Shahin to make Porsche Supercup debut

Sam Shahin will make his debut in the top-level Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at iconic Imola later next week.

The experienced South Australian will contest the entire eight-round season which takes in some of the most famous European circuits for Dutch team GP Elite in Pro Am.

Shahin follows in the footsteps of current Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rival Harri Jones, who was the previous Australian to race in the one-make series last year.

He joins a long list of Porsche Motorsport Australia competitors to make the leap to the Supercup, including Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans, Jordan Love, Aaron Love, Marc Cini, Stephen Grove and Jones.

Shahin took Pro Am honours in the 2022 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship in addition to doing the same in the 2019 and 2023 Sprint Challenge seasons. Across 41 rounds he has claimed 22 class race wins and seven round wins.

Following the Imola season opener, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup goes to world famous circuits such as Monaco, Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, Hungary, Spa Francorchamps, Zandvoort and Monza.

With all eight rounds supporting Formula 1, it will be on the biggest of stages and Shahin knows what a special feeling it will be behind the wheel.

“Supercup is an epic challenge, it’s the Everest of one-make car racing, but I’ve never minded a challenge,” he said.

“Porsche Supercup is incredibly competitive. The Pro-Am field is very small and the competition intense so even just making the grid is a challenge. 

“At the front of the field the stakes are high with incredible and talented drivers – the best of the best from all over the world – competing for rarer opportunities up the motorsport pyramid, so I am very much aware of the challenge in front of me.

“GP Elite are a team with a lot of success and experience and are best placed to support my debut in Supercup and I am looking forward to working with them this year.

“This is going to be an experience to remember. Porsche Cup racing in Australia is a terrific platform and I am grateful for the wonderful experiences I have gained here.”

Shahin admitted the thought of racing at some of the most famous tracks ever is giving him chills.

“Just the thought of competing at places like Imola, Spa, Silverstone and Monza is enough to put the hair on the back of my neck on end,” he said. 

“It is a special privilege to be able to do this and to represent The Bend at these incredible circuits.

“To commence the campaign at Imola, a circuit with so much significance to so many people for all of the reasons, is the stuff dreams are made of.

“I can’t wait to get started and put my best foot forward and really relish the experience. 

“I intend walking onto the Imola track first up with my NACIONAL cap – one that I’ve cherished since Ayrton Senna’s sad passing many years ago at that circuit.”

Don’t forget the latest issue of Auto Action will be available via subscription here or at selected outlets. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.

Podcast: The untold Senna stories | New look Supercars calendar and more

The Miami F1 Grand Prix finally turned it on, and for the first time this year Max Verstappen was beaten on the track!

McLaren launched the attack, first with Oscar Piastri and then by Lando Norris who had a bit more luck with the Safety Cars. He pulled away for a maiden win