Australian GT Racing News: GT World Challenge Australia Update
KFC Audi Returns for GT Festival Sydney
Melbourne Performance Centre (MPC) will reintroduce the KFC Audi R8 LMS Evo I at the upcoming GT Festival Sydney, marking the anticipated return of drivers Gary Higgon and Matthew Stoupas to GT racing. Initially scheduled for the season opener at Phillip Island, the duo withdrew but is now confirmed for the second round at Sydney Motorsport Park from May 2-4.
Both Higgon and Stoupas have substantial experience, with Higgon notably finishing as runner-up in the Am class standings for the past two seasons. His podium finishes during the 2022 and 2023 seasons underscore his competitive edge. Stoupas, similarly accomplished, finished second in the Am class during 2023 alongside Paul Stokell, having completed every race on the podium.
Troy Russell, owner of Melbourne Performance Centre, expressed enthusiasm for their return, emphasizing the strategic benefit of entering the Trophy Class for its accessibility into GT3 racing.
Tom Randle Joins Tigani Motorsport
In another noteworthy development, Supercars driver Tom Randle has signed with Tigani Motorsport, partnering with Marcel Zalloua in the ResetData Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for the GT Festival. This addition bolsters an already impressive driver lineup that includes notable talents such as Will Brown and Ryan Wood.
Zalloua, who previously competed in the Am class, makes a significant leap to Pro-Am, scheduling a comeback after a crash sidelined him earlier this year.
Withdrawal of Zagame McLaren from GT4 Australia
Zagame Autosport has withdrawn its McLaren Artura GT4 entry from Monochrome GT4 Australia due to Jason Yu’s leg injury. The team will continue operations in a support capacity while Josh Buchan seeks new partnership opportunities to maintain his competitive presence in the series.
New Pairing at 99motorsport
Marcus LaDelle will team with circuit newcomer Jarrod Keyte in the Ford Mustang GT4 for the remainder of the season. Keyte, transitioning from a successful rally background, aims for strong results in the expanding Am class field.
Debuts and Opportunities at Sydney
Hugo Allan, the recent New Zealand Toyota GR86 champion, will make his GT4 debut at Sydney in a Game Over-supported Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 alongside Tony Quinn. Allan’s prior success and recent tests position him well for this new challenge.
Additionally, siblings Josh and Diesel Thomas will join the Monochrome GT4 Australia grid in a TekworkX Motorsport-prepared Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS MR, expanding their racing experience across multiple categories.
Key Dates
The second round of the GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries’ GT Festival, scheduled for May 2-4.
Conclusion
These developments showcase a dynamic and competitive landscape in Australian GT racing, with seasoned veterans and promising newcomers alike gearing up for a thrilling season ahead.
