A Thrilling Year of Formula Racing in the U.S.
The 2024 season underscored the depth of talent and competition in the U.S. open-wheel championships. From the inaugural Ligier JS F4 Series providing an accessible entry point for aspiring racers to the F4 U.S. Championship debuting the advanced Ligier JS F422, and the high-stakes battles in FR Americas, each series delivered unforgettable moments. With intense rivalries, dramatic title deciders, and promising young drivers taking significant steps in their careers, these championships continue to solidify their reputation as premier proving grounds for motorsport talent.
Teddy Musella Triumphs in the Ligier JS F4 Series
For Florida driver Teddy Musella, the 2024 season was one of ups and downs – literally - with a final up to secure the 2024 Ligier JS F4 Series championship for his Scuderia Buell team. Starting the season with two wins and a second place at the season opening triple header in New Orleans, Teddy's season was literally turned upside down at the next race in Road America, Wisconsin. Coming together with another car going into the fast Turn 1, Teddy's car was flipped upside down into the gravel trap and out of the race.
One more win for Musella at the next round at Mid-Ohio was the best of a less than stellar mid-season as rivals Kekai Hauanio and Brad Majman, both driving for Crosslink KIWI Motorsports took advantage with a series of wins and podiums.
Entering the final triple header at Circuit of the Americas in Texas, Musella trailed his Hawaiian rival Hauanio by a narrow margin. However, a miserable weekend for Hauanio coupled with a return to form for Musella – two wins and a second place again – secured the 2024 title for young Teddy Musella and with it the scholarship prize of a lease of a Ligier JS F422 F4 U.S. car to compete in the 2025 F4 U.S. Championship. Ligier is honored to support young drivers and especially one as talented as young star Teddy Musella.
To know more about the Ligier JS F4, CLICK HERE
For more information on the Ligier JS F4 Series, CLICK HERE
Daniel Quimby Seizes the F4 U.S. Championship Crown
The 2024 season saw the launch of the exciting new Ligier JS F422, the second generation F4 U.S. car. The car is built to the very latest FIA safety specifications and is powered by a 1.65l V4 pushrod Ligier Storm engine. Drivers have raved about the drivability and comfort of the new car as well as its obvious performance increase over its predecessor.
Starting at Road America, the season launched with three teams staking a claim to the title with Australians Nicolas Stati from Crosslink Kiwi Motorsports and Daniel Quimby from Atlantic Racing battling with American Connor Roberts and his eponymous team.
Stati looked to be the championship favorite for most of the season and entered the final rounds at Circuit of the Americas with a narrow points lead and momentum on his side. However, two wins by championship newcomer Alex Popov in the MLT Motorsports car plus a couple of mediocre results from Stati gave Daniel Quimby the opening he needed and he secured the 2024 F4 U.S. title only in the closing stages of the last race with a second place finish. He will now take his Ligier provided scholarship prize of use of a Ligier JS F3 car to compete in the 2025 FR Americas championship.
F4 U.S. has proven to be a destination for many overseas drivers who see the benefits of entering this competitive series in the US.16 year old Australian Quimby has been a star in the series in 2024 and will continue to establish himself as a star in 2025.
For more information on the Ligier JS F422, CLICK HERE
For more information on the championship, CLICK HERE
Patrick Woods-Toth Dominates in Formula Regional Americas
Unlike the two ladder series below it, the 2024 Formula Regional Americas championship was wrapped up early and in dominating fashion by Canadian Patrick Woods-Toth. With eight wins, three second places and three third places, the 2023 F4 U.S. champion put his stamp on the 2024 Formula Regional Americas championship, clinching the title at the penultimate round in Canada. Racing for the Crosslink KIWI Motorsports team, the young Canadian was rarely off the podium in 2024, showing speed and racecraft that set him apart from his competition.
Three other drivers, all racing for Crosslink KIWI Motorsports made the championship battle behind Woods-Toth interesting with Ryan Shehan, Jett Bowling and Titus Sherlock all finishing the season within three points of each other. But none were able to match the speed and consistency of the 2024 champion Woods-Toth. It was fitting that he clinched the title at the penultimate race event at his home track at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Ontario in front of his family and supporters.
All of these drivers are now looking to move to the next level in their careers whether that is in a Ligier product in Europe and in the U.S. or further along the open wheel driver development ladder to add to their well earned haul of FIA Super License points.
To find out more about the Ligier JS F3, CLICK HERE
For more information on the FR Americas, CLICK HERE
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the checkered flag waves on the 2024 season, the focus shifts to what lies ahead. With the return of fierce rivalries, the ongoing development of young talent, and the strong foundation built by these championships, the stage is set for another year of thrilling competition. Drivers and teams are already gearing up for new challenges, aiming to build on the momentum of a landmark year in U.S. formula racing.
Photo credit: Gavin Baker