Evans and Schutte Denied Title in Dramatic Hampton Downs Finale

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Arise Racing GT wrapped up the 2025 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia season at Hampton Downs with strong performances across both Ferrari 296 GT3 entries - though heartbreak struck the #26 crew in a dramatic championship decider. After a season-long battle at the front, Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte came agonisingly close to securing the title, ultimately finishing second overall following a tense final round.

Both Ferrari’s carried additional Balance of Performance ballast for the weekend but still showed impressive pace from the outset. Evans placed the #26 Ferrari on the front row in Friday’s qualifying round, securing second, while Jordan Love clocked sixth in the #77 machine. In the second session, Schutte maintained the team’s momentum to qualify third, with Steve Wyatt producing his best lap of the weekend to secure 11th.

Saturday’s opening race was largely uneventful for the team. Schutte took the start in the #26 Ferrari, briefly slipping to fourth before settling into a strong rhythm. Evans took over for the closing stint and brought the car home in fourth place.In the sister #77 Ferrari, Wyatt and Love showed solid pace throughout, working their way up the order to finish sixth. Sunday’s Race 2 delivered the drama fitting of a season finale. Evans held firm in second at the start, keeping pressure on race leader Broc Feeney while defending from Ryan Wood’s Audi behind. After the mid-race driver change, Schutte rejoined in the lead and controlled proceedings through the middle stages.

A late Safety Car, however, changed the complexion of the race. On the restart, officials deemed Schutte to have accelerated too early while leading, issuing a five-second time penalty. The sanction dropped the #26 Ferrari from second to seventh at the finish - a result that ultimately denied Evans and Schutte the championship crown.

The #77 entry of Love and Wyatt was also caught in the late-race chaos after contact with another car triggered the Safety Car period. Despite the setback, the pair showcased strong pace and teamwork to recover to sixth at the flag - a fitting end to a season of progress and determination.

Arise Racing GT leaves Hampton Downs proud of its progress across the 2025 campaign, securing multiple podiums, pole positions, and a consistent presence at the front of the GT World Challenge Australia field. The team’s commitment, performance, and professionalism throughout the year underscore its growing strength in the national GT paddock. 

Jordan Oon Team principal – Quotes

“Hampton Downs was a tough result for Jaxon and Elliott - they’ve been outstanding all season and deserved to be fighting for that championship right to the end. To have it slip away through a late-race penalty is absolutely heartbreaking, but that’s motorsport sometimes. I’m immensely proud of everyone at Arise Racing GT for the effort, professionalism, and passion they’ve shown all season. The whole team should be immensely proud of how we have lifted to another level in 2025. We’ll certainly take the lessons from the season and the weekend at Hampton Downs and come back even stronger next year. Bring on the 2026 campaign.”

Sponsors:Arise Racing GT extends sincere thanks to its valued partners - Lance East Exotics, Barbagallo, Iveco Australia, Car Expert, VGW, ORAFOL, Anthem Workwear, Lift Off, OMP, Beta Tools Australia, and VCM Coffee - for their continued support throughout the 2025 season.