Hunter Yeany Moves Up To Formula 3, Competed At Famed Circuit De Spa-Fancorchamps In Belgium And Makes The Podium

(All images submitted) Above: Hunter ready to go!

Sixteen year old Hunter Yeany, from Virginia Beach, son of Rob Yeany, a 1989 Clarion-Limestone graduate and Nicole (Kennedy) Yeany, a 1996 Clarion Area and 2001 Clarion University of Pennsylvania graduate, took a major step as he pursues his Motorsports dreams, by moving up to Formula 3.

Hunter made his debut in the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) British F3 Championship with Fortec Motorsports based in Daventry, Northamptonshire, with a third place finish at the famed Spa-Francorchamps this past weekend (July 23rd-25th). Fortec is formerly the Velocity Racing Development Team. Owner Dan Mitchellis Hunter’s trainer in the USA.    

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, located in Stavelot Belgium, is host to the Formula 1 Belgium Grand Prix and is considered one of the legendary motorsport tracks such as Le Mans, Indianapolis or Monaco.

The track 20 turn track covers 4.35 mile and is famous for its design. It weaves through the mountains and is best known for its iconic uphill turn named Eau Rouge. 

Hunter’s BRDC F3 has an approximate top speed of 160 mph. The race provided three firsts for Hunter, the first time he raced in Europe, his first race in British F3, and his first time on the track at Spa-Francorchamps.  

Friday consisted of three practices and qualifying  (In qualifying your fastest lap time is for Race 1, second fastest time is qualifying for Race 2).  Hunter was 10th in the first practice, 6th in the second practice and 4th in the third practice and ended up qualifying 12th for race one and 11th for Race 2. 

Race 1 was in the rain and Hunter moved up from 12th place to 8th, while passing more cars than any of the other drivers. 

Race 2 was run in dry conditions. Following an incident on the 4th lap (which was deemed the other driver’s fault), Hunter to make a pit stop to replace his front wing, losing valuable time. He finished in 12th place. 

Hunter started 5th in Race 3 and moved up to third with 2 laps to go. He battled the number 2 driver in the championship. He ultimately came across the line in position 4. But due to a 5 second penalty given to the position 3 driver, Hunter moved up to position 3 and a place on the podium.

This was a weekend of firsts for Hunter: his first time with his new team, his first time in the car he drove, his first race in Europe, his first race in British F3, his first podium in Europe and his first time at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Quite a weekend to remember.

Currently a front-runner in the Formula Regional Americas Championship, Hunter has scored points in all but one of his thirteen race starts so far this season.

This racing season builds on a 2020 season for Hunter. As a 15 year old, last year, Hunter was the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda season champion, after a dominating performance on the track, that included seven victories and a further six podium finishes on his way to an eventual winning margin of 57 points. He was named “Rookie of the Year,” after setting a new world record by becoming the youngest driver to earn Federation Internationale de l`Automobile (FIA) F4 title. For his accomplishments, Hunter was named the 2020 United States Formula 4 “Rookie of the Year.”

Hunter had this to say about his great experience and great step forward, this past weekend, “I really enjoyed my first racing weekend in Europe. The team, the series and people at Spa were all very welcoming. The competition is very good, and I was pleased with how the weekend went. I have to thank my parents, Dan Mitchell from Velocity Racing, Fortec Motorsport and the BRDC F3 series for the opportunity. It was amazing”

(Congratulations to Hunter, Rob, Nicole and the whole Yeany/Kennedy Clan on Hunter’s astounding accomplishment!! Hunter, keep reaching for your dream!! You make us all Clarion Proud!!!!)