Walkinshaw GT3 has today unveiled its debut livery on what will be the first Porsche GT3 R to race in the CAMS Australian GT Championship.
On track today at Winton Raceway for its first test day, the stunning new paint scheme reflects the Porsche Intelligent Performance branding as seen on last year’s Le Mans winning Porsche 919 Hybrids.
“Reflecting the support we receive from the factory we wanted to link with the Porsche brand and integrate their branding into the Walkinshaw GT3 program; what better way to debut the car than with a current Porsche design synonymous with the brand around the world,” said Mathew Nilsson, Team Manager Walkinshaw GT3.
The team also welcomes Morris Finance as a founding sponsor of the Walkinshaw GT3 program. Morris Finance is a proud long-term sponsor of the Walkinshaw Group and has extended its support to its new 2016 venture.
“We are delighted to continue our association across the Walkinshaw group and expand our interests to their new GT3 team,” said Nathan Murray, Managing Director of Morris Finance.
“While have supported the Walkinshaw Group for many years in other motorsport categories, but this is the first time we have been associated with the Australian GT Series,” he said.
Motorsport Manager for Porsche Australia Kurt Sakzewski says Porsche Cars Australia is pleased to see its Porsche Intelligent Performance branding reflected on the car.
“Porsche Cars Australia is proud to be debuting the first 911 GT3 R in Australia so I think the livery is fitting.
“There has been a huge build up to the car’s arrival on Australian shores and we have worked closely with Walkinshaw in the lead up to their entry into the Australian GT category.
“The livery looks fantastic and I have no doubt it will attract a lot of attention when it races for the first time in Perth,” said Sakzewski.
Just one week since its arrival, Nilsson said the Walkinshaw team have worked around the clock to prepare the car for its first on-track hit out.
“The Porsche arrived at the workshop last Monday morning and work immediately begun; the first item on the to-do list was the livery and it took two days to complete this.
“While the car effectively arrived ‘race ready’ we still had to prepare and install the Australian GT regulation equipment, then conduct the necessary system checks before we put the car on the circuit.
“Fortunately the car left Germany earlier than expected which helped tremendously with the preparation and I have to thank everyone at Porsche Australia and Germany for that.
“We have a busy schedule over the next couple of weeks starting with our first test at Winton today.” said Nilsson.
The 911 GT3 R will next be attending the Porsche Rennsport Motor Racing Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park 29 April-1 May, and while it won’t be competing it will be doing demonstration laps as part of the festival’s activities.
The Walkinshaw GT3 team then head to the Perth Super Sprint 6-8 May, where the Porsche 911 GT3 R will compete in its first ever Australian GT race.
