Speedseries heads to Tailem Bend
The entry list for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS’ second round of the season has been confirmed, featuring 17 crews and five different manufacturers battling it out across two one-hour races.
Returning to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park for the first time since 2022, the event will be a highlight of the Shannons SpeedSeries, attracting a star-studded field. Among the top contenders are Supercars stars Chaz Mostert, Will Brown, and Jaxon Evans, each poised to challenge for race victories. Mostert, alongside teammate Liam Talbot, will aim to continue their success from Phillip Island, where they secured a race win in their Arise Racing GT Ferrari 296 GT3 and topped the standings for the weekend.
Meanwhile, Evans and Elliott Schutte, also in a Ferrari, will be seeking redemption after a less successful outing at Phillip Island. Other significant competitors include the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo entries of Brown and Brad Schumacher for Shaw & Partners/Kelso Electrical, and Ford Mustang 60 Years Race Phillip Island race two winners Tim Miles and Brandon Leitch for Dayle ITM. Experienced driver Jayden Ojeda, paired with Paul Lucchitti in the Realta/Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3, also adds to the competitive field.
The Pro-Am class promises thrilling action, with Triple Eight Racing’s Peter Hackett and Declan Fraser on a redemption path, and Team BRM’s Mark Rosser and former FIA Formula 3 podium finisher Alex Peroni in an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2. The class welcomes new entries, including New Zealander Steve Brooks and Porsche Carrera Cup regular Nick McBride in the Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia R8 LMS GT3 Evo2, and the return of Adrian Deitz and Tony D’Alberto in a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2.
In the AM class, six crews will vie for top honors, led by James and Theo Koundouris in the Supabarn Supermarkets/Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3. They hold a narrow two-point lead over RAM Motorsport’s Michael Sheargold and Garth Walden, setting up an exciting duel in South Australia.
The Trico Trans Am Series will also make its Shell V-Power Motorsport Park debut, with 19 competitors tackling the fourth round of the season. Current series leader James Golding and reigning champion James Moffat will continue their close title fight, with just 22 points separating them. South Australian driver Lee Stibbs will make his second Trans Am appearance, while Todd Hazelwood and Elliot Barbour aim to improve their standings.
The Young Gun category adds further excitement, with Elliott Cleary leading after the opening round. AWC Race Tasmania winner Nathan Herne and Ford Mustang 60 Years Race Phillip Island victor Nash Morris are also in contention.
The Shannons SpeedSeries will utilize the West Circuit of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park for the first time, with Trans Am competitors facing two races on Saturday and two on Sunday.