Aspiring Kiwi Porsche champions Madeline Stewart and Callum Hedge have been confirmed to race in the 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in Australia with Earl Bamber Motorsport.
Last week, the Kiwi-run operation announced it would be expanding itself into the Australian motorsport scene with gigs in both the Porsche Carrera Cup Championship and Michelin Sprint Challenge.
The Michelin Sprint Challenge is the first step on the Porsche racing pyramid. It is one step below the Carrera Cup with drivers running the previous generation 911 GT3 Cup car.
Stewart is highly regarded in the EBM ranks and was slated to campaign with the team over in Asia this year before the global pandemic thwarted her plans.
The Queensland-based racer spent a shortened season in the Super3 Series instead, though only competed in a handful of rounds.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to race with EBM in 2021,” said Stewart.
“The Porsche pathway is promising and provides a lot of opportunities for myself to progress with my racing experience and my career.
“I’m looking forward to building up a good level of skill by racing these cars, and I’m lucky enough to have Earl Bamber’s help with driver coaching.
“I know I will gain a lot from listening to his expertise and knowledge.
“I am a proud Kiwi so to have Porsche New Zealand’s support is an honour. I am really grateful to be representing their brand and proud to have them onboard for next year.”
Hedge, meanwhile, was set to make the promotion to the Michelin Sprint Challenge this year. But he too had his ambitions stalled in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Finally, the New Zealand Toyota 86 champion will get his break and will see out the full six-round championship calendar, which features iconic circuits such as Phillip Island and Mount Panorama.
“It’s really cool to finally get some direction on where we are headed after almost a year of uncertainty with COVID,” said Hedge.
“I am very excited to be running with the Team Porsche New Zealand/Earl Bamber Motorsport team in Sprint Challenge Australia.
“It is a privilege to be running under their colours and be chosen for this opportunity to represent Porsche New Zealand and EBM.”
Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge 2021 calendar:
| Rnd | Circuit | Date |
| 1 | Phillip Island | February TBC |
| 2 | Sydney Motorsport Park | May 1-2 |
| 3 | Morgan Park | June 25-27 |
| 4 | Sandown | September 10-12 |
| 5 | The Bend Motorsport Park | October 15-17 |
| 6 | Mount Panorama | TBC |