Event Preview: FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC at NOLA

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.

Alejando 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.

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.

Alejando 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.