jack atley 7/12/24 jack atley 7/12/24

BELLER BECOMES FIRST TO CLAIM FIVE PORSCHE 944 CHALLENGE SERIES TITLES

Beller Motorsport driver Cameron Beller has become the first driver in the category’s history to claim 5 Porsche 944 Challenge Series championships, as the 2024 season was completed, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Beller finished the year by taking victory in race 2 in the final round of the year and ended up 26 points clear of his nearest rival.

Cameron Beller is seen ahead of Jamie Westaway at Phillip Island

Sidelink driver Mark Verdino finished the seaon in second postion with Tyrepower Benalla driver - and 4 times series champion - Chris Lewis Williams completing the season in third place.

jack atley 23/10/24 jack atley 23/10/24

THE PRESIDENTS REPORT - ROUND 6 PREVIEW

13 entries for the Sixth Round of the 2024 944 Challenge Championship, which marks the final round of the 2024 Victorian State Racing Championships as the series returns to Calder Park after the first venture on the rejuvenated historic race track last year.

Porsche Cars Australia

Butchers Diner

Campione Electrics

EJM Advice

Stratton Finance Hobart

AVi Technology

L K Diesel Service

Don Watson Transport

Trico

888 Home Loans

Pit Lane Clothing

This round of the Championship is proudly presented by Butchers Diner, and in the State series final round, only three points separate leader Chris Lewis-Williams (#37) from second placed Cameron Beller (#55) going into the round.

Beller took home the chocolates at Phillip Island three weeks ago with 2 race wins to close the gap while Chris came home in third position for the round, but Chris scored the better round results of the two last year when he wrapped up the Vic State Championship crown in 2023.

There will be plenty of eyes on these two as they tussle for the top spot!

Not to be forgotten about in third position is Adam Brewer (#3) with Brewer only 20 points behind Lewis-Williams in the State Championship - and with 100 points on offer this weekend! - it would only take the front two to have a slight issue to catapult Brewer right into the title hunt at Calder Park.

Also in a similar position, albeit further back in the pointscore and thus requiring more to go his way to make an impact is Mark Verdino (#44).

Verdino sits a further 24 points behind Brewer, and while coming from fourth to first in the final round might seem unlikely, it is most certainly possible – and a top three finish is certainly something that could easily happen – especially given that Verdino took the Round win and his first race win at Calder Park last year.

Technically still in contention for the State Championship in fifth position is Jamie Westaway# (28).

Jamie would have been still in the mix, and would have moved up to fourth had he not lost all clutch pressure on the final lap of the final race at Phillip Island, whilst leading.

He now sits 82 points behind Beller and would need bad luck to fall the way of all of the top four to be able to overcome the deficit. Having missed this race last year, Jamie will be using Friday to get himself familiar with the Calder Park circuit before Saturday action starts.

In sixth position in the State Championship Points is Mark Taubitz (#71).

Taubitz was happy with the handling of his new car at the fast PI circuit but still lamenting the lack of performance from the drivetrain and exposed a couple of shortfalls with the new car that hurt his results on the Sunday races at Phillip Island. With those exposed issues now rectified, Taubitz will hope for a good weekend and some strong results at Calder Park as he looks to retain his top five in the 944 Challenge Championship ahead of Westaway.

Returning to the circuit after having to withdraw from Phillip Island due to contacting COVID during race week is veteran Dick Howe (#8) unfortunately Dick was entered, but unable to make the trip - but he is now well and truly recovered and we look forward to seeing him return to the venue he has competed at many times, albeit on the banked Thunderdome!

Currently sitting in 14th position in the State Championship in his rookie season is Nick Carpenter behind the wheel of the #14 machine, Nicks expected debut at Phillip Island unfortunately didn't go the way he was hoping after encountering fuel pump issues during on Saturday qualifying meaning he did not get to turn a lap in anger during the races. Nick will be hoping he has sorted those issues this weekend at Calder, and he has the opportunity to leapfrog up to 8th position in the State Championship if he can have a strong outing!

Having one of his most enjoyable weekends for some time was John Vainoras (#32), beaming after having a weekend long tussle with Jack Atley where the two were able to share the triumphs over each other on Sundays races. John also has the opportunity to move up into the top ten of the State Championship points this weekend if he can string together a good trio of results!

Setting up for his first outing at Calder Park with his 944 is Peter Grant behind the wheel of the #84 car.

A strong weekend at Phillip Island for Peter sees him close behind Carpenter in the 944 Championship points, an important factor when looking at the Rookie of the Year standings for this year!

A welcome sight on the grid for the first time this year was the Yellow & Black #7 machine of Carter Fox, although Carter has been at a couple of events behind the wheel of the Andrew Jackman car.

The cars return wasn't without drama however, Carter incurring a damaged windscreen after hitting some debris which smashed the wiper onto the screen, and a scare with a gear selection on Sundays race before a strong showing in the final race.

Carter showed some good speed and will hope to match that with consistency to chalk up a good outing this weekend at Calder Park.

Back behind the wheel of his faithful car #20 will be Andrew Jackman, having had his first race meeting since his Bathurst 6 Hour class win at Easter.

Jackman was quick in the wet conditions on Saturday, but a couple of spins at MG corner hurt his results. He returned strong on Sunday, dicing with Tony Westaway and Taubitz before having a lose at Honda corner which dropped him down. His car was again quick at Calder last year in the hands of Taubitz, and Jackman will be looking to continue to show that strong speed on his first race meet at the Melbourne circuit.

Also returning to the series after an even longer hiatus was Jack Atley – exchanging the microphone for the steering wheel, Jack was behind the wheel of the Pit Lane Clothing #35 944 again this weekend after he acclimatized himself at Phillip Island. A spin and resultant DNF after getting bogged in the wet grass and mud ended his Saturday early, but Jack had a ball dicing with Vainoras for the minors on Sunday, and will have his eyes set on some top ten finishes this weekend.

Unfortunately we will be missing the Westaway brothers, Tony & Michael this weekend but both will be back for the final round at Island Magic, as will Josh Brisbane and Toni Andreevski, as well as the returns of Andrew Goldman with a fresh engine after his dramas at The Bend, and the expected return of Keith Marriner fresh from his commentary duties at Phillip Island last time out!

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 would like to get on track and join in the action.

jack atley 16/10/24 jack atley 16/10/24

BELLER CLAIMS TREASURE ISLAND BUT CHAMPIONSHIP REMAINS TIGHT AT THE TOP

Beller Motorsport driver Cameron Beller has cemented his position at the top of the 944 Challenge Series after taking out two race victories, during Round 5 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

2 time champion Jamie Westaway claimed the remaining race win of the 3 race weekend, as competitors faced tough weather conditions at the southern Victorian circuit.

Importantly for the championship, Beller was followed home by AVI Technology driver Adam Brewer, who now moves up in the points standings too.

4 time champion Chris Lewis-Williams had a solid weekend and remains close behind in third position with one round of the Victorian State Race Series to be completed and two rounds of the overall national 944 Challenge Series remaining.

Sidelink driver Mark Verdino also had another strong round performance and he too remains in the hunt for both championships, just 23 points off the lead of the overall national series with 100 possible points on offer, per weekend.

Round 6 will see the series head back to the historic circuit of Calder Park Raceway in Melbourne on 24 - 26 October.

jack atley 7/10/24 jack atley 7/10/24

THE PRESIDENTS REPORT - ROUND 5 PREVIEW

17 entries for Round 5 of the 2024 944 Challenge Championship as the series makes its first visit for the season to the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Porsche Cars Australia

Butchers Diner

Campione Electrics

EJM Advice

Stratton Finance Hobart

AVi Technology

L K Diesel Service

Don Watson Transport

Trico

888 Home Loans

Pit Lane Clothing

17 entries for Round 5 of the 2024 944 Challenge Championship as the series makes its first visit for the season to the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This round of the Championship is proudly presented by Butchers Diner, and with only thirty points separating the top five in the points going into this round, all eyes will be on the front of the field to see if any of the top three on the ladder will move clear with a some wins, or will the party be spoilt by others ready to pounce and close the gap to those up front?

Westaway, Beller, Brewer, Verdino and Lewis-Williams are seen racing at Sandown

Moving to the top of the 944 Championship pointscore for the first time this season is Cameron Beller (#55) as a result of his Sandown second place finished at Sandown behind Jamie Westaway. Cameron is sitting in second place in the Vic

State Series behind Chris Lewis-Williams (#37) in the Tyrepower car who leads the Vic State Championship, but has slipped to second in the 944 Championship by virtue of the results at the Bend.

Sitting in third position in both points tables is Adam Brewer (#3) after taking a race win for the season in the final race at the last round at The Bend in June, Adam’s consistency has him only 5 points behind Lewis-Williams in the 944 points as he has finished every race of the season so far in the top 5 positions.

Moving up to fourth in both championships is Mark Verdino (#44) now sitting only two points behind Adam Brewer after gaining three points on both Brewer and Lewis-Williams at Sandown to keep him well and truly in the points hunt.

In fifth position in the points after debuting his new Apple Car at Sandown is Mark Taubitz (#71) after struggling a bit at the home of horsepower as he came to grips with the new car, though being slightly off the pace has caused him to slip 18 points behind Verdino in the points championship.

Vaulting up to sixth position in the 944 Championship – and 5th in the State Championship is Jamie Westaway# (28).

Jamie has won every race that he has finished this year, but a Winton round with no points, and a non –attendance at the Bend has put him behind the 8 ball for both championships. Could he pull of a miracle if he continues to finish and win? Time will tell...

Holding on to seventh position in the 944 Challenge points is Michael Westaway (#45), fresh with a new engine for this round Michael will be excited to see how far up the field some extra horsepower will see him go!

A late withdrawal due to contacting COVID during the week is veteran Dick Howe (#8) unfortunately Dick was entered but unable to make the trip – we wish Dick a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him at Calder Park!

Sitting in 9th position in his rookie season is Nick Carpenter behind the wheel of the #14 machine, as Nick heads to Phillip Island for his first race there also as he continues his initiation to all of the circuits! Nick will be looking to continue his learning and score some good points this weekend and see if he can move forward in the points battle.

An up and down weekend at Sandown for Tony Westaway (#50,) after spinning on his own oil at the end of race 2 while battling for 6th position gave him a DNF and a recovery from the back for the final race. A former Pole sitter at the PI circuit, Tony will be looking to get his season on track with a good result this weekend at the Island.

After a weekend to forget at Winton, the last two rounds have been more fruitful for Josh Brisbane (#56) who chalked up three finishes at Sandown and looks forward to returning to the island and getting amongst it, fresh from a successful test, Josh will have aspirations of some top ten results this weekend.

Having only his second outing with the 944 Challenge at The Bend was Peter Grant behind the wheel of the #84 car, though a head gasket failure in qualifying meant Peter missed Race 1. He had a good showing in the races on Sunday however, and will be looking forward to Phillip Island this weekend where he has plenty of miles, albeit these will be his first in a 944 this weekend.

A weekend to forget at Sandown for John Vainoras (#32) who was plagued with overheating problems all weekend. A suspect radiator found to be the cause of the problem, John will be hoping to have a good clean run this weekend and finish all three races at Phillip Island.

Back behind the wheel of his faithful #7 machine after stepping behind the wheel of the Poolmaster #20 of Andrew Jackman for the last two events, Carter Fox is looking forward to a good weekend with the aid of a fresh powerplant in his car and will have his sights on being entrenched solidly in the front half of the field after getting a taste of that at The Bend.

Back behind the wheel of car #20 for the first time since Island Magic 2023 is Andrew Jackman, armed with another Bathurst 6 Hour class victory the Poolmaster will be praying for plenty of water to help him return with a statement in the #20 machine, and his wet-weather prowess to be able to come to the fore.

Also returning to the series, after an even longer hiatus is Jack Atley – exchanging the microphone for the steering wheel, Jack will behind the wheel of the Pit Lane Clothing 944 this weekend, adorning #35 for this round. Having been away from the circuit for a couple of years, and driving a new carm Jack will be easing himself into the weekend but will be comfortable behind the wheel come Sunday and look forward to a good solid outing.

A last minute withdrawal also was Ryan Woods, we were hoping to see the #17 make a return to the series but a time ran out to get the car ready for the circuit and he will miss this event.

Also missing this weekend, but hopeful to see return soon we have Toni Andreevski, Joey Kellock, Andrew Goldman, Jared Campione, Lyndon Watson, Manny Mezzasalma and Sam Rofe.

jack atley 29/8/24 jack atley 29/8/24

WESTAWAY WINS, BELLER CHARGES AND THE BARON STAYS ON TOP

2 time series champion Jamie Westaway has come through with a commanding ‘3 race wins from 3 races’ weekend, during round 4 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series at Sandown Motor Raceway in Melbourne.

Westaway, returning to the series after missing round 3 at The Bend in Sth Australia showed true dominance all weekend to claim the three race wins - but importantly, was followed home by Beller motorsport driver, Cameron Beller.

2 time series champion Jamie Westaway has come through with a commanding ‘3 race wins from 3 races’ weekend, during round 4 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series at Sandown Motor Raceway in Melbourne.

Significantly, the 3 second places by the 4 time series champion Beller was enough to see him charge to the lead of the overall National 944 challenge Series, with 3 rounds remaining.

A strong weekend by ‘The Baron of Benalla’, Chris Lewis-Williams also saw him move up a spot in the National title hunt to sit second and also cemented his spot at the top of the rankings in the State series over Beller and race winner at The Bend, Adam Brewer.

Brewer remains in a tantalisingly close third spot in both championships.

*The 944 Challenge Series field is seen at Sandown*

Round 5 will see the series return to the fast and furious Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on 4th October 2024.

jack atley 23/8/24 jack atley 23/8/24

THE PRESIDENTS REPORT - ROUND 4 PREVIEW - STARS RETURN FOR ROUND 4 AS THINGS HEAT UP AT THE TOP

A healthy field of 18 Cars have entered for Round 4 of the 2024 944 Challenge Championship as the series makes its return to the home of horsepower, Sandown Raceway in Melbourne.

This round of the Championship is proudly presented by Campione Electrics, and with only three points separating the top three in the points going into this round, all eyes will be on the front of the field to see if any of the top three on the ladder will move clear with some wins, or will the party be spoiled by others ready to pounce and close the gap to those up front?

A healthy field of 18 Cars have entered for Round 4 of the 2024 944 Challenge Championship as the series makes its return to the home of horsepower, Sandown Raceway in Melbourne.

Topping the Championship pointscore for tor the first time in his career is Adam Brewer (#3) after taking his first race win for the season in the final race at the last round at The Bend in June, Adam’s consistency has put him at the top as he has finished every race of the season so far in the top 5 positions.

Two wins at The Bend helped Cameron Beller (#55) move up to second position in the points, now sitting only 1 point behind Adam Brewer in the tally after three rounds, Cameron making a great recovery after being spun around at the start of the final race to charge back to second position in the final race.

After a lackluster round by his standards, Chris Lewis-Williams (#37) slips to third in the points from the lead after the Tailem Bend round.

Chris, however, again showed his ability to make the best from a weekend where things aren’t going his way to still come fifth for the round after he found himself on the back foot after a component failure during qualifying curtailed his running and chance to get some much-needed laps at the new circuit.

He will look to return to familiar territory this weekend at Sandown and to move back to the top of the points.

Now tied for fourth position in the points after The Bend is Mark Taubitz – a decent running with a collection of fourth positions all weekend was ruined in the last race when he spun in oil on the last lap of the last race which relegated him to tenth position for the final race. Handing back the keys to the Yellow #66 machine he has campaigned this year, Taubitz has entered with a new number and a new car ready to debut this round, he will hope it will help him stay add to the wins he scored at Winton earlier in the year.

Tied with Taubitz on points, only 21 points adrift on the points leader Brewer is Mark Verdino (#44) fresh from finishing third for the round at the Bend, Verdino was on the podium for all three race at The Bend and had two second place finishes last time at Sandown in February. Can he go one better and add to the debut race win that he scored last year and close the gap to those at the top of the points tally? He will certainly be doing all he can to do so.

Sitting in 8th position in his rookie season is Nick Carpenter behind the wheel of the #14 machine, as Nick heads to Sandown for his first race there after missing the first round at the start of the year, Nick will be looking to continue his learning and score some good points this weekend and see if he can move forward in the points battle.

Ninth in points despite missing the round at the Bend is veteran Dick Howe (#8) Dick is keen to return to the track with his rapid #8 machine at a track he has always been competitive at, and look to make up for missing the event with a strong points haul this weekend.

Also returning to the track after missing The Bend is Jamie Westaway aboard the #28 machine. Jamie scored a clean sweep with three victories when we visited Sandown in February, and he will have intentions of a repeat performance this round and look to make up for not scoring any points in the past two rounds and to move solidly back into the top ten in points.

A solid weekend at The Bend was just what Tony Westaway needed to get his season on track, sixth position for the round with the #50 car will be a result he will hope he can improve on this weekend as he competes at Sandown for the first time this year after missing Round 1 earlier in the year.

Ruing a distributor failure at the third race at The Bend when he was looking to inherit the lead is Joey Kellock in the revamped #77 1800Lasagne machine. Joey will be looking to consolidate and secure three solid finishes and clean races this weekend, and begin the recovery of his 2024 season and to move into the top ten in points by the end of Sunday.

Currently sitting in 14th position in the points is the #88 of our round sponsor, Jared Campione. Jared performed well at the Bend but unfortunately broke a driveshaft off the start line for the final race which left him with a DNF that would have otherwise likely seen him in the top ten in points going into this round. Jared will be looking for a strong performance at his second visit to Sandown this weekend and to move up to the pointscore with some strong finishes.

After one of his most encouraging rounds to date at Winton on his last race weekend at Winton, we welcome back the #32 of John Vainoras after he missed the cross-border journey to South Australia for the last round. John will be looking to replicate and improve on that performance at Winton and to get in the mix with the rest of the field this weekend.

Returning for the first time since Sandown at Round 1 is Toni Andreevski in the purple #27 entry where he had a strong weekend just off the lead battle pack all weekend. Can Toni edge closer to the top group this weekend to add another driver to the already strong lead battle pack? Time will tell, and Toni will be hoping so!

Having his debut run with the 944 Challenge at The Bend was Peter Grant behind the wheel of the #84 car, after easing himself in during qualifying Peter showed impressive pace on his first outing at the tricky SA circuit and scored two top ten finishes, including am 8th place finish in the greasy second race. We look forward to seeing how Peter will fare as he visits each of the Victoria circuits for the first time.

Getting some points on the board to make a start on his 2024 campaign at The Bend was Josh Brisbane (#56), after a weekend to forget at Winton, Josh improved as the weekend went on, culminating in an 8th place finish in the final race.

Josh will make his first Sandown start for the year and will want to continue where he left off at The Bend with some strong Sandown results.

Carter Fox had his first round for the 2024 season at The Bend aboard the #20 Poolmaster Bayside car of Andrew Jackman as he awaited parts to complete an engine rebuild, and had his strongest performances to date, securing a Top 5 qualifying position and finishing races 2 & 3 in the top 5 also after not being able to start the first race with a mechanical issue. Carter will again wheel out the #20 car as the engine in his usual #7 ride isn’t complete yet, and will look forward to another strong result. Can he replicate the Pole Position that the #20 car scored at this round last year with Taubitz at the helm? We look forward to finding out come lunchtime on Saturday!

Also scoring his first points for the 2024 season at The Bend after missing Sandown at the start of the year and having a Winton to forget was Manny Mezzasalma (#10) A Race 1 DNF prevented him from scoring more points but a strong Sunday with a pair of top ten results was a good way to end the weekend and will have Manny looking forward to a strong round at Sandown to add to his points for the year with some more top ten finishes the aim for this weekend;

Making a very welcome return to the 944 Challenge field this weekend is West Australian Andy Tudor aboard the #15 car, now sporting a fresh new look thanks to Pit Lane Clothing.

Andy is fresh from a breakout weekend about his Audi R8 last weekend at Phillip Island and we hope this weekend is the first of many he has back on track with the 944 Challenge series!

Unfortunately we are missing our 6th & 7th placed drivers in the points chase, with Michael Westaway (#45) and Andrew Goldman (#333) both overseas and unable to participate this weekend, along with Lyndon Watson (#5) and Jim Mitchell (#46) while Sam Rofe (#68) is also unfortunately not quite ready with his new engine , and Andrew Jackman continues his shoulder recovery, both these drivers have Phillip Island earmarked for a return in October.

Get in touch with the guys in the series if you would like to get on track and join in the action.

jack atley 9/6/24 jack atley 9/6/24

BREWER TAKES RACE 3 VICTORY AND CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD BUT BELLER ON TOP AT THE BEND

Avi Technology driver Adam Brewer has taken out victory in Race 3 of Round 3 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series at Shell V Power Motorsport Park at the Bend in South Australia.

The win sees him now move to the top spot in the 2024 944 Challenge Series championship standings.

However, with his second place in race 3 and victories in races 1 and 2, and in claiming the overall round win, the 4 time series champion Cameron Beller has closed up to within 1 point, at the top of the leaderboard.

AVi Technology driver Adam Brewer has taken out victory in Race 3 of Round 3 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at the Bend in South Australia.

The win sees him now move to the top spot in the 2024 944 Challenge Series championship standings.

Following on from his second place in race 3 after victories in races 1 and 2, therefore claiming the overall round win, 4-time series champion Cameron Beller has closed up to within 1 point of Brewer at the top of the leaderboard.

*Cameron Beller takes the round win at The Bend*

The Championship Point Leader going into the round, Chris Lewis-Williams was on the back foot after a mechanical failure early on in qualifying minimised his track time and he was off the podium all weekend, an incident with Joey Kellock in Race 2 and a resultant spin put him down in 9th position for that race and sees him now drop back down to third in the standings, three points behind Brewer.

*Kellock and Lewis-Williams come together in Race 2*

Mark Verdino claimed third overall for the round, with a series of 3 podium finishes throughout the 3 races.

Round 4 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series will be back at Sandown Motor Raceway in Melbourne on the 23rd of August.

jack atley 8/6/24 jack atley 8/6/24

BELLER TAKES VICTORY IN RACE 1 AT THE BEND

Beller Motorsport driver Cameron Beller has come out with a strong victory in Race 1 during Round 3 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series at The Shell V Power Motorsport Park in South Australia.

After taking pole position in qualifying, the No 55 was never headed, coming home ahead of Adam Brewer and Mark Verdino who completed the podium

Races 2 and 3 for the weekend will be held tomorrow.

All races can be seen LIVE and FREE TO AIR on TV via: https://www.blendline.tv/

Beller Motorsport driver Cameron Beller has come out with a strong victory in Race 1 during Round 3 of the 2024 944 Challenge Series at The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia.

*944 Challenge Series driver Beller leads Brewer and Verdino in Race 1*

After taking pole position in qualifying, the No. 55 was never headed, coming home ahead of Adam Brewer with Mark Verdino completing the podium.

Races 2 and 3 for the weekend will be held tomorrow, Sunday 9th June.

All races can be seen LIVE and FREE TO AIR on TV via: https://www.blendline.tv/