Photo: Gavin Baker Photography
New USF Pro 2000 champion Myles Rowe has just won a $664,425 scholarship to step up to Indy Nxt in 2024.
The Pabst Racing driver took the title at Portland with a race to spare, confirming his crowning by finishing third in race two of the weekend. It was his ninth podium of the season, five of which have been wins.
“I’m flustered, man,” sad Rowe in a television interview after the race. “I mean everybody, all these competitors, are so tough. We knew after last year, finishing second in the championship, especially being so close to taking it, that we had to start off strong. And that’s exactly what we did. We put in the work, we perservered, and we came through.
“t’s just all thanks to everybody that supports me, everybody that’s out here watching and pushing me on. It’s down to my family, my mum, my dad, for putting in the blood, sweat and tears into this. Roger Penske, Penske Entertainment, Force Indy, Pabst Racing, [team pricipal] nxgAugie Pabst, Sparco, Bell helmets. All of the crew, [karting company] NXG.
“Man, it’s just, it wouldn’t be possible without them. I mean they’ve really pushed me a long, they’ve really given me such extraordinary support, and I’m just lost for words. It’s jut extraordinary to be here, it feels almost like it’s a two-year championship; I’m trying to bounce back after last year. So it took a mental strain on us all, but I’m just so happy to deliver this for the team, for the Pabst Racing Force Indy team, and I’m just thrilled that we get to enjoy it finally.”
Rowe’s title is historic as he becomes the first African-American to wing a single-seater championship, and occurs a year on from when he narrowly lost out on the USF2000 title at the same track and with the same team.