GB3 runner-up Joel Granfors will race in the USA this year, after confirming a move to the USF 2000 Pro series with Exclusive Autosport.
The Swedish driver won two races and took nine additional podiums on his way to second place in the 2022 GB3 standings after a season-long battle with Luke Browning. Now changing scenery, he follows in the footsteps of 2018 BRDC British F3 champion and fellow Swede Linus Lundqvist, who has raced in the USA with great success over the last few years.
Granfors will be driving for the same team that propelled another BRDC British F3 graduate, Louis Foster, to last year’s USF Pro 2000 title. The series is the final step on the USF Pro Championships development ladder, which moves champions into the INDY NXT Series, formerly known as Indy Lights, and uses Tatuus chassis.
“This is a thrilling step in my career, and literally a new challenge in so many ways,” Granfors said.
“It’s a new continent, all new tracks, a new car and a new team, but I’ve massively enjoyed all I’ve seen of it so far. The team has really made me feel at home and I couldn’t be prouder to be in the #92 Exclusive Autosport Corpay-branded car.
“It’s all about picking your opportunities in this sport and for me, I feel the package is right to make this move and try to chase the American dream.”
Granfors recently completed his first test with the team at Sebring International Raceway, and quickly got up to speed.
“I’m really happy to have Joel join the Exclusive Autosport program for the 2023 season,” said Team Principal Michael Duncalfe.
“Joel has a proven record on track and his skills and experience will lend itself very well to the USF Pro 2000 car. We had a very successful two days of testing at Sebring International Raceway this past week.
“He adapted very well to the all new variables that were thrown his way and his speed showed immediately out of the gate. With the testing programme we have set out for Joel, I am confident he will be a title contender for the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship.”
The season consists of 18 races and starts at St Petersburg, Florida, on 3-5 March.