Porsche Cars Australia and Michelin Australia have joined forces to launch one of Australian motorsport’s most extensive driver development programmes, providing total benefits of up to $300,000.
The new Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia will support seven young drivers across Australia’s two Porsche one-make series – Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia and Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia – providing all Michelin Juniors financial support by way of entry fee support and an allocation of Michelin race tyres, along with access to training, mentorship and education throughout the racing season.
The Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia will consist of two teams – the GT3 Cup Challenge Junior Team, consisting of three drivers, and the four-driver Carrera Cup Junior Team.
The three Michelin Juniors drivers who will be part of the GT3 Cup Challenge Junior Team will be selected through a panel of judges – with nominations open on Monday February 12, 2018. While the Carrera Cup Junior Team will consist of the four eligible drivers already entered in the championship.
The pinnacle of the Junior Programme will see the highest ranked Michelin Junior in Carrera Cup at the time of nomination for the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout receive the Jamey Blaikie Scholarship and be the Carrera Cup Australia nominee for the Shootout, with flights, accommodation and the Shootout opportunity itself covered by Porsche.
The Junior Programme offers a proven pathway from an entry into national level motor racing through to the opportunity of launching an international professional racing career.
“It’s exciting to offer this expanded driver development programme across our two Porsche one-make series,” said Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Manager, Troy Bundy.
“In the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid we have a genuine pathway to help young Australian based drivers become racing professionals, from GT3 Cup Challenge, Carrera Cup and ultimately an opportunity to launch an international career in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme Shootout which, if successful, provides the opportunity to race in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. We have seen the proof of the programme’s success both locally in Matt Campbell and internationally with dual Le Mans winner Earl Bamber.
“It’s fantastic to have Michelin on board as the title partner of the Junior Programme. Porsche and Michelin understand the importance of such a programme in providing an opportunity for young local drivers. Michelin has been a long-time Carrera Cup tyre partner, so it’s tremendous to now not only confirm the brand as the GT3 Cup Challenge title partner but also to partner the brand in this great initiative.”
Michelin Australia’s Marketing Manager, Tim Hoare, is thrilled to be part of such an initiative, continuing Michelin’s increased involvement in Australian motorsport.
“It’s great to continue Michelin’s increased investment and involvement in Australian motorsport. This programme is a tremendous initiative for the brand and we’re looking forward to being a part of the development and education of these young Australian based drivers,” said Hoare.
“Michelin is now the Tyre Partner of Carrera Cup, the Title and Tyre Partner of GT3 Cup Challenge and, with this latest announcement, a partner of this truly beneficial programme for the support of education of young local drivers. We very much look forward to working with Porsche as we roll out this programme into the new season.”
Junior Programme Applications – Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia
The three drivers selected to be part of the GT3 Cup Challenge element of the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme Australia will be selected through an application process.
Applicants must fill out the Application Form (available from Monday February 12 at: http://www.gt3cupchallenge.com.au/junior-programme/applications/) and return the completed Form, along with a copy of an up-to-date Driver CV and Cover Letter to motorsport@porsche.com.au by 5:00pm AEDT, Friday March 02, 2018.
Eligible drivers must:
– be aged under 23 by January 01, 2018
– be a resident of Australia
– be eligible for a CAMS Provisional Circuit (PC) License
– be able to show proof of success in motorsport/karting
– be able to secure season budget for, and evidence of intent to race in, the 2018 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia season
– not have raced a full season in Carrera Cup, GT3 Cup Challenge (Class A) or similar level GT, Touring Car or open wheel series (not including Australian Formula Ford, Formula 3 & Formula 4)
The three Junior Programme drivers for GT3 Cup Challenge will be selected by a panel from within Porsche based on previous results, eligibility and suitability to the Junior Programme.