Queensland-based Shae Davies’ career has received a boost after being confirmed for the leading McElrea Racing operation in the Porsche Carrera Cup Championship next season.
After having to source his own Cup car this year, linking with McElrea gives the 23-year-old his best chance of becoming a regular front-runner in the one-make formula.
Davies admitted he had looked at the possibility of entering the Dunlop V8 Supercars Development series but felt Carrera Cup, which will usher in a new generation car next year, remained the best avenue to develop his skills.
“We looked hard at the Dunlop Series as well, but felt that the new Carrera Cup car was going to take my driving to another level and I can’t wait to get stuck right into it once the cars hit our shores,” Davies said.
“This year we missed the window to secure the ride we needed, which ultimately resulted in us having to source our own Cup Car, but to know exactly what I will be doing, and with whom, is a great way to prepare for 2014,” Davies explained.
Davies is no stranger to the team after running as part of the squad at the Gold Coast and the Sydney Olympic Park rounds last year.
Team principal, Andy McElrea, is equally delighted to have secured Davies for the upcoming season.
“Shae is clearly one of the hottest properties going around at the moment and we are delighted that he is going to form part of our multi-car team next year,” McElrea said.
Davies has enjoyed a busy schedule this year and is currently leading the Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series.
He will run with Andy Booth (Woodstock Commodore) in the second leg of the NZ SuperTourer endurance series at Hampton Downs this weekend after debuting with the former NZV8 champion at the same track last month.
Davies is currently sitting sixth in the Carrera Cup standings on 627 points behind leader Craig Baird (872.5) going into the final round at the Gold Coast starting today week.
