Toyota GAZOO Racing Australia GR Cup race winner James Lodge will make the next progression in his racing career by driving in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for Ashley Seward Motorsport, starting at Phillip Island this weekend.

Lodge, 19, proved a standout in last year’s TGRA GR Cup achieving four victories, nine podiums, a pair of pole positions and three fastest laps in a standout year, and will now progress through the ASM pathway into Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.

The second-tier Porsche category in Australia is renowned as a key developer of talent by providing the launch pad to careers in GT racing overseas, Carrera Cup and even Supercars.

As part of the deal, Lodge will be inducted into the Michelin Junior Program where he will benefit from tuition and experiences to fast track his career.

Ashley Seward Motorsport is vastly experienced in the category having supported many drivers efforts during the past decade.

Lodge and Ashley Seward Motorsport will begin their Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge campaign at Phillip Island at the Shannons SpeedSeries, starting this Friday.

“I’m very excited to be rejoining ASM in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge,” said Lodge.

“It will be a new challenge, compared to 86, but I’m prepared for it and I know I have the team to get the results that we are looking for.

“The Porsche is certainly a lot faster than the 86, but it’s a pleasure to drive. I’ve enjoyed the two test days that we’ve had and I can’t wait to get to Phillip Island for the first round.

“Last year was a really strong season. We expected to do another year in the 86s, but after having so much success, we needed to take the step up. And Porsche was the logical progression for my career.

“It’s going to be a challenge to step up like this. I don’t want to set expectations too high, so I’ll just take it a step at a time and see what happens at Phillip Island.”