From one-make series to Le Mans: How Porsche is reshaping GT racing in Asia

For decades, Porsche’s motorsport identity was centred in Europe and North America, established through prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now, they are shifting their focus to the Asia-Pacific, where they are building a new ladder of opportunities for the next generation of racers.

The PMAP ladder

Porsche's global strategy involves a vast network of over 35 one-make series worldwide, all with varying levels of competition and professionalism. In the Asia-Pacific, Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific (PMAP) is spearheading this effort, building a tiered system that begins with the accessible Sprint Trophy in Thailand. The next step on the ladder is the more professional Sprint Challenge, a series now established in key markets like Australia, China, Indonesia, and Japan.

The top level of this pyramid is the Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA). Its reputation for competitiveness is recognised directly by executives in Stuttgart. This was powerfully demonstrated when PCCA was selected to be one of just four series worldwide, alongside the Supercup, Carrera Cup North America, and Carrera Cup Germany, to debut the new 911 Cup car next year.

This recognition is a strong sign of how competitive the series is, and it solidifies PCCA's role as the pinnacle of the region's motorsport hierarchy. For PMAP, the main objective is to give drivers the possibility to advance up the ladder and one day race in PCCA.

Indonesia: Porsche’s latest case study

As part of its mission to expand into new markets, PMAP has turned its focus to Indonesia, a country with a large, promising market but a historically stagnant motorsport scene. One of the most recent additions to its lineup is the Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia (PSCI), established in 2023. PMAP and its partner, Superstars Motorsport, saw an opportunity to provide a platform for gentleman drivers and young talent who were previously without a professional series to compete in. 

As Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director of PMAP, stated, the decision to bring a series to Indonesia was made to "attract a wider base of drivers" and provide them with the possibility to develop themselves in a more professional environment for a chance to one day be a part of the Carrera Cup and other GT competitions.

Maintaining the same standard

At the top of the global Porsche one-make series is the flagship Porsche Supercup, exclusively supporting Formula One. All Porsche one-make series follow the same procedures as the Supercup to maintain Porsche’s commitment to quality. In the case of PSCI, Superstars Motorsport, as the licensee partner, works closely with Porsche and PMAP to maintain the highest level of standards.

“Everything has to be approved by Porsche to make sure that we keep the standard.

“At Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, we help and support them to keep this standard. This is how we ensure it because we have very precise guidelines also on what you can do, and what you cannot do in the Porsche one-make series.”

Gibot explained that these guidelines extend to sponsorship sticker placements. He pointed out that one of Porsche’s global partners has the same placement no matter what and where the series is. The smallest attention to detail allows the regional series to keep the international standards that were already set.

This strict adherence to a global standard is how Porsche ensures the PSCI and all its one-make series are not just series, but world-class platforms that uphold the marque's reputation for quality and professionalism.

From ladder climb to international success

Porsche Motorsport Asia-Pacific (PMAP) has several drivers who have successfully advanced the PMAP ladder and now compete in international series, including Andrew Haryanto. The success of these drivers validates the viability of the GT ladder.

In 2017, Antares Au approached PMAP to begin his motorsport career. After competing in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) season, he went on to race in other GT3 series. Au later won the 2024–25 Asian Le Mans Series' GT class, earning him a ticket to compete in the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Arguably, the most successful case is Earl Bamber, a two-time overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He began his journey as a Porsche Junior, and his success continues to inspire many Asia-Pacific drivers.

The New Zealander continues to pick up success by taking the 2019 GTLM championship titles of the IMSA SportsCar Championship with the 911 RSR. The cycle is now complete, with Bamber paving the way for others to enter motorsport with his own team in ALMS, PCCA and Super GT.

“I think Earl has really contributed to putting more spotlight on the region, which gives a lot of motivation to young drivers who refer to his success.”

Ultimately, the achievements of drivers like Haryanto, Au, and Bamber demonstrate that the tiered pathway offered by Porsche Motorsport Asia-Pacific is a genuine route to success for aspiring drivers in the region, paving the way for the next generation of champions.

Hypercar expansion

Outside its one-make series system in the region, Porsche also contested the Thailand Super Series, China GT, and Japan’s Super GT. Now, PMAP is presented with an interesting opportunity to bring a Hypercar to the ALMS to support the growth of privateers in the region.

While PMAP considers bringing a Hypercar to the Asian Le Mans Series a "big challenge," they are open to requests from teams and drivers. This willingness, backed by Porsche's history of offering its 963 LMDh to privateer teams, solidifies its role in building a comprehensive motorsport ecosystem from the ground up.

Final notes

Porsche's strategy in the Asia-Pacific region is a masterclass in establishing a new frontier for GT racing. The company is directly democratizing access to the sport and building a clear, step-by-step ladder of opportunity for an entire generation of drivers and professionals. They are proving that the future of motorsport is not just in its traditional hubs but in dynamic new markets like Indonesia.

The tiered system implemented by PMAP shows a commitment to this long-term vision, from the accessible Sprint Trophy to a potential Hypercar entry. Stories from Andrew Haryanto and two-time Le Mans winner Earl Bamber prove that this ladder is real and effective, an indicator that Porsche is building a legacy in a region that is now fully integrated into its global motorsport story.

From grassroots in Thailand to Le Mans in France, Asia is now fully part of the Porsche racing story.