Further details have emerged regarding the once-in-a-lifetime 2026 season prize offered by the SRO GT Academy: a fully funded drive at the 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
As part of a global initiative unveiled by SRO Motorsports Group, the SRO GT Academy will award one FIA Silver driver under the age of 30 from each of four key championships a guaranteed seat with a professional team at the blue-riband Belgian endurance classic.
The opportunity is open to drivers competing in GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, GT World Challenge America, GT World Challenge Asia and the British GT Championship. One standout Silver from each series will form part of a dedicated SRO GT Academy entry at Spa in 2027.
Assessment over results
Unlike traditional development programmes, the SRO GT Academy will not base selection purely on race wins or championship finishing positions. Instead, officials will assess each driver’s individual performance throughout the 2026 season.
Eligibility requires drivers to hold FIA Silver status at the start of the 2026 campaign, remain under 30 years of age on 31 December 2026 and contest the full GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS season.
The Academy panel will evaluate qualifying pace, average race lap time, fastest race lap and professional conduct away from the circuit. Conversely, stewards’ findings for unforced errors or unsporting behaviour will result in deductions. Consequently, the process aims to isolate and reward individual excellence regardless of overall results or co-driver influence.
SRO offers 24 Hours of Spa global opportunity for Australian talent
The selected Australian driver will gain a rare platform to impress the world’s leading GT teams and manufacturers at Spa-Francorchamps. Importantly, international brands already monitor the Australian scene closely as both GT World Challenge Australia and Monochrome GT4 Australia continue to produce elite-level talent.
One notable example is Jayden Ojeda, who has evolved into one of the nation’s most successful exports. Since establishing himself within GT World Challenge Australia, Ojeda has represented Mercedes-AMG globally as a factory driver while also securing a full-time Supercars seat.
Similarly, Monochrome GT4 Australia has showcased emerging names such as Tom Hayman and Ryder Quinn. Hayman recently earned a McLaren test in Spain, while Quinn secured a place in BMW M Racing Academy’s Class of 2026 following a competitive selection camp.
Encouragement for rising stars
SRO Motorsports Australia CEO Ben McMellan has urged eligible drivers to seize the 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.”
Ultimately, the SRO GT Academy’s Spa prize represents more than a single race entry. It offers a direct pathway from national competition to the pinnacle of global GT endurance racing — and, potentially, the launchpad for a long-term professional career.
