Kiwi Pabst Racing driver Jacob Douglas has announced that his 2026 USF Pro 2000 campaign has come to an early end due to funding constraints.
Douglas had been scheduled to contest last weekend’s double-header at Road America, but despite strong performances throughout the season, the financial realities of competing internationally have forced an early conclusion to the campaign.
The 21-year-old leaves the championship having established himself as a consistent front-runner, highlighted by a second career USF Pro 2000 victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course earlier this season.
“It’s obviously disappointing not to be able to finish the season, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved,” said Douglas.
“We’ve shown that we have the pace to compete at the front and that we belong at this level. Winning at Indianapolis was a special moment and something nobody can take away from us.
“Motorsport is never straightforward, and unfortunately, the financial challenges of racing overseas have caught up with us this season. That’s simply the reality of the sport.
“I want to thank everyone who has backed me this season. The support I’ve received from my family, sponsors, partners and supporters has allowed me to compete against some of the best young drivers in North America.
“I’d also like to thank Augie Pabst and the entire Pabst Racing organisation for the faith they’ve shown in me. The opportunity to race for a team with such a strong history in American open-wheel racing is something I’ve never taken for granted.
“The team has become like a second family during my time in America, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done to help me grow both on and off the track. We’ve shared some special moments together, and I look forward to following the team’s progress for the remainder of the season.
“While we’re disappointed not to finish the year, this isn’t the end of the journey. We’ll continue working hard behind the scenes, developing new partnerships and exploring opportunities that can help put the right programme together for the future.
“The focus now shifts to evaluating our options and continuing to build the relationships that will help shape the next stage of my career.
“There’s no set plan for next year at this stage, but we’re committed to finding the right opportunity and building a programme that gives us the best chance to succeed.
“While this season is ending earlier than we hoped, it’s only one chapter in a much bigger journey. I’m more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward, and I’m confident my best racing is still ahead of me.”
Attention will now turn to securing the support required to pursue future opportunities and continue building Douglas’ professional racing career.
Header Image: Gavin Baker Photography
