Los Angeles racer Therese Lahlouh will reach a new milestone in 2026 as she joins GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS with Wright Motorsports. She will compete in the debuting Porsche 911 GT3 R, continuing her steady rise through Porsche’s North American development system.
After beginning her journey in Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West in 2023 and spending the past two seasons in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, she now steps into top-tier GT3 competition. As a result, she advances from single-make racing into one of the continent’s most competitive GT categories.
Lahlouh backed by Porsche’s Female Driver Programme ahead of move to GTWC America in 2026
Importantly, Lahlouh is a proud member of the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program. Porsche launched the programme in 2023 to support female talent across Porsche Carrera Cup North America and Sprint Challenge North America.
Furthermore, she credits Porsche’s long-term commitment for accelerating her development. She believes the manufacturer has provided meaningful guidance, access to coaching and a competitive environment that has strengthened her racecraft and confidence.
Endurance momentum builds confidence
Lahlouh enters 2026 with strong endurance momentum. She secured second place in her first GT3 endurance outing last month at Sebring International Raceway, sharing the car with Thomas Merrill and Reinhold Krahn.
“I feel so fortunate and so excited about 2026,” Lahlouh said. “When I first started this motorsport journey, I never imagined I’d have the chance to run a GT3 R at night at Sebring. One of the first events I went to was a Carrera Cup race at Sebring in 2023 with IMSA and WEC, and it felt like this outer-space goal I’d never reach.”
“To now be taking this next step with Wright Motorsports, I’m just incredibly thankful to the people who have developed me and believed in me.”
Lahlouh drawn to GTWC’s format and opportunity
Lahlouh chose GT World Challenge America not only for its profile but also for its structure. The 2026 season introduces a revised format, replacing two 90-minute sprint races with a single three-hour contest at each round, aside from the eight-hour finale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“As a bronze driver, I really wanted to be part of the program and part of the results,” she stated. “If I’m going to be in a team sport, I want my contribution to matter. GT World Challenge America gives me that opportunity to shine and have a real impact on the team’s performance.”
Moreover, the endurance-focused structure aligns with her personal passion.
“As much as I love sprint racing, I’m really an endurance racer at heart,” she explained. “I love the consistency and the collaboration it takes to deliver a result. I’m excited to finally be endurance racing exclusively and commit fully to that team effort.”
Reflecting on her progression, Lahlouh highlights the depth of competition within Sprint Challenge. Large grids and experienced coaches pushed her to elevate her performance.
“Racing in fields of 40 cars with so many professional coaches and drivers forces you to rise to the level of the people around you,” she said. “The Cup car is an incredible training tool, and Sprint Challenge exposed me to the racecraft and professionalism I needed. Women like Sabré Cook and Ashley Freiberg gave me the roadmap. They lead by example, and I hope to inspire others like they inspire me.”
Wright Partnership comes full circle for Lahlouh ahead of 2026 GTWC America campaign
Her connection with Wright Motorsports stretches back further than expected. The first GT3 R she ever saw belonged to the team. Now, she will race one herself under the leadership of Adam Adelson, building on the foundation established by John Wright.
“The first GT3 R I ever saw was a Wright Motorsports car,” she recalled. “Their car chief gave me a tour when I was racing in Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West, and I never imagined I’d be driving one of their cars just two years later. The program Adam Adelson is now leading, building on John Wright’s foundation, is incredibly strong. From Bob Viglione to Adam, I feel so supported in my goals and ambitions. They have everything I need to get where I want to go.”
Beyond personal ambition, Lahlouh views her move as part of a wider shift within the sport.
“We’re finally seeing consistent forward progression,” she voiced. “Last year, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America featured four female drivers. Programs like the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program give us support, tools, and community. There’s room for more than one woman on the grid — there’s room for many. The more we uplift each other, the more the sport grows.”
As she prepares for her SRO debut, Lahlouh balances humility with determination.
“I always say low expectations, high ambitions,” she remarked. “I haven’t raced in SRO before, but I’m not new to endurance racing. Between Porsche Endurance Challenge, NASA’s Western Endurance Championship, and now Sebring, I’ve built a strong foundation. My goal is simply to maximize my development, learn everything I can, and take full advantage of the expertise around me.”
Her 2026 teammate will be announced at a later date.
