EARL BAMBER MOTORSPORT ANNOUNCES DRIVERS

Earl Bamber Motorsport announces drivers – Image: Supplied

Earl Bamber Motorsport (Team EBM) has announced its drivers across both national Porsche classes as well as a title name change.

By DAN McCARTHY

Team EBM, run by brothers Earl and Will Bamber have announced that in 2021 they will enter a Porsche in the Carrera Cup Australia series under the banner of ‘Team Porsche New Zealand’ and will be sponsored by Official Porsche Centres in New Zealand.

The Bambers’ announced that they will field a Porsche in the Carrera Cup Australia Series for New Zealand karting champion Matthew Payne.

“To be the driver selected by Porsche New Zealand for their scholarship at this age is something very special, it will be awesome to be mentored by such an accomplished driver and team and I will take this opportunity with both hands and make them proud,” said Payne.

“I’ve always wanted to race Porsche cars and race the Australian Championship. It’s a real privilege. It’s a step toward my ultimate goal of racing GT Endurance cars at famous tracks like Le Mans, Daytona, Bathurst. Nurburgring and many more.”

As well as Carrera Cup, EBM will provide machines for Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge in the Porsche Sprint Challenge.

The idea behind the Team Porsche New Zealand rebranding is to provide an opportunity to offer a scholarship for a young New Zealand talent.

With the watchful eyes of two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Earl Bamber running the team, he will provide invaluable experience having success from the Carrera Cup series, right to the top of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

“We are really excited about the Team Porsche NZ Scholarship,” said Earl Bamber.

“It is something we’re proud to offer and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships. It’s about providing a path-way to a professional motorsports career”

Team Porsche New Zealand will also support Stewart and Hedge in the Sprint Challenge, with both eligible to apply for the Carrera Cup scholarship in 2022.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to race with EBM in 2021. The Porsche pathway is really promising and provides a lot of opportunities for myself to progress with my racing experience and my career,” Stewart said.

“I’m looking forward to building up a good level of skill racing these cars and I’m lucky enough to have Earl Bamber’s help with driver coaching. I know I will gain a lot from listening to his expertise and knowledge.

“I am a proud Kiwi so to have Porsche New Zealand’s support is an honour. I am really grateful to be representing their brand and proud to have them onboard for next year.”

Hedge agreed saying it is great to lock a deal in after so long out of a racing car.

“It’s really cool to finally get some direction on where we are headed after almost a year of uncertainty with COVID,” he said.

“I am very excited to be running with the Team Porsche New Zealand/Earl Bamber Motorsport team in Sprint Challenge Australia.

“It is a privilege to be running under their colours and be chosen for this opportunity to represent Porsche New Zealand and EBM.”

Applications for the 2022 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship will be taken in the fourth Quarter of 2021. The criteria and application process will be announced by EBM nearer to the date.

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