KAREN GAILLARD TO STEP UP TO PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ITALIA IN 2026
The Iron Dames confirm that Karen Gaillard will compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia in 2026 with Ombra Racing, marking the next step in her progression within Porsche one-make racing.
Since joining the Iron Dames programme in 2024, Gaillard has built her path through determination, discipline, and consistent development, fully embracing the movement’s values and mindset.
She made an immediate impression upon entering the Iron Dames ranks in 2024 in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, securing a podium on her GT debut.
She then made history as the first woman to win a national Porsche Junior shootout, earning her place in the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup France and confirming her potential within the Porsche development ladder. Her 2025 season focused on learning, gaining experience, and building consistency, further strengthened by selected appearances in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Suisse, where she secured two pole positions, one victory, and one second place.
Karen Gaillard also stood out during the 24 Hours of Daytona, where her rapid progression, strong work ethic, and team spirit left a clear impression within the Iron Dames line-up.
From her first GT podium to her rise within Porsche categories, her trajectory has been defined by steady progression and clear ambition. The move to Porsche Carrera Cup Italia represents a natural step forward as she continues to develop towards the highest level of endurance racing.
KAREN GAILLARD:
“I’m very happy to join Ombra Racing for the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia this season. Racing in the Italian championship will be something new for me, and I’m really looking forward to discovering it and some tracks I haven’t driven before. I’m also very grateful to my partners for their continued trust and support, which makes opportunities like this possible. As always, I will give everything on track while proudly carrying the values of Iron Dames: working hard, chasing our goals and never giving up. Because we are women driven by dreams! I can’t wait to start this new chapter!”
