Kiwi 20-year-old Jacob Douglas will return to the track this week for a crucial three-day test on the road course at the famed Homestead-Miami Speedway, as preparations ramp up ahead of the 2026 season.
The test marks Douglas’s second outing of the year with Pabst Racing, coming less than a fortnight after a highly encouraging start to his campaign at Sebring International Raceway.
The Florida running provides another valuable opportunity for the team to refine its package and continue building momentum ahead of the opening rounds.
While Douglas has yet to race at Homestead in USF2000 or USF Pro 2000 competition, he is no stranger to the circuit. The technical, demanding layout is one he knows well from previous testing, and it is also a venue with particularly fond memories.
Homestead was the scene of Douglas’s 2023 YACademy Winter Series title triumph.
On that occasion, the New Zealander delivered a commanding performance, securing pole position by more than seven-tenths of a second, winning the opening race, and sealing the championship with a second-place finish in the finale.
Confidence is high following a strong showing at Sebring.
“The Sebring test went really well,” Douglas said.
“We were in the top two in most of the sessions, which was a great way to start the year. The car felt strong straight away, and it was really positive to be working with the Pabst team again.”
With valuable data already collected, the focus now shifts to maximising track time at Homestead.
“I’m really looking forward to Spring Training at Homestead and getting properly into the rhythm of the season,” he added.
“We’ve tested there quite a bit in the past, and I really love the track. It’s technical and rewards commitment, so it’s always enjoyable to drive. It’ll be great to get back out there and keep building.”
Douglas also acknowledged the support network behind his international campaign.
“A massive thank you to everyone back in New Zealand for their continued support and for helping me get here. I really appreciate it. I’m excited for what’s ahead and looking forward to getting the season underway.”
With encouraging early speed already shown at Sebring, the focus now shifts to converting promise into consistent front-running performance when the season begins on the all-new Streets of Arlington circuit on March 13-15.
2026 USF Pro 2000 Championship Schedule:
| Round | Date | Venue |
| Series Test | February 16-18 | Homestead- Miami Speedway |
| 1-2 | March 13-15 | Streets of Arlington |
| Series Test | April 15-16 | Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit |
| Series Test | April 27-28 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course |
| 3-4 | May 7-9 | Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit |
| Series Test | May 19 | Lucas Oil IRP (Oval) |
| 5 | May 21-22 | Lucas Oil IRP (Oval) |
| Series Test | June 10-11 | Road America |
| 6-7 | June 18-21 | Road America |
| Series Test | June 22 | Milwaukee Mile (Oval) |
| 8-10 | July 2-5 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course |
| 11-12 | August 6-9 | Portland International Raceway |
| 13-14 | August 14-16 | Streets of Markham |
| 15 | August 29-30 | Milwaukee Mile (Oval) |
| 16-18 | September 24-26 | Road America |
| Series Test | October 17-18 | Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit |
Header Image: Gavin Baker Photography
