KAREN GAILLARD MAKES HISTORY WITH PORSCHE JUNIOR SHOOTOUT WIN, SECURES SPOT ON CARRERA CUP FRANCE GRID

Iron Dame Karen Gaillard has become the first woman to win a national Porsche junior shootout by winning the selection for the Porsche Carrera Cup France.

The Porsche Junior programme is one of the key motorsport endeavours of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer and has a proven record in promoting talent to the highest levels of sportscar racing.

Notable graduates of Porsche’s Junior programme include sportscar aces Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, Earl Bamber, Matt Campbell, Mike Rockenfeller and Michael Christensen, all of whom have raced at the very top of the endurance racing ladder at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Karen, a Swiss native who is 23 years old, made her debut with the Iron Dames in 2024 racing in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, impressing with her speed and adaptability from the off. Alongside Celia Martin, she finished sixth in her debut season in the category – her first competing in GT3 machinery – racing at iconic venues such as Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps.

This historic achievement secures Karen a place on the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup France grid. The national championship is one of many national and regional-based championships around the globe which provides a diverse platform for drivers of a wide range of abilities and backgrounds to showcase their talents.

Carrera Cup France has also welcomed its fair share of endurance racing stars over the years, with past winners including Dorian Boccolacci, Julien Andlauer, Kévin Estre and Anthony Beltoise among others.

Karen joins a long list of successful young drivers to have succeeded in a Porsche Junior shootout, and concludes a strong first year in Iron Dames colours for the Swiss driver.

Being elected Junior Porsche Carrera Cup France is both an honour and a superb opportunity and I know that the work has only just begun because the championship is so competitive. I’d obviously like to thank the entire Carrera Cup France team, as well as the Iron Dames, my partners and everyone who has always supported me, because without them, none of this would be possible! Congratulations to all the participants, because the standard was really high!

Karen Gaillard