FR Americas, COTA: Bruno Ribeiro Makes a Winning Debut
The final round of the 2024 FR Americas Championship took place at the iconic Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, from October 31 to November 3. Making his first appearance in the series, Bruno Ribeiro (Ligier JS F3 #3, IGY6 Motorsports) made an immediate impact by finishing fourth in Race 1 and securing a brilliant victory in Race 2.
A Battle for Vice-Champion Honors
With Patrick Woods-Toth (Ligier JS F3 #27, Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport) already crowned the 2024 champion at the previous round in Canada, the focus shifted to the fight for second place in the championship standings. Contenders included Woods-Toth's teammates Jett Bowling (#2) and Titus Sherlock (#31), as well as Nicolas Ambiado (Ligier JS F3 #55, Velox USA/Speed Factory).
Race 1: Titus Sherlock takes his fourth victory.
Titus Sherlock secured his fourth victory of the season with a commanding performance in Race 1. Starting from pole position, Sherlock built a solid lead of 1.408 seconds before a safety car neutralized the race after 10 minutes
At the restart, Sherlock engaged in an intense battle with Cole Kleck (Ligier JS F3 #11, Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport). Despite the pressure, he held on to claim victory by 3.422 seconds.
“The safety car made it a little tough with that close restart, but I still got it done in the end,” said Sherlock after climbing from the car. “We had a good restart, and I had a fun battle with Cole—it was pretty intense. I was able to get away and get the win, so I'm super happy with that. I just want to thank the team at Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport, Oscar, my engineer, my mechanic, Frenchie, and my whole family watching at home.”
Jett Bowling secured second place, while Cole Kleck rounded out the podium.
To read the full article on Race 1, CLICK HERE.
Race 2: Bruno Ribeiro Takes His First FR Americas Win
The final race of the 2024 season delivered an electrifying battle between Bruno Ribeiro, Titus Sherlock, and Brady Golan (Ligier JS F3 #80, Toney Driver Development). After exchanging the lead multiple times, Ribeiro emerged on top, delivering IGY6 Motorsports its first FR Americas victory.
“I want to thank IGY6 Motorsports, they gave me a great car for this race,” said Ribeiro after climbing from the car. “It was a bit hectic yesterday and we didn't have the best results. There was too much fighting for position, but today I felt like I could capitalize on that. I knew that overdriving wouldn't get me anywhere, so I just needed to get my exits right and my entries right. As soon as people started fighting, I just got away and was able to get the win, so I'm happy.”
While Cole Kleck initially finished third, a post-race penalty dropped him to seventh. The final podium of the season featured Ribeiro, Golan, and Nicole Havrda (Ligier JS F3 #6, Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport).
To read the full article on Race 2, CLICK HERE.
Ryan Shehan, FR Americas Vice-Champion for the second year running
Texas-born Ryan Shehan takes second place in the FR Americas championship. Despite a season cut short due to funding problems - Ryan didn't take part in the last eight races of the season - Ryan Shehan managed to claim the vice-championship title thanks to his points scored in the first eleven rounds.
Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Secures Team Title
Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport capped off an extraordinary season by clinching the team championship. With 16 wins, 43 podium finishes, and six drivers in the top 10 of the final standings, the team's dominance was undisputed.
Top results included Patrick Woods-Toth (champion), Ryan Shehan (2nd), Jett Bowling (3rd), Titus Sherlock (4th), Nicole Havrda (7th), and Landan Matriano Lim (8th).
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 FR Americas season kicks off at NOLA Motorsports Park from March 27-30.
For more information on the FR Americas, CLICK HERE
To find out more about the Ligier JS F3, CLICK HERE
Photo credit: Gavin Baker