ORLANDO, FL – Zanella Racing is pleased to announce that American Grant Mitchell will make his USF Pro Championships by Continental Tire debut with the team this season, competing in the USF Juniors program. The 16-year-old Lake Forest, Illinois, student participated in the Skip Barber Racing School Formula Car Series last season and has logged considered testing time in the Tatuus JR-23 USF Juniors car over the last six months to prepare for his entry into the series. Mitchell will head to the season-opening event at Homestead-Miami Speedway next week, coming off the YACademy Winter Series, where he gained valuable experience.
"For a young driver, Grant brings an uncommon level of discipline and intelligence,” Naka Zanella, Team Owner, commented. “He quickly earned our respect through his work ethic and his willingness to learn, and that’s why we believe his future in motorsport is very bright. His ability to take our coaching and put it into effect on the track is extremely good, and that’s all we can ask. It’s going to be a very positive year with Grant.”
Mitchell has always chased speed as a young man, from dirt bikes and skiing to competitive racing. He made his entry into four-wheel action racing indoor karts at K1 Speed in 2020 and then transitioned into competitive outdoor karting with the iconic Badger Kart Club in Dousman, WI. At the same time, he immersed himself into sim training and competition and then enrolled in the Skip Barber Racing School in 2025. After completing their course curriculum, Grant competed in their Formula Car Series, finishing with a best result of fifth. Simultaneously, he began a focused USF Juniors test program, all aimed at making his series debut in 2026. Mitchell joined Zanella Racing in late 2025 and has been working closely with the team, the engineers, and his driver coach, Victor Franzoni.
“I am incredibly excited to take this step in my career and compete in USF Pro Championships,” commented Mitchell. “I know my development and training have prepared me well, and I’m sure I’ll continue to strengthen my skills through USF's competitive field. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and proud to have Zanella next to my name.”
Mitchell is the fifth USF Juniors driver to be confirmed by Zanella Racing, joining Maddie Colleran, Victor Couto, Max Mokarem, and Leonardo Serravalle.
The first official race of the 2026 USF Juniors season will take place next week as part of the annual USF Pro Championships ‘Spring Training’ event at Homestead-Miami Speedway on February 16-18. The tripleheader will be broadcast live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel.
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