Michael McCann and Zachary Vanier will graduate to the Pro class of GT World Challenge America (GTWC) powered by AWS in 2026, committing to a full-season campaign with Porsche-backed McCann Racing. After several formative years in Porsche Carrera Cup North America, both drivers now step into the top tier of GT3 competition with the new Porsche 911 GT3 R.
The move represents a calculated progression within the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid. Rather than rushing the process, both drivers have followed the intended pathway — learning their craft in identical machinery before advancing into multi-manufacturer endurance racing, where strategy, adaptability and shared responsibility define success.
McCann Racing announced 2026 GTWC America line-up
Although the 2026 programme appears seamless on paper, its foundations were laid gradually and organically. McCann and Vanier first built mutual respect as competitors in Carrera Cup. Over time, that rivalry evolved into friendship, and friendship evolved into a shared professional vision.
Vanier emphasised how meaningful the partnership feels, particularly because of the relationship that underpins it and the trust already established within the McCann Racing environment. He explained that the connection extends well beyond a standard driver contract and instead reflects a deeper bond formed over seasons in the same paddock.
“For 2026, I’m super excited to be joining McCann Racing with our effort in the SRO GT World Challenge North America Championship in the GT3 R,” Vanier said. “It’s fantastic to be paired up with Michael. He was one of the guys in the paddock I managed to build a really close friendship with throughout my two years in Porsche Carrera Cup North America. An amazing family, an amazing team. For us to have nailed the program down together feels super special.”
McCann echoed that sentiment and describes how casual conversations at the circuit gradually became serious discussions about long-term plans. What began as speculative chats about future seasons eventually turned into a structured GT3 programme.
“I found a really good co-driver,” McCann said. “Before he was my teammate, he was obviously a very close friend of mine. Zachary and I always hit it off at the track. That friendship kind of developed into, ‘Hey, what are you doing next year? What are you doing in two years?’”
In time, those questions produced a clear answer: a shared assault on the Pro class in GT3 machinery.
Forged in Porsche’s single-make crucible
Both drivers credit Porsche Carrera Cup North America with preparing them for the next stage. The single-make format removes technical variability and exposes pure driver performance. With identical cars and short sprint races, every mistake carries immediate consequences.
McCann described the intensity of those events and the relentless focus they demand from the moment the lights go out. He explained that the format leaves no room for recovery through strategy or pit cycles.
“It’s just full-bore focus,” McCann said of Carrera Cup. “Green flag, and you’re driving like mad. There’s no strategy, no pit stops. You have to make up as much room as you can. That’s why qualifying is so important.”
Meanwhile, Vanier approaches the same experience from a developmental perspective. Through his involvement in the Porsche Junior Programme, he embraced the step-by-step structure designed to cultivate long-term professional drivers. He reflected on the opportunities that shaped his growth within the brand’s global ecosystem.
“The biggest thing was maturing within the Porsche product,” he said. “I feel very fortunate for the opportunities Porsche gave me within the Junior Program – being recognized, and representing Porsche Motorsport North America at the Porsche Global Shootout. Over the last three years, it was about emphasizing the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and going through it as it’s designed to work. I feel like that’s exactly what I’ve been able to do.”
That carefully structured pathway now leads them into the far more complex world of GT3 endurance racing.
Vanier on adapting to the GT3 Endurance mindset as McCann Racing takes on 2026 GTWC America
The transition from 40-minute sprint races to three-hour and eight-hour endurance contests demands a complete recalibration. Vanier has yet to complete his first test in the GT3 R, but he already understands that performance will depend on patience, adaptability and technical feedback.
He stresses that expectations remain high, yet he recognises the steep learning curve that accompanies any GT3 debut.
“There are some expectations related to results and outcomes that we want,” he said. “But there’s a lot to learn and overcome, both personally and as a team. We’re entering it with an open mindset – being a sponge, soaking in everything from the team side, from Porsche’s side, and trying to maximize the program.”
He further explained how the objective fundamentally changes in endurance racing, where longevity outweighs outright aggression.
“It’s not about outright pace for a short distance anymore,” Vanier said. “It’s about longevity. Making sure we have a car at the end of three hours – and at Indy, making sure we have a car at the end of eight hours. There’s more technique and finesse involved. It’s a different approach.”
That philosophy aligns directly with his career ambitions beyond 2026.
“The ultimate goal for me is to solidify myself as an endurance driver,” he said. Whether that’s in SRO competition or IMSA. This was the goal. Now it’s about incorporating Michael’s preferences in the car as well – working together to get the car in a window where we’re both comfortable and able to maximize it.”
A personal return to GT3 racing for McCann in 2026 GTWC America with McCann Racing
For McCann, the return to GT3 carries emotional resonance. Raised in a racing household, he grew up immersed in the sport, watching his father compete at professional level. That background instilled both passion and perspective.
“There’s no better place than being at the track,” McCann said. “I’ve always been around it. I’ve always loved it.”
