James Wallis (18, Ledbury) has been announced as the Porsche Carrera Cup GB 2024 / 2025 Junior at the 2023 Porsche ‘Night of Motorsport’ end of season awards in Birmingham. Wallis succeeds 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Adam Smalley, who passed over the baton on the same night that he received his 2023 championship trophy, signing off in perfect fashion.

Recipient of one of the most coveted opportunities in UK motorsport, Wallis follows a roster of successful former Juniors including Harry King (2020 / 2021), Dan Harper (2018 / 2019) and Charlie Eastwood (2016 / 2017) – each secured title glory before embarking on international motorsport careers. Wallis took 2022 GT Cup championship honours at the wheel of a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport and raced in the GT3 category of British GT in 2023 before qualifying as one of four exceptionally talented finalists picked from over 50 applicants; Porsche Sprint Challenge GB 2023 champion Joe Warhurst (18, Barnsley), Josh Rowledge (18, Wimborne) and Tom Edgar (19, Belfast).

The four promising drivers were put through a challenging, multi-faceted assessment day both on- and off-track at Silverstone on Wednesday 1 November 2023. The intensive process saw all four face an expert panel formed of the Porsche Motorsport GB technical team, broadcasters and psychometric professionals. The panel evaluated the hopefuls for their technical ability, media aptitude, physical fitness, psychological approach and, of course, driving skill. Further insight was provided by outgoing Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Adam Smalley and 2022 Pro-Am category champion Charles Rainford. Both assisted the ambitious hopefuls as they took to the Silverstone International circuit in the 510 hp ‘Type 992’ 911 GT3 Cup for qualifying and race simulation runs against the clock.

One of the most coveted opportunities in UK motorsport, the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior programme seeks to identify and nurture young racing talent. The recipient receives an unprecedented level of support and guidance designed to unlock their full racing potential – including an £85,000 budget contribution per season. Alongside comes extensive technical support from Porsche Motorsport GB engineers, tailored media training sessions and a bespoke fitness regime created by the Porsche Human Performance professionals. The 2024 / 2025 Junior will join a grid of mechanically identical 510 hp 'Type 992' Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars competing in the 2024 / 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup GB championship and will also represent Porsche Cars GB as an ambassador at special events – including at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Former Juniors who have underlined the effectiveness of the Programme since its inception in 2008 include its most recent recipients, Harry King (2020/21), Dan Harper (2019/20) and Charlie Eastwood (2016/17). King has progressed up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid with a full Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign in 2023, taking victories at Monaco, Hungaroring, and Monza. Harper and Eastwood have progressed to factory drives with BMW and Aston Martin respectively, competing in international endurance racing at the highest level.

James MacNaughton, Manager, Motorsport Porsche Cars GB commented: “The Junior programme remains a very important initiative for Porsche Cars GB. Nurturing and developing promising young racing talent sits at the core of what Porsche Motorsport is all about. The programme is one of UK motorsport's most exciting opportunities, so it’s no surprise that we are always inundated with applications from hopefuls already racing at a competitive level.

“Creating our shortlist of four drivers to take part in our shootout was tougher than ever. The finalists each performed with grit and determination on the day, justifying why they deserved their place. James nosed ahead of the competition and we’re excited to begin working with him.

“You only have to look to our most recent Porsche Carrera Cup GB Juniors to see evidence that the role has become a proven route to international motor racing success. I’m certain that James will thrive as he seeks to emulate those who have gone before him, representing Porsche both on and off the track over the next two years – we look forward to seeing him grow and progress.”