Porsche celebrates contributions to Carrera Cup Australia via Hall of Fame Award

Hall of Fame Award recognizes contributions to the premier support category over its 17-year history

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has announced the creation of a Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Hall of Fame Award, which seeks to both recognize and celebrate significant contributions that individuals have made to the category over its 17-year history, which has seen it established as the premier support series within the country.

A five person judging panel will induct one winner annually to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Hall of Fame, which will be announced at the annual Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Awards Night toward the conclusion of each season.

The judging panel will select the winning inductee from a list of three potential candidates, with each candidate distilling the values of the championship while making a significant contribution to the success during their time with the sport. This entitles the award to be bestowed not only upon drivers, but administrators, officials, team managers, engineers, mechanics and volunteers. The first year will see three winners being inducted into the Carrera Cup Hall of Fame, while one winner per year will be inducted every year after that.

On the announcement, Troy Bundy, PCA’s Head of Motorsport said, “We feel it’s important to recognize the people that have made Carrera Cup into what it is today and will be really rewarding to celebrate the contribution people have made to our category on all levels of the sport. “

“The Carrera Cup Hall of Fame Award will also grow the awareness of the steeped history of Porsche Carrera Cup in Australia, via a range of content pieces highlighting the contribution the inductee has made to the Championship over the years.”

For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Porsche announces Paynter Dixon as Title Partner for 2021 Carrera Cup Australia season

Paynter Dixon will replace PAYCE as Title Partner of Australia’s premier one-make series

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce Paynter Dixon as Title Partner of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia series in 2021. The country’s premier one-make category will be known as Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia throughout all eight rounds of the national series.

As Title Partner, Paynter Dixon receives naming rights to not only the series, but the Porsche Carrera Cup Teams Lounge and the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Awards Night. Each Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car will display Paynter Dixon branding across the top front windscreen as well as branding on the side panels and interior doors and a range of other brand assets.

In addition to this, Paynter Dixon will receive comprehensive reach through the series broadcast partners the Seven Network, the Ten Network and Fox Sports as well as extensive content the Porsche Motorsport Australia’s digital and social media platforms. A range of bespoke experiences will also be delivered allowing customers of Paynter Dixon to test drive the Porsche product range first hand.

The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup season starts at Sandown Raceway in March and will again be the premier support race for the marquee rounds of the Repco Supercars Championship in 2021, concluding at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast in early December.

Quotes:

PCA’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We are thrilled to make this announcement ahead of what will be one of Carrera Cup’s strongest seasons on track. Paynter Dixon’s confirmation as a Title Partner comes at a great time for the series; as Carrera Cup returns to the track for what is expected to be one of its most exciting seasons to date, with the exposure across television, social media and press media better than ever. Carrera Cup will enjoy extensive coverage across both network and free-to-air television in 2021 including the premier Repco Supercars Championship events.”

Paynter Dixon Executive Chairman, James Boyd: “We are thrilled to partner with the Porsche brand as Title Partners of the Carrera Cup series in Australia.  As the premium one-make series in the country, it aligns perfectly with Paynter Dixon’s customers and values around presentation, quality and positioning – key elements of what we look for in every partnership.”

About Paynter Dixon:

Paynter Dixon, was founded in 1914 and is Australian owned and operated with offices across the eastern states of the country. Paynter Dixon delivers property services and solutions in a variety of sectors, including hospitality, health and ageing, education, retirement living, commercial, insurance and remedial.

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Bayley Hall joins McElrea Racing for 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season

McElrea Racing have announced that Bayley Hall will join the team for 2021

McElrea Racing has announced that Bayley Hall, will join the Championship-winning Carrera Cup team for the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season.

As a Grade 12 student at Coomera Anglican College in Queensland, the talented GT racer sees 2021 as an opportunity to get acquainted with the first generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, before he starts his ascent up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

“I’m very excited for this new chapter in my racing career. It’s all a bit surreal, but it’s a dream come true to announce that I will be with the McElrea team in a Porsche next year,” Hall said.

Hall has already amassed a large amount of experience despite his young age, having competed a number of different racing series and cars. His natural speed and adaptability was apparent from early in his career, having finished second overall in both the 2019 Gold Coast round of the Australia GT Championship and the 2020 Bathurst combined sedans series. Hall also became the youngest ever podium finisher at the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year, finishing third in class in a Marc Cars Mustang V8.

Andy McElrea said, “We’ve been watching Bayley’s progress for a couple of years and for such a young guy, he already has vast mileage and experience in a variety of cars. A year ago we chatted about a potential future with MR and having a shot at the Porsche Pyramid, following in the footsteps of Matt and Jaxon in Europe. We did an evaluation test with him a couple of weeks ago and we were very impressed with his first run in a cup car, needless to say, he has a very exciting few years ahead of him!”

Hall partnered with McElrea Racing’s Warren Luff for the Bathurst event, “I’m excited that Luffy will be one of my mentors at McElrea as he has known me since I was a toddler playing Mario kart. We get on very well and it was a huge experience to drive with him at one of the biggest races in Australia earlier this year.”

Hall will also be part of the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in 2021, which in the past has seen drivers like Nick Foster, Dylan O’Keeffe, Andre Heimgartner, Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love and Matt Campbell go onto to compete at the highest level of the sport both locally and internationally.

Campbell and Evans both started their Porsche careers with McElrea Racing in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge (formerly known as GT3 Cup Challenge) before going onto win the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup titles in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

On the prospect of joining Australia’s benchmark junior development programme Hall said, “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can in the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme and my goal is to ultimately win the Sprint Challenge series, before I make the step into the main game in Carrera Cup.”

“The opportunity to drive the GT3 Cup car in the test session for around 100 laps was incredible. Working with the likes of race engineer, Leigh Geyer and the rest of the McElrea team was also an amazing opportunity,“ Hall enthused.

“After seeing the success the team have had in the past with the likes of Matt and Jaxon, I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the Porsche one-make series next year, as the cars are identical and the national competition is at the highest level,” Hall concluded.

The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series gets underway at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in February.

For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU  / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Porsche aims to fight for overall victories with an LMDh prototype

Executive Board at Porsche AG approves development of a hybrid racing car

The Executive Board at Porsche AG has given the green light to the development of an LMDh prototype. After a lengthy evaluation phase, Porsche Motorsport received the order to build a vehicle based on future regulations. From 2023, the LMDh cars will make up a new top class in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Both championships are hugely significant for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. Porsche very much welcomed the introduction of the new class for hybrid prototypes when it was jointly announced by the organisers at ACO/WEC and IMSA. The racing cars, which tip the scales at around 1,000 kilograms, are powered by a hybrid system with an output of 500 kW (680 hp).

“The new LMDh category allows us to fight for overall victories with a hybrid system at the Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring classics – without breaking the bank. The project is extremely attractive for Porsche. Endurance racing is part of our brand’s DNA,” explains Oliver Blume, CEO at Porsche AG.

For the first time in more than 20 years, it will be possible to fight for overall victories with identical vehicles at endurance races around the world. Moreover, the new LMDh category focuses on high cost-efficiency. The cars are based on an upgraded LMP2 chassis, and the spec for the hybrid system including the control electronics is standardised. Chassis from four different manufacturers are available. Each brand is free to select the concept for the combustion engine and the body design within the framework of the regulations.

Michael Steiner, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG, adds: “In the medium term, Porsche focuses on three different drive concepts: fully electric vehicles, efficient plug-in hybrids and emotional combustion engines. We want to represent this trilogy in both the development of our cutting-edge road cars and in motorsport. We use the all-electric drive to contest the FIA Formula E as part of our works commitment, and the highly efficient and emotional combustion unit in GT racing. Now, the LMDh class closes the gap for us. There, powerful hybrid drives – like the ones that are mounted in many of our brand’s models – go up against each other. If the regulations eventually allowed the use of synthetic fuels, then that would be an even greater incentive for me in terms of sustainability.”

“I’d like to thank our board of directors for the immense confidence they have in the motorsport strategy we’ve developed,” explains Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “We hold a record with our 19 outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we’ve climbed to the top podium step many times at major races in the USA. We can continue this tradition with an LMDh vehicle while at the same time keeping costs reasonable. There has been huge interest from other manufacturers. I hope we can pick up where we left off with the famous clashes against many other marques in the eighties and nineties. That would give the entire motor racing scene a huge boost.”

High-performance hybrid drives have enjoyed a long and extremely successful tradition at Porsche Motorsport. In 2010 and 2011, the revolutionary Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid set new benchmarks at races on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. At that time, there was no other comparable vehicle with a hybrid drive.

Between 2014 and 2017, the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart underlined its expertise in the field of highly efficient, high-performance hybrid drives with the 919 Hybrid. In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the LMP1 class prototype achieved a hat trick, winning three times in a row at the Le Mans 24-hour classic. Porsche also clinched the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship titles three times straight.

Almond wins enduro thriller as Jones takes Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup

Stephen Grove, Ryan Suhle and Andrew Goldie share the silverware at Sandown

MICHAEL ALMOND made it three winners from three races in a thrilling conclusion to the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup at Sandown Raceway, while Harri Jones sealed the Carrera Cup Mobil Pro class by a single point. 

Almond’s stunning victory came by less than a car length as he and Jones battled for the race and round honours, the latter claiming the weekend overall thanks to the single bonus point he scored by grabbing pole position on Saturday.

Arron Love was third: Each driver scored a first, second and third across the three races contested to see them tied on points for the overall round result – the Pole Position result the deciding factor.

“What an awesome weekend,” Jones said.

“All three of us on the podium had equal points for the weekend except I had the bonus point for pole position. Super glad with the weekend: I can’t thank the McElrea team for the weekend, they’ve provided me with an awesome car.”

Stephen Grove swept the weekend to take the Carrera Cup Pro-Am Class, beating home Tim Miles and Marc Cini in the final standings.

“It’s really good – it’s a good hit out, 45 minutes is a long way!” Stephen Grove said.

“The boys were chasing and chasing and they were all over me! It’s good to be back – it really caps a tough year off.”

Ryan Suhle won the Mobil Pro class in the Sprint Challenge competitors, the Porsche Michelin Junior pleased to be back in the car and with his strong weekend.

“It was awesome to get back on the track and race. These events are always run so well so it was great to get one done this year. Thanks to everyone who has supported me and enabled me to get here.”

Andrew Goldie’s Sprint Challenge Pro-Am victory came against the largest class of the entire weekend; winning the round ahead of Matthew Belford and Michael Loccisano.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it – it’s a nice way to end the year, get a race meeting in in a very competitive field of cars,” Goldie – who traveled from Western Australia to race this weekend – said.

“It was always a question about ‘how would we fare’ moving up from Class B to a Pro-Am car but this is a nice way to start; a nice confidence boost.”

The 45-minute race was a pulsating, tense affair that saw three different race leaders and tight competition right through to the checkered flag.

Starting from the front row, Love led Jones and Almond on the opening lap – however an off at turn seven on the second lap saw him drop to fifth and saw Jones assume the lead over Almond and Nick McBride.

The Queenslander led the next 17 laps before Almond slipped past to start the second half of the race in front.

Love gradually worked his way back to the front, setting the fastest lap en route to snaring third position on the 26th lap – though the two leaders remained inseparable as they diced for the lead.

The intensity grew as the race charged towards the 45-minute timed conclusion, Jones launching an attack on Almond on the 260km/hr run to turn six – on what would be the penultimate lap of the race. After several wild moments, the Sonic Motor Racing car was able to remain in front as they exited Dandenong Road.

Almond held on to take a narrow race win – to make it three winners from three races – with Jones securing the overall result in second. Love finished third, with Nick McBride and Carrera Cup rookie Jackson Walls completing the top five.

Stephen Grove’s biggest trouble on his path to victory was battling with Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro contenders Christian Pancione and Ryan Suhle, who both battled hard to take their class honors.

Grove won the weekend ahead of Tim Miles and Marc Cini.

Pancione won in Sprint Challenge, though Suhle survived an eventful race to take the weekend overall – leading the class early before an off dropped him back to third in class. A late pass on Courtney Prince to grab second position was enough to secure him the round result ahead of race winner Pancione and the impressive rookie Prince.

Andrew Goldie’s first round aboard Pro-Am Machinery was a success, completing a clean sweep of the weekend to claim the winners trophy; Matthew Belford and Michael Loccisano completing the podium.

The successful Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup concluded an abbreviated year for Porsche Motorsport Australia in style, the three races run without Safety Car interruption or delay.

The 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Championship is scheduled to commence in Melbourne in March 2021.

The 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will commence at the Shannons ‘All Wheels’ festival at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in February.

RESULTS – Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup

Carrera Cup Mobil Pro

1. Harri Jones 163
2. Michael Almond 162
3. Aaron Live 162

Carrera Cup Pro-Am

1. Stephen Grove 181
2. Tim Miles 162
3. Marc Cini 144

Michelin Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro

1. Ryan Suhle 175
2. Christian Pancione 168
3. Courtney Prince 144

Michelin Sprint Challenge Pro-Am

1. Andrew Goldie 181
2. Matthew Belford 162
3. Michael Loccisano 132

Matt Campbell to continue in Porsche works driver squad for 2021

Porsche Motorsport 2021: Commitment to Formula E and the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Two major works projects and enticing customer sport at Porsche

Porsche will be well represented on major international stages of the motor racing scene in the 2021 season. The management announced the plans for the coming year on the occasion of the first virtual Night of Champions.

In 2020, the traditional event, which in recent years has been held at Weissach in the first half of December, was held in digital form for the first time due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In this year’s motorsport season, Porsche yielded many exclamation marks, for example victory at the Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours as well as major successes in the final rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

In his online welcome address, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG, Dr Wolfgang Porsche, underlined the tremendous sporting spirit within the company and the “pulling together when things get difficult”. This has been particularly evident in the 2020 crisis year.

TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team takes the next step
“We’re very pleased that today we can make a clear statement about our continued participation in the ABB FIA Formula E,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “We are completely won over by the outstanding stage and the unique concept. We use the fully-electric single-seater series for the systematic development work and expansion of our skills in the field of battery-electric drive. We want to move the championship forward together with the FIA/FEO and the teams in the years ahead.”

The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E-Team heads into the upcoming season with big goals. After a successful debut year, the experienced engineers in Weissach have extensively upgraded the drivetrain and worked out new ways to define the operating strategy. The drivers of the Porsche 99X Electric racers for the season are works drivers André Lotterer (Germany, No. 36) and Pascal Wehrlein (Germany, No. 99). The two Swiss drivers Simona de Silvestro and Neel Jani are available to step in if required. The new season kicks off in mid-January with two races in the Chilean capital Santiago.

FIA World Endurance Championship WEC: two factory-run Porsche 911 RSR
In the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), Porsche will continue to field two works-entered Porsche 911 RSR in the 2021 season. The two ca. 515 hp vehicles will tackle all six races under the operations team Manthey-Racing and with a slightly different crew. Gianmaria Bruni from Italy and the Austrian Richard Lietz again share the No. 91 car. Joining Frenchman Kévin Estre in the No. 92 sister car is the 2016 WEC champion Neel Jani. The first race of the new season takes place in March at Sebring (USA). On 12/13 June 2021, the two Porsche 911 RSR then will tackle the season highlight at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France).

Despite coronavirus pandemic, only minor changes to the driver line-up
The pulling together of the Porsche family in times of crisis quoted by Dr Wolfgang Porsche underlines the driver line-up for the 2021 motorsport season. Porsche heads into the new year with a squad of 14 works drivers, one young professional and a Porsche junior. In addition to the Formula E driver Pascal Wehrlein, Austria’s Thomas Preining joins the works driver contingent of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. The New Zealander Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy from Great Britain, Patrick Pilet from France, Michael Christensen (Denmark) and the two Germans Sven Müller and Dirk Werner are leaving the official works driver squad. However, they still also have the opportunity to represent Porsche at races as drivers – including in the Porsche 911 GT3 R. The Frenchman Julien Andlauer continues as the Porsche Young Professional with Ayhancan Güven from Turkey completing his second season as a Porsche Junior.

Jaxon Evans from New Zealand has finished his junior programme and will race for customer teams in the 911 RSR, among others. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions, Porsche was unable to run its traditional junior selection process in late autumn of this year. Consequently, there is no second Porsche Junior for 2021.

Customer racing programmes: customer campaigns around the world
Most of the ten new Porsche 911 RSR that were delivered to customers a few weeks ago will be fielded in the GTE-Am class of the FIA WEC and in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) for the 2021 season. Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender will once again stand in the limelight. For the German-Irishman, 2021 marks the second season in the long-distance series at the wheel of a 911 RSR run by Dempsey Proton Racing. His aim is to systematically prepare for a potential start at the Le Mans 24-hour race.

Porsche also supports a number of customer teams who campaign the 500+hp 911 GT3 R on the world stage. Earl Bamber and the works drivers Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Patrick Long from the USA will compete for customer teams in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In the GT World Challenge Europe, several Porsche 911 GT3 R take on the competition with vehicles from twelve other manufacturers. Earl Bamber, the Dane Michael Christensen and Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki have been designated as drivers in the spectacular GT3 series. Almost all drivers in the entire squad will contest the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. A large contingent of 911 GT3 R will tackle the Eifel classic on the first weekend of June, 2021. Customers will also take on the German ADAC GT Masters. It has not yet been determined whether customer teams will field the popular and successful Porsche 911 GT3 R in the DTM.

New 911 GT3 Cup: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and five national series
Porsche presents the new 911 GT3 Cup for the 2021 season. The vehicle is based on the 992 generation of the iconic 911 sports car. Porsche takes a new approach with the distribution of the 510 hp model: for the first time, a brand-new Cup car will not only be debuted in the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup run as support to Formula 1. The most recent version of the world’s best-selling racing vehicle will at the same time also be entered by customer teams in the national Carrera Cups in Germany, France, Asia and Benelux and for the first time in North America. The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is already designed for the perspective use of environmentally friendly synthetic fuels.

Porsche Cup 2020: Robert Renauer wins for the second time
The revered Porsche Cup has been presented annually to the most successful private driver since 1970. In 2020, the trophy goes to Germany’s Robert Renauer. On the occasion of the digital Night of Champions, Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche AG, acknowledged the success of the 35-year-old from Dachau at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the ADAC GT Masters and the Creventic Series. This is the second time Renauer has been awarded the coveted trophy after 2016. The Bavarian will also receive a new Porsche 911. The award for successful amateur drivers, which celebrates its 51st anniversary this year, is based on an idea of Ferry Porsche.

Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup: Champion Sebastian Job honoured
Britain’s Sebastian Job was honoured for the winning the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. The 20-year-old from the Red Bull Racing Esports Team beat last year’s champion Joshua Rogers (Australia) in an exciting and spectacular online racing season. Job, who has now turned his hobby sim racing into a profession, now tackles his third season of the racing series held on the iRacing platform as the defending champion. The 2021 Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup takes off on 9 January on the virtual version of the Brazilian Formula 1 circuit in Interlagos.

Driver squad Porsche Motorsport 2021

Porsche works drivers (age/nationality)
Gianmaria Bruni (39/Italy)
Matt Campbell (25/Australia)
Romain Dumas (42/France)
Kévin Estre (32/France)
Mathieu Jaminet (26/France)
Neel Jani (36/Switzerland)
Richard Lietz (36/Austria)
Patrick Long (39/USA)
André Lotterer (39/Germany)
Frédéric Makowiecki (40/France)
Thomas Preining (22/Austria)
Simona de Silvestro (32/Switzerland)
Laurens Vanthoor (29/Belgium)
Pascal Wehrlein (26/Germany)

Porsche Young Professional
Julien Andlauer (21/France)

Porsche Junior
Ayhancan Güven (22/Turkey)

Overview of factory campaigns

ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 7
99X Electric #36 – André Lotterer
99X Electric #99 – Pascal Wehrlein

FIA World Endurance Championship 2021
911 RSR #91 – Gianmaria Bruni / Richard Lietz
911 RSR #92 – Kévin Estre / Neel Jani

Stronger, faster, more spectacular: the new 911 GT3 Cup

Porsche has unveiled the latest generation of the world’s top-selling racing car: the new 911 GT3 Cup.

New racing car for the Porsche one-make cups

Porsche has unveiled the latest generation of the world’s top-selling racing car: the new 911 GT3 Cup. From the start of the 2021 season, the 992 generation racer will be campaigned in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and several other Carrera Cup Championships around the globe, including North America for the first time. The new 992 will make its Australian debut in Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup in 2022.

The spectacularly styled Cup car is the first racing version based on the current 992 generation and the first makes-cup racer of the sports car manufacturer to feature a wide turbo-spec body. Producing around 375 kW (510 hp), it exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower. Moreover, the new GT3 Cup can run on synthetic fuels, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions under racing conditions. The lap times of the completely new Cup 911 should be slashed by a good one per cent, depending on the track layout. Delivery to teams will begin in February 2021. The new 911 GT3 Cup is available with immediate effect at a price of 225,000 Euros plus country-specific taxes.

Porsche presented the very first 911 Cup car in 1990. It was based on the 964 generation and headed into its debut season in the German Porsche Carrera Cup with 260 hp. From 1993, it was also raced in the newly established Porsche Supercup, which ran as part of the Formula 1 support programme. Over the next years, five more generations of this exceptionally successful racing vehicle followed – of which to date a record number of 4,251 units have been produced.

“The 911 made history as the baseline model for the Carrera Cups and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – no other racing car has found as many satisfied customers since 1990 as the 911,” states Michael Dreiser, Director Sales Porsche Motorsport. “The new 911 GT3 Cup now starts a new chapter. Our goal is to pass the 5,000 mark in production over the coming years. Like its ancestral lineage, this model will also assist a whole new generation of talented racing drivers on their path to professional motorsport and shape the face of our customer sport commitment around the world.”

The groundwork for the latest model was laid in 2018. Concrete development began in early 2019. The main development goals of the team led by project manager Jan Feldmann were to further improve performance, achieve a more aggressive design, easier handling and greater durability with less outlay in terms of time and maintenance. The result is reflected in many aspects of the new racing vehicle, which, like its predecessor, rolls off the production line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen alongside the 911 production models.

“We wanted to position the new 911 GT3 Cup even more as a professional racing car, while also making it more cost-effective for the teams to run,” explains Feldmann. “We were particularly successful in achieving this thanks to its striking appearance, the improved suspension and intelligent solutions for electrical details. The handling of the new 911 GT3 Cup is noticeably more precise and even more fun. With its improved performance and the optimised cockpit, it’s the best Cup car that Porsche has ever built.”

One of the most striking features of the new 911 GT3 Cup is its optimised aerodynamics and the overall more muscular appearance – it looks even more impressive at first glance. This is partly thanks to the wide turbo-spec lightweight body that is being used for the first time in the Cup car. Measuring a total of 1,902 millimetres in width, it exceeds the rear width of the previous model by 28 millimetres and is distinguished by its additional cooling air inlets in front of the wheels. Furthermore, the front axle of the 992 generation of the 911 is also significantly broader. Thanks to additional flared fenders, the new 911 GT3 Cup now measures as much as 1,920 millimetres at the front axle. This opens the door for a harmonious wheel-tyre combination with 12-inch wide rims on the front and 13-inch wheels at the rear axle. This is typical for GT racing and has a positive effect on the handling and driveability of the racing car.

At the same time, the seventh generation of the Cup racer generates noticeably more aerodynamic downforce. This is thanks to the combination of the rear spoiler with the larger rear wing and front apron, which was specifically adapted to racing by means of a front lip spoiler and strategically-positioned separation edges. The eleven-stage adjustable rear wing with a ‘swan neck’ mounting ensures uninterrupted under-wing airflow. This improved aerodynamic efficiency also ensures more stable handling, especially in fast corners.

The body of the 991.2 generation Cup car consisted of 70 per cent steel and 30 per cent aluminium. The ratio in the successor has been switched. The fact that the vehicle still weighs around 35 kilograms more with a dry weight of 1,260 kilograms is due, for example, to extra struts being added to the steel safety cell. The removable escape hatch in the roof complies with the latest FIA standards. All windows in the GT3 Cup are made of lightweight polycarbonate and have scratch-resistant hard-coat glazing. The doors, engine hood and rear wing are made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. In contrast, the front hood with its distinctive exit-air duct and central air intake is a prime example of the intelligent use of materials: Like in the 911 Carrera, it is made of aluminium – which lowers repair costs in the case of an accident.

The designers put a lot of thought into the ergonomics specifically for the drivers. In addition to the incline, the new racing seat can now be adjusted in two height settings. In conjunction with the adjustable steering column, this ensures an ideal fit for every driver stature. A range of padding thicknesses allows the seats to be adapted to the needs of individual drivers. The redesigned, open-top, motorsport multifunction steering wheel made of carbon-fibre is yet another development adopted from the 911 GT3 R. Following drivers’ feedback, its illuminated buttons have been rearranged. The so-called Rubber Switch Panel (RSP) with its ten large buttons on the right is reminiscent of a control element in the Porsche 919 Hybrid. These buttons are easy to use, even in the heat of the race and are given designated central functions such as lighting and ventilation or to change tyre settings from dry to wet tyres. One example of a clever enhancement to details is the adjustment of brake balance: Now, it can be intuitively controlled via a rotary knob switch on the outside right of the RSP in or against the direction of travel – depending on whether the front axle needs more or less brake pressure.

The designers have revamped the centrally-positioned, 10.3-inch colour monitor. The screen prioritises the display of key data and information for the driver while racing. Displayed alongside the engine revs are water and oil temperatures, the gear currently engaged and error messages or information on important baseline settings, such as “wet” for racing in rain. After the readout of the data, the design of both the display and the computer monitors are aligned so that the driver and race engineer see the same information. This helps with analyses after each session.

The electronics are designed to be user-friendly for easier error analyses and specific help in problem-solving. Around 700 diagnostic options are available. Specific software summarises all information more clearly and comprehensibly. Optional vehicle functions such as ABS or traction control are already stored in the system. They can be activated via a digital code. In the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and in most national Carrera Cups, these driving aids are switched off: in these championships, the talent of the drivers alone is what counts.

Another example of subtle, sophisticated solutions in the new 911 GT3 Cup can be seen in the arrangement of the electronic components: Motorsport control units and data loggers have been relocated from the passenger footwell to the right rear compartment. As a result, they no longer hinder the installation of a second seat, for instance when ‘racing taxi drives’ are required.

The suspension of the Cup 911 offers the finest in racing technology. While the rear axle essentially remains unchanged compared to the production model, the front wheels are now controlled by double wishbones and Uniball bearings – like in the 911 RSR, Porsche’s current top racing model. Through this, the dampers are no longer exposed to lateral forces, only axial forces. This ensures more precise turn-in behaviour and gives a better feeling for the front axle. The shock absorbers have also inherited the cutting-edge valve technology from the 919 Hybrid and 911 RSR. Fully electro-mechanical power steering has been introduced into the 911 GT3 Cup for the first time. This means that the hydraulic pump and associated hydraulic lines are no longer needed.

In terms of the engine, the 911 GT3 Cup remains true to the naturally aspirated principle. In the racing version, the four-litre, water-cooled flat-six engine develops 375 kW (510 hp). Its high-revving unit with dry-sump lubrication reaches top performance at 8,400 rpm – up from the previous 7,500 rpm. It redlines at 8,750 rpm with maximum torque of 470 Newton metres at 6,150 rpm. A single throttle butterfly system with two resonance flaps ensures an even more spontaneous response, and in conjunction with the catalytic converter racing exhaust system, produces an awe-inspiring sound. Three different exhaust systems are available to choose from – depending on the racing series, the regulations and the racetrack. Bosch supplies the MS 6.6 electronic engine management system.

Like with its immediate predecessor, the six-cylinder only needs a maintenance check after 100 hours of track time. The engine is connected to the sequential, 72-kilogram six-speed dog-type gearbox via a single-mass flywheel and a three-plate sintered metal racing clutch. Gear changes are made via a paddle shift on the steering wheel, with a “minor inspection” of the gearbox needed after 60 hours of racing – which corresponds to roughly two years in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. A major overhaul is due after 120 hours of racing. The shift barrel actuator is operated by an electric servo-motor, replacing the previous pneumatic unit. The advantage: even faster gear changes, the option of live diagnoses and a lowered risk of damage, for example in the event of gearshift errors.

The special attention given to detailed improvements is reflected in the 911 GT3 Cup in many other optimisations:

• Every Cup car from Porsche Motorsport is now delivered with a complete accessory kit, which includes, for example, all special tools and wishbone spacers required for track adjustment. Hence, the ex-works 911 GT3 Cup is ready to race without customer teams having to order these parts individually.
• In the new model generation, the water radiators remain directly behind the front apron. This positioning was deliberately retained: the risk of damaging the radiators prevents an overly aggressive driving style. At the same time, the placing of a strut ensures that minor nudges go unpunished.
• Special brake callipers now enable the brake pads to be changed faster.
• The drive shafts of the rear axle now have a special, more durable motor racing design.
• Textile loops have been reintroduced as attachment points for tow ropes. These replace the previously used steel swivel tow hooks.
• A new central nozzle for the fire extinguishing system improves the distribution of the extinguishing agent inside the cockpit.
• The new positioning of the release unit makes it easier for scrutineers to check from the outside whether the fire extinguisher is working correctly.
• Adapted safety quick releases for the inside door openers improve the ergonomics when exiting the cockpit as well as safety in the event of an emergency.
• The onboard electrical system functions without actual plug fuses. This reduces the amount of materials used in the wiring harness and saves weight. The redesign is easier to access thanks to its central positioning.
• Should the engine stall at the start of the race, the hazard warning lights switch on automatically to warn other competitors of the danger.

Technical specifications Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) model year 2021

Concept
• Single-seater customer racing car

Weight / Dimensions
• Total weight: ca. 1,260 kg
• Length: 4,585 mm
• Width: 1,920 mm (front axle) / 1,902 mm (rear axle)
• Wheelbase: 2,459 mm

Engine
• Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer rear engine; displacement 3,996 cm3; stroke 81.5 mm; bore 102 mm; ca. 375 kW (510 hp) at 8,400 rpm; max. torque 470 Nm at 6,150 rpm; max. rpm 8,750; four-valve technology; single throttle butterfly system; intake manifold with two resonance flaps; engine control unit Bosch MS 6.6; dry-sump lubrication; single-mass flywheel; race exhaust system with DMSB certified catalytic converter; fuel quality: Superplus unleaded, to E20 (min. 98 octane).

Transmission
• Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox; paddle shift with electronic shift barrel actuator; mechanical limited slip differential; three-plate sintered metal racing clutch.

Body
• Lightweight body featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite design; mounting points for lifting device; removable rescue hatch in roof; welded-in roll-cage, approved for co-driver use on circuits; seat in accordance with FIA Standard 8862/2009, infinite longitudinal adjustment, two positions for height and inclination; six-point racing safety harness, for use with HANS®, adjustable steering column with steering angle sensor; front cover with integrated quick-release fasteners, cooler exit-air duct and central air intake for cockpit ventilation; widened front bumper with spoiler lip; fenders with extensions; rear bodywork with integrated rain light in accordance with FIA regulations; doors, rear cover and rear wing of CFRP; rear wing with ‘swan neck’ mounting, adjustable in 11 positions; polycarbonate windows with hard coating; air-jack system with three jacks; valve mounting points on either side of the car; 110-litre FT3 safety fuel cell in the front.

• CFRP interior trim panels, multifunctional CFRP motorsport steering wheel with quick-release coupling, shift paddles and illuminated push buttons; ergonomic digital touch panel with multi-colour backlight; safety nets (centre and driver’s side) in accordance with latest FIA safety regulations; preparation for seat ventilation; fire extinguisher system with electronic release unit.

Suspension
• Forged aluminium control arms & top mounts, stiffness optimised; heavy-duty spherical bearings with dust protection; wheel hubs with centre-lock wheel nut; shock absorbers with motorsport-specific valve characteristic; double-blade-type adjustable anti-roll bars; tyre pressure monitoring system.

Front axle
• Double wishbone front suspension, adjustable ride-height, camber and toe;
• Electro-mechanical power steering with manoeuvring function.

Rear axle
• Multi-link rear suspension, adjustable in ride-height, camber and toe;
• Motor racing drive shafts optimised for reliability and durability.

Brake system
• Two independent brake circuits incorporating front and rear axle brake pressure sensors, driver adjustable brake force distribution via brake balance system; racing brake pads; optimised brake ducts; ergonomic brake pedal positioning.
• Front axle: Six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers with ‘anti knock-back’ piston springs; ventilated 380 mm x 32 mm steel brake discs mounted on aluminium disc bells; aluminium brake disc chamber.
• Rear axle: Four-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers with ‘anti knock-back’ piston springs; ventilated 380 mm x 32 mm steel brake discs mounted on aluminium disc bells; aluminium brake disc chamber.

Wheels / Tyres
• Front axle: Single-piece centre-lock alloy wheels conforming to Porsche specification and design, 12J x 18; tyre dimension 30/65-18
• Rear axle: Single-piece centre-lock alloy wheels conforming to Porsche specification and design, 13J x 18; tyre dimension 31/71-18.

Electrical system
• Porsche Logger Unit; Porsche Power Box, 10.3 inch Porsche colour display; lightweight, leak-proof LiFePO4 battery 12V, 60 Ah in passenger footwell; 175 A alternator; digital touch panel with multi-colour backlight; single-arm windscreen wiper with direct drive (intermittent and continuous operation); three additional centre console switches for additional power consumers; data connection (data logger, video system).

• LED main headlights and daytime running lights; taillights and rain light in LED technology.

Jones, Love split competitive Sandown sprints

Young guns star as Grove, Suhle and Goldie grab Sandown sprint race victories

TITLE RIVALS Harri Jones and Aaron Love have continued their ongoing Porsche one-make racing rivalry, trading race wins in today’s opening pair of sprint races at the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup at Sandown. 

The pair of young Porsche Michelin Junior drivers battled for the Sprint Challenge title last year before stepping up to the Mobil Pro class of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia this season.

That battle has continued this weekend, locking out the front row in qualifying before dueling for the lead in both races.

Jones narrowly won the opening race over Love and Michael Almond, while Love returned serve in the second to even the score at one all heading into Sunday’s 45-minute mini-enduro decider. Porsche Centre Melbourne driver Nick McBride was fourth in each race.

Stephen Grove swept the Carrera Cup Pro-Am class in both races, beating home Tim Miles and Marc Cini in each sprint.

Ryan Suhle won the Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro class in both races with Christian Pancione and impressive rookie Courtney Prince third, while the Pro-Am class went to Andrew Goldie in each race; Matt Belford and David Grieg on the podium in race one, while Belford and Michael Loccisano filled the top three in the second race.

“It was classic Porsche Racing,” Jones said after winning race one outright aboard his Helimods McElrea Racing Porsche.

“Aaron put on a lot of pressure when we caught traffic half way through. I’m stoked to come away with the win.”

The two sprint race results set up a thrilling Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup feature race tomorrow, to be contested over 45-minutes in predicted warm conditions at the Victorian circuit.

“It was really hard racing and we banged doors a couple of times,” Love enthused of his race two battle with Jones for Mobil Pro class honors.

“Full credit to the Sonic team who gave me a really good car. It was a great battle and we’re really pleased to get that one.”

Jones led from start to finish in a competitive opening race, resisting late pressure from Aaron Love to take the first sprint of the weekend.

Starting from pole, Jones edged out a two-second margin early in the race before his Sonic Motor Racing rival closed as the field negotiated lapped traffic – the pair crossing the line separated by a car length. Love banked the fastest lap of the race, his 1m09.86s best sitting beneath the existing Carrera Cup lap record at Sandown.

Michael Almond was third, having earlier passed Nick McBride after an early scrap before setting out in pursuit of the leaders.

Old rivals Stephen Grove and Tim Miles were just as closely matched in the battle for the Carrera Cup Pro-Am class, the pair nose-to-tail throughout most of the 22-lap duration. Grove won by less than a second, with Marc Cini in third.

Ryan Suhle won the Michelin Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro class over Christian Pancione and Courtney Prince, giving McElrea victories in both Pro categories in the opening race.

Andrew Goldie, having stepped up from contesting Class B in Sprint Challenge, won the Pro-Am class ahead of Matt Belford and David Grieg.

The intensity stepped up in the second race later in the afternoon: Jones and Love dueling for the lead and exchanging positions three times before the Sonic racer established himself as the clear leader.

Holding third early, Almond then closed on the leaders before he too slipped past Jones at turn one to make it a Sonic 1-2 result. The top three crossed the line nose-to-tail in a compelling battle that included three lead changes.

Suhle had a clear path to victory in Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro category, nipping at the heels of the Carrera Cup cars before settling into the groove for a comfortable victory. Pancione and Prince completed the top three.

Pressured all the way in the opening race, Grove had a more comfortable run to victory in race two – Miles and Cini again completing the podium.

West Aussie Andrew Goldie went two-for-two in Sprint Challenge Pro-Am, taking the race two win after early pressure from Ross McGregor. A mistake dropped the experienced Sprint Challenge regular back behind Belford and Michael Loccisano by the end of the race.

Both sprint races were run without Safety Car interruption and with competitive racing throughout the field.

The final race of the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup will see the 18-strong grid tackle a 45-minute feature race to conclude the weekend – appropriately to be run nine months to the day following the premature end of the 2020 Carrera Cup season in March this year.

STANDINGS
Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup – After 2 of 3 races. 

PAYCE Carrera Cup – Mobil Pro

1. Aaron Love 114
2. Harri Jones 108
3. Michael Almond 102

PAYCE Carrera Cup – Pro-Am

1. Stephen Grove 120
2. Tim Miles 108
3. Marc Cini 96

Michelin Sprint Challenge – Mobil Pro

1. Ryan Suhle 120
2. Christian Pancione 108
3. Courtney Prince 96

Michelin Sprint Challenge – Pro-Am 

1. Andrew Goldie 120
2. Matthew Belford 108
3. Michael Loccisano 90

For results, news and content across the weekend follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Bathurst 1000 winner enters Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia for 2021 season

Luke Youlden announces his return to Australia’s premier one-make series

Luke Youlden has announced that he will be back behind the wheel of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in 2021. Youlden, the 2018 Bathurst 1000 winner, returns to the hotly contested Mobil Pro class next year after 15 year break from the premier one-make category, having last campaigned in the Porsche series in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Youlden headlines the newly formed Tekworkx Motorsport team which will the based on the Gold-Coast, “This Tekworkx program is a great way for me to combine my experience on two fronts. I’ll be in charge of the coaching and preparation leading up to rounds of the 86 series,” said Youlden.

As a Porsche Experience Deputy Chief Instructor, Youlden offers more than 15 years of instructor experience, often overseeing a team of top-level racers.

Youlden, is looking forward to his role as mentor and chief driving coach for the team’s young drivers, “This is the best of both worlds for me. I will be giving something back, passing on my experience, and also getting back to racing,”

“Being honest, I get just as much satisfaction these days from helping a youngster getting a result as I do when I finish on the podium myself. I’ve been doing more and more driver coaching in recent years and it’s very rewarding.”

The driving force at the Tekworkx team is Rob Woods, who will also campaign his own first-generation 911 GT3 Cup car in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge next year. Woods and Youlden will be joined by Tim Brook, the 2018 Toyota 86 champion.

“We’re had a lot of interest in what we’re doing and I think Tim is a big drawcard. He knows what it takes to win in 86s,” said Youlden.

Youlden will be in action at the opening round of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series in Melbourne in March, while the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series gets underway in late February at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Harri Jones breaks Sandown lap record in Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Cup qualifying

Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Cup Qualifying

Jones and Grove dominate Carrera Cup, while Suhle and Goldie set the pace in Sprint Challenge

The inaugural Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup saw Sandown International Raceway host the return of Porsche 911 GT3 Gen 1 and Gen 2 Cup cars to a Victorian race track after a 10 month forced season break.

Sonic Motor Racing’s Michael Almond and Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Nick McBride set the early pace in Friday’s first practice session. Before Harri Jones and Aaron Love spoiled their party late in the session, dropping down into the low 1min10s.

The pair of Michelin Juniors, topped the timesheets again both in practice 2 and in qualifying for the Carrera Cup Mobil Pro class, with Almond and McBride maintaining positions three and four in both sessions. The Helimods driver’s impressive qualifying time at the top of the timesheets of 1m09.6704 broke the long-standing Carrera Cup Mobil Pro qualifying lap record previously held by Matt Campbell in 2016 (1m09.6782).

“The track was fast today and it’s the first time the Gen II cars have been here as well. But qualifying was great and a bit different to what we are used to, but I’m just thrilled to be here and back racing again,” said Jones after qualifying.

Stephen Grove was the quickest in the Carrera Cup Pro-Am class throughout the Friday’s three sessions and will line up tomorrow just ahead of rival Tim Miles.

“It was good to go out with the pros and follow them, they gave me a good tow and I knew that I just needed to stay with them, and that obviously brought my time down, “Grove remarked after qualifying.

Jones’ McElrea Racing teammate, Ryan Suhle, dominated the Sprint Challenge Mobil Pro class, hounded throughout the day by Christian Pancione.

The Queensland driver, who impressed in the Tin Top races earlier this year said, “It’s certainly a case of trying to get as close as we can to the Gen II cars as possible. I didn’t get the most out of the first set and with the shorter 15 minute qualifying session, it was a bit tricky to put another set on to go quicker. So we persevered on the same set and times gradually dropped off.”

“I know there is a bit more there, so I’m excited for tomorrow” Suhle enthused.

With seven entrants, the Sprint Challenge Pro-Am battle will be one of the most fiercely contested of the weekend. Matthew Belford set a commanding pace in the first session, only to be bettered in both the second session and in qualifying by West Australian, Andrew Goldie.

After qualifying Goldie said, “I’m really thrilled with that and it’s just so great to be back in a race car cutting some laps and see some friendly faces in the pits. I’m really happy I came across for the event.”

Tomorrow sees two 25-minute sprint races starting at 11:10 and 14:40 (AEST Melbourne time) respectively and with clear, sunny weather forecast, the stage looks set for some great racing across all four classes.

For results, news and content across the weekend follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Porsche Motorsport Australia returns to racing

Porsche PAYCE & Michelin Cup, Preview, Sandown

A motorsport story 270 days in the making will see competitors from Australia’s two top one-make categories return to the circuit this weekend in the inaugural Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup.

Nearly nine months to the day that the 2020 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne was cancelled due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, a combined grid of drivers from the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will this weekend go head-to-head at the historic Sandown International Raceway in Melbourne, Victoria.

The field includes the best and brightest from both classes, as well as several rookies making their respective Porsche racing debuts. The Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup will also see two generations of Porsche 991 Cup Cars, being the Gen I and Gen II, go head-to-head for the first time in a dedicated Porsche event in Australia.

It will bring Porsche Motorsport’s 2020 story full circle as an interrupted year is completed with three races at this weekend’s Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival: a pair of 25-minute sprint races on Saturday will be followed by a 45-minute enduro on Sunday in a bid to finish the year in style.

The 18-strong grid will have four trophies up for grabs in both Mobil Pro and Pro-Am classes for both Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge competitors.

The field, for the first time in history, the Australian Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge grids have been combined at a Porsche-run event, featuring a broad mix of leading contenders from each category including multiple race winners, championship contenders and several drivers making their Porsche racing debut.

Leading the Carrera Cup charge will be established race winners, Michael Almond and Nick McBride.

The pair each celebrated their 50^th Carrera Cup round milestone the last time they raced in Melbourne and share six round and 15 race wins between them.

2019 Sprint Challenge champion Harri Jones and runner-up Aaron Love, a pair of Porsche Michelin Juniors who both stepped up to Carrera Cup this season, will also likely challenge while open-wheel graduate Jackson Walls, the son of former Carrera Cup Pro-Am racer Tony, will make his one-make Porsche debut this weekend for McElrea Racing.

In the Pro-Am ranks, three-time champion Stephen Grove leads the charge to Sandown as the most recent round winner thanks to victory in the only race contested at Albert Park back in March this year.

Regular Pro-Am contender Tim Miles and Porsche Motorsport Australia’s most experienced driver, Marc Cini will also be in the mix.

In fact, the most experienced drivers in both categories will compete this weekend: Cini from Carrera Cup and Ross McGregor from Sprint Challenge. While Cini has 109 Carrera Cup starts to his credit, McGregor last year notched up his 35^th Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge round start, the most of any driver in that series’ history.

McGregor is joined by a strong Sprint Challenge contingent that includes young-guns Ryan Suhle and Christian Pancione.

Both Porsche Michelin Junior drivers impressed in the 2019 Sprint Challenge series – finishing fourth and fifth outright – and will be keen to benchmark themselves against former rivals like Harri Jones and Aaron Love who have since stepped up to Carrera Cup machinery.

Meanwhile, talented Formula Ford graduate Courtney Prince will make her one-make Porsche debut this weekend aboard a Sonic Motor Racing-run entry.

The Pro-Am Sprint Challenge contingent is deep. Along with McGregor, who was third in the Pro-Am class championship last year, Michael Loccisano, Matt Belford and Nathan Murray will all compete.

Richard Cowen will make his debut aboard a McElrea Racing entry, while 2019 Sprint Challenge Class B title rivals – champion David Grieg and runner-up Andrew Goldie – will continue their ongoing battle by stepping up to the Pro-Am class this weekend.

Sandown is a staple on the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge calendar though has not featured on the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia schedule since the 2017 season. The winners of the two most recent rounds from each category – Aaron Love (Sprint Challenge) and Nick McBride (Carrera Cup) each feature on the grid this weekend.

Porsche to celebrate 70 years in Australia in 2021

Microsite: porsche.com/australia/70years

YouTube Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoAGkbICak

The Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival will also mark the start of Porsche’s celebrations commemorating 70 years for the German sports car brand in Australia. In addition to the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup, the 944 Challenge racing series will also be in action. Three Sprint events have also scheduled for members of the Porsche Club of Victoria, while a Porsche Taycan pre-production vehicle will also be on-track for a speed comparison demonstration.

Porsche motorsport enthusiasts can follow coverage of the event via the @PorscheMotorsportAU Facebook and Instagram pages as well as @PorscheMspAU channel on Twitter. Practice and qualifying for the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup will be held on Friday ahead of the two sprint races on Saturday. The 45-minute enduro will conclude the weekend on Sunday afternoon.

ENTRY LIST: PORSCHE PAYCE AND MICHELIN CUP

FAST FACTS – PORSCHE PAYCE & MICHELIN CUP / SANDOWN

QUALIFYING RECORDS:

SPRINT CHALLENGE: Harri Jones (McElrea Racing) 1m10.0670s (2019)
CARRERA CUP: Matt Campbell (McElrea Racing) 1m09.6782s (2016)

LAP RECORDS:

SPRINT CHALLENGE: Ryan Suhle (McElrea Racing) 1m09.9552s (2019)
CARRERA CUP: Michael Patrizi (Team BRM) 1m10.5295s (2014)

RECENT ROUND WINNERS:

2019: Aaron Love (Sonic Motor Racing) – Sprint Challenge
2018: Cooper Murray (Ash Seward Motorsport) – Sprint Challenge
2017: Sam Shahin (HTFU) – Sprint Challenge
2017: Nick McBride (Sonic Motor Racing) – Carrera Cup
2016: Ryan Simpson (Sonic Motor Racing) – Sprint Challenge
2016: Alex Davison (Copyworld Racing Team) – Carrera Cup
2015: Nick Foster (Sonic Motor Racing) – Carrera Cup
2015: Ryan Simpson (Sonic Motor Racing) – Sprint Challenge

Team Porsche New Zealand announces scholarship for Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia

Matthew Payne, Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge line-up for Team Porsche New Zealand in 2021

Team EBM (Earl Bamber Motorsport) run by both Earl and Will Bamber, have announced that they will enter a 485-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for young New Zealand karting champion, Matthew Payne, in the 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series under the ‘Team Porsche New Zealand’ banner – supported by the Official Porsche Centers of New Zealand.

The partnership is a continuation of the team formed to enter the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship with Will Bamber securing four race victories and third overall in the Championship.

Team Porsche New Zealand will provide an opportunity to offer a scholarship for a young New Zealand talent to drive in Carrera Cup Australia. The oversight of Earl and Will Bamber will provide invaluable experience having success from Carrera Cup series, right to the top of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

“We are really excited about the Team Porsche NZ Scholarship. It is something we’re proud to offer and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships. It’s about providing a path-way to a professional motorsports career” – Earl Bamber.

“2021 will be the first time Team Porsche New Zealand enter the series with their own Scholarship Programme, which is a further testament to the growing awareness and competitive standing our series is receiving across the region.” – Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia

Matthew Payne

Matthew Payne, who hails from Auckland has extensive experience in karting after starting at age 5. In 2019 he won the KZ2 National Championship before relocating to base himself in Italy and race in a number of European series against the very best KZ kart drivers in the world. Payne has aspired to make the transition from karts to touring cars with the long-term goal of endurance racing as a factory driver for Porsche.

“To be the driver selected by Porsche New Zealand for their scholarship at this age is something very special, it will be awesome to be mentored by such an accomplished driver and team and I will take this opportunity with both hands and make them proud.

I’ve always wanted to race Porsche cars and race the Australian Championship. It’s a real privilege. It’s a step toward my ultimate goal of racing GT Endurance cars at famous tracks like Le Mans, Daytona, Bathurst. Nurburgring and many more.” – Matthew Payne

Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia to visit New Zealand

The Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Series will visit New Zealand for the first time. The round will run alongside the Repco Supercars Championship in early November.

“To race in New Zealand for the first time in our series history will be a huge highlight for all Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia drivers next year. I would like to again thank Porsche New Zealand for partnering with us to make this exciting opportunity a reality for our teams.” – Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia

2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

In addition to the scholarship offered in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia series, Team Porsche New Zealand will also support Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge. Stewart and Hedge will be competing in the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in Australia with Earl Bamber Motorsport and under the Team Porsche New Zealand banner. As Sprint Challenge drivers as part of the team, both will be eligible to apply for the Carrera Cup scholarship in 2022.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to race with EBM in 2021. The Porsche pathway is really promising and provides a lot of opportunities for myself to progress with my racing experience and my career.

I’m looking forward to building up a good level of skill racing these cars and I’m lucky enough to have Earl Bamber’s help with driver coaching. I know I will gain a lot from listening to his expertise and knowledge.

I am a proud Kiwi so to have Porsche New Zealand’s support is an honour. I am really grateful to be representing their brand and proud to have them onboard for next year.” – Madeline Stewart

“It’s really cool to finally get some direction on where we are headed after almost a year of uncertainty with COVID. I am very excited to be running with the Team Porsche New Zealand/Earl Bamber Motorsport team in Sprint Challenge Australia. It is a privilege to be running under their colours and be chosen for this opportunity to represent Porsche New Zealand and EBM.” – Callum Hedge

Applications for the 2022 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship will be taken in the 4th Quarter of 2021. The criteria and application process will be announced by the EBM Team nearer to this time.

Porsche announces 2021 Carrera Cup calendar

Australia’s marquee motorsport events headline 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia calendar

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased announce both their 2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup calendar and that the Australian one-make series will again be the premier support category at major Repco Supercar Championship events throughout next year.

Carrera Cup is due to start their 2021 season in Melbourne in March, before attending the seven marquee rounds of the Repco Australia Supercars Championship throughout the year. Round two in early May will see the Porsche teams enjoy the fast and flowing curves of The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend.

The series then heads north to Townsville in Queensland in mid-July before the first of two scheduled night race events at Sydney Motorsport Park and Perth in August and September respectively.

It will be the first time in eight years that the Carrera Cup series will head west to the Waneroo Raceway in WA and also the first time that Porsche Australia teams will race on the North Island in New Zealand. Carrera Cup teams will travel over the ditch in early November following the Bathurst 1000 which stays in its traditional time slot in October.

The final round again will be at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast of Queensland in early December.

Quotes:

PCA’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “After the restrictions to our 2020 program, it’s great to announce our 2021 calendar which will see our drivers continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year, in front of the biggest crowds, enjoying the best support and television package available.”

“We strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and sponsors and the with the support of Porsche New Zealand this year, the New Zealand race promises to be a real highlight.”

“We‘re equally glad that Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia will again be the premier support category on the Repco Supercars Championship for next year. I would like to thank our valued partners, as without them we wouldn’t be able to reinvest that support back to the drivers and customers through improved calendars, television packages, prizes as well as our Michelin Junior Development Programme.”

Supercars Chief Strategy Officer, John Casey: “We are thrilled to confirm the addition of the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup as the primary support category for the Repco Supercars Championship in 2021.

“As one of the premier one-make racing series’ in Australia, its inclusion on our schedule at eight events can showcase the best door-to-door racing at some of our most prestigious events.”

For more Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

2021 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia Calendar

Earl Bamber Motorsport and Porsche New Zealand to enter Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup in 2021

Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) will enter a multi-car team in both the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series in 2021.

The EBM team will receive support from Porsche New Zealand and will operate out of a new base on the Gold Coast. Run by the former Porsche Le Mans 24-Hour winner and his brother Will, EBM are looking to growing the team operations outside of Asia and are looking forward to the challenge of entering a new, highly competitive market.

On the announcement, Earl Bamber said, “With Covid-19 we were forced to look at other options in motorsport, and we feel Carrera Cup Australia will be a great fit for our team.”

“We are really excited to be joining the Carrera Cup Australia grid in 2021. Porsche Cars Australia do a fantastic job at promoting the series and provide a solid platform for us to grow as a team across the globe.”

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy said, “Earl Bamber Motorsport  are no strangers to racing in Australia, having won the Bathurst 12-hour in 2019 with our very own Matt Campbell, as well as competing in the joint round between Carrera Cup Australia and Asia in 2018.”

“We’re excited to welcome EBM into both Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Sprint Challenge for next year, along with the support of Porsche New Zealand, as 2021 is already shaping up to be one of our most competitive fields to date with strong grids across all classes.”

About EBM:

No strangers to success, EBM previously won the Australian Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-hour title in 2019, capturing Porsche’s first victory in the endurance classic on Mountain Panorama. Prior to 2020, the EBM team competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series, finishing third in the driver standings, collecting four victories and eight podiums along the way in 2019. The team have already contested joint rounds against Porsche Carrera Cup Australia drivers in previous years, which most recently saw Will Bamber place third in the invitational race in 2019.

With a well-established presence in the Australasian motorsport market, EBM also recently announced their expansion into the North American market. EBM’s joint venture with Team Hardpoint will see the team compete for the GTD title in the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.

For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Porsche breaks production car lap record at Bathurst

The 911 GT2 RS has added Mount Panorama to its growing list of lap records

After already breaking numerous production car lap records at circuits around the world, including the likes of Road Atlanta and Road America, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS now adds the Mount Panorama Circuit to its resume at the hands of a Porsche enthusiast, Jeff Morton.

While Morton is not a professional driver, he is a strong competitor in Targa events throughout Australia and Tasmania. The new production car lap record of 2m14.238 was achieved in a Super Sprint session at the Challenge Bathurst event at the world famous 6.213 km circuit this morning.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS which is prepared by GWR Australia, eclipses the previous production record of 2m16.5 set by the Mercedes-AMG GT R of professional racing car driver, Bernd Schneider in 2017.

“I’m extremely happy, the time came pretty easily in the end,” Morton said.

“We put a new set of Goodyear Supersport RS tyres on for the session, and they gave me enormous confidence, especially under brakes.”

“In the first session, I lapped the circuit in 2m15.8, but I was baulked by a slower car in Murray’s Corner. I was elated to achieve the record, but I knew there was more in it and in the second session, once I had some clear track, I was able to do three 2m14 second laps in a row.”

“The car feels amazing; the handling across the top of the Mountain is awesome and the acceleration out of the corners is phenomenal.”

“I was surprisingly calm throughout the process; the car just did everything so well and gave me complete confidence to explore the limits.”

Morton also uses the free Porsche Track Precision App, which records, analyses and displays individual driving data on the track. The App can be displayed directly on the Porsche’s screen using Apple CarPlay® and operated via the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.

“My fastest speed on Con-rod Straight was 299.6 km/h; we didn’t quite get to 300 km/h, but maybe next year!” Morton said.

To learn more about the Porsche Track Precision App click here.

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup reveals 2021 calendar

Eight races make up the provisional calendar of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

Eight races make up the provisional calendar of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. In its 29th season, the international one-make cup contested with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will again run exclusively as support to the FIA Formula One World Championship. The season gets underway on 23 May on the spectacular street circuit of Monte Carlo. New on the calendar is the tradition-steeped Grand Prix course at the Circuit Zandvoort, which has been comprehensively modernised and redesigned. In September, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be contested there as part of the Dutch F1 event. The 911 GT3 Cup drivers will also tackle races in Le Castellet (France) for the first time as well as Spielberg (Austria), Silverstone (England), Budapest (Hungary), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) with Monza (Italy) hosting the finale.

For the upcoming season, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup also enters new territory with its racing car: The latest generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will celebrate its world premiere on 12 December and will be campaigned from 2021. Consequently, both the new and seasoned Supercup teams will compete on an equal playing field. In addition to the appealing calendar, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup thus has become even more alluring for international teams. The result: By the close of the first registration period in mid-November, Porsche Motorsport has already received more enquiries than there were permanent places available. This number stands at twenty-eight for the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

“On top of the great feedback from our established racing teams, I’m delighted about the applications from teams that have not yet contested the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. We’ll now take a good look at these requests. The primary goal for the 2021 season is to include the most powerful teams from international customer racing and to assemble a grid with a balanced mix of young drivers and seasoned specialists,” states Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

In the 2020 season, eleven teams tackled the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Mateo Llarena from Guatemala set a new record: At the age of 16, he was the youngest competitor since the international one-make series began in 1993.

Preliminary calendar 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup*
20 – 23 May: Monaco
25 – 27 June: Le Castellet (France)
2 – 4 July: Spielberg (Austria)
16 – 18 July: Silverstone (England)
30 July – 1 August: Budapest (Hungary)
20 – 22 August: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
3 – 5 September: Zandvoort (Netherlands)
10 – 12 September: Monza (Italy)

* subject to changes

Victory for Porsche & GTE-Am podium for Evans at WEC season finale

FIA World Endurance Championship, Round 8, Race GTE, Sakhir (Bahrain)

The Porsche GT Team has wrapped up the 2019/2020 season of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC with positions one and two in the GTE-Pro category. Frenchman Kévin Estre and Michael Christensen from Denmark took up the eight-hour race on the Bahrain International Circuit from pole position and crossed the finish line in first place. Their teammates Richard Lietz (Austria) and Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) fought their way from fourth at the start to finish in second place. For the sports car manufacturer, this is the third victory out of eight WEC races with the newly developed ca. 515 hp 911 RSR. Fourteen months ago, Porsche won the season-opening round at Silverstone in Great Britain – on that occasion, Lietz/Bruni took the flag ahead of Estre/Christensen. In August, the French-Danish duo reciprocated with a victory at the Spa-Francorchamps six-hour race.

“We managed to conclude the debut season of our latest 911 RSR as we began it in Silverstone, which now feels like an eternity ago: with a one-two result in the FIA WEC,” states Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “With a total of three victories in its maiden season, we’ve clearly showcased the potential of this racing vehicle. For this, I’d like to thank everyone involved here in Bahrain as well as those back at our workshop in Weissach.”

In a banner day, Porsche won both GT classes at the final round of the season: Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister (Germany), Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup winner Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands) and Egidio Perfetti (Norway) claimed victory in the GTE-Am class for the Project 1 customer squad.

Like the two work teams in the GTE-Pro category, Porsche split the strategy of the two 911 RSR on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit, which is known for its particularly abrasive asphalt. Estre and Christensen tackled the qualifying each with new Michelin tyres and secured pole position. Lietz and Bruni, however, shared one set of new tyres. Taking up the race from fourth place, they were the fastest of the three vehicles who had implemented the same tactic. Their advantage: In the race, they had an additional set of fresh tyres at their disposal.

Accordingly, tyre strategy proved paramount at the eight-hour race. The race began with hot air and track temperatures in the daytime and ran into the cooler night. Start driver Estre immediately took the lead. The No. 92 Porsche only relinquished this position once: coming in for the first refuelling stop, the sister car only had to switch out two tyres, making the pit stop shorter. The third pit stop, which was brought forward as a result of a full course yellow situation, did not run as expected for the No. 91 car: when the race resumed quicker than anticipated, the hoped-for advantage evaporated. When the safety car was deployed for its one and only outing at the halfway point of the relatively incident-free season finale, the 911 RSR driven by Lietz und Bruni caught up with the leaders. On the cooling asphalt, the pair moved into second place behind Estre and Christensen with a good three hours to go and ultimately rounded off the one-two result for Porsche.

In the GT manufacturers’ classification of the FIA World Endurance Championship, this result yielded Porsche second place.

Two Porsche teams also climbed the podium in the GTE-Am class, in which five 2017-spec 911 RSR competed. Jörg Bergmeister, Larry ten Voorde and Egidio Perfetti claimed victory. Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans (New Zealand), Germany’s Marco Holzer and Khaled Al Qubaisi (United Arab Emirates) planted the 911 RSR fielded by Dempsey Proton Racing on third place in their class. In addition, positions five, six and seven in the GTE-Am class went to Porsche customer teams.

Comments on the race
Alexander Stehlig (Head of Operations FIA WEC): “A fantastic race – all in for Porsche! Pole position, first and second places in the Pro category and first in the Am class, what more do we want? The balance of the cars was super and, unlike the others, we didn’t have any problems. We’ve experienced a long, tough year with several setbacks. This makes it all the more wonderful that we can head into the winter break with this success. It was ‘summa cum laude’ effort from the entire team. We’ll take this motivation with us and do our utmost to build on this performance at Sebring next year.”

Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “This was a very important success for Porsche. Unfortunately, we were out of contention for the championship but we knew this before the weekend. We defended first place at the start and led the field on almost every lap – although our huge advantage shrunk due to the safety car phase at halftime. After that, we had to work hard to eke out an advantage again. There were several different tyre strategies. The sister car kept a fresh set more for the race; we wanted to drive on the tyres as consistently as possible through the race. Ultimately, things got pretty exciting again between us. I’m very, very proud of this team.”

Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “It’s terrific that we can end the season with a double victory. We did pretty well here in Bahrain last December, but we were hampered by a technical problem. We’ve now settled that score. It’s wonderful that the year has ended like this.”

Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “First and second – what a fantastic weekend for Porsche. After the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this result comes just at the right time. The team made a great comeback. Our strategy worked well, Richard drove a great race and I, too, had some gripping duels on the track, where I managed to overtake several cars.”

Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “A wonderful race, I’m happy for the Porsche Team. First and second: We did everything right with a great strategy. I’m very proud of the way we tackled this weekend. Saving a fresh set of tyres for the race was the key factor. The fact that we could then bring this result home safely for the team is ok, because that’s what racing is about.”

Larry ten Voorde (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “Incredible – my second class win in the WEC – and again in Bahrain of all places! I want to thank Egidio Perfetti and Jörg Bergmeister for allowing me to drive with them. I pushed hard. After making contact while lapping another car, it got really tight for us towards the end. The wonderful end to a mega season.”

Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “What can I say? I assured Egidio before the race that we’d win here. He and Larry did a great job. My stint in the middle of the race was actually pretty easy. The Porsche was running well, perfect teamwork – a well-deserved victory.”

Jaxon Evans (Porsche 911 RSR #88): “Words fail me right now. My debut in the WEC was great fun. We knew after the free practice that we had a fast car. In qualifying, we saved a set of fresh tyres. It’s wonderful that we made it onto the podium.”

Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR #92, 235 laps
2. Lietz/Bruni (A/I), Porsche 911 RSR #91, 235 laps
3. Rigon/Molina (I/E), Ferrari 488 GTE #71, 235 laps
4. Westbrook/Martin (GB/B), Aston Martin Vantage #97, + 1 lap
5. Sörensen/Thiim (DK/DK), Aston Martin Vantage #95, + 2 laps
6. Calado/Serra (GB/BRA), Ferrari 488 GTE #51, + 4 laps

GTE-Am class
1. Bergmeister/Perfetti/ten Voorde (D/N/NL), Porsche 911 RSR #56, 232 laps
2. Perrodo/Collard/Nielsen (F/F/DK), Ferrari 488 GTE Evo #83, 232 laps
3. Evans/Holzer/Al Qubaisi (NZ/D/UAE), Porsche 911 RSR #88, 232 laps
5. Wainwright/Barker/Picariello (GB/GB/B), Porsche 911 RSR #86, 232 laps
6. Keating/Pereira/Bleekemolen (USA/L/NL), Porsche 911 RSR #57, + 1 lap
7. Ried/Pera/Olsen (D/I/N), Porsche 911 RSR #77, + 1 lap

Full results: http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com

Porsche announces cancellation of the 2020 Junior Shootout due to European Coronavirus concerns

A spike in European COVID-19 cases forces cancellation of 2020 Porsche global Junior Shootout

Due to the growing COVID-19 infection rate in Europe, Porsche Motorsport has been forced to cancel this year’s Porsche Motorsport Shootout event, which was originally scheduled to take place from the 01 to 04 December. The decision was taken to ensure both the safety of the young drivers and staff. As a result, no 2021 Porsche Junior will be crowned globally for the first time in the Shootout’s history.

Domestically, the Coronavirus pandemic also impacted the shortened 2020 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia season. Which meant no Australian Junior representative would have been eligible to attend the 2020 Shootout, as only four of the 24 scheduled races took place due to local travel restrictions.

On the news of the cancellation, Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy, said “While the news is disappointing, it’s clear the outbreak is getting worse in Europe making it unsafe for the drivers and Porsche Motorsport team to conduct the event. Several of the Carrera Cup markets, like ourselves, couldn’t nominate anyone this year as they didn’t complete enough of their season or in some cases, didn’t start their season at all.”

The Porsche Junior Programme and Shootout remain a crucial part of the Porsche Motorsport Programme for 2021 and into the future. Planning for the Australian 2021 Junior Programme is well underway and promises to again set the benchmark for developing young driver talent within Australia.

The 2019 Junior Champion, Jordan Love, won last year’s Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Championship and went onto to win the Australia Junior Shootout nomination to compete against Carrera Cup Champions from the leading one-make Porsche championships around the world in three-day driving evaluation at the Portimao circuit.

This season, Love joined 2019 Porsche Junior Shootout winner, Jaxon Evans, on the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup grid, the premier support race for FIA Formula One World Championship.  Evans would go onto win the opening Supercup round in Spielberg, Austria and more recently add the Porsche Carrera Cup France title to his resume.

Other drivers that have progressed up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid in recent years via the Australian Junior Programme include the likes of Matt Campbell, Nick Foster, Andre Heimgartner and Dylan O’Keeffe, who have all gone on to succeed at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.