IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship applications are now open for 2027-28 and I have the details on how you can apply in this week’s Driver Development Roundup. You will also understand the power of polite persistence and more!
Becoming a Professional Race Driver
Be An Intelligent Driver
The Power of Polite Persistence
In this premiere episode of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast, I speak with renowned driver coach Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets where we discuss:
- The importance of having the right people around you.
- The power of polite persistence.
- Why people buy who you are.
In addition, since I forgot to ask Ross what his favourite racetrack was, I followed up with him after the recording and, as he could not pick just one, these were his picks:
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park because of its fast corners.
- Laguna Seca because it’s fun and I love the Monterey area.
- Phillip Island in Australia because it’s beautiful and there are kangaroos!
- Spa because… well, it’s Spa.
Additional Resources Mentioned:
The episode webpage can be found here:
You can subscribe to the podcast through all the popular podcast apps as well as on its own dedicated website here. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter!
Alessandro Pier Guidi Tells Young Drivers to Consider WEC: ‘We Are Closing the Gap to F1’
Ferrari’s Alessandro Pier Guidi believes the World Endurance Championship has become a genuine pathway for young drivers and now stands as the second-biggest series after Formula 1.
“When I was younger, I decided to start [in] endurance racing,” said the 42-year-old. “Endurance racing saved my career. Because I had no chance in the single-seater for many reasons. Actually, the money was the biggest one. But I think now the championship is growing up so much.”
Formelaustria Race Academy Extends Program with TCR Eastern Europe
The Formelaustria Race Academy, co-founded by F1 sports consultants HM Sports and Renauer Motorsport, is a two-year program, originally, supporting karting talents and top SimRacers in their transition to becoming thoroughbred Formula 4 drivers. Riccardo Patrese, Alex Wurz or Franz Tost are supporting the program with their expertise as ambassadors. More F1 know-how is contributed by former FIA F1 press spokesperson Alexandra Schieren who runs the media training.
However, in order to offer Formula 4 experienced drivers a career path in touring cars, the academy is now also offering TCR racing. TCR is reserved for production cars with a 4/5-door saloon or hatchback body that are powered by a 2-litre turbocharged-engine with output limited to 340bhp.
Get. more details on the program here.
Driver Development Program News & Resources
Applications Being Accepted for 2027-28 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship
Now set for its fifth year, applications are open and being accepted for the 2027-28 IMSA Diverse Driver Development (3D) Scholarship.
Up to $300,000 in benefits is available to the scholarship recipient with thanks to IMSA and several corporate partners. As in 2026-27, the recipient will be able to select one of four IMSA-sanctioned series in which they can compete.
To learn more about the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship and apply, click here.
Grassroots Motorsports explains the benefits of the program here.
AE Victory Racing Names 5 Finalists for 2026 Female Driver Development Shootout
AE Victory Racing (AEVR) has selected five finalists to compete in its 2025 Driver Development Shootout, taking place January 29–30 at inde Motorsports Park in Wilcox, Arizona. The two-day evaluation will determine the next development driver to earn a fully funded seat in the 2026 World Racing League season as part of AEVR’s female driver development program.
Full details can be found at Shift Up Now here.
Formula Global Shootout Program (FGSP) Europe Returns for 2026
FGSP returns to the Circuit du Var for the third time to award one driver a fully funded season of the FIA Certified F4 Indian Championship 2026.
Join the likes of 2025 championship winner Shane Chandaria and vice champion Sachel Rotgé, who were both identified through the FGSP 2025. As the only championship managed selection program, our aim is to find emerging talent and support them through the championship.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply using the registration link here, limited seats available.
Race to Find First Woman Champion of Formula One Moves Up a Gear With Development Program
Agence France-Presse looks at the various barriers for women in motorsport including limited access to motorsports, cultural and structural biases, sponsorship gaps and lack of role models. You can read the article here.
Mercedes-AMG and Red Bull Reduce Their Junior Team Ranks
The Mercedes-AMG and Red Bull Racing Formula 1 teams have released several of the young talents in their driver development programs. Formula Scout has all the details.
Karting
2026 FIA Karting Academy Trophy USA Driver Application Process Now Open
The FIA Karting Academy Trophy program is an international series with the goal of providing cost-effective competition. Notable names to have been crowned FIA Karting Academy Trophy champion include Charles Leclerc (2011), Callum Bradshaw (2016) and USA driver Connor Zilisch. The program expanded in 2025 to include a Senior category in addition to the Junior division that began in 2010. The most recent driver to represent the United States of America at the Junior level was Gage Korn.
ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee for the United States) is seeking to recognize a karting driver with a USA license to be nominated to take part in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy with the application process now open for drivers to take part in the 2026 FIA Karting Academy Trophy Junior category as a USA representative. The Senior position has been selected with Erik Doan as the driver to represent the United States after his process with the FIA was delayed in 2025, thus moving his selection to 2026.
eKarting News has more details here.
Choosing the Right Karting Category
Choosing the right category in karting carries significant weight for those aiming for a genuine path to Formula Racing. It’s not just about when to start, but also which equipment, which championship, and which geographical areas. Options have never been as wide as today, making careful evaluation essential. As usual, Giovanni Minardi guides you through this in his column on Vroom.
Last Week on The Business of Being a Race Driver
Are You Market Ready?
Are you market ready? In last week’s Business of Being a Race Driver you will learn about a tool that will help you determine where you stand. I also have advice on exchanging services for sponsorship, building strong brand partnerships and more!
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Sim Racing as a Talent Pipeline
Sim racing is becoming a great pipeline for talent and in last week’s Sim Racing Roundup you will understand why. I also have details on how three race drivers use the sim to prepare for real world competition and much more!
Driver Journeys
Samantha Tan: Grace and Grit
Three Magazine profiles the journey of race driver Samantha Tan who has faced obstacles not normally mentioned for a woman racing today.
“Tan has also been attacked on social media, where she’s been accused of being more of a model than a race car driver. It’s a common (and tiresome) refrain reserved for women athletes who excel in male-dominated sports while simultaneously embracing fashion and beauty. But whether she’s in her race suit or on the red carpet, Tan’s posts are carefully calculated to show the world that you can be pretty and feminine and still drive a race car at 290 kilometres an hour.”
You can read the profile here.
How Richard Verschoor Made a Success of Self-Managing His Career
Financial support – or a lack of it – defines many if not all racing careers. Richard Verschoor has been on the negative side of it for years, but that is no longer the case thanks to well-structured self management. Formula Scout explains.
“I didn’t have a choice,” he says. “It was either I tried to make something of my career and what I love, or I stopped. Because when I got dropped from Red Bull basically there was no way to continue.”
Claire Schönborn: You Can Achieve Anything Regardless of Your Background
Beyond Rally is the WRC’s umbrella platform for sustainability initiatives that contribute to shaping the future of motorsport and materialize its positive impact on society. In 2024, the WRC launched the Women’s Development Programme within Beyond Rally. It saw nearly 100 drivers applying for the ultimate opportunity of a fully supported drive in the FIA Junior WRC.
From the applicants, 15 were short-listed for a three-day shootout, and three finalists were selected to showcase their skills in a WRC round. Eventually, German driver Claire Schönborn won the prize to compete in the 2025 season of Junior WRC. After finishing her debut season in Junior WRC, Paddock Sorority had the chance to have a Q&A with Claire. Here’s her rallying story.