Latest news with #USF2000
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Navigate Honda Indy Toronto: Tips on tickets, road closures and event details
The Honda Indy, one of Ontario's largest annual sporting events held in Toronto, is happening this weekend at Exhibition Place. A post shared by Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto (@hondaindy) The event kicks off with Make-A-Wish's Free Fan Friday Friday, with gates opening at 9 a.m. for a full day of practice sessions that include Radical Cup Canada, USF2000, USF Pro 2000 and Miata Canada Cup. An autograph session will be held at Heritage Court at the Enercare Centre from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and qualifying races and first practice rounds go live from 3:05 to 4:25 p.m. Fans will also have access to off-track features at the grounds like premium food and drink, a truck stop section, merchandise stands, interactive displays, and an Ontario Honda dealers pit stop area. A post shared by Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto (@hondaindy) On Saturday, qualifying races will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a second practice round and competitive racing at noon and 4:20 p.m. At 6:40 p.m., cyclists can enjoy a rare opportunity to ride the 2.8 kilometre, 11-turn temporary circuit. The main event begins on Sunday just after 12 noon, followed by final races for the Radical Cup Canada and Miata Canada Cup. Fans are encouraged to use Toronto's GO Lakeshore line to Exhibition station for the 'easiest commute without the worry of traffic or parking,' according to the Honda Indy website . GO Transit will be offering a special general admission plus round-trip fare, and children under 12 ride free and are admitted for free throughout the event if attending with a ticketed adult. For TTC commuters, get off at Union Station and board the 509 Harbourfront streetcar westbound, get off at Strachan and Fleet, and walk half a kilometre to Exhibition Place at 100 Princes Blvd. A post shared by Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto (@hondaindy) Here are the notable road closures to consider for commuters and those who will be driving in the general area of the races this weekend. Traffic agents will be on-site from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. all weekend at Strachan Avenue and East Liberty Street, Liberty Street and Hanna Avenue, and Dufferin and Liberty streets. Ticket prices start from $50 for general admission on Saturday, July 19, and can go as high as $1,550 plus tax for a three-day VIP Club pass. You can choose from single-day tickets to two- and three-day pass tiers. To get tickets, visit .
Scoop
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Douglas Heads To Toronto For Penultimate Round Of USF Pro 2000 Season
The Streets of Toronto are the next stop for Jacob Douglas in the 2025 USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires, with the 1.786-mile (2.87 km), 11-turn street circuit hosting the penultimate race weekend of the season. Douglas heads into this weekend's double-header sitting fifth in the standings, just 44 points shy of second place. Championship leader and Douglas's Pabst Racing teammate, Max Garcia, holds a commanding 97-point lead and could clinch the title in Toronto. The 20-year-old brings valuable experience to the Canadian street course, having raced at Toronto four times in USF2000, where he scored two top-five finishes and finished outside the top ten only once. 'This is one of my favourite tracks, and I'm so excited to get back out there,' said Douglas. 'We've had some strong results here in the past, so we'll be gunning for more this weekend. 'The championship battle from second through sixth is super tight, and a strong showing in Toronto could see Pabst Racing holding first and second in the standings.' With five podiums this season, including a race win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a second-placed finish last round at Mid-Ohio, Douglas is eyeing more silverware in the final stretch. 'We've shown strong pace all year, and with only four races left, there's no reason we can't add to that tally.' Pabst Racing also leads the Team's Championship by 172 points, with the results of the top two finishers of each race per team contributing to the standings. Following Toronto, the 2025 USF Pro 2000 season concludes in Portland, where Douglas took his maiden USF2000 victory at Portland International Raceway. 'Two tracks we're strong on to wrap up the season—looking forward to finishing with momentum on our side!' the young Kiwi added. This weekend's USF Pro 2000 action supports the NTT IndyCar Series and kicks off with practice at 3:35 AM NZST on Saturday, followed by Qualifying 1 at 6:10 AM. Qualifying 2 takes place at 1:35 AM on Sunday, ahead of Race 1 at 8:20 AM. The weekend concludes with Race 2 at 2:20 AM on Monday morning. Both qualifying sessions and races will be streamed live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel. About Jacob Douglas Jacob Douglas is a 19-year-old racecar driver from New Zealand. He is a multiple-time national champion in karting and was the 2023 USF YACademy Champion. He took 11 podiums, including seven wins, in USF 2000 machinery in the United States in 2023, before making two GB3 cameos in 2024. He is a member of New Zealand's prestigious Elite Motorsport Academy, winning the renowned Bruce McLaren and Ian Snellgrove trophies among the Class of 2024. In 2025, he returns to North America to compete his rookie season in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires. Where to watch:
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Jacob Douglas Eyes Championship Climb At Mid-Ohio
Kiwi talent Jacob Douglas returns to the grid this weekend in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires, targeting a major push up the points standings as the season enters its final stretch. Douglas heads into the double-header at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course sixth in the standings, locked in a tight battle for second place. While his Pabst Racing teammate Max Garcia enjoys a commanding 72-point lead in the Driver's Championship, Douglas remains firmly in contention, just 45 points oƯ second place. The 20-year-old New Zealander arrives at Mid-Ohio in strong form, following an impressive outing at Road America that saw him secure back-to-back podiums in the opening two races and charge from the back of the field to a top ten finish in Race 3 after being caught in a mid-race incident. 'Really looking forward to getting back out there,' said Douglas. 'We tested at Mid-Ohio earlier this year and had solid pace, even with poor weather and a focus on long-run setups. I'm feeling confident after a strong showing at Road America, where we picked up our third and fourth podiums of the season. 'The championship fight is still wide open. A strong weekend here could put us second in the standings heading into the final two race weekends. Max has a healthy lead, but we're not counting anything out just yet.' Douglas also spoke to the value of momentum at this stage of the year: 'We're heading into a really important phase of the season. It's all about consistency now, maximising every session, qualifying well, and keeping it clean in the races. Mid-Ohio can be unforgiving, so staying sharp and adaptable will be key.' Douglas brings additional experience at Mid-Ohio from his time in the USF2000 Championship, where he scored two top ten finishes. That familiarity could prove crucial as he aims to capitalise on every opportunity in this weekend's key battles. Track action kicks oƯ with two test sessions on Thursday (local time), followed by oƯicial practice at 12:45 am NZST on Saturday. Qualifying gets underway at 4:15 am NZST the same day. Race 1 takes place at 3:55 am NZST on Sunday, with Race 2 scheduled for 9:15 am NZST. Both races will run over 30 laps. Fans can catch all the action live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel. About Jacob Douglas Jacob Douglas is a 19-year-old racecar driver from New Zealand. He is a multiple-time national champion in karting and was the 2023 USF YACademy Champion. He took 11 podiums, including seven wins, in USF 2000 machinery in the United States in 2023, before making two GB3 cameos in 2024. He is a member of New Zealand's prestigious Elite Motorsport Academy, winning the renowned Bruce McLaren and Ian Snellgrove trophies among the Class of 2024 In 2025, he returns to North America to compete his rookie season in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires. Where to watch: The USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires can be viewed live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel.
Scoop
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Jacob Douglas Targets Big Results At Road America After Dominant Test Pace
New Zealand's Jacob Douglas heads to Road America this weekend for what could be a pivotal round in the USF Pro 2000 Championship presented by Continental Tires, coming oƯ a dominant performance in pre-event testing. Driving for Pabst Racing, Douglas topped three of the six sessions and finished second in the others, becoming one of only two drivers to break the 2:01 barrier around the iconic 4.01-mile (6.45km), 14-turn circuit. Currently sitting fifth in the championship standings, Douglas has been one of the standout performers of 2025, with a maiden series victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a podium finish in St. Petersburg, and a string of top-five and top-ten finishes that have kept him within striking distance of the title contenders. With teammate Max Garcia leading the standings on 231 points, Douglas trails by 90 — but with 98 points on oƯer this weekend alone, the New Zealander is focused on closing the gap. 'We've made big gains all season in pace, consistency, and execution,' said Douglas. 'Now it's about putting that together. We know Road America suits us, and if we qualify well, we'll be right in the mix for the podium.' Douglas describes Road America as one of the best tracks in North America. 'It's fast, flowing, and super technical. It rewards confidence and commitment, and after how strong we were in testing, I'm coming into the weekend with a really positive mindset. 'This is one of those tracks where if you're in the zone, you can make big things happen.' The Wisconsin circuit holds special significance for Douglas, who scored his first-ever USF 2000 top-ten at the track in 2022 and returned in 2023 to take his maiden podium while debuting with Pabst Racing. 'I've always enjoyed racing here,' he added. 'There's just something about this place that clicks with me. The atmosphere, the challenge — it brings out the best in drivers. I've had some great memories here already, and now I want to add to them.' With just four race weekends remaining — all running on the support bill of the NTT IndyCar Series — Douglas and his team are pushing hard on all fronts, both on the track and oƯ it. While much of the season's backing is already in place, a final push is now critical to ensure the campaign can be completed in full. 'We've had amazing support so far, and I'm incredibly grateful for everyone who's been part of the journey,' said Douglas. 'But to be completely transparent, we still need to secure one or two key partners to see out the rest of the season.' 'These last events are high-profile, high-stakes rounds — perfect for brands wanting to make an impact with a fast-rising driver and a championship-winning team. The opportunity is right here, right now, and we need to make it happen.' This weekend's action at Road America begins with a pair of test sessions on Thursday local time, before two qualifying sessions on Friday at 11.20 am and 1.35 pm CST (Saturday 4.20 am & 6.35 am NZST). Saturday sees the first two races at 8.00 am and 4.25 pm CST (Sunday 1.00 am & 9.25 am NZST) before Sunday's finale at 7.55 am (Monday 12.55 am NZST). Fans can watch all the action live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel, while Douglas shares real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content across his social media platforms. About Jacob Douglas: Jacob Douglas is a 19-year-old racecar driver from New Zealand. He is a multiple-time national champion in karting and was the 2023 USF YACademy Champion. He took 11 podiums, including seven wins, in USF 2000 machinery in the United States in 2023, before making two GB3 cameos in 2024. He is a member of New Zealand's prestigious Elite Motorsport Academy, winning the renowned Bruce McLaren and Ian Snellgrove trophies among the Class of 2024 In 2025, he returns to North America to compete his rookie season in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires. Where to watch: The USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires can be viewed live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel.
Fox Sports
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
As Kyle Kirkwood cuts into Alex Palou's INDYCAR lead, is there time to catch him?
Kyle Kirkwood cut 27 points from the margin between him and INDYCAR points leader Alex Palou when Kirkwood won Sunday night. That sounds big, but consider this: Kirkwood would just have to do that three more times to potentially catch Palou as he's still 75 points out. "Moving closer," Kirkwood said. "It's still a long ways to go." But Kirkwood's victory at World Wide Technology Raceway (commonly known as Gateway) under the lights Sunday night was about more than just math. It was about winning at a track other than a street course. Kirkwood's two previous wins this year came on street circuits at Long Beach and Detroit, with Detroit his fourth career win and them all on temporary circuits on city streets. "You get your fourth and people are like, 'Another street course for Kirkwood' — it's not as big of a deal now, when is he going to win something else?'" Kirkwood said. "It takes [the focus] away from the street courses, so this was huge for me. This was by far bigger than [Detroit] because of that." That's not to say Detroit wasn't satisfying for Kirkwood. He made moves for passes that he was proud of making and left with the feeling of earning the win. But to win on the 1.25-mile oval at Gateway was a statement win, one that other people will notice and one that signaled he needs to be taken seriously as a title contender. "[It] just like kind of puts a stamp down a little bit, more like, 'Hey, this kid might actually be able to contend for a championship and do things,'" Kirkwood said. Could he win a championship? Kirkwood knows how to race for a title. He won titles in USF2000 in 2018, USF Pro 2000 in 2019 and Indy NXT in 2021. If he's going to compete for the 2025 championship, he will need to perform on the three types of circuits remaining in the final nine races — ovals (Iowa doubleheader, Milwaukee and Nashville), permanent road courses (Road America, Mid-Ohio, Laguna Seca and Portland) and one street circuit (Toronto). "Everybody knows you've got to be diverse in this series," Kirkwood said. "You've got to win at multiple circuits. You've got to win at multiple venues. "Whether it's a short oval, long oval, street course, road course, whatever it might be, you've got to win at all of them. [This is a] step in the right direction for sure." Racing on ovals is an acquired skill and often requires a driver to pounce when the opportunity presents itself. "Last year, to be honest, I was too timid on the restarts and starts and kept getting passed," Kirkwood said about returning to Gateway. "I had to be pretty aggressive and take more risks than I would have liked to, but it worked out." Coming up for Kirkwood and the INDYCAR drivers is Road America (Sunday, 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX), where Palou has won in 2021 and 2023. Penske drivers Josef Newgarden (2022) and Will Power (2024) won the other most recent races. The last time an Andretti car won at Road America was with Alexander Rossi in 2019. Only Palou (five wins) and Kirkwood (three) have won races this year. Palou's wins have come at a variety of tracks with one on a street course (St. Petersburg), three on permanent road courses (Thermal, Barber, Indianapolis) and one on an oval with the Indy 500. "Everybody knows we're going to go to Road America next week and [Palou] is going to put on a show there and we'll have to do everything in our power to keep him from looking shiny once again on road courses," Kirkwood said. Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass. recommended Get more from NTT INDYCAR SERIES Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
