Iron Dame Karen Gaillard has become the first woman to win a national Porsche junior shootout by winning the selection for the Porsche Carrera Cup France.
The Porsche Junior programme is one of the key elements of Porsche’s much admired ladder system.
Notable graduates of Porsche’s Junior programme include Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, Earl Bamber, Matt Campbell, Mike Rockenfeller and Michael Christensen.
Karen, a Swiss native who is 23 years old, made her debut with the Iron Dames in 2024 racing in the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Alongside Celia Martin, she finished sixth in her debut season in the category – her first competing in GT3 machinery.
The achievement secures Karen a place on the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup France grid.
“Being elected Junior Porsche Carrera Cup France is both an honour and a superb opportunity and I know that the work has only just begun because the championship is so competitive.
“I’d obviously like to thank the entire Carrera Cup France team, as well as the Iron Dames, my partners and everyone who has always supported me, because without them, none of this would be possible! Congratulations to all the participants, because the standard was really high!”
