In its continued commitment to foster young driver talent Porsche recently held a program to evaluate the potential of four promising North American drivers. Two of the drivers selected to participate in the elite program were GT3 Cup Challenge competitors.

Sean Johnston, who competes in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama series, and Kyle Marcelli, who competes in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin series, showcased their skill in the two-day program at Barber Motorsports Park. Johnston and Marcelli drove the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, which are used in the Porsche one-make Championships worldwide.

“The two-day program, which included classroom testing and instruction, personality evaluation, media training and multiple driving activities, not only gave us a good insight into the potential for these drivers, but was designed to help make them more professional and provide personalized guidance for their up-and-coming sports car careers,” said Jens Walther, president of Porsche Motorsport North America, Inc.

Both GT3 Cup drivers walked away from the unique opportunity with valuable information for their developing racing careers.

"This opportunity was very special and definitely a significant step in the direction I want to take my career," Kyle Marcelli said. "It was a jam-packed two-days full of high, intense learning."

Sean Johnston echoed Marcelli's sentiment and found value out of driving in wet weather the second day of the test.

"The second day in the cars was difficult, especially with the added challenge of a drying track due to the rain that fell all morning long," Johnston said. "I was impressed with how well the tires performed in the mixed conditions. Overall it was a phenomenal two days and a huge opportunity for me."