Porsche Carrera Cup Asia makes history with record-breaking entries for the first Endurance Challenge at Sepang

KUALA LUMPUR: The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia made history with its inaugural endurance challenge event at Sepang International Circuit, attracting a record number of participants. This marks the first of two endurance weekends for the season, with the final round at Shanghai International Circuit also set to feature a similar format. The winners of Race 3 in each category will be rewarded with a VIP ticket to the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hours, where they will attend as special guests of Porsche.

Championship leader Alessandro Ghiretti, who missed Rounds 7-8, returns to the track, reigniting the fierce competition in the standings. Mathys Jaubert (TORO Racing) is among those in close pursuit, with only seven points separating him from the leading pack, which includes Rodrigo Dias Almeida (R&B Racing), Dylan Pereira (Team Shanghai Yonda BWT), and Martin Ragginger (Porsche Holding). Local favorite Nazim Azman (Sime Darby Racing Team) will be aiming to replicate his podium success from last year in front of the home crowd.

In the Pro-Am category, Phantom Global Racing's Bao Jinlong extended his championship lead with a flawless performance in Thailand. Teammates Li Xuanyu (Z.SPEED Motorsport) and Zhang Yaqi (Phantom Global Racing) also secured strong finishes, with Liu Kai Shun making a notable return in the #33 R&B Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) after a stunning debut.

The battle for the Am-class title has intensified after Rounds 7-8, with EBM's Munkong Sathienthirakul closing in on reigning champion Eric Kwong (Bergwerk Motorsport). Sathienthirakul's second and first-place finishes reduced the gap to just 18 points.

There were a couple of notable changes in the lineup. Harris Lee steps in for the injured Francis Tjia in the #21 Trans-China Automotive Racing car, while Porsche Sports Cup China graduate Yang Ke makes his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, replacing Jacky Wu in the Porsche Own Retail 69 Team Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992).

Additionally, the race saw the return of 2021 champion Daniel Lu Wenlong in the #20 EBM car, and Dominic Tjia, son of Francis, takes the wheel of the #221 Trans-China Automotive Racing machine.

Rounds 9-11 will be held in conjunction with the Thailand Super Series and Porsche Sprint Trophy Thailand, with Porsche Malaysia expecting to host around 500 guests each day for a weekend filled with celebrations.

This event in Malaysia also marks the return of the Technology Transfer Apprenticeship Programme (TTAP), an initiative by Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific to inspire and train the next generation of mechanics and engineers. The TTAP offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various roles within race control, thanks to technical partner EKS Motorsport.

Sepang International Circuit, the former host of the Malaysian Grand Prix, is a legendary venue on the Asian motorsport calendar. The 5.543-kilometre track is renowned for its two long straights connected by a challenging left-hander, providing thrilling racing opportunities, particularly in Turns 1, 4, and 9.

The weekend's action kicked off with Free Practice at 14:30 local time, followed by qualifying on Saturday morning. Race 1 and Race 2 took place on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the Endurance Challenge event scheduled for last Sunday at 15:55.

In other news, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia has announced details for the 2024 Talent Pool Assessment, set to take place in December at Sepang. Aspiring young drivers will have the chance to showcase their skills both on and off the track, with applications closing on 18 October. More information is available on Porsche Carrera Cup Asia’s social media platforms.

Since its inception in 2003, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia has established itself as Asia’s premier international one-make racing series, attracting top talent from around the globe. The 2024 season continues to deliver high-octane competition, solidifying its reputation as a proving ground for emerging drivers and a stage for the world’s leading GT competitors.

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Picture Credit: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024