Broc Feeney and Brad Schumacher have made an ideal start to their 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) Australia powered by AWS title defence with a thrilling victory in the opening race at Phillip Island. Behind the wheel of the Kelso Electrical Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II, the duo held off a relentless Oscar Targett in the Kollosche AMG by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3, clinching the win by less than a second.
A tight battle at the front sees Schumacher take early lead in 2026 GTWC Australia Phillip Island Race 1
Schumacher and Feeney started the race from the front after securing the Rowe Pole Position. Their performance throughout the race demonstrated precision and consistency. Schumacher led the majority of the race, maintaining a solid advantage over the field despite an early safety car incident.
The race saw a chaotic start, with Renee Gracie from OnlyFans Racing and Paul Luchitti of Move My Wheels by Tigani Motorsport coming together, which triggered the Safety Car. Once racing resumed, Schumacher kept his focus and extended his lead, holding the advantage as Feeney took over for the final stint.
As Feeney hit the track, he showed his mettle. Although rain threatened the race, it never materialised, and Feeney built a lead of almost four seconds over Targett. The SRO GT Academy driver did not give up, managing to close the gap to within one second but was ultimately unable to catch the defending champion.
Behind the top two, Thomas Randle and Mark Rosser in the Castrol Team BRM Audi R8 LMS EVO II finished third, just under a second behind Targett. This podium result kept them in the mix for the championship, with the duo demonstrating their pace and consistency.
Race incidents and post-race penalties
While the front-runners showed their skill, the race was far from without incident. A fierce battle unfolded between ARGT’s Elliott Schutte in the Ferrari 296 GT3 and Mark Rosser. As Schutte attempted a pass on the inside of Rosser, the two made contact, causing Rosser to spin out. This incident resulted in a 15-second penalty being handed to Schutte and his co-driver Jaxon Evans, which would be applied post-race.
The penalty dropped Schutte and Evans to fifth place after a last-minute charge from Brendon Leitch in the Geyer Valmont Racing by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. The gap between Schutte and Leitch was less than half a second by the time the chequered flag waved.
Trophy Class winners and notable performances in Race 1 at the 2026 GTWC Australia Phillip Island opener
The Trophy Class saw a dominant performance from Luke Youlden and Nathan Halstead in the AED Consulting by Tigani Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R. The pair secured a commanding 20-second victory over Alex Gardner and Lee Stibbs in the Volante Rosso Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3.
Despite the efforts of other competitors, including Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks, who finished in sixth, and the OnlyFans Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 of Renee Gracie and Will Davison, who crossed the line in seventh, the focus remained on the fierce competition at the top.
Looking ahead to the final race of the GT Festival
The action continues tomorrow afternoon with the final race of the GT Festival Phillip Island, scheduled for 1:30pm AEDT. With a thrilling first race in the books, all eyes will be on whether Feeney and Schumacher can maintain their dominant form and extend their lead in the championship.
As the series moves forward, it’s clear that the competition will only get tougher. With a perfect start to the season, Feeney and Schumacher’s title defence looks strong, but with challengers like Targett and Randle in hot pursuit, the outcome remains uncertain.
