Roscrea's Nicole rises to new heights with Porsche racing opportunity

On International Womens Day, Ireland's top female race driver who comes from Roscrea, Nicole Drought has announced a major step up in her career.

For 2026, the famous Roscrea racer and daughter of well known mechanic and fellow racer Owain Drought will represent Ireland in the Iberian Supercar Series.

Having taken two Championships and three lap records in the UK over the last two seasons, the famous Roscrea racer and past pupil of Coláiste Phobal steps onto the International stage as she teams up with the Portuguese Art of Speed Team for the combined Spanish and Portuguese GT Championship.

Nicole will drive their Porsche 997 GT3 Cup in the Cup class of the Championship, which takes in twelve races over six weekends on some very famous circuits.

Nicole visited the team's workshop in Porto earlier this month and came away very impressed, signing a contract just a week later.

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Her first taste of the 450bhp Porsche will come on the official Championship media day, at the famous Estoril circuit on March 21st.

The team also plan another full day testing at Portimao ahead of the first Championship round at the same venue on May 16/17.

Nicole said: "I'm really excited about this. When John Campion signed me to his CJJ initiative in 2021 I raced a 718 Porsche in Britcar for a season but when he sadly passed away, CJJ dissolved and since then we have been working really hard to stay racing.

Nicole will drive the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup (pictured above) in the Cup class of the Championship

“Some solid results, two championship wins, and lots of activations and events with my sponsors means we have increased budget for 2026. Add this to the fact that Frederico (Formiga) and the team are very keen to get me in their car, means that I get this incredible opportunity.

“I'm fully aware of the importance of this and I have stepped up my training and am already learning the circuits on the Simulator.

“I can't wait to get started! JC will be very much on my mind when I get back behind the wheel of a Porsche once again," Nicole said

Nicole will be announcing her 2026 commercial partners and unveiling the livery of her 2026 Porsche racecar in the coming weeks.

Nicole is Ireland's top female racing driver. She has won in Circuit Racing, Endurance Racing, Rallycross, Stage Rallying, Endurance Trials and Autotesting.