SPEED GROUP SIGNS LIAM MCNEILLY FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin, Texas - April 22, 2024 – Speed Group proudly announces the signing of British rising star Liam McNeilly to the Speed Group Career Advancement Program. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in McNeilly's career as he embarks on his journey to become a professional race car driver.
The Speed Group Career Advancement Program is designed to nurture and propel individuals towards success in their racing careers. Supported by Speed Group founder and former IndyCar race car driver James Hinchcliffe, the program offers opportunities for driver mentorship, career strategy development, media training, sponsorship acquisition, and networking.
McNeilly, hailing from Brentwood, Essex, United Kingdom, brings a wealth of talent and promise to the program. With an impressive track record spanning five years in car racing, including notable achievements in the Ginetta Junior Championship and the GB4 Championship, McNeilly's ascent in the motorsports world is nothing short of remarkable.
For the 2024 season, McNeilly joins forces with Jay Howard Driving Development team to compete in the USF Juniors Championship Presented by Continental Tire. This pivotal move underscores McNeilly's commitment to honing his skills and advancing to the pinnacle of motorsports.
In addition, McNeilly is currently studying the Motorsport UK Diploma in Sporting Excellence Course at Loughborough College, he’s also part of the Motorsport UK Team Futures Programme.
The USF Juniors Championship serves as the inaugural step on the USF Pro Championships driver development system, offering a scholarship-funded pathway to the prestigious NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the iconic Indianapolis 500. With its emphasis on professionalism, training, and fierce competition, the series provides an ideal platform for emerging talents like McNeilly to thrive.
McNeilly's stellar debut at the recent event held at NOLA Motorsports Park showcased his talent on the track, culminating in a three podium finishes, one win, one second place, one third place finish and a pole position, placing him second in the championship standings, only 9 points behind the leader.
“I am extremely happy to be joining Speed Group,”, said McNeilly. “They have a huge amount of experience in the US motorsport sector and as a driver coming from the UK it’s important to get the help and advice I need to push my career forward in the US. Having the right team of people around me is important and I’m excited to see where the future takes us.”
Speed Group media expert and advisor Kevin Lee commended McNeilly's potential, affirming, "Liam has the most important attributes needed to make it to the top levels - he’s fast and a winner! I’m looking forward to helping Liam and his family navigate the other aspects needed off track."
Echoing Lee's sentiments, Speed Group founder Toni Calderon expressed enthusiasm for McNeilly's inclusion in the Career Advancement Program, stating, "It’s great to have Liam as part of the Speed Group family. He has such a bright future, and we’re excited to help him forge his path to becoming a household name in professional motorsports."
James Hinchcliffe, Speed Group founder said: “Liam is a great addition to the team. He’s got impressive on track credentials in multiple series and multiple types of car. We look forward to helping him develop further and really make a name for himself in North American Motorsports.”
The next event in the agenda for, McNeilly unfolds this week at Barber Motorsports Park, where the USF Juniors Championship Presented by Continental Tire will unfold in conjunction with the NTT IndyCar Series. With practice, qualifying, and two exhilarating races on the agenda, McNeilly is primed to continue the momentum and capitalize another successful weekend. Qualifying and Race 1 and 2, will be live streamed on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel.
Photo credits: Liam McNeilly / Gavin Baker Photography