Kiwi Motorsport is proud to announce its commitment to contest the full 2026 Formula Pro USA Western Championship season, beginning this weekend at Sonoma Raceway. The team will field a competitive four-car lineup as it embarks on an ambitious campaign aimed at developing the next generation of open-wheel talent.
Leading the charge is 17-year-old Canadian Lucas Hand of Calgary, Alberta. Competing in his first full formula car season, Hand has already demonstrated impressive natural speed. During his first-ever formula car test in 2025, he posted lap times that would have qualified 16th out of 22 cars at that same circuit in a recent race event. A third-place finisher in the 2023 CKRC Championship in his first full karting season, Hand has progressed rapidly through professional coaching with Alloy Racing and testing programs, supported by Canada’s Road to Racing driver development program. He enters 2026 with strong momentum and clear aspirations toward Formula 4 and beyond.
Sixteen-year-old American Will Franklin brings a diverse and accomplished resume to the program. Franklin has raced four different types of cars and tested three additional platforms, including JFC F4, USF Junior, and Spec Miata machinery. Most recently competing in SCCA FE2, Franklin earned pole, a win, and fastest lap in his debut, along with SCCA SAARC Championships in both FE2 and SR1 during his rookie seasons. He also holds the Road Atlanta SCCA Track Record in Radical SR1 and was named Maxxis Sportsman of the Year across all categories at just nine years old.
Eighteen-year-old Mauricio Robbins will represent both the United States and Brazil as part of the Kiwi Motorsport lineup. Robbins has developed his craft through respected institutions, including Allen Berg Advanced Racing School, Lucas Oil Advanced Racing School, and Radford Advanced Racing School’s four-day program. Holding both an SCCA Novice License and a full competition license from Radford Racing School, Robbins continues to build a solid technical and competitive foundation as he steps into the Formula Pro USA Western Championship.
Rounding out the four-car effort is 16-year-old American Chloe Jade, who begins her first official formula car race season with Kiwi Motorsport. Jade began her racing journey in electric karts in March 2024, quickly earning frequent wins as her skill and confidence grew. In December 2024, she transitioned to gas-powered karts, accelerating her development. Less than a year after her debut, she connected with Kiwi Motorsport to pursue opportunities within a Formula 4 team environment. Now stepping into her first race season, Jade is focused on building a strong professional foundation and continuing her rapid progression.
Three of the team’s drivers, Hand, Franklin, and Robbins, will be coached and managed by former IndyCar driver Jeff Bucknum and former West Coast F4 champion Spencer Bucknum, providing valuable experience and mentorship both on and off the track. Jade will be coached directly through Kiwi Motorsport’s in-house development program.
Team owner Teena Larsen expressed confidence in the group’s potential as the program launches.
“This is a defining moment for Kiwi Motorsport,” Larsen said. “Committing to the full 2026 Formula Pro USA Western Championship schedule reflects our belief in this driver lineup and our long-term development vision. Each of these drivers brings something unique to the table, from raw natural speed to proven race-winning experience. With the support of Jeff and Spencer alongside our internal coaching structure, we are building a program focused on growth, discipline, and performance.”
Garry Orton added, “Having these junior drivers on board early is what the Ganassi Driver Development program is all about – finding the next future stars. We thank Chip Ganassi Racing and look forward to helping these drivers develop as they grow and further their careers.”
The team will participate in testing on Friday at Sonoma Raceway, followed by practice, qualifying, and Race One on Saturday. The weekend will conclude with final qualifying and Race Two on Sunday as Kiwi Motorsport officially launches its 2026 championship campaign.