Photo credit: Porsche
Porsche’s 2025 Junior Shootout begins in Cologne, Germany on November 14, then moves to Autódromo do Estoril in Portugal for two days of on-track testing from November 17–18. For the first time at this level, Canada’s Vanier will represent Porsche Motorsport North America after three seasons in the EBOOST Junior Program, a call he described as both surprising and career-defining.
“To be honest, the initial reaction was pure surprise,” Vanier said. “When the guys at Porsche Motorsport North America told me they had decided to send me, I was speechless. This was my goal all year, what I’d been working toward, but hearing it confirmed was surreal. There’s a huge sense of pride knowing how many talented drivers would love to have this opportunity.” Past Shootout winners include IMSA stars Matt Campbell, Mathieu Jaminet, Laurin Heinrich, and Klaus Bachler.
The program mixes on- and off-track evaluations. Candidates complete simulator sessions, fitness and mental assessments, business presentations, and interviews before two days in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) cars at Estoril. “Being chosen for the Shootout puts you in an entirely new conversation,” Vanier said. “My focus now is just to be myself, believe in my abilities, and really enjoy the process. You only get one shot at this.”
Preparation is already underway. Vanier will run pre-event testing, organize additional European seat time, and rely on Advanced Sim in Montreal to refine technique for Cup-spec configuration differences, notably the lack of ABS. “I’ve really stepped up my simulator work this year,” he said. “I’m even practicing without ABS to make it as realistic as possible.”
His 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup North America season with JDX Racing featured wins at Watkins Glen and Indianapolis, plus consistent podiums. A DNF in Miami Race 1 shifted his focus to the Shootout nomination. Vanier credited JDX leadership, including Jeremy Dale and Harrison Brix, and said Carrera Cup North America provided the maturity and confidence he will carry into the Shootout and, he hopes, the next step of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid in 2026.
