Porsche Motorsport collection now available

Motorsport clothing and accessories available via online store now

PORSCHE MOTORSPORT apparel and accessories are now available to purchase online, with the new Motorsport Replica collection launched today. 

Experience Porsche’s racing legacy with the launch of our new Motorsport Replica collection. This new range of motorsport clothing and accessories is designed to bring the spirit of the track into your everyday life, combining authentic motorsport style with premium quality.

From T-Shirts to jackets, winter gear and headwear to a range of Porsche Penske Motorsport gear, there’s something for everyone.

You can secure your piece of the Motorsport Replica collection via the Porsche.com.au online store now.

Ghiretti claims the finale’, Walls takes the round

Flack claims Pro-Am win and home-town hero Jane the round in Melbourne thriller

CARRERA CUP champion Alessandro Ghiretti has charged to the front to claim his first win in Australia’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup championship on Saturday night at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. 

The EMA Motorsport driver starred in a Saturday twilight fight, working his way through the leading group to take the race three victory and end his Aussie debut on a high.

Meanwhile, Jackson Walls did enough to claim the Equity-One Professional class Round victory, the second of his career and his second at Albert Park.

Adrian Flack won the Pro-Am battle on Saturday while Rodney Jane raced his way to an extended championship lead by claiming his second successive round win in Carrera Cup’s race within a race.

The race was a thriller as O’Keeffe got the jump on Walls to lead the field into turn one as the sun set on a warm Melbourne evening.

The pair battled out front while Jones slotted into third position and Ghiretti fourth in the early running, but he soon picked his way forward and engaged in a thrilling fight for the lead with O’Keeffe.

The Dexion driver was able to fend off the Italian star for several laps of hard racing before he slipped past between turns 11 and 12 to take a lead he’d never lose.

O’Keeffe consolidated in second position while Walls was third, doing enough to take the round victory for the second time in his career.

There was late drama behind as a locked brake from a then fourth-placed Harri Jones saw him fall into the clutches of Bayley Hall, who was a hard charger late in the second EMA Motorsport car. The pair boxed on through the final corners with Jones running wide and dropping several spots; Hall also losing time but still crossing the line in front of his nearest title rival.

In between the leaders and them was Marcos Flack, who enjoyed his strongest Carrera Cup weekend in twelve months, and David Russell who charged home in his TekworkX Racing entry to record his best finish of the weekend.

With Jones’ seventh, Dale Wood, Clay Osborne and Hamish Fitzsimmons rounded out the top-10.

The battle for Pro-Am was similarly competitive with Matt Belford looking to make it six winners from six races this season as he led the race mid way through.

He, however, had to deal with a resurgent Adrian Flack who had charged his way through the field following a challenging weekend for the EBM driver.

Flack slipped past after a hard and clean fight between the pair late in the race, while Shahin also passed the ID_Land car late to grab second, Belford finishing third.

Through it all, however, was Mr. Consistency Rodney Jane who claimed his second round win on the trot to extend his championship lead heading to the next round in Darwin.

More to follow..

XPEL joins Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in 2025

XPEL branding will appear throughout the Carrera Cup paddock and on each of the Type 992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars

XPEL Australia, an industry leader in paint protection films, ceramic coatings, window tint and more, will join the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship as a partner in 2025.

Known globally to motorsport fans as a major backer of Scott McLaughlin’s Team Penske IndyCar and more recently as a partner of the iconic Bathurst 12 Hour, XPEL is also an approved Paint Protection Film supplier with Porsche – adding even more to this brand-new relationship.

XPEL branding will appear throughout the Carrera Cup paddock and on each of the Type 992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars competing in Australia’s top one-make category this year, with the partnership to kick off this weekend at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Porsche Carrera Cup, a premier racing series that shares our passion for innovation and performance,” said Myles Hunter, XPEL General Manager Australia & New Zealand.

“As an approved Paint Protection Film supplier with Porsche, this partnership takes our relationship to the next level and allows us to showcase our industry-leading protection films and coatings to a global audience.”

Added Senior Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars Australia, Craig Nayda: “We’re proud to have one of the best-presented grids in Australian Motorsport and our partnership with XPEL will help us keep them looking that way at every round, from Melbourne to Darwin, Bathurst to Adelaide and everything in between.

“In a competitive field, XPELs products are a class above and we are excited to work as a category with Myles and his team at XPEL Australia to showcase their brand throughout the year ahead.”

For more information about XPEL, please visit www.xpel.com

About XPEL

XPEL is a leading provider of protective films and coatings, including paint protection film, surface protection film, window films and ceramic coatings in the automotive, architectural and marine industries. With a global footprint, a network of trained installers and proprietary DAP software, XPEL is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by providing high-quality products, leading customer service, expert technical support and world-class training. XPEL, Inc. is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “XPEL”.

Walls returns to the top of Carrera Cup in Melbourne

Rodney Jane on top on Pro-Am at the end of a dramatic Carrera Cup day in Melbourne

HE MAY only be contesting a partial campaign in this year’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, but that’s not stopping Jackson Walls’ charge for success in the one-make Porsche category this year. 

His Objective Racing #11 entry fielded by GWR Australia was in the right place at the right time to claim race two of the championship weekend at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, leading home Bayley Hall and Marcos Flack to take the Equity-One Professional class in another dramatic Melbourne affair.

Rodney Jane claimed a win in the Pro-Am class after race one winner Sam Shahin was outsted from the running, with Brett Boulton and Dean Cook completing the podium.

Walls pathway to victory came following early leader Harri Jones running off the road at turn one following a late-race restart in Friday evening’s sprint.

The Sydneysider had survived the opening lap to climb to second and chase his former title rival early in race two and pounced the moment Jones’ fell off the road at the opening corner, Walls never headed from there to claim his fifth career Carrera Cup race win and his first for his new team.

It ended Jones’ – who finished 7th in the end – run of four consecutive race victories: the best start to a Carrera Cup Australia Championship since Alex Davison achieved the same feat in his title-winning 2004 season a full two decades ago.

The defending champion had led from pole to the point where a Safety Car slowed the field. With Walls trailing, his restart looked strong until the opening corner when the #1 car ran off the road – rejoining in the midst of a furious battle pack for the back half of the top 10 to salvage championship points.

With Walls in front, Bayley Hall’s super consistent weekend continued with another second position to close the championship points margin to leader Jones, while Marcos Flack continued his love affair with Albert Park by finishing third, the first top three finish for both he and Sonic Motor Racing since the same event twelve months ago.

The ever-present Clay Osborne scored his second career-best result in as many races with fourth position while Dylan O’Keeffe salvaged solid points in fifth.

Fast Frenchman Alessandro Ghiretti survived contact earlier in the race to recover to sixth position, one spot ahead of Jones – who in turn led home David Russell, Angelo Mouzouris and Hamish Fitzsimmons, a quiet achiever on his way to his second top-10 finish of the season.

In Pro-Am, Rodney Jane was the key beneficiary as contact caused Sam Shahin to stop, the race one winner out of the race on lap six.

Former champion Adrian Flack was another to feel Albert Park’s wrath, contact between two other cars forcing the two-time champ to the non-finishers list as well.

Through it all came Rodney Jane, who extended his series lead in the Pro-Am battle thanks to a strong win aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry.

Brett Boulton scored another podium in the increasingly popular Lightning Mcqueen liveried McElrea racer, while the returning Dean Cook capped off a solid day for GWR in third.

Seven cars failed to finish: heavy contact at turn seven ending Matt Slavin’s comeback drive after an incident in turn one also ended his first race early.

Caleb Sumich was another to fail to finish after suffering radiator damage aboard his entry, while Jacque Jarjo, Shahin, Flack, Glen Wood and Max Vidau also failed to make it to the line.

A third and final race completes the weekend on Saturday evening at Albert Park

Jones claims win in dramatic, unpredictable Melbourne opener

Thrilling fight between Carrera Cup champion goes Aussie's way following a late race twist

ONE MAKE Porsche champions from both sides of the globe have battled for early supremacy as Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commenced at Albert Park today.

Reigning Carrera Cup Australia champion Harri Jones and Carrera Cup France and Asia champion Alessandro Ghiretti dueled for the lead in today’s 30-minute opener at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Harri Jones coming out on top in a thrilling one-lap dash to the line.

Ghiretti crossed the line first however a five-second penalty for weaving on the restart saw the Frenchman drop down the order to finish eighth, handing Jones’ his fourth consecutive race win on the hop this year.

In Pro-Am, Sam Shahin claimed a strong victory while a stout recovery drive from Adrian Flack saw the defending champion charge to second, with Rodney Jane third.

With the race held late on Thursday afternoon in bright sunshine, Jones leaped into a stunning early lead, making a perfect start and leading the first lap by more than two seconds.

Behind, Jackson Walls, Bayley Hall and Alessandro Ghiretti all battled for second place with Hall sneaking past the returning Objective Racing pilot. He was soon passed by his EMA Motorsport teammate who moved to second in pursuit of early leader Jones.

As the race settled down at the front battles built through the field with Clay Osborne a strong sixth in front of 2024 Grand Prix winner Marcos Flack.

The Safety Car was called at the half-way mark after Matt Slavin made heavy contact with the wall on the exit of Turn 2.

Slavin was passing a slow-moving Rodney Jane who was on the inside of the road, grabbing the marbles on the outside of the circuit and finding the wall.

That delivered the Safety Car to the circuit, closing Ghiretti to the back of leader Jones for a sprint to the finish.

Jones timed his restart to perfection and fended off his former Supercup rival, only for a Safety Car to be called for a second time after Indiran Padayachee found himself in the gravel trap at turn one following the restart.

That set up a thrilling one-lap dash to the line and while Jones judged his first restart to perfection, his second wasn’t quite as strong as Ghiretti slipped past at turn one.

However, stewards quickly imposed a five-second penalty on the EMA Motorsport car after he was judged to have weaved following the Safety Car extinguishing his Safety Car lights.

That allowed Jones’ to claim his fourth straight win, while Bayley Hall continued his strong start to the championship in second and Dylan O’Keeffe third.

After starting on the front row, Jackson Walls finished fourth while Michelin Junior Clay Osborne finished fifth in his best-yet Carrera Cup race.

Marcos Flack posted his best result of the season in sixth for Sonic Motor Racing, with Ghiretti, David Russell and Angelo Mouzouris rounding out the top-10.

Oscar Targett had looked a contender for a top six finish early however spun at turn three on the final restart, ultimately finishing down the order.

In Pro-Am, Sam Shahin had things his own way to grab his first win of the season before he jumps to a second Porsche Supercup campaign in Europe.

Adrian Flack recovered from an opening-lap spin to finish second in class in what has been a challenging start to his championship defense, while Sydney winner Rodney Jane finished third.

Further behind, an otherwise challenging day for Earl Bamber Motorsport was salvaged by recovery drives by two of their contenders: Marco Giltrap storming from the back of the field to 13th position after a throttle issue ruled him out of qualifying.

Dale Wood was another to storm from the back of the field, finishing 14th after a crash saw him also relegated to the back of the grid.

Grand Prix battlelines set as huge Porsche field readies for Albert Park

29-strong grid includes international visitors, returning Pro-Am stars and much more

TWENTY NINE Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars will charge into Turn One at Albert Park this week as the second round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

It’s a stacked field of talent that includes the return of a key contender from last year, a current champion of one-make Porsche racing in Asia and France plus the last three Albert Park winners in Australia’s top one-make category.

Carrera Cup’s 16th visit to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix comes with Harri Jones (Equity-One Professional class) and Rodney Jane (Pro-Am) leading their respective championships, while GWR Australia carries a narrow lead in the team’s championship and Bayley Hall takes point in the Michelin Juniors.

All of them will find stern opposition this weekend, especially the outright contenders as current Carrera Cup Asia and France champion Alessandro Ghiretti joins the fray with EMA Motorsport.

A factory-supported Porsche Junior, Ghiretti will aim to follow in the footsteps of the last international ring-in who made an Aussie cameo: Supercup ace Harry King winning at Bathurst two years ago on his cameo, also with EMA Motorsport.

Ghiretti will be one of six drivers competing at Albert Park for the first time this weekend: Porsche Michelin Juniors Oscar Targett, Caleb Sumich, Clay Osborne and Hamish Fitzsimmons will all compete in Melbourne for the first time, as will Pro-Am racer Jacque Jarjo.

Returning this weekend is Jackson Walls, who’s Objective Racing machine commences his part-time campaign at rounds that don’t clash with his Super2 Series commitments with Triple Eight.

Walls was the 2023 winner at Albert Park, his sole Carrera Cup round win, and returns this year with the GWR Australia team running his iconic #11 entry.

GWR will field four cars for the first time in their Porsche one-make history with the return of Dean Cook to the Pro-Am class, 4-time round winner Dean Cook to also make his first start of the 2025 season this weekend. Experienced Pro-Am contender Indiran Padayachee also returns for his debut this year.

Albert Park’s wide open expanses often produce thrilling Carrera Cup racing with last year’s event at Albert Park no exception; while Harri Jones scored the TAG Heuer Pole award and won the first two races (and the round) there was a surprise winner in race three: teenager Marcos Flack claiming his first win in the Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry.

The past three Albert Park round winners, Jones, Walls and 2022 winner Max Vidau, are all represented on the grid this weekend.

Jones’ leads the championship to Albert Park having dominated the opening round in Sydney last month, sweeping all three races to take an early lead. Bayley Hall had a solid opener in second while Dylan O’Keeffe sits third.

Jane’s first Pro-Am win since the late 2000s has him heading to his home circuit on top of the class with Matt Slavin and Brett Boulton next. Two-time defending champion Adrian Flack will look to kickstart his search for a third title this weekend, having claimed fifth overall in Sydney.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will tackle three races across the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend, with Thursday the busiest day on-track by far.

There, the field will practice, qualify and race before one race each on Friday and Saturday evenings bookends the massive Grand Prix schedule.

Qualifying and all three races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sport this weekend.

ENTRY LIST: Round 2, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship
Albert Park, Melbourne

Porsche Junior talent Alessandro Ghiretti to line-up in Melbourne for EMA Motorsport

Global Porsche junior to join the field at Albert Park

EMA Motorsport will add a third car to its stable for the upcoming Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup event in Melbourne. Alessandro Ghiretti will join season regulars Bayley Hall and Sam Shahin for the event, taking place as part of the support card for the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.

Ghiretti is the reigning Asian and French Porsche Carrera Cup champion, having also secured the coveted title of Porsche Junior in 2024.

With the support of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia organization, the #91 entry will join the bumper Carrera Cup Australia grid for the F1 weekend, competing around Albert Park. Alessandro will make his Australian debut but is no stranger to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, having raced them successfully over the past four years.

Last season, the 23-year-old French driver contested the Carrera Cup championships in across France and Aisa, standing on the top step of the podium a combined 17 times, with a further seven further podiums to secure both titles. In addition to this, he also scored his first win in the Mobil 1 Porsche Supercup.

Alessandro joins EMA Motorsport at the second race event of the 2025 season, along with another Junior talent, Bayley Hall, who made a strong start to his championship in Sydney. Two P2 finishes coupled to a top four result kickstarted Bayley’s campaign, currently holding in second position in the championship standings.

Said Ghiretti: “I’m really excited about joining EMA Motorsport for the Melbourne GP weekend. Racing at such a prestigious event is always something special, and this will be my first time racing in Australia, which makes it even more incredible. I’m super happy to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and the track firsthand.

“I want to sincerely thank the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, and Porsche Motorsport for making this possible, and to EMA Motorsport for this opportunity and their trust.

“They have put together a strong lineup for the weekend, and I believe we have everything we need to deliver a strong result, so I’m looking forward to working together and making the most of this amazing event.”

Round 2 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship takes place over the Australian F1 weekend, 13-16 March.

Dominant Jones, returning Jane claim Sydney round success

Pro-Am victory to Rodney Jane for the first time since October 2008

IN A crushing performance, Harri Jones has swept all before him to claim the opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship in a weekend clean-sweep.

Meanwhile, 227-race Carrera Cup stalwart Rodney Jane claimed the Pro-Am class victory overall in Sydney to stand on the top step of the podium in his class for the first time since October, 2008

Jones’ domination of the Equity-One Professional class ranks came via a crushing victory in the Enduro Cup race and then despite a five-second penalty in race three for rolling at the start; the reigning champion was able to extend his margin beyond that anyway.

Jones’ seventh round win has him in front of the championship heading into Round two, while Bayley Hall was second overall in his first event for EMA Motorsport.

Dylan O’Keeffe made it three different teams in the top three in Pro as he had a consistent start to his championship.

While Bayley Hall was the top Michelin Junior of the event, Oscar Target impressed again on Sunday and finished an outstanding fourth outright in his debut weekend, since claiming the Michelin Sprint Challenge title last year.

Jane’s Pro-Am win was the 11^th of his career and came via a consistent three-race performance aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts / Monster Wheels Sonic Motor Racing entry.

He led home Matt Slavin, who claimed his first ever Pro-Am race victory in race three as he fended off Adrian Flack in the final race of the event.

Brett Boulton finished third overall in Pro-Am on his Carrera Cup debut – and the debut of his immensely popular Lightning McQueen livery.

The pair of races on Sunday were both action-packed, despite Jones’ domination out front.

The Queenslander claimed the Enduro Cup opener in style as he dominated the field in the 45-minute affair on Sunday morning.

Starting from pole, Jones’ made a better start than his race one effort and led the field into turn one – and was never headed from there.

He claimed the win by 17 seconds in as dominant a performance the reigning champion has ever strung together in his career.

It was a 1-2 result for current Porsche champions with Oscar Targett second aboard his Street Machine Garage / EBM machine – the young Queenslander taking advantage of a Bayley Hall lockup to grab the second spot on the podium mid race.

He then spent the remainder of the race fending off Dylan O’Keeffe’s Dexion / GWR car to claim his best Carrera Cup result yet.

With O’Keeffe third and Hall fourth, a mid-race pass on teammate Dale Wood saw Marco Giltrap claim a well-earned fifth position aboard the Team Porsche NZ entry.

Behind that pair was a remarkable 7-car fight for the minors that saw Sonic’s Angelo Mouzouris attacked from all sides for much of the race; the Bob Jane car ultimately holding off David Russell, Caleb Sumich, Max Vidau and a host of others.

The battle for Pro-Am was just as intense as Sam Shahin escaped to an early lead over Adrian Flack.

With both looking to score following their race one non-finish, the pair spent the first 30 minutes virtually inseparable as they battled for the lead; Flack slipping past with a great display of clean racing between the pair via a nice move at turn four.

With that pair out in front, Rodney Jane led home a battling pack to secure third position, Brett Boulton fourth and Matt Slavin next, though that pair – plus Matt Belford and Jacque Jarjo – were all in the mix.

Race three was a short sprint with everyone battling for tyre life on the hard-wearing Sydney surface.

Hall made the best start from the outside of the front row and led Jones for the first five corners, before he was passed at turn six.

With Jones then notified of his five-second time penalty, the #1 car set about a series of qualifying laps out front and was able to extend his margin beyond the required gap well before the end of the race.

Hall fended off O’Keeffe to finish second, with Oscar Targett spending most of his race with a large queue behind him; Marco Giltrap claiming fifth and Dale Wood sixth.

Caleb Sumich’s seventh was his personal best race result; David Russell eighth, Marcos Flack ninth and Glen Wood completed the top 10.

The Pro-Am race was an undulating affair with Slavin fending off a charging Adrian Flack to claim his first race win in the class, with Brett Boulton and Rodney Jane next – the latter doing enough to hold on and claim the round victory.

A highly competitive opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship sets the tone for Round 2 of the series, set to take place at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next month.

Jones and Jarjo deliver first-time teams Carrera Cup victories in Sydney

Hall, O'Keeffe see experience on the outright podium in Race 1 of the 2025 season

THE FIRST race of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship delivered a pair of first-time team winners in a short, sharp and unpredictable season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Defending champion Harri Jones delivered his own family team, Jones Motorsport, their maiden Carrera Cup win while series rookie Jacque Jarjo and DNA Autosport paired to win the Pro-Am class on their respective debuts in the championship.

RACE 1 Results – Click Here

The season opener was dramatic from the outset as Jones out-dragged Bayley Hall into the first turn to take the lead.

Behind them there was chaos as an unfortunate incident saw a slowing Sonic driver Angelo Mouzouris and Pro-Am contenders Adrian Flack and Sam Shahin tangle at turn two, the latter pair out of the race instantly.

Following a Safety Car, Jones led the field back to green and set about building a substantial margin while the remainder of the field battled behind.

With Hall second, Michelin Junior Oscar Targett ran third in the early stages before Dylan O’Keeffe pounced with a decisive move at turn two; the Dexion / GWR driver claiming third. The Victorian then set about chasing Bayley Hall for the remainder however was unable to catch the EMA Motorsport driver in his first race with the team.

Jones’ comfortably claimed his 18th career win, however the bigger storyline was the maiden victory for his own Jones Motorsport squad in Carrera Cup – their program hastily assembled in just six weeks following the unfortunate closure of his former team, Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport.

With Hall second and O’Keeffe third, Targett’s fourth made it four different teams in the top four.

Dale Wood wrestled his way into fifth position while Marco Giltrap survived a wild moment at turn two on the opening lap to finish sixth, one position lower than where he started.

David Russell took advantage of the lap one, turn two dramas to claim several spots – jumping from 12th on the grid to seventh at the finish in his TekworkX entry. Marcos Flack, Glen Wood and Michelin Junior Clay Osborne completed the top 10 in race one – the latter another to run wide on the opening lap, dropping spots in the turn two chaos.

With Flack and Shahin out of the race early, Jacque Jarjo was the main beneficiary and climbed from third to first on the opening lap.

The Michelin Sprint Challenge regular then managed a 1.5 second margin to category veteran Rodney Jane to claim his maiden Carrera Cup win on his series debut, and the same for his DNA Autosport team.

Jane’s second commenced his championship in style while Danny Stutterd claimed third position in Pro-Am.

The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship continues on Sunday at the Thrifty Sydney 500 with a pair of races to complete the opening round.

This report updates..

Giltrap, O’Keeffe, Shahin the Friday form guide in Sydney

Tightly-packed grid launches into new season with pair of Sydney practice sessions

MARCO GILTRAP and Dylan O’Keeffe have shared the Equity-One Pro honours in the opening day of the 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship. 

The pair respectively topped practice one and two today, but perhaps more importantly were among the top three in each session as they turn their attention to TAG Heuer qualifying tomorrow at Sydney Motorsport Park.

In the Pro-Am battle, Sam Shahin was the man to beat as The Bend Motorsport Park EMA Motorsport driver topped both sessions today.

Giltrap’s Team Porsche NZ entry was quickest in the initial 25-minute session of the season, edging out defending champion Harri Jones by less than one-tenth of a second.

O’Keeffe was third with Bayley Hall and David Russell completing the top five. Brothers Glenn and Dale Wood were next, Caleb Sumich eighth with Lockie Bloxsom and Marcos Flack rounding out the top-10.

Shahin topped the Pro-Am ranks in 15th overall with Matt Slavin second and Matt Belford third: defending champion Adrian Flack further back electing to run older Michelin rubber in the first session.

Practice two was held much later in the evening as the lights began to take effect at Sydney Motorsport Park, O’Keeffe’s qualifying sim putting him to the top of the charts – narrowly ahead of practice one pacesetter Giltrap.

Bloxsom jumped to third late in the session as he lead a trio of late McElrea improvers – his teammates Clay Osborne and Caleb Sumich in the mix as was current Michelin Sprint Challenge champion, Oscar Targett, who was fourth.

Glen Wood and Bayley Hall were within half a second of the outright pace, while Max Vidau jumped into the top 10 in the second session, having not run new tyres in the first.

Dale Wood rounded out the top 10, while a session-long race simulation saw Harri Jones one of only two cars to not visit pit lane at all in the session.

Sam Shahin topped the Pro-Am ranks to sweep the day, with Matt Belford second and Adrian Flack – another to save fresh rubber for the second session – third.

Both sessions contested on Friday progressed without significant interruption or delay, an off from Rodney Jane in the latter part of Practice two – where he made contact with the tyre barriers at Turn one – the largest moment of the day.

Attention now turns to the battle for the TAG Heuer pole award on Saturday afternoon and the first race of a new Carrera Cup season later that evening.

Both qualifying and Race 1 will be shown live on Fox Sports and Kayo, while the season opener will also be live on the Seven network.

ENTRY LIST: 2025 to launch into life with strong Sydney field

Equity-One Pro, Pro-Am, Michelin Junior and enduro battles all to commence this weekend in Sydney

A BRAND-NEW Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship awaits, the 20^th competitive season of Australia’s top one-make category to commence this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park in New South Wales.

A 25-strong grid of Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars will compete this weekend, comprised of experienced Professionals, up-and-coming Michelin Juniors and a large Pro-Am grid competing as a Carrera Cup ‘race within the race’ this weekend.

The chase is on to beat defending Equity-One Pro and outright Champion Harri Jones, who commences his quest for both back-to-back and three Carrera Cup titles this weekend.

Jones’ returns with his own family-run Jones Motorsport team preparing his #1 Hastings Deering CAT-supported entry. It’s the first time anyone has run the #1 since the 2018 season when David Wall fielded it during his title defense.

It’s the same situation in Pro-Am, with defending champion Adrian Flack looking for three titles in a row aboard his AGAS National EBM entry.

However, both current champions will find themselves targeted by a host of rivals in both categories this year.

Reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Champion Oscar Targett makes his Carrera Cup debut this weekend as he leads the charge of a stacked Junior grid.

It marks the first time since the 2018 season that both of Australia’s one-make Porsche series champions will be represented on the same grid.

Eight members of the 2025 Porsche Michelin Junior class are represented this year, including proven Carrera Cup winners Bayley Hall and Marcos Flack, the returning Lockie Bloxsom and rookie Hamish Fitzsimmons, who also steps up from Sprint Challenge alongside Clay Osborne and Caleb Sumich. 2023 Sprint Challenge Champion Marco Giltrap, driving for Team Porsche NZ, also returns this year fresh from a strong summer in New Zealand’s Porsche Endurance Trophy.

They’ll be aiming to beat the experienced Professional class grid which includes last year’s runner-up David Russell, 2024 third-place finisher Dylan O’Keeffe, 20-time race winner Dale Wood, brother Glen, the returning Max Vidau and Angelo Mouzouris, among others.

The Pro-Am field is equally competitive with nine cars to race within Carrera Cup’s ‘Race within a race’ this weekend.

Those who join the Pro-Am grid include former Sprint Challenge class champion Brett Boulton and 2024 Sprint Challenge Class B winner, Jacque Jarjo.

Four drivers – Targett, Jarjo, Fitzsimmons and Boulton – will make their Carrera Cup debuts this weekend while 11 drivers have less than a full season’s worth of competition in the championship.

To balance that, 14 drivers have made 20 or more round starts offering a year-long battle of youth versus experience this year.

Two drivers, Dale Wood and Dylan O’Keeffe, will start their 50^th Carrera Cup Australia events this weekend.

The 2025 grid also offers the broadest spectrum of team representation seen in some time, with 10 different outfits fielding the 25 cars entered in Sydney.

Jones Motorsport and DNA Autosport will make their respective Carrera Cup debuts this weekend, joining the returning EMA Motorsport and existing squads McElrea Racing, Sonic Motor Racing Services, TekworkX Motorsport, GWR Australia, Melbourne Performance Centre, Ashley Seward Motorsport and Earl Bamber Motorsport in a competitive teams battle this year.

The 2025 championship commences this weekend in Sydney and then backs up with the regular support slot at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, before trips to Darwin, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide to complete the year.

Following two practice sessions on Friday, qualifying and Race 1 will be held on Saturday at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend, with the Enduro Cup opener (Sunday morning) and the final race of Round 1 to be held on Sunday.

All sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo, while Races 1 and 3 will also be broadcast live on the Seven Network.

ENTRY LIST: Round 1, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship

Sprint Challenge champion Targett steps up

Carrera Cup debut for young Grove Racing Junior

Grove Junior Driver Oscar Targett will continue his development within the Grove Junior Program in 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in his motorsport career as he takes the next step up to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

Targett will join Earl Bamber Motorsport to compete in the prestigious competition, with the continued support of the Grove Junior Team as he works towards a future with the parent team, Penrite Racing.

Having shown significant promise and skill throughout his career thus far, Targett’s move to Carrera Cup Australia is a natural progression for the talented young driver. The series is known for being one of the most competitive and high-profile categories in Australian motorsport, and Targett’s involvement in 2025 will mark an important milestone as he strives to reach the pinnacle of touring car racing.

Oscar Targett expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, saying, “I’m incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the Grove Junior Team and excited for the challenge of Carrera Cup Australia. It’s a great opportunity to develop my skills further with Earl Bamber Motorsport and continue to utilise the resources and experience of the Grove Junior Team. I am very excited to have new partners, Street Machine Garage and Shure join me for this vital step in my career and with the return of Brisbane Caravan Warehouse along with many other long-time supporters, I’m ready for the next step and look forward to what 2025 holds.”

The Grove Junior Program, a vital part of Penrite Racing’s driver development pathway, is designed to nurture the talents of emerging drivers and prepare them for future success at the highest levels of motorsport. Oscar’s journey with the Grove Junior Team has already seen impressive progress, and this new challenge will help him continue to build his experience in top-tier competition.

David Cauchi, Team Principal of Penrite Racing, commented, “We are thrilled that Oscar will be remaining within the Grove Junior Team for 2025. He has demonstrated consistent improvement and dedication, and this next step to Carrera Cup Australia is a testament to his hard work. We have no doubt he will continue to develop as a driver and move closer to achieving his long term goals.”

Moving into 2025, Targett’s car will race with an all new livery, as he welcomes new partners to the team as well as sporting many familiar brands who have supported him throughout his motorsport journey so far.

Round 1 of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia kicks off this weekend 21^st – 23^rd February at Sydney Motorsport Park under lights which is a first for a season opener. All sessions will be live across Fox Sports and Kayo with all competitive running being shown also on channel 7.

Champion locks in 2025 program, reveals #1 Porsche livery

Consistency key despite team change as Jones begins drive for three this year

Reigning and two-time Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Harri Jones, has revealed his striking new livery for the 2025 season, highlighting new partners, team colours, and race number.

After an incredibly successful 2024 season with Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport, Jones had planned to return for a second year with the team. However, the team’s sudden closure in January 2025 led to a monumental effort by Jones Motorsport to establish a fully race-ready Carrera Cup operation in under a month.

Thanks to key staff signings—including Jones’ 2024 Race Engineer David Swenson, along with the experienced Matt Cook, Matt Walton, and Jack Chaplin—Jones’ core team remains intact, ensuring continuity after an incredibly successful partnership in 2024.

“I’m thrilled to be back on the Carrera Cup grid for another championship challenge in 2025,” said Jones. “It’s been a whirlwind start to the year, and without the incredible support of my team and partners, none of this would be possible. What we’ve been able to achieve in such a short period is incredible. With the right people, infrastructure, and a commitment to performance, we’re ready to fight for the title this season.”

Despite the sudden pivot, Jones’ livery maintains continuity, with the 2025 Hastings Deering GT3 Cup car retaining elements of the popular 2024 design. As Jones enters his fourth season with Hastings Deering, he acknowledges the vital role the global CAT® dealer has played in his success.

“Over the past four years, my career has taken me into new environments, teams and championships, both locally and abroad,” Jones continued. “Through it all, one thing has remained constant—my partnership with Hastings Deering. Their unwavering support has been crucial to my success, allowing me to seize every opportunity that’s come my way.”

In addition to Hastings Deering, several major partners have joined Jones’ 2025 Carrera Cup campaign, including HydraPlay, Pure Mist, Code Black, and Kodora AI.

“I’m excited to welcome these fantastic new partners to the team,” said Jones. “From cutting-edge technology and AI innovators to emerging drinks companies, each partner has their unique story. Together, we share a common goal: to succeed on and off the track.”

With Jones also set to join Team18 for the Supercars endurance events this year, a full-time Carrera Cup seat will ensure he remains race-fit and ready for the enduro season later in the year.

“2025 is shaping up to be a massive year. There’s always an electric feeling leading up to the first event, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Jones.

Jones, who usually races with the number 12, will proudly race with the coveted number 1 for 2025, reserved for the reigning champion.

“Running the number 1 on my car is a fantastic opportunity. There’s something special about it, and I’d be silly not to take it,” said Jones.

The Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship kicks off with Round 1 at the Sydney Super Night this weekend. Be sure to catch all the action live at the track or on Kayo and Fox Sports 506.

Matt Slavin targeting Pro-Am success in Carrera Cup return

Improvement, podiums, enjoyment the keys to returning Pro-Am contender in 2025

Following a second-place result in last year’s Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship Pro-Am Class, ARES Group’s Matt Slavin is eager to go one better in 2025.

Slavin proved a consistent contender during his maiden season in Porsche racing’s top-tier in Australia.

After scoring his first podium at Round 3 in Darwin, Slavin added 11 more in the ARES Group Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car Type 992 prepared by Ashley Seward Motorsport on the way to the runner up slot in Pro-Am.

The 2025 season brings renewed experience and fresh ambitions for Slavin as he targets his first win in Pro-Am, while a title chase also beckons.

“Last year’s Pro-Am runner-up finish was a great result, but what truly excites me for another Porsche Carrera Cup season is the steady progress I made last year especially at new tracks,” said Slavin.

“The foundation is set, and consistency is key for 2025. With my incredible sponsors, family, and the #85 Ares Group 992 Cup Car once again backed by Ashley Seward Motorsport, everything is in place.

“Now, it’s on me to turn up the dial. My goals are to keep improving, chase podiums and enjoy every lap.”

The Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship schedule includes the biggest events on the Australian motorsport calendar featuring the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide.

Slavin will get his 2025 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship campaign underway with the support of Ares Group, Combo Structures, Eateo and Mildow at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 21-23.

The 2025 season sees ASM start the year with one Porsche entry for Slavin. The team is keen on returning to a multi-car line-up before the season ends. All enquiries can be directed to team owner Ash Seward on Email here.

EMA Motorsport sign Bayley Hall for 2025 campaign

Full-time return for EMA as Gold Coast winner plans title attack

FRESH from a career-best fifth place finish in the 2024 Championship, Bayley Hall will aim for a maiden title when he joins EMA Motorsport for the 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

The switch to EMA comes as the team locks in a full-time return to the championship this year following a partial campaign last season, and another successful campaign at the Bathurst 12 Hour – where the EMA Motorsport-prepared Porsche finished second in the Pro-Am class.

21-year-old Hall, who hails from the Gold Coast, claimed his second career round win last year in Surfers Paradise amidst a 2024 season that saw him claim four race victories from the last six races of the season, and 13 top-five finishes for the year.

He was one of only two drivers to complete 100% of all the racing laps last season, amidst a campaign that also included starts in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy Championship.

That form ensures that Hall returns as a key contender amidst both the Equity-One Pro field and the Porsche Michelin Junior ranks this year.

Hall’s 2025 campaign will be supported by major backers, HFI, Excavation Equipment, Couper Constructions, Rewired Electrical, CarbonHalo and Accelerate Alliance Members.

“I’m beyond thrilled to find myself on the Porsche Carrera Cup grid in 2025. And to race for EMA motorsport, a globally recognized team, is an exciting new chapter in my racing career,” Hall said.

“Alex and Marcus have really welcomed me into the EMA family and this will most definitely open up doors of opportunity across this season and beyond as they are working to pave the way for me to get into the Porsche GT3 world – stay tuned.

“The support over the years from my family, friends, fans and supporters has been unbelievable and it helps me make the grid each year so I’d like to thank each and every one of you for that.

“There is also a lot of people in the Carrera Cup paddock that has guided and believed in me over the years and for that, I thank you.

“Now it’s time to work harder than ever before with the EMA Team in best preparing for the season ahead and fighting for the top step week in, week out.”

EMA Motorsport team manager Marcus Cole said the team was excited to be returning to the championship full time this year, with one of the strongest contenders on the grid.

“Bayley has shown that he’s a genuine contender week in, week out and you don’t finish top five in this championship without that ability,” he said.

“We’re really pleased to welcome Bayley to EMA Motorsport this year as we return to the championship full-time. It’s going to be a big year for the team both in Australia and abroad and this is the first key announcement towards that.

“With Bayley behind the wheel and our experience in the championship we’re going to Sydney very confident that we will be in good shape to contend for race and round wins and, ultimately, the championship.”

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at the Thrifty Sydney 500 at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 21-23, with live broadcast coverage on Fox Sports, Channel 7, Kayo and 7plus across the weekend.

GWR Australia Announces Four-Pronged 2025 Carrera Cup Pursuit

Jackson Walls, Matt Belford join expanded GWR attack on 2025 season

Sydney-based motorsport services organisation, GWR Australia has announced a four-car campaign for the 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Series.

In the Pro class, Dylan O’Keeffe will contest the full season while Jackson Walls will compete in the rounds which do not clash with his Dunlop Super2 Series commitments.

Matt Belford joins the GWR squad for an all-out assault on the Pro-Am class, alongside the familiar face of Dean Cook who will race at selected events.

GWR has a long-standing history in Carrera Cup, with team owner Garth Walden formerly racing in the category himself; he says it continues to provide an excellent mix of professionalism and enjoyment.

“Carrera Cup is one of Australia’s longest-standing and most successful motorsport categories because it provides the right combination of ultra-competitive racing, camaraderie between competitors and trackside hospitality for drivers and teams to service corporate partners,” Walden said.

Over the last few years, GWR has achieved pole positions, race wins and round wins in the Pro and Pro-Am classes, and Walden said the next goal is an overall championship victory.

“Dylan achieved our best championship result last season with third, and the goal is for him to go a couple of spots better this year,” Walden said.

“This year we’ll be encouraging him to fight hard for every position to ensure no points are left on the table.

“There will be less pressure on Jackson because he isn’t running the full season, but we know he’ll be contending for podiums and wins at the rounds he does attend.”

Walden is also expecting a strong showing from the team in the Pro-Am class, with new recruit Belford already integrating himself into GWR’s competitive-but-fun culture.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt to the team; over the last few seasons, his driving has been on an upward trajectory and we’ll be aiming to lift him to the next level,” Walden said.

“Even before he’s done an event with us, Matt is already fitting into the team – he’s just a great bloke and we’re excited to be part of his continued development as a racing driver.

“It’s also great to have Dean back for another season – he’s a proven front-runner in the Pro-Am class with numerous race wins and podium finishes.

“Dean is a serious competitor when he puts the helmet on, but knows how to have fun outside the car – he’ll be aiming for some more Pro-Am wins throughout 2025.”

The opening Carrera Cup round will be held at Sydney Motorsport Park, 21-23 February.

Dexion Extends O’Keeffe Carrera Cup Partnership

Dylan O’Keeffe has confirmed he will return for his seventh season in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, with Dexion Australia and Asia Pacific extending their support of O’Keeffe’s RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia Porsche Type 992 GT3 Cup car.

O’Keeffe today unveiled a refreshed livery for his Porsche, with the predominantly bright red and white Dexion colour scheme complemented by some black highlights.

“I’m proud to have represented Dexion in Carrera Cup since 2022, and pleased to have grown the relationship,” O’Keeffe said.

“In the early stages, we were solely aligned with Dexion Victoria, but we’ve expanded our partnership to represent the Dexion brand right across the Australia and Asia Pacific region.”

O’Keeffe said Carrera Cup continues to provide an attractive platform for businesses such as Dexion, that see motorsport as a valuable marketing investment.

“Because Carrera Cup travels all over Australia, we can visit Dexion staff, customers and associates all over the country, providing them with benefits such as corporate experiences and passenger rides in the Porsche, which they love!” O’Keeffe said.

O’Keeffe also enters his fourth year as a RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia driver, and is highly-motivated to add some more silverware to the team’s trophy cabinet.

“Mike Sheargold from RAM Motorsport is one of the genuinely nice guys in motorsport, and I’m so thankful to have had his support,” O’Keeffe said.

“Garth Walden is super-passionate about his GWR race team, which celebrated its 10^th anniversary last year. They’ve achieved amazing results across numerous motorsport categories, and I’m proud to have achieved their first Carrera Cup pole position, race win and round win… but now I want to win their first championship!

“Rob Palermo is engineering me again, which is very positive – we’ve built a strong relationship over the last two seasons, and work well together to extract optimum performance from the Porsche.”

This year’s Carrera Cup calendar is slightly different to previous seasons, with the season beginning at Sydney Motorsport Park (rather than opening at the Grand Prix, as has been the case in the recent past). Townsville and Sandown are no longer on the calendar, but The Bend is back and Carrera Cup returns to Queensland Raceway for the first time in many years.

“Overall it’s a well-balanced calendar, with a good mix of street circuits and permanent venues. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running at Sydney Motorsport Park next weekend,” O’Keeffe concluded.

Winning Combination Continues for David Russell and TekworkX

Hire A Hubby will enter their third year of sponsorship with the frontrunning Gold Coast-based team

David Russell and TekworkX Motorsport will continue their winning partnership with Hire A Hubby for the 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship.

Hire A Hubby will enter their third year of sponsorship with the frontrunning Gold Coast-based team, having first combined for another winning year in 2022.

Russell made the move to TekworkX Motorsport for the 2024 season and had an immediate impact with 12 podiums and three race wins, including his maiden round win in Carrera Cup. The year ended with a formidable run of form that included six consecutive podiums, and propelled Russell to second in the Championship.

“To be able to have that continuity with the team is something I’ve not had for quite some time in Carrera Cup,” said Russell.

“I really want to thank Rob and Astrid, Hire A Hubby and all of my group of sponsors. It’s a bit of unfinished business for us, there are some things we didn’t get right that we want to hone in on so we can be as competitive as possible.

“We finished the year really strong, but we were a little bit inconsistent early on which put us on the backfoot, so really focusing on coming out strong in Sydney.

“The competition is so tough, a bad day in Carrera Cup can put you 15^th and only a couple of tenths off. The team preparation and engineering play an important role, and there’s a lot of very talented young guys that keep me on my toes.”

For 2025 Russell will be joined by a second Pro-Class entry, with Tom McLennan recently announced as TekworkX’s newest signing. The duo previously partnered as Bathurst 6 Hour teammates in 2024.

“Tommy is going to be a huge asset to the team, he’s a great talent, to have someone I can bounce data and setup across is one thing I’m looking forward to. He’s someone that I can trust to have that input on what a good direction is on the setup.”

The season commences at the Thrifty Sydney SuperNight from February 21-23, the first of an eight-round calendar which includes a visit to TekworkX’s home track at Queensland Raceway.

Max Vidau returns to Carrera Cup in 2025

Vidau will run and prepare his own Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car this year, run by his own Adelaide-based MVA Racing team.

MAX VIDAU will make a Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia comeback when he lines up for Round 1 of the Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park next week.

The South Australian returns to one-make Porsche racing following a competitive season in the Super2 Series last year, where he was a proven frontrunner throughout the season.

However, his return to Porsche racing comes with an ambition to ‘have fun’ and enjoy the sport, following the tough 2024 year.

Vidau will run and prepare his own Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car this year, run by his own Adelaide-based MVA Racing team.

MVA ran Vidau’s 992 GT3 Cup Car at the Vailo Adelaide 500 last November with Anthony DiMauro behind the wheel, while the man himself has remained busy throughout the summer – working alongside famed Kiwi team International Motorsport as an engineer on their fleet of 992 Cup Cars contesting the GT New Zealand championship.

The MVA Racing squad has also had a busy period, preparing and running a fleet of racing cars from their workshop.

“Last year was a tough season and we weren’t able to pull a deal together for Supercars this year,” Vidau explained.

“We have the Cup Car in the workshop so I thought ‘lets have a crack’ and get back to enjoying the sport and doing it for the reasons we all started doing it for.

“We’re not going there with a view of anything else but having a great time, racing the thing as hard as we can and mixing it up at the front of the field like we used to.

“It’s just me, Dad, and some young blokes – I think the average age of the team is about 23. We’ve got some great supporters on board and we are working on other partners for the remainder of the year.

“It’s going to be great fun and hopefully a really good way to kick off the season.”

Vidau’s circuit racing career includes a lengthy stint behind the wheel of one-make Porsche’s, graduating from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge into Carrera Cup.

There, he has 22 round starts to his credit and a round win at the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, while his most recent of his three race wins came in Townsville the following year.

He tested at The Bend this week with a full livery and sponsorship reveal to come closer to round one of the championship at Sydney Motorsport Park, alongside the Thrifty Sydney 500, next week.

Tom McLennan joins TekworkX Motorsport in 2025

Big switch to TekworkX Motorsport for the 2025 Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season.

Bloxsom signs for double Porsche duties in 2025

Porsche Michelin Junior to contest both major one-make Porsche series in 2025

PORSCHE Michelin Junior Lachlan Bloxsom will get double the dose of one-make Porsche competition this year, confirming plans to contest both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series in 2025. 

While Pro-Am drivers have contested both series in the past, Bloxsom’s double duties season will be the first time a Porsche Junior has tackled both categories, full time, in the same year.

The 19-year-old Queenslander will return to McElrea Racing for a bumper year that will see him contest 14 events and 42 races – plus associated test days – this year aboard a mixture of Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car (Carrera Cup) and Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup Car (Sprint Challenge) machinery.

Bloxsom graduated into one-make Porsche racing in 2022, commencing the first of his two Sprint Challenge seasons that year.

He made his Carrera Cup debut in 2024, finishing his rookie year in good touch including scoring a season-best finish of eighth at the Adelaide 500 – having earlier qualified a season-best sixth.

“Heading into 2025, having the chance to race in both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series as a Michelin Junior driver is an opportunity and a challenge that I am really looking forward to,” Bloxsom said.

“Running under the McElrea Racing banner in both series will be a great chance for both myself and the team to strengthen the foundations that we, as a collective, have built over the past couple of years.

“The opportunity to compete in 14 one-make Porsche rounds in 2025 will not only strengthen my skills on-track but off-track too, teaching me to balance my University Studies with my busy motorsport calendar.

“Having competed in both series’ before, there is no doubt that this year will be challenging. Both are ultra-competitive and have a considerable level of depth throughout the fields.

“I cannot thank my family, my sponsors and my team enough for giving me the opportunity to compete at this level in 2025.”

Added McElrea Racing team owner, Andy McElrea: “Lockie is competing against a host of other fast, young drivers who are competing in multiple championships around the world.

“Working with Lockie and his family, we came to the conclusion that being loyal to both our championships here was a better and more cost effective way to get extra, high quality race mileage this year.

“This way, he can compress two seasons of competition, testing and everything associated with that, into 10 months which we feel will give him the best opportunity to progress his development this year.”

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship gets underway at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 21-23, while the Michelin Sprint Challenge campaign commences at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on April 4-6.

Porsche Michelin Junior Program returns, expands in 2025

Key driver development program to expand, supporting young talent in one-make Porsche racing

PORSCHE MOTORSPORT Australia has announced an expanded version of its highly successful Porsche Michelin Junior Program for 2025.

Applications are now open for young drivers intending to contest either the 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship, or Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, to join the program.

The application form, which contains all the relevant details, can be found here.

The expanded program will continue to embrace a two-day Porsche Junior Camp at the beginning of the season, however, will also expand this year to include regular seminars, coaching, guest speakers and ongoing support for those within the Junior program.

The program will encompass not just the physical and mental growth of participants, but also deliver insight into engineering, media, sponsorship and more.

A dedicated driver mentor will also be in place throughout the year, with that appointment to be announced in due course.

An industry panel, selected by Porsche Motorsport Australia, will at the end of the year assess all participants with the driver that best represents the broadest range of skills required to become a professional racing driver nominated as the Porsche Michelin Junior for 2025.

That nominee will then take part in the annual Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe, where the winner receives a scholarship prize towards contesting a season of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship.

As part of their support of the program and both Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge, the top three Porsche Michelin Juniors at each round will receive a free set of Michelin tyres as rewards for their efforts.

Drivers looking to participate in the program must contest a full season in either Carrera Cup or Sprint Challenge this year and nominate with Porsche Motorsport Australia by 23 January to be included.

“We are thrilled that Michelin has returned to support this important initiative driving the growth of young drivers from this part of the world, giving them opportunities they may not get elsewhere,” said Porsche Senior Motorsport Manager, Craig Nayda.

“The team has taken the time to fully review the Porsche Michelin Junior program for 2025 and expand its reach in a bid to better provide an all-round program for our young talent.

“The focus of the program previously has been on the camp at the beginning of the season and then the driver that scores the most points at the end. The new format will evolve the Junior program to something that is part of these drivers for the full season – helping them grow and develop in parallel with their on-track activities.

“The Porsche Michelin Junior program already has a sensational track record and has supported more than 100 young drivers since its inception. 2025 will be no different and give the young talent in Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup more opportunities to progress their careers.”

Carrera Cup Champion Jones gets Supercars evaluation test

Team 18 test for 2024 champion as Supercars hopes grow

TWO-TIME Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion Harri Jones will jump behind the wheel of a Supercar this week for an evaluation test in South Australia. 

Team 18 will run an evaluation test for Jones at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park today, as he takes the wheel of the #18 DEWALT Racing Camaro.

Jones, a champion in both open-wheel and sports car racing, has steadily built his reputation as one of Australia’s brightest motorsport talents. His journey began in Formula Ford before he clinched the 2018 Australian Formula 3 Championship. He then moved overseas to compete in the MRF Challenge, followed by a spectacular debut in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, where he won the title in 2019.

In 2021, Jones stepped up to the Porsche Carrera Cup, securing the championship in 2022. His successful European stint in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup was followed by another Carrera Cup Championship win in Australia this year.

“Having been a fan of the Supercars series for as long as I can remember, today is a pretty special day getting my first taste behind the wheel.” Jones said.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity Charlie [Schwerkolt], Adrian and the entire crew at Team 18 has provided and excited for what the future may hold.”

“There will be a lot to learn today, and I’ll be using every bit of my experience in the sport to get up to speed as quickly as possible. I’ve spent countless hours on the sim preparing and I’m confident it will be a productive day.”

Team 18 Team Principal Adrian Burgess is eager to give Jones the opportunity to showcase his skills in the team’s Gen-3 Camaro.

“We’re excited to have Harri join us for this evaluation test.”

“He’s demonstrated immense talent in multiple categories and has a proven track record of success here and in Europe.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to see how his talents translate to the Gen-3 Supercar, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do behind the wheel of the DEWALT Camaro.

“Harri has great potential, and we’re eager to explore how he might fit into the future of Team 18.”

The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship and 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will each kick off at Sydney Motorsport Park from 21-23 February.

Trans-Tasman impact on growing Kiwi Porsche Motorsport scene

Carrera Cup Australia stars Giltrap, Jones to feature on and off track across NZ summer

THE EVOLVING crossover between Porsche Motorsport organisations on both sides of the Tasman will continue to grow this weekend at Taupo Motorsport Park.

The Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand will return as part of the 2024/25 Summerset GT New Zealand Championship which gets underway at Taupo International Motorsport Park November 22-24.

2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia winner and 2024 Carrera Cup rookie Marco Giltrap will compete this weekend, while newly-crowned Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia champion Harri Jones will feature in the paddock as part of his evolving race team business, Jones Motorsport.

Jones’ will support young-gun Hunter Robb’s campaign this summer ahead of an anticipated campaign in Australia next year.

Robb has tested on multiple occasions in Australia this year with support from Jones’ Queensland-based organisation, which enjoyed success in Sprint Challenge competition this year with driver Ramu Farrell.

Giltrap, meanwhile, will return to his home circuit fresh from a year where double duties in Australia and Carrera Cup Asia have him sharp.

The field assembled for Taupo this weekend includes 10, 992-generation GT3 Cup Cars and both Rick Armstrong and reigning NZ champion Sam Fillmore – who both featured on the Grid when Carrera Cup raced in New Zealand earlier this year.

Paul Kelly also returns to the track, himself a former Carrera Cup Australia regular.

By season end, the top Porsche driver will earn a Porsche Motorsport factory-recognised trophy for their efforts competing in the New Zealand series.

Last season’s Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand winner was Sam Fillmore, who will be recognised at the “Night of Champions” awards ceremony in Germany in December 2024.

Like last season, eligible vehicles include the new generation 992 GT3 Cup cars, as well as both 991.2 and 991.1 GT3 Cup Cars. In addition, there will be a GT4 class trophy for all models of the Cayman GT4 and GT4RS running to the regulations of the GT NZ Championship.

Porsche New Zealand Motorsport Coordinator Nathan Pilcher, says it’s pleasing to see the Porsche field grow, with the addition of new cars and drivers.

“The success of the racing in last year’s Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand has encouraged more cars to come and have a go this season. It’s encouraging to see such a great field of Porsche GT3 Cup Cars joining the field. The teams and drivers have been putting in some hard work leading up to this season which will mean the racing is going to be even more intense between the Porsche GT3 Cup Cars,” says Pilcher.

“There are a handful of drivers that could take the honours this season with some returning for a second year and Sam Fillmore returns to defend his title but this year in a brand new Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car.”

“The great part is that last season at the final race we still had three competitors that could have taken the crown but I think this season it will be more like six all vying to be the champion come the last race. Consistency will be pivotal in the Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand to win it by seasons end.”

In addition, Porsche New Zealand have increased their track-side support for competitors and teams.

“We have expanded our support team and we have more parts in the Porsche Motorsport Service Truck to assist the teams should the racing get a little too close. The added support given to the teams and drivers gives them confidence to race hard and fast without the fear of missing out on vital points through the season.”

“We would like to thank GT New Zealand category manager Grant Smith and his team for allowing us to include the Porsche Endurance Trophy in their series again bringing the top GT cars and drivers in New Zealand together to battle it out.”

The Summerset GT New Zealand Championship will compete over five rounds, starting at Taupo International Motorsport Park this month, followed by Hampton Downs and Teretonga in January, Highlands Motorsport Park in February, before returning to Hampton Downs in March for the season finale.

Entry list – Round 1, Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand

2             Rick Armstrong               International Motorsport            Porsche 992
14          Shaun Varney                  Action Motorsport                         Porsche 991.2
26          Paul Southam                  JM Automotive                                Porsche 992
27          Sam Fillmore                   International Motorsport            Porsche 992
66          Marco Giltrap                  Giltrap Group Motorsport           Porsche 992
69          Hunter Robb                    Jones Motorsport                          Porsche 991.2
88          Steve Brooks                    James Marshall Motorsport       Porsche 992
90          Paul Kelly                          Paul Kelly Motorsport                  Porsche 992
222        Luke Manson                   International Motorsport            Porsche 992
911        Sam Cotterill                   International Motorsport            Porsche 992
912        Glenn Cotterill                 International Motorsport            Porsche 992
999        Regan Scoullar                Action Motorsport                         Porsche 991.2

Summerset GT New Zealand Championship dates

Round 1: Taupo November 22-24, 2024
Round 2: Hampton Downs January 17-19, 2025
Round 3: Teretonga 31 Jan-2 Feb, 2025
Round 4: Highlands Feb 7-9, 2025
Round 5: Hampton Downs March 21-23, 2025

Wood takes Adelaide in action-filled 2024 finale

Dramatic conclusion to final Carrera Cup race of 2024 season

DALE WOOD remains the king of Adelaide, sweeping to back-to-back Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round victories at the VAILO Adelaide 500 in a dramatic dash that concluded the 2024 season on Sunday. 

Wood dominated the season finale’ to claim the Equity One Professional class round win over Jackson Walls and Dylan O’Keeffe, while Adrian Flack won the SP Tools Pro-Am battle over Matt Slavin and Stephen Grove.

The Connected Spaces / EBM driver becomes the fourth different round winner of the year, joining Harri Jones, David Russell and Bayley Hall as winners in 2024 – twelve months after he claimed his previous most-recent win.

The dramatic sprint had everything happening seemingly all at once from the outset; David Russell pitting at the end of the formation lap with driveline issues aboard his TekworkX Porsche.

Wood made the best start and led clearly into turn one, while Jackson Walls edged out Dylan O’Keeffe in their fight for third in the overall championship.

That lasted one lap when O’Keeffe dived down the inside of Walls at Turn nine on the second lap, putting him second in the race and provisionally third in the championship. The pair battled hard over the next several laps before the GWR Australia driver could entrench himself in third.

Furious racing unfolded in the fight for second through to the bottom half of the top 10, with Angelo Mouzouris, Bayley Hall, Glen Wood and Harri Jones all in the mix, while further back Clay Osborne and Nash Morris were punching on for spots in the back half of the top-10.

Further back, Stephen Grove spun at turn four aboard his Grove Hire car, dropping out of a competitive battle for second in the race with Anthony DiMauro – elevating the South Australian to the position.

The battles continued up front however on lap seven the race would come to a premature end, as first Glen Wood and then Harri Jones crashed heavily at Turn Eight.

Wood clipped the inside barrier at the corner while Jones, who was less than a car length behind entering the corner – having been passed by Wood a lap earlier – understeered wide and also hit the concrete hard.

The race was brought under the control of the Safety Car and then ultimately Red Flagged on account of the damage to the Turn 8 concrete barriers.

Both Jones and Wood were checked and released by the medical teams following the incident.

The final results had Wood claiming the victory, the 20th of his career. O’Keeffe’s fighting second saw him secure third in the championship while Jackson Walls narrowly missed out. Mouzouris just missed the round podium overall in a strong weekend for the Sonic racer, while Bayley Hall was fifth.

With results going back one lap prior to the incident, Glen Wood was classified sixth ahead of Jones, with Nash Morris, Clay Osborne, and Macros Flack completing the top-10.

In Pro-Am, Flack claimed the final race of a dominant season over DiMauro and Dean Cook in third.

Hall steals race two with last-corner pass in Adelaide

Saturday thriller delivers a last-gasp win, while Adrian Flack continues Pro-Am domination

BAYLEY HALL has sensationally stolen his sixth Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race win, passing Dale Wood in the final corner of race two on the streets of Adelaide today. 

Hall was a slow starter from the outside of the front row in the second race, however a race-long fight with Dale Wood for the lead came to a head in the final turn when the McElrea Racing driver pounced on a hesitation – who was lapping a slower car – to dive down the inside of the Connected Spaces entry and take a sensational win.

It was Hall’s sixth career Carrera Cup win and the first of his career to occur on a circuit other than the Surfers Paradise street circuit, where he won three weeks ago.

Wood made a perfect start from pole and charged to an early lead before he was caught by the chasing pack, which was initially led by David Russell with Hall third.

Hall soon dispatched Russell and chased down the leader, the pair spending the final 10 minutes of the race locked together in a battle for the lead – leading to Hall’s bold last-corner pass to grab the win.

Russell, struggling with a Differential issue in his TekworkX machine, held off Harri Jones and the chasing pack to grab third and ensure he secured second position in this year’s championship.

The battle for the final step on the Equity One Pro season podium will go down to the wire tomorrow, however, with Jackson Walls now leading Dylan O’Keeffe by one point ahead of tomorrow’s 25-minute finale’.

O’Keeffe was unable to make headway from a lowly starting position in today’s race, meaning he finished 11th compared to Walls’ sixth.

In his milestone 250th Carrera Cup Australia race, David Wall was as competitive as ever as he raced his way to fifth position, one spot in front of Walls and just behind the latest champion in the form of Harri Jones.

Glen Wood finished seventh while Lockie Bloxsom rebounded from his race one dramas to secure a personal best race finish today in eighth.

Angelo Mouzouris and Clay Osborne completed the top 10 heading into Sunday’s finale.

Adrian Flack raced his way to another SP Tools Pro-Am win in style today, leading home Stephen Grove in Carrera Cup’s race within a race. Matt Belford rebounded from his race one, lap one non-finish by securing third position with Matt Slavin and Rodney Jane next.

Anthony DiMauro had run third in the early stages of the race before a brief spin into the turn 11 wall whilst battling for second with Stephen Grove ended his podium hopes.

An exciting third and final race will complete the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship tomorrow afternoon at the VAILO Adelaide 500, with the race to be broadcast live on Fox Sports, Kayo and Channel 7.

Wood, Walls, Flack claim big Friday Adelaide wins

Enduro Cup crowns claimed in dramatic Adelaide Carrera Cup opener

DALE WOOD claimed a wild VAILO Adelaide 500 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia opener on the streets of the South Australian capital on Friday afternoon, while both the Equity-One Professional and SP Tools Pro-Am Enduro Cup titles were decided in a dramatic race. 

Jackson Walls (Pro) and Adrian Flack (Pro-Am) sealed their respective class titles in style in the 40-minute race that was filled with drama from start to finish.

Wood led the field from pole position, gaining a clear advantage as the 29-car field charged through the Senna Chicane on the opening lap.

29 became 27 at turn four when Matt Belford and Sam Shahin made contact, with both cars forced out of the race as a result.

That delivered the race’s first Safety Car interruption, with Wood leading Walls, Bayley Hall, David Russell, Harri Jones and Lachie Bloxsom back to the green flag on lap four.

That green run didn’t last long however, as Bloxsom missed the braking point at the hairpin and while he missed Jones, contact was made with David Russell – eliminating both cars from the race and forcing a return to the Safety Car.

Following a lengthy clean up, the race resumed with Wood again powering away from the leader on the restart while Walls fended off Hall and Jones in a fight for third.

With Walls running second at the time, the margin between he and Jones was just two points in the fight for the Enduro Cup, with Jones looking to gain one more spot to re-take the series lead he held coming into the round.

That scenario then escalated further on the 15th lap when light contact from Jones tipped Hall into a spin at the hairpin.

Jones was penalised 15 seconds for his role in the contact, dropping him down the order to 14th, while Hall recovered to 23rd position with the race’s fastest lap small consolation.

At the end of the 20 laps completed, Wood charged home to claim his 19th career victory and continue his strong run of form on the Adelaide streets that dates back to his round win at the same circuit twelve months ago.

Walls finished second to ensure he wrapped up the Pro class Enduro Cup crown, adding to his Michelin Junior title in the process.

Dylan O’Keeffe finished in third position which, with David Russell a non-finisher, helped close the battle in their fight for second and third in the championship standings. Just 43 points separate the pair heading into tomorrow’s sprint race, with 120 points remaining up for grabs across the final two races. Jackson Walls’ run to second saw him close to within 13 points of O’Keeffe in third.

A stirring drive from Angelo Mouzouris saw him charge from ninth to fourth at the line, his best result since the fourth race of the season in New Zealand earlier this year.

David Wall was a solid fifth while Clay Osborne smashed his prior PB to finish sixth in just his fourth ever Carrera Cup race.

Glen Wood was combative en-route to seventh position with Nash Morris and Fabian Coulthard boxing on in their battle for what turned out to be eighth and ninth – the pair climbing from outside the top 15 at race’s start.

Tom McLennan completed the top-10 in a race where several drivers either set or equaled their personal best race results.

Adrian Flack claimed victory in SP Tools Pro-Am, while the class championship battle took a serious twist with Matt Slavin finishing second – four places in front of rival for second overall this year, Rodney Jane.

That result tipped the Pro-Am fight for second back in the favour of Slavin heading into race two.

With Slavin second, South Australian Carrera Cup rookie Anthony DiMauro finished third in Pro-Am on his debut race, chasing Slavin to the line while being tailed by race and round winner, Dean Cook.

Stephen Grove was fifth ahead of Rodney Jane, with Marc Cini and Indiran Padayachee completing the runners.

Race two will commence at 1:20pm local time on Saturday with live coverage on Fox Sports, Kayo and Channel 7 Sport.

Results remain provisional pending outcomes of stewards post-race investigations. This story and the results will update. 

Russell smashes existing best in fastest ever Adelaide session

Qualifying practice points to tight Adelaide fight ahead

DAVID RUSSELL has topped the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia pecking order in practice at the VAILO Adelaide 500, setting the first ever lap below 80 seconds in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car.

Russell’s 1m19.9611s lap was set towards the end of today’s second practice session and stands as the quickest ever Porsche lap of Adelaide’s world-renowned street circuit.

It ensures the man currently second in the championship – and looking to defend that position from the chasing pack this weekend – started his weekend in the best possible way.

The TekworkX driver jumped to the top of the outright and Equity-One Pro class results with a string of flying laps late in the second session, held in perfect 23-degree conditions and in bright sunshine.

His 79-second flyer for a time saw him more than three-tenths clear of the entire field; the next 15 cars all covered by a second, however the gap closed late in the 25-minute session.

A late flyer from Jackson Walls saw the Objective Racing driver fall just short of beating Russell on Thursday, the Michelin Junior champ ending up second, just 0.06 seconds behind the pacesetter.

Champ-elect Harri Jones was third, while Ryder Quinn charged up the order into fourth place not far from the leading times.

The pace was hot in Adelaide as the field navigated both the circuit and themselves across the pair of incident-free sessions, the 29 cars – the largest ever Adelaide Porsche grid – making finding clear race track a significant challenge for everyone today.

Behind the top four, Glen Wood rounded out a strong day in fifth position with milestone man David Wall a stout sixth aboard his Wall Racing entry – the Sydneysider set to notch up his 250th Carrera Cup race on Saturday this weekend.

Gold Coast winner Bayley Hall was seventh, Dylan O’Keeffe eighth, Dale Wood ninth and Fabian Coulthard tenth.

Six different teams featured in the top 10 and while Sonic’s best was Angelo Mouzouris in eleventh position, an 0.1 second gain for the Victorian would have seen him in the top five.

Such was the competitive nature of the field in practice, exactly one second covered the top 14 cars and just 1.2 seconds the top 18.

Having trailed the home-town hero in the first session, Adrian Flack returned serve on Sam Shahin in the second session to top the runners in SP Tools Pro-Am, the pair each less than two seconds away from the outright pace in the Pro field.

Stephen Grove – an Adelaide veteran – was third in Pro-Am and Dean Cook fourth, with Rodney Jane, Matt Belford, Marc Cini, Adelaide debutants Anthony DiMauro and Matt Slavin and Indiran Padayachee completing the order.

With practice now complete, attention turns to Qualifying on Friday morning with race one to follow in the afternoon.

Both races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ.

Anthony DiMauro to make Carrera Cup debut in Adelaide

Adelaide driver to run with entry fielded by Carrera Cup race winner, Max Vidau

ADELAIDE driver Anthony DiMauro will live a dream this weekend, making his Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia debut at the VAILO Adelaide 500. 

He steps in to one-make Porsche competition following two successful seasons in the competitive Aussie Racing Cars series, where he proved a regular frontrunner.

DiMauro will run a striking car featuring primary sponsorship from Koan solutions, an Adelaide-based automotive aftermarket industry business.

“It’s been a dream of mine to be on the Carrera Cup grid, let alone at the Adelaide 500,” DiMauro said.

“We’ve gone well in Aussie Racing cars in the past but the opportunity to step up is incredibly exciting. The Porsche product is so good and the racing so competitive it’s a dream to be behind the wheel.

“We have no expectations, we just want to get results and finish the races and improve as we go, but also really enjoy the experience as much as possible.”

DiMauro will race a car that was raced successfully last year by Max Vidau with the car to be prepared and run by Vidau’s own MVA team – based in the Adelaide Hills – this weekend.

While wearing the team owner hat, Vidau will also don the headset and engineer the car across the weekend. Should DiMauro earn some silverware, Vidau stands to be one of the youngest drivers to ever find success across driving, engineering, and team ownership.

“Of course it’s cool to debut my own team in Carrera Cup, a category that’s really special to me. It’ll be a big weekend, I’m wearing lots of different hats, but we have plans in place for all circumstances,” Vidau said.

“Being a four-day event helps, the sessions are a bit more spread out than usual. It will certainly keep me busy, but it may be a good thing to get my mind on something different. Trying to hold that laser focus on a single objective for four days can take a lot mentally, so it might turn out to be one of those nice distractions and help keep my mind fresh for Super2.”

Season best grid ready for VAILO Adelaide 500 showdown

Title battles, new names and milestone moments on the cards at VAILO Adelaide 500

THE 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will finish on a high at the VAILO Adelaide 500 this week, a season-best 29-car grid locked in to tackle the world-famous Adelaide Parklands circuit.

Despite the Equity One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am class champions having been decided on the Gold Coast last month, there’s plenty to play for at the Adelaide finale’ that will see intense battles for second in each class come to a head, as well as the prestigious Enduro Cup titles be decided.

While Harri Jones sealed the Pro class title on the streets of Surfers Paradise last time out, the fight for second is particularly intense with four drivers very much in contention for the runner-up spot, and five fighting for a place on the season podium.

TekworkX star David Russell holds a solid lead over GWR / RAM driver Dylan O’Keeffe in the fight for third, with Jackson Walls and the fast-finishing Bayley Hall, both from McElrea Racing, also in contention.

And while he can’t finish second in the championship, sixth-placed Dale Wood remains a contender for a place on the season’s podium aboard his Connected Spaces EBM machine.

In Pro-Am, Adrian Flack is unbeatable for the series’ title however the fight is well and truly on between Matt Slavin (second) and Rodney Jane (third) heading to Adelaide. Just seven points split the first-year Carrera Cup rookie and the former Pro-Am class champion on corrected scores ahead of the final round.

Harri Jones leads Jackson Walls by just 10 points in the Equity One Pro Endurance Cup standings, with that title likely to be decided by whomever finishes in front in the longer of the three races scheduled for this weekend. In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack holds a marginally more comfortable 13-point enduro cup lead over Matt Slavin heading into that showdown.

Adelaide’s 29-strong entry list is the largest of the season, eclipsing the 27-cars that contested the opening round of the championship at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in March.

It’s the largest Porsche grid for an Adelaide 500 event in the prior 16 visits to the Adelaide Parklands circuit, with the field including 10 cars in SP Tools Pro-Am, 19 in Equity One Pro and 11 Michelin Junior drivers.

The field includes one driver on debut at his home event and another set to record a rare Carrera Cup milestone this weekend.

Making his Porsche Carrera Cup debut in Adelaide will be home-town driver Anthony DiMauro, who steps in to one-make Porsche competition following two successful seasons in the competitive Aussie Racing Cars series, where he proved a regular frontrunner.

DiMauro run a striking car featuring primary sponsorship from Koan solutions, an Adelaide-based automotive aftermarket industry business.

“It’s been a dream of mine to be on the Carrera Cup grid, let alone at the Adelaide 500,” DiMauro said.

“We’ve gone well in Aussie Racing cars in the past but the opportunity to step up is incredibly exciting. The Porsche product is so good and the racing so competitive it’s a dream to be behind the wheel.

“We have no expectations, we just want to get results and finish the races and improve as we go, but also really enjoy the experience as much as possible.”

DiMauro will race a car that was raced successfully last year by Max Vidau. The car to be prepared and run by Vidau’s own MVA team – based in the Adelaide Hills – this weekend.

Returning to the streets of Adelaide will be David Wall, who will reach another milestone in his remarkable Carrera Cup career this weekend.

The Sydneysider, the 2017 series champion, is set to start his 250th career race in the second of three races this weekend.

Wall will become just the second driver in series’ history to reach the milestone, Marc Cini the only other.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will hit the track on Thursday for a pair of practice sessions ahead of qualifying on Friday morning.

The Enduro Cup title will be decided on Friday afternoon in race one, while further sprint races on Saturday and Sunday will complete the round.

All sessions following Practice 1 will be live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and Sky NZ, while the races on Saturday and Sunday will also be broadcast live on the screens of the Seven Network.

ENTRY LIST – Round 8, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia – VAILO Adelaide 500

Hall sweeps, two titles sealed in Surfers shootout

Champion-elects named in both classes as fight for runner-up spots intensifies

BAYLEY HALL swept all three races to claim Round 7 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship on the streets of Surfers Paradise, while Harri Jones (Equity One Pro) and Adrian Flack (SP Tools Pro-Am) did enough to seal their respective championship titles with a round to spare.

Hall looked in complete control across Sunday’s two races, to go one better than his pair of wins at the same location in 2023 to sweep the weekend in absolute style.

He fended off race-long pressure from David Russell throughout the final race to complete the job and take the Equity-One Professional Class round win, the second of his career.

Hall’s weekend included pole and three victories and saw his race starts and cold-tyre pace in particular as key highlights.

Both of his round wins have come on the Surfers streets where he grew up watching his motorsport heroes in both IndyCar and Supercars.

Russell finished second overall in a weekend where he fought to keep his championship hopes alive aboard the Hire A Hubby / TekworkX Racing entry, his second consecutive runner-up finish – however his efforts to take the title battle to a final round only just fell short.

Russell charged to a pair of second-placed finishes on Sunday and was never more than a few seconds behind Hall all day, but couldn’t work his way past the home-town hero. A consistent weekend saw Dylan O’Keeffe finish third overall aboard his GWR / RAM Motorsport entry.

The big story on Sunday, however, came from champion-elect Harri Jones, who had watched Russell whittle down his more than 210-point championship lead to just 187 by the time the final race commenced; Jones needing to finish within one position of Russell to ensure the title was secured going to Adelaide.

Jones was one of several to benefit from a lap one, turn four collision between Jackson Walls and Dale Wood that parted the seas, helping him gain some ground.

With teammate Fabian Coulthard in front, the pair passed O’Keeffe – who was running third – for position mid-race before Jones’ passed his teammate to secure a critical third position within sight of the flag.

The result ensured that Jones provisionally takes a 181-point margin to the streets of Adelaide, meaning that even should he score no points and Russell sweep the weekend, the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport driver will be unbeatable in the championship.

It assures Jones of his second Carrera Cup championship and third one-make Porsche title in Australia, having earlier claimed the Michelin Sprint Challenge crown.

Attention will now turn to second in the championship with Russell set to battle O’Keeffe, Jackson Walls and a resurgent Bayley Hall for the final spots on the podium.

Adrian Flack’s pathway to the SP Tools Pro-Am championship was aided by his continuing strong form, the local driver sweeping all three races despite battling a hand injury sustained in his practice accident on Friday.

Flack had secured enough points by the time he claimed the Endurance Cup race on Sunday morning to become the first two-time Carrera Cup champion of the season – backing up his immense 2023 title with a win with a round to go this year.

Dean Cook enjoyed a strong weekend to secure second in Pro-Am on the Gold Coast, while Matt Slavin continued his strong run of form by finishing third.

Flack will head to Adelaide looking to seal the Enduro Cup title in SP Tools Pro-Am, while the battle for second in the class championship will be decided between Rodney Jane and Matt Slavin – the latter leading by just 7 points.

The Gold Coast weekend saw several outstanding performances with Ange Mouzouris’ pair of sixths not representative of his true pace – a Race 2 non-finish costing him a higher round result.

Ryder Quinn finished fifth overall in what was his most consistent Carrera Cup round yet and a personal best result for the young Queenslander, while on debut Kiwi Clay Osborne impressed with his speed and hovered around the top-12 all weekend.

The final round of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will see the series return to the streets of the South Australian capital at the VAILO Adelaide 500 this November, with both Pro and Pro-Am Endurance Cup titles to be decided, plus the minor placings in both classes overall.

The season will then conclude with the end of year gala to be held at the famous Adelaide Oval.

Hall extends Surfers Sweep with Saturday win

Pole, Race 1 win for local driver as home-track form continues

FRESH from scoring his maiden Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship pole position, Bayley Hall’s immense Gold Coast form has continued as the local driver stormed to yet another win on his home streets on Saturday at the Gold Coast 500.

Hall led the opening sprint race from lights to flag on Saturday afternoon, extending an early lead before consolidating his position as leader of the Equity-One Professional class pack as Dylan O’Keeffe (second) and David Russell (third) battled for the minors.

Adrian Flack led a tight battle in the SP Tools Pro-Am class as he fended off Dean Cook and Rodney Jane in a competitive three-car fight.

Hall converted his maiden TAG Heuer Pole award to a perfect launch and a clear lead into turn one, while fellow front-row starter Jackson Walls wasn’t quite so fortunate, being shuffled down the order aboard his Objective Racing entry.

Taking advantage was Dylan O’Keeffe, who battled with David Russell to secure second place.

Hall’s early lap pace was significant and he pulled a 1.8 second margin on the opening tour before O’Keeffe and Russell slowly ate into the lead as the race progressed, though could make no meaningful attempt at taking it away.

Hall led comfortably before a late-race Safety Car was called with less than four minutes remining, ensuring he safely completed the race in front to secure his third career race win.

It backs up his stunning debut race and round victories achieved on the Gold Coast last year – a circuit where he grew up watching IndyCar and Supercars heroes as a kid.

O’Keeffe and Russell’s podium finishes only served to intensify the fight for second in the championship, a tough day for Jackson Walls meaning O’Keeffe is now only four points out of third in the standings with five races to go.

Wood and Walls battled for fifth, however a post-race penalty applied to the latter dropped him down the order at the finish, elevating Angelo Mouzouris to fifth position in what was his best finish since round 2 of the championship in New Zealand.

Ryder Quinn was another to enjoy a strong day in finishing sixth which, with Harri Jones in seventh, ensured seven different teams were represented in the top seven finishing positions in the race.

Championship leader Harri Jones could only manage seventh in a challenging day for the Porsche Centre Melbourne racer, however he continues to hold an imperious lead in the title race.

Jones can seal the championship with a solid day tomorrow, needing to take 181 points or more into the Adelaide decider to be unbeatable this year.

Behind him, Glen Wood, Marcos Flack and Jackson Walls completed the top-10 in race one.

Non-finishers included Nash Morris, who suffered broken steering on lap two, and Harrison Goodman, who had contact with the tyre bundle on the exit of Turn 10 at the beach chicane. Both cars are expected to run tomorrow.

In Pro-Am, Adrian Flack passed several Pros early in the race before settling into his work in a strong battle with Jane and Cook.

Flack ultimately won by a narrow margin to further extend his championship lead. Like Jones, the Queenslander can seal his title tomorrow with finishes in both races.

Two races tomorrow complete Round 7 of the championship with the penultimate race in the Endurance Cup to complete the weekend on Sunday morning – Jones leading Walls by just five points in the Carrera Cup race within a race.

The third and final sprint race will then complete the weekend as the curtain-raiser to the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday’s action will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo, Sky NZ and also Channel 7 (race 3 only).

Wild day of practice points to intense Surfers weekend ahead

Bayley Hall, Marcos Flack lead the way following dramatic Gold Coast day

A TYPICALLY crazy day on the streets of Surfers Paradise points to a typically intense weekend of racing in Round 7 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship on the Gold Coast. 

An incident-filled day saw several high-profile contenders – including both the Equity-One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am championship leaders – find the unforgiving concrete walls across a pair of 25-minute practice sessions.

Those sessions were headed by Bayley Hall (Practice One) and Marcos Flack (Practice two) respectively, the former setting the quickest time of the day and the latter leaping to the top of the charts late in the second session in what turned out to be a qualifying-style shootout at the end.

Hall topped practice one in a session that saw championship leader Harri Jones collect the wall on just his second lap, forcing him out of the session.

It was a rare mistake from the championship leader who has swept all before him so far this year.

Hall’s effort ensured he picked up where he left off on the Gold Coast twelve months ago, the Surfers-based driver having claimed his maiden race and round victories at the venue last year.

Hall led Dale Wood by less than a tenth, while David Russell and Glen Wood were next – Adrian Flack topping Pro-Am and placing 11th outright.

The session saw a red flag interruption to recover two cars; the McElrea entry of Lachlan Bloxsom and the EBM car of Tom McLennan.

The former had hit the wall at turn 11, with the latter having nowhere to go and making contact with the rear of Bloxsom’s car, ending both drivers’ respective days.

McLennan was sent for precautionary checks on his neck following the incident and was discharged later in the day.

Practice two was equally scrappy as several drivers had large moments while they tried to find the limits.

The biggest moment of all was from Adrian Flack, who heavily found the concrete at turn 10 – the exit of the notorious Beach Chicane – late in the session.

Flack’s car was unsettled by the kerbs at the high-speed chicane, spinning him around at high speed and into the wall.

His Earl Bamber Motorsport team were assessing the damage following the session.

Flack leads the Pro-Am title race by a substantial margin – and can’t lose the series lead this weekend – however closest rivals Matt Slavin and

That set up a final dash to the end of the session in what was something of a qualifying simulation. There, Marcos Flack jumped to the top in an intense shootout at the end aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts / Sonic Motor Racing entry – beating David Russell to the punch by 0.03s.

Russell had previously jumped to the top of the charts but was beaten by a tiny margin by his young Sonic rival at the very end of the session.

Dale Wood was next, Bayley Hall fourth in another strong performance and points leader Jones fifth in his first real hit out of the day.

His teammate Fabian Coulthard, Dylan O’Keeffe, Glen Wood, Nash Morris and Ange Mouzouris completed a top-10 covered by just 0.59 seconds.

Dean Cook grabbed the top spot in Pro-Am over Rodney Jane, with Stephen Grove – who starts his 200th Carrera Cup race tomorrow – next.

Teams will work late into the Gold Coast evening to ensure all is sorted for qualifying tomorrow morning, the session due to start at 9:40am local (Queensland) time.

Race 1 will follow at 1:55pm with all sessions to be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, Race 1 also to be shown live on Channel 7.

2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia calendar confirmed

Queensland Raceway, The Bend return on new-look Porsche schedule

AN EIGHT-round 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will see Australia’s top one-make category return to iconic circuits new and old next year.

As well as maintaining a presence at Australia’s largest motorsport events, Carrera Cup will also compete at some of Australia’s best permanent circuits in a well-balanced 2025 schedule.

Carrera Cup will retain its position as the premier support category on the Repco Supercars Championship program in 2025 with every round hosted at major Supercars events and broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo, with selected key rounds also broadcast on the Seven Network.

The championship opens at Sydney Motorsport Park in late February at the Sydney 500, alongside the opening round of the Repco Supercars Championship.

The annual visit to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will serve as round two, before the Top End hosts Round 3 of the championship in mid-June at Hidden Valley.

Round 4 will see the championship return to Queensland Raceway in Ipswich for the first time since the 2008 season.

The circuit was a staple on the Carrera Cup calendar between 2003-2008, with Jim Richards, Alex Davison, Fabian Coulthard and Craig Baird (twice) claiming round honours.

The circuit has provided exciting action in recent Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia rounds with the same expected when Carrera Cup returns.

Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend returns to host the fifth round; Carrera Cup continuing to support the opening round of the Supercars Endurance Season at The Bend 500.

The blockbuster run to the checkered flag then includes the regular stops at the Repco Bathurst 1000, Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 and VAILO Adelaide Grand Finale to end the year on a high in South Australia.

Further details surrounding the 2025 season will be released in due course.

John Murray – Manager Marketing and Motorsport, Porsche Cars Australia

“The 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship features seven of the strongest events on the Repco Supercars Championship calendar along with our annual visit to the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

“Returning to Queensland Raceway works extremely well from a timing perspective and shows our support for a long-time Porsche Carrera Cup Competitor, circuit owner Tony Quinn. The same can be said for our return to The Bend alongside their new enduro.

“The calendar includes solid pacing throughout which, when coupled with the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar to be announced, gives our teams regular events throughout the year while managing logistical challenges throughout the season as well as possible.

“Our relationship with the Repco Supercars Championship is as strong as ever and we are looking forward to being part of their exciting 2025 championship.”

2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship

1. Sydney 500 Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW – 21-23 February
2. Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Albert Park, VIC – 13-16 March
3. BETR Darwin Triple Crown Hidden Valley Raceway, NT – 20-22 June
4. Ipswich Super440 Queensland Raceway, QLD – 8-10 August
5. The Bend 500 The Bend Motorsport Park, SA – 12-14 September
6. Repco Bathurst 1000 Mount Panorama, NSW –  9-12 October
7. Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 Surfers Paradise, QLD – 24-26 October
8. VAILO Adelaide Grand Final Adelaide, SA – 27-30 November

Title deciding weekend on the cards as Carrera Cup heads to Surfers

Plenty of title-defining storylines on the cards this weekend on the Gold Coast

A POTENTIALLY title-defining weekend could see two Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia champions provisionally add a second crown to their respective tallies this weekend on the streets of Surfers Paradise.

With two rounds and six races remaining in the 2024 title race, Equity-One Professional class leader Harri Jones and SP Tools Pro-Am point man Adrian Flack could both mathematically seal their respective championships this weekend should all go their way on the streets of the Gold Coast.

With 181 points up for grabs at each event, Jones’ Hastings Deerings Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport entry leads David Russell’s Hire a Hubby TekworkX car by 229 points after he claimed his fourth consecutive round victory at Mount Panorama a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, Flack leads the Pro-Am class by 345 points, however that will change when the classes’ ‘drop your worst round’ is added into the equation.

Even then, Flack, who’s worst round was Sandown where he scored 150 points and claimed victory on a countback, still leads by more than 190 on corrected scores with two rounds to go.

While both drivers are in commanding positions, the unpredictable nature of the Surfers Paradise street circuit will still see everyone on-edge for an upset this weekend.

A 26-strong field will be out in force to challenge the established contenders, while also fighting for a place on the season podium as battles for second, third and fourth in each class heat up.

Russell leads Objective Racing’s Jackson Walls by just 19 points, with Dylan O’Keeffe just 38 further back in fourth for GWR / RAM.

Connected Spaces driver Dale Wood in fifth is only 125 points out of second position while Bayley Hall is only 32 behind him and returning to a place where he captured his maiden Carrera Cup race and round victories twelve months ago.

Bob Jane T-Marts / Monster Wheels Sonic driver Rodney Jane and Ares Group / ASM’s Matt Slavin are battling over second and third in SP Tools Pro-Am.

The Gold Coast grid will see the traditional appearance of several graduating stars from the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series making their step up to the main game following last weekend’s conclusion of their own series.

Caleb Sumich, who made his debut at Sandown, will return to see out the season while New Zealander Clay Osborne will make his debut this weekend.

The 19-year-old is a multiple champion in karting and made his one-make Porsche debut late last year in Sprint Challenge.

He won three races and finished third overall behind the wheel of his McElrea Racing entry in this years’ championship, including winning the final race of the year at Sydney Motorsport Park last weekend. Osborne will race a brand-new Type 992 GT3 Cup Car with the support of his Sprint Challenge backer, Fendt Tractors.

Nine Carrera Cup drivers call Queensland home, adding a strong local flavour to this weekend’s round – the 18th visit by the one-make Porsche category to the Surfers Paradise streets.

A key milestone this weekend will see three-time SP Tools Pro-Am class champion Stephen Grove notch up his 200th Carrera Cup race start in race one.

He becomes just the fifth driver in series’ history to reach the double ton of Carrera Cup races, joining Marc Cini, David Wall, Rodney Jane and Nick McBride on the elite list.

Last year’s Gold Coast round was notable for particularly intense racing that saw Queenslander Bayley Hall break through for his maiden Carrera Cup race and overall victories – winning both Sunday races in style.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will race three times this weekend at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, with practice on Friday and Qualifying and the opening race on Saturday.

Two further races on Sunday – including the penultimate race in the Enduro Cup – will round out Sunday’s action.

The weekend will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo, with Races 1 and 3 also live on Channel 7 and 7plus Sport.

ENTRY LIST
Round 7, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia

Jones claims Bathurst round by one point following dramatic finale

Russell claims final race on the Mountain as dramatic conclusion to Round 5

HARRI JONES has won a fourth consecutive Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship round by a single point following a dramatic conclusion to Round 6 at Mount Panorama, Bathurst. 

He led home David Russell and Dale Wood in the Equity-One Professional class round results, while Adrian Flack claimed SP Tools Pro-Am over Rodney Jane and Matt Slavin in a dramatic round.

David Russell claimed his third race win of the year on Sunday at the Mountain as early leader Jones struck debris and slipped from the lead to fourth place early in the final 20-minute sprint race.

Jones’ had once again burst into an early lead from pole position however stuck debris at The Chase on the opening lap.

The impact tore the front splitter from his Porsche Centre Melbourne entry in the 250km/hr braking zone for the right-hander, forcing him to lock his front brakes and run off the road at high speed.

That handed the lead to David Russell, with Dale Wood second and a flying Jackson Walls third – Jones slipping back to fourth.

That order would have handed the round result to Russell’s TekworkX entry, potentially ending Jones’ streak of victories – however the race wasn’t done yet as Walls launched an attack on Wood for second position on the fifth lap at Murray’s Corner.

He clipped the inside kerb, which spun his Objective Porsche out of a potential podium position and handed Jones’ third place on the road.

That result was critical to the weekend overall as it gave the championship leader the round points lead by a single marker over Russell.

The leading trio finished in that order, Russell claiming his third race win of the season and eighth of his Carrera Cup career.

It also moves the TekworkX driver into second in the championship after challenging weekends for Jackson Walls and Dylan O’Keeffe put them behind in a furious fight for the runner-up spot in the the title race.

Fabian Coulthard continued his trend of moving forward across Carrera Cup rounds by racing to fourth following a feisty dice with David Wall, Bayley Hall, Glen Wood, Ryder Quinn, a recovering Walls and Ange Mouzouris completing the top-10.

Jones fourth consecutive round win continues his impact on the Carrera Cup record books – the feat just the fourth time in history that it has been achieved; Porsche legends Alex Davison (6 straight), Jim Richards and Craig Baird (four straight) the others.

Adrian Flack rebounded from a tough opening race to claim the SP Tools Pro-Am round by winning an eventful race three that saw plenty of drama.

Matt Slavin finished second in the race and Drew Hall third in his best ever Carrera Cup Pro-Am race finish.

Rodney Jane’s hopes of a Bathurst round win were diminished as he dropped down the order early in the race, while Sam Shahin’s weekend came to an end after a spin at the dipper saw his The Bend car stranded after hefty frontal contact with the wall.

Both Jones and Flack can not be topped in the lead of their respective classes at the next round of the championship at Surfers Paradise in two weeks time – both drivers assured of leading the way into the Adelaide finale’ in November.

The next round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held on the streets of Surfers Paradise at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 in two weeks time.

Jones adds another as huge fight highlights Bathurst race two

Furious battle for minors highlights wild second race at Mount Panorama

HARRI JONES and Adrian Flack continued on their Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship winning ways on Saturday at Mount Panorama – however all eyes weren’t necessarily on the leaders.

An incredible six-car fight for places in the back half of the top 10 saw three-wide racing on the final lap of today’s 25-minute sprint race in an incredible showcase of one-make Porsche racing on Mount Panorama.

Jones’ led today’s race from the start, gradually edging away from David Russell, in second, and Dale Wood in third.

Jones was unchallenged on his pathway to victory outright and in Equity-One Pro, ultimately becoming the only driver in the race to dip into the 2m05-second range during the race as he raced towards his twelfth win of what is becoming a dominant season.

David Russell locked in second place and Dale Wood third after fending off Michelin Junior champion in a race-long battle.

Bayley Hall finished fifth, ahead of Fabian Coulthard who was one of the race’s biggest movers as he charged up multiple spots at the start to finish in the top six.

The biggest battle, however, was fought out for seventh position as Nash Morris spent much of his race fending off attack after attack from David Wall.

The pair duelled for several laps, which dragged Dylan O’Keeffe, Glen Wood and Marco Giltrap into what had evolved into a five car fight.

The final lap was a thriller as Wall drew alongside as they battled at turn one, O’Keeffe also drawing alongside as they went three-wide up Mountain Straight – Morris, remarkably, managing to hold onto the spot as they charged out of turn two.

That battle went all the way to the line with Morris just holding on at the end, with Walls and O’Keeffe next after a thrilling battle.

The SP Tools Pro-Am fight went the way of Adrian Flack, who spent much of his race dicing with Lockie Bloxsom and Ange Mouzouris – who survived an enormous off at The Chase mid-race – to claim another race win.

Race 1 winner Rodney Jane finished second to continue to lead the round standings going into tomorrow’s finale’, with Matt Belford third.

It was a tough race for Race 1 podium finishers Sam Shahin and Matt Slavin as the pair came together at turn one – Slavin wide on the exit of turn one leaving Shahin with nowhere to go as he returned to the circuit, Slavin spinning across to the inside of the circuit.

The third and final race of Round 6 of the championship doubles as the curtain raiser for the Repco Bathurst 1000 on Sunday morning at Mount Panorama, commencing just at 9:15am local time with live coverage on Fox Sports, Kayo, Sky NZ and Channel 7 tomorrow.

Jones, Jane take Bathurst enduro as Walls seals Michelin deal

Safety Cars fill dramatic opening race at Mount Panorama

HARRI JONES and Rodney Jane claimed the winning honours in the opening Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship race at Mount Panorama, Bathurst as Jackson Walls sealed the first silverware of the season. 

While chaos unfolded in a 40-minute race – one that saw three restarts and several laps behind the Safety Car – Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Harri Jones and Sonic Motor Racing’s Rodney Jane kept their composure to claim the Equity-One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am wins in race one.

Meanwhile, Walls’ sealed the Michelin Junior championship with a solid fifth-placed finish aboard his Objective Racing Porsche from McElrea Racing, the Sydneysider now enjoying an unassailable lead in the prestigious Junior title race.

The 40-minute timed raced commenced with Jones getting the jump on the field to lead into turn one, while behind David Russell’s TekworkX entry was able to jump Dale Wood for second in the run up to turn two.

The field didn’t have long to race, however, as the Safety Car was called quickly following a hefty impact for Harrison Goodman at Reid Park, the True Grid Sonic entry touching the inside wall before making heavier contact with the outside concrete as the field took evasive action.

Following that recovery the field returned to racing only for the leading Pro-Am protagonists, Sam Shahin and Adrian Flack, to come together at turn two. While Sam was able to recover and continue onwards, Flack’s car was briefly stranded on the inside kerb which forced the Safety Car deployment.

That brief Safety Car then set up another restart, Jones once again fending off Russell to hold on to his lead, while Wood, Bayley Hall – who had passed Jackson Walls on the opening lap – and Walls all battled for position behind.

Jones was able to manage his position ahead of the field to clear his Hastings Deering Porsche of any attack from behind, while Wood defended his spot on the podium from a feisty Hall in fourth.

The third and final Safety Car was deployed within the final five minutes of the race when Marcos Flack spun his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry at the final corner, making heavy contact with the inside wall.

Flack and teammate Angelo Mouzouris had earlier in the lap traded paint as they ran side by side on the run through turn three to the Cutting while battling for 11th position.

The final Safety Car was a brief one, setting up a sprint to the flag over one final lap with Jones doing enough to claim the victory – the 16th of his career – over David Russell and Dale Wood.

Bayley Hall was fourth but couldn’t do anything about fellow Porsche Michelin Junior Jackson Walls, who finished right behind his closest title rival and sealed the Michelin Junior title.

David Wall gained ground early to finish sixth, Dylan O’Keeffe was seventh and Glen Wood eighth, while Fabian Coulthard and Nash Morris rounded out the top-10.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Rodney Jane survived the drama to claim his 34th career victory and first since the opening race of the season at the Australian Grand Prix.

Matt Slavin finished second to equal his best ever Carrera Cup race result while Sam Shahin recovered to third following the earlier incident.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field returns for a second race at 3:25pm AEDT on Saturday, with the final race of the weekend to run Sunday morning as the curtain-raiser to the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Jones sneaks Bathurst pole as Flack continues Pro-Am sweep

Grids set for Bathurst in busy on-track Thursday at Mount Panorama

HARRI JONES and Adrian Flack have each battled their way to their fifth TAG Heuer Pole Awards of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship season in a tight session at Mount Panorama, Bathurst. 

The intense 30-minute session saw drivers struggle to generate early lap time, before a brief red flag and subsequent resumption of play saw times tumble in a furious eight-minute shootout for pole at the end of the session.

There were several leaders in the outright ranks before Jones’ asserted himself on his 10th flying lap, his 2m05.1652s flyer enough to bump Dale Wood from provisional pole by just 0.0499 seconds.

Jones will line up on pole for both races one and two this weekend but had to work harder for pole today than he has in several sessions of late.

Wood set the early benchmark in the session before David Russell moved to the top before the red flag flew after Matt Belford made light contact with the wall at Brock’s Skyline having been squeezed wide over the exit kerb and spinning.

His ID Group car made light rear contact with the fence at a place where few usually escape such a moment, and was able to drive himself back to pit lane before resuming the session.

The red flag flew just as a majority of the field had pitted for a second set of new tyres and set up a sprint to the finish.

After much jostling for position on the out laps, it then became a straightforward shootout for pole at the end as Jones ultimately jumped from fourth to third and then to pole position late in the session.

With Wood second David Russell was third, however will line up second for the second race in what was a competitive day for the TekworkX racer.

Jackson Walls was a late improver and jumped to fourth late in the session while Bayley Hall was fifth in the sister McElrea car.

Dylan O’Keeffe, Nash Morris, David Wall, Glen Wood and Angelo Mouzouris completed the top-10.

The battle in SP Tools Pro-Am was almost as intense as Adrian Flack battled his way to the top spot for the fifth consecutive round.

The Agas National / EBM driver has now set the fastest time in every session bar one this year.

Flack grabbed pole by three-tenths of a second over Sam Shahin while Matt Slavin and a recovering Matt Belford were next.

Both Jones and Flack have assured themselves of the respective end-of-year TAG Heuer pole position awards, with no other drivers able to beat them this year.

Both also extended their respective championship leads by an additional point, with Jones now 181 in front of nearest rival Jackson Walls and unable to be topped this weekend.

The opening Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race of Round 6 at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, gets underway at 2:25pm PM on Friday afternoon – a 40-minute Bathurst encounter to also contribute to the Enduro Cup standings.

Two shorter sprint races will then complete the weekend, one each on Saturday and Sunday.

All races will be live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Sky Sport NZ, Channel 7 and 7plus this weekend.

First 2024 Porsche title to be decided this weekend at Mount Panorama

Michelin Junior crown up for grabs on the Mountain

THE PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship heads to Mount Panorama this week as key records continue to be broken in this year’s competitive title chase.

This weekend marks the 20^th Carrera Cup round at the iconic circuit in Country New South Wales, with the annual pilgrimage a feature on the championship calendar every year.

A 24-strong field will tackle the three races this weekend, including the Sunday morning curtain-raiser to the Repco Bathurst 1000, which last year was one of the most-viewed Carrera Cup races of all time.

Key storylines continue to unfold in the championship this year with one milestone to be decided on the mountain – the latest winner of the Porsche Michelin Junior Championship.

There, Jackson Walls and Bayley Hall will battle for the right to represent Carrera Cup Australia against the world’s best young one-make Porsche stars. Walls leads Hall by 147 points, with 181 up for grabs this weekend.

Walls, who sits second outright in the Equity-One Professional class standings, also leads the Enduro Cup standings by 20 markers with three of the longer-distance races to run this year.

While Harri Jones is 180 points in front of the championship – with 181 available in Bathurst – there’s lots on the line for second, third and fourth. Walls leads Dylan O’Keeffe by just five points, while David Russell is 43 further back in fourth.

O’Keeffe remains the only driver on the grid to finish every race in the top 10 this season.

Jones’ recent Sandown round win was just the 9^th time in history a driver has won 3 rounds in a row.

The Mount Panorama field welcomes back former series champion David Wall and his Wall Racing teammate, Drew Hall, who will make his first start of the season this weekend.

The SP Tools Pro-Am battle has seen a record-smashing year for title leader Adrian Flack, who has a comfortable 300-point lead over closest rival, Matt Slavin – though that is before the worst round score for the season is dropped, with only 7 of 8 championship rounds counting to the overall season.

Flack has helped to re-write the Carrera Cup record books this season with an incredible year so far.

His 13^th SP Tools Pro-Am round win, achieved at Sandown last time out, equalled Max Twigg for second on the all-time list (led by Stephen Grove on 17). Flack has won eight consecutive Pro-Am rounds, a series record. No driver in series history has won more than 6 in a season, irrespective of the class.

Flack has won 37 races, now second of all time in Carrera Cup’s Pro-Am class.

His twelve consecutive race wins between Race 2, Round 1 in Melbourne and Race 2, Round 5 at Sandown, equalled an all-time record held by Rodney Jane, set in 2006.

Flack now has 17 TAG Heuer Pole awards, the most of any driver in Pro-Am history.

He has scored 7 consecutive poles, dating back to Surfers Paradise last year. That equals the Carrera Cup record, set twice by Rodney Jane in 2006 and 2007. One more consecutive pole would be the most of all time in Pro-Am PCCA history.

British driver Harry King won the 2023 Carrera Cup round at Mount Panorama following a trio of intense races with a then-returning Harri Jones.

King and Jones’ battled all weekend long, at one point trading paint in a close moment at turn two.

King also set the Carrera Cup Bathurst lap record during the races, while Jones owns the Qualifying record and was the first driver to lap beneath 2m05 seconds in a Cup Car on Mount Panorama.

Action commences on Thursday this week with practice and qualifying, with one race each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Great Race program.

Every session will be broadcast live on Fox Sports ‘Bathurst Channel’ and Kayo Sports in Australia, and Sky Sports in New Zealand.

All three championship races will also be broadcast live and free on 7sport this weekend, on Channel 7 and the 7plus app.

2024 PORSCHE PAYNTER DIXON CARRERA CUP AUSTRALIA
Round 6, Entry List

Porsche New Zealand scholarship applications now open

Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) and Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) are excited to announce the opening of applications for their annual scholarship program. This initiative aims to support a talented young New Zealand driver in competing in the 2025 season for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, and a second driver in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.

Entering its fifth year, the Porsche New Zealand scholarship program has a history of excellence. Team Porsche New Zealand clinched both Australian Porsche championship trophies in 2023 and has been instrumental in advancing the careers of rising stars Matthew Payne, Ryan Wood, and Callum Hedge.

Currently, 2024 Carrera Cup Australia driver Marco Giltrap holds 7th place in the Michelin Junior Trophy, while his teammate Brock Gilchrist is contending for the top spot in the Michelin Sprint Challenge championship, with the season finale set for October at Sydney Motorsport Park.

The scholarship program benefits from the guidance of Earl Bamber, a two-time Le Mans 24-hour champion and former Porsche Factory driver. Earl’s extensive experience and commitment to developing New Zealand’s motorsport talent add significant value to the program.

This scholarship provides a remarkable opportunity to progress through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and enter the exhilarating world of international motorsport. Recipients will join Team Porsche New Zealand and compete in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia for at least one year, with the potential to apply for a Porsche Carrera Cup Australia seat in subsequent seasons. The scholarship includes the use of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car and partial funding for the 2025 season.

Applications are open until 11th October 2024. To apply for this scholarship, candidates will need to attach a CV that outlines relevant motorsport experience 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 on how to apply is available at porsche.co.nz/teamporschenz

Earl Bamber Motorsport Owner, Earl Bamber:
”We are excited to open entries for the Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship in 2025. Once again, the 2024 season has shown the pedigree of kiwi talent with Brock Gilchrist in Sprint Challenge Australia and Marco Giltrap in Carrera Cup Australia and Asia. We see a lot of exiting young talent in both Australian series but also in GT New Zealand and local go-karting, so we are excited to see all the applicants for 2025”

Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke:
“We have been pleased to see the 2024 season continue our successful track record for helping young kiwi talent excel overseas. This initiative not only highlights our commitment to nurturing local talent but also reinforces Porsche’s dedication to motorsport excellence. We look forward to discovering the next generation of Kiwi drivers who will represent us on the international stage as we open applications for the 2025 program.”

About Team Porsche New Zealand
Team Porsche New Zealand was established in late 2019 through a partnership between Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) to nurture and advance the careers of young New Zealand motorsport talents in Australia. This scholarship program offers promising drivers the chance to compete in the Carrera Cup Australia, a pivotal component of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, as well as in the Porsche Sprint Challenge, a crucial feeder series.

Based in Brisbane and managed by EBM, the team benefits from the expertise of Earl Bamber, a two-time Le Mans 24-hour champion. Earl himself advanced his career through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, competing in Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Super Cup, and ultimately becoming a factory driver for Porsche in both the World Endurance Championship and the North American International Motor Sports Association.

Annually, the scholarship program selects one talented New Zealand driver for a seat in the 992 GT3 Cup Car for Carrera Cup Australia, and another for the 991.2 GT3 Cup Car in Sprint Challenge Australia. With Earl Bamber’s extensive international racing experience and Porsche Motorsport expertise, the program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for young drivers to hone their skills and achieve success in their motorsport careers.

Tom McLennan to tribute to iconic Porsche look at Mount Panorama

Tom McLennan will tip his hat to a special piece of Porsche history at Mount Panorama for Round 6 of the Partner Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Championship next month.

The 19 year old Queenslander will drive his Earl Bamber Motorsport entry in a car that takes a modern twist to the ‘Pink Pig’ – first made famous on the Le Mans Porsche 917/20.

Porsche designer Anatole Lapine first used the pink body colour on a Porsche for the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and labelled each of the body parts according to the butcher-style cut of a pig.

At the time, the Porsche caused a sensation and the car was quickly dubbed ‘The Pink Pig.’

Fast forward more than 50 years and the iconic look of the 917/20 has been replicated many times in different racing and road-going Porsches around the world.

At Bathurst next month, McLennan will race his ‘Purple Pig’ – paying homage to the original Le Mans racer, with some subtle and modern differences, including the use of English words, rather than the German language used on the original.

The livery will carry support from McLennan’s regular partners Macpro, as well as a ‘thank you’ to the Porsche Club Queensland. This year, the club celebrates its 50th anniversary, and McLennan is a regular contributor to the club.

McLennan is no stranger to competition at Mount Panorama, having raced at the famous track in both the Bathurst 12 Hour and 6 Hour races this year.

The Queenslander finished second in the GT4 class at the 12 Hour and claimed fifth in the outright class in the 6 Hour race.

Carrera Cup will support the Repco Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama, with practice kicking off on Thursday, October 10, and qualifying held all the way through the weekend, culminating in the last of three races on Sunday, October 13.

Tom McLennan

#81 Macpro Porsche

“It’s really cool to run such an iconic Porsche colour scheme on our car for the Bathurst Carrera Cup race weekend,” said McLennan.

“The colour scheme and design of this car was first made famous over 50 years ago, and we’ve seen many different Porsches over the years use the colours. I feel honoured to be part of the history.

“It’s also really great to be representing Porsche Club Queensland at Bathurst. They are celebrating 50 years in 2024, and that’s no mean feat to be supporting its members for so many years.

“This is our first year racing in Carrera Cup, making the step up from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge. It has been a steep learning curve, but we are certainly making progress every time we step into the car.

“Mount Panorama is just the best track. And in the Carrera Cup car, it’s an absolute pleasure to drive around. I’ve done quite a bit of racing there this year, so we’ll be looking to put all of our practice and knowledge into use come race weekend.”

Jones takes Sandown as records roll in Carrera Cup season

Adrian Flack takes Pro-Am deadlock in countback result as series prepares for Bathurst..

HARRI JONES and Adrian Flack have once again emerged the big winners from a Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round, though it was by no means easy. 

The pair of championship leaders – Jones in Equity-One Pro and Flack in SP Tools Pro-Am – won the third and final race of round 5 at Sandown and by virtue of that also claimed the round.

Jones completed a perfect launch into a comfortable win over Dylan O’Keeffe and Jackson Walls on Sunday, breaking the lap record on his way to career win number 15.

He led home that same duo for the round podium with O’Keeffe in the top three for the second straight round, and Walls’ for the eighth time in his career.

It was Jones’ fifth career round win, the fourth of his remarkable season and ensures that he provisionally takes what is essentially a full round’s worth of championship points’ lead into Bathurst next month.

Flack, however had to fight even harder for his round victory amidst a thrilling four car Pro-Am freight train that would end up determining the race and round winners.

He held off Cook all race to win the race and take the round on a countback – by virtue of finishing higher in the final race. Matt Belford fended off Rodney Jane in the final corner to secure third for the race and the round.

Sunday’s race was the first this weekend held in dry conditions with everyone taking advantage of fresh Michelin slicks that hadn’t been touched since qualifying on Friday.

Jones’ led early while behind he and O’Keefe, Coulthard first passed Walls only to lose the spot promptly in the battle through the turn two, three and four chicane.

There was early drama behind as Glen Wood was turned around at turn one, the field splitting the stranded Ranbuild Porsche who was left a non-finisher.

Jones’ settled down in front, eventually re-setting O’Keeffe’s existing Sandown lap record with the first Carrera Cup racing lap in the 68-second range.

While the the top three ran lock-step for the entire race, Coulthard and Bayley Hall battled over fourth and fifth position with Nash Morris completing his excellent weekend in sixth.

David Russell, Ryder Quinn, Dale Wood and Lockie Bloxsom – in a career best weekend – rounded out the top 10, the five spending much of their race duelling for position in the back half of the top 10.

Behind, a furious fight for the minors continued with Ange Mouzouris, sans front splitter, spending much of the race fending off a battle pack that included Marco Giltrap, Tom McLennan, Caleb Sumich and teammate, Marcos Flack.

The Pro-Am fight went all the way to the line in what was arguably the most competitive event of the season for Carrera Cup’s race within a race.

With three rounds remaining, Harri Jones provisionally leads the Carrera Cup Championship’s Equity-One Pro standings by 180 points, with 181 available at Mount Panorama next time out.

Jackson Walls in second and Dylan O’Keeffe in third, however, are split by a much smaller margin, with David Russell fourth and Bayley Hall moving to fifth.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack leads by a healthy margin, while Matt Slavin, Rodney Jane and Matt Belford remain evenly matched in the fight for second, third and fourth.

The sixth round of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will see the field return to the legendary Mount Panorama circuit for the Repco Bathurst 1000 this October.

Carrera Cup streaks end on dramatic Sandown Saturday

Melbourne weather delivers wild day and unpredictable results

TWO of among the longest race winning streaks in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship history have dramatically come to an end in a typically unpredictable day of racing at Sandown Raceway. 

Two dramatic races saw a pair of winners each in Equity-One Pro and SP Tools Pro-Am, with the second race of the day delivering fresh winners in both classes.

Harri Jones and Adrian Flack claimed the wins in the first sprint race of the day, before a wildly unpredictable Enduro Cup race saw their winning runs ended.

Jackson Walls ended Harri Jones’ winning run at seven straight races in Pro, while Matt Belford took the Pro-Am win to end an Adrian Flack winning run that dates back to the Australian Grand Prix in March – 12 race wins ago.

The sprint race was held in fully wet conditions with Dylan O’Keeffe getting the best jump from the outside of the front row, beating Harri Jones into the first corner.

The pair then engaged in a tight duel for the lead, pulling away from the pack as they battled with intensity – both surviving several near-miss moments on an incredibly slippery circuit.

Jones would eventually pounce, grabbing the lead mid-race before pulling away from O’Keeffe. Bayley Hall spent his race fending off Fabian Coulthard before eventually claiming his first top three finish since Round 1 at the Grand Prix, with Coulthard next.

David Russell completed the top five with Walls, Morris, Dale Wood, Zac Best – on debut – and Glenn Wood completing the top 10.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack won his 12th straight race, beating home a recovering Sam Shahin and Rodney Jane.

Shahin started slowly having been unable to see the repeater start lights on the grid, while Jane’s podium was the seventh of his season.

The Enduro Cup race was intense before the red lights went out with a rain shower moments before the race casting doubt over whether wet tyres or dry were the best option.

Nine cars elected for slicks, while the contenders at the front of the field remained wedded to their Michelin Wets as the race commenced.

That would prove to be the winning decision as a shower mid-race removed any possible late-race advantage the slick runners would have had.

Through it all came Jackson Walls, who made a perfect start and then passed Dylan O’Keeffe to grab the lead early in the race.

He then fended off a mid-race charge from Jones to secure his second win of the season, his fourth overall and first since Taupo earlier this year.

It also saw the Objective Racing driver extend his lead in the Endurance Cup championship, having come into the round leading the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’.

Jones continued his momentum with a recovery drive to second – having slipped to third at the start – while a charging drive from David Russell late in the day saw him edge Dylan O’Keeffe to third place by less than a car length following a last corner move.

With O’Keeffe fourth, Nash Morris charged to fifth while Fabian Coulthard was sixth. Hall – who survived a wild 360-degree spin on lap one – Lockie Bloxsom – who scored his best ever Carrera Cup result – Ryder Quinn and Caleb Sumich completed the top-10.

Matt Belford won the Pro-Am fight, scoring his first win of the season in his ID Group / Melbourne Performance Centre entry.

Making the right call to start on wets, Belford jumped to the lead after early leader Dean Cook survived an off in the wet conditions.

With Flack and Shahin among those starting on slicks, Belford took full advantage and powered to victory – remarkably winning by a full lap.

Cook survived to second while Matt Slavin scored third in class.

A third and final race completes Round 5 of the championship on Sunday at the Penrite Sandown 500, with the sprint race set to start at 12:00pm – broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and Sky NZ.

Qualifying kings on top again at Sandown

Harri Jones and Adrian Flack secure season TAG Heuer Pole Awards at Sandown

THE KINGS of Porsche qualifying have continued their 2024 reign, as the grid was set for Round 5 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia in a chaotic, unpredictable session at Sandown today. 

Through one of the closest qualifying sessions of the year, Harri Jones (Equity One Pro) and Adrian Flack (SP Tools Pro-Am) scored the respective TAG Heuer Pole Position awards.

It was the fourth pole for each driver this season, meaning neither can be beaten for the season-long TAG Heuer Pole Award competition this year – assuring each a brand-new TAG Heuer timepiece at the end of season Carrera Cup gala in Adelaide.

Jones’ fourth pole of the year and seventh career effort saw him top the charts with a 1m08.7300s session in what he described as a ‘scrappy’ 30-minute session.

Jones’ becomes just the seventh driver in history to score three or more consecutive pole positions in a Carrera Cup season, while the Queenslander also now sits equal sixth on the all-time pole sitters list in Carrera Cup.

The Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport driver ended up just 0.1 seconds faster than Dylan O’Keeffe, who struggled early in qualifying before rebounding strongly to jump to second late in the piece aboard his GWR Australia entry.

McElrea’s duo of Jackson Walls (third) and Bayley Hall (fourth) were next, their efforts bumping the season’s only other pole winner, David Russell, to fifth by sessions’ end.

Fabian Coulthard equalled his best session of the year with sixth while a return to form saw Nash Morris a sharp seventh in his STM entry.

On debut, Zak Best qualified his EMA Motorsport car eighth while Marcos Flack and Dale Wood completed the top-10.

A red flag with 10 minutes remaining set up an intense run to the flag in today’s session with drivers’ having just six minutes to set a lap when the session removed.

Though several pushed hard to try and unseat Jones, at one point his advantage was three-tenths of a second before O’Keeffe narrowed the margin late.

The story was similar in SP Tools Pro-Am as Adrian Flack scored his fourth pole of the season – and fourth straight this year.

After struggling in practice, Flack’s 1m09.6993s flyer was within 0.96s of Jones’ outright pole position time and places his AGAS National car in 17th outright.

Sam Shahin qualified second on his return to the championship following a strong debut season in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, while last year’s Sandown winner Dean Cook ended his day in third – just 0.01s behind Shahin.

Rodney Jane was less than a tenth back in fourth with fellow home-town hero Matt Belford fifth. Matt Slavin, Stephen Grove and Marc Cini rounded out the 8-strong Pro-Am field.

Tomorrow will see a pair of races on the Penrite Sandown 500 program, with race 1 at 9:15am and the second – the Enduro Cup race – at 2:55pm.

Porsche Carrera Cup reaches 150 round milestone

Championship launches second half of 2024 season at Sandown 500

A MILESTONE moment for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will see Australia’s top one-make category contest its 150^th points-paying round this weekend at Sandown.

The championship has built a rich history in Australia since its debut in 2003, with some of the biggest names in Australian and New Zealand Motorsport having tasted success behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car.

This weekend marks Round 5 of the 2024 championship which resumes after a midseason break with Harri Jones (Equity One Pro) and Adrian Flack (SP Tools Pro-Am) leading the way.

A 26-strong field will tackle Sandown’s long straights and high kerbs this weekend, including the Porsche Carrera Cup debuts of young-gun Caleb Sumich and Super2 / Supercars racer, Zak Best.

The first Carrera Cup Australia round was held in 2003 at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit and was won by Jim Richards, who went on to dominate the inaugural season.

The 50^th round was held at the same circuit in 2008, eventual champion Craig Baird claiming the win aboard a Porsche entered by Peter Fitzgerald’s team.

The series’ milestone 100^th round also came in Victoria, Cameron McConville claiming outright honours at the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in 2017.

Of the 149 rounds contested to date, Marc Cini has the most starts of any Carrera Cup driver, contesting 131 rounds aboard his Hallmarc Property Group entry. The Victorian is the only driver to have started more than 100 rounds in series’ history.

David Wall sits second on the all-time round starts list with 82, followed by Rodney Jane (72), Nick McBride (71) and Craig Baird (66).

10 drivers have started more than a third of every Carrera Cup round contested, while 53 have started at least 20 rounds.

Other active drivers feature prominently in the round starts list, with David Russell (62), Dean Cook (55), Dylan O’Keeffe and Dale Wood (45 each) featuring in the top 15.

The championship has held rounds at 18 different venues, including two overseas – Sepang in Malaysia and Taupo, New Zealand. There have been Carrera Cup rounds in every Australian state and territory except for the ACT and Tasmania.

Sandown will host its 14^th event this weekend, equaling Albert Park on the list of most-visited Carrera Cup venues.

Only Adelaide (15), the Surfers Paradise street circuit (18 rounds) and Bathurst (19) sit higher on the list.

45 drivers have claimed Carrera Cup round victories over the journey, 30 of them claiming more than one.

Just three drivers have won 10 or more rounds, however, with five-time champion Craig Baird topping the list with 21 – in front of Alex Davison (17 round wins) and Jim Richards’ with 10.

On nine occasions a driver has won a round without winning a race, while 59 rounds have seen the winning driver sweep the weekend.

On five occasions two drivers have shared a round win thanks to the two-driver, Pro-Am races contested annually between 2013-2017.

72 different drivers have taken trophies home from Carrera Cup rounds, Craig Baird (43 podium finishes) and Alex Davison (40) unlikely to be toppled at the top of that particular leaderboard any time soon.

Of active drivers, David Wall sits equal fourth with Steven Richards on 21 podiums while David Russell (16), Dale Wood (15), Fabian Coulthard (14) and Dylan O’Keeffe (11) all sit in the top 10 of all-time trophy getters in PCCA.

Among the teams, McElrea Racing has claimed the most Carrera Cup round wins of all time with 27, just one solitary victory ahead of long-time rivals Sonic Motor Racing on 26.

Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport and Greg Murphy Racing have each won 14 rounds, while Jim Richards’ own team claimed 13 – with both Richards’ and Alex Davison driving.

The 150^th Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship round commences this Friday with a pair of practice sessions, with qualifying and three races to follow across the weekend at the Penrite Sandown 500.

Live broadcast coverage will be available via Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports in Australia, plus Sky Sports in New Zealand.

ENTRY LIST – ROUND 5, SANDOWN

EMA Motorsport to make Carrera Cup return with Zak Best

Porsche debut for experienced Best as EMA signals winning intentions

EMA Motorsport will make a return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Sandown Raceway this week, signing Supercars ace Zak Best to drive their Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car.

Best, 22, will make his Carrera Cup debut with the team at Sandown – the event to be a return to local competition for the Melbourne-based squad.

The car will feature Link Cold Storage & Transport as the major sponsor for the event.

EMA’s last race in Australia was their successful campaign at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in February, which delivered an outright win with their Porsche 992 GT3R co-entered with Manthey Racing, and victory in the Pro-Am class with the sister car.

The team’s last Carrera Cup start saw British driver Harry King claim all three races and the round at Mount Panorama last October, delivering EMA their first win in the one-make championship after several years of trying.

The team has remained extremely active in international competition, however, with the Manthey-EMA Porsche claiming the LMGT3 class at the Le Mans 24 Hours this year, while the team has also been a race winner in the DTM championship this year.

Best has completed several test days with the team ahead of his Sandown debut, including spending time with EMA’s international operations with a test at the famous Nürburgring in Germany, where he worked alongside now three-time Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup champion, Larry ten Voorde.

Round 5 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia will be held at Sandown Raceway between September 13-15.

ZAK BEST

“I’m excited to be back in a race car and to be joining a great category like Carrera Cup. Joining EMA Motorsport has been great and have this opportunity to build something good moving forward.

“Sitting on the other side was the first learning curve in adapting to the Porsche. With the rear engine the setups very different and warming the car is all different, but I am enjoying the experience so far and have had a few test days to get up to speed.

“To have the chance to run around the GP track at Nürburgring and lean off some of the really good guys over there was great – I worked with Larry ten Voorde throughout the day and that was fantastic.

“I don’t think many people have an idea of just how good EMA are. Hopefully we can show that they are there to win – they are a great team and it’s a privilege to be driving for them.”

MARCUS COLE – TEAM MANAGER, EMA MOTORSPORT

“We have been working diligently behind the scenes to return EMA to Carrera Cup this season and we are happy to have come to the point where we can announce that Zak Best will be in the #90 Porsche for Sandown.

“Zak has been very impressive in testing and is hungry to show what he is capable of this season.

“It’s exciting for EMA Motorsport to work with Zak and get back on track in a bid to continue our run of success in Australia, including the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Bathurst round of Carrera Cup Australia last year.

“The field is as competitive as ever but we know we are up for the challenge and with Zak we have the driver to do the job behind the wheel.”

Caleb Sumich to make Carrera Cup debut

Michelin Sprint Challenge graduate set for step up to main game grid

PORSCHE MICHELIN Junior Caleb Sumich will make his Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship debut at the Sandown 500 next week. 

The 18-year-old from Western Australia will graduate from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge to the main game of one-make Porsche racing with his existing team, McElrea Racing, and will contest three of the final four rounds of this years championship.

Starting at Sandown, Sumich will then also tackle the Gold Coast and Adelaide street circuits that round out the Carrera Cup year.

Sumich is a race and round winner in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia this year and currently sits fourth in the series with one round to go.

A graduate from one-make Radical Cup Australia competition, Sumich made his debut early last year before returning for a second campaign in 2024. He dramatically claimed the opening round of the championship in a three-way countback, by virtue of winning the final race.

Sumich has been testing his 992-generation GT3 Cup Car this year in and around commitments racing the previous-generation car in Michelin Sprint Challenge.

Sumich continues the ongoing journey of Michelin Juniors graduating from Sprint Challenge to Carrera Cup, the West Aussie having competed with current Carrera Cup racers Nash Morris, Marcos Flack, Marco Giltrap, Tom McLennan, Harrison Goodman and teammate Lochie Bloxsom last year.

Round five of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at Sandown next week.

CALEB SUMICH

“I’m super excited to finally make my Carrera Cup debut,” Sumich said.

“I’ve been watching it for a long time, basically since I was karting, and especially following the likes of Jordan and Aaron Love who like me are from the West.

“I’m excited to see what it’s like and learn what it’s like to race with these guys at such a high level. The field is strong and competing in the top Porsche category against guys who have raced and won at high levels of the sport is great.

“I love the 992, I feel more comfortable in it than the older car – it’s got more aero and it looks the best.”

ANDY MCELRA – Team Owner, McElrea Racing

“We’ve worked with Caleb since his debut in Michelin Sprint Challenge last year and his progress has been strong, so he’s ready to make the step up to Carrera Cup next week.

“Caleb has been splitting his time between his 991.2 GT3 Cup Car in Sprint Challenge and testing his 992 GT3 Cup Car with the long term plan of making a debut in Carrera Cup at some point this year.

“It’s a smart way to hit the ground running for a full season in 2025 and he’ll get lots of laps at circuits where you can’t test like the Gold Coast and Adelaide.

“It’s always exciting to see one of our talented youngsters making the step up as they chase their dreams and we’ll get to enjoy that again this week.”

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport lands in Australia

Brand-new GT4 contender arrives Down Under

PORSCHE MOTORSPORT’S latest and greatest contender designed for global GT4 competition has landed in Australia.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport represents Porsche’s latest iteration of its global contender for GT4 competition, with significant if evolutionary gains over previous models.

With a further allocation secured by Porsche Motorsport Australia, eight cars have now landed in Australia with a majority already sold to either returning or brand-new customers.

These include the car currently utilised by 2023 GT4 Australia winner Shane Smollen, who currently leads the Pro-Am standings in the 2024 series aboard his Method Motorsport-run entry.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport represents Porsche evolution at its finest with several improvements to performance, adjustability, accessibility and affordability over the previous 718 GT4.

Powered by a 4.0-litre flat six, the car produces 368 kilowatts in unrestricted form with power delivered to the rear wheels via a 7-speed PDK gearbox.

The latest car features shorter gear ratios for better performance and suitability at a wider range of circuits than the existing model.

The car weighs just 1330kg with the latest model featuring front wings, bonnet, doors and front aero components made from natural fibre composites to reduce weight.

Inside, the car features a steering wheel closely related to the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car and a Cosworth dashboard and data logging system. ABS, ESC and Traction Control settings are all adjustable from the cockpit, while dampers, spring rates and roll bars are all adjustable as well.

The car comes ‘turnkey’ and ready to accept balance of performance measures utilised by SRO GT competition at any event.

As well as the Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, the Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 RS Clubsport is also eligible for various national, state and club level racing events or for high performance track activities at the owner’s discretion.

Interested parties can contact motorsport@porsche.com.au for more information or to lodge an EOI, while the car will also be on display at the Penrite Sandown 500 alongside the fifth round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

John Murray, Director of Marketing and Motorsport, Porsche Cars Australia

“The exciting growth of GT4 competition in Australia has come at the perfect time to correspond with the local, formal launch of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

“We worked hard to secure an allocation of cars for Australia in anticipation that it would be a strong product that our current and future customers would be interested in.

“Demand for the car has been high and we are looking forward to seeing these cars hit the track this year, with more to arrive in Australia for the start of next year.

“Our Motorsport team are looking forward to continuing and expanding their support of Porsche competitors in GT4 competition in Australia, where we know this car will be an extremely competitive proposition.”

Porsche pathway well positioned in Superlicence restructure

Carrera Cup, Sprint Challenge recognised for their competition in updated points system

A REVISED Superlicence points structure ensures the Porsche Motorsport Australia pathway continues to provide excellent representation for drivers looking to progress to the Repco Supercars Championship. 

Motorsport Australia has announced a revised Superlicence points structure for 2025 with both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series well represented at the pointy-end of the allocations.

The revised allocations recognise the depth of competition in both categories this year, with both Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge featuring strong grids, high level competition and a host of talented young drivers taking part in the Porsche Michelin Junior Program this year.

This means young drivers and Porsche Michelin Juniors can rapidly accrue the required 15 points needed to obtain a Superlicence and a potential Supercars drive, while still making the most of the Porsche Pyramid in Australia and keeping potential international racing aspirations alive at the same time.

Success in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship awards 12 Superlicence points to those finishing first, second or third in the championship, with 10 points awarded to the driver finishing fourth and 8 to the driver in fifth.

Carrera Cup is one of only two categories within the revised structure that award Superlicence points down to 10th position.

Michelin Sprint Challenge competitors will receive 10 points for winning the title, 8 for second and 6 for third with points allocated down to 7th in the series standings.

A host of drivers have utilised the ultra-competitive Porsche pathway in Australia to progress to Supercars competition recently.

Cameron Hill, Matthew Payne, Andre Heimgartner, Cameron Hill, Ryan Wood, Jaxon Evans, Aaron Love and enduro wildcard Cooper Murray are all former winners or champions in either Carrera Cup or Sprint Challenge Australia in recent years, while David Reynolds and Nick Percat had success in Carrera Cup competition earlier in their careers.

While not requiring the Superlicence points any longer, David Russell, Fabian Coulthard, Dylan O’Keeffe and Dale Wood all tackle the Carrera Cup Australia championship alongside their Supercars Endurance season co-driver roles.

The full points allocation for 2025 can be found at the Motorsport Australia website here. 

Jones, Flack domination continues at pair sweep Sydney

Carrera Cup field heads to winter break with title contenders making their mark

HARRI JONES and Adrian Flack have swept Sydney before them to claim dominant victories in Round 4 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park. 

The pair head into a mid-season break holding commanding leads in their respective title battles thanks to imperious weekends at Sydney Motorsport Park that saw Jones take pole and three wins in Equity-One Pro, and Flack achieve the same in SP Tools Pro-Am.

Jones led home Dylan O’Keeffe and David Russell in the Pro class, while Flack was joined on the Pro-Am podium by second-placed Rodney Jane and Matt Belford.

With a two-month break prior to the next round at Sandown, Jones’ championship lead provisionally sits at 145 points, with Jackson Walls second and Russell third, just nine points further back.

Adrian Flack leads Matt Slavin and Rodney Jane in the Pro-Am class, though drivers will need to drop their worst round of the year prior to the end of the season, with only 7 of the 8 rounds counting.

RACE 3

Jones completed his Sydney sweep with another lights-to-flag victory ahead of Dylan O’Keeffe in Race 3 at Sydney Motorsport Park, however there was plenty of action in his wake. 

The two leaders finished well ahead of the chasing pack, which included a busy three-car battle for the final spot in the top three that at the line went to Fabian Coulthard.

The Kiwi had spent much of the race first in a battle with Marco Giltrap and then with David Russell and had passed the TekworkX driver to cross the line in third – however a five-second penalty for a driving infringement, related to the battle with Giltrap, ultimately saw the BWT Porsche drop to sixth in the final standings.

That returned Russell to the top three with Jackson Walls fourth and Garth Tander a stunning fifth.

The Bathurst winner started 15th but scythed his way through the field with better condition tyres than those around him, catching the battling Russell and Walls’ in the race’s closing stages.

Angelo Mouzouris, Marco Giltrap, Bayley Hall and Ryder Quinn completed the top-10, which included plenty of hard battles through the field.

Drama on the opening lap for Marcos Flack and Nick McBride dropped them down the order – the former recovering to 14th position.

Flack again won the SP Tools Pro-Am class ahead of Jane and Matt Belford, which also replicated the overall round podium.

RACE 2 (Endurance Cup) 

HARRI JONES posted another emphatic performance to claim his second straight Enduro Cup win on Sunday morning at Sydney Motorsport Park. 

As he did in race one, Jones nailed the start and used supreme cold tyre pace to build his lead over a racy Jackson Walls early, and was never headed from there.

Walls chased hard throughout the 45-minute encounter, the pair trading quickest laps and never split by more than three seconds – in turn, finishing 10 seconds ahead of third-placed Coulthard.

The BWT driver had a racy affair, slipping past Dylan O’Keeffe mid-race following a lengthy battle to secure his first top three finish since the Gold Coast last year. With O’Keeffe settling for fourth, David Russell finished fifth and Marco Giltrap sixth – the pair having battled for much of the race.

Behind them were challenging tails for some, Bayley Hall crossing the line just behind Giltrap before a five second penalty relegated him to 11th in the final standings. Tom McLennan (18th) and Garth Tander (17th) were also recipients of a track limits penalty.

Dale Wood, David Wall, Nash Morris and Angelo Mouzouris completed the top-10 in the enduro cup affair.

Adrian Flack secured his eleventh straight SP Tools Pro-Am class win, once again mixing it with the Equity-One Pro runners en route to 19th outright.

The victory was the 37th of his career, which pulled him clear of Stephen Grove in the all-time Pro-Am winners list – Flack now only trailing three-time class champion Max Twigg (48 wins) in the all-time leaderboard.

While Flack ran away in front, a furious battle was fought for second, third and fourth: Matt Belford fighting off Matt Slavin by just one-tenth of a second – with Rodney Jane right behind them with the trio split by just 0.4 seconds as the line.

Jones takes Enduro Cup race to build Sydney sweep

Flack continues Pro-Am streak as tight fight for second highlights Race 2

HARRI JONES posted another emphatic performance to claim his second straight Enduro Cup win on Sunday morning at Sydney Motorsport Park. 

As he did in race one, Jones nailed the start and used supreme cold tyre pace to build his lead over a racy Jackson Walls early, and was never headed from there.

Walls chased hard throughout the 45-minute encounter, the pair trading quickest laps and never split by more than three seconds – in turn, finishing 10 seconds ahead of third-placed Coulthard.

The BWT driver had a racy affair, slipping past Dylan O’Keeffe mid-race following a lengthy battle to secure his first top three finish since the Gold Coast last year. With O’Keeffe settling for fourth, David Russell finished fifth and Marco Giltrap sixth – the pair having battled for much of the race.

Behind them were challenging tails for some, Bayley Hall crossing the line just behind Giltrap before a five second penalty relegated him to 11th in the final standings. Tom McLennan (18th) and Garth Tander (17th) were also recipients of a track limits penalty.

Dale Wood, David Wall, Nash Morris and Angelo Mouzouris completed the top-10 in the enduro cup affair.

Adrian Flack secured his eleventh straight SP Tools Pro-Am class win, once again mixing it with the Equity-One Pro runners en route to 19th outright.

The victory was the 37th of his career, which pulled him clear of Stephen Grove in the all-time Pro-Am winners list – Flack now only trailing three-time class champion Max Twigg (48 wins) in the all-time leaderboard.

A victory in Race 3 would see Flack tie the all-time record for most Pro-Am wins in a row (12), currently held by Rodney Jane and set in 2006.

While Flack ran away in front, a furious battle was fought for second, third and fourth: Matt Belford fighting off Matt Slavin by just one-tenth of a second – with Rodney Jane right behind them with the trio split by just 0.4 seconds as the line.

Stunning Porsche night race goes to Jones, Flack

Action aplenty in Carrera Cup's star turn at Sydney Motorsport Park

THE Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia night race has gone to Harri Jones in a commanding victory under the Sydney lights on Saturday night. 

Jones led home Dylan O’Keeffe and David Russell in a lights-to-flag performance to take Equity-One Pro, while non-finishes for Dale Wood and Jackson Walls could prove costly to their title hopes.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack continued his winning ways, leading home Rodney Jane and Matt Belford in an action-packed battle.

In cold conditions, Jones made the best of the starts and charged his way to an early lead over O’Keeffe.

Walls lost ground early, while Fabian Coulthard was bumped wide on the exit of turn two, causing the BWT car to tumble down the order. It was in that opening exchange that Dale Wood struck issues in his Connected Spaces entry, damage to the left front corner of his car forcing him to the lane and out of the race.

As things settled down, Jones pulled away from O’Keeffe and Russell, who was holding of Jackson Walls and Marco Giltrap in a fight for third.

Walls wouldn’t remain there for long, however, the Objective Racing car slowly slipping down the order with what was later diagnosed as a slowly deflating Michelin tyre – thought to be from contact early in the race.

The Sydneysider would drop to eighth position before the tyre finally ran out of pressure, forcing him off at Turn one at high speed with two laps remaining. That incident brought out the Safety Car, under which the race would finish.

Walls was unharmed after the car made contact with the tyre barriers at turn one, however was forced out of the race.

The Safety Car safely delivered Jones his sixth win of the season and an extended championship lead, with O’Keeffe second and Russell third.

Marco Giltrap finished fourth, his best ever result in his rookie Carrera Cup season, and David Wall fifth at his home circuit. Behind them there were stories of progress through the field, including Ryder Quinn who grabbed sixth position and Angelo Mouzouris seventh.

Bayley Hall and Glen Wood were next, followed home by Garth Tander who climbed 15 positions after starting at the back of the field following his early collision in qualifying with Marcos Flack.

Flack was another to storm though the field, rebounding from a stall at the start to finish in 15th position, from 26th.

In SP Tools Pro-Am Adrian Flack won for the ninth consecutive time, however had to fight for it after scrapping with several contenders throughout the race.

The Agas National / EBM driver had climbed as high as 13th on the opening lap and ultimately crossed the line 18th to take the Pro-Am win and extend his already considerable championship lead.

Rodney Jane chased Flack for second position prior to the race-halting Safety Car and finished in the same position, while Matt Belford celebrated his 50th Carrera Cup race start with third in class – ahead of Stephen Grove, on his first Carrera Cup start in two years.

The Carrera Cup field put on a spectacular show under the Sydney lights, with two races to complete round four of the championship and signify the half-way point of the season on Sunday.

Provisionally, Jones’ championship and Equity-One Professional class lead has built to 118 points over David Russell, with Walls slipping to third and Wood to fourth thanks to their zero-scores in race one.

Flack continues to lead in SP Tools Pro-Am with Matt Slavin second and Jane third.

Sunday’s two races from Sydney Motorsport Park will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.

Carrera Cup cars to light up for Saturday night fight

Porsche field to help light the Sydney night

THE Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field will inject further colour and excitement to the Supercars Panasonic Air Conditioning SuperNight event tonight at Sydney Motorsport Park.

All 26 Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Cars entered this weekend will sport coloured LED lights running behind the front air intakes this evening, adding even more colour to an already spectacular show planned for this evening.

The colour-changing LEDs can be changed to suit each team or their specific branding at their discretion.

The lights are managed and powered through the factory Porsche ECU fitted to each car, utilising a function that allows for optional endurance racing specification lighting to be fitted for long-distance races.

That system, not regularly used in Carrera Cup racing, has been activated on each car for today only by the Porsche Motorsport technical team to allow the LED lights to function, with the lighting activated as soon as the cars headlights are turned on.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia will race for the first time this weekend as the curtain-raiser to the Supercars race Tonight, starting at 6:10pm.

Russell tops the charts in unpredictable Sydney practice day

Rodney Jane leads the Pro-Am field as Carrera Cup grid eyes qualifying in Sydney

DAVID RUSSELL has topped Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia practice at Sydney Motorsport Park – in a day where getting a real form guide was borderline impossible. 

The TekworkX Motorsport driver, who won in Taupo earlier this year, was the only driver to do a qualifying simulation in the first of two, 25-minute practice sessions today, topping the outright and Equity-One Professional class times by an enormous margin.

He then topped the later second session which was cut short just as almost the entire field was about to commence a qualifying simulation – meaning the only thing people learned today is that Russell is quick and that the remainder of the form guide is hard to read.

Russell’s 1m29.0635s flyer on brand-new Michelins in the first session was very nearly the quickest ever Cup Car lap of Sydney Motorsport Park’s 3.9km of flowing corners and undulations and ensured he topped the first session by more than a second.

Dylan O’Keeffe was second and Harri Jones third, with Jackson Walls and Angelo Mouzouris rounding out the top five.

In the second session, Russell’s 1m29.8326s saw him 0.2 seconds quicker than Jones, with O’Keeffe next.

The brothers Wood, Dale and Glen, were next with Fabian Coulthard sixth in the second session – Marco Giltrap, Garth Tander, Tom McLennan and Jackson Walls rounding out the 10.

Tander was a big improver between sessions, having ended practice one struggling with understeer and in 20th position.

The second session was stopped with four minutes remaining when Harrison Goodman’s Sonic Motor Racing entry pulled to a halt at turn 10, missing a Michelin tyre which had departed the car.

That, coupled with Indiran Padayachee stranded at pit exit with a suspected pit lane speed limiter issue, drew the session to a close without being resumed. The red flag flew just as a vast majority of the grid were about to embark on a qualifying simulation at the end of the session.

SP Tools Pro-Am was paced today by Rodney Jane, who edged out championship leader Adrian Flack by 0.15 seconds in practice two to set the quickest class time of the day. Jane’s Monster wheels / Bob Jane T-Marts car also ended up 16th outright and ahead of several Pro cars.

Flack was in close company, having earlier topped practice one, with Dexion GWR driver Dean Cook – returning having missed the most recent round in Darwin – completing the top three.

Round 4 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship continues tomorrow at Sydney Motorsport Park with qualifying and Race 1 amidst a busy day of on-track action.

Both sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, Kayo and Sky Sport NZ, with two further races set for Sunday.

Sydney, night racing return for Carrera Cup grid

First Sydney event in six years ready to highlight competitive Carrera Cup title fight

THE COMPETITIVE debut of Porsche’s 992 GT3 Cup Car at the fast and flowing Sydney Motorsport Park will highlight round 4 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia this weekend.

While the 3.9km circuit served as the launching point for the latest-generation car in 2022, and is the testing circuit for several teams, it’s yet to see a competitive lap turned in anger for the latest and greatest one-make racer from Germany.

This weekend will rectify that scenario with three championship races the first in Sydney’s West since the 2018 season and plenty on the line as the championship charges towards its half-way point.

It will also mark a return to racing under lights for Carrera Cup Australia, a feat only seen twice in the 20-plus year history of the category and only once for championship points.

A 40-minute endurance race held Friday night at the Gold Coast Indy event in 2004 marked Carrera Cup’s first night race, won by Alex Davison by under half-a-second over Jim Richards.

A pair of joint Carrera Cup Australia-versus-Asia sprints were then held under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2018 though weren’t for championship points.

This weekend marks the 11th Carrera Cup round to be held at Sydney Motorsport Park, the circuit having twice staged the Porsche Rennsport festival as well as a pair of Carrera Cup Asia and Australia joint rounds.

On the last visit in 2018, James Moffat won the round despite not winning a race while race wins went to Dylan O’Keeffe and Jordan Love. Eight drivers on track that weekend remain in or have returned to the championship since then.

There has, however, been a host of one-make Porsche racing at the circuit lately with the venue a staple on the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series calendar.

Sprint Challenge competed at last year’s Sydney SuperNight event, with Nash Morris claiming two race wins in Pro while a guesting Adrian Flack swept the weekend in Pro-Am. Along with Morris and Flack, six other drivers on the grid last year bring recent night racing experience at the circuit into this weekend’s round.

The field returns to Sydney all chasing Harri Jones, who was dominant on his way to victory last time out at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin.

A sweep of the TAG Heuer pole award and all three wins rocketed him to the top of the Equity One Professional class championship, with Jackson Walls second and Dale Wood third. Taupo winner David Russell remains fourth with a consistent Dylan O’Keeffe fifth, this weekend racing at the home circuit of his locally-based GWR Australia / RAM Motorsport squad.

Wood and Walls are tied atop the Enduro Cup standings in Pro, while Walls also leads the Porsche Michelin Junior standings following three rounds.

Already incredibly competitive, the Pro field is further bolstered by the return of proven winner Nick McBride and Bathurst champion Garth Tander, who will race a Grove Racing / EBM entry in his second solo Carrera Cup round start.

In SP Tools Pro-Am runaway championship leader Adrian Flack is re-setting the class record books and recently notched up his fifth consecutive round victory, a new benchmark for the class.

The return of Stephen Grove, however, adds even more competitive intent to the Carrera Cup ‘race within a race’ with the Victorian still the most successful in class history – his 190 races delivering 36 wins and a class-leading 17 round victories, along with three titles.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field gets underway on Friday with a pair of practice sessions, ahead of TAG Heuer qualifying on Saturday.

Race one will be held as the curtain raiser to the Supercars night race on Saturday under the bright lights at Sydney Motorsport Park, before a further two races – the first of which is the Enduro Cup affair – completing the round on Sunday.

All six sessions will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports and Sky NZ this weekend.

ENTRY LIST, Round 4, Sydney Motorsport Park

Nash Morris to utilise SMSP experience for Carrera Cup charge

Recent experience at Sydney Motorsport Park set to pay dividends for STM driver

Nash Morris will be hoping his recent experience at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) in a Porsche will put him in good stead for next weekend’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship round.

With the popular one-make category having not held a round in Eastern Creek since 2018, a large portion of the field won’t have had experience at the circuit in a Porsche – something that may give Morris an advantage for the event.

The Scott Taylor Motorsport rising star was last behind the wheel of a Porsche at Sydney Motorsport Park in July last year where he enjoyed a memorable weekend in the Carrera Cup’s feeder series, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia.

Morris picked up two victories in the category’s three races and was one of the shining lights for the round as he navigated the circuit with ease.

Having since progressed to the top level of the Porsche Motorsport Australia pyramid, as well as having the backing of Scott Taylor Motorsport, Morris is in a good position to build on a promising first half of the year.

The Queenslander enters the round on a solid run of form despite a mixed bag of results at the last round at Hidden Valley Raceway, where Morris hovered around the top 10 for much of the weekend – his best result of ninth coming in the third and final race of the round.

More recently, Morris joined team owner and Aussie Racing Cars competitor Scott Taylor in Townsville to take part in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series.

Morris had a strong start to the round before early mechanical issues caused drama, limiting him to a best result of fourth place in Race 3.

The 21-year-old will now focus on his return to the Carrera Cup as part of Supercars’ Panasonic Air Conditioning Sydney SuperNight, where he will contest three races over the course of the weekend.

One of the major highlights of the upcoming round will be the opening race of the weekend, which will take place under lights on the Saturday night in spectacular fashion.

The Panasonic Air Conditioning Sydney SuperNight takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park on July 19-21.

Nash Morris

#222 Scott Taylor Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 992

“I am very excited for Sydney and getting back into the Carrera Cup car,” Morris said.

“Coming off a challenging round in Townsville in the Michelin Sprint Challenge where we didn’t have the best weekend with lots of drama, I feel like we now have something to prove.

“Even though I have had previous experience at Sydney Motorsport Park in a Porsche, I don’t think it’s going to give me much of an advantage because I have been seeing a lot of people testing there over the past few weeks.

“I don’t like to have too many expectations. The Carrera Cup field is very strong and everyone is there for a reason.

“It’s going to be a fun weekend and I have faith that Ashley Seward and the STM crew will roll out a competitive car so I can take it to them.

“I am just excited to go there, because I love Sydney Motorsport Park. It’s an awesome track with high speeds. There are different types of corners and it changes a lot throughout, similar to Taupo.”

Grove, Tander to make Carrera Cup returns in Sydney

Champion drivers add to strong Sydney Carrera Cup grid

TWO Champion drivers will make a welcome return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park next week.

Three-time SP Tools Pro-Am Champion Stephen Grove will make his first Carrera Cup race start since 2022 at the Sydney event, while Garth Tander will return for a second solo-driver cameo aboard a sister Grove Racing-entered 992 GT3 Cup Car in the Equity-One Professional class.

Both cars will run under the Grove Racing banner and be prepared by Earl Bamber Motorsport, in what will be Carrera Cup’s first round to feature night racing in two decades.

The pair add further competitive depth to an already racy field as the championship charges towards its 2024 half-way point at the Western Sydney venue – the first time Carrera Cup has competed there since 2018.

Grove is the most successful Pro-Am driver in series history, winning the 2014, ‘17 and ‘18 championships and has 36 Carrera Cup race wins to his credit.

Along with focusing on the continued rise of Penrite Racing in the Repco Supercars Championship, Grove has also been racing extensively in both domestic and international GT3 competitions of late.

Grove will race a brand-new Type 992 GT3 Cup Car for the first time and tested at Sydney Motorsport Park this week.

Tander cameoed at The Bend last year, qualifying 10^th in the Equity-One Professional class before finishing 10^th, 9^th and 4^th in the three races respectively.

The five-time Bathurst winner will drive the same chassis that won the championship in the hands of New Zealander Callum Hedge last season and, like Grove, he also tested at the Sydney circuit this week.

Round 4 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences on Friday, July 19 with a pair of practice sessions, prior to qualifying Saturday afternoon and Race 1 under lights on Saturday evening.

Two further races conclude the round on Sunday, with full coverage across the weekend aired on Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports and Sky Sport New Zealand.

Stephen Grove – #4 Grove Racing Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car

“It’s been a long while since I’ve raced Carrera Cup but we took the car out and did a test at Sandown a couple of weeks ago and it just felt like home, it felt grouse, so I felt like I had to come back

“For me it’s about enjoyment this year. I’m certainly outside of the championship probability by about three rounds, but just to come back again, learn the tracks again and then we’ll see next year and have a really bit tilt at it

“But more than anything else what is really, really important to me is to have some fun. We’re heavily involved in motorsport in our program overseas with GT3, we have the Supercar team and we have this whole avenue of motorsport – I just want to have some fun which is the number one trick for me.”

Garth Tander – #87 Grove Racing Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car

“It’s great to be back in Carrera Cup. I had a great run last year at Tailem Bend and the preparations I found last years (enduro) races were really beneficial. This time we’re at Sydney motorsport Park – it’s a different track but one I’ve done plenty of miles at.

“I’ve got no real expectations of where I’ll end up on the grid or where I’ll end up racing wise. I know Carrera Cup is incredibly competitive and it’s incredibly tight. I’ve got Dale Wood as my teammate at EBM so all I’m interested in is trying to beat him!

“I didn’t know the 992 hadn’t run at Sydney Motorsport Park prior to turning up for a test day so it probably does help a little bit – but given all the championship drivers have been in the car all year and I’m stepping in for one, I’m not sure it’s a completely level playing field, but it probably helps me just slightly.”

Shahin, Manthey EMA claim Le Mans victory

Historic victory for Porsche with deep Aussie connections in iconinc enduro

AUSTRALIAN driver Yasser Shahin and German-Aussie team, Manthey-EMA, have claimed a remarkable victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s premier endurance race.

Adelaide-based Shahin shared a Porsche 911 GT3R with co-drivers Morris Schuring and Richard Lietz, the trio dominating the final stanza of the race after mechanical issues forced the sister Manthey Pure Racing entry to the wayside.

It was an historic maiden win for Porsche in the debut of the LM GT3 category in the iconic 24-hour race, and the 111^th class win for the brand at the event.

Shahin, Schuring and Lietz finished a lap clear of the GT3 pack in a race marred by several lengthy Safety Car periods due to heavy rain throughout the nighttime stanza of the race.

The result backs up the remarkable win by Manthey EMA in this year’s Repco Bathurst 12 Hour endurance held at Mount Panorama, and a podium finish in the recent 24 Hours of the Nürburgring.

“To be the first manufacturer to win at Le Mans with a GT3 race car is a unique story that nobody can take away from us,” said a delighted Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“That’s a chapter that we wrote in collaboration with all of our colleagues in Weissach. It was a new challenge for us. Congratulations to the Manthey EMA team, as well, the teamwork ran brilliantly. Things are also looking very good for us in the world championship standings, we managed to secure a lot of points. It’s a shame the number 92 911 GT3 R had technical problems. Of course, we’ll do a deep dive into that data afterwards. Now, it’s time to go for the world championship title.”

For Shahin, the Le Mans victory caps off a remarkable rise through the ranks of GT racing – one that only saw him commence racing at a national level a decade ago.

It was his first start at Le Mans and came after only one year behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3R.

He claimed a pair of GT World Challenge Australia titles in 2021 and 2022 before linking with Porsche to finish third in the 2023 season.

International competition beckoned this year, kicking off with a Pro-Am Class win at the Bathurst 12 Hour in February prior to embarking on a full FIA World Endurance Championship Campaign with Manthey EMA, driving a The Bend Motorsport Park-backed Porsche GT3R.

After a pair of challenging events to open the season in Qatar and at Imola, respectively, Shahin claimed victory in the six hours of Spa Francorchamps round of the championship last month, prior to his Le Mans victory.

The recent pair of wins rockets the team to the top of the LMGT3 category championship standings at the series’ half-way point.

Meanwhile, there were mixed fortunes for the trio of Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 entries in the outright Le Mans Hypercar category.

Polesitter Kévin Estre from France, André Lotterer from Germany and Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium battled for a spot on the podium until the end in the No. 6 car, with the best-placed works-run Porsche 963 a mere 1.167 seconds off third place at the end.

The sister car shared by Australian Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen from Denmark and Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki lost touch with the leading pack during the night, with the No. 5 finally crossing the finish line in sixth.

For the No. 4 entry, the dream of a Le Mans victory was shattered at 9:15 am on Sunday. Brazilian Felipe Nasr slid sideways into the barriers near the Indianapolis curves, forcing the vehicle into retirement. Previously, Nasr and his teammates Mathieu Jaminet from France and Nick Tandy from Great Britain had dropped back after several penalties and a repair stop due to a shunt with another driver.

Estre, Lotterer and Vanthoor continue to lead the FIA World Endurance Championship heading to their next round.

Jones, Flack dominant in Darwin display

Clean sweeps for title leaders in Darwin as new names feature on Carrera Cup podium

HARRI JONES has placed an early marker as the man to beat in the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, sweeping round three of the championship at Hidden Valley Raceway in one of his most dominant displays yet.

The 2022 Carrera Cup champion scored pole and all three race wins in commanding fashion in the Territory, powering his Hastings Deering CAT / Porsche Centre Melbourne Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car to his second win of the season and third of his career.

It also extends his title lead after three rounds of the championship as the series heads to Sydney for Round 4 next month.

Dale Wood continued his strong territory run, backing up victories in 2022 and 2023 with second overall in his Connected Spaces / Earl Bamber Motorsport entry.

Jackson Walls finished fourth and third, respectively, in the Sunday races to ensure he walked away with a podium finish to continue his push towards the championship lead.

Flack swept all three races in SP Tools Pro-Am to claim his third round win in succession this year, while Rodney Jane returned to the podium with a strong second overall in his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic racer.

Meanwhile, Matt Slavin stood on the podium for the first time in his career, scoring third overall in his Ares Porsche run by Ashley Seward Motorsport.

Sunday saw two highly competitive races that commenced with the 45-minute Enduro Cup race in the morning.

There, Jones launched from pole position and after seeing off Dale Wood at turn one, pulled away to execute a near-flawless performance to claim his second win of the weekend and fourth of the year in the Equity One Professional class.

Wood improved one further from his Saturday result to grab second and continue his strong recent form in the Top End, while Dylan O’Keeffe was third – having jumped Jackson Walls on the run to turn one only to spend the remainder of the race fending off the Objective racer in a fight for third.

Bayley Hall finished fifth having passed Fabian Coulthard for the spot mid-race, while Coulthard followed him home in the BWT Porsche.

David Wall was a solid seventh in front of Marco Giltrap, while the battle of the race waged behind for a coveted spot in the top-10.

Bottled up behind Nash Norris for much of the race, a furious fight saw the STM racer holding off Ryder Quinn, the Sonic duo of Angelo Mouzouris and Marcos Flack, Glen Wood and Tom McLennan in a huge six-car fight.

Quinn finally squeezed his way past to grab the spot and ninth at the line, while in a crazy series of laps Flack was able to work his way to 10^th, with Morris slipping to 11^th at the line – followed home by Mouzouris.

David Russell was a disappointed 14^th having ran his car off the road at turn one – having run in the top five early.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack continued his winning streak with a comprehensive performance, while Matt Slavin continued to gain ground to finish second.

Matt Belford finally had some Darwin luck go his way en route to third position, while Rodney Jane slipped from second to fourth at the line following a spin early in the race – Marc Cini completing the class runners.

The sprint race on Sunday afternoon was a more straightforward affair, Jones again powering away from pole position to sweep the weekend.

Wood and Walls followed, while Bayley Hall and Dylan O’Keeffe completed the top five.

David Russell completed a sound recovery to sixth position following his race two dramas while Fabian Coulthard and David Wall battled to the line – as they had done for much of the weekend.

Nash Morris and Ryder Quinn completed the top-10 finishers in a fast-paced race.

Flack claimed the Pro-Am win, while Rodney Jane, Matt Slavin and Matt Belford crossed the line locked together for second, third and fourth.

Following his clean sweep in Darwin, Harri Jones provisionally takes a 60-point championship lead into the next round of Carrera Cup, to be held at Sydney Motorsport Park in July.

Jackson Walls has climbed to second in the championship and Dale Wood to third, while Taupo winner David Russell leaves the Territory in fourth.

Dylan O’Keeffe holds down fifth in the championship, while Adrian Flack holds a commanding SP Tools Pro-Am lead, Matt Slavin now second in the standings and Rodney Jane third.

Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns at the Sydney SuperNight event on July 19-21.

Jones, Flack power to Enduro Cup wins in Darwin

Entertaining Enduro Cup race continues winning-streak for dominant Pro, Pro-Am drivers

HARRI JONES and Adrian Flack have each continued their impressive Top End form, charging to dominant victories in the 45-minute Endurance Cup race on Sunday morning at Hidden Valley.

Jones launched from pole position and after seeing off Dale Wood at turn one, pulled away to execute a near-flawless performance to claim his second win of the weekend and fourth of the year in the Equity One Professional class.

Wood improved one further from his Saturday result to grab second and continue his strong recent form in the Top End, while Dylan O’Keeffe was third – having jumped Jackson Walls on the run to turn one only to spend the remainder of the race fending off the Objective racer in a fight for third.

Bayley Hall finished fifth having passed Fabian Coulthard for the spot mid-race, while Coulthard followed him home in the BWT Porsche.

David Wall was a solid seventh in front of Marco Giltrap, while the battle of the race waged behind for a coveted spot in the top-10.

Bottled up behind Nash Norris for much of the race, a furious fight saw the STM racer holding off Ryder Quinn, the Sonic duo of Angelo Mouzouris and Marcos Flack, Glen Wood and Tom McLennan in a huge six-car fight.

Quinn finally squeezed his way past to grab the spot and ninth at the line, while in a crazy series of laps Flack was able to work his way to 10^th, with Morris slipping to 11^th at the line – followed home by Mouzouris.

David Russell was a disappointed 14^th having ran his car off the road at turn one – having run in the top five early.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack continued his winning streak with a comprehensive performance, while Matt Slavin continued to gain ground to finish second.

Matt Belford finally had some Darwin luck go his way en-route to third position, while Rodney Jane slipped from second to fourth at the line following a spin early in the race – Marc Cini completing the class runners.

Jones jets to dominant Darwin win

Adrian Flack takes Pro-Am win in top end opener

HARRI JONES converted pole position to victory in Race 1 of the third round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Hidden Valley, fending off early pressure from Jackson Walls to claim his eighth career race win.

Jones led home Walls and Dale Wood in the Equity-One Professional class battle amidst an intense 17-lap affair, while Adrian Flack won his sixth straight race in the TAG Heuer Pro-Am battle, finishing just in front of Rodney Jane.

In typically hot Darwin conditions, Jones made the best launch from pole, immediately covering his line from an aggressive Walls.

David Russell passed Dale Wood on the run to turn one to secure third, while the remainder of the field was tightly packed on the run to the first corner.

Contact in the middle of the pack between Tom McLennan and Ryder Quinn saw the latter spun into the outfield and later out of the race with gearbox issues in his Game Over Porsche.

A brief one-lap Safety Car saw the race restart with Jones continuing to lead Walls, gradually pulling away as he built his lead.

Wood slipped past Russell to grab third on lap three, while an intense battle continued behind for the minors with Coulthard, Wall, O’Keeffe and Hall fighting for spots within the top-10.

The top-10 ran lock-step for the majority of the race, though a key move came on lap 11 when Bayley Hall sliced down the inside of O’Keeffe at turn one.

There was further drama at the tight opening corner a lap later when Marco Giltrap hit Nash Morris under brakes, the latter spinning out of 10th position and the former penalised 15 seconds for the incident.

Out front, Jones edged away from Walls to claim a win by nearly four seconds, Wood home in a safe third to complete the podium.

David Russell and Fabian Coulthard completed the top five, the latter fending of David Wall in a drag race to the line by less than half a car length.

Bayley Hall was next, with O’Keeffe, Angelo Mouzouris – who started 12th – and Glen Wood completed the top-10 finishers.

The win was Jones’ eighth of his career and third of the season, the victory edging what was a  10-point championship lead to 29 heading to tomorrow’s Enduro Cup race and then final sprint.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack led from lights to flag but his sixth win of the season came under intense pressure from Rodney Jane, the Bob Jane T-Marts racer ultimately finishing just 0.4 seconds behind the class championship.

Matt Slavin finished third in class while Matt Belford started a strong second however a spin at turn five saw him spin down the order, ultimately finishing fifth in class behind Marc Cini.

Round 3 of the championship continues on Sunday at the betr Darwin Triple Crown with the Enduro Cup race starting at 9:25am (Live, Fox Sports and Kayo) and the final race at 1:55pm (Live, Fox, Kayo and Channel 7).

O’Keeffe ends Friday on top by tiny margin in Darwin sunshine

DOK on top in DRW, leads tight field by 0.03 seconds, with Adrian Flack on top in SP Tools Pro-Am

DYLAN O’KEEFFE has topped a typically tight day of practice as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship launched into the third round of the 2024 season in Darwin.

In fact, the margins weren’t just tight – they were tiny with just fractions of a second covering the leading runners and for that matter, the entire grid.

O’Keeffe, the 2018 Darwin winner, topped the day with a 1m06.8686s flyer late in the second practice session today to end Friday just 0.0326 seconds faster than Taupo winner David Russell.

Russell, aboard his TekworkX Motorsport entry, had topped practice one and ended the day second overall on the combined times from both sessions.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Matt Belford topped practice one before title leader Adrian Flack went quicker again in the second session to end the day on top.

Both sessions were held in typically scorching Darwin conditions with the ambient temperature 31 degrees and the track cooking at more than 45.

The day produced typically tight margins between the field with third-placed Harri Jones and David Wall all covered by just 0.05 seconds.

Despite that, the quickest time of the day was only 0.3 seconds behind Dale Wood’s existing Hidden Valley qualifying record, set at the venue last year, which bodes well for TAG Heuer qualifying tomorrow morning.

Behind O’Keeffe, Russell, Jones and the returning David Wall – making his first start of the year – Jackson Walls ended his Friday in fifth position with Bayley Hall sixth, both drivers setting their quickest times in the second of two 30-minute sessions.

Marco Giltrap, Dale Wood, Marcos Flack and Glen Wood completed the top-10 on combined times, with the top-10 covered by 0.37 seconds.

A majority of the field ran new tyres in practice in a bid to prepare for qualifying tomorrow, the new format this year – one that requires drivers to set two competitive lap times to set the grid for the first two races of the weekend – adding further intensity to proceedings.

Adrian Flack topped the SP Tools Pro-Am runners, putting his Agas National / EBM car 15^th outright and on top of his class.

Flack’s best of 1m07.6696s was 0.3 seconds quicker than nearest rival Matt Belford, but impressively only 0.80s slower than the outright quickest time set by O’Keeffe.

Rodney Jane was third in Pro-Am, ahead of Matt Slavin and Marc Cini.

Saturday’s action commences with Qualifying at 10:25am local time for the TAG Heuer Pole award, followed by Race one at 1:55pm.

Both sessions will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, with Race 1 also shown on Channel 7.

Porsche pack returns to Darwin ready for Top End battle

Series heads to Hidden Valley amidst streak of eight winners from eight rounds

REFRESHED and race ready following a lengthy break, the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship returns to the Northern Territory this weekend for Round 3 of an increasingly unpredictable championship battle.

This year marks the 11^th visit to the betr Darwin Triple Crown for Australia’s top one-make championship, with the series having first visited in its inaugural season in 2003.

21 years later it returns during a record-breaking streak that has seen eight different round winners from the past eight rounds – with nine from nine a real possibility.

24 cars will tackle the three races this weekend at Hidden Valley with the returning David Wall – the 2017 Carrera Cup Champion – back on track for the first time this year.

Wall will surely be a contender amidst the Equity-One Professional class contenders, though it is hard to determine one that couldn’t potentially win this weekend such is the depth of talent this year.

Former champion Harri Jones – the last man other than Dale Wood to claim a race win at Hidden Valley – leads the championship by 10 points over New Zealand winner David Russell, who ended a 59-round streak to claim his maiden round win last time out.

Jackson Walls sits third in the championship with his season highlighted by a series of remarkable recovery drives, the Sydneysider having passed 57 cars in just over 80 laps of racing so far this year.

The trio represents three different teams (Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport, TekworkX Motorsport and McElrea Racing) however will all be keeping an eye on the Earl Bamber Motorsport, Connected Spaces-supported Porsche entry of Dale Wood.

Wood heads to Darwin fourth in the championship but does so as the most in-form driver in the Top End thanks to an imposing track record at Hidden Valley in recent history.

As well as having claimed the last two rounds (2022 and 2023) at the circuit, wood finished runner-up in 2019 and has finished on the podium in three of his four starts there.

Wood has won the last five straight and six of the last eight races in Darwin, with 40% of his total Carrera Cup win tally coming in the Territory.

He has also scored the TAG Heuer pole position there in 2022 and 2023 and currently holds both the qualifying and race lap records at Hidden Valley as well.

Working against Wood will be the fact that only three times in the 21-year history of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia has a driver ever claimed three consecutive round wins at the same circuit – Porsche hall-of-famers Jim Richards and Craig Baird (twice) the only ones to achieve the feat.

Others to watch in New Zealand include Porsche Michelin Juniors Ryder Quinn – who is a stout fifth in the stansings -and Nash Morris, fresh from his first race and round podium finishes at the most recent round in New Zealand.

Morris will sport a stunning indigenous livery on his Scott Taylor Motorsport Porsche, fully embracing the Supercars Championship indigenous round theme this weekend.

Dylan O’Keeffe heads to Darwin as one of two former Hidden Valley round winners on the entry list, his success coming in 2018.

The RAM Motorsport / Dexion driver is one of only two this year – along with Harri Jones – to have finished every one of the six races held to date in the top 10, showing the volatility of the field this year.

In SP Tools Pro Am, the field will be trying to stop the dominant Adrian Flack who has claimed the last five straight races this season.

Flack won the season opener in Melbourne and then dominated in proceedings last time out to build a strong early lead in his title defense.

Sam Shahin is set to make his second start of the year, following his entry into two rounds of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship, at Imola and Monaco, respectively while Matt Belford, Marc Cini and Rodney Jane make welcome returns after missing the New Zealand round.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship hits the Hidden Valley circuit this Friday for a pair of practice sessions, prior to qualifying on Saturday morning and Race 1 later that afternoon.

Two further races complete the weekend on Sunday, with every session from Practice 2 broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports in Australia, and Sky Sports in NZ.

Races 1 and 3 will also be shown live on free-to-air on the Seven Network around Australia.

ENTRY LIST – Round 3, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship

Wall set for Darwin Carrera Cup return

Carrera Cup Champion adds more depth to Darwin grid

2017 PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia champion David Wall is back. 

After missing the first two rounds of the 2024 championship, Wall will make a triumphant return to the series at Hidden Valley this week with new support aboard his Wall Racing Type 992 GT3 Cup Car.

A veteran of 80 rounds and 236 Carrera Cup races, Wall is one of the series’ most successful racers ever however was forced to watch from the sidelines this year as he searched for sponsorship.

However, returning support from long-time backers including Brennan IT and Paynter Dixon, as well as new backers Innovation Race Cars, Muscle Car Warehouse, Upload Strength, SP Tools, Encore Corporate Cars and Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood will see the well-known #38 car return this week.

Wall’s Carrera Cup track record is formidable: his 2017 championship joined by third in 2016 and 2019, a runner-up finish in 2018, fourth in the 2021 season and fifth in 2022.

He finished third in the first race on the Gold Coast last year however damage in the finale’ saw him out of the round and also for last year’s Adelaide finale – the first round he had missed since returning to the championship in 2016.

Wall Racing has continued to field cars in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and TCR Australia this year, while Wall has also remained busy with a strong performance in the Bathurst 12 Hour enduro in February.

Action commences at the Betr Darwin Triple Crown this week with a Transporter Parade through town Wednesday night, followed by Track to Town on Thursday – which will feature three cars from the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship for the first time.

Cars are on track Friday morning for practice. Coverage this weekend will be available on Fox Sports 506, Kayo, Channel 7 and Sky Sport NZ.

STM shows off stunning Indigenous Livery

Scott Taylor Motorsport driver Nash Morris will compete in Round 3 of the Porsche Partner Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship in a stunning indigenous livery, designed by Daniel Evans.

The livery will be one of many amazing artworks on display at the popular Darwin Supercars event, with all of the Supercars teams and other entrants, including STM, embracing the indigenous celebrations.

The art adorning Morris’ #222 entry has been created by Evans, a proud Gamilaroi man hailing from the small country town of Coonabarabran in the northwest of NSW.

Currently residing on Bunjalung/ Kombumrri country (Gold Coast) for over 25 years, Evans runs an aboriginal business – Walkabout Warrior – that promotes indigenous arts in order to inspire others and to reach out to other communities.

He took up painting 13 years ago, using his contemporary style to deliver his unique and original pieces.

Evan’s art – titled ‘Dreamtime Connection’ – will be seen all around Morris’ Porsche, as well as the team’s transporter and team apparel.

Morris has enjoyed a terrific start to the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup season. After two rounds, he sits seventh in the standings and just 14 points outside of the top five.

The Scott Taylor Motorsport team will be very visible in Darwin, with the team conducting its second road trip to the Top End.

The team will make its way to the Hidden Valley Raceway track in its formidable road train and, like last year, will film a documentary of its journey.

Team owner Scott Taylor will also be jumping behind the wheel in Darwin, racing in the Combined Sedans class in an A9X Torana, carrying a tribute livery to the Bob Jane and Ian ‘Pete’ Geoghegan from 1978.

The betr Darwin Triple Crown will be held from June 14-16. Carrera Cup will be on track on Friday for practice, followed by qualifying and racing on Saturday and Sunday.

QUOTES

Scott Taylor – Owner/ Driver Scott Taylor Motorsport

“Darwin is definitely one of my all-time favourites every year, we look forward to the whole event, this year in particular given the involvement from Porsche representing the indigenous art and stories” Scott said.

“STM is proud to participate in events that bring communities together through sport and culture.

“We are excited to unveil Daniels artwork, its perfect, so we’ve extended his colourful, heartfelt picture and story to our transporter, team gear and various other vehicles – in fact, I think we’ll be keen to keep it even after this round!

“We are also pumped to be filming our second documentary ‘Hauling Down Under’, capturing the effort and the adventure of the road trip from the Gold Coast to Darwin.

“2024 is a new era for the STM team, Nash (Morris) is performing well in his first season of Porsche Carrera Cup, and we are looking forward to his continued development in the category.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my own driving experience, between the trucks and other race categories, like Aussie Cars and the upcoming Combined Sedans.

“It’s a few years since the  A9X Torana has been on a racetrack, it would be an understatement to say I am keen to get behind the wheel in Darwin”

Nash Morris – Driver, #222 Scott Taylor Motorsport Porsche

“The car looks awesome. It’s cool to have the amazing art and represent the culture and indigenous heritage,” said Morris.

“It’s a special thing to me. I have been involved in Team Racing Together and the Hyundai Excel racing program. Myself, Brodie (Kostecki), Broc (Feeney) and Anton (de Pasquale) have been involved in the team here in Norwell so to be able to all be on track together will be pretty cool.

“In Carrera Cup, it’s been an OK start to the season. I’d always like to be better. I had some great people believe in me, even when I made a mistake at the GP, they’ve keep backing me.

“We’ve shown what we can do in Taupo so it’s all about momentum and keep it rolling.

“I love the Darwin circuit and the event. It’s one of my favourites. The whole town rallies around it, so e I can’t wait to get to the track.

“I’ve only raced a Stadium Truck and a Hyundai Excel, so I’m not sure what I can transfer to a Porsche, but it’s going to be fun.”

 Daniel Evans – Indigenous artist

“When we embrace the Dreamtime, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of our purpose and place in the world. We recognise that we are part of a greater tapestry, woven with the threads of past, present, and future,” he said.

“Together through the Dreamtime, where our spirits dance with the stars and our hearts beat in harmony with the rhythms of the cosmos. Let us honour the wisdom of our ancestors and embrace the connection that flows through this mystical realm.

“May the connection through the Dreamtime awaken the magic within us all.”

ABOUT DANIEL EVANS

Daniel Evans, a proud Gamilaroi man hailing from the small country town of Coonabarabran in the northwest of NSW, introduces himself. Currently residing on Bunjalung/ Kombumrri country (Gold Coast) for over 25 years, Daniel shares his journey through his business, Walkabout Warriors, which began more than 6 years ago. Daniel’s unique talent lies in storytelling through contemporary Indigenous art. Not only does this form of expression allow him to communicate, but it also serves as a source of healing, reconnecting him to his culture and fostering a deeper understanding of his people. Thirteen years ago, Daniel turned to painting as a means of coping with the challenges of life. Unable to articulate his emotions verbally, he found solace in using his hands to create art. His artwork goes beyond mere expression; it serves as an escape and a profound connection to his ancestors, spirit guides, and cultural heritage. Through his artistic journey, Daniel has discovered his purpose: to guide others along their own paths. With his heart as his compass and the support of his ancestors, he endeavours to assist others on their journey back home.

“We are all walking each other home.”

Sam Shahin to contest Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2024

Former Carrera Cup Pro-Am champion to tackle international one-make competition

Sam Shahin will contest the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2024.

A multiple Pro-Am Champion in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, the South Australian will contest the eight-round international championship with Dutch team, GP Elite.

Shahin won the SP Tools Pro-Am class in the 2022 Carrera Cup Australia Championship, while also claiming the 2019 and 2023 Sprint Challenge Pro-Am titles in style.

His 41 Carrera Cup Australia rounds have delivered 7 Pro-Am round wins and 22 race victories.

He will contest the Porsche Supercup Pro-Am championship amidst an the incredibly competitive field this year.

The championship commences at the famous Imola circuit next week, before subsequent rounds at some of the most iconic venues in global motorsport.

Following the Imola round, the championship heads to Monaco, the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, Hungary, Spa Francorchamps, Zandvoort and Monza – all supporting the Formula 1 World Championship.

Shahin is one of several Porsche Motorsport Australia competitors to make the leap to international one-make competition, including Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love, Aaron Love, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove and Harri Jones.

Sam Shahin

“Supercup is an epic challenge, it’s the Everest of one-make car racing, but I’ve never minded a challenge!

“Just the thought of competing at places like Imola, Spa, Silverstone and Monza is enough to put the hair on the back of my neck on end. It is a special privilege to be able to do this and to represent The Bend at these incredible circuits.

“Porsche Supercup is incredibly competitive. The Pro-Am field is very small and the competition intense so even just making the grid is a challenge. At the front of the field the stakes are high with incredible and talented drivers – the best of the best from all over the world – competing for rarer opportunities up the motorsport pyramid, so I am very much aware of the challenge in front of me.

“GP Elite are a team with a lot of success and experience and are best placed to support my debut in Supercup and I am looking forward to working with them this year.

“This is going to be an experience to remember. Porsche Cup racing in Australia is a terrific platform and I am grateful for the wonderful experiences I have gained here.

“To commence the campaign at Imola, a circuit with so much significance to so many people for all of the reasons, is the stuff dreams are made of.

“I can’t wait to get started and put my best foot forward and really relish the experience. I intend walking onto the Imola track first up with my NACIONAL cap – one that I’ve cherished since Ayrton Senna’s sad passing many years ago at that circuit.”

Trans-Tasman Porsche relationship to grow following Taupo success

New Zealanders to travel to Australia following second-ever PCCA international event

THE success of the first Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round in New Zealand will lead to a furthering of the trans-Tasman relationship between Porsche Motorsport entities on both sides of the ditch. 

That’s the word from both Aussie and Kiwi Porsche Motorsport Management following a hugely successful weekend at the ITM Taupo Super400 event.

19, Type 992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars were freighted to New Zealand to compete at Taupo last weekend alongside the Repco Supercars Championship, joined by two local entries to create the largest one-make grid of Porsche GT3 Cup Cars in New Zealand for decades.

The effort required a significant collaboration between Porsche Motorsport Australia and Porsche Motorsport New Zealand and resulted in a hugely successful weekend.

Flow-on effects will include the two New Zealand entries – Sam Fillmore and Rick Armstrong – joining the Australian championship later this year.

Having both been rewarded with podium finishes in the SP Tools Pro-Am class at the weekend, the pair are already planning to contest several rounds in Australia later this year as a direct result of having competed last weekend.

Other Kiwi competitors have also shown interest in potential Carrera Cup cameos later this year.

Meanwhile, the opportunity to showcase the Australasian region’s top one-make championship along with its teams and drivers to the New Zealand Motorsport scene, resulted in significant interest from all areas of the sport across the Tasman.

Both parties will also work closely to open potential opportunities for Aussie competitors to compete in key Porsche-supported events in New Zealand, including the GT New Zealand Championship.

Plans are in place to continue to build the collaborative efforts between the Porsche Motorsport teams on both sides of the Tasman in a bid to continue growing the brand both in Australia and in New Zealand.

David Russell (Equity-One Pro) and Adrian Flack (SP Tools Pro-Am) claimed the respective class victories in the Taupo round at the weekend.

Porsche Motorsport Australia thanks the support of Porsche New Zealand, the Giltrap Group, Gibson Freight and other key partners who made the international effort a success, as well as the support of the teams and drivers for their efforts.

BARRY HAY

“We’re really pleased with the results of our New Zealand adventure,” Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Barry Hay said.

“Once we were there, everyone approached it in the right way and had a fantastic weekend. The racing was high quality and we put on a great show for the New Zealand fans which was a key objective.

“We will complete a full review of the event and see what the future entails. I think it is something we can do again, whether it’s next year or after a year or two is a question for later once the reviews are complete and we have all the feedback from our stakeholders. But there’s no doubting it was very a worthwhile exercise.

“The fact that the two Kiwi boys are keen to come and play in Australia later this year is testament to how well the weekend worked. They had a fantastic time, really raised their own personal level and competed wheel to wheel with the best Pro-Am operators we have.

“The beauty of Porsche Motorsport is they can come and do that on our side of the ditch driving the same cars the same way. It’s been a great outcome, and we can’t wait to see them in Australia later this year.

“We are working closer than ever with Nathan (Pilcher, Porsche Motorsport NZ Coordinator), Porsche Motorsport New Zealand and their team to build the relationship. It’s good for us, it’s good for New Zealand and it’s good for the sport, so we all want to grow it much bigger than it already is.”

NATHAN PILCHER

“The Taupo weekend was a huge success and great for the brand on both sides of the Tasman,” said Nathan Pilcher, Porsche Motorsport New Zealand Coordinator.

“First and foremost, Rick and Sam had a fantastic weekend and showed that our top guys in Porsche competition in New Zealand can absolutely compete head-to-head with the best in Carrera Cup.

“They’re well advanced in planning to come and compete in several Aussie rounds later this year.

“Porsche Motorsport has a huge and important history in New Zealand and having Carrera Cup on our shores was a key element in our plans to build it to a level where we know it can be.

“There’s already huge involvement by Kiwi’s in Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge and we want to build that, while having a really strong base at home for them to use as a launching pad to Australia and beyond, or just as a great place to race a Cup Car or GT3 car.

“We’ve all got some great ideas about how we can grow the brand here in collaboration with what our Aussie cousins are doing, and this weekend was a huge and vital part of that.”

Longest streak ends as Russell breaks through for Taupo victory

60 rounds in the making, David Russell has joined the Carrera Cup round winners list

DAVID RUSSELL has ended the longest drought in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia history, claiming his first ever round win in his 60^th attempt.

Russell, who moved to TekworkX Motorsport this season, had finished second on six occasions and had 14 prior podium appearances without a round win in his otherwise successful Carrera Cup career; but ended that streak in style today in Taupo.

Russell claimed the Endurance Cup opener on Sunday morning then finished a safe second in Race 2 to claim the round over Jackson Walls and Nash Morris.

Walls won the final race of the weekend after erupting from the second row of the grid, while Morris claimed his first Porsche Carrera Cup podium with a strong and consistent weekend in his STM Porsche.

Russell was thrilled to claim the round victory, just the second ever contested outside of Australia. He also becomes the 8^th different round winner from the last 8 events, equaling a category record.

“It’s a great feeling to come away with the round win,” Russell said.

“The AGP was down in the points so we’re looking at the long game but to get a round win is a bonus.

“To finally have it is good – we’ve had plenty of wins and podiums but to get the monkey off the back is good and hopefully we can continue to keep rolling with it now. Big thanks to the guys at TekworkX, they’ve given me a great car this weekend and I just had to execute as best I could.

“I just face-timed (Rob Woods, team owner) and he’s in great spirits.”

Walls’ runner-up finish was his strongest result since late last year and his race win was the third in his career – and first since the Grand Prix last year.

Morris’ podium finish continued his strong one-make Porsche form, scoring several round victories in Michelin Sprint Challenge last year.

The third and final race of the weekend was an intense sprint with Walls’ jumping polesitter Russell off the line and leading into the first corner.

He was able to pull away from the field, while Morris and O’Keeffe battled for third position for much of the duration.

Behind them was an intense fight for the back half of the top-10 as Bayley Hall charged his way to fifth position with a series of key passes, with Dale Wood, Angelo Mouzouris, Fabian Coulthard, Ryder Quinn and Marco Giltrap completing the top-10.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack extended his considerable championship lead by sweeping the weekend and claiming the overall victory.

Kiwi debutants Rick Armstrong and Sam Fillmore finished second and third and were, appropriately, tied on points at the end of the weekend.

Russell’s stunning New Zealand weekend has seen him rocket to second in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship standings, Harri Jones clinging on to a now nine-point championship lead.

Jackson Walls has climbed to third in the championship, on equal points with Dale Wood with Ryder Quinn fifth.

Flack continues to lead SP Tools Pro-Am over Matt Slavin and Dean Cook.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship field will return to Australia for the next round of the championship, to be held at the Betr Darwin Triple Crown in June.

Russell scores Enduro Cup opener as Taupo domination continues

Two from two for TekworkX ace in chaotic Enduro Cup season opener

DAVID RUSSELL has claimed the first Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship Enduro Cup race of the season, sweeping from fourth on the grid to claim the 45-minute encounter on Sunday morning in Taupo. 

In a chaotic start, Russell dodged a stalled Harri Jones to make early ground in the race, which commenced on a drying track that remained wet off line.

He then passed early leader and polesitter Dylan O’Keeffe to grab a lead he’d never lose, powering to his second win from as many starts in Carrera Cup’s first New Zealand round to take not only the Enduro Cup opener, but the Equity One Pro-Class too.

He now leads the standings heading into the final race and will start from pole position for the sprint race finale’ later on Sunday.

Jackson Walls charged from 12th on the grid to second to score a haul of championship points following a frustrating start to his 2024 campaign.

Nash Morris raced cleanly all race to score his first top three finish of his Carrera Cup campaign, running just two seconds behind the leaders for much of the race.

Dale Wood rebounded from a tough Saturday to finish fourth while O’Keeffe slipped to fifth position having led early.

He had to fend off Fabian Coulthard for much of the second half of the race with Bayley Hall, Marcos Flack, Glen Wood and Ange Mouzouris completing the top-10.

The drama commenced early as Harri Jones stalled at the start, forcing the field to take evasive action around the car starting from the outside of the front row.

Behind there was further chaos as Marco Giltrap also stalled, being clipped by Lachlan Bloxsom on his way through and removing both from the race.

Further behind, Dean Cook’s flying start resulted in a non-finish after he and Harrison Goodman bumped, forcing Cook across the circuit and into the fence.

The Safety Car was called early while the circuit was cleared prior to racing resuming.

Jones’ comeback trail resulted in 10th position at the line, however a 15-second penalty following contact with Ryder Quinn dropped him back to 13th at the finish – though he still scored the fastest lap of the race.

in SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack had things his own way on his pathway to a second win from two races, while Sam Fillmore raced his way though to second despite an early stop.

The IMS Racing driver had started on wets however switched to slicks during the early Safety Car to score second in class, ahead of Rick Armstrong.

The final race will see Russell start from pole position ahead of Morris, Walls and Mouzouris, while Flack will lead Fillmore away in SP Tools Pro-Am.

Russell delivers results in the Taupo Rain, claims Kiwi opener

Flack on top in Pro-Am in entertaining New Zealand opener

DAVID RUSSELL has returned to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia winners list, leading lights to flag to claim a rain-sodden New Zealand opener in Taupo.

In just his fourth ever race for TekworkX, Russell led home Angelo Mouzouris – in his best race yet – and Harri Jones to take the sixth win of his Carrera Cup career and the Equity One Professional class honours.

Adrian Flack survived an early scrape to claim the win in SP Tools Pro-Am with Rick Armstrong in second and Sam Fillmore in third.

The race started behind the Safety Car as solid rain fell over the circuit for much of the morning.

Racing at speed commenced after four laps under yellow, Russell pulling away from the pack while a charging Mouzouris pounced on Harri Jones to steal second from the former champion.

The Sonic racer pulled away from Jones and followed Russell closely for the remainder of the race, the pair finishing line astern just one second apart.

The result was Russell’s first win since Winton in 2022 and Mouzouris’ best ever in Carrera Cup competition.

“I tell you, that’s some of the toughest conditions I’ve driven in,” Russell said post-race.

“It’s just so wet and there’s a lot of standing pockets of water with all the changing track surfaces.

“The biggest thing was managing the braking inputs and keeping an eye on the gap because one wrong step and you’d be off.

“We didn’t go well at the Grand Prix but it’s how you bounce back. It’s a great team, great squad and I’m happy for the team and our group of sponsors too.”

Jones drifted from the leaders early in the race before coming on strong late, setting the quickest lap as he closed on Mouzouris late – ultimately setting the quickest lap of the race.

Behind the leaders, Nash Morris passed Dylan O’Keeffe to secure fourth position in his best ever Carrera Cup race.

Ryder Quinn finished sixth ensuing six different teams finished in the top six in the opening Taupo encounter.

A furious battle for the back half of the top-10 unfolded for much of the race as Dale Wood spent the early running fending off Fabian Coulthard’s Porsche Centre Melbourne entry.

It was a Coulthard – Wood sandwich for a while; Dale’s brother Glenn attacking from behind.

Both Wood brothers struck issues and speared off the circuit, allowing Coulthard to remain clear in seventh position. Glen ended 11^th and Dale 14^th after a challenging race.

Jackson Walls charged from outside the top-10 to 8^th position with Marco Giltrap a stout ninth and Harrison Goodman a big mover into the top-10.

In SP Tools Pro-Am Adrian Flack battled with Matt Slavin on the opening lap of the race before pulling away to claim another class win.

Slavin later struck issues with a right rear puncture, while Rick Armstrong and Sam Fillmore flew the flag for New Zealand to finish second and third.

In Qualifying, David Russell secured his first Carrera Cup TAG Heuer Pole Award since October 2015 as he powered his TekworkX Porsche to the top spot in a wet qualifying session.

Russell edged out championship leader Harri Jones by just 0.012 seconds while Angelo Mouzouris scored his best ever starting position, qualifying third.

Dylan O’Keeffe was fourth with Nash Morriss a personal best fifth.

Adrian Flack scored the TAG Heuer Pole Award in SP Tools Pro-Am, edging out Matt Slavin by just 0.07s.

In Qualifying for Race 2, Dylan O’Keeffe secured the top spot via the second quickest lap of qualifying, with Jones again on the front row of the grid.

Morris was third for Race 2 and David Russell fourth, with Flack again on pole in Pro-Am.

Racing continues tomorrow with the Enduro Cup race in the morning followed by the final sprint race of the weekend to conclude the round later in the afternoon.

Both races will be live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ.

Jones sets early benchmark as Porsche grid lands in Taupo

Championship leader on top as Flack leads the way in Pro-Am after Practice

PORSCHE PAYNTER Dixon Carrera Cup Australia championship leader Harri Jones has picked up where he left off at Round 1, topping the charts in practice as the championship made its debut in New Zealand today.

Jones’ 1m26.6403s saw his Hastings Deering CAT / Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport #12 car top the Equity One Professional class order ahead of Round 1 runner-up Dale Wood’s Connected Spaces / EMB Porsche and Dexion / GWR Australia’s Dylan O’Keeffe.

The same three drivers topped each of today’s 25-minute sessions as the field got up to speed at the 3.2km Taupo circuit.

Jones’ benchmark lap was only 0.2 seconds slower than the quickest time recorded in the Supercars Championship practice session, with the Taupo twists and turns well suited to the Type-992 GT3 Cup Cars.

“It was a really good day. This is a pretty awesome circuit and it’s great to be in New Zealand for the first visit by Carrera Cup Australia. The car felt awesome and the team and the preparation coming in have been great,” Jones said.

“It feels like we have rolled in our momentum from the Grand Prix which is awesome.

“I think the weather tomorrow looks challenging which means everything we learned today we throw out the window – I’m OK with the wet, I got a lot of laps last year in Europe in the rain and have a few tips and tricks up my sleeve.

“Regardless, it’s Carrera Cup – it’s always close in qualifying so we’ll see how it lands.”

Adrian Flack was quickest in the SP Tools Pro-Am class while the pair of New Zealand entrants – Rick Armstrong and Sam Fillmore – were competitive against their Aussie rivals in what is brewing as a competitive trans-Tasman battle this weekend.

Both sessions ran without stoppage with most drivers recording up to 25 laps today.

Friday practice was run in overcast and cool conditions however track conditions changed dramatically between the first and second sessions, the latter 25-minutes run following a 90-minute Supercars practice session.

On combined times, Jones’ was 0.2 seconds quicker than Wood with O’Keeffe third.

Tom McLennan was a strong fourth outright in his McLennan Motorsport entry, just 0.3 seconds behind the leader.

Glen Wood was fifth in the Ranbuild EBM car with Fabian Coulthard sixth in the second BWT PCMM entry. Scott Taylor Motorsport’s Nash Morris was strong in seventh with David Russell’s TekworkX entry next.

Marco Giltrap and Jackson Walls completed the top-10, with the group covered by exactly one second.

Adrian Flack topped the SP Tools Pro-Am class and was 16^th outright, 0.4 seconds quicker than Sam Fillmore’s International Motorsport entry.

Dean Cook, Rick Armstrong and Matt Slavin completed the Pro-Am runners across the pair of practice sessions.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field rolls into qualifying tomorrow at 9:05am local time, with the 30-minute session to set the grid for both race one and race two this weekend.

The first race will then be held at 1:55pm on Saturday afternoon prior to the first Repco Supercars Championship race of the weekend.

Sir Colin Giltrap 1940 – 2024

PORSCHE Motorsport Australia extends its sympathies to the Giltrap family and the extended New Zealand Motoring and Motorsport community, following the sad passing of Sir Colin Giltrap this morning.

Dubbed the ‘Godfather of New Zealand Motorsport’, Sir Colin is the grandfather of current Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racer and Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Champion, Marco.

Beyond that, the support of the Giltrap Group has been felt by a vast majority of the New Zealand drivers competing in Porsche’s one-make series in Australia for several decades.

New Zealand drivers have won 166 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races and 10 of the 19 championship titles won in the series’ history.

Current champion Callum Hedge was supported by the Giltrap Group on his way to the title last year, with Giltrap-supported drivers claiming both of Australia’s top one-make championships last year.

Porsche Motorsport Australia extends its sympathy and support to Sir Colin’s wife Lady Jennifer, their children and grandchildren, the extended Giltrap family and the broader New Zealand motorsport and motoring community in this sad time.

Porsche field arrives in New Zealand ahead of international racing return

Field set for Taupo battle as local drivers join Aussie stars of one-make Porsche competition

THE Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field has landed in New Zealand as the championship prepares to race internationally for just the second time in its history.

19 Type-992 Porsche GT3 Cup Cars and an array of team equipment, spare parts and infrastructure arrived in New Zealand last week, cleared customs, and were delivered to Taupo Motorsport Park circuit, three hours South of Auckland, on Monday this week.

Cars have been unloaded at the circuit today, with teams and drivers arriving from tomorrow to prepare for the ITM Taupo Super400 event this weekend.

The event, the Repco Supercars Championship’s return to New Zealand, is sold out with huge crowds expected this weekend.

The 19 cars shipped overseas this weekend represents two more than the 17 that competed at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia in 2017, when Carrera Cup Australia went head-to-head with the field from Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

David Wall won both championship races that round while only two drivers – Dean Cook and Dylan O’Keeffe – will race this weekend that were also on the grid in Malaysia seven years ago.

The Aussie-based contingent – which already includes two New Zealanders, in the form of former champion Fabian Coulthard and rising star, Marco Giltrap – will be joined by a pair of locally-based 992 GT3 Cup Cars this weekend.

They will be driven by experienced drivers Sam Fillmore and Rick Armstrong and prepared by the famous Kiwi-based International Motor Sport team.

The pair are staples of the domestic GT scene and have extensive local knowledge, while IMS have a remarkable track record of success both at home and abroad.

Fillmore and Armstrong will run in the SP Tools Pro-Am class this weekend with their cars running in the identical specification as the remainder of the field.

The New Zealand contingent in Porsche Motorsport runs deeper than only drivers, with two teams owned by Kiwi Motorsport luminaries.

Reinging champions Earl Bamber Motorsport are owned by the two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner, one of the best Sports Car racers in the world, while former champions McElrea Racing have strong Kiwi roots via owner Andy McElrea – who is the middle of three generations of New Zealand motorsport success.

Five-time Carrera Cup Australia Champion and multiple NZ Porsche champion Craig Baird serves as the series’ Driving Standards officer, a role he also shares with the Repco Supercars Championship.

The Aussie field is fresh from a fiery opening hit-out at Albert Park alongside the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the Equity One Pro class claimed by former champion Harri Jones aboard his Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport / Hastings Deering CAT entry.

He beat Dale Wood to the round win while teenage star Marcos Flack was a standout – scoring a podium finish overall and winning the third and final race, his first of his short career.

The Taupo field includes Ryder Quinn, the grandson of circuit owner Tony.

11 shipping containers and more than 35 Tons of freight have made up a massive logistical exercise to ship the entire Porsche field to New Zealand this week.

The logistics program, managed by Gibson Freight in conjunction and with support from Porsche Motorsport New Zealand and the Giltrap Group, ran smoothly with all cars and equipment delivered to the circuit on time.

Action commences on Friday with practice, with qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday and two races on Sunday.

All the action will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports in Australia, and Sky Sports New Zealand.

ENTRY LIST – Round 2, ITM Taupo Super400, Taupo, New Zealand

Huge logistics effort underway to ship Carrera Cup field to New Zealand

Containers of cars, freight on their way to New Zealand ahead of historic Kiwi adventure

AN ENORMOUS logistical exercise rarely seen outside of the Repco Supercars Championship will be responsible for safely delivering the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia grid to New Zealand, before bringing them home again afterwards. 

Round 2 of Australia’s top one-make championship will see the category compete outside of Australian soil for just the second time in series history when they compete at the ITM Taupo Super400 on April 19-21.

Freight logistics have been provided by Gibson Freight, who have decades of experience shipping entire racing categories around the world.

The challenge to ship the entire Porsche grid to Taupo commenced with the scheduling of the 2024 calendar, including the date of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

That date saw a tight turnaround between cars finishing on track in Melbourne and dates required to have containers loaded and sealed for shipping across the Tasman.

With round 1 of the championship completed on Saturday evening, a majority of teams remained within the Porsche precinct in Albert Park on Sunday to prepare cars before returning to workshops or loading directly on Monday and Tuesday following the event.

Eleven, 40-foot shipping containers have been used to freight the entire field to New Zealand, two having departed from Queensland and the remainder from Gibson’s Melbourne base in Tullamarine, where they were loaded following the Grand Prix event while teams were in town.

Six containers will carry the vehicles themselves, while the remainder have been allocated to take spare parts, team pit equipment and other necessities required for racing away from home.

11 containers will be used to return the field home with cars and equipment delivered back to their respective home ports in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne as required.

The total freight weighs more than 35,000 kilograms, with 19 Australian cars set to make the journey – to be joined by multiple Kiwi additions at Taupo in two weeks time.

This includes the usual array of spare parts provided by Porsche Motorsport for teams to access at the circuit if required.

As well as the enormous support from Gibson Freight, logistical support at the New Zealand end has been provided by the Giltrap Group and Porsche Motorsport New Zealand.

In total, more than 100 people will travel from Australia purely to support the second round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, in addition to the large number working on Supercars teams and series management.

BARRY HAY – Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager

“This has been one of the largest logistical efforts we’ve ever had to manage and it’s taken an enormous amount of effort from the entire team, and the teams coming to New Zealand, to make it happen.

“There are so many little details to consider, from making sure all the cars are completely clean and debris free when they are loaded so Customs in New Zealand are happy when they land.

“There were racking systems to be welded to carry spare parts for Porsche Motorsport and the teams, and that’s before you even loaded the cars.

“Fortunately Gibson Freight are the best in the world at this and their effort has been outstanding.

“All our teams have pitched in with the same effort they apply to making their cars go fast and as a result we’ve got the field on the Sea and they’ll land in New Zealand next week, get inspected, and then travel down to Taupo.

“Everyone is fired up to get on track and race internationally and there are going to be plenty of bragging rights to see who can become the first winners of a Carrera Cup Australia race on New Zealand soil.”

Flack elevated to maiden Carrera Cup win following Wood penalty

Sonic teenager promoted to victory following penalty

18-year-old Porsche Michelin Junior Marcos Flack has been elevated to the winner of Race 3 in Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

The Sonic Motor Racing Services teenager had finished second on the road to eventual winner Dale Wood in Saturday evening’s race, however a five-second penalty to the Connected Spaces / EBM driver promoted Flack to the win in just his sixth ever Carrera Cup race.

At 18 years and 15 days of age, Flack becomes the second youngest winner of a Carrera Cup Australia race in series’ history.

Wood was penalised for contact with Harri Jones in a combative battle in race three.

It drops the experienced Victorian to sixth on the road, promoting Jackson Walls to second and Jones to third.

The change of position does not change the round results with Jones still claiming the victory over Wood and Flack in third.

Jones’ round win was the first for Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport since Nick McBride’s triumph at the Adelaide 500 in early 2019.

It was Jones’ second career Carrera Cup round win and projected him to an early championship lead ahead of Round 2 in Taupo, New Zealand, in April.

Dale Wood wins Wild Albert Park Finale as Jones Claims Opening Round

Adrian Flack claims SP Tools Pro-Am race and round victory

Earl Bamber Motorsport’s Dale Wood has claimed the final race of the season opening Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup round at Albert Park, whilst fourth place was enough to give Harri Jones round honours in Equity One Pro.

Wood prevailed in a fierce battle for the win with Jones in the Melbourne twilight.

Victory in the final race wasn’t quite enough to give Wood the round win in Equity One Pro, the Victorian missing out by just a single point, whilst third for the round was decided on a tiebreak between Michelin Juniors Marcos Flack and Ryder Quinn, the former getting the nod by virtue of a second place in the finale.

SP Tools Pro-Am round honours went to Wood’s Earl Bamber Motorsport teammate Adrian Flack, the reigning Pro-Am champion sealing his second race win of the weekend to claim a comfortable round win.

Sam Shahin and Rodney Jane were also tied for points behind Flack, with The Bend Motorsport Park driver Shahin claiming second for the round through a race three DNF for Jane.

At the start of race three, Dale Wood made another brilliant start from second on the grid, once again getting the better of Harri Jones into turn one as there was carnage behind.

Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport driver Fabian Coulthard locked up trying to pass Carrera Cup rookie Glen Wood in the Ranbuild entry, spearing into the side of Wood, who in turn pushed Dylan O’Keeffe into the turn one runoff.

Coulthard and Wood both spun back onto the track, with the vast majority of the 27-car field all caught up in the aftermath of the initial incident, which left Coulthard with a 30-point penalty in the championship.

Nine cars took to the run off behind O’Keeffe, as Scott Pye, Nick McBride, Angelo Mouzouris, Lockie Bloxsom, Nash Morris, Matt Belford, Daniel Stutterd, Sam Shahin, and Marc Cini all took evasive action.

Several SP Tools Pro-Am competitors suffered race-ending damage, as Matt Slavin tagged Rodney Jane into a spin, with the Sonic entry spearing into the stationary Coulthard, whilst Slavin retired to the pits as the race went back to green.

Matt Belford also clipped the rear of Coulthard’s BWT entry, inflicting enough damage for the I.D Land entry to be forced into retirement after making it back to the pits, ending what had been a strong weekend for the Victorian in Pro-Am.

RAM Motorsport’s Dean Cook was the fourth and final Pro-Am driver who was out at turn one, having a separate incident after taking to the inside of the apex tyre bundle and collecting the side of Harrison Goodman.

With several cars strewn through turn one and two the safety car was called, with Wood leading from Jones, Bayley Hall, Ryder Quinn, and Marcos Flack, with Adrian Flack leading the reduced Pro-Am field in tenth outright.

There was drama at turn one once again off the restart, as Michelin Juniors Bayley Hall and Marco Giltrap both locked up and ran into the turn one gravel from third and sixth respectively, with Hall nearly spinning back onto the racing surface.

Ryder Quinn then ran wide at turn four, promoting another Michelin Junior in Marcos Flack up onto the podium, whilst Quinn continued to gradually fall back through the pack to finish sixth.

Flack would soon find himself with the best seat in Albert Park to witness the battle for the lead as Jones ranged up to the back of Wood as he charged towards a potential clean sweep of the opening round in Equity One Pro.

The 2022 champion would get the move done at turn eleven on lap nine, though in his vigorous defence of the top spot, he found himself pushed wide courtesy of a slight tap from the Connected Spaces entry of Wood.

Flack would be the big beneficiary as the Sonic driver was gifted second place, whilst Jackson Walls found himself right in the thick of the podium battle after his qualifying mishap, having stormed through from twelfth on the grid.

The Objective Racing entry swooped around the outside of the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport car of Jones at turn three on the following lap, the Queenslander having hurt his tyres following the touch from Wood.

Wood crossed the line just over two seconds ahead of Flack, with Walls holding on to the final spot of the podium ahead of a recovering Jones as second through to fourth were covered by half a second.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack was once again running firmly in the midfield of the outright field, finishing thirteenth outright in the Agas National entry, some six outright positions and twenty-two seconds ahead of Sam Shahin.

Having survived the first corner pileup, Daniel Stutterd claimed the final podium spot of the weekend in the SP Tools Pro-Am class, finishing a further eight seconds behind Shahin for TekworkX Motorsport.

The next round of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season will represent the category’s first ever visit to New Zealand at the ITM Taupo Super400 from April 19-21.

Jones the Class of the Field Once Again at Albert Park

Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport star goes back-to-back to open 2024 account

Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport’s Harri Jones once again proved the dominant force in a shortened second race for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Albert Park.

Though the race went green from start to finish, a disrupted Formula Two qualifying session meant that twelve of a scheduled fifteen laps were completed before the time certain cut-off.

The 2022 champion didn’t have it all his own way, but still managed to win by more than six seconds to solidify his championship credentials, with Dale Wood and Ryder Quinn rounding out the podium, the latter finishing as the top Michelin Junior.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Agas National’s Adrian Flack took an even more comprehensive win, putting seventeen seconds on his class rivals, and finishing ahead of several Equity One Pro runners.

For the first time all weekend Jones found himself on the back foot off the start, as Dale Wood’s brilliant reaction time, combined with a great launch off the line, promoted the Connected Spaces entry to the lead on the run to turn one from second on the grid.

Ryder Quinn also got a great start off the inside line of the grid, getting by the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport entry of Scott Pye on the run to the first corner to move into third.

David Russell’s race came undone at the first corner, clipping the tyre bundle on the inside of the corner apex and rupturing the right front radiator of his TekworkX Motorsport entry, consigning last year’s Bathurst 1000 runner-up to the pits.

At the front of the field, Jones made sure his time in second was short, making a commanding move on the inside of turn nine on Wood, and promptly drove off into the setting Melbourne sun.

The 2022 champion once again put his head down, building a two second margin by lap six over Wood, who found himself under pressure from the Game Over entry of Quinn.

By the end of the race however, Jones was the only driver lapping in the 1m 48s range, leaving Wood and Quinn to greet the chequered flag line astern some five and a half seconds ahead of Pye, who had a smooth run to fourth with Nick McBride completing the top five.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, Adrian Flack led from lights to flag in the Agas National entry, with the Pro entries of Tom McLennan, Lockie Bloxsom, Harrison Goodman, and Nash Morris all between Flack and the rest of the Pro-Am field.

Whilst Flack was untroubled in front, there was another entertaining battle for the minor placings, as Matt Belford, Rodney Jane, and Sam Shahin all found themselves in the podium placings during the race.

Belford lost a heap of ground and was lucky not to crash after a wild slide on the exit of turn one on lap eight, with Shahin, Jane, and Dean Cook all getting by the I.D Land entry.

The Bend Motorsport Park car of Shahin would claim second in the SP Tools Pro-Am battle, with the Sonic entry of Jane claiming the final podium position two seconds behind the South Australian.

Both Jones and Flack find themselves on their respective class pole positions for tomorrow’s third and final race, decided by the current round points as per the new weekend format for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.

In Equity One Pro, Wood and Quinn once again round out the top three for tomorrow’s grid, whilst in SP Tools Pro-Am Jane and Dean Cook (RAM Motorsport) will start second and third in class.

The third and final race for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Albert Park is scheduled to begin at 6:25pm AEDT tomorrow afternoon.

New partners to support Porsche Motorsport Australia in 2024

BWT, Coffex, Moutai, Versalux join Porsche Partners roster in new season

PORSCHE Motorsport Australia is proud to announce the addition of several new corporate partnerships to the ranks of those supporting the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

BWT, Coffex and Moutai will partner with Porsche Motorsport Australia in 2024.

The new partners join existing and longstanding supporters of Carrera Cup, including Carrera Cup title partner Paynter Dixon, Sprint Challenge and Junior Program title partner Michelin, Official Pro partner Equity-One, Official Pro-Am partner SP Tools, TAG Heuer, Mobil 1 and Amadio Wines.

The opening round of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be held at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend, March 21-24.

BARRY HAY – Motorsport Manager

“We’re thrilled to welcome these key brands, both new and returning to our group of Corporate Partners supporting Porsche Motorsport in Australia in 2024.

“We have worked hard to build our commercial base this year which only benefits our competitors and customers who go racing with us at 14 different one-make events throughout the Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge championships.

“Porsche is about offering a premium product to our customers and brands.. We are confident that we can deliver them value both on and off track, and at the same time our partners can work with us to build their brands and showcase their product at some of Australia’s largest events.

“It’s going to be a fantastic year and we look forward to working with our partner group to showcase their brands and the incredible product that is Porsche Motorsport in 2024.”

COFFEX
Official Coffee Supplier

PORSCHE Motorsport Australia is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Bean Alliance Group, via their award-winning Coffex brand, for the 2024 Porsche Motorsport season.

The renewed alliance will see Porsche competitors, teams and supporters fueled by Coffex Coffee beans this year in what has become a vital part of the off-track experience at each Porsche event – be it Carrera Cup or Sprint Challenge.

Coffex was originally established in Brunswick, in Melbourne, in 1959 and has been supplying beans and equipment to Melbourne’s café’s, restaurants, hotels, offices and homes for over half a century.

Today, Coffex has locations around Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia making them a truly international brand – just like Porsche.

Their award-winning range includes classic blends to specialty offerings to suit every Coffee connoisseur.

2024 marks the renewal of the relationship between Porsche Motorsport Australia and Coffex, with their coffee to be on offer at every Porsche round this year.

Coffex will also support a series of content pieces delivered on Porsche Motorsport’s social media channels dubbed the ‘Coffex Backstage Pass’, which will offer a deep dive into key people, teams, moments or highlights in and around the Porsche paddock.

BWT
Official Water Technology Partner
Presenting partner of the Porsche Michelin Junior Program powered by BWT

GLOBALLY RECOGNISED for their support of motorsport in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the FIA Formula One World Championship, BWT (Best Water Technologies) Australia joins Porsche Motorsport Australia as the Official Water Technology Partner in 2024.

Expanding on their existing support for Fabian Coulthard and the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport team, BWT products ensure the highest level of safety, hygiene and health in our daily contact with water.

With world-beating expertise, innovative technology, and high-quality products, BWTs mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives wherever water is concerned.

As the Official Water Technology Partner, a BWT station will be located in the Porsche Teams Lounge at every round of the 2024 championship, offering BWT Diamond Mineralized still and sparkling water to drivers, teams, guests, friends and families visiting at each round.

Additionally, BWT Australia have added their support to Porsche’s Michelin Junior Program, which is now ‘powered by BWT’. Their involvement with the group of 23 talented young rising stars of the sport commenced at the 2024 Porsche Michelin Junior Camp powered by BWT, held on the Gold Coast in late February.

The BWT brand has become synonymous with Porsche Motorsport around the world and Porsche Motorsport Australia is thrilled to welcome BWT Australia as an official partner in 2024.

MOUTAI
Official Celebrations Partner

PORSCHE Motorsport welcomes Moutai as the official Celebrations Partner of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

It means that when the racing stops and the party begins, Moutai will be there to help celebrate a successful race, event or season in 2024.

Moutai is the pinnacle of Chinese baijiu – distilled white spirits – and is the world’s most valuable liquor brand.

Moutai is named after its place of origin and produced exclusively in the town of Moutai, Guizhou Province in China.

The brand is already well known in Australia via their ambassador, racer Luke King, who competed with Moutai backing in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and prior to that, TCR Australia.

King and Moutai continue their relationship into 2024 with the driver to form part of their at event presence this year.

The brand will in 2024 support the entire series ensuring that their world-renowned product is enjoyed responsibly by the entire Carrera Cup field when it’s time to celebrate or relax following an event.

Moutai is available in Australia by major beverage retailers including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Vintage Cellars and Costco, among others.

VERSALUX
Official lighting partner

Versalux has been bringing state-of-the-art products to the Australasian lighting market for 40 years and has been integral to the evolution and revolution that is part of the lighting journey.

In 2024 they join the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia as the official lighting partner with their expertise and product to be pressed into action at every round throughout the Porsche Motorsport paddock and teams lounge area.

Versalux enjoys a heritage that spans 4 decades has forged a solid profile in many facets of commercial and industrial lighting and established strong relationships with key international suppliers. We are proud of our great depth of lighting experience and repertoire of major projects within Australia and New Zealand across a diverse range of markets and products.

That rich history extends to our relationships with market leading luminaire manufacturers such as Architech, Quality Art, the Glamox Luxo group, Mooslicht, Faeber, LYA, Ares and Abel.

Jones Crushes Field in Carrera Cup Season Opener

Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport claim first win since Adelaide 2019

A season in Europe has done Harri Jones the world of good as he took a commanding lights-to-flag victory in the season opening Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia race at Albert Park.

Jones was in a league of his own at the front of the field, winning by almost seven seconds, whilst top Michelin Junior Bayley Hall and Dale Wood fought their way to the final steps on the podium.

The win for Jones breaks a long victory drought for Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport, whose last win came in March 2019 on the streets of Adelaide.

The race for the SP Tools Pro-Am win was just as spectacular, with Rodney Jane claiming the spoils over Adrian Flack and Matt Belford.

There was a slight adjustment to the starting grid prior to the start of the race, as Marcos Flack was handed a three-place grid penalty for pit lane speeding in qualifying, dropping from the front row to fifth.

Fellow Michelin Junior Ryder Quinn was promoted to the front row, the Game Over entry starting alongside 2022 champion Jones.

Jones made the most of his pole position as Quinn lit up the rear tyres off the start, as the 27-car field made it away cleanly from the first start of the season.

Towards the rear of the field, Carrera Cup debutant Harrison Goodman was tagged into a spin at turn one after contact from SP Tools Pro-Am competitor Matt Slavin.

There would be further drama on the opening lap, as Scott Pye’s first round cameo hit a snag after he damaged the right front radiator of his Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport entry, forcing his immediate retirement.

Pye’s teammate Fabian Coulthard also had a hairy moment on lap one, running through the gravel at the exit of turn twelve and ripping the front splitter off his BWT entry.

Whilst two of the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport entries were in trouble, the third entry of Jones had blazed to a two and a half second lead at the end of lap one, as Ryder Quinn was on the defensive from Bayley Hall and Nick McBride.

Dale Wood joined the battle as he threw his Connected Spaces entry down the inside of McBride’s Hallmarc entry for fourth at turn one on lap two.

McBride’s race wouldn’t continue much further, coming to a halt on the outside of turn nine with an apparent mechanical issue, as his bad luck from 2023 carried over into the new year.

The McBride situation was initially handled under a local yellow, before the first safety car of the season was called on lap three.

After a single lap, the green flags came back out and Jones once again put his head down, though this time Quinn was far more aggressive, riding the rear bumper of the 2022 champion before the field was released.

Meanwhile Bayley Hall found himself under siege after running wide at turn one on lap six, with Dale Wood, Marcos Flack, and Marco Giltrap all looking to capitalise on Hall’s poor corner exit.

The battle was once again halted by the second appearance of the safety car after SP Tools Pro-Am runner Daniel Stutterd spun at turn one and was unable to get restarted.

The race went green for the final time with four laps to go, and Jones once again put the hammer down, whilst the battle for the minor placings reached a new level of intensity.

Ryder Quinn’s resistance was eventually undone when Hall got by at turn one on the penultimate lap, with Wood muscling his way by a few corners later at turn five.

In the battle for SP Tools Pro-Am, Dean Cook led the early running from pole position before Rodney Jane made the decisive move in the brief window between the two safety car periods.

The race for the minor positions in Pro-Am also heated up in the closing stages, as Adrian Flack made his way by the pole-sitter with a bold move at turn six off the final restart on lap ten.

Cook then fell off the podium on the following lap, as Matt Belford found his way onto the podium in the I.D Land entry, a position he would hold to the finish as Cook found himself overtaken by a couple of Equity One Pro entries.

Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia returns to Albert Park for Race Two tomorrow afternoon at 6:25pm AEST.

Jones Claims Albert Park Poles in Dominant Fashion

New qualifying format sets grid for first two races of 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season.

Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport’s Harri Jones has sent a statement to the rest of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field, claiming both pole positions for the season’s opening two races at Albert Park.

Battle hardened after a season in the Porsche Supercup, Jones set a 1m 48.0678s to claim pole position in Equity One Pro for Race One, putting half a second on the field.

In SP Tools Pro-Am, the RAM Motorsport entry of Dean Cook drew first blood, qualifying in fourteenth outright on a 1m 49.9453s, the only Pro-Am competitor to dip below a 1m 50s.

The Race Two SP Tools Pro-Am pole went to the Agas National entry of Adrian Flack whose second quickest time was a 1m 50.6795s.

Reigning Albert Park Equity One Pro round winner and 2023 championship combatant Jackson Walls had a disastrous start to his 2024 campaign after crashing out early in the session.

The Objective Racing driver drifted wide at the high-speed turn eight sweeper, tagging the wall with the left rear corner and spinning back across the circuit, gently nosing into the wall on driver’s right.

Walls will start from the rear of the grid for the first two races of the season, having only set one lap before his accident.

The green flag came back out with fifteen minutes to go, though the red flags would fly once again around Albert Park before anyone had the chance to set another lap.

Reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge champion Marco Giltrap spun his Team Porsche New Zealand entry into gravel trap at turn six as the cars were on their out lap heading around to the control line.

Giltrap, one of nine Michelin Juniors in the field this weekend, was recovered from the gravel and was able to rejoin the session, eventually qualifying in ninth position for Race One.

Amongst all the disruption, 2022 champion Harri Jones had risen to the top of the timesheets in the early running, setting a 1m 48.1284s to put almost three quarters of a second on the field.

The green flag waved once again with seven and a half minutes remaining in the session, giving the field three laps at most to set their best time.

Drivers struggled to match the times they set before the first red flag, as the Michelin tyres wouldn’t come up to temperature until the final flying laps.

Dean Cook almost brought out the red flags for a third time when he backed into the turn one runoff, though he was able to get out of the gravel before claiming the SP Tools Pro-Am Race One pole.

A pair of Michelin Juniors starred in the dying moments, as first Ryder Quinn jumped to the front row of the grid for Game Over, before being usurped by Marcos Flack who will start his first full season alongside Jones after setting a 1m 48.5695s.

Quinn will be joined by three-time Albert Park race winner Nick McBride on row two, with Bayley Hall rounding out the top five for Hall Finance & Insurance Solutions.

The opening race of the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season begins at 4:45pm AEDT.

New Carrera Cup on-track format to debut at Albert Park

Qualifying, grid determination changes in place for 2024

CHANGES to the Motorsport Australia-approved Sporting regulations for the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship are expected to change up the on-track product for the better in 2024.

A modified qualifying format and revised grid determination for the three races at each round will change the way events unfold at each of the eight rounds this year, while giving drivers better opportunities to continue to compete at the front should they have a bad result in an early weekend race.

This year TAG Heuer qualifying will be contested in one, 30-minute session at each round.

This will allow for all cars to maximize track time and use their full allocation of two sets of Michelin Tyres should they wish.

It will also aid track density and allow SP Tools Pro-Am competitors, should they time their qualifying runs well, more track time and laps to set their respective starting positions.

Qualifying will also now directly influence the grid for two races this year, rather than just the first race of any given round, adding to its importance and prominence in the weekend schedule.

The driver with the quickest overall time in qualifying in each class will score the TAG Heuer Pole Position award, one bonus championship point and start from pole position – outright or in their class – for Race 1 at each round.

Meanwhile, the second quickest lap from each driver in qualifying will then set the grid for Race 2.

The grid for Race 3 will then be decided based on the combined points from races one and two across the round.

The change to the grid determination is designed to not only mirror international formats used in one-make Porsche racing around the world, but also offer competitors a chance to rebound should they endure a poor first or second race at any round – something that would not have had in the previous ‘progressive grid’ format.

A further change comes in the points allocation following the opening three rounds of the 2024 championship.

Drivers who have not contested any of the first three rounds – at the Australian Grand Prix, Taupo and Darwin, respectively – will not score points should they contest any of the final five events of the season.

While one-off or part time drivers can still compete for race and round victories, they will not score points towards the overall championship.

The new format will be put to the test this weekend at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, which hosts the opening round of the 2024 championship.

Hall to race as first Australian ‘Carbon Neutral’ driver in 2024

Carbon Neutral program in place for winning Carrera Cup driver

PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia contender Bayley Hall will go green in 2024 – and not just in the new livery of his McElrea Racing Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car. 

The Queenslander has worked to become the first Australian driver to be verified 100% Carbon Neutral in 2024.

It means he, under the ‘CleanSpeed Racing’ banner, will compete completely carbon neutral this year as he tackles his third full season in Australia’s top one-make championship with McElrea Racing.

Hall, 20, has partnered with Brisbane-based Environmental business, CarbonHalo, to assess his racing careers’ carbon footprint, both on and off track.

He has subsequently invested in local Queensland and broader Australian-wide Carbon Offset credits as a way to offset the carbon produced by his racing and the elements surrounding it.

Offsets include vegetation regeneration projects in Queensland and investment into Solar and Wind farms.

The results have seen Hall verified as being Carbon Neutral and is believed to be the first in Australian Motorsport to do so.

“I have always raced a green racing car, so why not be a ‘green’ driver as well,” Hall explained.

“The new generation are always looking for new and exciting ways to be different and to innovate, and I feel like I have taken a step towards making a change.

“Across all my studies as a student, I took a massive interest into the world and how we interact with it and it’s obvious there are many things we could be doing better – and it can only ever starts from one voice speaking up.

“I’m not here to reinvent the wheel but I want to use my careers platform to speak up and show that change isn’t that hard to start.

“I wanted to start up CleanSpeed Racing to show my initiative and take one small step towards a sustainable future.

“I won’t lie, there is nothing that compares to the sound of a flat-six revving at eight-and-a-half grand, but if I begin encouraging my competitors, teams and overall categories to continue this movement we might find we are certainly making a difference.”

Hall began the process last year by reaching out to Brisbane-based CarbonHalo and through a learning process about their efforts to reduce the impact of carbon on the world.

“I wanted to understand the process and identify my carbon footprint from racing,” he said.

“I took an interest into how a carbon footprint is calculated and how the Carbon Offset Credits Programs work. It is cool to know that I am helping out sustainable energy programs such as solar and wind farms within Australia, as well as even more local programs like the Queensland Vegetation Regeneration project.

“The way it works is that I invest in these projects that subsequently absorb an equivalent amount of carbon as to what I emit into the atmosphere. It’s quite genius.

“I hope that by starting this program I can invite followers, fans, fellow competitors and the corporate world to join in.

“Corporate businesses have a major focus on ESG commitments, and by meeting them in the middle it will be an exciting new era to potentially gain more investment into the sport.”

To learn more about CarbonHalo go to the website here: https://www.carbonhalo.com/

If you want to read more about what Bayley is doing see his Impact page on the website here: https://www.carbonhalo.com/impact/bhr/

The opening round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia commences this weekend at Albert Park alongside the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

Team 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.”

Carrera 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

Record 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

Two 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.”

Lachlan 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.

David 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.

Wood 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.”

O’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.

Jones 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.

Harri 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.”

Porsche 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. 

Tom 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.”

Blockbuster 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.

New 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 10^th position overall.

Sprint Challenge will see 10 points awarded to the series winner, with 8 for second down to 1 point for 7^th 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.”

Quinn 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.

Porsche 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.

New 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

Jaxon 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!”

Nash 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.”

Matt 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.

Walls 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 12^th Porsche Carrera Cup Championship globally and came after fifteen years of Sprint Challenge competition in the region.

Porsche 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.”

Hedge: ‘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.

Wood 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:

EQUITY-ONE PROFESSIONAL CLASS CHAMPIONS

Two 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.

Wood 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.

Shortened 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.

All 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. 

Vidau 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.

Hall 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.”

Matt 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.”

International 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

1. Formula 1 ® Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne, VIC – 21-24 March
2. ITM Taupo Super400, New Zealand – 19-21 April
3. betr Darwin Triple Crown, Darwin, NT – 14-16 June
4. Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight, Sydney, NSW – 19-21 July
5. Penrite Oil Sandown 500, Melbourne, VIC – 13-15 September
6. Repco Bathurst 1000, Bathurst, NSW – 10-13 October
7. Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, Surfers Paradise, QLD – 25-27 October
8. VAILO Adelaide 500, Adelaide, SA – 14-17 November 10, 2023

New 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 18^th 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!”

Hall 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.

Hall 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.

Hedge 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.

Unpredictable 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 13^th 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 12^th 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.

Jones 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.

Faces 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

Luke 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.

Marcos 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.

Record 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

Harry 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.”

King, 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.”

Harry 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.”

Jones 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!”

Double-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.

Six 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

Supercup 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.

New 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)

Chris 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.”