Porsche Cars Australia has released the first entry list for its flagship racing category – the Australian Carrera Cup Championship.
The category kicks back into life this weekend at Albert Park, supporting the Formula One Qantas Australian Grand Prix.
Heading the list will be Craig Baird who will carry the #1 plate on his car courtesy of his title victory in 2008 – the last time the category raced in Australia before its two year sabbatical.
Those who appear most likely to challenge Baird include a number of fellow New Zealanders, including Jonny Reid, Daniel Gaunt and Ant Pedersen (who will not compete at the first round of the series this weekend).
The Australians looking to upset the Kiwi’s parade include for full-time V8 Supercars drivers Steve Richards and Michael Patrizi.
And look for Brit Ben Barker to challenge for top five places within the first half of the season, driving for Team BRM. The team announced today a new sponsorship package with TOTAL Oils.
The grid is also packed with experience, including former Carrera Cup drivers Marc Cini, Matthew Coleman and Theo and James Koundouris.
Stay tuned to Speedcafe.com for more car unveils as they come to hand.
The Australian Carrera Cup Championship kicks off this Thursday at Albert Park with practice and qualifying ahead of three races over the Grand Prix weekend.
| CAR # | SPONSOR | DRIVER | STATE | MODEL |
| 1 | Dutton Insurance | Craig Baird | NZ | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 5 | Newcastle Jets | Nathan Tinkler | NSW | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 6 | Skye Sands | Rusty French | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 7 | Simjen.com/Giltrap Group | Jonny Reid | NZ | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 8 | Australian Engineered Flooring | Max Twigg | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 9 | Hallmarc | Marc Cini | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 10 | Hallmarc | Michael Loccisano | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 11 | Money Choice Motorsport | Matthew Coleman | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 12 | Laser Plumbing & Electrical | Steven Richards | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 17 | INCA Motorsports | Ray Angus | QLD | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 18 | Grill’d | Andrew Barlow | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 19 | Rosche Extra Soft | Damien Flack | QLD | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 20 | Team BRM / Total | Ben Barker | ENG | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 27 | VnC Cocktails / MPD Dairy | Daniel Gaunt | NZ | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 29 | McElrea Racing | Michael Patrizi | WA | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 47 | Supabarn Supermarkets/SNP Security | Theo Koundouris | ACT | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 51 | Laminex Industries | Ross Lilley | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 56 | McGrath Estate Agents | Shane Smollen | NSW | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 60 | L’Oreal Men Expert | Mark Skaife | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 66 | Globe | Peter Hill | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 69 | Supabarn Supermarkets/SNP Security | James Koundouris | ACT | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 88 | VIC Air Supplies | Simon Middleton | VIC | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
| 90 | Paul Kelly Motor Group | Paul Kelly | NZ | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup |
