Aussie Lochie Hughes takes out F4 USA championship

Lochie Hughes has taken out the Formula 4 USA title at the series finale in Austin.

Hughes won the second race of the round to win the title, topping off the weekend with another victory in race three to seal his status as champion.

The Formula 4 United States championship field went into the final round at the Circuit of the Americas with four drivers in the hunt, with Hughes holding a narrow seven-point lead of the standings.

Championship rival Noah Ping fought his way from fourth on the grid to win the weekend opener, leaving him just 27 points behind the leaders as Hughes tied with Bryson Morris at the front.

Starting in sixth, Hughes made his mark in the second race, picking off the field to take victory.

“That was a pretty fun race,” said Hughes.

“We started P6, so we just chipped away at it one-by-one, trying to get to the front."

The Australian moved up to fourth on the first lap, and was into third by the end of lap two.

Another lap led meant another overtake for the Jay Howard Driver Development driver, up to second by lap three and chasing down rival Bryson Morris.

"I was surprised with the pace we had."

"We were able to just hit our marks and work our way forward."

"I caught up to Bryson and passed him into Turn 1, and then led the rest of the race from there.”

Morris crossed the line second, but was given a five-second penalty for crossing the blend line at pit exit.

The penalty dropped him to seventh, securing the title for Hughes.

With the championship confirmed, Hughes took to the track bearing the #1 on Friday, pulling into victory lane for a final time after dominating race three from lights to flag.

“That was awesome,” said Hughes.

“We already wrapped up the championship, so I wasn’t worried about that; I was just focused on getting the win."

"All thanks to the team for the great car, and what a great season."

"I can’t ask for more, it means a lot."

Hughes wrapped up the season with six wins, five runner-up positions, and a total nine podiums.

"I didn’t race the last two years."

"I was stuck at home during COVID and didn’t have the budget to go racing."

"To win the championship is unbelievable."