GR Customer Racing Launches Young Driver Academy

Photo: GR Customer Racing

GR Customer Racing has launched its Young Driver Academy, aimed to elevate the next generation of professional drivers through the Japanese manufacturer’s GT ranks.

The initiative provides a pathway to identify and promote promising young drivers, based on their skills and performances, with a view to potential participation in the GR’s GT3 activities in 2027.

The timing coincides with the expected full rollout of the GR GT3 to customers worldwide.

According to a statement from GR Customer Racing, the expanded program has been developed into a “seamless ladder” that will go from GT4 to GT3.

“This progression will be supported by Toyota’s global engineering and motorsport infrastructure, reinforced by the strong competitive foundation already provided by the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 in series around the world,” a statement read.

The academy features a multi‑stage selection process.

Candidates will initially compete in simulator sessions hosted at Toyota Racing’s Cologne facility in April, where performance will be evaluated based on lap time, consistency, and technical feedback.

A narrowed down group will then travel to Motorland Aragon in the summer for an on‑track test in a GT3 car to showcase their speed, adaptability, teamwork, and capacity to improve through coaching.

Those who succeed at this stage may ultimately be recommended for its 2027 GT3 drives.

According to GR Customer Racing, all drivers already confirmed to race in a Toyota GT car this year globally are automatically entered into an initial evaluation process.

Drivers aged between 17 and 27 may also apply, provided they meet FIA GT3 license, categorization, and eligibility requirements.

Applicants currently racing a GR Supra GT4, however, will receive priority access to the development pathway.

“By competing in GT4 championships, candidates race under the scrutiny of GR Customer Racing experts, which will increase their opportunities,” the statement read.

GR Customer Racing states that the evaluation will be “fully data driven at every stage” with “clear performance targets” established.

“GR Customer Racing’s long‑standing commitment to nurturing new talent ensures that academy participants will develop their technical knowledge, physical condition and professional skills, as well as their on‑track performance,” the statement read.

“This philosophy will give drivers the potential to sustainably progress through every level of GT competition.

“The Young Driver Academy emphasizes GAZOO Racing’s commitment to contributing to the future of global GT competition.

“It is designed to evolve further in the coming years to provide a structured pathway for aspiring drivers to progress towards a professional racing career with GR Customer Racing.”

Applications to the Young Driver Academy are available here, with a closing date of March 27.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John