Whitney Strickland will step into professional single-seater competition in 2026 after joining Hillenburg Motorsports for its debut campaign in the Formula Regional Americas Championship (FRAC). The announcement marks the first of two planned driver signings for the team as it prepares to enter the series.
The League City, Texas-based driver will contest the full season in the Masters Championship, a category designed for drivers aged 35 and over, while remaining eligible for overall race results and podium finishes.
Stickland steps up to 2026 FRAC with Hillenburg Motorsports backed with proven SCCA Success and experience across multiple categories
Strickland arrives with an extensive background in American club racing, having built a strong reputation within the Sports Car Club of America. Over several seasons, he has secured multiple titles and accolades, including Southwest Division championships in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2022.
In addition, he claimed the 2022 Mid-States Conference and Southern Conference titles, as well as the prestigious AJ Foyt Driver of the Year award in 2018. His early promise was also recognised with the Houston Region Rookie of the Year honour in 2015.
Strickland has regularly competed in Formula Enterprise 2 and Spec Racer Ford machinery, gaining valuable experience in open-wheel racing. Among his recent results, he achieved a fifth-place finish in the Formula Enterprise 2 class at the 2025 SCCA Runoffs, further demonstrating his consistency at a national level.
Beyond competition, he remains actively involved in driver development as an instructor at MSR Houston. He also shares his racing experiences through onboard footage and race content, building a following among grassroots motorsport fans.
Team co-owner Roy Hillenburg expressed confidence in Strickland’s ability to lead the programme into its first professional season
“Whitney is exactly the kind of driver we love to develop and support,” said Hillenburg. “His proven success in SCCA formula cars, combined with his passion for the sport and strong partnership with TF Companies, makes him a perfect fit for our FR Americas Masters Championship program. We’re thrilled to have him behind the wheel as we step into this professional series.”
Strickland will drive the No. 21 entry, backed by TF Companies, a key partner supporting his move into FR Americas.
Debut set for NOLA
Hillenburg Motorsports will make its series debut at the opening round of the season at NOLA Motorsports Park, scheduled for 9–12 April.
As preparations continue, the team will confirm a second driver in the coming days, completing its inaugural line-up for the 2026 campaign.
