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Porsche Reveals North American Selected Driver, Junior Programs

Thompson, Estep secure Porsche backing for 2023 season in updated Pyramid system…

Photo: Porsche

Porsche Motorsport North America has announced an updated pyramid system, including confirmation of the first two North American Selected Drivers.

Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by The Cayman Islands champion Parker Thompson and two-time Carrera Cup race winner Trenton Estep have been named to represent the single-make series in the Selected Driver program next year.

Each driver will receive mentoring from former Porsche factory ace Patrick Long, financial support and assistance in securing a seat with a Porsche customer race team at the next level as part of the position.

In addition, Thompson and Estep will have the honor of carrying the Porsche Selected Driver Program North America signet on their helmet and uniform for the coming season.

While Thompson is finalizing his plans within the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid for next year, the core of Estep’s 2023 plans are already set.

Estep and MDK Motorsports will step up to compete in Fanatec GT World Challenge America in a new Type-992 Porsche 911 GT3 R alongside Seth Lucas.

According to Porsche, the objective of the Selected Driver program is to assist drivers with a “hand-up to the next level of the sport” through support both in and out of the car.

A Selected Driver is neither an official Porsche factory driver nor a Porsche Junior but is highlighted for the open competition categories such as IMSA and SRO America.

Additionally, the Porsche Junior Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge North America programs has been fine-tuned and formalized, with education and financial support to up-and-coming drivers.

Like in Carrera Cup, drivers in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Junior Program will now also enjoy specialized training in areas such as tires, chassis dynamics, media and fitness as well as the same financial support as Carrera Cup.

In an effort to bring drivers from the karting ranks through the full pyramid and on to potential future factory drives with the German manufacturer, Porsche has also established the ‘Talent Identification North America’ program.

A shootout using a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport will provide one of four chosen karters the opportunity to earn a scholarship in the Cayman class of the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama next season.

Porsche Motorsport North America President and CEO Volker Holzmeyer and Long will be on-site this week for the 25th running of the SKUSA Supernationals at the Rio Casino in Las Vegas to help kick start the new initiative.

“In North America we have such a huge market, we have so much talent,” said Holzmeyer. “That is why we want to show them the pathway to get to the top level with Porsche.

“From 2023 on, we will create something new, taking care of the whole driver development Pyramid.

“First, scouting for talent at the karting level, elevating the drivers to Carrera Cup and, finally, helping them get into GT and even GTP racing.

“The long-term goal is to find someone in karting, develop them through Sprint Challenge, Carrera Cup and GT racing, ultimately having them on the podium at Le Mans. To find the next Patrick Long.”

Long added: “My role with this program is to help these drivers understand where I have sat and where I can help them with their learning curve.

“The goal is to help the mental approach as they transition from sprint to endurance racing.

“It isn’t about teaching them to drive faster. They know how to race, how to turn quick lap times, but if I can help them in their application and preparation, how they can work within their teams, then I have done my job.”

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

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