P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A brand-new season for the USF Pro Championships open-wheel driver development ladder as well as a fresh new partnership with Continental Tire kicks off this weekend, March 8-10, in St. Petersburg.…
The USF Pro Championships open-wheel driver development ladder and Continental Tire partnership begin this weekend in St. Petersburg, with strong fields in USF Pro 2000 and USF2000 featuring over 40 rising stars vying for scholarships to progress to the NTT IndyCar Series. The USF Juniors Presented by Continental Tire follows next month at NOLA Motorsports Park, offering scholarships and awards worth $1.68 million to the champions. A large and competitive field is set for the USF Pro 2000 opener, with 22 cars ready for the Foundation Building Materials Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Last year saw multiple records broken in USF Pro 2000, with 18 different drivers achieving race wins, podium finishes, pole positions, or fastest laps during the 18-race season. The current season’s field appears promising based on the Spring Training test at NOLA Motorsports Park, despite top point-scorers like Myles Rowe advancing up the ladder. The Spring Training session showcased a strong field, led by Australian rookie Lochie Hughes and different teams in the top 10, including defending champions Pabst Racing.
Jace Denmark of Pabst Racing, a standout from last year, returns aiming for a stronger season after moving up the ladder to USF Pro 2000. Teammates Simon Sikes and Christian Brooks have excelled in St. Petersburg in the past and are eager to continue their success in the upcoming races. Brooks’ impressive performances in the 2021 and 2023 seasons make him a driver to watch in the upcoming USF Pro Championships races.
