Carrera Cup Graduates McCann, Vanier Step Up to GT3 in Porsche

Photo: Jessica Johnk/Porsche

Michael McCann and Zachary Vanier will make the step up to GT3 machinery this year, with the two Porsche Carrera Cup North America graduates set to co-drive a Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo in GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.

Announced on Friday, the former rivals will share the wheel of a McCann Racing-entered Porsche in the Pro class, marking the team’s return to SRO America competition.

“It’s fantastic to be paired up with Michael,” said Vanier. “He was one of the guys in the paddock I managed to build a really close friendship with throughout my two years in Porsche Carrera Cup North America.

“An amazing family, an amazing team. For us to have nailed the program down together feels super special.”

McCann added: “Before he was my teammate, he was obviously a very close friend of mine. Zachary and I always hit it off at the track.

“That friendship kind of developed into, ‘Hey, what are you doing next year? What are you doing in two years?’”

Vanier, who was selected by Porsche Motorsport North America as its driver that took part in last year’s global Porsche Junior Shootout, will now make his GT3 debut.

The Canadian driver will get his first laps in the upgraded Porsche in a test at Sebring International Raceway early next month, ahead of the three-hour season-opening round at Sonoma Raceway on March 27-29.

“There are some expectations related to results and outcomes that we want,” he said. “But there’s a lot to learn and overcome, both personally and as a team.

“We’re entering it with an open mindset – being a sponge, soaking in everything from the team side, from Porsche’s side, and trying to maximize the program.”

McCann Racing, meanwhile, makes its return to the series after running an Audi R8 LMS that featured McCann’s father, Michael Sr., at the wheel.

“The most exciting part for us is getting back into GT3 racing,” McCann Jr. said. “And to have Zachary join the McCann Racing family – it’s honestly been a blessing that everything has come together like it has.”

Image: McCann Racing

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