THE future of Supercars veteran Chris Pither has become clearer, with the Kiwi announced in an expanded Porsche Carrera Cup Australia effort by EMA Motorsport.
EMA last year fielded David Russell, who went on to take third in the championship behind Harri Jones and Aaron Love.
The team is running two cars in 2023, with Pither joined by sportscar regular Garnet Patterson for all eight rounds.
Pither had flown under the radar since departing PremiAir Racing at the end of last year, which marked his third full Supercars season.
He is yet to land a co-drive for the 2023 Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000, but now presents an even more attractive proposition given the racing miles he’ll have under his belt.
“I’m excited to join EMA Motorsport, and by the challenge of racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup for the first time,” the 36-year-old said ahead of his category debut next week at Albert Park.
“The car is very different to what I have become accustomed to in Supercars – simple points like being left-hand drive – but, more so, the way the car makes its speed and how to maximise the tyre.
“It will be a steep learning curve, but I have high expectations and it’s great to stay active driving in a highly competitive championship.”
While a livery is yet to be unveiled for his #42 entry, Pilatus has been confirmed as the primary backer of Patterson’s #74.
Patterson, 29, brings plenty of experience from LMP2 and LMP3 circles and is this year racing in the Asian Le Mans Series for Zak Brown’s United Autosports.
“It is something new for the 2023 season, but I’m looking forward to adding the challenge of Carrera Cup to my program and racing at home in Australia, which I haven’t done in almost 10 years,” said Patterson.
“EMA Motorsport have shown their strength throughout last season, finishing third in the championship and I’m looking forward to working with them to form a successful relationship into the future.”
Other new additions to the Carrera Cup field include TCR podium finisher Luke King and impressive 2022 Super2 rookie Thomas Maxwell.
