Porsche sensation Matt Campbell has won the prized ride alongside Shane van Gisbergen as co-driver for the 2017 Pirtek Enduro Cup.
After earning his stripes alongside Todd Kelly in the trio of Supercars endurance races – Sandown, Bathurst and the Gold Coast 600 last year – with Nissan, Campbell has landed the most sought after co-driver seat in the field.
“I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity with the championship-winning team,” Campbell said.
“There is no doubt that it is going to be a big year, but after my debut in Supercars last year I do feel that I was able to gain the experience for what is required of me in this position.
“To be able to drive with the 2016 champ is pretty awesome.”
Campbell career was given a massive boost last year when, after winning the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title, he won a seat in the Porsche Supercup in 2017.
The European-based Supercup which predominantly runs on the undercard at Formula 1 weekends avoids any clash with the Supercars long distance races.
Red Bull Holden Racing Team Managing Director Roland Dane says the 21-year-old ticks all the boxes when it comes to co-driving with van Gisbergen.
“We’ve been watching Matt for a while now and have been super impressed by his speed and maturity driving a range of different cars,” Dane said.
“The chance to have such a great young talent driving with us this year was too tempting to pass up.
“Plus he was Shane’s number one choice to share his Red Bull Holden Racing Team Commodore. We try to give our drivers what they ask for.”
Defending Supercars Champion van Gisbergen has his eyes fixed on bringing home the Pirtek Enduro Cup for consecutive years after being paired with Alex Premat last year
“Last year you could see that in every race Matt was fast and consistent, and that’s what you want,” said van Gisbergen.
“The enduros pretty much set up the championship. To have someone who is fast and doesn’t make mistakes is a no-brainer, especially when so many points are riding on it.”
Campbell has been busy preparing for his first season competing in the Porsche Supercup in Europe.
“It’s been quite a busy off-season readying myself for my first season racing outside Australia, keeping up my training for a big year ahead,” Campbell said.
Red Bull HRT are set to launch his new look in Melbourne on Thursday.
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