jack atley 21/2/25 jack atley 21/2/25

NO PLACE FOR THE FAINT HEARTED - STUNNING LAST LAPS OF ROUND 1 - VIDEO

If you ever thought the Australian 944 Challenge Series was just ‘a bit of fun’..or ‘not fully committed’…maybe check this video out and think again.

It’s no place for the faint hearted.

If you ever thought the Australian 944 Challenge Series was just ‘a bit of fun’..or ‘not fully committed’…maybe check this video out and think again.

It’s no place for the faint hearted...and this was only Round 1.

944 Challenge Series Rcing - 2025 ROUND 1 - SANDOWN

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jack atley 17/2/25 jack atley 17/2/25

BELLER TAKES FULL POINTS AT CRASH MARRED SANDOWN ROUND 1

Beller Motorsport driver and reigning champion Cameron Beller has held off strong opposition to take 3 wins from 3 races, during a chaotic and crash marred Round 1 of the 2025 944 Challenge Season, at Sandown Motor Raceway in Melbourne.

Beller Motorsport driver and reigning 944 Challenge champion Cameron Beller has held off strong opposition to take 3 wins from 3 races, during a chaotic and crash-marred Round 1 of the 2025 944 Challenge Season, at Sandown Motor Raceway in Melbourne.

*Cameron Beller leads Jamie Westaway at Sandown. pic by:* **Rebecca Hind**

The notorious walled circuit claimed multiple victims over the weekend with many of the drivers coming off second best.

With inclemant weather also adding to the party, multiple safety cars were used across the 3 race weekend.

Beller stayed ahead of spirited drives from regular front runners, Jamie Westaway, polesitter Adam Brewer, Chris Lewis-Williams and Mark Verdino all weekend to claim full points for the round and to again lead the championship, after taking his fifth 944 Challenge Series title in 2024.

The current champion Beller said afterwards, ‘This season will clearly be very tight, it wasn't easy this weekend and it isn't going to be an easy season…a lot of guys are fast’.

The field of 17 cars heads towards Turn 2 and Sandown - pic by: Rebecca Hind

Round 2 of the championship heads to another iconic Melbourne circuit, Calder Park Raceway on 28 - 30 March, 2025.

PROVISIONAL POINTS AFTER ROUND 1 - VIC STATE

jack atley 12/2/25 jack atley 12/2/25

THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT - ROUND 1 PREVIEW

18 Drivers have entered for the First Round of the 2025 944 Challenge Championship, as the category returns to the Home of Horsepower - Sandown Raceway, in the South East of Melbourne. This round of the series is proudly presented by Melbourne Paving.

PORSCHE 944 CHALLENGE - ROUND 1 2025 PREVIEW!

Porsche Cars Australia

Melbourne Paving

Butchers Diner

L K Diesel Service

Don Watson Transport

AVi Technology

Poolmaster Bayside

Bowdens Own Car Care Products

Trico

888 Home Loans

Pit Lane Clothing

Returning to defend his championship from 2024 is Cameron Beller, with the #1 again adorning the Beller Motorsport car. He will once again have to prove himself against a tough field of protagonists hoping to stop him going back-to-back. This will be led by 4-time Champion Chris Lewis-Williams aboard the #37 Tyrepower 944, and 2-time champion Jamie Westaway behind the wheel of the #28 machine.

After finishing the 2024 season in the runner-up position, Mark Verdino will also be looking to improve on that result in 2025 and wrestle the championship from Beller in his #44 Sidelink machine, as will Adama Brewer, who was in championship contention up until the Calder Park round where a points penalty ruled him out of a chance to take the trophy, but he will again be fast in the #3 AVi Technology car.

Mark Taubitz will be back in the new #71 car, after scoring his first career race wins in 2024, Mark will be looking to unlock some more pace in the Apple Computer liveried car to join the fast 5 at the front of the championship battle consistently.

Carter Fox returns for 2025 with the #7 car, as he will look to continue his upward trajectory that he showed in the second half of 2024, as does Tony Westaway in the familiar Yellow #50 car, both drivers having the pace to mix it at the front of the field this weekend.

Andrew Jackman wheels out his familiar #20 Poolmaster Bayside for Round 1 where he will be looking to make life hard for the front runners, as will newcomer Peter Grant in the #84 Porsche who showed flashes of impressive speed in his rookie year last year.

Also starting his second season of 944 Competition is Nick Carpenter in the Melbourne Paving #14 car, Nick will have aspirations to move further up the field as he will set his sights on finishes further into the top 10, ditto Jack Atley, who again will be behind the wheel of the Andy Tudor owned #35 Pit Lane Clothing backed machine as Jack also targets the top ten and beyond on a regular basis.

An aborted return last year for Sam Rofe in the beautiful #68 car after engine woes curtailed his return, Sam has a new engine and will be looking to contest the 2025 season as he blows out the cobwebs and re-familiarises himself with his car, and the circuits!

Also returning after missing the back end of the 2024 season are Jared Campione in the #88 Campione Electrics machine, and Manny Mezzasalma in the #10 car. Both drivers have had work carried out on their cars in the off-season and will also be looking to move themselves up the running order with some strong results in 2025.

Andrew Goldman also makes a return to competition with the #333 Carpet Shed 944, with a fresh powerplant after a failure at The Bend last year ended his season prematurely. Andrew will be another who will improve as he gets more comfortable with his 944 as the season progresses.

Also returning is John Vainoras, after suffering more issues with his car last year, it's hoped that he has got the issues sorted finally in the #32 car.

An unfortunate late withdrawal is Lyndon Watson in the #5 Watson Transport car, Lyndon will likely miss the first few rounds but we look forward to him joining the championship in the back half of the year.

Unfortunately, we will be missing one of the Westaway brothers, with Michael not competing this weekend after plans to enter derailed at the last minute. We look forward to having him return for Round 2, along with Keith Marriner and the return of Andy Jones – plus a couple more new, and familiar names to the 944 Challenge field expected to hit the track for Round 2 / 3!

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 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!

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.