Dakota Dickerson collected yet another win on his final Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda race event held during the Formula 1 US Grand Prix weekend at the fabulous 3.427-mile Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
“It was an awesome last weekend with DC Autosport in the F4 US Championship powered by Honda,” said Dickerson. “We continued our momentum from New Jersey by putting the car on pole by 1.6 seconds, then we were able to grab the win in Race 1. On Sunday, we were leading the final race until a brake issue forced us into the pits. All in all, it’s been a fantastic season and I can’t thank the DC Autosport guys enough for all of their hard work.” “We came on strong in the last few rounds of the season,” added Dickerson “and I know if there is the opportunity to work together next year, we will pick up right where we left off — winning.”
Throughout the week before the race at COTA, the young driver was able to spend time and enjoy the company of his local Texas sponsors. Dickerson was then able to give them an insider’s view of the racing world at the event on Saturday and Sunday. Despite the cold and rain, all of them showed up to watch their favorite driver race during the weekend.
During Saturday’s race, Dickerson showed what he was made of. His immense driving talent came through when the 21-year old driver took the re-start after a two-car incident brought out a full-course caution. Even though Dickerson built himself a good gap while recording the fastest lap in the race, the pack of cars lined up behind the pace car during the full course yellow. When the race went green sooner than expected, the 33-car field was caught off guard, with a five-car battle for first place and proceeded to put on a great show with Dickerson dicing expertly to keep his position during that last lap. Along with all his sponsors and supporters, many fans in the grandstands joined in and stood up and cheered loudly for the amazing display put on by the F4 U.S. drivers. Another great win for Dickerson.
By Sunday, the weather cleared up and the sun was shining again. On this last race of the season, Dickerson started on pole, had a great start, but half-way through the race, he experienced brake issues and had to come into the pits. This was Dickerson’s first DNF of the season and the first time he finished lower than sixth in 27 race starts.
DC Autosport Team owner, Don Conner commented: “Dakota is very determined and diligent about improving what he does as a driver. He’s always looking for ways to go quicker. He’s a pleasure to work with because he is so focused and determined. It's a bummer he didn't get a chance to finish the last race of the season. We all felt bad, but, he still walked away with the Championship.”
A few hours later, everyone was having fun when the team showed up for the banquet wearing Texas cowboy hats and Dickerson was crowned the “2018 F4 U.S. Champion” at the awards ceremony. Dickerson also won the “Cameron Das Pole Position Award” for securing most fast lap times of the season. The DC Autosport Team captured third place in the team championship. The immense support from Honda, Onroak, SCCA Pro Racing, and Phillips 66 has given Dickerson more than a $230,000 head start in his funding for next year, which includes one-year lease on a Ligier JS F3 and Honda Civic Type R engine. Dickerson was also given an authentic Stetson cowboy hat from none other than Jeff Barrow, the “Honda guy with a black cowboy hat”. A beautiful, custom made watch from BRM was also presented to Dickerson and the team.
After that, it was time to go and celebrate with the sponsors and thank them again for their support. All in all, it was a great night for everyone.
“If it weren’t for all my wonderful friends and sponsors who supported me, I wouldn’t be here tonight” said Dickerson. I look forward to seeing what next year brings and hope to have all of them on board with us again,” he added.
Dakota Dickerson’s race fans can follow him on his website dakotadickersonracing.com, Instagram (@dickersonracing), Facebook (Dakota Dickerson Racing) and on Twitter (@DickersonRacing).
