EBOOST Porsche Motorsport North America Junior Program racer Jake Pedersen will team up with the Wisconsin-based Kellymoss squad for both his Porsche Carrera Cup North America and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge campaigns.
Pedersen will continue to race the No.85 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry for the remainder of the season – continuing to showcase his self-designed “art on wheels” livery inspired by his musical icons. His first outing for Kellymoss will be at the upcoming Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix – the only round of the championship he missed last year.
The 23-year-old racer/student/musician also will continue to compete in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge aboard a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport – lining up alongside his new coach, 13-time Carrera Cup North America race winner and Porsche Motorsport North America Selected Driver, Kay van Berlo.
Pedersen will be part of a seven-car squad for Kellymoss in Carrera Cup and a now expanded two-car team in Michelin Pilot Challenge that Kellymoss runs in conjunction with Riley Motorsports.
Former Carrera Cup rivals Riley Dickinson (2023 Pro Champion) and Michael McCarthy (2021 Porsche Sprint Challenge by Yokohama Champion) joined with Brady Golan to win the opening Michelin Pilot Challenge race of the season at Daytona International Speedway.
“I’ve already felt accepted into the family at Kellymoss. I’m fortunate to not only be competing in the same corner with them, but to be surrounded by the great people that constitute the team. To me, that is more valuable than anything,” said Pedersen.
“I look forward to working with Kay. It brings peace of mind to know that he has been in a similar boat of balancing school and racing, and has done a successful job.”
Van Berlo’s new Michelin Pilot Challenge campaign is in addition to his SRO GT America campaign. The Dutchman and ACI Motorsports boss Curt Swearingin finished second in the Sunday Pro-Am race recently at Sonoma Raceway.
“Kellymoss is renowned for its exceptional driver development platform,” van Berlo said.
“I am excited to partner with Jake and have great confidence that he is positioned to thrive. My goal is to contribute to his growth and achieve outstanding results on the track together.
“Additionally, I am excited to continue my collaboration with the Kellymoss with Riley partnership. Both teams played pivotal roles in launching my racing career, and I am confident they can do the same for Jake.”
Pedersen and van Berlo’s debut as a driver pairing in Michelin Pilot Challenge will take place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on May 10-12.
“We’re excited to see Jake grow from the partnership with Kay,” said Andy Kilcoyne, Kellymoss CEO and Co-owner.
“We know Jake has the raw potential, positive attitude and commitment to benefit from Kay’s years of experience and championship mentality. And, Kay will also benefit from his role as Jake’s mentor, adding depth to his coaching and driving resume.”
Van Berlo is in his second year as a Porsche Motorsport North America selected driver. Last season he ran in the GTD class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Kellymoss with Riley Motorsport – winning at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with Alan Metni.
“We are committed to fostering growth opportunities for our drivers, which makes it especially rewarding to welcome Kay back to our team. Kay is the ideal partner for Jake, both on and off the track,” said Victoria Thomas, CFO and Co-owner of Kellymoss.
“Jake’s career will undoubtedly be enriched by Kay’s extensive expertise.”
