SpeedTour Formula Development
Founded in 2022, SpeedTour Formula Development Series was developed as an additional opportunity for up-and-coming racing talent to gain experience and refine their skills. Available to drivers ages 14 and up, SpeedTour Formula Development provides young racers with an extra step between karting and single-seater open wheel racing.
“After getting involved in the Road to F1 ladder with Formula 4 U.S. and Formula Regional Americas, I realized that there was a need in the development system for young drivers that wasn’t being met by the industry,” said Tony Parella, CEO of PMH. “In today’s world, young drivers have had to go from karting right up to F4 U.S.; that’s a big jump. There was a niche that developed with the need to lay the proper foundation for wheel-to-wheel racing and allow drivers time to hone their race craft. SpeedTour Formula Development will help fill that gap. With Scott Goodyear at the helm, I’m confident this series will leave a positive, lasting impact.”
Keeping budget in mind, SpeedTour Formula Development utilizes the existing F4 U.S. chassis. With low entry fees, the series is sanctioned by PMH and drivers participate in SpeedTour events already on the F4 U.S. Championship calendar—but in SVRA run groups of similar speeds. Drivers are encouraged to participate in select F4 U.S. Championship activities throughout the weekend including the track walk, drivers’ meetings, autograph sessions and other promotional activities.
Drivers competing in SpeedTour Formula Development must have prior experience in single-seaters/open-wheel cars before participating in the series. This includes having taken a racing school, testing with their team in an F4 car, or other behind-the-wheel racing experience. All drivers will be overseen by Race Directors Scott Goodyear and Alex Miller, beginning with the license application process all the way through each of the events.
The cars run conform to F4 U.S. Championship Technical Regulations with a modified minimum weight to be determined by younger driver participation. Aspects of the F4 U.S. Championship Sporting Regulations are used to govern the series as well.
Points are awarded in the series, with a champion crowned at the end of the season. The winner of the SpeedTour Formula Development Championship earns an entry fee scholarship for the following season of F4 U.S Championship competition.