.jpg "Barker will again be pushing hard at his home race| Photo Shaun Garrity")
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will this weekend hold its final round of the 2011 season at the Sydney Telstra 500.
Reigning champion Craig Baird is the favourite to claim his third Carrera Cup Australia title in 2011, currently holding a lengthy 51 point lead in the standings over Daniel Gaunt, with Steven Richards and Jonny Reid close behind and in contention for the series win.
In fifth position in the standings, Ben Barker is out of the title chase. However, the 20- year-old British driver who moved to Australia in 2009 will be one to watch on the 3.4 km Sydney circuit, hoping he can impress in front of his home crowd.
“Living in Manly, Sydney is definitely a home away from home for me and I’m keen to impress here this weekend,” said Barker.
“This is probably my best shot of winning this year. We’ve showed great pace throughout the season and constantly gained more experience in the Porsche, so we’ll see what we can do at Sydney Olympic Park.
“I’ve been able to gain a pole position, several fastest laps and top three finishes this year. Hopefully we can score a win this weekend. I’m expecting tough competition though, as there will be four guys out there fighting for the Carrera Cup title.”
In the Elite Class, Max Twigg has already secured the class title entering the final round. This leaves a close battle between James Koundouris and Paul Kelly for second place in the Elite Class, while Theo Koundouris and Shane Smollen also remain in contention, but are outside chances, for runner-up class honours.
While Twigg has sealed the Elite Class crown, Canberra based James Koundouris is looking to win the battle for second in the class in his return to Sydney Olympic Park after having raced at the circuit in 2009.
“I always look forward to racing at Sydney Olympic Park, mainly because it is really our home round,” said Koundouris.
“It’s a really tight, difficult circuit that requires plenty of concentration and a place where you can’t make any mistakes. All you can do is go out there and give it your best.”
The #60 Guest car will be driven by front running Formula Ford driver Nick Foster at the Sydney event. The 19-year-old Queenslander will race in the Fujitsu backed Porsche as part of his involvement with the Fujitsu ‘Cool’ Driver Program.
Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia will hold three races over the Sydney Telstra 500 event, which will be the seventh and final round of its 2011 season.
For more information on the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia, visit www.carreracup.com.au.
