Hedge takes title in dramatic final race
Callum Hedge has secured his second championship for 2023, by clinching the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Pro Championship in the final race of the season.
Having crawled the margin back from 21 points, to only two points heading into the final race, the title would be awarded to whoever finished the race in front.
Having struggled all weekend to get the #17 Team Porsche New Zealand Earl Bamber Motorsport 991-2 machine off the line, Hedge had to move defensive, with his title rival getting a good jump and moving alongside Hedge into the first corner.
Heading three-wide over the famous Senna Chicance, Hedge’s #17 machine was launched into the air, landing ahead of his rival, and able to clear the carnage that was about to unfold.
Hedge’s title rival, Jackon Walls also launched across the chicane, however would find contact with the outside wall, and end up in the fence alongside three other competitors.
Walls would DNF the final race, meaning Callum had to nurse his damaged #17 for the remaining 10 laps. Dropping from 2nd to 7th, letting competitors passed to avoid any more damage, Hedge would cross the line in 7th, to secure the championship and 2nd overall for the round.
This championship marks Callum Hedge’s second title in 2023, after securing the Formula Regional Americas title a few weeks prior. The Porsche title also bookends an incredible 2023 for the 20-year old Kiwi, who competed in three championships, across two different continents, claiming two championships (Formula Regional Americas, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia), one vice champion (Formula Regional Oceania) and some incredible stats over 53 races with 20 race wins, 38 podiums and 15 pole positions.
Speaking to commentator Richard Crail at the Porsche Awards night on Sunday evening, Hedge was asked “how busted was your car after you launched in skywards at the Senna Chicane a couple of hours ago?”
Hedge replied “Uh yes is the answer. I took one look at the wishbone after Alex [Hedge’s mechanic] took the left year off and I’m surprised it didn't snap. Someone was looking down on me today, and just grateful to make it to the end.”
Speaking after the race, Callum said:
“I can’t thank to people who make this happen for me enough - The Giltrap Group, Monochrome Asset Management, the Tony Quinn Foundation, Tasman Motorsports Group, Porsche New Zealand and my awesome team, Earl Bamber Motorsport. There are so many other people who have played a part in making this happen - just a big credit to them, without them, it isn’t possible.”
Thanks to Larry for the last two years, and I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store.”
