Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia junior Bayley Hall will make his international racing debut later this month as part of McElrea Racing’s North America squad.
The 20-year-old will feature in two high-profile Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America rounds, starting at the iconic Porsche Rennsport Reunion event at WeatherTech Raceway before taking to the track as part of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship’s United States round in October.
The announcement comes off the back of Hall completing a pair of tests with the team back in July, where he was able to put in laps at the Circuit of the Americas before he competes at the popular circuit next month.
Hall will have good local company behind the wheel of McElrea’s #24 entry, featuring alongside reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia champion, Tom Sargent.
Sargent has already made a serious impression in the popular American category, scoring several pole positions and podium finishes while sitting in second place in the overall standings.
Hall will join off the back of an impressive run in Australia’s premier one-make Porsche category so far in 2023 – with multiple top 10 finishes and a career best third place in qualifying in Townsville earlier this year.
“This opportunity to race with my home team on an international scale will be I’m sure, very eye opening but an experience I am very grateful to take head on and make the most of every minute,” Hall said.
"The United States are so passionate about sports and I cannot wait to experience that for myself from the driver's side’ and immerse myself in it.
“I’ve taken inspiration from both Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen who have both raced in the US and rustled some feathers. I’m excited for when it’s my chance to do the same.
“The American championship is still extremely competitive, and it will be a great challenge for me to adapt to the tracks as quickly as possible and also endeavor to make a name for myself in another country.
“The Porsche driver selection program is another incentive in the Michelin Junior Program, and it allows a pathway to the IMSA GTD program. My ambitions are to work towards a seat in the GTD program and Andy and my team believe that this is one step in the right direction”
McElrea Racing Founder and Team Manager, Andy McElrea complimented Hall’s ability to adapt and looked forward to working with him in the coming months.
“Last year we threw Bayley into the deep end in Carrera Cup due to Covid not allowing a Sprint Championship for him to learn from, he pretty much had to learn how to drink from a fire hose and he certainly did,” McElrea said.
"This year he’s been able to gain another level of confidence by building on his experience from last year, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him, he’s a brilliant student & he’s exceeding our expectations. He’s fast, he’s dedicated & he’s hungry.
"The opportunity to test in America arose & like Bayley always does, he grabbed it with two hands & impressed at the test, opening up this opportunity to race in the North American Carrera Cup.
"It will be a challenge for him but he’s proven his adaptability skills over the last 18 months & we can’t wait to see what he can do."
Hall will be in action this weekend in the fifth round of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia at Sandown International Raceway, before joining the team in the United States later this month.