Driver Development Programme PMSC

In the 30-year history of the Porsche Supercup, promoting young talent has always been essential. In 2018, the series introduced its own Rookie Programme, which provides structured training and support for ambitious and talented young drivers from the customer teams.

Up to eight Rookies are supported by an experienced coach, and receive individual training in all the different skills that professional racing drivers have to master. In addition to driving, the focus is on fitness, mental training, personal development, and marketing as well as sponsor acquisition.

What’s more, as part of the "Meet the Legends" lecture series, Rookies get to spend some time with former Porsche factory drivers who were also successful in the Supercup – and get valuable first-hand tips for their own career. The programme gives Rookies in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup the best possible chance of developing into truly great drivers.

Springboard to becoming a factory driver.

Even before the Rookie Programme, some storybook racing careers started in the Porsche Supercup – for example Earl Bamber. The New Zealander drove his first full Supercup season in 2014, claimed the overall victory and was subsequently accepted into the Porsche factory driver squad. He then qualified for the LMP programme in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, and won the endurance classic at Le Mans just a few months later.

And Bamber isn’t the only one whose path to a professional racing career took him through the Porsche Supercup. Big names including Sven Müller, Dirk Werner and Kévin Estre were successful in the international Porsche one-make cup before they became permanent Porsche factory drivers.

Welcome to the international stage with the Porsche Supercup.

The professional support participants in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Rookie Programme receive can make all the difference to a driver’s career – this can be seen in the continued success of former Rookies including Ayhancan Güven (2019), Laurin Heinrich (2021) or Bastian Buus (2023) in the series.

At the end of a successful Porsche Supercup season as a Rookie, there may even be the chance to compete in the Le Mans 24-hour race, as Max van Splunteren did so impressively in the 2020 season. In any case, the winner of the programme receives a DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN), Grade A – and Porsche covers the costs of license, organisation, travel and more.

In the seventh round of the 2025 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which was held in Zandvoort, the Rookie Programme's Flynt Schuring secured the Rookie Championship 2025. That weekend also delivered a special moment for the participants of the Rookie Programme: 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve visited the Porsche Paddock to meet the youngest drivers, sharing stories from his career and offering advice on what it takes to succeed at the top level. For the rookies, it was an inspiration at the perfect time, as many of them prepared for their first high-pressure home stretch in a Supercup season.

Up-and-coming drivers with high potential come to the attention of team bosses and their scouts through their performance in the racing series. This opens up other opportunities on the road to becoming a professional racing driver.

How do you get into the Rookie Programme?

The coveted 8 places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Of course, it’s not quite enough to be a young and talented driver – you have to fulfill a few requirements to qualify as a Rookie. For example, you must not have taken part in more than 5 races in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in previous years, and you must not be older than 25.

In order to participate in the Rookie Program, applicants must submit a fully completed "Application for Driver Entry" and pay the corresponding entry fee. Drivers are obliged to participate in at least six of the eight rounds, and to comply with the programme's code of conduct. Furthermore, drivers should be in top physical condition, which is confirmed by a medical test at the beginning and end of the season. Members of the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme are not permitted to participate in the Rookie Programme.

From Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles to Porsche Carrera Cup North America

For many Porsche owners, the question isn’t if they want to race – it’s how. Where do you begin? What does it take to go from enjoying your Porsche on the street to competing on a track? For Patrick Mulcahey, the answer began at Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles (PECLA), where a high-performance driving program opened his eyes to a world beyond road cars. He left that day not just impressed, but inspired – and determined to go racing.

Mulcahey’s journey is not unique, and that’s precisely what Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) aims to make accessible through the North American Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, a clear and supportive pathway that guides drivers from their first performance-driving experience to competitive racing.

Where the Journey Begins

For Mulcahey, like many aspiring racers, curiosity led him to PECLA. Behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS on a closed course, he discovered the foundational skills, precision, and confidence that ignited the desire for more. That first experience sparked a passion for racing that quickly moved from track days to real competition.

Entering Competitive Racing

Patrick’s next step was Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, where he entered as a Pro-Am driver. The championship offered identical Porsche race cars, professional support, and a competitive field that demanded growth every weekend. Here, he honed race craft, consistency, and the discipline required to compete at a higher level, proving that you don’t need to be a future professional to climb the Pyramid – just passion, commitment, and the right support. Today, Patrick is a full-season competitor in Carrera Cup North America, demonstrating the success that is possible when the Pyramid is followed.

The Porsche Motorsport Pyramid’s New Starting Point

To help new drivers make this same transition in the future, PMNA has created Porsche Sprint Trophy PCA, debuting in 2026. Designed as an accessible, safe entry into wheel-to-wheel racing, it provides a structured environment to learn race craft and develop confidence, supported by PMNA and the Porsche Club of America. Sprint Trophy PCA will serve as the ideal gateway for aspiring drivers looking to follow the Pyramid from the very beginning.

Climbing the Pyramid

For drivers who wish to advance, the North American Porsche Motorsport Pyramid provides a structured path upward, guiding enthusiasts from their first track experiences to professional racing:

Get on Track Road car events at Porsche Experience Centers, Porsche Track Experiences, and Porsche GT Track Day introduce drivers to performance driving and the fundamentals of getting on track.

Porsche One-Make Competition

Sprint Trophy PCA – Debuting in 2026, this series offers a safe and accessible entry into wheel-to-wheel racing, allowing new drivers to develop race craft in a supportive environment.

Sprint & Endurance Challenges – Competitive one-make racing that builds race craft, consistency, and the skills required to perform at a higher level.

Carrera Cup North America – The pinnacle of one-make racing in North America, featuring the new 911 Cup (Type 992.2) and highly skilled drivers.

Open GT Competition in IMSA & SRO Beyond one-make racing, Porsche customers step into the highest level of sports car racing in North America, competing directly against drivers representing other manufacturers – a true test of skill in open, multi-marque competition.

Patrick Mulcahey’s progression demonstrates how achievable this journey can be for dedicated drivers, especially with PMNA’s professional support behind them.

Additional Support for Aspiring Drivers

Beyond the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid itself, PMNA offers a suite of development programs designed to support rising talent across North America:

Porsche North America Junior Program – Supporting young drivers with professional development and career guidance.

Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program – Empowering and elevating female racers through dedicated support and resources.

Porsche Selected Driver Program North America – Recognizing standout competitors and providing additional tools to help them advance in professional open GT competition.

A Clear Pathway Designed for Everyone

These programs highlight Porsche Motorsport North America’s commitment to supporting drivers at every stage, regardless of age, experience, or background. The Porsche Motorsport Pyramid is open to anyone who feels that first spark after their initial experience on track. With the support of track experiences, one-make racing, open GT competition, and development programs, the journey from road car enthusiast to competitive racer has never been more achievable. Because at every step of the Pyramid, you don’t just race a Porsche — you race with Porsche.

Advancing Future Racing Talent: The Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux Programme

The Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux launched its Talent Pool Programme to support and develop the next generation of racing drivers in the region. In 2026, the programme will celebrate its sixth season, having already helped many drivers progress and establish themselves as professional talents within Porsche Motorsport.

Selection and Coaching

Each season, a maximum of eight drivers are selected for the Talent Pool. These young drivers receive professional guidance from former Porsche Factory driver Dirk Werner, who coaches them off-track to maximize their performance. The coaching includes track walks before each event, one-on-one debriefings after every session, detailed data analysis, and feedback to improve driving technique.

Drivers also receive guidance on race strategy, mental preparation, and professional conduct to ensure they are fully prepared both on and off the track. In addition, the programme features the Maverick Training, including specialized intensive sessions that focuses on advanced racecraft, decision-making under pressure, nutrition and technical knowledge to accelerate the development of high-potential drivers.

Special Points System

The Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux rewards Talent Pool drivers through a Special Points System, where top performers can win up to two sets of Michelin racing tyres each weekend to boost their on-track performance. The Rookie Championship further supports emerging talent, with the winner receiving a free entry for the following season. These incentives motivate young drivers while helping them advance their Porsche racing careers.

Opportunities for Career Progression

The Talent Pool Programme provides young drivers with a solid foundation for further development within Porsche Motorsport or other higher categories of motorsport.

The programme has already produced successful graduates. Harry King participated in the Benelux Talent Pool and will be Porsche driver participating in the IMSA championship in 2026. Flynt Schuring, who took part in the Talent Pool in 2023, has been selected as the new Porsche Junior for 2026. These examples illustrate how the Talent Pool Programme helps shape future racing stars, combining technical expertise, strategic thinking, and professional development.