Step one on the Parella Motorsports Holdings’ (PMH) Open-Wheel Ladder is the Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC). Providing young karters with an opportunity to develop their skills and learn the basics while competing on the most cost-efficient ladder system with the lowest cost per mile in North America, drivers from around the world turn to Ligier JFC to begin their single-seater careers.

Sanctioned by PMH, Ligier JFC is comprised of two classes — the JFC Gen. 1 class and the JFC Gen. 2 class. Winners in each class are recognized every weekend with separate podium celebrations, and the year-end champions in both classes are awarded separate scholarship prizes to advance to F4 U.S. competition the following season. 

The JFC Gen. 1 class utilizes the first-generation Ligier JS F4 chassis and Honda engines serviced and engineered by Mountune USA. Meanwhile, the JFC Gen. 2 class utilizes the second-generation Ligier JS F4 chassis and Ligier Storm engine, equipped with an alternate ECU to ensure parity with the earlier version. Both classes utilize Hankook racing tires. 

One of the most exciting aspects of Ligier JFC is the opportunity it provides both champions—a full scholarship to compete in the FIA-certified Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) the following season. The JFC Gen. 1 class champion will be awarded a one-year lease of a Ligier JS F422 chassis and Ligier Storm engine to be used in F4 U.S. in 2027. In addition, the JFC Gen. 2 class champion will be awarded a one-year lease of a Ligier JS F422 chassis and Ligier Storm engine to compete in F4 U.S. in 2027. If they already own their car, they’ll receive the equivalent value of the lease in a Ligier parts credit for F4 U.S. the following year, as well as the required upgrade parts. Both champions will also receive event tires from Hankook Motorsports USA and race entry fees from Parella Motorsports Holdings, providing championship-winning drivers with nearly everything they need to successfully take the next step in their career. Similar scholarship opportunities exist for the F4 U.S. champion to aid in their climb to the FIA-certified Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas).