Young Mexican looks to follow in the footsteps of Pato O’Ward

With the first 2023 pre-season test already in the books, Jay Howard Driver Development continues to add to their USF Pro Championships driver lineup. Confirming today that Mexican Ricardo Escotto will join the JHDD USF Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires program, Escotto joins previously announced USF2000 driver Lochie Hughes.

“We are building our program and will have several additional driver announcements in the coming weeks,” explained Jay Howard, former NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver and Owner of Jay Howard Driver Development. “While we will have a handful of both rookies and veteran drivers in 2023, Ricardo joins us with F4 experiences from around the world in 2022 and will look to get up to speed during an intense winter test program.”

2022 saw Escotto compete around the world in the F4 Spanish Championship, the Italian F4 Championship and the F4 United Arab Emirates Championships. Most recently, Escotto joined the JHDD program at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway for last weekend's USF Pro Fall Combine where he confirmed his intentions for the 2023 season.

Howard added, “Ricardo was able to sample equipment and series around the world, ultimately deciding on North America and the USF Pro 2000 Championship. While he is a rookie in this car, this team and within the series, we will work with him to get him up to speed quickly and ensure that he has the tools to challenge for race wins and podium results like every driver in our effort.”

Driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend, Ricardo got his first taste of the JHDD USF Pro 2000 machine and was instantly impressed.

“The car is amazing, a big step up from what I have driven in the past,” explained Escotto. “I look forward to working with Jay and his entire staff throughout the rest of 2022 and into 2023. I can’t wait for the first green flag of the season but until then, I will increase my training and preparation to ensure that I am 100% ready to go.”