Johnson graduates from VRD Academy to USF Juniors to USF2000
One of North America's most promising and youngest open-wheel racers is set for a full Road to Indy competition season. Rejoining VRD Racing, Nikita Johnson will be an instant contender for the 2023 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship title when the season takes the first green flag next March.
“Nikita is a perfect example of the VRD program and constant drive to push competitors up the motorsports ladder,” explained Dan Mitchell. “Nikita joined us in his final year of karting as one of our VRD Academy drivers. He tested with us often and gained some additional experience when, earlier in 2022, Nikita was the YACademy Winter Series Champion with three wins, five podium results, one pole position and three fast laps in the six series races.
"He also traveled to Europe for GB3 testing in the UK under the VRD banner. Last year he competed in a full USF Junior season with success, placing third in the championship, and moved to USF2000 late in the 2022 season, and immediately ran at the front of the field.”
After progressing through the VRD Racing internal ladder program, Johnson, who was not yet old enough to compete in the USAC-sanctioned USF2000 program, entered the USF Juniors Presented by Cooper Tires series to earn wheel-to-wheel race experience. Garnering three wins, five podium results and two fast lap honors in only 10 races, Johnson then made the jump to USF2000 the moment his age allowed. Showing speed from his first on-track session, Nikita earned a podium result on the final weekend of the season at the Portland International Raceway.
“I am excited to continue my open-wheel career with Dan Mitchell and all the boys at VRD Racing,” expressed Johnson. “They have become like family to me and really helped me get up to speed with their driver development program. I can’t wait to compete in a full season in USF2000 with them and see if I can assist in adding to their impressive results resume.”
Mitchell added, “Nikita is the real deal. For us, 2023 started many years ago, so I am anticipating big things from him as the calendar turns.”
Stay tuned for more news and driver announcements from VRD Racing in the very near future.