Porsche Confirms 2026: Junior & Female Driver Programs to Continue in North America
Image: Porsche AG
Carson, California (December 3, 2025) – Porsche Motorsport North America has confirmed that its Driver Development efforts will continue into 2026. Both the long-established Junior Program and the increasingly influential Female Driver Program will remain active and continue offering financial and developmental support to aspiring racers across its North American championship series.
These programs support eligible drivers competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, and Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West. In addition, those participating in open-competition series under the IMSA or SRO banners may also qualify for backing, assuming they meet program criteria.
What the Programs Offer: Development, Support, Opportunity
The Junior Program, which traces its roots all the way back to the Porsche Young Driver Academy of 2012 and was rebranded in 2021 alongside Carrera Cup North America, continues to focus on guiding emerging talent from grassroots to professional motorsport.
Meanwhile, the Female Driver Program, established in 2022, is now entering its fourth year — a sign of Porsche’s commitment to improving access and representation for women in motorsport across North America.
Both programs provide a combination of:
Financial support — covering part of entry fees and rewarding strong performance with free tires or entry credits for future rounds.
Professional development — from technical coaching on vehicle dynamics and setups to media training, sponsorship guidance, mental and physical fitness coaching.
Mentorship opportunities — gaining insights from past and present factory drivers, engineers and industry professionals.
Porsche emphasizes that the program’s rollout is not just about creating competitive racers — it’s about constructing careers. As PMNA’s President and CEO stated, the programs “have continued to grow both in quantity and quality through the years” and remain central to the brand’s vision of developing future racing talent.
Image: Porsche AG
Positive Results — Graduates Rising Through the Ranks
Since their inception, both development tracks have produced results. Graduates from the Junior Program have successfully progressed to higher tiers within the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid — including full-season commitments in GT, endurance racing and even international series.
On the Female Driver side, entries have steadily increased: drivers like Sabré Cook, Madeline Stewart and Ashley Freiberg have competed full-time in Carrera Cup North America, while others took podiums in Sprint Challenge competition — proof of growing depth and competitiveness.
What’s New for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, PMNA confirmed that:
Both programs will remain active and open for new applicants.
Financial and developmental incentives will continue — including race-weekend rewards like free tyres for top performers.
Educational and mentoring components — from physical/mental prep to media & sponsorship training — will be expanded with ongoing workshops at key venues such as the Pe n ske Motorsport facility in Mooresville, North Carolina.
This ensures that new and returning drivers not only compete — but grow, learn, and build sustainable racing careers with support from the manufacturer.
Why It Matters: Building the Future of Motorsport Talent
In an era when pathways into professional motorsport are becoming increasingly challenging, Porsche’s continued commitment to these programs is a major positive signal for emerging talent. By offering financial aid, technical expertise, and career guidance, PMNA helps to reduce barriers and open motorsport to a wider, more diverse group of competitors.
Especially the Female Driver Program — now four years strong — stands as a compelling example of long-term industry support for gender equality in racing.
For young racers dreaming of turning lap times into professional careers, Porsche's decision to keep these development structures alive for 2026 offers hope, opportunity — and a road map.
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