The Classes of the Porsche Carrera World Cup
The Porsche Carrera World Cup is not only a global racing showdown but also a celebration of the diversity and depth of talent within Porsche’s one-make racing ecosystem. To ensure fair and thrilling competition, all participating drivers are divided into three distinct classes based on FIA driver categorization and age, allowing racers to compete against peers of similar experience and performance level.
This class structure provides a unique blend of professional excellence, ambitious privateers, and seasoned gentlemen drivers — all sharing the same stage and machinery, yet racing for individual class titles that carry significant prestige and reward.
The Pro Class – Racing at the Top Level
The Pro Class features drivers with Gold or Silver FIA ratings — these are typically full-time professionals or highly accomplished young talents from national and international Porsche Carrera Cups, the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, or other series. With tightly matched performance and deep racing experience, the Pro Class is expected to showcase the talent within the Porsche One-Make Series worldwide.
These drivers are the benchmark, pushing the limits of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car to the fullest and often serving as reference points for the broader grid.
The Pro-Am Class – Ambitious and Competitive
The Pro-Am Class brings together Bronze-rated drivers aged 30 and older — a category designed for gentlemen drivers with the highest sporting ambitions. These competitors often combine business success with a deep passion for motorsport, investing in their performance with professional coaching and dedicated preparation.
The Pro-Am field is known for its experienced privateers regularly producing performances on par with the Pro category. For many, winning the Pro-Am title in the Porsche Carrera World Cup would mark the pinnacle of their racing careers.
The Michelin Class – Experience Meets Passion
The Michelin Class is home to the most experienced drivers on the grid — Bronze-rated competitors aged 45 years or older. Often described as the heartbeat of customer racing, these gentlemen drivers bring a wealth of track time, motorsport knowledge, and long-standing passion for the brand.
Despite the age cutoff, this class is anything but slow. The Michelin Class offers highly competitive racing and is deeply respected across the paddock. It also represents a key part of Porsche Motorsport’s philosophy: creating access to world-class racing for drivers of all backgrounds and ages.
Equal Technology, Pure Talent
All three classes race in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992 generation) cars. To ensure consistency and maintain accessibility across all driver levels, the use of ABS (anti-lock braking system) is permitted in all categories. This not only levels the playing field in terms of braking performance but also enhances safety and confidence, especially in challenging track conditions.
