Ferrari will return to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS in 2024 with confirmation of a new two-car factory-supported team.
A joint-venture between the Lance East group, owned by gaming entrepreneur and motoring enthusiast Laurence Escalante, and Arise Racing, are set to take delivery of two brand-new Ferrari 296 GT3 cars ahead of the new SRO Australia managed Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS.
It will be the first time in nearly a decade that Ferrari will be seen in Australian GT racing with a proper customer racing programme.
As part of a broader partnership with revered Italian marque, the new West Australian-based team will facilitate the sale of Ferrari GT race cars to customers Australia-wide, and Arise Racing GT is in the process of finalising an exclusive distribution agreement to supply Ferrari GT parts locally.
Arise Racing GT’s entry will be the first for a current generation Ferrari in Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS since the very first round at Phillip Island in 2021 where Maranello Motorsport fielded a 488. Some older 458 GT3s have been a feature at various rounds since.
Arise Racing will currently be Western Australia’s only team in the GT championship. The experienced team runs the Radical state-based series, co-manages the national Radical Cup Australia category, and supports Radical cars for customers all across the country.
Jordan Oon, Team Manager, Arise Racing GT: “We’re very excited at Arise Racing GT for this year and beyond. There’s a lot of unknowns, but we are in the process of putting the drivers and teams together ahead of what will be a great season,” said Oon.
“With SRO coming back into the category, including new management, we are pumped to be part of seeing the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS grow in 2024.
“We were invited to see the new Ferrari 296 GT3 being shaken down in Fiorano (Italy), so we got a crash course to see what they are and what the cars are about. They are very impressive, and from what we’ve seen, their design and systems are a match for any GT3 car in the world.
“It’s nice that we have been able to add a new flavour to the category. Ferrari has a huge following globally, and the release of the new car has been huge. They won the Nurburgring 24 Hour, Laurences’ relationship with Ferrari through F1 is very strong, so it was a no brainer to go down this route.
“Obviously we want to be at the pointy end, but until we get through the first round, we aren’t going to know. We are really keen to see the category grow. We want to see more internationals and see the Australian championship be recognised globally. The class has had its ups and downs over the years, but it’s clearly on the way up.
“We are gearing up for the future, we don’t want to be here for one or two years, we see this as a long term program and we want to make it sustainable.”
Laurence Escalante, Owner, Lance East: “Having admired GT racing from afar, it’s a real thrill and unique opportunity to be launching a new team out of my home base of Perth racing Ferraris,” said Escalante.
“Just like in business, motor racing, and all elite sports for that matter, is highly competitive, performance-driven and requires teamwork, which is a super exciting challenge to be a part of with this team. I can’t wait to see what the team and our partners can achieve.”Hi
