More details on the recently announced, once-in-a-lifetime 2026 season prize of a fully-funded drive for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa 2027 has been revealed.
As part of a global announcement late last month, SRO Motorsports revealed a special SRO GT Academy prize for Silver drivers under the age of 30 across a range of its series.
Open to drivers from GT World Challenge Australia, America, Asia, and British GT, a Silver driver from each series will get selected for a guaranteed drive together with a professional team at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in 2027.
Unlike other academies where results and finish positions have a direct effect on overall selection, the SRO Motorsports Academy’s criteria are purely determined by the individual performance of drivers throughout the season rather than their overall results.
Drivers who are automatically eligible must be categorised as FIA silver at the start of the 2026 season, be under the age of 30 on 31 December 2026 and must contest GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS during the 2026 season.
Using SRO GT Academy's assessment-based criteria, eligible drivers will be judged on a number of elements, including but not limited to, their qualifying pace, average race lap time, fastest race lap, and their conduct off the circuit, while also being penalised for unforced errors and unsporting behaviour.
For the selected driver at the end of the year, this unique prize will give them a chance to make a name for themselves on a global stage in front the world’s biggest GT teams and manufacturers.
A number of internationally-renowned manufacturers already have Australia on their radars as both GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and Monochrome GT4 Australia continue to produce talented steerers capable of performing at the highest level.
One of those drivers is New South Welshman Jayden Ojeda, who has developed into one of the country’s most prolific talents and who currently represents Mercedes-AMG as a factory driver.
Since being a regular member of the GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS family, Ojeda has gone from strength to strength and has represented Mercedes-AMG in GT events all over the world – as well as securing himself a full-time seat in Supercars.
In addition to Ojeda, Monochrome GT4 Australia has also seen its fair share of rising stars pique the interest of international manufacturers, including the likes of Tom Hayman and Ryder Quinn – the former of which featured in a special McLaren test day in Spain earlier this year.
Quinn himself was recently announced as one three drivers confirmed for BMW M Racing Academy’s Class of 2026 having taking part in a selection camp in November.
SRO Motorsports Australia CEO Ben McMellan encouraged young FIA Silver classified drivers to consider their options for this exciting opportunity.
“The SRO GT Academy introducing the enticing prize of a fully-funded seat at the 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa i presents a rare opportunity,” McMellan said.
“This unique opportunity will give one of our young GT drivers a chance to experience the biggest GT race in the world and support their launch into the global spotlight.
“GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS has proven to be an alternative pathway for young Australians to become professional drivers – whether that is in Supercars or other categories around the world as seen by the likes of Ojeda.
“Not only does running GT World Challenge Australia give a young driver the chance to race at one of the biggest events in the world, but it will also see them showcase their skills against some of the best drivers in the country, including Broc Feeney, Jaxon Evans and Ryan Wood.
“I sincerely encourage all our rising stars across both the GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and Monochrome GT4 Australia platforms to put themselves in a position that will make them eligible for this prize."
Drivers wanting to find out more about the new prize are encouraged to reach out directly to Ben McMellan and GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and Monochrome GT4 Australia Series Manager, Matleena Pukkila for more information.