Review
The 2025 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season has been an intense test for the nation's rising racing talent, and Hamish Fitzsimmons has emerged as a serious contender for the Porsche Michelin Junior Championship. His journey has been defined by a mix of natural speed, smart preparation, and impressive resilience, which has set the stage for a dramatic second half of the season.
The Story So Far: Growth and Turning Points
The season's first half, which marked the championship's return to Queensland Raceway and The Bend, has been highly competitive, with multiple drivers vying for the lead and other class positions. Amidst this high-stakes environment, Fitzsimmons's steady progress has become a key narrative. A top-10 race result at Queensland Raceway was a significant breakthrough that highlights his strategic success and development.
The Darwin Learning Curve
Round 3 at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin was a demanding test for Fitzsimmons, as it was his debut at the circuit. The track's unique layout, featuring a 1.1km main straight, a mix of technical turns, and challenging weather conditions, provided a significant trial for the young driver.
• In Practice 1, he quickly adapted to the circuit, posting a lap that initially placed him P6 overall and second among the Porsche Michelin Junior drivers before finishing the session P7 overall and third among the Juniors.
• Despite heavy traffic and a red flag in Practice 2, he consistently held a respectable P9 position.
• In Race 1, he qualified P11 and had a strong start. He drove a clean race, finishing P11, which was elevated to P10 overall and P3 among the Michelin Juniors after post-race penalties were applied. This top-10 result on his first visit to the circuit was a strong indicator of his pace and ability to handle pressure.
• While Races 2 and 3 were more challenging due to on-track incidents, Fitzsimmons displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back and setting decent lap times even when pushed to the back of the field. Although his final round results were P16 in the Pro class and P9 in the Pro Junior class, the experience gained was invaluable.
The Queensland Turning Point
Fitzsimmons’s season reached a critical turning point at Queensland Raceway for Round 4. A "significant 160-minute test day at Queensland Raceway leading into the event" was a crucial factor in his success. This dedicated practice time gave him a deep understanding of the circuit, allowing him to convert his lessons from Darwin into tangible results.
• He qualified P11 for the round and utilized his strong race pace to climb the field.
• In the final race of the weekend, he drove a masterful race to secure a top-10 finish, crossing the line alongside fellow Michelin Junior Lockie Bloxsom.
• This performance demonstrated that his preparation and hard work are translating into consistent, front-running results.
By the Numbers
The mid-season standings reveal Hamish Fitzsimmons's position as a leading contender. He currently sits P6 in the Michelin Junior category with 210 points. While Bayley Hall holds a significant lead, the competition behind him is tight. There is a 135-point gap to Marcos Flack in second place, which is not insurmountable. The gaps to the drivers directly ahead of him—Marco Giltrap (238 points), Oscar Targett (276), and Clay Osborne (282)—are even tighter, putting him within striking distance of a championship podium.
| Rank | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayley Hall | 453 |
| 2 | Marcos Flack | 345 |
| 3 | Clay Osborne | 282 |
| 4 | Oscar Targett | 276 |
| 5 | Marco Giltrap | 238 |
| 6 | Hamish Fitzsimmons | 210 |
| 7 | Caleb Sumich | 206 |
| 8 | Lockie Bloxsom | 201 |
| 9 | Tom McLennan | 149 |
The data clearly shows the significant step forward Hamish has taken, contrasting his challenging but educational weekend in Darwin with his breakout performance at Queensland Raceway. His recent achievements are not isolated incidents but part of a calculated, upward trend.
The Road Ahead
With the foundation set, the team's focus now shifts to converting the momentum gained at Queensland Raceway into consistent, high-level results for the second half of the championship. The goal is clear: to build on the lessons learned and push for a top-three finish in the Porsche Michelin Junior Championship. Hamish Fitzsimmons has proven he is a formidable force on the grid with the skills, strategy, and mental fortitude to challenge for a podium finish.
