Track Facts:
Event: Racing America at NOLA
Circuit: NOLA Motorsports Park
Length: 2.75 miles / 16-turn road course 
Race Direction: Clockwise
Podium: Backside of Grandstand by Control Tower 

FR Americas Championship 
Practice:                         Friday, April 10 at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT
Qualifying:                      Friday, April 10 at 2:35 p.m. CT 
Feature Race 1:              Saturday, April 11 at 8 a.m. CT
Fan Walk:                       Saturday, April 11 at 12:05 p.m. CT
Feature Race 2:              Saturday, April 11 at 12:50 p.m. CT
Feature Race 3:              Sunday, April 12 at 9:10 a.m. CT 

F4 U.S. Championship 
Practice:                         Friday, April 10 at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. CT
Qualifying:                       Friday, April 10 at 3:10 p.m. CT 
Feature Race 1:              Saturday, April 11 at 9:20 a.m. CT
Feature Race 2:              Saturday, April 11 at 2:10 p.m. CT
Feature Race 3:              Sunday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. CT| 

Ligier Junior Formula Championship
Practice:                         Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. CT
Qualifying:                      Friday, April 10 at 3:50 p.m. CT 
Feature Race 1:              Saturday, April 11 at 10:40 a.m. CT
Feature Race 2:              Saturday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. CT
Feature Race 3:              Sunday, April 12 at 11:50 a.m. CT

 

Racing America at NOLA

 

2026 Begins at NOLA Motorsports Park
Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) and Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC) open their 2026 race seasons this weekend at NOLA Motorsports Park. With valuable scholarships on the line for each of the championships that comprise Racing America’s Formula Ladder, drivers from around the world will gather at NOLA, each with the goal of winning the 2026 title. 

FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC will join Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and Optima’s Ultimate Street Car for the fifth-annual Racing America at NOLA weekend. Kids 12 and under are admitted free for the family-friendly event, which includes open paddocks, a Saturday fan walk, the Hagerty Cars and Caffeine Car Show, and three full days of racing. Tickets are available now at RacingAmericaTickets.com.

Key Partners Return
Ligier Automotive, Hankook Motorsports and Mountune USA all return as key partners for the 2026 season, continuing their integral role in the success and stability of Racing America’s Formula Ladder. 

Ligier Automotive remains the official chassis manufacturer, with the Ligier JS F3 serving as the exclusive chassis for FR Americas, and the Ligier JS F422 continuing as the designated chassis for F4 U.S. competition. Ligier JFC will feature both generations of F4 machinery, with drivers competing side by side in the Ligier JS F422 and the first-generation Ligier JS F4. With the Ligier Storm powering the Ligier JS F422, Mountune USA will continue to develop and engineer the engines that power FR Americas and Ligier JFC‘s Gen. 1 car. Hankook Motorsports will continue as the official tire supplier for all three championships. 

Together, these partners play a vital role, not only in keeping the championships on track, but also in supporting the scholarship programs that help drivers advance to the next stage of their careers.

 

FR Americas Championship

 

Meet the Drivers of FR Americas
Fans are invited to join the drivers of FR Americas for a special pre-race Fan Walk before Race 2 on Saturday afternoon. Beginning at 12:05 p.m., fans are invited on Pit Lane to meet the drivers, collect autographs and photos, and get an up-close look at the cars just minutes before the start the race. Series officials will be distributing limited-edition commemorative posters to all fans in attendance. 

Back for Another Season with Renewed Hopes for Title
A half dozen drivers are returning to FR Americas for another season with a renewed commitment to win the championship prize. With eight rounds on tap in 2026, drivers will be racing for a $100,000 cash prize that will be awarded to the Champion at the completion of the year. In addition, the Vice Champion will be awarded $20,000 cash, and the Third-Place Champion will win $10,000.  

Those returning to FR Americas in 2026, include:

• Barrett Wolfe (No. 13 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3)
• Kevin Janzen (No. 24 US Power Group/Data Center Solutions / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3)
• Brady Golan (No. 40 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS F3)
• Jake Pollack (No. 77 Atlantic Racing Team Ligier JS F3)
• James Lawley (No. 88 Pentagon Properties / Atlantic Racing Team Ligier JS F3)
• Anthony Autiello (No. 07 Hope For The Warriors / Momentum Motorsports Ligier JS F3) 

F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC Alum Climb Ladder to FR Americas
In addition to the six drivers returning to FR Americas for another season, another six will move up to the top level of Racing America’s Formula Ladder after spending time in either F4 U.S. or Ligier JFC: 

• Luke Powers (No. 5 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS F3)
• Harbir Dass (No. 9 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3)
• Eric Wisniewski (No. 25 REMAX Commercial / Hillenburg Motorsports Ligier JS F3)
• Kekai Hauanio (No. 29 N-E-Where Transport / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3)
• Jonathan Cottrill (No. 75 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F3)
• Cooper Shipman (No. 84 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) 

Champion’s Scholarship Moves Shipman to FR Americas
The 2025 F4 U.S. Champion, Cooper Shipman (No. 84 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3), advances to FR Americas this season with help from the Champion’s Scholarship. Through the program, Shipman was provided with the lease of a Ligier JS F3 chassis from Ligier Automotive, the lease of an F3 engine from Mountune USA, race tires from Hankook Motorsports, and race entries from Racing America.  

Crosslink Partners with AJ Foyt Racing
AJ Foyt Racing and Crosslink Motorsports have created a strategic partnership that will see Crosslink Motorsports serve as a driver development program for AJ Foyt Racing. The collaboration connects Crosslink Motorsports’ presence in FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC with AJ Foyt Racing’s programs in both INDYCAR and INDY NXT. Through the collaboration, Crosslink Motorsports drivers will gain increased exposure, along with opportunities to interact with AJ Foyt Racing engineers, staff, and driver development resources as they continue progressing through the formula racing ladder.

Kiwi Continues Relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing 
Kiwi Motorsport will continue their relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), providing another direct link between Racing America’s Formula Ladder and the INDYCAR paddock. Tagged as one of Ganassi’s partner teams when they launched their driver development program in 2024, Kiwi’s drivers are included in CGR’s programs based out of their state-of-the-art shop in Indianapolis, including physical, mental and media training, technical education, simulator training, business development and a presence at select INDYCAR events. 

Whitney Strickland Enters the Chat
The temperature is about to rise in the fight for the FR Americas’ Masters Championship, as Whitney Strickland (No. 21 TF Companies / Hillenburg Motorsports Ligier JS F3) makes his series debut at NOLA. The Texan will face a season-long battle against defending Masters champion Anthony Autiello (No. 07 Hope For The Warriors / Momentum Motorsports Ligier JS F3) and two-time Masters champion Kevin Janzen (No. 24 US Power Group/Data Center Solutions Ligier JS F3).

Hillenburg Motorsports Joins FR Americas
Hillenburg Motorsports will make the trek from Alvin, Texas for their FR Americas debut at NOLA Motorsports Park. With Whitney Strickland (No. 21 TF Companies / Hillenburg Motorsports Ligier JS F3) and Eric Wisniewski (No. 25 REMAX Commercial / Hillenburg Motorsports Ligier JS F3) behind the wheel for the multi-car effort, the move marks an exciting new chapter for the well-established open-wheel program, which has deep roots in sprint car racing and a proven track record across Formula Mazda, INDY NXT, F4, and a current leadership role in SCCA Club Racing.

Drivers Bringing Awareness for Military Non-Profits
Aidan Schuh (No. 14 Homes For Our Troops / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) and Anthony Autiello (No. 07 Hope For The Warriors / Momentum Motorsports Ligier JS F3) may not have much in common at first glance, but when looking at their cars and driver suits, it quickly becomes clear that both have a deep appreciation for the military and our nation’s veterans. 

With Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) proudly displayed on both his car and firesuit, Schuh will compete under the AJ Foyt Racing and Crosslink Motorsports banner in a livery matching that of AJ Foyt Racing’s INDYCAR driver, Santino Ferrucci. Homes For Our Troops builds and donates specially-adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, enabling them to rebuild their lives. Since their inception in 2004, HFOT has built over 420 specially-adapted homes nationwide.

Meanwhile, Autiello will partner with Hope For The Warriors for a second season. A national nonprofit, Hope For The Warriors helps members of the military community find stability and support on their road to recovery or as they transition back to civilian life. Focusing on the six domains of well-being (physical, emotional and financial wellness, life roles, social support and community connection), the organization provides a variety of services for both service members and their families. 

Bobadilla Competing on Both Sides of the Border
It may be the first race weekend of the FR Americas season, but Alejandro Bobadilla (No. 8 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) has already accrued three wins this year. The Mexico City native is competing in dual championships, chasing both the FR Americas title and the F4 NACAM Championship title.  

Joining Bobadilla on the F4 NACAM grid is F4 U.S. driver and fellow Mexico City resident, Fernando Rivera (No. 16 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F422).  

INDY NXT Drivers Choose FR Americas
Christian Bogle (No. 7 Pelican Energy Consultants / Toney Driver Development Ligier JS F3) and Evagoras Papasavvas (No. 71 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) both spent time in INDY NXT, but that’s not stopping them from chasing the FR Americas title in 2026. The Ligier JS F3 car is often called out by racers for its similarities to the cars raced in INDY NXT and the great training ground it provides.

Bogle started his open-wheel career in F4 U.S., and became a two-time winner when he notched back-to-back victories at Circuit of The Americas in 2019. He completed a partial season in FR Americas in 2021, making the NOLA opener a bit of a homecoming.

 

F4 U.S. Championship

 

Racing for a Scholarship 
F4 U.S. returns to NOLA Motorsports Park for its season opener. Drivers will be focused not only on wins, but also on laying a solid foundation for a championship bid as they compete for a scholarship that will enable them to race in FR Americas in 2027. With championship partners Ligier Automotive, Mountune USA, Hankook Motorsports and Racing America joining forces, the prize provides the winning driver with the lease of a Ligier JS F3 chassis, Mountune engine, three sets of Hankook tires per event, and race entry fees. 

Irazú Moves to F4 U.S. With Champion’s Scholarship
After winning the Ligier JFC title last year, Gastón Irazú (No. 27 Elia Group / Baly / Canal 4 / Ancap / Champagne Racing Ligier JS F422) will advance to F4 U.S. with assistance from the Champion’s Scholarship. Through the program, Irazú was awarded the lease of a Ligier JS F422 chassis and Ligier Storm engine from Ligier Automotive, as well as race tires from Hankook Motorsports and race entries from Racing America. 

Six Countries, One American
F4 U.S. continues to have global appeal with six countries represented on the grid at NOLA. Even more notable than the diversity from around the globe is that only one driver actually hails from the United States. Ayden Kohut (No. 18 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422), a native of Plano, Texas, will hold home-country advantage, as he’s joined on the grid by drivers from Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile and South Africa. 

Zach Fourie Returns
After a successful showing in his F4 U.S. debut at Barber Motorsports Park last October, Zach Fourie (No. 15 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) returns to the F4 U.S. grid hoping for a shot at the championship. The South African finished third in the final race of 2025 to secure his first podium.

Soroka Returns with Vmax on Debut
Nearly six years after his last F4 U.S. start, Robert Soroka (No. 93 Vmax Motorsport Ligier JS F422) returns to the grid for the 2026 season. A lot has changed since the last time Soroka competed in F4 U.S.—most notably the chassis, which has changed from the first generation Ligier JS F4 to the Ligier JS F422. Soroka, too, has grown and changed. A college graduate nearing the completion of his post-graduate studies, Soroka is balancing that with being a small business owner as he launches Vmax Motorsport.

Campbell and Huerta Raab Back for More
Caleb Campbell (No. 68 Steele Auto Group / Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) and Clemente Huerta Raab (No. 17 Velox USA Ligier JS F422) return to F4 U.S. for a second season in 2026. Both look to improve on their 2025 records, where they found themselves battling for fourth in the standings during the season’s final events. While Campbell secured one win and three podiums last season, Huerta Raab is still searching for his first F4 U.S. victory despite earning six podiums last year. 

Luca Day Steps Up
After competing in Ligier JFC last season, Luca Day (No. 54 Zimperium / Momentum Motorsports Ligier JS F422) will move up to F4 U.S. for 2026. With four top-10 finishes, the Canadian finished out his time in Ligier JFC on a high note, earning a career-best fifth-place finish at VIRginia International Raceway last fall.  

New Faces Join the Paddock
Joining Irazú, Fourie and Day to complete the rookie class, Fernando Rivera (No. 16 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F422), Ayden Kohut (No. 18 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) and Cole Medeiros (No. 77 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422) will also be making their F4 U.S. debuts at NOLA this weekend. 

MLT and Momentum Team Up
Longtime competitors MLT Motorsports and Momentum Motorsports will join forces this year, working in alliance for the 2026 season. With both teams active in both F4 U.S. and FR Americas, the two decided to extend beyond their already often-shared test days at Carolina Motorsports Park to collaborate this season, setting up awning to awning and pit box to pit box during race weekends. 

 

Ligier Junior Formula Championship

 

Ligier JFC Expands with a Dual-Class Championship
Ligier JFC expands to two classes beginning in 2026, accepting both the first-generation Ligier JS F4 car and a modified version of the second-generation Ligier JS F422 car to run side by side. With both cars eligible to race, teams or drivers owning the newer Ligier JS F422 enjoy both increased flexibility and usage opportunities, as they’re able to compete in either Ligier JFC or F4 U.S. with just a few simple parts changes. Regardless of which car they use, all drivers competing in Ligier JFC will have equal opportunity to stand on the podium and earn the championship-winning scholarship, as both classes will be recognized separately on race podiums and with year-end prizes. 

One Championship, Two Champions, Two Scholarships
With dual championships operating within Ligier JFC, two drivers will be awarded scholarships at the conclusion of the 2026 season, allowing them to advance to F4 U.S. for 2027. The Ligier JFC Gen. 1 driver champion will receive a lease for an FIA-approved Ligier JS F422 chassis and Ligier Storm engine from Ligier Automotive, as well as two sets of tires per race from Hankook Motorsports and race entry fees from Racing America. The Ligier JFC Gen. 2 Champion will receive the same award, or if they already own a Ligier JS F422 chassis, they will receive the equivalent value of the lease in a Ligier parts credit for use the following season, as well as the required upgrade parts. In addition, Hankook Motorsports will provide the driver with race tires, and Racing America will provide the race entry fees. 

Back for a Sophomore Season
Beckham Jacir (No. 7 Stonica / Bell / OMP / P1DOKS / Champagne Racing Ligier JS F4), Michael Fatutta (No. 12 Kyma Boats / G Tech Motorsports Ligier JS F4) and Ava Hanssen (No. 26 One Powersports / Chiropractic Center of Elkhorn / NGK / Badger Mats Ligier JS F4) will all return to Ligier JFC for a sophomore season and another chance at the Champion’s scholarship. Jacir finished out the 2025 season with his first-career win in the final round at Barber Motorsports Park, an accomplishment that clinched the Ligier Automotive Most-Improved Driver Award for the season. Hanssen finished 10th in the standings last year with 13 top-10 finishes and a career-best result of fourth. Michael Fatutta notched eight top-10 results, including a career-best eighth-place finish.

Berg Brigade Becomes Rookie Brigade
Berg Racing is back in full force with a lineup of four rookies, all looking to make their mark in Ligier JFC. Tyler Wade(No. 9 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4), AJ Abdullah (No. 21 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4), Truly Adams (No. 47 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4) and Ella White (No. 52 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4) will all compete under the Berg Racing banner. Wade, Abdullah and White got their first taste of formula cars through the Allen Berg Racing School before deciding to embark on Ligier JFC. Adams descends from a racing family. Since 1959, his family has owned Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, Calif., making it the longest continually-running kart racing facility in the world.  

New Kids in Town
As the first step on Racing America’s Formula Ladder, Ligier JFC always sees an onset of rookie drivers looking to complete their first season of single-seater racing, and 2026 is no different. With 75% of the field set to begin their rookie season, most will be making the transition from karting to race in formula cars for the first time. The rookie drivers include:

• Tyler Wade (No. 9 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4)
• Lazaro Bainotti (No. 11 Fundacion Fangio / Maestro Racing Team Ligier JS F4)
• AJ Abdullah (No. 21 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4)
• Edward Kennedy (No. 30 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422)
• Alexander Savage (No. 33 Kyma Boats / G Tech Motorsports Ligier JS F4)
• Truly Adams (No. 47 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4)
• Ella White (No. 52 Berg Racing Ligier JS F4)
• Jack Speth (No. 07 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422)
• Will Franklin (No. 09 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F4)

New Teams Join Ligier JFC Paddock
Maestro Racing Team and G Tech Motorsports will both make their Ligier JFC debut at NOLA Motorsports Park. Lazaro Bainotti (No. 11 Fundacion Fangio / Maestro Racing Team Ligier JS F4) will compete for the single-car team, Maestro Racing. G Tech Motorsports enters the paddock as a two-car operation with both Michael Fatutta (No. 12 KymaBoats / G Tech Motorsports Ligier JS F4) and Alexander Savage (No. 33 Kyma Boats / G Tech Motorsports Ligier JS F4) behind the wheel. 

MLT Motorsports has been active in the paddock with their F4 U.S. program, but the team will expand to Ligier JFC this season, as a result of the championship’s expansion to two classes. Edward Kennedy (No. 30 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422) will use the Ligier JS F422 car to compete in the new Ligier JFC Gen. 2 class.