Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia newcomer Matt Kingsley has been awarded the drive of the Guest Car at the coming Townsville round after impressing Porsche management in his two outings so far.

Kingsley raced in two of the opening four rounds of the season, displaying impressive pace in both, however a continued Porsche program was stalled due to a budget shortfall.

Porsche Cars Australia has therefore handed Kingsley the drive of the Guest Car for the Townsville round, easing the budget required to allow the Queenslander to compete in his home state on July 06-08.

“Matt is a talented young driver, but he unfortunately lacks the funds to compete in the championship full-time. After performing exceptionally well at the Adelaide and Phillip Island rounds we decided to reward him for the round in his home state,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Jamey Blaikie.

Kingsley began his Porsche racing career in the Carrera Cup feeder series, Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, where he was crowned champion in 2009 and raced in the category up to the 2011 season before moving on to select Carrera Cup events in 2012.
“Matt’s career showcases how GT3 Cup Challenge can promote drivers into the Carrera Cup championship, where he is now competitive amongst some of Australia’s top drivers,” added Blaikie.

Kingsley has not yet raced on the Townsville track, however he is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m definitely excited to step into the Guest Car at Townsville, especially when you look at the calibre of drivers who have raced in that car previously – including Mark Skaife and Heinz-Harald Frentzen,” said Kingsley.

“It will be great to race in my home state. Hopefully we can drum up some Queensland support and show the Blues and the Mexicans [New South Welshmen and Victorians] how it’s done. The Townsville event always has a great atmosphere and the weather should be great – typical of Queensland. We’ll go out there and try to do our state proud.”

The Townsville round marks the start to the second half of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia season, with the one-make sports car championship to hold three races over the three-day event.