One of Australia’s most promising young stars, 17-year-old Brisbane teenager Renee Gracie, will become Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s first female racer when joining the one-make championship in 2013.
A proven talent in Australian karting, Gracie will join Queensland-based McElrea Racing for the 2013 season with the backing of Fujitsu General; a deal that was crafted through Gracie’s involvement in the Fujitsu ‘Cool’ Driver Program.
Following Gracie’s 18th birthday in January, the Queenslander will make her Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut at the 2013 Clipsal 500; an exciting prospect for the budding young race car driver.
“This fantastic opportunity is the realisation of what I set out to do when I first started in karts. I’ve been training hard and working towards making this exciting step into championship motor racing and I couldn’t be happier knowing what 2013 holds for me,” said Gracie.
“Yes, it’s a big step, but I feel confident the team can bring me up to speed and assist me with increasing my competitiveness in a structured and measured way. It’s also great to be able to continue with Fujitsu who’ve supported me so enthusiastically for the last two years. I’m pinching myself to be honest.”
Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager Jamey Blaikie welcomes Gracie to the category and is excited to have the talented youngster join the Porsche field.
“Renee’s inclusion to Carrera Cup Australia will attract a completely new demographic to the category. It’s rare to find a talented young female driver and Renee is showing all the right signs to become a high profile driver in Australian motorsport,” said Blaikie.
“Renee has talent, enthusiasm and important marketability that will help her progress far in her motorsport career, and we’re thrilled we can play a part in Renee’s development as a race car driver.”
Gracie and the entire Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will hit the track at the 2013 opening round at the Clipsal 500, February 28-March 03, 2013.