Martin eyeing top five on Carrera Cup debut

Experienced sportscar ace John Martin is targetting a top five finish on his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia debut at the Castrol Edge Townsville 400.

The 31-year-old will join the Carrera Cup for the remaining rounds of the championship after completing a deal to join the Copyworld Racing Team.

Martin is set to pilot the #25 vacated by Cameron McConville at Townsville’s Reid Park in his first appearance in a national category since winning the 2006 Australian Formula Ford Championship.

While he boasts a wealth of experience in sportscars after spells in the FIA World Endurance Championship and United SportsCar series, the Carrera Cup poses a new challenge for the Queenslander.

Despite his limited knowledge of the cars, he remains hopeful of challenging the championship’s elite as he tackles the Carrera Cup and Reid Park street circuit for the first time.

“Heading into to Townsville I would be very happy if we can run in the top five,” Martin told Speedcafe.com

“I haven’t done a lot in the cars and I have never raced at Townsville.

“The test with McElrea Racing earlier this year has obviously helped give us a bit of feel of that they are like and work through some stuff.

“Obviously there is a lot of people in the class that have been around for a while like Steven Richards and Craig Baird that have been there done it and are still at the top of their game.

“There are also few younger people coming through that are really quick too.

“I’m looking forward to seeing where I stack up against those guys.”

Reigning champion Steven Richards leads the Carrera Cup Australia standings with a 58.5 point lead over Nick McBride.

A 21 car field has entered the fourth round of the championship with the first of three races set to begin at 15:00 on Saturday July 11.

Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Townsville Entry List