Applications Open for 2027-28 IMSA 3D Scholarship

Now set for its fifth year, applications are open and being accepted for the 2027-28 IMSA Diverse Driver Development (3D) Scholarship.

Up to $300,000 USD in benefits is available to the scholarship recipient with thanks to IMSA and several corporate partners. As in 2026-27, the recipient will be able to select one of four IMSA-sanctioned series in which they can compete.

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: the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Michelin Pilot Challenge, VP Racing SportsCar Challenge or Mustang Challenge.

In 2025, the first scholarship recipient, Jaden Conwright, won his first Michelin Pilot Challenge race in TCR at Virginia International Raceway.

Last year’s 2025-26 recipient, Celso Neto, scored multiple podiums and finished fourth in the TCR championship.

Nicky Hays is this year’s recipient and is set to embark on a full season in Michelin Pilot Challenge GS in a Random Vandals Racing BMW.

Neto returns for his sophomore season in TCR with new team Stallion Motorsports and its Cupra.

“Going into its fifth year, the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship is making its impact on the IMSA paddock with the success and accolades achieved by its recipients,” said Brandon Huddleston, vice president, IMSA Partnership Marketing and Business Development.

“It’s with sincere thanks to so many forward-thinking IMSA partners who have committed to this scholarship and are working to further it, grow it, and sustain it 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 2027-28 scholarship is open now through Feb. 6.

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. 14 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.

Finalists should be revealed in March, with the 2027-28 recipient set to be announced in the fall.

The scholarship includes financial assistance from IMSA and is supported by a growing number of corporate partners: Michelin, VP Racing Fuels, OMP, Bell, RAFA Racing Club and Lumen Digital Agency.

Click Here to learn more about the scholarship and apply.