The FR Americas Story
Launched in 2017, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Formula Regional Championship was created to offer young race car drivers around the world the opportunity to take the next step up from Formula 4 in the world of open-wheel racing. The FIA is an association established as the International Association of Recognized Automobile Clubs to represent the interests of motoring organizations and motor car users. The FIA is mostly known as the governing body for many auto racing events. The FIA also promotes road safety around the world.
In 2018, SCCA Pro Racing and the FIA combined forces to create the F3 Americas Championship, now known as the Formula Regional (FR) Americas Championship. FR Americas teams and drivers are aligned with the FIA and series partners: Honda, Honda Performance Development, Hankook Tire America and Ligier Automotive. Having the FR Americas chassis manufactured in the United States by Ligier Automotive, the Honda Civic Type R motor built in Anna, Ohio, and the Hankook tires marketed and distributed out of Nashville, Tennessee, aids in affordability and availability.
The Championships have continued to grow thanks to support and partnership with Parella Motorsports Holdings taking over the commercial rights in 2021. FR Americas is one of several series showcased during the SpeedTour festivals of speed along with F4 U.S., the Trans Am Series, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), and the International GT Series.
Each race weekend offers plenty of track time for drivers: test and official practice sessions, 30 minute qualifying session, and three 35-minute races/rounds per weekend. Altogether, the drivers have nearly four hours of track time, allowing them to increase their experience in open-wheel racing while still making time for driver development.
One of FR America’s greatest strengths, compared to other young driver categories, is the advanced driver development offerings available to participants. Between series-organized learning opportunities and analytical work carried out by the drivers in cooperation with their engineers, the Championship prepares drivers in a unique way. The series is a spec series, allowing multicar or single car teams the same opportunity of success with capped costs; however, the cars allow for significant setup adjustments, which increases the drivers’ technical knowledge and gains experience required for moving up the open wheel ladder, whether with a large or small team.
The Championship is also open to drivers who aren't looking to climb the motorsports ladder. The FR Americas Masters Cup contingency program is for drivers age 35 and over and is seamlessly incorporated in to each event weekend.
The top three finishing drivers at each individual round will receive prize money. Additional contingency awards will also be giving out including the Omologato Perfectly Time Move of the Race. At the Champions Banquet, scholarships, prize money, and contingency awards, including Super License Points, are handed out to drivers finishing high enough in the Championship points. In total, drivers participating in the FR Americas Championship are eligible for over $675,000 in awards and scholarships. Additional information about the Champions Scholarship will be available very soon.
Stepping into the FR Americas Championship builds upon the progression offered from F4 both on and off the track. In 2016, SCCA Pro Racing introduced the F4 U.S. Championship, offering the first step to competitors' open-wheel development from karting. These two Championships are some of the fastest ways for an aspiring driver to gain experience to an international racing platform. With driving training, unmatched affordability and strong manufacturer support, competitors can grow and succeed into the higher levels of motorsports.
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