Penrite Racing signs Porsche ace for enduros

Factory Porsche driver Kévin Estre will make his Supercars debut in the 2023 enduros with Penrite Racing.

Estre completes Penrite Racing’s co-driver roster alongside five-time Bathurst winner Garth Tander.

The French driver will make his Supercars debut at September’s Penrite Oil Sandown 500.

However, neither Estre or Tander have been allocated to a car yet.

Estre will race one of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s new 963 cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

He replaces Matt Campbell, who was unavailable for the 2023 enduros due to date clashes.

Campbell raced with David Reynolds at last year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

Estre has raced at the Bathurst 12 Hour before, and has won the Spa 24 Hours, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nürburgring 24 Hour and 2018-19 FIA WEC GTE drivers’ title.

Estre (C) also won at Sebring last year

"Really glad to join the Penrite Racing team for this year for the enduros as a co-driver,” Estre said.

“It is a championship I always loved, and I remember watching races with my Grandpa on the sofa being a really young kid in France.

“I can’t wait to be in Sandown and Bathurst and drive this awesome car.”

Team owner Stephen Grove explained how Campbell’s date clash opened the door for Estre.

“When the IMSA calendar came out and it was evident there would be a clash with Matt Campbell, it was vital that we signed the best possible endurance driver we could find,” Grove explained.

“Kévin is an incredible talent and someone who’s had great success at the highest level for a long period of time.

“His raw speed was our first attraction to him, however his experience in long-distance races meant that he was the perfect fit.

“He’s used to working with some of the most accomplished racing teams in the world and we can’t wait to see what he brings to Penrite Racing.

Reynolds' Penrite Racing Gen3 Ford

“Having driven at Bathurst before and being a big fan of Supercars, we were confident that there would be a relatively short learning curve for someone of his stature and professionalism.”

Team Principal David Cauchi added: “Penrite Racing are privileged to have a driver of Kévin’s calibre join our endurance line-up this year.

“With the return of the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 and the amount of points on offer at both endurance events, it is extremely important to our Championship to have Kévin onboard alongside Garth.

“We couldn’t be happier with our endurance driver line-up in 2023.”

Reynolds said: “Can’t wait to be joined by Kévin this year.

“It’s always exciting to work with drivers at the top of their game and Kévin is certainly one of those.

“There is so much to learn, and I have no doubt he will contribute big things to the team.”

Payne added: "It’s going to be awesome having Kévin Estre join myself, Dave and Garth this year.

“The team have taken some great steps to bring on board the best possible drivers and I know there will be lots we can learn from him."

2023 enduro combinations