Porsche Carrera Cup GB, the fastest single marque GT racing championship in the UK, will shortly begin its search for the next talented young driver to take up the role of Porsche GB Junior – one of UK motorsport’s most coveted opportunities.
Applicants for the 2022 / 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Programme must be aged between 17 and 22 as of 1 February 2022, hold a valid Motorsport UK Race National licence as a minimum (or equivalent) and have competed in no more than one Porsche Carrera Cup GB race weekend. Applications open on Monday 2 August and the deadline is Sunday 5 September 2021. An application form, further details and a short video can be found at https://www.porsche.com/uk/motorsportandevents/porschecarreracupgreatbritain/features/junior-programme/
Established in 2008, the Porsche GB Junior Programme offers unparalleled support designed to identify and nurture young racing talent, facilitating entry into the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid which can lead drivers all the way to the pinnacle of motorsport. The majority of former Juniors have gone on to establish professional careers as factory drivers, competing in high profile championships on the global stage and at blue riband motorsport events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The successful candidate benefits from a package designed to provide them with the tools to unlock their racing potential across two full seasons of competition. In addition to receiving £85,000 per annum towards their Porsche Carrera Cup GB racing budget, the Porsche GB Junior gains direct access to extensive technical support from Porsche Motorsport engineers, specialist media training and support, and a full Porsche Human Performance fitness programme.
Aside from competing in the 2022 / 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup GB championship amongst a grid of mechanically identical 510 hp ‘Type 992’ Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, the 2022 / 2023 Porsche GB Junior will act as a Porsche GB ambassador. This includes representing the marque at illustrious events such as the Goodwood Members’ Meeting and Festival of Speed. The 2022 / 2023 Porsche GB Junior also receives a fully-funded drive in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup alongside the British Grand Prix in 2023. Further benefits include tailored Porsche racing apparel – including race suits, gloves, and boots – plus a 40 per cent discount on Stilo competition helmets.
Following initial interviews, a handful of shortlisted applicants undertake a three-part assessment at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone and on the full circuit. The day comprises a track-based driving shootout under the watchful eye of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB team, fitness tests in the gym and media training – where applicants are evaluated for their professionalism and potential in that crucial discipline.
Underlining the importance of the opportunity for career development, former Porsche GB Juniors include Dan Harper (2018 / 2019) and Charlie Eastwood (2016 / 2017) – both Porsche Carrera Cup GB champions – who have gone on to secure factory drives in endurance competition. Current Porsche GB Junior Harry King was crowned 2020 champion, only the second Junior to win the title in his maiden year, and is currently fighting for the 2021 title.
20-year-old Porsche GB 2020 / 2021 Junior Harry King: “Becoming the Porsche GB Junior has provided me with an incredible opportunity. As a young driver rising through the junior ranks I always had one eye on Porsche Carrera Cup GB – competing in such a prestigious championship was a personal goal as I know it is a great springboard into a professional career.
“The level of professionalism at Porsche is like nothing else and everyone involved with the championship has been so friendly and welcoming. The last two years have felt like being part of a very special motorsport family, I’ve learned so much and developed both in and out of the car.
“To become champion in my first season as the Porsche GB Junior was a dream come true, my aim is to challenge for the championship again this season while my Porsche journey continues in both Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Outside of racing, representing Porsche at high-profile events such as Goodwood has been a genuine honour. I would urge anyone considering entering to do so – there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Assisting successful drivers in their rise through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, the highest ranked and eligible driver from Porsche Carrera Cup GB each year, which will include the Porsche GB Junior in 2022, will also be invited to the global Porsche Motorsport Junior Shootout. Leading Porsche Carrera Cup drivers from around the world will compete against each other for a position on this prestigious programme, which offers a supported position in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Source. Porsche
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