Track Facts:
Circuit: Barber Motorsports Park
Length: 2.38 miles / 17-turn road course
Race Direction: Clockwise
Podium: West side of Race Control Building

FR Americas Championship: 
Practice: Friday, October 16 at 10:20 a.m. and 2:55 p.m. CT
Qualifying: Saturday, October 17 at 10:25 a.m. CT
Autograph Session: Saturday, October 17 at 3:15 p.m. CT
Feature Race 1: Saturday, October 17 at 4:55 p.m. CT
Feature Race 2: Sunday, October 18 at 12:00 p.m. CT

F4 U.S. Championship:
Practice: Friday, October 16 at 9:05 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. CT
Qualifying: Saturday, October 17 at 8:50 a.m. CT
Feature Race 1: Saturday, October 17 at 1:50 p.m. CT
Autograph Session: Saturday, October 17 at 3:15 p.m. CT
Feature Race 2: Sunday, October 18 at 10:25 a.m. CT

Ligier Junior Formula Championship: 
Practice: Friday, October 16 at 9:05 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. CT
Qualifying: Saturday, October 17 at 7:50 a.m. CT
Feature Race 1: Saturday, October 17 at 12:00 p.m. CT
Autograph Session: Saturday, October 17 at 3:15 p.m. CT
Feature Race 2: Sunday, October 18 at 9:10 a.m. CT

 

Racing America @ Barber

 

Last Dance for 2026 Comes at Barber
Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) and Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC) will close out their 2026 seasons this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park. Across the three championships, 13 different drivers have claimed race wins with another dozen earning podium finishes, highlighting a competitive season that has produced 46 checkered flags to date, with six more races on tap this weekend.

The three formula championships will join Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and International GT at the 2.38-mile circuit for three days of on-track action. Off the track, fans can enjoy Saturday’s Hagerty Cars & Caffeine Car Show Powered by Gearhead Coffee. Tickets are available now at RacingAmericaTickets.com.

Meet the Drivers of FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC
Fans can meet the drivers of FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC during the Nexgen Autograph Session on Saturday afternoon. The session begins at 3:15 p.m. at the FR/F4/JFC Series Trailer on the lower level of Barber’s Main Paddock. Fans can stop by to collect autographs, take photos and interact with the drivers from Racing America’s formula ladder.

 

FR Americas Championship

 

Golan Takes $100,000 Prize, Who Will Claim the Remaining $30k?
While Brady Golan (No. 40 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS F3) clinched the championship and its $100,000 cash prize with a victory and runner-up finish at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) last month, another $30,000 remains on the line, split between the drivers who finish second and third in the championship standings. Evagoras Papasavvas(No. 71 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) enters Barber second in points, holding a 26.5-marker advantage over Cooper Shipman (No. 10 Driven Dynamix / Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3). Kekai Hauanio (No. 29 N-E-Where Transport / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) enters the weekend fourth in the standings after closing the gap to the top three with a stellar weekend at VIR. Luke Powers (No. 5 Wallace Heating & Air/Toney Driver Development Ligier JS F3) and Christian Bogle (No. 7 Pelican Energy Consultants / Toney Driver Development Ligier JS F3) also remain in mathematical contention for a top-three championship finish. However, trailing third place by 49 and 49.5 points, respectively, both will need a perfect weekend in Alabama to have a shot.

> > SEE MORE: 2026 FR Americas Driver’s Points Standings

Masters Championship Comes Down to Final Round 
The battle for the Masters Cup Championship title will go down to the final round, with Whitney Strickland (No. 21 TF Companies / Hillenburg Motorsports Ligier JS F3) holding a 16.5-point advantage over Kevin Janzen (No. 24 US Power Group / Data Center Solutions / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) as just two races remain. With 24 points available at Barber, Anthony Autiello (No. 07 Hope For The Warriors / Momentum Motorsports Ligier JS F3) is locked into third in the standings. However, a return to Barber gives him the opportunity to add to his 2026 Masters Cup win total and improve upon his career-best finish, where he placed seventh overall at the circuit last year.

> > SEE MORE: 2026 FR Americas Masters Cup Points Standings

TDD vs. Crosslink for Team Championship 
Toney Driver Development (TDD) and Crosslink Motorsports have been neck and neck all season, with the Team Championship title now coming down to the final race weekend. Each team has recorded eight wins this season, but TDD holds a narrow edge in podium finishes, 22 to 21, and leads the standings by 14 points with just two races remaining.

With Team Championship points calculated using each organization’s top-two finishes in every race, both teams will need strong results from their drivers at Barber to secure the title.

> > SEE MORE: 2026 FR Americas Team Points Standings

Schuh Looks for Upper Hand with INDYCAR Experience 
Coming off his first-career podium at VIR, Aidan Schuh (No. 14 Homes For Our Troops / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) looks to build on that momentum at Barber Motorsports Park with coaching from INDYCAR driver Santino Ferrucci. Through their shared connection with AJ Foyt Racing and primary sponsor Homes For Our Troops, Ferrucci will help Schuh navigate the 2.38-mile circuit, where Ferruci has recorded two top-10 INDYCAR finishes over the past three seasons.

Papasavvas Hopes Past Success Means Future Performance
Evagoras Papasavvas (No. 71 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) made five INDY NXT starts last season, with his highlight coming at Barber Motorsports Park, where he earned his first series podium in just his second start. With drivers recognizing the Ligier JS F3’s similarities to INDY NXT machinery, Papasavvas hopes to carry that success into FR Americas this weekend as he pursues a runner-up championship finish and the accompanying $20,000 prize.

Golan Back at Barber After 2025 FR Americas Win
After winning in FR Americas at Barber in 2025, Brady Golan (No. 40 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS F3) returns to the 2.38-mile circuit looking to add another victory to his resume. With seven wins so far this season, the 19-year-old Texan has already clinched the championship title in his sophomore season of FR Americas competition.

After 2025 Debut Podium, Shipman Looks to Win at Barber 
Cooper Shipman (No. 10 Driven Dynamix / Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) made his FR Americas debut at Barber last season, earning a podium in his first start. This year, he returns to the Alabama circuit looking for his third win of the season, while aiming to remain among the top-three championship contenders and secure a cash prize at the season’s conclusion.

Bobadilla Claims F4 NACAM Title
Alejandro Bobadilla (No. 8 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F3) spent the season traveling back and forth between Mexico and the United States to compete in both F4 NACAM and FR Americas. With the goal of gaining track time and building his resume, the 19-year-old Mexico City native has accomplished both, earning a podium in FR Americas and eight wins in F4 NACAM. Earlier this month, Bobadilla clinched the F4 NACAM title one round before their season finale, which will take place during the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

Lawley and Atlantic Racing Team Take Off for Italy
Immediately following Sunday’s checkered flag at Barber Motorsports Park, James Lawley (No. 88 Pentagon Properties / Atlantic Racing Team Ligier JS F3) and his Atlantic Racing Team will head to Italy to compete in the Lamborghini World Finals at historic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, October 22-25. Lawley and Atlantic have been balancing a dual schedule this season, competing in both FR Americas and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Pro class.

 

F4 U.S. Championship

 

Irazú Takes the Title, Chases F4 U.S. Win Record 
After winning the Ligier JFC title last season and using the champion's scholarship to advance to F4 U.S., Gastón Irazú (No. 27 Elia Group / Baly / Canal 4 / Ancap / Champagne Racing Ligier JS F422) has continued his success, clinching the F4 U.S. title with a weekend sweep at VIR. With the championship, the Uruguayan also earned the FR Americas scholarship awarded to the F4 U.S. Driver Champion, giving him the opportunity to take the next step up the ladder in 2027. With the title secured, Irazú now has his sights set on the F4 U.S. career win record. With nine victories, Irazú is just one shy of tying Kyle Kirkwood's record of 10, set in 2017. A win this weekend would put him alongside Kirkwood, while a weekend sweep would give the Uruguayan sole possession of the record, setting a new standard with 11 career wins.

> > SEE MORE: 2026 F4 U.S. Driver’s Points Standings

Huerta Raab Looks to Turn Barber Podium into First Win
Clemente Huerta Raab (No. 17 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) enters Barber with an advantage over the rest of the F4 U.S. field—he’s the only driver in this weekend’s lineup who has previously stood on the podium at Barber Motorsports Park. The Chilean finished third at the Alabama circuit last season and returns this year looking to build on that result as he continues to chase his first F4 U.S. win.

Campbell Gives Back with $25k Donation to Kids Help Phone
Over his past two seasons in the F4 U.S. paddock, Caleb Campbell (No. 68 Steele Auto Group / Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) has proudly supported Kids Help Phone, a Canadian nonprofit focused on youth mental health, displaying its logo on his car and firesuit at every event. Throughout this season, Campbell has also shared weekly mental health tips on his social media—providing fellow young adults encouragement and lessons he’s learned as a young professional athlete. Last month, he took his support a step further, donating $25,000 to the nonprofit during his home race weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Thomas makes F4 U.S. Debut as Team Roberts Returns
16-year-old Jeremiah Thomas (No. 46 Team Roberts Ligier JS F422) will make his F4 U.S. debut this weekend as Team Roberts Racing returns to the grid for the first time this season. Based in La Grange, Ga., approximately 100 miles from Barber Motorsports Park, Team Roberts Racing will have a relatively short trip back to the paddock. Meanwhile, Thomas will make the trip from his native Memphis, Tenn. A former SKUSA national karter, Thomas began racing formula cars on the West Coast, competing in Formula Pro USA with the first-generation Ligier JS F4. This weekend will mark his first race in the Ligier JS F422.

 

Ligier Junior Formula Championship

 

Kennedy and Speth Take Championship Fight to Final Round
The battle for the Ligier JFC Gen. 2 Driver Championship is headed to the final round, as just 13 points separate current leader Edward Kennedy (No. 30 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422) and rival Jack Speth (No. 07 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422). Kennedy has put on a clinic this season with 10 wins, but Speth’s consistency has kept the championship within reach, as the rookie driver has tallied three wins and 13 podiums across the championship’s 13 rounds. With two checkered flags and 50 points left to capture, either driver could find themselves the champion as they cross the finish line.

> > SEE MORE: 2026 Ligier JFC Gen. 2 Class Driver Points Standings

Jacir and Bainotti Locked In; Battle for Third Continues in Gen. 1
With consistent runs at VIR last month, both Beckham Jacir (No. 7 Stonica / Bell / OMP / P1DOKS / Behind the Wheel / Champagne Racing Ligier JS F4) and Lazaro Bainotti (No. 11 Fundacion Fangio Rus seguros Cordoba deportes / Speed Factory Ligier JS F4) have solidified their finishing positions in the Ligier JFC Gen. 1 standings. Jacir has clinched the championship and the scholarship to compete in F4 U.S. next season, while Bainotti has secured vice champion honors.

The battle for third, meanwhile, remains wide open, with four drivers mathematically eligible and just 48 points separating them. Going into the final two races, Ava Hanssen (No. 26 One Powersports / Chiropractic Center of Elkhorn / NGK / Badger Mats Ligier JS F4) and AJ Abdullah (No. 21 Freedom Detox / Grid State Digital / Berg Racing Ligier JS F4) are separated by just 13 points. Alexander Savage (No. 33 KymaBoats.com / Triple Aim Medical Solutions / Nature Coast Health Care / G Tech Motorsports Ligier JS F4) sits 38 points behind Hanssen, while Tyler Wade (No. 9 Dante’s Inferno / Perlson LLP / Berg Racing Ligier JS F4) trails by 48 points, keeping both as dark horse contenders in the fight for a top-three finish.

> > SEE MORE: 2026 Ligier JFC Gen. 1 Class Driver Points Standings

Team Championships Go to Final Round
It all comes down to Barber in the contest for Team Champion honors for both the Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 classes of Ligier JFC.

In the Gen. 1 class, it’s David vs. Goliath as Berg Racing and their three-car lineup takes on single-car entry Champagne Racing. On the strength of 11 wins in 13 rounds, Champagne Racing continues to hold a five-point advantage over Berg Racing.

In the Gen. 2 class, the team standings perfectly match the driver standings with 13 points separating Kennedy’s MLT Motorsports and Speth’s Kiwi Motorsport.

> > SEE MORE: 2026 Ligier JFC Gen. 1 Class Team Points Standings
> > SEE MORE: 2026 Ligier JFC Gen. 2 Class Team Points Standings

Jacir Back at Barber After Last Year’s Clinic
Beckham Jacir (No. 7 Stonica / Bell / OMP / P1DOKS / Behind the Wheel / Champagne Racing Ligier JS F4) returns to Barber Motorsports Park after dominating the 2025 Ligier JFC finale. Racing in the rain, Jacir built a lead of more than 13 seconds before a spin by one of his teammates brought the field back together. This year, he returns to the Alabama circuit looking to repeat his winning performance and add another victory to his resume.

Lewis Debuts as JENSEN Returns to JFC
Zachary Lewis (No. 2 JENSEN Global Advisors / JENSEN Ligier JS F4) will make his Ligier JFC debut at Barber as JENSEN returns to the class for the first time this season. The 15-year-old Houstonian has already made four starts in Formula Pro USA, including the most recent round—which he won—at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.