Porsche Pirelli GT3 Cup Car Spotted at Long Beach: What Was it Doing There?

By Yoav Gilad - April 16, 2013

Time to jump in the Mystery Machine, Scooby! We spotted the Competition Motorsports Porsche 996 Pirelli GT3 Silver Cup Trophy race car piloted by Australian David Calvert-Jones turning laps on Long Beach’s road course.

Calvert-Jones is a “gentleman racer” who left a successful career in private equity to become a helicopter movie pilot. He transitioned well and has movies such as “Transformers” and “Horrible Bosses” to his credit. He is now the owner and president of Helifilms (guess what they do). We hear that for his next project he’s going to become an F-35 Raptor pilot during his time off as starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys (be afraid Tony Romo).

The mystery surrounds his car’s presence at a Pirelli event. Interestingly, its spec BBS rims are wrapped with Yokohama rubber, rather than the spec (and series sponsor) Pirellis. Was “CJ” just getting some track time? Or is Yokohama crashing Pirelli’s party?

Also, it’s a Porsche Pirelli GT3 Cup Trophy USA West (silver) car, not a Pirelli World Challenge car. So what’s the big deal? The GT3 spec series isn’t racing in Long Beach. Back to your desks, raise your hand when you have an answer. Until then, enjoy the Long Beach pics and in-car video (from Mosport)!