The IMSA Diverse Driver Development (3D) Scholarship has selected 15 finalists competing for a scholarship valued at up to $300,000 to advance their careers in IMSA-sanctioned racing for the 2027 season. This prestigious award aims to support drivers from diverse backgrounds by providing vital resources and opportunities to compete in one of four IMSA series.
The finalists were chosen based on their competitive drive, notable past race results, and the potential to excel in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Michelin Pilot Challenge, VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, or Mustang Challenge. The announcement marks a critical step in IMSA’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and nurturing talent across motorsports.
Scholarship Supports Diverse Talent Through Financial and Developmental Resources
IMSA’s scholarship offers financial backing and access to a network of corporate partners such as Michelin, VP Racing Fuels, OMP, Bell, RAFA Racing Club, and Lumen Digital Agency. These resources will assist the chosen recipient in securing a full-season ride and preparing to compete at the highest level within the IMSA framework.
Throughout the selection process, finalists engage in IMSA-designed educational modules covering essential topics like marketing, business strategy, personal branding, media skills, nutrition, race-day performance, and effective communication with teams and manufacturers. This holistic approach ensures drivers are prepared not only behind the wheel but also in managing their careers.
The final requirement for candidates is to submit a business plan and secure a team ride for a full IMSA season by August 14. This plan can be contingent on winning the scholarship, emphasizing the importance of blending competitive readiness with strategic planning.
Diverse Field of Drivers Reflects Broader Inclusion in Motorsport
The 15 finalists consist of eight men and seven women, including four returning finalists from previous years. Candidates represent a wide range of racing backgrounds, skill sets, and educational pursuits, showcasing IMSA’s goal to uplift diverse talent. Each finalist brings a unique racing resume and personal story of resilience and pursuit of excellence.
Profiles of the 2027-28 IMSA 3D Finalists
Maddie Aust, 21, Fort Worth, Texas
Aust gained valuable experience in the 2025 Michelin Pilot Challenge racing for Bryan Herta Autosport’s talent development program, finishing eighth overall with a top result of fourth at Daytona. She joins the No. 98 entry alongside veteran Mark Wilkins for 2026. Alongside racing, Aust studies mechanical engineering and enjoys a variety of sports and creative hobbies.
Gian Buffomante, 17, Naperville, Illinois
Buffomante’s 2025 season featured his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut and a fourth-place finish in the Trans Am championship. Transitioning from hockey to motorsport, he has progressed through karting and SCCA classes, while also planning to study finance.
Andre Castro, 27, New York, New York
A multi-year finalist, Castro has a broad background spanning stock car, sports car, and open-wheel racing, including competing in the 2026 Michelin Pilot Challenge. He holds an economics degree and was awarded the Team USA Scholarship in 2021, which enabled international racing experience.
Chloe Chambers, 21, Inverness, Illinois
Chambers is pursuing a business administration degree while racing competitively, having secured third in the 2025 F1 Academy championship. She has raced in various formats including the Porsche Sprint Challenge and Formula Regional Oceania Championship, demonstrating versatility and determination.
Sabre Cook, 31, Carmel, Indiana
Cook, with a mechanical engineering background, has extensive sports car experience, completing a third season in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America and preparing for the 2026 season with JDX Racing. She has competed in the W Series and various formula car series, balancing racing with roles as a commentator and instructor.
Julian DaCosta, 18, Myakka City, Florida
A prior finalist, DaCosta impressed in multiple series during 2025, including Trans Am and ARCA Menards Series. Demonstrating promising talent, he secured notable finishes early in the 2026 season in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup.
Ismaeel Ellahi, 19, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Ellahi transitioned from sim racing to car racing with rapid success, competing in both European and American Porsche GT4 series. His VP Racing Challenge debut featured a strong runner-up finish in Daytona’s GSX class.
Hannah Grisham, 26, Scottsdale, Arizona
Grisham, racing for Heart of Racing Team, moves into Pilot Challenge GS competition in 2026 alongside teammate Hannah Greenemeier. She won her Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America class debut and has broad experience across multiple sports car series, bolstered by receiving Heart of Racing’s 2022 scholarship.
Nicole Havrda, 20, Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
Now based in Texas, Havrda will contest the IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge in an LMP3 Ligier JS P325 car. Coming from an impressive season in the F1 Academy and other formula series, she boasts championships in Formula Pro USA and SFR Formula Atlantic 2.
Thomas “Rocco” Pasquarella, 19, Boca Raton, Florida
Pasquarella has advanced from karting into multiple racing classes, currently competing full-time in the Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR series. Beyond racing, he is an Eagle Scout and founder of the NEXT LAP Foundation, which aims to connect youth in scouting with motorsports opportunities.
Max Schweid, 19, Boca Raton, Florida
Schweid’s success comes primarily from regional GR Cup and SCCA competition, earning multiple wins and podium finishes. He balances racing with studying mechanical engineering and robotics.
Caitlyn Singler, 21, Paradise, California
Singler’s racing journey is marked by resilience after losing her home to wildfires. Currently competing in the WRL Series with a BMW GT4, she has achieved multiple wins and podiums in Spec Miata and NASA events. Outside the track, she co-owns two small businesses and contributes as an instructor and advocate in motorsport diversity programs.
Samantha Tan, 28, Stouffville, Ontario, Canada
Tan is a seasoned sports car racer and BMW M Motorsport Global Ambassador racing in the IMSA Pilot Challenge GS class. With nearly a decade of experience, she earned the 2025 IMSA VP Racing Challenge GTDX Bronze Cup and was recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Sports class of 2025.
Keawn Tandon, 23, Thousand Oaks, California
Tandon won the 2023 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Pro-Am title and earned a podium in the 2025 Pro class. Transitioning straight from karting to high-powered single-make racing, he also studies data theory and AI in college, supporting fellow students as a mentor.
Westin Workman, 21, Charlotte, North Carolina
Workman has earned multiple awards and titles, including the 2025 GR Cup championship and multiple MX-5 Cup victories. Racing in the VP Racing Challenge GSX class, he began 2026 strongly with victories at Daytona and Circuit of The Americas. Workman is also active in volunteer leadership roles.
Expanding Opportunities and Shaping the Future of IMSA Racing
The IMSA Diverse Driver Scholarship continues to represent a vital avenue for emerging racers from different backgrounds to advance within professional motorsport. With strong support from dedicated partners and a comprehensive development program, the scholarship equips finalists with the tools necessary to succeed on and off the track.
The initiative’s focus on fostering well-rounded athletes through education and career strategy ensures that the eventual recipient can compete effectively in their chosen IMSA series. As competition heats up and the submission deadline approaches, the motorsport community eagerly anticipates which finalist will take this crucial step towards a full professional racing career in 2027.
