Fitzsimmons Returns with Stutterd at TekworkX in Porsche Sprint Challenge
Hamish Fitzsimmons returns to TekworkX Motorsport for a second season in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, alongside Danny Stutterd in Pro-Am.
The 18-year-old graduated from karting at the beginning of 2023, completing a maiden season in car racing that netted the rising star fourth in the standings. Fitzsimmons stormed his way to five podium finishes, including four runner-up finishes, across the season.
The Endurance Cup races were a strong suit from the outset for Fitzsimmons, who never failed to finish outside the top five in the longer races. That consistency earned the three-time Queensland State Karting Champion a runner-up finish in the Endurance Cup standings.
TekworkX Motorsport quickly became a powerhouse in Sprint Challenge racing in 2023, claiming 11 Pro-class victories from a possible 18 in the season. The team will target a Championship assault on both classes in 2024, with Stutterd lining up in Pro-Am.
The experienced campaigner already has a Sprint Challenge title under his belt, having claimed the Pro-Am honours in 2018. Since joining TekworkX partway through 2022, Stutterd has only missed the podium in two races four rounds in the category – taking three race wins in that time.
After a full-season in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup in 2023, Stutterd will line up for a tilt at his second Sprint Challenge title in 2024.
The duo will hit the track from April 12-14 at Phillip Island for round one of the season, they will be joined at the event by Zoe Woods who will make her debut in GT4 Australia for TekworkX.
Woods is set for her first weekend aboard the Porsche Cayman 718 GT4. The car arrived from Europe in mid-January, with Woods completing a successful pre-season test ahead of the 2024 season.
The debut will come with a level of familiarity for Woods, having previously raced at the Phillip Island circuit in Toyota86 competition.
GT4 Australia will take in twin 60-minute races for the opening round of the year, with the action shown live on 7plus along with Sprint Challenge. The Porsche field will also see race one of the weekend shown live on 7mate.
Quotes:
Hamish Fitzsimmons, #16, Porsche 911
“I didn’t even need to think twice about it, returning to TekworkX, it was a very easy decision as I get along so well with Rob (Woods) and gelled great with the team last year,” said Fitzsimmons.
“Having been to most of the tracks is really going to help and I also know the car a lot better than I did last year. As a result, our pre-season test at Phillip Island was great and I’m expecting myself to be up there at the very front this season.
“I’ve really upped my game for this year, I’m trying to become the fittest driver out there and I’m working every day with the team in the workshop too. I feel if I can just be on top of everything, which I feel I’ve done, that’ll make me a much better driver on track and off the track as well.
“A massive thanks to my sponsors for this season – Confluent, Nuvento, MDE, Hire A Hubby, JFC, IRC, Diesel Spec Mechanics and CIP,” concluded Fitzsimmons.
Zoe Woods, Porsche Cayman 718 GT4
“Really looking forward to our first round in GT4, we had a couple of positive test days and overall excited to be back racing again and taking on a new category,” said Woods.
“My first experience in the car was at The Bend, and I loved every moment of it. Obviously it’s very different to a Toyota 86, but that’s an exciting challenge. I’ve raced at Phillip Island before and really loved the track.
“After testing there recently, the grip level is amazing now with the resurface the track has had and the high speeds will make for good racing to start the year,” concluded Woods.