Ford Performance Prepares the Next Generation of Racing Stars

Every great racer starts somewhere, and for most, that journey begins behind the wheel of a go-kart with the unwavering support of family and friends. But what comes next? How does a young driver transform from an aspiring racer into a champion? Ford Performance is making sure the next generation has a path forward with its Driver Development Program, a unique initiative designed to nurture raw talent and prepare young drivers for the rigors of professional motorsports.

Now, six promising young racers have been selected as part of the first Ford Performance Junior Drivers class, a program that will guide them toward the highest levels of racing. These talented individuals—Marco Signoretti (Canada), Erik Evans (USA), Nathan Vanspringel (Belgium), Robert Noaker (USA), Sam Paley (USA), and Jenson Altzman (USA)—have proven their skills on the track. But it takes more than speed to make it in the world of racing. Each of these drivers faced an in-depth evaluation by Ford Performance leaders, testing not only their driving abilities but also their ability to communicate with engineers, handle media pressure, and navigate high-stakes racing environments.

In addition to this elite group, two rising stars from Germany, Salman Owega and Finn Wiebelhaus, have been named Ford Performance GT3 Junior Drivers. Through a partnership with Haupt Racing Team in Europe, they will receive specialized support as they compete in Mustang GT3 racing, gaining experience that will help them climb the ladder toward international endurance competitions.

A Racing Program Unlike Any Other

Plenty of manufacturers invest in developing young talent, but Ford Performance is taking a completely different approach. The Driver Development Program isn’t just about moving drivers from one level to the next—it’s about providing a structured, consistent, and immersive experience within a single, high-performance platform: the Mustang.

Unlike other programs, which may require drivers to constantly adjust to different car manufacturers as they progress, Ford offers a seamless transition from Mustang Cup racing to the professional Mustang Challenge series, GT4 competition, and eventually GT3 racing at legendary events like Le Mans. This unmatched continuity gives drivers the opportunity to refine their skills on a familiar platform while facing increasing challenges at every stage.

More Than Just Lap Times

Of course, speed matters—this is racing, after all. But Ford’s vision extends beyond just raw talent. The Driver Development Program is designed to prepare these young racers for the entire racing experience, from mental and physical fitness to media presence and sponsorship relations. Competing at a high level is about more than being the fastest driver on the track; it’s about consistency, adaptability, and professionalism.

To ensure that these drivers receive world-class guidance, Ford Performance has enlisted some of the biggest names in motorsports to mentor them. Mike Rockenfeller, a seasoned Ford Multimatic Motorsports factory driver, will lead the North American team, while Andy Priaulx, a renowned touring car and sports car legend, will oversee European development. These experts won’t just be teaching racing lines and braking points—they’ll be offering career-shaping insights into what it takes to be a professional driver in today’s competitive world.

The Future of Ford Racing

The Ford Performance Driver Development Program is more than just a talent pipeline—it’s a commitment to shaping the future of motorsports. By providing young racers with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed, Ford is ensuring that the Mustang name remains at the forefront of competitive racing for generations to come.