Australian Formula 3 runner-up Cameron Shields will make a second attempt at USF2000 this year, after his rookie season was cut short.
Shields’ 2019 programme with Newman Wachs Racing lasted just over half a season, and included his and the team’s first win at Lucas Oil Raceway. He managed to secure the drive with the assistance of 2014 IndyCar champion Will Power.
His return to the championship comes with Legacy Autosport, which plans to sign at least one other driver alongside Shields.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back out in the car and hitting the track in St. Petersburg.” said the 19-year-old.
“A lot of work has gone in over the off-season to have a seat for the first round – now it is up to myself and the team to make the most of this opportunity and come away from the weekend with some successful results.”
Before making his American racing debut last year, Shields had considerable domestic success in single-seaters. He was Australian F3 National class champion in 2016, title runner-up in Australian Formula Ford a year later, and also won six races in his country’s now defunct Formula 4 series.
“Legacy Autosport has been able to offer an opportunity to me that no other team can match.
“All of the team members have decades of combined knowledge in open-wheel racing and I’m really looking forward to working with everyone to develop my skills in and out of the car.
“It is a very professional outfit and has a great platform to invite sponsors and partners to be a part of the journey on The Road to Indy.”
Legacy is owned and operated by veteran Road to Indy car chief and mechanic Louis ?Mike? Meyer, great-grandson of three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar champion Louis Meyer.
In 2019 the team started off with Indy Lights race-winner Alex Baron and Jose Sierra in USF2000, and went through six drivers in its two cars on the way to fifth in the team standings.
This will be just its second season in USF2000, while also expanding into the Indy Pro 2000 series immediately above it.
?I am thrilled to be able to officially welcome Cameron to Legacy Autosport,? Meyer said.
?We have been working very hard to put this program together. Cameron is dedicated, professional and extremely talented race car driver.
“He definitely caught our attention last year and I can?t wait to see what we as a team can accomplish this year.
“I am looking forward to seeing the results of everyone’s hard work hit the track in Homestead [testing] and carry that momentum to St. Petersburg.?