SCCA Pro Racing

Second-Generation F4 Car Makes Its First On-Track Appearance During an F4 Event

ALTON, Va. (October 6, 2023) – Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda (F4 U.S.) and Formula Regional Americas Championship Powered by Honda (FR Americas) are honoring the late Andy Scriven this weekend at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). With the race named in his honor—the Andy Scriven Memorial at the VIR SpeedTour—Scriven’s legacy will be on full display as the Ligier JS F422 makes its F4 U.S. on-track debut with its Ligier Storm power in preparation for its competition debut next season.

Scriven was the chief designer at Ligier Automotive North America, and was responsible for the design of both the Ligier JS F4 and Ligier JS F3. He passed away in December 2017 due to complications from injuries sustained in a traffic accident while riding his bicycle.

“We at Ligier Automotive North America are incredibly grateful to have the new Ligier JS F422 here at the Andy Scriven Memorial race,” said Christopher Lowe, Motorsports Manager, North America at Ligier Automotive North America. “It’s a car with innovation to not only offer the latest safety structures and increased performance, but also to keep the running costs effective for everyone.”  

Scriven embraced the goal of a cost-effective entry to formula cars, and went hunting for a clever way to make racing increasingly accessible. He was vested in ensuring the cars were safe, working with the FIA on the latest safety studies and regulations—something that Ligier Automotive has carried forward due to Scriven’s influence.

“If I were to point to a few aspects of the car that reflect strong influence from Andy, it’s the driver fitment and mechanical packaging,” said Lowe. “Andy, Max , and our Chief Design Engineer, Chris Ruthstrom, have all shared a desire to provide a safe and ergonomic environment for the driver. He would very much appreciate the new seat outsert supports and the many other aspects of improved safety that match the speed and energy levels of the new car.”

Having already logged 3,600 kilometers in testing with skilled drivers like 2018 F4 U.S. Champion and 2019 FR Americas Champion Dakota Dickerson and current F4 U.S. driver Alex Berg, the car is being piloted this weekend by FR Americas alum, Ryan Yardley. 

Unable to compete in F4 U.S. prior to its 2024 debut due to FIA rules, the Ligier JS F422 will participate in Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s (SVRA) Groups 5a/7/9/11/PSSA class this weekend at VIR. Practice and qualifying are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with feature races on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, FR Americas and F4 U.S. will practice and qualify on Friday, before each championship takes to the track for two feature races on Saturday and one on Sunday.

“The Andy Scriven Memorial race is a tremendous way to celebrate the lasting impact he had on anyone lucky enough to spend time with such a wonderful soul,” Lowe concluded.

SpeedTour TV will carry a live broadcast of all FR Americas and F4 U.S. feature races from the Andy Scriven Memorial at the VIR SpeedTour on YouTube.com/SpeedTourTV.