Ryan Yardley to race in Porsche Carrera Cup North America

After spending Kiwi summer in his native Christchurch, Ryan Yardley now gears up for his latest challenge – a Porsche Carrera Cup North America drive.

Yardley jets back to the United States on Saturday to link up with TOPP Racing in Dallas, Texas and begin preparation for the eight-round series. A series that will see Yardley visit five new circuits and make his street racing debut.

The campaign will see the young Kiwi race on the support bill of IMSA, World Endurance Championship, IndyCar, NASCAR and Formula 1 events.

“I can’t thank David, Todd and everyone at TOPP Racing enough for this amazing opportunity. Can’t wait to see what we can do together this year.” Yardley said.

“I’ve done a lot of tracks in America over the last few years but there are only three on the calendar that I have actually done.

“Five new tracks for me. So, it’ll be a big learning year, and I’ll be doing street tracks, which I haven’t done before. Definitely a lot to learn but I am looking forward to it.”

Last year, Yardley finished fourth in the Formula Regional Americas Championship, racing with the Kiwi Motorsport team.

At the season finale at the Circuit of the Americas, Yardley had the opportunity to do double duty, splitting his commitment between Formula Regional and a gig in the Porsche 992 – the same machine he’ll do battle with in this year’s Carrera Cup.

“[Sportscars] are always where I have seen my career going,” he said.

“Formula Regional was great to get a full campaign in America…and it gave me a good platform to be able to reach out to teams, get a test and show what I can do in a sportscar.

“I don’t underestimate how hard this year is going to be. Super competitive series, new tracks to learn and a new car to learn. I’ll take the opportunity with both hands and see how I go.”

Yardley’s two days of racing the Porsche at COTA late last year remain his sole few hours of seat time he has had.

While that weekend yielded some brilliant results, including a pole, race win and fastest lap across the two races, Yardley is yet to gauge what his expectations should be for his rookie season.

All he knows right now is that he wants to have his name near the front.

“It’s such an unknown going to all these new tracks, a new series, a new car. There are so many unknowns.

“Obviously I want to do well. I want to compete up the front. There is no secret about that.

“But, at the same time, I understand how steep of a learning curve it is going to be. I’ll take the first few rounds and make sure I learn as much as possible, get through some of the harder tracks.”

Once Yardley does get a handle of the car, he’ll have the opportunity to strut his stuff on the big stage. The Carrera Cup will play support role to IMSA, IndyCar and two Formula 1 Grands Prix.

But before then, Yardley will go through his pre-season routine to get acquainted with the team, crew and car ahead of the opener at Sebring in mid-March.

2023 Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup Championship

Header Image: Chris Green | ChrisGreenPhoto.com (Supplied)