Douglas Set for Key Homestead Test Ahead of 2026 Season

Kiwi 20-year-old Jacob Douglas will return to the track next week for a crucial three-day test on the road course at the famed Homestead-Miami Speedway, as preparations ramp up ahead of the 2026 season.

The test marks Douglas’s second outing of the year with Pabst Racing, coming less than a fortnight after a highly encouraging start to his campaign at Sebring International Raceway.

The Florida running provides another valuable opportunity for the team to refine its package and continue building momentum ahead of the opening rounds.

While Douglas has yet to race at Homestead in USF2000 or USF Pro 2000 competition, he is no stranger to the circuit. The technical, demanding layout is one he knows well from previous testing, and it is also a venue with particularly fond memories.

Homestead was the scene of Douglas’s 2023 YACademy Winter Series title triumph.

On that occasion, the New Zealander delivered a commanding performance, securing pole position by more than seven-tenths of a second, winning the opening race, and sealing the championship with a second-place finish in the finale.

Confidence is high following a strong showing at Sebring.

“The Sebring test went really well,” Douglas said. “We were in the top two in most of the sessions, which was a great way to start the year. The car felt strong straight away, and it was really positive to be working with the Pabst team again.”

With valuable data already collected, the focus now shifts to maximising track time at Homestead.

“I’m really looking forward to Spring Training at Homestead and getting properly into the rhythm of the season,” he added. “We’ve tested there quite a bit in the past and I really love the track. It’s technical and rewards commitment, so it’s always enjoyable to drive. It’ll be great to get back out there and keep building.”

Douglas also acknowledged the support network behind his international campaign.

“A massive thank you to everyone back in New Zealand for their continued support and for helping me get here. I really appreciate it. I’m excited for what’s ahead and looking forward to getting the season underway.”With encouraging early speed already shown at Sebring, the focus now shifts to converting promise into consistent front-running performance when the season begins on the all-new Streets of Arlington circuit on March 13-15.

ENDS

About Jacob Douglas
Jacob Douglas is a 20-year-old racecar driver from New Zealand. He is a multiple-time national champion in karting and was the 2023 USF YACademy Champion. He took 11 podiums, including seven wins, in USF 2000 machinery in the United States in 2023, before making two GB3 cameos in 2024.

He is a member of New Zealand’s prestigious Elite Motorsport Academy, winning the renowned Bruce McLaren and Ian Snellgrove trophies among the Class of 2024.

In 2025, he finished fifth in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental, taking eight podiums, including one race victory, from sixteen starts.

2026 USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Schedule

Photos credited to Gavin Baker Photography.