Aussie eager to put skills to test at Highlands

Top Australian racer Courtney Prince is set to make her New Zealand debut in the Highlands Six Hour Enduro this weekend.

Melbourne-based Prince, 22, will join circuit owner Tony Quinn and grandson Ryder Quinn in the Celtic Racing Porsche GT4 RS ClubSport.

A veteran of more than seven years of karting and two seasons in Formula Ford, Prince is also a specialist in Porsche and Mercedes driver training and will be a competitive addition to a star-studded endurance field that includes Shane van Gisbergen, Greg Murphy, Ryan Wood and current New Zealand champions Jonny Reid and Sam Filmore.

Prince has competed against Ryder Quinn in both the Aussie Racing Cars Series and the Porsche Championship this year, but it is the first time the two have teamed up to race.

‘‘It’s a weekend of debuts for me,’’ she said.

‘‘First time in a GT4 Porsche, first time competing with Ryder rather than against him and my first time at Highlands, so there’s going to be plenty to focus on.

‘‘I’ve wanted to race at the track for quite a while now. It always looks amazing and is incredibly challenging from a driver’s point of view and that’s a big drawcard for any racer and I’m no different.

‘‘I have to say I’m excited to get out there.’’

Prince is not the only female competing.

Longtime Kiwi racer and GT4 class winner Christina Orr-West is also a confirmed entry for the massive weekend for Dayle ITM Racing.

A packed weekend of on-track action features the third round of the NAPA Central Muscle Cars championship — arguably the top muscle car championship in world motorsport — the flyaway finale of the 2023 Aussie Racing Cars Championship and a one-hour mini enduro.