Hedge having ‘way too much fun’ in Porsche Sprint Challenge
Callum Hedge is doing what he loves.
The Kiwi teenager is two rounds into his rookie Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season in Australia, where he is third in the points standings.
It is Hedge’s first year racing GT cars overseas, and he says the experience is bringing him nothing but joy.
“Oh, I am having way too much fun,” Hedge told Velocity News.
“It is cool to think that I am now racing full-time here, doing something I really enjoy.”
Hedge claimed a trio of third places in the latest round at Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this month.
After claiming a maiden win in the last race at Phillip Island for round one, he has now scored four consecutive podiums.
In all three races at Sydney, Hedge finished behind Ryan Suhle and Christian Pancione.
He says being so close to two top-rated pro drivers is a promising sign for future events.
“I was really happy with the results [at Sydney].
“It was good to know we are up with the front group of cars.
“We weren’t quite as fast as the two front runners in Sydney like we were at Phillip Island. We did find a lot of pace in the last race, but it was too late by then.
“But happy with the result.”
Testing before the Sydney event revealed Hedge’s 911 GT3 had several mechanical dramas that required attention.
Engine repairs, gearbox gremlins and damper issues during and after the test meant Hedge came into Sydney on the back foot.
“We rolled out for the first practice [at Sydney] with the new bits without having done any testing, and we were closer to what the team was expecting,” he said.
“In qualifying we had some good speed, but not so much in race pace.”
Hedge is racing with the Earl Bamber Motorsport team under the ‘Team Porsche New Zealand’ banner.
EBM team co-owner Earl Bamber is a massive advocate for supporting young Kiwi drivers in racing internationally.
Since beginning his Australian journey, Hedge has developed a strong relationship with Bamber. The two now frequently stay in touch during race meetings.
“You can text Earl at any hour, and you can expect a reply within minutes.
“He is really great during race weekends. I am sometimes firing texts his way non-stop, getting advice and bouncing ideas off him.”
The Michelin Sprint Challenge visits six of Australia’s top race circuits. However, Hedge has his eyes set on only one.
“I’m super excited for the round at Bathurst,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see how I get on.
“I have never driven the track before but only been there as a spectator. So, that will be cool.
“That race is going to be a lot of fun.”
Looking beyond the end of the year, Hedge hopes a successful Michelin Sprint Challenge season will lead to fresh opportunities elsewhere in the Porsche racing scene.
“It is no secret that we want to do Porsche Carrera Cup in Australia next year.
“So, we are aiming to do well this year to be able to do Carrera Cup.”
Hedge is currently at home in New Zealand but heads back to Australia shortly for round three at Morgan Park next month.
Original Article via Velocity Magazine, Zane Shackleton - May 13th
