Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) has named rising star racers Ryan Yardley (New Zealand) and Tom Sargent (Australia) to its Selected Driver roster for 2026 following their successes in Porsche machinery.
Yardley, the defending Porsche Carrera Cup North America champion, and Sargent each earned their individual recognition for their North American racing success behind the wheel of Porsche race cars. Yardley earned the title for the first time, while Sargent was Porsche Motorsport North America’s Selected Driver in 2025. The award provides direct manufacturer support, expanded race opportunities, and mentorship across GT and endurance racing platforms.
“We’ve watched both of these talented drivers improve their craft through Porsche single-make racing here in North America, and each has earned this honour,” said Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America.
“We’re proud of Ryan and Tom and look forward to watching their careers develop in the United States and around the world as PMNA Selected Drivers.”
Yardley cemented his title as the Porsche Carrera Cup North America champion in 2025. His three wins and 14 podiums over 16 races left him with a 19-point advantage following the season finale.
Yardley’s full-season plans have yet to be announced but include his debut in the GTD class for Mühlner Motorsport in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in a Porsche 911 GT3 R and are expected to include GT World Challenge America and GT4 America races.
“It’s super special to continue my relationship with Porsche and officially join the Porsche family here in North America. I feel privileged and honoured. Last year was an amazing year for me inside the race car, and now to start this year at Daytona is very special. To be named as a Porsche Motorsport North America Selected Driver just before the race is special. I’m super excited for the season ahead and thankful to everyone involved, not only in making this decision but in my career in North America to make this all happen,” Yardley said.
Sargent came to the United States in 2023 and promptly finished second in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship, scoring a win during his rookie season. Since then, he has added wins in SRO GT World Challenge and, in 2025, added podium finishes with Wright Motorsports in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Daytona and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Sargent will once again compete in the IMSA Endurance races with Wright Motorsports in a Porsche 911 GT3 R, among other SRO Championship events with Porsche machinery.
The pair of drivers highlight a full class of drivers participating at various levels of the North American Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, including Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West, and Porsche Endurance Challenge North America in single-make competition.
The Pyramid provides a clear path for drivers, teams, and marketing partners to progress through the ranks of sports car racing. From novice instruction and the first steps in motorsport through to full participation in professional open competition around the world with purpose-built Porsche racing machines, Porsche Motorsport North America provides a map, an appropriate car, and support throughout the journey.
Nearly 90 drivers on the entry list at the season-opening IMSA weekend at Daytona International Speedway have competed in Porsche single-make racing around the globe.
At each step on the Pyramid, Porsche provides the appropriate tools, personnel, and strategies to realistically model the career path for drivers, teams, and partners.
Header Image: Porsche Motorsport North America
