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First-Ever Ford Performance Junior Drivers Revealed

The future for Ford Performance is looking bright, and the automaker is set on solidifying that future with its new Junior Program. Ford announced its inaugural Junior Program class of six young racing drivers who will further develop their talent under The Blue Oval’s banner. These rising stars will have the opportunity to hone their skills, gain valuable experience, and represent Ford across various racing disciplines.

Photo of the Ford Mustang GT3 during testing at Daytona. The Ford Performance Junior Program drivers will hone their skills in this race car.

The six Ford Performance Junior Program racers hail from all around the world: Marco Signoretti (Canada), Erik Evans (USA), Nathan Vanspringel (Belgium), Robert Noaker (USA), Sam Paley (USA), and Jenson Altzman (USA). These six drivers stood head and shoulders above the rest, not only showing their on-track prowess, but impressing a panel of Ford Performance leaders enough to make the final cut.

Ford factory racer Mike Rockenfeller will mentor the Junior Program racers in North America. Andy Priaulx, meanwhile, will take the drivers under his wing across the pond in Europe. Rockenfeller and Priaulx will help these six young drivers develop an eye for racing lines, while a team of specialists will provide training in terms of mental and physical fitness, along with marketing, engineering, and communications, all skills that will serve them well throughout their motorsports careers. They will be trained behind the wheels of Ford Mustang race cars.

“One goal of the Ford Performance Driver Development Program: To better prepare drivers for how intense racing – at any level – can be,” said Ford in a statement. “Of course, we keep our eye on the stopwatch. We are all competitors, but the experience is about more than winning. That’s why drivers involved in the development program will compete in race series around the globe under the mentorship of some of the best minds in motorsports.”

In addition to the six Ford Performance Junior Program drivers, Haupt Racing Team in Europe will support two silver rated drivers in 2025. Salman Owega and Finn Wiebelhaus of Germany are the new Ford Performance GT3 Junior Drivers and will race the Mustang GT3.

Alexandra is a Colorado-based journalist with a passion for all things involving horsepower, be it automotive or equestrian.

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