Porsche Cars GB launches search for 2024 / 2025 Junior
Porsche Carrera Cup GB, the fastest single marque GT racing championship in the UK, is poised to begin its search for the next ambitious young racing driver to assume the role of Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior. The next Junior will be the recipient of one of the most coveted opportunities in UK motorsport, with former Juniors having gone on to enjoy professional careers on the international stage in top-line endurance racing.
Applicants for the 2024 / 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme must be aged between 16 and 21 as of 1 February 2024, hold a valid Motorsport UK Race National licence (or equivalent) as a minimum and have competed in no more than one Porsche Carrera Cup GB race weekend. Applications open on 31 July and the deadline is 21 August 2023. An application form, further details and a short video can be found at porsche.com/uk/motorsportandevents/porschecarreracupgreatbritain/features/junior-programme/
The Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme was established in 2008, seeking out and nurturing young racing talent through a unique support package designed to encourage and hone the skills required to succeed at the pinnacle of motorsport. The Junior Programme facilitates entry into the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, a network of Porsche activities guiding drivers from Porsche Experience Centre events all the way to the World Endurance Championship and Formula E.
Over two full seasons, the 2024 / 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior benefits from a financial and mentoring package designed to unlock their full racing potential. Alongside an £85,000 contribution per annum towards their Porsche Carrera Cup GB racing budget, the successful candidate receives extensive technical support from Porsche Motorsport engineers, one-to-one media training sessions and a bespoke fitness regime created and monitored by Porsche Human Performance professionals.
Joining a grid of mechanically identical 510 hp 'Type 992' Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars competing in the 2024 and 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup GB championship, the 2024 / 2025 Junior will also represent Porsche Cars GB as an ambassador at blue-riband events including at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In addition, the successful candidate receives a fully funded drive in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup when it races at the British Grand Prix in 2025. Further benefits include tailored Porsche racing apparel – including race suits, gloves and boots – plus a 40 per cent discount on Stilo competition helmets.
Once shortlisted, a handful of applicants will undergo initial interviews before the finalists take part in a multi-faceted assessment day at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, and on the challenging International Circuit. The intensive schedule puts drivers under the microscope for 24 hours, a track-based driving shootout joined by scientific fitness tests conducted by Porsche Human Performance specialists and expert media analysis, all evaluating the applicants off the track. Discipline, professionalism and potential are all given equal importance.
The coveted title of Porsche GB Junior has accelerated the careers of several young racing talents in recent years. Former Porsche Carrera Cup GB Juniors include Harry King (2020 / 2021), Dan Harper (2018 / 2019) and Charlie Eastwood (2016 / 2017) – all three are former Porsche Carrera Cup GB champions who have gone on to win in international GT racing. Dan Harper and Charlie Eastwood progressed to factory drives in endurance competition, while Harry King is currently conducting his second full season in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, winning in Monaco. Current Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Adam Smalley is fighting for the 2023 title.
22-year-old Porsche GB 2022 / 2023 Junior Adam Smalley: "The Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme offers an unrivalled opportunity to grow and progress as a professional driver. Joining the Porsche Carrera Cup GB grid was always my goal but to do so with the support of Porsche was a dream come true and the perfect step for my racing career.
“As the Junior you become part of the Porsche family, it’s really special to have so much support in every aspect of your racing life, both inside and outside of the car. My first year was fantastic, to finish second in the championship in 2022 was beyond my expectations and I’m hoping to go one better this year by becoming 2023 champion. I am also looking forward to making my return to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the British Grand Prix this summer.
"Alongside my Porsche Carrera Cup GB commitments it has been an honour to represent Porsche at events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and to be involved with Porsche Ambassadors like tennis star Emma Raducanu. Tutoring Emma as she got to grips with a 911 GT3 at Brands Hatch was certainly a highlight. Every eligible driver should apply to succeed me, I'm sure they won't regret it."
Further opportunities are available to the Porsche GB Junior in 2024 and 2025, a coveted place at the global Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout. Each year the world's finest Porsche Carrera Cup drivers from around the world compete for the desirable role, which offers a place on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup grid supported by Porsche.