The United States joined the world last season when the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda debuted as the 12th F4 Championship supported by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

As Formula 4 racing in the United States enters its second season, it is the world that is starting to join the F4 United States Championship. Thirty competitors from around the globe are slated for the F4 U.S. season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway April 8-9. From New Zealand to Jamaica, eight countries on five continents will be represented in the North American-based championship lineup.

“Formula 4 was designed to be globally recognized,” said SCCA Pro Racing President Mike Collins. “It’s an affordable step between karting and the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Our competitors can start earning FIA Super License points toward their Formula 1 license starting at 15, so that alone makes it globally appealing. The F4 U.S. Championship allows drivers to compare themselves to the best young talent, not only domestically, but around the world. It’s preparing them for the pinnacle levels of racing.”

During the inaugural F4 U.S. season, a total of 19 competitors campaigned for the championship representing six states and six countries on four continents.

Traveling the furthest from home for his first international racing opportunity, Brendon Leitch of Invercargill, New Zealand, confirmed his entry with the Kiwi Motorsport. The 21-year-old F4 U.S. rookie resides full-time in his island home, but during the F4 U.S. racing season, will live stateside for the first time.

"I'm really looking forward to racing and living in the United States this year,” Leitch said. “My passion is racing,

and this is what I hope to be the start of a great chapter. I'm really looking forward to competing on the new circuits, especially, Circuit of the Americas alongside the World Endurance Championship. This is the best step for me moving toward my dream."

Leitch joins F4 U.S. after a strong 2016 racing season in New Zealand. The young Kiwi received the Steel Memorial Trophy which recognizes the top drivers under 21 in New Zealand and placed third overall in the 2016 Toyota Racing Series.

The F4 U.S. Championship joins the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli for a high-energy SCCA Pro road racing weekend. General admission tickets are available for purchase in advance of the event at HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com for $10 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday. Two-day passes can also be purchased online for $20.

General admission tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the event. Infield tickets are $15 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Two-day passes purchased at the gate are $25. Children 12 years and younger are admitted for free on both days. Parking is free all weekend and will be located in the infield on Main Street and Road Course South (east portion).

For an event schedule click here