In a last-minute shake-up, Welsh will be taking the wheel of the VMB Driver Development F4 for the Formula Pro USA F4 Championship’s 2025 season, replacing Dane Idelson.
Ridgeley’s prior experience in our F4 car and his strong performance in the VMB Scholarship Shootout made him the clear choice. When Idelson’s unforeseen circumstances and withdrawal occurred, our priority was to uphold the integrity and execution of the 2025 VMB Driver Development program. Ridgeley’s readiness has allowed us to seamlessly fulfill that commitment,” stated Team Principal Telo Stewart.
“I am very grateful to have been chosen as the VMB World Speed scholarship winner,” added Ridgeley. “I am really looking forward to working with the team and learning how they operate. Having excelled in karts for a while, this was the only way I could make the jump to cars. I can’t wait to turn some laps with World Speed in 2025.”
The first two rounds of the Formula Pro USA F4 Championships take place at Sonoma Raceway March 15th and 16th.
About the VMB Driver Development Scholarship: Established over a decade ago, the VMB Scholarships have rapidly propelled karting talents into professional auto racing. VMB alumni have achieved numerous race wins and multiple championships since 2014, and have also secured prestigious awards and further scholarships through their VMB seasons including:
- Invitations to the Mazda Road to 24 Shootout.
- Invitations to the Mazda Road to Indy Shootout
- Invitations to the Team USA Shootout
- Chosen as Team USA Scholarship Finalists
- Invitations to the IMSA Driver For Diversity Scholarship
- Secured the Team USA Scholarship (William Ferguson)
- Secured the IMSA Driver For Diversity Scholarship (Jaden Conwright)
- Secured the IMSA Driver For Diversity Scholarship (Courtney Crone)
- Secured the Project Podium Scholarship (Courtney Crone)
- Secured the Gorsline Company Scholarship For Young Racers (Courtney Crone)
- Secured Wild Card Entry in F1 Academy (Courtney Crone)
- Secured 2025 F1 Academy Season with Haas (Crone)
Ridgeley Welsh, a karting driver with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), began racing at age 10. Despite the challenges of ASD, Ridgeley has turned his focus into a competitive advantage on the track, striving for professional racing success.
Beyond his competitive drive, Ridgeley is known for his excellent sportsmanship. He was recognized by his peers as the Senior 100cc driver with the most sportsmanship.
- 2024 All Star Karting Summer Series Champion – Senior 100cc
- 2024 ROK Sonoma Triple Crown Series Champion – Senior 100cc
- 2024 ROK Sonoma Season Champion – Senior 100cc
- 2024 NorCal Fan Pick – Senior Driver with Most Sportsmanship
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