What Is 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

Overview

The 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia was a premier single-make motorsport championship in the Asian region, marking its 15th season since inception. Organized by Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, the series showcased high-level GT racing with identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 II) vehicles to ensure competition was based on driver skill.

As a key support series for major Asian motorsport events, including Formula 1 and Super Taikyu, it attracted professional drivers and rising talents from across the region. The championship emphasized close racing, technical development, and driver progression within the Porsche Motorsport pyramid.

• 15 races were held over 7 rounds, starting in Shanghai on May 12 and concluding in Thailand on November 25.
• All competitors drove the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 II), a 4.0-liter, 485-horsepower rear-engine machine built exclusively for racing.
• Champion Martin Ragginger secured the title with 212 points, winning 5 races and achieving 9 podium finishes.
• Rounds were hosted in China, Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand, with events often supporting Formula 1 and Super GT races.
• The series featured a Pro, Pro-Am, and Am class structure, allowing drivers of different experience levels to compete fairly.

How It Works

The 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia operated as a one-make championship, meaning all teams used identical factory-built race cars to focus competition on driver ability and team strategy. Each round included two sprint races, typically 30 minutes long, with points awarded based on finishing position.

• Car Specifications: All entries used the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 II), capable of 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 290 km/h.
• Championship Scoring: Points followed a 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scale for the top 10, with additional points for pole position and fastest lap.
• Driver Classes: The Pro class was for professionals, while Pro-Am and Am classes grouped drivers by experience and age.
• Race Format: Each round featured two 30-minute races with standing starts, and qualifying determined the grid for Race 1.
• Team Participation: Teams like Earl Bamber Motorsport and Phoenix Racing Asia fielded entries, often supporting young driver development programs.
• Event Integration: Races were held as support events for Formula 1 Chinese GP, Japanese GP, and Thailand Super Series, increasing visibility.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia can be compared to other regional Carrera Cup series in terms of structure, car specs, and driver talent.

While all Carrera Cup series used the same car model and engine, the Asian series stood out for its regional focus and integration with major international events. The shorter season compared to North America reflected regional logistics and calendar constraints, but maintained high competitive standards.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia played a vital role in developing motorsport talent and promoting Porsche’s brand across Asia. It served as a proving ground for future Porsche factory drivers and GT racing professionals.

• Driver Development: The series helped launch careers, with alumni like Earl Bamber progressing to factory roles at Porsche.
• Regional Exposure: Hosting races in Shanghai, Sepang, and Suzuka expanded Porsche’s motorsport footprint in Asia.
• Technical Benchmark: The 991 II Cup car provided consistent performance data for Porsche’s global racing R&D.
• Commercial Value: Teams and sponsors gained visibility through live broadcasts and F1 support slots.
• Grassroots Link: The series connected amateur racers with professional motorsport via the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
• Legacy: The 15th season highlighted the series’ sustainability and growth since its 2003 debut.

With strong participation and technical parity, the 2018 season reinforced the Carrera Cup Asia as a cornerstone of Asian motorsport, blending elite competition with regional development.