Applications Open for IMSA Hurley Haywood GT3 Cup Scholarship

Talented young drivers eager to receive a boost toward a career in professional racing are encouraged to apply for the IMSA Hurley Haywood GT3 Cup Scholarship by Mon., Oct. 31.

The annual scholarship, named in honor of American sports car racing legend Haywood, provides the winner with an impressive package aiding participation in a full season of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama competition.

Drivers can apply for the 2017 IMSA Hurley Haywood GT3 Cup Scholarship by visiting porschegt3cupusa.imsa.com/scholarship. The entry deadline is Oct. 31.

Aspiring racers between the ages of 16 and 25, with no previous full-time Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama experience, are eligible to earn the scholarship.

Candidates will have a strong desire to compete in the series, outstanding previous results and proven on-track potential in junior racing categories, and the ability to build a compelling business plan for securing remaining funding needed to compete in a full season of the IMSA-sanctioned Single-Make Series.

A recipient will be chosen after a review of the finalists by a panel of experts. The IMSA Hurley Haywood GT3 Cup Scholarship winner will receive from IMSA, with support from Porsche and Yokohama, these rewards with a combined value of more than $75,000:

*Full-season Premium Entry into the 2017 IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA
*One set of Yokohama tires for each 2017 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA event
*Parts credit from Porsche Motorsport North America
*Tool credit from Sonic Tools
*Complete OMP driver suit and gloves
*Two-page feature story in RACER Magazine

The IMSA Hurley Haywood GT3 Cup Scholarship has helped to advance the racing careers of the three previous recipients, Michael Lewis (2014), Elliott Skeer (2015) and Victor Gomez IV (2016).

Lewis, Skeer and Gomez shared their thoughts about the significance of the Scholarship to their respective careers:

“Receiving the Scholarship literally enabled me to drive for the 2014 season,” Lewis said. “Coupled with learning about new on- and off-track things and improving as a driver during the Porsche Young Driver Academy, the Scholarship provided funding to be able to piece together a 2014 racing season.

“Without that element, who knows what I would have been doing then and now. Thank you to all involved who helped take a then formula car driver and introduce that driver to Porsche GT racing.”

Skeer said: “Receiving this opportunity from IMSA, Porsche Motorsport North America and Yokohama to compete in the top spec series in the country was an incredible honor, and their help with every step from receiving the call to the very last event at Rennsport is what made the season so successful.”

Gomez added: “I never imagined that I was going to be lucky enough to be picked, but I was so happy to take full advantage of this special experience.

“I cannot wait to get in the car for the 2017 season, having the preparation the Scholarship provided me.”