REID MAKES DEBUT START IN PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE

Former A1GP star Jonny Reid lines up on the start grid at Pukekohe this weekend, for the first time since 2003, although this time the car is somewhat different.

Round 1 of the seven-round 2009/10 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge starts on Saturday with no less than 14 teams entered for the first round, in what will be an exciting battle of a combined field of new and experienced racers.

Reid, 26, has a cautious yet optimistic view of the season ahead as he gears himself up for his second ever outing in a GT3 following his win in Taupo as number-two driver to Jody Vincent in the A1GP support endurance race in January. “This is a learning year, with a new car and getting to know the New Zealand circuits again. Yes I have a wealth of racing experience, but this is coupled with a lot of expectation.” said Reid. “This is totally different to the A1GP car and the F3 I was racing in Japan. I think I can adjust quickly, and if so, that will be my strength. The final test at Taupo last week went well and I have the best team in pit lane.”

It’s been a while since Reid has raced at Pukekohe, the last time was in 2003 in a Formula Ford where he has fond memories of a win. “It’s been a few years since I’ve been around here with racing on the agenda, I had forgotten how bumpy and narrow it is. It’ll be great racing in front of a home crowd again, I think once I’ve gotten used to the car it’ll go ok.” He added.

Auckland based International Motorsport are running Reid alongside experienced Porsche racer and former A1GP team mate Matt Halliday, past GT3 Cup campaigners Ant Pederson and Andrew Bagnall, and fellow rookie to the series Mitch Cunningham.

Pre-race qualifying is Saturday morning ahead of the first of three races that make up Round 1 at Pukekohe Park Raceway.

The 2009/10 series again covers length of the country and heads south to Christchurch, Invercargill and Timaru following this weekend’s season opener before making a return to the North Island to compete at Manfeild, Taupo and a final trophy round at the Hamilton 400 Street Race.