FANS of the World Endurance Championship and the US-based IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship will have a Prototype series of their own to support in Australia this year.

the all-new Australian Prototype Series was announced today (Thursday, 23 February), evolving the former Australian Sports Racer Series into something with a slightly more international flavor.

A three-class structure will cater for all existing eligible vehicles, while international specification ‘CN Prototype’ cars will become eligible for the first time and will compete alongside the Sports Racers, enabling a broader eligibility list that will open the series up to more cars than ever before.

CN Prototypes have raced competitively internationally, including in the Asian LeMans Series, French-based V de V series and the new Creventic 24H Proto Series that was launched this year.

New team SYNEP Racing has confirmed the addition of two Wolf Racing Cars CN Prototypes (Pictured) to the series, with both expected on the grid at Sandown’s season opener this April.

The addition of CN Prototypes closes the gap to international-level Prototype competition and is set to make the Australian Prototype Series a legitimate pathway for drivers looking to access the increasingly popular LMP3 and LMP2-based series in Asia, Europe and America.

The series is also pleased to confirm that Kumho Tyre Australia will serve as official tyre supplier and a sponsor of the 2017 Australian Prototype Series.

“This evolution of what was the Australian Sports Racer Series is an important step to growing this segment of the sport in Australia,” Category Administrator Liam Curkpatrick said.

“The new owners are broadening the eligibility list and opening the category up to even more cars and more competitors with a very inclusive approach to the competition.

“Sports prototype racing is booming around the world which this series will aim to capitalise on and grow as a place where competitors and fans alike can enjoy these exciting cars.

“We’re expecting a very diverse grid of CN Prototypes, Sports Racers, Radicals and F1000s this year.”

The series will continue on the Shannons Nationals program with five rounds scheduled this year, at Sandown, Winton, Sydney Motorsport Park, Queensland Raceway and Phillip Island, respectively.