We already reviewed the entire IndyCar grid, but that isn't the only series that has been off for the better part of the last month and a half.
The Road to Indy series also concluded in the final days of summer and have been silent since. A fair number of drivers left a mark on the 2023 season and are going to be moving up to tougher series in 2024. A few other drivers did not make a positive impression and will be scrapping to keep a dream alive.
This is our chance to go over the three Road to Indy series and look at each driver, comparing how they did to preseason expectation while also assessing where they are looking to 2024. We know what a number of drivers will be doing, and the Chris Griffis Memorial Test was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course last weekend, giving us another glimpse of what the future could look like.
Indy Lights
Christian Rasmussen: #6 Valeo/Archer Law Firm Dallara (1st, 539 points)
What did I write before the season: Sixth in the championship was a little harsh for Rasmussen considering he probably should have won the season opener in 2022 only to run out of fuel. He got in a few accidents. He was third in the January Homestead test, but 11th in the test earlier this week. At his best, Rasmussen could push for the championship, but he has to minimize those mistakes. Anything less than the top HMD driver will not be acceptable.
How wrong was it: Rasmussen was not only the best HMD Motorsports driver, he was the best Indy Lights driver, taking the championship with four victories, seven podium finishes and ten top five finishes.
What should he do in 2024: IndyCar. Rasmussen is ready. He was the one driver that avoided constantly making mistakes this season. He is ready for the move up, and in a full-time season.
Hunter McElrea: #27 Smart Motors Dallara (2nd, 474 points)
What did I write before the season: McElrea is one of the early championship favorites. He was in the top five of both Homestead tests in January and earlier this week. He came to grips with the car and improved as 2022 went on. He should be starting 2023 vastly more comfortable than much of the competition. McElrea should win more races. He should at least improve on fourth in the championship. This isn't title or bust, but if he is fourth again it will be a disappointment.
How wrong was it: The season didn't start great for McElrea, but he found his form late in the year and, on a run of five podium finishes in the final six races, he ended up comfortably second in the championship. McElrea matched Rasmussen with ten top five finishes.
What should he do in 2024: McElrea has already announced a return to Indy Lights for next year. That is a smart choice. He had consistency at a level that almost matched Rasmussen, but McElrea needs to develop his pace.
Nolan Siegel: #39 Menlo Ventures Dallara (3rd, 415 points)
What did I write before the season: Testing sent mixed messages. Siegel was sixth in the January Homestead test, but 18th earlier this week and slower than he ran in January. This is where being one of nine HMD-associated drivers is a bad thing. He should pull out some good races but other times he might be the bottom of the barrel.
How wrong was it: For the first half of the season, Siegel was the top HMD driver and he led the championship. However, a rough middle of the season caused him to lose ground, but he held on for third in the championship.
What should he do in 2024: Siegel will be back in Indy Lights, and that is wise decision. He did better than expected, but he stumbled midseason. Another season should allow Siegel to settle himself and become a more composed driver.
Louis Foster: #26 Copart/USF Pro Championship Scholarship Dallara (4th, 410 points)
What did I write before the season: Foster drove a smart 2022 season in Indy Pro 2000. He grew into the season and became the man to beat. He could do the same this season. If he keeps up the consistency, he could make a run for the championship, but this grid is tougher than last season, and he has a teammate who will not be a push over. Foster should win a few races and be competing for the top five in the championship.
How wrong was it: Foster won two races and ended up fourth in the championship. Foster was arguably his own worst enemy with a number of accidents that cost him great finishes as he ended up with five finishes outside the top ten.
What should he do in 2024: Another 2024 Indy Lights returnee, Foster had great flashes of pace, but tripped up too often. He is probably the next driver ready for IndyCar in this series, but he has a few things to work on and he will get that chance.
Jacob Abel: #51 Abel Construction Dallara (5th, 397 point)
What did I write before the season: Performing slightly better than expected, Abel lifted expectations for himself. However, this grid has gotten tougher than 2022. Abel does have the advantage of time with this car and he knows the circuits. If he was eighth in the championship again that would be a respectable achievement.
How wrong was it: Abel did better than eighth in the championship, cracking the top five and he had eight top five finishes with 11 top ten finishes.
What should he do in 2024: It has not been confirmed if Abel will return to Indy Lights for 2024, but he should. He did exceptionally well in 2023. Another year should allow him to develop and he should be in line for a victory or two if he returns.
Danial Frost: #68 DenJet Dallara (6th, 361 points)
What did I write before the season: Last season was a plateau for Frost. He won but he didn't make any gains. With the grid getting tougher in Indy Lights, I don't see Frost exceeding seventh. It would be something if he got back to seventh. He could still be in the top ten of the championship, but he could be lost in the clutter of HMD drivers.
How wrong was it: Frost did better than seventh, ending up sixth with victory in the season opener at St. Petersburg as the highlight of his season. He did have only three total podium finishes and five top five finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Frost's name has been floating out there for an IndyCar seat. He has three seasons in Indy Lights and he has finished fifth, seventh and sixth in the championship. I don't think he is going to be a sensation in IndyCar. Worse drivers have moved up to IndyCar. A fourth year in Indy Lights likely will not tell us anything that we do not already know about Frost.
James Roe, Jr.: #29 Topcon Dallara (7th, 335 points)
What did I write before the season: Roe never really showed any great pace last year. In testing, he was third at Homestead earlier this week, but last month he was 15th out of 18 cars. I am not sure what Roe we will see. He is in a good team, but he is arguably the team's fourth best driver. Andretti Autosport alone should bump up his results, but I expect him to be all over the board and in some fight just to make the top ten.
How wrong was it: Roe, Jr. was a surprise, ending up seventh in the championship with is best finish being second. Roe, Jr. had four top five finishes and ten top ten finishes after having four top ten finishes with his best restful being seventh in 11 starts last year.
What should he do in 2024: Roe, Jr. will be back with Andretti Autosport in 2024. It is the right decision. He grew a lot from 2022 to 2023, but he is not ready for IndyCar yet.
Reece Gold: #75 Ticket Clinic Dallara/#10 Ticket Clinic Dallara (8th, 334 points)
What did I write before the season: Gold had fantastic testing results, second at Homestead in January and then fourth earlier this weekend. He was quite consistent over his two seasons in Indy Pro 2000. If he repeats that form, he could challenge for the top five in the championship. If he can pull out a few victories, it could be enough to win the championship.
How wrong was it: Gold did win a race, but he was not a frequent top five finisher, only having four top five results while having six finishes outside the top ten.
What should he do in 2024: Already confirmed for a 2024 seat with HMD, Gold is making the right choice staying in Indy Lights.
Ernie Francis, Jr.: #99 James Schnabel Dallara (9th, 300 points)
What did I write before the season: With the grid getting deeper, I doubt Francis, Jr. will get back into the top ten of the championship. He is still relatively new to single-seater racing. This is year two in Indy Lights. There should be some improvement and he should be more competitive, but the competition has only increased. Improvement does not mean he will see better results.
How wrong was it: Francis, Jr. was one position better and one point better in the championship than his 2022 season, but Francis, Jr. did miss a race due to a wrist injury. He had a podium finish in Detroit with nine top ten finishes in 13 starts, but outside of that third in Detroit, his best finish was sixth.
What should he do in 2024: With Myles Rowe confirmed for the #99 Force Indy seat in 2024, Francis, Jr.'s future is questionable. A third year would be a good thing and I think Francis, Jr. could take another step. It feels like he could be shuffled out. If it isn't Indy Lights, I would love to see Francis, Jr. get an IMSA GTD opportunity. NASCAR's second division would be another good landing spot for him.
Kyffin Simpson: #21 Ridgeline/American Legion Dallara (10th, 283 points)
What did I write before the season: Simpson was eighth and seventh in the January Homestead and last week's Homestead test respectively. Last year was underwhelming, and considering his best results were with TJ Speed, it makes 2022 look worse. I don't see a championship driver, at least not in 2023. I am not sure he can win a race. If 2023 is identical to 2022, no one should be surprised.
How wrong was it: Simpson went from ninth in the Indy Lights championship on 312 points in 2022 to tenth on 283 points in 2023. He did miss a race while scoring his first two podium finishes, his first career pole position and he doubled his number of top five finishes with four this season.
What should he do in 2024: We know Simpson will be moving up to IndyCar next year in a fifth Chip Ganassi Racing seat. It is too much too soon. Simpson should spend another year in Indy Lights. I don't think a 19-year-old that was ninth and tenth in two Indy Lights seasons with a grid that never broke 20 cars is ready for IndyCar.
Christian Bogle: #7 Pelican Energy Consultants Dallara (11th, 266 points)
What did I write before the season: This will be Bogle's third season in Indy Lights. In two U.S. F2000 seasons, he never finished better than sixth. He was 11th in the Indy Lights championship in each of his first two seasons. He doesn't really match well to the rest of this grid. He will be at the back, likely worse than 11th in the championship.
How wrong was it: Bogle was 11th in the championship. He matched his career best finish with a fourth at Portland, but he had only three top ten finishes, down from eight in 2022.
What should he do in 2024: Bogle will be back for another Indy Lights season. Perhaps fourth time is the charm.
Jamie Chadwick: #28 DHL Dallara (12th, 262 points)
What did I write before the season: This will be a challenging season for Chadwick. Her Homestead testing results had her 15th in January and 13th earlier this week. She did have some good tests at Sebring. This is a tougher car to drive than what she has been in the last few years. She should improve as the season goes on, but top ten in the championship would be a brilliant season.
How wrong was it: Chadwick was 21 points outside the top ten of the championship. The average finish in her first seven races was 13th with her best result being tenth. Her average finish in the final seven races was 10.428 with four top ten finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Chadwick has confirmed she will be continuing with Andretti Autosport in 2024. That is the right decision.
Jagger Jones: #98 TotalSim US/SimCrat/APEX Motor Club/Cape Brothers Speed Shop Dallara (13th, 241 points)
What did I write before the season: Jones is taking the big leap from U.S. F2000 to Indy Lights. The only other notable driver to do that was RC Enerson, and Enerson did quite well in Indy Lights. I don't think Jones is going to be competing at the front immediately. He should at least be a midfield driver and improve over the course of the season. This should at least be a two-year program.
How wrong was it: Jones was second in his fourth career start in Detroit, but it was his only top five finish this season and his next best result was eighth in the penultimate race of the season in Laguna Seca.
What should he do in 2024: We don't know what Jones' plans are for 2024, but as I said before the 2023 season began, this should at least be a two-year program..
Rasmus Lindh: #10 GarageXYZ Dallara/#76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Dallara (14th, 210 points)
What did I write before the season: At the end of 2019, Lindh looked poised to be in IndyCar in no-time. He was set with an Indy Lights ride for 2020, but then that season was cancelled due to the pandemic, and Lindh's career was re-routed. He has done well in LMP3 competition. He was in the top ten of both Homestead tests. This season is considerably more difficult than the Indy Lights season Lindh was set for in 2020. He could sneak into the top five of the championship and find a way to win a race or two.
How wrong was it: Lindh changed teams after the opening round, leaving HMD Motorsports for JHR though he missed the Barber race. He was on the podium at Iowa and he had five top ten finishes in ten starts. His average points per start would have placed him tenth in the championship.
What should he do in 2024: Sadly, Lindh looks like he is going to be one of these drivers who has a career lost in the junior formula series. I think he could win Indy Lights races. He just hasn't been able to find solid footing. The good news is we know he is good in sports cars. He could turn heads in an LMP2 seat and turn it into more.
Josh Pierson: #14 Open Context Dallara (15th, 173 points)
What did I write before the season: We aren't quite sure how many races Pierson will do, as he will still have WEC and other sports car racing responsibilities. Pierson did two seasons in U.S. F2000 and was fourth in the 2021 championship. This is a change from an LMP2 car. He is an Ed Carpenter Racing development driver. The results don't carry that much weight. He is only 17 years old. When he commits to a full Indy Lights season then the results will matter.
How wrong was it: Pierson ran nine of 14 races, missing the rest due to sports car commitments. He had five top ten finishes and his average points per start would have placed him 11th.
What should he do in 2024: Pierson has confirmed he will be full-time in Indy Lights next year.
Matthew Brabham: #75/#76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Dallara (16th, 159 points)
What did I write before the season: NOTHING! Because Brabham was not on the grid at the start of the season, and he was a midseason replacement at Juncos Hollinger Racing, while also running at Nashville for Cape Motorsports.
How wrong was it: We had no clue Brabham would run this year, but in his six starts, he had three top five finishes and five top ten finishes. His average points per start would have yielded 371 points over 14 races, good enough for fifth in this year's championship.
What should he do in 2024: Of all the drivers we see getting IndyCar opportunities, I wish Brabham would get that one IndyCar shot, a full season at Dale Coyne Racing or even Juncos Hollinger Racing, to show what he can do. We know he is good at Indy Lights. He should at least get a full-time taste of IndyCar. Perhaps he can turn it into something greater. Maybe he doesn't, but he is good enough for the shot.
Colin Kaminsky: #57 Slick Locks Dallara (17th, 159 points)
What did I write before the season: Kaminsky will be toward the back of the field, but not without some good efforts. He just needs time to develop. The results should not stop him from getting a second season in 2024. A second season would got a long way.
How wrong was it: Kaminsky ran the first six races plus two more. He had three top ten finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Another year in Indy Lights would be welcomed.
Enaam Ahmed: #47 Cape Motorsports Dallara (18th, 150 points)
What did I write before the season: Ahmed was a late addition to the Indy Lights grid, but he was fastest in the January Homestead test and he was fifth at Homestead earlier this week. Ahmed's best quality is he can bring the car home and not tear up equipment, but he was missing that last bit of magic to win races and be a force. He should at least continue his good form. If he is at the front, he will have a shot at victories, but he needs to find that extra boost if he wants to be a contender for more.
How wrong was it: Ahmed showed good pace and had four top ten finishes from the first five races, including a pair of top five results. However, his season ended after the Mid-Ohio round. His average points per start would have earned him 300 points over a full 14-race season.
What should he do in 2024: Ahmed spent the last three seasons in the Road to Indy. I think he could look to sports cars and find a good seat.
Matteo Nannini: #76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Dallara (19th, 146 points)
What did I write before the season: Nannini surprisingly topped the Homestead test at the start of the week. In January, he was fourth in the Homestead test. He could be ready for a breakout season, but all the circuits will be new. He improved on his second visit to Homestead, but the only track he will visit twice is the IMS road course. A few race victories and a championship challenge is not out of the question, but there will be a few weekends where Nannini is behind the eight-ball and fighting from behind.
How wrong was it: Nannini did win a race but it was an outlier as he finished outside the top ten in his over six starts this season.
What should he do in 2024: There aren't any clear options after Nannini left midseason. I don't think he is in line for a return to the European junior series. There are plenty of sports car seats open.
Josh Green: #3 Zimperium Dallara (20th, 119 points)
What did I write before the season: There are nine HMD drivers this season. Green was good in the January Homestead test ending up ninth, but he was slowest in the Homestead test earlier this week. Green will be fighting to crack the top ten in the championship.
How wrong was it: Green was in the top ten of the first three races but finished 14th or worse in the next three and then he stepped out of the car after the Road America round.
What should he do in 2024: Green showed good pace in the Road to Indy. A full season in Indy Lights is warranted.
The Rest of the Field
Victor Franzoni returned to Indy Lights competition for the first time since 2018, running five races for Juncos Hollinger Racing after a seat opened up.
Yuven Sundaramoorthy made four starts with Abel Motorsports as he prepared for a 2024 program.
Toby Sowery ran three races in place for Pierson and he was third at Barber.
Francesco Pizzi did four races with Abel Motorsports.
Kiko Porto ran three races with Cape Motorsports.
Who should we have seen more of?
It would have been nice to see Rasmus Lindh and Enaam Ahmed each get a full season and see if they could have won a race, especially since seven drivers won this season.
Considering Matt Brabham's five top ten finishes and his pace as a midseason replacement, he would have made the grid more competitive.
USF Pro 2000
Myles Rowe: #99 Penske Entertainment Tatuus (1st, 391 points)
What did I write before the season: Rowe topped the USF Pro 2000 test held at Sebring earlier this week. Rowe had a big breakthrough last season, and it was crushing he didn't win the U.S. F2000 championship, where he was arguably the best driver in 2022. Accidents cost Rowe the title, and he has a way of getting into them while in strong positions. If he cleans it up, he could easily be USF Pro 2000 champion. Rowe should be competitive and win a few races, but I think there will still be a handful of results where he throws it away and it makes his season more difficult.
How wrong was it: There were a few races where Rowe gave up promising finishes, but he still won five races and he was on the podium nine times, half the races. He was clearly the best driver in USF Pro 2000 and deserved the championship.
What should he do in 2024: Already confirmed for Indy Lights, Rowe will drive the Force Indy seat with HMD Motorsports. He is more than ready for Indy Lights. IndyCar is truly possible and could be just 18 months away.
Kiko Porto: #12 Banco Daycoval/Petromega Tatuus (2nd, 327 points)
What did I write before the season: Porto had a tough first season in USF Pro 2000, but he should move forward in 2023. This championship has regenerated talent. A lot of good drivers left for Indy Lights, but the talent that has entered is equally as good. I don't think Porto is going to have his way, but he should still be competing for top five in the championship. A title isn't out of the question either.
How wrong was it: Porto was second in the championship, but a slow start set him back. Two victories and eight podium finishes were not enough to overcome a rough patch in spring and overcome Rowe.
What should he do in 2024: The end of last season would suggest he is ready for Indy Lights. He is, and Porto should move up.
Salvador de Alba: #91 Archandel/Red Cola/Z Motors Tatuus (3rd, 291 points)
What did I write before the season: De Alba was the overachiever of the 2022 season. I think he can win a race or two, but end up around where he was last season. It is going to be tough to crack the top five in the championship, and it just feels like the depth will keep him from being a title fighter. He should be the top Exclusive driver in the championship.
How wrong was it: De Alba was 100 points off the championship, but he was the top Exclusive Autosport driver and he was third in the championship, but he was not mingling with Rowe for the title.
What should he do in 2024: De Alba has done enough to move to Indy Lights.
Michael d'Orlando: #1 Focused Project Management Tatuus (4th, 288 points)
What did I write before the season: D'Orlando won the U.S. F2000 championship by not making mistakes. He didn't have many accidents and could bring a car home in the top five. He was in the top five of the U.S. F2000 championship in three consecutive seasons. Each of those three seasons basically look the same. Regular top five finisher, and that will get you victories and podium finishes. I almost expect to see the same in this series and at worst he will be fifth in the championship, at best he has another title and will be onto Indy Lights.
How wrong was it: D'Orlando was fourth in the championship but he was checkers or wreckers. He had eight finishes outside the top ten, but he did win four times and started on pole position six times. The accident were a shocker, and it nearly cost him his ride as funding got tight.
What should he do in 2024: This season feels like an aberration. I don't think d'Orlando will tear up this much equipment again. The accidents aside, he is ready for Indy Lights.
Francesco Pizzi: #55 Villa Mercede/Shaka Spirit/Roscioli Hotels Tatuus (5th, 259 points)
What did I write before the season: Like [Lirim] Zendeli, Pizzi is coming from Europe, and he had a good start in Formula 4, but his Formula Regional European and Formula Three results are not anything to brag about. However, Pizzi was eighth in testing, right on Zendeli's heels. I feel less confident in Pizzi's success than Zendeli's. This season could see Pizzi be a stunning champion or he has a few brilliant results and then about nine races full of mistakes that knock him down the championship.
How wrong was it: Pizzi did a really good job with five top five finishes and 15 top ten finishes, but he was never the man to beat in any race.
What should he do in 2024: Pizzi has done enough to move up to Indy Lights. The cameo appearances suggest what his attentions are for 2024, but he did run a USF Pro 2000 car at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test.
Lirim Zendeli: #10 Vexavit/Ajdini Spedition Tatuus (6th, 258 points)
What did I write before the season: TJ Speed is bringing over a few European drivers and Zendeli was seventh in the Sebring test. We haven't seen many drivers with Formula Two experience come to USF Pro 2000. Zendeli is a championship sleeper. Every track will be new, but he should have no issues with the car. It will not be surprising if he wins races this season.
How wrong was it: Zendeli and Pizzi were near identical. Zendeli did not run the Indianapolis Raceway Park event, and that is the only reason why Zendeli wasn't fifth in the championship. He did win at Road America with four podium finishes and eight top five finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Like Pizzi, Zendeli is suited for a move up to Indy Lights.
Jace Denmark: #20 Metal Works Custom Fabrication Tatuus (7th, 252 points)
What did I write before the season: Denmark was a quiet championship contender in U.S. F2000 last year. I almost expect the same thing to happen in USF Pro 2000 this year. He will have some strong days, but we will not see him dominate and win four or five consecutive races. He will build his season with top five runs and podium finishes while minimizing poor days.
How wrong was it: The season started well for Denmark with three consecutive top five finishes, but he had a few rough patches. He had eight top five finishes and 13 top ten finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Denmark should return to USF Pro 2000 where he would be the early favorite for the championship.
Jonathan Browne: #2 Human Centred Movement/CRPS Awareness Tatuus (8th, 230 points)
What did I write before the season: Testing didn't look much different from 2022. Browne could find his way into the top five more, but could still be just outside the top ten in the championship.
How wrong was it: Browne was inside the top ten in the championship, 51 points to the good of being inside the top ten in the championship, and he had five top five finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Stay in USF Pro 2000 and build on this season.
Jack William Miller: #40 Patterson Dental/Blue Marble Productions Tatuus (9th, 212 points)
What did I write before the season: With the talent that has entered this series, Miller should take a step back. Expect fewer podium finishes, fewer top five finishes and Miller sliding back in the championship.
How wrong was it: Miller remained ninth in the championship for a second consecutive season, he had two podium finishes for the second consecutive season, but he only had three top five finishes compared to six in 2022.
What should he do in 2024: Miller is moving up to Indy Lights from the sounds of it with the family team. It is a risk, but he doesn't have much more he can do in USF Pro 2000.
Joel Granfors: #92 Corpay Cross-Border Tatuus (10th, 206 points)
What did I write before the season: This is a big jump for Granfors. The GB3 Championship is effective a suped-up Formula 4 car. These will be new circuits. He should be outside the top ten in the championship.
How wrong was it: Granfors was tenth in the championship despite missing the final five races. He won on the IMS road course and he had three podium finishes. His 206 points from 13 starts had him on pace to finish fifth in the championship.
What should he do in 2024: It would be nice to see Granfors get the funding for a full-time USF Pro 2000 season. A second season could end in a championship.
The Rest of the Field
Jordan Missig ran all 18 races, had two podium finishes, and was 11th.
Bijoy Garg was 12th on 154 points, a point ahead of Ricardo Escotto, who won in a mixed conditions race in May at the IMS road course.
Reece Ushijima had a good start to the season, but he did not return after Mid-Ohio despite being on pace for a top ten championship finish.
Yuven Sundaramoorthy had 121 points in 13 starts before turning his focus to Indy Lights. Christian Weir had 119 points in 13 races.
Nikita Johnson ran the final two rounds after the U.S. F2000 season and he won twice, finished second, third and 14th in those five starts. His 118 points put him 17th in the championship after running only five races. His average points per start would have him score about 425 points over an 18-race season.
Lindsay Brewer sacred 108 points in 18 races with her best finish being 11th.
Who should we have seen more of?
For the second consecutive year, Christian Brooks' season effectively ended after St. Petersburg. At least Brooks got to run this year and he won the first St. Petersburg race and finished sixth in the next one. He did comeback to run Toronto, where he finished eighth and fourth. It was only four races, but his average points per start would have yielded 355.5 points over 18 races.
U.S. F2000
Simon Sikes: #22 Group6Gear Tatuus (1st, 447 points)
What did I write before the season: Sikes has had three partial seasons in U.S. F2000 and he has shown promise. Sikes topped the Sebring test. He has also won multiple SCCA national championships. If he competes full-time, he could compete for the championship, but history tells us he will not run a full season.
How wrong was it: Sikes competed for the championship and won the championship as he was able to put together a full season. Sikes won six races and stood on the podium 14 times.
What should he do in 2024: The obvious step up to USF Pro 2000, but Sikes could probably make the leap to Indy Lights and be fine.
Nikita Johnson: #17 Allen Exploration, LCC/Walker's Cay Tatuus (2nd, 344 points)
What did I write before the season: Johnson showed a few sparkling moments in his partial season in 2022. He could piece together a strong season and find himself pushing for top five in the championship.
How wrong was it: Johnson was quietly in the background for most of this season, and his consistency earned him second in the championship. He only won once, the second race of the season at St. Petersburg, but he had eight podium finishes and he had 13 top five finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Obviously, USF Pro 2000 as he has already dabbled in it and won races. He and Sikes could be shaping up for a titanic battle in USF Pro 2000 next year.
Lochie Hughes: #8 JHDD/CSU One Cure/Lucas Oil Products/LHP Tatuus (3rd, 335 points)
What did I write before the season: Hughes should be competitive. He should be pushing for race victories and podium finishes. If he does that, he will be in the championship conversation.
How wrong was it: Hughes did win race, four of them to be specific. He had eight podium finishes and 11 top five finishes. Hughes and Sikes were going toe-to-toe for the championship before the two had contact at Mid-Ohio. That shook up Hughes season and he struggled after Mid-Ohio, falling behind Johnson in the final championship finish.
What should he do in 2024: Hughes should move up to USF Pro 2000 with Sikes and Johnson.
Evagoras Papasavvas: #6 BodyWise/Tiger Natural Gas/Ares Elite Tatuus (4th, 323 points)
What did I write before the season: Last year was Papasavvas' first in car racing. It was a good start. Results should get better. He should at least get a few top ten finishes and perhaps a few top five results.
How wrong was it: Papasavvas had six podium finishes, including a victory at Mid-Ohio. He had nine top five finishes and 16 top ten results in 18 races.
What should he do in 2024: Papasavvas will only turn 16 years old this Christmas Day. There is no rush. Another season in U.S. F2000 is where he should be.
Mac Clark: #1 Clubine Motorsports/Valkyrie Al Tatuus (5th, 318 points)
What did I write before the season: Clark is exciting, and he could be set for a massive season. Clark was third in the Sebring test. No one would be surprised if he won the championship. He won immediately last year driving in a cameo role. He is more than ready for this step. He should be one of the best this season.
How wrong was it: Clark had a few growing pains, but he still won twice with six podium finishes and ten top ten finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Like Johnson, Clark made a few starts in USF Pro 2000. He was second and third in the Austin races. He is ready for the next level.
Jacob Douglas: #90 JDM Properties Tatuus (6th, 249 points)
What did I write before the season: Douglas should make an improvement in year two. Championship top ten should be his goal and he should be aiming to push for the top five.
How wrong was it: Douglas pushed for top five in the championship and ended up on high note with two victories and a runner-up finish in the Portland triple-header. He had only two other podium finishes prior to the Portland weekend. He did skip the IRP round.
What should he do in 2024: At 18 years old and turning 19 in the middle of next season, he should move up to USF Pro 2000, but one more year in U.S. F2000 would not be a bad thing.
Sam Corry: #14 Red Line Oil/Fill-Rite/Stilo Helmets Tatuus (7th, 222 points)
What did I write before the season: Corry was in Mac Clark's shadow last season in USF Juniors. He is 15 years old and he should be using this season as a building block. Another year in U.S. F2000 would not be a bad thing in 2024.
How wrong was it: Corry took a slightly surprising victory on the IMS road course as he had three podium finishes and six top five finishes. There were a few learning moments as he did have eight finishes outside the top ten, five of which were outside the top fifteen.
What should he do in 2024: Stay in U.S. F2000.
Jorge Garciarce: #10 Sidral Aga/Red Cola/Skarch Tatuus (8th, 212 points)
What did I write before the season: Results improved over the course of 2022. I think he will make a step forward and at least be in the top ten of the championship.
How wrong was it: Garciarce went from five top ten finishes in 2022 to 12 top ten finishes in 2023 with three top five finishes.
What should he do in 2024: Garciarace turns 19 years old this December. In terms of age, one more year in U.S. F2000 is the limit. You cannot stay stuck in the bottom of the ladder for long. A move to USF Pro 2000 could make sense but he would likely have to spend two seasons there.
Max Garcia: #24 Pabst Racing Tatuus (9th, 207 points)
What did I write before the season: NOTHING! Because Garcia was not entered for the season opener because he was still under the 14-year age limit. He competed in every round after his 14th birthday on March 17, 2023.
How wrong was it: This was Garcia's first season in car racing, moving up from karting. He had two podium finishes, including a runner-up in Toronto. He had five top five finishes and ten top ten finishes in 16 starts. These are really good results for a 14-year-old.
What should he do in 2024: Garcia is staying in U.S. F2000. He will only be 15 years old. It is easy to get hyped and think he could win the championship. He should excite us, and we should see some improvement.
Chase Gardner: #95 Mindshift Financial Tatuus (10th, 193 points)
What did I write before the season: Though he ran at IMS last year, Gardner still does not have that much car racing under his belt. There will be some growing pains in 2023, but he could have a few impressive drives.
How wrong was it: Gardner did have four tp five finishes and ten top ten finishes in 15 starts.
What should he do in 2024: A full season in U.S. F2000.
The Rest of the Field
Al Morey and Elliot Cox were 11th and 12th in the championship on 172 points and 145 points respectively. Morey's best finish was seventh. Cox had two top five finishes but 11 finishes outside the top ten.
Nico Christodoulou wa fifth and first in the Toronto round, the Canadian's debut weekend as he was also competing in the GB3 Championship in the United Kingdom.
Who should we have seen more of?
It is tough to say, but Christodoulou made a notable first impression. There really wasn't another driver that only competed part-time that caught your attention, nor was there a driver who had a season cut short and left you wishing for more.
Chris Griffis Memorial Test
The three-day test took place from October 20-22 with Indy Lights only running on Friday October 20 while the bottom two series ran over October 21 and 22.
Indy Lights
Louis Foster led the session with a lap at 74.8432 seconds, just under a tenth quicker than Jacob Abel. Myles Rowe's first session in an Indy Lights car had him just over a tenth off Foster in third. Siegel rounded out the top four, the final driver in the 74-second bracket at 74.9918 seconds.
Caio Collet ran for HMD Motorsports and he was fifth. Collet spent the previous three years competing in FIA Formula Three. He won the sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps this year as he had four total podium finishes before finishing ninth in the championship.
Reece Gold was in sixth ahead of Christian Bogle. Kaylen Frederick returned to the United States and was eighth in the test driving for HMD. Frederick spent two seasons in U.S. F2000 in 2017 and 2018 before he went to Europe. Frederick was the 2020 BRDC British Formula Three champion. He spent the last three seasons in FIA Formula Three. He only scored 11 points in the 2023 season.
Michael d'Orlando was ninth for HMD while Bryce Aron rounded out the top ten driving for Andretti Autosport. Aron was 0.53 seconds off his teammate Foster's time. Aron is confirmed for the 2024 season with Andretti. Aron was fourth in the Euroformula Open Championship this season. He spent the previous two seasons in the GB3 Championship. Jamie Chadwick was just under a tenth off Aron's time.
Yuven Sundaramoorthy and James Roe, Jr. were 12th and 13th. Callum Hedge was 14th driving for Cape Motorsports. Hedge leads the Formula Regional Americas championship with a round to go, and he was second in the Formula Regional Oceania championship earlier this year behind Charlie Wurz and ahead of Jacob Abel.
Josh Pierson, Jack William Miller, Jonathan Browne and Jace Denmark were the next four drivers. Antonio Serravalle returned to Indy Lights competition to test with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Niels Koolen ran with HMD after failing to score a point in 18 Formula Regional European starts and he was 1.71 seconds off Foster. Lindsay Brewer was the slowest at the test with her best lap being 78.6942 seconds.
USF Pro 2000
Simon Sikes led the test at 81.8032 seconds, 0.0833 seconds faster than Francesco Pizzi with Lochie Hughes in third only 0.0977 seconds off.
Braden Eves was fourth, 0.1763 slower than Sikes. Eves did not compete in 2023. He won the 2019 U.S. F2000 championship and was second in the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 championship. Christian Brooks rounded out the top five, just over two-tenths slower than Sikes.
Ricardo Escotto was over three-tenths behind Sikes in sixth with Danny Dyszelski in seventh. Mac Clark was 0.358 seconds off in eighth. Jacob Douglas was ninth while Douglas' fellow New Zealander Liam Sceats rounded out the top ten at 82.3888 seconds. Sceats was fourth in the Formula Regional Oceania championship this year and he is second in the Formula Regional Japanese championship.
U.S. F2000
The 2023 Lucas Oil Formula Car Champion Hudson Schwartz topped the test with a lap at 85.8372 seconds, 0.1719 seconds quicker than Max Garcia. Schwartz was also eighth in the USF Juniors championship this season.
Joey Brienza was third in the test with a lap at 86.0439 seconds with Sam Corry in fourth at 86.1269 seconds. Max Taylor rounded out the top five with a lap at 86.1904 seconds. Brienza and Taylor were fifth and sixth respectively in USF Juniors this year.
Jason Pribyl was sixth at the test at 86.2132 seconds, ahead of Elliot Cox and Evagoras Papasavvas. Pribyl has competed in SCCA Spec Racer Ford 3 class. Michael Costello, who is currently second in the Formula 4 United States Championship, was ninth in the test at 86.4891 seconds. The 2023 USF Juniors champion Nicholas Giaffone rounded out the top ten at 86.5831 seconds. Giaffone is the son of past IndyCar driver Felipe Giaffone.
