’ve got to capitalise while we can because there’s still five races to go and anything can happen.”
Luff held off challenges in the closing laps to place second from Russell, Foster, Power and Baird in sixth, with Michael Patrizi, Shae Davies, Michael Patrizi and Nick McBride rounded out the top 10.
Smollen was the best placed Elite Class driver in 11th from Duvashen Padayachee and next best Elite Class drivers Stephen Grove and Tony Walls in 13th and 14th, respectively.
Smollen was pleased with his class dominance and is hoping for similar form in Saturday’s Race 2.
“As is turns out we had an Elite Class win by 18 seconds, but it’s not the way I want to achieve it as we lost a big chunk of the faster Elite Class drivers in one incident. That happened just behind me and I could have just as easily been involved in it,” said Smollen.
“At the end of the day I’m happy to take home a pretty comfortable win but I’m sorry to see those boys with damage.
“I think we’ve got every reason to be confident going into tomorrow. We’ve got good pace and track position and plenty of tyres so there’s no reason why we can’t repeat today’s effort.”
Renee Gracie placed 15th from Brenton Ramsay, Scott Taylor and Adrian Mastronardo in 18th.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second race of the Bathurst event on Saturday at 3:25pm, with the final race to be the final on-track session before the V8 Supercars 1000km endurance race on Sunday, to be held at 8:50pm.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 11, 2014
3:25pm Race 2 10 laps
Sunday October 12, 2014
8:50am Race 3 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday October 11, 2014
Time: 3:25pm (local time)
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 12, 2014
Time: 8:50am (local time)
Channel: Seven
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NewsRichards and Smollen claim Bathurst pole
Steven Richards and Elite Class driver Shane Smollen have claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award for the penultimate Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round at Bathurst.
Richards’ fastest lap was achieved early in the session and eclipsed the former qualifying lap record set by Nick Percat last season, while the morning session was interrupted in the closing minutes by two significant accidents involving Marc Cini and Maurie Pickering.
Cini was lucky to escape significant damage when contacting the outside barrier at The Chase, while Pickering sustained front end damage when crashing at The Esses.
Both cars were repaired and will line up in Friday’s opening race.
Warren Luff recovered from a Thursday practice accident to qualify second after the McElrea Racing team worked into the morning to fix the #7 Porsche.
David Russell and Nick Foster will fill the second row from Sam Power, Craig Baird, Shae Davies, Michael Almond, Michael Patrizi, Nick McBride and Duvashen Padayachee in 11th.
Smollen was the fastest Elite Class competitor and qualified 12th outright from Tony Bates, Ash Samadi, Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller.
Friday’s opening race will be held at 2:25pm, which will be broadcast live on Seven.
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NewsRussell and Smollen strong in Bathurst practice
Championship leader Warren Luff’s bid for the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title has suffered a setback after sustaining extensive damage to his Porsche at Mount Panorama in Thursday practice.
Luff topped the times in the opening practice session, which was cut short after Nick Foster hit the barrier at the Esses, bringing an early end to the session.
Early pace-setter Luff then hit the wall at Reid Park in the second practice session, resulting in a red flag and extensive damage to the rear end of the #7 911 GT3 Cup.
Luff’s team will work into the night to fix the rear-end damage and are set to have the car ready for Friday morning’s qualifying session. Luff, Steven Richards and Craig Baird sit only 26 points apart with six races remaining for the season.
After two interrupted practice sessions, newcomer David Russell and experienced Elite Class racer Shane Smollen set the pace – both setting their fastest times in the second session.
“To be honest I didn’t expect to be up the front and, in fairness, our practice sessions haven’t really gone the full distance. I’m sure the usual suspects are going to have very good pace in qualifying. I’ll just try to do the best job possible in qualifying and hopefully we can translate that into some good race pace,” said Russell, who is replacing Roger Lago for the Bathurst event.
“The Porsche and the V8 Supercar are completely different in the way you drive them. It’s all coming back to me a bit. I’ve certainly enjoyed the small amount of laps I’ve done around Mount Panorama today. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Richards was the second fastest driver for the day from Luff, Michael Patrizi and Craig Baird.
Elite Class pace-setter Smollen was pleased with his initial practice pace, though suggests the interrupted sessions didn’t demonstrate drivers’ true pace.
“I’m happy with sectors of pace but I don’t think I stitched a good lap together, but that was the nature of today; there was an accident in both sessions and plenty of traffic. It gives me a good guide for what I need to do tomorrow,” said Smollen.
“Bathurst is always a place to be respected. I’ve done plenty of laps here over the years so there’s no reason why I can’t end up in the same position after tomorrow.”
Tony Bates was the second fastest Elite Class driver from the two practice sessions from Stephen Grove, Ash Samadi and Marc Cini.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying session on Friday morning followed by its opening race of the event at 2:25pm, which will be broadcast on Seven.
Visit the following link to see what Russell and Smollen had to say on their Thursday performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMprerocUuE
Race Schedule
Friday October 10, 2014
9:00am Qualifying – 20 minutes
2:25pm Race 1 – 10 laps
Saturday October 11, 2014
3:25pm Race 2 – 10 laps
Sunday October 12, 2014
8:50am Race 3 – 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 1 (live)
Date: Friday October 10, 2014
Time: 2:25pm
Channel: Seven
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday October 11, 2014
Time: 3:25pm
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 12, 2014
Time: 8:50am
Channel: Seven
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NewsCarrera Cup embarks on 10th mountain climb
Three drivers, 26 points, one championship: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s 10th journey to Mount Panorama and the penultimate round of the season will play a crucial role in its tightest title race in history.
Leading Carrera Cup trio Warren Luff, Steven Richards and Craig Baird will line up at the spiritual home of Australian motorsport separated by only 26 points entering the opening race.
With no previous Carrera Cup Australia championship so tight across the top three competitors with two rounds remaining, Mount Panorama is set to become the perfect stage for an intense title fight.
Both Luff and Baird enjoyed Carrera Cup race wins at last year’s Bathurst event, with the former claiming the round victory. Richards didn’t win a race in the 2013 Porsche round, though the Victorian was still able to taste champagne at the end of the weekend – standing alongside Mark Winterbottom on the top step of the V8 Supercars podium following victory in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 race.
The leading trio will again assume double duties at Bathurst – racing in both Carrera Cup and V8 Supercars – as will returning Carrera Cup driver David Russell who replaces Roger Lago for the round.
Russell will line up for his 80th Carrera Cup Australia start in Race 1 and hopes to add to his two race wins and five round podiums from previous championships.
“There’s going to be strong competition at Bathurst, as there always is in Carrera Cup,” said Russell, who partnered Lago in May’s Pro-Am event at Phillip Island.
“I’m under no illusion that it’s going to be a walk in the park; it’s going to be a tough weekend. Everyone wants to do well at Bathurst. I’m well aware that people are fighting for championships, though I also want to get the best result possible.”
The race for the Elite Class continues also. Stephen Grove holds a commanding 75 point lead in the class standings, though second-placed James Bergmuller is motivated to close the gap following a horror weekend at Mount Panorama last season.
“I’m very excited but at the same time, given I only did one lap last year, I’m a bit concerned about the lack of racing miles I’ve done at Mount Panorama. Bathurst hosts an awesome event though and it’s definitely the best track that we drive on,” said Bergmuller.
“I’m a few points behind Grove at the moment in the Elite Class so if I have a chance to win I’ve got to beat him in the last two rounds. Therefore I need to go for round wins at Bathurst and the Gold Coast.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold three 10-lap races across the Bathurst event, with every Porsche race to be broadcast live on Seven in what is one of the most watched sporting events in the country.
Race Schedule
Thursday October 09, 2014
9:15am Practice 1 20 minutes
4:10pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Friday October 10, 2014
9:00am Qualifying 20 minutes
2:25pm Race 1 10 laps
Saturday October 11, 2014
3:25pm Race 2 10 laps
Sunday October 12, 2014
8:50am Race 3 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 1 (live)
Date: Friday October 10, 2014
Time: 2:25pm
Channel: Seven
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday October 11, 2014
Time: 3:25pm
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 12, 2014
Time: 8:50am
Channel: Seven
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NewsPower in Spain for scholarship shoot-out
South Australian racer Sam Power has embarked on ‘the greatest opportunity of his life’ this week in Spain, aiming to secure the 2015 Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship.
The 26-year-old is currently participating in a two-day test at Circuit de Valencia in Spain, which will evaluate his skills behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car – the same vehicle in which he competes in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
Power is not alone in the test, joined by a nominee aged 26 or younger from each of the seven other Porsche Carrera Cup championships worldwide.
Once completing the two-day test, Porsche Motorsport will pick one winner who will be awarded the 2015 Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship and prized the majority budget for the 2015 Porsche Supercup season – the highest Porsche one-make series, which supports Formula 1 racing in Europe.
Power, who currently sits fourth in the Carrera Cup Australia points standings, suggests the opportunity is the highlight of his short motor racing career.
“This is probably the greatest opportunity I’ve had in life and I cannot begin to thank Porsche enough. It’s a driver’s dream to have any involvement with a factory operation, so to have even just the chance to compete is something else,” said Power.
“I feel a little bit like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with the golden ticket! Hopefully I don’t eat the chocolate or bubble-gum, or the motorsport equivalents – whatever that is.
“The coincidences are funny in this world – I raced simulators for a long time and one game I played was Need for Speed Porsche Unleashed where you try and become a Porsche test driver. Now I have the chance to test for Porsche some 10 years later. It’s literally unbelievable!”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Cam McConville, believes Power will be a great representative of the Australian Porsche championship.
“Sam has surprised everyone this year with his immediate performance since the very start of the season and continues to shine at every event,” said McConville.
“Sam shows tremendous qualities both behind the wheel of a Porsche and within the Carrera Cup paddock and I have no doubts he will make his presence felt in Spain.”
Upon returning to Australia Power will compete in the penultimate round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama on October 09-12, 2014.
New Zealand driver Earl Bamber won the Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship for the 2014 season after starring in last year’s shoot-out. Bamber now leads the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup points standings with two races remaining.
About the Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship
– One nominee is represented from the world’s eight Porsche Carrera Cup championships – Carrera Cup Asia, Carrera Cup Australia, Carrera Cup France, Carrera Cup Germany, Carrera Cup Great Britain, Carrera Cup Italy, Carrera Cup Japan and Carrera Cup Scandinavia.
– All participants must be aged 26 or younger
– The test covers two days at the 4 km Circuit de Valencia, Spain
– The test evaluates the drivers’ skill behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car
– The winner will be determined solely by Porsche Motorsport – Porsche’s central motor racing arm, based in Weissach, Germany
– Previous winners: 2013, Jean-Karl Vernay (FRA); 2014, Earl Bamber (NZ)
About Sam Power
– Born and resides in Adelaide, South Australia
– Began motor racing at the age of 20
– Raced in the Australian Formula Ford Championship, finishing 3rd in points
– Joined Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2014
– Currently sits fourth in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia points standings
– Races for fellow South Australian outfit, Team BRM, in Carrera Cup Australia
– Sam is an Ambassador for the Childhood Cancer Association, supporting children living with cancer and their families
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NewsPatrizi, Grove prevail in eventful Sunday at Sandown
Michael Patrizi and Stephen Grove have claimed the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round victory at Sandown Raceway in an eventful day of competition.
Sunday’s opening race came to an abrupt end on the opening lap following a Turn 1 incident – initiated between team-mates Nick Foster and Nick McBride and ultimately resulting in contact between McBride, Duvashen Padayachee, Tony Bates and Ash Samadi. The event was declared a non-race.
Extensive damage to McBride’s, Samadi’s and Padayachee’s Porsches ended their Sandown campaign while Bates’s team was able to repair the #24 Porsche for final Race 3.
The Race 3 grid was determined by the Race 1 finishing positions, placing Patrizi on pole position. Then points leader Steven Richards was set to start second, however he failed to make the grid due to a broken drive shaft on the warm-up lap.
Patrizi’s dominance was soon apparent when he pulled away from the field in the 17 lap race, claiming a three-second victory from Shae Davies, Craig Baird and Sam Power, who made his way past Warren Luff in the final laps.
Nick Foster came through the field to finish sixth following a 10-grid spot penalty for his role in the Race 2 incident, while Michael Almond placed seventh.
Patrizi, who won the round from Davies and Baird, was pleased with his clean sweep of race wins and is looking forward to October’s Bathurst round.
“I was really disappointed not to get pole position and make it a perfect weekend, but after that it was our weekend,” said Patrizi.
“I’m confident we would have won Race 2 as well; we were in the lead when the red flags came out, but that’s motor racing.
“I’ve won at Bathurst in the Porsche and I’ve led the race in the V8 Supercar so it gives me a lot of confidence going into the next round. What also gives me a lot of confidence is that the team was so fast there last year with Nick Percat.”
Grove finished eighth in Race 3 and won the Elite Class, which handed the Melbourne racer his third Elite Class round win of the season.
Grove, who was joined on the Elite Class round podium by second-placed Tony Bates and James Bergmuller, was pleased with his return to form after a horror last round at Sydney Motorsport Park.
“I’m pretty happy with another Elite Class round win. I was pretty conservative in Sydney and it didn’t work so I wanted to come here and take it race by race and get back to racing well again,” said Grove.
“My goal now is not to think about the Elite Class championship until after Bathurst and we’ll see where we are. Then we’ll head into Gold Coast and think about what we should or shouldn’t be doing.”
James Bergmuller’s capitalised on the abandoning of Race 2 after he hit the barrier in avoiding the opening lap incident. Bergmuller’s team were able to fix the damage and return him to Race 3 where he placed ninth from Shane Smollen, Marc Cini, Renee Gracie, Brenton Ramsay, Roger Lago, Tony Bates, Adrian Mastronardo, Greg Taylor, Tony Walls, Scott Taylor and Maurie Pickering in 20th.
Richards’ horror Race 3 allowed Luff to jump to the top of the championship standings, now holding a narrow six-point lead. Baird’s gradual charge to the front continues, with the reigning champion now only 26 points from the points lead.
Grove holds a commanding 75-point lead in the Elite Class from Bergmuller and Bates.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will now head to Mount Panorama for one of the largest sporting events in the country – the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 09-12, 2014.
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NewsPatrizi and Bates take opening Sandown victory
Michael Patrizi was the class of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field in the opening race at Sandown Raceway, while Tony Bates claimed his fifth Elite Class race win of the season.
Patrizi starred from the start line, leading into the opening corner before running wide and dropping two positions.
The mishap didn’t faze the West Australian, however, who climbed back to the top spot by Lap 10 and ultimately claimed victory in the 17-lap opening race.
Steven Richards placed second from Shae Davies, Craig Baird and TAG Heuer Pole Position Award recipient Warren Luff, who also ran wide in the opening corner and subsequently dropped several positions.
Team-mates Nick McBride and Nick Foster finished sixth and seventh, respectively, from Sam Power, Duvashen Padayachee and Michael Almond in 10th.
Patrizi will now start Sunday’s Race 2 from pole position and is confident of retaining his front-running pace.
“I went back to third after the mistake at Turn 1 but I knew I had the pace to win. I just picked off the positions one by one and then did my best to pull away,” said Patrizi.
“I’m pretty confident and comfortable with my car at the moment. We haven’t made a set-up change since Practice 1 in Townsville; it’s extremely well balanced and I’m pretty happy with how it’s performing.
“I am confident now going into Race 2. Tomorrow’s another day so we’ll see what happens.”
Tony Bates was the top Elite Class driver in Race 1, placing 11th outright and finishing ahead of class points leader Stephen Grove, Ash Samadi, Tony Walls, Shane Smollen, James Bergmuller and Marc Cini in 17th.
Bates was pleased with the result and aims to replicate his Clipsal 500 class-winning form.
“I’m very happy with that result; one down, two to go,” said Bates.
“Starting from the front row in the Elite Class always helps. I think we’ve had good car speed all year but we haven’t had much luck. The intention this round was to get pole and lead the class in all three races, like we did at the Clipsal 500.”
Brenton Ramsay placed 18th in his new-look Porsche from Maurie Pickering, Adrian Mastronardo, Roger Lago, Greg Taylor and Renee Gracie.
Richards extends his lead in the Outright and Professional Class by 30 points from Luff, with Baird 38 points further behind in third.
Grove also extended his lead in the Elite Class, now 69 points ahead of Bergmuller, with Race 1 class winner Bates a further 12 points behind.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second two races of the Sandown round on Sunday, with Race 2 to be broadcast on 7mate.
Race Schedule
Sunday September 14, 2014
9:35am–10:00am – Race 2 (17 laps)
12:25pm–12:50pm – Race 3 (17 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 2 (delayed)
Date: Sunday September 14, 2014
Time: 11:30am (local time)
Channel: 7mate
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NewsLuff and Bates top Sandown qualifying
Warren Luff has followed his strong practice pace with securing the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award, with Tony Bates the best Elite Class qualifier.
Luff will start alongside Michael Patrizi in the opening race from Steven Richards, Shae Davies, Sam Power, Craig Baird and Nick Foster in seventh.
Further back, top Elite Class qualifier Bates posted a time nearly one-second shy of the overall pace-setter in 11th place, starting ahead of Stephen Grove and Ash Samadi.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its opening race on Saturday afternoon, with two races to follow on Sunday.
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NewsEarly Sandown pace for Luff and Grove
Warren Luff is confident of a strong – yet busy – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round at Sandown Raceway after posting the quickest practice time among the championship’s largest field in a decade.
Luff eclipsed the previous fastest time of Michael Patrizi late in the second practice session, while Stephen Grove was the strongest Elite Class performer.
Patrizi posted the second fastest time from Craig Baird, Shae Davies, Michael Almond, Nick Foster, Sam Power and championship points leader Steven Richards in eighth.
Luff was pleased with his pace ahead of a busy weekend where he, Richards and Baird will juggle driving duties between Carrera Cup and V8 Supercars.
“It’s obviously a good confidence booster going into the weekend and it shows that, as a team, we’re doing something right,” said Luff.
“The transition between the Porsche and V8 Supercar isn’t too bad because the cars are so completely different to drive – left-hand drive to right-hand drive, paddle-shift to sequential gear changes – they’re so different to drive that you really have to get your head around it as soon as you leave the pits. In some ways it makes it easier that the cars are so completely different.”
Elite Class pace-setter Grove was the ninth quickest driver overall and was only one second adrift to the time of Luff.
Grove enters the final three events with the Elite Class lead and suggests he won’t be taking a conservative approach at the Victorian track.
“It was good being the quickest in the Elite Class, but tomorrow is far more important,” said Grove.
“In Sydney for the last round I tried the conservative approach and it didn’t really work so I’m just here to race and get the best possible results I can.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold qualifying and it’s opening Sandown race on Saturday, followed by two races on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday September 13, 2014
12:50pm–1:10pm Qualifying 20 minutes
3:35pm–4:00pm Race 1 17 laps
Sunday September 14, 2014
9:35am–10:00am Race 2 17 laps
12:25pm–12:50pm Race 3 17 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday September 13, 2014
Time: 3:35pm (local time)
Channel: 7mate
Carrera Cup – Race 2 (delayed)
Date: Sunday September 14, 2014
Time: 11:30am (local time)
Channel: 7mate
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NewsDecade-high Porsche field returns to Sandown
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will feature its largest field in 10 years when lining up for Round 6 of the 2014 season at Sandown Raceway this weekend.
The return and introduction of drivers over the past two rounds has increased the championship to 24 entries for the Melbourne event – Carrera Cup’s 80th round – which is the largest field since the one-make championship featured 26 cars at the 2004 Sandown round a decade ago.
Heading the Porsche field, Carrera Cup’s leading three drivers are preparing for a busy end to the season: Steven Richards, Warren Luff and Craig Baird will continue their respective Carrera Cup title campaigns while also co-driving in the V8 Supercars Sandown 500 endurance race – as well as the subsequent Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600.
Luff is looking forward to the busy Sandown weekend and believes the double driving duty is beneficial to him and his title rivals.
“Sandown going to be another circuit that suits the GT3 Cup car; the high-speed, fast and flowing nature at the end of the back straight is going to be a lot of fun. As we’ve seen at every round this year the racing has been very close and competitive so I don’t expect anything less this weekend,” said Luff.
“It’s definitely going to be a busy weekend. Obviously this year we have double duty at all three of the remaining events. I think it proved to be a benefit doing double duty for all of us last year because you’re in a car constantly and are in the right mindset.”
When swapping to the V8-powered series, Luff, Richards and Baird will be part of a 50-strong driver line-up, of which 36 per cent (18 drivers) have Carrera Cup experience.
With Carrera Cup experience in mind, only three of the 24 Carrera Cup drivers have raced previously in the one-make championship at Sandown – Baird, Marc Cini and Ash Samadi – while Carrera Cup itself ends a six-year sabbatical after last visiting the Melbourne circuit in 2008.
The long time between Sandown rounds suggests this Porsche field will set a record pace, with racer Brenton Ramsay looking forward to the unique Melbourne circuit.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Sandown. I’m really enjoying driving the new Porsche; it’s just fantastic,” said Ramsay.
“To get this car out on Sandown down the long straights and then to come over that rise down to Dandenong Road, it’s going to be fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Richards brings a 12-point lead in the Outright and Professional Class standings over Luff while fellow Melbourne-based racer Stephen Grove leads the Elite Class standings by 47 points from James Bergmuller.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold three 17 lap races over the three day event, with its opening two races to be broadcast on 7mate.
Race Schedule
Friday September 12, 2014
11:35am–11:55am Practice 1 20 mins
3:30pm–3:50pm Practice 2 20 mins
Saturday September 13, 2014
12:50pm–1:10pm Qualifying 20 minutes
3:35pm–4:00pm Race 1 17 laps
Sunday September 14, 2014
9:35am–10:00am Race 2 17 laps
12:25pm–12:50pm Race 3 17 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday September 13, 2014
Time: 3:35pm (local time)
Channel: 7mate
Carrera Cup – Race 2 (delayed)
Date: Sunday September 14, 2014
Time: 11:30am (local time)
Channel: 7mate
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NewsVideo: Sandown Preview
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NewsBaird and Smollen secure Sydney round win
Reigning champion Craig Baird has returned to the top of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia podium with a clean sweep of race wins at Sydney Motorsport Park, with Shane Smollen taking a long-awaited Elite Class round win.
Following Saturday’s victory in wet conditions, Baird showed his speed on a drying circuit in Race 2, finishing ahead of championship contenders Steven Richards and Warren Luff.
Baird then maintained his Sydney stronghold in the final race, keeping Luff and Richards at bay to claim his third race win and secure his first Outright round win since last year’s Townsville round.
“I’m very happy. We had a really good car in the wet and we were strong in the damp race this morning. I think Luff showed his raw speed in the dry Race 3; I saw him coming and then he must have used up all his tyres a couple of laps from the finish because I got a little bit of a breather on the last few laps,” said Baird.
“It’s a nice result. Now we’ll go away and reset for the rest of the season.”
Behind Baird for the round was the now-sole championship leader Richards, with Luff taking the final position on the round podium.
Smollen was the dominant Elite Class driver on the Sunday races. The Sydneysider placed second behind Tony Bates in Saturday’s race before claiming class victory in both Sunday races.
Smollen, who was joined on the Elite Class podium by second-placed Bates and James Bergmuller, was pleased to maintain a strong performance throughout his home event.
“It was a great round to put it all together. I’ve had a great car all year but I haven’t been able to execute to the extent that I’d like to. Everything came together for this round and we managed to get a gap in both the dry races, which we maintained until the finish. It was one of those rare stress-free rounds,” said Smollen.
“We needed this result for our confidence and for team spirit. We still have a long way to catch up in the Elite Class but, regardless, we’re going to enjoy our racing and hopefully bring a few more wins home.”
Richards now holds a 12 point lead in the standings from Luff. Baird’s Sydney success places him only 44 points further behind in the Outright standings and 47 points further behind in the Professional Class.
Stephen Grove maintains the Elite Class lead from Bergmuller, Bates, Roger Lago and round winner Smollen in fifth.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will now feature at the three V8 Supercars endurance rounds at Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast for its final three events of the 2014 season.
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Post-round Episode
Date: Saturday August 30, 2014
Time: 11:00am Sydney local time
Channel: 7mate
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NewsBaird and Bates brave rain to take Sydney race win
Sports car maestro Craig Baird has taken victory in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race at Sydney Motorsport Park with a sensational wet weather performance, while Tony Bates was the star Elite Class driver.
Downpours over western Sydney left Carrera Cup to line up on a wet circuit for its opening race, where Michael Patrizi led into the opening corner after a strong race start closely followed by TAG Heuer Pole Position winner Warren Luff, Steven Richards, Baird and Nick Foster.
Baird soon shined in the testing conditions, moving past Richards and Luff in the opening laps before eventually taking the lead from Patrizi on Lap 8 of the 14 lap race.
The safety car was called soon after when debutant Greg Taylor ran off-track, though Baird’s superior pace continued from the Lap 11 restart to the chequered flag.
Patrizi finished second from Richards, Luff, Sam Power, Shae Davies and Nick McBride.
Bates was the Elite Class race winner and placed eighth outright from Renee Gracie, Shane Smollen and Nick Foster, who was forced to pit after a rain light issue.
Bates suggested that while drivers had difficulty with vision, the race was still thoroughly enjoyable.
“I’m rapt with the Elite Class win. We haven’t tasted victory since the Clipsal 500 and we’ve had a lot of bad luck in between so it’s nice to be back there,” said Bates.
“It was unbelievably wet out there; you couldn’t see your braking markers through the spray from the other cars so it was hard to ascertain where you were on the track. I’ve raced other categories in the wet and these cars are just another level; I can’t speak highly enough of how well they handle in the wet.”
Ash Samadi scored an impressive 12th from Michael Almond, Stephen Grove, Tony Walls, Roger Lago, Brenton Ramsay, James Bergmuller, Maurie Pickering, Adrian Mastronardo and newcomers Scott Taylor and Greg Taylor.
The result handed Richards a nine point lead in the standings from Luff, with Baird now 59 points further behind in third.
Grove extended his points lead in the Elite Class by 121 points from Bergmuller, Lago, Bates and Smollen.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its two remaining races for the round on Sunday, with Race 2 to be broadcast on 7mate at the delayed time of 1:30pm (local time).
Race Schedule
Sunday August 24, 2014
9:00am – 9:30am – Race 2 (14 laps)
2:35pm – 3:05pm – Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 2
Date: Sunday August 24, 2014
Time: 1:30pm (delayed) Sydney local time
Channel: 7mate
Carrera Cup – Post-round Episode
Date: Saturday August 30, 2014
Time: 11:00am Sydney local time
Channel: 7mate
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NewsPatrizi and Smollen set early pace in Sydney
Michael Patrizi and Shane Smollen have launched into the second half of the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season in style by setting the pace in opening practice at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Entering the fifth round of the eight-round championship, Patrizi snared the outright top time late in the second practice session, eclipsing the best laps of Warren Luff, Nick McBride, Nick Foster, Craig Baird and Steven Richards.
The Porsche championship will hold is qualifying and opening race on Saturday, with Patrizi hoping to improve on his already impressive pace.
“I’m happy to be fastest today but we’re not fast enough yet. It’s positive but the reality is that we made a change that I’m not happy with and we’re not fast enough. For tomorrow we’ll go back to the same set up as the first session and hopefully that will work on new tyres. I think we should improve for tomorrow, though so will the whole field,” said Patrizi.
Shae Davies was the seventh quickest driver from Michael Almond, Duvashen Padayachee and Sam Power in 10th.
Smollen was the 11th quickest driver and the Elite Class pace setter from Roger Lago, Stephen Grove, Tony Bates, Tony Walls, James Bergmuller and Renee Gracie.
Smollen maintained his strong opening day pace though hopes to convert this speed into race results.
“We were having the same grip issues that everybody had; the track was fresh so we just tried to be patient with the lack of grip. That paid off and now we’re looking forward to building on a strong first day,” said Smollen.
“It has been an up-and-down season. We’re at the halfway mark now so there’s no excuse not to consolidate on the pace that we’ve shown and have that showing on the Sunday afternoon.”
The opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race will be broadcast live on the Seven Network (details below), while Sunday’s Race 2 will also be televised on the 7mate coverage.
Race Schedule
Saturday August 23, 2014
9:55am – 10:15am – Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:35pm – 4:05pm – Race 1 (14 laps)
Sunday August 24, 2014
9:00am – 9:30am – Race 2 (14 laps)
2:35pm – 3:05pm – Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1
Date: Saturday August 23
Time: 3:35pm (live) Sydney local time
Channel: Seven (Sydney/Brisbane), 7mate (Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth)
Carrera Cup – Race 2
Date: Sunday August 24, 2014
Time: 1:30pm (delayed) Sydney local time
Channel: 7mate
Carrera Cup – Post-round Episode
Date: Saturday August 30, 2014
Time: 11:00am Sydney local time
Channel: 7mate
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NewsRichards to swap Postie Bike for Porsche
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia points leader Steven Richards is confident of a strong second half of the season following an unorthodox preparation for this weekend’s Sydney Motorsport Park round.
Richards, who is tied on points with fellow front-runner Warren Luff, is today concluding a six-day Postie Bike journey from Melbourne to Gold Coast for the Laser Group Postie Bike Challenge – an initiative to raise awareness of mental illness and depression amongst the trade industry and male population for beyondblue.
Richards and his 21 fellow riders are finishing their 2000 km journey today before the Victorian travels to Sydney Motorsport Park to defend his Carrera Cup points lead.
“This trip has been on the cards for 12 months. Many tradies experience tough times so Laser Plumbing & Electrical came up with this idea in support of beyondblue. We aimed to raise about $1,500 each and we’ve managed to raise over $100,000 in total,” said Richards.
“It has been a great journey with all kinds of weather – we’ve worn jackets and thermals to t-shirts – and have only experience one flat tyre between us.”
Though Richards’ event preparation is unconventional, he is approaching this round like any other.
“We’ll approach the Sydney event much the same as we did at Townsville. We have a good handle on the car at the moment and, with half the championship still to go, we’ll keep doing what we’re doing and see where it takes us.”
Craig Baird sits third in the championship behind Richards and Luff, and will this weekend move past Rodney Jane to claim second on the all-time round starts list for the category with his 55th round start.
The Elite Class will grow this round with the inclusion of two newcomers – Scott Taylor and Greg Taylor (unrelated).
Scott Taylor has stepped up to the Carrera Cup category with two seasons’ experience in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series.
“GT3 Cup Challenge has enabled me to understand and appreciate what it takes to drive a Porsche because they’re different than any other car,” said Scott Taylor.
“It wasn’t hard adapting to the new car at all which will help this weekend. It’s ergonomically much better and I certainly feel very comfortable in the new car.”
Sydneysider Greg Taylor will also join the Elite Class ranks at his home circuit in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup formerly driven by Dean Koutsoumidis in the opening two rounds.
“I made the Sydney Motorsport Park round the focus for my Carrera Cup debut. I was originally going to start in Carrera Cup next year but nothing substitutes getting in the car and having a go. I’m very excited about this weekend at the track that I’ve driven the most miles,” said Greg Taylor.
Stephen Grove entered the season’s half way mark with a substantial 97 point lead in the Elite Class, helped by a DNF result from his nearest points rival James Bergmuller in Townsville’s third race.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has raced at Sydney Motorsport Park on six occasions, most recently at last season’s Porsche Rennsport Australia event. The category also used the Sydney circuit for its official hand-over event for the introduction of its new Porsche 911 (Type 991) GT3 Cup cars in January this year.
Race Schedule
Friday August 22, 2014
9:45am – 10:05am Practice 1 20 minutes
11:45am – 12:05pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Saturday August 23, 2014
9:55am – 10:15am Qualifying 20 minutes
3:35pm – 4:05pm Race 1 14 laps
Sunday August 24, 2014
9:00am – 9:30am Race 2 14 laps
2:35pm – 3:05pm Race 3 14 laps
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NewsRichards and Grove take Townsville triumph
Steven Richards has secured his first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round win and charged to the championship lead following a sensational Townsville event, as Stephen Grove scored his second consecutive Elite Class round win.
Richards placed second in Saturday’s opening race and trailed Race 1 winner Michael Patrizi at the start of Race 2 until Patrizi entered an escape road mid-race, allowing Richards to take the lead and ultimately win from Warren Luff, Shae Davies, Nick Foster and Craig Baird.
Race 2 was also Marc Cini’s and Ash Samadi’s 200th and 100th race in the Carrera Cup championship, respectively.
Richards followed this performance with another victory in Race 3, securing the round win. The race’s turning point however came when Davies attempted to pass Luff in the final laps for second place; contact between the duo saw an end to Luff’s race and a drive through penalty for Davies.
The mishap allowed Richards to cruise to victory from Baird, Sam Power, Patrizi, Foster and Michael Almond in sixth, while also promoting Richards to the points lead, now equal with Luff in the Outright and Professional Class standings.
The round win, which Richards claimed from Patrizi and Baird, was his first in 26 attempts following seven second placed round finishes.
“It’s nice to get the round win. We’ve been trying hard for a round win for a few years and been close lots of times,” said Richards.
“I qualified seventh but knew I had good speed and we then had some really good races. We raced well and kept it clean.
“Unfortunately for Luff that last race has helped a lot in the points but there’s always a long way to go. I’m driving the car really well and as long as we can keep this good form, keep the car in good condition and stay out of trouble we’re looking good.”
Grove had one of his most impressive performances in Carrera Cup with two Elite Class wins in Sunday’s two races.
The Victorian placed 10th outright in Race 1 ahead of his Elite Class challengers Roger Lago, James Bergmuller and Tony Bates. Grove then placed an impressive seventh outright in Race 3 and won the Elite Class battle from Bates and Lago.
“The Elite Class drivers are really good and you’ve got to be on your game to beat them,” said Grove, who finished ahead of Lago and Bates in the Elite Class points.
Grove was the Outright and Elite Class round winner of the championship’s previous round at Phillip Island when teaming with Scott McLaughlin and suggests the Townsville triumph is special for different reasons.
“Winning this weekend is special. You win a round like Phillip Island and you’re driving with one of the best drivers going around. It’s now good to come here and get the round win on your own.”
Richards and Luff are now equal on points at the season’s half-way mark, both on 534 points ahead of Craig Baird on 448 points and Sam Power on 406 points. The leading duo are then on 552 points in the Professional Class standings from Baird (463 points) and Power (427 points).
Grove (603 points) has strengthened his class dominance of late with a 97 point lead in the Elite Class standings. Bergmuller (506 points) sits in second from Lago on 494 points and Bates on 450 points.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will return on August 22-24 to begin the second half of its 2014 season at Sydney Motorsport Park.
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NewsPatrizi and Lago on top in North Queensland
West Australian Michael Patrizi’s fortune has changed for the better with victory in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race in Townsville, with Roger Lago taking his third Elite Class race win of the season.
Patrizi was the quickest performer from early Saturday, narrowly taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award from Warren Luff, Nick Foster, Sam Power and Shae Davies.
Patrizi then made the most of the front row start in Race 1, leading into the opening corner and maintaining a strong gap to second-placed Luff until the chequered flag. Luff secured second while Richards passed Davies on Lap 10 to take third.
Davies placed fourth from Power, Foster, Craig Baird and Duvashen Padayachee in eighth.
Patrizi’s race win follows a horrid round at Phillip Island when his Porsche hit the tyre barrier at high speed with his co-driver at the wheel. The damage to his race car meant a complete replacement chassis was required, with Patrizi finishing the construction of his 911 GT3 Cup car just days prior to the Townsville round.
“What a feeling. I’ve spent two weeks with my uncles, 12-15 hour days, seven days a week putting this car together. It was hard work the last couple of days to get through it but we’re here and we’re winning,” said Patrizi.
“We have a long weekend ahead of us now but we’ve hit the ground running and there’s no reason why we can’t continue this success tomorrow.”
Roger Lago placed ninth, a mere 0.25secs from Stephen Grove by the finish following a lengthy battle for the Elite Class race lead.
“I didn’t get a good start while Tony Bates, Grove and James Bergmuller had a great start and I was lucky to get through the first couple of corners unscathed,” said Lago.
“I managed to get in front of Grove and get a gap on him. I then locked up at Turn 2, flat spotted a tyre and struggled from there. To Grove’s credit he could have tapped me a few times and elected not to, which is sporting of him. It will be interesting to see how we go tomorrow.”
Bates placed 11th from Tony Walls, Bergmuller, Marc Cini, Renee Gracie, Michael Almond – who received a 25 second post-race penalty following Lap 1 contact with Nick McBride – Ash Samadi, Brenton Ramsay, Adrian Mastronardo, Maurie Pickering and Shane Smollen in 21st.
McBride was the only non-finisher due to the opening lap contact.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has two races remaining for the round, with Race 3 to be broadcast on 7mate at a delayed time of 12:45pm (local time).
Race Schedule
Sunday July 06, 2014
8:50am Race 2 17 laps
11:30am Race 3 17 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 3 (delayed)
Date: Sunday July 06, 2014
Time: 12:45pm AEST (12:15pm, SA/NT; 10:45am, WA)
Channel: 7mate
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NewsBaird and Smollen top Townsville practice
Reigning champion Craig Baird will this weekend look to claim his first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round win in 12 months as the championship completes its opening two practice session on Friday.
The New Zealander’s last Carrera Cup round win came at the North Queensland circuit in July last year, with the fastest lap time of Friday’s two practice sessions leaving him in a good position for a weekend of success in the sun.
Steven Richards set the pace in the opening Friday practice session from series leader Warren Luff, Baird, Shae Davies and Nick Foster.
Baird showed greater pace in the second session to post the fastest time of the day of 1:14.3552, 0.14secs from Michael Patrizi, Luff, Davies and Richards.
Patrizi’s pace highlights his team’s strong effort to get his Porsche re-built following a high speed impact with the tyre barrier at the last Carrera Cup round at Phillip Island.
Baird was pleased with his Friday pace and suggests he has nothing to lose on the cusp of the season’s half-way mark.
“We had a good round here last year and it’s not as if we haven’t won here before. We’re still not 100 per cent where we want to be set-up wise but we’ve just got to look forward; it’s a long way to go between now and the end of the championship. It’s all about scoring points, finishing and getting on the top step of the podium. We have nothing to lose,” said Baird.
Shane Smollen topped the opening two practice sessions in the Elite Class from Stephen Grove and Marc Cini, only 1.5secs adrift the outright fastest lap.
While Smollen has claimed pole position in Townsville for the past two seasons, though the Sydneysider is yet to take the round victory.
“We elected not to put our best rubber on in that last session and we still made some gains, so I’m happy with that,” said Smollen.
“We just have to continue this into qualifying and into the races, but it’s nice to get a solid Day 1 out of the way.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its sole Townsville qualifying session on Saturday morning followed by Race 1 at 11:00am. Race 2 and Race 3 will then be held before noon on Sunday.
Race 1 and Race 3 will be broadcast on 7mate on Saturday and Sunday, respectively (broadcast schedule below).
Race Schedule
Saturday July 05, 2014
7:45am Qualifying 20 minutes
11:00am Race 1 17 laps
Sunday July 06, 2014
8:50am Race 2 17 laps
11:30am Race 3 17 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (delayed)
Date: Saturday July 05, 2014
Time: 12:30pm AEST (12:00pm, SA/NT; 10:30am, WA)
Channel: 7mate
Carrera Cup – Race 3 (delayed)
Date: Sunday July 06, 2014
Time: 12:45pm AEST (12:15pm, SA/NT; 10:45am, WA)
Channel: 7mate
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NewsCini celebrates 200 starts in Townsville
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s most experienced driver, Marc Cini, will this weekend line up for his 200th championship race in Townsville.
The tropical Queensland city will host Round 4 of the Porsche championship with Cini to reach the double century milestone in Sunday morning’s Race 2.
“I didn’t realise I had reached 200 races, though it’s great to reach this milestone. In some ways I still consider myself as a rookie,” said Cini.
“Carrera Cup is fantastic for me from a point of consistency; you know exactly what you’re getting every season. Given my time and business pressures, it’s great to have consistency in place so I can plan my year around each season. The category is also very well run and the machinery is always very good.
“I look forward to the Townsville round. I prefer the street circuits and, not to curse myself, I hope to do fairly well up there.”
As Cini leads the field in most race and round starts, reigning champion Craig Baird will this weekend move to equal second in most Carrera Cup Australia round starts, equalling Rodney Jane.
Baird will look to continue New Zealand’s dominance of the Townsville round. Kiwi drivers have won at each of the championship’s three previous Townsville visits, with Alex Davison the only Australian to claim a Carrera Cup race win at the North Queensland circuit back in 2012.
Baird currently sits third in the Professional Class standings behind points leader Warren Luff and Steven Richards, with Sam Power and Nick McBride fourth and fifth, respectively.
Stephen Grove has jumped to the lead of the Elite Class following his outright round win at the Phillip Island Pro-Am round alongside co-driver Scott McLaughlin.
Trailing Grove in the Elite Class standings is James Bergmuller, Roger Lago, Phillip Island Race 2 winner Shane Smollen and Tony Bates in fifth.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold two sessions on each day of the Townsville round, with Race 1 and Race 3 to be broadcast across Australia on 7mate.
Race Schedule
Friday July 04, 2014
9:40am Practice 1 20 minutes
2:05pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Saturday July 05, 2014
7:45am Qualifying 20 minutes
11:00am Race 1 17 laps
Sunday July 06, 2014
8:50am Race 2 17 laps
11:30am Race 3 17 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (delayed)
Date: Saturday July 05, 2014
Time: 12:30pm AEST (12:00pm, SA/NT; 10:30am, WA)
Channel: 7mate
Carrera Cup – Race 3 (delayed)
Date: Sunday July 06, 2014
Time: 12:45pm AEST (12:15pm, SA/NT; 10:45am, WA)
Channel: 7mate
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NewsTownsville Fast Facts
The Townsville round is the 78th in the history of PCCA and the fourth time the venue has hosted the championship. PCCA has been part of the Townsville V8 Supercar event every year from 2011 onwards.
Stephen Grove is riding the crest of a wave heading to Townsville – not only did he claim the overall points victory in recent Pro-Am round at Phillip Island but he’s also moved into the lead of the Elite Championship and now seventh in the overall championship.
Grove and co-driver Scott McLaughlin became the 19th and 20th drivers to win Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rounds. Their win was just the fourth time in PCCA history that a round win had been achieved without claiming a race victory that weekend.
Elite Class driver Shane Smollen claimed his first-ever PCCA race win at Phillip Island in Race 2 alongside Nick Percat and is aiming to continue a streak in Townsville.
Smollen is aiming for his third straight Townsville Elite Class pole after topping the times there in both 2012 and 2013. However, he’s yet to claim a class round victory at the Reid Park circuit.
A race winner at Phillip Island, Craig Baird has now gone one full year without a round victory in PCCA. The five-time champion’s last round win came at Townsville 12 months ago at the corresponding round. He has won just two of the last 17 races held from Winton last year onwards – in the 17 prior to that he claimed nine wins. Baird will tie Rodney Jane for second on the list of most rounds started in PCCA history in Townsville – he starts his 54th round.
Speaking of milestones, Marc Cini will become the first PCCA driver to start 200 championship races in Townsville. The Porsche racing veteran is due to rack up the milestone in Race 2 of what will be his record 69th PCCA round start.
The Townsville round has been dominated by New Zealanders over the last three years with Kiwis winning the round each year. An Australian driver is yet to claim a round victory at the circuit.
Of the nine PCCA races in Townsville, only one Aussie, Alex Davison, has claimed a race win (Race 1, 2012).
Townsville holds a special place in PCCA record books – in 2012 it featured the closest ever pole position-winning margin in the category’s history when Alex Davison was just 0.0027s faster than Jonny Reid and claimed pole.
Every year has produced a close battle for pole: in 2011 Michael Patrizi edged out Reid by 0.0807s while last year Baird out-pointed Nick Percat by just 0.1063s.
There are plenty of first-timers in PCCA that have never raced at Townsville before. Eight drivers – Maurie Pickering, Ash Samadi, Brenton Ramsay, Roger Lago, Michael Almond, Sam Power, Adrian Mastronardo and Nick McBride – are all making their first Carrera Cup start in North Queensland, however three of them have previous track experience.
Ash Samadi drove a Mosler in the Australian GT Championship in Townsville in 2011 and Sam Power and Nick McBride both raced there last year in Formula Ford and the V8 Supercar Development Series respectively.
TOWNSVILLE LAP RECORDS
Race Lap Record: Jonny Reid, 1m14.0389s, 2011
Qual Lap Record: Alex Davison, 1m13.7964s, 2012
TOWNSVILLE ROUND WINNERS
2011 Daniel Gaunt
2012 Jonny Reid
2013 Craig Baird
TOWNSVILLE ELITE CLASS ROUND WINNERS
2011 Damien Flack
2012 Max Twigg
2013 Damien Flack
TOWNSVILLE POLE POSITIONS
2011 Michael Patrizi 1m13.8197s
2012 Alex Davison 1m13.7964s
2013 Craig Baird 1m14.1995s
TOWNSVILLE RACE WINS
2011 Daniel Gaunt Daniel Gaunt Daniel Gaunt
2012 Alex Davison Jonny Reid Jonny Reid
2013 Craig Baird Craig Baird Craig Baird
3 – Daniel Gaunt, Craig Baird
2 – Jonny Reid
1 – Alex Davison
TOWNSVILLE PODIUMS
2011 Daniel Gaunt Jonny Reid Michael Patrizi
2012 Jonny Reid Alex Davison Craig Baird
2013 Craig Baird Warren Luff Michael Patrizi
2 – Jonny Reid, Craig Baird, Michael Patrizi
1 – Daniel Gaunt, Alex Davison, Warren Luff
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NewsCarrera Cup partners with AQUAhydrate
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will remain hydrated throughout the 2014 season following the signing of its newest Official Partner, AQUAhydrate®.
The Southern Californian-based company is establishing itself in Australia following strong growth in the United States, targeting active lifestyle individuals with its electrolyte enhanced, high pH performance water.
Bottled water traditionally has a pH level of between 5 to 7, while AQUAhydrate is more alkaline with a pH level of 9+ and has 72 types of electrolytes to provide improved performance, hydration and recovery.
Australian distributor of AQUAhydrate, Performance Beverage Company’s Steve Pettaras, is pleased with the product’s new status as the Official Performance Water of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
“Being a unique high performance product, AQUAhydrate has great synergy with the Carrera Cup championship and its drivers,” said Pettaras.
“Carrera Cup is a mix of high performance cars with quality drivers, who can now experience ultimate electrolyte enhanced hydration, improving their overall racing performance.
“It is the pinnacle of sports car racing in Australia, so we are proud AQUAhydrate is involved.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Cam McConville, suggests that the partnership will benefit the championship’s drivers.
“Carrera Cup racing can be demanding on our drivers. Having AQUAhydrate as an Official Partner will assist in their hydration and recovery process so they can compete at their peak in every race at every event,” said McConville.
AQUAhydrate is available for purchase in Australia at all Priceline and IGA stores.
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NewsGrove and Cini record strong results in Le Mans
Stephen Grove and Marc Cini have finished their Le Mans Carrera Cup campaigns in impressive style with strong results in the 45-minute curtain raiser to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Both Australians managed to improve their positions from Thursday’s qualifying session and charge into the top half of the Outright results – an impressive results for their first appearance at the French circuit – in the combined Porsche Carrera Cup France and Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain event.
Grove led the Australian contingent home with 25th place and 11th in Class B, finishing just ahead of his countryman Cini, who placed 29th and 15th in Class B out of the 61 competitors in the race.
Stephen Grove
Qualifying (Outright) – 38th
Qualifying (Class B) – 14th
Race (Outright) – 25th
Race (Class B) – 11th
Marc Cini
Qualifying (Outright) – 47th
Qualifying (Class B) – 22nd
Race (Outright) – 29th
Race (Class B) – 15th
Former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers and pre-season driver coach for the Australian championship, Ben Barker, was the ultimate winner of the Carrera Cup race by five seconds from Tom Dillmann and Lonni Martins.
Polesitter Kevin Estre had continued to lead well into the 45-minute race despite making contact with Kiwi Earl Bamber, forcing the latter to stop with a puncture.
Estre soldiered on, eventually crossing the line in 20th.
Laurent Aiello, part of Porsche’s outright winning line-up in the 24 Hour in 1998, produced a super drive to finish fourth after starting 14th.
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NewsAussies impress in Le Mans qualifying
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers Stephen Grove and Marc Cini have continued to show strong pace in Qualifying in the Carrera Cup support race at the La Sarthe Circuit at Le Mans.
The event sees both Porsche Carrera Cup France and Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain combine for a 45-minute curtain raiser for the 24 hour endurance race on Saturday.
Of the 36 Class B competitors, Grove posted the 14th fastest lap and the 38th outright time, 7.8 seconds behind the pole-sitter.
Cini finished 22nd in Class B in the session and 47th in the 61 strong Porsche field.
Frenchman Kevin Estre claimed pole position with a lap of 4:03.366 from countryman Tom Dillmann
Kiwi Earl Bamber qualified third while former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racer Ben Barker completes the second row.
Grove and Cini will next hit the track on Saturday morning for the sole 45 minute Carrera Cup race of the weekend.
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NewsCini and Grove begin Le Mans campaign
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia combatants Marc Cini and Stephen Grove have embarked on their respective race weekends at the La Sarthe Circuit at Le Mans, France.
The duo are competing in the Carrera Cup support race to the 24 hour endurance event, which sees Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and Porsche Carrera Cup France combine for a 62-car curtain raiser to the day-long race.
Cini has joined French outfit Racing Technology for the event while Grove is part of FACH Auto Tech.
“There are going to be 62 drivers turning up to race, so that’s going to be a massive grid,” said Grove.
“To put it into context, the maximum grids that we run in the Carrera Cup [Australia] are somewhere between 22 to 25 cars. Everybody is going there from around the world to try to win and those travelling to Le Mans are among the best Porsche drivers in the world, so it’s going to be a great challenge.”
Qualifying for the event will be held Thursday June 12 while the 45 minute race is on Saturday June 14.
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NewsVideo: Phillip Island highlights
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NewsMichelin delivers exceptional endurance
The performance of the new Michelin tyre developed in partnership with Porsche motorsport was tested this weekend. Phillip Island is well known as one of the toughest tracks on tyres in Australia, but the Michelin tyres fitted to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia 911 GT3 Cup cars proved more than capable.
The format of this round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia required teams to conduct a driver change at the half way point of each one hour races. The strong performance of the Michelin tyres meant the majority of the field chose not to change their tyres in either race.
After a chaotic race one that saw the top three Championship contenders get caught up in accidents, it was Michelin Ambassador Craig Baird and his co-driver Max Twigg who kept out of trouble. The pair claimed the race win, the first win for Baird of the season.
“Max and the team did a great job today. Our Michelin tyres were performing strongly in the first stint so we chose not to change them in the pitstop. This saved us valuable time. Once everyone had pitted we were third with good car speed which allowed us to take the win.
There was no drop off in performance of the tyres. Even after an hours racing we were lapping at the same speed as we were at the start,” said Baird.
Race two was another thrilling race with the Championship contenders fighting back through the field. It was Nick Percat who claimed the win from Stephen Grove. Grove and his co-driver for the weekend Scott McLaughlin also took out the outright round victory.
“Not changing our tyres during either one hour race turned out to be the perfect strategy; it meant we could come in, do a driver change, and push as soon as we got back out on track. When Scott jumped in for the final stint he pushed hard to close the gap to the front guys and worked his way up into second place. He was still able to set some of his quickest laps of the weekend through to the end of the race. The performance of the Michelin tyres was strong and consistent throughout the whole weekend,” said Grove.
The Michelin Cup N2 tyre has been designed to match the demands of the German manufacturer in terms of durability and performance.
This weekend clearly demonstrates that challenge has been met.
The eventful Pro-Am round delivered some new podium finishers, however Warren Luff remains in the lead of the Championship. Steven Richards held onto second place, while the biggest mover of the round was Craig Baird, who jumped to third in the Championship
standings.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – outright points after Round 3:
1 Warren Luff – 426
2 Steven Richards – 372
3 Craig Baird – 329
4 Nick Foster – 294
5 Sam Power – 290
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NewsGrove/McLaughlin victorious in epic Pro-Am
It was the greatest driver line-up to ever grace Porsche Carrera Cup Australia as the pairing of Stephen Grove and Scott McLaughlin performed faultlessly to claim the 2014 Porsche Pro-Am title.
V8 star David Reynolds dominated the race early, jumping to the lead by Lap 2, though the former Carrera Cup champion couldn’t gap the field once a safety car was called to recover the Porsche of Nick Foster, which stopped on the circuit.
The sequence of driver change pit stops commenced soon after the race resumed, where Craig Baird handed over to Max Twigg, leaving the triple Elite Class champion in the lead mid-race.
Twigg held the lead for eight laps before being caught by the pursuing Professional Class racers Nick Percat, Warren Luff and Shae Davies – all who failed to finish Race 1 – and McLaughlin.
Percat and McLaughlin navigated their way to the front of the field and concluded the race with a spectacular battle on the final lap, with Percat and his regular co-driver Shane Smollen taking the race win from Grove, Luff (Geoff Emery), Davies (Adam Gowans), Richards (Damien Flack) and Race 1 winners Craig Baird/Max Twigg in sixth.
The feat was the first outright race win for Smollen and the sixth for Percat.
McLaughlin and Grove finished a close second – a result which secured the duo the outright victory and the 2014 Porsche Pro-Am title along with taking the Elite Class round win from James Bergmuller/Dale Wood and Ash Samadi/Jonny Reid.
Grove was ecstatic with the round result, which was the fourth time in Carrera Cup Australia history the round winner had not scored a race victory to achieve the result.
“It’s great to win the Elite Class and also to win the Pro-Am overall. I’m just stoked,” said Grove.
“The Pro-Am is a great format; you really get to learn a lot from the Professional guys which enhances your driving, and Scott is the best of the bunch. His knowledge and ability to pick the weather, to pick the conditions and his ability to drive are unquestionable. He’s just a superstar.”
McLaughlin was impressed with the championship and was happy to take the Carrera Cup outright round victory on debut.
“It’s pretty cool to get the round win; I’m now one win from one round; not a bad record. I love trying different cars and new challenges and this weekend was really fun,” said McLaughlin.
“It was a privilege to get invited to come and race this weekend in what was an amazing event. Stephen and his family are great and it has been an awesome weekend for the team. It’s certainly something I want to do next year.”
Sixth place in Race 2 secured Baird and Twigg the Professional Class round win from Sam Power/James Koundouris and Renee Gracie/Tim Miles.
Power and Gracie visited the Professional Class podium for the first time while Baird achieved his long awaited return to the top step of the podium.
“What worked for us yesterday with safety cars worked against us a little bit today but to come out with the Professional Class round win is great,” said Baird.
“It was a great weekend from a championship point of view. It was hard for Max because he hadn’t been in the car all year but he did really well in both races.”
Luff now leads the Outright and Professional Class standings from Richards, while Baird has moved up to third in the points after a strong Pro-Am performance.
Pro-Am winner Grove has jumped to the Elite Class points lead from Bergmuller and Lago.
The championship returns to its single driver format for the next round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the Townsville 500 on July 04-06, 2014.
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NewsPost Pro-Am points update
The largely eventful Pro-Am round at Phillip Island has shaken up the championship standing though Warren Luff retains the title lead.
Richards holds onto second while the biggest mover of the round was Baird, who jumped to third in the standings in the Outright and Professional Class points.
Outright points after Round 3
1 Warren Luff – 426
2 Steven Richards – 372
3 Craig Baird – 329
4 Nick Foster – 294
5 Sam Power – 290
6 Nick McBride – 279
7 Stephen Grove – 236
8 Shae Davies – 202
9 James Bergmuller – 191
10 Michael Almond – 180.5
11 Duvashen Padayachee – 171
12 Shane Smollen – 166
13 Renee Gracie – 147
14 Michael Patrizi – 146
15 Roger Lago – 120
16 Ash Samadi – 118
17 Tony Walls – 113
18 Tony Bates – 102
19 Brenton Ramsay – 90.5
20 Marc Cini – 61
21 Dean Koutsoumidis – 31
22 Maurie Pickering – 29
23 Adrian Mastronardo – 29
Professional Class points after Round 3
1 Warren Luff – 444
2 Steven Richards – 390
3 Craig Baird – 344
4 Sam Power – 311
5 Nick McBride – 297
6 Nick Foster – 294
7 Michael Almond – 232
8 Renee Gracie – 230
9 Shae Davies – 225
10 Duvashen Padayachee – 201.5
11 Michael Patrizi – 154
Stephen Grove’s Pro-Am success has shot him to the top of the Elite Class standings while a successful Phillip Island campaign for James Bergmuller places him second in points.
Elite Class points after Round 3
1 Stephen Grove – 429
2 James Bergmuller – 422
3 Roger Lago – 332
4 Shane Smollen – 323
5 Tony Bates – 306
6 Tony Walls – 259
7 Ash Samadi – 259
8 Brenton Ramsay – 231
9 Marc Cini – 200
10 Dean Koutsoumidis – 119
11 Adrian Mastronardo – 107
12 Maurie Pickering – 105
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NewsChampion effort for Baird/Twigg in eventful Race 1
Champion duo Craig Baird and Max Twigg have survived an eventful opening race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am round at Phillip Island to take victory as several title fighters failed to finish.
Baird and Twigg, who between them have won the past three Professional Class and Elite Class titles respectively, performed a faultless race and were leading in the closing stages when the safety car was called. The race finished under safety car conditions allowing the duo to cruise to a strong start to the Porsche Pro-Am.
“Max and the team did a great job today; we had a nice clean pitstop which put us in a good position straight after the safety car. Once everyone had pitted we were third with good car speed which allowed us to take the win,” said Baird.
“We’ve now come out of that race with a good bag of points so now we can move on and get into the season.”
The race was dominated early by Shae Davies and TAG Heuer Pole Position Award recipient Ryan Simpson, teamed with Nick Foster, though the field was bunched together after a safety car period on Lap 7 to retrieve the Michael Almond/John Karytinos Porsche from the run off area.
The field was reduced by three cars when a multi-car accident occurred at Turn 4 on the restart, eliminating series leader Warren Luff.
The race of front-runners Shae Davies and Adam Gowans ended shortly after when the latter hit the barrier, causing race-ending damage.
As the field preceded with its compulsory driver changes, V8 Supercar drivers Nick Percat and Scott McLaughlin provided one of the highlights of the race with a multi-lap bumper-to-bumper battle for the lead.
The V8 racers soon swapped driving duties with their Elite Class counterparts Shane Smollen and Damien Flack, who soon after the compulsory pit stop came together, ending the race for both drivers and the pursuing Nick Foster, who was placed well for a potential victory.
By this stage Stephen Grove was leading the race after taking his Porsche’s reigns from his co-driver McLaughlin, though Baird and Power, who raced with James Koundouris, were in close pursuit.
Baird took the lead and Power jumped to second when Superbike star Troy Bayliss hit the barrier, calling the safety car to the circuit, which would ultimately lead the field past the chequered flag to finish the race.
Baird was pleased with his victory, as was series rookie Power, who recorded his highest outright race finish.
“James (Koundouris) did a brilliant job in the first stint to keep the car out of trouble, we then had a really good driver change and continued from there. In all honest our result today was from the misfortune of some others though we’re not far off being able to do it off our own merits,” said Power.
Third placed Grove was the highest finisher of the regular Elite Class drivers and was ecstatic with his team’s strong performance.
“I’m rapt with that result; to be racing with guys with the calibre of Baird was a great experience,” said Grove.
“This has been a lot of hard work and you go through a lot of effort to do it so I’m absolutely stoked with the Elite Class race win.”
James Bergmuller and Dale Wood finished fourth from Nick McBride/Rod Jane, Renee Gracie/Tim Miles, Brenton Ramsay/Jason Bright, Tony Walls/David Reynolds, Ash Samadi/Jonny Reid and 10th placed Almond/Karytinos.
While failing to finish, Luff retains the championship lead from Richards and Foster while Baird moves to fourth with only 73 points separating him from the series lead.
The second 60-minute race of the Porsche Pro-Am at Phillip Island will be held on Sunday morning, which can be viewed via live streaming at the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals website at www.thenationals.com.au.
Race Schedule
Sunday May 25, 2014
9:25am Warm up (10 minutes)
10:45am Race 2 (60 minutes)
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NewsStars take to the ‘Island on bittersweet Friday
Six current V8 Supercar stars, three Bathurst 1000 champions and one triple World Superbike champion: This weekend’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round at Phillip Island is the best field the championship has seen.
The third round of the Porsche series sees regular Carrera Cup drivers joined by non-regular racers, with some of the top names in Australian motorsport joining the one-make championship.
Following three Friday practice sessions, V8 ace Tim Slade posted the quickest lap time of the day in the final session.
Slade, teaming with regular Elite Class driver Adrian Mastronardo, was seven-tenths-of-a-second quicker than the second fastest pairing of series leader Warren Luff and Geoff Emery, with Tony Walls and David Reynolds in third.
Slade, who marked his second appearance in the category by setting the practice pace, was pleased with his times and is impressed with the Porsche field this weekend.
“This is a great format that allows some top drivers, especially the guys from V8 Supercars, to enter the championship. In terms of a category outside of V8 Supercars, this is certainly one of the best driver line ups I’ve seen,” said Slade.
“I’m pleased with our pace today but I think we can certainly improve from what we achieved today.”
The Mastronardo/Slade entry occupied the top of the timesheets into the final stages of the final session when the latter hit the barrier.
The accident ended the third practice session and put the duo’s weekend in doubt with significant damage to the rear of the Porsche, though Mastronardo was pleased with their initial pace and his Pro-Am co-driver.
“It has been inspiring having Tim on board this weekend,” said Mastronardo.
“He has certainly been a great help with my driving so far and we were doing well towards the end of the day. I’m a little bit disappointed with the end result but hopefully we can get it back on track for the weekend.”
The duo of Stephen Grove and Scott McLaughlin was the fourth fastest duo with Nick Foster and Ryan Simpson rounding out the top five.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will begin tomorrow’s on-track activity with two 15 minute qualifying sessions, followed by the opening race at 12:50pm.
To watch Saturday’s on-track action, visit the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals website at www.thenationals.com.au for the live stream.
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NewsChampions complete Pro-Am line-up
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s impressive driver line-up for this weekend’s Phillip Island Pro-Am round is now complete following two champion additions – Troy Bayliss and David Reynolds.
Renowned for his performance on two wheels, triple World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss returns to Carrera Cup after his debut alongside Michael Patrizi at the corresponding Pro-Am event at Sydney Motorsport Park last season.
Bayliss boasts six victories at the Phillip Island circuit aboard Ducatis and this weekend re-joins Patrizi in the hunt for his first four-wheel success at the ’Island.
“I’ve had many ups and downs at Phillip Island in my career, mostly ups, and I’m really looking forward to racing there this weekend in the Porsche,” said Bayliss.
“I tested the new car a couple of months ago and it was great to drive. For an amateur driver like myself, it helps you get more out of the car, though I’d probably feel more comfortable on a motorcycle around Phillip Island than I do on four wheels.
“Last year we came very close to victory. Michael is really competitive so I’ll be looking to get him into a good position to give us the best chance of the win.”
Popular V8 Supercar racer Reynolds ends a seven-year Carrera Cup absence when he teams with Elite Class driver Tony Walls for the Pro-Am.
With four Carrera Cup round wins, 13 race wins and 13 round podium finishes, the 2007 Carrera Cup Australia champion and V8 race winner is looking forward to his Porsche reunion.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Carrera Cup with Tony Walls this weekend. It has been seven years since leaving the category and I’ve followed it closely ever since,” said Reynolds.
“The new cars are unbelievably good. They are comfortable to drive and do everything that you would want a race car to do. It’s like using the PlayStation with the damage switch on.”
Reynolds is one of six V8 Supercars drivers competing in the two 60-minute Carrera Cup races at Phillip Island; a group that also includes Jason Bright, Scott McLaughlin, Nick Percat, Tim Slade and Dale Wood.
Only four co-driver pairings remain unchanged from the 2013 Pro-Am event: points leader Warren Luff retains his co-driver Geoff Emery, as does James Bergmuller (Wood), Patrizi (Bayliss) and Shae Davies (Adam Gowans).
There are six drivers making their Carrera Cup debut this weekend – McLaughlin, Bright, Ryan Simpson, Neale Muston and GT3 Cup Challenge duo John Karytinos and Tim Miles – and 26 drivers in total who have never turned a wheel in Carrera Cup at the Phillip Island circuit.
Reigning champion Craig Baird and Max Twigg, winner of the 2013 Pro-Am event with Luke Youlden, enter the weekend as the most experienced driver pairing with 94 round starts between them, closely followed by Marc Cini and Dean Fiore with a cumulative 92 round starts.
The Porsche Pro-Am will feature two 60 minute races and requires each Carrera Cup driver to pair with a non-Carrera Cup racer; Professional Class drivers are to race with a non-regular Elite Class competitor and vice versa.
Each driver must complete a minimum of 25 minutes in each race and perform a driver change during a compulsory pit stop between the 25 and 35 minute mark. The finisher of Race 1 must then start Race 2.
This weekend’s Phillip Island round will be the first time Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races at the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals and will be available to watch online via live streaming at www.thenationals.com.au across Saturday and Sunday.
Race Schedule
Friday May 23, 2014
10:30am Practice 1 (Pro) 20 minutes
12:10pm Practice 2 (Elite) 20 minutes
2:20pm Practice 3 (Pro/Elite) 30 minutes
4:20pm Sponsor Rides 20 minutes
Saturday May 24, 2014
9:05am Qualifying (Pro) 15 minutes
10:05am Qualifying (Elite) 15 minutes
12:50pm Race 1 60 minutes
Sunday May 25, 2014
9:25am Warm up 10 minutes
10:45am Race 2 60 minutes
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NewsPorsche Pro-Am attracts Australia’s elite
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is preparing for one of its most anticipated events of the season as several high-profile drivers are confirmed for the Porsche Pro-Am at Phillip Island on May 24-25, 2014.
A selection of the country’s top drivers will join Carrera Cup in the co-driver races; including V8 Supercars’ Scott McLaughlin, Dale Wood, Tim Slade, Nick Percat and Jason Bright, who will re-join the Ramsay family racing operation.
Bright was a former driver of Malcolm Ramsay’s Biranna Racing Formula Holden team, where he was teammate to Brenton Ramsay and won the coveted CAMS Gold Star and Australian Drivers’ Championship in 1997.
Almost two decades later, Bright will line up alongside Elite Class driver Brenton Ramsay at Phillip Island in the Ramsay-owned Phenix Motorsport.
“I’m going back to an earlier point in my career with this team. It’s great catching up with all the guys I worked with 17 years ago in Formula Holden and I’m looking forward to racing with them again at Phillip Island,” said Bright.
“It looks as though it is going to be a great field at Phillip Island with a lot of talented drivers coming into the category. I’ve heard great things about the Carrera Cup round at Rennsport last year so I’m looking forward to the coming Phillip Island event.”
Stephen Grove has secured the talented McLaughlin for the round, Wood will again pair with James Bergmuller, Slade will return to his old team Sonic Motor Racing Services pairing with Carrera Cup newcomer Adrian Mastronardo and last season’s championship runner-up Percat will team with Shane Smollen.
Other Elite Class drivers confirming talented co-drivers include Ash Samadi, Tony Bates and Roger Lago; who have secured former Carrera Cup front-runners Jonny Reid, Dan Gaunt and Dave Russell, respectively.
The impressive driver line up extends to the Professional Class regulars, headlined by Craig Baird and Max Twigg – the respective Professional Class and Elite Class champions for the past three seasons, who will line up as the most experienced combination in the field with a cumulative 94 round starts.
The next most experienced duo will be Carrera Cup’s most capped driver Marc Cini and the 2008 runner-up Dean Fiore, who have 92 round starts between them.
Championship points leader Warren Luff will again team with Geoff Emery while Steven Richards and Sam Power will race with former Elite Class pace-setters Damien Flack and James Koundouris, respectively.
Two Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia drivers have also been enlisted for the event: Michael Almond will compete with John Karytinos and Tim Miles will join McElrea Racing teammate Renee Gracie.
The Porsche Pro-Am will feature two 60 minute races where each Carrera Cup driver must pair with a non-Carrera Cup racer; Professional Class drivers are to race with a non-regular Elite Class competitor and vice versa.
Each driver is permitted to complete a minimum of 25 minutes in each race and perform a driver change during a compulsory pit stop. The finisher of Race 1 must then start Race 2.
More Carrera Cup co-driver pairings will be announced closer to the Phillip Island round of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals.
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NewsBright confirmed for Phenix homecoming
Phenix Motorsport has confirmed that Jason Bright will join Phenix as the Pro Driver for the upcoming Pro-Am Event at Phillip Island later this month.
Team Principal Malcolm Ramsay is thrilled to welcome Bright back into the fold. Malcolm explains…
“It was 1997 when we last had Jason on the team, during the heady open wheeler days of Birrana Racing and Formula Holden. As our gun driver Jason took multiple victories over 1996/97, culminating with the 1997 Australian Drivers Championship in our 91D Reynard ahead of rivals Jason Bargwanna and Scott Dixon. To have him back amongst our new Porsche Carrera Cup team is the icing on the cake for our return to Motorsport this year. ”
Bright had his first ever run in a Porsche when he took to the wheel of the new Type 991 GT3 Carrera Cup car on Wednesday during private testing at Phillip Island. Bright completed around 50 laps as part of the Phenix Motorsport test schedule, and was full of praise for the new package.
“The first thing I noticed was how great a package the new Carrera Cup Car is. For a control Formula they have a car that is a lot of fun to drive. I’m really looking forward to the Pro Am and working with the familiar faces at Phenix Motorsport from earlier in my career.”
Bright will step in alongside regular Elite Class driver Brenton Ramsay, who currently sits 7th in the Elite Category Championship after two solid opening rounds. Brenton is obviously excited…
“Jason is a class driver, no doubt about that! To have him jump in the car and provide such valuable feedback and tuning is just priceless. Already we are making good progress and improving the package following his first stint. I’m excited about the Pro Am concept and really looking forward to partnering with Jason and learning from him.”
The Pro Am event is held as Round 3 of the Carrera Cup Championship at Phillip Island over the 24th and 25th of May. Both races are one-hour endurance races, with Race 1 to be held on Saturday at 12:50pm and Race 2 on Sunday at 10:45am.
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NewsSUPER SONIC LINE-UP FOR PRO-AM
It’s not often that you see Mick Ritter this excited.
But then this is no ordinary moment.
When the third round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia was announced as a Pro-Am event at the Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit and scheduled for later this month it set about a reunion of sorts and three performance pairings that has the Sonic boss in a whirl.
“Coming home” to his Sonic roots is established V8 Supercar star Tim Slade as he pairs up with Elite Class racer and comeback kid Adrian Mastronardo for the one-off affair.
“We’re really excited that Sladey’s back,” grins Ritter, “it’s one of those situations that you never rule out but you don’t give much though to either when drivers move on to full-time V8 Supercar drives. The Pro-Am is a great concept and it gives Tim the opportunity to return to our team and drive these great cars.”
Surprisingly the now Supercheap Auto Racing driver never raced Carrera Cup in his formative years having skipped from his Sonic Formula Ford drive to Development Series before then moving into the main game.
“Ironically he was one of our Carrera Cup pit crew in 2005 but he never drove the cars,” recalls Ritter, “I guess almost ten years down the track he now gets that chance.”
“I did the Pro-Am race with Marc Cini last year and I really enjoyed it,” Slade explains, “I had some frustrations in my Supercar world at that point so it was good to do a one-make series event. When I found out that Mick (Ritter) was re-entering Carrera Cup this year I immediately asked him about the Pro-Am and if we could put a deal together. So here we are.”
Slade will have tested twice at Phillip Island and once at Winton by the time the May 23-25 event is conducted and believes that by then he and co-driver Mastronardo will be on the money.
“I’m pleased to be paired with Adrian because I think he’ll learn a lot from having another driver in his car,” Slade says, “with his return to competition after a lengthy layoff it’s always good to get someone else’s perspective on what the racecar is doing. I think the Pro-Am will be really beneficial to someone like Adrian in particular.”
The other two pairings for Sonic are mouthwatering prospects.
Carrera Cup debutant Nick McBride will be joined by the vastly experienced Rodney Jane.
“Nick’s already showing enormous potential,” explains Ritter, “so to pair him with someone as experienced as Rodney will be a huge plus for Nick. And to be honest, Nick’s car speed and his energy will no doubt bring the best out in Rodney as well. I see this pairing as very exciting for our team and for the event.”
Livewire Nick Foster will be paired with someone with less experience than he but that’s not something that will slow this combination down as talented Sydneysider Ryan Simpson saddles up.
Simpson, a former Sonic Formula Ford and now V8 Touring Car Series frontrunner recently showed his considerable potential at the Mallala round by posting pole position, breaking the lap record and recording three race wins in the process.
“Ryan’s a very handy racer,” Ritter points out, “and he’s in prime form after Mallala. The pairing of Ryan and Nick will be a real handful for our rivals. Nick’s only a young guy but he has a very wise head on his shoulders and he’ll bring Ryan up to speed very quickly in the Porsche. I couldn’t be happier with all three of our pairings and I can’t wait to get started.”
Sonic Motor Racing Services Pro-Am combinations:
Tim Slade (Pro) – Adrian Mastronardo (Elite) Veritas #39
Nick Foster (Pro) – Ryan Simpson (Elite) Bob Jane T-Marts #777
Nick McBride (Pro) – Rodney Jane (Elite) Bob Jane T-Marts #77
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NewsPERCAT TO PARTNER SMOLLEN IN PRO-AM
Coates Hire Racing’s Nick Percat will co-drive with Shane Smollen in round three of the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at Phillip Island on May 23rd – 25th.
This round features a unique two-driver Pro/Am format introduced at the Porsche Rennsport event last year and proved highly popular with the drivers, teams and fans.
There are two one-hour races where each regular Elite (Am) class driver is paired with a Pro class driver, and vice versa. Both drivers must qualify with their starting position for race one determined by the combination of both drivers’ best lap time.
Either driver can start the first race, which has a compulsory pit stop for a driver change, but whichever driver finishes race one must start race two.
This format produced exciting and entertaining racing and last year Percat was victorious in race one behind the wheel of the Coates Hire Porsche.
After finishing the 2013 championship third in the Elite class, Smollen’s strong form has continued, securing the elite class ‘pole position’ at the first two rounds of 2014, the Clipsal 500 and the Australian Grand Prix.
Percat made his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup last year and his impressive season included five pole positions, five race wins, one round win and the runners up spot in the championship behind Craig Baird, who secured a world record-equalling fifth championship.
This year Percat is competing in the V8 Supercars Championship and finished seventh outright in the last round at Pukekohe in New Zealand.
Nick Percat: “I was pleased to be offered the drive by Shane and am really looking forward to racing the new generation Porsche Carrera Cup car.
“I really enjoyed my time last year in the Porsche Cup and now having driven it, the new model Porsche is very enjoyable to drive but quite different from the old model.
“One thing remains and that is you have to push really hard to get the best out of it”.
Shane Smollen: “I am delighted that Nick has joined us for the race at Phillip Island this year. He was outstanding in last year’s Carrera Cup and I am looking forward to sharing the driver’s seat with him and I think his input into setting up the car and how he goes about a race weekend will be invaluable to my team and myself.
“Our test at Phillip Island was conducted in a variety of different weather conditions from pouring rain to sunbursts and a dry track. We worked though all them and it has been a very positive day for us”.
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NewsGracie confirms Miles for Phillip Island enduros
Fujitsu Racing has confirmed Tim Miles as its Elite class co-driver for the upcoming Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round at Phillip Island.
Miles will make his Carrera Cup debut partnering the team’s regular Pro class driver, Renee Gracie in the Fujitsu Racing Porsche.
To be held from May 23-25, the Phillip Island event is the third round of the series and the only event to feature a two-driver, Pro/Am format. As per last year’s Porsche Rennsport event, the race format will consist of 2 x 1-hour races where each regular Pro class driver must be paired with an Elite class driver, and vice versa.
In Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, drivers such as Gracie who pursue motorsport as a primary career are classed as Pro drivers, while drivers whose regular vocation is not motorsport compete in the Elite class. Drivers in the Elite category are mostly successful businessmen who have taken up motorsport as a serious pastime, or have previously competed at a semi-professional level.
Miles is the founder and principal of Miles Advisory Partners, a corporate advisory firm specialising in business divestments and mergers and acquisitions. Miles is best known in motorsport for his tenure as a part-owner of V8 Supercar team Tasman Motorsport, and for most recently managing the sale process of V8 Supercars to its current majority shareholder, Archer Capital.
Miles previously raced Formula Ford in his native New Zealand in the late 1980s, before heading to England where he worked with the Pacific and Bowman racing teams in Formula 3, followed by a stint with Vic Lee Motorsport in the British Touring Car Championship. In 2011, Miles returned to the driver’s seat in the Aussie Racing Cars category and currently races in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series with McElrea Racing, the same team that has run Gracie in Carrera Cup for the past two seasons.
Gracie is coming off her best ever performance at the recent Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, where the 19-year old finished 10th in the second race of the weekend and recorded career-best, qualifying, race and round results.
TIM MILES:
“I am really looking forward to stepping up to Porsche Carrera Cup for the Phillip Island event. It will be a big step up from what I am used to but I am excited about racing one of the brand-new 991 model cars on one of the fastest and most exciting tracks in the country. Renee has really come on in leaps and bounds since she progressed to Carrera Cup from karts last year, and I am delighted to be teaming up with her.”
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NewsWall Racing returns to Carrera Cup
Multiple Championship winning team Wall Racing is set to return to the premier Porsche motorsport category in Australia, the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
After many successful seasons running a Porsche, including two Australian GT Championship wins for current V8 Supercar driver David Wall, the team will run Barton Mawer from the Townsville round, with car owner Greg Taylor from next year.
The team took possession one of the latest model Porsches earlier this month, and completed their first test day on Wednesday. Wall Racing Team Manager, David Wall, said they were pleased with how the test went and that he was looking forward to working with Barton again.
“Bart has been a close friend of mine for many years, but not only that, he is also a great steerer,” said David.
“We have raced together at Wall Racing with some great results. We finished 3rd and were the highest placed non-factory car at the Sepang 12 Hour, and at the Bathurst 12 Hour we finished 4th outright in an older model car. For Bart, it is a return to the Championship in which he raced in 2008, finishing 10th in his rookie year including a podium finish.”
Wall Racing General Manager, David Fyfe said that with the experience of both Bart and David Wall to call on, Greg will spend this year learning as much as he from them, and getting as much track time as possible before making the step up to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
For the team, returning to Porsche Carrera Cup with secured solid financial backing is an exciting step.
“It always was the ambition of Dad and mine to grow the business, so it is good to see it come to fruition. We see this as the first step in the growth of our team,” said David Wall.
Wall Racing is a small family owned business that provides high quality race car services and track side support. The quality of the service they provide is such that the team has many Championship victories to their name.
2009 was a special year for Wall Racing with David and his father Des winning their respective National Championships, the Australian GT Championship for David and the Australian Sports Sedan Championship – the first and only time to date a father and son were National Champions in the same year.
Returning to Carrera Cup will add to an already busy year for the team which includes competing in the GT3 Cup Challenge with Richard Gartner, and may run another car in the series, in addition to running selected Australian GT Championship rounds.
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NewsMcLaughlin joins Grove in Pro-Am showdown
V8 Supercar ace Scott McLaughlin will partner Stephen Grove in next month’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am endurance round at Phillip Island.
The popular Kiwi is scheduled to participate in both 60 minute races as the Carrera Cup Australia category makes its maiden venture onto the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals bill.
McLaughlin has taken the V8 Supercar world by storm in recent times following a number of spectacular performances for Volvo Polestar Racing in the early rounds of 2014. The 20 year-old’s laid-back demeanour and thrilling driving style is fast securing the allegiance of many thousands of motorsport fans around the world.
McLaughlin has assembled an impressive touring car resume having claimed the V8 Supercars Development Series and the V8 SuperTourers Championship in 2012 before making a fruitful transition into the V8 Supercar main-game last year. The Melbourne-based driver is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to sample sports car racing at one of Australia’s most iconic circuits.
“The Carrera Cup looks great. The cars are fantastic but they look very complex,” said McLaughlin. “I’m looking forward to having a crack in Stephen’s weapon during the race weekend!
“I love Phillip Island. It’s fast and flowing and has awesome scenery which is an added bonus – not that you get time to look at it! I believe we have a great shot at winning and after talking about it for a long time; I’m very excited to be teaming up with Stephen for the race. He has been fast and I’m looking forward to seeing how we go!”
Fresh off attaining an elite class podium at Albert Park last month, Stephen Grove is hoping to benefit from the opportunity to work with one of Australasia’s brightest motorsport talents.
“Scotty is a professional driver and he will bring a professional approach, the ability to get the best out of the car and will be able to help me to further develop my driving,” explained Grove. “I feel that it is important to race and work with as many different professional drivers as possible, especially the calibre of Scott and Earl [Bamber] to learn from and help develop my racing.”
Despite having carved his career in low-downforce touring cars, Grove expects McLaughlin to quickly find his feet in the agile Carrera Cup machine.
“Scotty will come up to speed very quickly in the 991. The main difference he will experience is the grip that the new Porsche has which results in faster entry into, and exits out of corners. The window of setup in the new Type 991 is small and therefore I would think that we will have a pretty neutral setup between both drivers.”
Scott McLaughlin and Stephen Grove will have the opportunity to tailor the new Porsche 991 GT3 Cup machine to the flowing Phillip Island layout during a test session on the 17th of April. Slightly over a month later, the Carrera Cup Pro-Am round will be contested over a three day period commencing on Friday the 23rd of May.
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NewsWin with Porsche and Speedcafe.com
Speedcafe.com and Porsche Cars Australia is giving you the chance to win the ultimate Porsche Carrera Cup Australia experience for participating in the 2014 edition of The Motorsport Survey.
The survey is the most comprehensive of its type in Australasia, gauging your views on a broad range of motorsport topics, including V8 Supercars’ new-for-2015 Fox-Ten media rights deal.
The anonymous results are shared with teams, promoters, manufacturers and sponsors, ensuring your voice can have an impact on all aspects of the sport.
The major prize winner will be a guest of Porsche Cars Australia for the ARMOR ALL Gold Coast 600 weekend.
The prize includes flights, accommodation at a luxury Gold Coast resort, tickets to the event and the opportunity to rub shoulders with the stars of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in the VIP Teams Lounge.
One lucky survey participant will win a $200 Supercheap Auto Gift Card each week throughout the 10 weeks of the survey, with every respondent (that enters their details) going into the weekly draw and the major prize draw.
To participate, visit www.themotorsportsurvey.com.au/
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NewsMichelin stars at Albert Park
The second round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has been run and won by Championship leader Warren Luff. Repeating the podium in the opening round of the Championship two weeks ago, it was Steven Richards in second and Nick Foster in third.
With a short break between this round and the opening round at the Clipsal 500, the Michelin team hit the ground running with the first practice session kicking off on the Thursday afternoon.
With heavy clouds threatening on and off all weekend, the Michelin team ensured all teams had at least one set of wet tyres fitted just in case. The weekend remained dry for the category, meaning the Michelin wet tyres were not needed.
Held as a part of the support program of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the event is the biggest the category will race at all year, so the pressure was on. After dominating the opening round, it was Luff again was on top of the timing sheets at the end of qualifying. Luff’s domination was broken in race one with Richards getting the jump and holding on for the win, but Luff was back on top in races 2 and 3.
Commenting after the race Nick Foster from Rodney Jane Racing said that they were still learning how to get the most out of the new Porsche.
“We are still learning and gaining speed every time we go out on track,” said Nick.
“Each session we have made changes to the set up trying to find the perfect balance. We still have more to come from us and the car, but we set our fastest time of the weekend in the final session so you can’t ask for more than that.
“We ran both sets of our new tyres in qualifying and used our most worn set in the final race. We still set our fastest time in the final race which demonstrates just how well the Michelin tyre is lasting over the race weekend.”
In the Elite Class, it was rookie Roger Lago who claimed his first win in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
Michelin and Porsche teamed up off the track as well to help teach primary school aged children valuable road safety lessons. Michelin is proud to be a partner in the Porsche Kids Driving School as it fits well with Michelins ambition to deliver safer mobility.
In a hands-on experience the children attending the Grand Prix had the opportunity to participate in a short session where they will learn general road rules in a fun, interactive manner. They were then given a chance to put this into practice, peddling around a miniature road network in their own Porsche! The event was a great opportunity for children to increase their awareness of road safety in a fun, non-threatening environment.
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NewsAlbert Park glory for Luff and Lago
Warren Luff has taken his second consecutive Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round win at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, as Roger Lago claimed his maiden Elite Class round victory.
After taking victory in Saturday’s Race 2, Luff gained the lead at the start of Sunday’s Race 3 and drove clear of the field, unrivalled in pace throughout the 10 lap race.
Luff claimed a 2.4 second victory from Steven Richards and Nick Foster – the same order in which the trio finished in the round points.
“I’m ecstatic. It’s obviously a great start to the year and it’s been another great weekend for the team. It’s so good to have such a healthy points lead in the championship but we know that it is going to be a very hard championship to keep having these results,” said Luff.
“I really fell in love with these new cars from the very first time I drove it. Obviously something between me and the car is really clicking and the team does a great job of putting this car together and giving me the best car they possibly can. Hopefully we can keep this up every round.”
Craig Baird finished fourth from Sam Power, Nick McBride, Michael Almond, Shae Davies who drove from the rear of the grid, and Duvashen Padayachee in ninth.
Roger Lago replicated his Elite Class race win from Race 2 in today’s final race of the weekend, finishing ahead of Stephen Grove, Renee Gracie, James Bergmuller, Marc Cini and Tony Bates.
Lago’s win placed him on top of the Elite Class podium from Bergmuller and Grove.
“I was able to gain a reasonably good gap in the opening laps from the drivers behind me. I was struggling to hang on to position for the final five laps as Grove, Gracie and Bates were all closing. I was able to hold them off in the end and I’m happy with the Elite Class win,” said Lago.
Michael Patrizi placed 16th from Tony Walls, Ash Samadi, Brenton Ramsay, Shane Smollen, Adrian Mastronardo, Maurie Pickering and Dean Koutsoumidis in 23rd.
The weekend’s result places Luff 36 points clear of the Outright and Professional Class standings, with Foster 60 points behind the series leader.
Bates retains the lead of the Elite Class, leading Lago by 22 points and third placed Bergmuller by 28 points.
The next round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will be held at Phillip Island as part of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals, where the championship will hold its second ever Pro-Am co-driver race format.
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NewsTables turn as Luff and Lago take Race 2 win
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia points leader Warren Luff has returned to the top by winning Race 2 at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, while newcomer Roger Lago scored his first Elite Class victory.
Luff, who placed second to Steven Richards in Race 1, drove to the lead at the start and maintained this position until the chequered flag, holding a comfortable distance to rivals Richards and third placed Nick Foster to the finish.
Luff is now equal in points with Richards for the round and 30 points clear in the season’s point standings.
“We probably didn’t have the car that we needed late in the race yesterday; it was a little bit hard to hang on to Richards, who had good car speed right throughout the race. We made a few changes overnight and I was much happier with the balance of the car throughout the race,” said Luff.
Craig Baird placed fourth for the race, spending most of the race unchallenged, finishing ahead of Sam Power, Nick McBride, Michael Almond and Duvashen Padayachee in eighth – the quartet battling for position the majority of the race.
New to Carrera Cup in 2014, Lago placed ninth and was the top placed Elite Class driver, pleased with his top 10 performance.
“I nearly got into trouble at the first corner with the spin but I went the right way and missed everything. After that I really drove on my own, to be honest,” said Lago.
“The guys behind me didn’t catch me and the guys in front were too quick. I haven’t been here before and it’s my first year in Carrera Cup so I’m pretty happy.”
Renee Gracie scored a career best result of 10th after battling with Stephen Grove and James Bergmuller, who placed 11th and 12th, while Tony Bates and Marc Cini also had a close tussle during the race to finish 13th and 14th, respectively.
Brenton Ramsay placed 15th from Dean Koutsoumidis, Adrian Mastronardo, Maurie Pickering and Ash Samadi in 19th, who was dropped four positions in the results after contact with Ramsay.
Michael Patrizi and Shae Davies failed to finish after contact at the opening corner, as did Shane Smollen due to rear end damage incurred after late race contact.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final race of the Albert Park round on Sunday at 2:05pm, which will be broadcast on Ten and One.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 16, 2014
2:05pm Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 16, 2014
Time: 2:05pm
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsRichards and Bergmuller take Race 1 victory
Steven Richards has ended Warren Luff’s winning streak in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia by taking Race 1 victory at Albert Park as James Bergmuller claimed his first Elite Class race win.
Luff was victorious in all three races at the season opening Clipsal 500 and claimed pole position for the opening race at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.
Richards gained the lead from the start and, after a close tussle early in the race, pulled away to be out of reach of the series leader by the chequered flag, winning by 1.6 seconds from Luff and Nick Foster close behind in third.
“I had a good race with Luff for a few laps towards the start. I’m really happy with the result and it’s great to get our first win of the season,” said Richards.
“Luff obviously had a great weekend at the Clipsal 500 so at some point we needed to be crawling some points back. It’s crucial we do it as soon as possible as he is no doubt going to be pretty consistent over the year.”
Shae Davies and Michael Patrizi had a race-long battle and finished in fourth and fifth from Craig Baird, Nick McBride, Michael Almond and Sam Power in ninth.
Smollen was the first Elite Class driver to finish, placed 10th, however a post-race five-second penalty for a jump start dropped him behind Bergmuller in the race results, with Smollen dropping to 11th from Tony Bates, Roger Lago, Stephen Grove and Renee Gracie in 15th.
Bergmuller was happy to get his maiden Elite Class race win and feels it is a step in the right direction for this season.
“I’m absolutely rapt with that result. It was totally unexpected,” said Bergmuller.
“At the beginning of the year I was aiming for a top five result in the Elite Class. After my Clipsal 500 podium I reassessed and now we’re looking toward greater goals and potentially even the championship. So far it’s looking alright.”
Duvashen Padayachee finished 16th after a spin at the start from Marc Cini, Ash Samadi, Brenton Ramsay, Adrian Masrondardo and Dean Koutsoumidis in 21st.
Two drivers failed to finish: Maurie Pickering incurred damage after contact with Ramsay and Tony Walls made contact with a concrete barrier late in the race.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold Race 2 tomorrow at 12:50pm and its final race of the weekend on Sunday – both to be telecast on Ten and One.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 15, 2014
12:50pm Race 2
Sunday March 16, 2014
2:05pm Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday March 15, 2014
Time: 12:50pm
Channel: Ten/One
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 16, 2014
Time: 2:05pm
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsPorsches set record pace at Albert Park
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has set sensational pace in the opening day of the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, with Warren Luff and Shane Smollen taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award and TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Award, respectively.
Luff posted the quickest time in qualifying late in the session; his time of 1:57.7313 eclipsing the previous qualifying record and positioning the pole-sitter ahead of Steven Richards, Shae Davies, Nick Foster, Craig Baird, Michael Patrizi, Sam Power, Nick McBride and ninth-placed Michael Almond on the Race 1 grid.
After taking a clean sweep of race wins and the round win in Adelaide, Luff hopes to continue his strong form at Albert Park.
“I had to work really hard for that pole position; it was very close at the end and these new cars are proving to be so good on every circuit that we go to. Full credit to the team and hopefully we can continue the form we had in Adelaide,” said Luff.
“We always knew that this car would be very special here at Albert Park. I don’t see any reason why we can’t win again this weekend. We’ve found the car to be very consistent throughout practice and qualifying but obviously we’re going to have three tough races here this weekend.”
Smollen was the best of the Elite Class drivers to secure the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Award ahead of Duvashen Padayachee, Roger Lago, James Bergmuller and Marc Cini in 14th.
“It’s been a good day in the new car and I’m very happy to break the two minute barrier – it’s a bit of a psychological barrier for the Elite Class drivers,” said Smollen.
“I was really starting to find the limits of the new car and I think we’re going to see some sensational times over the weekend once the track rubbers up.”
Renee Gracie qualified a career best of 15th from Stephen Grove, Tony Walls, Tony Bates, Brenton Ramsay, Maurie Pickering, Ash Samadi, Adrian Mastronardo and Dean Koutsoumidis in 23rd.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its first race at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix tomorrow at 6:20pm, with a race also to be held on both Saturday and Sunday.
The final two races of the weekend will be broadcast live on both Ten and One.
Race Schedule
Friday March 14, 2014
6:20pm Race 1
Saturday March 15, 2014
12:50pm Race 2
Sunday March 16, 2014
2:05pm Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday March 15, 2014
Time: 12:50pm
Channel: Ten/One
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 16, 2014
Time: 2:05pm
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsPadayachee scores new season backer
Australia’s number one pet food producer, VIP Petfoods, has announced a naming rights sponsorship with young, upcoming racing driver Duvashen Padayachee for the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
For Padayachee, who finished consistently in the top 8 at the last round at Clipsal 500, the sponsorship will see his number 45 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in a striking new VIP Petfoods livery for the remainder of the championship, with the second round held as supporting event to the 2014 Formula One Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
The iconic yellow and black ‘paw-print’ theme, as seen on fellow VIP Petfoods race cars, will be the first time the VIP Petfoods logo appears on a Porsche Carrera Cup car since the series revival in 2010.
Commenting on the new sponsorship Duvashen said “I am very excited to have VIP Petfoods onboard as a major sponsor, and to have the support from the Quinn family who are committed to supporting my future racing goals. To be associated with a brand that supports racing drivers such as Shane Van Gisbergen (V8 Supercars) is a real honour and I look forward to achieving some great results with them in 2014!”
“I feel that I can run at the front of such a competitive series, such as Carrera Cup, and against some of the best drivers in Australia. Team BRM have a good handle on the new car, but now it is up to me to make the most of this opportunity and have a solid crack at the championship.”
About VIP Petfoods and the V.I.P Brand:
In less than ten years V.I.P. Petfoods has grown to a level where it is now acknowledged as the world’s largest producer of fresh chilled pet food.
The company is proudly Australian and is comprised of three generations deeply committed to ensuring that our entire product range is made from only the freshest local Australian meats and ingredients.
V.I.P. Petfoods continue to invest heavily in the process of developing innovative new manufacturing processes and products that ensure they can help you keep your Very Important Pet in the best possible condition.
The striking logo and yellow paw prints on black backgrounds can’t be missed and they have helped the company establish a point of difference against their competition.
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NewsCarrera Cup celebrates 10 years at Albert Park
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will this weekend bring its fresh new look to the Melbourne street circuit for the championship’s 10th visit to Albert Park.
The Porsche series debuted its new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at the 2014 Clipsal 500 two weeks ago, with the 2014 model racer making a positive impression at the season opener.
Carrera Cup now readies for its second round of the 2014 season, with the same 23 car field set for the category’s 10th Albert Park appearance and its fifth visit as a point-scoring championship round.
The mix of the fast flowing Albert Park circuit and the sport cars handling of the Porsche 911 race car is the perfect combination, according to Carrera Cup driver Michael Patrizi.
“These cars are perfectly suited to the Albert Park circuit – it’s a fast, flowing European-style track which these Porsche 911 race cars are designed for,” said Patrizi.
“The Australian Grand Prix attracts a huge amount of sponsors and fans so for me there will be nothing better than standing on top of the Albert Park podium. I hope we can achieve this by the end of the weekend.”
Elite Class front-runner Tony Bates dominated Round 1 in Adelaide and looks forward to the change of scenery at the picturesque Melbourne track.
“The Albert Park circuit is not a concrete jungle like in Adelaide and Gold Coast; it’s quite a free flowing track like Sydney Motorsport Park and Phillip Island, which are hugely enjoyable. Mix this with the fact you’re racing at the same circuit as V8 Supercars and Formula 1 and it will be a sensational event,” said Bates.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will begin its second round of 2014 this Thursday with a practice and qualifying session, followed by a race on each of Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The final two races of the weekend will be broadcast live on both Ten and One.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 13, 2014
2:10pm Practice 20 minutes
4:50pm Qualifying 20 minutes
Friday March 14, 2014
6:20pm Race 1
Saturday March 15, 2014
12:50pm Race 2
Sunday March 16, 2014
2:05pm Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday March 15, 2014
Time: 12:50pm
Channel: Ten/One
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 16, 2014
Time: 2:05pm
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsPromising Carrera Cup return for Sonic
Sonic Motor Racing Services’ three-car assault on the 2014 Carrera Cup Australia Championship began on a positive note over the weekend at the opening round held at The Clipsal 500 on the streets of Adelaide.
Pro category Drivers Nick Foster, Nick Bride and Elite rookie Adrian Mastronardo came away from the weekend on the demanding street circuit with encouraging results and significant data to take with them to the next round at The F1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in just two weeks time.
“To be honest I’m very pleased with all our guys,” explains Sonic boss Michael Ritter, “Nick Foster is a championship contender right off the bat anyway and for Nick McBride to kick things off like he did with no previous Porsche experience is very satisfying. Considering we lack test time with these cars compared to the other teams our results for the weekend are very encouraging. We need to work on our cold tyre pace but other than that I think we did very well.”
The two Nicks, Foster and McBride, showed that they will be serious championship contenders in rounds ahead.
Foster’s highlight was a fighting second place in Race One in the Bob Jane T-Marts #777 whilst McBride’s best finish for the weekend was third place in the same race in the Bob Jane T-Marts / Marshalls & Dent Lawyers #77.
Nick Foster: Qualifying – 4th. Race 1 – 2nd. Race 2 – 3rd. Race 3 – 3rd.
Nick McBride: Qualifying – 6th. Race 1 – 3rd. Race 2 – 4th. Race 3 – 4th
“All in all I think it was a solid start,” recalls Foster, “we built on our speed most of the weekend and consolidated what was a pretty good opening round. I think we can make some improvements in certain areas and go into the Grand Prix weekend with confidence.”
“Even though I scored a top three in my first race the last race was more satisfying,” explains McBride, “I’m more interested in pace than place right now and in our last race I had the second fastest lap time and was quicker than all three cars in front of me (he eventually finished fourth). For me that was probably the high point of the weekend. It’s great to get that first championship weekend out of the way so now I have some idea of what to expect with Porsche racing. I just want to keep improving every time I go out there.”
Adrian Mastronardo achieved what he set out to do, garnering important laps and experience in his immaculate Veritas #39 911 GT3.
Mastronardo qualified 21st, unfortunately suffered a DNF due to a spin in Race One, finished 22nd in Race Two and placed 21st in Race Three.
Mastronardo, making his return after two decades focusing on business commitments, enters Albert Park 12th in the standings amongst a field that boast significantly more Porsche experience than he.
“Considering he hasn’t done any racing in 23 years he did a very good job,” admits Ritter, “it won’t be long before he starts challenging some of these elite guys once he gets a bit more confidence.”
“Mick had me on a bit of a program,” concedes Mastronardo, “and we stuck to it. I’m extremely happy. The car was excellent, the team was excellent and I really enjoyed the experience. I can’t wait for the next round and to get some more seat time. It’s both thumbs up for me.”
As the team now prepares for the Championship’s second consecutive street course (held at the iconic F1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park) and home town round Foster and McBride sit third and fourth respectively in the Pro standings.
For more information please visit www.teamsonic.com.au.
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NewsPoints: Round 1
Outright points – after Round 1
1. Warren Luff – 180
2. Steven Richards – 150
3. Nick Foster – 150
4. Nick McBride – 132
5. Sam Power – 96
6. Michael Patrizi – 94
7. Duvashen Padayachee – 91
8. Shae Davies – 77
9. Craig Baird – 75
10. Tony Bates – 61
11. Shane Smollen – 52
12. Roger Lago – 39
13. James Bergmuller – 39
14. Tony Walls – 35
15. Stephen Grove – 35
16. Michael Almond – 32
17. Marc Cini – 28
18. Renee Gracie – 25
19. Brenton Ramsay – 22
20. Maurie Pickering – 17
21. Ash Samadi – 17
22. Dean Koutsoumidis – 13
23. Adrian Mastronardo – 9
Professional Class points – after Round 1
1. Warren Luff – 180
2. Steven Richards – 150
3. Nick Foster – 150
4. Nick McBride – 132
5. Sam Power – 96
6. Michael Patrizi – 94
7. Duvashen Padayachee – 91
8. Shae Davies – 82
9. Craig Baird – 75
10. Renee Gracie – 56
11. Michael Almond – 40
Elite Class points – after Round 1
1. Tony Bates – 180
2. Shane Smollen – 156
3. James Bergmuller – 122
4. Roger Lago – 122
5. Stephen Grove – 114
6. Tony Walls – 110
7. Marc Cini – 90
8. Brenton Ramsay – 75
9. Maurie Pickering – 64
10. Ash Samadi – 55
11. Dean Koutsoumidis – 54
12. Adrian Mastronardo – 38
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NewsAdelaide clean sweep for Luff and Bates
Adelaide hosted a faultless weekend for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racers Warren Luff and Tony Bates, taking three wins from three races in the Professional Class and Elite Class, respectively, at the Clipsal 500.
Luff continued his impressive pace on the city-side circuit in Sunday’s final race, winning Race 3 by two seconds from Steven Richards and Nick Foster – the same order the trio finished in the round standings.
Rookie Nick McBride continued to impress in his Carrera Cup debut, finishing fourth for the race and the round, crossing the finish line ahead of Michael Patrizi, Sam Power, Duvashen Padayachee, Craig Baird, Shae Davies and Michael Almond in 10th.
Luff hoped to secure the championship lead at the Adelaide event and was pleased with his initial pace in the transition into the new 911 GT3 Cup car.
“It’s certainly good to start the 2014 season on a level playing field. I felt much more at home in the 2014 GT3 Cup car than I ever did in last year’s car. This was a great way to start the championship but obviously there’s still a huge amount of racing to go. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year and hopefully we can keep it going for the Grand Prix,” said Luff.
Richards was also happy with his results in Adelaide, suggesting consistency will be key to a successful 2014 season.
“It’s been a good weekend for us. Luff drove the perfect weekend with no mistakes. Maybe things could have been a little bit different had I not spun on Friday. That’s how you put a championship together, you’ve got to be mistake-free and consistent and get through these weekends without coming into misfortune,” said Richards.
After competing in the 2012 Carrera Cup season, Nick Foster aims to draw on his experience and bring a mature approach to contest for the title after a positive Adelaide weekend.
“We’ve kicked the championship off right with this weekend’s results. The plan is to be a championship competitor right through to the end so hopefully we can build on this from the Grand Prix onwards,” said Foster.
Tony Bates continued his strong form in the Elite Class, taking the race win from James Bergmuller, Shane Smollen, Stephen Grove, Tony Walls and Marc Cini in 16th position.
The impressive result placed Bates on top of the Elite Class round podium from Shane Smollen and James Bergmuller.
“We came to Adelaide with a structured plan not to complicate things this year and keep it basic. I drove at around eight-and-a-half tenths all weekend and preserved the tyres; I had a really good set of tyres by Race 3. I’ve been in a really good head space and had a plan for every session and we executed it well,” said Bates.
Brenton Ramsay placed 17th for the race from Renee Gracie, Roger Lago – who recovered to finish 19th after being forced to start from pit lane – Ash Samadi, Adrian Mastronardo, Maurie Pickering and Dean Koutsoumidis in 23rd.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will return to the track in two weeks for Round 2 of the championship at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
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NewsRepeat success for Luff and Bates in Adelaide
Warren Luff and Tony Bates have again led the charge at the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in Adelaide, repeating their triumphant efforts in Race 2.
Luff led from the start, pulling away from his rivals to hold a comfortable lead for the majority of the race. Richards was able to gain on the front-runner in the closing laps however, sparking an exciting battle in the closing stage of the race.
Richards was unable to pass after a final corner attempt, leaving Luff to take his second win from this season’s two races.
“It’s a great result for the team and we’d love to make it three from three tomorrow,” said Luff.
“We’ll go home now and do our homework; we need to improve our car for towards the end of the race as Richards had some really strong speed in the final laps. I can’t say enough about all the hard work the team has put in. Bring on tomorrow.”
Team-mates Nick Foster and Nick McBride continued their strong form in Race 2 placing third and fourth, respectively, from top qualifier Shae Davies, rookie Sam Power, Michael Patrizi, Duvashen Padayachee and Craig Baird in ninth.
After claiming the Elite Class win in yesterday’s race, Bates repeated the feat in Race 2 and placed 10th outright, beating Shane Smollen, Roger Lago and James Bergmuller to the finish.
“It’s a terrific way to start the season. It was a tough race but I was holding Shane behind me quite comfortably and backed off the last lap or two to preserve the car for Race 3 tomorrow,” said Bates.
Michael Almond missed Friday’s race after a qualifying incident, however the local ace charged from the rear of the grid to place 14th ahead of Stephen Grove, Tony Walls, Renee Gracie, Marc Cini, Brenton Ramsay, Maurie Pickering, Dean Koutsoumidis and Adrian Mastronardo in 22nd, while Ash Samadi failed to finish after sustaining radiator damage.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s final race of the Clipsal 500 event will be held on Sunday at 1:55pm.
Race schedule
Sunday March 02, 2014
1:55pm Race 3 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 02, 2014
Time: 2:25pm AEST
Channel: Seven
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NewsLuff and Bates open 2014 season with victory
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia held its opening race of the 2014 season as the sun set on Adelaide this afternoon, where Warren Luff and Tony Bates claimed outright and Elite Class honours, respectively.
Shae Davies was the pace-setter earlier in the day by taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award from Steven Richards and Luff.
Davies then made the most of his front row start, taking the early lead of the race, however his time at the front ended on Lap 7 when impeded by a lapped car, enabling Richards to pass for the lead and dropping Davies down the order.
Richards held the lead of the race for only two laps before spinning at Turn 9 on Lap 9, handing Luff the lead.
Luff was challenged by Davies in the closing laps, however Davies ran wide and lost time on Luff late in the race then came into contact with the Turn 11 barrier, which dropped him down the order while trying to resume in the race.
Luff claimed the opening victory of the season ahead of a strong and consistent performer Nick Foster and Porsche newcomer Nick McBride.
Richards, who posted a new lap record, recovered several positions after his earlier spin to place fourth from Duvashen Padayachee, Sam Power, Michael Patrizi and Craig Baird in eighth.
Luff was pleased to begin the season with success and hopes to continue his strong form into tomorrow’s Race 2.
“I’m ecstatic, I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season. It was a bit of a crazy race with lapped traffic playing a hand in the race. I certainly felt sorry for my team-mate Shae Davies and had a great dice with Richards, though it was made pretty easy for me in the end,” said Luff.
“It’s a great way to start the year. We’ll be looking for similar results in the next two races and start our championship as best we can.”
Bates placed ninth for the race, holding off a late-charging Shane Smollen for the Elite Class victory.
“I was pretty happy with that race. I was in a good groove, I felt comfortable and the car is great. It’s a fantastic way to start the season,” said Bates.
“Smollen was putting a bit of pressure on me towards the end of the race but I was pretty confident I’d hold him out on the last two laps. He took a massive dive into Turn 9 and I saw him sail right by so I switched back and on I went.”
Davies recovered to finish 11th from Roger Lago, Tony Walls, Stephen Grove, Ash Samadi, Marc Cini, James Bergmuller, Renee Gracie, Maurie Pickering, Brenton Ramsay and Dean Koutsoumidis.
Adrian Mastronardo failed to finish while Michael Almond didn’t start the race, unable to make the necessary repairs in time after a qualifying accident earlier in the day.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second race for the weekend tomorrow and the final race of the round on Sunday.
Race schedule
Saturday March 01, 2014
1:35pm Race 2 15 laps
Sunday March 02, 2014
1:55pm Race 3 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (delayed)
Date: Saturday March 01, 2014
Time: 2:30pm AEST
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 02, 2014
Time: 2:25pm AEST
Channel: Seven
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NewsNew cars take to the track in Adelaide
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia formally introduced its new fleet of Porsche 911 race cars to Australian motorsport at the opening day of the Clipsal 500, with Warren Luff and Shane Smollen setting the pace.
A field of 23 brand new race cars graced the Adelaide street circuit for Thursday’s two practice sessions with 2013 front-runner Luff posting the best lap time of the day.
Steven Richards was the second quickest driver ahead of Shae Davies, rookie Nick McBride, Nick Foster, Michael Patrizi, newcomer Sam Power, reigning champion Craig Baird and Duvashen Padayachee.
Pace-setter Luff was pleased with his pace, though he believes there is the potential for vast improvement in lap times as the event progresses.
“I’m really happy with today’s pace. The 2014 GT3 Cup car really suits this circuit; it’s a fair bit faster and the times showed that today. I think it will be interesting to see how much faster we all go in qualifying,” said Luff.
“Everyone is still trying to get their head around what they’ve got to do to get the most out of the car. It is an on-going learning process but the good thing with these
cars is that it’s not what you can do with them, it’s more up to the driver. That’s what makes the category so good.”
Smollen, who was impressed with his new machinery, was the quickest Elite Class driver on Thursday and tenth fastest outright from local Michael Almond, Tony Bates, James Bergmuller, Roger Lago, Tony Walls and Stephen Grove.
“The new car is an evolution in every aspect to the previous Carrera Cup car. A lot of people say that it’s more like a GT car; to me it just works a little bit better in every way. I think we’re all still looking for a set up that’s ideal for the characteristics of the car,” said Smollen.
“I think we made good progress. We’ve really only had the shakedown and a half-day test so I’m really happy to go out there a post some good times.”
Ash Samadi was the 17th fastest from today’s practice sessions from Brenton Ramsay, Renee Gracie, Marc Cini, Dean Koutsoumidis, Adrian Mastronardo and Maurie Pickering.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, which welcomes Michelin as Event Partner for the Clipsal 500, will hold Qualifying and Race 1 on Friday, Race 2 on Saturday and Race 3 on Sunday.
Race schedule
Friday February 28, 2014
1:05pm Qualifying 20 minutes
7:10pm Race 1 15 laps
Saturday March 01, 2014
1:35pm Race 2 15 laps
Sunday March 02, 2014
1:55pm Race 3 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (delayed)
Date: Saturday March 01, 2014
Time: 2:30pm AEST
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 02, 2014
Time: 2:25pm AEST
Channel: Seven
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NewsCARRERA CUP TO KICK OFF SPECTACULAR 10TH SEASON
This weekend’s opening round of the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship marks the start of its 10th season, featuring a vastly new look on track.
The Adelaide event will see the introduction of the brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) to the championship; the first of any Carrera Cup series worldwide to field the new race car thoroughbred.
Many of the Professional Class drivers have continued in the series, namely reigning champion Craig Baird, who will celebrate his 150th Carrera Cup Australia race start in Race 2 of the Clipsal 500. Also returning is Warren Luff, Steven Richards, Michael Patrizi, Duvashen Padayachee, Renee Gracie and Shae Davies while South Australian duo Michael Almond and Sam Power begin their first full-season in the Porsche category.
Former title winning team Sonic Motor Racing Services returns having enlisted Professional Class drivers Nick Foster, who returns after a full season in 2012, and debutant Nick McBride.
The Elite Class has six drivers return from the 2013 season including Stephen Grove, Tony Walls, Marc Cini, James Bergmuller, Tony Bates and Shane Smollen.
The Elite Class newcomers all bring racing experience to the championship including V8 Supercars Development Series driver Maurie Pickering, former Carrera Cup racer Ash Samadi, Formula Holden ace Brenton Ramsay, 2010/2011 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia champion Roger Lago, past Formula Ford driver Adrian Mastronardo and Australian GT driver Dean Koutsoumidis.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Cam McConville, is pleased to have the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car make its first appearance in the championship along with an impressive driver line-up.
“We’re delighted to come into the 10th season of Carrera Cup with such a strong field. Having 23 brand new race cars on the grid at the Clipsal 500 is a huge success for the championship and a fitting way to celebrate this significant milestone,” said McConville.
“We also have a tremendous group of teams and drivers who have committed to the season. There are 13 drivers who have returned to the category from last year, while we welcome 10 drivers who are either new to Carrera Cup or return after a previous stint in the series.
“The importance of an even mix of Professional Class and Elite Class drivers is again not lost on the championship with a close-to 50/50 split between the two classes.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its first two practice sessions for the season this Thursday, with Qualifying and Race 1 on Friday, Race 2 on Saturday and Race 3 on Sunday.
Race schedule
Thursday February 27, 2014
11:15am Practice 1 20 minutes
3:30pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Friday February 28, 2014
1:05pm Qualifying 20 minutes
7:10pm Race 1 15 laps
Saturday March 01, 2014
1:35pm Race 2 15 laps
Sunday March 02, 2014
1:55pm Race 3 10 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (delayed)
Date: Saturday March 01, 2014
Time: 2:30pm AEST
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 02, 2014
Time: 2:25pm AEST
Channel: Seven
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NewsGRACIE UNVEILS 2014 FUJITSU RACING PORSCHE
The all-new Fujitsu Racing Porsche which 19-year old Renee Gracie will pilot in her second season of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) has broken cover today.
Gracie’s Porsche 991 GT3 Cup car will display a cutting edge look in 2014, with a stunning new carbon weaved black and rocket red livery replacing the familiar matte black and fluorescent pink which Gracie raced with in 2013.
Also announced today was the extended commitment of Fujitsu General Australia to Gracie’s motorsport program, with Australia’s number one supplier of air conditioning products continuing its association as Gracie’s naming rights sponsor under a new multi-year agreement. Now entering its fourth year, Gracie’s relationship with Fujitsu commenced in karting when she was selected as part of the inaugural Fujitsu ‘Cool’ Driver Program at just 16.
Preparation and management of Gracie’s competition program will again be overseen by the leading McElrea Racing squad, who will run Gracie as one of four drivers in PCCA this season.
Gracie and Fujitsu Racing have this year welcomed the addition of three exciting new commercial partners to their quality portfolio of industry-leading global and domestic brands.
Century 21, the world’s largest real estate sales organisation, has joined Fujitsu Racing as a major sponsor and will utilise Gracie as an ambassador of its ‘Smarter, Bolder, Faster’ brand campaign.
Altrex Auto Accessories, manufacturers of Australia’s best selling number plate protectors and high quality automotive styling products, is making its first foray into motorsport sponsorship with Gracie’s program, while Rain-X, the world’s leading brand of automotive aftermarket glass care will continue a rich history of supporting racing teams and drivers worldwide by partnering Gracie as a supporting sponsor.
International FMCG giant BIC and respected Australian-owned brands Amadio Wines and Bremtec, a brand of Brake Friction Australia, have all increased their commitment to the young Queenslander and will enjoy a greater branded presence on the Fujitsu Racing Porsche.
Gracie is looking to build on a solid debut PCCA season in 2013, where she completed every race she started bar one and recorded a career best of 12th place at the season-ending Gold Coast 600 event.
The 10th season of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia kicks off at this weekend’s Clipsal 500 Adelaide from Thursday, February 27 to Sunday, March 2.
RENEE GRACIE:
“During the second half of last season, I believe I produced more competitive performances as I built experience and confidence racing in Porsche Carrera Cup. This year my goal is to continue that progression and genuinely prove that I have earnt my place in a series of this calibre. I’m extremely grateful to Fujitsu General for their continued commitment to my motorsport career, not to mention the amazing opportunities they have made possible over the past four years and I am incredibly proud to be representing Fujitsu in Australian motorsport.
“The new Carrera Cup car is just fantastic and its advanced technology and increased performance will take the competition to another level this year. Our Fujitsu Racing Porsche also looks sensational in its new colours and I’m sure the livery will be a real talking point when we hit the track in Adelaide this weekend.”
PHILIP PERHAM, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR – FUJITSU GENERAL AUSTRALIA LTD:
“We’re delighted to continue our association with Renee, which commenced in karting back in 2011 and we look forward to seeing her continue to develop in one of the toughest forms of Australian motorsport.
“Renee is a great ambassador for the Fujitsu brand and reflects a professional, competitive and driven image that has the full support of our entire organisation.”
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NewsDAVIES READY TO CHALLENGE FOR CROWN
Impressive Carrera Cup young gun Shae Davies has today unveiled the brand new Porsche 991 GT3 Cup car with which he aims to challenge for this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) title.
Entering his second full season in PCCA, 23-year old Davies will this year re-unite with the leading McElrea Racing squad who he made his PCCA debut with back in 2012 as part of a two-race program.
Davies’ new machine will enter battle in a colourful and aggressive livery combining matte black, fluorescent red and green, white and blue. Davies has retained major backing from Nuveau Constructions and Davbridge Constructions, and will this year welcome the support of St. George Bank, Phase8 and DKM Accountants.
The McElrea Racing-led No Second Chance initiative raising awareness for road safety and anti-violence will also be promoted on the car’s bonnet.
Davies announced his arrival in PCCA last season with a consistent run of strong performances, highlighted by three podium round finishes, a maiden outright race win at Winton and the Pro class round victory at the inaugural Porsche Rennsport event at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Davies, the reigning Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series champion, believes he has never been better prepared for the beginning of a racing season following a series of test days in his new Carrera Cup car and a rigourous summer training regime with leading motorsport fitness expert, Phil Young of GP Human Performance.
Ensuring he is completely immersed in the task of racing in PCCA this season, Davies is now also a full-time, contracted employee of McElrea Racing. When he is not racing, Davies can be found working in the team’s Yatala raceshop or coaching drivers on McElrea Racing Driver Development (MRDD) track days.
The eight-round Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season kicks off for 2014 at next weekend’s Clipsal 500 Adelaide (February 27-March 2).
SHAE DAVIES: “The learning period is behind me and now it is my full intent to ruffle the feathers of those who have led the charge in PCCA in recent years, such as Bairdo (Craig Baird) and Steven Richards. Race wins and the championship are absolutely the goal and my McElrea Racing team and I could not be better prepared for a big year.
“Testing in the new 991 has gone very well and I am feeling very comfortable in the new car. It suits my driving style and I feel physically and mentally primed to attack the season. Working full-time with the team has also greatly assisted my preparation and given me a first-hand appreciation of the tireless and skilled effort the boys put into my racecar and those of my team-mates.”
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NewsPhenix Motorsport set for new challenge
Phenix Motorsport is an exciting new Adelaide based race team contesting the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup throughout Australia. Rising from the ashes of its previous incarnation as Birrana Racing, the new team has retained the expertise that led them to seven Australian Drivers Championships in the open wheel Formula Holden category during 1994 – 2001.
Phenix Motorsport Team Principal Malcolm Ramsay is himself a living legend of motorsport, having constructed and raced Birrana cars during the 70s before heading up Birrana Racing in the 90s. Malcolm explains…
“We’ve got a whole new challenge ahead of us with the tin top of Carrera Cup. We’ve opted for an old Latin spelling of Phenix to represent the rebirth of the team and give ourselves that extra little edge! We can’t wait to get amongst it in 2014.”
The one make Porsche Carrera Cup will be contested over eight rounds during 2014 with the first two rounds at the showcase Clipsal 500 Adelaide and Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix events. Round 3 is a special Pro-Am event at Phillip Island, with the remaining Rounds 4-8 taking place alongside the V8 Supercars at Townsville, Sydney Motorsport Park, Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast. Stepping into the cockpit of the completely brand new 991 GT3 Cup car will be Brenton Ramsay. The commercial helicopter pilot will be trading vertical lift for a paddle shift as he takes the competition up to his fellow Elite Category drivers during season 2014. After his first taste of the new Porsche at Eastern Creek in January Brenton is pumped about his new ride.
“This 991 GT3 Cup car is just awesome! The new model has around 460hp with a weight of around 1200kg, and the pneumatic paddle shift is just wicked. It’s a fully digital car, so I’m also really enjoying the systems and the incredible array of data coming out of the car. I’m like a kid in the candy shop.”
With a degree in Electronic Engineering it’s easy to see why Ramsay feels right at home in the cockpit, but there is still plenty to learn for the tin top Rookie.
“With all my previous racing experience in open wheelers I’m looking forward to learning the nuances of racing with a roof over my head!”
With test days scheduled for Winton and Mallala during February the Phenix Motorsport team is looking for plenty of miles pre Clipsal 500. Round 1 kicks off at the Clipsal 500 street circuit on Thursday 27th February with Practice. Friday is Qualifying, with Race 1 a twilight race that evening. Race 2 is on Saturday and Race 3 is set for Sunday March 2nd.
Check out the team’s recent Winton test day video.
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NewsGT3 Cup: The perfect 50th present
Turning 50 is a milestone worth marking for anyone, but Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Elite Class driver Shane Smollen had a special gift in mind for himself: a brand new 991-series Cup car for the expanded 2014 series.
Shane has been a Carrera Cup regular since 2011, when he joined the one-make Porsche series after driving an earlier 996 Cup car is State-level racing, followed by a year in the Australian GT Championship.
He’d considered purchasing a new Cup car for 2014, but when he saw that the projected handover date of the 25 new cars to their teams and drivers was scheduled to take place at Sydney Motorsport Park on his actual 50th birthday – January 15 – the decision was made.
“It certainly helped me over the line,” said Shane, a Sydney Real Estate Agent. “I couldn’t think of any better present!”
The new Cup car which he is now preparing for the opening round of the 2014 series at the Clipsal 500 meeting on the streets of Adelaide from 27 February – 2 March, is his fourth since he joined the Porsche Cup Australia ranks.
“It’s a real evolution, rather than a revolution of the 997 Cup car,” he said. “From the testing we’ve done so far it’s better and quicker in almost every area.
“The new paddle-shift gear-change smoothes out the driving, particularly for part-time racing drivers like me who do this for a serious hobby, not a living.”
Shane’s McGrath Real Estate Cup car will be amongst 25 identical 991-series Cup cars expected to make their Australian racing debut in Adelaide, with the field split approximately 50/50 between professional and serious amateur ‘Elite’ drivers.
They are guaranteed to be even more spectacular to watch than their 997-series Cup car predecessors, with testing so far indicating they will be up to 1.5 seconds a lap faster.
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NewsVideo: 991 hand-over event
Porsche Cars Australia held a successful event at Sydney Motorsport Park to hand over its brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) cars to its 2014 teams and drivers.
Here’s a look into what went on…
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NewsMichelin gives Carrera Cup fresh rubber
Globally Michelin’s involvement with Carrera Cup is more than just supplying tyres; it is a technical partnership with designers from Michelin working closely with Porsche to develop a tyre that ensures the total performance of the cars on which it is fitted.
The arrival of the new Porsche GT3 Cup car saw Michelin develop a new tyre that will be run in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2014 – designed to provide even greater durability and consistency.
Beyond boasting wider dimensions at both the front and rear (27/65-18 and 31/71-18 now, as opposed to 25/64-18 and 30/68-18 in the case of the 997), the new Michelin Cup N2 tyre was designed to match the demands of the German manufacturer in terms of durability and performance.
Engineers at Michelin Competition and the brand’s Technology Centre worked simultaneously on the newcomer’s construction and tread. The rubber compounds used in its composition are the direct product of endurance racing, ensuring greater durability and better consistency throughout a race distance.
At the heart of the company’s strategy is the philosophy of MICHELIN Total Performance. This is a strategy of developing tyres that deliver improvements across all areas of performance simultaneously.
For Michelin, racing is a technological laboratory at the service of innovation. After being tested in the extreme conditions of a race track, innovations that increase tread life, ensure sustainable tyre performance, improve safety and enhance energy efficiency are then used to develop Michelin passenger car tyres.
With a racing pedigree built on championship and race wins in motorsport categories across the globe, the Michelin name is synonymous with delivering quality motorsport products.
Michelin has tasted success in 24 Hour of Le Mans, the World Endurance Championship, and more locally Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. With an impressive record of 22 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, including taking out a 16th consecutive victory in 2013, Michelin is a proven world leader.
The new MICHELIN Cup N2 tyre:
Front – 27/65-18
Rear – 31/71-18
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NewsCarrera Cup teams take delivery of 2014 racer
Porsche has successfully delivered the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car to its teams ahead of the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season.
Porsche Cars Australia conducted a four-day training and hand-over event at Sydney Motorsport Park to train teams on servicing and repairing the new car along with the new-to-Carrera Cup Cosworth data system.
The teams then spent the final day-and-a-half of the event shaking down and testing their new Type 991 GT3 Cup cars, with the majority to conduct further pre-season testing before the season opening Clipsal 500.
“The four-day hand-over event proved hugely successful both for Porsche and for the teams present,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Cam McConville.
“All teams attended the event, where Porsche educated teams on all aspects of the new car from engine, clutch and gearboxes to our new Cosworth data system and damage repair.
“The feedback from the teams has been tremendous. The car is brilliant to drive, has extraordinary performance and the pneumatic paddle-shift system is a hit with all the drivers, especially with the Elite Class drivers who have been able to extract greater performance out of the car.”
Ben Barker, 2013 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup driver, also attended the test on behalf of Porsche Cars Australia to help drivers adapt to the new machinery.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will officially begin its 2014 season on February 27 to March 03 for the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, South Australia.
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NewsPower to Carrera Cup in 2014
South Australian racing talent Sam Power, 25, will make the step up to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship with Team BRM in 2014.
Power finished third in the 2013 Australian Formula Ford Championship and will make his ‘tin top’ debut at a National level with his home team and at his home event, the Clipsal 500 Adelaide, this March.
He joins Team BRM at an exciting time for the one-make Porsche championship with the brand-new faster and more powerful Type-991 GT3 Cup Car set to debut this year. The Beverly-based BRM outfit is coming off the back of their best ever Porsche season, with Nick Percat helping the team to second in the Championship thanks to five wins and 14 podiums from 20 starts last year.
Team BRM also won the prestigious Carrera Cup Teams Championship for the first time last year.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia,” Power said.
“It’s a pivotal point in my career as Carrera Cup is one of the best feeder categories on the way to my ultimate goal of V8 Supercars, and it also offers me a chance to expand on corporate opportunities outside of driving the car. For me, the Porsche program is a perfect fit.
“The pedigree in Formula Ford last year was fantastic, but if you look at the list of people that will be racing in Carrera Cup this year, it’s epic. This year represents an incredible opportunity to race against and learn from some drivers that I idolise as well as the upcoming young talent.”
Power believes the all-South Australian combination will only offer positives throughout the 2014 season.
“It’s hugely exciting to be working with Team BRM in SA. My upbringing in South Australia has given me this fantastic opportunity to compete in high level sport. Because of this I have a huge passion to support the State in any way I can. BRM also did a fantastic job last year so it was a very logical choice.”
“It’s going to be great to be on the grid at the Clipsal 500 making my Porsche debut in front of a massive South Australian audience.”
Power took the road less-travelled on his route to top-level Motorsport in Australia, honing his skills on racing simulators and electing to skip the traditional karting route all together before making his open-wheel debut in 2010.
After a season of Formula Vee and three in Formula Ford at a state and national level – including victory in the Victorian state championship in 2011 – the step to Carrera Cup sees Power continuing his rise as one of the young talents to watch for the future.
He intends to continue his methodical approach to his debut Carrera Cup campaign this year.
“It is very difficult to set goals when you are moving into such an unkown area. Naturally you want to be as competitive as you can but you have to be realistic, Power said.
“With that in mind, I have had very limited experience with the car and I have not driven ‘tin-top’ cars for three or four years so we will be taking it round-by-round. If we can evolve that over the year then who knows what we can achieve. I am excited to say the least. ”
Team BRM manager Mark Rundle said he is excited to help give Power his ‘tin top’ debut this year.
“We’ve seen a lot of Sam over the years and his approach to the sport is fantastic; He is a great competitor but isn’t afraid to spend the time needed to get up to speed and that’s a great approach for a championship as competitive as Carrera Cup.
“The team has no doubts that he will be competitive this year given the performances he posted in Formula Ford last season. It’s a big step and we’re pleased he’s making it with us.
“From a team perspective it’s great to be able to work with another home-grown South Aussie talent in such a competitive environment and fly the flag for the state at Clipsal this March.”
Team BRM will again run multi-car campaigns in both the Porsche Carrera Cup and Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship in 2014.
Team BRM will announce further components of its Carrera Cup program in coming weeks and will take delivery of their brand-new 991 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars at the official Porsche Motorsport handover day and test session at Sydney Motorsport Park this week.
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NewsThey’re here: New GT3 Cup cars arrive!
A field of 25 brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars have arrived in Australia ahead of next week’s hand-over test event.
In preparation for the 2014 Carrera Cup season, the 460hp pure-bred race cars will be the centrepiece for a four-day hand-over event at Sydney Motorsport Park.
A completely new race car to its predecessor, the four days will serve as training for teams’ engineers and mechanics on servicing and repairing the German-built machine.
Drivers who have paid for their new 911 GT3 Cup car will then have one-and-a-half days of on-track testing with guidance from Ben Barker; the Briton has a season’s racing in the Type 991 GT3 Cup cars under his belt from competing in the 2013 Porsche Mobil1 Supercup season.
“All 25 cars have now landed in Australia, which is obviously exciting for the championship,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Cam McConville.
“Porsche currently has deposits for the majority of the cars. We are indeed ahead of where we thought we’d be at this time in terms of car sales and now only have less than a handful of cars still available.
“Next week’s Sydney Motorsport Park event will be important for teams to learn the technical and maintenance side of the cars, and for the drivers to adapt to the new cars, which take technology to a new level such as an aluminium composite chassis and a pneumatic paddle shift gearbox.”
Following the test, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will commence its season at the 2014 Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on February 27, 2014.
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NewsAlmond joins Carrera Cup in 2014
South Australian Michael Almond will start his rookie Porsche Carrera Cup Australia campaign on home soil when the one-make championship lines up at the season-opening 2014 Clipsal 500.
The Adelaide-based racer is one of many drivers to have so far secured one of the limited Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) race cars that will arrive into Australia in early 2014.
Almond will first experience the new car at an official pre-season test on January 13-16 at Sydney Motorsport Park prior to the start of his first full-time Carrera Cup season in his home city for the Clipsal 500.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to start the season. I grew up watching my father race at the Adelaide Street Circuit, so to race there myself in Carrera Cup is a dream,” says Almond.
Almond competed in the second-tier Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series for the past two seasons, placing third in the 2013 standings with three race wins, and now aims to translate this strong form into Carrera Cup.
“GT3 Cup Challenge has been the best preparation possible for the coming Carrera Cup season,” adds Almond.
“I’ve now completed two seasons in GT3 Cup Challenge and also raced in the Touring Car Masters, V8 Utes and the Australian GT Championship. I am quite a late-comer to motorsport so making sure I’ve had enough seat time is crucial to bring me up to speed in terms of outright pace and race craft.”
Almond has raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship once previously – competing at Sydney Olympic Park for the 2012 season finale.
Almond will take delivery of his new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car during a four-day hand-over event at Sydney Motorsport Park in January, 2014.
The eight-round 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will officially begin at the Clipsal 500 event in Adelaide on February 27-March 02, 2014.
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NewsTITLES DECIDED IN THRILLING SEASON FINALE
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has concluded a sensational 2013 season on the Gold Coast with Nick Percat and Shane Smollen continuing their round dominance and Craig Baird and Max Twigg sealing the 2013 titles.
After victory in Saturday’s Race 1, Percat was triumphant in Sunday’s Race 2 from Steven Richards, Shae Davies, Michael Patrizi, Warren Luff, Baird and Duvashen Padayachee. Smollen placed eighth in Race 2 from Tony Walls – a season best second in the Elite Class and ninth outright – and James Bergmuller.
Richards then capped his season with victory in the final race from Percat, Davies, Luff, Baird and Padayachee in sixth.
Second place secured Percat his first round win for the season, claiming five race wins and five pole positions for the year.
“We’ve had a fast car in the last few rounds but I haven’t been able to translate it into round wins. I’ve been really happy with the way Team BRM has got the car sorted; without me really as I haven’t been around much the last two rounds with my V8 Supercars commitments,” said Percat.
“It was great to get a round win at the last event of the season, especially for everyone who has supported me during 2013.”
Smollen placed seventh in Race 3 from Paul Kelly, Walls, Bergmuller and Marc Cini in 11th place.
Smollen was pleased with his strong end to the season and now looks forward to the introduction of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for next year’s championship.
“This was a great way to end the weekend, a great way to end the season and a great way to farewell this car. We’ve had a few ups and downs in it, but I’m very happy with our strong end to the season,” said Smollen.
“There are no secrets about it, I’m going to keep going and we’ll go back to basics to learn the new car. I can’t wait; bring it on.”
Though Baird’s round was vastly uneventful, the New Zealander secured his fifth Porsche Carrera Cup Australia crown and his 11th Porsche one-make-series title from Percat and Luff.
“I really pushed hard at the beginning of the season and got some good results which meant that I could roll off the gas a little bit here,” said Baird.
“Because of the penalty in qualifying I was shuffled back and if I was to try to seal the championship a little bit earlier, I would have had to take a few unnecessary risks. We were so far out in front in the points I was racing no one for the championship but myself. It was just a matter of completing the races and bringing the car back in one piece.”
While Twigg was not towards the front of the Elite Class on the Gold Coast, he was still able to secure the class title – his third consecutive in the Porsche championship from Flack and Gold Coast winner Smollen.
“I never thought I would be able to win three Elite Class championships. The season was so close, especially after the way Winton and this weekend panned out for me,” said Twigg.
“This was without doubt one of the hardest Elite Class title races. Damien Flack and Shane Smollen improved out of sight this season and by the end of it they both had the pace to be at the front of the Elite Class.”
The Gold Coast round was the final round that the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 997) was eligible for Carrera Cup competition in Australia.
For the coming seaosn, the impressive new Type 991 model GT3 Cup will be introduced, giving a fresh look to an exciting new Porsche championship.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will next compete at the 2014 Clipsal 500 in Adelaide – the first event of an impressive eight-round calendar.
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NewsPERCAT AND SMOLLEN TAKE RACE 1 WIN
Nick Percat has moved to second place in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings with two races remaining following victory in Race 1 on the Gold Coast, while Shane Smollen finished at the top of the Elite Class field.
After taking pole position on Friday, Percat was beaten off the start line from second placed Steven Richards, who remained in the lead for the majority of the 12-lap race.
Percat was close behind at all times until he made a move for the lead on the second-to-last lap; winning a drag race out of the Turn 4 hairpin to eventually claim the race win and move into second place in the championship race.
Richards placed second for the race from Michael Patrizi, Shae Davies, Warren Luff, Craig Baird, who was demoted four places in the starting order to seventh due to a Parc Ferme infringement, and Duvashen Padayachee in seventh place.
A round win has so far eluded Percat in the 2013 season, however the young gun hopes this will change at the Queensland round.
“I’m very happy to take the opening race win in the Gold Coast,” said Percat.
“It’s always great racing with Steven Richards; you always know that he races fair. We had a great battle and it was extremely hard to get past him for the win.
“I’ve had pole positions and race wins this season, but I haven’t had a round win yet. If I take the round win here, then second for the championship will take care of itself.”
Shane Smollen continued his impressive Friday form into Saturday’s race, taking the Elite Class race win and eighth outright from Damien Flack, Max Twigg, Stephen Grove and Tony Bates in 12th place.
Smollen’s goal entering the race was to run with the Professional Class drivers. During the race, he found himself in a long battle with four-time champion Baird and Padayachee before taking the Elite Class race win.
“I drove quite a measured race and managed the gap behind me. It was quite a hot track and I was happy with the way the car performed,” said Smollen, who hopes to improve on his 2012 Gold Coast result, where he won the opening race before his weekend ended in Race 2.
“It’s easy for anything to happen at this track, particularly on the first lap. It’s just important that I keep my head straight; we’ve got good tyres for tomorrow. It will be lower track temperatures tomorrow morning; it should be a faster track and a great race. I just hope to get past the first two corners in Race 2, which will be an improvement on last year.”
James Bergmuller finished in 13th from Michael Loccisano, Tony Walls and Renee Gracie in 16th.
The race experienced one safety car period after Paul Kelly hit the tyre barrier on the opening lap while running towards the front of the Elite Class. Marc Cini was also caught up in the incident, with both drivers failing to finish the race.
Baird now has a 92-point lead in the Professional Class standings from Percat, with Luff a further nine points behind.
Twigg holds a 33-point lead of the Elite Class championship over Flack, who is 297 points clear of third-placed Smollen.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final two races of the 2013 season on Sunday.
Race schedule
Sunday October 27, 2013
8:50am Race 2 14 laps
11:40am Race 3 14 laps
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NewsPERCAT AND SMOLLEN SET PACE IN SURFERS PARADISE
Young speedster Nick Percat has continued his 2013 qualifying dominance in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season finale on the Gold Coast, while Shane Smollen posted the best Elite Class qualifying lap time.
Percat posted his quickest lap time late in the qualifying session, taking his fifth TAG Heuer Pole Position Award of the seven-round 2013 season.
Three-tenths of a second separated Percat and second-quickest driver Steven Richards, qualifying ahead of points leader Craig Baird, Michael Patrizi, Bathurst round winner Warren Luff and Shae Davies.
Percat’s qualifying pace was a surprise to the South Australian considering his lack of experience at the Gold Coast circuit.
“I was surprised by my pace to be honest because I only did about four flying laps in practice and I’ve never been here in a larger race car before,” said Percat.
“Along with Bathurst, this track has to be one of the best in these cars; the two relatively big chicanes are great fun in the Porsche.
“I’ve really enjoyed qualifying sessions lately. I’ve found pace in qualifying all year and it’s great to cap off the season with another pole.”
Smollen’s impressive qualifying pace will see him start seventh on the grid for Saturday’s Race 1, placed ahead of Damien Flack, Paul Kelly, Duvashen Padayachee and current Elite Class leader Max Twigg in 11th.
Strong Friday pace has given Smollen confidence heading into tomorrow’s race, where the Sydneysider believes he has the best chance so far this season to race among some of the Professional Class drivers.
“I’ve very happy with today’s qualifying result; there are some great drivers behind me on the timesheets. It was definitely mission accomplished for today,” said Smollen.
“I just want to finish off the year well this weekend; we’ve had a few ups and downs this season. This is not a particularly easy track to pass on so I’ll concentrate on my starts and getting the car well off the line, settle into the race and hopefully tag on the back of some of the Professional Class drivers. This would definitely be my best opportunity of the year to race with the Professional Class drivers, but it won’t be easy.”
Stephen Grove qualified in 12th position from Tony Bates, Marc Cini, James Bergmuller, Michael Loccisano, Renee Gracie and Tony Walls in 18th.
The first Carrera Cup race of the Gold Coast event will be held on Saturday at 12:25pm. The race will then be televised on the Seven Network later in the day (details below).
The final two races of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will then be held this Sunday.
Race schedule
Saturday October 26, 2013
12:25pm Race 1 14 laps
Sunday October 27, 2013
8:50am Race 2 14 laps
11:40am Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (delayed)
Date: Saturday October 26, 2013
Time: 5:10pm (local/Bris), 6:10pm (Syd/Melb), 5:40pm (Adel), 3:10pm (Per)
Channel: Seven (Adel/Per), 7mate (Syd/Bris/Melb)
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NewsBAIRD SET FOR SWEET 50TH ROUND
Cupcakes aren’t usually part of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s Drivers Briefings. At Gold Coast though, they were.
The category organised tasty treats to commemorate Craig Baird’s 50th round in the Australian Porsche championship.
Baird enters this weekend with the championship lead with a significant gap to second-placed Warren Luff and Nick Percat.
With four Carrera Cup Australia titles already on his mantle – the last three achieved consecutively – Baird will look to secure his fifth championship title this weekend.
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NewsPORSCHE ACE HITS 50 ENTERING SEASON FINALE
After six events, 17 races and 232 laps, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this weekend converges on the Gold Coast for the final round of the spectacular 2013 season.
Only three 14-lap races remain in this year’s one-make championship, with both the Professional Class and Elite Class titles undecided entering the Surfers Paradise based event.
There is, however, a firm favourite for the Professional Class crown; as Craig Baird enters his 50th round of the championship on the verge of his fifth Carrera Cup Australia title win.
“It doesn’t feel like I’m about to enter my 50th Carrera Cup round,” said Baird.
“I had a reasonably solid finish to the Bathurst round which put me in a better position in the standings; especially after a bit of bad luck for Nick Percat, so that really extended my championship lead. I just have to go through the motions this weekend, tick all the boxes to make sure I get the championship.
“Everyone says this championship gets tougher every year, and this year we’ve had some very good competitors and great battles.”
Baird becomes only the third driver to reach 50 round starts in the category behind Carrera Cup’s most capped driver, Marc Cini, and Rennsport race winner Rodney Jane.
From Baird’s previous 49 round starts, the New Zealander has won 20 rounds (a success rate of 41 per cent), had 56 race wins (a success rate of 39 per cent), gained 12 pole positions and stood on 37 round podiums.
Having won seven of the last nine races on the Gold Coast, Baird carries a 104-point lead in the Professional Class standings from Warren Luff, with Nick Percat a further 16 points behind.
Bathurst 1000 victor Steven Richards and Michael Patrizi are placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the standings and both remain in contention for a top-three Professional Class finish.
Meanwhile, Max Twigg holds a 39-point lead in the Elite Class standings from Damien Flack, substantially extending his class lead at Bathurst.
Shane Smollen is placed third in the Elite Class, 78 points ahead of Stephen Grove, and is looking for redemption on the Surfers Paradise streets following a promising, yet ultimately unfortunate, round last season.
“The Gold Coast round last year was disappointing; we won the first race in the Elite Class and then engine issues ended my round; obviously a disappointing way to finish the weekend as I had great pace,” said Smollen.
“Last year weighs on my mind; I have unfinished business at this track. I will be aiming for the best possible result this weekend but keeping in mind the Elite Class podium.”
Carrera Cup will first drive on the 2.98 km street track on Friday for its practice and qualifying sessions before a single race on Saturday and the final two races of the Carrera Cup season on Sunday. Race 1 will be televised from the Gold Coast round, delayed in all markets to be broadcast at 5:10pm.
The Gold Coast round will be the final event where the current model Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars will be eligible for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia competition ahead of the championship’s introduction of the new model Type 991 GT3 Cup car for the 2014 season.
Race schedule
Friday October 25, 2013
10:15am Practice 30 minutes
2:55pm Qualifying 20 minutes
Saturday October 26, 2013
12:25pm Race 1 14 laps
Sunday October 27, 2013
8:50am Race 2 14 laps
11:40am Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (delayed)
Date: Saturday October 26, 2013
Time: 5:10pm
Channel: Seven (Adel/Per), 7mate (Syd/Bris/Melb)
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NewsPERCAT AND MICHELIN ‘FILL UP WITH AIR’
After working hard to ensure the MICHELIN tyres fitted to all of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia entries perform well all weekend – the Michelin team offered the same service to motorists in Bathurst.
Teaming up with Bob Jane T-Mart Bathurst, based in the centre of town, the Michelin team checked motorists’ tyres for free before they made the long drive home.
“Having the correct inflation pressure in your vehicle’s tyres optimises the performance and increases the safety of your vehicle on the road,” said Managing Director Michelin Australia Cedric BINOIT.
“Tyres help carry our most precious cargo – our families – and a few quick and simple checks can help prevent accidents and may save lives.
“Under inflated tyres can result in poor handling on the road, increased stopping distances, and potentially lead to serious accidents that put lives at risk. Incorrect tyre pressure may also damage the life of the tyres, and increase fuel consumption.”
Joining the Michelin team was Nick Percat who knows first-hand the importance on the correct tyre pressure. The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race winner said it could be the difference between winning and not finishing the race.
“On the race track we reach speeds of up to 300km/hr – racing door handle to door handle with some of the best drivers in Australia. I need to have confidence in the performance of the tyres that are fitted to my car – they are the only thing connecting me to the track,” said Percat.
“In Porsche Carrera Cup Australia nearly every aspect of our racing is tightly controlled, but adjusting the pressure in our MICHELIN tyres is one element we can change – even a quarter of a psi (pound per square inch) can make a huge difference.”
For Nick it was this level of performance of his MICHELIN tyres that helped him and his Porsche to have the speed to break records and win over the weekend. Setting the pace in qualifying, Nick claimed pole by 0.8 sec – breaking the qualifying lap record by 1.2 seconds. This performance was maintained in the first race, with Nick leading from start to finish.
In race two it was Warren Luff who finally broke through to claim his first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race win.
Championship leader, Craig Baird, won the third race and remains the firm favourite to take the 2013 title with a 104-point lead over Luff with one round remaining and 180 points on offer.
Next up for the Michelin team will be the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round on the streets of Surfers Paradise for the final round of the 2013 Championship in just over a week.
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NewsLUFF AND GOWANS TAKE BATHURST ROUND WIN
After a season of front-running form, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racer Warren Luff has finally secured his first round win of the 2013 season at Bathurst, while Adam Gowans secured an Elite Class clean sweep.
Craig Baird stole the show on Sunday morning, however, when the New Zealander took the lead of the final race from the start.
Baird held his position at the front and maintained a gap to Luff throughout the race to take Race 3 victory, finishing ahead of Race 2 victor Luff.
For Luff, second place was enough to secure the Professional Class round victory – his first round win of his Carrera Cup career.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend. It would have been nice to tick off some of these boxes earlier in the season but to do it at Bathurst is obviously very special for me and the team. Hopefully we can carry this momentum into the Gold Coast in two weeks,” said Luff, who now sits 16 points ahead of Nick Percat in the standings in second place.
“It’s great to get a good haul of points on Nick in that last race, but there’s still a lot of racing to be done at the Gold Coast. I knew that we were going to be competitive and have a great car this weekend. The team has done a fantastic job in preparing the car all year and we’ve been very unlucky on several occasions. To be able to get our maiden round win for the season is very special for me and the team.”
Steven Richards finished a weekend-high result of third from Michael Patrizi and Elite Class race winner Gowans, who finished an impressive fifth in Race 3.
The Elite Class race win was Gowans’ third for the weekend from three races, claiming a clean sweep of race wins at the Mount Panorama circuit.
“It’s an amazing feeling to take my first Elite Class round win, especially on such an amazing circuit. What an event, what a track, what a championship,” said Gowans.
“I had a really tight tussle with Max Twigg in the first couple of races. It was pretty tight between us in the first couple of corners of the final race, though Max was having a battle with Shane Smollen and I was dragged along by the Professional Class drivers and was able to open up a bit of a gap, which was enough to secure the class race win.
“I was fortunate to get into the top five in the final race too, which I’m extremely happy about.”
Max Twigg finished sixth for the race and second in the Elite Class for the round, extending his Elite Class title lead to 39 points over Damien Flack ahead of the season finale.
Team-mates Duvashen Padayachee and Nick Percat finished seventh and eighth, respectively, with the latter and Patrizi making contact at the opening corner, resulting in Percat’s drop down the order.
Ninth place for Smollen secured him third for the round in the Elite Class, finishing ahead of Flack, Paul Kelly, Marc Cini and Gavin Bullas. Stephen Grove placed 14th from Tony Walls, Michael Loccisano and Renee Gracie.
Shae Davies was set for a top-five result, however a deflated tyre caused the Queenslander to exit the track at The Chase at high speed, eventually coming to rest in the gravel trap with a relatively unscathed Porsche.
Baird is now a firm favourite to take the 2013 Carrera Cup Australia title with a 104-point lead over Luff with one round remaining and 180 points on offer.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will now visit the streets of Surfers Paradise for the final round of the 2013 championship, to be held at the Armor All Gold Coast 600.
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NewsRECORD PACE AND MAIDEN VICTORS AT BATHURST
Warren Luff has broken through for a nail-biting maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race win at Bathurst on Saturday, while Nick Percat set record-breaking pace and Adam Gowans claimed Elite Class triumph.
Percat started the day in fine form, breaking the qualifying lap record by 1.2 seconds to claim the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award.
The young South Australian then went onto claim the opening race victory, taking an early lead over Warren Luff before racing to a dominant victory in the 10-lap race.
Luff placed second for the opening race from Craig Baird, Steven Richards, Michael Patrizi and Shae Davies in sixth place. Adam Gowans was the best of the Elite Class racers to finish in seventh from Max Twigg, Duvashen Padayachee, Shane Smollen, Damien Flack, Paul Kelly, Stephen Grove and newcomer Gavin Bullas in 14th.
Marc Cini placed 15th ahead of teammate Michael Loccisano, Renee Gracie, Tony Walls and Rusty French.
The race was delayed when a safety car period was called when James Bergmuller hit the wall across the top of the circuit, ending has Bathurst campaign. Tony Bates also hit the wall across the top of the course, putting an early end to his weekend.
Percat then started Race 2 on pole position, however Luff managed to gain the lead at the opening corner. From there Luff pulled away from Percat, who was later passed by Baird after running wide at the exit of The Chase.
Luff then looked set for an easy victory until the exit of Skyline on the final lap. Luff ran wide, however he kept the car off the wall and held on to the front position, now with Baird close behind.
Luff was able to hold on to the lead by the chequered flag, taking the first victory of his Carrera Cup career from Baird and Percat in third.
“It’s great to get the monkey off our back,” said Luff.
“There’s been so many times this year where we’ve had good speed and haven’t convert it to a consistent race pace, so it’s been fantastic to do that today.
“I got incredibly lucky on the last lap; I was enjoying the race while I had a decent lead and was watching Percat and Baird scrapping with each other, but I threw that away on the last lap. I had to work for it on the last third of the lap, but it was ultimately a great result for the team.”
Michael Patrizi placed fourth from Steven Richards and Shae Davies; the trio involved in an exciting race-long battle for fourth place.
Following Gowans’ Elite Class win in Race 1, the Tasmanian repeated the feat in Race 2, however he suggests tomorrow’s class battle to become more challenging.
“You can’t ask for much better than two Elite Class race wins,” said Gowans.
“Tomorrow’s aim is now to stay at the front of the Elite Class, though we’ve used all our tyres now and Max Twigg has two new tyres for tomorrow; so he has a slight tyre advantage.”
Twigg placed eighth in Race 2 from Padayachee, Kelly, Flack, Smollen, Bullas, Cini and Grove in 15th. Walls placed 16th in Race 2 from Gracie, Loccisano and French.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final nine-lap race of the Bathurst round on Sunday morning before heading to its season finale event in the Gold Coast two weeks later.
Race Schedule
Sunday October 13, 2013
8:35am Race 3 9 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 13, 2013
Time: 8:35am
Channel: Seven
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NewsPERCAT PERFECT IN RECORD-BREAKING QUALIFYING
South Australian young gun Nick Percat has broken the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia qualifying lap record by 1.2 seconds at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, and in doing so, claimed the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award.
Already holding the top position in Saturday morning’s qualifying session, Percat posted a time of 2:08.7722 in his final lap to increase the margin to his nearest rival Warren Luff to 0.83 seconds.
Percat’s quickest lap surpassed the previous Carrera Cup qualifying lap record of Craig Baird (2011) of 2:09.9866. The time was also quicker than the race lap record, and ultimate lap record of the championship, which was also posted by Baird (2:09.4010) in 2012.
Percat was the quickest driver of the session from Luff, Craig Baird, Steven Richards, Shae Davies and Michael Patrizi.
Max Twigg was the quickest of the Elite Class drivers and claimed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Award, from Adam Gowans, Duvashen Padayachee, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, Damien Flack, Paul Kelly, James Bergmuller and Marc Cini in 15th.
Stephen Grove will begin Race 1 in 16th from newcomer Gavin Bullas, Renee Gracie, Tony Walls, Michael Loccisano and Rusty French.
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NewsBAIRD, GOWANS SET EARLY BATHURST BENCHMARKS
Porsche front-runner Craig Baird has set the quickest practice time for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at Bathurst, with the New Zealander and Adam Gowans posting the best Friday times in the Professional Class and Elite Class, respectively.
Baird’s lap time of 2:11.162 in Friday’s morning practice session was not beaten in the championship’s second practice session later in the day.
The championship leader finished the day three-tenths quicker than Warren Luff, with Nick Percat leading Steven Richards with the third and fourth quickest times for the day. This result meant that the four drivers who are also competing in Sunday’s Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercars race finished at the top of the timesheets.
“Everything was good today; I know that I usually race fairly well here even though I haven’t won a huge amount of races at Bathurst,” said Baird.
“We had a good car here last year and the car felt good straight away this morning. Now that practice is done and dusted we can shift our focus onto qualifying.”
Baird, who is also racing in the #4 Erebus Motorsport V8 Supercar alongside Lee Holdsworth, added that he is not fazed by his busy Bathurst schedule.
“Lee Holdsworth looks after the V8 Supercar, so I jump in and do as I’m told, and the Carrera Cup team looks after the Porsche. The hardest thing is walking around with my schedule and making sure that I turn up at the right car at the right time and jump in the right side.”
Michael Patrizi was the fastest non-V8 Supercar racer in the opening two practice sessions in fifth, from Elite Class pace-setter Adam Gowans, who is making his fourth round start of his Carrera Cup career.
“It’s just a matter of learning the track and how much pace you can carry everywhere, along with getting more consistent and becoming a braver,” said Gowans.
“I’ve raced here before in the Bathurst 12 Hour in a Lotus, which was about 12 seconds-a-lap slower than the Porsche. This is a totally different car with a lot more speed and a lot more grip; it’s pretty daunting across the top of the mountain.
“My goal for the weekend is to win in the Elite Class. It all starts tomorrow morning in qualifying. I will try to get a good run in the qualifying session and then run in the mix with the Professional Class drivers in the races.”
Shae Davies posted the seventh quickest time for the day from Max Twigg, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, Duvashen Padayachee, Damien Flack, James Bergmuller, Paul Kelly, Stephen Grove, Marc Cini and championship debutant Gavin Bullas, who posted the 17th quickest time in his first Carrera Cup appearance.
Michael Loccisano was the 18th quickest driver over the two practice sessions from Tony Walls, Renee Gracie and Rusty French.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying on Saturday morning, followed by its opening two races for the weekend. The final race of the penultimate round of the championship will then be held on Sunday morning.
Race Schedule
Saturday October 12, 2013
8:20am Qualifying 20 minutes
11:10am Race 1 12 laps
3:45pm Race 2 10 laps
Sunday October 13, 2013
8:35am Race 3 9 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday October 12, 2013
Time: 3:45pm
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 13, 2013
Time: 8:35am
Channel: Seven
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News2014 CALENDAR: GREAT EVENTS, MORE RACING
The introduction of the new Porsche 911 race car is not the only highlight of the 10th season of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia; the popular one-make championship will hold more events and over 20 per cent more racing in 2014.
The 2014 season will expand from seven to eight rounds and will now race alongside all three V8 Supercars Endurance Cup events – the Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 600 and Sandown 500, which will see Carrera Cup’s first appearance at the Melbourne circuit since 2008.
The championship will also return to other signature street circuit events including the Clipsal 500, Townsville 400 and the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, as well as to Sydney Motorsport Park, alongside V8 Supercars.
For the first time in the championship’s history, Carrera Cup will also visit the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals at Phillip Island in May.
The championship’s race formats have been revised for 2014, with an additional event and longer races providing 20 per cent more racing.
Up from the traditional 20 minute races of previous seasons, Carrera Cup will hold three 30 minute races at Sydney Motorsport Park, three 25 minute races at Townsville, Sandown and Bathurst, and two 25 minute races and a 30 minute race at the season ending Gold Coast round.
Phillip Island’s Shannons Nationals round will follow the popular race format of this season’s Porsche Rennsport Australia round – two 60 minute co-driver races. At this event, Professional Class drivers will pair with non-regular Elite Class drivers and the championship’s full-time Elite Class drivers will team with non-regular drivers of their choice.
The race format at the opening two rounds – Clipsal 500 and Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix – will be announced in the coming weeks.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Cam McConville, believes the calendar is a fitting reward to those who commit to the 2014 championship.
“The 2014 season will be exciting for many reasons, not only for the introduction of the brand new 911 GT3 Cup car,” said McConville.
“The 2014 calendar is sensational – a perfect mix of events and race formats. In particular the increase in race length from the standard 20 minutes to 25 and 30 minute races is highly appealing to competitors.
“The Pro-Am format at Rennsport was successful and well received by competitors. The Shannons Nationals proved to be the best event option to hold the Pro-Am format and we’re excited to have Carrera Cup headline the Phillip Island event.
“I’d like to thank V8 Supercars for its continued support for Carrera Cup competing at its signature 2014 events as the primary support category and allowing for longer races in 2014. I also appreciate the valued efforts of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Rob Curkpatrick upon our maiden visit to the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals.”
The 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will be the championship’s 10th in Australia (operating from 2003-2008 and 2011-present).
2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia calendar
Round 1 Clipsal 500 Adelaide, SA Feb 27-Mar 02
Round 2 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix Melbourne, VIC March 13-16
Round 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit* Phillip Island, VIC May 23-25
Round 4 Townsville 400 Townsville, QLD July 04-06
Round 5 Sydney Motorsport Park Sydney, NSW August 22-24
Round 6 Sandown 500 Melbourne, VIC September 12-14
Round 7 Bathurst 1000 Bathurst, NSW October 09-12
Round 8 Gold Coast 600 Gold Coast, QLD October 24-26
* Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals event
2014 Race formats
Round 1 Clipsal 500 TBA
Round 2 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix TBA
Round 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 2 x 60 minute Pro-Am races
Round 4 Townsville 400 3 x 25 minute races
Round 5 Sydney Motorsport Park 3 x 30 minute races
Round 6 Sandown 500 3 x 25 minute races
Round 7 Bathurst 1000 3 x 25 minute races
Round 8 Gold Coast 600 2 x 25 minute, 1 x 30 minute races
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NewsCARRERA CUP RACERS READY FOR EPIC MOUNTAIN CLIMB
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will enter its penultimate round of the 2013 season at the 6.213 km Bathurst circuit this weekend, where Michael Patrizi and Damien Flack will be eager to continue their strong run of form.
The iconic event will see four Carrera Cup drivers – Craig Baird, Warren Luff, Nick Percat and Steven Richards – compete in both the Porsche championship along with the V8 Supercars endurance race – the Bathurst 1000.
One driver who will be solely focussed on Porsche racing however will be Michael Patrizi – winner of the Bathurst round during the 2011 Carrera Cup season.
The West Australian, who was victorious at the championship’s last round at Winton, is hopeful he can continue his recent impressive pace at Mount Panorama.
“I’m currently on a strong run of form. We should have won quite easily at Rennsport; we had a six second lead but had a mechanical failure. We finished on the podium at the following Townsville round and then won at Winton,” said Patrizi.
“Although we haven’t had amazing car speed, we’ve made a few changes for Bathurst so hopefully we can continue to run at the front and potentially win like I did a couple of years ago.”
Patrizi is looking forward to returning to Mount Panorama in the Porsche 911 race car to focus solely on his Carrera Cup campaign.
“This year I don’t have to worry about racing V8 Supercars so my attention will be solely on the Porsche. However I don’t see it as an advantage; I’m sure the other guys are going to be just as fast driving in V8 Supercars and the Porsche.
“Mount Panorama is a special place. There’s not much to do going up or down the hill, but the section across the top of the mountain is fast and flowing and great to drive in a Porsche.”
Elite Class contender and Winton round victor Flack sits a mere three points behind class leader Max Twigg in the Elite Class standings and is looking forward to continuing this battle at Bathurst.
“I would like to see myself toward the front of the Elite Class at Bathurst. I’ve done well there in the past and I was competitive there in Carrera Cup in 2011,” said Flack, who anticipates the Elite Class title will be decided at the Gold Coast season finale.
“I think I can challenge Max Twigg for the Elite Class championship; that’s what it’s all about. We really need a reasonable round at Bathurst and I truly believe it will come down to the final round in the Gold Coast.
“It certainly helped my season when Max had a bad round at Winton, but I started on the back foot at the Clipsal 500, which was my bad round. I’ve been quietly closing in since. I’m not surprised that I’m only three points off Max, but I’m extremely happy.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will begin its Bathurst assault on Friday October 11, holding its opening two races on Saturday and its third race on Sunday morning as the final on-track event before the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 race.
Both Race 2 and Race 3 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round will be televised live on Channel Seven, which will be two of the highest rating Carrera Cup races of the 2013 season.
Race Schedule
Friday October 11, 2013
10:35am Practice 1 20 minutes
3:55pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Saturday October 12, 2013
8:20am Qualifying 20 minutes
11:10am Race 1 12 laps
3:45pm Race 2 10 laps
Sunday October 13, 2013
8:35am Race 3 9 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 2 (live)
Date: Saturday October 12, 2013
Time: 3:45pm
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 13, 2013
Time: 8:35am
Channel: Seven
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NewsMUSCLE CAR ACE JOIN CARRERA CUP AT BATHURST
Classic touring car racer Gavin Bullas will replace American muscle with German ingenuity when lining up in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at Mount Panorama next weekend.
The dual Touring Car Masters champion contested the opening three rounds of the 2013 Touring Car Masters series before moving to the all-Porsche championship for the Bathurst event, carrying the backing of Australian bottle-shop retailer, The
Bottle-O.
In a stark contrast of racing machinery, the Victorian will swap his V8-powered 1969 Ford Boss Mustang muscle car for the six-cylinder sports car inspired Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at a circuit where Bullas has found success in the past.
“I’ve driven at Bathurst for quite a few years, I’ve won races there but I’ve never won a round there. It will be interesting to race there in Carrera Cup to see where I fit in,” said Bullas.
“I haven’t driven a 911 GT3 Cup car for a long time; everyone has been raving about how good the current model is. They brake well and turn in well – not like our older touring cars that I’m used to. Though I’ll do a bit of testing on Thursday to become familiar with the car and I’ll be fine.”
Bullas’s Porsche entry will feature a livery inspired by The Bottle-O sponsored V8 Supercar of 2007 Carrera Cup Australia champion, David Reynolds.
“It’s great having The Bottle-O on board. Rod Nash has done a great job with The Bottle-O over the years to help them lift their brand. We’re hoping that running The Bottle-O on the Porsche and hopefully getting inside the top 10 will give the brand a little more exposure.
“I’ll be talking to Dave Reynolds and Steve Richards to get some tips with these cars so I’ll be full of information by the time Bathurst comes around.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will commence its penultimate round of the 2013 season at Mount Panorama on Friday October 11, holding two races on Saturday and its third race as the curtain-raiser for the iconic Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 race on Sunday morning.
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NewsREIGNING CHAMP VENTURES DOWN RACING MEMORY LANE
Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird will have a busy weekend at Mount Panorama, aiming to maintain his lead in the Porsche championship while also partnering Lee Holdsworth in the IRWIN Racing V8 Supercar.
In preparation for the upcoming Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event, Baird and Holdsworth stepped back in time and stopped by the National Motor Racing Museum to revisit some of the country’s greatest race cars.
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NewsBAMBER AND BAIRD TAKE TOP TWO IN SINGAPORE
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia front-runner Craig Baird has ended his winning streak of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia round at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, taking second place behind Rennsport co-driver Earl Bamber.
Having won at the event the past two seasons, Baird was beaten to the chequered flag by his countryman, Bamber.
Bamber, 23, claimed pole position from Baird before claiming victory in the dramatic single race on the Marina Bay street circuit.
As the lights went out for the start of the showcase race, the 25-strong field hurtled off the grid with Bamber getting away well pursued by Baird. Behind the pair, Alexandre Imperatori and Martin Ragginger were battling for position, going two abreast into the chicane with the pair making contact and Ragginger moving up to third in the running order.
At the start of the second lap, Bamber led Baird by just under a second, when Alif Hamdan hit the barriers bringing out the Safety Car.
A long clean-up meant only a further two lap dash to the chequered flag. At the restart, Bamber again got away well from Baird, but Imperatori was immediately looking to find a way past Tung. The Chinese driver slid wide, hitting the barrier and spinning into Imperatori. Tung retired, while Imperatori kept going keeping an eagle eye on the gauges. Just a lap from the finish line though, he retired, pulling over after a water pressure warning.
“It’s an incredible feeling, especially for the team,” said Bamber, who teamed with Stephen Grove at the Porsche Rennsport Australia event, where the duo scored an Elite Class podium finish.
“It’s our first time in Singapore and the team provided me with a fantastic car. We had a good tussle at the start and then a great fight before the long Safety Car period. I knew the restart would be important and I managed to jump him and maintain the gap. It’s more than what we expected this weekend. It’s been great to race against Craig, he’s a fantastic competitor and we had a really good battle out there.”
After winning the Singapore round in both 2011 and 2012, Baird was full of praise for Bamber’s performance.
“We didn’t get the best start. Earl is a deserving winner, he had good speed,” said Baird.
“We broke away a bit but then the Safety Car bunched everyone up. I think it would have been difficult to get by Earl. I always enjoy coming back here, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia is so professional.”
Baird’s next appearance will be at the penultimate round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, on October 11-13, 2013.
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NewsCAMS PRAISES SAFETY OF 2014 CARRERA CUP RACER
Innovative safety measures of the new 911 race car to be used in the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season have received praise by Australian motorsport governing body, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS).
The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, based on the series-production Porsche 911 GT3, is a pure-bred race car which will be used exclusively in next season’s Carrera Cup championship.
Porsche has implemented modern technologies and innovations into the new GT3 Cup model; improvements including performance, efficiency and driver aesthetics.
However, improved safety features of the new 911 race car have drawn admiration from CAMS, with its Track Safety Manager, Bruce Keys, commending Porsche’s focus on improved driver safety.
“The significant advances in driver safety built into the latest Porsche Carrera Cup Car sets new standards for a one make series,” said Keys.
“The adoption of the very latest technology and FIA Standards in safety cage design, driver seat retention and security, together with the innovative driver extrication and vehicle recovery facilities are welcomed by CAMS.”
The new 911 GT3 Cup features an improved safety roll cage, along with a new racing safety seat, which meets the very latest FIA requirements, that wraps around the driver to provide more protection to the head and shoulders.
A unique feature to the 911 GT3 Cup is a rescue hatch in its roof. A new addition to the GT3 Cup, the innovative hatch provides improved access for medical staff to the driver and allows for an easier extraction of a driver should it be required.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Cam McConville, is looking forward to introducing the new car to teams ahead of a highly anticipated 2014 Carrera Cup season.
“Porsche has improved the new 911 GT3 Cup car in every way from its predecessor – the current Carrera Cup car, which in itself is a fantastic vehicle,” said McConville.
“Externally, the car looks impressive but it’s when you look beneath the skin that you see the rewards of Porsche’s expertise. The new car is safer, has increased performance and provides a greater experience for the driver – all elements that have made this car so highly sort after for next season.”
The new 911 GT3 Cup cars arrive into Australia in early 2014, when they will be delivered to customers at a hand-over event.
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NewsCARRERA CUP STARS LINE UP FOR V8 ENDURO
Four of the current Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racers will this weekend line up for the opening endurance event of the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.
The four Carrera Cup front-runners – Craig Baird, Warren Luff, Nick Percat and Steven Richards – will contest the first of three endurance races of the 2013 V8 Supercars season.
While all four are in with a chance of success, only one – Warren Luff – has won the 500km endurance race previously.
See how motor racing website Speedcafe.com rates the chances of each Porsche racer in its Endurance Countdown, featuring Carrera Cup’s own, Steven Richards.
#2 Holden Racing Team – Nick Percat/Garth Tander – Holden Commodore VF
#4 Irwin Racing – Craig Baird/Lee Holdsworth – Mercedes E63 AMG
#5 Pepsi Max Crew FPR Ford – Steven Richards/Mark Winterbottom – Ford Falcon FG
#888 Red Bull Racing Australia – Warren Luff/Craig Lowndes – Holden Commodore VF
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NewsFEATURE VIDEO: RENEE GRACIE
At the start of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, ambitious young racer Renee Gracie became the first female to compete in the competitive one-make championship.
The team at the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) attended a recent test day at Winton to see what drives Gracie in a male-dominated career path.
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NewsGRACIE SPECIAL GUEST AT GRAND PRIX CORPORATE LAUNCH
Australia’s first ever female Porsche Carrera Cup driver Renee Gracie starred as a special guest at last night’s Corporate Launch of the 2014 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Held at Australia’s premier Mercedes-Benz Melbourne showroom on the fringe of Melbourne’s central business district, the Corporate Launch event saw the unveiling of corporate hospitality packages for the 2014 event, set to be the 19th World Championship round held on the Albert Park street circuit since 1996.
Gracie was interviewed on-stage by Network Ten motorsport personality Greg Rust before an audience of approximately 200 VIP and high-profile corporate guests. The 18-year old was joined as a special guest on the night by 1980 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Alan Jones. In addition to providing guests with an insight into her maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season and career aspirations in motorsport, Gracie enjoyed a rare opportunity to meet and speak with a number of influential sporting and business figures, including a special chat with 12-time Grand Prix winner Jones.
“I am honoured to have been invited by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to be part of the Corporate Launch event and am very appreciative of the opportunity to talk about my motorsport career to the audience on the night. Meeting and spending time with so many respected business leaders such as Andrew Westacott (Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO) and Alan Jones was an eye-opening experience and one I am very grateful for. Chances to listen to a Formula 1 World Champion don’t come often, and I will definitely be taking Alan’s advice on board.
“It was an incredible experience to race at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this year and I can’t wait to return in 2014 when we are racing the new 991 model Porsche Carrera Cup car.”
The 2013 event was only Gracie’s second ever start in the top-flight Porsche series. The former karting star finished all three races in her Fujitsu Racing Porsche with a best finish of 16th place in Sunday’s third and final race.
Gracie will be looking to continue her climb up the grid when Porsche Carrera Cup Australia heads to iconic Mount Panorama for Round 6, supporting the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 10-13.
The 2014 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will take place from March 13-16, 2014.
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NewsPATRIZI AND FLACK CLAIM WINTON ROUND WIN
Speed and consistency has paid off for Michael Patrizi at Winton Motor Raceway with victory at Round 5 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship, while Damien Flack claimed the Elite Class round win.
Following Patrizi’s Race 1 win on Saturday, the West Australian placed second in Race 2, unable to hold off the fast-paced Shae Davies in the 11-lap race.
Davies pulled away from the field to take a four-second victory and a new lap record over Patrizi, Nick Percat and Steven Richards in fourth.
Elite Class race winner Flack placed fifth, holding off championship leader Craig Baird to the chequered flag, with Baird in sixth from Adam Gowans, Duvashen Padayachee, Richard Muscat and Warren Luff in 10th.
Paul Kelly finished 11th from Michael Loccisano, Max Twigg, James Bergmuller, Shane Smollen, Tony Walls, Rusty French and Renee Gracie in 18th.
Percat then charged to the early lead in Race 3, ultimately taking victory from Baird and Patrizi.
Third for Patrizi was enough to secure him the round win, joined by Percat and Davies in the Winton top three of the Professional Class round points.
“This is what we go racing for. We come racing to win, and that’s what we’ve done here this weekend,” said Patrizi.
“We did what we had to do to win, but we’re not fast enough. We’ll keep pushing and arrive at Bathurst as strong as ever. I’ve always been quick at Bathurst. We’ll see what happens there next round, but hopefully I can win like I did last time. That’s the plan.”
Race 2 winner Davies dropped to fourth by the finish, largely due to a mishap at the opening corner of the race, from Luff, Muscat, Richards and Elite Class race winner Flack in eighth.
The result placed Flack on top of the Elite Class points at Winton, joined by Gowans and Kelly in the top three in class for the round.
“I’d never been racing before at Winton so I’m absolutely ecstatic to win here this weekend,” said Flack.
“I was sixth, fifth and eighth in the weekend’s three races. It was great to get the Elite Class win, but also to place so far up the field throughout the Winton round.”
Shane Smollen placed ninth in the final race from Tony Bates, James Bergmuller, Tony Walls, Paul Kelly, Duvashen Padayachee and Rusty French in 15th.
Craig Baird now holds a strong 98-point lead in the Professional Class standings from Percat, Luff, Richards and Patrizi.
Flack’s impressive weekend has placed him only three points behind Elite Class leader Twigg, with James Koundouris and Smollen third and fourth in points.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will next visit Mount Panorama for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event for the penultimate round of the 2013 season.
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NewsDAVIES TAKES MAIDEN CARRERA CUP WIN IN RACE 2
Shae Davies has claimed his maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race win in the championship’s second race of the Winton Motor Raceway round.
The Queenslander pulled away from the field early, posted a new lap record and charged to a four-second victory from Race 1 winner Michael Patrizi, Nick Percat and Steven Richards.
Damien Flack took the spoils in the Elite Class, holding off Craig Baird for fifth. Adam Gowans finished seventh from Duvashen Padayachee, Richard Muscat and Warren Luff in 10th.
Paul Kelly finished 11th from Michael Loccisano, Max Twigg, James Bergmuller, Shane SMollen, Tony Walls, Rusty French and Renee Gracie.
Marc Cini and Stephen Grove failed to finish after late race contact, as did Martin Wagg and Tony Bates.
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NewsPATRIZI, MUSCAT AND GOWANS STAR IN EVENTFUL WINTON OPENER
Michael Patrizi has secured his first win of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season in an eventful opening race at Winton Motor Raceway, while stand-out performers Richard Muscat and Elite Class winner Adam Gowans rounded out the top three.
After taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award earlier in the day, Nick Percat started from the front position on the grid from Steven Richards, Craig Baird and Shae Davies.
The running order at the front dramatically changed at Turn 1 when the front four Porsche came into contact. Baird managed to take the lead, though was later penalised for his part in the incident, while Percat, Richards and Davies all dropped down the order.
The field was soon drawn together when the safety car was called onto the circuit while Martin Wagg’s race car was recovered from the muddy Winton in-field.
On the restart Baird was called into pit lane to serve his Lap 1 penalty, handing the lead to Patrizi, trailed by Warren Luff, Muscat and Gowans.
Luff looked set to finish second until he spun in the closing laps. Then, while attempting into re-enter the race, Luff became bogged and dropped down the order.
Patrizi’s strong and consistent performance saw him take the race win; his third Carrera Cup win in total and his first Porsche victory since the final race of the 2011 season at Sydney Olympic Park.
“It has taken a little longer to get my first win of the season; I had hoped that it would have come at Sydney Motorsport Park,” said Patrizi.
“I was lucky with what happened at Turn 1. From there I managed the race as I knew Baird would get a drive-through penalty.
“This win gives me a bit of confidence for tomorrow. I’ll just take it race by race and see what happens for the round.”
Young gun Muscat, who made his Carrera Cup debut at the co-driver Rennsport round, finished 1.3 seconds behind Patrizi in second in his maiden single-driver Carrera Cup start.
“I came into this weekend with an open mind but definitely didn’t expect that results in today’s race. I was really happy with my race pace compared to the front-running guys – Patrizi and Luff,” said Muscat.
“Racing with those guys was great to learn more about the car. These Porsches are very similar to those I race in GT3 Cup Challenge, but they require a different style of driving and I’m able to pick up some tips while following these experienced drivers.”
Third-placed racer was Gowans who, like Muscat, made his debut in the two-driver Rennsport event in May. With other front-runners coming into strife, Gowans’ consistent performance saw him take third position for the race; astonishingly his lowest Carrera Cup result after three races following his two second placings at Rennsport.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to come here and win the Elite Class and get third outright. Obviously a little bit of luck went my way, but it’s a great way to start the weekend,” said Gowans.
“I was aiming for a comfortable top 10 results. I certainly didn’t think I could manage a top five result as there are some great drivers at the front.
“Tomorrow will definitely be an exciting day, seeing all the quick guys come through the field after they had a tough race today.”
Duvashen Padayachee finished fourth from Davies in fifth, who faired the best of the four drivers involved in the opening corner incident.
Elite Class duo Damien Flack and Tony Bates scored strong top-10 results in sixth and seventh, while Percat and Richards were able to recover eighth and ninth position, respectively.
Victorian Elite Class racers Stephen Grove and Marc Cini finished 10th and 11th ahead of Paul Kelly, Tony Walls and Michael Loccisano.
After serving a drive-through penalty, Baird managed to climb back to only 15th by the chequered flag, left to rue an uncharacteristic mistake.
“I had a really good start and was able to get alongside Percat. Once I was there I didn’t see Richards, but by then it was too late. I apologised to both guys; now I’ll concentrate on getting some strong results tomorrow.”
James Bergmuller finished 16th from Renee Gracie, Rusty French, Wagg and Luff, while Max Twigg and Shane Smollen failed to finish.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will tomorrow hold its two remaining 14-lap races of Winton Motor Raceway round.
Race Schedule
Sunday August 25, 2013
9:20am Race 2 14 laps
12:40pm Race 3 14 laps
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NewsPERCAT TAKES TAG HEUER POLE AT WINTON
Nick Percat has continued his impressive pace at Winton Motor Raceway to take the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award, while Adam Gowans claimed the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Award for being the fastest Elite Class qualifier.
Percat scored the front position on the Race 1 grid with a time of 1:23.7225, three-tenths quicker than his nearest rival Steven Richards.
Starting behind the two Bathurst 1000 victors on the grid will be Craig Baird and Shae Davies, while Michael Patrizi was fifth and Gowans posted an impressive sixth fastest time, the quickest of the Elite Class competitors.
Warren Luff qualified seventh from rookie Richard Muscat, Duvashen Padayachee and Damien Flack in 10th.
Stephen Grove qualified 11th from Max Twigg, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, Marc Cini, James Bergmuller , Martin Wagg, Paul Kelly, Tony Walls, Renee Gracie, Michael Loccisano and Carrera Cup returnee Rusty French.
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NewsPERCAT AND GROVE SET EARLY WINTON PACE
Quick youngster Nick Percat has set the pace in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s sole Friday practice session of Round 5 at Winton Motor Raceway, while Victorian racer Stephen Grove was the quickest Elite Class competitor.
Percat’s best time of the session was 1:24.7218, set on a drying Winton track in the 20-minute afternoon session and placing him ahead of rivals Steven Richards, Craig Baird, Warren Luff, Shae Davies, Michael Patrizi and Duvashen Padayachee with the seventh quickest practice time.
Following Percat’s troublesome previous round in Townsville, where he failed to finish the final race, the South Australian is eager to bounce back at Winton.
“It was great to show some initial pace today at Winton after the disappointment of Race 3 at Townsville. Hopefully now we can bounce back and get some strong results this weekend,” said Percat.
“This is the first track this year that I have been to before in the Porsche as we’ve tested here on occasion. Therefore I haven’t had to learn the track. It certainly gives me more direction and knowledge of what to do with the car throughout the tyre life.”
Eighth quickest in practice and fastest Elite Class driver was Stephen Grove, who was pleased with his early pace and is hopeful to continue his strong form into the weekend.
“It was great to go out and set a good time. I’ve raced twice at Winton before, and had quite a few test days here. It’s certainly a track that I like and a track that suits my driving – I like the slow sweeping corners.
“My goal will be to get into the top three of the Elite Class this weekend. You’ve got to be on your game in qualifying though, as it’s going to be very hard to pass.”
Following Grove in the practice order was Damien Flack, Max Twigg, Shane Smollen and Adam Gowans in 12th. Young gun Richard Muscat was 13th from Michael Loccisano, Martin Wagg, Tony Bates, Marc Cini, Rusty French, Tony Walls, James Bergmuller, Paul Kelly and Renee Gracie.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold it second practice session tomorrow morning, followed by qualifying and then Race 1 at 2:00pm, which will be broadcast live on the Seven Network.
Race Schedule
Saturday August 24, 2013
8:30am Practice 2 20 minutes
11:55am Qualifying 20 minutes
2:00pm Race 1 14 laps
Sunday August 25, 2013
9:20am Race 2 14 laps
12:40pm Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday August 24, 2013
Time: 2:00pm (local time)
Channel: Seven (Bris/Syd), 7mate (Melb/Adel/Per)
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NewsCarrera Cup set for Winton return
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will this weekend return to Winton Motor Raceway for the first time since 2007 with the championship’s local drivers eager to compete on the technical Victorian track.
The regional circuit is the preferred testing location for many of the Porsche drivers, with one local ace, Steven Richards, keen to make the most of his home track advantage entering the fifth round of the season.
Richards boasts wins at the circuit in both the Formula Ford and Super Touring categories, while he also claimed multiple Winton round podiums in the top-flight V8 Supercars Championship.
Richards now hopes that early pace can help him succeed among the ultra-competitive Porsche field.
“Every driver at the top end of the field has done a lot of laps at Winton over the years, so it’s going to be tough,” said Richards.
“The track is the slowest we visit and it’s quite technical, so you need to have a good set-up and be very precise. The plan will be to qualify on the front row, as it tends to become a bit of a one-line race track, and hopefully we can get back onto the podium.”
Another local driver looking to impress is Stephen Grove, who enters the Winton round off the back of his maiden Elite Class round victory in the Carrera Cup feeder series, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, at Queensland Raceway.
Local experience has Grove pinpointing the sole 20-minute qualifying session as the weekend’s most crucial on-track session for a successful round.
“The great thing about the Winton round is that it’s going to be hard to pass; there’s going to be a lot of action and qualifying will be super important. You’ve got to qualify well to get ahead because there aren’t that many passing opportunities,” said Grove.
Richard Muscat will be one to watch this weekend upon his competitive return to Winton Motor Raceway.
Muscat made his Carrera Cup debut in May’s Rennsport round, however a more notable performance leading into the Winton Carrera Cup round was his clean sweep of race wins at the Victorian circuit in the GT3 Cup Challenge series in June.
“The plan is to go into this weekend with an open mind,” said Muscat.
“I’d like to be competitive and be able to gauge myself against the guys at the front of the field like Craig Baird and Steven Richards, but it’s all about gaining more experience”
Joining Muscat in his championship return is fellow Rennsport competitor Adam Gowans and former Carrera Cup regular Rusty French.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold three 14-lap races over the three-day Winton event, with Race 1 to be broadcast live on the Seven Network.
Race Schedule
Friday August 23, 2013
4:05pm Practice 1 20 minutes
Saturday August 24, 2013
8:30am Practice 2 20 minutes
11:55am Qualifying 20 minutes
2:00pm Race 1 14 laps
Sunday August 25, 2013
9:20am Race 2 14 laps
12:40pm Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday August 24, 2013
Time: 2:00pm (local time)
Channel: Seven (Bris/Syd), 7mate (Melb/Adel/Per)
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NewsALMOND TO CONTEST CARRERA CUP IN 2013 AND BEYOND
South Australian Porsche ace Michael Almond has quickly become a talent at both historic and modern racing – and now he adds the ultra-competitive Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship to his 2013 racing repertoire.
Almond has this season won races in both the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli series in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car and in the Touring Car Masters category in a 1973 Porsche 911 RS – the first-ever victory in the series for the German brand.
Almond will now use the remaining three rounds of the 2013 Carrera Cup season at Winton, Bathurst and Gold Coast to gain vital experience in preparation for a full-time assault in the 2014 Carrera Cup championship.
The Adelaide-based racer has raced once before in the premier sports car category – the 2012 season finale at Sydney Olympic Park – and is looking forward to his return in the tail-end of the 2013 championship.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to step into Carrera Cup. I’ve been trying to take in all I can from the past GT3 Cup Challenge rounds to be as prepared as possible for the coming Carrera Cup events,” said Almond.
Having only raced in one Carrera Cup round in the past back in 2012, Almond suggests he is well prepared for 2013 and beyond having competed in the related GT3 Cup Challenge category.
“Racing in Carrera Cup is going to be a relatively easy transition; my GT3 Cup Challenge race car is very similar to those used in Carrera Cup, though the newer model GT3 Cup cars are just 10 per cent better in all areas.
“We also recently competed at Winton in GT3 Cup Challenge so I have a good grasp of what to expect when I head out on track in August.”
Almond will use the remaining rounds of the 2013 season to better prepare himself for a strong performance in the 2014 Carrera Cup season while continuing his current campaign in GT3 Cup Challenge.
“The plan was always to compete in Carrera Cup for the 2014 season so by doing GT3 Cup Challenge and now a few Carrera Cup rounds I’ll be able to jump in and be more competitive than I otherwise would be.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will visit Winton Motor Raceway on August 23-25 for the fifth round of the 2013 season – the first time the category has raced at the rural Victorian circuit since the second round of the 2007 season.
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NewsGOWANS CONFIRMED FOR REMAINING 2013 ROUNDS
BASED OFF THE TEAM KIWI RACING PRESS RELEASE
Team Kiwi Racing has confirmed that Adam Gowans has secured a seat in the TKR Porsche for the remainder of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season.
Gowans drove with Team Kiwi Racing at the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival earlier this year where the Tasmanian racer was the co-driver in the winning Professional Class combination with Shae Davies.
After Davies and Gowans qualified in pole position, the duo placed second in both co-driver races to take victory in the Professional Class and finish second outright for the round.
“I had an absolute blast in the TKR Porsche at Rennsport,” said Gowans.
“I really appreciated the way TKR worked with myself and Shae Davies in the build-up to the actual Rennsport event, during the test day prior to the Rennsport festival and the way TKR made myself feel at ease all weekend at Rennsport, which ultimately saw the TKR car win the Professional Class.
“I have always aspired to compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup championship against some of the best drivers in this part of the world, and thanks to TKR the Rennsport opportunity gave me a taste of what it is like.
“I have now been fortunate enough to secure an exciting opportunity with TKR to drive for the rest of 2013 Carrera Cup championship which will allow me to get some more miles under my belt in a Porsche at some of the most exciting race tracks and events we have here in Australia. I can’t wait.”
Gowans comes into the TKR Porsche seat with a solid resume behind him:
Following several stints of kart racing, Gowans debuted in Aussie Racing Cars in 2007, where he completed three full seasons – 2008, 2009 and 2010. Gowans finished in the top three each year, a time which included the 2009 championship win and a close runner-up in 2010 after claiming the most individual race wins in his title defense season.
Having missed the majority of the 2011 season and all of 2012 through business commitments, a return to Aussie Racing Cars in 2013 saw Gowans win six of eight races and lead the standings. Gowans also competed very strongly as the lead driver in the Simply Sports Cars outfit in Class C at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and was very unfortunate not to have claimed a class victory.
2007 – Aussie Racing Cars debut.
2008 – Aussie Racing Cars – 3rd
2009 – Aussie Racing Cars champion
2010 – Aussie Racing Cars – 2nd
2011 – Bathurst 12 Hour – 3rd (Class C), Fastest Lap (Class C)
2012 – Bathurst 12 Hour – DNF (Class C), Pole Position (Class C)
2013 – Aussie Racing Cars – currently 1st
2013 – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – Round 3: Rennsport – 1st (Professional Class), 2nd (Outright)
“I look forward to working with Adam Gowans again and for the rest of the 2013 season,” said Team Kiwi Racing Team Owner, David John.
“During the time I have spent with Adam at the Rennsport event and the feedback from TKR staff over that weekend and the prior test day at Sydney Motorsport Park, it made the decision to go with Adam Gowans as the TKR driver for the rest of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season as a logical decision.
Adam knows the team members, has met key supporters of the team, did a great job at Rennsport, has experience in this car and just wants to go racing with the right focus and attitude.”
Gowans will compete as an Elite Class driver in the remainder of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship driving the TKR Porsche at Winton, Bathurst and the Gold Coast.
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NewsTOWNSVILLE TRIUMPH FOR BAIRD AND FLACK
Porsche ace Craig Baird’s dramatic change of form at Townsville has seen the New Zealander claim all three race wins, while Damien Flack ended Max Twigg’s run of Elite Class round victories.
After victory in Race 1 on Saturday, Baird scored achieved two unchallenged victories in Race 2 and Race 3, an impressive feat having never taken victory in Townsville.
In the opening Sunday race, the four-time Carrera Cup Australia champion took the lead from the start and maintained a healthy gap to his main rivals to win ahead of Nick Percat, Warren Luff, Michael Patrizi, Steven Richards, Shae Davies and Duvashen Padayachee in seventh.
Flack’s weekend continued to improve following his Friday practice crash, where he made heavy contact with a track barrier. Flack placed eighth in Race 2 from Twigg, Tony Bates, Stephen Grove, Michael Loccisano, Marc Cini, James Bergmuller, Tony Walls, Renee Gracie and Carrera Cup debutant Martin Wagg in 17th.
Race 1 Elite Class winner Shane Smollen failed to finish Race 2 after contacting the concrete barrier on the entry to the third-to-last corner of Lap 3, causing race-ending damage. Paul Kelly and James Koundouris also failed to finish when the pair made contact heading onto the front straight; a result of the latter unexpectedly losing drive.
Baird continued his Townsville domination in the final race, crossing the finish line over three seconds ahead of Luff, Richards, Patrizi, Davies, Elite Class race winner Twigg, Padayachee, Bates and Flack.
Kelly progressed from 18th on the grid to finish 10th from Bergmuller, Grove, Cini, Gracie, Loccisano, Wagg and Walls in 17th, who overcame a delaminated rear tyre after contact with Smollen on the opening lap.
Smollen’s race ended as a result of the Lap 1 contact, while Percat also failed to finish after puncturing a radiator.
In a dramatic change of form in Townsville, Baird was pleased with his perfect on-track performance which extended his championship lead to 74.5 points over Luff.
“I’ve chipped away here so often with seconds, thirds and fourths so whatever we’ve done here this weekend has been the right thing,” said Baird.
“This year we’ve won eight of the nine sprint races on track, though I got a post-race penalty in Adelaide and we missed one race win at the Grand Prix. It proves that we’ve got the car working well and we’re good on our tyres, which to be honest, is the result of pure experience.”
Behind Baird in the Professional Class round points were McElrea Racing stable-mates Luff and Patrizi, who finished second and third for the round, respectively.
Flack was also pleased with his impressive Townsville form, breaking Twigg’s run of three-straight Elite Class round wins from the opening three 2013 rounds.
“We’ve had the speed all year but have experienced the worse circumstances in the races; every round has thrown us something different,” said Flack.
“I had the hit in Friday afternoon practice, and it was great that I was able to retrieve something out of that. We’ve had very good pace this weekend, especially in the last race with a deflating rear right tyre.
“I’m starting to like the Townsville track more and more. I think the best thing about this round is the weather, it’s fantastic how you come here and everyone feels like they’re on holiday.”
Twigg and Bates ended on equal round points in the Elite Class behind Flack, however Twigg’s Race 3 class win handed him second for the round from Bates.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will next visit the rural Victorian circuit of Winton Motor Raceway on August 23-25, 2013, for the fifth round of the Porsche championship.
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NewsANOTHER FAULTLESS WEEKEND FOR MICHELIN IN TOWNSVILLE
Leaving behind temperatures in the low teens in Melbourne, the MICHELIN Competition team this weekend made the long trip to sunny Townsville in Northern Queensland.
There as the official technical partner to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, the MICHELIN Competition team provided service to all the Porsche teams throughout the weekend. This included fitting more than 150 new MICHELIN tyres to the teams’ rims after their practice sessions on Friday.
In what was a faultless weekend for the MICHELIN team and their tyres, it was reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, Craig Baird, who made it a clean sweep by qualifying on pole and winning all three races.
While Baird was clearly the class of the field this weekend, the racing behind him was close and fierce between his championship challengers.
In the Elite class it was a much closer fight with Shane Smollen, Damien Flack, and Max Twigg each claiming a race victory. Flack’s second place in the first race and third in race three was enough to help him claim the round victory.
Baird only needed to use one set of MICHELIN tyres and just five laps in qualifying to set a time quick enough for pole early in the session. The rest of the round ran just as smoothly for Baird, with his MICHELIN tyres continuing to deliver throughout the weekend.
“I could not be happier with how everything went this weekend,” said Baird.
“This is a track I have struggled with in the past so was really not expecting this result. I worked a lot with Karl (Batson) and my team before we got here and it has really paid off. We were quick straight away and never looked back.
“The MICHELIN tyres once again delivered what we needed from them – they ran perfectly all weekend.
“The consistency of the tyres makes a huge difference in our racing; I was able to set my quickest laps towards the end of the race, and they had plenty left when I needed to push.”
Baird now has a comfortable lead in the Championship with 553.5 points. Nick Percat is second with 495 points and Warren Luff is just ten points behind him in third with 485 points.
For the MICHELIN Competition team it will be a case of going from one extreme to another when the head to the next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. The fifth round of the Championship will be held at Winton Raceway 23 – 25 August.
Track and air temperatures:
Qualifying: (8:35 Saturday morning) Air 22 – Track 22. Light cloud cover.
Race 1: (14:25 Saturday afternoon) Air 28 – Track 38. Sunny.
Race 2: (10:35 Sunday morning) Air 28 – Track 26. Sunny, patchy cloud.
Race 3: (13:20 Sunday afternoon) Air 26 – Track 38. Sunny.
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NewsPOST-TOWNSVILLE STANDINGS
The Townsville round is over and Craig Baird has managed to extend his lead in the standings, while Damien Flack has emerged as Max Twigg’s closest rival in the Elite Class.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings (after Round 4 of 7)
Outright
1 Craig Baird 613.5
2 Warren Luff 539
3 Nick Percat 495
4 Steven Richards 491
5 Shae Davies 425
6 Michael Patrizi 413
7 Max Twigg 374
8 Damien Flack 241.5
9 James Koundouris 210.5
10 Matthew Kingsley 200
11 Duvashen Padayachee 188.5
12 Stephen Grove 188
13 Karl Reindler 157
14 Shane Smollen 150
15 Steven Johnson 144
16 Tony Bates 140.5
17 Marc Cini 126
18 James Bergmuller 115.5
19 Tony Walls 101.5
20 Michael Loccisano 98
21 Renee Gracie 91.5
22 Paul Kelly 69
23 Andrew Jones 34.5
24 Richard Muscat 30
25 Martin Wagg 28
Professional Class
1 Craig Baird 633
2 Warren Luff 557
3 Steven Richards 519.5
4 Nick Percat 510
5 Michael Patrizi 456
6 Shae Davies 447
7 Duvashen Padayachee 263
8 Matthew Kingsley 233
9 Renee Gracie 233
10 Karl Reindler 157
11 Steven Johnson 144
12 Andrew Jones 78
13 Richard Muscat 73.5
Elite Class
1 Max Twigg 684
2 Damien Flack 543
3 James Koundouris 498
4 Stephen Grove 384
5 Shane Smollen 373
6 Tony Bates 334
7 Marc Cini 320.5
8 James Bergmuller 305.5
9 Tony Walls 290.5
10 Michael Loccisano 256
11 Paul Kelly 178
12 Martin Wagg 66
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NewsBAIRD AND FLACK TAKE RACE 2 VICTORY
Craig Baird has claimed his second straight Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race win in Townsville, while Damien Flack has taken the Elite Class race win.
Baird again took the lead at the start from Warren Luff, Nick Percat, Michael Partizi and Steven Richards and Shae Davies
Elite Class race leader Shane Smollen and Duvashen Padayachee continued their battle for position from the opening race until Smollen made contact with the concrete barrier on the entry to the third-to-last corner on lap three, causing race-ending damage.
Damien Flack then inherited the eighth position and the Elite Class race lead from Max Twigg, Tony Bates, James Koundouris, Paul Kelly and Stephen Grove.
By mid-race, Baird had pulled a small gap on the leading pack, with Luff and Percat battling for second and Patrizi and Richards battling for fourth.
Percat moved into second on lap nine but was unable to catch Baird, who claimed his second win of the weekend.
Percat finished second from Luff, Patrizi, Richards, Davies and Padayachee in seventh.
Flack won the Elite Class battle in Race 2 from Twigg, Bates, Grove, Michael Loccisano, Marc Cini, James Bergmuller, Tony Walls, Renee Gracie and Martin Wagg.
Paul Kelly and James Koundouris both joined Smollen on the DNF list after the pair made contact heading onto the front straight.
The final Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race of the Townsville round will be held this afternoon at 1:20pm.
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NewsBAIRD AND SMOLLEN SHINE IN TOWNSVILLE
Versatile Kiwi racer Craig Baird has broken his Townsville winless streak with victory in Saturday’s opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race, while Elite Class race winner Shane Smollen is out to complete unfinished business.
Baird started Saturday by claiming the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award, only completing two flying laps in qualifying early in the session to secure the front position on the grid.
The reigning champion then quickly took control of the race, taking the early lead from Nick Percat into the opening corner.
Baird and Percat pulled away from the field, leaving an enthralling four-way battle for third between Warren Luff, Michael Patrizi, Steven Richards and Shae Davies.
Baird’s gap at the front quickly disappeared when the safety car was called mid-race while the Porsche of Renee Gracie, which came to rest on the circuit, was removed.
Baird retained the lead on the restart and eventually claimed his first victory at the North Queensland circuit from Percat, Luff, Patrizi, Richards and Davies.
With Baird’s winless streak on the Townsville streets over, and a strong bank of tyres in his arsenal, the New Zealander is looking forward to tomorrow’s competition.
“We started the day off well; I only did two flying laps in qualifying and saved a full set of tyres so I still have a ‘green’ set of tyres to come,” said pole-sitter Baird, who was relieved with his maiden Townsville win.
“This has been our bad round every year and we knew we had to turn it around. This whole weekend is going opposite to what it has done in the past.
“I’ve come here previously and battled for seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths and I’ve never won a race here. Now, the car set-up is absolutely magic. I also did a track walk with Dave Reynolds and Dan Gaunt on Thursday, let them do all the talking and picked up a few things. It’s great to now get my first win here, but the nicest part is that we’ve still got a fresh set of tyres to come.”
Elite Class pole-sitter Smollen continued his qualifying form into the opening race, holding off race-long challenger Duvashen Padayachee to finish seventh, with Padayachee, Damien Flack and Tony Bates rounding out the top 10.
Smollen was pleased with his Saturday pace, however the Sydneysider has unfinished business after narrowly missing the Elite Class round win at Townsville last year.
“There’s still unfinished work here in Townsville. We won the first two races here last year and then I made a silly mistake in the last race which took me out of the points and placed us second for the round, so it will be great to get the win and finish the job,” said Smollen.
“I was particularly happy with qualifying. I had a pretty sketchy practice day yesterday, albeit on poor rubber. We made some changes this morning and put my head back where it needed to be and found ourselves at the head of the field.
“There was plenty of pressure put on me in the race by Duvashen. Obviously I would have liked to be focusing more on tagging onto the fast guys, but he was running at a similar pace and it could have gone either way. It was a close race.”
James Koundouris and the Elite Class’s Friday pace-setter Max Twigg finished 11th and 12th, respectively, from Michael Loccisano, Stephen Grove, Paul Kelly, Tony Walls and Carrera Cup newcomer Martin Wagg in 17th.
Marc Cini and James Bergmuller failed to finish after a late-race incident while Renee Gracie’s race ended prematurely after experiencing electrical issues.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold the final two races of the Townsville round on Sunday, with Race 3 to be broadcast live on the Seven Network.
Race Schedule
Sunday July 07, 2013
10:35am Race 2 14 laps
1:20pm Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday July 07, 2013
Time: 1:20pm
Channel: Seven (Bris/Syd), 7mate (Melb/Adel/Per)
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NewsBAIRD AND SMOLLEN SNARE TAG HEUER POLE AWARD
Craig Baird and Shane Smollen have taken the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award for the fourth round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in Townsville.
The Kiwi posted his top time of 1:14.1995 early in the session, only completing five laps in total and therefore saving his bank of tyres for the coming three races.
Baird will start alongside Friday pace-setter Nick Percat from Steven Richards and Michael Patrizi on the second row, with Shae Davies and Warren Luff to start on row three.
Shane Smollen was the best of the Elite Class qualifiers, starting seventh on the grid from Duvashen Padayachee, Tony Bates, James Koundouris and Max Twigg in 11th.
Qualifying results
Position Car # Driver Class Fastest lap Gap
1 1 Craig Baird Professional 1:14.1995*
2 222 Nicholas Percat Professional 1:14.3058s 0:00.1063s
3 12 Steven Richards Professional 1:14.3145s 0:00.1150s
4 29 Michael Patrizi Professional 1:14.5036s 0:00.3041s
5 88 Shae Davies Professional 1:14.5862s 0:00.3867s
6 7 Warren Luff Professional 1:14.6160s 0:00.4165s
7 56 Shane Smollen Elite 1:15.6265s 0:01.4270s
8 20 Duvashen Padayachee Professional 1:15.6492s 0:01.4497s
9 24 Tony Bates Elite 1:15.7449s 0:01.5454s
10 47 James Koundouris Elite 1:15.9602s 0:01.7607s
11 8 Max Twigg Elite 1:15.9694s 0:01.7699s
12 19 Damien Flack Elite 1:16.1151s 0:01.9156s
13 9 Marc Cini Elite 1:16.6727s 0:02.4732s
14 10 Michael Loccisano Elite 1:16.9196s 0:02.7201s
15 4 Stephen Grove Elite 1:16.9961s 0:02.7966s
16 5 Tony Walls Elite 1:16.9997s 0:02.8002s
17 90 Paul Kelly Elite 1:17.0131s 0:02.8136s
18 13 James Bergmuller Elite 1:17.1529s 0:02.9534s
19 77 Martin Wagg Elite 1:17.4932s 0:03.2937s
20 55 Renee Gracie Professional 1:17.5851s 0:03.3856s
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NewsRENNSPORT RACE WINNERS START STRONG IN TOWNSVILLE
Stars of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s past round at Porsche Rennsport Australia have again shined on the opening day of the championship’s fourth round in Townsville.
Nick Percat and Max Twigg both secured their maiden Carrera Cup race victories at the Rennsport event and have continued their strong pace in Townsville, posting the quickest times of the day in the Professional Class and Elite Class, respectively.
The pair are now confident for tomorrow’s qualifying session, which will be followed by the opening race of the weekend on Saturday afternoon.
“All in all it was a pretty good day. We didn’t run very good tyres in the first session; it was more to see what kerbs I could and couldn’t use compared to the V8 Supercar. We put a decent set of tyres on this afternoon and emerged quickest,” said Percat.
“I think there’s a street track theme with this pace. We go quite well at street tracks and Team BRM has a really good set-up here. It’s easy when I can point the car in the right direction and it keeps producing a good time.
“I definitely want my first individual race win and my first round win, especially here in Townsville. I love this place and I’ve always performed well here so hopefully we can turn this into a good weekend.”
Craig Baird posted the second quickest time in Friday’s practice sessions from Michael Patrizi, Steven Richards, Warren Luff and Shae Davies.
The seventh fastest time of the day was posted by Elite Class pace-setter Twigg, who was pleased with his pace against the Professional Class racers.
“I’m feeling good and the car is working well; everything seems to be falling into place for us,” said Twigg.
“I’m confident that I’ll be the fastest Elite Class qualifier, and with that I’ll hopefully be able to chase those pro guys. That’s where I want to sit in order to learn more about this track, which is not a circuit that I’ve always performed well at.
“I’m currently sixth outright in the championship standings and was the seventh quickest driver today. My aim this weekend is to genuinely mix it with these Professional Class drivers.”
Damien Flack started his Townsville event with strong pace, posting the eighth quickest time in Practice 1, however contact with the barrier late in Practice 2, which ended the session prematurely, dampened his day’s performance.
Duvashen Padayachee posted the ninth quickest time from Michael Loccisano, James Koundouris, Tony Bates and James Bergmuller in 13th in his first appearance at the North Queensland circuit.
Shane Smollen was the day’s 14th quickest Porsche driver from Marc Cini, Renee Gracie, Tony Walls, Stephen Grove, Paul Kelly and Carrera Cup debutant Martin Wagg.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia qualifying in Townsville will commence at 8:35am, followed by Race 1 at 2:25pm, which will be broadcast live on the Seven Network.
Race Schedule
Saturday July 06, 2013
8:35am Qualifying 20 minutes
2:25pm Race 1 14 laps
Sunday July 07, 2013
10:35am Race 2 14 laps
1:20pm Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday July 06, 2013
Time: 2:25pm
Channel: Seven (Bris/Syd), 7mate (Melb/Adel/Per)
Carrera Cup – Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday July 07, 2013
Time: 1:20pm
Channel: Seven (Bris/Syd), 7mate (Melb/Adel/Per)
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NewsRENNSPORT VICTOR SEEKS REPEAT SUCCESS IN TOWNSVILLE
Queensland speedster Shae Davies has strong ambition to revisit the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia podium as the championship embarks on its fourth round of 2013 in Townsville this weekend.
Carrera Cup’s last round at Sydney Motorsport Park in May turned the championship on its head when a new co-driver format teamed Professional Class and Elite Class drivers in each entry. The result: A selection of fresh faces on the Porsche podium.
This revised format not only ended a 10-straight podium streak of reigning champion Craig Baird, it also allowed Davies and his Elite Class co-driver Adam Gowans to take their maiden Professional Class round win.
The Rennsport success was a boost to Davies’ season and a feat the Gold Coast-based racer hopes to repeat at the North Queensland event.
“Rennsport was certainly a confidence booster for me, especially when I managed to pull a genuine gap on many of the Professional Class drivers at times. I think I’ve found some of the pace that I lacked in the first part of the season,” said Davies.
“I raced at Townsville in Formula Ford last year however it didn’t go to plan. Since then I’ve completed plenty of laps on the simulator and I’m confident of some strong results heading into Townsville this weekend.”
Davies was not the only first-time victor at Rennsport; Elite Class points leader Max Twigg claimed his maiden outright round win in Sydney and is now looking forward to the ‘excitement’ of the Townsville streets.
“Townsville has beautiful high kerbs and needs an aggressive style of driving. It’s an exciting track and competition is always close there. I’m certainly looking forward to going back there,” said Twigg.
Among the Carrera Cup regulars will be one championship newcomer – 2001 Porsche Cup champion and former Australian GT Championship category owner Martin Wagg will make his series debut, ending his nine-year motor racing sabbatical.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will be supported this round by Porsche Passion – an online portal offering an insight into the world of Porsche. Available at www.PorschePassion.com.au, the site features the latest news, articles, images, videos and upcoming events for the German marque.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold three 14-lap races over the three-day Townsville event, with both Race 1 and Race 3 to be broadcast live on the Seven Network.
Race Schedule
Friday July 05, 2013
10:00am Practice 1 20 minutes
3:20pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Saturday July 06, 2013
8:35am Qualifying 20 minutes
2:25pm Race 1 14 laps
Sunday July 07, 2013
10:35am Race 2 14 laps
1:20pm Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday July 06, 2013
Time: 2:25pm
Channel: Seven (Bris/Syd), 7mate (Melb/Adel/Per)
Carrera Cup – Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday July 07, 2013
Time: 1:20pm
Channel: Seven (Bris/Syd), 7mate (Melb/Adel/Per)
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NewsFORMER CHAMPION AND ADMINISTRATOR CARRERA CUP BOUND
Former Porsche champion and past Australian GT Championship owner Martin Wagg will compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship for the remainder of 2013.
After a nine-year racing sabbatical, Wagg purchased the Hunter Motor Sports Porsche 911 race car and will make his debut in the sports car championship in Townsville on July 05-07.
No stranger to Porsche competition, Wagg was crowned the 2001 champion of the one-make precursor to the Carrera Cup category, Porsche Cup.
Wagg will now return to the driver’s seat of a Porsche having last raced in the iconic German marque on the streets of Surfers Paradise in 2003 as part of the Nations Cup series.
Wagg has since owned the Australian GT Championship before ultimately choosing to return to sport car racing in the Carrera Cup championship.
“It will be great to jump back in a Porsche again, which is where I spent most of my racing years,” said Wagg, who recently tested at Winton Motor Raceway in preparation for the coming North Queensland event.
“We leased Rusty French’s car that Dan Gaunt drove last season for the test day. I enjoyed it so much that I decided I would buy one. We took delivery of the Hunter Motor Sports car this week that was driven by Jonny Reid to much success last season.
“Even though it was wet at our test day, I felt very much at home in the car. While it has been 10 years since I last raced a Porsche, that distinctive Porsche feel is still there; this one just does everything faster.
“I am really looking forward to Townsville. I will see how I go and, most importantly, make sure we have some fun. Pending how the rest of this year goes I may look to buying one of the new cars for 2014.”
Wagg will compete with Melbourne-based team Eggleston Motorsport for the remaining four rounds of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, beginning in seven days at the Sucrogen Townsville 400 on July 05-07, 2013, at Reid Park, Townsville.
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NewsCARRERA CUP PREPARES FOR NEXT GENERATION RACER
Porsche’s latest incarnation of the world’s most successful race car, the 911 GT3 Cup, is now available to order for the 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
A limited number of the purpose-built race car is destined for Australian shores to be exclusively raced in the Australian one-make sports car championship in 2014.
All current Participation Agreement holders were given the first look at the new GT3 Cup car at Porsche Rennsport Australia and now have first right until July 01, 2013, to secure one of the new race cars.
Post July 01, the new 911 GT3 Cup cars will be offered to existing Porsche clients who have previously expressed an interest in entering the Carrera Cup ranks.
Pending availability, potential new competitors to the championship can then secure any remaining cars for the 2014 Carrera Cup season as of August 01, 2013.
The all-new 911 racer will be delivered to respective buyers at a four-day hand over event in early 2014, consisting of two days of compulsory Teams technical training followed by two days of compulsory on-track testing.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars are priced at €171,600 (ex-Factory) plus freight, spare parts packages, duties and taxes.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Jamey Blaikie is pleased with the initial interest in the new generation 911 GT3 Cup car and is looking forward to rolling out the latest Carrera Cup machine to the Australian market.
“The demand for this car in the market is strong and will continue to be until we sell the final available car ahead of the 2014 season,” said Blaikie.
“Buying a new 911 GT3 Cup doesn’t only secure you a brilliant race car. The purchase of each GT3 Cup from Porsche Cars Australia is coupled with the added value of securing the ability to enter the 2014 Carrera Cup season, which cannot be purchased separately.
“Importantly, demand for the GT3 Cup cars currently racing in Carrera Cup has remained comparatively strong. With GT3 Cup Challenge and Porsche enthusiasts providing a steady marketplace, some of the current generation cars are being sold for as high as $150,000.”
With over 2,400 units sold worldwide since 1998, the 911 GT3 Cup is the world’s most successful race car, with the new model to become the fourth generation GT3 Cup car to be introduced into the Carrera Cup Australia championship since its 2003 inception.
Summary of Technical Specifications:
Concept
– Single-seated, purpose-built race car
– Based on the 911 GT3
Bodywork
– Lightweight bodywork with
aluminium-steel composite construction
– Welded-in roll cage
Engine
– Aluminium six-cylinder rear-mounted boxer engine
– 3,800 cc; stroke 76.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm
– Max. power: 338 kW (460 hp) at 7,500 rpm
– Max. rpm: 8,500 rpm
Transmission
– Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox
– Internal pressure-oil lubrication with active oil cooling
– Limited slip differential
– Triple-disc sintered metal race clutch
– Pneumatic paddle shift system
Suspension
Front axle:
– McPherson suspension strut,
adjustable in height, wheel camber and track
Rear axle:
– Multilink rear suspension,
adjustable in height, wheel camber and track
Brake System
Two independent brake circuits for front and rear
axle, adjustable by the driver via brake balance system
Front axle:
– Aluminium six-piston racing callipers in monobloc design
– Multipiece steel brake discs; internally vented and sloted,
380 mm diameter
Rear axle:
– Aluminium four-piston racing callipers in monobloc design
– Multipiece steel brake discs; internally vented and sloted,
380 mm diameter
Rims and Tyres
Front axle:
– Single-piece Porsche Design light-alloy rims with centre lock, 10.5J x 18 ET 28
Rear axle:
– Single-piece Porsche Design light-alloy rims with centre lock, 12J x 18 ET 53
Weight
– Approximately 1,175 kg
Measurements
– Length: 4,547 mm
– Width: 1,851 mm
– Height: 1,280 mm
– Wheelbase: 2,458 mm
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NewsMICHELIN TYRE PERFORMANCE HELPS JANE WIN
The performance of his MICHELIN tyres proved vital for Rodney Jane and his co-driver Nick Percat in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this weekend.
Strategy saw the team Jane and Percat were running with, Team BRM, run only one set of MICHELIN tyres during both qualifying sessions on Saturday, leaving them six brand new MICHELIN tyres to use during the two, one hour races on Sunday.
The performance of the tyres during the weekend impressed both Jane and Percat.
“I was really impressed with the performance of the MICHELIN tyres all weekend; even after running the same set in both qualifying sessions, they continued to deliver great, consistent pace in my stint in the first race on Sunday. Their balance and performance allowed me to settle into a solid rhythm almost straight away and stay there,” said Jane after the race.
“When Nick jumped into the car at the driver change, we fitted the brand new set of MICHELIN tyres to the Porsche allowing Nick to be super quick and storm through the field. He took the lead in the closing stages of the race and went on to claim victory for us in race one.”
In race two, it was Nick that started the race and the team fitted their final two new tyres to the front of the Porsche.
“When Nick handed the car over to me the tyres were still in good condition and I was able to once again run at a solid and consistent pace,” Jane continued.
“I have really enjoyed being back racing in Carrera Cup on MICHELIN tyres this weekend – I have been really impressed with the performance of the tyres. Hopefully I will have an opportunity to race in this category again.
“What I was most surprised by was the performance of the wet MICHELIN tyres, both at the test day at Phillip Island last week, and on Friday here at Sydney Motorsport Park. Even on used wet tyres I was blown away by the grip they offered. It really was a case of comparing chalk and cheese when I compare them to what I have driven on in the past.”
Percat was equally impressed with the performance of the MICHELIN tyres this weekend.
“I was expecting the performance of the MICHELIN tyres to spike early and drop off, but this did not happen. They came up gradually and remained at that level for my whole stint meaning I was able to set my fastest laps right at the end of my stint,” said Percat.
“For what is essentially a soft tyre, the durability of the MICHELIN tyre is also noticeable. Unlike other tyres I have raced on, minor brake lock-ups do not damage these tyres or cause the tyre to vibrate.”
The performance both drivers, and indeed the whole Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field experienced, is thanks to the work undertaken by Michelin to ensure that its tyres work in perfect harmony with its global partners’ cars, including Porsche.
The ability of Michelin’s developers to design solutions capable of delivering high performance over long periods of time is complex; indeed, durability and performance are often viewed as conflicting qualities. However, thanks to Michelin technology, they can be reconciled and this approach lies at the very heart of the Group’s research and development strategy, which is known as the MICHELIN Total Performance concept
Next up for the MICHELIN Motorsport team in Australia will be the fourth round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia which returns to the V8 Supercar programme in July at the Townsville 400.
Before then MICHELIN will have the biggest race on its calendar, the 24 hours of Le Mans. Here they will be out to continue to dominate the race and claim its 16th race victory in a row.
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NewsTWIGG AND YOULDEN TAKE TOP HONOURS IN RENNSPORT
The Elite Class pairing of Max Twigg and Luke Youlden have claimed outright victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship’s first ever co-driver round when headlining the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival.
Perfect weather graced the final day of the Porsche-themed festival at Sydney Motorsport Park as the two one-hour Carrera Cup co-driver races played out in thrilling fashion.
Nick Percat and Rodney Jane claimed the opening race win in the first ever co-driver race in Carrera Cup Australia’s history, taking the lead in the closing stages of the 60-minute race.
Jane, in his 150th race in the championship, made a promising start from 10th on the grid, eventually handing over to Percat. The South Australian then charged through the field to eventually pass Adam Gowans, who took the reins from Shae Davies mid-race, in the final moments to claim victory from Gowans and Youlden.
Warren Luff and Geoff Emery finished fourth ahead of the pairings of Michael Patrizi/Troy Bayliss, Steven Richards/Theo Koundouris, Craig Baird/John Penny, Damien Flack/David Wall, pole-sitters James Koundouris/Steve Owen and Stephen Grove/Earl Bamber in 10th.
In Race 2, Youlden’s early pace and Twigg’s strong finishing stint handed the duo the race win along with outright round victory and Elite Class honours in the landmark Carrera Cup event, with Twigg becoming the first ever Elite Class driver to take overall round victory.
Davies and Gowans again finished second in Race 2 from Luff/Emery, Grove/Bamber and Patrizi/Bayliss in fifth, who looked set for victory after Patrizi took the race lead from Twigg in the closing laps, however he lost the lead after a late-race gearbox issue slowed the pairing, dropping them to fifth by the chequered flag.
Baird and Penny finished sixth from Flack/Wall, Race 1 winners Percat/Jane, Bates/Davison, who failed to finish the opening race after drivetrain issues, and James Koundouris/Owen in 10th.
Placing third and first in the two Rennsport races, Twigg and Youlden finished the round on equal points with Davies and Gowans, however the former pairing’s Race 2 victory handed them the outright round win.
Twigg was thrilled with the result, especially with the success of the Twigg Motorsport-prepared cars, which includes Twigg’s, Davies’ and Grove’s Porsches.
“We’ve got our little workshop out in Harkaway and for this weekend we achieved first outright, first in the Professional Class, first in the Elite Class and third in the Elite Class. From that point of view our team is doing a great job,” said Twigg.
“This co-driver race format works for everyone. Everyone has had a ball this weekend, it has made for great racing and it gives guys like me the chance for an overall win. I really wanted to win here so we’re absolutely thrilled with the result.”
Finishing eighth and seventh outright in the weekend’s two race was enough to secure Flack and Wall second for the Elite Class, with Grove and Bamber taking the final place on the Elite Class podium.
Davies was equally pleased with his maiden Professional Class victory.
“I’m absolutely over the moon with the result. We surprised even ourselves this weekend so it’s a real credit to the team,” said Davies, who was quick to commend the performance of his co-driver, Gowans.
“Adam did an exceptional job this weekend and even made me watch my back on occasions. We thought this weekend might be our bogie event as there were so many great Professional Class drivers in the field. However it played in our favour and we’re ecstatic with the result.”
Luff and debutant Emery were second for the round in the Professional Class after finishing fourth and third in Race 1 and Race 2, respectively, with opening race winners Percat and Jane finishing third in the points.
Baird remains in the lead of the championship after the Sydney round, holding a 44.5-point lead over Luff, with Percat and Richards third and fourth in the standings with four rounds remaining.
Twigg’s dominant performance at Sydney Motorsport Park has given him a 78-point lead in the Elite Class standings from Koundouris and Flack.
The Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival round of the Porsche championship will be televised on SBS on Sunday June 09, 2013.
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at the Sucrogen Townsville 400 on July 05-07, 2013.
Results – Race 1
Position Car # Driver/Co-Driver Laps Race time
1 222 N.Percat/R.Jane 35 1:00:52.7371s
2 21 S.Davies/A.Gowans 35 1:00:54.5667s
3 8 M.Twigg/L.Youlden 35 1:00:56.2867s
4 7 W.Luff/G.Emery 35 1:01:00.2507s
5 29 M.Patrizi/T.Bayliss 35 1:01:02.1750s
6 12 S.Richards/T.Koundouris 35 1:01:05.8371s
7 1 C.Baird/J.Penny 35 1:01:15.7015s
8 19 D.Flack/D.Wall 35 1:01:24.4197s
9 47 J.Koundouris/S.Owen 35 1:01:24.6827s
10 4 S.Grove/E.Bamber 35 1:01:46.8601s
11 9 M.Cini/T.Slade 35 1:01:48.2629s
12 20 D.Padayachee/J.Bobik 35 1:01:50.6317s
13 50 M.Kingsley/J.Goodacre 35 1:01:55.5478s
14 56 S.Smollen/D.Russell 35 1:01:57.7842s
15 13 J.Bergmuller/D.Wood 35 1:02:00.7485s
16 10 M.Loccisano/J.Reid 35 1:02:02.8636s
17 6 T.Walls/J.Davison 35 1:02:03.0983s
18 34 R.Muscat/S.Middleton 35 1:02:20.2752s
19 88 A.Jones/X.West 34 1:01:03.1760s
20 55 R.Gracie/P.Hill 34 1:01:33.1508s
DNF 24 T.Bates/A.Davison 29 51:43.2123s
Results – Race 2
Position Car # Driver/Co-Driver Laps Race time
1 8 M.Twigg/L.Youlden 35 1:01:14.9499s
2 21 S.Davies/A.Gowans 35 1:01:15.5267s
3 7 W.Luff/G.Emery 35 1:01:16.1802s
4 4 S.Grove/E.Bamber 35 1:01:16.7753s
5 29 M.Patrizi/T.Bayliss 35 1:01:18.4487s
6 1 C.Baird/J.Penny 35 1:01:30.8794s
7 19 D.Flack/D.Wall 35 1:01:37.7497s
8 222 N.Percat/R.Jane 35 1:01:40.0852s
9 24 T.Bates/A.Davison 35 1:01:40.4543s
10 47 J.Koundouris/S.Owen 35 1:01:49.7481s
11 56 S.Smollen/D.Russell 35 1:01:51.0023s
12 88 A.Jones/X.West 35 1:02:09.2897s
13 12 S.Richards/T.Koundouris 35 1:02:14.0805s
14 34 R.Muscat/S.Middleton 35 1:02:24.5232s
15 20 D.Padayachee/J.Bobik 35 1:02:35.8540s
16 9 M.Cini/T.Slade 35 1:02:37.8153s
17 55 R.Gracie/P.Hill 35 1:02:46.3092s
18 6 T.Walls/J.Davison 34 1:01:49.8184s
DNF 50 M.Kingsley/J.Goodacre 29 52:36.6600s
DNF 13 James Bergmuller (VIC) 3 9:52.4262s
DNF 10 Michael Loccisano (VIC) 2 7:52.5557s
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NewsKOUNDOURIS AND OWEN SNARE HISTORIC QUALIFYING RESULT
Canberra racer James Koundouris has become the first Elite Class driver to secure outright pole position in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship when he and co-driver Steve Owen posted the quickest combined time at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival round featured a unique qualifying format, with separate sessions held for the Professional Class and Elite Class drivers. Qualifying times were then determined by combining each driver pairing’s fastest time from both sessions.
V8 Supercars regular Alex Davison posted the top time in the Professional Class session from Owen, who was only 0.0029s behind in second, ahead of Jonny Reid, Steven Richards, Tim Slade, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia points leader Earl Bamber, Warren Luff, Michael Patrizi, Nick Percat, V8 racer David Wall and title leader Craig Baird in 11th.
The Elite Class drivers then took to the track, with Aussie Racing Cars heavyweight Adam Gowans posting the fastest time from Koundouris, Max Twigg, Geoff Emery, Troy Bayliss, John Goodacre, Tony Bates, Shane Smollen, Theo Koundouris, Rodney Jane and John Penny in 11th.
Koundouris and Owen’s combined time was the quickest, therefore placing them on pole position for Sunday’s Race 1. Starting in second position will be the pairing of Shae Davies/Gowans from Bates/Davison, Luff/Emery, Patrizi/Bayliss, Richards/Theo Koundouris, Twigg/Luke Youlden, Matt Kingsley/Goodacre, Michael Loccisano/Reid and Percat/Jane in 10th.
Koundouris was ecstatic with the pole position, becoming the first ever Elite Class driver to claim top outright qualifying honours.
“Obviously to gain a Carrera Cup pole position is fantastic. The most satisfying thing is that we only did two flying laps each so we’ve got a good bank of tyres for tomorrow,” said Koundouris.
“I think Pro-Am events are the way of the future as this format has several advantages: Firstly, and most importantly, it creates interest in the category. You’ve got the best Pro drivers and the best Elite drivers in the one event and that will create interest in Carrera Cup. The Rennsport event is also a great marketing tool for Porsche. It only takes one look at the people here this weekend to recognise that.”
Owen was also pleased with his pairing’s impressive qualifying pace.
“We knew that it was going to be tough in the Professional Class session; times were always going to be close, so to be 0.0029s off the quickest time in the Professional session in my first Carrera Cup event was good, and then James drove as well as I’ve ever seen him drive, being the quickest of all the regular Elite drivers. It all just came together,” said Owen.
“These cars are awesome to drive and they’re all the same, so you know that you’re always in the best car, unlike some other categories. In this format, there are probably about 10 pairings that could win. The racing will be very close.”
The Porsche championship will now hold two 60-minute co-driver races on Sunday, with each driver pairing required to complete their driver change between the 25-minute and 35-minute mark of each race.
To watch Sunday’s two Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races live, along with all the on-track racing from the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival, visit www.rennsportlive.com.au to view the live stream.
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NewsMICHELIN AND JANE REUNITE TO TACKLE CARRERA CUP
After a break of nearly five years Rodney Jane will return to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia this weekend and be reunited with MICHELIN motorsport tyres.
Jane is no stranger to the performance of MICHELIN tyres having spent many years racing in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia before making the switch to the V8 Supercar development series in 2009.
“I am excited about returning to Carrera Cup and running MICHELIN tyres again,” said Jane.
“Michelin have a reputation for developing excellent tyres, and I am sure these will be no different.”
Michelin will join Bob Jane T-Marts in supporting Jane and regular Championship competitor Nick Percat for this round which will run a different format to the regular rounds. There will be two, one hour mini-endurance races with the driving shared between two drivers. Each entry is required to run both a Professional driver and an Elite driver in a move that is sure to create even closer racing than has already seen this year.
Held at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 25-26, 2013, Rennsport will be a celebration of all things Porsche event which will host a round of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia along with Porsche historic racing, demonstrations and regularity.
Michelin Australia Managing Director, Thierry Martin-Lassagne said that as a global tyre partner of Porsche, Michelin was proud to support the Rennsport event.
“Globally Michelin’s involvement with Carrera Cup is more than just supplying tyres; it is a technical partnership with designers from Michelin working closely with Porsche to develop a tyre that ensures the total performance of the cars on which it is fitted,” said Mr Martin- Lassagne.
“This is true not only of our competition tyres, but also our tyres that are fitted to Porsche road cars, mean Porsche drivers can be confident that a Michelin tyre will deliver the high performance that they expect.
“We are also pleased to be able to work with Rodney Jane on the race track again. I wish him and the rest of the field the best of luck for the race!”
The weekend kicks off with practice and qualifying on Saturday 25 May, with both one hour races to be run on Sunday.
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NewsCARRERA CUP READY FOR RECORD-SETTING WEEKEND
Unprecedented one-make racing: This weekend’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia round at the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival will raise the bar on on-track competition.
A record-high of 42 drivers will set their sights on Sydney Motorsport Park for the Porsche category’s first ever co-driver Pro-Am event, where each Professional Class driver will team up with an Elite Class driver – and vice-versa – for two 60-minute races – a duration longer than any previous Carrera Cup Australia race.
For the first time, a Carrera Cup Australia round format will consist of two races only, with the grid for Race 1 to be determine by the combined fastest lap from the Professional Class and Elite Class qualifying sessions. This new format will therefore see the first ever Elite Class racer to be awarded pole position.
Joining the regular Carrera Cup racers this weekend will be the likes of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia leader Earl Bamber and Porsche racers past and present – James Davison, Luke Youlden, Theo Koundouris, Jeff Bobik, Richard Muscat, Simon Middleton, John Goodacre, Peter Hill, David Russell, Xavier West and Rodney Jane. Also, new to the Carrera Cup championship will be Kiwi John Penny, Geoff Emery, Dale Wood, Aussie Racing Cars ace Adam Gowans, Steve Owen, Andrew Jones and triple World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss.
V8 Supercars drivers Alex Davison and David Wall will return to the one-make category, while Tim Slade will make his Carrera Cup debut when joining Elite Class driver Marc Cini.
While four V8 Supercars drivers were originally slated to race in the Porsche festival, Lee Holdsworth was forced to withdraw, being unable to reach the Rennsport event in time due to tumultuous weather causing flight cancellations in the United States upon his return from last weekend’s V8 Supercars event.
While the Erebus Motorsport V8 driver won’t line up for the two Carrera Cup races, Elite Class driver Michael Loccisano has found a worthy replacement in Jonny Reid.
“I was really looking forward to teaming up with someone from the V8 Supercar series, and especially Lee who is one of the class drivers of that field. However it’s great to be able to get Jonny on board; he’s a great driver in these cars and is more than capable as a Rennsport co-driver,” said Elite Class driver Loccisano, who is looking forward to the new event format.
“It’s great that new elements – two co-driver one-hour races – are added this weekend’s Carrera Cup round. Going away from the sprint races to the endurance style format is just fantastic and we’re all looking forward to this weekend.”
One of the last combinations to be announced was that of reigning champion Craig Baird and his Kiwi countryman John Penny, with the former suggesting that the Rennsport round will be crucial for the championship title hunt.
“It’s not a round where you can win the championship, but it’s certainly a round where you can lose the championship,“ said Baird.
“I’ll go there and give it 110 per cent, but obviously we are all reliant on co-drivers. For me, my choice of co-driver in John Penny was not so much for outright speed, but someone who could deliver the car back to me preferably in one piece and collect some good points.”
“This event is great because it provides an opportunity for some of the businessmen in our category who support Carrera Cup week-in and week-out, who never get a chance for real podiums, a more level playing field to get a very good result. They are the core part of the championship and it’s vital for our category that those guys enjoy their racing. This gives them the opportunity to get a great result and keep them enthusiastic about the championship.”
The third round of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be sponsored by Sydney Helicopters, with Sydney Helicopters branding to feature on the windscreen banners of the entire Carrera Cup field for the two-day event.
The entire Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival, including all Porsche Carrera Cup Australia sessions, can be viewed live via the event’s live stream at www.rennsportlive.com.au.
The third round of the Porsche championship will then feature an hour-long television episode on SBS on Sunday June 9, 2013.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – Race Schedule
Saturday May 25, 2013
8:51am Practice 1 30 minutes
11:06am Practice 2 30 minutes
2:00pm Qualifying – Professional Class 20 minutes
3:19pm Qualifying – Elite Class 20 minutes
4:35pm Sponsor Rides
Sunday May 26, 2013
8:30am Sponsor Rides
10:52am Race 1 60 minutes
2:19pm Race 2 60 minutes
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – Round 3 Entry List
Car # Driver – Co-Driver
1 Craig Baird – John Penny
4 Stephen Grove – Earl Bamber
6 Tony Walls – James Davison
7 Warren Luff – Geoff Emery
8 Max Twigg – Luke Youlden
9 Marc Cini – Tim Slade
10 Michael Loccisano – Jonny Reid
12 Steven Richards – Theo Koundouris
13 James Bergmuller – Dale Wood
19 Damien Flack – David Wall
20 Duvashen Padayachee – Jeff Bobik
21 Shae Davies – Adam Gowans
24 Tony Bates – Alex Davison
29 Michael Patrizi – Troy Bayliss
34 Richard Muscat – Simon Middleton
47 James Koundouris – Steve Owen
50 Matt Kingsley – John Goodacre
55 Renee Gracie – Peter Hill
56 Shane Smollen – David Russell
88 Andrew Jones – Xavier West
222 Nick Percat – Rodney Jane
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NewsLIVE STREAM BRINGS RENNSPORT TO YOU
From Sydney to Stuttgart: Porsche enthusiasts worldwide can enjoy this weekend’s Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival. Live.
The all-Porsche event, to be held on May 25-26 at Sydney Motorsport Park, will be streamed live over the internet, allowing the Rennsport celebration to be viewed across the globe as it happens.
Available for viewing at www.rennsportlive.com.au, the live stream will cover the two days of the Rennsport festival, which will be headlined by the third round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
In a format that has attracted the likes of V8 Supercars drivers Alex Davison, Lee Holdsworth and Tim Slade, Carrera Cup will feature two co-driver Pro-Am endurance races for the first time in the category’s history.
While some of Australia’s top driving talents are in attendance, true to form, iconic Porsches will be high on the list of main attractions. The 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Porsche 936/81 Spyder and the 2006 American Le Mans Series LMP2 champion RS Sypder will be present, flanked by a collection of impressive Porsches with strong Australian heritage.
Fans will also be treated to the second round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli series, Historic Porsche racing (Group S/Group N), Sports Cars and Regularity.
To view the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival live over the May 25-26 weekend, visit www.rennsportlive.com.au.
Race Schedule
Saturday May 25, 2013
8:30am Regularity – Division 1 Practice
8:51am Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Practice 1
9:27am Regularity – Division 3 Practice
9:48am Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli Practice 1
10:24am Regularity – Division 2 Practice
10:45am Historics – Group S & Group N Practice/Qualifying
11:06am Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Practice 2
11:42am Sports Cars Practice/Qualifying
12:03am Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli Practice 2
12:29pm Iconic Porsche Demonstration Demonstration 1
12:57pm Regularity – Division 1 Regularity 1
1:17pm Regularity – Division 3 Regularity 1
1:37pm Historics – Group S & Group N Race 1
2:00pm Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – Professional Class Qualifying 1
2:28pm Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli Qualifying
2:56pm Sports Cars Race 1
3:19pm Porsche Carrera Cup Australia – Elite Class Qualifying 2
3:47pm Regularity – Division 2 Regularity 1
4:07pm Iconic Porsche Demonstration Demonstration 2
4:35pm Carrera Cup/GT3 Cup Challenge Sponsor Rides
Sunday May 26, 2013
8:30am Carrera Cup/GT3 Cup Challenge Sponsor Rides
8:58am Regularity – Division 1 Regularity 2
9:18am Sports Cars Race 2
9:41am Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli Race 1
10:09am Regularity – Division 2 Regularity
10:29am Historics – Group S & Group N Race 2
10:52am Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Race 1 – Enduro
12:00pm Regularity – Division 3 Regularity 2
12:20pm Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli Race 2
12:48am Iconic Porsche Demonstration Demonstration 3
1:16pm Regularity – Division 1 Regularity 3
1:36pm Historics – Group S & Group N Race 3
1:59pm Regularity – Division 2 Regularity 3
2:19pm Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Race 2 – Enduro
3:27pm Sports Cars Race 3
3:50pm Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli Race 3 – Enduro
4:58pm Regularity – Division 3 Regularity 3
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NewsSTARS LINE UP FOR CARRERA CUP PRO-AM
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will step up a gear when several high-profile drivers headline the inaugural Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park this May, with renowned V8 Supercar racers Tim Slade and Lee Holdsworth leading the way.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will feature a unique Pro-Am two-driver format whereby existing Professional Class drivers will pair with Elite Class drivers who are currently not entered in the championship. Conversely, existing Elite Class drivers can choose any driver, Professional or Elite, to co-pilot their GT3 Cup cars who are not entered full-time in the one-make championship.
Elite Class team-mates Marc Cini and Michael Loccisano of Hallmarc Racing have made the most of the new Pro-Am format by securing two of V8 Supercars’ top talents, Erebus Motorsport V8 duo Slade and Holdsworth.
Slade will race alongside Carrera Cup stalwart Cini and is looking forward to the transition into sports car racing.
“The Pro-Am concept, having a Pro and an Elite driver in every car, should even the playing field a lot. It should be a great event,” said Slade.
“I’m really looking forward to the event. It will be a fun race weekend, but at the same time it’s a round of the Carrera Cup championship, so there is a serious side as well.
“From what I understand the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars are very enjoyable to drive, and at a track like Sydney Motorsport Park, it should be great fun.”
Slade will join Carrera Cup Australia’s most capped driver, Cini, who is excited by the prospect of increased competition throughout the entire field.
“It’s fantastic teaming Professional Class drivers with Elite Class drivers at the same event. Now every car will have 22 competitors to race against, not the usual three or four at other rounds. In real terms every car in the field will have the ability to get on the podium,” said Cini.
“Tim and Lee are both exceptional drivers so it’s great to have them in our cars.”
In addition to the V8-powered duo, Michael Patrizi has announced that Troy Bayliss will co-drive his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for the Sydney event. While having only limited experience behind the wheel of a race car, Bayliss boasts three World Superbike Championship titles with further success in the MotoGP category.
V8 Supercars stalwart Steve Owen will make the transition from driver coach to co-driver at Porsche Rennsport Australia, joining Elite Class front-runner James Koundouris in the two one-hour races.
More high-profile drivers will soon be announced in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia line-up with just seven weeks to go before the inaugural Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival on May 25-26, 2013.
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NewsWALK IN THE PARK FOR BAIRD AND TWIGG
Craig Baird has capped a successful round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship with victory in Race 3 at Albert Park, while Max Twigg finished strongly to take a clean sweep of Elite Class race wins.
Starting from pole position, Baird gapped his rivals early in the race and claimed an uninterrupted five-second victory – his second win for the weekend after taking second place in the opening race.
Baird’s result placed him on the top step of the round podium, his fourth straight round win in the Porsche championship at Albert Park. Baird has now also won 10 of the last 13 races at the Melbourne circuit.
“It was nice to notch up another race win, especially with Jet Travel Insurance sponsoring the round,” said Baird.
“The race was pretty uneventful for me. I got a good start and put my head down, got into a rhythm and just kept pushing on.”
Championship newcomer Warren Luff claimed second for the race, placing him second for the round, ahead of Race 1 winner Steven Richards, who filled the final step on the Professional Class podium.
Luff was pleased with his performance and maiden round podium, however the Queensland based racer suggested that he needs to bridge the gap between himself and points leader Baird.
“It’s a great result for us and most importantly we’ve got more points in the championship,” said Luff.
“Again, when you see Baird streak off down the track ahead, you realise that we’ve probably got to have a bit of a re-think as to how we go about things. It’s great to be second but we need to close the gap a fair bit if we want to start challenging for wins. We’ll come back fighting stronger at Eastern Creek in May.”
Matt Kingsley, who suffered from illness early in the weekend, finish fourth from Steven Johnson and Karl Reindler, who started from the rear of the field after gearbox issues put him out of Race 2 contention.
Shae Davies finished the race in seventh, passing Elite Class race and round winner Twigg late in the race.
Twigg was rapt with eighth place and the Elite Class round win, finishing ahead of James Koundouris and Damien Flack in the Albert Park Elite Class points.
“Three from three; I’m rapt with that. I got a beautiful start in that last race and I was feeling comfortable for a couple of laps but when Percat went off I lost the gap I had to some of the Professional drivers. I knew I had ground on James so I just drove it home firmly and made sure I got the win,” said Twigg.
Duvashen Padayachee scored his best Carrera Cup result to date in ninth, placing ahead of Koundouris, Flack, Michael Patrizi, who spun on the opening lap, James Bergmuller, Shane Smollen, Paul Kelly, Renee Gracie, Tony Bates, Tony Walls and Marc Cini in 19th.
Three drivers failed to finish the eight-lap race. Michael Loccisano and Stephen Grove made contact late in the race at Turn 3, ending both their races, while Nick Percat was forced out of the race after experiencing drivetrain issues.
Baird now leads the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship by 40 points over Steven Richards and Nick Percat in third.
Max Twigg leads the Elite Class standings by 24 points from Koundouris and Flack.
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 25-26, 2013.
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NewsBAIRD AND TWIGG TAKE RACE 2 VICTORY AT ALBERT PARK
Albert Park specialist Craig Baird has secured Race 2 victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship from the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, while Max Twigg drove his ‘most enjoyable race’ en route to an Elite Class win.
Baird was promoted to second on the grid after Nick Percat was handed a penalty for his part in an altercation with Baird in Race 1, with one second added to the South Australian’s Race 1 race time and therefore demoting him to third.
Baird used his promotion to the front row of the Race 2 grid to his advantage, taking the lead from the start with Percat closely in tow.
The duo, while pulling away from their rivals, remained close for the eight-lap race until Baird pulled a gap in the closing laps to secure a five-second victory from Percat.
“As per usual the start was the most important part of the race. I got into the lead from the start after being placed second on the grid, which is positioned on the inside of the road; a big bonus for me,” said Baird.
“There were areas of the track that my car was better than Nick’s and there were areas where he was quicker than me so it was status quo for the whole race.”
Much like the leading duo, McElrea Racing teammates Michael Patrizi and Warren Luff battled for third position throughout the race. Luff moved into third on the second to last lap, claiming his first top-three race finish of the season from Patrizi in fourth.
The battlepack from fifth through to ninth provided race-long entertainment, a group of cars which included Steven Johnson, Matt Kingsley, Max Twigg and Steven Richards, who ran off the circuit in the opening lap, dropping the Race 1 winner down the order.
Johnson was the winner of this battlepack, taking fifth position from Richards and Elite Class winner Twigg, while James Koundouris and Damien Flack finished eighth and ninth, capitalising on steering damage and a deflating tyre on 10th placed Matt Kingsley’s car, sustained after an early altercation with a tyre bundle.
Twigg, who placed sixth outright, was pleased with his performance against his Professional Class rivals.
“That’s probably the most enjoyable drive I’ve ever had, bar none. I sat there and watched the Professional drivers battle in front of me, dust and the locked brakes everywhere, slowing each other down. But my pace was good and we won the Elite Class by a considerable margin,” said Twigg.
“I was thrilled to be there at the end; I don’t think I’ve ever stuck with the Professional guys for that long. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Duvashen Padayachee scored his best result in the category so far, finishing in 12th position ahead of Paul Kelly, James Bergmuller, Shane Smollen, Michael Loccisano, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove, Renee Gracie, Davies, who received a 30 second penalty, from Tony Walls and Tony Bates, who sustained damage after contact with a tyre bundle.
Karl Reindler was the only driver who failed to finish the race; gearbox issues ending his Race 2 campaign.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final race from the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix on Sunday at 2:10pm.
Race schedule
Sunday March 17, 2013
2:10pm Race 3 8 laps
Broadcast schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 17, 2013
Time: 2:10pm (Melb/Syd), 1:40pm (Adel), 1:10pm (Bris), 11:10am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsBAIRD AND TWIGG TAKE RACE 2 VICTORY AT ALBERT PARK
Albert Park specialist Craig Baird has secured Race 2 victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship from the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, while Max Twigg drove his ‘most enjoyable race’ en route to an Elite Class win.
Baird was promoted to second on the grid after Nick Percat was handed a penalty for his part in an altercation with Baird in Race 1, with one second added to the South Australian’s Race 1 race time and therefore demoting him to third.
Baird used his promotion to the front row of the Race 2 grid to his advantage, taking the lead from the start with Percat closely in tow.
The duo, while pulling away from their rivals, remained close for the eight-lap race until Baird pulled a gap in the closing laps to secure a five-second victory from Percat.
“As per usual the start was the most important part of the race. I got into the lead from the start after being placed second on the grid, which is positioned on the inside of the road; a big bonus for me,” said Baird.
“There were areas of the track that my car was better than Nick’s and there were areas where he was quicker than me so it was status quo for the whole race.”
Much like the leading duo, McElrea Racing teammates Michael Patrizi and Warren Luff battled for third position throughout the race. Luff moved into third on the second to last lap, claiming his first top-three race finish of the season from Patrizi in fourth.
The battlepack from fifth through to ninth provided race-long entertainment, a group of cars which included Steven Johnson, Shae Davies, Matt Kingsley, Max Twigg and Steven Richards, who ran off the circuit in the opening lap, dropping the Race 1 winner down the order.
Johnson was the winner of this battlepack, taking fifth position from Richards, Elite Class winner Twigg and Davies, while James Koundouris and Damien Flack rounded out the top-10, capitalising on steering damage and a deflating tyre on 11th placed Matt Kingsley’s car, sustained after an early altercation with a tyre bundle.
Twigg, who placed seventh outright, was pleased with his performance against his Professional Class rivals.
“That’s probably the most enjoyable drive I’ve ever had, bar none. I sat there and watched the Professional drivers battle in front of me, dust and the locked brakes everywhere, slowing each other down. But my pace was good and we won the Elite Class by a considerable margin,” said Twigg.
“I was thrilled to be there at the end; I don’t think I’ve ever stuck with the Professional guys for that long. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Duvashen Padayachee scored his best result in the category so far, finishing in 12th position ahead of Paul Kelly, James Bergmuller, Shane Smollen, Michael Loccisano, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove, Renee Gracie, Tony Walls and Tony Bates, who sustained damage after contact with a tyre bundle.
Karl Reindler was the only driver who failed to finish the race; gearbox issues ending his Race 2 campaign.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final race from the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix on Sunday at 2:10pm.
Race schedule
Sunday March 17, 2013
2:10pm Race 3 8 laps
Broadcast schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 17, 2013
Time: 2:10pm (Melb/Syd), 1:40pm (Adel), 1:10pm (Bris), 11:10am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsRichards and Twigg victorious in entertaining Albert Park opener
Steven Richards has claimed victory in an entertaining opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race at Albert Park, while Max Twigg capitalised on late-race dramas to take Elite Class honours.
Starting second on the grid, Richards took the early race lead in the eight-lap battle from pole-sitter Nick Percat and Craig Baird.
Baird soon made his way into second and challenged Richards for the lead mid-race, however the reigning Carrera Cup champion was not able to claim the top position. This battle enabled Percat to catch the leading duo.
Percat then moved into second place on Lap 4, moving on the inside of the New Zealander Baird on the second-to-last corner. The pair turned side-by-side around the left-hander, resulting Baird exiting the corner on the grass and Percat moving into second place on track. An investigation into this incident is continuing.
Percat quickly caught Richards for the lead with Baird closely in tow, allowing for a three-way battle for the lead on the final lap.
Richards retained the front position to the chequered flag to claim his second win of the season from Percat and Baird.
This battle allowed Warren Luff and Michael Patrizi to close the gap to the leading trio, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, from Matt Kingsley, Karl Reindler, Shae Davies and Steven Johnson in ninth.
Richards, who will start from pole position in Saturday’s Race 2, was pleased to continue his strong start to the 2013 season.
“I’m rapt. I’ve been trying to start the year off on a good note. We gave it everything in that race so we’re really happy to take the win,” said Richards. “We’re consistently on top of the car at the moment in terms of how I need to drive it, and that’s a good sign. We need to progress a bit further, but I’m confident we can remain at the front. The team is working really well together as well so we’re looking forward to the rest of the weekend and hopefully we’ll see more of the same results.”
The battle for the Elite Class looked to be in favour of James Koundouris, who held the class race lead for the majority of the race. A deflating tyre however allowed Twigg to take the class lead on the final lap and take 10th outright in the race.
“To win in the Elite Class was really unexpected as James was driving really well in qualifying,” said Twigg.
“He pulled a gap of about a second-and-a-half in the first two-thirds of the race and then he started to struggle under brakes. I eventually ended up passing him into one of the corners.
“I’m still a little bit concerned about James for tomorrow. We’ve just got to put our best foot forward and try as hard as we can.”
Koundouris finished one place behind Twigg in 11th from Damien Flack, Shane Smollen, Duvashen Padayachee, Paul Kelly, James Bergmuller, Michael Loccisano, Tony Bates, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove, Renee Gracie and Tony Walls in 22nd.
The second race of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia from the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix will be held at 12:50pm on Saturday.
Race schedule
Saturday March 16, 2013
12:50pm Race 2 8 laps
Sunday March 17, 2013
2:10pm Race 3 8 laps
Broadcast schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 2
Date: Saturday March 16, 2013
Time: 12:50pm (Melb/Syd), 12:20pm (Adel), 11:50am (Bris), 9:50am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
Carrera Cup – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 17, 2013
Time: 2:10pm (Melb/Syd), 1:40pm (Adel), 1:10pm (Bris), 11:10am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsPercat and Koundouris quickest in Albert Park qualifying
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rookie Nick Percat has taken his second consecutive pole position of 2013 at Albert Park, while Elite Class pace-setter James Koundouris has secured a top-10 starting spot for Friday’s opening race.
Percat, who secured pole position at the season opening Clipsal 500 two weeks earlier, dominated the qualifying session, posting the quickest time of 1:58.6330, three-tenths of a second faster than his nearest rival, Steven Richards.
Starting behind the Bathurst 1000 winning duo in the opening race will be regular front-runner Craig Baird, who secured his 50 Carrera Cup Australia race win at the last round in Adelaide, from Warren Luff, Shae Davies, Matt Kingsley, Karl Reindler and Steven Johnson in ninth.
In only his second round of Carrera Cup competition, Percat was surprised by his qualifying form at the South Australian’s ‘local’ round.
“I can’t believe this, to be honest. This is a track where I have very little experience; I’ve been here once before in a Formula Ford with great success, but to be quickest this morning and back it up with pole position by a good margin this afternoon is unbelievable,” said Percat.
“I couldn’t be happier; this is my second home round as I only live five minutes away from the track. I’ve got the speed, now I’ve got to get my first win in the category and get the championship chase rolling along a bit quicker.”
In tenth position was Elite Class pace-setter James Koundouris from class points leader Max Twigg, Damien Flack, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, James Bergmuller and Michael Loccisano in 16th.
Koundouris was pleased with his performance and the ability of his team to push him further up the timesheets.
“I’m happy with our pace today. The team made some changes after the practice session and put the car in the right direction,” said Koundouris.
“Whatever changes were made were excellent. I also have Steve Owen here this weekend to give me some driver coaching, which is helping me along as well. It was good to get the Elite Class pole position and I think there is a bit more pace to get out of the car yet.”
Duvashen Padayachee qualified in 17th ahead of Paul Kelly in his first Carrera Cup appearance for the season, from Marc Cini, Tony Walls and Renee Gracie in 22nd.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its first race of the event on Friday at 6:20pm, followed by one race on Saturday and Sunday.
Race schedule
Friday March 15, 2013
6:20pm Race 1 8 laps
Saturday March 16, 2013
12:50pm Race 2 8 laps
Sunday March 17, 2013
2:10pm Race 3 8 laps
Broadcast schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1
Date: Friday March 15, 2013
Time: 6:20pm (Melb/Syd), 5:50pm (Adel), 5:20pm (Bris), 3:20pm (Per)
Channel: One
Carrera Cup – Race 2
Date: Saturday March 16, 2013
Time: 12:50pm (Melb/Syd), 12:20pm (Adel), 11:50am (Bris), 9:50am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
Carrera Cup – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 17, 2013
Time: 2:10pm (Melb/Syd), 1:40pm (Adel), 1:10pm (Bris), 11:10am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsPercat and Koundouris quickest in Albert Park qualifying
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rookie Nick Percat has taken his second consecutive pole position of 2013 at Albert Park, while Elite Class pace-setter James Koundouris has secured a top-10 starting spot for Friday’s opening race.
Percat, who secured pole position at the season opening Clipsal 500 two weeks earlier, dominated the qualifying session, posting the quickest time of 1:58.6330, three-tenths of a second faster than his nearest rival, Steven Richards.
Starting behind the Bathurst 1000 winning duo in the opening race will be regular front-runner Craig Baird, who secured his 50 Carrera Cup Australia race win at the last round in Adelaide, from Warren Luff, Shae Davies, Matt Kingsley, Karl Reindler and Steven Johnson in ninth.
In only his second round of Carrera Cup competition, Percat was surprised by his qualifying form at the South Australian’s ‘local’ round.
“I can’t believe this, to be honest. This is a track where I have very little experience; I’ve been here once before in a Formula Ford with great success, but to be quickest this morning and back it up with pole position by a good margin this afternoon is unbelievable,” said Percat.
“I couldn’t be happier; this is my second home round as I only live five minutes away from the track. I’ve got the speed, now I’ve got to get my first win in the category and get the championship chase rolling along a bit quicker.”
In tenth position was Elite Class pace-setter James Koundouris from class points leader Max Twigg, Damien Flack, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, James Bergmuller and Michael Loccisano in 16th.
Koundouris was pleased with his performance and the ability of his team to push him further up the timesheets.
“I’m happy with our pace today. The team made some changes after the practice session and put the car in the right direction,” said Koundouris.
“Whatever changes were made were excellent. I also have Steve Owen here this weekend to give me some driver coaching, which is helping me along as well. It was good to get the Elite Class pole position and I think there is a bit more pace to get out of the car yet.”
Duvashen Padayachee qualified in 17th ahead of Paul Kelly in his first Carrera Cup appearance for the season, from Marc Cini, Tony Walls and Renee Gracie in 22nd.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its first race of the event on Friday at 6:20pm, followed by one race on Saturday and Sunday.
Race schedule
Friday March 15, 2013
6:20pm Race 1 8 laps
Saturday March 16, 2013
12:50pm Race 2 8 laps
Sunday March 17, 2013
2:10pm Race 3 8 laps
Broadcast schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1
Date: Friday March 15, 2013
Time: 6:20pm (Melb/Syd), 5:50pm (Adel), 5:20pm (Bris), 3:20pm (Per)
Channel: One
Carrera Cup – Race 2
Date: Saturday March 16, 2013
Time: 12:50pm (Melb/Syd), 12:20pm (Adel), 11:50am (Bris), 9:50am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
Carrera Cup – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 17, 2013
Time: 2:10pm (Melb/Syd), 1:40pm (Adel), 1:10pm (Bris), 11:10am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsMark Skaife and L’Oréal looking good in Porsche return
Australian motor racing great Mark Skaife will have his second taste of Porsche action at Albert Park when he returns to the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship this weekend.
After an impressive debut in the category twelve months ago, Skaife has joined forces with L’Oréal Paris Men Expert to compete on the grid at the signature Melbourne event, the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix.
Skaife will race the Team L’Oréal Porsche among a field of high-profile racers, including event drawcard, former F1 ace Heinz-Harald Frentzen.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup again this year and I’m confident we can challenge for race wins this time around,” said Skaife.
“There is some serious pedigree in the field this year – there are guys who are absolute specialists in these cars like Craig Baird and Alex Davison, Jonny Reid and Daniel Gaunt who were very competitive during last year’s championship, Heinz-Harald Frentzen who we know is an ex-Formula 1 winner and a whole host of good young guys coming through the ranks, so it should be a really enjoyable contest.
“It’s great also to have L’Oréal Men Expert on board again for the 2012 event, and if the car goes as good as it looks then we should be in for a great weekend.”
At the opening round of the 2011 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season, Skaife impressed on debut in the Porsche championship by finishing in second position in the opening race at Albert Park, followed by two fourth placings.
Skaife’s decorated motor racing career spans over 25 years and includes six Bathurst 1000 victories, a record-equalling five Australian Touring Car Championships (ATCC) and the most ever V8 Supercar/ATCC race and round wins – a record previously held by the late Peter Brock until surpassed by Skaife in 2007.
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NewsYoung Kiwi makes racing comeback at Albert Park
New Zealand racer Richie Stanaway will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut this weekend at Albert Park, marking a return to racing for the 21-year-old.
Stanaway was involved in a horror Formula Renault 3.5 crash at Spa-Francorchamps last June, breaking two vertebrae and ending his 2012 on-track campaign.
Sidelined for several months, Stanaway returns this weekend with Team Kiwi Racing at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, competing in a second entry from the New Zealand outfit alongside current Team Kiwi Racing driver Shae Davies.
Stanaway, who will also race in the 2013 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, is excited to make his motorsport comeback in Carrera Cup Australia with Team Kiwi Racing.
“I feel fine, but as this is my first race since my back injury, I am unsure as to how I will go this weekend under race conditions,” said Stanaway.
“This opportunity means so much to me as six months ago I thought I might never race again. I am just so excited and I would like to thank everyone involved who has made this possible.”
Stanaway added he is pleased to join the all-Porsche championship with New Zealand team, Team Kiwi Racing.
“As a Kiwi driver I am proud to be driving a Team Kiwi Racing car, just as many of New Zealand’s top drivers have over the years.”
Stanaway has won four consecutive championship titles in his short motor racing career, taking outright victory in the 2008 New Zealand Formula Ford Championship, 2009 New Zealand Toyota Racing Series, 2010 Formula Masters and 2011 German Formula Three Championship.
He also competed in four races of the 2011 GP3 Series, taking one race win, and contested five races of the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series before his crash at the Belgian circuit cut his season short.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will begin its second round of the 2013 season at Albert Park this Thursday March 14, 2013.
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NewsCarrera Cup set for sensational Albert Park return
A Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field of 23 cars at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix this weekend will be the largest Carrera Cup field at the showcase event since 2004.
A favourite circuit among Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers, Albert Park will host the second round of Australia’s premier one-make sports car championship of the 2013 season.
Bolstering the field from an impressive 21 entrants at the opening Adelaide round is the addition of two New Zealanders, Paul Kelly and Richie Stanaway.
Jet Travel Insurance has joined Porsche Carrera Cup Australia as an Event Partner for the Albert Park round, with the travel insurance specialist featuring on the windscreens of every Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, along with additional branding and the appearance of the brand’s gopher mascot in the Carrera Cup paddock.
Leading the outright standings is Craig Baird, who claimed two wins from three races at the opening 2013 event at the Clipsal 500, beaten only by Steven Richards in the final race after Baird received a five-second penalty due to a jump start.
Richards now hopes to continue his form at the front, however he will have to beat Baird, who has won eight of the last 10 Carrera Cup races at Albert Park along with outright victory in the last three rounds at the Formula 1® event.
“Albert Park is a fantastic circuit in these cars; you can drive hard the whole race and you get rewarded for having a go,” said Richards.
“We’ll see what happens this weekend, but 20-odd Porsches racing around Albert Park is sure to make a great spectacle.”
In the Elite Class, Max Twigg will be looking to continue his strong form after securing class victory at the Clipsal 500, and enters the Albert Park round having dominated the round in his class last year.
Elite Class driver Marc Cini will line up for his 60th round in the one-make championship, while 2012 class runner-up James Koundouris, who finished second in the Elite Class at the Clipsal 500, is hoping he can go one better in Melbourne.
“My aim this weekend is to win in the Elite Class and get into the top 10 outright. I’ve traditionally been good at the Albert Park circuit so hopefully I can perform well there this weekend,” said Koundouris, who hopes the addition of a throttle blipper (a mechanical device that automatically revs the engine on down-changes) will improve his performance at the Melbourne circuit.
“I think I’ve put myself at a disadvantage previously by not using the throttle blipper, especially at a circuit like Albert Park. I’m going to try it this weekend and see if it will push me closer to the Professional Class drivers.”
All three Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races from Albert Park will be broadcast live on Network Ten.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its practice and qualifying sessions this Thursday, with one race on each of the following days of the Albert Park event.
Race schedule
Thursday March 14, 2013
2:10pm Practice 20 minutes
4:50pm Qualifying 20 minutes
Friday March 15, 2013
6:20pm Race 1 8 laps
Saturday March 16, 2013
12:50pm Race 2 8 laps
Sunday March 17, 2013
2:10pm Race 3 8 laps
Broadcast schedule
Carrera Cup – Race 1
Date: Friday March 15, 2013
Time: 6:20pm (Melb/Syd), 5:50pm (Adel), 5:20pm (Bris), 3:20pm (Per)
Channel: One
Carrera Cup – Race 2
Date: Saturday March 16, 2013
Time: 12:50pm (Melb/Syd), 12:20pm (Adel), 11:50am (Bris), 9:50am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
Carrera Cup – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 17, 2013
Time: 2:10pm (Melb/Syd), 1:40pm (Adel), 1:10pm (Bris), 11:10am (Per)
Channel: Ten/One
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NewsYOUNG KIWI MAKES RACING COMEBACK AT ALBERT PARK
New Zealand racer Richie Stanaway will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut this weekend at Albert Park, marking a return to racing for the 21-year-old driver.
Stanaway was involved in a horror Formula Renault 3.5 crash at Spa-Francorchamps last June, breaking two vertebrae and ending his 2012 on-track campaign.
Sidelined for several months, Stanaway returns this weekend with Team Kiwi Racing at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, competing in a second entry from the New Zealand outfit alongside current Team Kiwi Racing driver Shae Davies.
Stanaway, who will also race in the 2013 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, is excited to make his motorsport comeback in Carrera Cup Australia with Team Kiwi Racing.
“I feel fine, but as this is my first race since my back injury I am unsure as to how I will go this weekend under race conditions,” said Stanaway.
“This opportunity means so much to me as six months ago I thought I might never race again. I am just so excited and I would like to thank everyone involved who has made this possible.”
Stanaway added he is pleased to join the all-Porsche championship with New Zealand team, Team Kiwi Racing.
“As a Kiwi driver I am proud to be driving a Team Kiwi Racing car, just as many of New Zealand’s top drivers have over the years.”
Stanaway has won four consecutive championship titles in his short motor racing career, taking outright victory in the 2008 New Zealand Formula Ford Championship, 2009 New Zealand Toyota Racing Series, 2010 Formula Masters and 2011 German Formula Three Championship.
Stanaway also competed in four races of the 2011 GP3 Series, taking one race win, and contested five races of the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series before his crash at the Belgian circuit cut his season short.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will begin its second round of the 2013 season at Albert Park this Thursday March 14, 2013.
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NewsRichards wins, Baird and Twigg take Adelaide crown
Steven Richards has taken his first race win of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season in Race 3 in Adelaide, as Craig Baird and Max Twigg claimed the round victory in the South Australian event.
Following victory in the first two races, Baird was deemed to have jumped the start in the Sunday race, an act that receives a penalty of five seconds being added to the driver’s race time.
Baird was ultimately the first car to cross the finish line, however Richards, who was closely in tow, inherited the race win from Nick Percat and Baird, who won the round and now leads the Porsche championship.
“It’s a funny way to get a race win. Once I heard that Baird was given a penalty, I just managed the gap to Nick and tried to be fast in the right places so Nick couldn’t have a crack at passing me,” said Richards.
“It was a great weekend. We’ve come a long way from this time last year. I’ve got a good handle on the car now, so I’m sure we should go to every round and be somewhere near the front, where we need to be.”
Richards added that being consistently at the front this year is the only way he can break Baird’s run of three-straight Carrera Cup Australia titles.
“We’ve come away only a few points behind Baird. But now we need to really try to beat him. The only way we are really going to win this championship is if we keep finishing in front of him.”
Michael Patrizi recovered from his poor start to the weekend, where a qualifying accident forced him to start the opening race from the rear of the field. The West Australian finished Race 3 in fourth ahead of Matt Kingsley, Karl Reindler, Shae Davies, Warren Luff and Steven Johnson in ninth.
The race in the Elite Class was won by Max Twigg, who finished in 10th from James Koundouris, Marc Cini, Damien Flack, Shane Smollen in 14th.
Twigg’s class race win placed him at the top of the Elite Class points at the end of the event, with Koundouris and Smollen placing second and third in the Elite Class round results, respectively.
“That was a good result and a solid drive from me,“ said Twigg, who had previously struggled to beat class rival Koundouris on the Adelaide layout.
“I’ve never beaten James here. In fact, I’ve been thrashed by James here. For me it’s a good step forward. Using data this weekend got me going back to the basics and allowed me to become more consistent in the third race where I’ve suffered before.”
The win has given Twigg confidence ahead of Round 2 at Albert Park – a circuit where at last year’s round the reigning Elite Class champion was competing among the more experienced Professional Class drivers.
“A win in the first round gives me confidence, and confidence is everything in motorsport. The Albert Park track is my sort of circuit. It has long flat changes of direction and low kerbs; it’s built for a sports car. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Stephen Grove finished the race in 15th from Michael Loccisano, Tony Walls, James Bergmuller and Renee Gracie in 19th, while Duvashen Padayachee failed to finish.
Elite Class contender Tony Bates was unable to start the race due to damage to his Porsche caused by an incident in Race 2.
Round 2 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at Albert Park for the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.
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NewsBaird scores 50th race win, Twigg takes Elite Class honours
Reigning champion Craig Baird’s victory in Race 2 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the Clipsal 500 was one of the New Zealander’s most significant – his 50th race win in the Australian one-make championship.
After victory in Friday’s Race 1, Baird again led into the opening corner and pulled a lengthy gap on the field from Steven Richards, Nick Percat, Warren Luff and Shae Davies.
Steven Johnson’s race was soon cut short after contact with Karl Reindler on the opening lap at the exit of Turn 9 caused suspension damage.
Baird’s stronghold of the race loosened mid-race from Richards, Percat and Luff after experiencing a deflating tyre – an occurance that hampered, but did not remove, his chances of race victory.
On Lap 8, Richards passed Baird into Turn 9 however Baird regained the lead on the following corner, allowing Percat to challenge Richards for second place.
The battle for second allowed Baird to again pull away from the field and claim his milestone 50th Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race win from 130 race starts in the category, finishing ahead of Richards, Percat, Davies, Luff, Reindler and Michael Patrizi in seventh, who progressed from 13th at the start of the race.
“It’s nice to get 50 race wins. It wasn’t the easiest win of my career, but it was great to reach that milestone,” said Baird.
“50 race wins doesn’t sound like a lot to me but when you look at the amount of race starts and all the hard work and heartache that everyone puts in, it’s a lot of races.
“I thought the race win was going to come easy once I gapped second place right at the start. I was just pushing as hard as I could to get a gap. I knew the other two guys were reasonably fast, but when I suffered the slight deflation in the front-left tyre I was in a world of hurt. A little bit of luck played into it too.”
The race played host to several entertaining battles in the Elite Class, namely the race-long stoush between class leaders Max Twigg and James Koundouris which played out until the chequered flag, with Twigg taking the honours.
Further behind, Tony Bates, Damien Flack, Matt Kingsley and Shane Smollen were challenging for position. Bates looked set for a solid finish until contact with Flack sent his Porsche into the tyre barrier at the second-to-last corner in the race’s closing stages. Flack was excluded from the race results due to the contact.
Twigg took a narrow 0.1-second Elite Class victory and eighth overall over Koundouris, ahead of Kingsley, Smollen, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove, James Bergmuller, Duvashen Padayachee, Renee Gracie and Tony Walls.
“We didn’t have a good qualifying, but we got back to where we wanted to be in Race 1, and then had the win in Race 2,” said Twigg.
“I was happy with that results. The pace was really good in the last third of the race. James and I just had another fantastic race, he is driving really well and I think it’s going to be an unreal championship this year. Bates and Flack are also doing well, so it’s going to be a really competitive season.”
Michael Loccisano failed to finish due to a broken throttle cable.
The final race of the opening round of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will be held on Sunday at 1:10pm.
Race schedule
Sunday March 03, 2013
1:10pm Race 3 12 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Race 3 (as live)
Date: Sunday March 03, 2013
Time: 1:40pm (Melb/Syd), 1:10pm (Adel), 12:40pm (Bris), 10:40am (Per)
Channel: Seven
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NewsPartnership continues into 10th anniversary season
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Michelin Australia will continue their strong partnership into the 2013 season.
The French tyre brand has been the Official Tyre Partner of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia from its debut in Australian motor racing in 2003, with this season marking the 10th anniversary of the start of the association.
The new partnership will continue the professionalism and high quality service to its competitors, according to Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie.
“Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Michelin Australia have enjoyed a long and beneficial partnership since the category’s inception in Australia in 2003,” said Blaikie.
“Michelin provides exceptional products and second-to-none technical service to our Carrera Cup teams. This helps us in our goal to deliver Australia’s most professional motor racing championship.”
Thierry Martin, Michelin Australia Managing Director, is excited about continuing Michelin Australia’s strong connection with the premier one-make sports car championship.
“Together Porsche and Michelin have a long and successful history around the world, both on and off the track. But our partnership is more than just supplying tyres; it is a true technical partnership. Designers from Michelin work closely with Porsche to develop tyres that delivers total performance,” said Martin.
“The DNA of our Porsche race tyres is present in the road tyres designed specifically to meet the high standards required by Porsche. After being tested in the extreme conditions of a race track, innovations that increase tyre tread life, ensure sustainable tyre performance, improve safety and enhance energy efficiency are then used to develop Michelin passenger car tyres.”
The renewed partnership will also see Michelin feature on the windscreen banners of the entire Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field for this weekend’s Clipsal 500 event.
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NewsDREAM START FOR LOCAL USER
Local driver Nick Percat has secured pole position for the opening round of the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, while returnee Damien Flack posted the fastest lap of the Elite Class racers.
Percat, a debutant in the Porsche one-make championship, finished today’s qualifying session with a time of 1:22.6031, two-tenths faster than second-placed reigning champion Craig Baird.
Warren Luff and Steven Richards will start the opening race of the season from the second row of the grid in third and fourth position from Shae Davies, Karl Reindler, Steven Johnson and Matt Kingsley in eighth.
Percat’s pole position lap was a new qualifying lap record for the category, improving on the previous record set by now-V8 Supercars driver Alex Davison in 2012.
“It’s a dream start for us; a local driver with an Adelaide-based team putting the Porsche on pole position. We knew that we’d have good pace later in the season but I definitely didn’t expect to roll out the car and be mixing it with Baird for pole on debut in Adelaide,” said Percat.
“To put this car on pole position against these guys was the most rewarding pole position in my career, mainly because you have to push the car so hard to get there. It’s been a really good day.”
Percat was also pleased to have provided some thrills for the local supporters.
“We’ve got a few local racers here this weekend; myself along with Scott Pye and Tim Slade in V8 Supercars. For it to be Day 1 and have a South Australian on pole position, I think that’s something to be happy about.”
Damien Flack was the quickest Elite Class driver for the qualifying session with the ninth fastest time from James Koundouris, Tony Bates, Duvashen Padayachee, Shane Smollen, Max Twigg and Marc Cini in 15th.
“The Clipsal 500 and Gold Coast circuits are my nemesis tracks so I didn’t expect to go that well to be honest. I just wanted to cruise along this weekend to make sure that we were fine for the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks,” said Flack.
“We seem to have reasonable pace in qualifying so I’m looking forward to seeing how we go in tomorrow’s race.”
Stephen Grove finished the qualifying session in 16th position ahead of James Bergmuller, Michael Loccisano, Tony Walls, Renee Gracie and Michael Patrizi.
The first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race of the season will be held tomorrow at 2:30pm, which will be televised live on Seven.
Race schedule
Friday March 01, 2013
2:30pm Race 1 12 laps
Saturday March 02, 2013
9:50am Race 2 12 laps
Sunday March 03, 2013
1:10pm Race 3 12 laps
Broadcast schedule
Race 1 (live)
Date: Friday March 01, 2013
Time: 2:00pm (Melb/Syd), 2:30pm (Adel), 3:00pm (Bris), 12:00pm (Per)
Channel: Seven
Race 2 (as live)
Date: Saturday March 02, 2013
Time: 12:55pm (Melb/Syd), 1:25pm (Adel), 1:55pm (Bris), 10:55pm (Per)
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (as live)
Date: Sunday March 03, 2013
Time: 12:40pm (Melb/Syd), 1:10pm (Adel), 1:40pm (Bris), 10:40pm (Per)
Channel: Seven
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NewsPopular V8 star completes Carrera Cup line-up
Popular Australian racer Steven Johnson will swap his V8 Supercar for a pure-bred racing Porsche 911 when lining up for the 2013 season of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
Having raced in the V8 Supercars Championship full-time since 2000, Johnson will now take the reins of the Hunter Sports Group Porsche, along with focussing on his role of Dick Johnson Racing General Manager.
Johnson replaces 2012 championship runner-up Jonny Reid, who has coincidently progressed to a full-time drive at Johnson’s family V8 Supercars team, Dick Johnson Racing.
“I said that my stepping down from DJR was only as a full-time V8 Supercar driver this year,” said Johnson.
“The good news is I will be on the grid in Adelaide and have a real crack at the Carrera Cup. It will be great to race with old foes such as Craig Baird and Steve Richards, plus a lot of the young guns.”
Johnson is no stranger to the Hunter Sports Group team, having claimed two Class B victories with the Newcastle-based outfit at the Bathurst 12 Hour event.
“I have enjoyed the endurance racing with the team but to move with Hunter Sports Group to the full series is a real buzz. These cars are fantastic to drive.”
Johnson’s confirmation for the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship opener at the Clipsal 500 completes an impressive 21-car Porsche field.
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Entry List – Clipsal 500
Car # Class Driver
1 Professional Craig Baird
4 Elite Stephen Grove
5 Professional Karl Reindler
6 Elite Tony Walls
7 Professional Warren Luff
8 Elite Max Twigg
9 Elite Marc Cini
10 Elite Michael Loccisano
12 Professional Steven Richards
13 Elite James Bergmuller
17 Professional Steven Johnson
19 Elite Damien Flack
20 Professional Duvashen Padayachee
21 Professional Shae Davies
24 Elite Tony Bates
29 Professional Michael Patrizi
47 Elite James Koundouris
50 Professional Matt Kingsley
55 Professional Renee Gracie
56 Elite Shane Smollen
222 Professional Nick Percat
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NewsV8 ace makes Carrera Cup move
West Australian motor racing ace Karl Reindler will contest the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship following a three-year stint in the top-flight V8 Supercars competition.
In a career that also includes an Australian Formula 3 Championship title win, British Formula 3, Grand-Am and A1 Grand Prix, Reindler will now line up for his debut in the Carrera Cup category at this weekend’s season opening Clipsal 500.
With a sensational list of drivers confirmed for the 2013 Porsche championship, Reindler expects racing in this year’s Carrera Cup season to be no easy task.
“Over the last three years I’ve been focussed on V8 Supercars and I therefore haven’t had a chance to experience any other categories, so this year will be a great opportunity for me to do so. Carrera Cup is a great formula as seen globally; the race-proven Porsche GT3 Cup car united with the high performance Michelin tyres,” said Reindler.
“This year’s Carrera Cup field is the most competitive that the Australian championship has ever seen. Typically, Carrera Cup Australia is as competitive as most other sports car categories around the world, and is probably the second most competitive category in Australia this year.
“I’m looking forward to this season and am proud to have my long-time backer Wilson Security along for the ride.”
Reindler joins fellow former full-time V8 Supercars drivers Craig Baird, Warren Luff, Michael Patrizi and Steven Richards on the Carrera Cup grid at this weekend’s Clipsal 500.
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NewsKingsley ready for full-time Carrera Cup return
Former Porsche champion Matt Kingsley will contest the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship following his part-time campaign in the 2012 one-make category.
The Gold Coast-based racer, who won the 2009 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia title, is the latest Professional Class driver to join this year’s Carrera Cup line-up, joined by long-time supporter Action Tyres & More.
Kingsley remains one of the most successful drivers to have competed in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, holding the record for the most round wins, race wins and pole positions in the entry-level Porsche category.
Having raced at three rounds of the 2012 Carrera Cup Australia season, including his championship debut at the Clipsal 500 along with the Phillip Island and Townsville rounds, Kingsley is excited to return to the familiar surroundings of the Adelaide street circuit.
“This year’s Carrera Cup field is incredibly strong and I think it’s fair to say that the championship has stepped up a great deal from last year,” said Kingsley.
“We’re absolutely going all out for a good result. Off the back of these impressive results, we’ll hopefully be able to gain some additional funding for the remainder of the season.
“This deal to race Carrera Cup happened so quickly that we’ve been flat out getting ready. We received the car then tested the very next day with a blank livery. We literally finished applying the stickers before pushing the car onto the transporter for Adelaide.”
Kingsley, who will race the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car previously owned by Ray Angus, will first hit the track this Thursday February 28 for the opening day of the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
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NewsSensational grid for Porsche season opener
More entries, great drivers: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is set for a sensational season, starting at this weekend’s Clipsal 500.
With 21 entries confirmed for the opening Carrera Cup round in Adelaide, the category finds itself in a much stronger position than it was in 12 months ago, where only 15 cars took to the grid at the first round.
With a field size almost 50 percent stronger, and with several high-profile names joining the championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is set to host one of its most competitive and entertaining seasons to date.
“Over the off-season the interest in participating in Carrera Cup was tremendous, which is reflected in this great Porsche field, in both size and calibre, for the Clipsal 500,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Jamey Blaikie.
“Not only will competition be tough at the front, but throughout the entire field. We have close to a 50/50 split between Professional Class and Elite Class drivers, with both championships shaping up to be ultra competitive.”
The competition will be fierce in the Elite Class, where dual class champion Max Twigg will be challenged by closing forces James Koundouris, Tony Bates, Marc Cini, Michael Loccisano, Shane Smollen and Stephen Grove, with newcomers James Bergmuller, Tony Walls and returnee Damien Flack all eager to join the current crop of Porsche racers.
Tony Bates, who finished third in the Elite Class in his debut season last year, is looking forward to challenging his Porsche rivals for the class crown.
“The Outright championship is shaping to be pretty competitive, but the fight for the Elite Class championship will be just as strong,” said Bates.
“Obviously I spent the first half of last year learning the car’s capabilities. Then at Bathurst, the penny dropped and I started to catch the likes of Twigg and Koundouris. This year’s aim will be to put seven successful rounds together and push for the Elite Class championship.”
Four-time Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird headlines a list of strong contenders for the 2013 championship, which includes former V8 Supercar drivers Steven Richards, Warren Luff and Michael Patrizi, and up-and-coming racers Nick Percat, Shae Davies, Duvashen Padayachee, Matt Kingsley and Renee Gracie, who will become the first female to race in the Australian one-make championship.
Seasoned V8 Supercars endurance driver Warren Luff will be making his Carrera Cup Australia debut at the Adelaide event, and is looking forward to the challenge of racing against exception competition.
“Carrera Cup has been a great category for many years in Australia; it is a level playing field and has some top drivers. And with Craig Baird as the benchmark, I can’t wait to get racing,” said Luff.
“Without racing full-time I have missed the competition and the close, wheels-to-wheel action. I usually do the two V8 Supercars endurance races every year, but it will be great to be competing full time again.”
The start of the eighth Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season will commence this Thursday February 28 when the sports car category graces the Adelaide circuit for practice and qualifying.
The category will also hold one race on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – all broadcast live (or as live) on Seven.
Race schedule
Thursday February 28, 2013
9:10am Practice 1 20 minutes
12:30pm Practice 2 20 minutes
4:10pm Qualifying 20 minutes
Friday March 01, 2013
2:30pm Race 1 12 laps
Saturday March 02, 2013
9:50am Race 2 12 laps
Sunday March 03, 2013
1:10pm Race 3 12 laps
Broadcast schedule
Race 1 (live)
Date: Friday March 01, 2013
Time: 2:00pm (Melb/Syd), 2:30pm (Adel), 3:00pm (Bris), 12:00pm (Per)
Channel: Seven
Race 2 (as live)
Date: Saturday March 02, 2013
Time: 12:55pm (Melb/Syd), 1:25pm (Adel), 1:55pm (Bris), 10:55pm (Per)
Channel: Seven
Race 3 (as live)
Date: Sunday March 03, 2013
Time: 12:40pm (Melb/Syd), 1:10pm (Adel), 1:40pm (Bris), 10:40pm (Per)
Channel: Seven
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NewsFormer Bathurst champ set for full-time Carrera Cup assault
One of Australia’s greatest motor racing talents, Nick Percat, will put his skills to the test against the country’s top sports car drivers this season.
After three years competing in the V8 Supercars Development Series, Percat has switched his focus to Australia’s premier one-make sports car championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, joining Team BRM with continued backing from Coates Hire.
The move will place the 2011 Bathurst 1000 champion against some of Australia’s greatest sports car drivers including four-time Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird, Steven Richards, Michael Patrizi and Warren Luff, with Percat looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m looking forward to the start of the season and finally getting the chance to race one of these Porsche GT3 Cup cars,” said Percat.
“Carrera Cup is definitely one of the most competitive racing championships in the country and I can’t wait to line up against the likes of Craig Baird and Warren Luff at the Clipsal 500.
“To be competitive in Carrera Cup you’ve got to be legitimately fast and consistent as there is such great parity between the cars. Therefore, if I can be competitive in a Porsche, then it will add another feather in my cap as a driver.”
Percat’s Carrera Cup campaign will have a distinct Adelaide flavour – his city of birth is also the base of his new Carrera Cup outfit, Team BRM.
“It’s great to have Coates Hire on board with our Carrera Cup campaign. I’m also happy to reunite with Team BRM this season; I drove with them in the 2007 Formula Ford season, gaining a few victories. As soon as I walk into the Team BRM workshop it feels like home; they are a great group of guys and it’s great to go into the Adelaide season opener with a local driver and team.”
Percat’s greatest racing triumph is his victory in the 2011 Bathurst 1000 alongside Garth Tander, a performance following his previous career highlight – a dominant title victory in the 2009 Australian Formula Ford Championship.
Percat will experience his first outing in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car today at a test day at Winton Motor Raceway.
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NewsExperienced team to oversee Carrera Cup in 2013
Two of Australia’s most respected motor racing personalities, Cameron McConville and Peter Fitzgerald, will oversee the on-track competition throughout this season’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship.
McConville, who was the Driving Standards Advisor for the past two Porsche Carrera Cup Australia seasons, has been appointed as the new Race Director for the all-Porsche category.
This announcement follows McConville’s recent confirmation as the new Driving Standards Advisor for the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.
Fitzgerald, a former Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver and championship-winning Team Manager, will replace McConville as the new Driving Standards Advisor for the Porsche championship, and is thrilled to continue his long association with Porsche.
“I’ve been involved with Porsche for around 40 years so I’m very pleased to continue this relationship into 2013,” said Fitzgerald.
“I’ve always considered Carrera Cup as the pinnacle of motorsport that I’ve been involved with and I’m happy to return to the category, this time in quite a different role than I was in previously.
“I’ve been around quite a while so I know all the tricks that a driver can try to pull; I’ve probably tried most of them myself in the past. I’m well equipped for the job and I’m looking forward to returning to Carrera Cup later this month for the Clipsal 500.”
Fitzgerald competed in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia from its inaugural season in 2003 to the end of 2006, in which time he achieved two race wins, four fastest laps and 13 top-three finishes from 90 race starts.
Fitzgerald continued his success as a Team Manager, winning the 2008 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title with driver Craig Baird.
Chris McMahon will remain in his role of Investigating and Prosecuting Officer for the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season.
McConville and Fitzgerald will start in their respective new roles with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the season-opening Clipsal 500 event in Adelaide, South Australia, on February 28 to March 03, 2013.
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NewsGRACIE SECURES NEW MAJOR SPONSOR
Teenage female racer Renee Gracie will carry the support of floor care brand Dirt Devil during her debut season in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
Dirt Devil is an internationally renowned brand of vacuum cleaners and floor care, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electrical and electronic products.
Dirt Devil will support Fujitsu Racing as a major sponsor, with Dirt Devil branding to feature prominently on the roof, rear guards and front bar of Gracie’s Fujitsu Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
While the alignment with Renee Gracie is the brand’s first sponsorship in Australian sport, Dirt Devil was previously a prominent sponsor in NASCAR and Indycar racing, notably during the 1990s as a partner of Newman/Haas Racing in the CART World Series.
The announcement reaffirms the unprecedented interest and excitement surrounding Gracie’s impending debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the Clipsal 500 from February 28-March 03, where Gracie will become the first ever female to compete in the high-profile, all-Porsche series – one of eight Carrera Cup series worldwide endorsed by Porsche AG.
Gracie is extremely excited heading into her debut season, and is proud to be aligned to the Dirt Devil brand.
“The past few months have been a whirlwind for me ever since I knew I would be racing in Carrera Cup this year. To now be partnered by a great brand such as Dirt Devil has just added to the excitement for what I know will be a huge year ahead. I am really proud to know that Dirt Devil is getting involved in Australian motorsport for the first time by sponsoring my career, and I am really looking forward to working with Dirt Devil to achieve some great results, on and off the track,” said Gracie.
Dirt Devil National Sales & Marketing Manager, Jayson Owens, commented that all at Dirt Devil are extremely excited to be associated with Gracie in her debut season in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia series.
“We look forward to working closely with Renee throughout this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup campaign as she strives to establish herself as a premier female contender in Australian racing. We see Renee as the ideal match for Dirt Devil and feel confident that fans and hercompeting drivers alike will soon be remembering her name as she makes her mark in Australian motorsport.”
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NewsFemale racer set for 2013 Porsche season
One of Australia’s most promising young stars, 17-year-old Brisbane teenager Renee Gracie, will become Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s first female racer when joining the one-make championship in 2013.
A proven talent in Australian karting, Gracie will join Queensland-based McElrea Racing for the 2013 season with the backing of Fujitsu General; a deal that was crafted through Gracie’s involvement in the Fujitsu ‘Cool’ Driver Program.
Following Gracie’s 18th birthday in January, the Queenslander will make her Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut at the 2013 Clipsal 500; an exciting prospect for the budding young race car driver.
“This fantastic opportunity is the realisation of what I set out to do when I first started in karts. I’ve been training hard and working towards making this exciting step into championship motor racing and I couldn’t be happier knowing what 2013 holds for me,” said Gracie.
“Yes, it’s a big step, but I feel confident the team can bring me up to speed and assist me with increasing my competitiveness in a structured and measured way. It’s also great to be able to continue with Fujitsu who’ve supported me so enthusiastically for the last two years. I’m pinching myself to be honest.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Jamey Blaikie welcomes Gracie to the category and is excited to have the talented youngster join the Porsche field.
“Renee’s inclusion to Carrera Cup Australia will attract a completely new demographic to the category. It’s rare to find a talented young female driver and Renee is showing all the right signs to become a high profile driver in Australian motorsport,” said Blaikie.
“Renee has talent, enthusiasm and important marketability that will help her progress far in her motorsport career, and we’re thrilled we can play a part in Renee’s development as a race car driver.”
Gracie and the entire Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will hit the track at the 2013 opening round at the Clipsal 500, February 28-March 03, 2013.
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NewsReid and Koundouris finish season with success
Kiwi speedster Jonny Reid’s perfect round at Sydney Olympic Park has secured him second in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia standings this weekend, while James Koundouris claimed the round win in the Elite Class.
After two race victories on Saturday, Reid took the lead from the start of Sunday’s Race 3 ahead of Daniel Gaunt, Steven Richards and 2012 champion Craig Baird.
Reid remained in the lead for the entire race until the chequered flag, ahead of Gaunt and Baird, who held off Alex Davison in a battle for third on the final lap.
Nick Foster finished fifth from Richards, Alexandre Imperatori and Elite Class race winner Max Twigg in eighth.
For Reid, the clean sweep of race wins was a perfect way to finish the 2012 season in Sydney – a round in which he moved into second in the championship ahead of Davison after missing the opening round in Adelaide.
“I didn’t expect to deliver pole position and three race wins at this late stage in the championship when everyone is at their best, so it’s a great feeling to take victory at the season finale,” said Reid, who won the round from Baird and Gaunt.
“It was an unexpected round win, to be fair. The dedication of the team over the duration of the championship has given me the ability to perform at a higher level and I want to thank Nathan Tinkler, the Hunter Sports Group and Hunter Motor Sport for their dedication and for the opportunity this year.”
After taking two Elite Class race wins on Saturday, second place to newly crowned Elite Class champion Twigg and ninth outright in Race 3 was enough to secure Koundouris the Elite Class round win from Twigg, Tony Bates and Marc Cini.
“I’m happy with the round win. We made some changes for the last race and had great speed in the race. I’ve never really gone well here but we seemed to turn it around this weekend,” said Koundouris.
“Max and I have been battling for a long time; I beat Max for the first three or four years in GT and Carrera Cup and Max has had a good couple of years. The big thing this year is that I missed a round in Townsville, which was costly. Had I gone to Townsville it would have been a real close finish. But well done to Max and I look forward to next season.”
Andre Heimgartner finished 10th in the final race from Shae Davies, Bates, Cini, Theo Koundouris, Michael Loccisano and Ray Angus.
The Carrera Cup Australia championship will return to the track at the opening 2013 event at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide on February 28 to March 03, 2013.
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NewsReid and Twigg set pace in Sydney practice
Friday pace-setter Jonny Reid has taken the first steps towards his goal of victory at the final round of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season at Sydney Olympic Park.
With the 2012 title secured by Craig Baird at the penultimate Gold Coast round, Reid and Alex Davison will battle for second in the championship this weekend, with only seven points separating the Porsche pair. However Reid is more focussed on success at the Sydney season finale.
Reid started his Sydney campaign by posting the fourth fastest lap in opening practice, but lifted to claim the top time of the day in the second practice session.
Opening practice pace-setter Baird finished the day with the second fastest time, followed Nick Foster and Steven Richards.
Alex Davison, the only driver to not eclipse his Practice 1 time, posted the fifth fastest time after experiencing mechanical issues in the second session; followed on the time sheets by Daniel Gaunt, Andre Heimgartner and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion and Sydney Guest driver Alexandre Imperatori in eighth.
Reid was pleased with his early pace and has his sights firmly set on victory at the season finale.
“I’m rapt with the car and the way it’s performing at the moment. We’ve got a tough weekend ahead but if we can get all our stars aligned we can certainly take three race wins,” said Reid.
“The goal is to win as the championship has been wrapped up. It pains me to think that I missed the first round at the Clipsal 500 this year and the championship was decided a round early because of that. For this weekend, taking away the satisfaction of winning and getting fastest laps will be my goal. If I do that, second in the championship will follow.”
Max Twigg was the fastest Elite Class driver in ninth position, followed by Shae Davies, debutant Michael Almond, James Koundouris, Tony Bates, Theo Koundouris, Marc Cini, Ray Angus, Michael Loccisano and Stephen Grove.
Twigg will now try to convert his practice pace into a strong qualifying and race performance against the competitive Professional Class drivers.
“This weekend I just want to run with the professional drivers, and if I’m within a couple of tenths off guys like Daniel Gaunt now, then I think I’ll be able to remain with them for a good part of the race,” said Twigg.
“I’ve just got to get a good position in qualifying tomorrow to place me close to the professional guys for the start of the opening race.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold its qualifying session and two races on Saturday, with the final race of the season to be held on Sunday.
Race Schedule
Saturday December 01, 2012
8:50am Qualifying 20 minutes
12:45pm Race 1 12 laps
5:15pm Race 2 12 laps
Sunday December 02, 2012
10:40am Race 3 12 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Date: Sunday December 02, 2012
Time: 11:40am (QLD), 12:40pm (NSW/VIC), 12:10pm (SA/NT), 10:40am (WA)
Channel: Seven
Note: the race will be telecast approximately two hours after the actual race.
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NewsCarrera Cup Asia champion to shake up Sydney finale
Australia’s top Porsche drivers will have an added challenge at Sydney Olympic Park this weekend with the arrival of 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion Alexandre Imperatori with the backing of TYREPLUS.
The 25-year-old Swiss driver will compete in the final round of Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia having dominated the Asian sister series in 2012 with seven wins from the season’s 11 races.
The China-based Imperatori will now line up at the Sydney Olympic Park circuit with sponsorship from TYREPLUS – the retail partner of the championship’s Official Tyre Partner, Michelin – and is set to challenge the championship’s front-running racers.
“I’m very much looking forward to this weekend. It looks like a fantastic, challenging street circuit and I know Craig Baird and some of the drivers from different categories I’ve raced in the past, so I expect the competition to be very strong,” said Imperatori.
“It’s my first time here, I don’t know the track and it was a last-minute deal so I don’t really know what to expect, to be honest. I’ll just try to enjoy the weekend and we’ll see tomorrow whether we can be competitive from the get-go.
Imperatori’s entry in the final round of the Carrera Cup Australia season was crafted on Wednesday after it became known to Porsche Cars Australia that the Swiss Porsche ace would be in Sydney at the time of the Sydney Telstra 500 event.
“I was in Sydney to visit my wife and to have a bit of a holiday and relax after my season was over in Asia. I was clearing customs in Melbourne yesterday when I got a call from Porsche asking whether I wanted to race this weekend. I did want to race and I’m really grateful to Porsche Cars Australia for making it happen. I’d also like to thank my team in China, Team StarChase, for letting me race and to Michelin and TYREPLUS for supporting us throughout the weekend.”
No stranger to street circuits, two weeks ago Imperatori finished second at the Macau GT Cup – the prestigious and ultra-competitive sports car race around the revered Macau street circuit aboard a Porsche 911 GT3-R.
The Sydney round will mark the second appearance of the TYREPLUS Porsche in the 2012 Carrera Cup Australia season after it was driven by dual Porsche Supercup champion Jeroen Bleekemolen at Bathurst in October.
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NewsCarrera Cup hits 200 at Sydney season finale
A brilliant double century: Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will celebrate its 200th championship race in Sydney at the 2012 season finale, as Alex Davison and Max Twigg also reach a significant milestone this weekend.
The Porsche one-make championship has held 199 races since its inception into Australian motorsport in 2003, with the opening race at Sydney Olympic Park to be the 200th in the category’s history.
The 2012 championship title was secured by Craig Baird at the penultimate Gold Coast round, leaving the fight for second in the points open to former champion Alex Davison and the hard charging Jonny Reid, who missed the opening round of the season in Adelaide.
Davison is hungry for success in Sydney following tough Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds, allowing Gold Coast round winner Reid to close within seven points of Davison in the standings. Daniel Gaunt and Steven Richards are also mathematical chances to move into third place in the standings at the Sydney round.
Celebrating his 100th Carrera Cup start in the final race of the season, Davison is determined to finish the year on a high on the streets of Sydney Olympic Park.
“We haven’t had the success that we had hoped for at the last two rounds; we had motor problems at Bathurst and a Race 1 incident at Gold Coast, so we’re really motivated to get some race wins in Sydney to finish the year,” said Davison.
“It would be a pity to drop back to third in the championship. My focus in Sydney is to win all three races, and if I do that the pointscore will take care of itself.”
Upon reaching his 100th Carrera Cup Australia championship race start, Davison added that he was thrilled with the role Porsche has played in his racing career.
“I’ve spent a long part of my career racing Porsches all over the world. Porsche got me started in my professional career in Germany, and since I’ve raced Porsches in most of the endurance and sports car championships around the world, it holds a special place in my heart.”
Elite Class points leader Max Twigg is another driver set to reach the impressive milestone of 100 Carrera Cup championship race starts in Sydney, entering the final round with a lengthy 143-point lead over nearest class rival James Koundouris after dropping the least point-scoring round of each Elite Class driver.
Twigg will contest his 100th Carrera Cup Australia race in Race 2, and is looking forward to reaching the significant milestone in the Porsche championship.
“I’m proud to reach 100 race starts. I started Carrera Cup thinking that I’d do a few races, but to do 100 races is something that I never anticipated doing,” said Twigg.
“I’ve had some phenomenal times. I remember my very first race start in Carrera Cup, which was at Bathurst. Jim Richards was on pole and I was last. He walked from the front of the dummy grid to the back of the dummy grid to wish me luck. From those days through to dicing with Mark Skaife this year at the Grand Prix, I’ve had many great memories in Carrera Cup.
“Now for this weekend, I’ve just got to be careful in practice and qualifying so that I don’t do any damage to my car. If I do that and get through Race 1, I’m sure we can secure the Elite Class championship.”
A former regular of the Porsche championship, Theo Koundouris, brother of Elite Class front-runner James, will return to Carrera Cup having last raced in the one-make category 12 months ago, also at Sydney Olympic Park.
Also returning to the category is Queenslander Shae Davies, who successfully debuted in Carrera Cup Australia at the last round on the Gold Coast.
In addition to racing in Carrera Cup, the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia champion Baird will also complete demonstration laps in the Porsche RS Spyder at the Sydney Telstra 500 event.
Race Schedule
Friday December 30, 2012
10:50am Practice 1 20 minutes
4:15pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Saturday December 01, 2012
8:50am Qualifying 20 minutes
12:45pm Race 1 12 laps
5:15pm Race 2 12 laps
Sunday December 02, 2012
10:40am Race 3 12 laps
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Date: Sunday December 02, 2012
Time: 11:40am (QLD), 12:40pm (NSW/VIC), 12:10pm (SA/NT), 10:40am (WA)
Channel: Seven
Note: the race will be telecast approximately two hours after the actual race.
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NewsRookie well prepared for Carrera Cup debut
Impressive Porsche rookie Michael Almond will make his Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia debut this weekend when the one-make sports car championship hits the Sydney streets.
The talented South Australian made his car racing debut at the opening round of the 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series, placing third in his maiden Porsche appearance.
Almond finished sixth outright in the Porsche series and found success in select Touring Car Masters and Australian GT Championship races throughout the season, including the latter’s past round at the Armor All Gold Coast 600.
Almond will now line up with South Australian outfit Team BRM for the Sydney Olympic Park event.
“I’m very exciting to have the opportunity to race alongside guys like Craig Baird and Daniel Gaunt. It’s going to be a great experience and I just want to enjoy the weekend and get through all three races unscathed,” said Almond.
“I’ve been in the seat of a race car a fair bit over the past six weeks so I’m feeling good in the car. I’ve never actually driven the 2011-model GT3 Cup car but I’ve had a season’s experience in the previous model Porsche in GT3 Cup Challenge. It will be an interesting transition but I’m sure it won’t be too unfamiliar.”
After experiencing his first taste of street circuit racing at October’s Armor All Gold Coast 600 in the Australian GT Championship, Almond knows what to expect at the concrete-lined Sydney street circuit.
“The Gold Coast circuit has similar characteristics to the Sydney Olympic Park circuit; it’s a different layout but both are tight circuits lined with unforgiving concrete barriers. The Gold Coast round was my first time racing on a street circuit; from that experience I learned a lot and feel well prepared for my Carrera Cup debut this weekend.”
The Sydney round of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship is the final round of the 2012 season.
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NewsPorsche champion to drive racing icon
Porsche champion Craig Baird has been awarded his dream drive at the Sydney Telstra 500, taking the controls of Porsche’s iconic RS Spyder.
In recognition of his unprecedented success in Porsche racing and his role as a Porsche ambassador, the newly crowned Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia champion has been handed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive the 353 kW (480 hp) prototype sports car in demonstration laps at Sydney Olympic Park in addition to his Carrera Cup duties.
The Sydney event will be the second time the RS Spyder has driven on an Australian race track following its popular appearance at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event, where it was driven by Dutchman Jeroen Bleekemolen.
Baird secured the 2012 Carrera Cup Australia title at the penultimate round of the one-make championship in Gold Coast; his 10th Porsche Cup championship victory in a career that also includes 125 Porsche one-make championship race victories.
“It’s an honour to be selected to drive the RS Spyder at Sydney and I’m absolutely looking forward to it. Anyone who has driven the RS Spyder or has been around it has always said that it’s a phenomenal car; I’m sure it will be a pleasure to drive,” said Baird.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing the car’s technology and the way it handles. Admittedly, I’ve driven cars with a lot more power, but I would say that the way its ground effects work along with the tyre technology, brakes and many other components means it’s probably one of the most technologically advanced cars that you could drive outside of Formula 1™.
“I’ve followed the Porsche RS Spyders for a long time and I’ve been in races where sports cars like that have been around you; they’re just so fast and exciting and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to drive one around Sydney Olympic Park.”
The creation of the RS Spyder was the first new project built by Porsche exclusively for racing since its successful 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans campaign with the Porsche 911 GT1. The result: a LMP2 legend that was best known for its success in the American Le Mans Series against its more powerful LMP1 class rivals.
The RS Spyder that Baird will drive at Sydney Olympic Park competed in 11 races over the 2005 and 2006 American Le Mans Series, in which time it claimed four LMP2 race victories, never finishing outside the top three positions in its class, and won the 2006 LMP2 Championship.
The famed prototype is part of Porsche’s ‘rolling museum’ and will again be accompanied by the museum’s ambassador, Klaus Bischof, at Sydney Olympic Park.
The RS Spyder continues its tour of Australia in celebration of Porsche’s LMP1 return to Le Mans in 2014.
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NewsPopular twist to impressive 2013 Porsche calendar
Porsche motor racing in Australia is set for an exciting 2013 season with the announcement of next year’s impressive race calendar for its two one-make categories – Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli.
Australia’s signature one-make sports car championship, Carrera Cup Australia, will again visit Australia’s greatest motor racing events – Clipsal 500 Adelaide (TBC), Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix, Sucrogen Townsville 400, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and Armor All Gold Coast 600 – for the 2013 season.
Carrera Cup Australia will also make a welcome return to Winton Motor Raceway having previously raced at the regional Victorian circuit in 2003, 2004 and 2007.
New to Carrera Cup in 2013, Australia’s fastest one-make sports car championship will also be the headline attraction at the inaugural Porsche Rennsport Australia event at Sydney Motorsport Park, where it will be joined on the schedule by GT3 Cup Challenge Australia; the first time the two Porsche categories will compete at the same event.
GT3 Cup Challenge Australia will contest its five remaining rounds at Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships events, to be held at Mallala Motor Sport Park, Winton Motor Raceway, Sydney Motorsport Park, Queensland Raceway and Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
The series will again feature the popular Jim Richards Endurance Trophy format, with an endurance race to be held at Mallala, Winton and Ipswich.
The two Porsche schedules will be popular editions to the 2013 calendar, according to Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie.
“The outlook for the 2013 season is sensational – both Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge have great, practical schedules for next year’s season,” said Blaikie.
“The reduced seven-round calendar is ideal for our Porsche customers. And while the season has been reduced by one event, we have retained five truly iconic Australian motorsport events while also returning to two of the country’s greatest permanent race tracks – Winton and Sydney Motorsport Park.
“For GT3 Cup Challenge, our drivers will still get to experience racing on Australia’s greatest permanent race tracks – an enticing factor for the series – while retaining the popular Jim Richards Endurance Trophy format for the award’s third season.
“I’d like to thank Shane Howard and V8 Supercars, along with Rob Kirkpatrick and the Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships, for their help sculpting these impressive 2013 schedules.”
Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival 2013
Porsche Rennsport Australia is a new addition to the 2013 schedule. The Sydney Motorsport Park event (May 25-26, 2013) is an all-Porsche motor racing festival that will host a round of Carrera Cup Australia and GT3 Cup Challenge Australia in addition to Porsche Club activities, Porsche historic racing, Porsche regulatory and sprints, along with other on- and off-track activities.
For Porsche competitors, particularly in Carrera Cup Australia and GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, the greatest benefit of the Porsche Cars Australia-designed day is increased track time for racing and hot laps for sponsors, family and friends, creating a unique event that will bring all Porsche enthusiasts together to the one venue.
“This one-off Rennsport weekend is a welcome inclusion to the calendar, however V8 Supercars and Formula 1™ events will continue to be the backbone of the Carrera Cup Australia calendar. Similarly, GT3 Cup Challenge will continue its strong partnership with the Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships,” said Blaikie.
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NewsBaird seals title as Reid and Twigg take Gold Coast victory
Reigning Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird has secured the 2012 title in the Gold Coast, while Jonny Reid and Max Twigg claimed round honours at the 2.96 km beachside circuit.
After victory in the opening two Gold Coast races, Baird again led from the start of Sunday’s Race 3 however an uncharacteristic error in the opening lap forced Baird down the order, handing Reid the race lead.
Reid pulled away from the field to claim a two-second victory, with Steven Richards holding off a race-long challenge from Alex Davison to take second place.
Andre Heimgartner finished his round on a high, placing fourth in the final race from Nick Foster – who started from the rear of the field – Daniel Gaunt, Shae Davies and Baird, recovering to finish eighth.
While Baird’s error handed Reid the round win, eighth was enough to secure him the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia title with one round remaining.
Baird now holds a 180-point lead in the standings, with 180 points on offer in Sydney. However as Baird has 10 race wins this season – compared to Davison’s four wins –the New Zealander would win the championship even if the duo were to finish on equal points.
“I never thought I’d be leaving this round with the championship. I came into this round thinking I’d like to have a race win or two and keep the points gap as it was, or try to extend it,” said Baird.
“I’d go as far as to say that this is the best championship win. There were a solid five or six drivers that were capable of winning the championship at the beginning of the season and we’ve won 10 out of 21 races with more poles than anyone else. Now I’m just looking forward to Homebush and having a round without too much pressure.”
Reid was ecstatic with his performance in his third round win of the season.
“Some people may look at it as though we were handed the round win, but we certainly put the pressure on from the start and made sure Baird had the hardest job possible. It would have been a good battle, the car was fantastic and, even on used rubber, we were setting really good times,” said Reid.
“It was a really solid round for us in the championship chase and now it’s quite possible to move into second place at Homebush. That’s our goal now – second in the championship. After missing the first round, second for the season would be like winning the championship for us.”
Finishing behind Baird in the final race was ninth-placed Twigg, who finished first in the Elite Class for the round, ahead of Tony Bates in 10th.
James Koundouris placed 11th and Paul Kelly in 12th, with the duo finishing second and third in the Elite Class points at the Gold Coast event.
“All the Elite Class guys drove at the same pace; I don’t think I was the fastest, I just had better track position,” said Twigg.
“I just hope everyone is on the same pace at Homebush, it makes it a much more enjoyable race meeting.”
Michael Loccisano finished 13th from Stephen Grove, Ray Angus and Marc Cini.
Heimgartner, who finished fifth in the round points behind Reid, Richards, Davison and Gaunt, secured the Michelin Australia Sportsperson of the Year Award.
Davison’s failure to finish in the opening race allowed him to secure the Mobil 1 Hard Charger Award, for gaining the most positions over the weekend’s three races.
The final round of the championship will be held at Sydney Olympic Park on November 29 to December 02, 2012.
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NewsCraig Baird: 10-time Porsche champion
Craig Baird, the ‘world’s most successful Porsche Cup driver’, has claimed his 10th Porsche one-make championship victory this weekend in the Gold Coast.
With one round remaining in the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship, the 42-year-old New Zealander gained an unassailable lead in the standings, adding to his already impressive record aboard the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
Placing third for the round at his home Carrera Cup Australia round, including two race wins, Baird secured the title with a 180-point lead entering the final round of the season at Sydney Olympic Park in December.
In 2012, Baird accrued 10 Carrera Cup Australia race victories, three round wins and seven podium finishes from seven rounds.
In addition to Baird’s 10 Carrera Cup Australia race wins in 2012, he was also victorious at the Porsche SC Global Carrera Cup Asia – Singapore 2012 event, increasing his total number of Porsche one-make series race victories to 125 – an ever increasing record.
“I’d go as far as to say that this is the best championship win – it’s number 10, I’d be surprised if anyone gets close to that in the future,” said Baird.
“There were a solid five or six drivers that were capable of winning the championship at the beginning of this season and we’ve won 10 out of 21 races with more poles than anyone else.
“Everyone has had their good meeting and bad meeting, but I think the important thing is that we haven’t finished off the podium this year and the worst round result we’ve had is a third. At the end of the day, you’d say that we deserved the championship; it’s not through anyone else’s misfortune.
“My guys have just done a sensational job along with the great group of sponsors; everyone has done a great job and it’s been a really enjoyable year.
“I came here never thinking that I’ll go have a beer Sunday night on the Gold Coast with the championship wrapped up, so that’s a massive bonus.”
In 2011, Baird was named the ‘world’s most successful Porsche Cup driver’ by Porsche in Germany, who awarded him the guest drive in the inaugural Porsche Carrera World Cup at Nurburgring-Nordschleife, Germany.
Baird now has 48 Carrera Cup Australia race wins, 17 Carrera Cup Australia round wins and 32 Carrera Cup Australia round podiums.
Baird now has a total of 27 national championship victories.
Craig Baird – Porsche championship victories
2005 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand
2006 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
2006 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand
2007 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand
2008 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
2008 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand
2008/09 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand
2009/10 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand
2011 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
2012 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
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NewsHeimgartner eyes Supercup chance
Young New Zealander Andre Heimgartner will represent Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia in an international young driver programme driven by Porsche Motorsport that could see him race in the 2013 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Heimgartner and other young talents will compete on the race track under identical conditions, displaying their ability to turn in fast lap times while demonstrating technical understanding and analytical skills in finding a proper set-up for the 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The ultimate prize: Porsche will cover the majority of the season’s budget in the 2013 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in addition to providing long-term training and support from the Porsche Junior.
Nominated by Porsche Cars Australia as the best young talent in the championship aged 26 and under, Heimgartner will now visit the Vallelunga circuit in Italy next week, joined by representatives from Carrera Cups in Asia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and Scandinavia in the bid for the ultimate prize.
“I’m really honoured to win the award. I’ll do my best to represent Carrera Cup Australia and Team Kiwi Racing,” said Heimgartner.
“It has been a big year of racing for me, competing in two series – Carrera Cup Australia and V8 SuperTourers – but I’ve manage to adapt to all the tracks that we’ve come to.”
In preparation for Heimgartner’s departure for Europe, the New Zealander sort advice from his mentor and countryman Craig Baird, who sealed the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia title in the Gold Coast.
“I was talking to Craig Baird and he said you’ve got to give it 100 per cent, but try to be as consistent as you can. He just won the championship, so I guess he knows what he’s talking about.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie, believes this is a great initiate to promote young Porsche drivers.
“Porsche is phenomenal at promoting the careers of young drivers, especially through its one-make series around the world,” said Blaikie.
“This initiative is another great way to promote the careers of drivers like Andre in their quest to forge a career in motorsport.”
Heimgartner currently sits sixth in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship with one round remaining.
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NewsBaird and Twigg shine in Surfers Paradise
Reigning Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird has one hand firmly on the 2012 title after a flawless Saturday performance in the Gold Coast.
After qualifying on pole position on Friday, Baird pulled away from the field in Saturday’s opening race to gain a lengthy lead in the opening laps.
Baird’s nearest points rival, Alex Davison, had an impressive start also and was in pursuit of Baird however contact with Steven Richards in the opening lap broke a shock absorber in his Porsche, forcing him out of the race.
Nick Foster soon made his way into second however he too fell victim late in the race; slight contact with a concrete barrier causing race-ending damage.
Jonny Reid took advantage, claiming second at the finish and inched closer to second-placed Davison in the championship points.
Richards finished third from Daniel Gaunt, Andre Heimgartner, Carrera Cup debutant Shae Davies, Elite Class race winner Shane Smollen, Max Twigg, Marc Cini and Paul Kelly in 10th.
Baird’s success continued in Race 2, taking his 10th win of the season and fifth race victory in a row from Reid, Richards, Gaunt, Heimgartner, Davison, Davies, Elite Class race winner Twigg, James Koundouris and Tony Bates in 10th, who failed to finish the opening race after colliding with the concrete barrier.
Baird’s two race victories hands the three-time Carrera Cup Australia champion a 202-point lead in the standings from Davison with only 180 points on offer after tomorrow’s Race 3 from the penultimate round of the season.
Meanwhile, Davison is now only 19 points ahead of a hard charging Jonny Reid, who missed the opening round of the championship.
“Jonny wants to win and move ahead of Alex in the championship, so I knew he would be pushing pretty hard in the final race,” said Baird.
“My guys have done a really good job of the car and I’ve got my head in the right place too. This time last year we got on a roll and started winning races and we’ve done the same again at an important time this season too.
“I’m 202 points ahead and there’s only 180 points available in Sydney; I just want to race myself, not make any mistakes, finish and, if I can wrap it up with a round to go, I’ll be doing kart wheels.”
Twigg was pleased with his race results, winning the Elite Class in Race 2 and placing second to Smollen in the opening race. Unfortunately, Smollen’s weekend ended during the second race after his engine dropped a valve.
“It’s great to have another race win, however it’s a shame what happened to Shane,” said Twigg.
“It was enjoyable chasing the quick guys though and picking up quite a few things from them. We’ve got new tyres for tomorrow so I think we’ll put on a good show in the morning.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold the final race of the weekend, Race 3, at 10:10am on Sunday.
Race schedule
Sunday October 21, 2012
10:10am Race 3 14 laps
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NewsBaird and Koundouris set pace in Gold Coast qualifying
After victory at Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia’s last round at Bathurst, both Craig Baird and Elite Class ace James Koundouris have continued their fine form, setting the pace in Gold Coast qualifying.
In an intense qualifying session, Baird snared the quickest time on his final lap, securing pole position by 0.0246 seconds over fellow New Zealander Jonny Reid.
Alex Davison will start tomorrow’s Race 1 from third on the grid from Steven Richards, Nick Foster, Daniel Gaunt, Andre Heimgartner and first-time Carrera Cup competitor Shae Davies in eighth.
With a 114 point championship lead over Davison, Baird is now looking to replicate his form at the 2.96 km Surfers Paradise circuit from last year, where the reigning champion won all three Carrera Cup races.
“There are plenty of guys at the sharp end of the field and I really wanted pole position here. Having the championship lead, it’s the safest place to start from,” said Baird.
“We know we’ve got a good car, we’ve been pretty consistent over the past few rounds and I’ve now just got to stay out of trouble.”
Leading Elite Class qualifier James Koundouris, who will start ninth in tomorrow’s opening race, was pleased with his Friday pace and is eager to further improve in Saturday’s races.
“I’m very happy with that result, though I’m a little bit disappointed I didn’t match my time from last year,” said Koundouris.
“I’m confident for tomorrow. This place can be very cruel sometimes; you can be minding your own business and can come unstruck due to someone else’s mistake. The objective here will be to keep the car straight and finish all three races.”
Koundouris qualified ahead of Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, Max Twigg, Marc Cini, Ray Angus, Michael Loccisano, Paul Kelly, Stephen Grove and newcomer to the championship, Morgan Mutch.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold two races on Saturday, with its final race of the weekend on Sunday.
Race schedule
Friday October 19, 2012
10:20am Practice 30 minutes
4:30pm Qualifying 20 minutes
Saturday October 20, 2012
9:00am Race 1 14 laps
12:40pm Race 2 14 laps
Sunday October 21, 2012
10:10am Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 2 (as live)
Date: Saturday October 20, 2012
Time: 1:00pm (QLD), 2:00pm (NSW/VIC), 1:30pm (SA/NT), 11:00am (WA)
Channel: Seven
Note: Broadcast will follow the actual race by approximately 30 minutes.
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NewsMajor backing justice for front-running Davison
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia front-runner and former champion Alex Davison has secured major backing from national law firm Rostron Carlyle Solicitors for the remaining rounds of the 2012 championship.
Davison, the 2004 Carrera Cup Australia champion, currently sits second in the 2012 standings and is pleased to finish the season with an exciting new partnership.
“It’s been a strong season for me and McElrea Racing and it’s good to see our hard work paying off by securing Rostron Carlyle Solicitors for the Gold Coast and Sydney rounds,” said Davison.
“We’ll strive to be at the front of the field for the rest of the season and hopefully this can be the start of a strong partnership into the future.”
Rostron Carlyle Solicitors Partner, Gavin McInnes, is thrilled with the fitting partnership with the Carrera Cup front-runner.
“We are delighted. Rostron Carlyle’s philosophy and values focus on innovation and commitment in a field of technical excellence, and we’ve built our success with our ‘relaxed professionalism’ relationships with our clients to get the results,” said McInnes.
“So Porsche, Carrera Cup, McElrea Racing and Alex Davison are a perfect fit for us to reflect that philosophy.”
McElrea Racing also announced new sponsor Bexclusive – a new Brisbane exclusive lifestyle magazine – for the Gold Coast round.
Davison will debut the livery in today’s opening practice session at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 – the event he won in Carrera Cup Australia in 2006.
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NewsCarrera Cup returns to Paradise
Two weeks after Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia raced in the rugged surrounds of Mount Panorama, the one-make championship this weekend experiences a change of scenery – the beachside street circuit of Surfers Paradise.
A field of 18 Porsche racers will line up for the three-day event, of which two young locals, Shae Davies and Nick Foster, are eager to impress in familiar surroundings.
Davies will experience his first taste of Carrera Cup competition – along with fellow debutant Morgan Mutch – at the 2.96 km circuit when racing the Porsche Guest Car only a stone’s throw from his Gold Coast residence.
“The last two years I’ve had really strong results at the track in Formula Ford, but I am still pinching myself that this year I’ll be charging around the streets of Surfers in a Porsche Carrera Cup car,” said Davies.
“I live just a couple of hundred metres from the northern end of the circuit, which makes this a genuine home race for me, and I can’t wait to get out there this weekend.”
Carrera Cup Australia regular Nick Foster is another youngster excited about the prospects of racing at his home event.
The Queensland resident raced at the street circuit in last year’s Australian Formula Ford Championship round and, while he met several hurdles throughout the event, posted a new Formula Ford lap record with third in the final race.
“The Gold Coast 600 a great event with such a great race track, so I can’t wait to get behind the wheel this weekend,” said Foster.
“We experienced some mixed result at the last round at Bathurst; however we came away from a tough weekend with a relatively straight car. I’m now looking forward to racing at a local track with some great new backers on board. I showed some great speed here last year so I’m hoping I can translate that into impressive results in the Porsche.”
All eyes will be on championship leader Craig Baird during the Queensland round following his clean sweep of Carrera Cup race wins at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama.
Baird not only has momentum and a strong 114-point championship lead over Alex Davison on his side, the Gold Coast local is a proven talent on the Gold Coast layout, taking three wins from three races at Surfers Paradise in 2011.
Furthermore, Baird is the only driver to have won two rounds of the Porsche championship on the Gold Coast circuit (2004, 2011), leading sole round winners Jim Richards (2003), Fabian Coulthard (2005), Alex Davison (2006), Marcus Marshall (2007) and James Moffat (2008).
The battle in the Elite Class will be one to watch in Surfers Paradise, with 2011 Gold Coast round winner Paul Kelly returning to the championship after missing the past two events at Townsville and Bathurst.
Elite Class leader Max Twigg and second-placed James Koundouris are also expected to battle towards the front. Twigg and Koundouris have won three and two Elite Class rounds, respectively, this year; with the latter taking the most recent victory at the iconic Bathurst circuit.
Twigg and Koundouris are split by 249 points in the current Elite Class standings; however this points difference is reduced to only 103 when dropping the pair’s worst point-scoring round to tally their overall Elite Class total.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia’s first on-track session at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 will be held on Friday October 19, with two races set for Saturday and the final race of the round on Sunday morning.
Race schedule
Friday October 19, 2012
10:20am Practice 30 minutes
4:30pm Qualifying 20 minutes
Saturday October 20, 2012
9:00am Race 1 14 laps
12:40pm Race 2 14 laps
Sunday October 21, 2012
10:10am Race 3 14 laps
Broadcast schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 2 (as live)
Date: Saturday October 20, 2012
Time: 1:00pm (QLD), 2:00pm (NSW/VIC), 1:30pm (SA/NT), 11:00am (WA)
Channel: Seven
Note: Broadcast will follow the actual race by approximately 30 minutes.
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NewsBaird conquers Mount Panorama with clean sweep
Three from three: Triple Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird was unstoppable at Mount Panorama in the sixth round of the competitive one-make championship.
Kept occupied by his other duty racing alongside Lee Holdsworth in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 race, Baird managed the workload with perfection, claiming pole position and three race wins.
Sunday’s final race of the round saw Baird take the lead from the start with Jeroen Bleekemolen in tow. The duo pulled away from the field; however the Dutchman was unable to challenge for the lead, which allowed Baird to take his 46th Carrera Cup Australia career race win and a new lap record.
“I’m absolutely rapt. The car was good and everything worked really well all weekend. There are no complaints from me; it was spot on in every session,” said Baird, who had immense praise for this Dutch rival.
“I have a huge amount of respect for Jeroen Bleekemolen. For a bloke to come from Europe, having only raced here once in the 12 Hour, and be that competitive is amazing and a credit to him.”
Alex Davison secured third for the race, placing him second for the round overall after the Guest Driver Bleekemolen was ineligible to score points.
After a difficult start to the weekend, Nick Foster fought back to finish fourth in Race 3 from Steven Richards, Jonny Reid – who secured third for the round – Daniel Gaunt, Ant Pedersen and Andre Heimgartner in ninth.
James Koundouris was pleased with his 10th placed finish ahead of 11th placed Tony Bates and Max Twigg in 12th; the result placing the three drivers on equal Elite Class round points after the race, handing Koundouris the round win after placing highest in the final race.
“It was great to be back in the car. I haven’t been in the car for three months since the Townsville round; it’s been a while so I crawled into it. I actually felt very rusty in the first couple of sessions but it was nice to gradually get to the front. I just tried to keep my times consistent throughout the races and it paid off.”
Marc Cini finished 13th in the final race from Troy Wilson, Michael Loccisano, Ray Angus and Stephen Grove.
The round win hands Baird a lengthy 114 point lead in the Outright standings over Davison, with Reid 95 points further adrift with two rounds remaining.
Baird also was the best placed current Carrera Cup driver in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercars race, placing eighth with co-driver Lee Holdsworth.
Twigg retains the lead in the Elite Class standings, placed 249 points ahead of round winner Koundouris, with Bates in third 78 points further behind.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia next visits the streets of Surfers Paradise for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 on October 19-21, 2012.
Carrera Cup Australia driver results – Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
8. Craig Baird/Lee Holdsworth 161 laps
10. Alex Davison/James Moffat 161 laps
11. Steven Richards/Mark Winterbottom 161 laps
19. Daniel Gaunt/Karl Reindler 161 laps
DNF Jonny Reid/Michael Patrizi 19 laps
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NewsBaird unbeatable at Mount Panorama
Porsche specialist Craig Baird was unbeatable in Saturday’s opening two races of Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia at the iconic Mount Panorama.
Baird gained pole position in the final lap of the morning qualifying session before pulling away from the field at the start of the opening race to eventually claim a convincing Race 1 victory from Jonny Reid and Steven Richards, who was able to keep Guest Driver Jeroen Bleekemolen at bay after a lengthy late-race battle.
Alex Davison finished fifth in the opening race from Daniel Gaunt, Elite Class race winner Shane Smollen – who qualified an impressive fourth – Tony Bates, Max Twigg, James Koundouris and Troy Wilson in 11th in his first Carrera Cup race.
Baird again gained the lead in the second race; however Bleekemolen had progressed into second by the opening corner. While the Dutchman challenged for the lead in the opening laps, Baird soon gained a gap on the field to claim his second win from two races.
Bleekemolen finished in second ahead of a closely fought battle between Reid, Davison and Richards, finishing ahead of Gaunt, Nick Foster, Ant Pedersen, Elite Class race winner Twigg and Wilson in 10th.
Two race wins was a perfect result for Baird, who was pleased to have the edge over his ultra-competitive Carrera Cup rivals.
“It was a mega day. Jeroen probably had more speed than me in the opening one or two laps in Race 2 so had to put my head down and pushed on,” said Baird, who was pleased with his performance against a world-class competitor, Bleekemolen.
“I certainly wanted to perform well here after last year’s Porsche Carrera World Cup, where I thought I let everyone down because I wasn’t really competitive there – and it’s the old story: people perform well in their own sand pit. We’ve known each other for quite a few years and worked closely with him being in the Guest Car. Through my relationship with Porsche, I gave him tyre pressures, set up and video – everything I had. It proves how good a driver he is because he’s doing exactly the same lap times. Credit to him, but it’s nice to get a one-two.”
While Baird was the star of the day, Sydneysider Smollen also impressed after qualifying fourth – the best qualifying result of an Elite Class driver this year – and finished seventh in the opening race; however he failed to finish the second race after experiencing powertrain issues.
“I was on song straight away in qualifying and had a really good, controllable car in the wet and posted a time good enough to put me on the second row, which was fantastic,” said Smollen.
“It was amazing starting the opening race with Jeroen Bleekemolen and Alex Davison in my mirrors with Craig Baird and Jonny Reid on the row ahead. I was happy to take the Elite Class win in the opening race; I was out there by myself for most of the race. I didn’t think I was going to catch the Professional drivers and didn’t want to get caught from behind.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold its final race of the weekend on Sunday at 8:35am – the final race of the weekend before the iconic 1000 km V8 Supercar event.
Race schedule
Sunday October 07, 2012
8:35am Race 3 9 laps (time certain)
Broadcast schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 07, 2012
Time: 08:30am (AEST), 08:00am (ACST), 06:30am (AWST)
Channel: Seven
Carrera Cup Australia/V8 Supercars pairings
Craig Baird/Lee Holdsworth – #4 IRWIN Racing, FG Falcon
Steven Richards/Mark Winterbottom – #5 Orrcon Steel FPR, FG Falcon
Daniel Gaunt/Karl Reindler – #11 Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing, VE II Commodore
Alex Davison/James Moffat – #18 Team Norton DJR, FG Falcon
Jonny Reid/Michael Patrizi – #91 Tekno Autosports, VE II Commodore
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NewsDutchman continues climb of Aussie mountain
Dutch sports car star Jeroen Bleekemolen is the man to catch entering the competition end of Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia’s Bathurst round after posting the quickest time in Friday practice.
After reigning champion and current points leader Craig Baird topped the times in Thursday’s opening practice, Bleekemolen entered Friday’s second practice session with a new set of Michelin tyres; a move that enabled him to post a time of 2:10.8103 – almost a second clear of the field.
Davison was the second fastest driver in the session followed by Carrera Cup Australia debutant Ant Pedersen, Jonny Reid, Nick Foster, Daniel Gaunt, Steven Richards and Andre Heimgartner.
Bleekemolen believes there’s more pace to come from his – and everyone else’s – performance at Mount Panorama.
“I improved quite a lot today, getting more familiar with this car on this track. I think there’s even a bit more pace to come tomorrow, but everyone will go a lot faster,” said Bleekemolen.
“It felt very comfortable and I enjoyed it a lot because it’s such a nice track. We’re going to build up again tomorrow and hopefully get a couple more tenths out of it.”
Max Twigg was the best of the Elite Class drivers with the ninth quickest time from Shane Smollen, Tony Bates, James Koundouris, Troy Wilson, Ray Angus, Michael Loccisano, Marc Cini and Stephen Grove.
Twigg was pleased with his Friday pace and is hopeful he can remain with some of the Professional Class drivers when the Porsche championship lines up for its opening race on Saturday.
“We’re going to have great conditions tomorrow morning – it’s going to be early, there will be cool air and the track is going to be nice and easy to drive. Tomorrow will be good fun for me so hopefully I can qualify in a position where I get behind a couple of the pro drivers for the race.”
A notable absentee from Friday’s practice was Thursday pace-setter Craig Baird, who opted to sit out of the session after not having an adequate tyre bank to improve on his Thursday pace (with the field to receive new tyres for Saturday’s sessions).
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will feature qualifying and two races on Saturday, followed by the final race on Sunday.
Race schedule
Saturday October 06, 2012
8:45am Qualifying 20 minutes
12:15pm Race 1 9 laps (time certain)
5:30pm Race 2 9 laps
Sunday October 07, 2012
8:35am Race 3 9 laps (time certain)
Broadcast schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday October 06, 2012
Time: 12:10pm (AEST), 11:40am (ACST), 10:10am (AWST)
Channel: Seven
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 07, 2012
Time: 08:30am (AEST), 08:00am (ACST), 06:30am (AWST)
Channel: Seven
Carrera Cup Australia/V8 Supercars pairings
Craig Baird/Lee Holdsworth – #4 IRWIN Racing, FG Falcon
Steven Richards/Mark Winterbottom – #5 Orrcon Steel FPR, FG Falcon
Daniel Gaunt/Karl Reindler – #11 Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing, VE II Commodore
Alex Davison/James Moffat – #18 Team Norton DJR, FG Falcon
Jonny Reid/Michael Patrizi – #91 Tekno Autosports, VE II Commodore
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NewsTitle contenders top times in Bathurst practice
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia has returned to Mount Panorama in style this weekend, with the front three runners in the championship chase at the top of the times in opening practice.
Posting the quickest time of the sole Thursday practice session was current points leader Craig Baird, whose time of 2:11.5043 placed him ahead of his closest combatants in the title chase – Alex Davison and Jonny Reid.
Baird, who will also race alongside IRWIN Racing’s Lee Holdsworth in Sunday’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, was content with his form; however the New Zealander believes the pace of everyone will lift during the event.
“It’s always a nice way to start the weekend; I’m actually surprised to be at the top of the time sheets because I made a few little errors and never really got a clean lap in. It takes a little while to get your eye in here; it’s a confidence place so the more laps you do, the better,” said Baird.
“The field will close up later in the weekend. We’ll just do as we normally do and see where we end up.”
Fourth in the time sheets was Dutch driver and sports car specialist Jeroen Bleekemolen, who is excited to return to Mount Panorama in a familiar race car.
“It’s great to be back here at Bathurst, especially in the GT3 Cup car – the car I probably know best. There’s more pace to come, for sure, but that’s the case for everyone else as well. It’s a great experience and hopefully I can get a little more speed, but this is definitely a good starting point,” said Bleekemolen.
“With the track being so cool, this is definitely one of the better events to race at. The top guys know the track really well in these cars, but hopefully I improve a little bit more in the next practice session and be competitive with them over the weekend.”
Bleekemolen finished the session ahead of Nick Foster, Steven Richards, Daniel Gaunt, debutant Ant Pedersen, Andre Heimgartner and Tony Bates in 10th, who was the quickest Elite Class driver of the session after missing the last round in Townsville when undergoing neck surgery.
“The plan in today’s session was to go out and chip away at the times; not worry about what times we were going to do but just get some confidence in the car as I’ve not been here before in a Porsche,” said Bates.
“Phillip Island was the last round I raced at before the neck operation. The neck is all good now and it’s great to be back in the car.”
Elite Class leader Max Twigg posted the next best time in 11th from James Koundouris, Shane Smollen, Marc Cini, first-time Carrera Cup racer Troy Wilson, Ray Angus, Michael Loccisano and Stephen Grove.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will next be on track at 5:10pm tomorrow for the second practice session of the weekend.
Race schedule
Friday October 05, 2012
5:10pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Saturday October 06, 2012
8:45am Qualifying 20 minutes
12:15pm Race 1 9 laps (time certain)
5:30pm Race 2 9 laps
Sunday October 07, 2012
8:35am Race 3 9 laps (time certain)
Broadcast schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday October 06, 2012
Time: 12:10pm (AEST), 11:40am (ACST), 10:10am (AWST)
Channel: Seven
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 07, 2012
Time: 08:30am (AEST), 08:00am (ACST), 06:30am (AWST)
Channel: Seven
Carrera Cup Australia/V8 Supercars pairings
Craig Baird/Lee Holdsworth – #4 IRWIN Racing, FG Falcon
Steven Richards/Mark Winterbottom – #5 Orrcon Steel FPR, FG Falcon
Daniel Gaunt/Karl Reindler – #11 Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing, VE II Commodore
Alex Davison/James Moffat – #18 Team Norton DJR, FG Falcon
Jonny Reid/Michael Patrizi – #91 Tekno Autosports, VE II Commodore
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NewsReigning champ sports new-look Porsche
Reigning Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia champion and current points leader Craig Baird will contest this weekend’s Bathurst round featuring branding from a new premium Australian lager, ARVO 51.
The New Zealander’s new-look Porsche will remain in the striking ARVO 51 livery for the Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds before reverting back to its familiar Jet Travel Insurance livery for the season finale at Sydney Olympic Park.
The change in livery was initiated by car owner, Alliance Group owner Rennie de Maria, who offered the branding of his front-running Porsche to help promote the newest product from one of his major clients, Casella.
ARVO 51, produced by Casella, was officially announced on Tuesday. The new beer brand is the newest fixture in the company’s portfolio, which also includes the popular wine label, [yellow tail].
Baird is now eager to return to Mount Panorama with the impressive new livery, which also retains significant signage from continued sponsor, Jet Travel Insurance.
“The ARVO 51 Porsche looks amazing and it’s great to have a brand like ARVO on board,” said Baird.
“It’s coming down to the business end of the season and the Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds are among my favourite of the season, so I’m hoping we’ll have a strong run home for the last three rounds.”
Baird will also partner with Lee Holdsworth in the IRWIN Racing V8 Supercar in the iconic Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event at Mount Panorama.
“Double duty is never easy, but I’ve done it many times before and I’m looking forward to doing my very best in both Carrera Cup and V8 Supercars at Mount Panorama,” said Baird.
The Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia field, including Baird in the ARVO 51 Porsche, will first hit the track for its opening practice session for the Bathurst round on Thursday October 04.
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NewsDouble duty, debutants and a Dutchman
A variety of drivers will grace Mount Panorama this weekend when Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia lines up at the iconic Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event.
Among the 18-strong Carrera Cup Australia field, five drivers will perform double duty: Craig Baird, Alex Davison, Daniel Gaunt, Jonny Reid and Steven Richards will all compete in the all-Porsche championship along with their respective co-driver duties in V8 Supercars’ 1000 km race on Sunday.
Dutch driver Jeroen Bleekemolen is another driver performing a unique form of double duty – both racing in Carrera Cup Australia in the TYREPLUS Porsche Guest Car in addition to driving the iconic Porsche RS Spyder around the 6.213 km circuit for demonstration laps on Saturday and Sunday.
Bleekemolen, a dual Porsche Supercup champion, is among three drivers making their Carrera Cup Australia debut along with former AFL West Coast Eagles player Troy Wilson and Kiwi young gun Ant Pedersen, who raced in the 2010 Bathurst 1000, finishing 26th.
Pedersen, who races full-time in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourers in the same team as Jonny Reid, will coincidently join his Kiwi countryman in the same Carrera Cup Australia outfit at Mount Panorama.
“Jonny and I race in the same team in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourers; we bounce ideas off each other and work well together to get the most out of our cars,” said Pedersen.
“I raced in two GT3 Cup Challenge New Zealand seasons in the previous generation GT3 Cup car, which had a sequential box and drove like a Porsche, so hopefully it doesn’t take long to get used to the current model car. I’ll try to draw from Jonny’s and the team’s experience to get some decent results. I’m just massively excited.”
One driver who doesn’t lack recent experience is Elite Class stalwart Marc Cini, who recently competed in two Porsche Carrera Cup Asia rounds in Malaysia and Singapore; competing in the latter alongside fellow Carrera Cup Australia driver and eventual victor, Baird.
“It’s great to have a drive in the Porsche race car and compete in a couple of Carrera Cup Asia rounds before Bathurst; it gets me in tune with the car,” said Cini.
“Bathurst is one of those circuits where if you can get into a rhythm and feel confident from day one, it does you a lot of good in the races. I love the track; though it’s the track that doesn’t particularly love me. It’s a love-hate relationship.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia drivers will first lap the iconic Mount Panorama circuit on Thursday October 04, with the Porsche category featuring two races broadcast live on Seven, including the curtain raiser to Sunday’s 1000 km V8 Supercars event.
To view the Bathurst Preview Video for Carrera Cup Australia, click here.
Race schedule
Thursday October 04, 2012
10:05am Practice 1 20 minutes
Friday October 05, 2012
7:10pm Practice 2 20 minutes
Saturday October 06, 2012
8:45am Qualifying 20 minutes
12:15pm Race 1 9 laps (time certain)
5:30pm Race 2 9 laps
Sunday October 07, 2012
8:35am Race 3 9 laps (time certain)
Broadcast schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 1 (live)
Date: Saturday October 06, 2012
Time: 12:10pm (AEST), 11:40am (ACST), 10:10am (AWST)
Channel: Seven
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday October 07, 2012
Time: 08:30am (AEST), 08:00am (ACST), 06:30am (AWST)
Channel: Seven
Carrera Cup Australia/V8 Supercars pairings
Craig Baird/Lee Holdsworth – #4 IRWIN Racing, FG Falcon
Steven Richards/Mark Winterbottom – #5 Orrcon Steel FPR, FG Falcon
Daniel Gaunt/Karl Reindler – #11 Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing, VE II Commodore
Alex Davison/James Moffat – #18 Team Norton DJR, FG Falcon
Jonny Reid/Michael Patrizi – #91 Tekno Autosports, VE II Commodore
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NewsPermagard Automotive joins Carrera Cup’s Elite
Reigning Elite Class champion Max Twigg has joined forces with high performance paint protection specialists, Permagard Automotive, for the remainder of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season.
Twigg, the 2011 Elite Class winner, currently leads the 2012 Elite Class standings from James Koundouris and Shane Smollen after achieving nine race victories and three round wins in the class so far this season.
The Victorian now looks forward to the coming rounds of the Porsche one-make championship, hopeful to retain a strong hold on the Elite Class points lead with his new-look Permagard Automotive backed Porsche.
“Having Permagard Automotive on board is another great step in what has been a very successful season so far,” said Twigg.
“It’s refreshing to give my car some new colours entering the latter stages of the championship. I hope we can have some impressive results in the coming rounds and give Permagard Automotive some great exposure for the remainder of 2012.”
Managing Director at Permagard Australasia, Mark Pettitt, believes the new collaboration will be a great marketing initiative for the launch of the new Permagard Automotive advanced protection brand in Australia and New Zealand.
“Permagard Laboratories have developed a revolutionary paint protection system, specifically for the luxury car market in Australia and we are honoured to launch this new product range in part, by being associated with Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia for the remainder of the season through our partnership with Max Twigg,” said Pettitt.
“We hope this is the beginning of an exciting and sustained relationship with all Porsche owners in Australia and New Zealand.”
Twigg’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car will feature the distinctive Permagard Automotive livery for the remaining three rounds of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season at Mount Panorama (October 04-07), Gold Coast (October 19-21) and the season finale at Sydney Olympic Park (November 29 to December 02).
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NewsDual Supercup champ joins Carrera Cup Australia
Dutch sports car star Jeroen Bleekemolen will put the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia field to the test this October when joining the one-make championship at Bathurst.
The dual Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup champion (2008, 2009) and sports car specialist will race in the Porsche Guest Car with the backing of TYREPLUS, the retail partner of the championship’s Official Tyre Partner, Michelin.
While Bleekemolen is making his Carrera Cup Australia debut, he won’t be out of his element: the Dutch driver raced at Mount Panorama earlier this year in the Bathurst 12 Hour, placing second outright. Bleekemolen is also well attuned to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car having two Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup crowns to his name.
“I’m looking forward to joining Carrera Cup Australia in the TYREPLUS Porsche at Bathurst. I’m anticipating the competition will be tough. And I can’t wait,” said Bleekemolen.
“I have raced against many of the drivers on the Carrera Cup Australia grid before: Jonny Reid in A1GP, Craig Baird in last year’s Porsche Carrera World Cup and several others in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourers. If these past races are anything to go by, the pace will be very competitive at the front of the field.
“I’ve raced on Michelin tyres for much of my career – in all my seven 24 Hours of Le Mans starts, including 2008 class victory; Porsche Supercup, including my Championship wins in 2008 and 2009; and when I raced in A1GP, so I know the total performance advantage they can deliver. It’s great to have Michelin, and their retail partner TYREPLUS, on board for the Bathurst Carrera Cup round this October.”
Bleekemolen is also tasked with driving the iconic Porsche RS Sypder in demonstration laps around the Mount Panorama circuit at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event, October 04-07, 2012.
“Between racing in Carrera Cup Australia and driving the Porsche RS Spyder, I’m anticipating I’ll have a rather enjoyable weekend.”
TYREPLUS spokesperson and Managing Director of Michelin Australia, Thierry Martin, said Carrera Cup Australia provided an excellent platform to promote the TYREPLUS brand.
“TYREPLUS offers premium, high performance tyres and service, so it’s the perfect match for Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia,” said Martin.
“Michelin has a long history of success with Jeroen, including class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and back-to-back Porsche Supercup championships. I wish Jeroen well, and look forward to seeing the TYREPLUS Porsche at the front of the pack.”
Bleekemolen has competed in several championships in 2012, including appearances in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Germany and part-time campaigns in the American Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Bleekemolen will also line up alongside Shane van Gisbergen in the #9 Stone Brothers Racing V8 Supercar in the upcoming Armor All Gold Coast 600 event and is competing in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourers Endurance Championship.
Jeroen Bleekemolen: Career highlights
2001 FIA GT Championship – 3rd
2006-2007 A1GP Season – 5th (contested 19 of 22 races)
2008 24 Hours of Le Mans – LMP2 Champion
2008 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Champion
2008-2009 A1GP Season – 4th (contested 8 of 14 races)
2009 Porsche Carrera Cup Germany – 2nd
2009 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Champion
2011 Porsche Carrera Cup Germany – 3rd
2011 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – 6th
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NewsReid and Twigg on top in Townsville
Jonny Reid has claimed his second Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round win of the season after a ‘perfect’ final day in Townsville.
The New Zealand driver starred in Race 2 on Sunday morning, taking the lead from the start of the 14-lap race and keeping reigning champion Craig Baird at bay into the opening corner.
Reid took a two-second win from countryman Baird, with Saturday’s Race 1 winner Alex Davison finishing third from Nick Foster, Steven Richards, Matt Kingsley, Daniel Gaunt, Andre Heimgartner, Tim Leahey, Tom Tweedie and Elite Class race winner Shane Smollen.
Reid continued his run at the front in Race 3, leading Baird and Davison in the opening lap.
While Davison moved past Baird into second on Lap 2, Reid had pulled a gap on the field and remained unchallenged until a safety car on Lap 11; called to the track after Nick Foster and Andre Heimgartner made contact at speed at the exit of the Turn 1 curve.
The contact sent Heimgartner into the wall, with Foster subsequently handed a 40 point penalty for the incident.
The chequered flag was waved under the caution period, leaving Reid to claim his second race win for the round and his fifth race victory for the season – the highest number of wins by any driver this year.
“It was a near perfect weekend. We learnt from Race 1 where we held a comfortable lead and then fell into the clutches of Alex Davison, finishing second. I knew I had to go one better today and really work hard with the boys to get that car working perfectly,” said Reid.
“Race 3 was the closest we’ve had the car to being perfect. All in all, two fastest laps, two wins and a second place for the round win was a great weekend.”
Davison and Baird finished second and third in Race 3 ahead of Steven Richards, Daniel Gaunt, Matt Kingsley, Tim Leahey and Max Twigg in eight.
Twigg capitalised on Smollen’s misfortune in the final race, where the latter spun on Lap 2 and dropped to the rear of the field after taking the Elite Class race win in the previous two Townsville races.
Twigg therefore inherited the round victory and strengthened his Elite Class points lead.
“It’s always good to get a race win. It took us a little while to get on the pace; we found an issue with the car that we fixed in the last race, so it’s good to come away with that knowledge.”
Elite Class trio Ray Angus, Marc Cini and Michael Loccisano finished an impressive ninth, 10th and 11th respectively in the final race.
Smollen recovered to finish 12th in Race 3, leaving the Sydneysider second for the round in the Elite Class ahead of Ray Angus, who’s ninth place in Race 3 was his career best result, promoting him to third for the round – his first ever Carrera Cup podium.
Angus was also the recipient of the Mobil 1 Hard Charger Award for gaining the most positions throughout the Townsville weekend.
With three rounds remaining in the 2012 season, Baird holds a 78-point lead in the standings ahead of Davison, with Reid reducing his margin to Davison to 95 points in third.
Max Twigg now leads the Elite Class by 249 points over James Koundouris, who was absent from the Townsville round, with Shane Smollen third in the points a further 37 points behind.
Click here to view the Townsville round results and current championship points.
The Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship’s next round is at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst for Round 6 of the 2012 Porsche season.
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NewsDavison and Smollen take opening Townsville victory
Alex Davison had an encouraging return to form when taking victory in the opening Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia race in Townsville.
After claiming pole position by the closest margin in Carrera Cup Australia history (0.0027secs) over Jonny Reid, Davison struggled off the start line in Race 1 and lost the lead to Reid.
Davison then spent the majority of the 14-lap race behind the New Zealander, eventually taking the lead on the second-to-last lap and holding on to take his fourth win of the 2012 season.
The late-race battle between Davison and Reid allowed Craig Baird and Daniel Gaunt to close in on the leading duo in the latter stages of the race, with Baird and Gaunt taking third and fourth, respectively.
For Davison, the victory was a welcome return to form after difficulties endured at the championship’s last round at Phillip Island.
“It’s obviously brilliant every time you get a race win, but the thing I’m most happy about is that we haven’t had the pace to race with the front guys since the Australian Grand Prix,” said Davison.
“We’ve done a lot of work since Phillip Island and we’ve now managed to bridge that one-to-two tenths gap to them. Even though I had a horrible start and had a lot of wheel spin we had the pace once everything had warmed up. We’re very happy.”
Steven Richards rounded out the top five in the race from Nick Foster, Matt Kingsley, Andre Heimgartner, Tom Tweedie and Elite Class victor Shane Smollen in tenth, who narrowly finishing in the top-10 after a late challenge from Guest Driver Tim Leahey.
“The race was a little bit choppy at the start and the finish; I was a little too defensive and almost lost a spot to Tim Leahey at the finish,” said Smollen.
“We settled into a good pace for most of the race. Last year we had a series of frustrating issues so it’s nice to come back here and get these results.”
Max Twigg finished the race in 12th ahead of Ray Angus, Michael Loccisano, Marc Cini and Stephen Grove.
Davison now trails Baird in the Outright standings by 78 points, with Reid jumping ahead of Gaunt to third in points a further 113 points behind Davison.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold its remaining two races of the Townsville round on Sunday, beginning with Race 2 at 10:30am.
Race Schedule
Sunday July 08, 2012
10:30am – 10:50am Race 2 (14 laps)
1:10pm – 1:30pm Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Time: 2:15pm (AEST), 1:45pm (ACST), 12:15pm (AWST)
Date: Sunday, July 08, 2012
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
Note: Broadcast is delayed from actual race.
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NewsReid shines on Townsville streets
Pacesetter Jonny Reid has set his sights on Townsville victory after topping the times in both Friday Practice sessions for Round 5 of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The New Zealand driver posted a time of 1:15.3303 on the 2.86 km Reid Park circuit, a tenth of a second quicker than championship contenders Craig Baird and Alex Davison.
Behind the leading trio in the Friday times were Steven Richards, Daniel Gaunt, Nick Foster, Tom Tweedie and Matt Kingsley in the top eight – all within a second of Reid, who hopes for a strong weekend after his dominant Race 3 win at the championship’s last round at Phillip Island.
“It’s a very promising start to the weekend. Everyone is working very hard and we all have the same goal,” said Reid.
“You can see by the timesheets just how close the competition is, so anything can happen out there this weekend.
“We have a clear goal, and that’s to get out there and win three races this weekend and come away with maximum points and climb that championship ladder.”
The ninth fastest driver over the two Friday Practice sessions was late inclusion Tim Leahey, replacing Tony Bates while the championship regular continues his recovery from surgery after the Phillip Island round.
“I’m always excited to get away from work and go racing; it’s an itch that I never get to scratch, and this weekend we’re scratching it,” said Leahey.
“I was comfortable in the first session, and then I struggled a little bit when I started to push. I just need more time in the car, but it’s great to have a run.”
Shane Smollen was the fastest Elite Class driver of the day in 10th from Andre Heimgartner, Max Twigg, Michael Loccisano, Marc Cini, Ray Angus and newcomer Stephen Grove.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia is next on track at 8:55am Saturday morning for its Qualifying session.
Race Schedule
Saturday July 07, 2012
8:55am – 9:15am Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:15pm – 2:35pm Race 1 (14 laps)
Sunday July 08, 2012
10:30am – 10:50am Race 2 (14 laps)
1:10pm – 1:30pm Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Time: 2:15pm (AEST), 1:45pm (ACST), 12:15pm (AWST)
Date: Sunday, July 08, 2012
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
Note: Broadcast is delayed from actual race.
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NewsNew Official Charity in full flight
Porsche Cars Australia has named Angel Flight as the Official Charity of its two local motor racing categories – Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia.
Angel Flight is a charity that coordinates non-emergency flights for patients and families around the country in medical and financial need. Flights are free of charge with Angel Flight volunteer pilots donating their time, skills and the bulk of aircraft costs.
Angel Flight will receive significant branding opportunities within the Porsche motor racing categories with the intention to drive the charity’s awareness throughout the wider motorsport community.
The partnership between Porsche Cars Australia and Angel Flight was shaped by Michael Loccisano – competitor in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship and Angel Flight volunteer pilot.
“I am really pleased that Porsche has acknowledged the vital service that Angel Flight delivers. This initiative provides an opportunity to spread the word to the broader motorsport community which in turn will reach out to more Australians who can benefit from Angel Flight services,” said Loccisano.
“I am thrilled to combine my passions of flying and motorsport to help Angel Flight. I have been an Angel Flight pilot since 2004. I read an article about the charity and signed up the very next day. Having family who live in rural Victoria, I knew first hand that this was a much needed service that would directly benefit the thousands of country Australians doing it financially and medically tough.”
Porsche Cars Australia Jamey Blaikie welcomes Angel Flight as a valued partner of the Porsche motorsport categories in Australia.
“We are happy to help spread the word of the importance of Angel Flight and aid in any way to raise awareness for this valued organisation – especially one that’s closely linked to us through Michael’s association as a volunteer pilot,” said Blaikie.
Angel Flight CEO and founder, Bill Bristow AM, thanked all involved in the choice of Angel Flight as charity and all involved as competitors, administrators and spectators.
“Your help will be of great value,” Bristow said.
For more information on Angel Flight, visit www.angelflight.org.au.
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NewsGaunt aims for repeat success in North Queensland
Kiwi ace Daniel Gaunt will this weekend look to reassert his dominance in Townsville as the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship enters the second half of its 2012 season.
The New Zealand driver was the standout racer at the 2011 Carrera Cup round in Townsville, claiming three wins from three races at last year’s event.
Gaunt enters Round 5 of the eight-round championship third in the standings and will aim to launch a mid-season resurgence toward the title leaders Craig Baird and Alex Davison at the 2.85 km Reid Park circuit.
“I feel confident heading into Townsville. The round was pretty kind to me last year so hopefully we can head back there this year and get the same results. I love the place and we’ve got some great set-up data for there which is obviously a good starting point. There’s no reason why we can’t repeat what we did there last year,” said Gaunt.
“Townsville is a great event. The weather is always spot on and the track produces great racing. Everybody loves the Australian Grand Prix and the Clipsal 500 – Townsville is a combination of the two.”
The Elite Class will see a newcomer to its ranks, with Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia regular Stephen Grove making the move into the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia; set to compete in both categories for the remainder of the season and into 2013.
Grove, who becomes the 113th different driver to compete in Carrera Cup Australia since its inaugural 2003 season, is looking forward to the challenge of Carrera Cup competition this weekend when debuting his new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
“The level of competition and professionalism in Carrera Cup is extremely high and it’s a great environment for me to further develop as a driver,” said Grove.
While Grove will contest his maiden Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round, the Townsville event marks a milestone for seasoned racers Craig Baird and James Koundouris, who will complete their 40th Carrera Cup Australia championship round.
Baird currently holds a strong 90-point lead in the Outright standings over Davison and Gaunt; while Jonny Reid, who missed the opening round of the 2012 Porsche season, is fourth in the standings.
In the Elite Class, Max Twigg holds an 81-point lead from Koundouris, Tony Bates, Shane Smollen and Paul Kelly, while fellow Elite Class driver Ray Angus returns to the championship after having raced at the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix earlier in the season.
Click here to view the Townsville Round Preview Video ahead of this weekend’s Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round.
Race Schedule
Friday July 06, 2012
10:00am – 10:20am Practice 1 (20 minutes)
3:20pm – 3:40pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Saturday July 07, 2012
8:55am – 9:15am Qualifying (20 minutes)
2:15pm – 2:35pm Race 1 (14 laps)
Sunday July 08, 2012
10:30am – 10:50am Race 2 (14 laps)
1:10pm – 1:30pm Race 3 (14 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Time: 2:15pm (AEST), 1:45pm (ACST), 12:15pm (AWST)
Date: Sunday, July 08, 2012
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
Note: Broadcast is delayed from actual race.
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NewsArgentina to Townsville: Angus makes Carrera Cup return
Elite Class campaigner Ray Angus will have travelled a long way to contest the coming round of Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia in Townsville.
After business commitments took him to the southern Argentine region of Patagonia, Angus recently returned to Australia having only competed in the Albert Park round of the season.
The Queenslander will contest the remaining four rounds of the 2012 championship; excited to again be part of the action – and not watching it via low-speed internet in South America.
“It has been frustrating monitoring the practice sessions, race results and watching live telecasts of the racing via a satellite dish from our drill camp in Santa Cruz, Argentina,” said Angus.
“However this has provided an important lifeline to motivate me to return to Australia and compete in the final four Carrera Cup rounds. Townsville is like kicking off a whole new start to the race calendar for me.”
Angus also plans to use the Townsville round as a getaway for him and his family.
“On this occasion I will have the complete ‘six-girl’ family in tow, travelling together in the lead up to the event.”
Matt Kingsley, who raced in Angus’s Porsche at both Adelaide and Phillip Island, will compete in the Guest Car for the Townsville round.
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NewsSweet support for all-Queensland entry
Matt Kingsley will field an all-Queensland entry at the coming Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round in Townsville, securing backing from the famous Sunshine State landmark, the Big Pineapple.
Kingsley was awarded the drive of the Guest Car in Townsville after two impressive performances at Adelaide and Phillip Island, tempting the Big Pineapple owners to again support the Gold Coast based racer.
The Townsville event will be the second occasion Kingsley receives backing from the Big Pineapple, having raced the eye-catching pineapple-inspired Porsche at the last round at Phillip Island.
“Townsville will be a special round for me – I’m a Queenslander racing with an iconic Queensland sponsor competing in my home state,” said Kingsley.
“Racing the Big Pineapple Porsche at Phillip Island certainly turned heads and sparked a lot of interest. I expect the same reaction when racing in Townsville.
“It will be a big week for Queensland for the Townsville event. We’re expecting the Maroons to cap off another successful State of Origin earlier that week, so hopefully we can make it a perfect week for Queensland.”
Kingsley is a former Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia competitor, winning the 2009 Porsche title and continuing in the one-make category until the end of the 2011 season.
Kingsley’s Porsche will sport branding of the Big Pineapple Music Festival and the Big Pineapple Markets at Townsville.
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NewsGrove latest to scale Porsche pyramid
GT3 Cup Challenge racer Stephen Grove is the latest driver to climb Porsche Cars Australia’s motorsport pyramid.
The Melbourne racer will step up to Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia for the remainder of 2012 while continuing to race in the Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series where he has learnt to hone his racing of the 911 GT3 Cup car.
Grove joins Ray Angus, Shane Smollen and Matt Kingsley who have made the jump from GT3 Cup Challenge to the premier one-make series.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Jamey Blaikie welcomes Grove to the one-make championship.
“Stephen is a great character and indeed a welcome addition to Carrera Cup,” said Blaikie.
“It’s terrific to see drivers progressing from GT3 Cup Challenge through to Carrera Cup, which proves the validity of the Porsche motorsport pyramid for customers in our one-make series.”
No stranger to Porsche competition, Grove brings to Townsville four rounds experience in the Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia series with the intention of competing in both Porsche categories full-time in 2013.
“The level of competition and professionalism in Carrera Cup is extremely high and it’s a great environment for me to further develop as a driver,” said Grove.
“My aim is to gain more racing experience; using Carrera Cup to increase my knowledge of the cars, tracks and working with the engineers to better my performance. I’ll therefore have a much greater understanding and ability in Carrera Cup for next year’s championship.
“I’m still relatively new to motorsport so I’ll continue racing in GT3 Cup Challenge as well, increasing my experience and fast-tracking the lengthy learning process.”
Grove takes delivery of his brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car from Porsche Cars Australia today in preparation for the Townsville round.
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NewsPorsche invites Kingsley to tackle Townsville round
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia newcomer Matt Kingsley has been awarded the drive of the Guest Car at the coming Townsville round after impressing Porsche management in his two outings so far.
Kingsley raced in two of the opening four rounds of the season, displaying impressive pace in both, however a continued Porsche program was stalled due to a budget shortfall.
Porsche Cars Australia has therefore handed Kingsley the drive of the Guest Car for the Townsville round, easing the budget required to allow the Queenslander to compete in his home state on July 06-08.
“Matt is a talented young driver, but he unfortunately lacks the funds to compete in the championship full-time. After performing exceptionally well at the Adelaide and Phillip Island rounds we decided to reward him for the round in his home state,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie.
Kingsley began his Porsche racing career in the Carrera Cup feeder series, Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, where he was crowned champion in 2009 and raced in the category up to the 2011 season before moving on to select Carrera Cup events in 2012.
“Matt’s career showcases how GT3 Cup Challenge can promote drivers into the Carrera Cup championship, where he is now competitive amongst some of Australia’s top drivers,” added Blaikie.
Kingsley has not yet raced on the Townsville track, however he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m definitely excited to step into the Guest Car at Townsville, especially when you look at the calibre of drivers who have raced in that car previously – including Mark Skaife and Heinz-Harald Frentzen,” said Kingsley.
“It will be great to race in my home state. Hopefully we can drum up some Queensland support and show the Blues and the Mexicans [New South Welshmen and Victorians] how it’s done. The Townsville event always has a great atmosphere and the weather should be great – typical of Queensland. We’ll go out there and try to do our state proud.”
The Townsville round marks the start to the second half of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season, with the one-make sports car championship to hold three races over the three-day event.
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NewsKiwi cream rises to the top at Phillip Island
Three races, three winners: Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia provided an exciting Phillip Island round with reigning Champion, Kiwi Craig Baird, taking his second season round win and extending his series lead.
Baird claimed victory in Sunday’s opening race from Saturday winner Daniel Gaunt, Steven Richards and hard charging Jonny Reid, who started from the rear of the grid. Nick Foster finished behind Reid in fifth from Matt Kingsley and Elite Class driver Max Twigg.
Thereafter, Reid and Davison charged to the front in the final race, both with fresh tyres – a result of minimal laps on Saturday after early Race 1 exits.
Reid’s fresh Michelins therefore allowed him to hit the lead early and pull away from the field and take the Race 3 win, along with a new lap record.
Davison also took advantage of fresher tyres and substantial set-up improvements to claim second in the final race, while Baird struggled for pace after racing on the same rear tyres in all three races, successfully keeping his competitors at bay to claim third for the final race and first for the Phillip Island event.
“I’m rapt with the round win. It was good to get the victory in Race 2, but the last race was just a tyre war between the guys who didn’t compete in the first race,” said Baird.
“I had to do all three races on the same rear tyres, so in the final race I just had to let Reid and Davison go and keep an eye on Richards and Gaunt behind me.”
Nick Foster finished behind Baird in fourth, ahead of Kingsley, Andre Heimgartner and Gaunt, who finished second for the round after a tough final race.
“I’m happy with the result compared to where we have been this year. I’m disappointed with the result in Race 3; we were running third up until a couple of laps to go,” said Gaunt.
“Our car was great here this weekend. We’re figuring everything out as the season goes on with our new team with Rusty and Wilson Security, so I’m looking forward to returning to Townsville and try to repeat what we achieved there last year.”
Behind Gaunt in Race 3 were Tom Tweedie, Twigg, Jeff Bobik, Richards, Shane Smollen, Marc Cini and Tony Bates.
Twigg claimed the Elite Class win for the round and leads the class standings by a substantial 81 points over James Koundouris.
Smollen took second place in the Elite Class for the round, with Bates celebrating his birthday in style with third.
“I struggled with understeer early but we sorted it out for the final race. I had a bit of an incident going into MG Corner and had to come back through the field, which held me up a bit and probably cost me second,” said Bates.
“It’s a pretty good way to celebrate my birthday. I’m going in for an operation tomorrow so hopefully I will be back for Townsville. It’s probably 50/50 at the moment but I’m hoping I’ll make it there.”
In addition to Reid’s Race 3 win, the New Zealander was nominated as the Michelin Australia Sportsperson of the Year Award recipient. For the second round in a row, Reid was recognised as the driver who most reflected the core values of Michelin; safety, performance and respect.
Kiwi youngster Andre Heimgartner also left Phillip Island with something to celebrate, awarded the Mobil 1 Hard Charger Award along with its prize – 20 litres of Mobil 1 engine oil.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will next race at Townsville on July 06-08, 2012.
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NewsGaunt secures season-first win in eventful opening race
Kiwi speedster Daniel Gaunt has capitalised on an eventful opening Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia race at Phillip Island to claim a long-awaited first victory of the season.
After qualifying sixth, Gaunt quickly shot to the lead by taking advantage of a spectacular three-car start-line incident.
Surprise pole-sitter Nick Foster experienced a slow start, with Alex Davison and Craig Baird quickly approaching from the second row. Davison was then caught between the Porsches of Foster and Friday pace-setter Baird, with tyre-to-tyre contact with Foster sending Davison airborne.
The impact ended Davison’s race with suspension and steering damage, while Foster and Baird both executed a pit stop to change tyres during the following safety car period – called to recover Davison’s stricken car.
To add to the action, Jeff Bobik and Paul Kelly made contact at the opening corner sending both drivers wide and ending Kelly’s Race 1 campaign.
The race-start drama allowed Gaunt to snare the lead before the safety car period, with the New Zealander continuing at the front once the race resumed while Steven Richards, Tom Tweedie, Max Twigg and Matt Kingsley filled the remaining top five positions.
As the race progressed Foster and Baird continued to move through the field and were challenging several of the front-running drivers in the latter stages of the race when rain began to fall on the Victorian circuit.
Kingsley’s spin on Lap 11 from third position helped the duo move up the order, while on the final lap Foster was in a battle for third with Team BRM stable-mate Tom Tweedie.
With only a few corners until the chequered flag Foster and Tweedie made contact, sending Tweedie into the gravel trap. Foster received a 20-point penalty for the incident and dropped to fifth in the race, allowing Baird to claim third place.
Team Kiwi Racing 16-year-old sensation Andre Heimgartner finished in a season-best fourth place ahead of Foster and leading Elite Class trio Max Twigg, James Koundouris and Shane Smollen.
Twigg held a substantial Elite Class lead for the majority of the race, however a late spin allowed Koundouris and Smollen to catch, but not pass, the class points leader by the finish.
“It was a great start for me and I was in fourth under the safety car which was a huge surprise,” said Twigg.
“When the rain came I had an ‘off’ at one of the corners. Koundouris and Smollen then caught me pretty quickly and I thought they might let me have it, but they didn’t and we all finished within a couple of tenths at the finish line.”
Tony Bates and Kingsley finished ninth and 10th, followed by team-mates Michael Loccisano – a season-best result – and 12th placed Marc Cini.
Following Gaunt’s impressive performance, which included a new lap record, the race winner was pleased with his change of fortune at Phillip Island.
“It wasn’t pretty but we’ll take it. We’ve had our fair share of bad luck this year so you’ve got to take the good luck when it comes your way,” said Gaunt.
“I really hope this is a rebirth to the season. We’re in the heart of the championship now so we’ve got to do the best we can at this point in the season and try to get back into title contention.”
The win moves Gaunt into third in the championship standings behind Baird and Davison, passing Jonny Reid, who fail to make the Race 1 start after experiencing radiator issues on the warm up lap.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia returns to the track on Sunday for Race 2 and Race 3 of the Phillip Island round.
Race schedule
Sunday May 20, 2012
11:05pm – 11:30pm Race 2
2:40pm – 3:05pm Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Time: 3:00pm (AEST), 2:30pm (ACST), 1:00pm (AWST)
Date: Sunday May 20, 2012
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
Note: Broadcast time in delayed from race.
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NewsSeries leader looks for Island dominance
Reigning Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia Champion Craig Baird is confident of a promising Phillip Island round this weekend after posting the fastest lap time in Friday practice.
The reigning Champion and current championship points leader set the quickest time in both Friday sessions with a fastest lap of 1:34.63, with his nearest title rivals Jonny Reid and Alex Davison setting the second and third quickest times for the day.
Matt Kingsley was the fourth fastest in Friday practice aboard his pineapple-liveried Porsche, with Steven Richards, Daniel Gaunt, Max Twigg, Nick Foster, Tom Tweedie and James Koundouris filling the top 10 positions in the timesheets.
New Zealander Baird was happy with his Friday form and is focussed on his Saturday assault, starting with Qualifying at 11:30am.
“Being fastest in practice is obviously a great way to start the weekend. We’re definitely in a better position now than we were here this time last year,” said Baird, who placed third in the 2011 Phillip Island Porsche round.
“You’ve got to be confident at this point in the weekend. There is such tight competition in this field this weekend that there are many guys capable of winning.
“You’ve obviously got the regular guys at the front, and even the top Elite Class drivers like Max Twigg will be pushing for positions near the front of the field. It will be a great weekend of racing.”
Twigg continued his top Phillip Island form by posted the fastest Friday lap time in the Elite Class.
The Melbourne-based driver won the round in the Elite Class at the Victorian circuit last season and finished today ahead of his class rivals Koundouris and Perth class round winner Shane Smollen.
Guest Driver Jeff Bobik finished Friday practice with the 10th and 11th fastest time in the first and second practice sessions, respectively.
The Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia field will next feature on track on Saturday at 11:30am for Qualifying, followed by Race 1 at 3:00pm.
Race schedule
Saturday May 19, 2012
11:30am – 11:50am Qualifying
3:00pm – 3:25pm Race 1
Sunday May 20, 2012
11:05pm – 11:30pm Race 2
2:40pm – 3:05pm Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Time: 3:00pm (AEST), 2:30pm (ACST), 1:00pm (AWST)
Date: Sunday May 20, 2012
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
Note: Broadcast time in delayed from race.
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NewsPorsche front-runner set for Carrera Cup initiation
Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia front-runner Jeff Bobik will step up to the main game at Phillip Island this weekend when he makes his debut in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship.
Bobik will campaign the Guest Car at his home round of the championship and is excited to line up on the Carrera Cup grid after vast experience in the Porsche sister series.
“It has been my long-time dream to race in Carrera Cup. I’ve been watching the category since it started in Australia and it’s a massive thrill to now join the series after competing in GT3 Cup Challenge for several seasons,” said Bobik.
“Racing in GT3 Cup Challenge has prepared me well for this transition, with competition quite close to that of the mid-pack racing in Carrera Cup.
“At the end of the day in GT3 Cup Challenge you’re still racing a Porsche – it’s left-hand drive, has a sequential gearbox and has the same unique characteristics as the newer Carrera Cup race car.”
In an expanded 19-car Porsche field, Bobik will be joined by several newcomers and returnees to the category including Nathan Tinkler, Marcus Zukanovic, who joins the championship for a one-off appearance in the break between rounds from his regular Development Series duties, along with young gun Matt Kingsley.
Kingsley made an impressive debuted in the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship at the season-opening Clipsal 500, placing third in the final race of the South Australian round.
The Queensland based driver will this weekend make his second appearance of 2012, this time aboard a pineapple-liveried Porsche for the Phillip Island event.
Kingsley has secured backing from the Big Pineapple Music Festival, a new event that will take place for the first time in May, 2013, at the iconic Sunshine Coast landmark, the Big Pineapple.
Reigning Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia Champion Craig Baird enters the Phillip Island round in the lead of the 2012 point standings ahead of 2004 Carrera Cup title winner Alex Davison.
Jonny Reid, who is quickly rising up the points ladder following his absence from Round 1 in Adelaide, is third, with last year’s Phillip Island round winner Daniel Gaunt in fourth.
In the Elite Class, Max Twigg returns to his own Porsche race car having raced the Guest Car at the past round at Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway.
Twigg enters the coming round with a narrow nine-point lead in the Elite Class standings over James Koundouris; with Tony Bates, Paul Kelly, Perth class round winner Shane Smollen and Melbourne based racers Marc Cini and Michael Loccisano close behind in the championship hunt.
Race schedule
Friday May 18, 2012
10:35am – 10:55am Practice 1
1:50pm – 2:10pm Practice 2
Saturday May 19, 2012
11:30am – 11:50am Qualifying
3:00pm – 3:25pm Race 1
Sunday May 20, 2012
11:05pm – 11:30pm Race 2
2:40pm – 3:05pm Race 3
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3 (as live)
Time: 3:00pm (AEST), 2:30pm (ACST), 1:00pm (AWST)
Date: Sunday May 20, 2012
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
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NewsReid takes team to maiden Carrera Cup triumph
In form Kiwi Jonny Reid has taken his Hunter Sports Group team to its first ever Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia race and round victory at Barbagallo Raceway.
After missing the opening round of the all-Porsche championship, Reid secured the backing from the Nathan Tinkler owned Hunter Sports Group to race at Albert Park, where Reid scored three second placed finishes.
Having stepped into the Newcastle branded team full-time, Reid claimed his fourth-straight second placed finish in yesterday’s Race 1 at Barbagallo Raceway.
Reid then broke through for the team’s first ever Carrera Cup victory in today’s Race 2, followed by its second race win later in the day, including the fastest lap in every race at the West Australian circuit.
The results handed Reid the round win and promoted him to third in the 2012 outright standings – an incredible feat having missed one of the three rounds this season.
“I want to really say a big thanks to the Hunter Motor Sports team. When we went out on to the track on Friday I wasn’t happy with the car and it didn’t suit my driving style. The boys worked really hard on my car over the weekend to suit my driving style and it’s showed in all the races. The first race we were second with the fastest lap, followed by two race wins today with the fastest lap in each. It just shows what we are capable of as a team when everything goes well,” said Reid.
“The team has such a great upbeat bunch of guys with a lot of hunger. In addition to my hunger as a driver, we work really well. I think we showed that this weekend.”
After finishing third in Saturday’s race, Baird completed his Perth round with two second placed finishes in Sunday’s two races, placing the reigning champion second for the round and elevated him to the lead of the championship standings.
Race 1 victor Alex Davison finished third for the round with two third positions in Sunday’s two races. Davison’s deficit to the championship leader Baird was extended to 11 points having received a six point penalty post-round for a Race 1 altercation.
Daniel Gaunt finished fourth for the Barbagallo Raceway round in the outright points, followed by Steven Richards and Team BRM duo Nick Foster and Tom Tweedie.
The Elite Class featured a tight fight at the head of the round standings, with eventual winner Shane Smollen claiming his maiden class round victory.
Smollen finished second in the Elite Class in Saturday’s race and finished fourth and second in class in Sunday’s two races; placing the Sydneysider one point ahead of nearest Elite Class driver James Koundouris at the end of the event.
“I think this weekend showed the importance of finishing races and being consistent throughout the weekend,” said Smollen.
“Every corner of every lap can count, and today I fought pretty hard when those opportunities arose. And it counted at the end of the day; we got a one-point win.”
Twigg finished third in the Elite Class points for the round behind Smollen and Koundouris, with Tony Bates in fourth; the top four Elite Class drivers split by a mere six points at the end of the round.
Porsche City Index Index Carrera Cup Australia will next race at Phillip Island on May 18-20.
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NewsWestern win for new series leader
Porsche whiz Alex Davison has reclaimed the lead of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship after a ‘satisfying’ victory at Barbagallo Raceway.
Davison was hounded by his rivals the entire 17 lap Saturday race at the West Australian circuit after gaining the lead from the start from second position on the grid.
The Queensland based racer initially held off strong challenges from reigning champion and pole-sitter Baird; the duo leading a four-way battle pack at the front which also included Jonny Reid and Nick Foster.
Baird however dropped back to third at the end of lap nine after hitting the exit kerb of the final corner after an attempted outside pass of the leader Davison.
Reid then advanced to second and soon challenged Davison for the lead, however Davison was able to hold his position and claim his third race win of the season, along with the championship lead.
“It was a hard race – one of those races where you’ve got guys climbing all over you, so to win it is very satisfying,” said Davison.
“We didn’t have the same pace of Craig in the first few laps. Jonny then had more pace than us later in the race; he was all over me but we managed to hang on and get the win.
“Now we’ve got to put our heads together tonight and squeeze a bit more pace out of the car because, although we won, we’re really struggling a lot compared to the other drivers.”
“It’s also great to take back the lead of the championship. I really want to be in this position at the end of the round. I’ll be even happier if that’s the case.”
Reid claimed second position for the race, closely trailed by Baird and Foster; with Daniel Gaunt, Steven Richards and Tom Tweedie further behind in fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.
At the head of the Elite Class was eighth-placed finisher James Koundouris, who ran the majority of his ‘lonely’ race clear of his on-track rivals, finishing ahead of 16-year-old Andre Heimgartner, Shane Smollen, Tony Bates and Michael Loccisano.
“The race was a little bit on the lonely side,” said Koundouris.
“I just had to make sure we saved the tyres because we flat spotted a couple in Qualifying. The plan was just to finish, save the tyres and not damage them in any way, and we did that.
“I think we have a lot more pace than what we showed in today’s race. I obviously want to win in the Elite Class, but I’d much rather focus on being up the grid a bit further and beating some of the young guys home.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold its next race on Sunday morning at 8:20am, followed by its final race of the weekend soon after at 10:15am.
Race Schedule
Sunday May 06
8:20am – 8:40am Race 2 (17 laps)
10:15am – 10:35am Race 3 (17 laps)
Broadcast schedule – Carrera Cup Race 3 (as live)
Date: Sunday May 06
Time: 12:00pm (local time), 2:00pm (AEST)
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
Times subject to change – please check local guides.
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NewsGaunt confident ahead of Perth qualifying
Kiwi racer Daniel Gaunt is confident ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session for the third round of Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia after setting the pace in Friday practice at Barbagallo Raceway.
Gaunt, who sits third in the championship standings, posted the quickest lap time in the opening practice session at the 2.41 km West Australian circuit.
Set in dry conditions, Gaunt’s quickest lap time of 57.75 seconds was a mere 0.06secs quicker than second fastest driver Alex Davison, with reigning champion Craig Baird a further 0.02secs behind.
Nick Foster, Steven Richards and Jonny Reid posted the fourth, fifth and sixth quickest time respectively for the opening practice session, followed by Elite Class competitor Tony Bates.
Gaunt then recorded the fifth quickest lap time in the second practice session, however the wet weather conditions later in the day meant that the earlier session was the scene of the day’s fastest lap times.
“Overall I’m really happy with the day after posting the fastest lap in the first session, and learnt a lot in the second session in the wet,” said Gaunt.
“It’s a really short lap at Barbagallo Raceway and it’s always going to be very close in qualifying. Hopefully it remains dry for qualifying tomorrow but we’ll just deal with whatever weather conditions come. We know that whatever the condition tomorrow – wet or dry – we’ll have a competitive car for it.”
Davison was the quickest driver in the second practice session in wet conditions, trailed by Baird, Richards, Reid, Gaunt and Elite Class front-runner James Koundouris.
In the Elite Class, Bates enters Saturday as the fastest driver around the Perth circuit and is enjoying the championship’s first visit to a permanent in 2012 after the opening two street circuit events in Adelaide and Albert Park.
“I’ve been driving within myself at the first two rounds of the year so it’s great to get to a permanent circuit here in Perth,” said Bates.
“Having started the year on two street circuits, I haven’t wanted to do anything silly. I came here this weekend with all the intentions of winning the round in the Elite Class and try to get on the back of the Professional Class drivers. I’m confident we’ll have a good weekend.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold Qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday, followed by two races on Sunday.
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.
Race Schedule
Saturday May 05
10:10am – 10:30am Qualifying (20 minutes)
3:30pm – 3:50pm Race 1 (17 laps)
Sunday May 06
8:20am – 8:40am Race 2 (17 laps)
10:15am – 10:35am Race 3 (17 laps)
Broadcast schedule – Carrera Cup Race 3 (as live)
Date: Sunday May 06
Time: 12:00pm (local time), 2:00pm (AEST)
Channel: Seven (Sydney, Brisbane), 7mate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
Times subject to change – please check local guides.
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NewsKiwi pacesetter set for Perth success
Last weekend, Jonny Reid was victorious in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourers. This weekend, the Kiwi hopes for similar success when making the journey 5,500 km west to Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway.
Reid will line up for the third round of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship having taken the round victory, and series lead, of the New Zealand based V8 SuperTourers last weekend at Manfeild against fellow Porsche competitors Craig Baird, Steven Richards and Andre Heimgartner.
Reid missed the opening round of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship in Adelaide, and returned in style for Round 2 at Albert Park, placing second for the event.
After the successful Albert Park round, and his recent success in New Zealand, Reid hopes he can continue his strong form at Barbagallo Raceway – the track at which he claimed his maiden Carrera Cup round win in 2011.
“Coming off a victory last weekend puts me in the right frame of mind heading into this weekend. I took victory over Craig Baird in New Zealand last weekend and will be looking to do the same in Perth. Baird is the master of the Porsche race car, so I’ll be looking to beat him again this weekend, along with Alex Davison,” said Reid.
“I’m quite confident in my driving at the moment. I’ve done a lot of racing lately, which always helps to lift your game behind the wheel.
“Gaining pole position at Albert Park and another pole position in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourers last weekend shows that I have good pace, and to get the round win at Manfeild fills me with confidence heading into Perth.”
Reid added that, after missing the opening round at the Clipsal 500, he has his sights set on one thing in Perth. Winning.
“I’m really hungry for victory in Perth, and that’s the way I have to enter every event after missing the first round of the championship. I want to claw back as many points as I can over Alex Davison and Craig Baird.”
The Porsche field will also feature former AFL footballer Troy Wilson, who will line up in the #40 Guest Car.
Wilson played 37 games for the West Coast Eagles between 2001 and 2003, kicking the most goals for the Perth based AFL club in the 2001 season.
The former Eagles star now joins the Carrera Cup field having taken his former coach, and current coach of the West Coast Eagles John Worsfold, a hot lap in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at Barbagallo Raceway last week. Click here to see the Worsfold hot lap.
The lead of the Elite Class is set to change at Barbagallo Raceway following the 2011 class champion and current points leader Max Twigg’s absence from the West Australian event.
With Twigg absent from the Perth round, Elite Class front-runners James Koundouris and Tony Bates, who are second and third in the class points respectively, will be among the leading contenders to lead the division after the Barbagallo Raceway event.
However, New Zealander Paul Kelly, who currently sits fourth in the Elite Class standings, will be one to watch in Perth.
Kelly missed the opening round of last year’s season before making his Carrera Cup debut at the following 2011 round in Perth. The result: a maiden round win in his championship debut – a result he hopes to replicate this weekend.
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NewsReid secures 2012 life line
Quick Kiwi racer Jonny Reid has secured a life line for the remainder of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season after negotiating a full-time drive in the Newcastle-themed Hunter Sports Group Porsche GT3 Cup car.
After missing the opening round of the championship, Reid was scouted to substitute Nathan Tinkler in the #5 Porsche for the season’s second event at Albert Park.
Reid impressed in Melbourne, qualifying in pole position and claiming three second place finishes, trailing reigning champion and eventual round victor Craig Baird in all three races.
After his remarkable performance at Albert Park, Reid was ecstatic to be confirmed as the driver of the Hunter Sports Group Porsche for the remainder of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season.
“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m very grateful. It was a massive boost for me after a tough start to the year and now I’m ready to get out there and win some races,” said Reid, who finished second in the 2011 Carrera Cup championship.
“We had a great weekend at Albert Park, particularly with posting pole position at the start of the weekend. It was a great way to start the event, especially being with a new team.”
Reid now sits sixth in the 2012 championship after missing one of the two rounds completed; however the New Zealander suggests that the championship win isn’t on his radar, yet.
“You never say never, but the championship win isn’t on my mind at the moment; it’s more on winning races and getting the best results possible for the team and for myself. The championship win is a bit of a long shot at this stage, but I’m certainly looking to be in the top three of the championship by the end of the year.”
Meanwhile, team owner Nathan Tinkler suggests Reid was the obviously replacement for the rest of the 2012 Carrera Cup season.
“Jonny is obviously a great talent and it would be a shame to see him absent from the category any longer,” said Tinkler.
“Jonny’s performance at Albert Park showed that he is a class act in a Porsche and is capable of winning Carrera Cup races.
“I was unsure as to which races I could attend this year, so it made perfect sense to give Jonny the chance to continue his successful run in the championship.”
Reid’s next event with Hunter Sports Group will be at the third round of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship at Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway on May 04-06, 2012.
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NewsAlbert Park success moves Baird and Twigg into points lead
Craig Baird has secured his first round win of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season at Albert Park this weekend, as has Elite Class racer Max Twigg; with their round success moving the duo into the lead of their respective class championships.
Baird started today’s Race 3 from pole position after taking victory in the opening two Porsche races earlier in the weekend.
The New Zealander today finished his weekend in style with yet another race win, leading from the start through to the chequered flag, only challenged for the race lead by rival and countryman Jonny Reid after an early safety car period.
Baird held the front position to the finish ahead of Reid and Alex Davison, and in doing so, took the lead of the championship over Davison.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better round. In the last race, the safety car got me a little out of rhythm and I made a little bit of a mistake on the restart and I paid the price into turn one, but got away with it,” said Baird.
“That puts me back into the championship lead, so I’m happy coming off a round in Adelaide where we had a puncture that took a few points away from us at the beginning of the season. As they say, everyone has a bad round.
“We won the final race in Adelaide, and winning your first race of the season is always the hardest. Now we’ve won four in a row, so we’re going in the right direction.”
In second position for the round was Jonny Reid, who stood in for Nathan Tinkler in a one-off appearance. Reid secured the TAG Heuer Pole Position early in the weekend followed by three second place finishes, a feat he was pleased with having missed the opening round at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
“Craig was in a league of his own this weekend. When I look back, I think three second places and second overall for the round is great. I’d love to be back for some more Carrera Cup races this season but at the moment I’m taking it race by race and see what opportunities come along,” said Reid.
Steven Richards moved up to fourth in the final race, finishing ahead of young guns James Davison, fastest lap recipient Andre Heimgartner and Nick Foster, who won the Mobil 1 Hard Charger Award for the round.
Guest driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen concluded his weekend with an eighth placing after scoring two fourth place finishes in the opening two races, finishing ahead of seasoned Elite Class drivers Twigg and James Koundouris in ninth and 10th, respectively.
With three Elite Class race wins, Twigg moved into the Elite Class points lead, suggesting the Albert Park round was one of the best of his motor racing career.
“It’s probably the best weekend I’ve ever had. I couldn’t be any happier, I’ve been running with the guys I’ve wanted to run with and that’s been my goal for the last couple of years. I’m where I want to be right now, I’m very happy,” said Twigg.
Koundouris finished the round second in the Elite Class with Peter Hill in third after finishing 13th in the final race.
The next round of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway on May 04-06, 2012.
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News2011 Champions continue winning ways
Reigning champions Craig Baird and Max Twigg have continued their impressive performance in the second Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia race of the Albert Park round.
Baird and Twigg, who won the 2011 Professional Class and 2011 Elite Class championships respectively, were unchallenged in their fight for race victory in today’s eight lap Porsche race.
After winning the opening race yesterday, Baird mirrored his earlier performance with another lights-to-flag victory in the weekend’s second race.
The New Zealander gained the lead from the start of the race, with Jonny Reid and Alex Davison close behind.
Baird led the front-running trio to chequered flag to claim the win and gain ground on championship leader Davison in the title chase.
“Like yesterday, the car was very good. I’m a little surprised we’ve got the pace we have over Alex and Jonny. The car is consistent; I can pretty much pick a lap time and constantly stick with it,” said Baird.
Guest driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen claimed his second fourth place finish for the round, ahead of James Davison and Steven Richards, who came through the field from 11th at the start to finish sixth.
Young Kiwi driver Andre Heimgartner finished the race in seventh, with Twigg gaining his second Elite Class race win of the weekend. Twigg was pleased with the class win, but not as much as finishing ahead of Mark Skaife and Nick Foster in the race to the chequered flag.
“We had a good consistent race. I looked after my tyres, I didn’t try too hard and I didn’t overdrive it. I just wanted to bring it home in a strong position,” said Twigg.
“I learnt a lot racing with the Professional Class drivers. I was picking up a lot of things; learning from the way they clear the brake, drive on the kerbs and transfer the weight of the car – lots of little things that improve your overall lap time.”
James Koundouris, who finished in 11th ahead of fellow Elite Class driver Peter Hill, was pleased with his pace after battling with several Professional Class drivers throughout the race.
“My pace is good. I’m racing against the Professional guys and it’s a really tough field. This is the toughest field I can remember in Carrera Cup; there are probably about 10 guys here who could win a race on their day, and when you’re in that company you know it’s tough,” said Koundouris.
“I’m very happy to be running with these guys and with a bit of luck during the race we’ll get back into the top 10.”
The final race of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round at Albert Park will be held on Sunday at 2:10pm.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 18
2:10pm – 2:30pm Race 3 (8 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 18
Time: 2:10pm
Channel: One HD/Ten
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NewsBaird dominates as Twigg has ‘race of his life’
Reigning champion Craig Baird has claimed a light-to-flag victory in the opening Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia race of the Albert Park round, with Elite Class driver Max Twigg executing the ‘race of his life’.
After starting second on the grid, Baird jumped to the front of the field from the start and opened a gap to pole-sitter Jonny Reid, with championship leader Alex Davison, rookie James Davison and German import Heinz-Harald Frentzen behind.
A mid-race safety car was called to recover the car of Shane Smollen, who received substantial damage after contacting a barrier, and consequently bunched the field leaving a four-lap battle to the chequered flag.
Baird again led at the restart but struggled with a flat-spotted tyre after an earlier brake lock-up, before going on to take the victory ahead of fellow front-runners Reid and Davison.
“The car was sensational. I was absolutely cruising and gapping the field before I flat-spotted the tyre. I dropped the right front onto a damp patch going into turn six and peeled a tyre, so it had a flat spot for the rest of the race,” said Baird.
“But sometimes you get the car right, and it was absolutely spot-on. I’m not touching it for tomorrow.”
Behind the leading trio, the battle for fourth through to eighth heated up in the final laps.
In the final stages of the race, Frentzen was gaining on James Davison, with Mark Skaife and Elite Class leader Twigg close behind.
Frentzen then challenged for fourth position entering the final lap – a battle that continued up until the turn three complex, where Frentzen ultimate snared fourth position and Davison in fifth.
Twigg capitalised on this four-way battle by passing Skaife for sixth position, where he remained until the finish, while Skaife finished in seventh.
James Koundouris, who was running with Twigg earlier in the race, and 16-year-old Andre Heimgartner finished eighth and ninth, while Daniel Gaunt and Steven Richards recovered from an opening lap incident at turn three to finish 10th and 11th, respectively.
After crossing the finish line with six-time Bathurst 1000 victor Skaife in his rear-view mirror, Twigg quickly declare the opening Albert Park race the best of his career.
“That was the best drive I’ve ever had in my life. To run with those guys and sit in that battle there is something I never really thought I’d achieve,” said Twigg.
“It was by far my best drive and most satisfying drive of my career. I was doing a Mark Webber down the radio. I think everyone’s tyres started to go off with three laps to go, Skaife’s included. I think they all started dicing and forgot about me. That race was so satisfying; something I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
The ultimate beneficiary from the battle for fourth was Frentzen, who capitalised in the final laps to take fourth position in his debut Carrera Cup race.
“It was a very nice experience and great racing; it was good fun to drive here in Melbourne,” said Frentzen.
“It was an exciting race. I saw that James Davison had some difficulties after the safety car to get his tyres hot enough. I put pressure on him straight away and he had to go very defensive; that was my chance. I finished fourth, that was a good result.”
The second Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia race from the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix event will be held on Saturday at 12:30pm.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 17
12:30pm – 12:50pm Race 2 (8 laps)
Sunday March 18
2:10pm – 2:30pm Race 3 (8 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 2
Date: Saturday March 17
Time: 12:30pm
Channel: One HD/Ten
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 18
Time: 2:10pm
Channel: One HD/Ten
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NewsFrentzen impresses as Reid and Twigg take Albert Park pole
Jonny Reid has made the most of his one-off appearance in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round at Albert Park this weekend by taking pole position in today’s qualifying session, while Max Twigg was the best of the Elite Class drivers.
After finishing runner-up in the 2011 championship, Reid entered this season without a full-time Carrera Cup drive.
After missing the opening round at the Clipsal 500, the New Zealander was handed a life line for the Albert Park round when offered the opportunity to race the Hunter Motor Sport Porsche, campaigned by Nathan Tinkler at the Adelaide event.
Reid accepted and went on to secure pole position, for which he was ecstatic with his performance against the ‘toughest’ Carrera Cup field to date, ahead of Craig Baird, Steven Richards, Alex Davison, Daniel Gaunt and rookie James Davison.
“I’m over the moon to take the pole position with Hunter Motor Sport. I certainly love this circuit; it’s got that fast flowing European nature to it where you can get on the loud pedal and really attack it,” said Reid.
“I thought last year’s field at Albert Park was the toughest, but this year you’ve got Alex Davison, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and other big names like Mark Skaife mixed in with the other regulars; it’s probably the toughest Porsche field I’ve ever raced against. It’s mind-blowing to be on pole against these drivers including Frentzen; that’s something that doesn’t happen every day.”
Qualifying in seventh place, Mark Skaife made his second appearance in the category after debuting in the Porsche championship at last year’s Albert Park event, and will start on the fourth row alongside Frentzen, with Nick Foster and 16-year-old Andre Heimgartner behind.
Max Twigg is the best placed Elite Class driver for tomorrow’s opening race in 11th, starting in front of James Koundouris, Tom Tweedie and Peter Hill.
“Today’s qualifying was okay, but I don’t think I put a really quick lap together. I’m happy with the position I’m in; there’s no one in front of me that shouldn’t be in front of me and I think we’ll be able to run with the Professional Class drivers. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night, I think it will be a good race,” said Twigg.
Meanwhile, former F1 racer Frentzen was pleased with his performance in the opening day of the Albert Park event after posting the fastest time in the opening practice session.
“I got a really good first impression. I’m happy with my day today,” said Frentzen.
“In free practice in the morning, that was quite lucky because I had slick tyres on. That worked well for me and I knew these conditions from my past, so for me it was more crucial to learn set up positions. I really just tried to learn as much as possible in a short amount of time.
“My first experience in a Porsche after 20 years was nice. It’s a really fast sports car. For my age it’s perfect; I shouldn’t go any faster.”
The opening race of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship for Albert Park will be held on Friday March 16 at 6:20pm.
Race Schedule
Friday March 16
6:20pm – 6:45pm Race 1 (10 laps)
Saturday March 17
12:30pm – 12:50pm Race 2 (8 laps)
Sunday March 18
2:10pm – 2:30pm Race 3 (8 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 1
Date: Friday March 16
Time: 6:20pm
Channel: One HD
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 2
Date: Saturday March 17
Time: 12:30pm
Channel: One HD/Ten
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 18
Time: 2:10pm
Channel: One HD/Ten
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NewsCousins face off in Albert Park showdown
Racing relations Alex and James Davison have never raced against each other on the track, until this weekend when the quick cousins face off at the second round of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season.
The Porsche championship will feature a raft of new drivers for the Albert Park round, including former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, 2011 championship runner-up Jonny Reid, Elite Class drivers Peter Hill and Michael Loccisano, who will race just days after the birth of his first born child, and Carrera Cup debutant James Davison.
Having won the opening round of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship at the Clipsal 500 a fortnight prior, Alex Davison enters Albert Park with the points lead and is looking forward to lining up against his cousin and McElrea Racing team-mate James for the first time in their careers.
“I’m looking forward to seeing James out on the track in Carrera Cup. He’s a very talented driver with some success at a high level over in America. He also had a successful test recently in the Carrera Cup car so I expect him to be running towards the front of the field this weekend,” said Alex.
James Davison makes his Carrera Cup debut at the Albert Park round having returned to Australia from a stint racing in the USA. There, the 25-year-old recorded an impressive second position outright in the second-tier open wheel formula, Indy Lights, in 2009 followed by competing in select races in the Grand-Am sports car championship.
“I’m really looking forward to putting myself up against the all-star competition this weekend, including Heinz-Harald Frentzen, along with some of the all-time successful Porsche drivers like Craig Baird and my cousin, Alex. It will be one of the most competitive races that I will have taken part in during my career,” said James.
“I was at Indianapolis when Alex won the Porsche Supercup race in 2002 and to think that I’d be team-mates with Alex 10 years on in the same cars is pretty cool.”
The Davison name will also feature in the V8 Supercars field at the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix, with Will Davison (Alex’s brother) racing for Ford Performance Racing. The trio’s grandfather, Lex Davison, was also a four-time winner of the Australian Grand Prix (1954, 1957, 1958 and 1961).
Meanwhile, Elite Class driver Michael Loccisano has had cause for celebration entering the Albert Park round, becoming a father just a few days before the event.
Loccisano and his partner Belinda celebrated the birth of their first child, Ocsar Michael Loccisano, on March 12. And with the new addition to the family, Loccisano expects a busy weekend juggling on-track and off-track commitments.
“I’ve been looking forward to getting back driving for a while. The baby was due a couple of weeks ago, which was the reason I didn’t race at the Clipsal 500. Now that the baby has arrived, I’m on a high and I’m looking forward to jumping back into the car and having a run with the guys,” said Loccisano.
“I expect it to be a pretty busy weekend with everything going on. It’ll be a bit of a juggle, but it’ll be a great weekend.”
James Koundouris enters the Albert Park round with the Elite Class points lead, ahead of last year’s class winner Max Twigg and 2012 rookie Tony Bates.
Opening practice of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round at Albert Park will be held at 2:40pm on Thursday March 15.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 15
2:40pm – 3:00pm Practice (20 minutes)
4:50pm – 5:10pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
Friday March 16
6:20pm – 6:45pm Race 1 (10 laps)
Saturday March 17
12:30pm – 12:50pm Race 2 (8 laps)
Sunday March 18
2:10pm – 2:30pm Race 3 (8 laps)
Broadcast Schedule
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 1
Date: Friday March 16
Time: 6:20pm
Channel: One HD
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 2
Date: Saturday March 17
Time: 12:30pm
Channel: One HD/Ten
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – Race 3
Date: Sunday March 18
Time: 2:10pm
Channel: One HD/Ten
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NewsPerfect timing for TAG Heuer and Carrera Cup
TAG Heuer, Australia’s leading Swiss watch brand, is proud to partner Porsche as the Official Watch of Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia in 2012.
TAG Heuer returns as an official Series Partner having had a long standing history with Carrera Cup in Australia.
The new partnership sees the return of the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge, an exclusive championship for the Elite Class drivers.
The TAG Heuer Pole Position Award has also been added to the championship, which awards the quickest qualifier in both the Professional Class and Elite Class at the conclusion of each qualifying session.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie, is delighted to have TAG Heuer back on board as a Series Partner of the all-Porsche championship.
“Carrera Cup and TAG Heuer have a great history in Australia and it’s great to reignite the partnership for the 2012 season,” said Blaikie.
“TAG Heuer is an exciting brand and one that fits well with the values of Porsche and Carrera Cup and a perfect fit to have as the Official Watch of the championship.”
General Manager of TAG Heuer Australia, Philip Richards, sees the partnership as the perfect platform for TAG Heuer and Porsche Cars Australia to promote their shared brand values.
“Motorsport is in TAG Heuer’s DNA,” said Richards. “Right from the start TAG Heuer has kept level with every breakthrough in automobile speed, precision and design. It is this rich history in motor racing together with our strong association with Porsche over the decades that makes this partnership the perfect fit.”
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.
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NewsFlo Rida backs Frentzen in all-star Carrera Cup campaign
Florida-born rapper Flo Rida has joined forces with former Formula 1™ ace Heinz-Harald Frentzen for the coming Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia round at the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix, March 15-18.
The unique partnership will see the American music artist feature on the livery of the Porsche Guest car, to be raced by the German ex-F1 star, Frentzen.
An ARIA Music Award winning artist, Flo Rida will attend the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix and will also headline Sunday night’s Sidetracked Music Festival at Albert Park.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie, is excited to see Flo Rida involved in the Porsche championship in promotion of his Sunday night Sidetracked concert.
“Being one of the biggest names in music at the moment, it’s great to see Flo Rida on board with major signage on our Carrera Cup Guest car at Albert Park,” said Blaikie.
“Heinz-Harald Frentzen is a massive drawcard for the category, and having Flo Rida involved in the championship is now a greater incentive for people to follow the on-track Porsche action.”
General Manager of Motorsport and Entertainment at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Craig Fletcher, said that the AGPC was excited to have Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Flo Rida at this year’s event.
“The Australian Grand Prix brings together the pinnacle of Motorsport and the world’s best entertainment,” said Fletcher.
“Seeing his name of the bonnet of a Porsche Carrera Cup car will certainly get Flo Rida’s adrenaline pumping!”
Frentzen’s Porsche will also receiving backing from Jet Travel Insurance – the major sponsor of reigning champion and defending Albert Park round winner Craig Baird.
Frentzen and the Flo Rida-branded Porsche will first hit the track on Thursday March 15 for Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia’s opening practice session.
Race schedule
Thursday March 15
2:40pm – 3:00pm Practice (20 minutes)
4:50pm – 5:10pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
Friday March 16
6:20pm – 6:45pm Race 1 (10 laps)
Saturday March 17
12:30pm – 12:50pm Race 2 (8 laps)
Sunday March 18
2:10pm – 2:30pm Race 3 (8 laps)
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NewsBaird wins as Davison and Koundouris take round victory
Craig Baird has taken victory in the final Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia race at the season-opening Clipsal 500, with Alex Davison and James Koundouris securing the round victory.
Baird’s Adelaide round started in unfortunately circumstances, suffering a punctured tyre in the opening race and ultimately finishing seventh. The New Zealander then fought back to second position in Race 2, placing him on the front row of the grid alongside Alex Davison for the start of Sunday’s Race 3.
Baird then led from the start of Race 3 and ultimately claimed victory ahead of Davison and Matt Kingsley, who fought his way back through the field during the Adelaide round after failing to finish Friday’s opening race.
Steven Richards finished the race in fourth after starting from the rear of the field, with Daniel Gaunt and Tom Tweedie finishing in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Elite Class race winner Max Twigg finished in seventh, with Koundouris, Tony Bates and Nick Foster rounding out the top 10.
“It was really nice finishing the round with a race win in the Elite Class. It does a lot for your confidence entering the Melbourne round,” said Twigg.
Baird not only won the final race for the round, but also eclipsed the lap record set by Davison the day before, and now predicts a highly competitive championship fight for the rest of the 2012 season.
“It’s obviously going to be a tough season. I’ve been getting plenty of text messages from the V8 Supercar drivers, as has Alex, who are expecting a big battle throughout the year between us,” said Baird.
Meanwhile, Davison was delighted with the round win having returned to Carrera Cup after a stint in V8 Supercars, finishing ahead of Baird and Gaunt in the final round points.
“I’ve really enjoyed the weekend. It’s been great just going racing without all the distractions. I’ve recently been flat out trying to get this deal together, which we only got sorted in the week before the first race, so it’s good to put all that behind me and focus on car racing,” said Davison.
“I knew how I needed to drive the car, but it was actually quite difficult putting that into practise. I had a recent test at Queensland Raceway which was a big help, and basically every time I went onto the circuit this weekend I’ve been fine-tuning my technique and finding out what I needed to do to go quicker.”
Koundouris won the round in the Elite Class ahead of Twigg, Bates and Shane Smollen, Nathan Tinkler, Paul Kelly and Marc Cini.
Steven Richards was the recipient of the Mobil 1 Hard Charger Award, handed to the driver who gains the most positions in all races throughout the round.
The next round of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season will be held at Albert Park, Melbourne, at the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix.
Broadcast schedule – Clipsal 500 post-produced episode
Date: Saturday March 24
Time: 2:30pm – 3:00pm
Channel: 7mate
Times subject to change – please check local guides.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia – standings after 1 of 8 rounds
Outright
1. Alex Davison 174
2. Craig Baird 143
3. Daniel Gaunt 132
4. Tom Tweedie 104
5. Andre Heimgartner 95
6. Nick Foster 94
7. James Koundouris 87
8. Max Twigg 81
9. Matt Kingsley 80
10. Tony Bates 66
11. Shane Smollen 53
12. Nathan Tinkler 44
13. Paul Kelly 44
14. Steven Richards 42
15. Marc Cini 36
Professional Class
1. Alex Davison 174
2. Craig Baird 146
3. Daniel Gaunt 132
4. Nick Foster 112
5. Andre Heimgartner 110
6. Tom Tweedie 104
7. Matt Kingsley 80
8. Steven Richards 42
Elite Class
1. James Koundouris 174
2. Max Twigg 168
3. Tony Bates 138
4. Shane Smollen 116
5. Nathan Tinkler 97
6. Paul Kelly 97
7. Marc Cini 84
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NewsRookies impress as Davison and Koundouris repeat victory
Alex Davison has taken his second race win in succession for the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season ahead of Kiwi rivals Craig Baird and Daniel Gaunt, while James Koundouris claimed his second Elite Class race win of the weekend.
Davison started the race alongside rookie Nick Foster, who led the race into the opening corner. However, Foster spun at Turn 5 on the opening lap, allowing Davison into the lead of the race, before pulling away from the field and ultimately taking the race win.
Baird, who started seventh on the grid, quickly came through the field into second position however, while the New Zealander had Davison in his sights, he was unable to challenge for the race lead by the finish of the 11 lap race.
Gaunt finished third, while 16-year-old Kiwi racer Andre Heimgartner and Tom Tweedie claimed fourth and fifth position respectively in their debut Carrera Cup round.
Matt Kingsley, who started from the rear of the grid, finished in sixth position with repeat Elite Class race winner James Koundouris in seventh position outright.
Davison will now start the final Carrera Cup race at the Clipsal 500 alongside reigning champion Baird, and was delighted with his second straight victory upon his Carrera Cup return.
“With Richards and Baird starting back a few spots I expected to be able to get out in front. I had a terrible start and Nick Foster led early, but unfortunately for him he spun on the first lap allowing me to pull away a bit,” said Davison.
“I’m rapt to have two race wins. We improved the car for that race, which was great. I’m not entirely satisfied with my own performance even though we’ve had a couple of wins, so I’ll try hard to make myself stronger so we can fight hard for the rest of the year.”
Meanwhile, Baird will aim for victory in the final race of the weekend after suffering a slow puncture in Friday’s twilight race, finishing seventh and moving through the field to finish second position in today’s Race 2.
“Everyone has a bad race and we were lucky to finish seventh, which put us in a position to finish second today. We’ve got a fresh set of tyres now so we’ll put them on the see how we go tomorrow,” said Baird.
Meanwhile, Elite Class driver James Koundouris has taken his second class win of the weekend, finishing ahead of Max Twigg, Tony Bates and Foster, who recovered to finish 10th.
“That race wasn’t too bad at all. The car was quite loose at first but after that it was quite good. I think the track conditions have changed a little bit so we’ll adjust the car accordingly. I’m now confident for tomorrow,” said Koundouris.
The final race of the opening round of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season will be held on Sunday March 04.
Race Schedule
Sunday March 04
1:20pm – 1:40pm Race 3 (11 laps)
Broadcast schedule – Carrera Cup Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 04
Time: 1:15pm (Adelaide), 1:45pm (Melbourne, Sydney), 12:45pm (Brisbane) and 10:45am (Perth)
Channel: Seven
Times subject to change – please check local guides.
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NewsDavison and Koundouris victorious under lights in Adelaide
Alex Davison has emerged from a race-long battle with Craig Baird with victory in the opening twilight race of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship at the Clipsal 500, with James Koundouris taking Elite Class honours.
Pole-sitter Baird, Davison and Steven Richards battled at the front of the field in the opening laps before Richards’ race ended with suspension issues.
Baird and Davison then pulled clear of the field and were involved in a race-long challenge for the lead, with Baird in front for the majority of the race.
Davison then passed Baird with two laps remaining and went on to take victory, while Baird sustained a puncture soon after and limped to the finish in seventh position.
Rookie Nick Foster finished the first race of the season in an impressive second position ahead of Daniel Gaunt, debutants Andre Heimgartner and Tom Tweedie and Elite Class star Koundouris in sixth.
The victory places Davison in the championship lead upon his impressive return to the Porsche championship.
“I’m really happy with that win and it was quite an interesting race. Craig pulled away a little bit and I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do anything about it, but slowly I found a bit of time and reeled him back in and took the win,” said Davison.
“From here I need to improve the car a little bit in the areas where Craig was quicker, but obviously it’s a great way to start the year. It’s been a big effort to get to this race and I’m very appreciative of my sponsors who have supported me enough to get here.”
Koundouris was also happy with his performance in the Elite Class despite having difficulty with vision in the fading light conditions.
“I’m pretty happy with that result. It got dark very quickly out there and as soon as it got dark, it was pretty hard to see. When it was light I was running with the front-runners but when it got dark, that was the end of me; I couldn’t see much at all,” said Koundouris.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second race at the Clipsal 500 on Saturday March 03, with its final race of the weekend on Sunday March 04.
Race Schedule
Saturday March 03
9:40am – 10:00am Race 2 (11 laps)
Sunday March 04
1:20pm – 1:40pm Race 3 (11 laps)
Broadcast schedule – Carrera Cup Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 04
Time: 1:15pm (Adelaide), 1:45pm (Melbourne, Sydney), 12:45pm (Brisbane) and 10:45am (Perth)
Channel: Seven
Times subject to change – please check local guides.
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NewsBaird and Davison top times in Adelaide
Alex Davison has returned to the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship with immediate impact at the opening day of the Clipsal 500, joining reigning champion Craig Baird at the head of the field.
In Davison’s return to the category, the McElrea Racing driver finished just 0.16 seconds behind the fastest time of Baird at the conclusion of Thursday’s two practice sessions.
Behind the leading duo in the times were Daniel Gaunt, Steven Richards, Nick Foster, Tom Tweedie and Matt Kingsley, while James Koundouris held the eighth quickest time, which was the best lap of the Elite Class drivers.
Baird posted his fastest time on his final lap of the day, pipping Davison at the top of the timesheets. However, Davison expects to become quicker throughout the weekend as he gains more experience in the Porsche.
“In order to improve I had to continue to adapt to the car today. I held a steady pace in the first session to get my technique right and I made a big improvement in the second session. Baird just pipped me on the final lap but there’s still some time to gain,” said Davison.
“These cars are obviously a lot different to the V8 Supercar and also quite a big difference to the Porsches I used to race in Carrera Cup. I’m otherwise enjoying it and am looking forward to the competitive part of the weekend.”
Meanwhile, Baird was pleased with gaining the fastest lap time in both practice sessions.
“We haven’t raced here since 2008 and it took a while to get my eye back in, but I’m happy with the fastest time in both sessions and I’m looking forward to the weekend,” said Baird.
Elite Class pace-setter Koundouris was delighted with his pace having not driven the car since the 2011 season finale in Sydney.
“I like the Adelaide circuit and I always seem to go alright here,” said Koundouris.
“The layout of the circuit is great, Turn 8 is a really hairy corner and it always makes for good racing.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold qualifying and its opening race of the season on Friday March 02.
Race Schedule
Friday March 02
12:55pm – 1:15pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
7:45pm – 8:15pm Race 1 (28 minutes + 1 lap)
Saturday March 03
9:40am – 10:00am Race 2 (11 laps)
Sunday March 04
1:20pm – 1:40pm Race 3 (11 laps)
Broadcast schedule – Carrera Cup Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 04
Time: 1:15pm (Adelaide), 1:45pm (Melbourne, Sydney), 12:45pm (Brisbane) and 10:45am (Perth)
Channel: Seven
Times subject to change – please check local guides.
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NewsCarrera Cup champions set for Adelaide showdown
The 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season will kick off this weekend, with the fight for the title stronger than ever.
Triple Carrera Cup champion Craig Baird returns as one of the favourites to claim his fourth crown, however his mission for successive titles will be made difficult by several rivals, including former champion Alex Davison.
While Baird is considered the world’s most successful Porsche one-make series racer, Davison has Porsche credentials to match. The 2004 Carrera Cup Australia champion, Davison has experience in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and a season in the first tier Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which included one race win.
Davison’s impressive racing resume, along with his subsequent role as a Porsche Works Driver and a stint in V8 Supercars, leaves him in a good position to challenge Baird for the 2012 Carrera Cup crown.
“I think I’m a strong chance for a shot at the title this year. I’ve done enough Porsche racing in the past to be battling for race wins immediately at the Clipsal 500,” said Davison.
“After racing V8 Supercars full-time, I’ve had to adjust my driving style to suit the Porsche; however I’ve spent plenty of time at the wheel of Porsche race cars in my career so I’ll quickly adapt to the style required.”
“For me, racing in V8 Supercars full-time wasn’t an option in 2012 and it was important to be racing full-time this year. Carrera Cup offers sponsors great exposure and, if I wasn’t driving V8 Supercars, I wanted to be driving something enjoyable.”
Joining Baird and Davison in the title hunt are V8 Supercar endurance drivers Daniel Gaunt and Steven Richards, who finished third and fourth in last year’s Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship, respectively.
Young guns Nick Foster, Tom Tweedie and 16-year-old Kiwi sensation Andre Heimgartner will also all look to challenge their more experienced rivals at the front of the Porsche field.
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia front-runner Matt Kingsley has stepped up into the category from the Porsche ‘feeder series’, with the 2009 GT3 Cup Challenge champion racing Ray Angus’s Porsche at the Adelaide event.
The battle for the Elite Class will also begin on the streets of Adelaide, with several drivers capable of winning the Elite Class title.
After claiming the top three positions in the 2011 Elite Class standings, Max Twigg, Paul Kelly and James Koundouris will all return this weekend to begin their 2012 Carrera Cup campaigns.
Marc Cini, Shane Smollen and Nathan Tinkler also return to the Elite Class in 2012, while former V8 Supercars Development Series driver Tony Bates will enter the fray after several competitive seasons in the V8-powered category.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how I measure up against some of the drivers in Carrera Cup,” said Bates.
“The Elite Class drivers like Max Twigg will all be tough competition so I’m really looking forward to competing against them at the Clipsal 500.”
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will first be on track from Thursday March 01 at the Clipsal 500 and will hold three races at the Adelaide event.
Race Schedule
Thursday March 01
12:30pm – 12:50pm Practice 1 (20 minutes)
3:50pm – 4:10pm Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Friday March 02
12:55pm – 1:15pm Qualifying (20 minutes)
7:45pm – 8:15pm Race 1 (28 minutes + 1 lap)
Saturday March 03
9:40am – 10:00am Race 2 (11 laps)
Sunday March 04
1:20pm – 1:40pm Race 3 (11 laps)
Broadcast schedule – Carrera Cup Race 3 (live)
Date: Sunday March 04
Time: 1:15pm (ACST)
Channel: Seven
Times subject to change – please check local guides.
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News16 year old school boy enters new class
Kiwi hotshot Andre Heimgartner will this weekend become the youngest driver to ever compete in Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia.
At 16 years and 8 months, Heimgartner will break the record previously held by Jonathon Webb, who became the youngest driver to race in the championship in 2003, aged 19 years, 4 months.
This year, Heimgartner will juggle his racing commitments, which also includes racing in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourers series, along with completing his Year 12 studies at school in his native New Zealand.
Heimgartner will this weekend commence his 2012 Carrera Cup campaign with Team Kiwi Racing, equipped with an all-New Zealand crew, when lining up against his more experienced rivals on the streets of Adelaide.
“I want to punch above my weight this year. I’m sure everyone would think that a 16 year old would be really inexperienced and a bit inconsistent. But I’ll try to be consistent, which I normally am, and as fast as possible to try to gain the best results possible,” said Heimgartner.
“I feel pretty confident. I’ve done a couple of endurance races in a Porsche, which went very well, along with a successful test in the car last week.
“I think the competition will be pretty tough in Australia. You’ve got the likes of Craig Baird and a few up-and-coming guys like Tom Tweedie, so I think it will be interesting to see how fast I am in comparison to the other drivers, especially because these cars are identical.”
Heimgartner enters the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season having won two consecutive New Zealand Formula Ford Championship titles, while he also contested select rounds of the 2011 Australian Formula Ford Championship.
The first round of the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide this weekend.
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.
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NewsHeinz-Harald Frentzen to race Carrera Cup
Former Formula 1™ ace Heinz-Harald Frentzen will race in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship at the Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix.
Nine years after last competing at Albert Park, Frentzen will return to the circuit behind the wheel of the championship’s Guest Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car; the first time he will race a Porsche.
“I have seen footage of the Porsches racing there and it looks as though they are both nimble and powerful enough to be well suited to the track. I’m looking forward to having some fun out there and being really competitive again,” said Frentzen.
Frentzen’s Formula 1™ career spanned 10 years, making his debut at the 1994 Brazilian Grand Prix and finishing his celebrated F1 career in Japan, 2003. In this time, Frentzen’s accumulated 157 Grand Prix starts, three race victories, two pole positions and six fastest laps.
Frentzen’s debut came with the Sauber team in the opening round of 1994 and he stayed with the Swiss outfit for the first three seasons of his F1 career.
In 1997 he made the move that turned him into a Grand Prix winner, joining the then-dominant Williams team alongside Jacques Villeneuve. While the French-Canadian went on to win that year’s World Championship, Frentzen finished runner-up and recorded his maiden victory.
Two years later, and now a Jordan driver, Frentzen enjoyed a stellar season with two more wins in France and Italy on his way to third place in the drivers’ standings. This was his most successful year in F1, fighting for the World Championship with Jordan until the very last race of the season.
After stints with Prost and Arrows he drove his final F1 season in 2003 back where he started, at Sauber.
Frentzen’s Melbourne record may not include a race win, though in 1997 he led his debut race here for Williams and was challenging for victory when his left front brake disc exploded. Fastest race lap was a minor consolation.
“I have some good memories of Melbourne, although of course I would love to have held on for the win back in `97,” said Frentzen today.
“For a street circuit, Albert Park is fast, flowing and an interesting challenge for the driver. It has always been, and still is, one of the best tracks on the F1 calendar.”
While Frentzen has not yet raced in a Porsche, the German has raced in many forms of motorsport that will have him well equipped to be competitive in Carrera Cup. Frentzen has driven for Opel and Audi in the German touring car championship, DTM, and for Aston Martin in the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie, says that the championship is thrilled that a driver of Frentzen’s stature should come and race in Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia.
“Heinz-Harald has extraordinary credentials in motorsport worldwide and vast experience racing at the Albert Park circuit, while his recent participation in several forms of motorsport should see him towards the front in the ultra-competitive Carrera Cup field,” said Blaikie.
“I have no doubt he’ll quickly adapt to the cars. After asking whether he needed to test the car prior to racing, he quipped that if the steering wheel is on the left and the gear stick is on the right, he’ll be fine.
“F1 fans here will have fond memories of his performances, and we can’t wait to see him compete when he gets behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.”
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.
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NewsSteven Richards crafts young driver initiative
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will play an important role in the progression of young drivers with a new motorsport initiative, led by leading Carrera Cup racer Steven Richards.
A former V8 Supercars stalwart, Australian Formula Ford ambassador and now Carrera Cup driver, Richards has used his ties with the Australian Formula Ford Championship and front-running V8 Supercars team Ford Performance Racing to establish a tiered program that will aid young drivers to climb the Australian motorsport ladder.
As part of the initiative, the driver who wins the 2012 Australian Formula Ford Championship will receive a test in Steven Richards’ Laser Racing Porsche.
If the Formula Ford Champion then enters the 2013 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship, Porsche Cars Australia will waive the driver’s participation fee for the 2013 season, valued at $35,000.
The initiative extends to drivers in the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship, with the highest placed 2012 Carrera Cup driver aged under 30 awarded an evaluation drive with V8 Supercars team Ford Performance Racing; the outfit with which Richards has raced since 2007, including the 2012 Phillip Island and Bathurst endurance events.
“Porsche Carrera Cup provides all competitors with equal equipment and has provided a path for drivers to move forward into other types of motorsport, including V8 Supercars,” said Richards.
“I’m delighted to be able to provide an opportunity that helps give a young driver a look into a professionally run, world class, one-make championship.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Jamey Blaikie also highlights the relevance of this initiative in today’s motorsport landscape.
“We have seen many drivers come through the Formula Ford ranks into Carrera Cup and then eventually onto a full-time V8 Supercar career. Hopefully many more young drivers can follow the path travelled by David Reynolds, a great example of a former Formula Ford Champion who has gone onto Carrera Cup success before stepping into one of Australia’s most renowned race teams, Ford Performance Racing.
“Formula Ford is a highly competitive, integral part of the motorsport pyramid in Australia, with many talented young drivers among the front-runners. Carrera Cup is the natural progression for any young drivers with aspirations for V8 Supercars.
“I’d like to thank Steven Richards for creating this initiative, generously using his ties with all three categories to aid in the progression of young racing drivers.”
Australian Formula Ford Championship Chairman, Rod Barrett, welcomes the move by Richards and Porsche Cars Australia, and reinforces the importance of having a clear structure from Formula Ford through to V8 Supercars.
“The prize that Steve and Porsche are offering is huge and all of the drivers in this year’s Formula Ford Championship will be hungry to win, knowing that this is on the line,” Barrett said.
“Having the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship in the Australian motorsport landscape provides a great opportunity for young drivers looking to further themselves after Formula Ford.”
Four 2012 V8 Supercars Championship drivers have progressed from Formula Ford, to Carrera Cup and onto V8 Supercars, including David Reynolds, Dean Fiore, James Moffat and Fabian Coulthard; while David Wall, Jonathon Webb and Michael Patrizi have all contested Carrera Cup before a move to V8 Supercars.
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.
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NewsImpressive on-air schedule for Carrera Cup
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will have its best ever television package in 2012, featuring a strong local and international broadcast schedule.
For the new season, Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will be shown locally on the Seven Network, Network Ten and SPEED, while the category will be beamed around the world via international broadcasters TV3 (New Zealand), SPEED 2 (North America) and Motors TV (Europe).
In Australia, the Porsche championship will have 11 races aired live, eight of which will be broadcast on the Seven Network, including two live races at the iconic Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
In the Sydney and Brisbane markets, Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia’s live races will be aired solely on Seven, while five of the eight live races in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth will be shown on Seven, with the remaining races to be broadcast on 7mate.
Meanwhile, Formula 1™ host broadcaster Network Ten will televise all three Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia races live from the second round of the championship at the Formula™ 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
Seven 30-minute post-produced episodes will also be shown on 7mate in 2012.
Dedicated motorsport channel, SPEED, will also extensively cover the Porsche championship from each round that was broadcast on the Seven Network.
Internationally, Australia’s own Porsche championship will be available to over 60 million households worldwide.
In New Zealand, Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will be aired on TV3, showcasing the many New Zealand drivers on the grid.
SPEED 2 will broadcast Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia across North America and will be available to approximately 40 million households across the United States of America and Canada.
The Australian based championship will also be beamed across Europe via Motors TV, which is available in approximately 40 different countries to 20.4 million households.
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie, says the local television package is better than ever and is complimented by a great list of international broadcasters.
“The television broadcasts are so important for the commercial side of motorsport so it’s great to announce such a comprehensive broadcast package for Carrera Cup in 2012,” said Blaikie.
“We had nothing but great feedback from our telecasts in 2011 and I’d like to thank Scott Young and V8 Supercar Television for again providing us with a brilliant television schedule in 2012.
“While it’s important to televise the category locally, I’m looking forward to showcasing Carrera Cup Australia around the world to such a vast audience – especially in New Zealand which is home to so many of our championship drivers.”
The opening event of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship is at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide on March 01-04, 2012.
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.
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NewsCarrera Cup drivers take to Finnish frozen lakes
Five Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia drivers have swapped Australian race tracks for frozen lakes in Finland over the past week.
In temperatures falling to minus 32 degrees, Jonny Reid, Daniel Gaunt, Max Twigg, Paul Kelly and Marc Cini have taken to the frozen lakes of Ivalo, Finland, for the three-day intensive Porsche driving program, Ice-Force (February 02-04, 2012).
Located 300 km north of the Arctic Circle, Ivalo is home to the Porsche Driving Experience Center where the Porsche drivers were rewarded for their efforts in the 2011 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season.
For Gaunt, Reid, Twigg and Kelly, the adventure was the drivers’ prize for finishing in the top three in either the Professional Class or Elite Class in the 2011 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season, which included return Business Class travel to Finland.
Gaunt, who finished third outright in the 2011 Carrera Cup season, said Ice-Force was the perfect way to celebrate his top three finish in the Professional Class last year.
“The trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity and an unbelievable prize,” said Gaunt.
“Ice-Force was a huge learning experience as it’s such a unique discipline driving with spiked tyres on ice; you have to be gentle with everything, which is completely different to driving a Carrera Cup car in Australia.
“It’s obviously pretty special driving these cars on any occasion, but especially on ice in Finland.”
Over the three-day Ice-Force program, the Carrera Cup drivers experienced four separate Porsche models – the Boxter Spyder, 911 Turbo (Type 997), 911 Carrera 4S (Type 997) and the new 911 Carrera S (Type 991).
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia champion Craig Baird was unable to attend the trip and instead sent his 2012 team manager Karl Batson.
The season opening event for the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia is the Clipsal 500 Adelaide on March 01-04, 2012.
For more information on Porsche Ice-Force, click here.
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.
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NewsBates excited ahead of Carrera Cup campaign
Tony Bates is the latest driver to join the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship for 2012.
After an impressive season in the V8 Supercars Development Series, the Victorian based driver has joined the all Porsche championship with McElrea Racing, and is looking forward to the new challenge following a successful test day at Queensland Raceway last week.
“I’m really looking forward to competing in the category, even more so after driving the Porsche at a recent test day,” said Bates.
“I was impressed with the grip and the brakes that these cars have. It’s a great looking car, the category is professionally run and there’s great parity in the series.
“I think the top four or five drivers in Carrera Cup are very fast, so it will be a good gauge to see where I compete against those guys. Meanwhile, the drivers in the Elite Class, like Max Twigg, are going to be very tough competition. I can’t wait to get back in the car for the Clipsal 500.”
Bates will race with the backing of Favourit.com, along with the support of Melbourne Real Estate Agents, Bekdon Richards, and Bates’s own Alternative Freight Services.
Bates has previously raced in Commodore Cup and, more recently, the V8 Supercars Development Series and will now compete for the Elite Class crown in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship.
The season opening event for the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia is the Clipsal 500 Adelaide on March 01-04, 2012.
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit porschecarrera.wpengine.com.