Strong Season Opener for Ligier Junior Formula, F4 U.S., and FR Americas Championships
The 2025 season for the Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC), F4 U.S. Championship (F4 U.S.), and Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) got off to a strong start March 27–30 at NOLA Motorsports Park in Louisiana. The flat but bumpy and fast circuit hosted three races for each series under mostly dry conditions, with one race affected by light rain.
A total of 40 Ligier single-seaters—JS F4, JS F422, and JS F3—hit the track over the weekend, matching or even surpassing the highest car counts from 2024. It's a promising sign of the momentum and growing interest around these championships.
FR Americas: Diverse Grid and Competitive Action
The FR Americas Championship featured 17 Ligier JS F3s on the grid, with drivers representing four countries and six U.S. states. The level of competition was clear, with three different winners from three different teams: Titus Sherlock (#31, Crosslink Motorsport), Brady Golan (#80, Toney Driver Development), and Nicolas Ambiado (#55, Velox USA / Speed Factory). It's already shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested seasons yet.
Learn more about the FR Americas
F4 U.S.: The Next Generation Steps Up
The new F4 U.S. season welcomed an almost entirely fresh field of drivers in the Ligier JS F422, with only one returning driver from last year's finale. Two new teams joined the championship as well, adding depth to an already dynamic paddock.
Alex Popow (#55, MLT) was the standout of the weekend, claiming two wins, while Kekai Hauanio (#29, Crosslink Motorsport)—the 2024 Vice Champion in the former Ligier JS F4 Series—secured a victory of his own. Only two cars failed to complete all laps across the three races, both due to driver error—an impressive stat that speaks to the high level of preparation from both teams and drivers.
Ligier JFC: New Name, Fresh Talent
Previously known as the Ligier JS F4 Series, the championship for first-generation Ligier F4 cars has been rebranded as the Ligier Junior Formula Championship—a name that better reflects its role as a true entry point for aspiring racers. The season opener welcomed four new teams and ten new drivers.
The wins were shared between Gaston Irazu (#42, Champagne Racing), who scored two victories for his debuting team, and Drew Szuch (#28, Berg Racing). Max Mokarem (#46, Momentum Motorsports Racing) turned heads with a podium finish in Race 3—at just 13 years old.
Learn more about the Ligier JFC
Live TV Coverage and What's Next
Sunday's races were broadcast live on Speed Sport 1, thanks to Parella Motorsports' TV coverage—giving these rising stars valuable exposure early in the season. All three series are set to return to action May 15–18 at the legendary Road America circuit in Wisconsin.
2025 Race Schedules
Ligier Junior Formula Championship – 18 Races
- March 27–30: NOLA Motorsports Park (Avondale, LA)
- May 15–18: Road America (Plymouth, WI)
- June 19–22: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, OH)
- August 28–31: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Bowmanville, ON)
- September 18–21: VIRginia International Raceway (Alton, VA)
- October 17–19: Barber Motorsports Park (Leeds, AL)
F4 U.S. Championship – 21 Races
- March 27–30: NOLA Motorsports Park (Avondale, LA)
- May 15–18: Road America (Plymouth, WI)
- June 19–22: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, OH)
- July 31 – August 3: New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville, NJ)
- August 28–31: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Bowmanville, ON)
- September 18–21: VIRginia International Raceway (Alton, VA)
- October 17–19: Barber Motorsports Park (Leeds, AL)
Formula Regional Americas Championship – 24 Races
- March 27–30: NOLA Motorsports Park (Avondale, LA)
- May 15–18: Road America (Plymouth, WI)
- June 12–15: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indianapolis, IN)
- June 19–22: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, OH)
- July 31 – August 3: New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville, NJ)
- August 28–31: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Bowmanville, ON)
- September 18–21: VIRginia International Raceway (Alton, VA)
- October 17–19: Barber Motorsports Park (Leeds, AL)
With fierce competition, strong team representation, and a packed schedule ahead, the 2025 season promises to be one to watch across all three Ligier-powered championships.
Credit photo: Gavin Baker