Courtney Crone: Rising Star in Motorsports Sets New Track Record
Courtney Crone is quickly becoming one of America’s most promising racing talents. The 24-year-old California native has been racing since she was just three years old, developing her skills across multiple disciplines before landing a coveted spot in the F1 Academy with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and ART Grand Prix for the 2025 season. Her remarkable journey from karting prodigy to F1 Academy driver represents a significant step forward for American representation in global motorsport.
Currently competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Championship, Crone’s versatility behind the wheel speaks volumes about her adaptability and raw talent. The racing world has taken notice of her progression, with her next race scheduled for March 21-23, 2025, in Shanghai, China.
With a growing social media following and the backing of a major Formula 1 team, Crone stands at the threshold of what could become a breakthrough career in international motorsport. Her story isn’t just about impressive lap times—it’s about determination, versatility, and breaking barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by European drivers.
Courtney Crone: Racing Prodigy
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Courtney Crone is establishing herself as one of America’s most versatile young racing talents. Born on March 7, 2001, the California native has built an impressive resume across multiple racing disciplines.
What makes Crone stand out is her remarkable versatility. She’s not just another single-discipline specialist – she’s raced everything from speedway motorcycles to USAC Midgets and Sprint Cars, showcasing adaptability that’s rare in modern motorsport.
Her career trajectory has recently accelerated with her selection as an F1 Academy driver for the MoneyGram Haas F1 team, partnered with ART Grand Prix. This represents a significant step in her development path toward higher echelons of motorsport.
Crone’s racing background is notably diverse:
- Speedway Motorcycles
- USAC Midgets
- Sprint Cars
- Formula cars
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America
Her driver development has followed an unconventional but effective path. Unlike many contemporaries who focus exclusively on the formula car ladder, Crone’s experience in dirt track racing has honed car control skills that translate across platforms.
The professional racer also represents Forme Science as an ambassador, balancing competitive driving with promotional responsibilities that have become essential in modern motorsport careers.
Crone’s next scheduled competition takes her to Shanghai, China for F1 Academy racing in March 2025, continuing her international development as she builds toward higher-profile opportunities.
Early Life and Introduction to Motorsport
Courtney Crone was practically born with racing in her blood, getting her first taste of motorsport at an incredibly young age through family connections that would shape her future career path.
First Encounters with Racing
Motorsport wasn’t just a hobby in the Crone household—it was a family tradition. Courtney was born into racing, with her earliest memories formed around California racetracks. At the tender age of two, she first sat on a mini moto, beginning what would become a lifelong passion.
Her father ran his own vintage race car team, and young Courtney traveled around California watching him compete. These weekends at the track quickly became her favorite activity, immersing her in the sights, sounds, and culture of motorsport before she could even fully understand what was happening around her.
The environment fostered an early appreciation for the technical aspects of racing. Even as a toddler, Crone showed unusual interest in the mechanics and operation of racing vehicles, demonstrating the focus and determination that would later define her career.
Steps into Racing
Courtney didn’t wait long to get behind the wheel herself. At just four years old in 2005, she began racing quarter midgets—scaled-down race cars designed specifically for children. This early start gave her a significant advantage in developing racing instincts and technical skills.
By age 11, she had progressed to Junior Speedway competition, where she quickly distinguished herself by winning races against mostly male competitors. Her progression wasn’t limited to four wheels, though. Crone developed proficiency across multiple disciplines, including:
- Quarter midgets
- Sprint cars
- Speedway motorcycles
- Dirt bikes
This diverse racing background created a well-rounded driver with adaptability across different vehicles and track conditions. Her career in motorsports has now spanned over 19 years, beginning officially in March 2006 when she was just five years old.
Rise through the Ranks
Courtney Crone’s journey to professional racing showcases her exceptional talent and determination. Her path from grassroots motorsport to international competition demonstrates how development programs can shape a promising driver’s career.
Path to Professionalism
Crone cut her teeth in the gritty world of sprint car racing, building fundamental skills that would serve her throughout her career. The California native didn’t take the typical karting-to-formula path many racers follow. Instead, she honed her craft in dirt oval racing, competing in USAC midget events where quick reflexes and car control are paramount.
Her versatility became evident as she transitioned to road racing. By her early 20s, Crone had already competed in multiple disciplines, demonstrating adaptability that caught the attention of team owners and manufacturers alike.
The racing world took serious notice when she entered the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series with World Speed Motorsports, proving her capability in high-performance sports car competition.
Development Programs
Crone’s talent found support through several key development initiatives. VMB Driver Development provided early support, helping refine her racecraft during formative racing years. This program gave her structured coaching and seat time crucial for young drivers.
Her involvement with Project Podium furthered her career prospects, offering professional-level training and connections. As a lead instructor at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Crone has shared her expertise with developing drivers while continuing to evolve her own skills.
The most significant breakthrough came with her selection for the Haas F1 Academy program for 2025. At 23, Crone signed with Haas and ART GP for the F1 Academy season, marking her entry into the development pathway for the highest levels of motorsport.
Achievements and Milestones
Courtney Crone has built an impressive racing career marked by steady progression through various racing disciplines and notable achievements in competitive motorsport series.
Early Career Successes
Crone’s journey began on dirt tracks in USAC Midget racing before she transitioned to SCCA Formula Cars in her mid-teens. This early foundation proved crucial for her development as a versatile driver capable of adapting to different racing conditions.
In the Formula Car Challenge, she quickly established herself as a competitive force. Her technical driving style and strategic race management helped her stand out in a field dominated by more experienced drivers.
Crone’s early career was characterized by her ability to maximize results with limited resources, often competing against teams with significantly larger budgets. This resourcefulness became a hallmark of her racing approach.
Breakthrough Performances
The racing world took serious notice when Crone began competing in the prestigious Lamborghini Super Trofeo series. Her 2023 season was particularly notable as she finished 4th overall with 6 podium finishes, demonstrating her ability to compete at the highest levels.
That same year marked a significant achievement when she was awarded the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship, after being a finalist in 2022. This recognition provided crucial support for her racing career.
Crone has tested her skills at legendary tracks including Sebring and Daytona, adapting quickly to the unique challenges of these historic venues. Her consistent performances at these demanding circuits have showcased her technical skills and racing intelligence.
In a major career development, Crone is now set to join the Haas F1 team for the 2025 F1 Academy season, becoming the first driver with Mexican heritage in the program.
Affiliations and Endorsements
Courtney Crone has built an impressive network of partnerships and institutional support that has propelled her racing career forward. Her affiliations span from major racing teams to prestigious scholarships designed to promote diversity in motorsport.
Partnerships and Sponsorships
Crone’s racing career took a significant leap forward when she joined MoneyGram Haas F1 Team to represent them in the 2025 F1 Academy series. As the only American-owned team in Formula 1, Haas’s selection of Crone highlights their commitment to developing American talent in the international racing scene. She’s competing with ART Grand Prix, a respected team known for developing future Formula 1 drivers.
The Della Penna Foundation also recognized Crone’s talent, adding her as the fifth member of their Driver Advisory Council ahead of the 2025 season. This affiliation connects her to one of motorsport’s prominent development organizations.
Her professional relationships extend beyond teams to include valuable sponsorships that provide both financial backing and industry credibility.
Supporting Institutions
Crone’s development has been significantly bolstered by prestigious scholarships. She was awarded the 2023 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship, which secured her a full-time ride in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. This scholarship program aims to foster inclusion in motorsport by supporting underrepresented talent.
The benefits of this scholarship extended beyond mere financial support. As Crone herself acknowledged, it has had far-reaching implications for her career, opening doors both on and off the track.
She’s also received backing from the Women’s Sports Foundation, a three-time winner of their Project Podium initiative. This support has been crucial in addressing the gender gap in motorsport by providing resources to promising female drivers.
Roles and Contributions
Courtney Crone has established herself as a significant figure in motorsports beyond her racing achievements. Her influence extends to supporting other drivers and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Promoting Women in Motorsports
Crone has become an important voice for female racers in the motorsport world. In the 2025 F1 Academy series, she represents the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. Her position places her alongside pioneers like Susie Wolff in advocating for women in racing.
Unlike previous initiatives such as the W Series, Crone’s approach combines competitive driving with mentorship. She regularly speaks at industry events, sharing her journey from karting to professional racing.
Her collaboration with other female drivers like Chloe Chambers helps create a support network crucial for newcomers to the sport. This network addresses both technical skill development and the mental aspects of competing in high-pressure environments.
“Racing isn’t gendered—talent is talent,” Crone often emphasizes during her outreach programs for young female drivers.
Influence on Driver Development
Crone’s work as a lead instructor for the Formula Car program at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has revolutionized driver training methodologies. Her teaching approach bridges the gap between theory and practice for drivers of all experience levels.
Her curriculum emphasizes fundamentals while incorporating cutting-edge racing techniques. This balanced method has produced several successful drivers now competing in various racing series.
What makes Crone’s instruction unique is her ability to tailor training to individual learning styles. She draws from her diverse racing background that spans from open-wheel competitions to her current role in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America.
Beyond technical skills, she emphasizes race craft and strategic thinking—elements often overlooked in traditional training programs but critical for career longevity.
Current Endeavors and Future Prospects
Courtney Crone’s racing career is accelerating rapidly as she takes on new challenges in international motorsport. Her current focus spans both F1 development programs and sports car racing, showcasing her versatility and determination.
Racing in the Present
Crone has secured a significant opportunity for the 2025 season as she will represent MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in the F1 Academy series. The 23-year-old Californian will compete with ART Grand Prix across seven rounds, marking a major step in her career trajectory. This partnership places her within the Formula 1 development pathway, giving her valuable experience in single-seater racing at the international level.
Prior to this F1 connection, Crone demonstrated her talents in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series, where she competed as a rookie and built upon her motorsport heritage. Her diverse racing background includes victories in USAC Midgets, Sprint Cars, and even Speedway Motorcycles, making her adaptable to various racing disciplines.
The upcoming Miami Grand Prix weekend will likely be a key moment for Crone as F1 Academy races alongside Formula 1, putting her skills on display before a global audience.
Aspirations and Goals
Crone’s immediate focus is establishing herself as a championship contender in the 2025 F1 Academy season. Her placement with a Formula 1-affiliated team suggests a potential pathway toward higher levels of open-wheel racing if she performs well.
Beyond F1 Academy, Crone has been building experience on both sides of the Atlantic. As an IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship winner, she gained valuable sports car racing experience in 2023, showing her commitment to developing a multifaceted racing career that could span various professional series.
Her versatility is perhaps her greatest asset. Having raced and won in everything from motorcycles to formula cars, Crone has demonstrated an adaptability that could serve her well in whichever direction her career takes.
Technological Advances and the Sport
Technology plays a crucial role in modern racing, influencing everything from vehicle performance to driver development. Courtney Crone’s career has evolved alongside significant technological advancements in motorsport.
Innovations in Racing
Racing technology has transformed dramatically in recent years, particularly in the series where Crone competes. LMP3 cars, which Crone has achieved four podium finishes in, represent a significant leap in accessible prototype racing technology. These vehicles feature carbon fiber chassis, sequential gearboxes, and aerodynamic packages that were once exclusive to top-tier motorsport.
Data acquisition systems have become essential tools for drivers like Crone. These systems capture thousands of data points per second, allowing engineers to analyze everything from brake pressure to throttle application.
Simulators now serve as critical training tools. Drivers can practice virtually before ever setting foot on a track, reducing the learning curve and saving teams significant costs in testing time and tire budgets.
Engineering and Performance
The engineering behind Crone’s racing success combines cutting-edge materials science with computational fluid dynamics. In the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series, where Crone raced as a rookie, engineers utilize carbon composites and titanium components to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio.
Performance optimization now happens in real-time. Teams like those Crone works with employ live telemetry systems, thermal imaging cameras, advanced tire pressure monitoring, and computational race strategy models.
Engineers collaborate closely with drivers to translate technical data into actionable feedback. This partnership is evident in Crone’s development as a driver, where technical understanding has become as important as raw driving talent.
The rapid advancement of hybrid and electric technologies is also reshaping motorsport, creating new categories where engineering innovation directly translates to competitive advantage.
Courtney Crone’s Impact on Racing
Courtney Crone has established herself as a groundbreaking talent in motorsport, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of racers. Her journey through various racing series has left a significant mark on the sport.
As one of the few women competing at high levels, Crone has experienced European racing through the ADAC LMP3 series. This has helped raise her profile globally.
Her connection with Formula Pro USA and FormulaSpeed competitions provided the foundation for her developing career, showing her ability to compete across different vehicle classes and racing formats.
Crone’s performance in LMP3 has been particularly impressive. By her own admission, she drove “the best couple races” she ever has in the category. She pushed herself to new limits while working with Forty7 Motorsports.
Beyond her on-track accomplishments, Crone has become an important ambassador for the sport. She serves as a company spokesperson and brand ambassador, extending her influence beyond competition and into the business side of racing.
Her stint with World Speed Motorsports further cemented her reputation as a driver who can adapt to different teams and environments while maintaining competitive performances.
The Team USA Scholarship program recognized Crone’s potential, providing crucial support that helped advance her career at a critical juncture. This endorsement from a prestigious development program highlighted her as a driver worth watching.
