Jimmy Llibre led a doubly special day for ACI Motorsports, winning in the ExxonMobil Pro class for the first time of his Porsche Carrera Cup North America career.
A victory in Carrera Cup had been elusive for Llibre, a longtime Porsche single-make driver, until Saturday afternoon at Road America. Llibre lunged for the lead in the opening turns of lap one, moving from third to first, and finishing by more than 1.5 seconds ahead of the field.
“(I feel) a lot of emotions, but I’m really proud to represent my country, my teammates and ACI Motorsports,” said Llibre, who hails from the Dominican Republic. “A big thanks to all my sponsors who make this possible. Thank you so much ACI, and let’s go for more.”
The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars (992 generation) all jockeyed for position at the start of the 40-minute race, and second-place finisher Zachary Vanier took advantage of the action. Vanier started fifth prior to his sixth podium of the season, while Ryan Yardley followed in third.
Yardley’s finish means he closes the gap to Pro class championship leader Riley Dickinson to just five points prior to Sunday’s race at the 4.048-mile circuit.
ACI Motorsports was also victorious in the Solairus Aviation Pro-Am class,
winning with championship leader JP Martinez. Martinez started second behind polesitter Alan Metni, but assumed the top spot within the first five minutes of the race.
“I didn’t get to test here, so I felt I was on my back foot a little bit this weekend,” said Martinez. “But the team gave me an amazing car, so kudos to them. It’s a special day because we won overall first place and Pro-Am first place, so hats off to the team for doing such a good job. Extremely happy.”
Metni maintained second place by the race’s end, while Brady Behrman finished third.
Peter Atwater wound up as the only polesitter to win in class on Saturday, starting first and finishing first in the Solairus Aviation Masters class. It was also Atwater’s first-ever win in the series.
Rob Walker tried to keep his JTR Motorsports Engineering teammate within striking distance but was resigned to second place by just over two seconds. Championship leader Scott Blind completed the class podium.
“I was just trying to hit my marks,” said Atwater. “The team put together a great car, we’ve been working on it for four days. It felt good, it’s good to have a teammate behind me and Scott always makes us push a little harder. He’s a tough guy to beat.”
The final Porsche Carrera Cup North America race at Road America goes green on Sunday, August 3, at 11:35 a.m. ET.
All Carrera Cup races, including replays from Road America, will be shown live on IMSA and Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube Channels, IMSA TV, Peacock, and the Porsche Motorsport North America social channels on Facebook, Linkedin, Threads and X.
Latest news
In one of the tightest sessions yet of the season, Topp Racing’s series rookie Tyler Maxson narrowly edged the competition for his first Race Brew Pole Award at Road America.
Maxson, a rookie in Porsche Carrera Cup North America, captured his first pole position of the year in the Pro class with Topp Racing, but only by the slimmest of margins.
With a time of two minutes, 7.829 seconds, Maxson’s fastest lap was just .025 seconds quicker than championship leader Riley Dickinson in second place and .095 seconds ahead of Jimmy Llibre in third. In all, the top 12 drivers were within one second of Maxson’s time.
“It feels great, the Topp Racing machine was on fire today,” said Maxson, whose best finish has been second place twice this year – most recently at Watkins Glen International in June. “I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made this weekend and everything we’ve done through the test. I’m happy I was able to show the true pace of the car and get everything out of it for the guys.”
Maxson is also one of several drivers in the field taking part in the Porsche EBOOST Junior Program North America.
“Absolutely (the program has helped),” said Maxson. “All the development we have and all the mentorship, it’s really great to have that support from Porsche and it’s been a big help throughout the year.”
Prior to his pole-winning performance, Maxson also topped Carrera Cup practice earlier in the day, which featured Llibre in second and Dickinson in third.
Leading the Kellymoss stable at Road America was Alan Metni in the Pro-Am class. The Porsche veteran not only finished first in practice on Thursday, but also ran quickest in Friday’s Practice 2 and in qualifying. It will be Metni’s fourth time starting from pole position in 2025.
Metni will start ahead of Pro-Am title leader JP Martinez, followed by Brady Behrman.
“I enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun,” said Metni. “I think JP is pole for the second race, so we should have a nice battle, it should be a lot of fun.”
In the Masters class, Peter Atwater returns for his third event of the season, and also with a bang, driving quickest in qualifying for JTR Motorsports Engineering. The entire Masters grid was separated by 1.5 seconds, with Atwater’s teammate Rob Walker finishing second and Richard Edge in third.
“It feels great,” said Atwater, a first-time polesitter in Carrera Cup. “I worked hard in practice and testing last week to really try and get the time down, and I laid down a good lap.”
On how he extracted the last bit of speed, Atwater replied, “Brake zones, keep on pushing the brake zones.”
Race 1 for Porsche Carrera Cup North America at Road America is scheduled for tomorrow, August 2, at 11:55 a.m. ET (10:55 a.m. local time). Race 2 goes green on Sunday, August 3, at 11:35 a.m. ET.
All Carrera Cup races, including replays from Road America, will be shown live on IMSA and Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube Channels, IMSA TV, Peacock, and the Porsche Motorsport North America social channels on Facebook, Linkedin, Threads and X.
Wisconsin “home team” Kellymoss made a strong statement in Thursday’s opening practice session at Road America with Riley Dickinson and Alan Metni topping their respective classes on home turf.
The Madison-based team placed three cars inside the top seven overall as Porsche Carrera Cup North America returned to the legendary 4.048-mile circuit to kick off the second half of the season.
Reigning champion Dickinson led the 29-car field with a best lap of 2:09.502 in the No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, setting the pace early in the hour-long session. Teammate Aaron Jeansonne made it a 1-2 for Kellymoss, just 0.160 seconds behind on the timesheets.
“Feels good so far — no complaints,” Jeansonne said.
“The car is solid out of the gate. I think the track is going to evolve a lot, so things will change. Everyone’s going to improve, and we just need to make sure we follow where the track goes and stay on top of it.
“Conditions seem a little slower than the test last week. The track just isn’t quite there yet, so we’ll see how it develops. It’s always a bit of a guess, but I’ve got the best team behind me, and they’ll help me adapt.”
Alan Metni added to the team’s dominance by going fastest in the Pro-Am class — and impressively seventh overall — with a time of 2:10.586. The Texas-based driver’s pace put him ahead of multiple Pro-class competitors.
The Pro class featured close competition behind the Kellymoss duo, with Topp Racing’s Tyler Maxson, JDX Racing’s Zachary Vanier, and ACI Motorsports’ Jimmy Llibre rounding out the top five.
In Pro-Am, Metni’s time put him more than a second clear of second-place JP Martinez, while Brady Behrman and Javier Ripoll Jr. followed in third and fourth.
Masters class honors in Practice 1 went to JTR Motorsports Engineering’s Rob Walker, who posted a 2:11.547 — a time that placed him ahead of multiple Pro and Pro-Am drivers as well. He led Ruckus Racing driver and class championship leader Scott Blind, and Kellymoss’ Todd Parriott in the session’s intra-class battle.
“The track’s really slippery — it’s changed a lot since we were here for testing a couple weeks ago,” Walker said.
“I’ve been struggling with front grip, but started to figure some things out later in the session. I think my fastest lap was actually my last one.
“Sector one seems to be quick for everyone, but sectors two and three are where the conditions really change. Sector two especially — it usually rubbers in well, including the Carousel — but with all the recent rain, there’s just nothing out there right now.”
Race 1 for Porsche Carrera Cup North America at Road America is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, at 11:55 a.m. ET (10:55 a.m. local time) following a second practice and qualifying on Friday. Race 2 goes green on Sunday, August 3, at 11:35 a.m. ET.
All Carrera Cup races, including replays from Road America, will be shown live on IMSA and Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube Channels, IMSA TV, Peacock, and the Porsche Motorsport North America social channels on Facebook, Linkedin, Threads and X.
For Andy Kilcoyne, co-owner and CEO of Kellymoss, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. It’s embedded in the systems and people of one of Porsche Carrera Cup North America’s most successful teams.
“There’s a quote I live by from Vince Lombardi,” Kilcoyne says. “‘In pursuit of perfection, we can achieve excellence.’ It’s true in a lot of things, but especially in motorsport. There’s no such thing as a perfect lap. There’s always a way to improve.”
That mindset drives every detail at Kellymoss. From the racetrack to the workshop, Kilcoyne’s team is relentless in its commitment to progress. “We measure ourselves every time we’re on track,” he says.
“We’re constantly asking—how can we do it better, faster, more efficiently?”
That approach has helped transform Kellymoss from a respected motorsport outfit into a model of consistency and competitive strength. The team’s attention to detail, especially around process and accountability, stands out in the high-pressure world of professional racing.
“A lot of what we do comes down to avoiding mistakes,” Kilcoyne explains. “We use checklists, we double-check everything—sometimes it seems redundant, but that’s when you catch things. The moment you let your guard down, that’s when errors happen.”
Heading into this weekend’s Carrera Cup round at Road America — the home track of Wisconsin-based powerhouse Kellymoss — the team returns to a venue that has been central to its legacy of success. Road America has played host to pivotal victories, including Riley Dickinson’s 2023 win en route to his championship title, followed by Loek Hartog’s triumph in 2024, which similarly propelled him to the top of the standings.
Kellymoss entered the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup North America season with a deep and diverse lineup across all classes, reinforcing its status as a championship powerhouse.
Now back in the Pro class, 2023 champion Riley Dickinson enters the weekend as the current championship leader, already with four wins to his name this season.
Newcomers Aaron Jeansonne and Wesley Slimp also join the Pro ranks, both stepping up after impressive performances in lower categories. In Pro-Am, multi-time champion Alan Metni returns, aiming to add to his already impressive résumé, while Todd Parriott continues in the Masters class..
Additionally, the team also has extensive Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama and Porsche Endurance Challenge North America campaigns, plus running cars for customers in Porsche Club of America and Porsche Owner’s Club events.
But that’s not all. Kellymoss has built a strong reputation for its custom road car projects, blending performance engineering with refined customization.
Scaling an organization like Kellymoss while maintaining its standards isn’t easy. But Kilcoyne attributes the team’s continued growth to the people who power it.
“Scaling is one of the hardest things to get right,” he admits.
“But we’ve done it responsibly, slowly, year over year. And we’ve built a self-policing culture—there are no egos here. Everyone helps each other.
“These guys and gals work incredibly hard, and if you come back year after year, you’ll see the same faces. We take care of our people, and they take care of our clients. It works.”
That level of commitment—often without public recognition—defines the Kellymoss operation.
“It’s a lot of early mornings, a lot of late nights,” Kilcoyne says.
“People don’t see the behind-the-scenes work. Tire prep, brake prep, all the small things that no one thinks about—it’s a ton of effort.
“The thank-you’s are in the results, even if the results don’t always reflect the effort.”
Kilcoyne’s story in racing began long before his executive role at Kellymoss. He was introduced to the sport as a child, working alongside his family.
“I started going to the track when I was about 10,” he recalls. “My brother was the driver, my dad was the engine builder and car chief. I cleaned wheels and bodywork until I got more responsibilities.”
From club racing in the Midwestern Council to SCCA and into the open-wheel ranks—including what is now USF Pro 2000 and the Atlantic series—Kilcoyne developed hands-on experience in every role under the tent.
“I was never really a driver,” he says, “but I’ve worked as a car chief, an engineer—pretty much every job there is.”
One of his proudest technical achievements came at the Formula Ford 40th Anniversary race at Road America, where a car he built and engineered won from pole in a field of over 130 entrants.
Kilcoyne insists on uniformity and providing the same level of commitment and service to all his customers.
“You could take any driver in our tent and swap them into another car—everything’s prepared the same. Everyone gets the same product. We don’t play favorites. It would be a disservice to the sport and to our brand.”
Kilcoyne admits that failure stings—but he also sees it as fuel.
“Second place can feel like losing,” he says. “And maybe it shouldn’t. But when you know what your team and your drivers are capable of and you don’t deliver, it lights a fire.”
That drive underpins Kellymoss’s approach to competition. In Porsche Carrera Cup North America, where the team has consistently fielded championship contenders, Kilcoyne believes 2025 is shaping up to be the most competitive season yet.
“There’s always been three or four standout drivers each year,” he says. “But this season, it’s deep. Guys who would usually be top five are fighting for eighth or ninth. It’s the strongest field we’ve seen so far.”
For Kilcoyne, Porsche is a natural fit.
“The engineering quality, the support, the safety—it’s all world-class,” he says. “Porsche Motorsport North America does an incredible job. I’ve worked with other manufacturers, and Porsche is the best.”
But for Kilcoyne, motorsport is about more than winning—it’s also about responsibility.
“When I was a kid, I went to the track with my family. That’s not as common today. Fewer people are working on cars in their garage or going to local races. We’ve got to use our platform to bring in new fans, drivers, and employees.”
With the rise of STEM programs and the changing nature of the automotive landscape, Kilcoyne believes motorsport has a role to play in shaping future careers.
“There are so many opportunities—mechanics, engineers, truck drivers, logistics professionals. It takes a massive team to put on these events weekend after weekend. We have to be good stewards of the sport. That means promoting all of it—not just the drivers on the podium.”
From humble beginnings in club racing to leading one of North America’s premier Porsche teams, Kilcoyne’s journey is defined by clarity of purpose, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the people around him.
“We show up to fight every day,” he says. “And we’re always trying to be better than we were the day before.”
For the second consecutive round, Porsche Carrera Cup North America returns to one of its legacy tracks following the last event at Watkins Glen International. The four-mile Road America has appeared on the schedule each and every year of the Championship’s five-year history. The track has been among the favorites of drivers since its opening in 1955 and celebrates 70 years in the 2025 season.
At Road America, 29 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (type 992) cars are on the entry list for the ninth and 10th races of the 16-race championship. This weekend is part of the ANDIAL Cup, a championship within the full-season championship that awards points at the traditional road course events on the schedule run with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, including Sebring, Watkins Glen, Indianapolis and Road Atlanta.
All full season entries are part of the ANDIAL Cup, but it’s possible to forgo the rounds in conjunction with Formula 1 and remain eligible for ANDIAL Cup points.
The calendar has reached its halfway point entering the Road America round. Kellymoss driver Riley Dickinson, the 2023 champion leads the way by eight points over Topp Racing’s Ryan Yardley overall and in the Pro class. JP Martinez of ACI Motorsports is at the top of Pro-Am, while Ruckus Racing’s Scott Blind is in control of the Masters class. All three classes run on Yokohama ADVAN slicks.
This weekend opens with a 30-minute practice on Thursday, July 31, at 2:55 p.m. CT, followed by a second practice on the morning of Friday, August 1 at 10 a.m. CT. All three classes will qualify in a 30-minute session at 4:20 p.m. CT that afternoon.
The pair of 40-minute timed races get the green flag at 10:55 a.m. CT and 10:35 a.m. CT on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, respectively.
Road America FAST FACTS
Field.
29 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars are entered for Round Five at Road America
- ExxonMobil Pro Class. 18
- Solairus Aviation Pro-Am Class. 5
- Solairus Aviation Masters Class. 6
- Teams. 11 race teams across all three classes
Track record.
2:07.586, 2023, Riley Dickinson, Kellymoss Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
2024 Race winners.
- Pro:
- Race 1 & 2. Loek Hartog, Kellymoss
- Pro-Am:
- Race 1. Pedro Torres, ACI Motorsports
- Race 2. James Sofronas, GMG Racing
- Masters:
- Race 1 & 2. Chris Bellomo, Kellymoss
Point leaders.
- Pro.
Riley Dickinson, No. 91 Kellymoss Porsche 911 GT3 Cup - Pro-Am.
JP Martinez, No. 4 ACI Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup - Masters.
Scott Blind, No. 45 Ruckus Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup - Entrants.
Topp Racing
Schedule.
All times Central
- Thursday, July 31.
2:55 p.m – 3:25 p.m. – Practice 1 - Friday, August 1.
10:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. – Practice 2
4:20 p.m – 4:50 p.m. – Qualifying (all classes) - Saturday, August 2.
10:55 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. – Race 1 (40 minutes) - Sunday, August 3.
10:35 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Race 2 (40 minutes)
Welcome home.
The Road America round is a home race for Wisconsin-based Kellymoss, and the site of victories in 2023 with Riley Dickinson and again in 2024 with Loek Hartog. Both drivers continued on to claim championship titles after the respective wins.
Tightening the point battle.
At the halfway mark of the season, the Pro point battle is as close as it’s been since the season began. Riley Dickinson continues to hold the lead, but by only eight points over Ryan Yardley. A win in Porsche Carrera Cup North America is worth 25 points per race, with 20 points per second place, so the championship lead could change hands this weekend.
What to watch for.
None of the 2024 race winners are returning this weekend, leaving the battle wide open. Riley Dickinson swept the weekend in 2023 during his championship season, which makes him a contender. JDX Racing scored second place overall with two different drivers including Zachary Vanier in 2024, which makes them a contender for the overall prize with four entries in the field. Scott Blind of Ruckus Racing has been the Masters class driver to beat all season long, but Todd Parriott has won twice this season in the class.
Drivers get development boost at Team Penske.
Two weeks ago, 13 drivers in the Porsche EBOOST Junior program and Porsche Mobil 1 Female driver program visited Team Penske for a behind the scenes look at the culture and philosophy of Team Penske, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and a variety of seminars to improve their ability on and off the track as race car drivers. Zachary Vanier and Paul Bocuse from JDX Racing, Topp Racing’s Tyler Maxson and Yves Baltas from ACI Racing represented the Junior drivers in Porsche Carrera Cup. Madeline Stewart and Sabré Cook, both JDX Racing drivers, were on hand as part of the Female Driver program and are at Road America this weekend. In addition to seminars on marketing and media, all drivers got hands-on experience with the PPM Porsche 963 and the Team Penske NASCAR Cup cars for pit stop practice. On Friday morning, the drivers visited PitFit Training for an eye-opening session on motorsports-specific exercises.
Honoring local military.
PenFed Credit Union and Kellymoss are teaming up to honor local military members at Road America as part of the Championing Our Heroes program. The exclusive program honors servicemembers and their families with a unique VIP experience at select IMSA events. Extending the day’s impact beyond the exclusive VIP program planned for invited heroes, the first 50 military fans visiting the Kellymoss garage in the Carrera Cup paddock will receive a custom designed “Supporting Our Troops” hat, created to match the striking PenFed Porsche theme. Additionally, these 50 guests will be invited to join members of the PenFed and Kellymoss team on the track for a special rendition of the National Anthem, creating a moving tribute to their service in front of thousands of fans.
Class descriptions.
Pro.
The highest level of competition in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America. The class is recognized through its orange color scheme. The car entry number will be delineated in orange on the doors, the windshield and rear glass. Headlight covers will be clear with orange cross-marks.
Pro-Am.
Restricted to drivers who are 35 years old or older as of January 1, 2025. The class is recognized through its green color scheme. The car entry number will be delineated in green on the doors, the windshield and rear glass. Headlight covers will be clear with green cross-marks.
Masters.
This class is open to drivers who are 50 years old or older as of January 1, 2025. The class is recognized through its yellow color scheme. The car entry number will be delineated in yellow on the doors, the windshield and rear glass. Headlight covers will be clear with yellow cross-marks.
Entry list.
The full Porsche Carrera Cup North America entry list can be found by clicking here.
Points and results.
Event results and current points for Porsche Carrera Cup North America can be found by clicking here.
Broadcast.
All races can be seen live on IMSA and Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube Channels, IMSA TV, Peacock, and the Porsche Motorsport North America social channels on Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads and X.
Porsche’s next generation of racing stars are armed with new lessons to carry into the remainder of their 2025 campaigns and beyond after gathering for the annual development workshop at Porsche Penske Motorsport and PitFit – blending technical insight, physical training, and professional mentorship.
The workshop brought together drivers from the Porsche EBOOST Junior Program and the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program—two initiatives that represent the backbone of Porsche’s North American talent development pipeline.
Participants included Porsche Carrera Cup North America racers Zachary Vanier, Sabre Cook, Tyler Maxson, Madeline Stewart, Yves Baltas, and Paul Bocuse, as well as Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama competitors Cole Kleck, Therese Lahlouh, Loni Unser, Anna Cecchi, and Erika Hoffmann.
Day 1: Porsche Penske Motorsport
The first day was held at the state-of-the-art Team Penske / Porsche Penske Motorsport facility in Mooresville, North Carolina—home to the Porsche 963 hybrid prototype that races in both IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The young drivers got an up-close look at the cutting-edge technology behind the GTP machine and participated in hands-on pit stop drills, including live bodywork changes and even NASCAR tire change pit stops.
“It was amazing,” said Carrera Cup driver Tyler Maxson. “It’s an honor to have Porsche and Penske invite us out to the facility and give us all the information they did.
“It was super cool to see the level of detail a team like Team Penske operates with. I think it opened up a whole new perspective for me on what a truly top-level team looks like.”
“You always hear about ‘Penske Perfect,’ but seeing it in person is just a whole other level. I’m super grateful for the opportunity Porsche and Penske gave us to attend this workshop.”
Drivers were treated to a series of guest speakers throughout the day. Porsche Cars North America’s James Kim presented a sweeping overview of Porsche’s motorsport history, while Ben Atkins and Chance Stewart offered behind-the-scenes insight into Team Penske’s day-to-day operations.
The importance of correctly “fueling the driver” was tackled by Team Penske nutritionist Pam Brown while renowned NBC pit lane reporter Matt Yocum rounded out the lineup, speaking about the media’s role in racing and how drivers can better prepare for television interviews.
Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama front-runner Erika Hoffmann found the day at Penske equally impactful.
“I’ve really enjoyed the day at Penske,” Hoffmann said.
“It was amazing to see the facility as part of the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program workshop. It’s been so fun to be with the other participants, build that bond, and work together.
“What made the workshop so cool is getting to see behind the scenes of such a successful team—and the level of excellence in everything they do.
“I’ve always heard about the lore of Penske, how clean and beautiful it is, and seeing it firsthand has been incredible.”
Hoffmann, along with fellow podium regulars Loni Unser and Anna Cecchi, has been a standout in the Mobil 1 program this season.
“I feel super fortunate and grateful to be part of this program,” she said. “Mobil 1 is such an iconic brand, and I remember looking at this program in years past, seeing the girls run it last year, and thinking, ‘I really want to be part of that.’ So now, to be a member is amazing.”
The opening day of the workshop culminated in a team dinner, where former Porsche factory driver and program mentor Pat Long provided attendees with valuable career advice, sharing lessons from his own journey through the Porsche development ladder and offering insights on how to stand out both on and off the track.
Day 2: PitFit Performance Testing
The second day of the workshop shifted gears from education to driver performance, as Porsche’s junior and female development drivers were put through physical and cognitive testing at PitFit Training. Known for its work with top-level motorsport professionals, PitFit is a cornerstone of modern motorsport preparation.
The drivers underwent rigorous physical and cognitive assessments, which helped them understand their current performance baselines and create personalized training targets.
“Being here at PitFit with the Mobil 1 Porsche Female Driver Development Program has been amazing,” said Unser.
“It’s helped me so much as a driver. I treat it just like I treat a race weekend—looking at data from last year, figuring out where I need to improve this year, and then executing on that.”
“I’ve taken what I learned last year and applied it throughout this season, and I’ve seen my scores improve. That’s always exciting, and I’m really grateful for this program. It pushes me to develop more than I would push myself.”
For Unser, the workshop also reinforced just how valuable the Mobil 1 program has been in her development.
“Being part of the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Development Program is absolutely invaluable,” she said. “It gives me the resources I need to grow and improve. Hearing from incredible people like Pat Long has been so important to my career—and beyond that, it’s helped me build an incredible network.”
“Getting to see Team Penske and how they operate is incredibly inspiring. They do everything to such a level of perfection, and it motivates me to bring that same philosophy into my daily life.”
Zachary Vanier, a third-year member of the EBOOST Junior Program and current Carrera Cup competitor, also found the physical component of the workshop eye-opening.
“This was my third opportunity to take part in the annual workshop, and this was absolutely the best yet,” Vanier said.
“It was a great couple of days here in Charlotte with everyone in the program. The physical fitness testing was especially eye-opening for me. It gave me a clear picture of where I stand compared to last year’s results and showed me exactly where I need to focus moving forward.
“I think the design of this program really gives us the tools and information to improve—it’s just a matter of applying it now.”
Vanier echoed the broader sentiment shared by many of his peers: that the EBOOST Junior Program is helping him compete at a higher level.
“The Porsche EBOOST Junior Program has been incredibly beneficial,” he said.
“When you’re racing in a single-make series, you’re constantly trying to find those small advantages over the competition. Being part of a program that includes such a select group of drivers gives me that edge.”
“Utilizing the resources and everything we’ve taken from the workshop, I’m confident I can implement that into my approach going forward. It’s been an honor to be part of this program, and I’ve learned a lot that I’ll definitely carry with me.”
New model for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Carrera Cup series
- After 5,381 one-make cup race cars based on the 911, the next model takes over
- Development began in January 2024, production set to start in fall 2025
- Test drives exclusively with eFuel blend from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
- The new 911 Cup will also be manufactured at the main plant in Zuffenhausen
The new Porsche 911 Cup will make its world debut this summer. The comprehensively optimized one-make cup race car based on the current 992.2 generation of the 911 has already largely completed its development phase.
The 911 Cup will be used in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and in selected Carrera Cup series including Porsche Carrera Cup North America from the start of the 2026 season.
Since 1990, the Porsche 911 has provided the basis for the sports car manufacturer’s one-make cup racing series.
What began at the time with the German Porsche Carrera Cup and expanded three years later to include the Porsche Supercup as part of selected Formula 1® Grand Prix races has long since developed into a global success story.
In the current season, Carrera Cup competitions are taking place in more than twelve countries around the world: from Japan and Asia to Australia and the Middle East, from North and South America to Europe. In addition, there are 23 Porsche-sanctioned Sprint and Endurance Challenges and Trophies, which also use the 911 GT3 Cup for their races.
This is also reflected in the production figures: with 5,381 units now built, the 911-based one-make cup cars are among the most produced racing cars in the world.
The Cup cars are produced side by side with 911 series models at the main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The current model, which debuted in the 2021 season, alone has been produced 1,130 times. Production of a Type 992.1 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup took just under eight hours.
Dynamic development phase on three demanding racetracks
Work on the new competition vehicle began at Porsche Motorsport in Weissach in January 2024.
Like its predecessors, the 911 Cup once again combines series production technology with high-caliber motorsport attributes, transforming it more than ever into a thoroughbred racing car. Among other things, development focused on improving the aerodynamics of the front end, which improves drivability.
In addition, there are numerous improvements to vehicle electronics, brakes, the transmission and the six-cylinder boxer engine, as well as vehicle handling.
“We are already operating at a very high-performance level with the current GT3 Cup, “Jan Feldmann, Project Manager for GT racing cars at Porsche Motorsport said. ”This has allowed us to focus more on feedback from the global one-make cups and develop a racing car that has been refined in many areas compared to the current Cup 911.”
Real-world test drives took place on the Italian Grand Prix circuit in Monza, at the Lausitzring in Brandenburg and on the in-house track at the Weissach development center.
Two former Porsche Juniors took turns at the wheel: Bastian Buus from Denmark, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup champion in 2023, and Klaus Bachler. The Austrian won the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 drivers in 2024, among other things. Laurin Heinrich, 2024 IMSA champion in the GTD Pro class, and Marco Seefried, a very experienced racer, also spent time driving the prototypes.
Test program exclusively with eFuel blend from Porsche Supercup
The eFuel blend used in the 2025 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (PMSC) technically meets the new Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Appendix J requirements for renewable (“Advanced Sustainable”) fuel and, with all combined CO2 reduction measures,* corresponds to a total CO2 equivalent reduction of 66 percent compared to a fossil fuel equivalent.
The proportion of renewable components in this performance-specialized racing fuel blend is 79.7 percent by volume. Renewable synthetic raw gasoline, known as MtG (methanol-to-gasoline), makes up the largest proportion of the mix. Other blending components include renewable, waste-based or residual-based ethanol, which is used to increase the oxygen content in the fuel and the octane rating, among other things.
The octane rating is 100.5 RON. The racing fuel blend was developed specifically for the boxer engines used in motor racing and combines high performance with the highest possible proportion of renewable blending components.
Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.us
This week, some of the brightest young talents in North American sports car racing are gathering at Porsche Penske Motorsport for an exclusive workshop that blends hands-on learning with high-level mentorship.
It’s all part of the Porsche EBOOST Junior Driver Program and Mobil 1 Female Driver Program—two initiatives built to guide the next generation of Porsche stars through a proven development ladder.
No one better represents that system in action than JDX Racing’s Porsche Carrera Cup North America driver, Paul Bocuse.
At just 17 years old, Bocuse is the quintessential poster child for Porsche’s North American development pyramid, having progressed from winning the championship in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama in the Cayman class, to the 911 GT3 Cup car in Sprint Challenge, and now racing full-time in Porsche Carrera Cup North America.
“It’s been the perfect stepping stone,” Bocuse says. “It never feels like you’re skipping a step. It’s a progressive path, and every step teaches you something new.”
The Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in North America aims to provide young drivers with a path to achieve their goal of racing in international series, such as the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, IMSA, or the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The North American program also provides a potential gateway for drivers to step into the global Porsche Junior Program. Launched in 1997, the program has propelled the careers of countless drivers, including Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, and Earl Bamber, all of whom won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and FIA World Endurance Championship titles.
Porsche Penske Motorsport drivers Nick Tandy, Matt Campbell, Mathieu Jaminet, Kevin Estre, Michael Christensen, and Julian Andlauer all came from the global Porsche Junior Program.
Exceptional North American talent has also emerged through its system. Patrick Long, a longtime Porsche factory driver, emerged from Porsche one-make racing and now acts as a mentor for the 2025 juniors. Other program graduates include IMSA and SRO race winners Seb Priaulx and Parker Thompson (both Carrera Cup champions), as well as Zacharie Robichon, Roman De Angelis, Madison Snow, and many others.
Now in its second year, the North American EBOOST-backed Junior Program has taken that commitment to the next level, pairing rising talents like Bocuse with experienced mentors, engineers, and physical trainers.
“Last year was such an incredible experience,” Bocuse says. “You’re walking through this facility, seeing everything Porsche Penske Motorsport is doing in WEC and IMSA—it really motivates you. You think, ‘This is what I want to be a part of.’
“Throughout the season we’ve also had education sessions at each race weekend and have been able to lean on Richard Westbrook for more advice. He has massive experience and has been a huge help for all of us.”
In addition to the access and inspiration, the program also includes practical benefits. Bocuse, for example, earned his spot by winning the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama Junior Award last season—a title that came with free entries for the following year in Carrera Cup.
“That kind of support is huge,” he says. “It’s not just the financial help, but everything else—the mentors, the training, the exposure to what it takes to be at the top.”
Bocuse’s story started far from the pit lane. Growing up in Florida, he was first introduced to motorsports through his father, who dabbled in amateur racing. A Christmas gift—a go-kart under the tree—sparked a family hobby that quickly became something more.
“It started with all of us—my mom and dad both had go-karts, too,” he says. “But pretty quickly the focus shifted to me. I wasn’t very good at first. Honestly, I was terrible until I was about 11 or 12 years old. But I worked really hard. I always had to work harder than the kids around me.”
His dedication paid off. After a brief stint in Spec Miata, Bocuse discovered the Porsche Junior Program and entered Sprint Challenge in the Cayman class at 15. A test with a local team just minutes from his house led to a full season, which culminated in a championship and a step up into the Cup car.
As the grandson of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse—widely regarded as one of the greatest culinary figures of all time—Paul Jr. carries a name with global recognition. But he’s quick to draw the line between the kitchen and the cockpit.
“I wish I could say I was a good cook, but I’m really not,” he laughs.
“Thank God I can drive. But I think there’s a lot of overlap—precision, pressure, a constant pursuit of perfection. My grandpa always talked about how everything in the kitchen had to be clean and exact. That’s how it is with racing too. Everything has to be perfect to be excellent.”
Now in his rookie Carrera Cup season, Bocuse is realistic about the path ahead. He didn’t expect to dominate straight out of the gate, but views this year as a key development stage.
“This is probably one of the most competitive Carrera Cup fields ever,” he says. “But that’s a good thing—it’s going to make me better. Every race I’m improving, gaining a spot or two. We had a great test at Road America last week, and I think by the end of the year we’ll be in a strong position. Next year, I want to fight for the championship.”
“I’ve grown up in Florida, so Daytona and Sebring mean a lot to me—but Le Mans does too. Whether it’s IMSA or WEC, I just want to be part of the Porsche factory program. That’s the dream.”
Named Porsche Selected Drivers by Porsche Motorsport North America for the 2025 season, Hartog and Tom Sargent are taking yet another step in their young careers this weekend by participating with strong Porsche teams at the 24 Hours of Spa. Both will drive a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the race, which begins at 12:30 EDT on Saturday, June 28.
Just six days after Hartog landed on the podium at the Nürburgring 24 hours and Sargent raced with Wright Motorsports at the Six Hours of Watkins Glen, both find themselves in Belgium and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for another 24-hour race. Sargent makes his debut in the race. Hartog was officially entered a year ago, though did not drive in the race following an early incident for his team. He is, however, a winner at two separate endurance races at Spa – the Porsche 992 Endurance Cup 12 Hour and the 24-Hour Series race at the track earlier this season.
Both drivers were chosen this year, along with Riley Dickinson, as PMNA Selected Drivers for their success on the track, including Porsche Carrera Cup North America. Hartog is the series defending champion, while Sargent finished second to Dickinson in 2023. The Porsche Selected Driver program is a key step in the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid North America, which is designed to elevate emerging professionals by providing direct manufacturer support, expanded race opportunities, and mentorship across GT and endurance racing platforms.
“Loek and Tom, like Riley, are showing their tremendous talents not just here in America but around the world,” Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, said. “We’re proud of the success that they’ve seen and wish them the best of luck this weekend representing Porsche at the largest GT3-only race in the world.”
Hartog won Porsche Carrera Cup North America for Kellymoss while simultaneously competing in a GT3 platform in Europe. This year, he’s expanded his activity, running Pirelli GT4 America in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport and multiple endurance races in Europe. For Hartog, Spa marks the completion of a three week stretch that includes a sixth-place finish at Le Mans, a third-place finish at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, and this week’s 24-hour race.
Sargent, an Australian by birth, made a name for himself in North America with his 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup season, then became a race winner with GMG Racing in 2024 in GT World Challenge while driving a Porsche 911 GT3 R. Sargent signed on as a third driver for Wright Motorsports in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup during the 2025 season and will join American co-drivers Adam Adelson and Elliott Skeer in Spa. The trio finished second in the GTD class to open the season at Daytona.
“To be able to say it’s Spa 24 hour week is so crazy,” Sargent said. “This is a race I have watched so many times and dreamed of competing in. To be able to race in it with Wright Motorsports is perfect. We have brought our exact IMSA team out from America, so it’s perfect for having consistency at an event that is foreign and new to us.”
Beginning with practice and qualifying, 75 GT3 cars from 10 manufacturers will line up for the twice-around-the-clock race. Wright Motorsports and Hartog’s team at Dinamic GT are two of 11 Porsche 911 GT3 Rs competing on the 4.352-mile long circuit in five classes divided by driver ranking. Sargent and his teammates will race in the Gold category, with Hartog’s car competing in the Bronze class.
The full race can be seen live around the world at YouTube.com/GTWorld.
More information on the event can be found at crowdstrike24hoursofspa.com.
Tyler Maxson started racing karts at age six, cars at 13, and at 20 years old is now starting to shine with an impressive rookie season with Topp Racing in Porsche Carrera Cup North America.
Part of the Porsche Motorsport EBOOST Junior Program North America and driving for Topp Racing, Maxson is proving he belongs in one of the most competitive one-make championships in the world.
Last weekend at Watkins Glen, he recorded a pair of top-five finishes, including a runner-up result in the final race of the weekend. After four rounds in 2025, he leads the Rookie championship.
“I started karting when I was six,” said Maxson. “I tried pretty much every stick and ball sport and didn’t like any of them. My mom actually suggested we try go-karting, and I just fell in love with it.”
What began with lunch break laps at a small track in Barnesville, Georgia, quickly escalated. By age 13, he was racing Spec Miatas. By 14, he was already making professional starts in SRO competition—before he even had a driver’s license.
“I want to say I was about 13 for my first Miata race, and my first pro race came six months after my 14th birthday,” Maxson said. “It was in an MX-5 Cup car at COTA.”
Based outside Athens, Georgia, Tyler Maxson balances his budding racing career with work in his family’s car wash business. However, his on-track development has been anything but conventional. After two SRO championships and a stint with the Hyundai-backed Bryan Herta Autosport TCR program, he found himself on uncertain footing in 2023.
“I had a last-minute deal to race GT4 at Daytona, but the whole thing fell apart right after the first round,” he said. “It went from having something to nothing, to then getting back in a ride again.”
That rebound came in the form of Mustang Challenge, where Maxson again jumped in late and impressed. But it was a conversation at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta that shifted his path again.
“I was just hanging out at Road Atlanta when we got introduced to Todd Oppermann from Topp Racing,” he said. “They invited me out for a test last December, and thankfully, they helped me get in the car and into Carrera Cup this year.”
The jump into the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car was a big one—but for Maxson, it clicked right away.
“It’s probably the most fun race car I’ve ever driven,” he said. “It’s fast, physical, and just begs you to drive it at 10/10ths every lap. That’s what stood out most. I’ve never driven a race car that liked being pushed that hard, lap after lap.”
Adjusting to the demands of the Cup car has been eased by working alongside experienced teammate Ryan Yardley, who’s already a multi-time race winner with Topp.
“Having Ryan as a teammate has been massive,” Maxson said. “Every weekend, I know I can compare myself to someone running at the front. He’s been an open book and really helped me get up to speed.”
While Tyler Maxson’s pace has turned heads, the level of competition in Carrera Cup North America has been a new challenge.
“There are very few series as tightly matched as this,” he said. “Top ten, top 12 guys all have the pace to win. Nobody at the front makes mistakes, so qualifying is everything. It forces you to be perfect, every single lap.”
Through the first half of the season, Maxson has shown steady progress—and an affinity for street circuits.
“I’d never done a street race in a car until this year,” he said. “But Miami and Montreal have been a blast. I loved street tracks in karting, so it was super cool to be back in that environment, especially running alongside Formula 1.”
His rise has coincided with a strong year for Topp Racing. Topp has emerged as a genuine front-running outfit thanks to the efforts of Yardley and the leadership of team owner Todd Oppermann – with Tyler Maxson on board – the team continues to lead the team’s points championship after four rounds.
“I’m super thankful to Todd and David Baker for believing in me and getting me in the car this year,” Maxson said. “The whole team is incredibly hardworking. They really want to succeed, and they’ve been pushing me to get better every weekend. I still don’t think I’m 100% there yet, but we’re on the right track.”
Being part of the Porsche EBOOST Junior Program has only added to that momentum. From training sessions to mentorship, Maxson is absorbing all he can from the opportunity.
“To be involved with a manufacturer like Porsche is a huge honor,” he said. “They’ve got the most developed ladder system of any brand, and just being in the mix—especially after chatting with guys like Mathieu Jaminet at the Penske garage last weekend—it’s really opened my eyes to what’s possible.”
At just 20 years old, Maxson already has more professional starts than many of his peers. But the goal remains clear.
“My dream would be to represent somebody like Porsche at a factory level in five years,” he said. “Whether it’s GT or prototypes, that’s what I want—to be a factory driver. That’s why I got into sports cars in the first place.”
Working his way towards that goal has not been a solo endeavour. He is quick to point out the people who’ve helped him along the way.
“A huge thank you to David and Apex and TCS for making this possible, and to my parents for believing in me,” Maxson said. “Without their support, I wouldn’t be doing Carrera Cup this year.”
©2026 Porsche Motorsports North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
