The vastly experienced Paul Stokell will co-drive alongside Renee Gracie in this year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS title in the Pro-Am Class driving the OnlyFans Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2.
Gracie and Stokell will contest the Pro-Am Class, a step up for both compared to last season.
Stokell has enjoyed recent success in the Am Class of Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS as he teamed with Gary Higgon to secure the title in 2022, before partnering with Matt Stoupas to finish second last season.
A three-time winner of the prestigious Australian Drivers’ Championship, Stokell’s achievements also include two Australian Nations Cup titles, the Mini Challenge and national tarmac championships.
Gracie is excited to welcome Stokell as her co-driver due to his experience as she targets continued improvement in what will be her Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS season, though her first in the current model Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2.
OnlyFans has been a supporter of Gracie’s since her return to motorsport last year and will continue again as she makes her progression to the top class in Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS.
Wrapping up the GT Trophy title with a round to spare, Gracie took on the Adelaide finale in the latest specification Audi to gain experience ahead of this season. Classified as a Silver requires Gracie to enter Pro-Am and team with an Am driver.
Not only will Gracie have the advantage of a series winning co-driver, but this will extend to her engineer as Ryan Millier will fill the role for 2024. A race mechanic, driver and engineer, Millier is one of the most knowledgeable team personnel in the category paddock as his experience includes guiding Liam Talbot to last year’s title.
Gracie and Stokell will team for the first time for the opening Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS round at Phillip Island in April 12-14.
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Renee Gracie
#181 OnlyFans, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2
“I’m very grateful to have Paul this season,” said Gracie.
“Once I knew I was going to be a Silver my biggest concern was, who would want to drive alongside me? I did have a few people reach out, but for me the best thing Paul has is he has plenty of driver training and education side behind him. I can really lean on him for his experience and how fast he is, while teaching and coaching me in these cars.
“Paul has a real knack and ability to coach, so I’m really looking forward to that because obviously I’m still new in my GT career. I feel he can provide that extra level of coaching, support and knowledge I can lean on as well as use, which I probably can’t get from anyone else.
“I feel like it’s a great pairing and will accelerate my learning in the early stages of my GT career.”
Paul Stokell
#181 OnlyFans, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2
“I’ve raced in Am for the last three years with Gary (Higgon) and Matt (Stoupas), but they elected to not continue leaving me on the fence, so when I heard Renee was searching for an Am driver I thought there was an opportunity,” Stokell explained.
“I guess my role in the past was to coach and use my experience, which will carry on with Renee as well.
“When she raced in the newer specification Audi in Adelaide she showed a good turn of speed. We’ve known each other for years working together on driver training and drive days, plus I’ve seen the improvement last year, so we’ll work together to continue this in Pro-Am.
“Renee conducts herself professionally and is really keen to improve, so I think ultimately our goal is to win races and I think we can if we play our cards right. She’s returned to the track in a level headed fashion, she hasn’t set the world on fire and improved gradually every time she’s been on track to end last season strong.
“I missed out on driving for a few years when I was setting up my business in Queensland, but I’ve never lost the feel or the love for it, it’s always been my passion.”