Porsche Carrera Cup racer Shae Davies will partner Paul Manuell in the upcoming BNT NZ SuperTourers endurance campaign.
The 24-year-old Australian has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Porsche Carrera Cup, which has been highlighted by two podium finishes at last weekend’s Sandown 500 meeting.
Davies, a Kumho V8 Touring Car champion in his own right, competed in the V8 SuperTourers enduro campaign last season alongside Andy Booth.
With a year already under his belt, Davies is confident he can become a force in the championship alongside the experienced Manuell, in the M3 Racing squad, which won the overall title last season with legend Greg Murphy.
The young Australian, who tested the M3 Commodore at Hampton Downs today, hopes the role will boost his own chances of breaking through into the V8 Supercars scene.
“Any mileage which pairs with my Carrera Cup campaign is good,” Davies told Speedcafe.com.
“Its a great series. The concept is very good the control chassis and control engine is similar to what I am used to in the Carrera Cup with the cars being mostly the same.
“It’s a massive opportunity for my own career goal of getting into V8 Supercars.
“The series is gaining more and more respect back in Australia and is a good thing to have on your CV and that is the season why we are doing it.
“Pairing up with Paul and M3 is great especially with Greg Murphy having a lot of success with them last year.
“The package is very good and its nice to be in good surroundings and be able to have a crack at getting a few podiums.”
Meanwhile, former V8 Supercars full-time racer Tony D’Alberto has also confirmed he will return as a co-driver for a third term after agreeing a deal to team up with Angus Fogg in the PropertyTutors Holden Commodore.
The BNT NZ SuperTourers endurance season begins with the the Rush Security Taupo 400 on September 27-28.