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PORSCHE CARRERA CUP AUSTRALIA FIELD SET

Pro-class Champion David Wall return to defend his title - Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

By Bruce Williams

Pro-class Champion David Wall return to defend his title - Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Pro-class Champion David Wall return to defend his title – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

The Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia field is set with a full grid of 26 of the latest generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars ahead of their opening round in Adelaide next week.

Former Supercar racers, seasoned Porsche drivers and several young guns headline the Pro class, which makes up half the field. While the other 13 cars will be filled by semi-professional drivers competing for TAG Heuer Pro-Am class title.

Leading the field into opening practice will be reigning champion David Wall. The Sydneysider had a standout 2017 season, winning the championship in the final race.

“Starting the season in a brand new race car is something all race drivers want to do. We’ve done plenty of testing and to say the car is impressive is an understatement,” said Wall.

“There are many great drivers entered in Carrera Cup this year and we’re certainly prepared for some tough competition from the start of the season in Adelaide.”

He’ll be challenged by fellow former Supercars racers James Moffat and Dale Wood, who make the transition to the one make Porsche series this year.

“It’s been 10 years since I last raced in Carrera Cup, so I’m eager to get out there and experience the cars again and see what we can achieve on track throughout the year,” said Moffat

Several seasoned Porsche drivers will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the 911 GT3 Cup in order to start the season strong. Nick McBride and Michael Almond both have 32 round starts entering Adelaide, while Jaxon Evans and Dylan O’Keeffe bring one and two seasons’ experience, respectively, and will look to impress against their more experienced competition.

Reigning Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia champion Jordan Love will make the step up to Carrera Cup full time after a record-breaking season in 2017. He’ll be joined four Pro-class rookies who will make their debut in Adelaide, Adam Garwood, Peter Major, Josh Hunt and Cameron Hill.

Stephen Grove out to defend his Pro-Am class title - Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Stephen Grove out to defend his Pro-Am class title – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Stephen Grove returns to defend his TAG Heuer Pro-Am class title, but he’ll face some fierce competition with the return of Max Twigg, most successful Pro-Am ranked driver in the class’s history, with three title wins to his credit.

The strong field of gentlemen racers also includes the return of Marc Cini, Tim Miles, Sam Shahin, Dean Cook, Graham Williams, Greg Taylor and Roger Lago. While Anthony Gilbertson, Indiran Padayachee, Adrian Flack and John Steffensen step up from GT3 Cup Challenge.

“This is a huge step in my motor racing career,” said Steffensen.

“Carrera Cup is one of Australia’s most professional and competitive motor racing championships and features an unbelievably high calibre of driver talent, including a raft of former and future Supercars Championship drivers.

“I can’t wait to make the move into the Carrera Cup series and get the season started.”

Just one car in the field is yet to have it’s driver formally announced, Ash Seward Motorsport’s final pro-driver to be officially confirmed in the lead up to the Adelaide 500.

2018 Entry List: Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia
#1 David Wall (Pro) PAYCE / Wilson Security
#4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Grove Motorsport
#5 Greg Taylor (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Arris/Strongbuild
#6 Tim Miles (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Miles Advisory Partners
#7 Jaxon Evans (Pro) Morris Finance
#8 Nick McBride (Pro) Porsche Centre Melbourne
#9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmarc
#12 Adam  Garwood (Pro) Garwood Motorsport
#13 Sam Shahin (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) The Bend/htfu
#14 Peter  Major  (Pro) Sonic/Totally 4×4
#15 Josh Hunt (Pro) Volante Rosso Motorsport
#18 James  Moffat (Pro) PAYCE/Wilson Security/JBL
#19 Anthony Gilbertson (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hallmark Homes
#20 Adrian Flack (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Agas National
#22 Dean Cook (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) BMF/Pitman Racing
#23 Roger Lago (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) JBS Australia
#35 Indiran Padayachee (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Hyundai Forklifts Australia
#77 Michael  Almond  (Pro) Sonic/Bob Jane T Marts
#80 Max Twigg (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) WM Waste Management
#88 Dylan O’Keeffe (Pro) Allstar Equipment Sales
#100 Dale  Wood (Pro) Sonic/Polyflor
#111 Cameron Hill (Pro) Southern Star Truck Centre/Anytime Fitness
#131 Graham Williams (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Sonic
#777 Jordan Love (Pro) Rodney Jane Racing
#808 John Steffensen (TAG Heuer Pro-Am) Crown
#888 TBC

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