Two of New Zealand’s rising Porsche racing talents, Marco Giltrap and Clay Osborne, will head to Portugal next month after earning nominations for the 2026 Porsche Junior Shootout at Circuit Portimão, where they will compete against emerging drivers from Porsche championships around the world for a place in the manufacturer’s international junior programme.
The opportunity marks another significant step in both drivers’ careers, with Porsche Carrera Cup Asia nominating Giltrap and Porsche Motorsport Australia selecting Osborne.
Since its introduction in 1997, the Porsche Junior programme has helped develop some of the sport’s leading professional drivers, including former Porsche Juniors and endurance racing stars Matt Campbell, Mathieu Jaminet and Timo Bernhard.
Successful candidates receive support to compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which races alongside Formula 1 at selected European Grands Prix, as well as technical, physical, and professional development opportunities through Porsche Motorsport.
Giltrap’s selection follows an impressive 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia campaign, in which the New Zealander secured the Pro championship title at the season finale in Singapore.
The Kiwi finished his campaign with a standout run, taking pole in both races, setting a new qualifying lap record, and scoring two victories to clinch the championship.
His performances have now earned him the opportunity to represent the Asian championship on the international stage.
“Very proud to announce that I’ll be heading to the Porsche Junior Shootout this November!” Giltrap announced on social media.
“A huge opportunity to represent Porsche ARbox Carrera Cup Asia as their nominated driver.”
Giltrap also confirmed he’ll have the opportunity to test a Porsche 911 GT3 R at Sepang in Malaysia later in November.
The test will give him valuable experience in Porsche’s GT3 machinery, a step beyond the Carrera Cup car he has raced this season, and another chance to advance his career in international GT racing.
Fellow Kiwi Clay Osborne will also travel to Portugal, selected as Porsche Motorsport Australia’s representative.
The Waikato driver currently leads the Porsche Michelin Junior Championship, having established himself as a regular front-runner in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.
Osborne began his motorsport career in karting, where he won the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Italy in 2019, before moving on to Toyota 86 racing in New Zealand.
He moved into Porsche competition in late 2023 and made his Carrera Cup Australia debut at the Gold Coast in 2024.
This season, driving for TekworkX Motorsport, Osborne secured his breakthrough Carrera Cup round victory in Darwin, adding to an increasingly strong record in the category.
His selection was based on more than race results. Porsche Motorsport Australia also assessed drivers during a three-day development camp in April, including physical and mental testing, driver evaluations, and car control exercises.
Fifteen drivers participated in the programme, with Osborne ultimately earning the nomination.
“It’s something that I’ve been aiming for over the last couple of years since joining Porsche Equity-One Carrera Cup Australia,” Osborne said.
“I was extremely excited to get the nomination and really looking forward to representing Australia over in Portugal.
“When everybody joins these Carrera Cup championships around the world, it’s always the push to go to the Shootout, and it’s an awesome experience.”
Osborne also hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow New Zealander Jaxon Evans, who previously progressed through Porsche’s Australian junior development pathway.
“The last junior that was from this side of the world (New Zealand) was Jaxon Evans, so it would be awesome if I could fill his shoes.”
The Porsche Junior Shootout is designed to identify drivers with the potential to develop into professional racers, not simply reward the fastest competitor.
The upcoming shootout offers a chance to prove themselves against drivers from other international Carrera Cup championships, with a place on Porsche’s professional development pathway at stake.
Both New Zealanders arrive with championship-winning credentials and international experience, but will face another challenge as they look to take the next step in their racing careers.
Header Photo: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
