Nikita Johnson will finally make his GB3 race debut this weekend (1-2 June) after turning 16 last Saturday.
The young American, one of the most exciting single-seater prospects to emerge from across the Atlantic in recent years, currently leads the Indy Pro 2000 series standings, and was the YACademy Winter Series champion in 2022, having taken race victories in USF Juniors and USF2000 in prior seasons.
Now though, his first race in Europe beckons, and he’s already shown he could be a strong GB3 contender having finished third in the Media Day test at Donington Park in March, and was second quickest at Silverstone ahead of the previous round.
“I’ve practiced with the other GB3 drivers this year, but wasn’t able to race, so I am very much looking forward to my debut at Spa” he says.
“I was second fastest in both of the Friday practices at Silverstone, and the VRD Racing by Arden team and I will give it our best effort.”
Despite a lack of GB3 race experience compared to the rest of the grid, Johnson is hoping to mix it at the sharp end of the grid, and already has experience of Spa’s traditional quirks.
“I tested once before at Spa, but the weather was ever changing. So it’s impossible to dial in during a single test, but I really liked Spa and it’s probably my favourite track in Europe.
“But, I like being on the limit at Donington Park. Silverstone and Red Bull are a toss up for third, though we don’t race at the Ring in 2024!”
The Floridian has already raced nine times in the Indy Pro 2000 category this year, and will continue to race in the series alongside his GB3 programme for the rest of the year.
“It’s a challenge in two ways” he reckons. “First, we travel across the Atlantic almost every week and my body needs to adjust to the six-hour difference and also the different diet.
“Secondly, while similar, the Indy Pro 2000 and GB3 cars are different as are the Continental and Pirelli tires. The challenge to rapidly adapt is real!”