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. •