Gainbridge continues support of Wheldon’s development program
INDIANAPOLIS – Andretti Global announced today that junior development driver Sebastian Wheldon will compete with VRD Racing in the 2024 USF Juniors Presented by Continental Tire Championship. Andretti partners Gainbridge and Group 1001 will again proudly support the elder Wheldon brother’s career. Wheldon’s USF Juniors firesuit and VRD car livery will match those of Andretti INDYCAR driver Colton Herta’s, further showcasing the Gainbridge family of athletes.
Wheldon, son of the late, two-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Dan Wheldon, makes the move up to USF Juniors after his 2023 Skip Barber Formula Racing Series championship-winning campaign earned him a $100,000 scholarship to compete in a USF-sanctioned series.
In his first season of car racing, Wheldon recorded six wins and 13 podiums on his way to the championship title. Along with younger brother Oliver, Wheldon was named a junior driver in Andretti Global’s driver development program in 2021. Since joining the team, the Wheldon brothers have received oversight and career guidance from Michael Andretti and the Indianapolis-based team where their father Dan recorded his first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2005.
VRD Racing, led by Team Owner Dan Mitchell and Team Manager Jacob Loomis, will spearhead Wheldon’s 2024 USF Juniors program. The industry-leading junior formula car racing team based out of Atlanta Motorsports Park has a long history of helping young talent climb the ladder to motorsport success.
Wheldon will make his USF Juniors debut tomorrow as the 2024 season kicks off with the first round of the 2024 YACademy Winter Series at Sebring International Raceway. The two-round winter championship will conclude later this week February 9-11 at Homestead Miami Speedway.
J-F THORMANN, PRESIDENT, ANDRETTI GLOBAL
“Since joining the Andretti team, Sebastian’s motorsports career has been on a steady rise. Our team is committed to developing and mentoring the next generation of drivers and we could not be prouder of Sebastian for his winning mindset and dedication to racing. We look forward to watching his continued growth in the USF Juniors Championship.”
SEBASTIAN WHELDON, ANDRETTI DEVELOPMENT DRIVER, VRD RACING
"I am really excited to be joining VRD Racing for the 2024 USF Juniors season – Dan (Mitchell) and his team run a first-class organization. Having the support of Gainbridge and Andretti is giving me the extra confidence I need heading into the season – it's a great feeling knowing I have everything I need to be competitive to contend for the championship."
DAN MITCHELL, TEAM OWNER, VRD RACING
"Sebastian has been quick in testing, so it’s obvious why Andretti has chosen to support him in his first steps into formula car racing. His significant experience in Skip Barber makes USF Juniors a natural step for Sebastian. We can’t wait to get going and expect immediate results. First, we have the YACademy Winter Series - this will be a trial run before our first USF PRO race at NOLA Motorsports Park in early April."
MIKE NICHOLS, CHIEF OF SPONSORSHIP STRATEGY AND ACTIVATIONS, GROUP 1001
“It’s been such an honor to watch Sebastian’s growth and success over the past year as he has proven that he has what it takes to build a successful career in motorsports. He has made such an impact at a young age, and Gainbridge is proud to be a part of Sebastian’s growing career. We look forward to watching his success unfold this season while sporting the Gainbridge colors.”