Island Magic to come alive this weekend

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: November 25, 2022

The famous Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit will come alive this weekend with nine categories putting on a great show of racing at the 2022 edition of the Island Magic.

Leading the way will be the title deciders of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and Victorian Sports Sedans championships, which are both set to go down to the wire at the popular event run by the Phillip Island Auto Club.

There will also be many other categories entertaining the fans with all things from open wheelers to classic touring cars.

The Mayhem Flinders Trophy will be up for grabs in the Improved Production class.

The favourite to take out the trophy will be Jarrod Tonks after he topped the points throughout the 2022 season in his Commodore.

But fellow Holden steerers Adam Poole and Luke Grech-Cumbo will give him a run for his money.

Poole will be aiming to break the lap record of 1:39.99 set by Ray Hislop’s Ford BA Falcon, while other dark horses could be Queenslander Justin Wade, South Australian Max de Meyrick’and New South Welshman Lachlan McBrien.

The Historic Touring Cars will put on a blast from the past and the category’s proud history of submitting big fields at the Island Magic will continue in 2022 with more than 40 cars ready to fly into Doohan Corner.

There will be 13 different models and drivers from all five states fighting for outright and class honours and the Camaros of Paul Stubber and Aldo de Paoli are tipped to be near the front, but a sea of Toranas, Falcons, Minis, Cortina’s and more will be looking to stop them.

Hyundai Excel drivers are braced for a big test with the Burson Auto Parts Excel Enduro to take centre stage.

After navigating their way through Qualifying and two sprint races, teams will do battle in a 40-minute single driver enduro.

Hugo Simpson will be the clear favourite after an impressive 2022 campaign with the likes of Ethan Grigg-Gault and Harry Tomkins challengers.

The Porsche 944 Challenge Championship concludes at the Island Magic with 18 cars ready to take to the grid.

Jamie Westaway hopes to continue his stellar 2022 and wrap up the title, but Cameron Seller might have something to say seeking revenge.

Adam Brewer and Lyndon Watson will also be fighting for podium spots, while the fight for fourth in the championship is on between Dick Howe, Mark Taubitz and Tony Westaway.

There will be plenty on offer for open wheel fans with the stars of tomorrow completing three races in Formula Vee, Formula Ford 1600 and Formula Ford.

Matthew Hillyer is the big favourite to take home the Formula Ford winner’s prize having dominated this year’s championship on board a Mygale, while Jordan Sinni and Matthew Holmes could mount a challenge.

The 2022 Formula Vee chase for the championship was a thrilling two horse race between Heath Collinson and Reef McCarthy and the pair are expected to resume their battle at the Island.

Also on the line is the John Roxborough Trophy for Formula Open Victoria, with the wing and slicks open wheelers back on the card for the first time in two decades.

On track action takes place at Phillip Island between 9am and 5pm this Saturday and Sunday.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport.

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Island Magic to come alive this weekend

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