Two of the most intense open-wheel series on American shores are the SCCA Pro Racing®-sanctioned Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) and Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) Series. Since 2016 for F4 U.S. and 2017 for FR Americas, these open-wheel powerhouses have catapulted drivers onto the center stage, with the likes of IndyCar drivers Kyle Kirkwood, Linus Lundqvist, and Kyffin Simpson, plus IMSA drivers Dakota Dickerson and Hunter Yeany most definitely making headlines – although pigeonholing them as “IndyCar” or “IMSA” drivers can be misleading because in several cases, these drivers jump back and forth between pro series. The point is, F4 U.S. and FR Americas have become a bona fide launching platform for those eyeing the pro ranks – something that was evident in 2025 with two very dominating performances.

Becoming the F4 U.S. Driver Champion in 2025 was Cooper Shipman. At just 17 years of age, Shipman’s season really lit the wick in the second half of the 17-race season. As the F4 U.S. series wrote in its season wrap-up:

“For the next nine rounds, Shipman never skipped a beat, taking checkered flag after checkered flag until he tallied nine-consecutive wins. Surpassing five-time INDYCAR winner Kyle Kirkwood and the inaugural F4 U.S. series champion Cameron Das on the list for longest win streaks, Shipman set a new standard for the series record books. Accruing nine wins, 13 podiums, 14 top fives, 15 top 10s, four poles, and seven fastest race laps, Shipman locked in the championship by the conclusion of Round 15 at VIRginia International Raceway.”

Prepping for his 2026 FR Americas season (very notably, winning the F4 U.S. series comes with more than a trophy – Shipman also receives a scholarship valued at $295,000 to compete in the FR Americas Championship Series), Shipman skipped the final round of the F4 U.S. series in 2025 to get seat time during the FR Americas race. The result was what you might expect, with Shipman landing on the podium.

“Wow, so many people to thank for this year,” said Shipman while accepting the F4 U.S. Championship trophy. “First of all, my parents for supporting me and helping me all the way through my motorsports career to get to this point. Thanks to Scott for helping me get into this series and get my feet on the ground.”

Clinching the FR Americas title in 2025 was 21-year-old Titus Sherlock. His run to the Driver Championship involved an impressive eight wins, 13 podiums, 17 top fives, one pole, and two fastest race laps.

This was Sherlock’s second season in FR Americas, bettering the fourth-place overall finish he earned in 2024. Best of all, the overall win came with, among other items, a $100,000 cash prize and FIA Super License Points.

“Thank you, FR Americas, as well,” Sherlock said after thanking his team, crew, and more. “I've been here for a couple of years and it's been such a fun time here learning and developing. Of course, thank you to my family – my mom, my uncle, and Bailey back home. Thank you to everyone that’s been watching this season.”

Read all about their victories by following this link for F4 U.S. champion Cooper Shipman and this link for FR Americas champ Titus Sherlock.

A glimpse of the 2026 season to come for both F4 U.S. and FR Americas, which kicks off with the first race on April 9-12 at NOLA Motorsports Park, can be found here.

Learn more about the F4 U.S. Championship Series.

Learn more about the FR Americas Championship Series.

Photos of Cooper Shipman (left) and Titus Sherlock (right) courtesy F4 U.S. and FR Americas Championship Series