When the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia lines up for its second race of the weekend this Saturday afternoon, it will mark a significant milestone.
The category will enjoy its 200th race when the cars line up for race two on the Shannons Nationals, a remarkable achievement for any category on the national stage.
First held in 2008 at Mallala Motorsport Park where Graeme Cook claimed a clean sweep of wins over eventual inaugural title winner Sven Burchchartz, there has been 67 rounds take place since then.
Interestingly, within those 67 rounds, only three races have ever been called off, with the total tally currently sitting at 198 completed races.
As a feeder category to Porsche’s bigger categories, including the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup, there has been a fair share of young talent to come through the ranks over the past 198 races.
From drivers who have progressed onto the international stage like Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans and Brenton Grove to drivers who have stayed in Australia to race including Fraser Ross, Michael Almond and Dylan O’Keefe, the list of impressive drivers goes on.
Looking to emulate the same path as Campbell and Evans in Porsche’s pyramid, last year’s GT3 Cup Challenge runner-up Cooper Murray is currently in the Carrera Cup’s top 10 after picking up a clean sweep of wins in Townsville’s recent round.
Despite Murray enjoying a solid transition into the Carrera Cup, his season in the GT3 Cup challenge wasn’t all smooth sailing, especially when it came to Queensland Raceway, where the series finds itself this weekend.
Taking part across the milestone weekend will be 19 drivers as the battle for top spot involves three young drivers in current leader Harri Jones, Max Vidau and Aaron Love – all of which have enjoyed a round win in 2019 so far.
Leading the TAG Heuer Pro AM class is Sam Shahin, while David Greig heads up Class B and both drivers are looking to defend their top spot in their respective classes.
There will be three races this weekend with two, including the 200th milestone race, to take place on Saturday afternoon following Qualifying on Saturday morning.
Drivers will be back on the Ipswich track on Sunday morning for the final race of the weekend.
The Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia forms part of an action packed Shannons Nationals round at Queensland Raceway on 2 – 4 August.