Ligier at the heart of the new NA Formula Ladder from 2027
Starting in 2027, Racing America will reorganize its single-seater development pathway in North America with the launch of the NA Formula Ladder, a new three-tier structure comprising NAjr, NA4 and NA3. All three levels will exclusively use Ligier single-seaters and will allow young drivers to progress from karting toward higher categories. Nine events are scheduled for the inaugural season, featuring iconic circuits across the United States and Canada.
Three levels, three generations of Ligier single-seaters
At the top of the new ladder, the NA3 Championship will succeed Formula Regional Americas. It will exclusively feature the first-generation Ligier JS F3 and the new Ligier JS F326, the latest-generation Ligier single-seater developed by Ligier Advanced Technologies.
NA4, which will replace F4 U.S., will be reserved for the second-generation Ligier JS F422. Open to drivers from the age of 14, it will notably provide a first step into single-seater racing for young talents coming from karting.
Finally, NAjr will succeed the Ligier Junior Formula Championship and will feature the first-generation Ligier JS F4.
NAjr and NA4 will share the track within the same group while maintaining separate classifications and championships.
This new structure therefore allows Ligier to offer a clearly defined development pathway built around three generations of single-seaters.
A return to the streets of Trois-Rivières
One of the highlights of the 2027 season will be the return of single-seater racing to the streets of Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
The street circuit holds a special place in North American motorsport history, particularly in Formula Atlantic. In the 1970s, the event attracted several international drivers and future Formula 1 World Champions, including James Hunt and Keke Rosberg. Trois-Rivières was also the scene of one of Gilles Villeneuve's standout performances in 1976, when he defeated several Formula 1 drivers, including James Hunt.
This Canadian round will therefore add an extra historical dimension to Racing America's new single-seater ladder.
Iconic circuits and two West Coast swings
The inaugural NA Formula Ladder season will begin in March at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
The calendar will then take the young drivers to several of North America's most demanding circuits, including a round at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The season will also feature two West Coast swings. The first double-header is scheduled for May at Sonoma Raceway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, before a second trip in November to Thunderhill Raceway Park and Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
With such a variety of tracks, from permanent road courses to the streets of Trois-Rivières, the new ladder will give drivers the opportunity to develop their experience and adaptability across a wide range of configurations.
A development ladder designed to support driver progression
Beyond the new identity of the championships, the NA Formula Ladder retains one central objective: to help young drivers progress step by step through the different stages of their development.
Ligier Automotive North America will play a direct role in that progression. Awards are planned to help champions move up to the next category, including the provision of a single-seater and its engine by Ligier, complemented by support from Hankook for tires and Racing America for entry fees.
This new structure builds on Ligier's longstanding presence in single-seater racing in North America while also preparing for the competitive debut of the Ligier JS F326 on the continent.
With three championships, three levels of progression and an all-Ligier single-seater lineup, the NA Formula Ladder will open a new chapter for North America's driver development pathway in 2027.
For more information on the NA Formula Ladder championships:
To learn more about Ligier single-seaters:
Photo credit: Gavin Baker