Carrera Cup Australia confirms 2016 calendar

The series kicks off at the Clipsal 500 in March, before moving on to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne a fortnight later.

The now traditional Carrera Cup Pro-Am endurance race will then be held at the Rennsport Reunion event at Sydney Motorsport Mark at the end of April, after a two-year stint at Phillip Island, before the series heads to Hidden Valley for its first visit to Darwin since 2007.

There is then a second round at SMP in August, before the three V8 Supercars endurance events at Sandown, Bathurst, and on the Gold Coast.

“We’re happy to confirm and announce another strong calendar for the 2016 Carrera Cup Australia season. It features a great mix of Australia’s best motor racing events and a new destination to give 2016 a fresh look and feel,” said Porsche Cars Australia motorsport manager Kurt Sakzewski.

“The inclusion of Darwin is a key change for 2016; it’s truly an amazing location and the entire region throws its support behind the Hidden Valley event.

“Meanwhile, our Rennsport return enables the championship to again headline the popular all-Porsche racing festival.

“We also welcome Porsche Carrera Cup Asia to our second Sydney round. This will be the first ever joint Carrera Cup round in Australia and will be a unique and incredible experience for both our local and visiting Porsche drivers and teams.

“It is also important to retain the Clipsal 500, Australian Grand Prix, Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast rounds – all are tremendous events and hold a vital place in the Australian motor racing landscape.”

2016 Carrera Cup calendar

1 – Clipsal 500, Adelaide – March 3-6
2 – Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne – March 17-20
3 – Rennsport Reunion, Sydney Motorsport Park – April 29-May 01
4 – Hidden Valley, Darwin – June 17-19
5 – Sydney Motorsport Park – August 26-28
6 – Sandown 500, Melbourne – September 16-18
7 – Bathurst 1000, New South Wales – October 06-09
8 – Gold Coast 600, Queensland – October 21-23