Formula Fara News
Stay updated with the latest from the Formula Fara series: new dates, news about our partners, and all the info you need to know!
Formula FARA Spring Shootout Sets the Stage for an Exciting 2025 Season
Miami, FL – March 10, 2025 – The Formula FARA Spring Shootout took over Homestead-Miami Speedway this past weekend, kicking off what promises to be a thrilling 2025 season. Over three action-packed days, from March 7 to 9, drivers and teams battled it out under the Florida sun in this standalone event, setting the tone for the regular season ahead.
New Teams, New Energy
Formula FARA is growing, and 2025 is shaping up to be bigger than ever. New teams VRD Racing and Speed Factory have joined the championship, bringing even more competition to the grid alongside returning teams Scuderia Buell, LC Car Driver Academy, and Gonella Racing.
An International Grid
The driver lineup continues to expand, with racers coming from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and France to challenge the American drivers. Among the young talents to watch is 12-year-old Kai Johnson, following in the footsteps of his brother Nikita Johnson, a former Formula FARA competitor now racing in Indy NXT.
A Weekend Full of Racing Action
The weekend started with practice sessions on Friday, giving teams time to fine-tune their setups. Saturday’s 20-minute qualifying session saw Kai Johnson set the fastest lap at 1:32.160, just 0.157 seconds ahead of Franco Paolini from Argentina, with Victor Couto from Brazil in third.
Race 1 in the afternoon delivered intense battles, with Max Mokarem taking the win for LC Cars, followed by Kai Johnson and Victor Couto.
Sunday featured two more races. Race 2 had a mixed-up grid, with a 50% inversion based on Race 1 results, leading to a thrilling fight for positions. Kai Johnson claimed victory, followed by Lazaro Bainoti in second and Victor Couto in third. Maddie Colleran and Max Mokarem rounded out the top five.
Race 3 was all about consistency, with the grid determined by total points from the first two races, including bonus points. Kai Johnson once again came out on top, securing his second win of the day for VRD Racing.
Prize Money for the Best Performers
This year’s Spring Shootout had a special bonus—$30,000 in prize money for the top three drivers. Kai Johnson earned $15,000, Max Mokarem took home $10,000, and Lazaro Bainoti pocketed $5,000. These funds can be applied toward entry fees for the regular season.
New Rules for 2025
Formula FARA is also bringing some rule changes this year, especially regarding penalties and points. As always, drivers earn championship points based on their finishing positions (30 points for P1, 27 for P2, etc.), plus 2 extra points for pole position and 1 for the fastest lap.
The big update? Stricter penalties for avoidable contact, with consequences based on fault:
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Minor contact: Assessed on a scale from 0-10, leading to possible grid penalties and point deductions.
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100% fault incidents: Result in a 1-race suspension and a 10-point penalty.
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Accumulating 15 penalty points in a season: Triggers an automatic 1-race suspension.
With these changes, Formula FARA aims to keep racing clean and competitive while maintaining a high level of safety.
An Exciting Season Ahead
With new teams, fresh talent, and thrilling racing already on display, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Formula FARA. If the Spring Shootout was any indication, fans and drivers alike are in for an incredible season.
Jack Mohrhardt Joins VRD Racing
for 2025 Formula FARA Championship Season
Jack Mohrhardt Joins VRD Racing for 2025 Formula FARA Championship
Dawsonville, GA – 3/7 – VRD Racing is pleased to announce that Jack Mohrhardt will be joining the team’s Formula FARA lineup for the 2025 season.
Mohrhardt, entering his second season in car racing, is set to compete in the inaugural Formula FARA championship as he looks to help VRD Racing secure the title. The young American driver transitions to VRD Racing after competing in the Skip Barber Formula Race Series last season.
With a focus on furthering his development, Mohrhardt sees Formula FARA as the perfect next step in his career. “I am super excited to be joining VRD for the 2025 Formula FARA championship,” said Mohrhardt.
“VRD and Formula FARA feel like the best way to develop me as a driver, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish on track. I’d like to give a big thank you to Dan Mitchell and everybody at VRD for making this possible for me.” VRD Racing’s Dan Mitchell is confident in Mohrhardt’s potential and looks forward to seeing him progress within the team. “Jack has shown strong promise in his early racing career, and we are excited to welcome him to VRD for the Formula FARA season,” said Mitchell. “Formula FARA is an important new championship, and we are aiming for top results. Jack is determined, hardworking, and eager to develop, which makes him a great fit for our team.
We can’t wait to get to work and see what we can achieve together.” Mohrhardt will make his Formula FARA debut this weekend at the Miami Grand Prix. The inaugural season is expected to feature a competitive field, so he and VRD Racing are focused on hitting the ground running and fighting at the front from the opening round.
About VRD Racing VRD Racing, based in Dawsonville, GA, at Atlanta Motorsports Park, is known for its commitment to developing young talent in motorsports. VRD Racing continues to provide a platform for young drivers to progress through the motorsport ranks, with a proven record of success in the USF Pro Championships and GB3.
Formula FARA Gears Up for Spring Shootout at Homestead-Miami Speedway
A new season is set to get underway
Miami, FL – After two successful test sessions, Formula FARA is set to return to the track for an electrifying Spring Shootout at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 7-9, 2025.
With an updated Ligier JSF4 featuring a brand-new J-Lo and notable aerodynamic upgrades, the series is ready for an intense weekend of high-speed competition.
Drivers will have the opportunity to race for a $30,000 prize pot that will be distributed amongst the top three finishers of the race weekend. The driver with the most points after qualifying and three races will earn a $15,000 discount on their full-season entry fee. (Retail Value is $21,000.) Second place will earn $10,000, and third place will earn $5,000 towards their full-season campaign.
This race will welcome two new, highly successful names in world motorsports: Dan Mitchell and his VRD Racing program, as well as Ernie Gonella and his Gonella Racing outfit will both will be fielding two to three car campaigns in Formula FARA. Their expertise will add a new level of professionalism and competitiveness to the series, which series owner Gustavo Yacaman is excited about:
"Having teams like VRD and Gonella Racing means a lot to the series. VRD competes in five world-renowned racing series, including USF Juniors, USF 2000, USF Pro, GB4, and GB3. Adding Formula FARA to this list inside a powerhouse like VRD makes us feel proud. On the other hand, Ernie Gonella, a key figure in the growth of Juncos Racing, has competed in every North American open-wheel racing series up to the IndyCar level. Having his team in Formula FARA means that someone of his caliber believes in what we are doing."
Formula FARA will also welcome newcomer Kevin Blanco and his team Speed Factory, as well as Mariano Bainotti and his Future Stars Formula. Buell Motorsports and Champagne will return to Formula FARA alongside LC Formula. All these teams participated in the Winter Testing held by Yacademy Winter Series.
The event promises thrilling competition, where drivers will battle for $30,000 while enjoying significant track time. The schedule includes four 30-minute sessions on Friday, one 30-minute session on Saturday, followed by qualifying and Race one. Sunday will feature Race two and Race three, with Race two featuring a 50% inverted grid to ensure an exciting and unpredictable race.
For more information about Formula FARA and how to contact the teams, please reach out to Gustavo Yacaman at gusty@gustavoyacaman.com.
Kai Johnson Joins VRD Racing
for 2025 Formula FARA Season
Kai Johnson Joins VRD Racing for 2025 Formula FARA Season Dawsonville, GA
VRD Racing is excited to announce that rising talent Kai Johnson will join the team for the 2025 Formula FARA season.
With a strong background in karting and a proven ability to compete at the highest levels, Johnson is set to make an impact as he steps into the competitive world of F4 racing.
Johnson has built an impressive resume in karting, securing major victories, including the 2019 PanAmerican micro-ROK Championship, the 2020 ROK, the Rio (Vegas) micro-ROK Championship, and the 2023 ROTAX National Mini Championship.
His ability to perform under pressure has also been evident in standout performances, such as winning the 2023 SKUSA PRO TOUR Orlando, charging from P42 to P3 at SKUSA Homestead, and finishing on the podium in the Rok Mini Superfinal.
Now, he is ready to bring his talents to single-seaters with VRD Racing. "I am very excited to join VRD Racing for the 2025 FARA season," said Kai Johnson. "I love the team’s atmosphere. Let’s chase the championship together this season!"
Kai’s father, Obie Johnson, expressed his confidence in the team: “I am very happy for Kai to join VRD for the FARA F4 race season. With four very successful years working with VRD, we know Dan, Jacob, and the VRD team very well. We believe Kai will be even more successful than his older brother, Nikita.”
VRD Racing's Dan Mitchell welcomed Johnson to the team, recognizing his potential: "Kai has already shown his ability to win at the highest levels of karting, and we are excited to help him take the next step in his career. His determination and racecraft make him a great fit for our program, and we look forward to working with him as we aim for success in our first season competing in the 2025 FARA season."
Mitchell has consistently developed top-tier drivers, preparing them for success in the highest levels of motorsport. With Johnson joining the 2025 Formula FARA squad, the team is poised to continue its strong tradition of excellence. About VRD Racing: VRD Racing, based in Dawsonville, GA, at Atlanta Motorsports Park, is known for its commitment to developing young talent in motorsports.
VRD Racing continues to provide a platform for young drivers to progress through the motorsport ranks, with a proven record of success in the USF Pro Championships and GB3.
Contact: Daniel Mitchell
VRD Racing Email: info@vrd-racing.com
Website: www.vrd-racing.com
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Formula Fara 2024: Gaston Irazu Claims the Championship Title!
Miami, December 10, 2024 — From November 22 to 24, 2024, the final round of the Formula Fara 2024 season took place in a thrilling atmosphere, with a showdown between the two championship contenders: Gaston Irazu and Beckham Jacir. Separated by just 4 points heading into the final round, the two drivers delivered an intense competition full of drama and excitement.
Nine drivers were registered for this finale, which featured three days of thrilling racing on a combined track, featuring both a long NASCAR half oval and a more technical in-course track. This unique layout provided ample opportunities for overtaking, thanks to the drafting effect.
On Saturday, after a day of practice, Alex Popow of International Motorsports claimed pole position, despite his car being repaired following a crash during practice. The Floridian showed remarkable speed and proved to be a serious contender for victory.
On Sunday, the tension was high from the start. The first race saw Gaston Irazu and Beckham Jacir engage in a fierce battle, with some contacts and exciting overtakes.
However, it was Gaston Irazu who crossed the finish line first, securing crucial points for his championship bid.
The second race, held later that afternoon with an inverted grid for the top six, was even tighter. Alex Popow took advantage of the new grid and went on to win race 2.
With a total of 88 points throughout the season, Gaston Irazu dominated the competition and was crowned Formula Fara 2024 champion, ahead of Beckham Jacir (68 points) and Alex Popow (44 points).
Popow, despite missing several rounds, showed great performance throughout the season.
In addition to his title, Gaston Irazu also wins a test day in a 2025 USF Junior car, a key opportunity for his future in racing.
About Fara Formula
Fara Formula is a motorsport series that provides a development platform for young drivers and offers a high-level competitive experience. The 2024 season was marked by thrilling moments and intense competition.
Formula FARA Round 5 took Place this weekend at Iconic Sebring International Racetrack
Sebring, Florida – [Sept 23, 2024]
The fifth round of the Formula FARA series took place this weekend at the legendary Sebring International Raceway, welcoming a new Floridian team, AM Racing, to join four established teams: LC Cars, Champagne Racing, International Motorsports, and Scuderia Buell. A total of 13 drivers participated in the exciting weekend, with several newcomers making their debut behind the wheel.
Among the fresh faces were young karting talents such as Chace Gassiot-Lee from LC Cars, Ty Fisher, and the Argentinian Lazarro Bainotti representing Champagne Racing. The remaining drivers have all participated in one or more previous rounds of the series.
The weekend kicked off with a full day of practice on Friday, providing teams with the opportunity to conduct essential testing and car set-up adjustments. This was particularly crucial for the new drivers to familiarize themselves with the unique characteristics of the Sebring track, known for its long straights, fast corners, and bumpy surface.
On Saturday, two additional practice sessions were held, with Gaston Irazu consistently clocking the fastest times. The highlight of the day came during the 20-minute qualifying session, where Alex PoPow achieved the fastest lap with a time of 2:14.478, closely followed by Teddy Musella at 2:14.668.
On Sunday, the race format consisted of two 30-minute races or 10 laps, whichever came first. The starting grid for Race 1 was determined by the qualifying results, placing Alex PoPow and Teddy Musella on the front row, with Beckham Jacir and Gaston Irazu in the second row. A fierce battle ensued following the green flag, showcasing spectacular racing action on the track. Ultimately, it was the 17 years old driver Alex PoPow who crossed the finish line first, marking his first victory in Formula 4 a! Beckham Jacir claimed the second spot on the podium, followed by Teddy Musella in third. Ty Fisher and JT Hoskins rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth places, respectively.
In the afternoon, Race 2 took place with a slightly different starting format: as is customary in the series, the top 8 from qualifying were inverted for the grid. This added an extra challenge for some drivers and an opportunity for others. Teddy Musella emerged victorious in Race 2, battling closely with Beckham Jacir before securing the win. Jacir finished second, with PoPow taking third. Ty Fisher and Gaston Irazu completed the top five in fourth and fifth places.
This fifth edition of Formula FARA has reshuffled the championship standings! Gaston Irazu remains in the lead, but thanks to his double podium finish this weekend, Beckham Jacir is just 4 points behind the Uruguayan driver. Teddy Musella and Alex PoPow, having not participated in all the FARA rounds, lack the necessary points to contend for the championship. The suspense remains: who will claim the 2024 championship—Gaston Irazu or Beckham Jacir? The outcome will depend on the sixth and final round, set to take place at Miami Homestead from November 22 to 24.
Don’t miss it!
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Formula Fara Announces New Tire Partner in Hankook Motorsports.
Formula Fara welcomes Hankook Motorsports as new tire partner for 2024, 2025, and beyond.
August 6, 2024 – After a thrilling start to the 2024 season, Formula Fara proudly announces Hankook Motorsports as its official tire partner for the remainder of 2024 and beyond. This exciting partnership marks a significant milestone for Formula Fara as it continues to grow and enhance the competitive landscape of motorsports in North America.
A Promising Start to the Season
Formula Fara's debut season has been nothing short of exhilarating, with four successful rounds showcasing the talent and potential of both teams and drivers. Initially powered by Cooper Tires provided by Tire Lord, Formula Fara set an unprecedented standard by offering teams tires at a groundbreaking price of $1,000 per set. This initiative saved competitors around 40% in tire costs, resulting in over $100,000 in savings across the first four races.
"We are incredibly grateful for Tire Lord's support in launching Formula Fara," said Gustavo Yacaman, Series Manager. "Their contribution has been instrumental in our initial success, providing huge cost cuts that helped shape the beginning stages of the championship."
Hankook Motorsports Joins as a Long-Term Partner
As the season progresses, Hankook Motorsports, a long-time partner of the FARA championships, has stepped in to ensure the continued success and growth of Formula Fara. With a robust supply chain and a commitment to excellence, Hankook Motorsports will provide the series with a stable and high-performance tire solution, allowing teams to focus on what they do best—racing.
"We are thrilled to welcome Hankook Motorsports as our sole tire provider," Yacaman added. "Their involvement elevates us to the same level as other national series, making it easier for teams to transition and compete in Formula Fara."
Tire Lord, now a distributor for Hankook Tires within Formula Fara, will continue to support the series at select events where Hankook Motorsports may not be present.
Looking Ahead
The partnership with Hankook Motorsports is not just a strategic alignment but a shared vision for the future of motorsports. With Hankook's reputation for quality and innovation, Formula Fara is poised for an exciting journey ahead, ensuring that tire supply will no longer be a concern for years to come.
Danny Van Dongen, Hankook Motorsports: "We are excited to collaborate with Formula Fara and bring our expertise and advanced tire technology to this dynamic racing series. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting grassroots racing and fostering the next generation of motorsport talent. Together with Formula Fara, we look forward to pushing the boundaries of performance and competition."
Gustavo Yacaman, Series Manager: "I am extremely grateful to everyone at Tire Lord for their support in getting this series started and for their continued support moving forward, not only with Formula Fara but also the Yacademy Winter Series. I also want to thank Danny Van Dongen for stepping up and becoming our sole tire provider for the future."
More news is coming soon, but for additional inquiries and opportunities, please reach out to FF@FARAUSA.com. Also, follow FARA Racing and Yacademy Drive on social media at @fara_Racing and @yacademydrive.
FORMULA FARA ANNOUNCES TIRE LORD AS TITLE PARTNER
Aiming to become the most affordable race program in North America, Formula FARA is proud to announce the title partner for their inaugural campaign, dubbed the Formula FARA presented by Tire Lord.
“We are pleased to welcome Tire Lord to the Formula FARA family,” stated Series Director and Series Owner Gustavo Yacaman.
“Tire Lord will be fully represented in all our series branding as well as be the presenting sponsor of our program. With their support, we have been able to lower the overall cost of tires to help make Formula FARA presented by Tire Lord the most affordable race program throughout North America.”
Each entry in Formula FARA Presented by Tire Lord will be able to purchase an allotted two sets of test tires per event for only $999 PER SET plus tax. Following the initial purchase of two sets, each additional set of tires can be purchased for $1,250 plus tax. Additionally, the team’s first set of rain tires can be purchased at the event for $ 999, after which additional rain tire can be purchased online at for $ 1,250 per set plus applicable taxes at www.TireLord.com
For more information on Formula FARA presented by Tire Lord including; race format, pricing, race dates, and more, please click HERE.
Formula Fara is back in Florida!
Exciting news! We're thrilled to announce that Formula Fara is back! After several years, the Formula Fara series returns to the tracks of Homestead and Sebring in Florida. Find all the details about the series, including dates, race format, regulations, points system, and participation costs, in the "Formula Fara" section or by clicking here.
Building upon a rich two-decade legacy that encompassed both Formula and GT cars, FARA is embarking on a journey back to its origins. The unmistakable allure of open-wheel racing is set to rekindle the thrill in Florida, promising unparalleled competition and unforgettable moments.
With meticulous consideration, Formula FARA has selected the Ligier F4 as the vehicle of choice. This decision ensures that local race teams can offer an unparalleled experience at an affordable price.
This six-event, twelve-race championship welcomes emerging talents fresh from karting and seasoned racers eager to embrace the challenge of open-wheel racing. Whether you’re a rising star or a seasoned veteran, the track beckons with the promise of unmatched excitement. Taking place at two iconic venues – the Homestead Miami Speedway and the illustrious Sebring International Raceway, these premier Florida facilities will host the return of open-wheel racing to Florida.
Formula FARA is poised to create history once again. Will you be a part of this exhilarating journey? Stay tuned for further updates as we gear up for the remarkable return of Formula FARA.