PORSCHE factory ace Matt Campbell has been parachuted in to help Yasser Shahin’s bid for a title boilover at next week’s VAILO Adelaide 500.
Campbell is a global endurance racing star who competes in IMSA’s elite Grand Touring Prototype class for Porsche Penske Motorsport.
For the GT World Challenge Australia finale, he will replace Garnet Patterson as Shahin’s co-driver, as the latter looks to overhaul a 22-point deficit to Liam Talbot in the Pro-Am class (with Geoff Emery also wedged between the duo).
Shahin won the title in both 2021 and 2022 in an Audi, before switching to EMA Motorsport and its Porsche 911 GT3 R in the off-season.
For Campbell, it’s a welcome return to racing Down Under, having finished runner-up in the 2023 Bathurst 12 Hour.
“It’s been a busy season, and great to racing in Australia to sign off the year, back with EMA Motorsport,” said the 28-year-old.
“The team has had a great year, and I’m looking forward to helping with the final fight for the GT World Challenge Australia title push.
“We started things off back in February with the podium at Bathurst, and looking forward to being back with the team, in the GT3 R, around Adelaide.
“It’s one of my favourite tracks from growing up, and is a special place to be heading back to.”
Shahin added: “I’m really looking forward to driving with Matt. His rise within Porsche is the stuff of legend in Australia, and we expect to be right up there for the 500.”
Campbell partnered ex-Formula 1 driver Felipe Nasr to fifth in the 2023 IMSA standings, in a campaigned headlined by victory at Road America.
