One of Australia’s top racing exports, John Martin, will contest the remainder of the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season, starting from the championship’s fourth round in Townsville.

The move is Martin’s first full-time drive in Australia since winning the 2006 Australian Formula Ford title, in which time he has raced in numerous open wheel and sports car championships: British Formula 3, World Series by Renault, A1GP, Superleague Formula, Tudor United Sportscar Championship and the World Endurance Championship.

Martin will join the Copyworld Racing team for the July 10-12 event after attending the championship’s previous round at Phillip Island as a spectator. The Queenslander is now eager to get to Townsville and enjoy Porsche racing from the other side of the barrier.

“Carrera Cup is a worldwide category; it’s all over the world and everyone knows what Porsche Carrera Cup is. I’ve watched it over the years both in Australia and internationally and it’s always delivered some of the best racing,” said Martin.

“The likes of Craig Baird and Steven Richards are definitely the benchmarks in Carrera Cup Australia so if we can run with them I’ll be very happy. I’m looking forward to seeing where I stack up against those guys.”

Martin plans to use his Carrera Cup experience to open doors both on a local and international level.

“These cars are identical to what you see in Carrera Cup series anywhere in the world. I’ve been fortunate to drive on most of the major circuits, so if we can get some experience in the cars and there is a chance to do a race overseas, we’re dialed in and ready to go. I think Porsche Carrera Cup is a fantastic opportunity for me to get some experience around Mount Panorama and to measure myself against some seriously tough racers in this category. When the chance to run with Michael Almond’s team presented itself, it was too good to refuse.

“We’re certainly not giving up on pursuing opportunities in LMP1 and other sports car categories, but at the same time I would love to do something in the local professional series as well. For sure, the link with the manufacturer in Carrera Cup is a great advantage. I’ve watched a number of guys I’ve raced against progress their careers through the Porsche series.”

Martin, who will replace Cam McConville in the Copyworld Racing Porsche, and the entire Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will first hit the Townsville track on Friday July 10 with its opening two practice sessions.