The Formula Regional Americas Championship (FRAC) enters its ninth season with a fresh narrative and a significantly reshaped grid for 2026. Following a tightly contested 2025 campaign, the series now embraces a new era defined by driver turnover, organisational change and emerging talent.
Notably, reigning champion Titus Sherlock has stepped away from single-seaters, while many of his closest rivals have also departed. As a result, only Brady Golan returns to the grid as a previous race winner, immediately placing him at the centre of the 2026 title picture.
Meanwhile, off-track developments have further reshaped the championship. Parella Motorsports Holdings completed its acquisition of Racing America, leading to a full rebrand of the series’ broadcast platform. Consequently, fans will follow the action through Racing America’s streaming service throughout the season.
The 2026 Formula Regional Americas Championship (FRAC) calendar
The 2026 schedule closely mirrors last year’s structure, maintaining eight rounds across established circuits. However, organisers have introduced subtle refinements to improve flow and logistics.
Most notably, the rounds at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Indianapolis Motor Speedway swap positions. In addition, the season opener at NOLA Motorsports Park moves back to April, aligning with its earlier traditional slot.
2026 calendar
- Round 1: NOLA Motorsports Park (9–12 April)
Round 2: Road America (14–17 May)
Round 3: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (11–14 June)
Round 4: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (18–21 June)
Round 5: New Jersey Motorsports Park (31 July–2 August)
Round 6: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (3–6 September)
Round 7: Virginia International Raceway (17–20 September)
Round 8: Barber Motorsports Park (16–18 October)
Where to watch?
In a significant shift, the championship moves away from free YouTube broadcasts. Instead, all races will stream on Racing America’s subscription platform, with additional availability via Amazon Prime Video.
Weekend format and points system
The championship retains its established weekend structure. Race events begin with optional Thursday testing, followed by Practice and Qualifying sessions across Friday and Saturday. Importantly, qualifying determines the grid for Race 1, while subsequent grids rely on fastest laps from prior races. Therefore, consistency across sessions remains crucial.
Races typically run up to 35 minutes, demanding both speed and tyre management. Furthermore, the series adopts the Formula 1 World Championship points system, awarding points down to 10th place. However, organisers do not award bonus points for pole position or fastest lap.
Teams and rivers: A new-look grid for the 2026 Formula Regional Americas Championship (FRAC)
The 2026 grid reflects a clear generational shift. With many front-runners gone, teams now rely on rising talents, developing prospects and experienced returnees to shape what could be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.
Kiwi Motorsport
Kiwi Motorsport enters as defending teams’ champions but with a completely refreshed line-up, signalling a transition phase while still targeting silverware.
- Harbir Dass (#9) – Dass makes one of the biggest leaps on the grid, climbing two steps on the PMH ladder. Across two seasons in the Ligier Junior Formula Championship, he demonstrated consistency and racecraft, collecting seven podiums in 25 starts. Furthermore, his off-season victory at Road Atlanta highlights both his adaptability and current form. As a result, Dass enters 2026 as a potential dark horse capable of surprising more established names, particularly if he adapts quickly to the higher-performance machinery.
- Cooper Shipman (#84) – Shipman arrives with arguably the strongest recent résumé on the grid. The reigning F4 US champion dominated his title-winning campaign with nine victories and near-perfect consistency. Moreover, his experience across many of the same circuits gives him an immediate advantage. Although his FR Oceania campaign proved more challenging, it offered valuable mileage against international competition. Therefore, Shipman begins the season as one of the clear favourites for the championship.
Crosslink Motorsports
Crosslink Motorsports significantly expands its programme and strengthens its development credentials through a partnership with AJ Foyt Racing. Consequently, the team fields one of the most diverse and intriguing line-ups on the grid.
- Alex Bobadilla (#8) – Bobadilla steps up while leading the NACAM F4 standings, having secured podium finishes in every race so far this season. His record of six wins and 17 podiums underlines both speed and consistency. Therefore, if he translates that form effectively, he could emerge as an immediate front-runner.
- Kekai Hauanio (#29) – Hauanio brings one of the most consistent records in junior racing. Notably, he finished inside the top five in every F4 US race last year while also securing multiple victories. Additionally, his experience across all three levels of the PMH ladder gives him a deep understanding of the system. As a result, he positions himself as a serious championship contender.
- Kevin Janzen (#24) – Entering his sixth season, Janzen provides unmatched experience within the field. While outright results have been modest, his knowledge of the circuits and race management could prove invaluable. Furthermore, his focus on the Masters Cup ensures he remains a key figure in that category.
- Evagoras Papasavvas (#71) – Papasavvas arrives with strong credentials from the USF Pro ladder, including multiple podiums and an impressive Indy NXT debut. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt quickly makes him a potential race winner, particularly as he gains familiarity with the series.
- Aidan Schuh (#14) – Schuh’s transition from mountain biking to single-seaters adds a unique storyline. Despite limited racing experience, he has shown commitment through extensive testing. Therefore, his progress throughout the season will be one to watch closely.
- Barrett Wolfe (#13) – Wolfe enters his second season with valuable experience already secured. After an early podium in 2025, he struggled to maintain consistency. However, with additional mileage and development, he could take a step forward into regular top-five contention.
Atlantic Racing Team
Atlantic Racing Team adopts a more focused approach with two experienced drivers capable of delivering consistent results.
- James Lawley (#88) – Lawley’s steady progression makes him one of the most reliable drivers on the grid. His strong finish to 2025, including multiple consecutive top-five results, suggests he is on the verge of a breakthrough. Consequently, a maiden podium—or more—appears well within reach.
- Jake Pollack (#77) – Pollack combines raw speed with valuable experience gained across multiple teams last season. His second-place finish at New Jersey demonstrated his potential. Now, with a full campaign ahead, he has the opportunity to convert that pace into consistent front-running performances.
Toney Driver Development
Toney Driver Development builds on a successful debut season by expanding to three cars, signalling clear intent to challenge at the front.
- Christian Bogle (#7) – Bogle returns to single-seaters after competing in GT racing, bringing a wealth of experience. His prior FR Americas outings and success in F4 US provide a solid foundation, and he could quickly re-establish himself as a competitive force.
- Brady Golan (#40) – Golan stands out as the benchmark entering 2026. As the only returning race winner, he combines proven speed with experience across multiple development ladders. Furthermore, his dual campaign in USF Pro 2000 ensures he remains race-sharp. Therefore, he is widely regarded as the driver to beat.
- Luke Powers (#5) – Powers steps up after a partial F4 US campaign. Although still developing, he benefits from a strong team environment and experienced teammates. As a result, steady improvement throughout the season will be his primary objective.
Momentum Motorsports
Momentum Motorsports continues with a single-car effort, focusing on consistency and class success.
- Anthony Autiello (#07) – The reigning Masters Cup champion returns with clear objectives. Having secured a best overall finish of seventh last year, Autiello aims not only to defend his class title but also to break further into the overall top order.
Hillenburg Motorsports
Hillenburg Motorsports makes its series debut, adding fresh energy and experience to the paddock.
- Whitney Strickland (#21) – A seasoned competitor in SCCA racing, Strickland brings over a decade of experience. His transition to FR Americas presents a new challenge, particularly within the increasingly competitive Masters category.
- Eric Wiśniewski (#25) – Wiśniewski returns to the PMH ladder aiming to rebuild momentum. With prior single-seater experience and success in development series, he will look to establish consistency and progress throughout the season.
MLT Motorsports
MLT Motorsports steps up from F4 US, marking an important expansion of its programme.
- Jonathan Cottrill (#75) – Cottrill begins his first full campaign at this level after limited appearances in F4 US. While expectations remain measured, the season offers a valuable opportunity for development and adaptation to higher-level competition.
A wide-open championship battle
Ultimately, the 2026 Formula Regional Americas Championship (FRAC) enters a transitional yet compelling phase. With no returning title contenders and only one proven race winner, the competitive landscape resets entirely.
Consequently, emerging talents have a genuine opportunity to establish themselves, while experienced drivers add depth across both overall and Masters categories. As the season begins at NOLA, adaptability and consistency will prove decisive.
Therefore, the 2026 campaign promises unpredictable outcomes, new rivalries and a defining chapter for the next generation of North American single-seater talent.
