Applications are currently open for the 2025-26 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship. This scholarship has grown consistently over the years, and the fourth year is no different. With the addition of Skip Barber Racing School as a new partner, the scholarship is now valued at over $300,000.
As in previous years, the scholarship offers a range of benefits. For the first year (2025), the recipient will receive a full-season premium prepaid entry fee to compete in either the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, or IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. For the second season, the recipient will receive 50 percent of the prepaid entry fee for one of these series. The scholarship is also supported by Michelin, VP Racing Fuels, OMP, Bell, Recaro, and LAT Images.
A popular addition from last year’s selection process will be returning for the 2024 selection. Candidates selected from the application pool will have access to learning modules that aim to enhance their off-track skills. These modules cover various subjects, including IMSA marketing and sponsorship resources, business development, social media best practices, networking, and interview skills.
This year, there is an exciting new element to the scholarship. If the recipient agrees to drive for the Skip Barber Racing team, they will receive a $50,000 seat credit for the first year of their scholarship. The Skip Barber Racing team, part of the Skip Barber Racing School, currently competes with an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in the Grand Sport (GS) class of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Ken Fukuda, the 2024-25 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship recipient, played a significant role in establishing a stronger relationship between Skip Barber Racing School and IMSA. Fukuda, who is a lead instructor at the school, helped facilitate Skip Barber Racing’s entry into IMSA competition for the first time, with Fukuda as a co-driver. The school’s involvement in the scholarship program and support for future recipients stemmed from this collaboration.
Brandon Huddleston, vice president of IMSA Partnership Marketing and Business Development, expressed gratitude to all the partners who support the scholarship. Their contributions not only benefit the scholarship recipient but also provide valuable time, knowledge, and experience to all candidates through the learning modules.
To be eligible for the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They should also describe how they have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. Additionally, candidates must have a strong desire to compete in IMSA, a track record of outstanding race results or proven potential in junior racing categories, and the ability to develop a compelling strategy for a full season in one of the three IMSA-sanctioned series.
Courtney Crone, the 2023 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship recipient, had a successful season in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, earning six podium finishes in the Le Mans Prototype 3 (P3) class. In 2024, Crone will take on a new challenge in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America.
Applications for the 2025-26 scholarship will be accepted until March 22. The candidates will be announced on March 29, giving them time to complete the learning modules, participate in team integration opportunities hosted by IMSA at race events, and submit their final scholarship applications by August 9. The scholarship recipient will be announced in the fall.
To apply for the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship, click here.
According to the Source racer.com