The United States will join the impressive list of FIA Formula 4 Championships around the world this weekend when the Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda makes its debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio (1-3 July).

A junior open-wheel racing series that helps young drivers make the step up from karting, the F4 U.S. Championship is one of 12 F4 series certified by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Organised and sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, the U.S. series joins championships throughout Europe, Asia, Central America, the Middle East and Oceania.

The F4 U.S. Championship will debut this weekend at Mid-Ohio with practice taking place Friday, a qualifying run and opening race on Saturday and finishing with two additional races Sunday. Seven teams are expected to field 14 drivers for the inaugural weekend.

“We are proud to debut the F4 series in the United States and create the stepping stone for young drivers to achieve their full potential as they move up the motor sport ladder,” said Derrick Walker, president and CEO of SCCA Pro Racing. “The F4 U.S. Championship is the only established FIA championship in the United States and will offer young drivers exciting opportunities moving forward.”

SCCA Pro Racing, along with its partners and the FIA, created the F4 U.S. Championship after recognizing the need for an affordable step between karting and Formula 3.

Offering drivers as young as 15 the chance to take their first steps from karting into the world of open-wheel racing, competitors are also offered the opportunity to earn points towards an FIA Super Licence.

“Previously junior open-wheel competitors had to travel abroad to seize an opportunity like this,” Walker said. “Now, with the development of the F4 U.S. Championship, young talent can grow their brands domestically and choose their paths to pinnacle levels of motor sport.”

In addition to serving as a stepping stone from karting to open-wheel racing, SCCA Pro Racing and the FIA have made the F4 U.S. Championship affordable as well. With prices capped at $45,000 for the chassis, including paddle shifters, data acquisition and camera, and Honda engines with a one-year lease at $6,600, teams can affordably get cars on the track.

For more information on the SCCA Pro Racing F4 U.S. Championship, visit F4USChampionship.com