Applications Open for 2026-27 IMSA Diverse Driver Scholarship

Opportunities and benefits continue to grow for the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship, which is now accepting applications for the award covering the 2026-27 seasons.

Up to $300,000 in benefits is available to the scholarship recipient, thanks to IMSA and a host of corporate partners. The recipient will also be able to select from four IMSA-sanctioned series in which to compete, with the addition of Mustang Challenge as an option beginning in 2026.

Click Here to learn more about the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship and apply.

The IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship promotes and empowers drivers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to participate in an IMSA series. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and/or describe how they have overcome obstacles to reach goals.

They must possess a strong desire to compete in IMSA, have outstanding previous race results and/or proven on-track potential in junior racing categories, plus the ability to create a compelling strategy to compete in a full season in one of four IMSA-sanctioned series: WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Michelin Pilot Challenge, VP Racing SportsCar Challenge or Mustang Challenge.

“The IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship has already left an imprint on the driver landscape going into its fourth year of existence, and the additional perks and benefits now available for future recipients make it more valuable than ever,” said Brandon Huddleston, vice president, IMSA Partnership Marketing and Business Development.

“We couldn’t have this scholarship without the commitment of so many forward-thinking IMSA partners, and are proud to see it continue to grow, thrive and offer this important opportunity for up-and-coming drivers.”

The scholarship provides a full-season premium prepaid entry fee for the first year to drive in one of the four series and 50 percent of the prepaid entry fee for the second season.

It also includes tools to bring deserving drivers into IMSA and position them for holistic success both on and off the racetrack.

The application window for the 2026-27 scholarship is open now through Feb. 4.

The application process includes a summary of the driver’s on-track history and accomplishments, their marketing abilities through social media and existing partners/sponsors, and a video that provides insight into their interviewing skills.

After a thorough review of all applications, finalists will be notified later that month and will then begin IMSA-developed modules.

Previous topics included marketing, business development, personal branding, media training, nutrition and how to approach teams and represent an automotive manufacturer.

The final step for finalists is submission by Aug. 8 of a business plan and securing a full-season ride with a team in one of the four participating IMSA-sanctioned series for the following season.

The 2026-27 recipient will be announced in the fall.