PORSCHE Michelin Junior Lachlan Bloxsom will continue his rise through the one-make Porsche ranks this year, confirming he will step into the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with McElrea Racing in 2024.

Bloxsom, 19, makes the step to Carrera Cup following two strong learning seasons with McElrea in Sprint Challenge competition, that included several podium finishes.

The Queenslander, who alongside his racing is currently studying a double degree at the Queensland University of Technology, has also gained significant experience in one-make Excel and Toyota 86 competition ahead of his Porsche debut debut.

Bloxsom joins McElrea’s strong four-car squad – comprised entirely of Michelin Juniors – which includes 2023 runner-up Jackson Walls, Ryder Quinn and Bayley Hall.

He is one of a host of drivers to progress with the team through Sprint Challenge and into Carrera Cup competition.

Bloxsom’s stunning 992 GT3 Cup Car unveiled today includes a continuation of his longstanding relationship with the Royal Australian Navy, under their ‘Team Navy’ brand, and support from Harvey Norman, Polyfloor and Bradnam’s Windows and Doors.

“Now in my third year as a McElrea driver I am excited to stay with the team and continue to work with the McElrea family,” Bloxsom said.

“Without Andy, Leigh, Luffy, Timmy, and all the boys back at the workshop I wouldn’t be in the position I am and am looking forward to the future as we work towards moving up the next rung in the Porsche Pyramid together.

“Stepping into a new environment in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will no doubt be a new challenge getting to grips with the new car on new tracks but it’s a challenge that I’m ready for. We have stuck to a plan and a process and have gotten me to a position where I’m ready for the next step in my racing career and ready to tackle the championship head on with some strong results ahead.

“I wouldn’t be racing in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup this year if it wasn’t for my family, my sponsors and McElrea Racing who I’m excited to continue with in the 2024 season.”

Bloxsom said his plans included consistent improvement throughout his rookie season, which will see strong competition both in the Professional class ranks, and among the Michelin Juniors.

“Coming freshly out of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championship and into my rookie season of Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup there is obviously a large element of adapting to the new car and the new environment which I feel I will continue to improve throughout the year,” he explained.

“As far as aspirations for my rookie year ahead, without too much pressure on myself for results, driving to the best of my ability and making as little mistakes as possible is the goal for this year. Improving as a driver both on and off the track and working with the team to improve myself and the car throughout the year to put us in a good position coming the latter half of the season.”

The opening round of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship will be contested as part of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this March 21-24.