Madeline Stewart’s Career Boosted by New Three-Year IMSA Deal
In the rough and tumble world of motorsports job security is a rare commodity. Most drivers live season-to-season, piecing together funding and hoping the phone rings for the next year. That is why the latest news out of Daytona Beach is making waves in the paddock. New Zealand racing standout Madeline Stewart has effectively silenced the noise regarding her future, putting pen to paper on a landmark three-year agreement with Czabok-Simpson Motorsport (CSM).
Starting with the 2026 season, Stewart isn’t just renting a ride; she is embarking on a meticulously planned career arc. She will be piloting the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge GS class. But the headline isn’t just about the upcoming season it is about the destination. This program is explicitly designed to groom Stewart for a graduation into the premier IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship by 2028.
A Calculated Climb Through The Ranks
For those who have tracked Stewart’s career, this move feels like the natural evolution of a driver who understands the business as well as the braking zones. At just 25 years old, she has already spent two grueling seasons cutting her teeth in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America.
If you know anything about the Porsche racing pyramid, you know it is a grinder. It spits out drivers who aren’t ready and polishes the diamonds who are. Stewart didn’t just participate; she became a fixture, earning her spot in the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program. That loyalty to the crest and the manufacturer’s belief in her is the foundation of this new chapter.
Moving to the Michelin Pilot Challenge requires a shift in mindset. It’s a transition from the sprint-race aggression of Cup cars to the strategic, endurance-focused warfare of multi-class racing. The GS class is notorious for its door-to-door battles and massive grid sizes. It is the perfect crucible for Stewart to refine her racecraft before stepping up to the big show.
Building A Legacy With Czabok-Simpson Motorsport
The partnership with Czabok-Simpson Motorsport is significant. The team is entering its third year in the Michelin Pilot Challenge in 2026, meaning they are hitting their stride just as Stewart arrives. This isn’t a rookie team fumbling with setup. It’s an organization building a technical fortress.
Stephen Simpson, co-owner of CSM, was candid about why they locked Stewart down for the long haul. In this sport, continuity breeds speed. When a driver doesn’t have to worry about where their paycheck is coming from next year, they can focus entirely on finding tenths of a second on the track.
“Madeline brings proven Porsche experience, professionalism, and strong potential,” Simpson noted. He highlighted that Stewart fits perfectly into their current roster, which already prioritizes long-term stability. The goal is clear: develop the driver, develop the car, and move up the ladder together.
The road to the WeatherTech Championship
The ultimate prize in this three-year roadmap is the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For Stewart, having a confirmed timeline to reach the pinnacle of North American sports car racing is a luxury few competitors possess.“This partnership with CSM represents a major step forward in my career,” Stewart said regarding the announcement.
“This multi-year deal allows us to build momentum with clear intent and work towards long-term goals together.” She acknowledged the vital role Porsche has played in her journey so far. Sticking with the brand while joining a team with upward mobility aligns perfectly with her trajectory.
What To Expect In 2026
When the 2026 season fires up, all eyes will be on the No. 25-year-old Kiwi. The pressure will be different now. It’s no longer about fighting for a seat. It’s about proving that CSM made the right investment.The Michelin Pilot Challenge is unforgiving. It demands patience, tire management, and the ability to navigate traffic without losing your cool.
Stewart has shown she has the raw speed. Now, with the support of a multi-year program and the backing of a team that believes in her commercial and competitive value, she has the platform to turn that potential into hardware.For Stewart, the chaotic uncertainty of the off-season is over. Now, the real work begins.
