JONES READY FOR GC CARRERA CUP SHOWDOWN
The finale of the 2022 Porsche Carrera Cup is headed for a gripping finale, with five drivers in contention for this year’s title as they fight it out on the Gold Coast Streets this weekend.
Sitting on top of the table is 23yo Harri Jones from McElrea Racing, whose four wins and five podiums give the youngster a 74 point buffer over the fast finishing Aaron Love, with Dylan O’Keefe only four points behind him.
Love missed two rounds (six races) with international duties, and Jones took full advantage in Winton and Darwin, securing three wins and three podium second’s, whilst love has taken four of the last five races.
David Wall and David Russell remain 94 and 104 points in arrears respectively, and with 181 points up for grabs, are the outside runners that still have a mathematical chance.
Jones has already taken his #12 McElrea Porsche to the Michelin Jnr title this season, holding a 222 point advantage over Callum Hedge; but winning the Carrera Pro would further elevate the Sunshine Coast product in the Porsche Pyramid rankings.
“The Porsche Motorsport Pyramid provides a pathway for drivers to progress their careers and since we began on the pyramid three years ago it has been my dream to be in the position I am today”, Jones said
“I am grateful for the opportunity to race at this level and I must acknowledge my amazing team that have been by my side every step of the way.”
Jones will represent Carrera Cup Australia at the Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout, with the winner getting a chance to compete in the 2023 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
McElrea has already produced two international successes, one of them being 2022 IMSA GTD Pro champion Matt Campbell, and Kiwi driver Jaxon Evans, a French and Australian Carrera Cup champion.
Despite the pressure Jones said that he’s feeling good about his chances, but knows that he’s got work on his hands in fending off a fast charging Love.
“I am feeling great in the lead up to this weekend. We have had a fantastic season so far and for the eighth and final round our approach will be no different, we are hunting for more race wins,” Jones continued.
Aaron Love clean swept The Bend in round five, setting up final round showdown at the Gold Coast 500 with Harri Jones
“Having said that, there is no room for complacency, the team and I have been busier than ever preparing myself mentally, physically and technically so I will be going out there with my eye firmly on the prize.”
After this outing, Jones will then be busy in preparing for a trip to Europe, where as a Junior Carrera champion, will have the chance to compete at the prestigious Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout representing Carrera Cup Australia.
With a €225k scholarship to race in the 2023 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup up for grabs, the shootout has the potential to leapfrog Jones’ career overseas.
Dylan O’Keeffe is only four points behind Love, and 78 points behind Jones going into the Gold Coast 500
Race 1 starts on the Saturday at 14:25 as the curtain raiser to the Supercars 250km hit-out, followed by Race 2 at 0835 on the Sunday, and Race 3 at 1250.
Porsche Carrera Cup Standings
- Jones 731
- Love 657
- O’Keeffe 653
- Wall 637
- Russell 627
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