Porsche Cars GB begins search for 2026 / 2027 Junior driver
Porsche Carrera Cup GB, the fastest single-marque GT racing championship in the UK, is launching its search for a promising young racing driver to become the next RAFA Racing Club Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior. One of the most sought-after opportunities in UK motorsport, the Junior role turbocharges the career of its ambitious recipient, with former Junior drivers continuing on to the pinnacle of international endurance racing.
Eligible candidates for the 2026 / 2027 RAFA Racing Club Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme must have been born between 30/11/2003 and 04/11/2009, hold a valid Motorsport UK Race National licence (equivalent, or higher) as a minimum by 04/11/2025, and have previously competed in no more than two Porsche Carrera Cup GB race weekends. Applications open on 4 August 2025, and the deadline is 27 August 2025 at midnight. An application form, further details and a short video can be found at racing.porsche.com/en-GB/carrera-cup-great-britain/junior-programme.
Established in 2008, the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme is designed to identify and nurture young racing talent. Accompanied by a comprehensive package of intensive support both on and off the track, Junior drivers are given the tools they need to develop and hone their skills, facilitating a successful future in professional motorsport. The unique initiative provides access to a network of Porsche activities, stretching from the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, to events on the global stage.
Over two full seasons, the 2026 / 2027 RAFA Racing Club Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior will benefit from financial support and a mentoring package tailored to maximise their full potential as a sportsperson. In addition to an £85,000 contribution per annum to their Porsche Carrera Cup GB racing budget, the Junior Programme provides in-depth technical support from Porsche Motorsport engineers, tailored advice in the area of fitness and health from Porsche Human Performance professionals, access to a Sports Psychologist, and individual media and communications coaching.
The successful candidate joins a grid of identical 510 hp 911 GT3 Cup cars competing in the 2026 and 2027 seasons of Porsche Carrera Cup GB. In addition to a full calendar of racing, the Junior becomes an ambassador at high-profile events, including at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Supplementary benefits include Porsche racing equipment, FreeM race suits, gloves and boots, and a discount on Stilo safety helmets.
Following the submission of an initial application, a handful of shortlisted hopefuls take part in an interview, before finalists undergo an extensive multi-faceted assessment day at Silverstone. A packed schedule puts contenders under an intensive evaluation over a 24-hour period. Alongside a track-based driving shootout come state-of-the-art fitness tests conducted by Porsche Human Performance experts, analysis from a Sports Psychologist, as well as practical assessments from media specialists. Each driver’s speed and development potential is carefully analysed, with discipline and professionalism afforded equal importance.
The Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme has accelerated the careers of several talented recipients in recent years. Former success stories include Adam Smalley (2022 / 2023), Harry King (2020 / 2021), Dan Harper (2018 / 2019) and Charlie Eastwood (2016 / 2017) – all four Porsche Carrera Cup GB champions have gone on to win at international GT racing level. The current RAFA Racing Club Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior, James Wallis (JTR), took his first victory in the 400th race in championship history at Snetterton earlier this year.
19-year-old James Wallis from Ledbury in Herefordshire, said, “The Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme provides a unique opportunity to unlock your full potential as a professional racing driver, while also developing on a personal level. Representing Porsche on the Carrera Cup GB grid is a true privilege, and the biggest achievement in my career.
“After becoming the Junior, I was able to work steadfastly with Porsche Motorsport engineers to develop my speed and race craft on the track, and to improve my skills away from the circuit. I have worked extensively with Porsche Human Performance experts to enhance my physical fitness: a tailored regime has helped me build strength, endurance and mental fortitude, making me a better racing driver.
“Taking my first Porsche Carrera Cup GB win at Snetterton in 2025 was a dream come true. And another highlight was my first appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2024 – it is an event like no other. I finished top in the Production GT Racers category driving the 911 GT3 Cup car, and third overall in the weekend’s final Shootout. Experiences like this are why I encourage committed drivers to apply to become the next Junior.”
Underlining the global nature of Porsche One-Make Series racing, the Porsche GB Junior in 2026 and 2027 has the added opportunity to enter the Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout. This Programme has been run since 1997, and sees the world's best racers from Porsche One-Make Series compete for a place on the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup grid, supported by Porsche. Successful participants aim for a role supporting Porsche customer racing teams, with the final goal of becoming a Porsche factory driver.