Ugo Ugochukwu, the 2024 Macau Grand Prix winner, will make his New Zealand debut with M2 Motorsport in the 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). The 18-year-old American, born and raised in New York, will kick off his racing year with M2 Competition in the four-round New Zealand Championship, before joining Campos Racing for his second season in FIA Formula 3.
Many expect the 2026 championship to be one of the most exciting seasons in its history. The four-round series, which culminates in the prestigious New Zealand Grand Prix, will see Ugochukwu take on the demanding tracks of New Zealand, providing invaluable preparation for his upcoming FIA Formula 3 season with Campos Racing.
An impressive path from karts to single-seaters
Born on April 23, 2007, Ugochukwu is the son of Nigerian fashion model Oluchi Onweagba and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi. His multicultural heritage and background in karting have shaped his approach to racing, making him a versatile and ambitious driver.
Ugochukwu’s karting career began in the United States, where he won several prestigious titles, including the Micro ROK Cup USA in 2014 and the Florida Winter Tour in 2015. His transition into single-seater racing was equally successful, with victories and podiums across several Formula 4 championships in Europe.
His success continued into Formula Regional, where in 2024 he competed in both the European and Middle Eastern Formula Regional Championships, claiming a win at the Formula Regional European Championship finale at Monza. Ugochukwu’s crowning achievement that year was his victory in the Macau Grand Prix, where he became the first American to win the prestigious race in 43 years.
In 2025, Ugochukwu continued to shine in Formula Regional, winning the championship while making his debut in FIA Formula 3. This blend of experience in competitive junior formulae has equipped him well for his upcoming season in New Zealand.
A strategic move ahead of sophomore FIA F3 season
The 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy is an ideal opportunity for Ugochukwu to prepare for his second season in FIA Formula 3. With a packed year ahead, he views the championship as a valuable training ground for the challenges that lie in the international motorsport scene.
Ugochukwu’s decision to race in New Zealand also aligns with his focus on gaining valuable seat time and learning new tracks. Like many drivers lined up for the 2026 championship, he is excited about what New Zealand has to offer and is ready to test himself in a fresh environment.
Looking forward to the challenge
“I am thrilled to be able to compete in the 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy,” said Ugochukwu. “I’ve been following the championship for many seasons now and I always wanted to be part of it. For that to be 2026, which looks like it is going to be one of the best ever, is even more exciting.”
The 2026 championship promises to offer new challenges, and Ugochukwu is eager to rise to them. “I am sure it’s going to be a lot of fun learning the local tracks and in general to compete outside of Europe is always something that brings new challenges as well as new experiences,” he added.
Looking ahead, Ugochukwu is poised to continue his rise through the ranks of global motorsport. After his campaign in the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, he will return to FIA Formula 3 with Campos Racing, aiming to build on his experience and further develop his skills as he eyes a career in higher levels of motorsport.
As he prepares for a busy and exciting year, Ugochukwu’s debut in New Zealand will be an important milestone in his career, and fans will be keen to see what he can achieve in the 2026 championship.
