Young racer Fraser Ross will be the third Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge champion to line up on this season’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia grid.
The 24-year-old has secured a seat with new team DNA Racing – formed by long-time Porsche specialist Dave Macmillan – for the eight round season, starting at the Clipsal 500 this February.
Ross is the reigning GT3 Cup Challenge champion, winning the title in his third season in the Porsche series. Joining Ross on the 2015 Carrera Cup grid is 2013 GT3 Cup Challenge champion Richard Muscat and 2010-2011 series winner Roger Lago.
“This is truly a dream come true; winning the GT3 Cup Challenge title was unexpected and I certainly never thought I’d follow it up with joining Carrera Cup this season,” said Ross.
“There was some tough competition in GT3 Cup Challenge and winning the title was a struggle, though I got there in the end. This season will bring whole new challenges and will be the toughest year yet of my racing career. I’m not expecting to win, or be in the top five, but my aim is to build as a driver and move through the field as the season progresses. I can’t wait.”
Ross has only once driven in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) car, though this year’s Carrera Cup championship will provide a totally different experience.
“I had my first drive of the new 991 GT3 Cup car earlier this week in Finland, though instead of the race track I drove it on ice in Levi, Finland. It is an incredible car on ice and I’m excited to see how it performs on the track.”
The graduation of Ross from GT3 Cup Challenge champion to Carrera Cup driver also successfully illustrates the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in action, suggests Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski.
“To have three GT3 Cup Challenge champions in the 2015 Carrera Cup field and numerous more with GT3 Cup Challenge experience truly demonstrates its importance as a feeder series and a great way to hone your craft in a Porsche,” said Sakzewski.
“We wish Fraser all the best for the season ahead and hope he paves the way for future GT3 Cup Challenge champions to move up to Carrera Cup competition.”
The first round of the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on February 26-March 01, 2015.
