PORSCHE Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia champion Thomas Sargent and Aussie squad McElrea Racing have launched their foray to the United States in the best possible fashion in Florida this week. 

Sargent topped the two-day pre-season Porsche Carrera Cup North America test at Sebring International Raceway, ahead of the opening round of the championship at the same venue next week.  

Sargent’s 2m02.170s best was a full 0.5 seconds quicker than the next best, while his McElrea Racing teammate Thomas Nepveu was seventh outright, with a 2m03.158s.  

“Really stoked with how it turned out,” Sargent said.  

“We finished up P1 overall on both days. It’s not what we were expecting but it’s definitely welcomed.  

“We had a really good two days, we learnt a lot and did some qualy runs and some race runs as well so I fell like we have a really good car for both conditions.  

“Ultimately we’re really stoked with how it ended up and I can’t wait for the next week and the race meeting.”   

McElrea Racing, the reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champions, established a US-base in North Carolina this year and will field two cars in the championship for the first time in 2023.  

Sargent is the reigning Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia winner.  

The opening round of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Championship will take place at Sebring next week, running on the Wednesday and Thursday of the ‘Super Sebring’ event. 

The event includes the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the iconic Sebring 12 hour, the second round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.  

Porsche’s brand new 963 GTP car will be on show in both races, fielded by Porsche Penske Motorsport, with Matt Campbell back behind the wheel in the 12-Hour race this weekend.