Earl Bamber Motorsport is set to make its first GT World Challenge Australia appearance since 2024 next month, with it fielding the #81 Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.2) in the famous pink pig livery at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The previous-generation machine, which was phased out of regular GT3 competition in 2023, will be driven by Tom McLennan and Andrew Georgiadis, and compete in the Pro-Am class.
McLennan last raced in GT World Challenge Australia in 2023, and has since gone on to make occasional starts in GT4 Australia, as well as competing in a variety of national categories including Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
“I’ve done two test days in the new Porsche at Queensland Raceway, and I’m really excited to make my GT3 debut,” McLennan said.
“I can’t wait to get down there just to figure out how the Porsche handles a real high-speed track. There are similarities between the GT3-specification and a Cup Car at Queensland Raceway, but in Sydney it’s going to be totally different due to the high-speed nature of the layout. I’ve heard Turn 1 is flat, so that will be exciting in a GT3 R.
“I’ve never raced in GT3 before, but I’m excited for it and to compete against some of the leading Supercars drivers is an awesome opportunity.”
Georgiadis, meanwhile, will be making GT World Challenge Australia debut, having climbed through the Porsche one-make ladder after making his racing debut in 2024. This year, he’s competing in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, and scored his first Pro-Am class win at the most recent round at Queensland Raceway.
“It’s an unreal experience to drive the new 911 GT3 R,” said Georgiadis. “The car is brilliant, and the aero is something that I’m going to have to get used to.
“It’s a very, very quick package and obviously, the braking marker gets pushed back a bit further, so I just need to put my trust in it. We have some test days coming up, so we hopefully can dial ourselves in and prepare intricately.
“Partnering up with a co-driver is the most exciting part for me because I haven’t done that at this level before. Tom knows how to steer a car well, and he’s vastly experienced, so I’m excited to learn along the way.”
The effort is set to be the first Porsche entry into GT World Challenge Australia’s top Pro-Am class since the 2025 season opener at Phillip Island, with the brand currently only represented in the Trophy class.
“We’re really excited to be back with Tom, Andrew and the Porsche brand,” team manager Bob Jenkins said.
“We’ll be looking to get some podiums, and there is full confidence in the driver line-up to compete against a strong list of Pro-Am teams.
“This program comes at a good time due to Tom and Andrew being busy in Carrera Cup, plus the 991.2 is a model we know well from its four-year run on the global stage.
“Bringing the Porsche brand back to the outright battle is awesome, too.”
The pair will make their GT World Challenge Australia debut at Sydney Motorsport Park on 18th to 20th September, with the potential to also compete in the season finale at Adelaide.
Image courtesy of GT World Challenge Australia
