Matt Campbell and Stephen Grove have claiming round honours in the final round of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia presented by Emsteq season on the streets of Surfers Paradise, where Campbell and Tony Bates departed as champions.

After securing the 2016 outright title in Saturday’s opening race, Campbell was beaten off the line by Alex Davison and Michael Almond in Sunday’s race three, the Copyworld Racing duo holding the front two positions until the chequered flag.

“It’s good to finish the season on a high and get at least one race win in the final weekend of the year,” said Davison.

“Congratulations to Matt and McElrea Racing. I know how long Andy McElrea has been trying to get a championship win so I’m really happy for them. I’m disappointed we couldn’t give it a better crack, but second is still a great result for the team.”

Third place in race three, following his two Saturday wins, handed Campbell the round win from Davison and Almond.

“It is awesome to get the round win and to take the championship here in race one. I couldn’t be happier. McElrea Racing has been fantastic to me over the past few years; they’ve done a lot of hard work so I’m very grateful to Andy McElrea and Leigh Geyer and everyone else in the team, it’s great to get the championship for them as well,” said Campbell.

“Starting in GT3 Cup Challenge in 2014 with McElrea Racing and now after two years in Carrera Cup, it’s been a great journey up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and one I have thoroughly enjoyed.”

Stephen Grove was the star TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge driver in Gold Coast, taking his third round win of the season, joined on the podium by James Bergmuller and Bates.

“That’s awesome. To put it on pole and lead every lap is really special. After Bathurst and the disappointment I’ve had this year I really wanted to set up for next year, so I’m stoked and it’s an awesome way to finish the year,” said Grove.

Meanwhile Bates was thrilled with what was a sensational season on track after securing the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge championship in Saturday’s race two.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic. Between Carrera Cup and Commodore Cup there has been lots of placings in lots of championships over the years. It was all about consistency this year with only the one round win. Over the previous years I’ve had the most round wins or most race wins but didn’t win the championship, so it’s funny how it works. I was more consistent this year, kept out of trouble and that is what got us the championship. I’m just over the moon for my team, for my crew and for everyone who has supported me it is a great reward,” said Bates.

Campbell finished the season with a 130 point lead over second placed Alex Davison, with David Wall placing third a further 81 points adrift.

Bates topped the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge class by 86 points from Bergmuller, with Stephen Grove finishing third, 37.5 points further behind.