U.S. Joins The World With Debut Of Formula 4 Series
A junior open-wheel racing series that helps young drivers make the step up from karting, the F4 U.S. Championship becomes the world’s 12th F4 series supported by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Organized and sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, the U.S. series joins championships throughout Europe, Asia, Central America, the Middle East and Oceana.
The F4 U.S. Championship will debut this weekend at Mid-Ohio with practice taking place Friday, a qualifying run and opening race on Saturday and finishing with two additional races Sunday. Seven teams are expected to field 14 drivers for the inaugural weekend.
“We are proud to debut the F4 series in the United States and create the stepping stone for young drivers to achieve their full potential as they move up the motorsports ladder," said Derrick Walker, president and CEO of SCCA Pro Racing. “The F4 U.S. Championship is the only established FIA championship series in the United States and will offer young drivers exciting opportunities moving forward."
SCCA Pro Racing, along with its partners and the FIA, created the F4 U.S. Championship after recognizing the need for an affordable step between karting and Formula 3.
Offering drivers as young as 15 the chance to take their first steps from karting into the world of open-wheel racing, competitors are also offered the unique opportunity to earn points towards an FIA Super License. Once competitor reaches 40 Super License points and becomes at least 18 years old, they can qualify and apply to race for Formula 1.
“Previously junior open-wheel competitors had to travel abroad to seize an opportunity like this," Walker said. “Now, with the development of the F4 U.S. Championship, young talent can grow their brands domestically and choose their paths to pinnacle levels of motorsports."
Starting in 2017, F4 will offer a truly global competition as the champions from each of the 12 worldwide F4 series will compete in a global race. The F4 U.S. Championship is the only domestic junior open-wheel series to offer this opportunity to young drivers.
In addition to serving as a stepping stone from karting to open-wheel racing, SCCA Pro Racing and the FIA have made the F4 U.S. Championship affordable as well. With prices capped at $45,000 for the chassis, including paddle shifters, data acquisition and camera, and Honda engines with a one-year lease at $6,600, teams can affordably get cars on the track.
NFL VETERAN VINATIERI EXCITED TO BE INVOLVED WITH NEW F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP
Four-time Super Bowl champion to offer guidance to young drivers
INDIANAPOLIS – As the new Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda roars to the starting line, Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri is using his experience as an NFL veteran to help young drivers with focus and mental preparation.
Vinatieri, who along with Scott Goodyear and Jack Miller, is an owner of GMV Motorsports, will compete in the inaugural season of the F4 U.S. Championship.
The opportunity offers Vinatieri the chance to combine his passion for motorsports with his experience as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history.
“Being in the National Football League for 20 years, I can help these drivers with preparation," Vinatieri said. “An athlete’s preparation transcends football or racing. It’s about focusing in and getting ready for the job ahead."
A four-time Super Bowl champion, Vinatieri’s role at GMV Motorsports is preparing athletes for high-pressure situations like qualifying and racing.
“I just want to help in any way that I can," Vinatieri said. “I love being around the sport. It’s fun for me but I want to be in the garage. I have one-one millionth of the racing knowledge that Miller and Goodyear have. I shouldn’t have any technical responsibility. That’s not my expertise."
Goodyear, a five-time IndyCar winner, and Miller, a three-time Indianapolis 500 starter, appreciate having their long-time friend Vinatieri round out their heavily experienced team.
“Adam saw the same drive and passion in my son Jack when he started racing that he found in himself when he was coming up in the football world," Miller said. “That’s why he wanted to get involved. He told me he can’t wait to be in the pits for my son’s first Indy 500 run."
Miller’s son, Jack William Miller, will be using this season as testing and training to compete in the 2017 F4 U.S Championship.
GMV Motorsports will make its F4 U.S. debut when the series launches July 1-3 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
For more information on the SCCA Pro Racing F4 U.S. Championship, visit F4USChampionship.com.