McLaren Racing sign teenage karting star Ugo Ugochukwu

McLaren Racing today announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Ugo Ugochukwu, the promising young driver from the USA, who was recently crowned FIA European karting champion.

The 13-year-old American has proven to be a revelation, already securing several titles in his young career in the US and Europe, and most recently winning the 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship.

The agreement provides McLaren Racing with an option on Ugo’s services in the future, while supporting his development and evolution as he progresses through the junior categories of motorsport.

“I’m honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in my career,” Ugochukwu said.

“To have the support of McLaren is fantastic and what any young driver dreams of. I’m focused right now on developing as a driver and racer, so having McLaren by my side can only help me on and off the track.”

Seven times World Champion Lewis Hamilton won his first title with McLaren having signed as a 13year old boy, the same age as Ugochukwu.

He began racing in 2013 and has progressed in prestigious karting competitions such as the FIA’s European Championship, and the Challenge of the Americas Junior Championship that he won in 2018.

Additional reporting from McLaren and F1 official websites.

Image Credit – Picasa/McLaren