Photo: Gavin Baker Photography
Formula Regional Americas champion Callum Hedge will step up to Indy Nxt in 2024 and not take a Honda-backed drive in Super Formula.
Champions of FRegional Americas have previously received a scholarship from engine supplier Honda Performance Development (HPD) they could use to move into Japan’s premier single-seater series.
However, 2022 champion Raoul Hyman has been the only driver to take up the opportunity, with his predecessor Kyffin Simpson opting to move up to Indy Nxt with his sights set on IndyCar where he will race in 2024.
Hedge will now make the same step to Indy Nxt. The SF scholarship was supposedly on offer again this year, but when Hedge won the title, FRegional Americas stated only that he would receive an unspecified prize from HPD.
“With his dominating performance this year in Honda-powered FRegional Americas competition, Callum is certainly a deserving champion and HPD scholarship winner,” said HPD president David Salters in the announcement of Hedge’s Indy Nxt drive with HMD Motorsports.
“I have had a taste of the Indy Nxt machinery and am ready for the challenge that 2024 will bring,” said Hedge. “I am thankful for the opportunity to join a championship-winning program in HMD Motorsports and for my partners who continue to make my motorsports dream a reality.”
After previously competing in Formula Ford, Hedge has raced in Porsche Carrera Cup in Australia since 2021, continuing to do so this year while also returning to single-seaters: firstly in FRegional Oceania where he was championship runner-up with three wins, before his even more successful FRegional Americas campaign in which he won 13 out of 18 races.