2023 has been a tale of ups & downs for Shawn, but the pace of the 9ine 5ive SimSports owner driver has been evident.

An average finish of 22.5 sits Shawn directly on the cut line as we approach a crucial point of the season, all his efforts now turning to achieving a great result at Belle isle to help further his championship campaign.

We spent some time with Shawn earlier in the week to discuss his season so far, how he plans to improve in the back half of 2023 & what he can achieve with the 9ine 5ive SimSports team behind him.

R: Shawn, you’re currently the driver “On the bubble” in 20th position as we approach round 7 of the Motorsport Australia Logitech G Pro Invitational Cup. Can you give us a quick overview of your season to date and how you think you’ve performed?

SM: It’s Been an average season to date, race pace has been good, but in such a strong field qualifying is everything and I just haven’t performed when it counts. Sebring started ok, Phillip Island was a real missed opportunity for me, and Spa being my bogey track showed with my worst result. Red Bull Ring was more a show of what I can do with a P10 in qualifying, but again small mistakes in the race cost me a few spots there in the race. Every position is critical when you are on the bubble and really can’t afford to make those mistakes.

R: For everyone reading, what does your preparation before a race weekend look like? Does your championship position change the way you prepare?

SM: Like everyone, laps, laps, and laps. As a team we spend a lot of time doing what we can to get the setup in the window early. That gives us a chance to turn bulk race laps and get comfortable. Being apart of a team that has a decent number of drivers, we can get a field together to really focus on genuine race laps. Being the team owner, I also spend a lot of time making sure the drivers are supported, spotters have all the information they need, and we are prepared as well as we can be.

R: As you currently sit 20th in the standings, what do you think is the key to improving your championship position over the next few rounds? Will the endurance season play a major role in charging back up the championship order?

SM: 100% Qualifying stronger! From there it’s about race management. There are some quick guys behind me in the championship standing and they will continue to climb the ladder. With “draft” style tracks behind us, I feel from Belle Isle on I’m much more suited to these driver style tracks so I’m hoping I can start pushing into the Top 15 over the coming rounds and just continue to collect points. Also focusing a little more on me as a driver vs me as a team owner, Red Bull I went back to full focus on my driving and performance, and it made a huge difference to have that full focus.

R: Finally, your surrounded by an excellent team that you’ve built over the last few years. How do you find the vibe within the team? Does it contribute to results?

SM: We have a great bunch of guys in the team, the vibe is great and the want to succeed is only getting stronger. We have gone from being over the moon with a top 10, to know breaking down what held us back from being in the top 5 this race. That want to succeed is what I’m excited about for the future and really looking forward to the rest of 2023 with our eyes on 2024!

There’s no doubt Shawn McNamara is capable of excellent results in the Motorsport Australia Logitech G Pro Invitational Cup l, will he continue his championship climb at Belle Isle in 2023?