Charlotte Poynting will carry sponsorship from Plus Fitness for this weekend’s Aussie Racing Cars round at the Red Rooster Sydney Super Sprint as part of a multi-round deal.

Having debuted in Round 2 of last year’s series, Poynting sits 12th in the points in her first full season in the category.

The Novocastrian had been running inside the top 10 until a bruising weekend last time out at Townsville, but still leads the Women’s Cup after four of seven rounds.

Her performances have caught the eye of gym chain Plus Fitness, which supports fellow Newcastle driver Aaren Russell in Supercars.

“Charlotte will represent our brand well and epitomises all it stands for,” said Founding Director John Fuller.

“Plus Fitness are strong supporters of women in sport with ambassadors such as Sally Pearson on board and we warmly welcome Charlotte to the Plus Fitness Team.

“We know she will do herself, her home town of Newcastle and Plus Fitness proud.”

Plus Fitness will also continue to back Cameron Crick in the Toyota 86 Racing Series, which holds its third round this weekend at SMP.

Steven Johnson will return to the series as Australian Rally Championship leader Harry Bates makes his circuit racing debut.

Meanwhile, a 31-car entry list has been released for Aussie Racing Cars.

Adam Clark joins wife Emma on the grid for his series debut, while defending series winner James Duckworth’s uncle Bruce Duckworth makes his return.

Peter Carr continues his partial campaign at his home track off the back of winning two races in the last round at Townsville, and David Sultana from the nearby Hawkesbury region will make his first start of the season.

Sydney drivers occupy the top four positions in the series heading into this weekend’s fifth round, with Craig Woods leading James Duckworth, Blake Sciberras, and Jaie Robson.

Aussie Racing Cars will have a practice and qualifying session on Friday August 18 before four 10-lap races across Saturday and Sunday.

Entry list: Round 5, Sydney Motorsport Park