Porsche Names Yardley and Sargent as 2026 Selected Drivers, Proving the Pyramid Works

If you’ve ever wondered whether Porsche’s vaunted “Motorsport Pyramid” is actually a viable path to professional racing or just marketing speak, look no further than Ryan Yardley and Tom Sargent. Porsche Motorsport North America has named both drivers to its Selected Driver roster for 2026, and their stories are textbook examples of what happens when talent meets the right equipment.

Yardley, the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup North America champion, dominated his season with three wins and 14 podiums across 16 races, finishing with a 19-point cushion over the field. That’s not squeaking out a championship—that’s owning it. The New Zealander makes his GTD debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this month, piloting a Porsche 911 GT3 R for Mühlner Motorsport. From single-make spec racing to the biggest endurance race in North America in one offseason. Not bad.

Sargent’s trajectory is equally impressive. The Australian arrived in the States in 2023 and promptly finished second in his rookie Carrera Cup season, scoring a win along the way. Since then he’s added SRO GT World Challenge victories and podiums with Wright Motorsports in IMSA WeatherTech competition at Daytona and Indianapolis. He’ll return to Wright for the IMSA Endurance Cup races this year, continuing his climb through the ranks.

“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 honor,” says Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America. That’s corporate-speak for “these guys delivered, and we’re putting our money where their talent is.”

The Selected Driver program provides direct manufacturer support, expanded race opportunities, and mentorship—the kind of backing that turns promising racers into career professionals. It’s the top rung of that Pyramid before you’re talking factory contracts.

Here’s the part that matters: nearly 90 drivers on the entry list at Daytona this month have competed in Porsche single-make racing around the globe. That’s not a coincidence. While other manufacturers talk about driver development, Porsche built an actual system—from Sprint Challenge weekends at Apex Motor Club to the biggest stages in professional motorsport. The ladder exists, and people are climbing it.

Yardley summed it up pretty well: “To be named as a Porsche Motorsport North America Selected Driver just before the race is special.” Special, sure. But also earned. Now let’s see what they do with it.