CONSISTENT WEEKEND FOR HEDGE IN DARWIN

Callum Hedge’s first visit to the Hidden Valley Raceway came with some challenges. After a brutal opening two events, Callum’s focus turned to logging some consistent results, whilst learning the new circuit.

Kiwi young gun Hedge made a steady start to his debut Darwin appearance, finishing the opening practice session 11th before improving to fifth in the second to continue his rapid development.

Heading into qualifying confident given his Winton form, his flyer started strong. +.018 up into the first sector, the #17 was blocked by another competitor, forcing him to come off the gas. With the field so close, that initial margin had Callum on for another front row start. However, it wasn’t meant to be, with an eventual 11th in qualifying, setting up the rest of the weekend.

The tight field and Darwin heat created a passing problem across the weekends three races. Hedge would progress one position in each of the three races, with race results of 10th, 9th and 8th. While not the weekend Hedge wanted, it was great to bank some solid points, and take a clean car back to the workshop.

All focus turns to the next round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup championship, at Townsville’s Reid Park circuit. Another new track for Callum, he aims to continue his Darwin form, but with his clear goal being to be battling at the front of the pack.

Callum Hedge

Team Porsche New Zealand/EBM

“I’ve never been up to Darwin before, no testing or any racing up here previously,” Hedge reflected.

“It was a big learning curve on top of the track in two sessions much like the Grand Prix earlier this year.

“I was on for a good lap in quali, could have put it on the front row or at least third and got blocked so that unfortunately set-up our weekend. It’s super hard to pass in these cars.

“I moved forward a couple of spots in every race, but it’s hard with the aero wash and heat.

“A massive thanks to the Earl Bamber Motorsport Team Porsche New Zealand crew for giving me an awesome car and having faith in me this year.”