GR Customer Racing promotes future GT talent with new Young Driver Academy
GR Customer Racing will help develop the next generation of professional racing drivers for its GT programmes through a new Young Driver Academy (YDA).
The initiative provides a pathway to identify and promote promising young drivers, based on their skills and performances, with a view to potential participation in GR Customer Racing’s GT3 activities in 2027.
GR Customer Racing’s existing efforts to promote young drivers will be expanded and integrated into broader GT activities. A seamless development ladder will lead from GT4 cars such as the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 all the way to the top of GT3 competition. This progression will be supported by Toyota’s global engineering and motorsport infrastructure, reinforced by the strong competitive foundation already provided by the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 in series around the world.
The Academy features a multistage selection process. Candidates will initially compete in simulator sessions hosted at Toyota Racing’s Cologne facility in April 2026, where performance will be evaluated based on lap time, consistency, and technical feedback.
Drivers who excel in this phase will be invited to Motorland Aragón in Spain this summer for an ontrack test in a GT3 car to showcase their speed, adaptability, teamwork, and capacity to improve through coaching. Those who succeed at this stage may ultimately be recommended for GR Customer Racing’s 2027 GT3 efforts.
Selection Process
All drivers already confirmed to race with a Toyota GT car in 2026 are automatically entered into an initial evaluation process. High-performing racers aged between 17 and 27 may also apply, provided they meet FIA GT3 licence, categorisation, and eligibility requirements.
Applicants currently racing a GR Supra GT4 will receive priority access to this development pathway. By competing in GT4 championships, candidates race under the scrutiny of GR Customer Racing experts, which will increase their opportunities.
The evaluation will be fully data driven at every stage. GR Customer Racing will define clear performance targets, use advanced simulation methods, and structured on-track analytics to ensure progression is transparent and based on measured criteria.
The programme aligns fully with FIA GT3 sporting regulations, and all selected drivers will already meet the requirements for GT3 competition. This enables credible and realistic career progression towards the highest levels of GT racing.
Commitment
GR Customer Racing’s longstanding commitment to nurturing new talent ensures that Academy participants will develop their technical knowledge, physical condition and professional skills, as well as their ontrack performance. This philosophy will give drivers the potential to progress in a sustainable way through every level of GT competition.
The Young Driver Academy emphasises Gazoo Racing’s commitment to contributing to the future of global GT competition. It is designed to evolve further in the coming years to provide a structured pathway for aspiring drivers to progress towards a professional racing career with GR Customer Racing.
Applications and further information regarding the Young Driver Academy are available via youngdriveracademy@toyota-racing.com.
The closing date for 2026 applications is 27 March.
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