The Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia will hold its second round for the year this weekend at the Shannons Nationals.
After an exciting season opener in Tasmania last month, more than 20 hopefuls will now make their way to Sydney Motorsport Park for the one-make series event as a number of competitors battle across three classes.
Sitting pretty at the top of the outright standings after an impressive season opener clean sweep is Max Vidau and the South Australian will be full of confidence thanks to his almost perfect start to the new season.
While he didn’t pick up pole position, the Sonic Motor Racing driver showed why he was a constant threat in last year’s season, claiming the three consecutive victories.
Despite Vidau gaining a similar result in last year’s first round but failing to replicate it for the rest of the year, the teenager was confident was a repetition was is not going to happen.
“Last year I won the first round but ended up pushing myself really hard in the wrong spots after that,” Vidau said.
“I made a few mistakes which put me back in the championship, but we planning to have the perfect year this year.”
Vidau’s biggest threat will come in the form of round one runner-up Harri Jones and CAMS PAYCE Formula 4 Championship driver Ryan Suhle and graduate Aaron Love.
All three drivers have what it takes to match the South Australian and will be looking for a solid set of results in the Shannons Nationals' first round of the year.
The Professional Class' other drivers Cameron Crick, Tom Taplin and Christian Pancione will also be hoping to get their season back on track after a mixed season opener on theApple Isle – Pancione showing glimpses of his 2018 form which saw him
dominate Class B.
TAG Heuer Pro-Am leader Sam Shahin was highly impressive in Tasmania, picking up three consecutive class wins as well as finishing the round in fifth outright.
Hoping to mix it again with the young guns in Sydney, Shahin will face some pressure from drivers in his own class, including Ross McGregor and Sergio Pires who currently sit second and third respectively.
Pires will be the one to keep on eye on after a successful transition from Class B saw him round out the Pro-Am class podium last month.
While the entertaining class will see Brett Boulton and Marcel Zalloua once again line up, a number of new additions will make their first starts for 2019 with debutant Marty Ewer and Michael Hovey making his first appearance since finishing third in
class last year.
After a fantastic display in the season opener, David Grieg will be looking to continue his strong run, which saw him claim the Class B victory. Standing in his way will be Tony Martin, Nathan Murray and Andrew Goldie - all of whom would be confident
of claiming top honours.
The series will hold its qualifying session on Friday before the first two races on Saturday. On Sunday, competitors will contest the 25-lap Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race.
Fans unable to attend Sydney Motorsport Park for the first round of the Shannons Nationals can watch every minute live free through the live stream on thenationals.com.au.