Dylan O’Keeffe says being fast out of the blocks will be key to achieving front-running results aboard his Dexion/RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup season opener at the Rolex Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
For the last two seasons, O’Keeffe admitted his Grand Prix results have been less than ideal, leaving him to play catch-up for the rest of the championship. It’s something he’s aiming to change this weekend.
“In 2022, we didn’t nail the setup for qualifying which meant I had to fight through the field, and last year there was an issue with the car’s handling in the wet weather race, which put me on the back foot,” O’Keeffe said.
“Fortunately, we had a productive test at The Bend a couple of weeks ago, so we’re confident about heading to the Grand Prix with a solid initial setup.
“On Thursday, there’s only a single practice session with a 90-minute turnaround for qualifying, so it’s critical to arrive at the circuit with a car that’s in the optimal window, because there isn’t much time to tune it or to verify any adjustments you make.”
This year’s Carrera Cup season will also feature a new qualifying format, with each driver’s fastest qualifying time setting the grid for Race 1, each driver’s second-fastest qualifying time setting the grid for Race 2 and points from the first two races setting the grid for Race 3.
O’Keeffe said racing at the Grand Prix is always a thrill, and is especially excited about cheering on his former karting rival, Oscar Piastri, in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
“Racing in front of the huge Grand Prix crowd is always a buzz, and it’s so special to see how far Oscar has come since I raced against him in the Oakleigh Kart Club days,” O’Keeffe said.
“He’s started the season well, he’s in the top five in the F1 World Championship after the first couple of races so hopefully he can stand on the podium this weekend.”
Thursday, 21 March
10:30am – Practice (30 min)
12:30pm – Qualifying (30 min)
4:45pm – Race 1 (13 laps)
Friday, 22 March
6:25pm – Race 2 (13 laps)
Saturday, 23 March
6:25pm – Race 3 (13 laps)
