Story by Jeff Moore
Photos by Porsche Motorsport North America
Riley Dickinson will have just turned 22 years old when you read this article. It’s been a fast, fun, challenging and rewarding path for Riley during the past several years, and his career has really just begun.
From his beginnings in karting starting at age 6, the New Braunfels native has consistently and rapidly moved through the ranks of four wheeled competition, racing, and more recently, Porsche Motorsports. Early and continuous support, mentoring, professional associations and relationships have all contributed to supporting Riley’s innate talent and continued momentum.
2023 – a breakout year- Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup Championship
What a year for Riley! He won the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America Pro class championship, a culmination of a five-year journey on the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid North America. Driving the No. 53 Kellymoss Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Riley dominated the 16-race series early. Overall he achieved a record 11 race wins, the most poles and the most fastest laps. He ended the season at COTA, with a great performance in a challenging race at his hometown track. To cap it off, he was awarded the Al Holbert Cup for his overall and Pro class championship at the Night of Champions at COTA on October 22.
In recognition of his outstanding performance, in 2023 Riley was selected as Porsche Motorsport North America’s representative at the annual Porsche Junior Shootout held early this year at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal. Porsche selects 12 of the most highly rated drivers under 24 years old from around the world to attend and compete in this annual event. Riley was honored as the first American selected since 2018. Being chosen to participate is a key milestone in the career of young Porsche race drivers. From this very competitive group, Porsche selects each year’s new official Porsche Factory Junior driver. The three-day event included one day of off-track training, and two days on track for practice, qualifying and racing.
Although he did not win the Junior Factory driver designation, he is grateful for the opportunity to compete. “What a great experience,” said Riley. “It was an honor to be selected as the North American representative. I learned so much and interacted with so many talented and interesting drivers from all over the world.”
The 2023 racing season also continued Riley’s partnership with Children’s of Alabama to support kids with cancer. Many have seen his #53 race car with the painted handprints and personal notes from children in the cancer program. Riley has even appointed specific kids to be honorary crew chiefs, a personal gesture that means so much to those children and their families.
2024 – The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
2024 brings a new set of opportunities and challenges, with Riley racing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. This series is a step up from the Porsche-only Carrera Cup, which consists of 40- minute sprint races where fuel and endurance are not a concern. In the IMSA Michelin series, competition is now from multiple makes and models, different sets of drivers, and substantially longer races, which introduces many more variables to a race strategy. And the racing itself is different- the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is an 11-race series focused on endurance – more miles and longer times, ranging from 2 to 4 hours per race.
Riley is competing in the GS (Grand Sport) class, defined as GT4 homologated cars with engines tuned between 400 and 450 horsepower. The race cars are equalized prior to each race by adjustments to specific power and weight, vehicle height and fuel capacity. Competition includes the Audi R8, BMW M4, Toyota Supra and Mercedes AMG GT- all GT4 class cars.
This season, Riley is driving No. 91 Kellymoss Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, with black and gold colors. Riley is teaming with drivers Michael McCarthy and Brady Golen in various races throughout the season, an arrangement necessitated by the length of these races.
The first race in the 2024 series, at Daytona in January, was the BMW Endurance Challenge- a race totaling 175 miles. Off to a fast start, Riley placed #1.
Next up was Sebring in March, where Riley placed #10, driving with teammate Michael McCarthy. This race was especially long -391 miles- and provided Riley an opportunity to further develop his endurance racing strategy. After this race, Riley was ranked third for the season in the GS class, with 8 races to go in the season.
Riley has a lot to say about the transition from the Porsche Carrera Cup to the IMSA Michelin series. “There are so many different things going on in these races. They require every bit of attention and constant recalibration of so many variables to stay focused on the big picture for an extended race length.” It’s been an opportunity to further develop what Riley refers to as his “racing IQ.” And the 718 race car, with its mid-engine configuration and somewhat more refined handling characteristics compared with the 911, has required some acclimation.
When asked about his favorite tracks, he focuses on the characteristics he excels in. Road Atlanta is near the top- it’s a very technical track with high speeds and minimal braking – “similar to a go-kart track!” exclaims Riley. Similarly, Barbers Hill and Virginia International Raceway are among his favorites. “And of course COTA- it’s well rounded and has a little bit of everything.”
In March, Riley was selected to be in Porsche’s 2024 Selected Driver Program- North America. This honor provides young drivers with special attention as they continue their motorsports career and experience heightened competition. Riley will receive mentoring from Porsche Factory racer Patrick Long, as well as financial and other assistance from Porsche to enhance and promote his motorsports career. This designation is particularly impactful to Riley, as he states “My dream is to become the next Patrick Long – and while nobody can replace Patrick, I aim to rise to a similar level in Porsche motorsports and one day be designated as the American Porsche Factory driver.”
Even with an increasingly full calendar and national and global exposure, Riley also stays close to his Texas roots. He greatly values his relationship with Porsche Austin and Hi Tech Motorcars, an affiliation now in its fourth year. Riley’s involvement and visibility at the dealership, and active participation in various local events, contributes to helping customers and enthusiasts more deeply appreciate the connection between Porsche’s street cars and racing cars. “Most Porsche customers understand, at least at a high level, Porsche’s long history and accomplishments in racing- and I’m glad to be in a position to help bring this to life and generate even more excitement for the brand in Central Texas. A hallmark of Porsche is that so much of the technology in Porsche race cars does get applied to the street cars, and I love to spread that appreciation.”
Likewise, his 3-year relationship with Kellymoss has been rewarding and has contributed to his racing success. The team at Wisconsin- based Kellymoss, arguably the most prominent team in Porsche Cup racing, handles pre- and post-race car preparation, ongoing maintenance and repair, coaching, data analytics and logistics support. This year, Kellymoss is working in conjunction with Riley Motorsports (no relation) to provide a full customized suite of race support services. Riley states “They are great to work with, and I’m so appreciative of their contributions.”
And what does Riley do in his limited spare time? “Well,” he laughs “motorsports is at the center of my life, so most of my time is spent in support of advancing my racing skills and career- there is so much to know and learn. I do enjoy going running- it helps clear my head and keeps me physically and mentally fit for the next race.”
Riley’s talent, racing instinct, passion, professionalism and humility, along with the support of family, friends, fans and a growing network of motorsports professionals, strongly suggests that he is poised for even greater achievements in Porsche motorsports.
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Riley Dickinson featured at the April HCR Tech Session at Porsche Austin
The recent Tech Session held at Porsche Austin featured a presentation by the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup champion Riley Dickinson. Riley spoke about his current 2024 endurance race series with the GT4, the differences between his race GT4 and a customer GT4, and his new race sponsorship with Porsche Austin. The street version of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS was present as a backdrop for his discussion of the technical specs, unique features and performance and driving characteristics of his race car. For an additional and striking comparison, a Porsche Austin customer’s Porsche 356 was parked next to the GT4.
Riley answered many questions from HCR members about a wide range of motorsports topics. He also displayed his racer’s suit and helmet, and graciously signed his new posters featuring his #91 race car.
Two other topics at the session included a description and Q&A regarding engine mechanicals, featuring a GT4 engine broken down to expose the details of the flat 6 engine block, and an introduction of the new 2024 Panamera including new features and options. Of particular interest was the Panamera’s new optional active suspension, called Active Ride. It is a revolutionary step forward in suspension control which virtually eliminates most body motions under any road conditions.
As always, thanks to the team at Porsche Austin for their generosity in hosting this session, including the breakfast tacos and numerous raffle prizes!
