Arise Racing Dominates Round 2 of Radical Cup Australia May 08, 2025
A packed weekend of sprint racing at Sydney Motorsport Park saw Arise Racing make a powerful statement at Round 2 of the 2025 Radical Cup Australia. With four sprint races on the schedule and a split-driver format in play, the team walked away with race wins, class podiums, personal milestones, and standout rookie performances.
RESULTS RECAP
COOPER CUTTS – UNSTOPPABLE
From the start of the race weekend, Cooper Cutts set the tone clocking the fastest time in qualifying and never looking back. He went on to deliver a perfect weekend, winning all four races in commanding fashion and securing the outright round win. It was a dominant display of race craft and composure that left no doubt Cutts is here to fight for the championship.
“Clean sweep for Cooper. Absolute dominant weekend, especially this far from home and without any testing,” said Team Manager Michael Epple.
RUAIRI “ROWDY” AVERN – ROOKIE ON THE RISE
Rowdy continued to build momentum in just his second international round, qualifying P10 before racing to P3 in Race 1, P6 in Race 2, P3 in Race 3, and P4 in Race 4, securing outright third for the round.
“Race one for Rowdy was a huge standout, going from P8 to P3 on the opening lap really set the tone after a tough qualifying,” said Driver Coach Macca Jones. “Rowdy’s progress on a brand new track was a real highlight. He’s developing fast and learning to deliver under pressure.”
BRAD RUSSELL – SECOND IN CHALLENGE CUP
Brad Russell kept his AM class championship hopes alive, delivering a consistent weekend. Qualifying P4, Race 1 P4, Race 2 P7, Race 3 P5, and Race 4 P8, which earned him second place in the AM class for the round.
“Brad’s qualifying and overall speed was a standout. While we didn’t maximise everything, the pace is there and that’s exciting for what’s to come,” said Driver Coach Andre Heimgartner.
CHRIS REINDLER & BRYCE MOORE – FIGHTBACK & FOCUS
The #28 duo had to dig deep after a qualifying penalty sent them to the back of the grid for Race 1. Chris Reindler put in a heroic drive, climbing 14 spots to finish P6, before Bryce Moore took over and finished P3 in Race 2. Chris returned for P6 in Race 3, and Bryce sealed the weekend with P5 in Race 4 earning the pair 4th overall for the round.
“Chris last to sixth was a solid effort, especially with a strong first lap. Bryce backed it up with a composed podium drive. Strong performances across the board,” said Macca.
MARK CIRILLO & DAVE ALLAN – PUSHING THROUGH ADVERSITY
A tough start to the weekend with Mark Cirillo sidelined due to illness saw Dave Allan take the reins solo through practice and qualifying, placing the car in P14.
Race 1: Dave – P14
Race 2: Mark (medically cleared) – P10 after starting from the rear
Race 3: Dave – P13
Race 4: Mark – DNF (technical issue)
Despite setbacks, the pair showed resilience and fight.
“Dave and Mark had a rough weekend, but they really pulled through. First time at SMP and they gave it their all,” said Epple.
FROM THE COACHES CORNER
Andre Heimgartner – Driver Coach
“Cooper was on point all weekend, his intensity in and out of the car was great to witness. Brad’s pace was promising, and while we didn’t get everything perfect, the signs are strong. The team really stepped up, especially with limited personnel, great to see people taking on multiple roles and delivering.”
“Setup-wise, we made some improvements that we’ll carry into QR. There’s still work to do with race craft, but the potential is clear. The championship is ours”
Macca Jones – Driver Coach
“Multiple cars in the top 5 and a clean sweep of pole and race wins, can’t ask for more. The team is calm, proactive, and focused on the one-percenters. There’s still a lot for me to learn but working alongside Andre and the crew has been great. We’ll keep fine-tuning how we support each driver to bring out their best.”
A WORD FROM TEAM MANAGER
As the dust settles on an action-packed weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park, Team Manager Michael Epple reflects not just on the results but the relentless effort behind them. From logistics and prep work to race-day execution, it’s been a full-team push toward championship success. Here’s what he had to say:
“The results on track are a reflection of the countless hours put in by the team in the lead-up to each round. Everyone is on board, aligned with our common goals, taking out the Driver’s Championship, the Team Championship, and the Challenge Cup.
The energy in the garage is positive, and team morale is the best it’s ever been. Everyone is pushing for that 1% improvement every day, and it’s showing. From the drivers to the engineers and support crew, everyone’s effort is making a difference and this weekend proved that.”
WHATS NEXT
ONWARD TO QUEENSLAND. With momentum high and multiple drivers hitting their stride, Arise Racing now looks ahead to Round 3 at Queensland Raceway May 30 - June 1, ready to push again for podiums, race wins and championship leads.