THE PRESIDENTS REPORT - ROUND 1 PREVIEW
17 Cars have entered for the first round of the 2024 944 Challenge Championship as the series once again returns to Sandown Raceway to kick off the season around the historic Melbourne circuit. This round of the Championship is proudly presented by one of the new sponsors for the season, in LK Diesel Service. Welcome LK Diesel Service, and thank you for your support for this season which is shaping up to be one of the best and closest for many years!
THE PRESIDENTS REPORT - ROUND 1 PREVIEW
17 Cars have entered for the first round of the 2024 944 Challenge Championship as the series once again returns to Sandown Raceway to kick off the season around the historic Melbourne circuit. This round of the Championship is proudly presented by one of the new sponsors for the season, in LK Diesel Service. Welcome to LK Diesel Service, and thank you for your support for this season which is shaping up to be one of the best and closest for many years!
The 2024 season will see a battle to see who can be ‘the first to five’ with our two 4-time champions, Chris Lewis-Williams and Cameron Beller locking horns once again to see who can come out on top at the end of the year. They might not have things all their own way however, with plenty of other drivers looking to prevent either of them from moving onto 5 titles in 2024.
Chris Lewis-Williams
Unveiling some new colours this weekend is the reigning 2023 champion Chris Lewis-Williams, who has decided to stick with his tried & true #37 for his defending season. Chris has decreed that the #1 has only once served him well (in his 2014 title defence) therefore the #1 will be vacant for this year.
His natural chief rival for 2024 will again be Cameron Beller in the familiar #55 car, and Cam will be eager to take another championship and beat CL-W to number 5. Cam hasn’t finished lower than second in the championship since 2014, an amazing statistic but he will be looking for his first post-COVID championship in 2024.
Adam Brewer (#3) returns for 2024 with a renewed vigor and hopes to see him add to his wins tally more than he did in 2023 where he finished in third position in the standings for the second straight year, with the single race win at the last round of the season at Island Magic.
After a fantastic season, Joey Kellock (#77) returns fresh from scooping the 2023 Rookie of the year award, in a year that saw him finish fourth overall in the 944 points and narrowly miss out on a race win after suffering mechanical failure while leading Race 2 at Calder Park. He will return with the 1800Lasagne machine looking to chalk one up in the W column in 2024.
Joey Kellock’s Calder misfortune brought good fortune to his stablemate Mark Verdino (#44) however, with Mark taking his debut race victory where he also took round honors at Calder Park, on his way to fifth position in the championship – a position that could have been higher if not for him missing a round during the year. Fresh from also securing the coveted ‘Most Improved’ award at the recent 2023 Awards night, Mark will also look to contend regularly for the podium this year in the Sidelink Transport machine.
Finishing in sixth position in the championship was club President Mark Taubitz. Mark struggled in the first half of the year before being handed the keys to Andrew Jackman’s Poolmaster machine while Andrew sat out a few rounds while recovering from shoulder surgery. Mark was able to run some PB times over those three events but couldn’t capitalise on a Pole Position at Sandown and was left wanting more. While he awaits his new car to be completed, Mark again gets behind the wheel of another car this weekend, as he steers the Bright Yellow #66 Pipecraft machine owned by Tim Wolfe, and will look to replicate the speed he showed at Sandown last year.
Hoping to start 2024 with a strong beginning is John Vainoras (#32) after seemingly putting his unreliability woes behind him, John will be hoping for three strong results and a good points haul to begin the year after just finishing outside the top ten in points in 2023.
Making what could be another cameo appearance will be two-time champion Jamie Westaway in the Yellow & Black #51 machine usually steered by Father Tony, who takes up crew chief duties this weekend. It’s yet to be determined how many rounds of the 2024 championship Jamie will run this year, with a 2024 Bathurst 6 Hour campaign alongside defending Class winners Andrew Jackman & Mark Taubitz in his calendar for this year, some extra 944 outings might help keep him match fit!
Returning to Sandown for Round 1 will be the very speedy Lyndon Watson (#5) who wheels out the Don Watson Transport machine in an attempt to make a good start to his 2024 championship campaign after only running a few select events in 2023, we will hopefully see Lyndon regularly on the grid in 2024.
Making his first start at Sandown this weekend is Jared Campione (#88) Jared joined after the halfway point of the 2023 season and quickly placed himself firmly in the midfield as he came to grips with the car and the circuits. Jared showed impressive debut speed and will look for a good result this weekend and will be a strong contender for Rookie of the year status in 2024.
A welcome return to the series is stalwart and 944 Challenge Life Member Dick Howe, back behind the wheel of the #8 machine after missing the last three events of 2023 as he underwent surgery. Having lost none of his enthusiasm in his time away, Dick will be keen to get onto the long straights of Sandown and score some good results to make up for missing the last few events.
Michael Westaway (#45) is also back to start the 2024 season after returning at the back of last year after repairs from the 2022 Sandown event kept the car off the circuit for 12 months. Always one to come on stronger throughout a race weekend, the familiar orange car will no doubt be up the pointy end of the field, especially at the end of the day on Sunday.
Jim Mitchell (#46) is back after a trying final few rounds at the back end of 2023 with a dropped valve in Calder Park followed by an electrical issue and engine bay fire saw him not even take to the track in the final two rounds. Always one to be contended with at Sandown the flying Martini livery car will be looking to make a good start this weekend, score some solid points and finish the race weekend without drama.
Toni Andreevski (#27) also is back on the grid to start 2024 after some fuel surge issues at the back end of 2023 hampered his efforts in the final rounds. A complete overhaul of the fuel system by the team at Jocaro should put an end to those woes, and Toni looking to get this season off on the right foot!
Making a very welcome return to the 944 Challenge grid is Sam Rofe (#68) for the first time since 2017. Sam has upgraded the car to the current spec and will be wheeling it out to resume the fun this weekend, which will hopefully yield a strong and reliable return to racing for the entire 2024 season!
Having his first outing with the 944 Challenge this weekend is Andrew Goldman. (#333) Andrew only took possession of the car two weeks ago and will have his first real laps in anger this weekend after competing in a Subaru WRX in 2023 in Sports Sedans. Hopefully, Andrew will flourish in the tightly contested one-make category this weekend as he comes to grips with his new ride!
Meanwhile, having his first race weekend in any type of car is Nick Carpenter (#14) driving the Red ex-Peter Doherty car that was steered to a trio of podiums by the very accomplished Ryan Woods at Winton in 2023. Nick is doing his OLT on Friday and will be lining up for his first car races this weekend after also just recently taking delivery of the car and is super excited to get the weekend underway! Best of luck to Nick, and all of the competitors this weekend!
We look forward to a bunch more competitors joining the series from Rounds 2 & 3 with Carter Fox a late withdrawal for this event, and due to return at Phillip Island in May, along with Andrew Jackman and Keith Marriner.
Josh Brisbane should be on track for Round 2, which will hopefully also see Ryan Woods re-join the series after his strong results there last year in the Red 944 now sold to Nick Carpenter. Manny Mezzasalma will also be back after a conflicting wedding date brought upon his absence for Round 1.
Tony Westaway will hopefully be back behind the wheel of his car for Round 2, hopefully with Jamie taking the wheel of his regular car – while we hope to also see the return of Rob Holding and Pedr James this season after being away from the circuit the past couple of years, along with the return of Andy Jones who will be back behind the wheel of his new car after his rollover at Sandown 18 months ago.
Finally, there are also rumblings of 2 past season champions thinking of dusting the cobwebs from their 944s and making a comeback to the track this year – we certainly hope that turns out to be the case!
If you like what you see on the circuit and want to get on board with the Porsche 944 Challenge series, the series is enjoying a resurgence with a couple of cars available for purchase and others returning to competition, along with some freshly built cars being finalised with some of those for lease, or sale.
Get in touch with the guys in the series if you'd like to get on track and join in the action.
944 CHALLENGE SERIES WELCOMES LK Diesel Service Pty Ltd. as PARTNER
The 944 Challenge Series is thrilled to anounce that LK Diesel Service will become naming rights partner for Round 1 of the 2024 season.
Round 1 kicks off at Sandown International motor raceway on 16 February, 2024
The 944 Challenge Series is thrilled to anounce that LK Diesel Service will become naming rights partner for Round 1 of the 2024 season.
Round 1 kicks off at Sandown International motor raceway on 16 February, 2024
In 1967, LK Diesel Service began as a partnership between Lloyd Lang and Ted Kuhlwind – the L and K of LK Diesel Service Pty Ltd.
LK Diesel Service supply and service industrial diesel engines, generators and pump sets including, but not limited to mining, rail, construction and agriculture both within Australia and the Asia/Pacific rim.
To learn more about the benefits of the range of diesel engines for sale, customers from Braeside, Clayton, Dandenong, Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Oakleigh and all across Australia can contact a member of the knowledgeable team today.
Whether you need diesel engines in Brisbane or Melbourne, the team can help you.
Further information can be found at: https://www.lkdiesel.com.au/
CHRIS LEWIS-WILLIAMS CROWNED X4 CHAMPION OF PORSCHE 944 CHALLENGE SERIES
Tyrepower Benalla Rocket Digital driver Chris Lewis-Williams has been crowned the 2023 Porsche 944 Challenge Series champion for the fourth time, following the ‘Island Magic’ final round event of the 2023 season at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
story by PIT LANE MEDIA
Tyrepower Benalla Rocket Digital driver Chris Lewis-Williams has been crowned the 2023 Porsche 944 Challenge Series champion for the fourth time, following the ‘Island Magic’ final round event of the 2023 season at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Chris Lewis-Williams
Lewis-Williams previously took out the title in 2011, 2013 and 2014.
He now joins Robert Lange (2007-2010) and Cameron Beller (2016-2019) as the only other two drivers who have claimed four titles.
No one has yet achieved five.
Chris Lewis-Williams fights with Cameron Beller
Lewis-Williams finished the year on 447 points with Cameron Beller in second place on 415.
Adam Brewer rounded out the top 3 with 399 points.
Chris Lewis-Williams leads Cameron Beller and Adam Brewer at Phillip Island
On the championship victory, the man nicknamed ‘The Baron of Benalla’ said,
‘We had 6 good rounds, our worst round was Winton where we got a fourth and two thirds. But after that we sort of found some more pace and won three of the next four rounds.
Chris Lewis-Williams
I took some time away from racing for a while but when I got back into it, I found my old mechanic David Bath, rang him and said, ‘I'm going to race again, do you want to come and engineer it again’ and he said, ‘I’d love to’.
We originally built the car back in 2014 and it's such a good little series because it's quite controlled, the way we've kept the rules tight means that it's not about how much money you throw at it, it's about the driver.
So it's been a really good year.
To come back after being away for four years and to then be competitive has been kinda cool’.
The Porsche 944 Challenge Series 2024 season kicks off on 16 February 2024 at Sandown International Motor raceway.
MA MANDATES QUICK EXIT REQUIREMENT
Competitors at Motorsport Australia events will be required to be able to extract themselves from their race vehicles in 10 seconds or less from 2025. In the interim, that is 2024, there will be a 15s limit.
In line with advice from the Motorsport Australia Risk and Safety Committee, and FIA standards, the phased introduction will provide competitors the opportunity to practice the best way to self-extract themselves before being tested at events.
story via Speedcafe
Competitors at Motorsport Australia events will be required to be able to extract themselves from their race vehicles in 10 seconds or less from 2025. In the interim, that is 2024, there will be a 15s limit.
In line with advice from the Motorsport Australia Risk and Safety Committee, and FIA standards, the phased introduction will provide competitors the opportunity to practice the best way to self-extract themselves before being tested at events.
This requirement will not apply to those competing in categories that already have a shorter extraction time listed in their regulations. MA has implemented the requirement to ensure competitors are trained and ready if they are required to self-extricate during an emergency.
“The ability to self-extract from a vehicle is an important part of motorsport safety in line with international guidelines being used around the world. This is important as in the event of a serious incident, time is crucial,” said Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith.
Smith said the new requirements would not be overly onerous, based on the test results across the sport. Several tests were conducted across disciplines at events this year, and the tested averaged well below the 10s requirement.
“Like anything, the more practice competitors get at self-extraction, the better they will become. This is also something people can practice at home or at the workshop without adding any additional testing costs, as you simply need to belt yourself in wearing your full race gear and practice the best way to exit your vehicle.
“When it comes to fire and other leaks or issues, a quick self-extraction is key to surviving and minimising or preventing serious injury.
“Our officials and staff will be very happy to work with those who may not initially be able to meet this goal to ensure they can understand how to meet the self-extraction requirements,” Smith added.
WONDERFUL WESTAWAY WINS ISLAND MAGIC FEATURE RACE THREE YEARS IN A ROW
Westbon Management driver Jamie Westaway has taken out victory in race 3 of 3, to claim his third Island Magic feature race trophy in three years, during the Porsche 944 Challenge Series Island Magic event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Westbon Management driver Jamie Westaway has taken out victory in race 3 of 3, to claim his third Island Magic feature race trophy in three years, during the Porsche 944 Challenge Series Island Magic event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Jamie Westaway takes vitory in Race 3 at Phillip Island
In a spectacular ‘rain interrupted’ race of attrition and final race of the season, front runners Cameron Beller, Adam Brewer, Mark Verdino, Emanuel Mezzasalma and Jared Campione all failed to see the chequered flag, whilst championship leader and 2023 champion-elect Chris Lewis-Williams stormed through the field after starting from the rear of the grid due to a penalty after race 2.
Jamie Westaway with Island Magic Trophy
In the end it was a commanding victory for Westaway who has now taken out the last three wins at the inaugural end of year event and trophy race.
Jamie Westaway wins Island Magic Event Trophy Race
BREWER TAKES VICTORY AS BELLER ENGINE GOES BOOM
AVI Technology driver Adam Brewer has claimed victory in race 2 of 3, during the Porsche 944 Challenge Series Island Magic event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
The race was red flagged after leader Cameron Beller’s engine exploded exiting turn two and into the high speed turn three in spectacular fashion.
AVI Technology driver Adam Brewer has claimed victory in race 2 of 3, during the Porsche 944 Challenge Series Island Magic event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
The race was red flagged after leader Cameron Beller’s engine exploded exiting turn two and into the high speed turn three in spectacular fashion.
With the safety car called and marshalls on track to remove the stricken car, it was Brewer who led the field home to take another victory in the category.
Adam Brewer
Adam Brewer
The engine failure proved costly for Beller, with end of season points on the line, dropping him back with the DNF result.
Champion elect Chris Lewis-Williams, who finished second in the race, now heads into the final race of the season with an unassailable lead.
MAGICAL BELLER BACK ON TOP - CB TAKES WIN IN RACE 1
Beller Motorsport driver Cameron Beller has taken out a hard fought victory, during Race 1 of 3, in the 2023 Porsche 944 Challenge Series ‘Island Magic’ event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Beller Motorsport driver Cameron Beller has taken out a hard fought victory, during Race 1 of 3, in the 2023 Porsche 944 Challenge Series ‘Island Magic’ event at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Cameron Beller
The win did not come easy with serious competition and close racing between the top 6 all race.
Cameron Beller leads Chris Lewis-Williams and Adam Brewer at Phillip Island
2023 ‘champion elect’ Chris Lewis-Williams battled hard to come home in second place with Adam Brewer and Mark Verdino tussling all race for the final spot on the podium.
2X former champion Jamie Westaway led the race early but mechanical issues saw him drop back, before coming home to complete the top 6, finishing behind the No 77 of Joey Kellock.
Races 2 and 3 will be completed tomorrow with all races are available to be seen LIVE and FREE TO AIR on Blendline TV.
CLICK THE LINK HERE TO VIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Sz0Q-DNbk
Cameron Beller
Chris Lewis-Williams
Adam Brewer
JAMIE WESTAWAY ON POLE FOR ISLAND MAGIC
Former double 944 Challenge Series champion Jamie Westaway has bounced back to take pole for the final Race 1 of the 2023 season, during the Island Magic event at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Former double 944 Challenge Series champion Jamie Westaway has bounced back to take pole for the final Race 1 of the 2023 season, during the Island Magic event at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Westaway, returning from an absence, outpaced incoming 2023 champion Chris Lewis- Williams, with Cameron Beller just back in third.
This weekend, Jamie sits in the famous No.50 yellow and black liveried car, usually raced by his father Anthony Westaway.
Race 1 begins today at 12.50pm with Races 2 and 3 tomorrow to conclude the 2023 season.
All races are available to be seen LIVE and FREE TO AIR on Blendline TV.
CLICK THE LINK HERE TO VIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Sz0Q-DNbk