Evans and Schutte Kick Off GT3 Campaign with Dual Podium at Phillip Island
Phillip Island, VIC (March 24, 2025) – Arise Racing GT drivers Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte began their 2025 GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS season in dominant fashion, claiming victory in Race 1 and a hard-fought podium in Race 2 at Phillip Island. The consistent results for the #26 Ferrari saw the pairing leave the opening round with the overall lead in both the Teams and Drivers Championships.
In a tightly contested Qualifying 1 session, Evans showed strong pace to secure fourth on the grid, with the top six cars covered by just tenths of a second. Schutte delivered a standout lap in Qualifying 2, originally placing second, but was later promoted to pole following a penalty to the provisional pole-sitter.
Race 1 was action-packed from the outset. Schutte’s composed opening stint kept the #26 Ferrari in front through multiple safety car interruptions. Evans took over for the closing stages and defended superbly under immense pressure, ultimately holding off Jayden Ojeda in a thrilling finish to secure the first win of the season by just 0.2593s.
Sunday’s Race 2 presented a new challenge, with Evans starting third in windy conditions and holding position into the pit window. After a 15-second success penalty from Race 1, Schutte rejoined in tenth but mounted a charge through the field. As rain began to fall with four minutes remaining, Schutte excelled in the slippery conditions, climbing to third to secure another podium and a strong points haul for the championship.
Team Principal Jordan Oon was thrilled with the performance of the #26 crew:
“It couldn’t have been better this weekend. Elliott and Jaxon came out with an amazing win in Race 1 and managed the conditions very well for Race 2. The points gained from the weekend are really good for the championship, and that gives us the confidence to keep the momentum going into the next round.”
Arise Racing GT extends its sincere thanks to its valued partners for their continued support: Lance East Exotics, Barbagallo, Iveco Australia, Car Expert, VGW, ORAFOL, Anthem Workwear, Lift Off, OMP, Beta Tools Australia, and VCM Coffee.
The GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS continues at Sydney Motorsport Park from May 2 to May 4.