The 2017 Porsche Motorsport season in China is expanding yet again with the introduction of the new Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China presented by China GT. The Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China represents the newest motorsport experience for Porsche customers in the region and includes an array of racing benefits and opportunities for China GT GTC Class entrants.
The China GT debuted in July 2016 and is the first national GT racing competition in China. Featuring some of the world’s best brands, the series had two classes in its inaugural season, GT3 and GTC. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 and 997) was eligible to compete, and the manufacturer comprised nearly 60 percent of the GTC class entrants in its first year.
Next year, all Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entrants will continue to race as part of the China GT GTC Class, but will have the added benefit of competing as part of the new Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China. The manufacturer will provide onsite technical support and ensure availability of parts for all Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China entrants in 2017. At the end of the season, the GT3 Cup Trophy victors will gain support for joining the renowned Porsche Carrera Cup Asia the following year, in 2018.
As the first brand to publicly announce a new GT3 Cup Trophy under the China GT GTC Class, Porsche once again demonstrates its leadership and commitment to advancing motorsport in Asia. In China and globally, motorsport remains central to Porsche’s efforts as the brand continues to develop the sports car culture and provide an unrivalled platform for customers, partners and racing fans.
In 2017, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will host its 15th season, continuing the legacy of the most popular and competitive one-make series in Asia. By partnering with China GT to introduce the new Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China, Porsche is taking its efforts yet another step further in bringing the brand’s unparalleled motorsport experience and excitement to customers in this key market. China became Porsche’s largest market in 2015, and that momentum carried on through 2016 with sales surpassing the already record year and underlining the region’s significance for the marque.
“We are so pleased to see the Porsche one-make series concept continuing to flourish and grow in China and across Asia. I’m confident that with the establishment of the Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China presented by China GT, we will help more and more customers advance their talent and skills, and become prepared for the next level of Porsche Motorsport competition,” said Michael Dreiser, Head of Porsche One-Make Series.
Racing has always been part of the Porsche DNA, and the manufacturer has developed a pyramid of racing opportunities for customers and factory drivers. At the base level, customers have the opportunity to enjoy Track Experiences with Porsche production vehicles, including the Porsche Driving School, Porsche Sports Cup Series and Porsche Club Sport Events. As customers gain additional motorsport experience, they are able to advance to the Porsche Clubsport level, which is the first chance to race on a track behind the wheel of a Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
With the Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China presented by China GT, Porsche is providing a new one-make platform for drivers to earn vital racing experience in the region. The new Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China marks a milestone of numerous one-make series for Porsche worldwide. For gentlemen drivers and young professionals just getting started in GT racing, this experience can serve as key step in preparing for Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
More and more Porsche Carrera Cup Asia entrants are seen taking their racing to the next level with Porsche and competing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and other Asian racing series with the 911 GT3 R.
Charlie Davison, Vice General Manager of China GT / Senior Director – Motorsports at Goldenport Enterprises, the parent company of China GT, added: “Porsche’s endorsement of the China GT Championship by showcasing the Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China presented by China GT not only signals its confidence to partner with the country’s premier racing championship, but also underlines the appeal of China GT for the world’s most prestigious brands. We feel privileged that Porsche has chosen China GT to stage the GT3 Cup Trophy in China. Drivers of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup now have their own class to race against like-minded Porsche enthusiasts, and concurrently, compete for outright GTC class race wins whilst being eligible for GTC class prize money. This will provide another level of excitement and depth to China GT!”
Already, drivers have shown strong interest in this new racing opportunity, with a number of teams committing their entries for 2017. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, including Type 991 and 997, will be eligible for the Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy China presented by China GT next year.