The Canadian will level up from USF Juniors
The USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire series has gained a new full-time driver for the upcoming 2025 season. Canadian Anthony Martella will join Jay Howard Driver Development (JHDD) for 2025, leveling up from a partial season in the USF Juniors series.
The Canadian Karting Champion participated in the first three race weekends of the 2024 USF Juniors season, bringing home a trio of top-10 results. After the eighth round at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR), Anthony switched to the Sports Car Championship Canada presented by Michelin as the youngest driver to ever compete in the series at just 15 years of age.
Even as the youngest driver to ever compete in the series, Martella earned Vice-Championship honors in the TCR class with three wins and four runner-up finishes in the 10-round season. Martella scored pole position in Toronto. He will be looking to repeat this at his home race with the JHDD squad, who had a one-two finish in USF2000 this season.
“I am very excited to announce my signing with Jay Howard Driver Development in USF2000 for the 2025 season,” explained Martella. “Looking forward to continuing to move up the ladder to INDYCAR, I want to give a big thanks to Jay Howard, my parents, NIN transport and VPS service for giving me this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to get to work with this team and achieve great results in the championship.”
Anthony will be joined by professional race car driver and multi-time karting champion Danny Formal, who will coach Martella and work closely with Jay and the rest of the Jay Howard Driver Development team. Formal’s resume includes several high-profile karting and sports car victories, including his most recent stint running in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
"Anthony is a talented young man,” explained Team Owner Jay Howard. “We tested at Autobahn, and he did a fantastic job. The addition of Danny Formal will be awesome as well. I have known Danny since he was racing mini-karts. He is a talented young man, and we have a mega combination for success. I am looking forward to a fun year ahead of USF2000 racing with both Anthony and Danny."
Stay tuned to the Jay Howard Driver Development social media channels for more information on drivers and the upcoming season. Follow them on social media by searching Jay Howard Driver Development.