New Zealand Grand Prix Champion Liam Sceats has worked hard to make a significant mark on the North American motorsport scene in 2024.
Following his triumph in the 68th Running of the famed event in February, where he joined the likes of Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren as a New Zealand Grand Prix winner, the Kiwi has applied his trade in the highly competitive USF Pro 2000 Championship, a crucial step on the Road To Indy ladder.
With five podiums, including one race win, to his name in the series, Sceats has positioned himself as an exciting export from New Zealand.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, though. Stepping into a new environment and adjusting to a new team, new car and new tracks against high-level competition has presented challenges for the Kiwi teenager.
“To have even got ourselves to this point where we are down seven rounds, with one more to go, is unbelievable considering we weren’t sure if it was possible to raise the funding to contest the full season,” Sceats said.
“Not only this, but to look back on how my season has gone and see results like a win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and four more podium finishes is something I’m super proud of.
“There have been a few weekends this year that have been tough and character-building, to say the least. Back-to-back races in Ohio and Toronto where I was crashed into, neither of them my fault, resulted in me having to deal with expensive damage repairs and a serious setback for my championship situation.”
Despite these challenges, Sceats says he has learnt to be resilient and bounce back from adversity.
His prime example, in this case, is, “I went into the following race after what had probably been one of the lowest points of my career, and through overcoming the adversity, I managed to drive a great race to finish second on the Streets of Toronto, right in front of the IndyCar paddock.”
Sceats credits a strong belief in himself and the excellent support group he has around him as key contributors to his success.
“I relentlessly pursued an overseas opportunity after winning the New Zealand Grand Prix because I truly believed in myself and the incredible people I’m so lucky to have around me.
“I’m determined to continue impressing on and off the race track as I climb the ladder towards my ultimate goal of reaching IndyCar,” he says.
Based on his impressive performances in the USA this year, he has proved to himself and everyone else that he has what it takes when given the opportunity.
This makes 2025 an exciting prospect for Sceats, with plans in motion to contest an entire Indy NXT season, the direct feeder category to the IndyCar, in 2025.
“Of course, there’s a long way to go before these plans become a reality, as many people know how expensive motorsport is,” he explains. “This next step into Indy NXT requires a significant amount of funding.
“I’m going to continue working hard to raise the required investment behind me so that I can continue to prove myself as an exciting young Kiwi talent in American motorsport.
“It’s surreal to be at this point in my career where Indy NXT is on the horizon. I’m confident in my ability that I can be a front-runner at this high-level as well.
“What makes it feel surreal is the speed of the cars, which is 500hp and has a top speed of over 300km/h, and the legacy of drivers like Scott Dixon, who’ve competed in the championship.
“Indy NXT is the direct feeder series into the IndyCar Series, making me one step away from achieving my life-long dream.”
Sceats is focused on the USF Pro 2000 championship finale in Portland, Oregon, on August 24th—25th, alongside the IndyCar Series.
He is currently fourth in the standings and the second overall rookie and is ready to make a final push for another podium finish to cap off an outstanding debut year in the United States.
