Aussie Hughes on Verge of Road to Indy Title in Portland
Young Australian driver Lochie Hughes is poised to claim the USF Pro2000 championship and a coveted IndyNXT scholarship at the season finale in Portland this weekend.
The former US F4 champion heads into the championship decider with a commanding 35-point lead, thanks to a consistent and impressive season behind the wheel of his Tatuus for Turn 3 Motorsport. He is just two races away from securing the monumental $681,000 USD scholarship, propelling him to the top tier of the Road to Indy ladder.
Hughes has consistently delivered throughout the season, securing five wins and five podium finishes in 16 races, with an impressive 14 top-ten results. This dominance has seen him outpace American contenders Jace Denmark and Nikita Johnson in the chase for scholarship glory.
Hughes' journey to the cusp of championship success began last year at Portland, where he narrowly missed out on the USF2000 title. This time around, he returns to Oregon as part of the IndyCar support bill, in a much stronger position.
"I'm really looking forward to getting to Portland and battling for the championship," Hughes said. "It's been a fantastic year with the Turn 3 Motorsport team, and I'm hoping to end the season on a high note."
Portland International Raceway, known for its predominantly right-hand corners, presents a unique challenge. Hughes recognises the importance of quickly adapting to the track's layout and setting up his car for optimal performance. "It will be important to figure out the setup quickly and stay up front," he added. "I'm ready to fight for it!"
Hughes has already shown promising form in the opening practice sessions, with his #44 T3M car performing well. He finished third in the first test session, just 0.0394 seconds off the pace. In the final practice session, he topped the timesheets with a weekend-best lap of 1:08.431.
The stage is set for a thrilling finale in Portland. Hughes' journey from the lower ranks of motorsport to the brink of the Road to Indy title is a testament to his talent and dedication. The Australian driver will be hoping to cap off his successful season with a well-deserved championship victory.
Race Schedule:
(All times are in Pacific Daylight Time)
Saturday, 23 August
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Practice
12:55 PM - 1:25 PM: Qualifying
5:25 PM - 6:05 PM: Race 1
Sunday, 24 August
3:10 PM - 4:00 PM: Race 2
Fans can watch the races live via this link: [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmBaJqxGBm3_1K2MS7npc7g](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmBaJqxGBm3_1K2MS7npc7g)
For live timing and results, visit the USF Pro2000 website: [https://www.usfpro2000.com/results/live-timing](https://www.usfpro2000.com/results/live-timing)
