Horak, Bonilla, and Bowling Win Formula Pro USA Western Championships Event at Sonoma
Sep 7, 2023 | News
The Formula Pro USA Western Championships Presented by Exclusive Racing was back on track this past weekend for rounds nine and ten of its 12 race championship. With two separate open-wheel classes on track for wheel-to-wheel racing, a popular team returned to battle as Kiwi Motorsport arrived at Sonoma Raceway and stole a pair of race wins.
“It was great to have Kiwi Motorsport back and battling with our series regulars,” explained BD Morgan. “Kiwi is one of the top teams in the national series with countless race wins in 2023, and on the road to earning multiple championships.”
Sitting second in the Formula Pro USA F3 championship standings, Jay Horak returned to the top step of the podium on Saturday scoring maximum points by taking home the race win and fastest race lap. A strong result, Horak gained 27 points on current championship leader Nicole Havrda who was unable to take the green flag on Saturday. Behind Horak was the Kiwi Motorsport driver of Jake Bonilla who had a solid drive and learned a lot ahead of Sunday’s wheel-to-wheel race.
Returning Sunday, Bonilla took his knowledge and experience from Saturday and put it to great use as he was able to claim the checkered flag and climb to the top step of the podium, as well as score the extra two bonus points for the fastest lap of the race. Horak added a second-place result to his win on Saturday, gaining an additional three championship points on Havrda who stood on the podium in third. Nicole Havrda leads the championship standings with 171 points over Jay Horak who’s in second with 156 as it has become a two-driver race up front for the championship.
In the Formula Pro USA F4 class, it was Jett Bowling who scored a pair of victories as he climbed to the top step of the podium both Saturday and Sunday. One fast lap away from maximum points on the weekend, Bowling added the two-bonus points Sunday after missing out on Saturday to the second-place finisher of Dimitri Pistoliako. Pistoliako currently leads the championship and will need to only show up and take the green flag at the final event weekend to guarantee the title.
With only one event weekend and two races remaining in the Formula Pro USA Western Championship, the finale event weekend will take place October 13-15 at Buttonwillow Raceway.
Buttonwillow Raceway Registration is now open HERE.
Photos: Exclusive Racing