Campbell, Audi drivers boost Adelaide GT field

In addition to Aussie Porsche Penske star Matt Campbell, two Audi factory drivers have thrown their hats into the ring for what is shaping up to be a thrilling GT World Challenge finale at this weekend’s VAILO Adelaide 500.

The three internationals have been deployed as the title race heats up with each driver to find themselves in the thick of the championship hunt in the Adelaide parklands.

Leading the three-way title fight is Liam Talbot, who will share his #65 Audi R8 KMS Evo 2 with by two-time Bathurst 12-hour winner and 2015 GT World Challenge Australia champion Chris Mies.

Mies has already raced in the 2023 GT World Challenge Australia season having partner rival Geoff Emery at round 2 in Wanneroo.

Liam Talbot speeding at Sydney Motorsport Park. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

The experienced German also knows the Adelaide streets well, having combined with Yasser Shahin to win two of the three races at the event last year.

Now he will aim to overcome both of his former drivers to give his new partner, Talbot, championship glory, but it will not be easy with just a seven-point lead up their sleeve.

Talbot’s nearest rival is rival is Emery, who is chasing a record fourth GT World Challenge Australia title and will do so with Max Hofer by his side.

Hofer has already made his mark on the 2023 championship, winning five races including two with Emery, while the other three were with Talbot.

Geoff Emery is chasing more success. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

Chasing a third straight title is Shahin, who usually has Garnet Patterson alongside him in the EMA Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3R.

But in the Adelaide finale he will enjoy the services of former Australian IMSA champion Campbell.

The sportscar racer from Warwick, Queensland has spent 2023 racing at IMSA level for Porsche Penske Motorsport in the new Porsche 963 and finished fifth.

Shahin may be third, but he is only 22 points away from the top and knows how to get the job done in Adelaide, winning two of the three races last year.

The AM Class will see intense competition with as Matt Stoupas and Paul Stokell (KFC Audi) look to chase runaway class leader Brad Schumacher’s Fuchs / Schumacher Motorsport Audi.

Matt Campbell will join Yasser Shahin on the streets of Adelaide to try and close the 22 points to Liam Talbot in the GT WCA title fight.

A busy on-track schedule at the VAILO Adelaide 500 will see the GT World Challenge Australia cars hit the track Thursday for a pair of practice sessions.

That will be followed by the two qualifying sessions on Friday morning, with Race 2 later that afternoon.

The second and third races will be held on Saturday and Sunday morning, respectively, with all three races live on Fox Sports and Kayo this weekend.

Main image by Richard Dole / LAT Images

GT World Challenge Australia VAILO Adelaide 500 entry list

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