Turbo Magazine - December 2022

GATTEREDER CEO,

855 Nepean Highway Brighton VIC 3186 P: 03 9536 1911

W: www.porschebrighton.com.au

Porsche vehicles are the stuff of dreams.

I recently took two of our top Sales Executives – Jake Parsons from Porsche Centre Brighton and Alex Gu from Porsche Centre Doncaster – to Europe with me for a driving adventure. We were, of course, driving Porsches in Germany, Austria, and Slovenia on high-speed Autobahns, as well as legendary mountain passes. The cars are so capable and enjoyable that the skills of Alex and Jake improved with every drive. Their performance when serving you, our clients, will also lift as a result.

Porsche defines constant improvement through engineering excellence and increased performance with one word – Sportmade.

Two new variants of the iconic Porsche 911 range are covered in this edition of Turbo. The new 911 GT3 RS achieves heightened performance through characteristic Porsche thoroughness, with a particular focus on aerodynamics making this new Porsche one of the most focused track cars ever. As a passionate track enthusiast, I am dreaming of my first encounter with the new 911 GT3 RS.

Robert GATTEREDER

The new 911 Carrera T takes a slightly different road. By focusing on the purity of the 911’s DNA, the Carrera T includes lighter weight and the manual transmission makes for a more deeply connected driving experience. Enjoyment is further enhanced by allowing a greater degree of mechanical ‘music’ to reach the driver’s ears.

Many dreams, of both our customers, and our design team of engineers are now reality. And with each Porsche we deliver at Porsche Centre Brighton, our aim is to fulfil many more.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season ahead.

•

Robert

PM Group Porsche Centre Brighton

CONTENTS

06 Take it to the MAX

Porsche’s new 911 GT3 RS is road-legal, but doesn’t hide its racetrack intent

12 Cayenne Platinum Edition

Lustrous, silvery, physically alluring and rare – that’s exactly what Porsche’s new Cayenne Platinum Edition offers

14

Committed to Achievement –Peter Nikolakopoulos

This entrepreneur, former soccer player and Porsche owner inspires young people to pursue their own path

18 A Taste of Excitement to Come … the New 911 Carrera T

Pure enjoyment is coming with the announcement that the 911 Carrera T is on its way

20

TAG Heuer X Porsche Celebrates the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 with Two New Limited Editions

Two design icons sharing an unmistakable name reimagined as one in colourful TAG Heuer Carrera X Porsche 50th anniversary tribute chronographs

22

Born for the Part – Ricky Skelton

Ricky’s passion for Porsches goes back a long way

24 Australia Excels in Porsche Golf Cup

Gary Chong competed in the International Porsche Golf Cup at Majorca alongside three other Australian Porsche owners, with an excellent result of second place in a very tough field

25 Meet the New Faces at Porsche Centre Brighton

Catherine Granger, Delivery Coordinator

26 A Power Couple’s Team Tactics

Billy Murelli and Kayleen Mahony are a husband and wife team to be reckoned with – two peas in a pod when it comes to Porsches

27 Louis Muhlen-Schulte’s Alpine Adventures

Having competed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Australian pro skier Louis Muhlen-Schulte is heading to Europe for the World Cup and European Championships

28

TAG Heuer – a Perfect Partnership

Porsche Centre Brighton and TAG Heuer hosted a gala cocktail event to launch the new Calibre E4 X PorscheConnected watch

29

Ladies Track Day

Women were in control at Sandown Raceway when they took to the track with Porsche horsepower – not the equine kind that's most common during the Spring racing season

30

Paradise On Your Doorstep

The breathtaking Bellarine Peninsula is the sophisticated, subtle high achiever nestled close to its more flashy and famous cousin, The Great Ocean Road

34 Painting a Picture of Dorian Gray

Dorian Gray is the story of a man who never aged. Like that man, your Porsche can also keep its youthful good looks with the right care

37

The Boxing Kangaroo Takes the Fight to the FIA Motorsport Games

Stephen and Brenton Grove returned from the global stage of the FIA Motorsport Games with some solid results

38

Third Place for Courtney in her First Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Season

Courtney Prince has been tearing up the bitumen in her maiden Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season with two podium positions after three races

39

Dale Wood’s Latest Pursuits

Joining a new team like Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) and setting up a new car like the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992) is a massive commitment. So, it comes as no surprise that Dale Wood has had a mixed year in Carrera Cup

Take it to the MAX

Porsche’s new 911 GT3 RS is road-legal, but doesn’t hide its racetrack intent

Very little about this new 911 GT3 RS has been developed to meet a need. Instead, it’s been developed to quench a passion for the highest possible level of street-legal performance.

Radiating a new aura

It’s inherently strange to discuss increased performance by talking about changing a cooling system but the concept of a central radiator for this new 911 proved pivotal to making it such a stunning performer.

Instead of the previous version’s three-radiator layout, this 911 GT3 RS was inspired by the central radiator design as used in the Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR, which relies on a large, angled central radiator mounted in the car’s nose. (On other 911 models, a luggage compartment takes up this area.) This freed up space on both sides to integrate active aerodynamic elements, and that’s where the extra ‘fun’ was added.

Continuously adjustable wing elements in the front and on the two-piece rear wing as well as other aerodynamic adjustments have led to a massive 409kg of downforce at 200km/h – a jaw-dropping three times more than the current 911 GT3.

At 285km/h, the downforce is a crushing 860kg. You’ll have to take it on a track to find that out for yourself –if you dare.

For the first time on a Porsche production car, the rear wing’s upper edge is higher than the car’s roof, with the lower blade fixed and the other blade hydraulically adjustable to allow drivers to slice through the air as they corner. In a nod to Formula One, the wing’s setup features DRS (Drag Reduction System), where the hydraulic blade flattens and reduces drag at the push of a button, giving the car a massive boost on the straights.

Porsche engineers didn’t forget the front either. Gone is the front spoiler replaced by a front splitter that divides the air allowing it to flow over or under the car, with side blades directing it outwards. Air from the repositioned radiator flows out via what look like two large nostrils evident on the bonnet.

Aerodynamic suspension

Even the new model’s suspension was aerodynamically tuned. With the wheel arches of the new 911 GT3 RS subject to powerful airflows, the components of the double-wishbone front axle were designed with teardrop-shaped profiles. Increasing downforce on the front axle by around 40kg at top speed, these profiles are only used in highend motorsport designs, and the 911 GT3 RS, without doubt, fits the bill.

To ensure downforce balance between the front and rear axles, the suspension engineers significantly reduced pitching under braking. On the new 911 GT3 RS, the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm has been set lower on the front axle. The multi-link rear axle has been adjusted with modified spring rates, while the driver assistance systems and rear-axle steering boast an even more dynamic calibration.

Work, play, and hustle

The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes – Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, the basic settings can be individually adjusted. Among other settings, the rebound and compression damping of the front and rear axles can be adjusted separately and in several stages. The rear differential can also be adjusted via rotary controls on the steering wheel.

The high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine generates 386kW thanks to the single-throttle intake system derived from motorsport and new camshafts with modified profiles. All this power is delivered through Porsche’s seven-speed PDK transmission, which has a shorter overall gear ratio and delivers power to the rear wheels at the rate of 100km/h in a blistering 3.2 seconds.

Stopping is via larger aluminium monobloc fixed-caliper brakes, with six pistons each; 408mm diameter brake discs are used on the front, with the thickness increased from 34mm to 36mm. The rear axle continues to be fitted with 380mm brake discs and four-piston fixedcaliper brakes.

The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) has 410mm discs on the front axle and 390mm discs on the rear. The new 911 GT3 RS comes standard with forged light-alloy centre-lock wheels, while road-legal sports tyres measuring 275/35 R20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear ensure a stellar level of mechanical grip.

All this weighs in at just 1450kg, achieved using intelligent lightweight construction and extensive use of Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) on the door, wings, roof and front lid, as well as inside the vehicle on items including the seats.

Packages for purpose

Three packages are available for the new 911 GT3 RS, including the no cost Club Sport Package and the additional-cost Weissach Package, both with and without a roll cage fitted.

The standard-trim 911 GT3 RS is finished in typical RS style with black leather, Race-Tex and a carbon-weave finish coupled with subtle touches of colour.

The Club Sport Package adds a steel roll bar, hand-held fire extinguisher and six-point racing harness for the driver, ideally configured to move effortlessly from road to track.

The Weissach Package adds a carbon-weave finish to the front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing and the upper shell of the exterior mirrors.

The front and rear anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods and shear panel on the rear axle are made of Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

The roll bar is constructed for the first time from CFRP, a saving of around 6kg.

Another highlight of the Weissach Package is the PDK shift paddles with motorsport-derived magnet technology, making gear changes more precise while adding a perceptible click. Optionally available with the Weissach Package are magnesium forged wheels, saving another 8kg.

In Australia, the new 911 GT3 RS will come with tinted LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), automatically dimming mirrors including rain sensor, front-axle lift system, ParkAssist (rear only), reversing camera, tyre fit set (sealant) and digital radio.

The new 911 GT3 RS is available for order now and starts at $500,200. Australian deliveries are expected to commence from the second quarter of 2023. •

Cayenne Platinum Edition

Lustrous, silvery, physically alluring and rare – that’s what platinum is, and that’s exactly what Porsche’s new Cayenne Platinum Edition offers

Porsche has launched a new Platinum Edition of selected Cayenne models, characterised by exclusive coordinated design elements in a satin Platinum paint finish. This distinctive look takes the Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, and Cayenne S into an entirely new style realm.

A range of colours are on offer – solid black or white, or Jet Black Metallic, Carrara White Metallic, Mahogany Metallic or Moonlight Blue Metallic, or the Crayon special colour.

Numerous model-specific details are highlighted with satin-finish platinum, such as the inlays in the slats of the front air intakes, the Porsche lettering integrated into the LED rear light, the model designation and standard 21-inch RS Spyder design wheels, sevencolour ambient cabin lighting and distinctive sports tailpipes in Black (high-gloss). Crayon-coloured seatbelts chime beautifully with the brushed aluminium door sills, each emblazoned with the ‘Platinum Edition’ logo.

Extra equipment includes LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), a panoramic roof (already standard on all Coupé variants), privacy glass, a BOSE surround sound system, ambient lighting, eighteen-way leather sports seats, the Porsche crest on the front and rear headrests and an analogue dashboard clock.

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also offers a wide range of refinement options for the interior and exterior, ranging from selective changes to extensive modifications.

Platinum Editions of the Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, and Cayenne S are available along with the corresponding Coupé variants.

The base Porsche Cayenne comes with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque. Its 0–100km/h time is 6.2 seconds, reduced to 6.0 seconds in the Coupé.

The Cayenne E-Hybrid mates an electric motor and a 17.9kWh lithium-ion battery with the turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with combined outputs of 340kW of power and 700Nm of torque. 0–100km/h is achieved in 5.0 seconds (5.1 in the Coupé).

The Cayenne S uses a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine with 324kW of power and 550Nm of torque to achieve a 0–100km/h time of 5.2 seconds (5.0 seconds in the S Coupé).

•

2022 Porsche Cayenne Australian pricing:

• Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition: $147,200

• Porsche Cayenne Coupé Platinum Edition: $147,700

• Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Platinum Edition: $162,000

• Porsche Cayenne Coupé E-Hybrid Platinum Edition: $162,600

• Porsche Cayenne S Platinum Edition: $175,100

• Porsche Cayenne Coupé S Platinum Edition: $175,500

Committed to Achievement

– Peter Nikolakopoulos

‘At TAA, children learn to grow into good citizens and develop into good human beings,’ Peter says. ‘We’ve already made a difference to the lives of over a million kids, teaching them sporting skills along with important life skills such as resilience, leadership, and teamwork. I want this to be my legacy.’

Children enrolled at The AllStars Academy have the option of playing football (soccer), AFL footy, athletics, basketball, tennis, or cricket – all coached by a team of qualified professional coaches rather than amateurs and volunteer parents.

In its emphasis on professionalism and resilience, TAA is designed to help kids thrive in difficult times. ‘The 21st century has placed demands on our children like never before,’ Peter points out. ‘Our kids improve their focus, self-control, and self-esteem while learning how to counter stress and anxiety, which helps them develop into positive human beings.’

Moving far beyond sport, the AllStars Academy will soon launch five other divisions, each created to broaden children’s skill set:

• Wellbeing – Encompassing yoga, meditation and mindfulness programs.

• Arts – Fostering a love of singing, dancing and acting, while teaching creative thinking, communication and confidence.

• Gaming – Encouraging positive eSports and sparking creativity, while promoting problem-solving.

• Education and entrepreneurship – Providing individualised learning experiences to children who struggle to find their place in education.

• STEM – Promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics through coding and robotics.

The project is a natural fit for Peter. ‘I’ve always had a love of sport, as well as an interest in business,’ he explains. ‘I’ve grown many successful businesses over the years – first in hospitality, then in entertainment.

‘My passion to better prepare kids for adult society has inspired me to develop the business in other sectors,’ he continues.

‘Even though under 1% of people become professionals, many valuable life skills emerge through sports training.’

Peter Nikolakopoulos – entrepreneur, former soccer player, and Porsche owner – is inspiring young people to pursue their own paths. His company, The AllStars Academy (TAA), is dedicated to fostering Australian children’s sporting and life skills across multiple areas.

Peter grew up in Australia playing football at the highest level. ‘When I was younger, I was a member of the five-a-side Australian team,’ he remembers.

‘Prior to that, I played for South Melbourne. After getting a full scholarship at the University of South Carolina, I graduated, returned, and played soccer for the Oakleigh Cannons and Port Melbourne Sharks in the Premier League.

‘Shortly after winning the Hyundai Football World Championship in Korea 20 years ago, a relative asked if I could help a friend’s son with his football coaching. When we got amazing results, I started coaching a few others … and the business grew from there.’

Playing sport from a young age has attuned Peter to children’s needs. ‘Reflecting on my own sporting journey as I got older, I decided to develop opportunities for kids,’ he reflects. ‘I saw a gap in the market regarding professionals who wanted to coach children, a task requiring a high level of expertise and patience. By bringing a professional level of coaching to young people, we’re setting them up for success.’

The Academy also makes things easier for parents. ‘With our programs running locally, we’re giving parents time back in their lives,’ notes Peter.

‘It’s a nightmare constantly running kids around for sport in Sydney and Melbourne, so we’ve gone a long way to solving this problem by offering everything locally to schools and delivered by the one organisation. The kids may be doing soccer, tennis, and basketball within the same week, for example, instead of having to go to a bunch of different locations.’

The entire system is scalable and efficient. ‘We’re a franchise-based business model, with passionate partners who work in their own fields,’ Peter explains. ‘We provide the brand, systems and training, and they run the business in their local community or territory.

Outside the Academy, Peter enjoys time with his family – and in this area, his taste in cars has an unexpected bonus. ‘I love my cars, especially Porsches,’ he says. ‘As I have a nine-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son, buying an electric Taycan has been great for teaching them about sustainability. I feel I’m contributing and making a difference in that way.’

Even with his substantial business commitments, sport remains a huge part of Peter’s life. ‘I still love playing seven-a-side football, tennis and golf,’ he says. ‘Outside of sport, catching up with friends is important to me. We socialise a lot, so we’re always out for dinners and drinks with family and friends.’

By using his sporting and business skills to improve the lives of so many Australians, Peter has achieved a goal worthy of significant acclaim.

To find out more about the Academy, visit www.taabrands.com

•

A Taste of Excitement to Come …

The New 911 Carrera T

Pure enjoyment is coming with the announcement that the 911 Carrera T is on its way.

The ‘T’, which stands for Touring, describes the impeccable combination of an entry-model 911 Carrera mixed with a large dose of sportiness.

The Carrera T slots between the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S featuring a biturbo engine putting 283kW of power to the ground via 20 and 21-inch Titanium Grey Carrera S wheels front and back respectively, with 245/35 (front) and 305/30 (rear) sized tyres. Acceleration is zero to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

This is the lightest 911 Carrera to be produced and comes with a host of features including a seven-speed manual gearbox (an eight-speed PDK is also on offer). The manual version brings Porsche Torque Vectoring and a mechanical rear differential lock.

Under the eye-catching body sits Porsche’s PASM sport suspension with 10mm lowering, while on top it’s easy to spot the ‘T’ due to its dark grey accents and contrasting elements, new door and rear logos, and a rear lid grille in Agate Grey.

Exterior metallic colours are limited to Jet Black Metallic, Gentian Blue Metallic or GT Silver Metallic, while solid colours of black, white, Guards Red and Racing Yellow are on offer. (Optional special colours are also available.)

Four-way sports seats plus trim in matte black and decorative inlays, and a heated multi-functional sports steering wheel, complete the interior design.

In Australia, the new 911 Carrera T will come with LED matrix main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, automatic dimming mirrors including rain sensor, electrically folding exterior mirrors, metallic paint, ParkAssist, Surround View, Lane Change Assist, Power Steering Plus (no-cost option), Adaptive Cruise Control (no-cost option), seat heating, Comfort Access, BOSE Surround Sound System and digital radio and tyre fit set.

Australian delivery is scheduled for Q2 of 2023 with a price starting at $280,600.

•

TAG HEUER X PORSCHE CELEBRATES THE 911 CARRERA RS 2.7 WITH TWO NEW LIMITED EDITIONS

Two design icons who share an unmistakable name are reimagined as one, in the form of colourful TAG Heuer Carrera X Porsche 50th anniversary tribute chronographs.

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland – 5 October 2022

In 2021 TAG Heuer and Porsche entered a global partnership, which celebrates their brands' shared history and values. They're once again joining creative forces with the fourth instalment of their collaborative product design, releasing two new limited-edition timepieces in tribute to one of Porsche’s most iconic models and the first 911 to bear the Carrera name – the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022.

To mark the occasion, two distinctive TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Limited Editions are being introduced, showcasing the signature features that have made both the 1972 sports car and the 1963 chronograph timeless objects of desire.

Vibrant TAG Heuer Carrera Chronographs

The same two-tone aesthetic was applied to the limited-edition watches. They're based on the 42mm TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph with its elegant tri-compax layout, minutes and hour chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, and a permanent second indicator and date window at 6 o’clock. Similar to the powerful Porsche 911 Carrera, TAG Heuer has equipped its premier chronograph with its most advanced movement, the in-house manufactured Calibre Heuer 02, with an outstanding power reserve of 80 hours. Visible though the sapphire crystal case back, the movement’s oscillating mass is customized to represent Porsche’s three-spoke steering wheel and bears the two partners’ logos side by side.

The Sporty Blue Edition

The Sporty Blue Edition is limited to 500 pieces, marked XXX/500. The finely polished steel case, rhodium-plated indexes, and hour and minute hands recall the car’s chrome door handles, mirrors, and window frames. The dial is smooth white opaline, while the two sub-counters have an eye-catching snailed finish. Porsche’s design codes are seamlessly integrated throughout the TAG Heuer piece, with blue lacquered chronograph and central hands, blue lacquered pushbuttons and shield logo on the crown, and blue markings on the Calibre Heuer 02 oscillating mass. The right sub-counter design recalls the rims’ aesthetic, and the signature colour stripe and Carrera logo make a bold statement on the dial, flange, case side, and strap.

For this special edition, the piece is presented with both sporty fabric strap with Porsche logo and Carrera markings, as well as an elegant steel bracelet with ergonomic H-shaped links for more formal occasions.

The Sporty Red Edition

The Sporty Red Edition is even more limited, with only 250 pieces, marked XXX/250. The refined case is 18K 5N rose gold, as are the crown, pushers and screw-down sapphire case back. The shimmery white dial is framed with a Guards Red circular line and features rose-gold coloured applied indexes, permanent second indicator and hour and minute hands.

The fiery signature Porsche colour is also present in subtle red touches on the chronograph and seconds hands, subcounter markings and seconds scale on the flange. The Calibre Heuer 02 visible through the case back is engraved with sleek black markings; complementing this sophisticated case is a luxurious red alligator strap with a rose gold-plated pin buckle.

These two collectors’ timepieces are presented in a specially designed and co-branded packaging from TAG Heuer x Porsche with vibrant coloured inserts. Available from 5 October 2022, they will be sold exclusively in TAG Heuer boutiques, on the brand’s e-commerce websites and at select retail partners.

With these two RS 2.7 50th anniversary pieces, TAG Heuer and Porsche demonstrate once again the strength and authenticity of their partnership. Bringing together two of the most celebrated designs in motorsports and watchmaking, the TAG Heuer Carrera and the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, the two brands have created the ultimate expression of their shared Carrera racing spirit. These two bold timepieces expertly mix the most beloved and recognisable codes from both brands and will delight collectors and fans of the special blend of performance and style that TAG Heuer and Porsche both stand for.

www.tagheuer.com

Born for the Part –Ricky Skelton

Assistant Parts Manager Porsche Centre Brighton

Ricky’s passion for Porsches goes back a long way. ‘As a young kid of eight or nine, my dad had a friend with 911s,’ he says. ‘I was a big fan back then, getting to ride in the back seats, feeling that flat six rumbling beneath me. My walls were covered with Porsche posters in my teen years.’

Pair the Porsche passion with an enthusiasm for motorsport, which also started young; ‘I reckon my obsession started with my Dad’s annual Bathurst barbecues with all of his mates,” Ricky recalls.

So, when opportunity knocked at Porsche Centre Brighton all those years back, Ricki jumped at it. ‘I applied for the Parts Interpreter position never thinking I’d get it –but here I am!’ Ricky is now Assistant Parts Manager.

The job has also helped Ricky tick off some bucket list items, including attending Bathurst with Porsche Carrera Cup teams and attending the Carrera Cup awards dinner on the Gold Coast.

Motorsport and working in a retail Porsche Dealership is where Ricky’s people-focused side comes to the fore. ‘I’ve built strong relationships with customers over the years,’ he says. ‘We love seeing our customers coming back time after time. There is also a strong connection when I've had the opportunity to help solve problems for teams trackside.

‘Efficiency and an unflappable nature are key too when motorsport customers facing a ticking clock will often rattle off a long list, so you have to get those parts within crucial turnaround times.’ (Some rounds like Bathurst and Gold Coast only have a twoweek period for getting the cars repaired and prepared to race again.)

Ricky finds much to admire in Porsche’s embrace of EV. ‘There’s not much maintenance with electric cars, but there’s still lots to learn – the charging side of things is a whole new world, for example. We’re fortunate in having strong tech support, and a highly trained team in the workshop if any issues arise.’

Supporting and working closely with various racing teams is an enduring love for Ricky. ‘I was attending race meets prior to the pandemic, even travelling with one team,’ he says. ‘Then in 2020, the Australian Grand Prix we were about to attend was called off due to Covid, so now I’m looking forward to next season and getting back to the track.

The job has other benefits, too. ‘I definitely get the occasional drive,’ Ricky reveals. ‘When I go out to do a quote for trade customers, for example, I often take a car from the sales department.’

It’s yet another plus in Ricky's esteemed career at Porsche Centre Brighton. •

CILC

K HERETO LEARNMOR E

Australia Excels in Porsche Golf Cup

Gary Chong recently competed in the International Porsche Golf Cup at Majorca with three other Australian Porsche owners, achieving the excellent result of second place in a very tough field.

‘Porsche Australia sent four of us to Majorca to compete in the International Cup, which all countries with Porsche dealerships compete in,’ Gary begins. ‘Each participating country has a Porsche Dealer Cup, followed by the Nationals.’

The schedule was brisk. ‘There were two days and one practice round, with the highest-scoring team winning. They took the three highest scores from each day; I was pleased that my score was counted every time, and really enjoyed my first time in Majorca on these superb courses.’

As expected, the organisation was superb. ‘The Porsche International was fabulous, with everything running like clockwork,’ he says. ‘We were well looked-after, and the hotel was amazing. There were even 100 Porsche staff to drive competitors around.’

The International Porsche Golf Cup is a prestigious event with a deep connection to the carmaker. ‘You have to be a Porsche owner to compete,’ Gary notes. ‘My wife has a Macan GTS, while I’ve had my Boxster S for five years. I can’t wait for the new Macan to come out!’

Despite a valiant effort, the team’s great result wasn’t quite enough to put them over the top. ‘We finished second to Mexico,’ Gary says. ‘It was a great, friendly vibe – certainly competitive, but everyone played in good spirits. Unfortunately, none of our bags arrived in time (including the clubs).’

Gary was impressed with the care he received. ‘Lauren, the Porsche Australia representative, did a great job,’ he says. ‘She was there for us when the airline misplaced our bags … which we were extremely relieved to get back in the end!’

We congratulate Gary and the Australian team on their superb result.

•

Gary Chong (second from the right) and team Australia celebrate their result.

CILC K HERETO LEARNMOR E

Born for the Role

Catherine Granger, Delivery Coordinator

Catherine arrived at Porsche Centre Brighton a few weeks ago and is settling in beautifully. ‘My role is essentially a hybrid of stock controller and delivery coordinator, which are often separate roles,’ she begins. ‘I work with every single department at Porsche Centre Brighton, including delivery, service, parts and sales.’

In essence, Catherine is tasked with connecting people with their Porsches. ‘The crux of the role is to get customers into cars effortlessly,’ she affirms. ‘I coordinate vehicle stock, assist customers with their new car collection, and obviously ensure their experience meets every expectation. It’s professionally rewarding to deal with customers who are so excited to pick up their new Porsche, and to also work alongside such a dedicated team that have made me feel so welcome!’

Catherine has a wealth of experience in the luxury car industry, and her dad had a Porsche when she was growing up. However, this is her first time working for Porsche. ‘I’ve already driven some of the cars, which has been amazing including taking a Macan GTS out to the Yarra Valley, and attending the Women’s Drive Day at Sandown Racecourse,’ she explains.

The multi-talented Catherine has another key interest which gels perfectly with her role. ‘I’m a qualified baby car seat fitter,’ she says. ‘I’m looking to bring together car seat safety and automotive excellence by making it easier for parents to have correctly fitted seats in their cars.’

With her determination to make people’s lives as enjoyable and safe as possible, Catherine’s a natural fit at Porsche Centre Brighton. •

Meet the New Faces at Porsche Centre Brighton

CILC K HERETO LEARNMOR E

A Power Couple’s Team Tactics

Billy Murelli and Kayleen Mahony are a husband-andwife team to be reckoned with. They are ‘two peas in a pod’ when it comes to racing and have six Porsches in their garage including the 2016 GT4 ClubSport Manthey Racing Cup Car.

This car – the only one of its type in Australia – wore the famous number 170 for the 2016 Nürburgring 24-Hour race, guided to victory by Christoph Breuer, Christian Gebhardt, and Lars Kern, and still retains the number 170.

Billy’s love affair with Porsches goes back well into his younger days.

‘My first Porsche was a 924; I’ve also had 944s, the 911 G Series, and a 928. In Europe, when I was living in the UK, I had many 911s.

‘Back in Australia, we have six Porsches, all bought from Porsche Centre Brighton – a Macan GTS, the Cayman GTS, and a Boxster GTS. I also have a 996 C4 S, as well as the 997 Cabriolet. (And my race car, of course.)

‘I’ve been interested in cars since I was 15 or 16,’ Billy remembers. ‘But my real passion for Porsche came in when I bought my first 924.’

Robert Gattereder, CEO of Porsche Centre of Brighton (PCB), assisted with Billy’s acquisition of his GT4 Clubsport Manthey Racing Cup Car. PCB looks after all of Billy and Kayleen’s cars for on-road and racetrack use.

Kayleen’s also a long-time car enthusiast. Growing up, she would help her father, a mechanic by trade, to work on race cars in the family workshop. An ambassador of PCB’s Women Who Race program, Kayleen competes at Porsche Club Race Days in their white Cayman GTS, while Billy races in the Victorian State Race Series as well.

Billy recently took his Porsche to Phillip Island for Round 5 of the Victorian State Circuit Racing Championship in the Sports Cars class, mainly comprising Porsche GT3 Cup Cars.

Billy looks out his window and points to his GT4 on the trailer. ‘She came back yesterday from Phillip Island, so I’m going to take her off later today and put her back in the garage; then she’ll go to Porsche Brighton for checking before my next race,’ Billy explains.

Not only does Billy own a successful accounting firm – MMM Accounting and Business Management – he’s also a commercial pilot, so his need for safety complements his need for speed.

‘Safety’s the first thing in aviation,’ he says. ‘Porsches are also reliable on the track, and they don’t compromise your safety.’

Billy remembers when Steve Richards and Dale Wood drove his GT4 before he bought it, and wants to approach their achievement.

‘Once I’ve reached my goal, the intention is to give this car to Kayleen,’ he says. ‘Then I’ll buy a GT3 Cup Car from Robert (Gattereder), hopefully in one to one-and-a-half years.’

Here’s to this literal power couple. •

Kayleen’s Cayman has been upgraded for racetrack use while still road-registered, with PCB doing additional upgrades. Even if Kayleen isn’t racing, she attends Victorian Race Series meetings with Billy.

Louis Muhlen-Schulte’s Alpine Adventures

Having competed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Australian pro skier Louis Muhlen-Schulte is heading to Europe for the World Cup and European Championships.

‘Alpine skiing’s broken into four disciplines, each of which I compete in,’ Louis explains. ‘The Slalom and Giant Slalom have tighter turns and a higher tempo; I also compete in Super G and Downhill, the most famous event.’

Louis did very well in Giant Slalom at the Winter Olympics, getting an equal-best 23rd result for Australia. ‘I crashed out in the Slalom, which was a tough break!’ he adds.

Louis has a long history with winter sports. ‘My sister and I started young,’ he says. ‘We lived in Harrietville at the base of Hotham, so I got a lot of skiing done. As an eightyear-old I was introduced to the Mt Hotham Racing Squad, where I discovered my love of ski racing.

‘The Winter Olympics was the largest event I’ve competed in; I’ve also done several World Cup events,’ Louis notes. ‘Several other Australians are currently competing for Australia with me; we’re all pretty close-knit.’

Showing admirable dedication to the cause, Louis’s mother even sold the family’s Porsche Cayman to fund his tour. ‘I had some government support and private funding during the build-up to the Olympics, but it’s been tough to attract additional fundraising for this season.’

Fortunately, he’s clearly passionate about the sport. ‘I love the freedom to compete and travel,’ Louis says. ‘It’s a joy when everything goes right – but it’s also very fickle, so you have to hope everything comes together on the day!’

We wish Louis all the best in the tough competitions ahead. Keep track of his progress at www.louismuhlen.com

Donations for the ASF (which are tax deductable) can be made at www.asf.org.au/projects/world-cup-season-2023

•

TAG Heuer –a Perfect Partnership

On

the evening, Riley Parker, TAG Heuer’s National Trainer, demonstrated this stunning watch's ability to seamlessly connect with Porsche Taycan and E-Hybrid models.

As well as viewing the state of charge and remaining travel range, customers can turn on cooling or heating from their watch.

A total of 180 VIP guests from Porsche Centre Brighton and TAG Heuer enjoyed the evening, featuring a great DJ, Moët & Chandon champagne and Glenmorangie Scotch whiskey.

Several Porsche Taycan and E-Hybrid vehicles were displayed alongside TAG Heuer Porsche edition watches – two iconic companies whose long association has evolved into an official global partnership. •

Porsche Centre Brighton and TAG Heuer hosted a gala cocktail event to launch the new Calibre E4 X Porsche-connected watch

Ladies Track Day

Women were in control at Sandown Raceway on 18 October when they took to the track with Porsche horsepower. (Not the equine kind that is most common during the Spring racing season.)

This women-only event was spearheaded by experienced racer Courtney Prince, who's most content when behind the wheel of her Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in the Michelin Sprint Driver series.

During the day, she was able to impart some of her driving finesse to the 14 women who were very excited to be able to learn more about their Porsches and take them through the 13 corners gracing the 3.1km circuit, located in Melbourne’s outer east.

After a welcome breakfast, the women had the first of two, two-hour sessions on the track broken up by a lunch during which Courtney spoke about her impressive podium finishes and her absolute love for racing and Porsches.

It will be interesting to find out if Courtney was able to inspire any of the 14 women to take up motor racing as either a hobby or a career. They certainly now have both the right cars and the right training to get started.

•

Paradise On Your Doorstep

The breathtaking Bellarine Peninsula is the sophisticated and subtle high achiever nestled close to its more flashy and famous cousin, The Great Ocean Road.

Located less than 90 minutes from Melbourne, the coastal retreat hugs Port Phillip Bay and Bass Straight providing spectacular views and a treasure trove of stunning venues to eat, drink, exercise and be entertained. Perfect for a Sunday drive or weekend getaway!

Taking in well-known seaside towns Point Lonsdale, Portarlington, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, the Bellarine also boasts lesser-known gems including Indented Head, St Leonards, Curlewis, and Drysdale.

So whether you’re driven by water sports or scenic hikes, prefer a gentle cruise in your luxury car along the coast and into the picturesque hinterland to experience the incredible local producers, or want to shift gears to enjoy a glorious spa experience, the options are endless.

Leading into summer, the allure of crystal-clear waters is hard to resist in the region. Ocean Grove Main Beach is sure to satisfy beginner to intermediate surfers and is the perfect place for families to gather on the vast stretches of sand and splash in the inviting cool waters.

For those hoping for more gnarly waves, then 13th Beach and the break at Point Lonsdale are both “Killer, Dude”.

If your vibe's a little more relaxed, the lush local landscape's home to some of Victoria’s best winemakers, including 2023 Five Star James Halliday Wineries Scotchmans Hill, Lethbridge @ Hat Rock, Oakdene, and Banks Road.

Rows of vines also lace the hillsides overlooking the bay from Jack Rabbit Vineyard and Terindah Estate, where families, couples and friends can gather for casual or more formal locally sourced fare.

The House of Jack Rabbit has a casual vibe with a tastebudtempting menu, a glorious view, and gentle hills for little people to roll down. Jack Rabbit Restaurant is a delightfully refined and more formal experience.

And don’t let the name fool you... the walls of The Shed restaurant at Terindah Estate are glass, so you can eat with views of the vines and the bay beyond. Casual bites and drinks on the deck or by Peter’s Odyssey tram are a good low-key option.

It’s not just the calibre of the vineyards that is putting the Bellarine on the culinary map – the region is also expanding with boutique distilleries. Whisky and gin are the tipples of choice at The Whiskery, cellar door for Bellarine Distillery. Gin and rum can also be found at Thirty Acres Distillery, on site at Bellarine Estate.

The beautifully refurbished 134-year-old Portarlington Grand Hotel is a must-visit to take in the incredible blend of meticulously restored historic features and contemporary style. The hotel features 18 elegant new rooms to stay at, or simply dine in for fine food and cocktails.

If you’re on the move, one of the best recipes for a culinary journey through the Bellarine is exploring the plethora of local growers and artisans offering a delicious and personalised experience. Find them on the Bellarine Taste Trail – (thebellarinetastetrail.com.au).

Ket Baker is an artisan bakery with a big heart, situated in Wallington, just off the Bellarine Highway. Freshly baked flaky pastries beckon from this humble yet world-class Covid success story.

While the freshest blueberries and strawberries are those you pick yourself at Tuckerberry Hill Berry Farm (blueberries - December to January, strawberries - October to December, February to March), non pickers can buy punnets or delicious berry products on site too. For a first-class culinary experience showcasing an array of Bellarine produce and beverages, jump on the Q Train, a moving restaurant on an historic steam train.

Golfers can swing into any number of brilliant courses along the Bellarine. Three are rated in the Top 10 public courses in Australia and another two make the Top 30 (Golf Australia)

13th Beach Golf Links (now there's a Beach and Creek course) in Barwon Heads is home to the Vic Open, one of Australia's leading golf events.

If you're looking to work on skills, visit the impressive driving range at Curlewis Golf Club where balls are automatically teed up after each shot, or head to Australia's first links course at Barwon Heads Golf Club.

For those seeking more active pursuits, the famous Bellarine Rail Trail, traversing through Curlewis and Drysdale on its way to Queenscliff, is a much-loved path for riders and walkers.

Shoppers are spoilt for choice on the Bellarine with charming Barwon Heads Village the go-to destination for clothing, accessories, coveted homewares and pantry items.

Stores including Rigby’s Homewares, Kin + Ko, Kiitos, Annie’s Provedore, Barwon Heads Winestore and surf store Tonik draw customers from far and wide. Not to mention the old-school Barwon Heads Sweet Shop and Coffetti Gelato for the kids – and the young at heart!

Hidden away on a hill by the ocean in Point Lonsdale is the stunning, architecturally designed Lon Retreat & Spa, featuring seven luxurious suites, a mineral spa and next-level relaxation treatments.

There's always something new to see and do in and around the Bellarine, with an impressive all-year-round events calendar.

Mt Duneed Estate is home to the famous music festival, A Day on the Green series of concerts, featuring Crowded House on 19 November, The Killers on 10 December, and Sting on 25 February.

Motoring enthusiasts are set to take pole position at the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival on the picturesque waterfront from 25-27 November. More than 800 classic, quirky and exotic cars will be on display.

Portarlington swells on the second Saturday in January as thousands flock to the Portarlington Mussel Festival and Wonderland Speigeltent, offering an array of entertaining acts from 17 December to 29 January on the Barwon Heads foreshore.

Boasting a wide and eclectic selection of sights and delights, the Bellarine offers visitors as many or as few options as they feel like fitting into their trip. Many will surely return again and again to shop, eat, drink, listen, enjoy and explore the glorious coastal haven.

For more, see visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

•

Painting a Picture of Dorian Gray

Dorian Gray is the story of a man who never aged. Like that man, your Porsche can also keep its youthful good looks with the right care

Porsche Centre Brighton is not just a place to buy your treasured Porsche and service it, but also the place to go to keep it as beautiful today as it was when new. Michael Smith, After Sales Manager at PCB, gives you the ‘low down’.

Michael and his team are experts at keeping the shine on your Porsche perfect, as his highly trained crew of skilled technicians have spent years learning their trade. Not only do they use the right products in the correct ways, they also know exactly how to use each tool. This is essential, because extensive damage can be done to paintwork by amateurs.

‘Most of the time, scratches are put into a car when it’s getting washed,’ Michael begins. ‘Quality car washing is about trying to create a virtually touchless type of process, because swirl marks and hazing are from rubbing with washcloths. And if you’re going through an automatic car wash, it’s from the rollers.’

Professional washing …

Michael describes how each wash is meticulously completed at PCB. They use three buckets to wash a car – one to wash the wheels, one as a rinse bucket and one with the washing chemicals. Even the buckets are specially designed with grates to capture grit. The cloths themselves are special, which is why your local car wash operation doesn’t use them. (Instead, they use cheap sponges or cloths that trap dirt before grinding it into the paintwork.)

PCB uses special microfibre mitts which are laundered after each use, designed to capture and release all the grit during the car wash operations. The cars at PCB aren’t dried using a chamois, as they too scratch the paintwork. Instead, they’re dried with incredibly soft microfibre drying towels, then finished off with a car hair dryer.

The first step is washing the car with what’s known as ‘snow foam’. Detergent delivered by a special gun, which sprays it onto the car as a foam. This mixture then sits on the paintwork for two or three minutes before being blasted away with a pressure washer. The car is then washed with the three-bucket process and dried.

Next, a decontaminant is sprayed on the wheels and body to remove iron filings – crucial, because brake residue and road grime sticks to the car during everyday driving. (If you miss this step, you’ll be grinding iron filings into the clear coat or topcoat of your paint when polishing.) The decontaminant spray turns purple when picking up iron filings to reveal where the iron filings are and how badly the car is infested with them. The car is then carefully cleaned of these.

With a plastic ziplock bag placed over their hand, the technicians rub the duco gently all over. The bag heightens their fingertips’ sensitivity to any roughness within the paintwork, revealing whether contaminants remain on the paint.

If the paintwork still feels rough, a mechanical decontamination using a special clay bar for automotive use is required. This is wiped over the duco with a lubricant (usually water). The clay removes the last traces of contamination, making it silky smooth.

Assessing the paintwork …

Once the Porsche gets to this stage, it’s finally ready for the next phase. This is a lengthy process – vastly different from taking your Porsche to a car wash! The Porsche is then placed under intense lights to assess the paintwork. If it’s in poor condition, the team performs test panels to determine which compounds and polishing pads will work best. The ideal outcome is to remove scratches using the least aggressive compound.

Once this has been determined, the car is masked to cover the delicate areas, including rubber seals, window seals, taillights and headlights. Finally, paint correction is performed. If the car is badly scratched, they may employ a heavy cutting compound with a buff pad, or some paintless dent repairs may be made. Everything’s done in-house to restore the car to its best state.

‘We’ll then have a good look, to check if it looks immaculate,’ says Michael. ‘If not, we may still need to do a third pass, which might involve going right over the whole car.

‘So, a three-stage process takes a day and a half; you then need to wipe the whole car down with a type of alcohol to take all the polishing compounds off the duco, ready for coating.

‘If you left that on and applied ceramic coating, it wouldn’t stick well, because you’re putting a solvent-based coating on top of polish,’ Michael explains. ‘Instead, you want a very raw paintwork ready for application.

‘That takes quite a while, and then it’s ready for the coating. That process will take maybe an hour to an hour and a half on a smaller car, and maybe two hours on a larger car.’

Ceramic coating…

When Michael’s talking about the car being ready for coating, he’s referring to a paint application process called ceramic coating. This is done using a chemical wiped over the paintwork. After a few minutes, the chemical ‘flashes’ – leaving behind a rainbow effect to let you know it’s ready for its final polish.

The actual application of the ceramic coating only takes between one and two hours but the preparation involved in getting to that stage is extensive. Applying a ceramic coating to a scratched car will lock the scratches in forever, because the coating will guard them. For that reason, the car must be immaculate before you coat it.

Of course, if the Porsche is brand new, the process of ceramic coating is much quicker and easier than on an existing car which has been subjected to our dirty roads and atmosphere. But what’s the advantage of the ceramic coat?

For the owner, one huge advantage of a ceramic coating is maintenance. Washing and keeping their car clean is stress-free from that point on, and it won’t damage the paintwork – plus, they can do it themselves quickly at home.

It’s a simple as hosing off their Porsche with a garden hose. The ceramic coating does the rest – beading the water, trapping the dirt, then simply dripping it off the paintwork. But as Michael points out, owners should avoid taking the car to their local car wash, which can lessen the coating’s effectiveness by adding scratches.

The other advantage is that their Porsche will always look just a good as it did when new … like the picture of Dorian Gray. •

CILC K HERETO LEARNMOR E

The Porsche Centre Brighton Shop

Clothing and personal accessories, vehicle accessories, and much more.

In our Online Shop, you can purchase ladies', men's and children's clothing, personal accessories, toys and vehicle accessories.

Whether you're looking for a T-shirt, a model car, or a car care kit, Porsche merchandising offers Porsche drivers and enthusiasts high-quality Porsche branded products to suit every occasion.

Sporty, elegant, and designed in true Porsche minimalist style, the Porsche Lifestyle clothing and accessories range is a perfect fit.

Visit the Porsche Centre Brighton Shop soon.

•

The Boxing Kangaroo Takes the Fight to the FIA Motorsport Games

Stephen and Brenton Grove returned from the global stage of the FIA Motorsport Games with some solid results. Circuit Paul Ricard saw the Porsche pair take part in the GT Category along with Matt Campbell in GT Sprint behind the wheel of their 911 GT3 R.

The Groves picked up a bronze medal at the 2019 games with the subsequent last two games cancelled due to Covid. Stephen Groves said he was really excited to be returning to the games representing Australia again and as team captain.

Team Australia livery for their Porsche entry featured their signature boxing kangaroo; a personal touch which is seen on the majority of Porsches driven by this father-son duo.

The first day saw Brenton and Steve end their campaign in 7th place in the main race after their Porsche was damaged in the second and final qualifying session.

The damage resulted in them starting the race from the back of the pack.

The pair fought through an ultra-competitive field of global competitors in what was an exceptional drive from both Brenton and Steve, to come home with 7th for Australia.

“It’s always tough starting at the back after the issue we had in race two with Brenton getting taken out,” Stephen Grove said.

“We just had to let everyone settle – it’s pretty crazy back there. So, once it had all settled, we were able to push on, get our tyre pressures right and start making some places back. So, overall, the result was very good.”

Brenton reflected on the weekend and said it was a special moment to be on the grid representing Australia.

"We were taken out in the last qualifying race so to charge back through the field like we did leaves us proud but also with a bit of what if.”

In the GT Sprint, Matt Campbell stormed to victory bringing home gold for Australia. The result contributed to a 6th place finish for Team Australia on the overall Games medal tally and the Asia Pacific Trophy for the best performing country in the region.

Campbell made headway early in the race over his Belgian opposition (closest to him from the lead) and in a masterly drive, secured the lead for an hour before crossing the line in first place. Campbell won by 1.6 seconds ahead of Italy and Belgium.

Matt Campbell reflected on his win: "Super happy and proud to be able to bring home a gold medal home for Australia in the FIA games.

"Can’t thank Grove Racing enough for the opportunity to compete in the GT sprint discipline of the event! Fantastic way to finish off the year and in my last possible GT race for some time," he said.

Team Australia Captain, Steven Grove spoke about Matt's win describing how proud he was of Campbell's achievements.

“It’s unbelievable,” Grove said. “I was so nervous; I was more nervous than if I had been in the car. It’s just been a fantastic afternoon, he (Campbell) did well and led from the start to the finish and it was an absolute flawless drive," he said.

•

Third Place for Courtney in her First Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Season

‘We got a third podium at Sandown, as well as a third overall in the first round at Sydney Motorsport Park,’ Courtney explains. ‘So, we've got a podium finish in two out of the three rounds so far. I’d like to move up the top step – that would be great, but it’s been a great year so far. There are 29 competitors, all of whom are male except for two girls.’

‘Last year we only did two rounds, due to Covid travel restrictions it wasn’t classed as a championship,’ Courtney points out. ‘So, I’m really excited that this year we’re having a full season championship. It’s my first year in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, so I’m super-stoked to have my first season in a national series and it is going really well!’ Courtney enthuses.

Even though Courtney’s obviously very excited about the racing and having had some very close battles for the lead, there have been some trying times recently – such as the recent Melbourne race at Sandown, where the weather wasn’t kind. In fact, it poured rain on and off all weekend, forcing teams to second-guess tyre choices at the last minute.

Courtney remembered the final race at Sandown, a 45-minute endurance race where the field had lined up in dummy grid prior to doing a warm-up lap.

When the heavens opened suddenly, her team changed tyres to wets (super-sticky grooved tyres) but no sooner had they done that than it stopped raining. Off with the wets and on with slicks to maximize the grip on the drying track. Part way around the warm-up lap and again Melbourne’s weather changed, pouring with rain.

So, off with the slicks and on with the wets again … but that forced Courtney to start the race from the pits rather than on the track, which put her at the tail end of the field.

‘Together with the other main contenders in the series we had to start from pit lane,’ she recounts. ‘We then all passed the cars who started before us, and I got up to third.’

The main contenders vying for the title are Ryan Wood, a Kiwi, and Thomas Sergeant. Courtney’s challenging them not only for the podium in most races, but also for the championship, where she’s now sitting in third place.

The Bend is the next event on the calendar. Courtney’s looking forward to racing there, as it’s one of her favourite tracks.

‘It reminds me of European tracks. (I hope to go over to Europe one day),’ Courtney observes. ‘They’re definitely the tracks I like and prefer, so I’m very excited to go there.’

What’s Courtney planning for next year?

‘I’m just focusing doing the best I can this year,’ she confides. ‘Then, if I do a good enough job, the doors should open for me next year.’

With that attitude, we’re sure she’ll be bursting through every door she encounters!

Keep up to date with Courtney's progress by following the @PorscheMotorsportAU Facebook and Instagram accounts, the @PorscheMspAU account on Twitter.•

Courtney Prince has been tearing up the bitumen in her maiden Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season with two podium positions after three races.

Dale Wood’s Latest Pursuits

Joining a new team like Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) and setting up a new car like the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992) is a massive commitment, so it comes as no surprise that Dale Wood has had a mixed year of racing in Australia’s Carrera Cup.

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‘It was very much a learning year,’ Dale explains. ‘What it’s lacked is probably consistency. We’ve had some standout results, but we can’t seem to carry that around at the moment. We’ve had some rounds we’ve been battling just outside of, or only just inside the top ten, which isn’t where we should be and definitely not where we want to be.’

At the Sandown round in Melbourne, the weather was up and down, wet and dry but even so, the results were good for Dale and his team.

‘We tried a few things on the car that I think will be very good moving forward,’ Dale reflects. ‘The results were very good for us there in the wet, and that’s maybe down to the field. There are a lot of really fast young drivers; probably what they lack sometimes is experience. That is something I’ve got a lot of, so that was quite good for me.

‘Our final round was at the Gold Coast, another really exciting event. We hadn't driven the Porsche 992 on anything like the Gold Coast circuit, so it was certainly very interesting.’

For Dale the Gold Coast event showed the speed that he and his Porsche could achieve topping the timesheets in practice one then finishing the opening race in third place.

Dale is a very experienced and in-demand driver with five Carrera Cup campaigns under his belt as well as numerous V8 Supercar stints. He’s raced at Bathurst on many occasions, giving him the edge on a very testing track. As he says, though, he is taking it one race at a time this year to ensure the team has the ideal car setup for 2023.

‘I can look back on this year and know we could really build on this but I also think there wouldn't be a person in the field that wouldn’t be feeling that same thing,’ he notes. ‘I think we can definitely go at full swing next year to win the championship.’

Dale remains very positive about the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team as well as his car, saying that he's really enjoyed the whole team’s ‘very straight-up’ approach – even though in the first year with a new team, it’s always a learning process.

‘I think you really need to spend a year finding your feet with everybody,’ he said. ‘I’ve really enjoyed that, and that’s what I think brings consistency for the following year.’

With such solid groundwork laid for the 2023 season, Dale and his team have promising times ahead. •

Photography Lisa SAAD Courtesy of Porsche AG Benjamin Hartnett Nikole Ramsay

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