Young West Australian racer Jake Klarich has become Australia’s first Porsche Junior after being awarded the Jamey Blaikie Scholarship for 2016.

 

The Toowoomba-born, Perth-based karter was selected as the Scholarship recipient following an extensive selection process, which evaluated each applicant on their driving ability and success, attitude, communication skills and considered potential to become a professional racing driver.

 

Following interviews with a shortlist of drivers, Klarich was selected as the first driver to be part of the Porsche Junior Programme Australia initiative and receive the Scholarship in honour of the late Jamey Blaikie, who was responsible for the introduction and growth of Porsche motorsport in Australia.

 

Pirelli, as a major partner of the programme, will provide Klarich with race tyres for the 2016 GT3 Cup Challenge season. Klarich will also receive a Freem race suit and driver apparel, free entry to the series, media and fitness training and mentorship throughout the season.

 

“I’m absolutely thrilled to receive the Jamey Blaikie Scholarship and be the very first Porsche Junior in Australia. It’s an honour and truly exciting to be part of this programme,” said Klarich, who will compete with Queensland team, McElrea Racing.

 

“To be aligned with Porsche at such an early stage in my career is amazing. The brand has such a strong presence in motorsport both in Australia and globally and I look forward to climbing the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, starting with GT3 Cup Challenge this season.

 

“GT3 Cup Challenge is a great first step out of karting and lays the foundation for Carrera Cup, which is where I hope to go next. I’ll do all I can to be in that championship in the future in the hope for a professional motor racing career. I’d like to thank Porsche Cars Australia for the opportunity and I look forward to starting the season with the brand.”

 

Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Kurt Sakzewski, is pleased to have Klarich represent the programme in its inaugural year.

 

“The calibre of applicants was second-to-none; we went to great lengths to review every application and interviewed every driver on our shortlist. Upon lengthy consideration, we found Jake to be an outstanding young man and have the greatest potential as the recipient of the Scholarship to move up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid,” said Sakzewski.

 

“Jake has impressed with his ability in karting and we look forward to nurturing his talent in a Porsche race car. He also brings the right attitude to the programme, which shined through in his interview, along with his exceptional ability to communicate. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a driver as the season progresses.”

 

The opening round of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia presented by Pirelli will be held at Sandown Raceway on April 01-03, 2016.

 

Career Profile: Jake Klarich
2015
Australian Kart Championship, 2nd – KZ3
WA KZ3 State Kart Championship, 1st
2014
WA KZ3 State Championship, 1st
2013
WA KZ3 State Championship, 4th
WA Formula Ford State Championship – Round 1, 2nd
2012
King of the Hill, 1st – KZ3
Carnival of Karts, 1st – Leopard Light
WSK Masters Series (Round 3, Italy), 3rd from 70 drivers
2011
CIK Stars of Karting Series, 3rd – KF3
WA State Championships, 1st – Junior National Heavy
WA State Championships, 3rd – Junior Clubman
Kalgoorlie Meritus GP Cup, 1st – KZ3 (Awarded a test with Meritus GP Formula BMW Team)
2010
WA State Championships, 1st – Junior National Light
2009
WA State Championships, 1st – Junior Clubman
WA State Championships, 1st – Junior National Light
City of Perth Championships, 1st – Junior National Light
2008
City of Perth Championships, 1st – Rookies
Western Cup Championships, 1st – Rookies
WA State Championships, 2nd – Rookies
2007
WA State Championships, 1st – Rookies
City of Perth Championships, 1st – Rookies
Western Cup Championships, 1st – Rookies
Kalgoorlie Dash for Cash, 1st – Rookies
2006
Western Cup Championships, 1st – Midgets
2005
Tiger Kart Club Championships, 1st – Midgets
City of Perth Championships, 1st – Midgets
WA State Championships, 2nd – Midgets