We’re now two rounds into the USF 2000 season, and with three different race winners, the season is already off to an exciting start. Here are some storylines and drivers to watch out for as the series takes on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This weekend will mark the first of three weekends of USF 2000 competition which will consist of three races. Race 1 will take place at 12:05 p.m. on Friday, May 12. Race 2 and Race 3 will take place on Saturday, at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. respectively. All races can be watched on the USF Pro Championships app or on their YouTube channel.

One of the most notable developments this season is the rise of Jay Howard Driver Development (JHDD). Lochie Hughes, driving for JHDD, has put up an impressive start to the season, with an average finish of 2.25, three podiums and two race wins. He is the only driver to have won a race in both of the series’ first two rounds.

Evagoras Papasavvas, also driving for JHDD, has been consistently near the front of the field, accumulating two podiums and sitting third in the standings.

Meanwhile, Simon Sikes is showing his experience and form in the championship, currently leading the standings by three points over Hughes. Sikes, who is in his fourth season in USF 2000, secured four podiums last year and has shown immaculate single-lap pace this season. He has already landed on pole for three of the four races and won his first race of the season in the second race at Sebring.

Despite the strong performances of those drivers at the top of the standings, we could see a surprise winner in Indianapolis given the track’s long overtaking zones at the end of straights. One driver to watch out for is Mac Clark, the reigning USF Juniors champion, who overcame tough luck in St. Petersburg to secure two top-5 finishes in the last two races. Another driver to keep an eye on is Jorge Garciarce, who has achieved top-10 finishes in seven of the last eight races dating back to Toronto last season.

Some other drivers to watch out for:

• Nikita Johnson had a strong St. Petersburg weekend, finishing on the podium in both races and winning Race 2. After only one top-10 in the second round, he could be in a position to bounce back.
• Jacob Douglas secured his first USF 2000 podium at Sebring when he finished third in Race 2. Securing Exclusive Autosport’s first podium of the season, Douglas has got his season going strong so far.
• Lucas Mann will make his first career USF 2000 appearance this weekend with Exclusive Autosport, piloting the #92 car.

As we approach the championship’s halfway point, it will be interesting to see whether the title race at the front will spread out or condense. Nonetheless, with the talent and competitiveness of the USF 2000 field, we can expect exciting and unpredictable races throughout the season.