Townsville 500 added to 2024 Sprint Challenge calendar

Shannons SpeedSeries, Supercars rounds make up 6-round schedule for 2024

A BLOCKBUSTER 2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia calendar has been announced, with the series set to continue its incredible recent momentum across six rounds next year.

The calendar mixes high profile national events with sensational permanent circuits and what is likely to be the series’ best media and broadcast package yet.

The calendar is headlined by the series’ street racing debut at the NTI Townsville 500 in North Queensland on July 5-7.

While Sprint Challenge has supported Supercars Championship rounds in the past, the category has never competed on a street circuit in its 16-year history.

The spot on the Townsville program effectively replaces Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at the North Queensland event.

The addition of the Townsville event will allow for the young drivers in the field to gain experience on street circuits prior to their progression through the Porsche Pyramid to Carrera Cup, while offering a high-profile event and outstanding location for all competitors to enjoy.

The 2024 series will commence at the Shannons SpeedSeries event at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in Victoria in April, allowing for a longer off-season for teams and drivers to prepare for the year ahead.

From there, the series shifts to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend on 31 May – 2 June for the second round, prior to the trip to North Queensland one month later.

The series will stay North in the winter months, returning to the Shannons SpeedSeries at Queensland Raceway on August 2-4.

A return to the popular NED Whiskey Tasmania Supersprint will add a second Supercars round to the program next year, following a successful and popular return to the Apple Isle this year.

The series will conclude with a two-day event at Sydney Motorsport Park as the key support to the TCR World Tour event at Race Sydney on the November 1-3 weekend.

The full broadcast package will be announced in due course; however, the Supercars rounds will include coverage on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo, with the Townsville event also being broadcast on free-to-air via the Seven Network.

Broadcast details for Shannons SpeedSeries rounds’ will be confirmed soon.

2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series Calendar

1. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC (Shannons SpeedSeries) April 12-14
2. Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, SA (Shannons SpeedSeries) May 31-June 2
3. NTI Townsville 500, QLD (Repco Supercars Championship) July 5-7
4. Queensland Raceway, QLD (Shannons SpeedSeries) August 2-4
5. Ned Whiskey Tasmania SuperSprint, TAS (Repco Supercars Championship) August 16-18
6. Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW (Race Sydney / SpeedSeries) November 1-3

BARRY HAY – Motorsport Manager, Porsche Motorsport Australia

“The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge takes another step forward in 2024 with what we think is the best calendar yet for the series.

“It mixes incredible permanent circuits, high profile events and the first opportunity for the Sprint Challenge field to go street circuit racing in Townsville.

“It’s a great opportunity for the series on a major national stage and one of the larger motorsport events on the calendar.

“We’re looking forward to returning to Symmons Plains with the Supercars, and to returning to the Shannons SpeedSeries show with what is looking to be a massive year on that program.

“Sprint Challenge has been incredible this year and we’re incredibly proud of the series and everyone who competes in it. There is no doubt 2024 is shaping up to be even better.”

Ben Taylor joins PMSC, partners with auticon

Autistic Porsche Sprint Cup driver partners with the largest autistic-majority professional services firm in the world

Autistic race car driver Ben Taylor on debut, in his first race out of karting, won the first round of the Australian F3 Championships in Sydney in 2021. In 2024, he’ll debut in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, but this season will be different. This season he’s partnering with the largest autistic IT consulting business in the world and they’re planning to use autistic strengths to give him a winning edge.

Today marks the official launch of Ben Taylor’s auticon car. The launch was held at Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport’s dedicated motor racing facility in Collingwood. The facility is factory owned and one of the few Porsche owned racing facilities that exist outside of Germany.

At the car’s unveiling, it was revealed that auticon, a company that employs over 465 autistic people in 15 countries around the world will be helping to advance Ben’s driving through providing analytics support specifically looking at Ben’s on track data. The company will deploy its autistic data analysts and software engineers to build insights that will take Ben’s driving to the next level.

This strategy will bring a new way of thinking to motorsport. It will see autistic IT professionals using their strengths in coding and analysis supporting a highly focused and skilled autistic driver making the auticon car and Ben Taylor racing, a team with a difference.

At the age of 17, Ben was formally diagnosed as autistic with ADHD. He believes that this gives him unique strengths, helping his performance on the track. Ben wants to inspire people on the autism spectrum to have the courage to believe in their capabilities and find their strengths.

“auticon is an organisation that focuses on the strengths of autistic people like me. As an IT professional services business, the team at auticon have adopted a saying, “autism is not a processing error, it’s a different operating system.”  Meaning autism is really a different way of thinking.”

“One of the more common traits of people on the spectrum is an ability to be hyper focused. In IT this helps with things like error detection and strengths in data analysis and coding. For me, I believe that my autism helps to keep me to be hyper focused on the intricate details of racing, such as timing stopping distances and corner speeds. It really enables my abilities as a high-performance athlete.

“Through this partnership I really want to start a conversation about the key strengths of autism, and I want to inspire others on the spectrum not to underestimate what they have to offer our community.

“I thank auticon for their support this season, and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Motorsport enthusiast and television presenter Glenn Ridge hosted today’s car launch and spoke about how the sport was transforming, becoming far more inclusive and what this means for the future of motorsport.

“As I stroll through the Porsche Motorsport stable here in Collingwood, we’re starting to see some real diversity. Not only is this a second home for Ben Taylor and the auticon team but rising Porsche Carrera Cup star Courtney Prince, she also calls Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport home.”

“This diversity brings new people, new ideas and new ways of thinking about our sport. This not only leads to innovation and enhancement to the way cars perform but it will inspire kids that may see their own image reflected in these great drivers and know that anyone with a passion and desire to succeed in motorsport can make the jump. This sport really can be for anyone. That’s what is truly exciting about today.”

Managing Director and CEO of auticon Australia & New Zealand Bodo Mann was excited to get behind Ben. He discussed the partnership and opportunity for auticon’s skilled technologists.

“We’re looking forward to applying some fresh thinking to motorsport data analytics. The team have already identified some opportunities to enhance racing insights and really add value to Ben’s on track performance.”

“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to showcase autistic strengths in action and we want to demonstrate the power of neurodiversity and how thinking differently can be a real asset. We believe that what is true in sport is true in business, and we plan to illustrate how embracing neurodiversity can offer a competitive advantage,” said Mr. Mann.

The racing team is not the only connection between auticon and Porsche, Bodo went on to talk about the organisations close affiliation to the German car maker.
“As auticon also began in Germany. As it happens one of the first investors in the company was the Porsche family and it fills us with great pride to know that we are now working alongside this great brand in such an important venture.”

Morris wins enduro, Giltrap, Shahin lock in titles

Class B title heads to final day after dramatic Enduro encounter

Nash Morris has survived a late race safety car restart to claim victory in the first race for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.

Morris held off Marcos Flack in a race-long battle, whilst Marco Giltrap in third wrapped up the Jim Richards Enduro Cup and became the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge champion-elect.

Meanwhile, Sam Shahin also did enough to seal the Pro-Am title, now mathematically unbeatable in tomorrow’s two races.

Morris made the most of his pole position to head the field into Hell Corner, whilst Marcos Flack fell behind Oscar Targett who made a good start from third on the grid.

Flack would get back by the Grove Racing driver before the end of the first lap, and by the end of lap two was all over the back of the Morris’ TekworkX Motorsport entry, leaving Targett behind, who now had Hamish Fitzsimmons for company.

There would be drama behind on lap six, when Sonic Motor Racing’s Harrison Goodman retired to the pits from fifth with damage to the right-rear of his Bob Jane T-Marts car after contact with the wall.

Oscar Targett also dropped two spots in an unrelated incident, promoting Fitzsimmons and Giltrap into third and fourth.

The safety car would make its first appearance on lap nine as Pro-Am runner Caspar Tressider found trouble in his Wall Racing / Hillcrest Merimbula entry.

The field would see the green flag once again on lap twelve, as Morris once again led the field away, with Flack in tow as had been the case all race.

Fitzsimmons ran wide on the exit of Murray’s Corner at the restart, allowing Giltrap to get alongside and complete the move at Hell Corner to move onto the podium.

Giltrap’s timing proved fortuitous as the safety car would come out for the second and final time after Tim Wolfe found drama on top of the mountain in his Pro-Am PER Equipment Rentals entry.

The field would have one final green flag lap, however the order at the front of the field remained unchanged as Morris remained in total control.

The Pro-Am class was won by Sam Shahin in tenth outright for The Bend Motorsport Park, becoming Pro-Am champion-elect in the process.

Class B was taken out by Car Mods Australia’s Bradley Carr in sixteenth outright, setting up an intense finals day tomorrow as he and second-placed Lachy Harburg continue to pursue class leader, Phil Morriss.

Race Two for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia starts at 12:05pm AEDT tomorrow.

Both Saturday races will be live on Stan Sport, while the season finale’ will also be live on free to air via the Nine Network around Australia this weekend.

Morris claims Bathurst pole as season finale commences

Shahin, Carr take class poles ahead of Enduro Cup race on the Mountain

TekworkX Motorsport’s Nash Morris has claimed his maiden Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge pole in qualifying for the final round at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.

Morris, who has impressed since making his category debut at Sydney Motorsport Park in July, set a 2m 07.7338s to pip Sonic Motor Racing’s Marcos Flack by just over five hundredths of a second.

The lead pair were the class of the field, with Oscar Targett best of the rest in third for Grove Racing, just over half a second behind Morris.

Championship leader Marco Giltrap will line up fifth for this afternoon’s first race, where the Team Porsche New Zealand driver can clinch the Pro title with two races left in the season.

Pro-Am pole was taken by The Bend Motorsport Park’s Sam Shahin, who will start from tenth outright, two places ahead of the second-best Pro-Am entry of Daniel Stutterd for TekworkX Motorsport.

Pole for Class B went to championship contender Bradley Carr for Car Mods Australia, who will line up in sixteenth outright, with fellow contenders Lachlan Harburg and Phil Morriss third and fifth in class respectively.

Race One for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge begins at 4:40pm AEDT at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.

Porsche title season begins with Sprint Challenge Bathurst showdown

Three titles on the line this weekend at Mount Panorama

CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON has come to Porsche Motorsport Australia, with the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series to kick off an amazing two weeks of title-deciding action this weekend at Mount Panorama.

The sixth and final round of a record-breaking Sprint Challenge season will see the category race three times at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International this weekend and decide the Pro, Pro-Am and Class B titles.

That will be followed two weeks later by a climactic Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia showdown at the VAILO Adelaide 500 on the Adelaide streets.

The Sprint Challenge season has been an unpredictable affair though series leader Marco Giltrap’s consistency has him entering the final round with a commanding lead.

The 19-year-old New Zealander leads by 171 points with 180 up for grabs this weekend, meaning a 17th-placed finish in the opening race would be enough to deliver the Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport driver his first Porsche title.

Giltrap has won four races this season, has never finished lower than fifth in a race and claimed round victories at Phillip Island and Symmons Plains to entrench himself at the top of the standings early in the year, where he has since remained.

The fight for the final steps on the podium is well and truly alive, however, with Aron Shields and Oscar Targett set to battle for second and third.

Shields leads Targett by just 32 points heading into this weekend with the pair arguably the most in-form drivers among the whole field.

Targett won two of the three races at The Bend last time out, with Shields claiming the epic enduro cup race at the South Aussie venue.

The Pro-Am fight will also be decided this weekend with Sam Shahin holding a 118-point lead over newcomer Matt Slavin in Porsche’s ‘race within a race’ title battle.

Shahin will be seeking his second PMSC Pro-Am title, having previously won the title in 2019.

Meanwhile, a fast-finishing Brett Boulton will be aiming to overhaul David Greig in the battle for third position in the final round.

Class B, for first generation 991 GT3 Cup Cars, sees the most exciting title battle of all with Phil Morriss, Lachlan Harburg and Brad Carr all firmly in contention for the title.

The consistent Morriss leads Harburg by just 51 points heading to Bathurst with Carr a further 26 behind in third.

A bumper 29-strong field will contest the three races this weekend, including 13 in the Professional class.

The field includes the addition of Porsche Carrera Cup Pro-Am regular Danny Stutterd, while Nash Morris will also return aboard his TekworkX Motorsport entry.

Last year at Mount Panorama, Kiwi Ryan Wood scored pole position with a Sprint Challenge record 2m07.9652s flyer.

Wood then claimed the round with two wins from three starts, would-be champion Tom Sargent claiming the first and second overall.

Wood also holds the Bathurst Sprint Challenge lap record at 2m07.7595s.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field will hit the track for a 45-minute practice session on Friday morning, ahead of qualifying at 1:50pm that afternoon.

Race one will be the enduro cup title decider and is due to commence at 4:40pm and run for 18 laps.

Two 7-lap sprint races on Sunday will then decide the title, with the first sprint at 12:05pm and the second at 2:50pm.

Both Sunday races will be live on Stan Sport, while the season finale’ will also be live on free to air via the Nine Network around Australia this weekend.

ENTRY LIST – Round 6, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia

Shields, Giltrap both elevated in Enduro Cup thriller

Race of the year at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park

ARON SHIELDS has claimed a remarkable Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge enduro in South Australia that saw the race result change after the flag and the round result tipped on its head in dramatic fashion.

The wild race had seen Lachlan Bloxsom cross the line first only to be penalized post-race, handing win to Shields and his TekworkX Porsche.

Shields had led the race briefly on two separate occasions before initially crossing the line third behind Bloxsom and Oscar Targett.

A further time penalty for young star Oscar Targett then denied him the round win, handing that honour to series leader Marco Giltrap.

The New Zealand teenager now holds a mighty 171-point lead in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia standings with 180 up for grabs in the season finale’ at Mount Panorama.

The Sunday race was a thriller from the outset in one of the best displays of one-make Porsche racing this year.

The race commenced in changeable conditions as light rain swept across the circuit.

The unpredictable affair saw Lachlan Bloxsom initially credited with the race win following an absolute thriller that saw five lead changes between four different drivers across its duration.

He led home Oscar Targett, Aaron Shields, Marco Giltrap and Marcos Flack on track – with the top five covered by just 1.5 seconds in one of the most unpredictable races the series has seen.

The pulsating race saw Giltrap take the early lead with positions behind him changing rapidly as conditions gradually improved.

Polesitter Targett dropped to fourth initially before climbing back to second by lap three.

He was then passed by Shields on the 10^th lap, the latter then deposing Giltrap for the lead on lap 14 when the former ran wide at Turn 17, dropping off the road briefly before recovering.

Shield’s time in front was short lived however as he was delayed at Turn six on the following lap, taking evasive action as Ross McGregor spun in front of him, handing the lead back to Giltrap and dropping the TekworkX driver back to fourth.

Targett pounced on the climactic lap 19 to grab the lead from Giltrap as Lachlan Bloxsom followed him through to second and Shields to third.

With Flack keeping the leaders in close company in fifth, Bloxsom jumped to the lead on the following lap and then fended off attack after attack from the Grove car across the final 4.9km to cross the line first.

That Bloxsom should have been in the fight at all was remarkable given he very nearly stalled his Bloxsom Team Navy / McElrea entry at the start, his rear wing clipped by another car as he tried to get away.

He crossed the line ninth at the end of lap one however recovered rapidly to carve his way to the field to run third by lap 15 and ultimately pass for the lead with two laps to go.

However, results changed quickly following the race.

Bloxsom was penalized five seconds for contact with Giltrap as the pair battled for position late in the race.

That would have elevated Targett to the potential race win, however he too was penalized, this time having 15 seconds added to his race time for overtaking under yellow flags at Turn one with two laps remaining – just prior to the Bloxsom – Giltrap contact.

The penalties dropped Bloxsom to fifth and Targett to eighth in the final reckoning.

Impressive New Zealand rookie Clay Osborne was also penalised five seconds for a start infringement, as was Pro-Am racer Brett Boulton.

Their penalties saw Osborne – who at one point had run third – finish sixth and Boulton 13th, though he maintained his second position in the Pro-Am class.

With the penalties applied, Marco Giltrap claimed Round 5 over Targett and Marcos Flack.

In Pro-Am, a remarkable comeback drive from Sam Shahin saw him recover from a spin on the formation lap, and a second one on the opening lap, to charge through the field and claim the round overall.

He won the round over Brett Boulton and Matt Slavin.

Class B was a thriller as the older-specification cars ended up dicing in the outright top 10 in the inclement conditions at the start of the race.

The race ended with newc0omer Jacques Jarjo the race winner while Brad Carr took the round.

It means three different drivers claimed the class win this weekend in the best weekend for the 991.1 generation cars yet this year.

More importantly, the Class B title will now go down to the wire at Mount Panorama this November with leader Phil Morriss, Harburg and Carr covered by 79 points.

ROUND 5 RESULTS:

1. Marco Giltrap 162
2. Oscar Targett 147
3. Marcos Flack 144

Pro-Am

1. Sam Shahin 181
2. Brett Boulton 150
3. Matt Slavin 150

Class B

1. Brad Carr 168
2. Lachy Harburg 163
3. Jacque Jarjo 156

PROVISIONAL SERIES STANDINGS: 

1. Marco Giltrap 739
2. Aron Shields 568
3. Oscar Targett 536
4. Hamish Fitzsimmons 485
5. Ronan Murphy 452

Pro-Am

1. Sam Shahin 791
2. Matt Slavin 673
3. David Grieg 509

Class B

1. Phil Morriss 678
2. Brad Carr 632
3. Lachy Harburg 627

Oscar on Targett for South Australian Sweep

Two wins from two the perfect start as Targett joins the winners list

OSCAR TARGETT has added his name to the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia winners roster, charging from pole position to a pair of commanding race victories today at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia.

The Grove Racing driver was in stunning form on Saturday as he swept to back-to-back wins in The Bend’s sprint races, leading home series leader Marco Giltrap and Marcos Flack in both races today.

A further 45-minute enduro race completes the penultimate round of the series tomorrow.

In the Pro-Am class, home-town hero Sam Shahin won both races today, while Lachlan Harburg and Brad Carr split the honours in Class B.

Race one commenced with Targett making a strong start from pole position, while Giltrap was slower away from the outside of the front row, allowing Flack to gain an early advantage.

However, the race was quickly slowed behind the Safety Car following a significant impact on the left-hand side of the circuit for Zak Stichbury.

The Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport Whittaker’s driver was in a three-wide battle as the field charged up the hill to turn one, contact sending the young Kiwi spearing across the circuit in front of the field and into the concrete wall.

Stichbury emerged unscathed from the incident however will take no further part in the weekend.

Following a two-lap Safety Car period, Targett led the field to green, while Giltrap was able to slice past Flack to secure second position.

Further back, newcomer Clay Osborne passed Ronan Murphy for seventh position in a strong debut Porsche performance.

Targett ultimately drove a measured race to beat Giltrap by just over one second, with Flack completing the top three.

Hamish Fitzsimmons finished fourth on the road, however was penalized five seconds for weaving under safety car and relegated to seventh.

Lachlan Bloxsom therefore climbed to fourth and Aron Shields fifth in a side-by-side battle for the spot with Bloxsom.

Behind Fitzsimmons, Osborne, Murphy, Nash Morris – who started 17^th – and Tom McLennan completed the top-10.

Sam Shahin had a clean run to claim the Pro-Am win over Brett Boulton and Matt Slavin, while Lachy Harburg took the Class B win over Brad Carr.

A straightforward second race saw Targett again lead Giltrap from pole position, with Flack settling in third position.

He, Lachlan Bloxsom and Aron Shields spent much of the race dicing for third before finishing in that order, with Clay Osborne improving further to finish sixth.

Hamish Fitzsimmons was seventh, Ronan Murphy eighth and Nash Morris continued his recovery in ninth – Tom McLennan completing the 10.

Harrison Goodman started race two from last position having missed race one due to illness, charging his way through the field from 28^th to 12 position in the eight-lap duration.

In Pro-Am, Sam Shahin won the class after Brett Boulton spun down the order on the opening lap.

That saw the South Australian clearly in front of Matt Slavin and fellow Adelaidean Pan Boyaci, with Boulton recovering to fourth.

In Class B, Brad Carr turned the tables on rival Harburg, taking the class B win over his fellow Queenslander, with Jacque Jarjo third on debut.

Round 5 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge concludes on Sunday at The Bend with the 40-minute Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race.

In the penultimate round of the PMSC ‘series within a series’. Marco Giltrap leads the series of the longer-distance races, with Hamish Fitzsimmons in second and Ronan Murphy third.

Four different winners have won the Enduro Cup races so far this season.

Sunday’s race will be broadcast live on 7+ tomorrow.

Targett on top again in thrilling qualifying shootout

Less than 0.05s between front row as another young-gun shootout awaits

OSCAR TARGETT has become the first repeat pole sitter of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia season, edging Marco Giltrap for the top spot in qualifying today at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia. 

The pair traded blows at the top of the times in the 20-minute qualifying session with Targett on top early, before Giltrap responded with less than three minutes remaining to go to the top spot.

RESULTS: Qualifying, Round 5

The series’ leader didn’t remain on top for long, however, with Targett’s final flyer returning the Grove Group-supported car back to the top with his 1m50.4916s flyer.

It means the teenager edged Giltrap by 0.0488 seconds, the fourth consecutive round where the pole has been decided by less than 0.05 seconds.

It also ended a series-record streak of four different polesitters from four rounds, Targett backing up his debut pole effort in Queensland at the last round.

With the series leader second, Sonic’s Marcos Flack was third and just 0.3 seconds from pole position.

The in-form Hamish Fitzsimmons was fourth for TekworkX Motorsport, just pipping Zac Stichbury to the second row of the grid.

The Whittaker’s driver will line up fifth alongside Lachlan Bloxsom for race one on Saturday.

Ronan Murphy qualified seventh in his Muscle Car Warehouse-backed Sonic entry with rookie Clay Osborne eighth aboard his McElrea Racing #15 car.

The Kiwi first-timer had been impressive throughout practice earlier in the day and continued that form in his first Porsche qualifying session, ending the 20-minutes just 0.71s from pole.

Harrison Goodman qualified ninth and Aron Shields 10th, with Tom McLennan just missing the top-10.

Notable among those missing the top-10 was Nash Morris, who has won five of the last six races in the championship.

Stricken down by the Flu, Morris missed both practice sessions earlier on Friday meaning his first laps of The Bend in a Porsche were in qualifying trim.

He did enough to qualify 17th outright with a view to moving forward in tomorrow’s pair of sprint races.

Sam Shahin qualified his car on pole in the Pro-Am class and will also line up 12th outright in race one tomorrow.

He bested the returning Brett Boulton for the top spot with Matt Slavin third, South Aussie racer Pan Boyaci fourth and David Grieg fifth in class.

Meanwhile, a thrilled Lachy Harburg made it two EBM Poles in three classes today by topping the largest Class B grid of the year to date.

Harburg not only scored pole but out qualified all bar two of the key Pro-Am contenders in an outstanding performance that saw him lap nearly three seconds quicker than he did in 2022.

Brad Carr qualified second in class – and 18th outright – with newcomer Jacque Jarjo third in class and 22nd outright.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field returns to the circuit tomorrow for a pair of 20-minute sprint races at The Bend.

The 45-minute Jim Richards Enduro Championship finale will be held on Sunday, and will be shown on 7plus.

World Champion karter added to Sprint Challenge mix for The Bend

28-strong field heads to South Australia for critical penultimate round of PMSC Season

WORLD CHAMPION Karter Clay Osborne will join the already remarkable mix of young talent contesting this year’s Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series this weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park. 

The 18-year-old from New Zealand will join what is already the most talented mix of young drivers Sprint Challenge has ever seen amidst a 28-strong field entered for the penultimate round of the series this weekend at the South Australian venue.

Set to drive for McElrea Racing, Osborne claimed a Karting world championship title in Italy in 2019, as well as a pair of National titles in his native New Zealand.

Following a brief stint in Formula First and Formula Ford, Osborne graduated to tin-top circuit racing in 2022 and has now contested two seasons of the New Zealand Toyota 86 Series prior to making his Porsche debut.

He joins the series at a remarkable time as the title race builds with just six races remaining in the season.

Fellow New Zealander Marco Giltrap holds a comfortable series lead of 141 points heading into The Bend’s three races however faces challenges from all angles.

The biggest threat of late has been Queenslander Nash Morris, who since making his debut for TekworkX at Sydney Motorsport Park has slammed home five race wins from six starts, including a clean sweep at his home circuit last time out.

His teammate Hamish Fitzsimmons has also been a mover in the last few races, claiming a pair of seconds at the last round.

Since joining the series’ at Round two at Symmons Plains, Oscar Targett has not finished a race lower than eighth position and has charged up the championship order – now sitting just 47 points behind second-placed Aron Shields in the Michelin Sprint Challenge series standings.

In the Pro-Am class, Sam Shahin continues to hold the lead in both major one-make Porsche titles this year – his Carrera Cup points lead mirrored by an even larger 87-point gap at the top of the Sprint Challenge standings.

Shahin will be challenged this weekend, however, as Queenslander Brett Boulton returns to the championship having missed the two most recent rounds.

Brad Carr and Lachy Harburg find themselves tied on points in second position in Class B – for the older-model Generation 1 991 GT3 Cup Cars – as they both race to chase down runaway series leader Phil Morriss.

The latter has a handy 118-point lead heading into the final two rounds and six races this year.

As well as the young Kiwi in the outright class, Class B will see a pair of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge debutants, in the form of New South Wales driver Jacque Jarjo and fellow Class B runner, Dave Allen.

The Round 5 field includes 14 cars in the Pro class, 9 in Pro-Am and 5 in Class B.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field tackles three races this weekend as part of the Shannons Trophy Series Event at South Australia’s world-class racing venue.

Following practice on Friday, the field races twice on Saturday before the Jim Richards Endurance Championship decider will be held on Sunday.

There, Marco Giltrap leads Hamish Fitzsimmons by 16 points and Ronan Murphy by 26 going into the winner-take-all finale.

That race will be broadcast live on 7plus on Sunday.

ENTRY LIST:

Morris sweeps home round in TekworkX 1-2

Two rounds remain in Sprint Challenge fight as unpredictable season continues

NASH MORRIS has led teammate Hamish Fitzsimmons to an emphatic TekworkX Motorsport 1-2 sweep of the fourth round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia at Queensland Raceway. 

Morris led from lights-to-flag to claim victory in the Jim Richards Enduro Trophy race on Sunday morning at the Ipswich circuit to sweep all three races at his home circuit.

He was chased hard by his teammate all race but was up to the task of holding onto his race lead to complete a rear Sprint Challenge sweep.

Morris has won five of the last six races since joining the championship while TekworkX have now claimed the last two rounds.

Morris’ won the round ahead of Fitzsimmons and Grove Racing junior Oscar Targett, while Matt Slavin led David Grieg and newcomer Ramu Farrell in Pro-Am.

Lachlan Harburg claimed the Class B victory for the round.

While Morris commanded the enduro race all the way, the battle was on for second.

Fitzsimmons had run second for the entire duration of the race however was caught on the final lap by a chasing pack that included Oscar Targett, championship leader Marco Giltrap and Sydney winner, Aron Shields.

The pair were three wide at times though Fitzsimmons was able to hold on to claim second for the race and the round.

Targett was third in the race and the round while Marco Giltrap took further advantage of challenging weekends for his title rivals to further extend his championship lead.

With Shields fifth, a racy Harrison Goodman charged his way to sixth position with Caleb Sumich, Tom McLennan, Zac Stichbury and Pro-Am winner Sam Shahin claiming tenth.

Brad Carr came back from a challenging race on Saturday evening to win Class B in the race, while Lachy Harburg won the round.

With two rounds of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series remaining, Team Porsche New Zealand / Earl Bamber Motorsport’s Marco Giltrap remains well in command of the championship.

The young kiwi provisionally enjoys a 141-point lead over Aron Shields, who moves to second in the series.

A tough weekend for Ronan Murphy – a puncture in the final race saw him forced to pit for a replacement – has him in third, tied on 402 points with Zac Stichbury. Oscar Targett has moved to fifth in the series.

Sam Shahin continues to lead Matt Slavin in the Pro-Am title fight, with David Grieg now third, while Phil Morris continues to lead the Class B battle, with Brad Carr and Lachlan Harburg tied on points in second.

The next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series will see the championship rejoin the Shannons Trophy Series at The Bend Motorsport Park on October 13-15.

Morris Saturday sweep sets up Sunday showdown

Chaotic sprints leave enduro race as weekend decider in Queensland

NASH Morris has added another pair of race wins to his ever-expanding CV, taking both sprint races in Round 4 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series at Queensland Raceway. 

With one race remaining in the round, Morris finds himself in a similar position to his debut round in Sydney a fortnight ago, where he ultimately finished second overall.

A dramatic day of racing at the Ipswich venue saw Morris commence proceedings by winning an arm-wrestle with Oscar Targett on the opening lap of the first race before edging away to claim the race win.

Starting from pole, Targett made a strong start however Morris pounced at turn three and completed the move at four to grab a lead he’d never lose.

Targett then held of Marcos Flack to secure second – his third of the season – with Flack scoring his best result of the season in third.

Hamish Fitzsimmons and Macro Giltrap were next, in close company with the leaders, with Aron Shields, Caleb Sumich, Tom Taplin, Zac Stichbury and Tom McLennan completing the top-10.

Pro-Am went the way of Matt Slavin, who capitalised on a late race incident that included Sam Shahin being forced off the road and out of the race three laps from home.

Also in strife was Ronan Murphy, who spun onto the infield at Turn four early in the race, making contact with Lachlan Bloxsom as he speared across the road. The damage forced the Sonic racer out of the race.

Race two saw more of the same with Morris smartly away from pole position and into the race lead.

Targett held on around the outside of turn two, however dropped all four wheels of the road and into the dirt, which dropped the Grove junior down the order.

That shuffled the pack with Hamish Fitzsimmons and Flack battling for second, swapping the place twice before the former held on with a late pass.

With Flack third, Tom Taplin was an outstanding fourth in his best race of the season.

Sheilds, Giltrap, Targett, Stichbury, a recovering Lachlan Bloxsom and McLennan completed the top-10.

The race was brought under the control of a Safety Car following contact between Brad Carr and Tim Wolfe at Turn 2, that saw both cars deposited into the gravel trap at turn two.

That set up a two-lap dash to the line, with Morris ultimately holding on to claim the win.

Pro-Am went the way of Ramu Farrell, while Shahin charged from the back of the field to 2nd in class, with Slavin third.

Lachlan Harburg completed a sweep of Class B wins across the two races today.

The end of the final race saw a serious crash involving Richard Cowen and Andrew Goldie.

Both drivers were taken to hospital for further observation. We thank our medical teams and all our officials for their prompt response.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge returns for a third and final race – the next edition in the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy – on Sunday morning at Queensland Raceway.

Record-setting session delivers Targett pole by 0.001 seconds

Closest pole, Top 3, Top 5 and Top 10 margins in series history at Queensland Raceway

THE closest qualifying session in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series history has seen teenager Oscar Targett grab his first pole award of the year.

Targett, a Grove Racing junior driver and karting graduate, scored pole by a tiny margin of 0.0012 seconds as he bumped Nash Morris off the top spot late in Friday’s 20-minute session.

It’s the closest 1-2 qualifying margin in series history, and came in a session that also delivered the closest top three, top five and top 10 qualifying results in the history of the championship, as well as the quickest ever lap of Queensland Raceway in the process.

He’s the fourth different polesitter from four rounds this year, also a series record.

Targett’s 1m09.944s flyer displaced Morris for the top spot, the Queenslander having earlier set the first sub-70 second lap of his home circuit earlier in the session.

Morris had looked likely to hold on with his then-record lap and it took a late flyer from Targett on his second set of Michelin slick tyres to displace the Porsche newcomer, who continues to excel after a stunning debut in Sydney last time out.

The pair will share the front row for race one tomorrow with Marcos Flack and Lachlan Bloxsom on row two.

Flack had earlier topped both practice sessions by tiny margins and ultimately missed pole position by 0.0085 seconds – making it the closest top three in series history.

Lachlan Bloxsom was in the midst of that battle and was only fractions away from a spot on the front row. Aron Shields, who won last time out in Sydney, qualified fifth but only missed pole position by 0.087s.

Behind them, Ronan Murphy, Caleb Sumich – a personal best seventh – championship leader Marco Giltrap, Hamish Fitzsimmons and Pro-Am polesitter Ramu Farrell were all within 0.397s of the pole position time.

The top 14 cars were split by 0.6 seconds in a remarkable session that will likely stand as one of the series’ best for some time.

Newcomer Farrell grabbed the Pro-Am pole award on his series debut and qualified an outstanding 10^th outright in the process.

The local driver is racing for home-town team McElrea Racing this weekend and made an instant impact, finishing the opening practice session inside the top three.

Pro-Am Championship leader Sam Shahin qualified 15^th outright and second in the Pro-Am class, himself less than 0.9s away from Targett’s impressive pole lap.

Matt Slavin qualified third in Pro-Am with Richard Cowen just behind in fourth.

Defending class champion Lachy Harburg powered his The Cover Shop entry to pole in Class B, edging out Brad Carr by three-tenths to score a strong pole position.

They qualified 18^th and 19^th, respectively, in their older-generation 991 GT3 Cup Cars with Harburg just 1.5s away from outright pole.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field returns for two races sprint races on Saturday, both broadcast live on Stan Sport.

Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia racer and former champion Fabian Coulthard will join the commentary team for the races tomorrow.

Team switch for McLennan as he prepares for home race in Queensland

Team switch for Michelin junior ahead of next PMSC round

Tom McLennan has joined Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) for the remaining rounds of the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, with Round 4 to be run at Queensland Raceway this weekend.

The 18-year-old switches from McElrea Racing who have helped him sit ninth in the standings.

The Earl Bamber Motorsport drive will see McLennan compete in the final three rounds of the all-Porsche series at Queensland Raceway, The Bend and Mount Panorama, plus a series of testing opportunities in the new-generation Porsches 992s that EBM compete in Carrera Cup – the highest level of Porsche racing in Australia.

The change of team coincides with McLennan’s home round – Queensland Raceway near Ipswich. McLennan has enjoyed plenty of testing and racing at the 3.1km venue over the past few years, racing in Formula Ford, production cars and Porsche racing.

McLennan has secured one podium finish in 2023 (at Symmons Plains Raceway) and will be looking to use his local knowledge against some of the young stars of the Porsche series.

The fourth round will be held in conjunction with the Shannons SpeedSeries. All of the racing can be seen live and ad-break free on Stan Sport.

Practice starts on Friday, with qualifying and racing held on Saturday and Sunday.

Tom McLennan
#81 Earl Bamber Motorsport Porsche

“It will be great to start with EBM and I am excited to work with Earl Bamber, Ben Jenkins and the team,” said McLennan.

“EBM has extensive experience and success in Porsche and GT racing at all levels, here in Australia, Asia, Europe, and America. It’s a great fit for me.

“The car will be set-up differently, but I’m up for the challenge and ready to see how I stand.

“The team certainly has a clear direction with an eye to progress into the future, so I’m looking forward to seeing where we take this new partnership.

“I’ve done plenty of laps around Queensland Raceway, so I definitely know the track well.

“It will be a weekend for me to adjust and understand all of the new processes, but I’m really excited.

“I’d also like to thank the team at McElrea Racing for helping me in my first start in Porsches. They are a professional team and have made me raise my own game.”

Ben Jenkins
Team Manager, Earl Bamber Motorsport

“Having Tom join our team is a great addition to our EBM line-up,” said Jenkins.

“He has some strong results already in the Porsche category and we will be looking to build on that.

“Tom will compliment the young guys that we have in the team already. It’s an easier start for him, given that this is his home track. We won’t need to help him understand where the circuit goes.

“Of our drivers, he will be the most experienced driver for Queensland Raceway, so he’ll be handy to lean on.

“We’re looking forward to watching his development and moving him forward in his career, like we have done with many other drivers under the EBM stable.”

Morris returns as Michelin Sprint Challenge field heads to Queensland

First Shannons SpeedSeries round of the year as title battle builds

NASH MORRIS will continue his Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series campaign, having been locked in by TekworkX Motorsport for the remainder of the 2023 season.

It comes after a stunning one-make Porsche debut at Sydney Motorsport Park last week where he scored pole, won two races and finished second overall for the weekend, behind only teammate Aron Shields.

Morris’ will aim to pick up where he left off at Queensland Raceway this weekend as the Michelin Sprint Challenge field enjoys a quick turnaround from the Sydney event.

24 cars will line up at the 3.2km circuit outside of Ipswich as the launches into the second half of the season.

It comes with Kiwi teenager Marco Giltrap enjoying a solid lead over countryman Ronan Murphy in the series standings, with Zac Stichbury making it a New Zealand 1-2-3.

Giltrap is the only driver to have finished every race in the outright top ten this season, underpinning his impressive championship lead.

After winning last time out in Sydney, Aron Shields sits fourth in the championship just four points out of the top three, with Harrison Goodman in fifth.

Sam Shahin takes a formidable lead in the Pro-Am class to Queensland Raceway, though the battle will be on for second in the championship with Brett Boulton on the sidelines for this round.

That opens the door for the likes of Matt Slavin – who was a career-best second in class in Sydney – third-placed Andrew Goldie and local Richard Cowen, who sits fourth in the standings, to step up further and put pressure on the runaway leader.

Points leader Phil Morriss and defending champion Lachy Harburg will battle for Class B honours in the Gen I 991 GT3 Cup Car fight.

The field also welcomes debutant Ramu Farrell, who makes his PMSC debut driving the #888 Kaldewelg Auto GT3 Cup Car in the Pro-Am Class.

The Queensland Raceway event will see the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series rejoin the Shannons SpeedSeries for the first time this year.

Both of Saturday’s Sprint Races will be shown live on Stan Sport, while the Jim Richards’ enduro cup race will decide the weekend first thing on Sunday morning.

SCHEDULE – ROUND 4, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia

Friday, 11 August

Practice 1 – 10:15am
Practice 2 – 13:40pm
Qualifying – 16:05pm

Saturday, 12 August

Race 1 – 13:00pm (20 Minutes)
Race 2 – 17:05pm (20 Minutes)

Sunday, 13 August

Race 3 – 9:10am (45 Minutes)

ENTRY LIST

Shields claims maiden Porsche Sprint Challenge win

Adrian Flack, Stephen Moylan claim Pro-Am, Class B wins respectively in Sydney

ARON SHIELDS has powered to his maiden Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia round victory by virtue of a stunning race win in the final race at Sydney Motorsport Park. 

In a weekend-long battle with TekworkX Motorsport teammate Nash Morris, Shields was leading the final race when Morris spun out of second position at Turn 11, giving the former all the points he needed to claim his first round success in circuit racing.

Morris, who had earlier won race two, finished second overall while championship leader Marco Giltrap finished third to extend his series lead aboard his Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport Porsche.

Adrian Flack claimed the Pro-Am class win over Matt Slavin and Sam Shahin, while Stephen Moylan took advantage of a Brad Carr non-finish in race three to claim the Class B win on debut.

At the half-way point of the series, Marco Giltrap continues to lead Ronan Murphy, with the margin now 38 points.

Aron Shields’ superb weekend rocketed him to fourth, just behind Zak Stichbury fourth and Harrison Goodman now fifth.

In Pro-Am, Sam Shahin still continues to lead, with Andrew Goldie now second, while Phil Morriss extended his Class B lead following a consistent weekend in Sydney.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series resumes in two weeks time at Queensland Raceway for Round 4 of the series, racing with the Shannons SpeedSeries on August 11-13.

RACE 2

Nash Morris maintained his perfect record in Porsche competition after making a bold last lap move on his TekworkX Motorsport teammate Aron Shields in Race Two of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Sydney Motorsport Park.

In a repeat of the Saturday night race, the two TekworkX cars ran riot, Morris and Shields the only two drivers to set lap times in the 1m 32s range in the race.

Shields led the field away from the outside of the front row, and led the whole race right until Morris made his move at turn six on the fourteenth and final lap.

The TekworkX teammates gapped the field to the tune of almost ten seconds, with Team Porsche New Zealand/EBM’s Marco Giltrap rounding out the podium.

Giltrap made a brilliant overtake of his own to take third place, capitalising on a slight error from Lachlan Bloxsom to dive down the inside at turn seven on lap before covering aggressively at turn eight.

Bloxsom would take fourth for Bloxsom Team Navy, with Oscar Targett continuing to recover from his poor qualifying in fifth for Grove Racing.

In sixth was Pro-Am winner Adrian Flack, who put in a standout performance amongst the front runners, running in the top five for the majority of the race before being overtaken late by Targett.

Second in Pro-Am was Sam Shahin, who went on a tear in the opening laps, gaining twelve places in the first lap and a half, finishing thirteenth outright after starting in twenty eighth.

Matt Slavin rounded out the Pro-Am podium in his Ares Group entry in sixteenth outright.

Class B was won by the Car Mods Australia entry of Bradley Carr in twentieth outright, ahead of Lachlan Harburg in twenty second, with Brayden Taylor rounding out the podium in twenty seventh outright for Wall Racing.

RACE 3

TekworkX Motorsport’s Aron Shields won the final race of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Sydney Motorsport Park, clinching the round win after teammate Nash Morris had a difficult race.

Morris made a poor start from pole position, allowing Shields to take a lead he would not lose, and allowing Marco Giltrap to jump into second from third on the grid.

Morris was in the process of getting back past the Team Porsche New Zealand/EBM driver when the Safety Car was deployed following an incident at turn one between Pro-Am runners Andrew Goldie and Matt Slavin.

The lead Class B runner of the weekend, Bradley Carr, also found trouble on the first lap, losing power almost immediately.

The race went green again on lap five, and Shields began to inch away from the field as the TekworkX cars had done all weekend, with Giltrap finding himself coming under pressure from the recovering Morris.

Morris made his move on lap eight, bumping doors with the championship leader as they went through turn four.

Also on the charge was Grove Racing’s Oscar Targett, who moved by Lachlan Bloxsom at turn two off the restart and followed Morris to go past Giltrap into third.

Targett then gained another position when Morris spun by himself at turn ten on lap thirteen, dropping from second to fifteenth.

Though Morris would eventually recover to twelfth at the finish, the mistake cost the Porsche debutant the round win, as Shields cruised to a comfortable win by just over two seconds.

Targett finished second, with Hamish Fitzsimmons rounding out the podium in the third TekworkX entry, ahead of Rohan Murphy with Giltrap rounding out the top five.

The Pro-Am Class was won by AGAS National’s Damian Flack, who secured another top ten outright result in a strong performance, with Sam Shahin second in fourteenth outright for The Bend Motorsport Park, and Casper Tresidder claiming third in class with sixteenth outright for Wall Racing/Hillcrest.

The Class B race blown wide open after Carr’s issues off the start, with Lachlan Harburg claiming the class win for Autohouse Racing in nineteenth outright, with Stephen Moylan second and twenty fifth outright, with Brayden Taylor rounding out the podium in twenty sixth outright.

Aron Shields first pole position comes in tight Sydney session

0.1 seconds cover top three cars as Flack, Carr grab class poles

ARON SHIELDS has edged teammate Nash Morris by under one-tenth of a second to score pole position for Round 3 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series today at Sydney Motorsport Park. 

In a thrilling qualifying session that went down to the wire, Sheilds’ 1m29.9891s flyer edged Porsche debutant Morris by 0.0171s to give TekworkX Motorsport a 1-2 result in qualifying and the driver his first career pole.

Shields is the third different polesitter from three rounds this year, while TekworkX become the third different team to qualify on pole.

The tight session saw times consistently drop as teams switched from their first set of Michelin slicks to their second late in the session.

Late improvement from Marcos Flack saw him storm to third in his Sonic entry, the second-generation Porsche racer only 0.0277s from pole and even less from a spot on the front row.

Zac Stichbury was fourth, while the third row of the grid will be comprised of Ronan Murphy in fifth and championship leader Marco Giltrap in sixth.

Even then, the latter was just 0.35s from pole position.

Lachlan Bloxsom was next, while Adrian Flack starred on his Pro-Am class return to Sprint Challenge – not only taking pole in class but qualifying well inside the top-10 in the process.

Harrison Goodman and Tom Taplin completed the top-10. The top 15 cars were covered by under one second in one of the most stacked Sprint Challenge fields in history.

Second in Pro-Am was championship leader Sam Shahin, the Pro-Am rivals in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup continuing their rivalry into the Sprint Challenge series.

Shahin was 12th outright, while Brett Boulton was third in class and 16th outright, not far behind.

Matt Slavin was fourth in class, with Richard Cowen a strong fifth in the Pro-Am fight.

Brad Carr continued his strong recent form – he won the Symmons Plains round last time out – to grab pole in Class B, with defending champion Lachlan Harburg and Brayden Taylor next in class.

After a busy Friday that saw two practice sessions and a qualifying session in a single day, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge field now waits until later on Saturday for the first time this weekend, with the opening race of the weekend set for a 6:25pm start tomorrow night.

That race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.

Preparation key as Tom McLennan makes Sydney Motorsport Park debut

Strong momentum from a pre-event test for McLennan

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge young gun Tom McLennan is hoping he can bring the strong momentum from a pre-event test to Round 3 of the title chase at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Many of the leading Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge teams including McLennan as part of McElrea Racing were part of the test day at the venue recently where he impressed. It also provided useful miles around the Eastern Creek-based circuit as McLennan prepares for his first national racing weekend there.

Sitting fifth in the standings after demonstrating frontrunning pace in Tasmania where the second-tier Porsche category also supported the Repco Supercars Championship as it does this weekend as part of the Sydney SuperNight.

McLennan will be aiming to learn as much as possible during Friday’s two practice and qualifying sessions.

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will also race under lights right before the Supercars hit the track making for a new experience for many drivers in the field, including McLennan. Two races round out the weekend of action on Sunday.

QUOTES

Tom McLennan

#81 Macpro Properties

“It’s been a long time between drinks, but I’m ready to get back on track at Sydney Motorsport Park,” said McLennan.

“We did a test day with McElrea Racing and a lot of my Pro competitors were there too a couple of weeks ago. It was a fairly confidence building test; we were one of the quickest on used tyres and were up there on a new set. It’s left me excited for a good weekend ahead.

“We’re aiming to climb up the title ladder in Sydney, so another good event this weekend will ensure we go a long way in doing that. We struggled in qualifying last time out and if I rectify this, we’ll be on for a top five across the races.

“It was good to race with the Supercars in Tasmania. It puts on the pressure for everyone, but it’s good to have this environment and the live TV is good as well.

“I’ve only completed a state round in the older spec Porsche at Sydney Motorsport Park making this a new experience for me.”

31 cars ready for Sydney Motorsport Park battle

Huge field set for racing under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park

A STUNNING season-high field of 31 cars will tackle the third round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series at Sydney Motorsport Park next week. 

One of the most broadly competitive grids assembled in series history, the field includes 13 drivers in the Pro class – a record since the introduction of the current class structure.

The series heads to Sydney Motorsport Park with New Zealand teenager Marco Giltrap leading the standings following victories in the first two rounds, at Phillip Island and Symmons Plains, respectively.

He leads Ronan Murphy in the series standings, the second-generation racer fresh from his first race win on Aussie soil last time out in Tasmania.

A consistent performance so far this year has Sonic Motor Racing / Bob Jane T-Marts racer Harrison Goodman third in the standings, breaking up what has otherwise been a series dominated by Kiwi drivers.

That’s reflected with Zac Stichbury sitting fourth in the standings, just ahead of young Aussie Michelin Junior driver, Tom McLennan.

Meanwhile, Nash Morris will add to the broad list of cars he has raced this year by making his one-make Porsche racing debut aboard a car entered by TekworkX Motorsport.

In the Pro-Am battle, Sam Shahin and Brett Boulton have finished first and second in every race so far this season, though a Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia ring-in could upset the applecart this weekend.

Adrian Flack will join the field this weekend to gain more racing laps amidst his Carrera Cup campaign, where he and Shahin regularly go head-to-head.

Class B, which caters to the previous-generation Type 991.1 GT3 Cup Car, will see its strongest entry yet with five cars to race for class honours.

Phil Morriss has a comfortable lead in the championship thanks to finishing second or third in every race so far, however 2022 champion Lachy Harburg – who swept the opening round this year – returns this weekend having missed the Tasmanian event.

Round 2 winner Brad Carr sits equal second in the championship having won all three races in Tasmania, but missed the first round.

Sydney Motorsport Park was a highlight of the 2022 Michelin Sprint Challenge season with Ryan Wood and Tom Sargent going head to head across three gripping races.

Wood scored pole and the first two race wins, while Sargent claimed the finale’ after plenty of wheel-to-wheel racing.

Carrera Cup graduate Courtney Prince finished third overall while Sam Shahin won Pro-Am.

The series hits the track for the first time at 9:35am on Friday, July 28 for practice one, followed by the second session at 12:30pm.

The grid will be set at 2:40pm that afternoon with the three races spread across Saturday and Sunday.

Race one will be run under lights at 6:25pm on Saturday evening as the lead-in act to the Supercars Championship race that evening.

Races two and three will start at 10:00am and 1:35pm respectively on Sunday. All three races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, plus Sky Sports NZ.

ENTRY LIST – Round 3, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia
Sydney Motorsport Park

Nash Morris Set for Porsche Debut in Sydney

TekworkX squad grabs Super3 winner for Sydney round

Nash Morris will make his debut in one-make Porsche racing at Sydney Motorsport Park in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for race winning team TekworkX Motorsport.

Morris, the son of 2014 Bathurst 1000 winner Paul Morris, will drive a third Pro class entry for the Gold Coast based team who have already won multiple races across both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge in 2023.

Lining up alongside Aron Shields and Hamish Fitzsimmons, Morris will contest the third round of the Championship as part of the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight.

The 2021 Dunlop Super3 Series winner has made a habit out of driving a wide variety of vehicles as the 20-year-old forges his racing career.

Alongside his 2022 and 2023 Dunlop Super2 campaigns, Morris has enjoyed race-winning starts in the TA2 Muscle Car Series, Trans Am Australia and GT4 Australia.

His start in Sprint Challenge will mark Morris’ fifth category in which he’s featured so far in 2023.

Round three of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park from July 28-30, with Morris lining up alongside Shields and Fitzsimmons for TekworkX Motorsport.

Nash Morris, Driver, #67

“The Porsche is a very cool car, it’s a fast car around a fast track which is more good mileage for me,” said Morris.

“We had a good test in Sydney, which a lot of the teams were at. It’s a great track for these cars, with some high-speed corners that work well with the downforce and grip you get from the tyre in the Porsche.

“I’ve known Rob and the team for a while, they’ve been very involved at Norwell. It’s cool that I have got the opportunity to drive one of his cars now. A lot of the team’s drivers in Toyota 86 and Porsche have done some training with the Norwell team.

“We’re just looking to do the best we can during the weekend. The category is full of top-level drivers, so you can’t take a mindset that you expect to go out and win. We’ll see what the result is at the end of it,” concluded Morris.

Rob Woods, Team Owner

“We are thrilled to have Nash racing for us in Sydney, he’s an extremely talented driver who we’ve had a relationship with for a while now,” said Woods.

“Nash and Paul have been great supporters through Norwell Motorplex, providing training and support to our drivers between rounds, which is how our relationship with him has grown. We’re excited to see how Nash goes in Sydney, as we know he’s fast in everything he drives.

“Having Nash in the team will also be great for our full-time drivers Aron and Hamish, who can hopefully benefit from the experience Nash brings behind the wheel,” concluded Woods.

Tom McLennan secures maiden podium result in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Storming drive to third in enduro cup race a highlight for Macpro driver

First win for Ronan Murphy, second win for Marco Giltrap

Sam Shahin claims Pro-Am victory and Brad Carr class B on history-making day in Tassie

Son-of-a-gun Ronan Murphy has claimed his first win on Aussie soil after racing his way to the front in a 40-lap Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia showdown at Symmons Plains Raceway, while Marco Giltrap claimed his second round win in a row. 

Murphy started on the second row but passed both Giltrap and Zac Stichbury – with a series of decisive passes at the famous Symmons hairpin to take the race lead and ultimately pull away to grab the victory in the Enduro Cup race.

Sam Shahin claimed the race and the round in the Pro-Am Class, while Brad Carr also completed his clean-sweep of the Class B battle to cap off a perfect weekend.

The Jim Richards Enduro Cup race started in cool but clear conditions with Giltrap leading teammate Stichbury into the first corner.

Murphy, however, had pace to burn and passed his first Kiwi rival to move to second on lap 7.

He only needed three more laps to pressure and ultimately pass Giltrap to take the race lead on the 11th tour.

Murphy pulled away gradually in the lead while a five-car fight evolved for the minors, Giltrap slipping several spots back as Lachlan Bloxsom, Oscar Targett and others charged forward.

Murphy ultimately claimed his first victory, his first of his career on Aussie soil. He was also the third different race winner from six races this year – and the first for the Sonic team this year.

Targett and Bloxsom spent much of their race battling for second, and though he crossed the line behind Bloxsom he inherited the position post race on account of a five-second penalty for the latter after on-track contact.

That contact was with Zac Stichbury, who was spun down the order and out of podium contention.

The penalty ultimately dropped Bloxsom to sixth, behind Murphy, Targett and a fast-finishing Tom McLennan – who scored his first top three in PMSC competition – Marco Giltrap and Hamish Fitzsimmons.

Caleb Sumich raced to seventh position in the Enduro Cup race with Shahin, Harrison Goodman and Tom Taplin completing the top-10 for the race.

Giltrap ultimately did enough to claim his second-straight round win in PMSC competition, taking the overall round honours over Murphy with Grove junior Targett on the overall podium on his round debut.

Shahin’s win in the Pro-Am class came ahead of Brett Boulton and Andrew Goldie, who finished third in class.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will return to the Repco Supercars Championship for Round 3 of the series at the Sydney SuperNight event on July 28-30, while the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia returns to the circuit at the Darwin Triple Crown at Hidden Valley on June 16-18.

MARCO GILTRAP – ROUND WINNER

“Yeah, it’s a little bit bittersweet after that last race. You know, we really really struggled. I think it was p4 on the end after if so it was just a bit of damage limitation.

“But it was a good weekend, we can’t let it take away from that pole to race wins, so I’m very happy and have the championship lead and I think it’s pretty wide open – it’s going to be a good season.”

SAM SHAHIN – PRO-AM WINNER

“It’s been a great weekend with great championship points, three wins and good points. I learned a lot from a tricky and un-conventional track, but it’s an absolute cracker. You only need one passing point to make it a great track, so this is a wonderful circuit, just a perfect weekend for us.”

BRAD CARR – CLASS B WINNER

“I’m really happy to finally come away with the win. I’ve had a few mistakes in the last, you know, two rounds I did last year, so yeah, really happy. The car was a little bit under gunned, I suppose, with the 3.8 litre engine, but that was fun.

“I was just defending – I was the hunted this weekend but had a really good weekend.”

Giltrap leads Kiwi lockout in Symmons openers

1-2 result for Team Porsche NZ duo as Shahin, Carr take class wins

MARCO GILTRAP led a Kiwi 1-2 in a pair of combative races that opened the second round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series at Symmons Plains Raceway. 

The 18-year-old Aucklander, who won the opening round of the series at Phillip Island, started from pole and won the opening race after leading all the way.

He then battled closely with his Team Porsche NZ / EBM teammate Zac Stichbury in race two before executing a nice move mid-race to get the lead and grab his second win of the day.

Sam Shahin claimed both races in the Pro-Am class while Bradley Carr won both times in Class B.

Giltrap made the best start in race one and led the field into turn one, while Bloxsom was wide at turn two and dropped several spots.

Two separate incidents early in the race brought the Safety Car out, the first a spin from Hamish Fitzsimmons who was turned around at the Turn 4 hairpin.

The second was contact between Ross McGregor and Eric Constandinidis on the exit of turn three, which saw both cars make contact with each other and then the wall.

On the restart, Giltrap led the field back to green while some enthusiastic racing broke out behind for the podium spots.

Marcos Flack and Aron Shields ran second and third, before contact between the pair at the hairpin saw Flack spun.

Shields also rotated and was collected by Bloxsom on his way though, damaging his car in the process.

Ronan Murphy avoided the chaos to climb to second while impressive rookie Oscar Targett jumped to third – the pair finishing in that order behind eventual winner Giltrap.

Sam Shahin claimed the Pro-Am win ahead of Brett Boulton and Andrew Goldie, while Brad Carr claimed class B and finished a stout 11th outright.

In race two, a frenetic opening lap saw Giltrap survive a wild moment at turn three as his car slid sideways, allowing a fast-starting Stichbury to take the lead.

The pair ran nose-to-tail for the first half of the race before Giltrap pounced and passed his teammate for the lead.

They ran nose-to-tail for the remainder in the first 1-2 finish for Earl Bamber Motorsport and Team Porsche NZ in local Porsche competition.

Harrison Goodman finished third while Ronan Murphy was in the mix throughout, finishing fourth.

Oscar Targett ran third in the early stages before dropping back to fifth in just his second ever Porsche race, while Tom Taplin was a stout sixth.

Shahin again claimed the Pro-Am battle and placed seventh outright, ahead of the race one recoverees including Caleb Sumich, Lachlan Bloxsom, Aron Shields and Marcos Flack.

Flack had made the most headway early and had powered his Sonic Motor Racing entry as high as sixth before a spin at turn six while attempting a pass on Targett saw him spinning back to just outside the top-10.

Brett Boulton finished second in Pro-Am with Richard Cowen third in class, while Carr again claimed Class B.

Sunday will see the third and final race of the weekend battled out over 40 minutes, representing the second round of the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy.

That race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports.

MARCO GILTRAP – Race 1 and 2 winner

“I made it hard for myself at the start but we got there in the end. I just think I just went in too deep. You know, I was watching Ronan on the right of me.

“I had a monumental moment out of Turn 3, I thought I was about to go around but kept it in it!

“I covered off Oscar who was coming in behind me and from there with me and Zac had a really good pace at the start for about the first three quarters of the race.

“I could see. Zac was struggling the same with me and I just went for a move. It was pretty pretty big one and I was like lucky to get a stopped. But from there, we just pressed on.”

Giltrap snares pole in closest ever Sprint Challenge qualifying

Less than 0.1 seconds covering top 4 in tight Symmons fight

MARCO GILTRAP has picked up where he left off in his Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia campaign, grabbing pole position for Round 2 of the series at Symmons Plains Raceway in one of the series’ closest ever qualifying sessions. 

Giltrap set a Porsche track-record 52.2810s best mid-way through the qualifying session and, with the track temperature decreasing, watched as everyone tried but ultimately failed to dislodge his Team Porsche NZ / EBM Porsche from pole position.

Full qualifying results: Click Here

The session was the closest ever in Sprint Challenge history with Lachlan Bloxsom a career-best second, trailing Giltrap by just 0.0464s.

The bonus point for Giltrap extends his championship lead, the 18-year-old Kiwi having won the opening round at Phillip Island in March.

Round 1 polesitter Marcos Flack qualified third – one of only a few to improve late in the session on a second new tyre run – with Ronan Murphy fourth.

The top four cars were covered by just 0.0792 seconds, while Zac Stichbury was fifth and just 0.17s from pole.

Round 1 podium finisher Aron Shields was sixth while Sam Shahin was seventh outright and first of the Pro-Am contenders.

Shahin’s 52.6417s was just 0.3 seconds from pole position and 0.6 seconds quicker than the next closest Pro-Am runner.

Grove Racing junior Oscar Targett qualified an impressive eighth on his Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge debut with Harrison Goodman and Tom McLennan rounding out the top-10.

The 10 quickest cars were split by just 0.45 seconds – the closest on record – while exactly one second covers the top 14 of the 23-strong field this weekend.

Included in that was Class B polesitter Brad Carr, who qualified his Generation 1 991 GT3 Cup Car 13th outright and only 0.8 seconds from the outright pole position time.

Just behind him was Brett Boulton, who was second in Pro-Am, while his McElrea Racing teammate Richard Cowen was 15th outright and third in Pro-Am – his best ever qualifying effort in PMSC.

The second round of the 2023 series continues tomorrow with two sprint races ahead of a longer enduro race on Sunday morning to complete the round.

All the races this weekend will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports this weekend.

MARCO GILTRAP – Pole Position / Michelin Junior

“It was pretty surprising given where we came from in practice. We struggled quite a bit but we moved on from there and we improved.

“It takes a while for the tyres to come in. Ultimately we got that time, then we changed tyres and couldn’t go any quicker. My time was set earlier in the session and it was enough to clinch pole.

“It reminds me of back home in New Zealand, it’s tight, there’s walls close by. The racing is going to be super intense. There’s going to be a lot on that first lap with people getting to the front.

“I think it will be a good watch – make sure to tune in for that. It’s going to be close – there’s nothing in it.”

SAM SHAHIN – Pro-Am Pole Position

“Very pleasing. I started having some dreams after finishing second in practice one, but it was back to reality in qualifying.

“I’m really happy. I’ve not driven this car since Phillip Island and it’s a real handful, it’s very different to the 992 (that Sam races in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia). There are only a couple of corners you need to absolutely nail and it’s a technical little circuit.

“I’m very pleased to start a little bit forward, looking forward to some great racing – this track always produces it.”

TekworkX duo ready for Tasmanian trip

Hamish Fitzsimmons and Aron Shields will both take to the track at Symmons Plains Raceway for the first time

Hamish Fitzsimmons and Aron Shields will both take to the track at Symmons Plains Raceway for the first time, when Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge heads to Tasmania for round two of the season.

The TekworkX Motorsport duo found immediate success at the season opening round at Phillip Island, with Shields earning his maiden victory while Fitzsimmons raced his way to a top five in his first event out of karting.

The up-and-coming drivers are both benefitting from a strong testing and coaching programme. The team completed a test day at Queensland Raceway in between the opening two rounds and the pair have also spent time at Norwell Motorplex, receiving extensive coaching and training.

Last time Sprint Challenge raced in Tasmania was in 2019, before TekworkX Motorsport had formed, however the team has strong ties to the track and category combination. Max Vidau swept all three races when Sprint Challenge last visited Tasmania, and the current Carrera Cup Championship leader will be on hand to lend his expertise over the weekend.

Shields is in his second year in the category and sits second in the championship after the opening round of the 2023 season.

“I’m really looking forward to tackling a new track, as I’ve been to most of the circuits on this year’s calendar,” said Shields.

“Phillip Island was a really strong weekend for us, and I felt that I unlocked a new level of speed in my driving. We saw a really competitive round in the Pro class, and I’m expecting much of the same in Tasmania.

“It’s pretty cool to be racing on the support bill for Supercars, it’s the first time I’ve had that opportunity. I’ll try to soak in the atmosphere and the event but I’m there to do a job and all the focus will be on performing as best we can on track,” concluded Shields.

Fitzsimmons showed experience beyond his years when he carved his way through the pack in races two and three at Phillip Island, culminating in a fifth-place finish to end his debut weekend.

“The confidence levels are much higher than they were at this point prior to round one,” said Fitzsimmons.

“I learnt a lot through that weekend at Phillip Island, and I’ve been working hard since then to continue improving in preparation for round two. The time at Norwell has helped me to iron out some bad habits and I’ve really benefited from the training from Anton De Pasquale and Paul Morris up there.

“Symmons Plains is obviously a lot tighter and shorter than Phillip Island, there’s not much room for error and the field is going to be extremely close. I’m keen to go racing at a different style of circuit and also live out a dream of mine, which is to go racing at a Supercars event,” said Fitzsimmons.

Round two of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge takes place at Symmons Plains Raceway as part of the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint, from May 19-21. All three races will be live on Fox Sports and Kayo.

McLennan looking forward to racing in front of big Tasmanian crowd

Rising Porsche star Tom McLennan says he feels ready for the challenge of racing on a brand-new track for the second round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Symmons Plains Raceway this weekend.

The Queenslander has never raced on the 2.4km Tasmanian track, but was fortunate to have visited the track earlier this year for an initial look at the venue.

With 23 cars entered for this weekend’s round, McLennan knows that getting qualifying right on the seven-turn layout, including the famous hairpin, will be crucial.

“I was down at Symmons Plains earlier this year and it’s a cool little track, but the hairpin – I’ve never seen anything like it before!” Said McLennan.

“There are plenty of lines you can take into it, so it’ll be interesting to find out the one that suits the Porsche.

“It’s such a tight circuit where the racing will be close and I’m guessing there will be a lot of door-to-door banging as well. No doubt, it will make for an entertaining weekend.

“Qualifying will also be critical. The most important thing is that you’ll need to put a lap together with no mistakes.”

The Porsche racing will support the Repco Supercars Championship, meaning a big crowd and great television broadcast through Foxtel and Kayo.

McLennan is no stranger to racing on the big stage and is keen to do it all again this weekend.

“Supporting the Supercars is really cool,” he said.

“I did it in Formula Ford last year at Winton and it was a great experience. It’s great to see a large crowd watching and you get to watch all the main guys race on the same track you are.

“It’s always good to go into these type of rounds, and knowing you’ve got the full support available through McElrea Racing makes it so much easier.”

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will be on track on Friday for two practice sessions and qualifying, followed by two races on Saturday and the final race on Sunday.

For Australian viewers, all of Saturday and Sunday’s racing can be seen live on Foxtel and Kayo.

Scene set for Symmons showdown as Sprint Challenge returns

Young stars assemble as PMSC returns to Apple Isle for Round 2

THE most wide-open Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field in years will return to Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania this weekend for the second round of an already compelling 2023 series. 

A 23-strong field will head to the Apple Isle to contest three races at this weekend’s Ned Whiskey Tasmania SuperSprint event, competing alongside the Repco Supercars Championship for just the second time in series’ history.

It comes following a compelling opening round at Phillip Island in late February that saw 18-year-old New Zealand rising star Marco Giltrap claim two of the three races and win the round.

Giltrap starred on his debut performance in Australia, qualifying fourth before racing his way to victory in the opening race, backing that up with second in Race 2 and another win in the finale’.

Aussie teenager Marcos Flack grabbed pole at the opening round while Australian karting graduate, Aron Shields, won his first race and finished second overall.

Second-year Michelin Sprint Challenge racer Harrison Goodman enjoyed his best weekend yet by finishing third aboard his Bob Jane T-Marts-backed Sonic entry.

All three will be in action this weekend to be joined again by a host of fiercely competitive young stars all looking to make their impression felt early in the series.

The 23-strong Tassie grid includes some new talent joining the series for the first time.

17-year-old karting sensation Oscar Targett will make his debut this weekend, competing for the Grove Racing Junior team and supported by Earl Bamber Motorsport.

Target, a top-20 ranked driver in the FIA’s World Karting Championship, is a highly-rated prospect and joins a host of other rising stars on this year’s grid.

Following Giltrap, Shields and Goodman, second-generation star Ronan Murphy (Sonic) sits fourth in the standings while Porsche New Zealand scholarship winner Zac Stichbury is fifth.

The stacked Symmons Plains Pro field also includes McElrea Racing’s Caleb Sumich, Tom McLennan and Lachlan Bloxsom, TekworkX Motorsport’s young star Hamish Fitzsimmons and South Aussie driver, Tom Taplin.

In the Pro-Am ranks, two former class champions battled it out for the Round 1 victory with no signs of that intensity reducing heading into Round 2.

Sam Shahin (The Bend Motorsport Park) claimed round 1 ahead of McElrea Racing’s Brett Boulton, with Matt Slavin in third place.

Both Shahin and Boulton featured prominently at Symmons Plains on the last visit in 2019, with Shahin claiming the round win in the Pro-Am class and Boulton finishing second.

In Class B, Round 1 winner and defending champion Lachy Harburg misses Tasmania, opening the door to rivals Brad Carr and Phil Morris to score points.

The last time the series raced in Tasmania, Harri Jones scored pole position while Max Vidau swept the three races to claim the round honours.

Jones’ finished second and Ryan Suhle third, with Aaron Love just off the podium.

This weekend, Jones will make his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup debut while Vidau currently co-leads the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Love is a leading light in the Super2 Series.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field hits the track on Friday for two practice sessions and qualifying.

The first two races will then be contested on Saturday, ahead of the 40-minute finale’ on Sunday morning.

All three races across the weekend will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports, with coverage on Sky Sport New Zealand for Kiwi viewers.

ENTRY LIST

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, May 19

Practice 1 – 11:05am
Practice 2 – 12:50pm
Qualifying – 14:50pm

Saturday, May 20
Live on Fox Sports & Kayo

Race 1 – 11:40am (20 Minutes)
Race 2 – 14:40pm (25 Minutes)

Sunday, May 21
Live on Fox Sports & Kayo

Race 2 – 11:50am (40 Minutes)

Sonic ready for Symmons as Ronan Murphy reveals new Porsche backers

Sonic trio ready for big weekend on the Apple Isle

Targett locked for Grove junior team, PMSC debut

Youn-gun set for Sprint Challenge debut in Tasmania

Grove Junior Team rising star, Oscar Targett is set to take on two of Australia’s most competitive Junior Series, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and the Toyota Gazoo 86 Racing Series. 

With the continued backing of the Grove Group, the 17-year-old Queenslander has shown his talent throughout his karting career where in 2022 he moved to Italy to race with the Official BirelART Karting Team.

Oscar competed in the FIA European Championship finishing 8th in Cremona, Italy and ended the season inside the top 20 at the FIA World Championship amongst a field of 126 drivers. 

With his car racing debut on the horizon, Stephen and Brenton Grove as well as Penrite Racing Team Principal, David Cauchi have expressed their high regard for the junior driver who is set to take on the TGRA Scholarship Series kicking off at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.  

The TGRA Scholarship series involves three qualifying sessions constructed to finalise the grid for the main rounds which commence on July 7-9 at the Townsville 500.  

Oscar’s first round of The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will be at Queensland Raceway April 28 – 30 where he will also be supported by Earl Bamber Motorsport. 

TEAM OWNER, STEPHEN GROVE SAID:

“We are very proud to be supporting Oscar as he transitions to car racing this year. It is an exciting stage in his career and the start of what we believe will be a long and successful one.” 

“Oscar’s capability is highly impressive, and it was evident from the moment we met him that he embodies all the values we look for in our junior drivers. Racing both the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and Toyota Gazoo 86 Racing Series will allow him to build his door-to-door race craft as well as his speed which is our main focus through this season. 

“We are all excited to see what he can achieve this year,” said Stephen. 

TEAM PRINCIPAL, PENRITE RACING, DAVID CAUCHI SAID:

“Oscar has shown he is an impressive young driver.”

“He achieved some strong results karting in Italy last year and that experience will no doubt help him as he transitions to car racing.  

“Grove Racing are proud to be a part of Oscar development so far and we will continue to support him to build the foundation of his professional racing career. Having access to the resources of the Supercars team and our drivers Matt Payne, Dave Reynolds and Garth Tander will be valuable to his learning,” said Cauchi. 

OSCAR TARGETT, GROVE JUNIOR TEAM DRIVER SAID:

“For the 2023 season I begin my move from Karting into cars with the amazing team at Grove Racing.” 

“I’m extremely excited and fortunate to be competing in both the Toyota 86 and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge. We have done 2 days testing in the Porsche with the team at Earl Bamber Motorsport where I have been happy with my speed. This weekend we start off at Sydney Motorsport Park in the Toyota 86 scholarship series. 

“I have a lot of learning to do this year to prepare myself for the future but I’m up for the challenge and keen to get to work.  

“I can’t thank Stephen, Brenton and the whole team at Grove Racing enough for their support,” said Oscar.  

Date change for Queensland PMSC Round confirmed

Sprint Challenge to link with Shannons SpeedSeries event in August

Porsche Motorsport Australia has made the difficult decision to move what was planned to be the second round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia at Queensland Raceway.  

Our original calendar had the series running with the Australian Superbike Championship at Queensland Raceway on April 28-30.

That round will no longer proceed, with Round 2 of the series instead now set for Symmons Plains on May 19-21.

As an alternative to the planned ASBK event, the series will now return to Queensland Raceway at the Shannons SpeedSeries event on August 11-13.

Though the date changes, this move ensures the venue and state remains the same.

Our Queensland round will therefore become the fourth round of the series – following the Sydney SuperNight event with Supercars in late July.

“There are significant differences between two and four-wheeled events – including officiating, broadcast expectations, and important timing logistics – that proved extremely challenging for us to overcome,” Porsche Motorsport Australia Manager Barry Hay explained.

“To deliver the same consistently high level of product that our teams, competitors and supporters are accustomed to, we have elected instead to shift our Queensland trip to the SpeedSeries Program in August.

“We would like to thank Simon Maas and the team at the Australian Superbikes for their efforts to accommodate us, and Adrian Coppin and his team at Motorsport Australia for offering an alternative event.

“We understand the challenges involved; however it is our opinion that this will represent a better outcome in terms of quality of event, broadcast and media exposure not to mention the overall event experience for our PMSC competitors.”

The Porsche Motorsport team will work closely with event organisers on the category schedule at Queensland Raceway, in an effort to best manage the turn-around time between that weekend, and the subsequent Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round at The Bend Motorsport Park the following week.

The next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series will be held at Symmons Plains Raceway on May 19-21.

PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE
Revised 2023 Calendar

Round 1 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, PIARC March Access, March 4-5 (Complete)
Round 2 – Symmons Plains Raceway, TAS, Supercars Tasmania SuperSprint, May 19-21
Round 3 – Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW, Supercars Sydney SuperNight, July 28-30
Round 4 – Queensland Raceway, QLD, Shannons SpeedSeries, August 11-13
Round 5 – The Bend Motorsport Park, SA, Shannons Motorsport Australia Trophy Series, October 13-15
Round 6 – Mount Panorama, Bathurst, NSW, Supercheap Auto Bathurst International, November 10-12

Giltrap stars in wild Sprint Challenge season opener

Kiwi sensation claims the Island, as Shahin and Harburg take class wins

NEW ZEALAND teenager Marco Giltrap has launched his Australian career in style, claiming victory in the opening round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

The Team Porsche NZ / EBM driver won two of Sunday’s three races to take the round overall in a thrilling weekend of competition to kick off the new one-make Porsche season in Australia.

RESULTS: Round 1, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge 

Sam Shahin claimed victory over Brett Boulton and Matt Slavin in Pro-Am, while Lachlan Harburg won Class B to kick off his title defence.

Giltrap’s path to victory came via a consistent day that saw him leap from fourth to win in the first 10-lap sprint race of the year.

He then finished second in the second sprint, behind first-time race winner Aron Shields, to set up a race-three tiebreaker in the 25-lap Jim Richards Enduro opener on Sunday afternoon.

His path to victory was less than clear, however, gaining the lead – then losing it in a hesitation with lapped traffic – before re-passing Harrison Goodman to take the lead and pull away to victory.

It ensured he won the round over Shields and Goodman, who completed the podium.

“I’ve finished with the round win and a couple of race wins – can’t get a much better stuff than that,” Giltrap said.

“We’re pretty sure we had some pretty good pace coming into the weekend. There’s still some room for improvement as always, but that third race was pretty hectic. I mean, it was a long one.

“There’s a bit of tyre conservation and then the traffic got involved and we sort of slipped back to second.

“Ultimately, we knew we had the pace towards the end of the race and we kept strong and ultimately, we came on top.”

Sam Shahin swept the weekend in the Pro-Am class, winning all three races.

Brett Boulton kicked off his title defence with a solid second overall while Matt Slavin scored his second podium finish, scoring third overall for the weekend.

Lachy Harburg was similarly unbeaten in Class B, sweeping all three wins to take the round over Brayden Taylor and Phil Morris.

All three races were thrilling affairs setting the tone for a competitive Sprint Challenge season ahead.

In race one, a flying start saw Giltrap leap to the lead from fourth of the grid, pulling away from a furious fight for second position to claim his debut victory in his first one-make Porsche race.

Aron Shields spent much of his race in a pitched battle for second position with Lachlan Bloxsom, the pair battling until the former slipped through with a few laps remaining to secure second.

That left Bloxsom in third heading a train comprised of Harrison Goodman, Ronan Murphy, Zak Stichbury and Pro-Am winner, Sam Shahin.

Stichbury had challenged for a top-three spot on the last lap before he ran wide at Siberia, surrendering two spots.

Tom Taplin, Brett Boulton and Tom McLennan completed the top-10, while Lachy Harburg claimed Class B.

In race two, the start was again critical as Shields launched into the lead from second position, pulling away from Marco Giltrap to claim a strong win – his first in PMSC competition.

It was also the first race win for TekworkX Motorsport in the series.

Harrison Goodman finished a stout third following a combative drive, while Lachlan Bloxsom crossed the line in fourth – however was later penalised two positions for a breech of driving standards regulations.

That elevated Stichbury to fourth and Murphy to fifth, with Shahin (Pro-Am) and Harburg (Class B) again triumphing.

The Jim Richards Enduro season opener was a wild one, with a battle of tyre conservation seeing drivers rise and fall dramatically throughout the leaderboard.

Marcos Flack was one who charged through the field, running as high as second before he fell close to the finish – Tom Taplin another to star before failing to finish.

Giltrap claimed the lead early but lost it negotiating traffic, Harrison Goodman assuming point for several laps as the pair battled before the young Kiwi re-took the lead.

Ronan Murphy was a big winner – storming past both Flack and Goodman, his two Sonic teammates, to score a personal-best second in the feature race.

Zac Stichbury stormed through to fourth while Hamish Fitzsimmons was fifth, from well outside the top-10.

Sam Shahin ran with the Pro drivers en-route to the Pro-Am class victory, Brett Boulton second in class.

The next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series will see the field head to Queensland Raceway for Round 2, racing alongside the Australian Superbike Championship on April 28-30.

Marcos Flack charges to debut Porsche pole

Sam Shahin, Lachy Harburg take class poles at the Island

TEENAGER Marcos Flack has sensationally charged to pole position for the opening round of the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit. 

The second-generation Porsche racer hovered around the top group of contenders for the first phase of today’s 30-minute qualifying session, however flew to the top of the charts on his final flying lap – in dominant style.

His 1m31.3032s flyer delivered him pole position by 0.48 seconds – a massive margin given the top-8 cars had been covered by less than that margin for much of the session.

In the Pro-Am class, Sam Shahin held out some intense competition to grab top spot in his category, while 2022 champion Lachlan Harburg topped Class B to kickstart his title defence.

Flack’s flyer delivered Sonic Motor Racing their first Sprint Challenge pole in several years and will see a pair of teenagers on the front row: Flack lining up alongside Team Porsche NZ junior Zak Stichbury.

“It was amazing,” Flack said.

“Being the first round good to start the season this way. We’ve got the job to do tomorrow – but this is the best way to start.”

The session was held in warm conditions at Phillip Island, with peak lap speed coming relatively early on each drivers’ run on a new set of Michelins.

Stichbury held top spot in the early stanza of qualifying before being bumped off pole by Flack late in the session.

The Team Porsche NZ driver was strong throughout practice and qualifying in what was a strong day for the Kiwi Porsche squad.

The second row will be made up of Aron Shields, who is making his first round start with TekworkX Motorsport, and Marco Giltrap.

Fifth was fast teenager Hamish Fitzsimmons, who enjoyed a strong debut session despite beaching his car at the top of Lukey Heights mid-way through qualifying – bringing out the red flag.

Lachlan Bloxsom was sixth for McElrea Racing, Ronan Murphy seventh on his debut and his Sonic teammate Harrison Goodman eighth.

Perth teenager Caleb Sumich was ninth and Tom Taplin tenth. Just one second covered Stichbury in second to Goodman in eighth, while six of the top 10 drivers were on their one-make Porsche debut today.

In Pro-Am, Sam Shahin grabbed top spot in qualifying but faced strong challenges from David Grieg, who qualified a personal-best second.

Grieg was just three-tenths behind Shahin with Brett Boulton just 0.1 seconds further back in third as he commences his Pro-Am class title defence.

Matt Slavin was fourth in class with Richard Cowen – who survived a wild ride on the exit of the final corner – and Andrew Goldie next.

Lachy Harburg scored pole in Class B – and 18th outright – with Brayden Taylor and Phil Morriss next.

The opening round of the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series kicks off at Phillip Island tomorrow, with three races to be contested.

The first two will be a pair of competitive 10-lap sprints, with the finale’ the first round of the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy series.

All three races will be streamed live on Blend Line TV via YouTube.

McLennan ready for start of new Porsche racing season

Tom McLennan says he has never felt more ready for a racing season ahead of his assault on the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year.

McLennan will compete in the all-Porsche series, driving for McElrea Racing that kicks off at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit this weekend.

The Queenslander is coming off the back of five-straight weekends of racing in New Zealand after completing the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championships.

In what was his first motorsport in a high-powered open wheel race car, McLennan scored his best results of the five-round season in the final weekend of the championship at Taupo, and he says that he is ready and raring to go for his return to Porsche racing at Phillip Island.

“The New Zealand experience was awesome and I’m really glad that I did it,” said McLennan.

“The things that I learnt the most were a lot about how to set up a race car, plus race craft, qualifying techniques and to maximise a new green tyre.

“I learnt a heap from it, and the aim will be to transform what I learnt there into my Porsche racing.”

Ahead of his return to Porsche competition, McLennan jumped back behind the wheel of a first generation of the 991 example at Queensland Raceway to reacquaint himself to racing with a roof over his head.

While he will step back into a Gen 2 car for his racing proper with McElrea Racing, he said that it was handy to get back into the groove in the older model car.

“It was nice to step back into the Porsche. Compared to the Formula Regional car, it felt easier, but that is to be expected. They are certainly different machines,” he said.

“It took all day to really get back into the swing, but doing that test was definitely an advantage for me.

“It’s only a two-day race meeting at Phillip Island. There are two practice sessions before we jump into qualifying, so I feel that I will have plenty of time to get right up to speed.”

McLennan is part of a great crop of young talent contesting the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year.

He says that he expects the competition to be fierce.

“There’s a lot of new guys in the series, plus some who are back for their second or third years,” he said.

“It will be a strong field, for sure, but I have never felt more ready for a season of racing.

“Hopefully we can get some strong results to kick off the year.”

Practice and qualifying will be held at Phillip Island this Saturday, followed by three races on Sunday.

Porsche Michelin Junior program participants named for 2023

Young stars of the sport put through their paces in extensive two-day training camp prior to launching racing year.

PORSCHE Motorsport Australia has announced a record class of drivers taking part in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Junior Program.

21 young rising stars from Australia and New Zealand hold official Michelin Junior Status this year and will compete across the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship.

Top juniors in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge receive support to progress to Carrera Cup, while the top-performing Michelin Junior in Carrera Cup receives an invite to compete in the global Porsche Michelin Junior shootout each year.

Porsche Motorsport Australia graduates Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love and 2022 champion Harri Jones are all recent shootout participants.

The Porsche Michelin Junior program is a core element of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and gives young drivers opportunities to not only progress their career, but also improve their own physical and mental performance on their individual pathways to becoming professional racing drivers.

A majority of the Michelin Juniors were put through their paces in an extensive two-day camp in Melbourne earlier this year, developed by Porsche and specialist motorsport trainers, Reaction Performance.

“This year in the Porsche Michelin Junior Program we’re giving these guys, over a two day workshop, as much of an introduction to the different elements they need to bring in to improve their performance,” said Leigh Stamation, Reaction Performance.

“We did some reaction time testing; we did some body composition testing and we’ve moved on to do a beep test.

“Beyond that we do a spin test. We then had a seminar based on different elements, coaching, training, mindset, and the guys really absorbed it a lot through that.”

Stamation explained that the group showed enormous promise across the extensive, intense two-day program.

“There’s some standouts in the group, but there’s also the quiet achievers who show great promise,” he said.

“We’ve seen some real opportunities with some of these young kids and bringing them all together like this is a great way to observe where those future champions are going to come from.”

Barry Hay, Porsche Motorsport Australia Motorsport Manager said: “The biggest thing about Porsche is that everything is about development. We want to continually be at the top of our game in Motorsport throughout the world, and the best way to build champions is at the grass roots level.

“We’ve basically got some of the biggest hot shots in Australian Motorsport as juniors coming through.

“There are names here you’ll be hearing lots about in the next five years.”

Eleven Michelin Juniors will be in action this weekend within a strong 24-car field contesting the opening round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

The 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship commences at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this March 30-April 2.

2023 PORSCHE MICHELIN JUNIOR DRIVERS:

Live Streaming coverage of Round 1 confirmed

Qualifying and all three races to be streamed live from Phillip Island

Three Pro-Am entries for Ashley Seward Motorsport

Triple threat for ASM team in PMSC opener

Ashley Seward Motorsport will field three Pro-Am entries in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at the season-opening event at Phillip Island this weekend, Andrew Goldie, Matt Slavin and Tim Wolfe.

Goldie and Slavin return after contesting selected rounds of the 2022 season with ASM. Wolfe will make his debut in Sprint Challenge and is a new signing for the team.

Wolfe has previously raced in various TARGA Competitions in the West and has a number of rounds under his belt in the Porsche 944 Challenge in Victoria. The debutant is supported by PER Equipment Rentals.

“This year is all about learning and doing my apprenticeship, so to speak,” said Wolfe.

“In 2019 I made the step to Porsche 944 Challenge over in Victoria and really enjoyed that, but then 2020 and 2021 was disrupted by covid. I did some more rounds in 2022 and then decided that it would be the right time to make the leap into Sprint Challenge.

“I had the 991 that I was doing some local sports car stuff in, and then I knew Andrew Goldie who races for ASM, it all came together and I decided to hit the button and make it happen. I did my first test with the team just over a week ago at Phillip Island,” concluded Wolfe.

Goldie will be one of the favourites to fight for podiums in Pro-Am with his demonstrated history of pace in the one-make category. In 2022 Goldie finished the season third in the Pro-Am class, despite missing the round at Sandown Raceway. The result came off the back of six podium finishes throughout the year for the Cirrus Aircrafts backed driver.

“I am really looking forward to having another crack, the category is so professional and the sharpness of the front running drivers can’t be understated,” said Goldie.

“Last year ended up being a great year for me considering I missed a round. We were very strong through the season at the rounds we did do, which boosts the confidence for this season where I’m locked in for the full year.

“I love running at Phillip Island, it’s a fast and flowing European style track that really suits the Porsche’s. I’ve probably done more racing there than at any other track as well so that familiarity with the circuit will really help to hit the ground running,” concluded Goldie.

Slavin made his debut in the category in 2022 at the Bathurst International where he impressed with a top five finish in race two. From his five races last season, Slavin finished in the top 10 four times. Ares Group will continue as primary sponsor for Slavin in 2023.

“I have been itching to get back on-track and Phillip Island is the perfect place to get back to it,” said Slavin.

“I’m really fortunate to have Ares Group on board for the year and we are committed to doing the full season. Putting an entire season together is going to be an exciting challenge.

“With the amazing support from Ash Seward and the team, it’s up to me to tighten the belts and move towards the pointy end,” concluded Slavin.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season gets its six round calendar underway this weekend at Phillip Island from March 4-5.

Two-car PMSC attack for Wall Racing in 2023

Sydney team confirms two new names for Michelin Sprint Challenge season

Wall Racing has announced a two car line-up for the opening round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Phillip Island this weekend, with Caspar Tresidder to line up in the Pro-Am Class and Brayden Taylor to compete in Class B.

While the Phillip Island race meeting will mark Tresidder’s first foray into national-level competition, he already has several years’ experience of Porsche racing, having driven his Hillcrest Merimbula Motel 991 Mk2 GT3 Cup car in the NSW Production Sports Car Championship since 2019.

Tresidder will also be able to tap into a handy bank of family knowledge – his father Paul is an experienced Porsche competitor, having raced some of the German marque’s finest machines for almost two decades in both Australia and Asia. Paul even owns the Porsche 911 GT3-R driven to a spectacular victory by Matt Campbell, Dennis Olsen and Dirk Werner in the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour.

“It will be my first time racing at Phillip Island, and Dad has already given me plenty of advice,” Caspar Tresidder said.

“I’ve been doing some simulator training to prepare myself for the event, and Dad has been giving me tips on corners and car positioning.

“I’m just so excited to race at Phillip Island. I’ve only heard good things about it and it’s a track that will really suit the Porsche.”

Tresidder is expecting the progression to Porsche Sprint Challenge to be challenging, and is thankful to have the support of the experienced Wall Racing outfit to assist his transition.

“There’s no doubt it’s a big jump – in NSW Prod Sports, there might have been four or five other cars I would be battling against for a class win, but in Sprint Challenge there will be at least 15 good drivers in the Pro-Am Class, so the level of competition will be more intense” he said.

“I’m just so thankful to have David (Wall) and his team by my side – David’s knowledge when it comes to Porsche racing is unparalleled. His Dad Des actually raced against my dad, so he’s been a family friend for a long time and being able to tap into his expertise will make my learning curve much more comfortable.”

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Brayden Taylor will make his car racing debut, competing in Class B aboard David Wall’s 2017 Carrera Cup title-winning 991 Mk1 GT3, supported by All Workshop Services and Maha Australia.

Taylor raced go-karts up until 2019, while his father also has a motorsport background, formerly competing in Sports Sedans and Production Sports.

Taylor currently works in the Wall Racing workshop during the week and is also studying mechanical engineering at the University of Wollongong.

“I’ve done some practice days in the Porsche and I’m excited for my first car race, but I’m not going into the weekend with any expectations of results – I just want to learn as much as I can,” Taylor said.

“I’m trying to understand as much about the sport as I can, and actually going racing will complement everything I’m learning in my engineering course – I’ll be able to understand the way setup changes affect how the car feels from the driver’s seat.”

Team owner David Wall said the two drivers will provide a nice balance for Wall Racing’s Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge program.

“On one hand, we have Brayden who’s young, enthusiastic and eager to learn, and then we have Caspar who is racing for fun but is also very competitive and keen to keep improving.

“They both have a very positive attitude and their main priority is to enjoy the experience of racing Porsches at Phillip Island, so it should be a fun weekend for our team,” Wall concluded.

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season to launch at Phillip Island

Second-generation drivers highlight competitive start to 2023 season

THE 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series will launch into life at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit this weekend, a 24-strong field set to be among the series’ most competitive yet.

Nine drivers will make their PMSC debut this weekend, including a remarkably strong Michelin Junior class that points to incredibly close competition at the top of the field.

Meanwhile, two defending class champions return in an effort to defend their respective Morris Pro-Am and Class B victories last year.

The 9 Porsche rookies include a host of second – or third – generation drivers all making the next step in their racing careers.

As well as Ronan Murphy, the son of four-time Bathurst champion Greg, Sonic Motor Racing will have the services of teenager Marcos Flack this year. Flack is the son of noted Carrera Cup racer Damien and returns to Australia after tackling open-wheel racing overseas.

Team Porsche New Zealand’s two-car attack includes Zac Stichbury, the son of Kiwi racing great, the late Ashley, while Marco Giltrap is the grandson of legendary New Zealand motoring and motorsport figure, Sir Colin Giltrap.

Caspar Tresidder is the son of well-known Sydney Porsche racer Paul, who has raced Carrera Cup Australia and Asia extensively, and makes his national racing debut this weekend.

Also joining the field are Perth teenager Caleb Sumich, who graduates from Radical Cup competition with McElrea Racing, Wall Racing’s Brayden Taylor – who will race David Wall’s 2017 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia title-winning car – Tim Wolfe and Hamish Fitzsimmons.

In the Pro class, returning drivers Harrison Goodman (Sonic), Lachlan Bloxsom and Tom McLennan (McElrea), Aron Shields (Who joins TekworkX Motorsport this sea) and Tom Taplin will hope to use their Porsche experience to get an early advantage over the fleet of newcomers.

In Pro-Am, Queenslander Brett Boulton returns to defend his hard-won 2022 title having finally make the breakthrough last season.

Boulton, who had twice finished runner-up in the Sprint Challenge ‘race within a race’, claimed the title last year over Sam Shahin – who also returns this year.

Andrew Goldie and David Grieg continue their ongoing battle, while Richard Cowen, Jonathan Glicksten, Matt Slavin, and Travis Knipe all add to the Pro-Am battle.

In Class B, Lachlan Harburg returns to commence the defence of his own class title from 2022 this weekend, however will again face strong competition in the category for the generation-1 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car, including newcomer Brayden Taylor and the experienced Phil Morriss.

The addition of nine further names to Porsche one-make competition this weekend takes to 26 the number of debutants in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in the last seven rounds.

This weekend marks the 15^th time that the series, a key part of the Porsche Pyramid, will have visited the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and the second time in as many rounds – the famous Victorian circuit having hosted the 2022 season finale’ last November.

There, Thomas Sargent claimed the title while Ryan Wood won both races and the round for Team Porsche NZ / EBM.

Sargent will tackle Porsche Carrera Cup North America this year, while Wood progresses to the Super2 series.

The 24-strong Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge field will practice and qualify this Saturday at Phillip Island, with three races to be held on Sunday morning – culminating in the first Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race of the season.

Qualifying and all three races will be streamed live and free from the Island, with further details to follow.

ENTRY LIST – Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Round 1.

New colours for Boulton in Pro-Am title defence

McElrea driver returns to defend crown with new paint in 2023

DEFENDING Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Morris Pro-Am champion Brett Boulton has shown off bold new colours for his title defence this year. 

The Queenslander returns for a fifth season with McElrea Racing with a striking new livery that features support from Correct Connections Electrical and Clipsal Home.

Boulton claimed last years’ title in style, winning six races in total to claim the title over long-time rival, Sam Shahin.

Boulton had finished runner-up in the championship twice, to Danny Stuttered in 2018 and behind Sam Shahin 2019, however turned the tables last year in another highly competitive season between the pair.

He will make his 23rd round start when the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series commences at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this March 4-5.

He’ll join another strong McElrea Racing program, which will include the recently confirmed Caleb Sumich among their Pro Driver ranks.

The 2023 PMSC field is expected to be among the most competitive yet, with a host of rising stars already confirmed in the Pro category ranks.

That includes young-gun Marco Giltrap and Zac Stichbury driving for Porsche Team NZ, while Sonic Motor Racing have confirmed second-generation racers Ronan Murphy and Marcus Flack will be joined by the returning Harrison Goodman in their three-car team.

More drivers will be confirmed prior to the opening round of the series at the high-speed Victorian venue.

Marco Giltrap to Drive for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2023

Iconic Kiwi surnames join forces for Sprint Challenge campaign

Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport have announced that Marco Giltrap is confirmed to drive for Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia.

With a strong background in the Toyota 86 (GR86) racing series, Giltrap was the rookie of the year in the 2021 championship. This was followed up with a third place overall in the 2022 championship.

Later that year he transitioned from GR86 to a Porsche 991 GT3 Cup car and was immediately successful, claiming a double-class victory in the New Zealand Endurance Championship 1-hour race (Class 2 and 3). Giltrap then teamed up with Simon Evans to win the 3-Hour GT4 class crown in a Porsche 718 GT4.

He will be debuting with TPNZ and Earl Bamber Motorsport in a 991.2 GT3 Cup car in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, with testing already underway in Australia.

Giltrap will be joining scholarship recipient Zac Stichbury who is also confirmed to be driving with TPNZ in the 2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge, and Callum Hedge who will compete in the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia scholarship seat.

The addition of Giltrap in the Sprint Challenge this year will see a competitive grid of young kiwi drivers with Ronan Murphy also recently announced to compete with Sonic Motor Racing Services, along with Stichbury.

Greg Clarke, General Manager of Porsche New Zealand
“We’re pleased to have Marco representing Team Porsche New Zealand in the Sprint Challenge this year. As the current New Zealand 1-hour Endurance champion, he has already proven his natural talent in the Porsche 991 GT3 Cup car.”

“It’s great to see a growing pool of young kiwi drivers competing in Porsche racing in Australia. We’re looking forward to seeing both Marco and Zac go head-to-head this season.”

Earl Bamber
“We are really excited to have Marco Giltrap join the team under the Team Porsche New Zealand banner. He has done a great job in Toyota 86 and we have followed what he has done closely in the New Zealand Endurance Championship in a Porsche. I think it’s only a natural progression for Marco and so far he has impressed us in testing. He and Zac are going to be a great combination and team together this year for the Sprint Challenge, hopefully getting a lot of podiums and race wins for Team Porsche New Zealand.”

Marco Giltrap
“I’m excited to say I’ll be joining Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport to race in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, it’s an absolute privilege to drive for Earl Bamber and work alongside his team. After racing a Porsche in New Zealand for almost a year I believe with the help of Earl Bamber Motorsport and Team Porsche New Zealand we can have some great success in 2023.”

Caleb Sumich to join McElrea attack in 2023

Radical Cup rising star makes tin-top switch for Porsche campaign

Sumich, 17, graduates to one-make Porsche racing following a successful karting career, and an impressive debut circuit racing season in sports car racing last year.

Caleb started his racing career in karts, with a successful career that spanned nine years and saw Caleb win a host of individual races, multiple series wins and become the State Champion.

His karting career took him racing across Australia, Singapore and saw him contest the World Championships in Italy.

In 2022 he shifted his focus to circuit racing, having claimed the Arise Racing junior driver seat following a talent search won by the Perth-based team.

He starred in his first year of circuit racing, winning multiple races and finishing second in the WA-based FSR Championship.

Alongside his state-based racing, Sumich also contested a limited campaign in the competitive Radical Cup Australia series, culminating in winning the final round of the 2022 championship at The Bend Motorsport Park.

Caleb steps into the McElrea Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car with ambitions of a career racing GT cars in Europe or the United States.

He successfully tested for McElrea Racing at Queensland Raceway this week, impressing the team with his speed and feedback instantly.

Sumich will join another fiercely competitive Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge grid when the series commences at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on March 3-5.

CALEB SUMICH:

“It’s definitely a great opportunity and I’m really excited to be racing with McElrea this year, they’re such a good team.

“I went to Queensland earlier this week and the team are amazing and have a lot of fun, too. The Cup Car is awesome to drive, very different to the Radical but lots of fun.

“The competition in Michelin Sprint Challenge looks really competitive this year, but hopefully we can get some good results and move forward.

“The plan is to end up racing GT cars in America or Europe. The pathway here, from Sprint Challenge to Carrera Cup Australia and then onward is ideal to get into those championships.”

ANDY McELREA:

“We are very excited to be running Caleb in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year and hopefully, in the near future, Carrera Cup.

“He has been well trained and developed by BD Soutar-Dawson in karts and Radicals and although only 17, is a very mature young driver.

“After watching how quickly he took to the Cup Car at a recent test day, I have no doubt Caleb will be right in the thick of the action up front this season.”

Sonic confirms young three driver line-up for 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Two rookies to be joined by returning Goodman in 2023 campaign

Sonic Motor Racing Service will field a youthful line-up for its Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge campaign in 2023.

Ronan Murphy, son of four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg, will make his Australian racing debut this year, competing with Sonic in the development Porsche category.

Murphy, 21, will be joined by 16-year-old rookie Marcus Flack and second-year Porsche driver Harrison Goodman in a strong three car line-up for the champion Sonic team.

All three drivers enjoyed a solid test session at Phillip Island yesterday, and for Murphy, it was the first time that he had driven a race car in Australia.

Murphy has spent his formative racing years in his home land of New Zealand, competing in Formula Ford and Toyota 86 racing. This year will mark his first full season racing away from home.

Flack also has racing in his blood. His father, Adrian, is a stalwart of Carrera Cup competition in Australia having competed in the Pro-Am class for a number of seasons.

The 16-year-old has made a fast start to his racing career, competing across the world in various junior open wheel categories, including Formula 4 and Formula 3.

Goodman returns for his third-straight season with Team Sonic after contesting 2021 in the team’s famous Formula Ford program, before stepping up to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge last year.

Goodman has made great gains in the latter part of 2022, running inside the top five in what was heralded as the most competitive Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge on record.

The opening round of the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will be held at Phillip Island on March 3-5.

QUOTES

Ronan Murphy

Driver, Team Sonic, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

“I’m super pumped to join Team Sonic and join the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for 2023,” said Murphy.

“It’s my first time racing in Australia and I couldn’t be more stoked to be doing it and joining a team like Sonic for the season. A huge thank you to Michael and Maria Ritter for the opportunity and all my supporters who have made this happen.”

“This was my first laps at Phillip Island today in a Gen II Porsche. I have a little bit of experience previously in New Zealand with Porsche but not this car and certainly not this track. I absolutely loved it, I have just been working on a few things with the team but we’re getting there slowly so I can’t wait for the season to roll around.

“My goal for the season is just to get some really good consistent results and see where we end up in the championship, ideally in the top five somewhere. Hopefully we will be fighting at the front come the season’s end.

“I certainly respect everything Dad has done in his time in Australia. He obviously had a half-decent run at things but I’m here to do my own thing and just do the best I can with what I have and the people around me and the support I’ve got and see how far it takes me. 

“I’m just going to give it 110 percent, take every opportunity and hopefully we will come out of it successful in the end.”

Harrison Goodman

Driver, Team Sonic, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

“It’s great to be continuing this year in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Sonic,” said Goodman.

“I’m really looking forward to this year. We showed lots of progress last year and I’m looking to continuing to grow and understanding the car.

“My goal is to be up the front of the pack. That’s the aim you always want to have.

“After a year of learning, this year is my chance to move forward, so I’m looking to make the steps I need to make to be up the front.”

Marcus Flack

Driver, Team Sonic, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

“It’s amazing to come home for a year and race in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Sonic. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Flack.

“I’ve never driven a tin top before, so I’m looking forward to being home and being racing.

“Like everyone, I want to win the championship, but I’m also respectful that this is my first year in tin tops. The most important thing is that I want to learn as much as possible.”

Michael Ritter

Owner, Sonic Motor Racing Services

“This is going to be one of the most competitive Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge seasons on record, and I feel that we have the right mix to be very competitive,” said Ritter.

“All three drivers, despite their youthfulness, have a vast array of experience in different categories. I know our team will be able to get the most out of them every race weekend.

“It was an important test for us at Phillip Island. We have one more coming up at Winton before the series starts, so it’s great to get these guys in the cars, get them comfortable to launch into the season the best we can.”

2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar announced

Six national rounds across five states make-up the 2023 calendar

Porsche Cars Australia is pleased to announce its 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar, with the National Porsche One-make Series featuring on a variety of Australia’s premier events throughout the year, ranging from Repco Supercars Championship rounds to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.

Porsche customer teams will again campaign both the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.2) in both the Pro and Morris Pro-Am class, with Class B providing a home for many new drivers in the 991.1 generation. The 2022 season witnessed some of the most entertaining and intense on track battles in each of the three classes, with the National Series hosting record fields at several rounds.

Now in its 14^th year, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series kicks-off in early March at the same venue it concluded last season, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The Victorian track is a favourite among Porsche teams and drivers due to its fast, flowing turns which are well suited to the 911 GT3 Cup car.

Teams then head north to Queensland Raceway in April, before one of two Repco Supercar Championship rounds follow on the 19-21 May (NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint) and the 28-30 July (Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight). Both Supercar events are new additions to the Sprint Challenge calendar and offer teams, drivers, partners and fans live race coverage on Foxtel and Kayo Sports with highlights on Channel 7 Plus following each round.

The penultimate round takes place at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend for before the Series returns to the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit, as part of the support category line-up for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International in early November.

QUOTES:     

Barry Hay, Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager: “Despite many of the 2023 Speed Series dates not being feasible for our teams logistically this year – due to their proximity to Carrera Cup rounds – we feel confident we’ve put together an unbelievable calendar with the support of a range of promoters, on some of the country’s biggest events. A real highlight for all our teams, drivers and partners this year will be not only the two Repco Supercar Championship rounds but returning to the Bathurst International event in November next year for our season finale. Phillip Island and The Bend Motorsport Park circuits are both hugely popular with our drivers and well suited to our 911 GT3 Cup cars.”

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

2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Calendar

*All rounds are subject to change

Eric Constantinidis breaks Bathurst Production Car Lap Record in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche enthusiast sets new Australian Record at Challenge Bathurst

Long-time Porsche Centre Sydney South customer, Eric Constantinidis, has broken the Bathurst Production Car Lap Record in his road registered Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Type 991.2) at the recent Challenge Bathurst event held at the Mount Panorama Circuit.

The new Bathurst Production Car lap record time of 2min12, is  2.2 secs faster than the previous record (2min14.2) set by Targa enthusiast, Jeff Morton, at the same event in 2020 in his Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Constantinidis, who runs an IT and Technology Managed Services Industry business in Sydney, purchased his first Porsche – a Cayenne S – in 2004 and attended his first track day in 2006 at Wakefield with friends. He loved the experience and over the course of the next eight years owned several Porsche vehicles, mostly Cayenne and Panameras, as his business grew.

It was in 2014, during a visit to his local Porsche Centre Sydney South (PCSS) dealership that Eric noticed a rare Panamera Turbo S on the dealer floor. He subsequently bought the car and was then invited to attend a PCSS track day.

His passion for motor racing continued to grow, and Eric went on to purchase a 991.2 911 Turbo S followed by a 991.2 generation GT2 RS in 2018. During that time, he completed Level 1 to 4 of the Porsche Track Experience to gain valuable track experience and knowledge from the likes of Head Instructor and Carrera Cup Australia Pro driver, Luke Youlden.

In 2020, Eric formed the UpTo11 Motorsport team with friends and took part predominantly in local track days, before climbing further up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid to the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge National Series with the help of Michael Newton Automotive and the purchase of a 991.2 generation 911 GT3 Cup car earlier this year.

After finishing second in the Porsche Cup Class Category on his Bathurst 12Hr debut, Eric felt Jeff Morton’s record was within his reach. He was also fortunate that in early November, Round 5 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series allowed him more track time to learn the intricacies of the challenging Mountain Panorama Circuit.

Eric was able to break the Production Car Record on his first day at the Challenge Bathurst event and reduce it even further the following morning to 2min13.1.

After fitting a new set of magnesium wheels and Michelin Cup2 R tyres, Constantinidis’ Porsche was then able to deliver a blistering time of 2min12, which is now the fastest time to date for a production road registered vehicle around the infamous circuit.

QUOTES:

Eric Constantinidis:

“I knew both the car and I had the ability to break the previous record and that was the only thing on my mind when I went out for Sprint 1. After achieving the 2m13.9 lap, it felt easy and I knew I could do better than that. In Friday morning’s first session, I further reduced the lap time to a 2min13.1 and had one more shot at the record, before the track heated up. I put a fresh set of magnesium wheels with Michelin Cup2 R tyres on and in the next session, delivered a 2min12 on the very first lap. My predictive time on the Motec was even faster on my second lap but I caught traffic and had to roll off. Either way, I was ecstatic knowing I had achieved a massive lap record.”

“Seat time is key (at Bathurst) and I had to trust the aero, handling and performance in a car that truly is an engineering feat by Porsche. What makes this moment even more special for me is that a Porsche GT2 RS will continue to maintain the record at such an iconic track over other manufacturers. It is a credit to Porsche, the quality and engineering of the car and in essence what brand is all about. This car is simply a road car that performs like a race car. I am looking forward to seeing what the RS Porsche cars of the future will bring to us.”

To follow Eric’s journey up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Wood wins battle, Sargent the war in Phillip Island finale

Three championships decided in dramatic final round at Phillip Island

THOMAS SARGENT did everything he needed to do to claim the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series in the final round at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. 

Ryan Wood swept to the final round win with a pair of race victories, but couldn’t overhaul his season-long rival in the title battle.

A pair of second place finishes in two races held at the high-speed Victorian capped off a remarkable year for Sargent, who finished first or second in every race this year.

It was also the second consecutive one-make Porsche title for Sargent’s CHE Engineering / Tegra Australia team, who claimed the 2021 Carrera Cup title with Cameron Hill, and also comes in the same year the two drivers teamed up to win the Bathurst 6 Hour endurance race.

Meanwhile, Brett Boulton claimed the Morris Pro-Am class title victory, his first in one-make Porsche competition, while Danny Stuttered won the round.

Lachlan Harburg claimed the Class B title, while home-town hero Jacob Li dominated the final round to take the weekend.

Saturday’s race day was a dramatic affair much as the entire season has been, and ultimately saw the second of three races declared early with no points awarded.

In Race 1, Sargent beat Wood into the first corner and led the race until a Safety Car slowed the field on lap two.

That yellow was caused when Tom Taplin and Lachlan Bloxsom made contact at Turn four, the damage ending Taplin’s day and sending Bloxom – at the time a contender for third in the championship – to the back of the field.

Wood pounced on the restart, passing his season-long rival to grab a race lead he would never lose.

Sargent fended off advances from Courtney Prince to hold on to second, with the Sonic driver a strong third.

Aron Shields was next, while Adrian Flack claimed Morris Pro-Am and finished fifth outright.

Sam Shahin was second in Pro-Am, marginally closing the championship lead to Brett Boulton, who was fourth in class.

Jacob Li claimed Class B in the opening race and claimed an outstanding 11th outright in the 30-car field.

Race two started with Wood out-muscling Sargent for the lead on the run into turn one, while Harrison Goodman charged up from the third row to run third.

However the race was brought under Safety Car after four laps when contact between Danny Stuttered and Sam Shahin saw the former turned into the barriers on the exit of Turn 10.

The lengthy Safety Barrier repair forced the race to be red flagged and ultimately declared, with no points awarded.

That left the final race to decide two of the three titles – Boulton provisionally taking home the Morris Pro-Am crown following the race two no result.

The final race was gripping as Wood and Sargent again battled hard in the early stages, Wood taking the early lead and leading a freight train of cars before he was able to pull away.

The EBM / Team Porsche NZ driver claimed his eighth race win of the year – one more than Sargent – however the latter’s safe second position was more than enough to seal the title.

He ultimately won the title by 19 points, with Aron Shields completing the podium both for the Phillip Island round and the season.

Shields had been forced to fend off Courtney Prince for much of the race before ultimately pulling away in third.

Prince would drop back to fifth position by the flag, behind a charging Lachlan Bloxsom who finished fourth thanks to a late pass on the Sonic driver.

In Morris Pro-Am, Adrian Flack was an early non-finisher after an incident – that also included Sam Shahin – saw him spun to the inside of turn four on the opening lap, reduced to being a spectator. Shahin also dropped to the back of the field after being spun around and was forced to recover.

That left Stuttered in the key position to take the class race and round victory, with Boulton second and Ben Stack third in both the race and the round.

In Class B, Lachlan Harburg needed only to start and finish race three to claim the title, which he did successfully.

Li won the race over Carr and Sticklen, with the round result reflecting that race result as well.

Thomas Sargent – 2022 Pro Champion & Jim Richards Endurance Champoionship winner

“It has been a very, very hard fought year, it was a late year due to Covid we started quite late and since then has been very awesome to have all this racing at the end of the year. The racing has been awesome between Ryan and I and the rest of the field so I’ve learnt so much about Porsche driving and race craft. I have had a great time and I’m super stoked to have wrapped up the championship, its something we want to achieve and it’s been amazing to do it with the CHE Racing Team again.

“This car has a lot of pedigree having won the Carrera Cup championship with Cameron and now Sprint Challenge with myself.

“That was one good thing coming into this year we knew where we stood with the car and the team, so it came down to me and it showed in the end. Its great to add another championship to that car’s record.”

Brett Boulton, Morris Pro-Am Championship winner

“Yes I had to bring it home in that last race, pressure was off it was such good fun. The guys just said go out and have some fun and that’s what we did, it was great. We knew we needed consistency to win the Championship, Sam (Shahin) is an awesome driver, does plenty laps and racing, so for us it was just about being there getting as many wins as possible, being consistent.

“I’m really proud of my driving considering I haven’t been in the car for two years. Its great to get the championship third time lucky, I knew I had to get the job done otherwise it would have been a bit embarrassing, but its an awesome team and I couldn’t be happier.”

Lachy Harburg, Class B Champion

“The start of this year we got the car and we said we might do one or two rounds and see how it goes, so to be here, now having done five rounds and have won the championship is amazing, I’m absolutely elated it means a lot to me.

“I was never the fastest car, I was just consistent. So to finish the season and do the job its really satisfying. It has been a really competitive season with Jacob (Li), Brad (Carr) and Nathan (Sticklen) we’ve always been at close quarters with our pace, I felt bad that the guy I had to beat was also the best guy in the field. Its really good to race him thjough considering Nathan’s experience.”

PROVISIONAL STANDINGS:

Pro:

1. Thomas Sargent 852
2. Ryan Wood 833
3. Aron Shields 627
4. Courtney Prince 585
5. Lachlan Bloxsom 573
6. Jason Miller 476
7. Harrison Goodman 445
8. Madeline Stewart 365
9. Tom McLennan 182
10. Tom Taplin 171

Morris Pro-Am

1. Brett Boulton 822
2. Sam Shahin 699
3. Andrew Goldie 530
4. David Grieg 485
5. Indiran Padayachee 385

Class B

1. Lachlan Harburg 578
2. Jacob Li 552
3. Nathan Sticklen 552
4. Brad Carr 386
5. Jonathan Glicksten 300

Ryan Wood completes 2022 Pole Position sweep

Title battle poised as key rivals lock out front-row at Phillip Island

RYAN WOOD has completed a remarkable Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia sweep, claiming his sixth pole position from six rounds in an action-packed session at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit this afternoon.

The Team Porsche NZ scholarship winner punched out a 1m30.9661s best on his eighth of 11 laps in the 20-minute session to claim the top spot at every round this year.

He edged out championship leader Thomas Sargent by 0.26 seconds with the pair to start alongside each other for the sixth consecutive round tomorrow in race one.

The pair duelled for pole from the outset, running nose-to-tail for much of their initial run, Wood leading Sargent by just 0.01 seconds as they pitted for their second set of Michelin tyres half way through the session.

Wood was able to marginally improve on his second run while Sargent found no further time aboard his Tegra Australia 911, locking them into the front row of the grid.

Several drivers struggled to improve in their second runs after being delayed by several spinning cars while on their hot laps.

The bonus point for pole position draws the young Kiwi closer to Sargent in the title battle, the pair now separated by just 31 points – with 180 up for grabs across Saturday’s three races.

Fresh from his first podium finish at Mount Panorama last time out, Lachlan Bloxsom was third outright aboard his Team Navy / McElrea Racing entry.

He will line up alongside Courtney Prince, who was a late improver aboard her Local Legends / Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry to fourth of the Pro class runners.

Tom Taplin and Harrison Goodman will make up row three for the first race on Saturday.

The Morris Pro-Am fight took a compelling turn as not only were the key title rivals well separated on the grid, a wildcard entry usurped them all to throw his hat into the ring.

Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia regular Adrian Flack made the most of his Sprint Challenge cameo this weekend, jumping back into the Type 911.2 GT3 Cup Car with ease to score pole position in the series ‘race within a race’.

Not only did he score the top spot in class, he qualified fourth outright among the Professional cars, less than one second from Ryan Wood’s outright pole time. It also gave the Earl Bamber Motorsport team pole in both classes.

Sam Shahin – second in the championship – was second in Pro-Am and 8^th outright, while class leader Brett Boulton could do no better than sixth: David Grieg, Andrew Goldie and Daniel Stuttered between he and his closest pursuer.

Potential title-effecting results were also seen in the Class B battle, with home town hero Jacob Li claiming pole position in class for the third time this year.

Furthermore, his flying 1m32.7234s lap put him 10^th outright and among the Morris Pro-Am heavy hitters.

Li sits third in the Class B standings and is in pursuit of Nathan Sticklen – who was third in class – and series leader Lachlan Harburg, who was fourth in class today.

Three races will decide the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia season tomorrow at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, competing at the Island Magic event.

All three races (9:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm local time) will be battled out over 13 laps and will be broadcast live on Blend Line TV’s You Tube Channel.

Ryan Wood, Pro:

“Its great to get six poles from all six races this year, it’s a good way to start the weekend. We had trouble in practice with a couple of gremlins that krept in, but at the end of the day we did it when it mattered. Looking forward to tomorrow, we just need some luck to go our way finally. In terms of the Championship, all I can do is try get all the wins and pole for the extra point and see what happens in the end.”

Adrian Flack, Morris Pro-Am:

“I feel young again. It was such a fun session to be fourth overall, I absolutely love this place. Driving the old car is so much fun to drive, I’ve had a really good time. I want to thank the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team, we all just having fun and its really good. Its great having both EBM cars on pole in both classes, Ben (Jenkins) gave us instructions that he wouldn’t accept anything less, but seriously the car’s great and I put it together when it counts.”

Jacob Li, Class B:

“I’m super happy about it, I want to just say thanks to my team and Ashley he’s been very helpful, as well as all the friends and family that came here to support me. It was a good qualifying session, but a shame I didn’t get to finish my flying lap, I was 0.5 tenths quicker than I had been until there. It’s a good start though and I need to keep pushing for the races.”

Twelve up-and-coming racers eager to become the new Porsche Junior

Selection for Porsche's international motorsport talent development programme

Twelve particularly accomplished racing drivers took part in a three-day shootout in Jerez, Spain, with the intention of becoming the 2023 Porsche Junior.

For the last 26 years, the sports car manufacturer’s exemplary junior programme has been one of the most successful of its kind in motorsport. This initiative has paved the way for many talented youngsters to pursue professional careers as works drivers, producing numerous world champions and Le Mans winners in the process. The successful candidate receives a sponsorship package of up to 225,000 Euros. The new Porsche Junior will be announced at the “Night of Champions” on December 17th at the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach (Germany).

All the invited candidates share these factors: they are no older than 24 and have finished in the top five of one of the more than 30 Porsche one-make cup series around the world in the past year, driving the ca. 375 kW (510 PS) 911 GT3 Cup. And they all had to showcase their prowess on and off the 4.428-kilometre Grand Prix circuit. The jury took into account not only top lap times and the general performance on the track, but also looked at how they interacted with the race engineers, their technical competence, their interaction with the media as well as the results of mental and physical tests. In the coming days, the intensive analysis of the collected results and findings will serve as the basis for deciding who will be allowed to compete as the new Porsche Junior in 2023.

Of all twelve young drivers from ten countries, the longest journey was made by Australian Harri Jones. The 23-year-old won the Carrera Cup in his home country in 2022. Luo Kailuo, also 23, travelled to Spain from China as runner-up in the Carrera Cup Asia. Dorian Boccalacci finished second in the Carrera Cup France. The 24-year-old Frenchman has already gained experience in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. This season he finished seventh. The same applies to Bastian Buus. The busy driver from Denmark was nominated for the Junior shootout through the German Carrera Cup after claiming fourth place overall. At the same time, he contested the Carrera Cup France and the Supercup, where the 19-year-old claimed two victories and took home the rookie title as the best newcomer. At 20, Kiern Jewiss has won the Carrera Cup Great Britain in his home country. Keagan Masters from South Africa (22) represents the Carrera Cup Italy as runner-up. Kay van Berlo from the Netherlands, Enzo Elias from Brazil and Harry King (United Kingdom) have taken part in the selection process for the second time. Contesting the Carrera Cup North America, 21-year-old van Berlo finished his season in second place. At 20 years old, Elias can already look back on two Carrera Cup titles in his home country, while Harry King won the Carrera Cup Benelux and finished fifth in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Rounding out the swift dozen as wildcard entrants are Dutchman Loek Hartog, Giorgio Amati from Italy and Jasin Ferati from Switzerland. At 20 years of age and standing almost two metres tall, Hartog finished the Carrera Cup Deutschland season in fifth and the Supercup in eighth as the second-highest-placing rookie. Amati (23) wrapped up his second season in the Carrera Cup Italy in fourth place, while Ferati is the youngest of the twelve rookie drivers. The 19-year-old won the GT3 Cup classification in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Switzerland.

The successful Porsche Junior Programme reaches far beyond financial support. The holistic concept focuses on all aspects of a professional motorsport career. This includes, for example, comprehensive support provided by Sascha Maassen. The former Porsche works driver is on hand to mentor the juniors before, during and after each race weekend. The University of Potsdam provides sports medicine support. Mental training, media seminars, PR commitments and other marketing activities are also part of the training regime.

“Porsche has provided the most level playing field possible in Jerez so that it’s the participants in our shootout who make the difference,” emphasises Maassen. “We have a huge responsibility in selecting the new Porsche Junior, and we take great care in doing so. Of course, fast lap times and a performance that’s as flawless as possible with the 911 GT3 Cup are important to us – that’s the baseline. But we look just as closely at how talented the drivers behave beyond that: What feedback they give the engineers and their ability to learn, whether they can motivate a team and represent Porsche, how they handle media, and whether they are capable of developing mentally. Ultimately, it’s all about the overall package that the participant offers us.”

Porsche’s Junior programme has boosted the careers of 28 racing drivers since 1997. Of particular note are the careers of today’s Porsche brand ambassador Timo Bernhard (Porsche Junior from 2000 to 2001), Marc Lieb (2000 to 2002) and Earl Bamber (2014): All three won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans at least once with the Porsche 919 Hybrid, as well as titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Thomas Preining, Porsche Junior from 2017 to 2018, secured two victories in the DTM this year with the 911 GT3 R. At the end of 2021, Laurin Heinrich from Würzburg was chosen. The now 21-year-old finished the current season as the champion of the Carrera Cup Deutschland and secured third place in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Heinrich attended the shootout in Jerez as a reference driver.

“We are proud of the Porsche Junior concept – after all, it is one of the most successful junior programmes in motorsport,” emphasises Marc Lieb, one of the first participants in this talent development initiative and current Sports Communications Manager at Porsche. “This programme also played an important role in my career and opened the door to professional motorsport for me 22 years ago. Without this support, my dream of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans would probably have never materialised.”

Carrera Cup Australia has produced two Junior Shootout winners to date: Matt Campbell (2016) and Jaxon Evans (2018) who both have gone onto forge international careers with Porsche.

Details of the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia can be found here:

https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/
https://www.porschesprintchallenge.com.au/junior-programme/

Record field to decide all three Championship titles at Island Magic

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season finale’ to determine 2022 Champions

• In Pro Class, Thomas Sargent leads Ryan Wood by 32 points with 180 points up for grabs
• In Morris Pro-Am, Brett Boulton has a 99-point lead over Sam Shahin in his quest for a maiden championship
• In Class B, Lachlan Harburg leads Nathan Sticklen by 38 points, with Jacob Li just 24 further back
• At 31 entries, Round 6 will be the largest of the season and is a Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge record at the Phillip Island Circuit

The final round of 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series will see a record field of 31 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Gen I & II) cars roll out at the 32nd running of Phillip Island Auto Racing Club’s (PIARC) Island Magic event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this Friday and Saturday.

The 4.45 km Circuit will host the 78^th round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (formerly GT3 Cup Challenge) marking the 14^th time the National Series has visited the track – which is also the most of any Australian track in Series history.

This weekend will also be the eight time in Series history that Phillip Island has hosted the series finale’, with the 2022 Championship set to go down to the wire in all three classes. Notably, five of the last six Pro round winners at the circuit have all gone on to progress to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia the following year, including the most recent winner, Ryan Suhle.

With a welcome respite in the Victorian weather forecast for the Friday’s practice and qualifying as well as Saturday’s three sprint races, the introduction of the 991 Gen II models this year should see the 2014 lap record of Matt Campbell and 2015 pole lap record of Ryan Simpson be toppled.

The two most likely to achieve this are the Series Pro Championship contenders, Thomas Sargent, and Porsche Team New Zealand’s Ryan Wood. The pair have dominated 2022, with Sargent finishing either first or second in every race this year and the pair finishing 1-2 in four of the five rounds to date.

After finishing runner-up in the 2018 and 2019 Morris Pro-Am Championship, Brett Boulton will be hoping his 99-point buffer over Sam Shahin, is sufficient to see him through to his maiden Championship title this year. Another two notable Carrera Cup Australia regulars that may mix up the class results this weekend include Ben Stack and Adrian Flack.

Meanwhile, the battle in Class B for 991 Gen I cars is still wide open between Lachlan Harburg and Nathan Sticklen with only 38 points separating the leading pair. Round 5 winner, Jacob Li carries good momentum into the finale’ following Bathurst and lies a further 24 points back in third.

Along with various National and regional series at the Island Magic event this year, the German marque will also be well represented by the Endeavour Cup Porsche 944 Challenge with 18 drivers on track.

All three Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge races on Saturday 26 November will be livestreamed via the Blendline Tv channel on YouTube. For further event information, ticketing and streaming information, follow the PIARC website: piarc.com.au   

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

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Round 6, Phillip Island Magic

ENTRY LIST:

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Blendline TV Livestream (YouTube)

Saturday 26 November

09:30 – 09:50 Race 1 (13 laps / 20min)

12:30 – 12:50 Race 2 (13 laps / 20min)

15:30 – 15:50 Race 3 (13 laps / 20min)

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Lap Record:

Matt Campbell (Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car) 1m31.1140s – 2014

Wood takes Bathurst as title fight goes to season finale

Shahin, Li claim class wins with all titles up for grabs at Phillip Island

THOMAS SARGENT and Ryan Wood will battle for the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge title at Phillip Island after Wood claimed victory at Mount Panorama to firmly keep his title hopes alive. 

Having qualified on pole but finished second to Sargent in the first race on Friday, Wood struck back on Saturday with a series of decisive performances to claim the Bathurst round and keep the pressure on points leader Sargent heading into the Grand Finale’.

In Morris Pro-Am Sam Shahin claimed a Bathurst victory to keep the pressure on title leader Brett Boulton, while Jacob Li claimed the Class B victory.

Wood’s pathway to a Bathurst win started early in race two when he and Sargent battled for the lead early in the race.

The young Kiwi was able to slip by at the Chase and then fended off his year-long rival for the remainder to claim the win.

He then backed that up with a more comfortable win in race three to claim the round for Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport.

Sargent scored a pair of seconds on Saturday to finish second overall for the round and ensure he retains a solid championship lead heading to the Phillip Island finale’.

Third overall at Mount Panorama was Team Navy / McElrea driver Lachlan Bloxsom, who scored a round podium following several near-misses this year.

The racing gods were clearly on his side after his car suffered a damage radiator at turn one on the opening lap of race two, but was not damaged enough to force him out of the race.

He edged out Aron Shields for third in race two, and then finished fourth in the finale to secure his podium finish.

The ever-consistent Shields just missed the podium. while the Sonic Motor Racing duo of Courtney Prince and Harrison Goodman were next.

Sam Shahin’s pathway to victory in Morris Pro-Am was far from easy, claiming the race win in the second sprint before surviving to finish fourth in class in the finale’ – racing with bent steering after earlier contact, he was running second on the final lap before a spin at the chase dropped him to fourth.

Much like Sargent in the Pro class, Brett Boulton’s second place at Bathurst ensures he heads to Phillip Island leading the championship, his class victory in the final race helping him maintain his margin over nearest rival Shahin.

Richard Cowen jumped to the round podium via an outstanding second place in Morris Pro-Am in Race 2, following a seventh-placed finish in the earlier race.

Jacob Li’s Class B win was no more straightforward than any other category.

He won both races ahead of Friday winner Nathan Sticklen, and points leader Lachlan Harburg.

The final round of the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series will be contested at the iconic Island Magic event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on November 25-26.

Ryan Wood, Pro winner

“It was another great race, had a good start this time which made my life a bit easier. I’m still bit annoyed with myself after race 1, but I learnt alot yesterday in those conditions, so we punch on to Phillip Island and hopefully carry this form. Its been a huge season between me and Tom (Sargent), its been great for the fans, so we’ll see what we can do at Phillip Island. I think the championship is a little bit far away for us now, but we’ll just try to keep winning races and see what happens.”

Sam Shahin, Morris Pro-Am

“I had a terrific start and everything was going to plan until the safety car. I don’t know what on earth (Sam) Fillmore was doing, but I honestly think there should either be a disqualification or some serious penalty by the way he managed that restart. He then slammed into me into turn 1 and bent the steering arm, as a result the steering wheel was at 45 degrees from the start of that lap and the car was unbelievably sketchy at the top of the mountain.

“I managed to get back to second on the last lap, we had the opportunity to get on the inside of Boulton for the race win. I was extra ordinarily nice and ended up spinning myself. I probably should have been more assertive as the win was there, but that one just got away. Happy with the round win, absolutely thrilled to take the win here. I go to Phillip Island way behind in Championship points but as this round has demonstrated anything can happen you just have to be around the front and if you have the pace anything can happen.”

Jacob Li, Class  B

“I can’t believe I’m up here because from race 1 we had a lot of misfortune with the mechanical. I’m very happy I can make up the places from the very last position in the class and it was a very good recovery. The last three or four rounds it hasn’t gone very well for us, as I always had a bit of drama so its great to on the podium here.”

Sargent strikes again in Bathurst Sprint Challenge opener

Sam Shahin claims Morris Pro-Am victory in Bathurst opener

THOMAS SARGENT has extended his lead in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series, edging out Ryan Wood in a tense opener at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, today. 

Sargent led from lights-to-flag in the opening race at the Bathurst International, holding off Wood for the duration with Lachlan Bloxsom finishing third.

Sam Shahin claimed victory in the Morris Pro-Am battle over Brett Boulton, while Nathan Sticklen claimed Class B.

The 10-lap race commenced on a wet but drying circuit at Mount Panorama, though the record 26-strong field made a clean start and opening lap.

Sargent and Wood battled for the lead early before the former was able to edge away from Wood, who had earlier claimed pole position.

Behind the leading pair, Harrison Goodman worked his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic car through the field, passing Aron Shields for fourth on lap five before climbing into the top three two laps later.

Unfortunately, he ran off the road at turn one a lap later, bringing out the Safety Car.

The race resumed for a one-lap dash to the line with Sargent again fending off Wood for the win.

With Bloxsom third, Shields finished fourth and Courtney Prince fifth.

Morris Pro-Am winner Sam Shahin finished sixth, one spot ahead of his nearest rival Brett Boulton – the class championship leader.

Tom Taplin was eighth, Daniel Stuttered ninth and third in Pro-Am while Jason Miller finished 10th.

Nathan Sticklen claimed the Class B honours over Lachlan Harburg and Jacob Li.

The Michelin Sprint Challenge field returns for two further races tomorrow at Mount Panorama.

Both races will be broadcast live on Stan Sport tomorrow as part of the bumper Supercheap Auto Bathurst International program.

Earlier, Ryan Wood rebounded from an earlier accident in practice to take the TAG Heuer pole award, thanks to a record 2m07.9652s lap.

He took pole from championship leader Thomas Sargent by the sizable margin of 0.9400s.

Sam Shahin qualified on pole in Morris Pro-Am and an outstanding third outright, ahead of Pro runner Aron Shields in fourth.

Lachlan Bloxsom, Jason Miller, Tom Tamplin, Harrison Goodman, Daniel Stuttered – second in Morris Pro-Am – and Courtney Prince completed the 10.

The sole qualifying session was influenced by a rain shower mid way through its duration, meaning times banked early were the ones that delivered the best results.

Thomas Sargent, Pro: “The start was the secret and whoever was going to start in front was going to be making there life a bit easier. I got the jump, which was good and it was just about pioneering across the top on that first lap. It was a bit unfortunate that the safety car came out because the track was just getting better. After the restart that last lap was just hectic with Ryan (Wood), it was awesome racing, nice and clean, we didn’t touch each other. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, just hope it’s not as wet.”

Sam Shahin, Morris Pro-Am: “It was a wet track and fairly slippery at the start. I thought we might start behind the safety car, but the start was clean and everyone behaved. Some guys at the front were having some issues with the grip, I just had to keep it clean and bring the car home safely. The car felt amazing and I feel it was a good win, but I would have liked to have pushed a little more. I still have flashbacks of my crash here a few years ago, so wanted to get it home safely and very glad with the win.”

Nathan Sticklen, Class B winner: “To win my first ever race at Bathurst, was spicy, but I love driving in the wet and I had really good confidence. I didn’t overextend and just chipped away. I just couldn’t be happier to be honest, it really was as mint a race as it gets. The was a group of us and I just covered them off, I was a bit faster in some places, but they’re (Gen II cars) faster elsewhere, overall it was just a great race.”

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge returns to Bathurst after 12-year hiatus

Sargent and Wood to resume Championship battle at Mount Panorama

• Long standing lap and qualifying records set to fall at Mount Panorama
• 28-car field entered for this weekend eclipses the previous Series record of 21 set in both 2009 and 2010
• In Pro Class, Thomas Sargent leads Ryan Wood by 39 points heading into the final two rounds and six races
• In Morris Pro-Am, Brett Boulton has a 100-point lead over Sam Shahin

The penultimate round of the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series sees Porsche teams head to Mount Panorama in Bathurst, New South Wales after a 12-year hiatus. Arguably, the highlight of the 2022 calendar, the Supercheap Bathurst International event marks the longest ever gap in Series history between visits to any given circuit since its inception.

The Sprint Challenge has only raced at Mount Panorama on two occasions, in 2009 and 2010, out of the76 rounds and 223 races contested in Series history. As a result, only four of the drivers entered for Round 5 this weekend – Madeline Stewart, Sam Shahin, Indiran Padayachee and Graham Williams – have raced at Bathurst previously in one-make Porsche racing.

Others, including 2022 Bathurst 6 Hour winner, Sargent, have raced there before in other categories, and include: Courtney Prince (Aussie Racing Cars), Brad Carr (Bathurst 6 Hour), Lachlan Bloxsom and Ryan Wood (Toyota 86s).

Remarkably, Tony Quinn still holds both the race and qualifying records at Mount Panorama for Sprint Challenge (Formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge) competition and they remain the oldest records among active circuits currently used by one-make Porsche racing in Australia.

Should the weather remain as forecast for Friday’s qualifying and Saturday’s races, these current lap records are almost certain to fall as the lap records for the Type 991.2 GT3 Cup Car – used in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia through to the end of the 2021 season – now campaigned in Sprint Challenge, are over 10 seconds quicker.

The last two occasions Sprint Challenge raced at Bathurst, the Series shared / split grid with the Victorian Porsche 944 Challenge category. In 2009, there were 42 entries, of which 21 were 944s, while in 2010 there were 32 in total – and eleven 944s. As such the 28-car field entered this weekend eclipses the previous Series record of 21 set in both 2009 and 2010.

In the championship battle, Race 2 at The Bend was the first of the ten races held so far this season that did not see Thomas Sargent and Ryan Wood finish 1-2. The nine consecutive races they did lock out the top two spots is a record in series history.

Wood’s ninth place finish is the first time either driver has been split by more than 15 points this season, with Sargent now leading by 39 points heading into the final two rounds and six races.

The battle for third remains highly competitive, Aron Shields leading Courtney Prince by just seven points, with Lachlan Bloxsom a further 30 points further back in fifth. Jason Miller is only 74 points off third in the championship but sits sixth, while Madeline Stewart in seventh is 98 points away from third.

Aron Shields (2^nd), Madeline Stewart (3^rd) and Tom McLennan (4^th) all scored season best race results in Race 2 at The Bend. While four Porsche teams – CHE Racing, Team Porsche NZ / EBM, McElrea Racing and Sonic Motor Racing – fill the top four spots in the Championship.

In Morris Pro-Am, Brett Boulton’s double win at The Bend (coupled with Sam Shahin’s Race 1 DNF) has him clear by a full 100 points heading into the final two rounds. Andrew Goldie sits third, just 40 points ahead of old sparring partner and former Class B title rival, David Grieg, in their fight for the final step on the podium.

In Class B, Lachlan Harburg now leads the standings having either won or finished second in his last four races. He leads Nathan Sticklen by 57 points and Bradley Carr by 67 with two rounds to go.

A single practice session, qualifying and the first sprint race will take place on Friday 11 November. Both Saturday’s 25-minute Sprint races will be broadcast LIVE on Stan Sport.

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

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Round 5, Bathurst Intl

ENTRY LIST:

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Stan Sport

Saturday 12 November

12:40 -13:05   Race 2

14:30 -14:55  Race 3

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Lap Record:

Tony Quinn (Porsche 996 GT3 Cup Car) 2m16.7271s – 2009
*991.2 GT3 Cup Car: Jaxon Evans (Porsche 911.2 GT3 Cup Car) 2m06.2285s – 2018

(*Cited for a current day reference)

The Bend’s Race 3 declared ‘No Race’ following torrential downpour

FOR the second consecutive round, a Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series race has been declared a non-event following torrential rain. 

Race three of Round four at The Bend Motorsport Park commenced behind the Safety Car, however due to the increasingly poor conditions was ultimately red flagged and not resumed.

The race was declared a ‘No Race’, meaning no points will be awarded.

The following is attributable to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Race Director, David Stuart:

“Given the weather and the track conditions, the decision was made to start the race under the Safety car.

“During the formation lap, a car stopped on track which required recovering and resulted in an additional formation lap.

“Once the race got to a position to be able to start, it was clear that due to the amount of standing water and resultant spray, that the race could not continue and was suspended, and subsequently not restarted.”

The next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will see the series return to Mount Panorama, Bathurst, at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International on November 11-13.

Thomas Sargent to lead McElrea Racing campaign to USA

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge leader to graduate to Carrera Cup North America

20-YEAR-OLD Australian talent Thomas Sargent will lead McElrea Racing’s charge to the United States, joining the team to contest the 2022 Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by Cayman Islands championship.  

Sargent, who hails from the country town of Young in New South Wales, currently leads the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series as the series enters the second half of the season.    

The impressive young driver has had a fast start to his racing career, already achieving success in key national championships and major endurance races alike.  

Moving from karting to cars in 2018, Sargent quickly made his mark in Formula Ford competition, ultimately claiming the 2021 Australian Formula Ford Championship.  

In 2022 he partnered with current team owner Cameron Hill to win the Bathurst 6 Hour endurance race at Mount Panorama on the Easter long weekend.  

Driving a BMW M2 Competition, Sargent played a starring role in the Production Car classic after starting the race from 63^rd position before charging the car to the lead before he completed his first stint, the team going on to claim victory.  

His move to one-make Porsche competition this year delivered immediate success: winning five races and leading the championship as the series heads into the final two rounds of the six-round season.  

Sargent, who turns 21 in just a few weeks, will move to Mooresville, North Carolina to be near the team’s newly-established base next year.  

He is the first driver to be confirmed amidst McElrea’s multi-car attack on the 2022 Carrera Cup North America Championship, with further announcements to follow.  

THOMAS SARGENT 

“It’s super exciting, going overseas is something I’ve always wanted to do, so to have this opportunity with McElrea Racing is fantastic,” Sargent said.  

“I was planning to follow the route to Europe, but then I had a conversation with (Jaxon’s father) John Evans who put me on to Andy, who said this was something he was planning to do.  

“We went over there, checked it out and it looked like the way to go. I’m looking forward to going over there.  

“(Porsche Michelin Sprint challenge) has been very valuable. It’s been great to get some laps in the car, get some racing and some racing experience.”  

ANDY McELREA  

“His performance over here was what drew me to Thomas. He’s a Formula Ford champion and I’m a huge Formula Ford fan so that was what attracted me in the first place,” McElrea said.   

“He’s been a standout in Sprint Challenge this year. We wanted to start our team in the US with an Australian flavour and a race winning driver and we have managed to get all that in one guy.  

“We want to create a pathway to the US and IMSA racing from Australia and this is a fantastic way to launch that.  

“I want it to be January now! We’re going to hit the track testing in January with Tom and his teammate so we’re looking forward to that.”  

Advantage Sargent, Boulton after dramatic day at The Bend

Title leaders strike issues across two races in South Australia

THOMAS SARGENT has gained a key advantage in a potentially championship-changing day in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series at The Bend Motorsport Park. 

Both Pro and Morris Pro-Am championship pictures were dramatically altered today as key contenders in each series struck dramas at the South Australian circuit.

Tegra Australia driver Sargent’s championship lead was on a knife’s edge following the opening sprint race of the weekend after finishing second to nearest rival Ryan Wood – taking their streak of 1-2 finishes to eight, with four wins each.

The pair were then battling furiously throughout the early stages of the 22-lap Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race, Sargent fending off attack after attack from the team Porsche New Zealand / Earl Bamber Motorsport entry.

However, Wood’s car dramatically slowed following a mid-race Safety Car, fuel pressure issues ultimately forcing the young Kiwi out of the race.

In such a tight season, it was a critical moment in the pair’s ongoing title battle as the series enters the second half of the year.

Wood had led Sargent in race one after a furious early battle saw the Kiwi pass the early leader.

The pair finished 1-2 again with Lachlan Bloxsom third, while Brett Boulton took Morris Pro-Am over Andrew Goldie and David Grieg.

In the Enduro Cup race Sargent again grabbed the early lead after starting second, before holding on in a furious battle throughout the first eleven laps.

The mid-race Safety Car, for Courtney Prince’s stranded Local Legends entry at Turn one, slowed things up before Wood’s issues became apparent on the restart.

His slow restart bottled the field up with Bloxsom swamped by his closest contenders after being unable to overtake before the control line.

He dropped back to fifth before recovering to third after a tense final lap battle from Tom McLennan.

Madeline Stewart was fifth while Jason Miller had held third until the closing stages before dropping back to sixth.

It was a dramatic day for class leaders at The Bend after both Morris Pro-Am and Class B contenders struck issues at various points.

Pro-Am points leader Sam Shahin was a non-finisher in race one of the weekend after a sizable turn six incident, handing the championship lead to nearest rival Brett Boulton.

In Class B, Brad Carr won the opening race before he spun off in the Enduro Cup affair, handing the top spot to Lachlan Harburg.

Shahin then charged through to grab the Pro-Am lead in race two before he again struck issues, Boulton in the best possible position to capitalise and grab the Morris Pro-Am win over Goldie, Pan Boyaci and Shahin in fourth.

Harburg claimed Class B after Carr’s issue, Nathan Sticklen next.

One race completes the round on Sunday afternoon, set to start at 11:10am local time with live streaming on 7plus.

Thomas Sargent, Pro:

“Very chuffed with that one, its always good racing the long (endurance) one, unfortunately it got shortened by the safety car. Its unfortunate to see those things happen with Ryan, but it’s important for us to capitalise on those races when you can get them so, it was just our day today so very, very lucky. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and some more hard racing , couple more changes on the car and will be good for the race.”

Brett Boulton, Morris Pro-Am:

“It was an awesome race, I’m pooped after that one, but it was great fun. After the restart Sam (Shahin) caught us pretty quickly, he’s very fast here and an awesome driver, so I was just trying to hang onto the back of him and be as quick as I could off the restart. Sam made an error and I went through and it was just a case of trying to manage the race from there.”

Lachlan Harburg, Class B:

“I would like to say it was down to skill but it was more luck, unfortunately Brad (Carr) had a spin, so I’m not getting ahead of myself, but its really good to come away with the win. It was just nice to keep clean with a lot of guys making mistakes out there. It’s just a mega track as it’s really designed for these cars, it really rewards bravery through the fast stuff. I’m trying to get my head around it but just loving this car here, its been awesome.”

Wood streak continues with The Bend pole award

Sam Shahin tops Morris Pro-Am and Brad Carr class B

RYAN WOOD has continued his ongoing Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge fight for supremacy with Thomas Sargent, grabbing the TAG Heuer Pole Award today at The Bend Motorsport Park. 

A late flyer was good enough to pop the Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport driver to the top of the charts, bumping Sargent to second with a The Bend record 1m50.4916s flyer.

It’s his fourth consecutive pole position in Sprint Challenge this season.

Home town hero Sam Shahin grabbed the Morris Pro-Am pole award, while Brad Carr topped the competitive Class B fight.

Sargent’s pole position came by just 0.3 seconds, championship leader Sargent improving on his final flying lap though unable to better Wood’s time.

The pair will line up together on the front row for the third time this season in race one tomorrow.

Lachlan Bloxsom was third – making it three teams in the first three positions – with Tom McLennan fourth.

Sonic racer Courtney Prince and Aaron Shields make up the third row, with Harrison Goodman in seventh just behind.

Shahin, the Pro-Am frontrunner, was eighth and in front of Madeline Stewart and Jason Miller who completed the top-10.

Pro-Am contenders Brett Boulton and Andrew Goldie were next in the order in their pursuit of Shahin in the Sprint Challenge ‘race within a race’.

Brad Carr qualified 13th outright in his Class B-leading entry, topping Nathan Sticklen and Lachlan Harburg in the class running.

Saturday action commences with the first eight-lap race at 10:10am ACDT, followed by the 22-lap Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race at 12:45pm.

Both races will be broadcast live on 7plus on Saturday, with Sunday’s final race also live on the streaming application.

Ryan Wood, Pro Pole Position “I was pretty happy with that, it was back and forth between myself and Tom the whole session, but I had to jag one out at the end there. But moving forward we should be good in the races and hopefully take out a couple race wins this weekend. I literally did it with a lap to go, we’re just getting used the green tyre as we don’t run a lot of greens. With the rain forecast for tomorrow, hopefully we can carry on where we left in Sandown, I haven’t driven much in the wet, Sandown was my first time, so hopefully we can come away with the race win.”

Sam Shahin, Morris Pro-Am “It was an interesting qualifying session, the track felt a lot better than it did earlier today, the car felt good. But the times just weren’t there, I really felt like I was driving Miss Daisy out there and we had a bit of confusion (in the team) I was meant to come in and put another set of tyres, but we didn’t end up doing that. The Porsche on this track, as usual, was just amazing, The Bend is just built for these cars. This track is actually very good in the wet, we spent a lot of time and effort on the drainage in the design, its exceptionally good and a different circuit to drive in the rain.”

Brad Carr, Class B Pole “I think there was a bit more in it, but we just didn’t piece it all together, but still a really good lap time and I was happy with the time. I really am enjoying the Porsche, it’s a very different car to the production car and requires a different driving style. The production car moves around a lot more, but the Porsches have more grip and more aero, so you have to be more precise and trust the grip, that’s probably my bigest point of difference, just building that trust in the grip.”

Record Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge field for The Bend Autofest

Sargent and Wood to resume battle at The Bend Motorsport Park

A record twenty-five car Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge field will roll out at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia this weekend.  With 25 entries, this weekend marks the fourth consecutive round where the series has either set or equalled a record for the largest grid to race at that particular circuit.

The Bend AutoFest also signifies the start of the second half of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season with both the Pro and Morris Pro-Am Championship battles still wide open.

While this round marks the final Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship event for the year, competition in the Porsche one-make National Series is only hotting up, with Rounds 5 (Bathurst International) and Round 6 (Phillip Island Island Magic) still to come later this year.

In the Pro class, it’s been a two-horse race so far this season between series leader, Thomas Sargent (519 points) and Porsche Team New Zealand driver, Ryan Wood (510 points). While the ever-present Local Legends entry of Courtney Prince lies a further 126 points adrift in third, ahead of McElrea Racing debutants Aron Shields (348 points) and Lachlan Bloxsom (330 points).

The Morris Pro-Am battle is even tighter than that of the pros, with The Bend Motorsport Park owner, Sam Shahin (503 points) lying only five points ahead of the Bold Living entry of Brett Boulton (498 points). That points gap may well increase after this weekend though, with the South Australian naturally enjoy home advantage at his own circuit – the same venue he sealed the Pro-Am Championship title in 2019 when the National Series last raced here.

On that occasion, Harri Jones played a conservative role across the three sprint races to ensure he claimed the 2019 Sprint Challenge Pro title. The weekend was however dominated by Sonic Motor Racing drivers, Max Vidau and Aaron Love, sharing the wins, with the latter claiming the overall event.

With both current Class B leaders, Jacob Li and Gerard Murphy, missing the round this weekend, Nathan Sticklen, Lachlan Harburg and Bradley Carr all have a strong opportunity to take out the class win.

All five of these Class B runners are among 17 first-time drivers in the series this year, with South Australian driver, Pan Boyachi, making his series debut at The Bend. The Adelaide local has a lot of experience behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car at The Bend and is a regular in local State Racing competition at the circuit. This will be his first national-level event.

Round 4 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series is just one of number of headline acts fans can enjoy at The Bend AutoFest, which includes The Bend Classic and the Adelaide Hills Rally – a round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC).

Following two practice sessions and a qualifying on Friday, both Saturday’s races and Sunday’s will be streamed live on 7plus together with the final sprint race on Sunday morning. Highlights of all three races will also be broadcast on 7mate in the weeks following the event

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

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Round 4, The Bend Motorsport Park

ENTRY LIST: 

BROADCAST SCHEDULE:  

Friday 21 October

09:10-09:40    Practice 1

12:55-13:25    Practice 2

16:30-16:50    Qualifying

Saturday 22 October

10:10-10:30    Race 1 (8 laps)

12:45-13:30    Race 2 (22 laps)

Sunday 23 October

11:10-11:30    Race 3 (8 laps)

Round winners at The Bend Motorsport Park:

2019: Aaron Love (Sonic), Max Vidau (Sonic), Ryan Suhle (McElrea)
Pole: Ryan Suhle. Race Winners: Aaron Love x2, Max Vidau.
Pro-Am: Sam Shahin Class B: Andrew Goldie

2018: Max Vidau (Sonic), Cooper Murray (McElrea), Ryan Suhle (McElrea)
Pole: Simon Fallon. Race Winners: Max Vidau x2, Cooper Murray
Pro-Am: Sam Shahin Class B: Richard Bloomfield

Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet claim the 2022 IMSA Drivers’ Championship with Porsche customer team

Porsche wins all GTD-Pro titles with Pfaff Motorsports

Porsche wins all GTD-Pro titles with Pfaff Motorsports

• Porsche clinches manufacturer’s title in the new GTD-Pro class
• Customer squad Pfaff Motorsports claims the team classification
• Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet win the drivers’ championship
• Porsche 911 GT3 R scores strong results in the season finale

Porsche has won the manufacturer’s championship in the GTD-Pro class. The customer team Pfaff Motorsports secured the title, with 2016 Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet crowned the new driver champions.

These were the results after the finale of the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. The Porsche customer team from Canada finished the Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta in third place. The Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by Wright Motorsports crossed the finish line in fourth place in the GTD category.

For Pfaff Motorsports, the wait was over immediately after the ten-hour race began: With the successful start of the 2022 Petit Le Mans, the team had already notched up enough points to hand all three titles in the new GTD-Pro class to Porsche, the Canadian squad and the two works drivers Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet. This was the second title in a row for the team with the distinctive and extremely popular Porsche 911 GT3 R decked out in the lumberjack livery. In 2021, Pfaff Motorsports won the GTD category.

The successful Porsche works factory driver duo Campbell and Jaminet, who are known in the North American sports cars scene as “CamJam”, received reinforcement from Felipe Nasr for the endurance race at Road Atlanta. The Brazilian drove strong stints in the first two and a half hours and handed the 911 off to his Australian teammate running in sixth place. Campbell, however, was hit by bad luck: After contact with another GT vehicle, he had to slowly and carefully navigate his Porsche 911 GT3 R back to the pits with a puncture. Consequently, the team lost two laps to the leading vehicles. However, with a clever strategy and some conveniently-timed yellow phases, Pfaff managed to close the gap to the leaders within just one hour. Campbell and Jaminet continued their charge, at times even taking the lead. After the final full course yellow with around 35 minutes left on the clock, a gripping fight for class victory unfolded. After an action-packed race, Pfaff Motorsports’ No. 9 car took the flag in fourth place but ultimately inherited third place after a rival was handed a penalty.

“Congratulations to Pfaff Motorsports, our victorious works drivers and the entire team from Weissach, who made the other title victories with the Porsche 911 GT3 R possible. Last year’s triumph in the GTD category, now the championship title in the new GTD-Pro class – we’re delighted with the Pfaff squad,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.

“We’re just as proud of our partners in the GTD class. Wright Motorsports were in close contention for the title right up to the final race. That’s an honourable achievement. We’ve given the current generation GT3 R a fitting farewell in North America. We’re now looking forward to the brand new 911 GT3 R in the GT categories and the 2023 season with the Porsche 963 in the new GTP class.”

“We didn’t have the fastest car on the track today, but the experienced Pfaff and Wright customer teams managed to get the best out of it,” concludes Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“It’s a great story that Pfaff Motorsports secured the 2021 title in the GTD class and did it again the following year in the new GTD-Pro category. Five wins this season is tremendous – no one has ever achieved that many wins in one season before in the GT classes of the IMSA championship. Our Porsche 911 GT3 R was able to showcase its potential over and over again this year. Now we’re excited about its successor, which will make its debut at Daytona in 2023.”

The Wright Motorsports customer team headed into the 2022 Petit Le Mans with an outside chance of winning the title. The squad from the US state of Ohio drove a flawless race with its drivers Ryan Hardwick (USA), Zacharie Robichon (Canada) and Jan Heylen (Belgium), but failed to score enough points to outstrip the two top teams. The No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R crossed the finish line fourth in the GTD class. Nevertheless, the crew did not go home empty-handed: Ryan Hardwick was presented with the “Bob Akin Award” as the best amateur. This accolade guarantees the American business man a grid spot at the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours.

For the Hardpoint team, the final race of the 2022 season ended after seven hours. The American Rob Ferriol hit the barriers at turn five with the No. 99 Porsche. The amateur drive was unhurt. Ferriol shared the cockpit with his fellow countryman Nick Boulle and Katherine Legge from the UK.

The 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season is now over. Spectators were given a preview of the coming year with the presentation of four racing cars in the new GTP class, which will race for victory at Daytona, Sebring and other races. This quartet also included the new Porsche 963, which was displayed to the public for the first time in the USA at Road Atlanta. The new hybrid prototype will take part in official tests at Daytona on 6-7 December before tackling the opening round of the 2023 season at the same venue on the last weekend in January.

Drivers’ comments on the race and the 2022 season
Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “It feels totally surreal. We’ve won every title in this tremendous year and we’re back on the podium again at the final race. It’s amazing what we have achieved as a team. There was only one race where we didn’t end up on the podium. That’s phenomenal. On one hand, it’s a pity that our journey with the Pfaff Motorsports squad ends here. On the other hand, I’m really excited about racing the Porsche 963 next year with Porsche Penske Motorsport.”

Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “Once again, the final phase in the dark was crazy – Petit Le Mans is famous for that. We didn’t have the fastest car today, but I still thought I had good chances in the thrilling finale. It was a four-way fight with an open-ended outcome. There was a lot of swapping of paint and positions. We love such situations. It wasn’t enough to win today but that’s okay. Thanks so much to the team for all the great work and strategy. Every single member of the team has become a lifelong friend!”

Ryan Hardwick (Porsche 911 GT3 R #16): “We tried out very best but we couldn’t do more today. I’m extremely proud of the team and my teammates Jan and Zach. Everyone did their utmost but in the end, we were just a few points short of winning the title. Two years ago with Patrick Long, I missed out on winning the big trophy by just two points. Something like that always hurts. On the other hand, it’s a huge success to be in the fight for the title all the way to the finale. Now I’m looking forward to the coming year. I accept the invitation to Le Mans and I’ll drive the 911 RSR there. And I’m very excited about the new 911 GT3 R in the IMSA series!”

Race results
GTD-Pro class:
1. Hawksworth/Barnicoat/Kirkwood (UK/UK/USA), Lexus RC F GT3 #14, 386 laps
2. De Phillippi/Edwards/Krohn (USA/USA/FIN), BMW M4 GT3 #25, 386 laps
3. Campbell/Jaminet/Nasr (AUS/F/BR), Porsche 911 GT3 R #9, 386 laps

GTD class:
1. Farnbacher/Bechtolsheimer/Simpson (D/UK/USA), Acura NSX GT3 #66, 387 laps
2. Iribe/Pepper/Priaulx (USA/RSA/UK), McLaren 720S GT3 #70, 387 laps
3. Foley/Auberlen/Dinan (USA/USA/USA), BMW M4 GT3 #96, 386 laps
4. Hardwick/Heylen/Robichon (USA/B/CDN), Porsche 911 GT3 R #16, 386 laps
12. Ferriol/Legge/Boulle (USA/UK/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #99, 264 laps

Full results: https://imsa.alkamelsystems.com.

Island Magic to host final round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Phillip Island set for Porsche’s National Series season finale

Following the cancellation of the Shannons Nationals event that was due to take place from the 24-26 June at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit earlier this year, Porsche Cars Australia is now pleased to confirm that the final round of the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series will take place at the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club’s Island Magic event from 25 and 26 November later this year.

Round 6 of the Porsche National one-make Series will see previous generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars enjoy a 50-minute practice and 20-minute qualifying session on Friday 25 November as well as three 20-minute sprint races on the Saturday 26 November, to conclude the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia season.

Broadcast details and coverage of the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Quotes:

Barry Hay, PCA Motorsport Manager: “Phillip Island is a fantastic circuit and very popular among our Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia competitors and teams. We are naturally very happy that we will be able to host the final round of the 2022 Series at the Island Magic event later this year and would like to thank the PIARC team and event organisers for the help and assistance in accommodating us, for what will be a very exciting climax to our 2022 season.”

Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC) President, Nick Scarcella: “We welcome Porsche Cars Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia to PIARC’s Island Magic joining our existing categories for this signature event. This annual event enjoyed by spectators, competitors, and officials alike in this year’s event, will be a highlight in the club’s 70th anniversary year.”

“We look to a great final round that will no doubt crown a worthy winner of one of Australia’s most sought-after National Series, at one of the world’s most picturesque circuits in Phillip Island. We look forward seeing one and all in November, it will be magic.”

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

Wood takes round, Sargent enduro cup thriller at Sandown

Morris Pro-Am goes to Brett Boulton while Lachlan Harburg takes Class B

RYAN WOOD has won a thrilling third round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series by a single point following a dramatic, rain-affected Enduro Cup race at Sandown Raceway.

Thomas Sargent won the 40-minute affair, however in finishing second Wood did enough to claim the round overall ahead of his championship rival and Courtney Prince.

Brett Boulton claimed the Morris Pro-Am round win over Sam Shahin and Matt Slavin, while Lachlan Harburg won for the first time in Class B.

The results don’t indicate how dramatic the final race of the weekend was, with a rain shower moments before the race commenced splitting the field – half of the grid electing to pit and put wet tyres on.

That resulted in Aron Shields bursting into an early race lead, before he tripped up in the wet conditions and spun at turn three.

Through all the drama Eric Constantinidis assumed the lead, while drivers who had elected to fit wet-weather tyres carved their way through the field.

Among them were Race 1 winner Ryan Wood and his closest rival Sargent, who both made quick work through the out-of position drivers.

Sargent led the charge and assumed the lead by lap five, only to be passed by Wood a lap later.

The pair then spent the next stanza of the race running nose-to-tail in a continuation of their battle that started in the opening race of the championship.

Sargent then pounced on the 21^st lap to re-take the lead, despite a trip through the mud at turn 2 that damaged his front splitter.

He would hold off his young Kiwi rival to take the race victory, however Wood’s second place was enough to give the Team Porsche NZ / Earl Bamber Motorsport ace the round victory.

The battle behind was equally furious with a drying circuit giving those who started the race on slicks an opportunity to shine as the race evolved.

One of those drivers was Lachlan Bloxsom, who dropped to as low as 16^th position but began to march his way forward as the race evolved.

He reached the top-10 on lap 14 and climbed to fifth by the 19^th tour, often lapping three seconds quicker than the leaders as the race evolved and the circuit dried.

Then on a thrilling final lap he passed both Courtney Prince and Harrison Goodman to climb into the top three at the final corner.

The battle for Morris Pro-Am honours was equally competitive, especially when race one winner Danny Stuttered struck dramas early on, dropping to the back of the field.

That handed the advantage to Constantinidis, who would lead outright before he too slipped down the order.

The experienced Indiran Padayachee then assumed point in Pro-Am only to fall to the flying Brett Boulton, who like his McElrea teammate Bloxsom was charging through the field late in the race.

Boulton would ultimately claim the class with Matt Slavin a late charge to second and Sam Shahin third – passing Padayachee for a spot in the top three late in the race.

Lachlan Harburg’s run to Class B victory was no easy drive either, though the Queenslander found himself running second outright for a time on the opening lap thanks to the split strategies employed by the field.

He ultimate finished 19^th outright to not only win the class in the Jim Richards Enduro Cup race, but for the round Overall.

With three rounds complete, Thomas Sargent now provisionally leads the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series by 9 points over Ryan Wood, with Courtney Prince in third position.

The next round of the championship will see the field head to The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia on October 21-23, joining the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships at the venue just outside of Adelaide.

QUOTES:

Ryan Wood, Pro round winner:

“It was pretty intense those opening laps, starting from pitlane and battling with Tom for 30 odd laps. Its bittersweet though, I feel like I could have won that last race but it is, what it is. We’ve closed the Championship gap, even though its only a few points its just so close. We’ll now go to The Bend and have a proper crack and see where we end up.”

Brett Boulton, Morris Pro-Am round winner:

“We turned up here and it was dry with some dry running in practice, then obviously the wets came out. I’ve been struggling with flu all weekend, so I was quite glad it was wet and not too hot inside the car. The decision to go from slicks to wet basically came down to my decision and the team asked me which way I wanted to go. We swopped on the dummy grid and went out on slicks and then I said to the guys lets roll the dice and go with the wets, because it was raining quite hard on the back straight and I’m glad we did as coming through the field was great fun.”

Lachlan Harburg, Class B round winner:

“To win just my second Sprint Challenge race is kind of surreal, if you told me on Friday afternoon when I was dead last, that I would win Class B this round I wouldn’t have belived you. I’m so stoked, it means so much to me to win a trophy in a national Porsche category and add to our family history, its hugely emotional and I’m wrapped. I just want to keep coming back and doing this, on Friday I had thought was I out of my league, but this (win) is a massive confidence boost. I’m looking forward to the next round at Tailem Bend, another new track and new experince for me, I’m relishing the challenge.”

Wood wins wet-weather Sandown opener before rain halts play

Daniel Stuttered takes Morris Pro-Am win in comeback drive

RYAN WOOD has broken Thomas Sargent’s winning streak at the top of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series, claiming the opening race in round three at Sandown.

The sole race of the day was held in wet conditions at the Victorian circuit, with the scheduled second race postponed due to torrential rain just before it was scheduled to start.

Motorsport Australia are looking to reschedule the program on Sunday at Sandown.

Wood started second in today’s race but had to work hard to secure his third win of the season.

Starting from the front row, Aron Shields led the field on the opening lap as the 27-strong grid launched towards turn one in wet conditions.

The race was held under Safety Car for several laps following contact between Nathan Sticklen and Marc Cini at the start of the race.

Sticklen spun across the field and made contact with the wall on the inside of the circuit, while Cini was stranded on drivers right, necessitating a recovery and the Safety Car.

A feisty restart saw Shields leading from Ryan Wood and Thomas Sargent amidst the spray.

Shields led for a time before Wood was able to slip past for the lead at turn one with two laps remaining; Shields running wide while trying to defend his position from the flying Kiwi.

Sargent followed his Michelin Junior rival through to grab second, while Shields was able to finish third, Courtney Prince fourth and Tom McLennan fifth in his debut in a Pro Class car.

Lachlan Bloxsom and Jason Miller were next, the latter – a former Australian Water-skiing champion – revelling in the wet conditions in seventh.

Daniel Stuttered celebrated his return to the series by taking out the Morris Pro-Am class victory – his first since claiming the class title – ahead of series leader Sam Shahin and Brett Boulton, while Jacob Li won Class B.

An updated Sunday on-track and broadcast schedule will be released in due course following consultation with Motorsport Australia race officials at Sandown.

QUOTES:

Ryan Wood, Pro:

“It was a pretty weird race, we had to change from slicks to wets and then follow the safety car for the majority of the race. It was unfortunate for Aron to run off there, but you got to capitalized when they come.”

Danny Stutterd, Morris Pro-Am:

“It was a bit sad to be honest, after we got away we came around that first lap and there was a bit of carnage, so I feel sad for all the competitors involved at least we got a few laps. All in all, I got a great start so that was awesome, I just hope all the guys are ok and the cars get fixed for the next one.”

Jacob Li, Class B:

“The race was great, it was my first time racing here in wet conditions, it was pretty awesome. Unfortunately I didn’t see the lights at the start, so I lost four places, but I managed to get them back over the last few laps and I’m very happy with the result.”

Wood wins wet-weather pole in Sandown shootout

Daniel Stuttered scores Pro-Am pole on series return

RYAN WOOD has scored a stunning pole position in qualifying for Round 3 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series, setting the fastest time in a wet-weather shootout at the end of qualifying today. 

Persistent rain saw the entire field running on Michelin’s wet weather tyre at the end of qualifying, times dropping consistently despite the increasingly wet conditions.

In a rapidly evolving session, a series of flyers saw Wood’s 1m17.4840s best be just enough for pole position.

Wood, driving for Team Porsche New Zealand / Earl Bamber Motorsport, won the opening two races and first round of the championship in Sydney earlier this year but trails Thomas Sargent in the series, following a runner-up finish in Queensland last time out.

A late flyer from rookie Aron Shields saw him leap to second, just 0.4s behind Wood.

The Sydney driver hustled his McElrea Racing Porsche hard at the end of qualifying and jumped to the front row on his 10th and final lap of the session to record his best-ever starting position.

Courtney Prince topped the session for some time before the rush of quick laps dropped her to third by the end of the 20-minutes, while championship leader and Round 2 winner Thomas Sargent was fourth.

He’ll line up directly behind nearest title rival Wood in tomorrow’s opening race.

Four different teams are represented on the first two rows of the grid for race one on Saturday.

Lachlan Bloxsom and Tom McLennan comprise the third row of the grid for race one tomorrow, with Harrison Goodman a strong seventh.

In Pro-Am, Daniel Stuttered’s return to one-make Porsche racing saw him edge out class championship leader Sam Shahin by just 0.1 seconds to score pole.

Brett Boulton was third in class, a further 0.1 seconds behind and lines up directly behind his two class rivals in 10th outright.

Jacob Li scored pole in Class B ahead of Nathan Sticklen and Lachlan Harburg, just 0.1 seconds between the top two in the class.

Earlier in Practice, Sargent edged out Ryan Wood by just 0.04s across a pair of 30-minute sessions, held in dry conditions on Friday morning.

Lachlan Bloxhom was third with Sam Shahin fourth outright and first of the Morris Pro-Am runners.

Aron Shields was fifth with Courtney Prince, Jason Miller, Tom McLennan, Danny Stuttered and Christian Fitzgerald rounding out the top-10.

Jacob Li headed the Class B field over Jonathan Glicksten.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will race twice on Saturday, with both sprint races to be broadcast live on Stan Sport.

Sunday’s Jim Richards Enduro Trophy race completes the third round of the series.

Ryan Wood, Pro, “It was my first time driving a Porsche without ABS at the this track this weekend in the wet so pretty happy to be honest. Its very good, happy with where we ended up, still a little gutted that we didn’t get a clean lap in but it’s the same for everyone. We’ll take the positives away, have a look at the data tonight and lets claw back this points deficit.”

Daniel Stutterd, Morris Pro-Am, “It was just a matter of finding where the limits were and we got it right there, tried staying off kerbs and feeding the throttle. I can’t complain it was a really nice session. I haven’t been in the rain for years and the car felt awesome, the TekworkX guys have done an awesome job. I’m really loving my racing this weekend, having a ball and the whole experience is exceeding expectations to be honest. I thought to come here after a few years it would take a bit to blow the cobwebs off, but I’m right here and I’m feeling ok.”

Jacob Li, Class B, “Its not too bad, its actually my first time driving in wet conditions at Sandown, so I was surprised to get P1 (in Class B), so I’m looking forward to the races. Hopefully it doesn’t rain, otherwise I’ll just need to try harder.”

Marc Cini and Daniel Stutterd to return to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Sandown

Thomas Sargent and Ryan Wood to resume battle in Round 3

Marc Cini will make his return to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this weekend, when the National one-make Series travels to the Sandown International Raceway in the South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria for Round 3. The Porsche Centre Melbourne driver is the most experienced Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia driver in the Championship’s history and has started more one-make Porsche races in the southern hemisphere than any other driver.

The Hallmarc backed driver returns to Series, having last raced in the Sprint Challenge Australia (formerly GT3 Cup Challenge) back in 2014. Also making his comeback in Round 3 is Daniel Stutterd who returns to the Series, having last raced in the 2018 season where he won the Morris Pro-Am Championship after a season-long battle with Brett Boulton. Stutterd won seven Pro-Am races that season and finished sixth outright in the Series along the way.

Ten drivers made their Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge debut in Sydney for the opening round of the 2022 Series. This was the most first-time racers in any one round of Sprint Challenge in the last decade of competition.

Included in that list of starters were six drivers in the Pro class, two in Morris Pro-Am and three in Class B including: Thomas Sargent, Lachlan Bloxsom, Ryan Wood, Jason Miller, Harrison Goodman, Aron Shields (All pro), Christian Fitzgerald, Emanuel Mezzasalma (Morris Pro-Am) and Jacob Li, Nathan Sticklen and Gerard Murphy in Class B.

Last time out at Queensland Raceway for Round 2, Eric Constantinidis, Tom McLennan, Bradley Carr and Lachlan Harburg joined the list, all campaigning previous-gen 991.1 cars in Class B, taking the list to 14.

Sandown will see two further debutants join the Sprint Challenge field: Matt Slavin and Travis Knipe.

Should all 27 entries start, this will be the largest Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge field ever assembled for a Sandown round of the Series, and the largest of the season to date.  This is the third consecutive round where Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge has set a record for the largest grid to race at that particular circuit.

Thomas Sargent has now won the last four consecutive races, having finished second in the opening pair of sprints at Sydney Motorsport Park’s season opener. Closest rival Ryan Wood, trails Sargent by just 10 points in the standings, having finished second in the last four consecutive races.

While that pair of Michelin Juniors have locked out the top spots so far, behind them the battle for third has been highly competitive; three different drivers having occupied the last podium step in the six races held so far. After Courtney Prince was third in all three Sydney races, Aron Shields and Lachlan Bloxsom shared the honours at Queensland Raceway – their home circuit.

The Morris Pro-Am fight closely mirrors the Pro class battle, with Sam Shahin dominating four races and Brett Boulton claiming line honours in the remaining pair. After Tom Taplin elected to move up to the Pro class, Bradley Carr and young Tom McLennan start as favourites in Class B for Round 3. The pair will resume battle with both Jacob Li and Gerry Murphy.

Following two practice sessions and a qualifying on Friday, both Saturday’s two 14-lap Sprint races and Sunday’s 45-minute Enduro will be broadcast LIVE on Stan Sport.

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

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Round 3, Sandown

ENTRY LIST:

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Stan Sport

Saturday 17 September

11:10-11:30    Race 1  (14 laps)

14:35-14:55   Race 2 (14 laps)

Sunday 18 September

10:45-11:30    Race 3 (35 laps)

Last 5 Round winners at Sandown Raceway:

2019: Aaron Love (Sonic). Pole: Harri Jones. Race Winners: Aaron Love x 2, Max Vidau.
2018: Cooper Murray (McElrea). Pole: Cooper Murray. Race Winners: Simon Fallon x 2, Cooper Murray
2017: Sam Shahin (Buik Motorsport). Pole: Brenton Grove. Race Winners: Brenton Grove, Jordan Love x2.
2016: Jaxon Evans (McElrea). Pole: Jaxon Evans. Race Winners: Ryan Simpson x 3.
2015: Ryan Simpson (Sonic). Pole: Ryan Simpson. Race Winners: Ryan Simpson x2, Geoff Emery

Sargent, Shahin and McLennan take Round 2 in Queensland

Tense Enduro Trophy race delivers close racing at Queensland Raceway

THOMAS SARGENT leads the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series heading to Sandown thanks to a clean sweep of victories at Queensland Raceway.

Sam Shahin (Morris Pro-Am) and Tom McLennan (Class B) took the class honours following a competitive and close 35-lap Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race on Sunday morning at the Ipswich circuit.

Sargent and Ryan Wood continued their season-long battle at the pointy-end of the field, battling nose-to-tail for the entire race duration today.

Starting from pole, Sargent got the jump into Turn one and led Wood on the opening lap, securing a lead he would never lose.

It wasn’t for a lack of trying from the EBM / Team Porsche NZ driver, however, who had several attempts to sneak past before ultimately settling for second.

The pair were never more than one second apart throughout the race with their finishing order in the race reflecting the round result as well.

The fight continued their remarkable battles in round one of the championship and on Saturday at Queensland Raceway, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.

Lachlan Bloxsom finished third overall in the Enduro Trophy race, with Jason Miller and Courtney Prince completing the top five.

For Bloxsom the result represented a strong comeback following an off at the beginning of the opening race, the Bloxsom Team Navy driver working his way back into contention as the weekend continued.

Meanwhile, Aron Shields finished third overall for the round in just his second ever race event; scoring his first career podium finish in the process.

In the ongoing battle for Morris Pro-Am, Brett Boulton delivered his McElrea / Bold Living team a win in the Enduro Cup race following another lengthy race-long battle with close rival Sam Shahin.

The latter held the lead early on however slipped back behind Boulton mid-race, the pair finishing in that order.

Shahin’s pair of victories on Saturday, however, were enough to ensure he won the round; his second straight Porsche round victory following recent success in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.

Boulton finished second overall while Scott Taylor completed the podium at his home circuit.

In Class B, rookie Tom McLennan won the class in both the Endurance race and the round overall, with Brad Carr second.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series continues at Sandown Raceway on September 16-18.

QUOTES

Thomas Sargent, Round 2 Pro winner:

“To say I’m happy its understatement, it’s been a tough weekend and the racing is really been close with Ryan, he’s awesome to race against, its really good how we have respect,  he’s very fair and sportsmanlike, so it makes for awesome racing. I definitely didn’t walk away with it, that’s for sure so I’m looking forward to the whole series being like that, it pushes me along as a driver and progresses me more, so all in all great weekend massive thanks to the (CHE Racing) Team. We weren’t altogether as a team, with the rest of the guys down in Sydney running Formula Ford so its been a bit of a different team , but awesome to still get the job done.“

Sam Shahin, Round 2 Morris Pro-Am winner:

“Anytime of got a steering wheel in my hand, I’m living the dream, so proud to be driving in this category and representing The Bend. It was a tough weekend to start off with just getting familiar with the car again, but it’s just such a wonderful machine to pilot and I really enjoyed all the races. The longer races, I really enjoy them and I’m just so thrilled to be on the top step again and I look forward to Sandown which always produces great racing.”

Tom McLennan, Round 2 Class B:

“It was awesome, I can’t thank the McElrea Team enough for the weekend. It was a good weekend for Queensland Raceway as well, it’s a massive spectacle here so congrats to putting this back together and I’m keen for the next one.”

Sargent sweeps Saturday at QR to take series lead

Sam Shahin takes Morris Pro-am victories in QR Sprint Races

A DOUBLE victory at Queensland Raceway has delivered the overnight series lead to Thomas Sargent, following the first two sprint races in Round 2 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series. 

Sam Shahin won both races in Morris Pro-Am today while Brad Carr and Tom McLennan split the wins in Class B.

Starting from the outside of the front row, Sargent lost the start to polesitter Ryan Wood at the commencement of Race one, however a canny switchback move at turn one saw him slice up the inside of his rival to re-take the lead.

The pair then pulled away from the field, lapping beneath the existing QR lap record in their own private battle for the race lead.

Sargent set a new lap record on lap four (1m10.6046s) and edged away from Wood to claim his second win of the season.

Aron Shields finished an outstanding third in his McElrea Racing entry while Sam Shahin was fourth outright and first in Morris Pro-Am.

Madeline Stewart was a personal-best fifth outright – and fourth in Pro – while Courtney Prince charged her way through the field to grab sixth outright, having qualified outside the top-10.

Brett Boulton was second in Pro-Am and seventh outright while Lachlan Bloxsom paid the penalty for a slow start, dropping down the order before recovering to eighth. Tom Taplin and Harrison Goodman completed the top-10.

Brad Carr and Tom McLennan ran line-astern in the battle for Class B, the former winning the class on his debut in the Michelin Sprint Challenge.

Race two saw more of the same from the pair on the front row, though this time it was the Tegra Australia / CHE Engineering car of Sargent who led into turn one.

The pair remained that way for the opening laps, with Shields holding on to third and Courtney Prince up to fourth.

Bloxsom climbed to fifth, in front of Madeline Stewart, while behind them Sam Shahin and Brett Boulton battled for the lead in Morris Pro-Am, sharing several side-by-side moments in their own ‘race within a race’.

The race ultimately finished under Safety Car following a collision between Richard Cowen and Gerald Murphy at turn three.

The lengthy recovery required ensured the race finished behind the Safety Car with Sargent taking his second straight win.

Shahin claimed Morris Pro-Am while Tom McLennan returned serve on Brad Carr, claiming Class B honours.

Provisionally he takes the series lead into tomorrow’s third and final race of the weekend with a four-point advantage over round one winner, Ryan Wood.

The field re-sets overnight before tomorrow’s Jim Richards’ Endurance Trophy race, which will conclude the second round of the championship.

The race commences at 11:10am AEST at Queensland Raceway, with live coverage on Stan Sports.

QUOTES:

Thomas Sargent, Race 2, Pro winner:

“Our pace was strong but obviously it’s not the way you want the race to go finishing under safety car, but you got to take them when you can get them. Ryan (Woods) was very, quick in that one, I think he even lost a splitter and was still gaining on me and making my life difficult. We’ll have to look at what we can do better for tomorrow’s race, but first place is always great and more points, so bring on tomorrow.”

Sam Shahin, Race 2, Morris Pro-Am winner

“That was a very poor launch off the start and then got caught up in a swarm by Turn 1 and 2. I had a nice tussle with three or four drivers, changing positions in the first few laps which was fun. It was a pity the safety car came out, because that had the hallmark of another great race. Porsche (Michelin) Sprint Challenge is always produced great racing and we look forward to a clean, long race tomorrow that will no doubt be entertaining for everybody.”

Tom McLennan, Race 2, Class B winner:

“It was great, jumped Brad (Carr) off the start, we had two or three laps of racing and we were catching some of the pros and then the safety car came out and that’s how we finished. It was good fun.”

Bradley Carr, Race 1 Class B winner:

“I had a shocking start, it was my first ever standing start in a Porsche so I messed up, but held in there and lost a spot off the line and ended up getting that back mid-race. That gave McLennan a chance to catch-up to my boot so the last few laps were pretty hard with him behind me, he’s quick, I had a good run there and an awesome result.”

Wood steals pole with last-lap flyer; Shahin, Carr grab class poles

RYAN WOOD has sensationally stolen pole position for round 2 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series, a one-lap flyer at the end of the session enough to put the young Kiwi on top at Queensland Raceway. 

A late red flag in the 20-minute qualifying session – held in near-night conditions at the Ipswich circuit – set up a one-lap dash to decide the top spot with Thomas Sargent holding sway by less than 0.1 seconds as cars returned to the track.

While Sargent, who finished second in the opening round of the series in Sydney, was unable to improve, Round 1 winner Wood did and turned an 0.03s deficit into a 0.06s advantage to secure back-to-back pole positions.

Sargent will start race one from second on the grid alongside the young Kiwi star, as he did at Round 1, having not been able to improve on his final flying lap.

Lachlan Bloxom qualified third, just 0.3 seconds behind the duelling pair on the front row, while Sam Shahin was fourth outright and first of the Morris Pro-Am runners.

Madeline Stewart qualified fifth in a personal-best effort from the Gold Coast-based New Zealander while Brett Boulton was sixth and second in Morris Pro-Am.

The top-10 was completed by Jason Miller, Aaron Shields, Tom Taplin – who has shifted into the Pro class commencing at this weekend’s Queensland round – and newcomer Brad Carr.

Missing out on the first five rows was Sonic Racing’s Courtney Prince. After finishing on the podium in the opening round in Sydney, Prince qualified 12th in Queensland, with Harrison Goodman in between the Victorian driver and a spot in the Top-10.

Carr, an experienced Production Car competitor, is making his debut in Michelin Sprint Challenge competition this weekend and as well as qualifying 10th outright, topped the Class B leaderboard for previous-generation cars as well.

Fellow rookie Tom McLennan was second in class and 15th outright on his series’ debut.

Earlier in the day, Thomas Sargent topped the leaderboard across a pair of practice sessions, his 1m10.4880s flyer well beneath the existing Queensland Raceway lap record for the category.

Lachlan Bloxom and Courtney Prince were next, with Round 1 winner Ryan Wood fourth.

Brett Boulton was quckest in Morris Pro-Am ahead of Sam Shahin, while newcomer Tom McLennan topped Class B.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field returns for two races tomorrow, both to be broadcast live on Stan Sports.

Race 1 ( 14 Laps ) commences at 11:15am while Race 2 – another sprint – starts at 2:10pm.

The 40-minute Jim Richards’ Enduro Trophy race concludes the weekend on Sunday morning.

QUOTES:

Ryan Wood, Fastest Pro

“Yes, it was pretty stressful there with the rain coming down, but the boys made the right call to put me straight through into the pit lane, so kudos to them. Because then I had a clear track to punch on and get that fast lap. Tom’s been the quickest car all day, so overnight we should just have a look at the data and myself, as I’ve struggled a bit earlier today.”

Sam Shahin, Morris Pro-Am

“It has been a tricky day acclimatising again to the 991 GT3 Cup car, it really does behave differntly and it makes its speed in very different places and parts of the corner to the 992. The qualifying lap was a good one, it was just getting greasy with the light rain falling, it’s a shame that the red flag came right on my money lap. I chose not to go out again, which was a little risky, but I wanted to save the tyre and live to fight another day.”

Bradley Carr, Class B

“Pretty happy with the lap we were sitting it out there with the Michelin wets ready to go, there were a few spots on the windshield. But I got out there and got held up on my first flyer which is a bit of a shame. Our game plan was to be on it straight away, so only had one go at it and had to come in and went out for another go.  But by then it was a bit wet out there, so we came in and parked it. But all in all, it ended up a pretty good lap in the end.”

Autohouse Racing and Lachlan Harburg to Continue Porsche Family Dynasty

Harburg steps up to Porsche National Series with McElrea Racing

Lachlan Harburg steps up to Porsche National Series with McElrea Racing at Queensland Raceway

Round 2 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia at Queensland Raceway this weekend will feature a name that dates back to the pioneering days of the Australian Porsche Cup in the early 1990’s.

Lachlan Harburg will be making his debut in the Autohouse Racing 991.1 Generation 911 GT3 Cup Car in the contest for Class B honours. Harburg has been learning his graft in older 997-Generation machinery in State-level competition over the last few years, and now stepping up into an ex-McElrea Racing 991 Generation machine.

Lachlan is son of long-time Porsche campaigner Peter Harburg, who was one of the founding competitors in the Australian Porsche Cup in the early 1990s, and went onto have a tenure in the series for over a decade.

Lachlan Harburg: “Having the privilege of making my debut in a National-level Porsche Racing Series means an awful lot to me. I grew up running around Australian Racing Circuits in the 1990s when my Dad was competing in Porsche Cup, which laid the foundation for Carrera Cup as we know it today. Needless to say Porsche Motorsport has been in the blood since the very early days, and I honestly can’t ever see myself racing anything else.”

“Competing in this series was always a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’, so to finally put a program together where we can be a part of it is absolutely surreal. I’m under no illusion as to how competitive this field is, so this weekend is being treated purely as a steep learning curve for me and our very humble operation. I’ve been working with (Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship Leader) Harri Jones in recent months which has been hugely beneficial for find lap time, as well as understanding a more comprehensive approach to driving a race car. To be able to integrate my passion of Motorsport into my Automotive Businesses of The Autohouse (Car Storage) and The Cover Shop (Automotive Cover Specialist) is a massive win, as the Motorsport market is a vital one for both of our operations. I’m absolutely pumped to roll out with a very healthy field of Porsches on Friday morning.”

Following two practice sessions and a qualifying on Friday, both Saturday’s two 14 lap Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge sprint races and Sunday’s 45-minute Enduro will be broadcast LIVE on Stan Sport.

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

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Stan Sport

Saturday 6 August
11:15-11:35 Race 1 (14 laps)
14:10-14:30 Race 2 (14 laps)

Sunday
11:10-11:55 Race 3 (35 laps)

Largest Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge field ever at Queensland Raceway

Thomas Sargent and Ryan Wood to resume battle in Round 2 at revamped QR

Thomas Sargent and Ryan Wood to resume battle in Round 2 at revamped QR

The newly revamped Queensland Raceway Circuit near Ipswich, is set to host the largest Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge field ever at the Queensland venue (27 cars), the previous being a field of 23 Porsches back in 2015.

The huge 27-car field is due in part to eleven new drivers making their debut in the series in Sydney for the opening round of the championship. Round 1 marked the most first-time racers in any one round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in the last decade of competition.

Included in that list of starters were six drivers in the Pro class, two in Morris Pro-Am and three in Class B including: Thomas Sargent, Lachlan Bloxsom, Ryan Wood, Jason Miller, Harrison Goodman, Aron Shields (All pro), Christian Fitzgerald, Emanuel Mezzasalma (Morris Pro-Am) and Jacob Li Nathan Sticklen and Gerard Murphy in Class B.

Added to that list in Queensland Raceway for Round 2 will be Pro-Am Eric Constatinis in 991 Gen II car as well as Tom McLennan, experienced Production Car racer Bradley Carr and Lachlan Harburg, who will all run previous-gen 991.1 cars in Class B. Lachlan Harburg is the son of Peter, a well-known Porsche racer from Queensland who’s competition history dates back to the original Porsche Cup days. Apart from the series’ inaugural year, 15 debutants in a single season is the most in series history.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia last raced at Queensland Raceway in 2019, with the eventual champion, Harri Jones, claiming the round by virtue of a second and two race victories across the weekend. Jones would eventually win the round over Christian Pancione and Aaron Love, who was third, with Max Vidau fourth. Christian Pancione (set a lap record 1m10.0536s) scored his first pole positionwhile Max Vidau (Sonic) won the opening race.

Another home-town hero, Brett Boulton, won the Morris Pro-Am class over Sam Shahin giving McElrea Racing double victories. Boulton won the first two races, Shahin the third. In class B the always entertaining battle between Andrew Goldie and David Greig ended up in a tiebreak, decided by virtue of Goldie claiming the final of three races.

The opening round of the 2022 championship in Sydney in May was a thriller with young guns Ryan Wood and Thomas Sargent going head-to-head across the three races. Wood leads the Pro Championship heading into Round 2, with Sargent just behind.

Fresh off his Round 5 victory in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at The Bend Motorsport Park last weekend, Sam Shahin leads the Sprint Challenge Morris Pro-Am standings, while Tom Taplin heads the field in Class B and remains the man to beat into Round 2.

While Wood and Sargent will have the likes of Courtney Prince and Jason Miller in the hunt for podium spots in Pro, in the Morris Pro-Am class Shahin will likely come under fire from Boulton, Goldie and as well as Carrera Cup regulars Indiran Padayachee and Scott Taylor.

Sonic Motor Racing have the most wins at the venue (3), closely followed by rivals and local team McElrea (2). What is more telling is that in the last five visits to the circuit the Queensland Raceway round winner has gone on to win the championship. All eyes will be on the 2022 battle to see whether history will repeat itself.

Following two practice sessions and a qualifying on Friday, both Saturday’s two 14 lap sprint races and Sunday’s 45-minute Enduro will be broadcast LIVE on Stan Sport.

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

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Round 2, Queensland Raceway
ENTRY LIST:

# Name Surname Class Sponsor
2 Richard Cowen Pro-Am McElrea Racing
5 Nathan Murray Pro-Am Garage 1
8 Madeline Stewart Pro Bullrush Rally / EBM
11 Eric Constantinidis Pro-Am Our Kloud / Up to 11 Motorsport
13 Sam Shahin Pro-Am The Bend / OTR
22 Andrew Goldie Pro-Am Cirrus Aircraft
23 Lachlan Bloxsom Pro McElrea Racing
26 Tom Taplin Class B Taplin Real Estate
29 Rob Woods Pro-Am TekworkX Motorsport
32 Courtney Prince Pro Sonic Motor Racing / Local Legends
34 Nathan Sticklen Class B TekworkX Motorsport
35 Indiran Padayachee Pro-Am Hyundai Forklifts
40 Ryan Wood Pro Team Porsche NZ/ EBM
47 Thomas Sargent Pro Tegra Australia
58 Gerard Murphy Class B Australia Zoo / Wildlife Warriors
59 Jason Miller Pro Stokes Skis Australia
81 Tom McLennan Class B Tom McLennan
84 Brett Boulton Pro-Am Bold Living
85 Bradley Carr Class B Car Mods Australia
87 David Greig Pro-Am DW Motorsport
88 Harrison Goodman Pro Bob Jane T-Marts / True Grid
91 Lachlan Harburg Class B Autohouse Racing
99 Ross McGregor Pro-Am Southern Star Windows
116 Aron Shields Pro McElrea Racing
131 Graham Williams Pro-Am Sonic Motor Racing / WRA
222 Scott Taylor Pro-Am Scott Taylor Motorsport
266 Jacob Li Class B ASM / Mars Performance

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Stan Sport
Saturday 6 August
11:15-11:35 Race 1 (14 laps)
14:10-14:30 Race 2 (14 laps)

Sunday
11:10-11:55 Race 3 (35 laps)

Round winners at Queensland Raceway
2019: Harri Jones (McElrea Racing) (Pole: Pancione. Race winners: Vidau, Jones, Jones)
2018: Simon Fallon (Sonic) (Pole: Cooper Murray. Race winners: Murray, Fallon, Fallon)
2017: Jordan Love (Sonic) (Pole: Jordan Love. Race winners: Jordan Love x3)
2016: Jaxon Evans (McElrea Racing) (Pole: Jaxon Evans. Race winners: Jaxon Evans x3)

Campbell confirmed as driver for Porsche Penske Motorsport as new Porsche 963 prototype is unveiled

Porsche 963 prototype unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed

• Porsche Penske Motorsport fields two cars each in world’s greatest endurance series
• Design of the new Porsche 963 hails from the victorious 956 and 962 classics
• Experienced works drivers and accomplished sportscar champions behind the wheel

Australian driver Matt Campbell has been announced as a factory driver for the new Porsche Penske Motorsport operation, as the new Porsche 963 prototype was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

Stuttgart/Goodwood/Australia. Campbell, Porsche Penske Motorsport and the Porsche 963 will compete for overall victories in the world’s greatest endurance races.

It continues the meteoric rise for the 27-year-old from Warwick in Queensland, who has risen through the ranks of Porsche’s driver development program.

Campbell won the Carrera Cup Australia title in 2016, the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2019 and already has class wins to his credit in some of the world’s biggest sportscar races aboard GT class Porsches. Campbell will now step up to prototype sportscars and compete for outright honours.

Introducing the Porsche 963

From 2023, two hybrid LMDh-specification prototypes will be fielded by Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The 963 was unveiled today at Goodwood in England and wears the typical Porsche motor racing colours: white, red and black.

In the cockpits of the 500 kW (680 PS) racers, experienced and championship winning prototype drivers are paired with seasoned specialists from Porsche’s works driver squad. Porsche Penske Motorsport prepares for these missions at two locations: The branch in Mannheim, Germany is responsible for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship vehicles prepared in Mooresville, North Carolina, USA.

“After 7,889 test kilometres during the first half of 2022, we’re on a very good path but there is still work to be done before the start of next season,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Motorsport, Porsche AG.

“Our new Porsche 963 should continue the legacy of legendary models such as the 917, 935, 956, 962 and the 919 Hybrid. I’m positive that we’ll be well-positioned when it comes to technology and we’ve also created the relevant team structures to set us up for wins in the thrilling competition between many manufacturers and different concepts.”

The official race debut of the Porsche 963 is planned to take place in January 2023 at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the USA. In the meantime, the FIA WEC has opened the door for testing as part of the upcoming world championship races this year. Porsche Penske Motorsport is aiming for a non-competitive dress rehearsal at the final round of the season in Bahrain this November.

“Over the past few months, our people at Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske have grown into an efficient and committed squad – the Porsche Penske Motorsport Team,” said Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Motorsport LMDh., Porsche AG.

“We’ll have powerful driver crews in the four factory cars. The collaboration with our long-standing tyre partner Michelin and the chassis manufacturer Multimatic works flawlessly. The Porsche 963 should be homologated this autumn. Until then, we want to make further progress with test drives and gain additional insights. We can hardly wait for our first outing.”

The drivers selected for the races in the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship include the experienced works drivers Kévin Estre (France), Michael Christensen (Denmark), André Lotterer (Germany), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), Matt Campbell (Australia), Mathieu Jaminet (France) as well as the accomplished sportscar drivers Dane Cameron (USA) and Felipe Nasr (Brazil). In the initial development phase, Frédéric Makowiecki played a key role: during the rollout at Weissach in January, the Frenchman drove the first metres in the Porsche 963 and also turned the first laps in the simulator. Other driver announcements, including those for the endurance races at Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta (Petit Le Mans), will be made at a later date.

Porsche Penske Motorsport prepares a total of four 963 for the world’s most important sports car races at its bases in Mooresville (North Carolina) and Mannheim (Germany). The WEC facility in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg is a former Porsche Centre of Penske Automotive, built to state-of-the-art standards. The exchange of data between the three high-tech centres of Porsche Penske Motorsport occurs almost in real-time. The WEC team will move into the Mannheim premises this autumn.

Jonathan Diuguid is the Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport: “Expectations are extremely high,” acknowledges the American. “Not only from the public but also from Porsche and Team Penske, who have written great motorsport chapters together in the past.” Diuguid and Travis Law (Competition Director) will guide the global Porsche Penske Motorsport Team, with direct oversight and management of both the FIA WEC and IMSA programs. Daily operations of the FIA WEC team will be led by Bernhard Demmer (General Manager) and Francis Schammo (Team Manager). Joel Svensson (Team Manager) will be responsible in the IMSA championship in North America.

In compliance with the LMDh regulations, the Porsche 963 is based on an LMP2-category chassis. This newly developed vehicle chassis is supplied by the Canadian high-tech company Multimatic. Bosch, Williams Advanced Engineering and Xtrac contribute the standard hybrid components. At the heart of the powertrain lies a 4.6-litre V8 Biturbo. The engine is based on the high-performance 918 Spyder hybrid sports car. Its DNA goes back to the RS Spyder racing car, with which Porsche and Team Penske notched up many victories between 2005 and 2008. The design of the new Porsche 963 hails from the victorious 956 and 962 classics from the 1980s. A continuous strip of lighting at the rear echoes the distinctive feature of the latest 992-generation 911. The white-red-black vehicle design is a salute to Porsche’s successful racing cars. And another tradition lives on: The new Porsche 963 will be available to customers from the first year of competition. The first Porsche customer teams will already communicate their program in the next few days.

For its envisaged campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSA) – the world’s two most long-distance racing series including the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Daytona 24 Hours and the 12 Hours of Sebring classics – Porsche Penske Motorsport joins forces with strong and proven partners. The tyre manufacturer Michelin continues its close alliance, as does ExxonMobil with its Mobil1 brand. In addition to the software specialist Ansys, which supports the global team with cutting-edge simulation solutions as the official technology partner, the Penske Corporation, which will highlight a number of subsidiaries and brands, is also on board as an official partner. With its expertise in development and engineering, Multimatic joins the project as a technology partner. The luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer also joins the global team as the official timing partner of the Porsche Penske Motorsport team. The fashion brand Hugo Boss as the team’s clothing partner and outfitter as well as the sports lifestyle company Puma as the technical partner for fireproof race clothing complete the portfolio of top-level partnerships of Porsche Penske Motorsport.

Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.com.au. The Twitter channel @PorscheRaces provides live updates from Porsche Motorsport with the latest information and photos from racetracks around the world.

Sargent claims final race as Wood takes season opener

Sam Shahin claims Morris Finance Pro-Am win, Tom Taplin Class B in Sydney

Michelin Junior Thomas Sargent claimed his first race win in the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series at Sydney Motorsport Park, while a second for fellow Michelin Junior Ryan Wood was enough for the young New Zealander to clinch his maiden round win.

Sam Shahin won race three and the round in Morris Finance Pro-Am while Tom Taplin took a clean sweep of race wins in Class B.

In what was a repeat of the first two races, Sargent got the better of Wood off the start line, while Sonic Motor Racing’s Courtney Prince slotted into second after starting third.

Sargent slowly had the better of Prince and Wood and built up a 1.8 second lead by lap eight.

Wood pressured Prince into a slight mistake at turn two – the pair ran deep under brakes, Prince ran wide while Wood snuck down the inside while going wide himself.

The margin to Sargent blew out to 2.8 seconds as the young Tegra Australia driver clinched the win and second for the round.

Wood was second but had enough points in hand to secure the round, while Prince was third in the race and round.

Shahin was forced to work for his win in Morris Finance Pro-Am – he started second in class behind Boulton.

Shahin struggled in the opening laps, falling behind Christian Fitzgerald and Andrew Goldie to be sitting in fourth after lap two.

He slowly made his way back towards the front to be in behind Boulton by lap five.

Shahin had a run on Boulton down the main straight and into turn one on lap six – he got down the inside and made the decisive move.

From that point on, Shahin pulled clear to clinch his second win of the weekend in Morris Finance Pro-Am, and the round by one point.

Boulton was second for the race and the round while Fitzgerald crossed the line in third.

A fourth for Goldie was enough for him to be third for the round in Pro-Am.

In Class B, Taplin was mixing it with some of the leading contenders in Pro-Am – he would go on to finish ninth overall in the race while claiming the race and round win for Class B.

A second for Gerard Murphy was enough for him to leapfrog Jacob Li into second for the round, after the latter finished fourth in the final race behind Jonathan Gliksten.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series heads to Phillip Island next for round two, with the Motorsport Australia Championships event to be held between June 24-26.

QUOTES:

Ryan Wood, Pro Round 1 winner 

“Getting the round win this weekend was really exciting achievement for myself and the team, to turn up and to beat Tom Sargent – when everyone knew he would be the title contender – here at Round 1 and I can’t thank the team enough. Putting it on pole was a really positive for the weekend, as was the passing races 1 and 2 especially to get him on the last lap was great. I haven’t raced in 10 months, so to get this result was awesome and again kudos to the Team Porsche New Zealand for backing me and giving me this opportunity and I want to say a massive thanks to Ben Jenkins my engineer and the whole EBM team.”

Sam Shahin, Morris Finance Pro Am Round winner

“I feel ecstatic, getting back into a 991 Gen 1 car, it’s a very different car to the 992 and it took a bit of driving to get back used to it, but absolutely thrilled to mix it with these guys. Race 1 went to plan, Race 2 not so well, and I had first stall of my life off the grid that was an absolute lesson on how to not do it, but I did it the hard way and got myself into gear and the end result was good.”

Tom Taplin, Class B round winner

“It feels great to win the round and have clean races all weekend. There’s few areas for me to improve on going into Phillip Island. I need to familiarise myself with the starts and when you get down into the tenths the driving technique is really important and remembering to do the basics well, slow on entry, fast on exit.”

Wood claims thrilling opening day of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Shahin, Boulton share the honours in Morris Finance Pro-Am

Porsche Michelin Junior Ryan Wood has taken out a thrilling pair of victories in the opening round of the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series at Sydney Motorsport Park, capping off a remarkable day for the young New Zealander.

Brett Boulton and Sam Shahin shared the wins in the Morris Finance Pro-Am class after great battles in both races, while Tom Taplin dominated the two races in Class B.

Wood passed and edged away from polesitter Tom Sargent in the season-opening Jim Richards Enduro Trophy race that kicked off proceedings, however it was his race two victory that was the undisputed highlight of the day.

Tegra Australia’s Tom Sargent bolted from second in race two and led in the run to turn one, while fellow Michelin Junior Courtney Prince vaulted from third up to second.

After starting from pole, Wood dropped back to third before quickly getting by Prince.

The Team Porsche NZ / EBM driver then went after Sargent in what turned out to be a brilliant battle for the top spot.

Wood was applying the pressure as Sargent locked up his left front tyre on two occasions into turn six.

Wood pestered Sargent on the last lap and gathered an overlap coming out of the last turn.

Sargent was hung out wide as the pair went either side of lap traffic – Sargent had to take to the grass, while Wood drove down the inside of the track and snatched away the lead in the run to the line.

Wood claimed the win by 1.2 seconds while it was a case of wrong place, wrong time for Sargent who crossed the line second.

Prince finished third followed by Jason Miller and Aron Shields to complete the top five.

Boulton held off Shahin after a race long battle for Morris Finance Pro-Am class honours.

Shahin started one row higher than Boulton, but it was Boulton who would later gain track position.

Shahin was sideways at one point coming off the back of Corporate Hill, but didn’t have the pace to get by Boulton who claimed victory by 0.8 seconds.

Andrew Goldie was third as Christian Fitzgerald and Indiran Padayachee completed the top five.

Despite almost going off at turn two during the middle portion of the race, Tom Taplin finished 11^th outright and winner in the Class B field.

Race one doubled as the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy over 24-laps.

Just like the later race, Wood started off pole but Sargent got the better traction off the start line and led the field through turn one.

Lachlan Bloxsom jumped to third after starting fourth while Prince was the biggest mover off the line, going from ninth to fourth.

Sargent and Wood cleared out from the rest of the field, building an eight second margin.

The field was brought under the control of the safety car on lap 12 when Bloxsom went off at turn three and was stuck in the sand trap.

Wood capitalised on the safety car restart on cold tyres Michelin tyres and ran around the outside of Sargent through turn four before he finally cleared Sargent off turn five.

Further back Maddie Stewart was running in sixth before she was turned around at turn four, dropping back to 17^th by races end.

Wood proved to be too strong, claiming the win by five seconds. Sargent held off Prince in the battle for second while Shields and Miller completed the top five.

Having earlier qualified third outright and starting as first in his class, Shahin held track position over his rivals in in Morris Finance Pro-Am.

He would go on to win in class by five seconds over Boulton. Goldie was third followed by Padayachee and Fitzgerald completing the top five.

Taplin proved to be too strong in Class B, going on to win from pole. Jacob Li was second as Gerard Murphy finished third.

The field return for one final race on Sunday at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Race three will be run over 11-laps at 12:40pm AEST and will be shown live on Stan Sport.

QUOTES:

Ryan Wood, Race 2 Pro winner

“I had to really work for that one, that start was terrible again, I need to tune that up. I’m just really, really appreciative. Tom made a few little mistakes and that last lap was so hectic I’ve never been in something like that before and he got really unlucky with the lapped car. It is a shame for him, but that’s what we expected today with such a wide spread of times throughout the grid. Really stoked to take another win and it was a really good battle.”

Tom Sargent, Race 2 Pro 2^nd place

“Second place is awesome, great bunch of points, would have liked to have got first, but I had it all race and lost it on the last corner with lapped traffic, but those things happen and I definitely learn’t from it. I’ll definitely be smarter for it next time.”

Brett Boulton, Morris Finance Pro Am Race 2 winner

“It was an awesome race, had a fantastic start which obviously helps and I came down into turn 2 ahead of Sam and that’s where I needed to stay. I kept looking in the mirrors and saw he was there, we obviously had similar pace, it was excellent to get the win. The Track was fine we had Luffy up the top saying the track was ok with basically no rain out there with no wet patches, it felt just like it did earlier in the race meeting.”

Sam Shahin, Morris Finance Pro-Am Race 1 winner

“That was a very enjoyable race, I really wasn’t sure where I would fit between the very good Ams and the terrific field of Professional drivers here today. I felt I was competitive with the back end of the pro grid but not quite faster enough to make a fist of it. I just need to keep trying and we have two more races this weekend, so glad to finish in one piece. We started with the pressures a little bit too high and the rear of the car got very nervous just before the safety car, so when it came in, it gave us an opportunity to get the tyre temperatures down. The car was  almost on rails after the restart for about three laps and then dropped off again, so I made it as competitive as I could today, but will have another crack this afternoon.”

Junior star Ryan Wood on pole for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge opener

Sam Shahin dominates Morris Finance Pro-Am to grab class pole under lights

A FRIDAY NIGHT fight has seen Porsche Michelin Juniors Ryan Wood and Tom Sargent battle for pole position in the opening round of the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series at Sydney Motorsport Park.

The pair traded fastest times in the session held under lights at the Sydney venue, the Team Porsche NZ / EBM driver jumping to the top late on his second run to displace Sargent to second.

Sam Shahin took pole in Morris Finance Pro-Am and qualified an outstanding third outright in the process.

Wood and Sargent ended the session split by just 0.26 seconds with the pair to start from the front row for tomorrow’s season opener – which doubles as the first Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race of the year.

Wood’s 1:30.0881 was just 0.26s faster than Sargent’s best, the latter not improving on his flyer set on his first run earlier in the session.

The effort was even more impressive after Wood suffered a broken upright in an earlier session, causing him to miss practice two.

The dynamic duo up front were some margin ahead of the remainder of the field as they dominated the flat-out 20-minute session held on a cool and crisp Western Sydney evening.

With Shahin third, another Sprint Challenge rookie qualified fourth: McElrea Racing’s Aaron Shields securing a spot on the second row.

Tigani Motorsport’s Ollie Shannon qualified fifth, the brand-new outfit making it five different teams in the top five in the competitive session.

Lachlan Bloxsom was sixth, in front of Sonic Motor Racing / Local Legends driver Courtney Prince who was seventh.

Adelaide-based racer Tom Taplin celebrated his return to the championship by qualifying eighth, and also topping the Class B contenders.

The Class B field sees drivers racing the previous-generation Type 1 991-Generation Porsche GT3 Cup Car – the model that until this year was the latest eligible for the series.

Madeline Stewart qualified a strong ninth in her spectacular Bullrush Rally-backed entry, while another rookie – Stokes Skis Australia racer Jason Miller – completed the top-10.

With Shahin’s late-session flyer seeing him well ahead in the Morris Finance Pro-Am ranks, the battle for the next few positions within the class was much more competitive.

Brett Boulton was second in class and 13th outright, and only just edged out West Australian Andrew Goldie for bragging rights within the category.

Christian Fitzgerald was fourth in class on his Sprint Challenge debut.

26 cars have qualified for the opening round of the series, with only TekworkX Motorsport driver Nathan Sticklen unable to set a time following an incident in practice earlier on Friday.

All three Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge races will be broadcast on Stan Sport this weekend from Sydney Motorsport Park’s Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships event.

QUOTES:

Pro

Ryan Wood, Team Porsche NZ / EBM

“It was a great start, can’t thank the guys at Earl Bamber Motorsport enough as well as Porsche Team New Zealand for making this opportunity possible and everyone who has backed me to get to this point. It’s been a hard slog to make this happen and I’m just glad to be able to show my potential. It was a hard session, I’ve never driven a race car at night, it made it a bit difficult, especially missing Practice two today as well with the upright failing, which put us on the back foot, but we ended up with a good result, so it eyes forward for tomorrow.”

Morris Finance Pro-Am

Sam Shahin

“I love the 991, I have wonderful memories of both the Gen 1 car and the the Gen 2. I didn’t do myself any favours going out in the first session on last year’s tyres, it really knocked my confidence about, but the second session was a little better and I was quite anxious about the qualifying session in the dark and how the track was going to behave. Coming off driving the 992 generation car last week, the 991 is so different to drive, so I’m absolutely thrilled to put in a good lap right at the end.”

Class B

Tom Taplin

“It was good to be fastest in class B, obviously not really used to that as a benchmark we want to be up with the Pros, they have slight advantage with the Gen 2 car, but we using this as an exercise to see how close we can get to them and we’re in a good position for the long race, I just got to focus on getting a good start and be consistent as I have been all day, so if the guys in front have an incident I’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”

Sonic Motor Racing Services reveals three-car Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge line-up

Harrison Goodman to join Graham Williams and Courtney Prince at Sonic

Team Sonic has revealed an expanded three-car attack ahead of the opening round of the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.

Harrison Goodman and Courtney Prince will spearhead the team’s attack on the Pro class, while Graham Williams returns to contest the Morris Finance Pro-Am class.

And in an expansion of the team’s long-standing partnership with Bob Jane T-Marts, both Goodman and Prince will race with the support of Bob Jane T-Marts for season 2022.

A long-time supporter of Sonic, Bob Jane T-Marts provides support for another two rising stars as it has done for the likes of David Reynolds, James Moffat, Nick Foster, Jordan Love and continues to support Simon Fallon in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.

The deal underscores Bob Jane T-Marts’ commitment to both of Sonic’s Pro class drivers, and its commitment to the development of youth drivers in Australian motorsport.

Goodman progresses from Formula Fords to Porsches after finishing fifth in the national Formula Ford title last year. This will mark his first races in a tin-top this weekend.

Re-joining the team for a second campaign in the Local Legends entry is Prince, who started her career in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in style with third at last year’s opening round at Phillip Island. Also a previous graduate of National Formula Ford, Prince will be among the contenders this season.

Rounding out Sonic Motor Racing Services line-up of drivers is Graham Williams as he targets further improvement in his racing and has been a stalwart to the team for many seasons in Porsche racing.

Created in 2008, the series is renowned for being a proving ground for young drivers aiming to climb the proven Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

Sonic Motor Racing Services has enjoyed great success in this category, winning three titles in a row through Hamish Hardeman, Jordan Love and Simon Fallon between 2016 and 2018.

After an interrupted past two seasons, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge returns and is expected to again be hotly-contested.

All three races across Saturday and Sunday, will be screened live on Stan Sport.

Harrison Goodman
Bob Jane T-Marts, Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup Car

“I’m definitely excited and it will be good to be racing in a competitive field,” said Goodman.

“It’s going to be very different to the Formula Ford, but the cars handle similar to each other, which is helpful.

“Michael and Maria have been very helpful during the transition from Formula Ford to Porsche, and without them I wouldn’t be able to do it.

“I’m excited to be driving the Bob Jane T-Marts entry. It’s one that has a lot of history with Sonic and to represent an iconic brand is one I’m thrilled to be a part of.

“It’s been a fairly fast learning curve with just three test days, but I definitely think we’ve done enough to be competitive at the first round and I’m keen to get started at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.”

Courtney Prince
Local Legends, Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup Car

“It’s been over a year since we raced and we only had two rounds so I’m super keen to get into it again,” said Prince.

“We’ve done four test days prior to this season commencing, which has made me feel ready, prepared and I just can’t wait to start racing again.

“We finished third in our first ever Porsche round, which I was stoked with and we led a majority of the second race in the rain.

“I enjoy racing the Porsche and working alongside Mick, who really seems to get the most out of me.

“I just want to maximise both myself and the car when I hit the track as well as to provide the right feedback to Mick.

“Winning the title this year would be awesome and it’s something I’m really putting my mind to do.”

Graham Williams
Sonic Motor Racing Services, Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup Car

“It was a shortened season last year with two rounds, so it’s been a long while between races and I’m ready to get back into it,” said Williams.

“If anything, what we’ve learnt in the last couple of years is to have no expectations. I don’t have any expectations, but certainly the ambition is to go faster than I did last time I was there. That’s just the natural progression.

“I just want to progress and have a good time. Enjoy the racing, enjoy the team, enjoy the people and go faster, it’s as simple as that.”

EMA Motorsport expands domestic racing programme with Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge entry

Christian Fitzgerald to continue Porsche family motorsport legacy in Australia with EMA

With a successful start to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, EMA Motorsport has confirmed plans to expand its domestic racing programme this season with an entry into the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia. The national series sees round 1 of the 6-event championship take place this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park , 27-29 May, with Christian Fitzgerald at the wheel of the 991.2 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.

Driving duties will be handled by Christian Fitzgerald, son of Porsche motorsport stalwart Peter, whose name has been synonymous with the brand for more than 40 years. Christian continues his relationship with EMA Motorsport having already competed in the Victorian Sports Car Championship earlier this year, finishing 3^rd in the overall standings and continuing the family legacy with the Porsche brand. Prior to this, he debuted with the team in the Australian GT4 Series during 2019 for a one-off weekend scoring a double race win, double pole position and fastest lap at Sandown Park.

This latest championship entry for Melbourne-based EMA Motorsport forms part of the team’s objectives to expand capabilities and knowledge running as a Porsche Customer Racing team. A strong start to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship saw EMA Motorsport score a first race win last weekend at Winton Raceway, and further details of the European GT3 programme with entry into the Total Energies 24 Hours of Spa will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The additional domestic programme is designed to gain important track experience while building a further platform to support a multi-car expansion into the Carrera Cup Australia and GT3 competition.

The 2022 season kicks off at Sydney Motorsport Park with a strong grid of 27 cars competing across multiple classes. Christian will run the #74 EMA Motorsport Porsche 991.2 911 GT3 Cup in the Morris Finance Pro-Am category, with action starting with two practice sessions and night qualifying on Friday, before three races broadcast live on Stan Sport over the course of the weekend.

Madeline Stewart ready to renew Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in Sydney

Bullrush Rally to support Stewart’s 2022 Sprint Challenge campaign

It’s been a year since Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge last contested a round, but Madeline Stewart is ready to return to the track featuring new backing from Bullrush Rally as she renews her campaign with Earl Bamber Motorsport.

Stewart has raced a variety of categories since transitioning from karts including Super3, GTs and production cars, but has targeted climbing the famous Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

Earl Bamber Motorsport debuted in Australia with victory in the 2019 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour, however included campaigns in both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge last year in addition to other programs across Asia.

A new major partner for Stewart’s program this season is Bullrush Rally, Australia’s ultimate road trip. Founded in 2014 with the target of uniting like-minded performance car enthusiasts, entrants take in a variety of events per year encompassing visits to Australia’s best restaurants, partying at the most exclusive venues, pitting model vs model and driver against driver in motorsport environments.

These events raise considerable funds for charities for causes relating to mental health, bettering the lives of sick children, aiding medical research and many more.

The Bullrush Rally has a history of supporting Porsche racers, which include last year’s Carrera Cup Australia Pro Champion, Cameron Hill. Stewart is involved as a track day instructor as well as an ambassador for Bullrush Rally.

Stewart is excited to continue her Porsche journey with Earl Bamber Motorsport this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park where a twilight event and an endurance race will feature.

All the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge action will be broadcast live, uninterrupted and on-demand through Stan Sport.

QUOTES

Madeline Stewart

Bullrush EBM, Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup Car

“I’m very excited to be doing the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge again,” said Stewart. “Obviously we didn’t have a great season last year as we only got two rounds in at the start, so I’m looking forward to a full-season of Porsche racing.

“I’m back with Earl Bamber Motorsport, we had a great start last year and I’m stoked to have Earl mentoring me again.

“We’ve partnered with Bullrush Rally this year and the livery looks amazing. Marko has been awesome in facilitating that and creating an awesome design, so I’m excited to be partnered with them in 2022.

“We’ve completed a few test days at the start of this year to build on the momentum after not going to race much last season. We had a successful test at Sydney Motorsport Park a few weeks ago, it’s actually one of my favourite tracks and we’ve got a good field for this weekend.

“I’m just excited to get back racing.”

Marko Seider

Founder, Bullrush Rally

“We’ve sponsored the last three Carrera Cup winners, so we were keen to support a dedicated and talented driver within the Porsche ecosystem,” said Seider. “In 2022, we will be continuing our run of eye catching liveries in motorsport by partnering with Madeline in Sprint Challenge.

“We were looking for opportunities to continue in the Porsche category, and with Madeline being one of our Track Day instructors it was only natural to take things to the next level.

“The partnership will enable us to continue attending events, bringing members of the Bullrush Rally community along to the track, and giving us a platform to create more amazing experiences for people who enjoy cars and motoring.

“We are also helping Madeline from a management and branding perspective as well as chasing support for her season via our ever growing community. As a Michelin Junior driver Madeline is a motorsport instructor at the automotive lifestyle brand’s track day events, as well as an entrant in the five-day Bullrush Rally charity drive from Sydney to Brisbane in October.

“Madeline is dedicated both on and off the track, and has been a great addition to the team – especially her ability to get our female members up to speed and comfortable with track driving.”

Shannon returns to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Tigani Motorsport

Bathurst 6 Hour class winner to contest full 2022 Porsche campaign

Ollie Shannon has announced his return to the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year, joining new squad Tigani Motorsport.

For the 22-year-old Sydneysider, 2022 marks the next step in his motorsport journey. Not only will Shannon step up to compete in the full season of the national level series, but he will also focus all of his attention on motorsport as a full-time employee for the Wollongong based team as a qualified mechanic.

Fresh off an A1 class win in this year’s Bathurst 6 Hour, his second in succession, Shannon is looking forward to turning his attention to a championship campaign in the Porsche series.

“I’m really excited to be returning to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Tigani Motorsport for a full assault on the 2022 championship,” said Shannon.

“Due to some circumstances outside our control, we’ve been limited with the amount of testing we’ve been able to do in the lead up to the first event, however the testing we have done has shown positive signs.”

“Extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given by Nathan Tigani. Not only am I driving for the team, but I am also now a full-time employee which allows me to be fully focused on my racing and the benefits of that are already showing.”

“Looking forward to sharing our commercial partners and livery in the lead up to Round 1.”

Shannon’s motorsport career commence in state-based production car racing in 2018 before stepping up to compete in the final two rounds of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in 2019. He also has a couple of starts in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Series and Aussie Racing Cars on his racing resume.

Tigani Motorsport team owner Nathan Tigani is excited to have the young gun as part of his team in its debut in the series.

“We’re excited having Ollie on board. He’s young and enthusiastic. I think he’ll be a great asset especially for us being a new team first season in.” said Tigani.

“He’s fresh off his six-hour victory, he’s done it twice. So he’s not short of ability. It’ll just about getting up to speed in the Porsche and from there building on our year.”

“We’re realistic of our goals and where we want to be but I’m hopefully by end of the year where we’re right at the pointy end.”

Shannon’s championship campaign will commence at his home track of Sydney Motorsport Park. Round 1 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will be held as part of an action-packed Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships schedule this weekend with live coverage of all three races on Stan Sport.

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

14th season of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge to kick off at SMP

Sargent and Wood among 10 debutants for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Last weekend saw 31 Porsche 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup cars contest Round 2 of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Winton. This weekend, 27 previous generation 991 Cup cars will start the opening round of the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia season.

15 of the Winton drivers had all progressed from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge to Carrera Cup Australia, including former champions Simon Fallon and Harri Jones, as well as class champions Christian Pancione, Tim Miles, Geoff Emery and Sam Shahin. 2022 Carrera Cup round winners Max Vidau and Matthew Belford are another pair who have had success in the Porsche national series in the past.

Of the 58 entries running back-to-back, only one driver – Sam Shahin – will be doing double duty, meaning there are (at a minimum) 57 national level competitors racing Porsches this year, showing the strength of Porsche’s Motorsport Pyramid in Australasia.

The last time Sprint Challenge visited Sydney Motorsport Park was in early 2021, when Christian Pancione took his first-round victory in the series. Ryan Suhle and Callum Hedge completed the Pro podium on that occasion, while Sam Shahin dominated the Morris Finance Pro-Am field from Sergio Pires and Marcel Zalloua.

Ten drivers make their Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge debut this weekend, the most in any one round of the series in the last decade of the competition. These include Nathan Sticklen, Ryan Wood, Thomas Sargent, Gerard Murphy, Jason Miller, Christian Fitzgerald (son of former podium finisher – Peter Fitzgerald), Emanuel Mezzasalma, Aron Shields, Lachlan Bloxsom and Jacob Li.

The likes of Wood and Sargent will bring a wealth of experience to the Pro class and go up against the likes of Courtney Prince, Madeline Stewart and Ollie Shannon – who returns to the series with a new team, Tigani Motorsport.

While the wise money will be on Shahin to take the Morris Finance Pro-Am class this year based on his past performances, The Bend Motorsport Park owner will come under fire from the likes of Brett Boulton, Richard Cowen, , Nathan Murray, Andrew Goldie, David Greig, Indiran Padayachee, Ross McGregor, Terrance Knowles and Rob Woods.

Following two practice sessions and a night qualifying session on Friday, all three races over the course of the weekend will be broadcast live on Stan Sport.

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

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Round 1, Sydney Motorsport Park

ENTRY LIST:

BROADCAST SCHEDULE:

Saturday 28 May

12:40-13:25    Race 1  (27 laps)

16:30-1650     Race 2 (11 laps)

Sunday 29 May

12:40-13:00    Race 3 (11 laps)

2022 CALENDAR:

Rd1       Sydney Motorsport Park                 27-29 May

Rd2       Phillip Island                                     24-26 June

Rd3       Queensland Raceway                      05-07 Aug

Rd4       Sandown                                            16-18 Sept

Rd5       The Bend                                            21-23 Oct

Rd6       Bathurst Intl                                      11-13 Nov

CHE Racing Team’s Tom Sargent ready for Porsche progression

Formula Ford Champion to make Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge debut in Sydney

After dominating last year’s Australian Formula Ford Series, Tom Sargent will take the next step in his motorsport career when he embarks on a maiden campaign in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year.

Sargent clean-swept the pole positions and round victories in the 2021 Australian Formula Ford Series title to lead a CHE Racing Team 1-2 in the overall standings.

Following team manager and mentor Cameron Hill’s pathway through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, Sargent is starting his journey in the national Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series.

Sargent enters the series as one of the favourites and, with the backing of reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship winning team CHE Racing, with Hill taking a convincing victory in last year’s campaign.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will contest six rounds, with the first taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park at Round 3 of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

It has been a successful start to the season for CHE Racing after success in its maiden appearance at the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour where Hill and Sargent drove to victory in the team’s BMW M2 Competition. While in Australian Formula Ford competition, Jimmy Piszcyk leads the standings and remains undefeated in the NSW state series.

Renowned as a high quality development category, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge has provided the launch pad for drivers including factory ace Matt Campbell, international GT driver Jordan Love, while both Cooper Murray and Aaron Love have recently begun careers overseas.

Practice and qualifying gets underway on Friday, with live coverage of all three races on Stan Sport on Saturday and Sunday.

QUOTES

Tom Sargent
CHE Racing Team, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 991 Gen II)

“I’m super excited to be making the step up to the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year,” said Sargent.

“It’s awesome to be driving the Porsche this year with CHE Racing. We’ve had an awesome start to the year taking an outright victory in the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, so hopefully we can continue the momentum and we can have a solid year.

“We’ve got an awesome bunch of supporters, with Tegra Australia, Sloanebuilt Trailers, Australian Builders Cement, Momenta Accounting and Insurance and Scribblegum riding with us this season, which I’m very appreciative of.”

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

2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar announced

Six national rounds across four states will make-up the 2022 calendar

Porsche Cars Australia has announced its 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar, with the national Porsche one-make Series again featuring as one of the main attractions on Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships rounds, alongside categories from the Australian Racing Group (ARG).

With the all-new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup making its debut in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia field this year, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia field will see the introduction of the 991.2 generation previously campaigned by teams in the top-tier class over the last seasons.

The national Porsche series kicks-off in late May at the same venue it concluded in the Covid-halted 2021 season, Sydney Motorsport Park in NSW. Both Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am competitors will be hoping for an interrupted season this year, following the last two heavily impacted seasons where travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic, meant that no champions could ultimately be crowned in either class.

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit then follows in late June, before teams head north to Queensland Raceway in early August for Round 3. Porsche customer teams return to Victoria following the halfway mark of the season for Round 4 at Sandown International Racecourse, before continuing to The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend for the penultimate round.

The season finale will be announced in the coming weeks.

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

2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Calendar

*All rounds are subject to change

Lachlan Bloxsom to make Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge debut

Bloxsom joins McElrea Racing for 2022 Porsche campaign

Another young, Queensland driver will step-up from TGRA 86 Series into the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series this year with McElrea Racing. Lachlan Bloxsom hails from a Porsche enthusiast family, where his father, Jonathan, contested both the V8 Ute series as well as the Aussie Racing Car series in the past.

When Lachlan was 14, his father bought Broc Feeney’s Hyundai Excel and the talented youngster came under the guidance of Paul Morris and Norwell Motorplex, entering his first race in 2020 at Queensland Raceway.

In 2021, 16 year-old Bloxsom entered two rounds of the TGRA 86 Series in Townsville and Bathurst and was one of six young drivers selected by Erebus Racing to test in the Erebus V8 Supercar at Queensland Raceway at the end of the season.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series is the first big step in the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid for many of the best young drivers in Australia, who have subsequently gone onto succeed not only in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, but foster professional careers at the highest levels of the sport locally and internationally.

Some of the young drivers to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in recent years under the guidance of McElrea Racing include the likes of Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans and Cooper Murray, as well as 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion, Harri Jones, who will be one of the strong favourites for the 2022 Carrera Cup Mobil Pro Championship title.

Along with Jones, McElrea Racing will also support other Junior drivers across both series including Bayley Hall, Jackson Walls and Christian Pancione, with Driver Coaching and mentorship from Warren Luff. Bloxsom’s 2022 campaign will be supported by Harvey Norman, Opteon Property Group, Hart Sport and Cruisemaster.

QUOTES:

Lachlan Bloxsom: “I’m excited to join McElrea Racing for the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series. It’s the next stage of my career to transition from (Hyundai) Excels and (Toyota) 86s now into the Porsche 911. It is really important for young drivers like myself to progress up through the ranks and get knowledge from the Pro and Pro-Am drivers within the McElrea team.”

Andy McElrea, Team Principal, McElrea Racing: “It’s exciting for the team to announce that Lockie will be with us next year. He’s another talented young kid and we looking forward to getting our hands onto him and turning him into a Porsche star. We like to think of our approach with Junior drivers as a holistic approach, mentoring the kids, getting them into the workshop and getting to know them and their families, working out what makes them tick. We’re excited to look after Lockie this year and the next few years beyond that.”

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

Barry Hay appointed Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager

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

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

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

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

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

Quotes:

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

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

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

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

More powerful customer racing car for the GT4 class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is available in Australia with the starting price of 196,000 Euro (ex-factory). Enquiries should be directed to the Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport department via [email protected].

View the full image gallery HERE

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

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

Formula Ford star to graduate Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Tom Sargent to progress Porsche one-make series with CHE Racing

Tom Sargent to progress Porsche one-make series with CHE Racing

Talented 19-year-old racer, Tom Sargent, has revealed his racing plans for the 2022 season, announcing he will compete in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge national series with CHE Racing Team.

Sargent’s progression to a full-time Porsche drive comes off the back of his impressive performances in the Formula Ford junior development category over the last four years, including numerous race wins, round wins and lap records, along with victories in both the NSW and Victorian State Championships.

Sargent will not be left wanting for front-running equipment or team support; he will race the very same Porsche 991 Gen 2 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car currently leading the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship in the hands of Cameron Hill and it will be operated by Hill’s CHE Racing outfit.

19-year-old Sargent, who hails from the regional NSW town of Young, said he can barely wait to get behind the wheel of the Porsche.

“A Porsche is one of those brands of cars you dream of racing as a kid, so to say I’m excited for next year is an understatement,” Sargent said.

“I’m very impatient for my turn behind the wheel, but Cameron has a Carrera Cup title to win first!

“We identified Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge as a logical next step for my career, because of the exposure it receives as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

“It also enables me to participate in the Porsche Michelin Junior Driver Programme, which will give me access to excellent opportunities.

“We’ve seen with drivers like Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans and Jordan Love, that there is the chance to forge a successful international career if you do well enough here in Australia.”

Hill, who has mentored Sargent through his Formula Ford journey, is looking forward to seeing his young protégé take the next step.

“I have been unbelievably impressed with Tom’s performances in Formula Ford, both his driving and his feedback to the team out of the car,” Hill said.

“He has the ability to analyse very specific details about how he is driving and how the car is behaving, and he uses those skills to maximise his performances every time he is on track.

“I can’t think of a more worthy driver to take over my Porsche next season and I’m looking forward to throwing him the keys after the Carrera Cup Australia season has finished.

“Tom has a few more Formula Ford races this year, so we’ll focus on those before giving him some seat time in the Porsche to prepare him for next season.”

Should the South Australian border restrictions permit, the final two rounds of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge 2021 series, will take place at The Bend Motorsport Park from the 10-12 December.

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

The history of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in Australia

A look back through the years of the Porsche Sprint Challenge series, formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge

Founded in the grass-roots desires of Porsche competitors simply looking for a place to race, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series has grown to become one of the great success stories from the last two decades of Australian Motorsport.

Formed initially as GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, the series has grown from amateur-based competition for fun to a legitimate pathway for drivers young and old to forge their way through the ranks of the Porsche Pyramid.

It’s hugely competitive, high profile, professional and one of the strongest national-level categories in the sport, yet retains the initial charm and enjoyment factor it had in its early years.

Sprint Challenge launched in 2008 during a challenging time for one-make Porsche Racing in Australia. Carrera Cup Australia was – though it didn’t know it yet – in its final season before a three-year hiatus, while other more grass-roots level Porsche competitors were frustrated that the Porsche Drivers’ Challenge had been absorbed by the costlier GT Championship.

2011-2012-2013

Driven by competitors Sven Burchartz and Jon Trende and with the Administrative nous of Jamie Blaikie and Jodi Zylstra steering the ship, GT3 Cup Challenge was born and launched into the national scene with a 13-car field tackling a cold and blustery day at Mallala, South Australia in April, 2008.

The series fired immediately, with grids in the mid-20s by the middle of the season as owners flocked back to the circuit in droves.

Burchartz won the inaugural series driving his 911 GT3 Cup (type 996) prepared by Sonic Motor Racing, and the seeds were sown for a championship that would only become more competitive.

With Carrera Cup on the sidelines for 2009, 997 generation 911 GT3 Cup cars began to join the series in following years, though that year’s title was won by young Queenslander Matt Kingsley, whose devastating pace in the dry, but in particular the wet, set his championship winning season up.

Though any international career ambitions were well tempered by this point, Kingley was the first of a younger brigade of drivers to look at using Cup Challenge as a way of progressing through the local scene; even after two seasons, the championship had a level of exposure and competition that ensured that those at the front were known for succeeding in a championship far from easy to win.

Queenslander Roger Lago was the story of the next two seasons, the quietly-spoken businessman letting his performance on track do all the talking.

He narrowly beat Kingsley for the 2010 title after the latter destroyed his car in a hefty shunt at Sandown late in the season, but romped to the 2011 title in style to become the first to win back-to-back Porsche titles in Australia that decade.

Lago’s form was also notable: not only did he beat strong competition, but it gave him enough experience to prove his ability to compete at an even higher level – Lago later going on to succeed in Australian GT Racing and the Pro-Am class of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.

With Carrera Cup returning in 2011, the structure of the series changed somewhat: Porsche Cars Australia’s own in-house motorsport division taking the reigns as they consolidated their local racing programs. In just four short seasons, Cup Challenge had grown from a ‘just for fun’ series to a legitimate place on the Porsche Pyramid, feeding upward to the Carrera Cup grid. If anything, it gave the series even more street cred among the local scene.

Kane Rose’s title in 2012 marked a true turning point for the championship as the field begun to split into two, gradually evolving into the Pro and Pro-Am class structure that is the norm today. The Victorian was another example of drivers’ using the Porsche Pyramid to perfection; his climb came out of the state-based Porsche 944 ranks.

Richard Muscat’s 2013 title was the last of the 911 GT3 Cup type 997 era, the Generation II car filtering down from the main game a season later. Muscat’s title set him up for a progression up the order into Carrera Cup, a series of strong GT performances and even opportunities at a Supercars level.

While Fraser Ross edged out Jon McCorkindale for a tense 2014 championship win, further down the field there was notable interest in the series’ second category, for the now older-model first 997 Generation 911 GT3 Cup cars.

2014-2015-2016

There, a young, reserved man from the Queensland country town of Warwick was doing remarkable things in his older machine, nipping at the heels of the top three or four outright protagonists throughout the season, and occasionally beating them.

His name was Matt Campbell and when he jumped into an outright car at Phillip Island’s final round, having already clinched his class title, and dominated the field all weekend, the world knew they were on to something special.

The rest of that story, as they say, is history: less than five years later that Class B Sprint Challenge winner was on top of the podium for Porsche at Le Mans.

After Ryan Simpson gave everyone a beating in 2016, Hamish Hardeman and Jaxon Evans went wheel to wheel for the 2017 title, the former getting the big trophy after a tense year of competition between Sonic Motorsport and McElrea Racing; a Porsche battle that would define both categories for seasons.

Jordan Love’s 2017 title set him on his way to a Carrera Cup title – which would come just two years later – while Simon Fallon’s 2018 championship came in a final-round clincher after erstwhile leader Cooper Murray’s car went nowhere at the start of the final race. Both, though, would progress up the Pyramid.

Harri Jones’ 2019 series win ended a streak of four consecutive titles for Sonic – an Australian Porsche Motorsport record – and also represented another milestone: Porsche’s Michelin Junior program now stretching through Sprint Challenge all the way to Carrera Cup, and beyond.

2017-2018-2019

Through all that, the Pro-Am drivers have also had their share: Class champions Geoff Emery, Tim Miles, Anthony Gilbertson and Sam Shahin among many others progressing through to Carrera Cup.

Vibrant from the outset, the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge’s growth has come almost entirely organically, evolving with the needs of the series and those within it. For some it’s a place to prove themselves and progress their career. For others, it’s a place to race your mates and have fun. For some it’s a little of both.

Given its humble roots, that the series can continue be all things to all people, all the while putting on fiercely competitive and enjoyable motorsport, well into its 14^th season is all the more remarkable.

The Champions

2008 Sven Burchartz

2009 Matt Kingsley

2010 Roger Lago

2011 Roger Lago

2012 Kane Rose

2013 Richard Muscat (Professional), John Goodacre (Elite)

2014 Fraser Ross (Class A), Matt Campbell (Class B)

2015 Ryan Simpson (Professional), Geoff Emery (Elite), Aaron Seton (Class B)

2016 Hamish Hardeman (Professional), Tim Miles (Elite), Shane Barwood (Class B)

2017 Jordan Love (Professional), Anthony Gilbertson (Elite), David Greig (Class B)

2018 Simon Fallon (Professional), Danny Stutterd (Pro-Am), Christian Pancione (Class B)

2019 Harri Jones (Professional), Sam Shahin (Pro-Am), David Greig (Class B)

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

Troy Bundy announces departure from Porsche Cars Australia

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

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

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

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

Quotes:

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

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

Porsche announce final rounds of 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season

The Bend Motorsport Park double header to close out 2021 season

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

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

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

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

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

Quotes:

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

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

2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Calendar

Rnd        Event               State    Date

4             Bathurst 1000   NSW     30 Nov – 05 Dec

5             The Bend            SA          10-12 Dec

6             The Bend            SA          10-12 Dec

2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Calendar

Rnd        Event              State    Date

3             The Bend            SA          10-12 Dec

4             The Bend            SA          10-12 Dec

Murray to conduct European test in new Porsche 992 & contest Porsche Carrera Cup France

Murray to test new Porsche 992 prior to Global Junior Shootout

Porsche Michelin Junior Australian nominee to test new 911 GT3 Cup (992) prior to Global Shootout

Following the announcement by Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) that Cooper Murray is the Porsche Michelin Junior Australia Winner for 2021 and will be PCA’s nomination to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the end of the year. PCA has also confirmed that the Australian nominee will also test drive the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at Portimao Circuit in Portugal on the 18 October in preparation for the Shootout.

The McElrea Racing graduate will then conduct a further two-day test session with Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Team, Martinet by Almeras, at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France on the 20-21 November before contesting the final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship on the weekend of the 22 – 24 October.

Martinet by Almeras is the same team which supported 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, to second position overall in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship this year, behind Larry ten Voorde.

Murray, who is the youngest ever race and round winner in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia history, will also miss the remaining rounds of the 2021 series (on the provision state travel restrictions are lifted) as the Global Porsche Junior Shootout is set to take place on the 23-25 November and he will currently have to quarantine on his return.

Quotes:

Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, PCA: “We are happy to support Cooper and give him the best possible chance for the Global Porsche Junior Shootout, as the Juniors will be utilizing the new 992 Cup Car for the first time this year. We feel our contribution to his preparation provides him the best opportunity to acquaint himself with the new car in both race and test conditions. This support is further evidence of the investment Porsche is making in the future of Australian Motorsport in our region.”

Cooper Murray, Porsche Michelin Junior Winner:

“To be given the opportunity to drive the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car before the Junior shootout event is amazing, not to mention joining the Carrera Cup France grid for the last round of their championship in Portimao. I’m also fortunate enough to do an additional two days in the car to prepare myself in the best possibly way going into the shootout. I can’t thank my Mum and Dad enough for all their hard work to make this possible, as well as McElrea Racing and Porsche Motorsport Australia. I’m looking forward to the challenge that is ahead of me. New Car, new tracks, new team and new countries. Bring it on!“

Cooper Murray wins Carrera Cup Australia nomination for Porsche Junior Shootout

Murray looks to emulate Campbell and Evans success in Porsche Global Shootout

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has announced Cooper Murray as the winner of the Porsche Michelin Junior Australia Programme for 2021 and as a result their nomination for Porsche Junior Shootout globally later in the year.

After taking the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round win in Townsville earlier this year, Murray held a 25 point advantage in the Michelin Junior Competition point standings prior to Round 4 over McElrea Racing teammate, Harri Jones.

But the cancellation of the Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit recently – the revised final point scoring round – meant that Murray, as the points leader at the time, earned the nomination from Carrera Cup Australia. Should his nomination be approved by Porsche Motorsport in Germany, Murray will have the opportunity to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout against the best Junior drivers from Porsche Carrera Cup Championships from around the world.

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

To date, the once in a lifetime prize, helped launch the international motorsport careers of both Matt Campbell (2016 winner) and Jaxon Evans (2018 winner). Campbell is now a Porsche factory driver with victories in Bathurst 12 Hour and Le Mans 24 Hour to his name, while Evans is a two-time Carerra Cup Champion with regular appearances in top-level GT competition globally including the Le Mans 24 Hour, World Endurance Championship and Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, where he finished second this season.

Other Carrera Cup Australia drivers to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid locally and go on to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout in recent years include the likes of Nick Foster (2015); Dylan O’Keeffe (2017, 2018) and Jordan Love (2019). The Porsche Michelin Junior Programme remains the most established and proven Junior driver development pathway to the highest level of both local and international motorsports.

A European race track has been booked for the three-day Shootout, which starts early on the morning of Tuesday, 23 November and ends in the late afternoon of Thursday, 25 November later this year.

Quotes:

Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, PCA: “Like all the Juniors that have come through our Programme, it’s been personally rewarding to see Cooper’s development and outright pace mature in both our series, ever since his first season with us in 2018 – which was then GT3 Cup Challenge (Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.) Despite his young age, he has been a force within Carrera Cup Australia the last two years, against arguably the strongest Pro drivers in the series history.“

Cooper Murray, 2021 Porsche Michelin Junior Winner: “I’m very excited and grateful to have been nominated as Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s representative with the opportunity to attend the Porsche Junior Global Shootout event. I hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow McElrea drivers Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans and replicate their success. I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point in my career if it wasn’t for the amazing support of my family, McElrea Racing and everyone who has helped me along the way.”

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

Change at the helm of Porsche Motorsport

Fritz Enzinger passes the Porsche Motorsport baton to Thomas Laudenbach

Thomas Laudenbach (53) will assume the role of managing Porsche Motorsport on October 1, 2021. The accomplished German engineer takes over from Fritz Enzinger (65), who has led the racing department of the sports car manufacturer to countless successes since 2011. “We cannot thank Fritz Enzinger enough for his enormously successful work over the past ten years. He shaped an era at Porsche Motorsport that led us to incredible triumphs and title wins,” comments Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “Motorsport has played a very special role in Porsche’s corporate strategy. We’ve always used the racing platform as a test laboratory for the latest technologies. Thomas Laudenbach has everything it takes to successfully continue on this path. We look forward to the future of motorsport, in which we want to take an active role in shaping. The Mission R concept presented at the IAA MOBILITY showcases an exciting preview of what’s to come.”

When the Austrian Fritz Enzinger came to Porsche in 2011, he spearheaded the successful LMP1 programme with the 919 Hybrid. Between 2014 and 2017, he achieved three overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as winning a total of six world championship titles in three consecutive years. In 2019, Enzinger took over complete responsibility for Porsche Motorsport. Two more world championship titles followed that year, this time with the 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro category of the World Endurance Championship FIA WEC. Under Enzinger’s direction, the sports car manufacturer also tackled the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, and won the titles in the North America IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in the fiercely contested GTLM class with the 911 RSR.

“I look back on what we’ve achieved together with pride and gratitude,” explains Fritz Enzinger. “It was an incredibly intense time. The development of the LMP1 programme, the hat-trick at Le Mans and the world championship titles with the 919 Hybrid, the title wins with the 911 RSR, our entry into Formula E and the preparation of our LMDh engagements from 2023 onwards have demanded fortitude and focus from us all. Such successes are always the result of excellent teamwork. My greatest respect and thanks go out to everyone who contributed to this – in the cockpit, on the racetrack, in Weissach, Flacht and Zuffenhausen. My thanks also go to the strong Porsche customer teams who, among other achievements, clinched overall victories in the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and in Spa-Francorchamps,” the Austrian added. “Motorsport, like the entire automotive industry, is changing. Thanks to his experience and expertise, Thomas Laudenbach is exactly the right man to lead Porsche Motorsport into this future.”

“I’m thrilled about the trust that’s been placed in me and excited about the tasks ahead,” comments Thomas Laudenbach. “The big goal is to build on the great successes that have been achieved under the direction of Fritz Enzinger. It’s a wonderful challenge. We will adapt motorsport to the changed conditions in the automotive industry – from customer racing to factory involvement in the major racing series around the globe. We have our sights firmly set on claiming our 20th Le Mans victory, we want to win world championships – both in endurance racing and in Formula E. It’s also important to continue developing our customer racing. With the Mission R concept study, we are showing how attractive this can look.”

The qualified engineer Thomas Laudenbach, born in Santiago de Chile, completed his mechanical engineering studies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. His path initially led him to the DTM and to a service company that developed powertrain components for various European vehicle manufacturers. In the autumn of 1998, Laudenbach came to Porsche AG. As Head of Powertrain Development, he was involved in racing and sports car projects such as the 918 Spyder, 911 RSR, 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup until 2013.

As the leading developer of the 3.4-litre direct-injection V8 engine for the Porsche RS Spyder, Laudenbach also became acquainted with the North American motorsport scene. This will soon come full circle: From 2023, Porsche will compete for overall victories with a new LMDh hybrid prototype in the US IWSC racing series and the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship. As was the case with the RS Spyder between 2005 and 2008, the top American team Penske will once again serve as Porsche’s cooperation partner.

Applications for the 2022 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship Open

Porsche New Zealand is looking for a young New Zealand driving talent.

Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is opening the application process for its Scholarship to support a young kiwi talent to drive in the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series.

In its debut 2021 season, TPNZ has already had success in achieving its purpose – winning & creating a pathway for young New Zealand talent to advance in motorsport.

Despite Covid-19 disrupting the 2021 season and allowing only three rounds so far, the 2021 scholarship recipient Matthew Payne has already achieved two pole positions, a race win and has recently signed with Grove Racing as their inaugural inductee into their Grove Junior Team.

Grove Motorsport run cars in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Dunlop Super 2 series and Repco Supercars Championship (under Kelly Grove Racing). They established their junior team to support and foster the next generation of motorsport talent to the highest level of Australasian motorsport, the Repco Supercars Championship.

Which category Matthew will compete in next year has yet to be announced.

Applications for the 2022 scholarship are now being accepted online: Apply Here. They are open until the 15th of October. A shortlist of candidates will then be chosen for interviews and assessments before a final selection.

Earl Bamber: “We are really excited about the Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship. It is something we are proud to offer, and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships. With Matthew’s success this season, the programme has already proven its value. It’s about providing a pathway to a professional motorsports career.”

Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke: “The success achieved in such a short period has been fantastic, and we look forward to following Matthew’s development in 2022 as we welcome our second scholarship recipient into the brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992). This programme, in conjunction with our support of the local Pirelli Porsche NZ Championship & recently announced Super GT New Zealand Motor Racing Series, are key in our support of New Zealand Motorsport and talent.”

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “It is great to see Matthew Payne’s development and success this season with Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport, as well as the future opportunity he has with Grove Racing Junior team. We welcome all the Junior development initiatives from each of our Carrera Cup Australia teams. They only serve to reinforce the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and our domestic Porsche Michelin Junior Programme – which provides the most proven pathway for emerging talent from across the Australasian region to reach the highest levels of the sport; both locally and internationally.”

About Team Porsche New Zealand: Team Porsche New Zealand was formed by Porsche New Zealand in conjunction with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in late 2019.

The team is based in Brisbane and run by EBM, whose principals are brothers Earl and Will Bamber. Two-time Le Mans 24-hour winner Earl himself progressed his motorsport career via the Porsche Pyramid through Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and ultimately as a factory driver for Porsche in both the WEC (World Endurance Championship) and the North American IMSA (International Motor Sports Association).

It is intended that each year a scholarship will be offered to support an exciting young New Zealand talent achieving a drive in the Carrera Cup Australia. With the combination of the Bamber’s international motor racing and Porsche Motorsport experience, this scholarship provides a unique opportunity to develop upcoming New Zealand drivers skills for international success.

For further information please contact:

Sales Manager
Porsche New Zealand
Jamie Taylor
Phone: +64 21 803 358
E-mail: [email protected]

Local Legends aligns with Sonic driver Courtney Prince

Courtney Prince will feature a new livery and backing from Local Legends Beef Jerky

Sonic Motor Racing Services driver Courtney Prince will feature a new livery and backing when the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge returns to the race track at Sandown in September.

Local Legends Beef Jerky, a loyal supporter on the Australian motorsport scene, has thrown its support behind Prince for the remaining rounds of her maiden Porsche campaign.

Owned by noted motorsport enthusiast Tony Quinn, Local Legends already supports Fabian Coulthard’s Team Sydney Holden ZB Commodore amongst a variety of rising stars competing in state-based categories.

“The association started with Tony by competing against him in Aussie Racing Cars and I’m really excited to have him on board with Local Legends Beef Jerky,” Prince said.

“I’m grateful for his support as my first big sponsor and I’m thrilled that Tony’s interest has led to his company becoming involved in my racing. I am stoked about it and it provides me with added confidence as I look towards the next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Sandown in September.”

The striking livery that adorns Prince’s Sonic Motor Racing Services Porsche 991 Cup Car features Local Legends’ trademark fluro yellow colours.

“MSC Signs wrapped the car for us and it has turned out great,” enthused Prince. 

“The fluro yellow, orange and the black altogether makes it a great livery, and it will definitely stand out compared to my competitors. There’s nothing quite as bright as it!”

Prince completed a test at Winton Motor Raceway prior to the Melbourne lockdowns where she completed around 100 laps of running.

After a strong start to her season at Phillip Island, Prince heads to Sandown fourth in the standings with added confidence after racing her Porsche at the venue late last year. 

“I raced in the end of year event Porsche held at Sandown last December, so I’ve done a few laps there,” said Prince. 

“I’m looking forward to continuing my learning this season and hopefully we’ll be at the pointy end. I seem to have clicked with the Porsche and I’m absolutely loving it.”

The Sandown round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will be held on September 17-19.

Jaxon Evans repeats his 2020 Porsche Mobil1 Supercup win in Spielberg

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 3, Race, Spielberg (Austria)

The Red Bull Ring continues to be good turf for Jaxon Evans: The New Zealander won round three of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup on the Formula 1 circuit in Styria. It was here in 2020 that the Martinet by Alméras driver won his very first race in Porsche’s international one-make cup. Evans swept to the front in the first lap and controlled the 32-strong field over the remainder of the race. At the flag, he held a 0.646-second lead over Luxembourger Dylan Pereira (BWT Lechner Racing), who had taken up the race from pole position. Third place was enough for Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite) from the Netherlands to defend his championship lead.

The second Spielberg race within two weekends got off to a turbulent start. Taking up the race from the second grid spot, Evans overtook Pereira shortly after the start when he had to veer into the run-off area in a corner. “The brake balance was perfect in qualifying but wasn’t quite optimal in the race – the front wheels locked up for a second,” said Pereira, explaining his detour. While a vehicle was being salvaged from the gravel trap shortly afterwards, the race officials deployed a safety car. The race had only just gone green again when a similar incident caused another safety car phase. Evans kept his cool after the two restarts and even managed to pull clear of his pursuers. “I was certain that Dylan would have problems with his tyres after his brakes locked up so I wasn’t too worried,” revealed the New Zealander, who has advanced to position two in the standings after his victory.

While Evans and Pereira turned their laps at a respectful distance, a fierce fight for third place unfolded behind them. Defending champion Larry ten Voorde, Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven (BWT Lechner Racing) from Turkey and Germany’s Laurin Heinrich (Nebulus Racing by Huber) battled amongst themselves in almost every corner and also switched positions. Güven overtook ten Voorde only to have a puncture knock him out of the three-way fight during the penultimate lap. Ten Voorde managed to fend off Heinrich, who ultimately took the flag in fourth place and won the rookie classification. “I couldn’t do more today,” admitted ten Voorde, the reigning champion and winner of last weekend’s race at the Red Bull Ring. “Ayhancan’s overtaking manoeuvre was superb. If it hadn’t been for the puncture, I’d never had caught him again.”

The ProAm category went to the Monegasque Nicolas Misslin (Lechner Racing Middle East), who shared the podium with Stéphane Denoual (F/Pierre Martinet by Alméras) and the defending ProAm champion Roar Lindland (N/Nebulus Racing by Huber). Hollywood star Michael Fassbender (X-Men, 12 Years a Slave) finished the race on 24th as a guest driver in the ca. 375 kW (515 PS) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. “My goal was to beat the other amateur guest driver Georgios Frangulis to the flag – and I did it,” concluded the German-Irish actor, who normally contests the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) in the Porsche 911 RSR.

The winner’s trophy was presented by Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board, Production and Logistics, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. “It’s fantastic that spectators can now return to the circuits. The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races always have a great atmosphere. As the person responsible for production, I’m thrilled that the teams are very satisfied with the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup,” he commented. “As a sponsor for sustainability with our company, I’m proud that the Supercup is powered by regenerative fuel from renewable sources. Motorsport at Porsche has always brought about innovations that benefit production vehicles. Now, motorsport again has the unique chance to advance key elements not only for the automobile but also for society as a whole. In this regard, Porsche has taken the perfect first step.”

Round four of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be contested in Budapest, Hungary from 26 to 28 July, 2021.

Race 3 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 17 laps, Spielberg (A)
1. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 28:31.966 minutes
2. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), +0.646 seconds
3. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), +4.902 seconds
4. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +5.370 seconds
5. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), +5.850 seconds
6. Tio Ellinas (CY/Lechner Racing Middle East), +10.890 seconds

Overall classification Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 3 of 8 races
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 67 points
3. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 55 points
2. Dorian Boccolacci (F/Martinet by Alméras), 37 points
4. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 35 points
5. Christopher Zöchling (A/FACH AUTO TECH), 29 points
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 25 points

* Full results and overall standings:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results

To keep abreast of Jaxon Evans performances in 2021 follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Round 3 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge to move to 13-15 August

Shannons at Morgan Park postponed

Round 3 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Morgan Park in Queensland will now take place on 13-15 August, due to the current border restrictions.

Below is the Motorsport Australia announcement made this afternoon:

The upcoming Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships round at Morgan Park will now take place on 13-15 August.

Originally slated for 25-27 June, ongoing border restrictions mean the event will be pushed back until August to allow all competitors, fans and officials to attend the event in Queensland.

Those who have already purchased tickets for the event will be able to use their existing tickets on the new date. Current ticketholders do not need to do anything to have their existing tickets honoured for the new dates.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said it was pleasing that a new date for the event could be found.

“This round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships is one we have been looking forward to for some time, with a unique ‘country round’ feel expected at Morgan Park,” Smith said.

“We obviously are disappointed that we can’t hold this round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships in June, however we are delighted to be able to secure a new date in August to put on a great show for competitors and fans alike.

“Motorsport Australia is working closely with Porsche, the Australian Racing Group and all our loyal categories to work on a track schedule for the new date and will release details of the full line up shortly, but we are hopeful everyone can join us as originally planned.

“A big thank you must also go to the Southern Downs Regional Council and the Warwick and District Car Club for their ongoing support of this event and making sure it’s a success for Warwick and the surrounding areas.”

Existing categories will be given the option of taking part in the new dates, with the line up to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Tickets remain on sale for the new date, and can be purchased here. Any fans unable to make the new dates will also be able to request a refund.

TAG Heuer expands partnership with both Porsche one-make series in Australia

Swiss watchmaker to be the Official Watch and Naming Rights partner for Fastest Lap Awards

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased announce that Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has increased its partnership with the German car brand in Australia, expanding its motorsport involvement across both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series in 2021.

Together with TAG Heuer’s global partnership with Porsche, Porsche Motorsport and the Porsche Formula E team, domestically the brand will be the Official Watch and Naming Rights partner for the Fastest Lap Champions in both Australian one-make series.

In return, TAG Heuer brand will be featured on the Fastest Lap graphic displayed during the qualifying sessions at seven premier Carrera Cup Australia rounds in 2021. At each of these rounds, the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award will also be presented to camera for the fastest qualifying driver in both the Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am classes.

Together with post produced telecast coverage, photo calls and media releases, the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award will be presented at both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Awards nights at the end of year.

The TAG Heuer brand also be included on both the carreracup.com.au and porschesprintchallenge.com.au websites as well as related content on the Porsche Motorsport Australia (@PorscheMortsportAU) social media channels. Porsche Cars Australia will also provide a bespoke driving experience for ten TAG Heuer customers at a tailored Porsche Drive the Range event.

Quotes:

PCA Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “This relationship between TAG Heuer and Porsche connects two of the world’s most premium brands and extends across all areas of our business in Australia and abroad. To see that partnership enriched further at a local motorsport level allows not only Porsche, but TAG Heuer to continue their strong heritage in motor racing and both our one-make series in Australia.”

TAG Heuer, General Manager Australia & New Zealand, Van Mulryan:  “We are honoured to strengthen our partnership both globally and locally with Porsche, the alliance which further reinforces our passion and commitment to motor racing. Both brands share an uncompromising commitment to quality and technology, we are excited for what the future holds and look forward to seeing what we will achieve together from this dynamic partnership.”

The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph

Carrera as an icon of a name has been associated with Porsche and TAG Heuer for generations – so it was a natural choice for the first creative product collaboration. A tribute to the heritage of two brands, the new chronograph offers a first glimpse at what they can achieve together and is a seamless blend of the Porsche and TAG Heuer universes, reflecting the excellence of both names without diluting the essence of either.

Porsche’s engraved inscription is visible on the bezel and the unmistakable font is also used for the indexes. The Porsche colours of red, black, and grey – which also recall historic Heuer models – are incorporated throughout the watch, and on clear display through the transparent cristal case back is the oscillating mass, which has been redesigned in affectionate tribute to Porsche’s celebrated steering wheel. It is printed with “Porsche” and “TAG Heuer”.

The dial’s asphalt effect, created especially for this watch, expresses a passion for the road, while Arabic numerals suggest the numbers on the dashboard of fine Porsche sportscars. The timepiece is presented either on a soft strap in luxurious calf leather and innovative stitching that echoes the Porsche interior or on an interlocking bracelet reflecting streamlined racing design. At the heart of the timepiece is the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 manufacture movement with an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

Pancione and Shahin take the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge round win

Suhle and Shahin victorious in final race at Sydney Motorsport Park

The third race of Round 2 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series took place slightly later than scheduled after thick flog blanketed the Sydney Motorsport circuit on the Sunday morning, causing a small delay in the Motorsport Australia program.

But the fog gradually lifted during the morning and clear skies greeted the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge competitors as all 21 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars took to the grid for the final race.

As in Races 1 and 2, Christian Pancione made a great start to lead his teammate into turn 1, followed by Bayley Hall and Callum Hedge. Hall, like most of the field, had used up his two allocated sets of new Michelin tyres earlier in the weekend and would start the final race on used rubber.

While the Queenslander would jump passed the Team Porsche New Zealand driver off the line, Hedge would eventually retake third position after drafting passed Hall into turn 1 later in the race.

Behind the leading quartet, Sam Shahin had again assumed control of the Morris Finance Pro Am from the start and was involved in a tussle with Courtney Prince for the duration of the race.

The safety car was deployed on lap 3 after Ross McGregor’s Ash Seward Motorsport drew to a halt in turn 3. After closing the gap to Pancione after the restart, Suhle would challenge for the lead, overtaking his teammate around the outside of turn 8.

Suhle would maintain that advantage to the line with Pancione finishing second to take his maiden round win in the series. Hedge filled the remaining step on the Mobil Pro podium for the Earl Bamber Motorsport team. Pancione’s efforts in Sydney sees the VCM Performance driver now reduce Suhle’s lead in the series from 19 to 13 points heading into round 3.

Sam Shahin’s three race wins in Sydney, sees him with a commanding lead in the Morris Finance Pro Am class, with Sergio Pires and Valmont Racing teammate Marcel Zalloua finishing the round in second and third in class respectively. Zalloua would make up six positions in Race 3 to finish third just behind Pires in the final race of the weekend.

The next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series takes place at Morgan Park in Warwick, Queensland on the 25-27 June.

Race results: https://www.porschesprintchallenge.com.au/results/

Pancione takes maiden Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge victories

Christian Pancione and Sam Shahin dominate Races 1 and 2

Clear skies and cool conditions greeted Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge teams as they rolled out for the first sprint race of the weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park.

After dominating both Friday’s practice sessions and narrowly missing out on the qualifying window to take pole in the Mobil Pro class the previous evening, Christian Pancione made the perfect start from the front row to lead his McElrea Racing teammate, Ryan Suhle, and the rest of the chasing field through Turn 1.

Pancione’s pace was blistering in the opening stages, lapping over a second faster than anyone in the 21-car field. The VCM Performance driver would quickly amass a 3 second advantage over his McElrea Racing teammate and control the race fairly effortlessly to the flag.

Suhle would finish a hard fought second after coming under heavy pressure from Callum Hedge in the early laps after out breaking himself into turn 2. Hedge would eventually cross the line 4 seconds behind the Queenslander in third with Bayley Hall and Courtney Prince rounding out the top five.

After a treacherous qualifying, Sam Shahin would overcome Sergio Pires early in the Morris Finance Pro Am battle and take the lead into turn 2. Despite being plagued with brake bias issues, The Bend Motorsport Park owner would take the class win ahead of Pires and Matthew Belford.

One the most impressive drives of the race, was from Shahin’s teammate, Tom Taplin, who would make up over 14 places to finish in seventh overall. The most entertaining tussle for spectators lining the Sydney Motorsport Park circuit however, was in the Morris Finance Pro Am mid field, which saw Marcel Zalloua, Michelin Junior Madeline Stewart, David Greig and Ross McGregor embroiled in race long battle.

As Pancione had used his second allocated set of Michelin control slick tyres in qualifying, many expected the 19-year old to fade in the second 45-minute endurance race. But as in Race 1, Pancione made a clean start and built an early lead lapping four tenths quicker than Suhle. Both Pancione and Suhle gradually pulled away from Callum Hedge and Bayley Hall, with the series debutants matching the more experienced front pair for pace in the early stages.

While a short delay when lapping a back marker toward the end of the race looked like it may rob Pancione of his second race victory, he absorbed the pressure from Suhle and maintained his advantage to the line.

Sam Shahin would continue to dominate Morris Finance Pro-Am in Race 2. Despite issues with his HTFU liveried Porsche 911 GT3 Cup’s cooling and steering systems, the South Australian had pulled out a 10 second advantage with 20 laps remaining and eventually cross the line over 20 secs ahead of his nearest competitor, Sergio Pires.

Pires recovered from an early altercation with Matt Belford into turn one on the first lap and was followed home by David Greig, Michael Hovey and Graham Williams. One of the stand out drives of the second race was that of Hovey, after starting from the back of the field due to a gearbox issue in the first race, the Morris Finance Pro Am made up 12 positions to finish in ninth overall.

The third and final race of the weekend takes place at 14:05 local time on Sunday and will be broadcast live via the 7Plus app.

For Race 1 and 2 results visit: https://www.porschesprintchallenge.com.au/results/

Suhle and Pires top Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge qualifying

Sergio Pires takes his maiden pole in Morris Finance Pro-Am

Ryan Suhle will start Round 2 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series from pole position after topping Mobil Pro class in an eventful Friday night qualifying session under the Sydney Motorsport Park lights.

In contrast to the wet and wild conditions of Round 1, the pace in each Friday’s three sessions was very quick, due in part to the near perfect weather and the added grip from Sydney Motorsport Park’s newly resurfaced turns two and three.

Practice 2 lap times as a result saw the front four cars all drop under the existing race lap record of 1m30.869s, currently held by none other than Jaxon Evans in a 997 generation 911 GT3 Cup car in 2016.

But as the 21 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car field ventured out for the first lap of qualifying under lights, Tom Taplin was caught out, spinning on cold tyres and making contact with the safety barriers. The session was red flagged and after a delay it was the turn of Sam Shahin to bring out a second red flag for the session.

With only 3 minutes remaining, Suhle made the most of the second restart to claim pole from team mate Christian Pancione by 0.4 secs, the largest margin between the whole day. The pace of the McElrea Racing front pair throughout Friday will serve as an ominous sign for the chasing Mobil Pro field as McElrea drivers have taken the last two round wins at the circuit with Jimmy Vernon victorious in 2018 and Harri Jones in 2019.

While Suhle had trailed Pancione in the days first two sessions, the latter’s improvement and pace in both Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia has been impressive to watch so far this year and the VCM Performance driver has gone from strength-to-strength since joining the McELrea squad from Ash Seward Motorsport.

Keeping them honest in tomorrow’s first race will be Porsche Team New Zealand driver, Callum Hedge, and the youngest addition to the McElrea team, Bayley Hall. The two Michelin Juniors continuing to impress in their debut season along with Courtney Prince.

In the Morris Finance Pro Am class, Shahin had looked the class of the field the whole day, but The Bend Motorsport Park owner could only recover second by the time the session ended. An ecstatic Sergio Pires found himself on pole, the first of his career. Matthew Belford and Michael Hovey will start in third and fourth respectively for the first race.

Quotes:

Ryan Suhle, McElrea Racing: “It was a massive day, we we’re here for the track walk at 07:00 this morning and we just went out tonight at 19:30, so it’s probably one of the biggest racing days we’ll do given we can drive at night here, it was awesome. The two red flags saw two resets, so it was just about coming in, clearing your head and going again. The lighting system here is so good it was almost like daylight, the only difference was in the cabin. I’ve done a bit of karting under lights so it wasn’t unfamiliar and I really enjoyed it.”

Sergio Pires, Valmont Racing: “I saw Sam go off and he’s the class of the field, so I knew this was my chance to take the pole. I put down a good lap following some of the guys out the front which helped. It was my personal best as well, so a really a good session all round. This is the best track in Australia when racing under lights in my opinion, but this is my home track, so I might be a bit biased, for me it just feels special.”

Saturday morning sees the Race 1 sprint race start at 09:35, while the 45-minute Race 2 Endurance takes place at 15:10. Both races will be broadcast live via the 7plus app.

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

Pre-purchase your tickets for Round 2 at SMP and save time

Purchase Round 2 tickets in advance as no ticket sales will be available at the SMP gate

Sydney Motorsport Park to host Porsche qualifying under lights

21-car Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge grid for Round 2

After wet weather and two unfortunate accidents marred the opening round of the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, both Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am competitors will be looking forward to drier conditions and better fortunes when they converge on Sydney Motorsport Park for Round 2 of the one-make series on Friday.

A full Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship program has provided a rare opportunity for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge competitors to qualify under lights on the Friday evening. The 20-minute qualifying session follows two earlier practice sessions on the first day, before the business end of the weekend starts early on Saturday morning, where teams contest a 20-minute Sprint race followed by a 45-minute Endurance race. The final 20-minute Sprint race of the weekend takes place on Sunday afternoon, with all three races broadcast live on the 7plus app.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series last visited Sydney Motorsport Park in May 2019, a fiercely competitive round that saw three different winners from the three races. Max Vidau won race 1, while Ryan Suhle and Harri Jones shared the spoils in races 2 and 3. Sam Shahin was fourth overall and took home the silverware in the Morris Finance Pro-Am class.

Suhle will be hoping to carry the momentum from both Round 1 and his 2019 race victory into Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend, with the McElrea Racing driver currently leading the Mobil Pro Championship from the Team Porsche New Zealand rookie, Callum Hedge. The impressive New Zealand teenager gave the Earl Bamber Motorsport team their maiden win on Australian soil on his (and their) debut and will again be a podium contender in Round 2 together with McElrea Racing team mates Christian Pancione and Bayley Hall, as well as Courtney Prince from the Sonic Motor Racing team.

In Morris Finance Pro-Am, Porsche Centre Melbourne driver, Matt Belford, leads the Championship for the first time in his career, from Sam Shahin. David Greig sits third with Michael Hovey fourth after a second in race two in Phillip Island. Shahin became just the third driver to notch up 100 race starts in the series in the opening round, only Ross McGregor (106) has more.
The Bend Motorsport Park owner will also surpass John Goodacre for second on the list for all-time starts in Sydney – and will eclipse Goodacre for rounds started at the Sydney circuit, with the pair currently tied on 34 starts a piece following the Victorian event.

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

ENTRY LIST: Round 2 – Sydney Motorsport Park

# NAME     SURNAME CLASS                             SPONSOR
2 Richard     Cowen            Morris Finance Pro-Am McElrea Racing
3 Jonathan   Gliksten        Morris Finance Pro-Am Racing to Beat FA
5 Nathan      Murray          Morris Finance Pro-Am Garage 1
7 Ryan          Suhle              Mobil Pro                          Latitude Coffee
8 Madeline  Stewart          Mobil Pro                          Porsche Team NZ/EBM
9 Callum      Hedge            Mobil Pro                          Porsche Team NZ/EBM
13 Sam         Shahin           Morris Finance Pro-Am HTFU / OTR
14 Matthew Belford          Morris Finance Pro-Am ID Land
22 Andrew  Goldie            Morris Finance Pro-Am Cirrus Aircraft
26 Tom        Taplin            Mobil Pro                          Taplin Real Estate
28 Bayley    Hall                Mobil Pro                          Siebe Gorman
29 Rob         Woods           Morris Finance Pro-Am TekworkX Motorsport
32 Courtney Prince          Mobil Pro                          Sonic Motor Racing
44 Marcel    Zalloua         Morris Finance Pro-Am Valmont Racing
55 Sergio     Pires              Morris Finance Pro-Am Valmont Racing
68 Terrance Knowles      Morris Finance Pro-Am ASM
73 Michael  Hovey           Morris Finance Pro-Am HHH Racing / Triffid
76 Christian Pancione    Mobil Pro                           VCM Performance
87 David      Greig            Morris Finance Pro-Am David Greig
99 Ross        McGregor   Morris Finance Pro-Am Southern Star Windows
131 Graham Williams     Morris Finance Pro-Am Sonic / Williams Racing

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 2 – Sydney Motorsport Park

Race 1: Sat 01 May 09:35-09:55 7plus
Race 2: Sat 01 May 15:10-15:55 7plus
Race 3: Sun 02 May 14:05-14:25 7plus

From track days to the top of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge podium

Matt Belford’s journey up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid through the Porsche Track Experience

Just five rounds in the 2019 series was all it took for Morris Finance Pro-Am, Matt Belford, to climb to the top step of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge podium. Belford took out the class win at the opening round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge 2021 season at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

His story is a great example of where the Porsche Track Experience can develop participants and how his journey up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid offers opportunities for drivers of all experience levels, to ascend from track day enthusiasts to the top echelons of national competition.

Belford’s passion for motorsport evolved after completing all five levels of the Porsche Track Experience in 2018. His brother, also a keen motorsport enthusiast and historic racing competitor, then convinced him to buy a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car to use in track days.

Belford participated in a range track day events including the Porsche Pole Position experiences at Albert Park and Bathurst, before returning to Porsche Track Experience to complete Level 4 and 5 again in 2019.

The Melbourne resident joined the Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport team under the guidance of Team Manager and Race Engineer, Karl Batson the same year. Belford improved every round and would finish seventh out of 15 Pro-Am competitors in his debut Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season in 2019.

According to Batson, “Matt was a quick learner from the start and takes instruction well. He never gets flustered or emotional at the track, he just comes in from every session sees where he needs to improve and goes out and does it.“

“Every test and race session we’ve had with him, he’s bettered his personal best and lap times. Overall he’s down-to-earth and a great guy to have in the team, we all get on very well,” Batson enthused.

Following his first round victory in the Morris Finance Pro-Am class in a wet and wild season opener at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit this year, Belford paid homage to the support of not only his brother and the whole Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport Team, but also his driving coach and Porsche Centre Melbourne teammate, Nick McBride.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/7SKAocQXX4E

McBride, himself a widely experienced and successful Mobil Pro driver in the premier Carrera Cup Australia series said, “When Matt joined the team, he had next to no racing experience, which was an advantage in a way as he was almost a clean canvas to work with. “

“He’s very driven and has a natural ability and picked up pace fairly easily. His first year he showed massive glimpses of speed, but lacked the experience to give him the consistency and extract the best from the car in qualifying.”

“He has a really good attitude and knows what success looks like on and off the track. You can see it in how he prepares and does his homework before test days, he’s very analytical, spending a lot of time reviewing data to know what the limit is and what’s achievable. I think he’s also learn’t from Jonathan (Gliksten) at high speed circuits.”

“The biggest difference I’ve seen in him this year over 2019, was that he is not making the same mistakes. He’s an intelligent driver and for example knew to drive within himself in the wet at Phillip Island and that ultimately won him the round. He’s on a very steep trajectory of improvement and I feel he will be very quick in a year or so, with every race he gets under his belt,” McBride concluded.

Belford will be in action in Round 2 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series which takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park from 30 April to 02 May. All three races will be broadcast live on the 7plus app. The app is free to download and accessible from any computer, smart tv, or mobile phone, together with replays of each race on demand.

To learn more about the Porsche Track Experience and the courses available visit https://porscheevents.com.au/Track-Experience or email [email protected]

Suhle and Belford take Phillip Island round wins after accident red flags Race 3

McGregor, Hovey and Gliksten all discharged from medical centre after Race 3 accident

The final race of the Round 1 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series in Phillip Island, was red flagged soon after the race start after Jonathan Gliksten and Michael Hovey made contact on the exit of turn 2.

The altercation between the two Morris Finance Pro-Am drivers also sandwiched an unlucky Ross McGregor against the inside tyre wall. While all three drivers were taken to the Phillip Island medical centre and later discharged, all three Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars were severely damaged and had to be recovered from the circuit.

As a result of the incident, race 3 was red flagged by the Motorsport Australia officials and Gliksten was handed 10 series points penalty. He will also have to start from the rear of the grid for the first race of round 2.

The round win in each class was then based on the performance of the drivers in Races 1 and 2, which saw Ryan Suhle take the overall win in Mobil Pro from Callum Hedge and Christian Pancione.

Ryan Suhle (Mobil Pro winner): “It was great to get the first race win yesterday and obviously in the wet it was pretty interesting for Race 2. It was the first time for me in the rain in one of these Cup cars and I certainly found out that it bites sometimes. I was just happy to recover through the field to second.”

“While today was a little disappointing as we all want to go racing, we’re also just glad that the guys are all ok. Overall, it’s great to come away from the weekend with the championship lead.”

Matthew Belford took his maiden round win in Morris Finance Pro-Am, from Sam Shahin and David Greig.

Matthew Belford (winner Morris Finance Pro-Am) said: “It was a great weekend, but finishing with a red flagged race was unfortunate, but we all just really glad the guys are ok. My weekend was good, qualifying I was fourth and fought my way to second in race 1 while race 2 was just wild. I was just thrilled to take the overall round win.”

“It was only three years ago I was doing track days and went on to do the Porsche Experience Driver Training up in Queensland. I enjoyed that and bought a Cup Car and started doing Sprint Challenge and now within just a few years, I have my first race (and round) win. I can’t thank the whole Porsche Centre Melbourne team enough especially Karl Batson and Nick McBride.”

The next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park on the 01-02 May.

Belford and Hedge take maiden wins in rain affected Race 2

Round 1, Phillip Island, Race 1 and 2 review

Phillip Island serves up wet and dry conditions for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season opener

After a 16-month break, twenty Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge 91 GT3 Cup cars lined-up for Race 1 of the 2021 season. Overcast, breezy conditions had replaced the sunshine and blue skies of Friday’s qualifying. While the asphalt for Saturday’s opening sprint race would be dry, a huge rain front was on the weather radar for later in the day.

Pole sitter Ryan Suhle made clean start to lead the Mobil Pro field into the first turn, followed  by debutants Bayley Hall and Courtney Prince in close attendance. Callum Hedge struggled to get his Team Porsche New Zealand 911 GT3 Cup car off-the-line dropping three places. Morris Finance Pro-Am top qualifier, Sam Shahin had to take evasive action to miss Hedge, but as a result found himself in fourth position overall after lap 1 just behind the leading Mobil Pro trio.

Matthew Belford had also made a strong start from tenth on the grid, jumping three spots into second in the Morris Finance Pro-Am class. Belford was closely followed by David Greig, Marcel Zalloua and Sergio Pires for the opening laps.

Suhle quickly amassed a 2.2 sec lead at the front of the field, while Pires and Tom Taplin dropped down the order after early off-track incidents. After Christian Pancione and Callum Hedge caught and passed Shahin, attention then switched to the battle between Hall and Prince for second position.

Hall and Prince were locked in battle for the entire race holding their podium positions to the line. They were followed home by Pancione in fourth and a recovering Hedge in fifth. Despite a small lock-up toward the end of the race, Suhle looked unfazed and controlled the gap to the chasing pack throughout the race. The McElrea Racing driver eventually crossed the line 1.6secs ahead of his teammate, Hall.

Shahin meanwhile would grow his advantage over the Morris Finance Pro-Am throughout the race and cross the line first in the class. Behind Shahin great racing had ensued throughout the field between Matthew Belford, David Greig and Marcel Zalloua. Michael Hovey and Shane Barwood too were locked in an intense battle further down the order, until Barwood spun late in the race, allowing Hovey to come home in 14th.

As predicted a huge rain front hit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit around midday, forcing the officials to declare a wet race for the second sprint race. The sodden conditions saw the field start behind the pace car as a precaution. Suhle would jump the field at the restart and pull out a 2.5 sec lead by the end of the first lap.  The McElrea Racing driver then set the fastest lap of the race – nearly 4 seconds faster than his nearest rival at that point- until spinning under brakes at the turn 3 hairpin. On the same lap, Shahin would ironically also spin at the same corner dropping him down the order to 13^th overall.

With Suhle and Shahin started their recoveries through the rain and field, Courtney Prince seized the opportunity for the overall lead at the front of the field, overtaking Bayley Hall. The Team Porsche New Zealand entry of Callum Hedge was on the move however and would catch the pair, setting the second fastest lap of the race.

After overtaking both Hall and Prince, the young Team Porsche New Zealand driver would tenaciously hold onto that lead for the remainder of the incident marred race, giving the Earl Bamber Motorsport team their first race victory in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series on debut.

After an impressive drive, Prince would spin late in the second race and eventually finish the race in fifth. Bayley Hall’s equally impressive weekend would come to an unfortunate end in the dying laps due after making contact with a recovering Shane Barwood on the main straight. Hall was lying a strong third in Mobil Pro class until that point. Unfortunately the damage sustained in the incident, saw both Hall and Barwood’s cars retired for the weekend, but thankfully neither driver was hurt in the incident.

Suhle would eventually recover to second behind Hedge by the time the flag fell, with Tom Taplin coming home third. Despite several cars struggling in the worsening conditions, it was Matthew Belford who would emerge unscathed to take his maiden Morris Finance Pro-Am victory for the Porsche Centre Melbourne team, ahead of Michael Hovey and Shahin.

The third and final race of the weekend will also be the longest (45 minutes) on Sunday morning and gets underway at 10:05am AEDT. The race will be broadcast live via the 7plus app.

For Race 1 and 2 results visit: https://www.porschesprintchallenge.com.au/results/

Suhle and Shahin top Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge qualifying

Round 1, Phillip Island, Qualifying

Sunshine and warm track temperatures greeted teams as they ventured onto the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the opening round of the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season.

As expected McElrea Racing’s Ryan Suhle topped the timesheets in both the Friday practice sessions. Suhle’s advantage over the chasing Mobil Pro field in the day’s final qualifying session was 0.4secs, in a dominant display from the Michelin Junior driver.

Just behind Suhle was a trio of newcomers to the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro class including Bayley Hall (McElrea Racing), Callum Hedge (Porsche Team New Zealand) and Courtney Prince (Sonic Motor Racing), who all improved and impressed throughout the days sessions.

“It was good to take poll on that last lap and come across the line in a good position for tomorrow’s race. After the break last year, it was great to have a strong result and some seat time in Sandown last December. That race really helped today, as any time in the car counts and was good preparation for this year” Suhle said.

“2021 is going to be a really competitive season, as it always is in Sprint Challenge. But that’s what you want in a series and a good line-up of drivers is great for the whole series.”

Sam Shahin looks to have started this season where he left off in 2019. The reigning Morris Finance Pro-Am Champion, dominated all three Friday sessions in his brightly liveried HTFU Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, prepared by Buick Motorsport. The South Australian was kept honest throughout the day by a hard charging Sergio Pires and former Class B front runner, David Greig.

After qualifying, Shahin, who celebrates his 100^th start in the series in Sunday’s final race, was very happy with his performance after a massive accident sidelined The Bend Motorsport Park CEO in the Bathurst 12-hour a year ago,

Shahin enthused, “I’m very thrilled on so many fronts. I can’t believe I’m in a race car to start with and everyone in the Pro-Am class is fast this year. All the drivers here went out of the gate very fast this morning, but that is what it should be.”

“This is a track that rewards bravery and commitment. Everyone has done exceptionally well and it’s great that there were no incidents throughout the day,” Shahin concluded.

Saturday sees two sprint races taking place in what looks to be a very wet weekend according to the weather forecast. The Michelin wet tyres are likely to be working to their optimum with between 5 to 10mm predicted for tomorrow. Race 1 gets underway at 10:30 AEDT, followed by the second sprint race at 15:05 AEDT. Both races will be broadcast live via the 7plus app.

Full results: https://www.porschesprintchallenge.com.au/results/

Solid 20-car Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge grid for Phillip Island

Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am entries announced ahead of season opener

After a 16-month forced break as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge teams mark their return to the track this weekend at one of Australia’s most iconic race circuits.

Round 1 will see a grid of twenty (20) Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars take to the Phillip Island Grand Prix start line, with the premier Mobil Pro class featuring some of the country’s top junior drivers and the Morris Finance Pro-Am class destined to be one of the mostly hotly contested in the series history.

McElrea Racing teammates Ryan Suhle and Christian Pancione carry strong momentum into the 2021 season after strong performances in both the 2019 series and the more recent Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup one-off event at the Sandown International Raceway last December.

South Australian, Tom Taplin returns as well for 2021 and will again be an ever present contender for race honours. Set to challenge the established trio of Michelin Juniors is a swathe of talented newcomers all with strong racing pedigrees. The challengers include Bayley Hall (McElrea Racing); Courtney Prince (Sonic Motor Racing) and the Porsche Team New Zealand pairing of Callum Hedge and Madeline Stewart (Earl Bamber Motorsport).

2019 Morris Finance Pro-Am champion, Sam Shahin returns to defend his class title, but will face strong opposition this season from the likes of Andrew Goldie and David Greig, who have made the step up from the 997 Class. Other experienced contenders expected to challenge the front trio include: Matthew Belford, Ross McGregor, Michael Hovey, Sergio Pires, Marcel Zalloua, Jonathan Gliksten, Shane Barwood, Graham Williams and Nathan Murray, while Terrance Knowles makes his debut in the series with Ash Seward Motorsport.

After two practice sessions and a 20-minute qualifying on Friday 12 March, teams contest two sprint races on Saturday, followed by a final 45-minute race on Sunday morning. All three races will be broadcast live on the 7plus app. The app is free to download and accessible from any computer, smart tv, or mobile phone, together with replays of each race on demand.

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

ENTRY LIST: Round 1 – Phillip Island

#    DRIVER               SURNAME          SPONSOR                        Class

3     Jonathan                Gliksten                  Racing to beat FA                Morris Finance Pro-Am

5     Nathan                    Murray                    Garage 1                                Morris Finance Pro-Am

7     Ryan                        Suhle                       Latitude Coffee                     Mobil Pro

8     Madeline                Stewart                   Porsche Team NZ                 Mobil Pro

9     Callum                    Hedge                     Porsche Team NZ                 Mobil Pro

13   Sam                        Shahin                     HTFU / OTR                          Morris Finance Pro-Am

14   Matthew                 Belford                    ID Land                                  Morris Finance Pro-Am

17   Marcel                    Zalloua                    Valmont Racing                     Morris Finance Pro-Am

21   Shane                      Barwood                                                                   Morris Finance Pro-Am

22  Andrew                   Goldie                     Cirrus Aircraft                        Morris Finance Pro-Am

26  Tom                        Taplin                      Taplin Real Estate                 Mobil Pro

28  Bayley                    Hall                          Siebe Gorman                         Mobil Pro

32   Courtney                Prince                     Sonic Motor Racing              Mobil Pro

55    Sergio                     Pires                       Valmont Racing                     Morris Finance Pro-Am

68   Terrance                 Knowles                 Ash Seward Motorsport       Morris Finance Pro-Am

73   Michael                   Hovey                     HHH Racing / Triffid           Morris Finance Pro-Am

76   Christian                 Pancione                VCM Performance                Mobil Pro

87   David                      Greig                        David Greig                            Morris Finance Pro-Am

99   Ross                        McGregor               Southern Star Windows       Morris Finance Pro-Am

131  Graham                  Williams                 Sonic Motor Racing              Morris Finance Pro-Am

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Round 1 – Phillip Island

Race 1: Sat 13 March  10:30-10:55  7plus

Race 2: Sat 13 March  15:05-15:25  7plus

Race 3: Sun 14 March 10:05-10:50  7plus

Coffex Coffee Roasters renews partnership with Porsche Cars Australia for 2021 season

Coffex to keep the Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Sprint Challenge teams energized for 2021

An integral part of the service Porsche provides to its teams and drivers at each event would only be possible with the support of partners Coffex Coffee Roasters, who have renewed their support of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series for the 2021 season.

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

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

For 2021, the proudly Melbourne brand will again receive integrated Coffex branding in the Porsche hospitality area, on every vehicle, and communications across Porsche’s websites and social media channels. Coffex also continues as the naming rights partner to an exclusive behind-the-scenes video series, dubbed the Coffex Backstage Pass.

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

Quotes:

Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We are thrilled to continue our strong partnership with Coffex Coffee Roasters into the 2021 season. The benefits Coffex provide at each event play a crucial role in the overall racing experience for our drivers, teams, sponsors and this is evident from the tremendous feedback we receive. The 2021 partnership is vital in allowing us to continue to enhance and innovate the on- and off-track experiences for our motorsport customers.”

Coffex Coffee Roasters, Managing Director, Fong Loong: “We are once again, very proud to be the Official Coffee Supplier of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series. With the Coffex Backstage Pass, we would like to give audiences a glimpse into the role that Coffex Coffee Roasters plays behind the scenes at every race. The event is truly a highlight in the Australian events calendar for us and we look forward to supporting Porsche Cars Australia for many more years.”

Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season takes place from the 19-21 March in Sandown International Raceway, while Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from the 12-14 March.

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

About Coffex Coffee Roasters:

Born in 1959, Coffex Coffee Roasters has a rich and diverse heritage in Melbourne. Our founding goal was to deliver premium, locally roasted and, above all, the freshest coffee to baristas and coffee lovers – and we have been doing so, ever since. Locally roasted in Brunswick, Victoria; Coffex Coffee Roasters is now one of the largest coffee roasters in the southern hemisphere. As part of its partnership with Porsche, Coffex’s perennial crowd favorite and multiple award winner – Superbar blend is served in the Porsche Lounge at every Carrera Cup Australia event.

Coffex Coffee Roasters – https://www.coffex.com.au/
For more coffee information and videos, follow the Coffex Coffee Roasters social pages: Instagram – @CoffexCoffeeRoasters  / Twitter – @CoffexCoffee / Facebook.com/CoffexCoffee

Coffex Backstage Pass

VIDEO: Episode 1 – Richard Crail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UysKeK7Ykk

VIDEO: Episode 2 – Michael Ritter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fx-UwwgJcE

Two-car Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge attack for Sonic

Sonic Motor Racing Services will enter a two-car attack on the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Sonic Motor Racing Services will enter a two-car attack in the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, fielding entries in both the Mobil Pro and Morris Finance Pro-Am classes.

Heading the charge in the Mobil Pro class is Courtney Prince. The 19-year-old female racer is fresh out of the competitive Formula Ford category where she finished eighth in the 2019 championship.

Prince, along with most other motorsport competitors, had a lean 2020 due to COVID-19, however, a strong testing and fitness regime over the enforced break means that she is not lacking any confidence ahead of her first season racing a Porsche.

The Melbourne-based driver will compete in the 911 GT3 Cup car that Aaron Love used to finish second in the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series.

Morris Finance Pro-Am racer, Graham Williams, continues in the team’s second car in what will be his fifth-straight year with the Sonic team.

Williams is a long-time Porsche enthusiast and is looking to improve on his fifth place in the Morris Finance Pro-Am class from 2019.

The opening round of the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will take place at the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with practice and qualifying to be held on Friday, Race 1 and 2 on Saturday ahead of the final race on Sunday.

All races will be seen live and free on the 7plus streaming app in Australia.

QUOTES

Courtney Prince, Driver, Sonic Motor Racing Services: “I am so excited to get into the car and go racing,” said Prince.

“My goal is to do a good job, have good pace, and be fighting against the leading pack. I want to be consistently up the pointy end for the whole weekend.

“And being consistent is important, because at the end of the championship, I want to be in the top five.

“I really love Phillip Island. It’s one of my favourite tracks and after a test day earlier this year, I I feel comfortable. I’m just super excited to get out there.”

Graham Williams, Driver, Sonic Motor Racing Services: “This is now my fifth year with Sonic and it’s exciting to get back on track, into racing and spending time with the Team,” said Williams.

“It is be good to be able to get back into the seat again, and I look to working to improve on our efforts in 2019”

“Phillip Island is a spectacular place, and is great to have this as our first round.”

Michael Ritter, Owner, Sonic Motor Racing Services: “We are looking forward to getting back into the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year,” said Ritter.

“Courtney has been progressing really well over the past two seasons. Her momentum was great leading into 2020, but even in the enforced break, she remained active, we tested where we could and she is in a good space.

“It’s always great to have Graham in the team. This is our fifth year working together, and he is always looking to make more gains with his own driving.”

Mobil renews Naming Rights partnership of Porsche’s Mobil Pro Category

Mobil to continue as the Official Fuel Partner for both Porsche one-make series

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce that Mobil will continue as the Official Fuel Partner for both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series this season.

As the “Official Partner” of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, Mobil also continue as naming rights to its premier class within both series and will be referred to the ‘Mobil Pro Class’ in all official communications, including Porsche press releases, websites and social media accounts.

The partnership with Mobil provides a range of benefits to both parties ensuring that all cars competing in both series will run on Mobil’s Synergy Supreme+ 98 octane fuel product moving forward.

This enhances Porsche’s long term partnership with Mobil 1 ensuring that both Mobil Synergy fuels and Mobil 1 lubricants will be delivered in all Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars in each series.

In addition to the naming rights, Mobil receives extensive branding on all Pro Class cars on the front windscreen together with the side mirrors, rear windscreen, side panels, inside drivers panels and in-car cameras. The Mobil logo will also be present on the podium backdrop and team garages for each Pro Car competing in the Carrera Cup championship this year.

Further to these benefits, a range of money can’t buy experiences will be delivered throughout the year that will provide the chance for race fans and Mobil customers to enjoy the Porsche road cars at a range of exclusive events.

Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We are pleased to renew our partnership with a quality fuel supplier for both series and continue to have Mobil as the Naming Rights partner to our Pro class this season. Our premier one-make series provides Mobil a prime platform to showcase their product to our drivers, teams and customers, as well as amplify their product attributes to Porsche customers both on and off the racetrack. The partnership further enhances our existing long term partnership with Mobil1, our Official Lubricant Partner to both series.”

Mobil Australia Retail Sales Manager, Charles Ewart: “Mobil is committed to supporting Australian drivers and the Porsche race series and is very proud to announce our partnership with premium car manufacture Porsche. This partnership provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our world renowned engine protecting Mobil Synergy Fuel Technology to Australians”.

Round 1 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season takes place from the 19-21 March in Sandown International Raceway, while Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from the 12-14 March.

About Mobil Synergy Fuels:

At Mobil, it’s all about the details and bringing quality fuels to every driver, all across Australia. That’s why we’re committed to getting performance enhancing additives that protect your engine from the very first fill, clean your engine and improve engine performance into every Mobil branded service station across Australia. You can trust that Mobil has your fuelling needs sorted with Mobil Synergy Fuel Technology. This is one more way our fuels work harder for you every day, and one more reason to refuel at Mobil. Because every drive matters.

Morris Finance partners with Porsche Motorsport series in Australia

Morris Finance secures Naming Rights to Pro-Am Championships for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

National Commercial Finance and Leasing leaders Morris Finance have secured the naming rights to the hotly contested Pro-Am Championships across both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series for the 2021 season.

As part of the agreement, Morris Finance will gain significant visibility with both Australia’s premier one-make series, with extensive branding across Pro-Am Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars competing in both series. They will also feature across both podium and media backdrops at every event, as well as Pro-Am team garages and various event related branding around the Carrera Cup Australia drivers lounge and pit garages.

Morris Finance will also offer a range of finance solutions to Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series customers delivering financial solutions for a range of their needs, including race cars, transporters, equipment and more.

The deal follows Morris Finance’s continued commitment to its long-term relationship with Walkinshaw Andretti United in Supercars, Motorsport Australia, The Bend Motorsport Park, and their community program which involves drivers Nick Percat and Jaxon Evans.

Porsche Cars Australia will also provide several bespoke experiences for Morris Finance VIP customers at premier Carrera Cup Australia events throughout the year.

To support these VIP Customer experiences, Morris Finance will run a promotion that provides the opportunity for customers to win an ultimate giveaway to the final Carrera Cup Australia round on the Gold Coast.

This increased partnership builds upon the support Morris Finance has given to both categories to date – having previously supported the Sports Person of the Year Award – as well as their long term support of 2018 Carrera Cup Champion, Jaxon Evans, who continues to forge his international motorsport career abroad.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series will get underway at Sandown International Raceway in mid-March, with the series concluding alongside Supercars on the streets of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in early December.

Quotes:

PCA’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Morris Finance, which delivers value to them across numerous key partnership pillars including branding; digital and social media; events; promotions; hospitality; experiences and business development. Morris Finance has been a strong supporter of both series, either in a category level or driver perspective, and it’s great to have them on board as our naming rights partner of the Pro-Am Championships of both categories.

Morris Finance Marketing Manager, Tiffany Hunt: “As a proud Australian business operating on a national level, we take great pride in partnering with such a strong global brand and are delighted to be partnering with Porsche Motorsport Australia as the Official Finance Partner. With this alliance, we are looking forward to creating unmatched experiences for our national broker, client, investor and referrer markets”.

About Morris Finance:

Based in Geelong, Victoria, Morris Finance is Australian owned and one of Australia’s leading finance companies, providing asset finance, investment, leasing and insurance services to ABN Holders; Registered Companies; Individuals and Sole Traders.  

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

Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge to join C0₂ offset program, Porsche Impact

Porsche Motorsport Australia racing series to be integrated into Porsche sustainability initiative

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce that it will integrate both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia (PSCA) series into the newly launched Porsche Impact Program in Australia. Porsche Impact Program is a C0₂ compensation scheme offering Porsche customers the option to calculate and offset their personal carbon footprint.

PCA commits to compensating the C0₂ footprint of the 911 GT3 Cup cars racing in PCCA and PSCA in the 2021 Season. The financial contribution is based on an estimated annual mileage and consumption during the scheduled Rounds. The monetary compensation will be calculated by using an emission calculator and directed to financially support two selected Australian environmental projects in partnership with South Pole after the 2021 season concludes.

The two certified offset initiatives, also offered to Porsche Customers as a part of the scheme are:

Mount Sandy:

The first project is Mount Sandy, located between the Coorong National Park and Lake Albert in South Australia. It is a pocket of intact native vegetation in a region dominated by farmlands, Mount Sandy brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to promote land conservation methods that have been used by the Traditional owners of the land, the Ngarrindjeri people, for thousands of years. The 200 hectare site ensures permanent protection for all biodiversity, which is a unique mix of coastal shrublands and saline swamplands. The site provides habitat for iconic native wildlife, such as the short-beaked echidna, purple-gaped honeyeater and elegant parrot.

Myanmyn:

The second local initiative is the Myamyn project at Annya State Forest, located in south-western Victoria. The habitat is home to numerous vulnerable and endangered plant and animal species. The Myamyn project works to protect and rehabilitate the site after clearing and the introduction of an invasive eucalyptus species occurred in 1997. So far 20 hectares of cleared land have been rehabilitated with a total of 200 hectares protected against further clearing.

About Porsche Impact:

Porsche Cars Australia is participating in the Porsche Impact program, which was developed by Porsche AG in association with its subsidiary Porsche Digital. The estimated 2020 CO2 emissions of the Porsche Cars Australia fleet of cars have been offset using Porsche Impact. This includes company cars, press cars and vehicles dedicated to the Porsche Track Experience program.

The sports car manufacturer is committed to reducing CO2 emissions. In doing so, Porsche considers the entire value creation chain: from suppliers, to the product, to after sales and recycling. Today, Porsche AG uses 100% green energy for production and rail logistics. In Australia, Porsche also prioritises other sustainability measures like solar power and tyre recycling.

Quotes:

Sam Curtis, CEO & Managing Director, Porsche Cars Australia: “Sustainability is an essential pillar of our corporate strategy at Porsche. The global approach to sustainability at Porsche is holistic, working in all fields of action: ecological, economic and social.”

For more information about Porsche Impact visit: https://www.porsche.com/australia/aboutporsche/responsibility/porscheimpact/

Porsche Mobil1 Supercup to be shown live on FOX Sports in Australia

Monaco Grand Prix to host debut of the new 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup

The 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season will play host to drivers from eleven teams and herald the racing debut of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992 generation). All eight rounds of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship will again be broadcast live in Australia on FOX Sports with replays throughout the season.

The premier one-make Championship will be part of the Monaco Grand Prix programme (20 to 23 May) in 2021 with a driver line-up that includes defending champion Larry ten Voorde from the Netherlands and Porsche Junior, Ayhancan Güven from Turkey.

“Despite the ongoing difficulties for international motor racing due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve managed to put together an extremely attractive package for the 2021 season,” explains Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

“The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup has attracted even more interest from teams. The permanent grid positions that are available are overbooked. I expect up to 32 competitors at all races except Monaco.”

Up to four additional competitors are permitted to contest the remaining seven Cup rounds. The new entries among the permanently registered teams are Parker Racing from Great Britain and Huber Racing from Germany. Both teams ran the overall winners in their respective national Porsche Carrera Cups last season. Lechner Racing from Austria returns to defend its title in the team classification of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Lechner Racing has also entered a second, officially independent squad. GP Elite from the Netherlands and Alméras from France also compete with two separate teams. The other permanent participants are Fach Auto Tech from Switzerland, CLRT from France and Dinamic Motorsport from Italy.

After the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season gets underway in Monaco, the Championship then travels to seven other race circuits in France, Austria, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy to round off the calendar.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992 generation) features a 375 kW (510 hp) flat-six engine that is designed to run on synthetic fuel and will be campaigned in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series in 2022.

2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar*

Rnd        Event                                        Date

1             Monaco                                          20-23 May

2             Le Castellet (France)                   25-27 June

3             Spielberg (Austria)                      2-4 July

4             Silverstone (England)                 16-18 July

5             Budapest (Hungary)                    30 July-1 August

6             Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) 27-29 August

7             Zandvoort (Netherlands)            3-5 September

8             Monza (Italy)                                10-12 September

*subject to changes

Motorsport Australia announces revised date for Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season opener

Phillip Island season opener to take place on 12-14 March

Motorsport Australia has confirmed a replacement date for the opening round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships. The event will now be held on 12-14 March.

In addition to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, Australian Racing Group categories will again be on show at the event, including the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers Championship, Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, National Trans Am Series and the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS.

Further categories may also be part of the event, with category managers in discussion with Motorsport Australia to compete at the iconic Victorian circuit.

With the Victorian COVID-19 lockdown forcing a postponement of February’s 2+4 Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Motorsport Australia has worked with the circuit and category managers to secure a new date.

Unfortunately, Australian Superbike Championship and its support categories were unable to join the event on this occasion, given a number of scheduling conflicts. However, discussions between Motorsport Australia and Motorcycling Australia are already underway about rescheduling the All Wheels Race Fest for later in the year.

At this stage, Motorsport Australia is unable to confirm any spectator details, however it is hoped that some spectators may be able to attend, in line with any government restrictions that apply at the time.

The event will also be broadcast across the screens of 7, including on 7mate and 7plus. New Zealand viewers will be able to watch via Sky Sports, while other international viewers can watch online via the Motorsport.TV stream.

The opening round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships will be held at Phillip Island on 12-14 March, 2021.

Michael Smith, Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships Director said: “We’re really pleased to confirm this new date for the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships and also to be able to secure a new date so quickly.”

“I’d like to thank the team at Phillip Island for their flexibility and support, allowing us to put this event on in March. Motorsport Australia is in regular dialogue with the Victorian Government about this event and will certainly work to deliver a COVID safe event in line with all restrictions and requirements that may be in place at the time.

“We hope that we will be able to welcome fans to this event, however understandably there is still some uncertainty about what restrictions may be in place, so at this stage we are not offering tickets for sale. This is something we’ll monitor closely and provide regular updates for motorsport fans.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the team at Motorcycling Australia for their hard work in preparing for the 2+4 Australian All Wheels Race Fest. While we are unable to make the joint-event work for this specific date, we’ve formed a great partnership over recent months and fully expect this combined event to happen in the very near future.”

Amadio Wines renews partnership with Porsche Cars Australia for 2021 motorsport season

Amadio Wines named as Official Wine & Champagne Partner for both Porsche one-make series in Australia

Porsche Cars Australia have announced that Amadio Wines have renewed their support of Australia’s premier one-make motorsport series. The South Australian winemaker will again be the Official Wine and Champagne Partner of both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series for the 2021 season.

Amadio’s premium wine and champagnes will again be used for all Carrera Cup Australia and Sprint Challenge podium celebrations throughout the 2021 season, with each Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car displaying Amadio Wines branding on the rear wing end plates and sill on every Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge entry.

Porsche Cars Australia Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “Without our long standing partners we could not provide the level of support to our drivers and teams that we do. We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Amadio Wines for the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge seasons. Both series provide a great activation platform for all our partners and reinforce Porsche’s association with these premium brands.”

On the renewal of the partnership, Amadio Wines Managing Director Danniel Amadio said, “We are delighted to continue supporting this high calibre class of motor racing. It is a testament to all the competing teams and the organisation behind Porsche Motorsport in Australia for their continued efforts in producing some of the best young talents this country has to offer. This is evident not just on a national stage, but the results of their drivers on the international stage.“

Round 1 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from the 18-20 February, while Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season is due to start on the 19-21 March at the Sandown International Raceway, as the premier support category for Repco Supercars Championship.

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

About Amadio Wines:

Amadio Wines represents Danniel Amadio’s contribution as the third generation to his family’s successful winemaking legacy. Stemming from his grandfather’s success in the early 30’s and his parents success in the 90’s, whose label rose to be acclaimed ‘most awarded boutique label in Australia’, Danniel is now continuing the family legacy. The Amadio family pride themselves on their Italian heritage, which has aided them in sourcing the best quality food from around Australia and creating a top branding wine as Danniel personally selects the best fruit parcels from his family owned Kersbrook Vineyards in the Adelaide Hills.

Michelin and Porsche announce massive prize pool for 2021 Junior Development Programme

French tyre giant renews its support of both Porsche Sprint Challenge and 2021 Junior Development Programme

The continued support and development of the best young drivers from around the Australasian region has been a key priority for both Michelin Australia and Porsche Cars Australia for several years now. The domestic collaboration has seen the initiative grow into benchmark driver development programme in the country and remain a vital feature of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

For the 2021 season, the French tyre giant has announced that it will again support the Porsche Junior Development Programme offering eligible young drivers from the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series mentorship, support and training from the country’s leading sports professionals and coaches, as well as the opportunity to win their share of the $300,000 prize pool on offer.

The prize pool sees the top three Junior drivers from each series, receive a set of Michelin competition tyres every round, while the top placed Junior driver at each event will also receive a complimentary entry for the round.

The Michelin Junior Champion, crowned at the end of the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season, will receive a trip to Germany to attend the Porsche Motorsport Night of Champions Dinner in December 2021.

The other main incentive for the Michelin Junior drivers in the premier one-make series is an opportunity to attend the global Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout, which

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

The 2019 Michelin Junior champion, Jordan Love, won the overall Carrera Cup Australia Championship and went onto to win the Porsche Junior Shootout nomination to compete against Carrera Cup Champions from the leading one-make Porsche championships around the world in three-day, all expenses paid driving evaluation at the Portimao circuit.

Last year Love joined the 2018 Carrera Cup Australia Champion and Porsche Junior driver, Jaxon Evans, on the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup grid, the premier support race for FIA Formula One World Championship.

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

In a new incentive for 2021, the Australian nominee to attend the global junior shootout will receive an exclusive test drive in the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car ahead of its introduction in 2022. The global Porsche Junior Shootout will be utilising the new 992 Cup Car for the first time this year and this prize provides the best opportunity for the Australian Junior nomination to perfect their skills before they head overseas.

On the partnership announcement, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “It’s fantastic to have our long term partner in Michelin to come on board once again and provide the crucial support needed for young talented athletes within this country. Both Michelin and Porsche are aligned in our passion for developing young athletes both on and off the track, which we have had great success in the past, and we are looking forward to continuing this support for the next batch of talented athletes coming through.

Michelin Australia’s Marketing Manager Oceania, Swaroop Tulsidas, is excited to continue the French brand’s support of the region’s young racers, “Michelin Australia are committed to supporting local talent through the Michelin Junior Programme. It’s been a difficult year for the drivers and teams alike, not being able to compete as normal in 2020. Fortunately, there is plenty to look forward to in the season ahead with some fantastic events on the race calendar.”

“The global partnership we have with Porsche comes to life locally when juniors from Australia and New Zealand progress in the Porsche Pyramid and make it to the top. We look forward to seeing the development and progression of our juniors in 2021.”

To be eligible as a Michelin Junior in 2021, both Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup, drivers must be born between 30.11.1997 and 01.03.2004. All Michelin Juniors in each series must carry additional Michelin branding on their racing apparel and Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars.

To learn more about the professional coaching provided by leading experts in the Michelin

Junior Training days, watch the following videos:

Porsche Michelin Junior Training Day 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YXWEjT_ewM

Porsche Michelin Junior Training Days 2019:  https://youtu.be/cquPduF6iqw

For more information on the 2021 Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia email [email protected]

Madeline Stewart unveils Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge livery

Madeline Stewart has revealed her racing livery for the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series

Madeline Stewart has revealed her Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing livery for the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series. The young New Zealand driver is based on the Gold Coast and is part of Team Porsche New Zealand run by Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM). The striking team livery is predominantly black and red with a white fern down the side of the car.

Madeline will again partner with Boss Air Suspension for her 2021 campaign. The global aftermarket air suspension manufacturer originally came on board for, what turned out to be, a very disrupted 2020 season, which saw Madeline finish third in the first round of Super 3 series at Sydney Motorsport Park, before taking victory in the Townsville Tin Top event.

She then went on to complete the year in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car finishing fourth at The Bend Motorsport Park Tin Top races. Boss Air Suspension is joined by Stewart’s other partners, Fitstop and Melbourne based VT Advisory.

Madeline Stewart said, “I am very excited to be racing in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year. I am looking forward to having a great year with Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport.”

“To have a fern on the side of my car and to be representing New Zealand is amazing. I cannot thank everyone who has helped make this happen enough.”

The livery reveal of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car comes as Madeline is set to have her first outing in the car at Phillip Island, as a shakedown before the opening round of the series in the coming weeks.

McElrea Racing announce full strength Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge assault

Suhle, Pancione, Hall, Hovey and Cowen complete McElrea Racing driver line-up

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series will play host to five McElrea Racing drivers for the 2021 season. After finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series, Ryan Suhle and Christian Pancione will be strong favourites for the 2021 Mobil Pro title.

Pancione will also race select rounds of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series as he affirms his intentions to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

Highly-rated, young GT racer, Bayley Hall, announced his plans to join the Queensland squad late last year, while Michael Hovey and Richard Cowen will be chasing victories in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Pro-Am category.

Suhle, Pancione and Hall will all be looking to follow in the footsteps of former McElrea Racing graduates, Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans, who progressed up from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge to the premier Carrera Cup class. The pair went onto win both the Carrera Cup Championship (2016 – Matt Campbell and 2018 Jaxon Evans) as well as the Porsche Junior Shootout. Both McElrea Drivers have since gone onto forge top-level international careers with Porsche and its customer GT teams.

2021 McElrea Racing Driver line-up – Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

#7           Ryan Suhle                         Latitude Coffee

#28        Bayley Hall                         TBC

#72        Michael Hovey                  The Triffid

#76        Christian Pancione           VCM Performance

#2           Richard Cowen                 (partial championship)

Quotes:

Team Owner, Andy McElrea: “We are really looking forward to the 2021 Carrera Cup & Sprint Challenge championships. For the first time in our 13 year history that we have the perfect number of customers for our business model, that is four cars in each championship, with businessman Richard Cowen also doing a partial Sprint Challenge Championship and (Christian) Pancho doing some selected rounds of the Carrera Cup Australia series in preparation for 2021. We all realise that we will need to be flexible with plans and logistics for 2021, as some disruptions are inevitable, but we love a challenge and are always prepared to adapt on the run. We started testing with our Sprint Challenge drivers already, while our first Carrera Cup test takes place in February.”

Christian Pancione: “Racing both Porsche series this year is a great opportunity, with a team like McElrea Racing I’m looking for wins and podiums.”

Ryan Suhle: “Testing has started really well this year, so I’m really focused on winning my first Porsche championship this season.”

Bayley Hall: “2021 will be the perfect year for me to aim high, learn, experience and grow from every opportunity that arises.”

Michael Hovey: “I’m here to have fun and win the Pro-Am title this year!”

Richard Cowen: “Prospects of winning Pro Am at first attempt – on the low side. Prospects of marital issues due to racing time and expenditure – Medium to high. Prospects of having a lot of fun racing in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge – 100%.”

McElrea Racing Achievements:

McElrea are the only Australian team to have won races in every season of Australian Carrera Cup (incl 2020) since it re-started in 2011. They are also able to claim to have been on pole for the first race of each new generation car: 997:2 (Jonny Reid at 2011 AGP), 991:1 (Shae Davies at 2014 Adelaide) and 991:2 (Jaxon Evans at 2018 Adelaide).

Porsche titles captured by the team include: the Carrera Cup Pro class on two occasions; Carrera Cup Pro Am title, Sprint Challenge Pro class title, Sprint Challenge Pro Am (twice), Rennsport Pro Am Enduro (twice), and the coveted Porsche Teams Championship three times.

ASM announces three car Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge campaign

Ashley Seward Motorsport confirms McGregor, Goldie and Knowles for Pro-Am

Ashley Seward Motorsport has announced three drivers in the line-up for this year’s Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season, which kicks off at Phillip Island on 18-20 February.

The experienced Ross McGregor will contest his eighth season in the series. McGregor has been a consistent performer during his Porsche racing tenure and has been a regular appearance on the Pro-Am podium over the last few seasons.

“I’m just looking forward to getting back onto the track and having some fun,” McGregor said.

“For me, it’s all about maximum enjoyment and continuing to learn and improve. The Sprint Challenge has a great group of competitors, who are all sensible and show respect for one another on the track.”

“Geoff Emery will be on board as my driver coach again this year, which is a big positive – Geoff really knows how to encourage me and can bring out the best in my driving.”

“Ash (Seward) provides a quality service to his customers, he understands how to put together a racing program that is both economical and enjoyable.”

After finishing runner-up in Class B aboard a 997 Cup car in 2019, West Australian driver Andrew Goldie upgraded to a 991 Gen 1 in 2020. While the pandemic limited his opportunities to go racing, he still competed at Challenge Bathurst before racing in the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup at Sandown in December, where he achieved a clean sweep of race wins in the Pro-Am class.

“The new car is beautiful to drive, very smooth and refined,” Goldie said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I liked my old 997, but the 991 Gen 1 just does everything that little bit better.”

“The paddle-shift gearbox makes the whole experience much more relaxed and I noticed the extra horsepower as well.

“After one of the Challenge Bathurst sessions, I got out of the car and told Ash it was the most fun I had ever had in a race car. To score a clean sweep at Sandown was fantastic, but I had to work hard for it – there is some high-quality opposition and the Pro-Am class will be very competitive this season.”

Joining McGregor and Goldie will be Terry Knowles, who will make his competitive circuit racing debut after completing some track days with the ASM team.

“When I first drove the Porsche, I was like a deer in headlights – it was surreal,” Knowles said.

“I had to learn the paddle shift system and acquaint myself with a left-hand-drive car, but Ross, Andrew and everyone else in the team have been very encouraging.”

“For my first year, the goal is to learn as much as possible finish all the races, challenge myself and above all, have fun.”

Bayley Hall joins McElrea Racing for 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season

McElrea Racing have announced that Bayley Hall will join the team for 2021

McElrea Racing have announced that Bayley Hall will join the team for 2021

McElrea Racing has announced that Bayley Hall, will join the Championship-winning Carrera Cup team for the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season.

As a Grade 12 student at Coomera Anglican College in Queensland, the talented GT racer sees 2021 as an opportunity to get acquainted with the first generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, before he starts his ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

“I’m very excited for this new chapter in my racing career. It’s all a bit surreal, but it’s a dream come true to announce that I will be with the McElrea team in a Porsche next year,” Hall said.

Hall has already amassed a large amount of experience despite his young age, having competed a number of different racing series and cars. His natural speed and adaptability was apparent from early in his career, having finished second overall in both the 2019 Gold Coast round of the Australia GT Championship and the 2020 Bathurst combined sedans series. Hall also became the youngest ever podium finisher at the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year, finishing third in class in a Marc Cars Mustang V8.

Andy McElrea said, “We’ve been watching Bayley’s progress for a couple of years and for such a young guy, he already has vast mileage and experience in a variety of cars. A year ago we chatted about a potential future with MR and having a shot at the Porsche Pyramid, following in the footsteps of Matt and Jaxon in Europe. We did an evaluation test with him a couple of weeks ago and we were very impressed with his first run in a cup car, needless to say, he has a very exciting few years ahead of him!”

Hall partnered with McElrea Racing’s Warren Luff for the Bathurst event, “I’m excited that Luffy will be one of my mentors at McElrea as he has known me since I was a toddler playing Mario kart. We get on very well and it was a huge experience to drive with him at one of the biggest races in Australia earlier this year.”

Hall will also be part of the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in 2021, which in the past has seen drivers like Nick Foster, Dylan O’Keeffe, Andre Heimgartner, Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love and Matt Campbell go onto to compete at the highest level of the sport both locally and internationally.

Campbell and Evans both started their Porsche careers with McElrea Racing in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge) before going onto win the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup titles in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

On the prospect of joining Australia’s benchmark junior development programme Hall said, “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can in the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme and my goal is to ultimately win the Sprint Challenge series, before I make the step into the main game in Carrera Cup.”

“The opportunity to drive the GT3 Cup car in the test session for around 100 laps was incredible. Working with the likes of race engineer, Leigh Geyer and the rest of the McElrea team was also an amazing opportunity,“ Hall enthused.

“After seeing the success the team have had in the past with the likes of Matt and Jaxon, I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the Porsche one-make series next year, as the cars are identical and the national competition is at the highest level,” Hall concluded.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in February.

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

Team Porsche New Zealand announces scholarship and 2021 Michelin Sprint Challenge driver line-up

Matthew Payne, Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge line-up for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2021

Team EBM (Earl Bamber Motorsport) run by both Earl and Will Bamber, have announced that they will enter a 485-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for young New Zealand karting champion, Matthew Payne, in the 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series under the ‘Team Porsche New Zealand’ banner – supported by the Official Porsche Centers of New Zealand.

The partnership is a continuation of the team formed to enter the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship with Will Bamber securing four race victories and third overall in the Championship.

Team Porsche New Zealand will provide an opportunity to offer a scholarship for a young New Zealand talent to drive in Carrera Cup Australia. The oversight of Earl and Will Bamber will provide invaluable experience having success from Carrera Cup series, right to the top of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

“We are really excited about the Team Porsche NZ Scholarship. It is something we’re proud to offer and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships. It’s about providing a path-way to a professional motorsports career” – Earl Bamber.

“2021 will be the first time Team Porsche New Zealand enter the series with their own Scholarship Programme, which is a further testament to the growing awareness and competitive standing our series is receiving across the region.” – Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia

Matthew Payne

Matthew Payne, who hails from Auckland has extensive experience in karting after starting at age 5. In 2019 he won the KZ2 National Championship before relocating to base himself in Italy and race in a number of European series against the very best KZ kart drivers in the world. Payne has aspired to make the transition from karts to touring cars with the long-term goal of endurance racing as a factory driver for Porsche.

“To be the driver selected by Porsche New Zealand for their scholarship at this age is something very special, it will be awesome to be mentored by such an accomplished driver and team and I will take this opportunity with both hands and make them proud.

I’ve always wanted to race Porsche cars and race the Australian Championship. It’s a real privilege. It’s a step toward my ultimate goal of racing GT Endurance cars at famous tracks like Le Mans, Daytona, Bathurst. Nurburgring and many more.” – Matthew Payne

Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia to visit New Zealand

The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Series will visit New Zealand for the first time. The round will run alongside the Repco Supercars Championship in early November.

“To race in New Zealand for the first time in our series history will be a huge highlight for all Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia drivers next year. I would like to again thank Porsche New Zealand for partnering with us to make this exciting opportunity a reality for our teams.” – Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia

2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

In addition to the scholarship offered in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series, Team Porsche New Zealand will also support Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge. Stewart and Hedge will be competing in the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in Australia with Earl Bamber Motorsport and under the Team Porsche New Zealand banner. As Sprint Challenge drivers as part of the team, both will be eligible to apply for the Carrera Cup scholarship in 2022.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to race with EBM in 2021. The Porsche pathway is really promising and provides a lot of opportunities for myself to progress with my racing experience and my career.

I’m looking forward to building up a good level of skill racing these cars and I’m lucky enough to have Earl Bamber’s help with driver coaching. I know I will gain a lot from listening to his expertise and knowledge.

I am a proud Kiwi so to have Porsche New Zealand’s support is an honor. I am really grateful to be representing their brand and proud to have them onboard for next year.” – Madeline Stewart

“It’s really cool to finally get some direction on where we are headed after almost a year of uncertainty with COVID. I am very excited to be running with the Team Porsche New Zealand/Earl Bamber Motorsport team in Sprint Challenge Australia. It is a privilege to be running under their colours and be chosen for this opportunity to represent Porsche New Zealand and EBM.” – Callum Hedge

Applications for the 2022 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship will be taken in the 4th Quarter of 2021. The criteria and application process will be announced by the EBM Team nearer to this time.

Earl Bamber Motorsport and Porsche New Zealand to enter Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in 2021

Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) will enter a multi-car team in 2021

Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) will enter a multi-car team in both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series in 2021.

The EBM team will receive support from Porsche New Zealand and will operate out of a new base on the Gold Coast. Run by the former Porsche Le Mans 24-Hour winner and his brother Will, EBM are looking to growing the team operations outside of Asia and are looking forward to the challenge of entering a new, highly competitive market.

On the announcement, Earl Bamber said, “With Covid-19 we were forced to look at other options in motorsport, and we feel Carrera Cup Australia will be a great fit for our team.”

“We are really excited to be joining the Carrera Cup Australia grid in 2021. Porsche Cars Australia do a fantastic job at promoting the series and provide a solid platform for us to grow as a team across the globe.”

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “Earl Bamber Motorsport  are no strangers to racing in Australia, having won the Bathurst 12-hour in 2019 with our very own Matt Campbell, as well as competing in the joint round between Carrera Cup Australia and Asia in 2018.”

“We’re excited to welcome EBM into both Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Sprint Challenge for next year, along with the support of Porsche New Zealand, as 2021 is already shaping up to be one of our most competitive fields to date with strong grids across all classes.”

About EBM:

No strangers to success, EBM previously won the Australian Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-hour title in 2019, capturing Porsche’s first victory in the endurance classic on Mountain Panorama. Prior to 2020, the EBM team competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series, finishing third in the driver standings, collecting four victories and eight podiums along the way in 2019. The team have already contested joint rounds against Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers in previous years, which most recently saw Will Bamber place third in the invitational race in 2019.

With a well-established presence in the Australasian motorsport market, EBM also recently announced their expansion into the North American market. EBM’s joint venture with Team Hardpoint will see the team compete for the GTD title in the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.

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

Porsche unveils 2021 Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar

Bathurst International headlines 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar

The majestic Mount Panorama Circuit will host the final round of the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Calendar at the Bathurst International, NSW.

The six-round series, which caters for the previous generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, will again feature as one of the headline acts on the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships program for 2021.

After the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the 2020 series could not take place due to the travel restrictions for many of the series’ competitors, the 2021 schedule sees the series start in February at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria. Competitors then travel to Sydney Motorsport Park in NSW in early May for round 2 before heading to Morgan Park in QLD for round 3 in late June.

Teams then return to the historic, Sandown International Raceway in Victoria in September before venturing further south to The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, South Australia for the penultimate round of the series in mid-October.

The final round will be held at the Bathurst International, and the series will again include endurance races as part of the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy, with all six rounds featuring a longer endurance-style race for maximum track time.

As a feeder category for Australia’s premier one-make championship, Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge forms the first domestic step for many young, talented racing drivers wishing to climb the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid with the successful Porsche Michelin Junior Program.

The series’ Pro-am class – last won by The Bend Motorsport Park owner Sam Shahin in 2019 – is equally popular with Porsche enthusiasts, playing host to some of the best on-track racing at Shannon’s rounds each year.

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “We are really looking forward to having the championship back up and running again next year and we feel we have delivered a calendar that all competitors will enjoy, allowing them to race on some of the best tracks across the country .”

“Finishing the season at the Bathurst International will be a real highlight and will provide great coverage and exposure for all our teams, drivers and partners” Bundy concluded.

2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar 

*Please Note: dates and schedules are subject to change

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

Porsche to headline Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival at Sandown

Carrera Cup and Porsche Sprint Challenge competitors end 2020 on a high note

While national border closures and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge seasons could not be conducted as scheduled this year, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce a one-off non-championship race weekend to be held on 11-13 December at the Sandown International Raceway in Victoria.

The Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Cup races will headline the Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival, which is being supported by the MG Car Club of Victoria. The combined event will see two generations of Porsche 991 Cup Cars, being the Gen I and Gen II, going head-to-head for the first time in a dedicated Porsche event.

The Porsche PAYCE & MICHELIN Cup will have a total of 4 classes in which competitors will compete for Mobil Pro and Pro-Am trophies, for each generation of Cup Car, with  2 x 25 minute races be conducted on the Saturday as well as a longer 40 min endurance race on the Sunday.

Due to maximum grid capacity for the event, first priority for entries will be given to 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge teams and drivers with eligible Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 991 Gen I and Gen II cars. All additional entry requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

PCA is currently working with the Porsche Club of Victoria with the intent of including super sprints over the weekend.  The 944 Challenge racing series will also be in action.

On the announcement of Porsche’s involvement in the event, Toni Andreevski, Porsche Cars Australia’s Director of Marketing and Motorsport said, “As we approach the 70 year anniversary of Porsche Cars in Australia, we felt this was a great way to kick-off our celebrations of this milestone with both Porsche enthusiasts and our motorsport customers.”

While it is hoped some fans may be able to attend the Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival, any decision will be made closer to the event in line with any government restrictions.

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

Madeline Stewart to drive McElrea Racing Porsche at The Bend

Madeline Stewart will contest the Aussie Tin Tops Support category in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car

Madeline Stewart will get behind the wheel of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car this weekend in the Aussie Tin Tops category, one of the support races for The Repco SuperSprint at The Bend Motorsport Park.

Stewart graduated from karting to Super3 Series with Brad Jones Racing in 2019 and had similar intentions for this season, “We had been planning to race a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in Asia with Earl Bamber Motorsport, alongside our Super3 campaign with BJR this year, but obviously, the global pandemic meant we weren’t able to do that.”

Although the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge seasons were also halted as a result the Coronavirus pandemic, Porsche Cars Australia has in the interim, permitted drivers and teams to compete in localised state-level racing until the Porsche series resumes.

With the support of Motorsportsales.com.au, the Tin Tops Support category at the NTI Townsville SuperSprint round included GT3 cars, Porsche Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge 911 GT3 Cup cars, Super3, TA2, MARC Cars, Toyota 86 Series and other assorted touring cars.

Reigning 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Champion, Harri Jones, took the round one victory ahead of Tony Quinn in a GT3-spec Aston Martin. Bathurst winner, Luke Youlden and Jones’ McElrea Racing teammate, Ryan Suhle, fought it out for the last step of the podium, making it three Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the top four overall results.

It was at the inaugural Tin Tops event in Townsville that Stewart saw the opportunity with McElrea Racing, “We were still keen to do some Porsche racing this year and after racing at Townsville in the Tin Tops we thought that if that class raced again it might be a good opportunity to give the Porsche a try.”

“There has been a lot of negatives from the pandemic but the Tin Tops has been a good positive, allowing people who essentially had nowhere to race to get some racing in. We saw McElrea Racing at Townsville and when the Tin Tops were announced for The Bend we approached them to see if they had any cars available and luckily they did” Stewart said.

McElrea Racing’s Andy McElrea said, “We are looking forward to welcoming Madeline to the team and very confident she will do a great job. We hope she has so much fun, that she wants to drive Porsches more in the future!”

While The Bend event will be the second time Stewart has driven a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car – her first was with Earl Bamber Motorsport at Sepang in February this year – she won’t have any time to test with the McElrea team before rolling out for practice one on the race weekend.

Stewart said, “The Porsche is quite different to drive to the Super3 car. One of the big differences is how much more traction it has off the corners. The throttle application in a Supercar is quite tricky because you have to progress it as fast as possible without it breaking into wheel spin. The Supercars have power and not a very big tyre.”

“The Porsche, by comparison, is rear-engined with a much better tyre and less power. You need to be a lot more aggressive on the throttle, carry more mid-corner speed and you can, of course, brake deeper.”

“At this stage, The Bend is a one-off for us and it’s hard to know what racing there will be for the rest of the year and what next year will look like. We will just be looking at any opportunity to get some racing in,” Stewart concluded.

As part of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship doubleheader, fans can expect two jam-packed weekends of racing at the Repco SuperSprint, with various ticket options available from the gate or The Bend Motorsport Park website.

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

Revised 2020 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar revealed

Bathurst International to host Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge finale

Porsche Cars Australia is pleased to announce its revised calendar for the Michelin Sprint Challenge series following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) – which delayed the start of 2020 season earlier this year.

The number of rounds will reduce from six rounds to five for the remainder of the year and retain their position as a feature support race of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship calendar.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar gets underway at the Sydney Motorsport Park on the 15-16 August, before heading south to the Sandown Raceway in Victoria a month later for round two.

The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia will then host the third round of the series in mid-October before the teams travel to the flowing, high-speed curves of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for round four. The season culminates at the Bathurst International event on 14-15 November.

On the announcement, Head of Motorsport at Porsche Cars Australia, Troy Bundy said, “We are pleased to reveal our revised Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar for 2020 and would like to take the opportunity to thank Motorsport Australia and the Australian Racing Group for the support they have given us in developing what we feel is a great line-up of events for the remainder of this season.”

“We are looking forward to returning to the track and continuing to provide an excellent show for our fans, customers, teams and partners and we would like to thank them for their patience and support during this time.”

Further details regarding race formats for each round as well as the revised 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia calendar will be announced in the coming weeks.

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge: 2020 Revised Calendar

Sydney Motorsport Park             – August 15 -16

Sandown Raceway                        – September 12-13

The Bend Motorsport Park         – October 17-18

Phillip Island                                     – TBC

Bathurst International (ARG)    – November 14-15

Porsche unveil 2020 Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia calendar

Porsche unveils 2020 calendar for the rebranded Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series 

Porsche unveils 2020 calendar for the rebranded Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia series 

Following the announcement that the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge series will be rebranded to Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia from the start of the 2020 season and that the French tyre giant has again reaffirmed their support for the series for next year as Title partner, Porsche has revealed their race calendar for the 2020 season.
The six-round series, which caters for the previous generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will again feature as a highlight of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships program for 2020.

Having celebrated the series 200th race in 2019, the 2020 schedule sees the series start in late March at the Sydney Motorsport Park in NSW, before heading south to Winton in early May and continuing onto The Bend Motorsport Park a month later.
The second half of the season sees the series travel north to Morgan Park in Queensland before returning to Victoria for the last two rounds at the Phillip Island and Sandown Raceway circuits respectively.

As a feeder category for Australia’s premier one-make championship, Porsche PAYCE Carrera cup Australia, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge forms the first domestic step for Porsche enthusiasts and many young, talented racing drivers wishing to climb the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid with the successful Porsche Michelin Junior Program.
The series’ Pro-am class – won by The Bend Motorsport Park owner Sam Shahin in 2019 – is equally popular with amateur Porsche drivers, hosting some of the best on-track racing at Shannon’s rounds last year.

The 2020 calendar is tailored to offer not only the best value but cut costs for all drivers and teams. Care was also taken that the dates do not conflict with any of the 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship rounds, which again feature on seven main marquee rounds of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship as well as the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
As in 2019, the series will again include endurance races as part of the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy, with the opening five rounds featuring an endurance-style race, followed by two sprint races. The season finale, to be held at Sandown raceway, will remain as a sprint format across all races.

“Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia certainly experienced its strongest year to date in 2019 and we look to build upon this success in 2020,” said Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy.

“With the Shannon’s Motorsport Australia Championships enjoying record: crowd attendance, social, online and live stream audiences in 2019, we feel this provides our teams, drivers and series partners with an incredible platform from which to start the 2020 series.”

“There is already great interest from those looking to race in Michelin Sprint Challenge next season and we expect to see a similar number of drivers and cars, if not more, on the grid in 2020.”

2020 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia calendar
Round 1 Sydney Motorsport Park                27-29 March 2020
Round 2 Winton Raceway                              1-3 May 2020
Round 3 The Bend Motorsport Park            12-14 June 2020
Round 4 Morgan Park                                     3-5 July 2020
Round 5 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit  21-23 August 2020
Round 6 Sandown Raceway                           11 – 12 September 2020

Michelin renew as Title Partner of the rebranded Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia

GT3 Cup Challenge to be renamed Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia from 2020

GT3 Cup Challenge to be renamed Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia from

2020 

Porsche have announced that their popular GT3 Cup Challenge national series will be renamed to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia from 2020 onwards. The decision to rename the series is to align to the global rebranding of the category by Porsche AG ensuring the product is consistent in every market it is conducted.

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy made the announcement to drivers, teams and partners at the 2019 Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Awards dinner at the final round at The Bend Motorsport Park.

“The Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge is an integral part of our motorsport program in Australia, which is the first step in our Porsche Motorsport pyramid, and is fortunate to currently enjoy its strongest ever levels of support from its competitor’s teams  and it’s commercial partners.”

“2019 has been a break out year for the category in all measures but the exciting news is that the 2020 season is looking just as strong with an exciting calendar, extensive broadcast package, great prizes and support package and of course a comprehensive junior programme for the best young talent wanting to develop their career.”

“Aesthetically, all fans will notice is the change in the series logo and the corporate identity of the new Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia name.”

The second big announcement of the night was that French tyre giant, Michelin have again resigned as the title partner for 2020.

On the announcement, Bundy said, “We have had a fantastic group of partners on board this year and we would look to continue that in 2020 with discussions well underway and positive interest from all partners. It gives me great pleasure to announce that Michelin have secured the title partner rights for Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia for 2020.

“Michelin has been a key strategic partner globally for Porsche for many years now. They extended that partnership last year in Australia by securing the title partnership rights to the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge. This partnership has been a great success for both parties this year and it’s great to be able to continue the relationship into 2020, cementing the partnership between Porsche and Michelin.”

“Partners like Michelin are incredibly important to us and share our vision in this development pathway, we just couldn’t deliver the level of programme we do without their support,” he continued.

Swaroop Tulsidas, Marketing Manager for Michelin Australia said, “Michelin has a strong relationship with the team at Porsche, both here in Australia and across the globe, and to continue our series support in 2020 with the Michelin Sprint Challenge is really exciting news for us.”

“It’s fantastic that we are able to announce the renaming of the series at the culmination of another extremely competitive race season. We have no doubt that the Michelin Sprint Challenge will continue to provide highly-contested fields, door to door racing, and importantly a pathway for the junior drivers to develop their skills through the elite Porsche Motorsport pyramid.”

Jones, Shahin & Greig clinch Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge titles

Harri Jones, Sam Shahin and David Grieg are the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Champions for 2019

Harri Jones, Sam Shahin and David Grieg are the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Champions for 2019

As the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge teams lined up on the sun-soaked Bend Motorsport Park for the last time in the 2019 season, just three races remained and all three titles were still up for grabs.

At the sharp end of the Pro field, it was again an age-old battle between Sonic Motor Racing (Aaron Love and Max Vidau) and McElrea Racing (Harri Jones and Ryan Suhle).

Sonic has dominated the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge’s top class in recent years with champions such as Simon Fallon and Jordan Love among that list. An outright Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge victory had always alluded McElrea Racing by contrast and the Queensland team were hoping that Jones could get the job done at The Bend.

With only a 92 point margin between Love and Jones, the Helimod backed driver, needed to just stay clear of trouble and show that finish among the leading Michelin Juniors in each race to win the overall title.

But it wasn’t going to be easy as Love and Vidau jumped passed pole-sitter Ryan Suhle into turn 1, with Jones opting to follow behind his teammate in fourth.

Further back disaster struck The Bend Motorsport Park owner Sam Shahin when his clutch pedal stuck off the line. The TAG Heuer Pro-Am series leader must have seen his fairy tale finish to his championship slipping away, but managed to get his HTFU Porsche 911 GT3 Cup started and pulled away just before the recovery vehicle looked to remove him. Shahin was now almost 15sec behind the last car in the field though, setting the stage for a mammoth recovery drive from far behind the entire field.

TAG Heuer Pro-Am Pole sitter Brett Boulton meanwhile had pulled out a strong lead at the front of the class, while Andrew Goldie again found himself embroiled in a massive fight with David Greig in Class B.  Goldie would depart the track on lap 5 though, handing Greig the advantage and the class lead to the finish line.

The high level of competition and raw pace shown by the Michelin Juniors at the front of the field this year, was again shown in the Friday qualifying when the pole time of Suhle would have put him fifth in recent Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup field. An incredible performance when you consider the GT3 Cup Challenge Cars cater for the previous-gen 2 Porsche 911 Cup cars that last raced in the premier class three years ago.

Love and Vidau soon proved to be the fastest on the track in Race 1, with South Australian overtaking his Sonic Racing teammate on lap 4. Vidau would also set a new lap record of 1:51:4875 in the process. Love fought him to the last corner and crossed the line only a tenth behind Vidau, with Suhle, Jones and Christian Pancione completing the all Michelin Junior top 5.

It was Vidau’s ninth win of the season, in what has been an impressive year despite the sporadic mechanical issues he suffered at crucial stages of the season.

Boulton was followed home by Ross McGregor and Michael Loccisano in the Pro-Am battle, with Sam Shahin recovering incredibly to ninth overall and fourth in class. Heading into Race 2, Shahin’s  Buick Motorworks team did an amazing job to replace slave cylinder between sessions and by the end of lap one, he had already repaid them, passing both McGregor and Boulton for the TAG Heuer Pro-Am lead.

At the front end, Harri Jones put all the Porsche’s 460hp to good use off the line, but opted to stay well clear following the front trio of Vidau, Love and Suhle through turn one.

The first five cars were covered by less than a second as the race progressed before Vidau ran wide and understeered off on lap 5. He would recover to third behind Suhle and eventual race winner Love.

Jones would finish fourth, giving him a 62 point buffer into the overall standings. With only 60 pints on offer Jones was now the outright Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge champion for 2019, handing McElrea Racing their first outright trophy.

Shahin would finish just behind the Pro leaders in sixth, clinching TAG Heuer Pro-Am title at his home track from Brett Boulton. Andrew Goldie did what he could to take the Class B, but the ever consistent David Greig’s second place ensured he would take the Class B title.

With all three championships wrapped up, teams lined up for the final race of the season. Although the track temperatures had risen to 37 degrees, 11 degrees warmer than Race 2 at midday, the racing remained fierce and Sam Shahin now found himself dicing amongst the leading Juniors at the front of the field.

By the end of the shortened 8 lap race, Aaron Love took the final race win and with it the round victory followed by Max Vidau. Ryan Suhle would take his third podium of the weekend and occupy the last step of the podium.

Brett Boulton’s consistency saw him take the round win in TAG Heuer Pro-Am ahead of round (and series) winner Shahin, while Graham Williams put in one of his best performances of the year to finish the round and year in third.

Suhle and Boulton on top in Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Qualifying

McElrea Racing tops the timesheets in Pro and Pro-Am Cup Challenge finale

McElrea Racing top the timesheets in Pro and Pro-Am Porsche finale

Ryan Suhle has saved his best to last in qualifying for the final round of the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge, taking his first pole position of the season today in the Grand Finale’ at The Bend Motorsport Park.

His teammate Brett Boulton made it a double delight for McElrea Racing, taking pole position in TAG Heuer Pro-Am as he attempts to overhaul local favourite Sam Shahin for the class championship.

In the dying laps of the 20-minute qualifying session, Suhle’s second-set of Michelin tyres worked superbly as his 1m50.9918s flying lap jumped him to the top of the charts on his penultimate lap of the session.

His lap was 0.2 seconds faster than the next best, Sonic Racing’s Aaron Love, and was so fast that it would have placed him fifth outright on the grid for the recent Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia round at The Bend.

After having already scored a pair of front-row starts this year, a breakthrough pole position came as a relief to the open-wheel graduate

“For me, it’s awesome to come out and do the job. We haven’t really shown our pace this year. We’ve been really fast but I’ve just made a few mistakes which means we’re not where we should be in the championship, in my opinion,” he said.

“I’ve never run here on new tyres. The first set I didn’t maximise the grip but the second set I put the lap time in and it was really good.”

Suhle said he was taking a measured approach to the final round off an often challenging season, as he looks ahead to a title tilt in 2020.

“I think this year I’ve tried to get involved a little bit too much which has meant I’ve had a few DNFs along the way, which has hurt my championship, so I’m trying to dial it down, get some good points and get some practice at that sort of mentality for next year – because next year I want to win the championship.”

Love was second, two spots ahead of championship leader and nearest title rival Harri Jones.

The pair were split by the second Sonic entry of local hero, Max Vidau, who qualified third.

Jones carries a 92-point lead into the final round of the season and while fourth place may not have been an ideal result for the title leader, it’s the third time this year the Queenslander will have started from that grid position.

Jones still retains a perfect podium finishing record this season with a series of solid top four results likely enough to see him crowned champion tomorrow.

Christian Pancione was fifth, less than a second from pole, while fellow Michelin Junior Tom Taplin qualified sixth.

In just his second-ever Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge round, Oliver Shannon qualified seventh and will start alongside TAG Heuer Pro-Am polesitter Brett Boulton.

Boulton trails class leader Sam Shahin by 76 points heading into tomorrow’s three races: his chances aided by The Bend Motorsport Park entry of Sam Shahin completing just one lap in qualifying after the car spun a belt on his out-lap.

As a result, Shahin will start race one from 16^th position while Boulton’s hopes for a come-from-behind victory gained momentum.

“It’s going to be massive – I need a good sleep tonight,” Boulton said.

“I got a bit lucky because he had a few dramas, but you never know in this business so we’re going to come out all guns blazing tomorrow and see how we go.

“It’s unreal, it’s definitely a drivers track and perfect for these cars. I’ve had a fair few offs here trying to find the limit but it’s great fun, awesome.”

Andrew Goldie, who trails class leader David Grieg by just 18 points in the Class B battle, qualified on pole in his category and also an outstanding ninth outright – Grieg two places back in 11^th.

Matt Belford rounded out the top 10 with second in TAG Heuer Pro-Am, one of the best performances of his season.

Ross McGregor – celebrating a record-breaking 35^th GT3 Cup Challenge round this weekend – was 12^th while Graham Williams, Rob Woods, Michael Loccisano, Shahin, Nathan Murray, Marty Ewer, Jonathan Glicksten and Tony Martin completed the field.

The three final races of the 2019 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge series will be held tomorrow (Saturday) at The Bend Motorsport Park; all three to be streamed live via thenationals.com.au.

For more race information throughout the weekend, follow the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge social pages: Instagram – @CupChallengeAus / Twitter – @CupChallengeAus / Facebook.com/CupChallengeAus

Schedule – Round 6, The Bend

Saturday, 16 November

09:00-09:20 Race 1

11:45-12:05 Race 2

15:40-16:00 Race 3

TV Broadcast details

All three races will be streamed live via www.thenationals.com.au website

The Bend to decide Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge class titles in series finale

The Bend Motorsport Park to host the final round of the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge

The Bend Motorsport Park to host the final round of the Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge

The sixth and final round of the 2019 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge series gets underway this weekend in Tailem Bend in South Australia with all three class titles up for grabs. The fast and flowing turns of the 4.95km circuit that characterize The Bend Motorsport Park are tailor-made for the Porsche 911 GT3 cup cars and traditionally very hard on the Michelin control tyres.

The track is also the longest of all the tracks on the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge calendar and a favourite among both Pro and Pro-Am drivers due to its fast, but technical nature. With the outright, TAG Heuer Pro-Am and Class B titles all still to be decided, fans are likely to see the titles to go down to the wire in the final race on Saturday.

The Queensland based McElrea Racing team is leaving nothing to chance, having recently conducted test sessions at the circuit with their leading Pro and Pro-Am drivers including series leader Harri Jones and Ryan Suhle as well as TAG Heuer title contender Brett Boulton.

Jones sealed the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy in the last round at Sandown Raceway, ahead of Aaron Love and Christian Pancione. With three races (180 points) available over the weekend, the Helimods backed driver will be hoping to extend to stay out of harm’s way and maintain his 92 point advantage over Sonic Racing’s Aaron Love in second.

Both Love and teammate Max Vidau (who trails Jones by 142 points) still have a mathematical chance of clinching the Pro title and come off strong form leading into the event after dominant race victories in Sandown. Others in the hunt for race wins will be Christian Pancione, Tom Taplin and Ryan Suhle who have all showed good qualifying pace and consistency in the second half of the 2019 season.

The ultra-competitive Pro battle will again welcome the GWR Australia run entry of Oliver Shannon after his debut in the series in Sandown. With the third-most starts in series history, Sam Shahin will be looking for a fairy tale ending to his 2019 campaign by clinching the TAG Heuer Pro-Am series title at his own track.

Shahin comes off an amazing Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia performance in recent weeks, after winning all three Pro-Am races on the final round on the Gold Coast. The South Australian has a 73 point lead over Brett Boulton in second in the TAG Heuer standings for Michelin GT3 Cup challenge and the battle between the pair will be one of the highlights of the race weekend.

The Southern Star Windows entry of Ross McGregor sits a strong third in the Pro-Am championship standings, with a small, but mathematical chance (157 points adrift of Shahin) of taking the class title should the front runners have misfortune. McGregor is well clear of Rob Woods, Michael Hovey and Graham Williams in the points table, who are locked in their own battle for fourth and fifth position in the series.

After Sandown, McGregor is now the record holder for the highest number of race starts in the series’ history at 101, a record previously held by John Goodacre. Round 6 will also see the return of experienced Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge campaigner Michael Loccisano in the Porsche Centre Melbourne prepared Hallmarc entry, after missing the Sandown round due to work commitments abroad.

The closest class battle to be contested this weekend, will not be at the sharp end of the field, however, but rather toward the rear in the Class B category. The 2019 Class B season has witnessed a season-long tussle between Andrew Goldie and David Greig, with only 30 points separating the pair heading into this weekend, every race will count. With Tony Martin injuring his hand earlier in the season, Nathan Murray is assured of third in the Class B classification.

After a pair of practice sessions and a late afternoon qualifying session on Friday, all three races will be held on a busy Saturday and streamed live via the Shannons Nationals website.

For more race information throughout the weekend, follow the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge social pages: Instagram – @CupChallengeAus / Twitter – @CupChallengeAus / Facebook.com/CupChallengeAus

Entry list – Round 6, The Bend

Car #    CLASS      DRIVER            SURNAME     SPONSOR

1          3          Pro-Am      Jonathan          Gliksten           Cure FA

2          5          Class B       Nathan              Murray             Garage 1

3          7          Pro              Ryan                   Suhle                 Ryan Suhle Racing – Ray White

4          9          Class B      Tony                    Martin              TM Motorsport / The Triffid Bar. Venue

5          10         Pro-Am    Michael              Loccisano        Hallmarc

6          12         Pro             Harri                  Jones                 Heli Mods

7          13         Pro-Am     Sam                    Shahin               The Bend/HTFU

8          14         Pro-Am     Matt                   Belford              ID Land

9          22         Class B      Andrew            Goldie                Woodford Trailers

10         26         Pro            Tom                   Taplin                Taplin Real Estate

11         29         Pro-Am     Rob                   Woods               GWR/Commercial Interior Projects

12         38         Pro             Oliver               Shannon

13         76         Pro              Christian        Pancione          VCM Performance

14         77         Pro               Max                  Vidau                 Sonic Motor Racing

15         78         Pro               Aaron              Love                   Sonic Motor Racing / SRG Global

16         84         Pro-Am      Brett                Boulton             Bold Living

17         87         Class B         David              Greig                  Daikin Air Conditioning / DW Motorsport

18         93         Pro-Am      Marty               Ewer                   Dr Marty Ewer

19         99         Pro-Am      Ross                  McGregor         Southern Star Windows P/L

20         131      Pro-Am      Graham            Williams           Sonic Motor Racing / Williams Racing

LAP RECORD – THE BEND MOTORSPORT PARK

Cooper Murray – 1m53.9778s – (2018)

Schedule – Round 6, The Bend

Friday, 15 November

08:45-09:15 Practice 1

11:00-11:30 Practice 2

15:35-15:55 Qualifying

Saturday, 16 November

09:00-09:20 Race 1

11:45-12:05 Race 2

15:40-16:00 Race 3

TV Broadcast details

Qualifying and all three races will be streamed live via www.thenationals.com.au website

Vidau dominates Race 3 in Sandown while Jones takes Jim Richards Endurance Trophy

Max Vidau takes victory in Race 3 of Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge

Max Vidau takes victory in Race 3 of Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge