The roar of open-wheel engines echoed through the hills of Sonoma Raceway this past weekend as the Formula Pro USA Western Championship, presented by Exclusive Racing, kicked off its 2025 season. A strong field of drivers, both seasoned veterans and eager newcomers, took to the challenging circuit on March 15th and 16th, setting the stage for a highly competitive year.
World Speed Motorsports brought three new competitors to the F4 class. Ridgeley Welsh, in his first-ever race weekend, secured a commanding pole position and followed it up with two impressive second-place finishes in both rounds. Yashom Kapoor and Chris DeFreitas, also making their racing debuts, demonstrated remarkable progress throughout the weekend. Kapoor secured a fourth-place finish in Round 1 and climbed to third in Round 2, while DeFreitas earned a third-place finish in Round 1 and a fourth in Round 2.
“All three World Speed F4 drivers were racing in their first ever race weekend, and all improved all weekend and secured solid finishes,” noted Team Principal Telo Stewart. “It’s going to be a great and competitive season.”
In the F3 category, veteran driver Larry Schnur delivered consistent performances, securing third-place finishes in both rounds, demonstrating his experience and skill in a highly competitive field.
Formula Pro USA’s BD Morgan expressed enthusiasm for the season opener, stating, “A great turnout and an excellent start to our 2025 season. We welcomed both new and returning drivers and teams to Sonoma Raceway this past weekend and had a great show. Congrats to our winners and to every competitor. Thank you for your support!”
The strong showing of rookie drivers in the F4 class was a highlight of the weekend, signaling the potential for a dynamic and unpredictable season. The drivers’ rapid adaptation to the high-pressure environment of competitive racing underscored the quality of talent within the Formula Pro USA series.
“While our first event is now in the rearview mirror, the second event weekend is just a few weeks away,” Morgan added. “We look forward to some more wheel-to-wheel racing in April at Thunderhill Raceway Park.”
The series now shifts its focus to Thunderhill Raceway, where the next round of competition will take place on April 5th and 6th. Drivers and teams will have a short window to analyze their Sonoma performances and prepare for the challenges of the Thunderhill circuit.
Round 1 Results (World Speed Motorsports):
- F3: Larry Schnur – 3rd
- F4: Ridgeley Welsh – 2nd (Pole Position)
- F4: Chris DeFreitas – 3rd
- F4: Yashom Kapoor – 4th
Round 2 Results (World Speed Motorsports):
- F3: Larry Schnur – 3rd
- F4: Ridgeley Welsh – 2nd
- F4: Yashom Kapoor – 3rd
- F4: Chris DeFreitas – 4th
The 2025 Formula Pro USA Western Championship promises to deliver thrilling racing action, with a blend of experienced drivers and rising stars vying for victory. The upcoming event at Thunderhill Raceway is eagerly anticipated, as the championship battle begins to take shape.
More information: www.FormulaProUSA.com