Reigning Australian Formula 3 Champion Harri Jones will join Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia in the hope of following in the footsteps of two Porsche champions.
The 19-year-old Queenslander brings significant open wheel experience to the all-Porsche championship, contesting Formula Ford across three seasons before his successful national Formula 3 campaign in 2018. Jones also raced a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport at the 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour, claiming victory in Class C.
Jones has now confirmed his GT3 Cup Challenge entry with McElrea Racing with the aim to start his ascent of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in the footsteps of former McElrea Racing drivers and eventual international Porsche Juniors Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to hop into a Porsche next year with McElrea Racing. After securing my first championship this year in the Australian Formula 3 series, I am hoping to use that momentum to further develop my driving and get some strong results in 2019,” said Jones.
“I have known Andy since I started out in Formula Ford and to sign with him next year is a dream come true. They are a very professional outfit and have lots of Porsche experience and I believe they will give me the best chance to succeed in the category.
“The Porsche Motorsport Pyramid has been proven time and time again and with Jaxon being signed as a Porsche Junior only a couple of weeks ago, it gives me confidence that we have made the right move.”
McElrea Racing Team Principle Andy McElrea is thrilled to recruit the open wheel champion following another success story in the promotion of 2018 Carrera Cup champion Jaxon Evans to the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme in 2019.
“McElrea Racing is absolutely delighted to be able to announce Harri as our second and final Pro driver for the 2019 GT3 Cup Challenge championship. I first noticed Harri in Formula Ford a few years ago and have kept a close eye on him ever since. I was particularly impressed with his ability to take the F3 championship under huge pressure and of course his raw pace with slicks and aero. We are very confident our two single-seater hot shots Harri & Ryan Suhle will enjoy a great season as they follow MR teammates Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.”
Ryan Suhle was confirmed to race in GT3 Cup Challenge with McElrea Racing last month following his second-place finish in the Australian Formula 4 Championship.
The 2019 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia season will commence at Symonns Plains Raceway as part of the Tasmania SuperSprint on April 5-7, 2019.