For Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda competitor Moises de la Vara of Guadalajara, the off-season has been busy. Before the inaugural F4 U.S. season concluded, de la Vara suited-up for his second competition season in the FIA Mexican F4 Championship, F4 NACAM, making him the first North American competitor to ever compete in two FIA F4 championships simultaneously.
“Being in both the F4 U.S. and F4 NACAM Championships has given me an incredible amount of experience,” said de la Vara. “Balancing both series helped me develop the skills I need to move up in my motorsports career.”
On Sun., Jan. 29, de la Vara experienced his first F4 NACAM podium at Autódromo Yucatán in Mérida, Yucatán. After a car fire ended de la Vara’s track time earlier in the weekend, the 19-year-old Mexican pilot started at the back of the grid in last place for Round 3. As soon as the green flagged dropped, de la Vara started charging his way to the front of the pack, earning himself a second-place finish.
"I'm more than happy. We had a rough start at the beginning of the weekend, but my team worked hard to give me a competitive car,” de la Vara said. “Round 3 was my last opportunity for a strong finish and I gave my maximum effort. Placing second gave us enough points to still make a strong run for the championship.”
F4 NACAM is mid-way through its 23-race season. De la Vara is currently sixth in championship points and can still finish in the top three, respectively.
De la Vara finished the inaugural F4 U.S. season in seventh, however, FIA rules state that a competitor can only earn Super License points from one F4 Championship. De la Vara produced points that earned him Rookie of the Year in his first season racing in F4 NACAM which made him ineligible for Super License points in the F4 U.S. Championship.
“Being able to compete in an even field with only a tenth of a second separating everyone, really pushes drivers to give their best,” de la Vara said. “F4 is a perfect step to take from karts to cars.”
Launched in 2014, FIA F4 was created to offer young drivers around the world the opportunity to affordably take the first step from karting into the world of open-wheel racing. Championships can be found in 12 countries from the United States and Mexico to Japan.
Fans can follow de la Vara on Facebook (Moises de la Vara) or Twitter (@moidelv).
