Reigning Toyo Tires 1600 champion Mac Clark has confirmed his long-anticipated move into the United States Formula 4 championship with Gonella Racing.
Canadian talent Clark dominated Ontario’s regional F1600 series in his sophomore season last year, as well as finishing second in Quebec’s Formula Tour 1600, and debuted in F4 at the start of 2021 in the YACademy Winter Series.
In the two-round series he picked up two wins driving for Gonella, and came a few points shy of the title.
“It is super exciting to take the next step in my career and join Gonella Racing for the 2021 US F4 championship,” said Clark.
“[Team owner] Ernie Gonella runs a first class operation, I am confident we have a winning car-team combination.
“Showing pace in pre-season testing, we are working hard to be ready for round one at Road Atlanta. I’m looking forward to some awesome competition this year, we are going to have lots of fun.”
Clark also recently starred in the Road to Indy’s official Esports series, where he came fourth in the points and also made the podium in both of its non-championship All-Star races.
His virtual racing also came with the support of Gonella and race-winning IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe, who mentors Clark as part of the Speed Group management company.
“After working with Mac, I was quickly impressed by his quality as a race car driver,” Gonella team boss Ernie Gonella added.
“He is very mature for his age and extremely dedicated. Our communication as a driver and engineer has been great since day one.
“He understands exactly what he needs from the car and how to give me feedback to make the car better. In my opinion, that is the most important factor to win championships.
“I’m excited about having Mac drive for my team in 2021 and even more excited for his future in racing.”
Clark’s YACademy team-mate Artie Flores also stays on for US F4; the Mexican having stepped up from junior karting at the start of the year.
Jay Howard Driver Development has expanded its US F4 line-up to four drivers with the signing of the inexperienced Joe Ostholthoff, who got his first taste of single-seater competition in YACademy.