Set to commence a new chapter in the growth of the Jay Howard Driver Development (JHDD) program, the potent USF Pro Championships operation will enter its first USF Juniors Presented by Cooper Tires event this coming weekend. Taking on the 4.048-mile, 14-turn Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, JHDD will enter three drivers including Canadian Ayden Ingratta, Hudson Potter, and Ava Dobson.
“It is an exciting time for us,” explained Jay Howard. “The guys have been flat out at the shop as entering a brand-new series in the middle of a season is a big undertaking. A huge thanks to everyone who has helped get another new program off the ground for JHDD.”
Confirming their intentions to join the lowest rung on the USF Pro Championships Presented by Cooper Tires ladder months ago, Howard has made the long-time idea come to fruition in a matter of a few months.
Howard added, “We want to have a direct path from karting to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The addition of USF Juniors to our already established USF2000 and USF Pro 2000 programs is just the beginning.”
Winners in every series they have competed in during the 2023 season, JHDD is entering their first USF Juniors event highly motivated and ready to perform.
“The goal is to win but winning is never easy in motorsports,” added Howard. “We are entering a stout championship halfway through the season with teams and drivers that have a lot of experience already under their belt. For us, this weekend and the final race in Texas is all about learning to see what we need to do to better our chances at race wins, podium results, and the 2024 championship.”
With three wheel-to-wheel races this weekend, Ingratta will pilot the #3 entry while Potter and Dobson will be in #4 and #5. All the action will kick off Friday with a trio of test sessions before official practice, qualifying, and the first race of the weekend on Saturday. Sunday will be the home for races two and three with the complete schedule below.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 11
Test #1 – 9:40 AM-10:10 AM
Test #2 – 1:40 PM-2:10 PM
Test #3 – 4:00 PM-4:30 PM
Saturday, August 12
Practice – 9:10 AM-9:40 AM
Qualifying – 11:00 AM-12:25 PM
Race #1 – 4:20 PM-5:00 PM
Sunday, August 13
Race #2 – 10:10 AM-10:50 AM
Race #3 – 2:30 PM-3:10 PM
**All times CDT
For more information on Jay Howard’s Driver Development program, follow them on social media by searching ‘Jay Howard Driver Development’ or contact Jay Howard via e-mail at Jay@JayHoward.com or visit him online at www.JayHoward.com.
Photo: RTD Media