Launched in 2014, FIA Formula 4 was created to offer young race car drivers around the world the opportunity to take the first step from karting into the world of open-wheel racing.
Designed to be globally recognized yet an affordable step between karting and F3, the F4 car was designed to keep costs down while providing an ideal learning tool for young drivers who have never raced cars before. The series offers more value and benefits than any other form of entry-level open-wheel racing at a low cost.
In 2015, SCCA Pro Racing and the FIA combined forces to create the Formula 4 United States Championship. F4 teams and drivers are aligned with the FIA and series partners: Honda, Honda Performance Development, Hankook Tire America and Onroak Automotive. Stepping into the F4 series builds upon the progression offered from karting both on and off the track. The series offers developmental educational programs that cover everything from driving preparation to marketing and public relations.
The inaugural season included five event weekends with 15 races. A total of 19 drivers and nine teams competed over the course of the season. The average field for season two doubled in size with 33 cars participating. A total of 48 competitors entered throughout the year and the series participated in a record-breaking 20 races. The growth in the F4 U.S. Championship is exceeding the expectations of its partners and participants.
SCCA Pro Racing has expanded to support a F4 West Coast series called Formula Pro USA. The Formula Pro USA Western Championships is affiliated with the SCCA Pro Racing F4 program, competing on the same weekend as SCCA club and non-club events on the west coast. The series uses and the same Crawford F4-16 chassis and Honda Civic R engine as the F4 U.S. Championship. FP4 will also use similar rules and regulations as the F4 U.S. Championship. In 2017, SCCA Pro Racing also introduced the new F3 Americas Championship, offering the next step to competitors' open-wheel development. F3 Americas debuted the summer of 2018.
The F4 series is the fastest way 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.