The Porsche Junior Program North America is designed to identify and cultivate the most promising young talent.
Porsche Motorsport North America’s primary driver development platform.
Serving as a critical bridge between Porsche One-Make racing and the Porsche factory driver pathway, the program combines professional-level mentorship, financial support, and performance-based incentives to accelerate development and prepare participants for the highest levels of global motorsport.
The Porsche Junior Program North America encompasses eligible drivers competing across all Porsche One-Make series on the continent, creating a unified, progressive development ladder within the North American Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.
Developed by Porsche.
The pathway.
The Porsche Junior Program provides a thrilling pathway for young drivers moving from karting or club-level racing into professional motorsports. Drivers typically start in the Cayman class of Porsche Sprint Challenge, building core skills and gaining essential race experience, then step up to the 911 GT3 Cup in Sprint Challenge North America to continue their development and prepare for the intensity of Carrera Cup. Success in Sprint Challenge sets the stage for Porsche Carrera Cup North America, the premier one-make championship on the continent, where drivers sharpen their craft against some of the fiercest competition in sports car racing worldwide. From there, top drivers may be chosen for the Porsche Selected Driver Program, receiving continued support from Porsche Motorsport North America to accelerate their professional careers in IMSA and SRO competition.
A proven record of success.
The Porsche Junior Program North America officially launched in 2021 alongside Porsche Carrera Cup North America, building on the foundation of the Porsche Young Driver Academy, which dates back to 2012. Since its inception, the program has helped develop the careers of prominent drivers in North America – many of whom have gone on to achieve success on the world stage.
Globally, Porsche’s Junior Program has been one of the most successful driver development systems in motorsport for more than 25 years, producing multiple Le Mans winners and world champions such as Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, and Earl Bamber. These drivers exemplify the strength of Porsche’s structured, performance-driven approach to developing the next generation of professional racing talent.
Today, the Porsche Junior Program North America continues this legacy, providing young drivers with the mentorship, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential and compete at the highest levels of international motorsport.
Development & training.
Junior drivers receive factory-level guidance focused on both on-track performance & off-track professionalism through seminars during Porsche Carrera Cup North America race weekends, structured workshops led by experienced Porsche professionals, and ongoing mentorship from former Porsche factory drivers Patrick Long & Richard Westbrook throughout the season. The program also includes an immersive seminar at the Porsche Penske Motorsport facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, featuring in-depth training sessions alongside the Factory Porsche Penske team.
Immersive development.
The program’s cornerstone is a multi-day immersive workshop at Porsche Penske Motorsport HQ, complemented by insights from Penske drivers and team members at select race events, giving participants hands-on training and guidance throughout the season.
Season-long driver mentorship.
Junior drivers receive continuous guidance from former Porsche factory drivers Patrick Long & Richard Westbrook, who serve as season-long mentors. Drawing on extensive top-level racing experience, they provide ongoing feedback, insight, and perspective to support on-track performance, professional growth, and career development throughout the season.
Physical fitness and athletic development.
Focused on building strength, endurance, and injury prevention, this program prepares drivers to meet the physical demands of professional motorsport competition.
Performance mindset and mental preparation.
Delivered with Performance Prime and led by renowned Dr. Jacques Dallaire, this program develops mental resilience, focus, and performance habits designed to help drivers maximize their potential under pressure.
Engineer–driver communication.
Drivers are trained to work effectively with professional race engineers, learning how to translate feedback into actionable performance gains throughout a race weekend.
Porsche Motorsport and PMNA history background.
An intimate, one-on-one session with Porsche Motorsport North America President & CEO Volker Holzmeyer provides drivers with direct insight into Porsche Motorsport’s heritage, philosophy, and North American operations.
Media training and sponsorship engagement.
Drivers learn how to represent themselves and their partners professionally through effective communication, brand storytelling, and media engagement on and off the track.
Performance incentives and financial support.
Measurable support. Results rewarded. Careers advanced.
Porsche Junior Program North America at a glance.
A behind-the-scenes look at the next generation of Porsche racers.
Stay connected.
All Porsche Motorsport North America One-Make races stream live – and are available to watch anytime – on the Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube channel. Follow Porsche Motorsport North America on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and Twitter to stay-up-to-date on all the latest news.
