The newly announced all-female F4 series Formula Pro WRS announced a major prize for the inaugural season: up for grabs will be a two-day test in F1 Academy machinery.
Exclusive Racing, promoter of the US-based Formula Pro US championship, announced the launch of an all-female F4 series - Formula Pro WRS (Women Racing Series), aimed at increasing the female participation in single seater grassroot level in the US.
The series will be based on the West Coast and is set to start in March 2024.
Open to all female drivers from the age of 14 onwards with a competition license, Formula Pro WRS will use the Ligier JSF4 machine in use in F4 US Championship until 2023 and will have a capped grid of 10 to 12 drivers for the opening season.
The organizers announced an exciting prize pool - including a special two-day test in F1 Academy machinery with an F1 Academy Race Team at a date and location that is to be determined.
“While we are holding some of the details close to our chest for a future announcement of our complete prize fund, this is a major prize that we needed to get out to the masses,” said Brent Morgan, owner of Exclusive Racing. “Our goal is to establish the premier women’s-only race program in the United States and advance female drivers up the motorsports ladder."
The series is aiming for a six double-header event schedule, plus a collective test, aiming to create an affordable platform for female drivers of any age and experience level and break down barriers in US-based formula racing. With the success of F1 Academy - this year set for its first full season as part of the F1 support schedule - the test up for grabs in the American series has the potential to attract some interest for up and coming talents targeting the F1-promoted championship in the future.
The inaugural season is expected to run alongside the established Formula Pro US Western Championship - which last year saw the victory of Canadian driver Nicole Havrda in the F3 Regional class - starting from the 22-24 March round at Thunderhill Raceway Park. Another round in April will follow on the same track, before two double-headers will see the competitors head to the iconic WeatherTechRaceway Laguna Seca. Sonoma Raceway and Buttonwillow Raceway will host the final two race meetings, as the all-Californian schedule aims to provide a cost effective format by reducing the travel and transport time and distances.
Further details regarding the complete prize fund for Formula Pro WRS season as well as the Special Test Prize will be announced at a future date.