After Victory at Indianapolis, Family Time in the Shop, and a Refreshed No. 21 TF Companies Ligier JS-F3, Strickland Prepares to Extend Points Lead

MILLVILLE, N.J. (July 24, 2026) — Following a well-deserved mid-season hiatus, Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) Masters class points leader Whitney Strickland is set to return to action this weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) for the New Jersey Lottery Racing America at NJMP, July 31 – August 2. Pilot of the No. 21 TF Companies Ligier JS F3 with Hillenburg Motorsports, Strickland enters the final stretch of the championship re-energized, re-focused, and eager to build on his standings lead.

The summer break provided a welcome pause after an event-packed outing at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June. Strickland showcased commanding pace at the Brickyard, driving to a decisive Masters victory in Race 1. However, heavy contact in Race 2 forced an early retirement, creating damage that unfortunately sidelined the team for Race 3. Despite the adversity in Indiana, Strickland retained his position at the top of the FR Americas Masters Championship standings.

During the month-long break, Hillenburg Motorsports meticulously repaired and refreshed the No. 21 machine, while Strickland spent valuable downtime at the race shop—passing down his passion for motorsports to the next generation.

"The break came at a great time for us," said Strickland. "Indianapolis was a weekend of high highs and tough luck. Winning Race 1 at IMS was incredible, but taking contact in Race 2 and missing the finale was tough on the crew. The team did a fantastic job rebuilding the car, and I spent my time off charging my batteries and spending time at the shop with my grandson. He was sitting in one of my race cars, taking it all in. I'm definitely trying to bring him up right! Passing on that passion for racing reminded me exactly why we do this.

"Now, all eyes are on New Jersey Motorsports Park," Strickland added. "Thunderbolt Raceway is fast, flowing, and very physical. With three full races on the schedule this weekend, consistency and executing clean, smart laps will be key. We're coming into NJMP with a refreshed racecar, great momentum in the points race, and the clear goal of putting the No. 21 TF Companies car back on top of the podium."

The upcoming triple-header at NJMP's 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway course represents a critical juncture in the 2026 title fight, featuring official practice on Friday, followed by qualifying and three competitive 35-minute race segments across Saturday and Sunday.

Official Event Weekend Schedule (All times EDT):
Saturday, August 1 
9:30 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. — FR Americas Qualifying
2:25 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. — FR Americas Race 1 

Sunday, August 2: 
9:30 a.m. - 10:05 a.m. — FR Americas Race 2
1:40 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. — FR Americas Race 3

Fans and partners can follow live timing, broadcast streams, and behind-the-scenes updates throughout the weekend via the official FR Americas website.

About Hillenburg Motorsports
Hillenburg Motorsports is a premier professional open-wheel operation renowned for its elite driver development programs, taking competitors seamlessly from club-level roots to professional paddocks. The team serves as an official SCCA Customer Service Representative (CSR) for the Formula Enterprises 2 (FE2) platform across the Texas region, providing unmatched trackside support, parts supply, and prep services. Escalating up the developmental ladder, Hillenburg Motorsports fields a powerhouse multi-car effort in the Formula Regional Americas Championship, advancing their driver development in partnership with Racing America.

About the FR Americas Championship
Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) is an FIA-sanctioned, international single-seater racing series optimized as a critical developmental step for drivers scaling the global open-wheel ladder. Administered by SCCA Pro Racing, the championship utilizes spec Ligier JS-F3 chassis powered by turbocharged Honda engines and fitted with Hankook racing slicks. 

About TF Companies
TF Companies is a diversified industrial and commercial services enterprise, providing innovative mechanical, logistical, and technical solutions across multiple sectors. As the primary partner of the No. 21 Ligier JS-F3, TF Companies is proud to support elite motorsports competition and engineering excellence on and off the racetrack.

- Elevate Motorsports Marketing