Turn 3 Motorsport Adds USF Juniors Champion Leonardo Escorpioni for 2026 Season Opener in Arlington

Five-Car Lineup Set to Launch 2026 USF Pro 2000 Championship Campaign at Inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington

Michael Costello, Brady Golan, Tyke Durst, and Sebastian Manson

Arlington, Texas (March 9, 2026) – Turn 3 Motorsport will expand its lineup to five drivers for the opening event of the 2026 USF Pro 2000 Championship presented by Continental Tire, welcoming 2025 USF Juniors Champion Leonardo Escorpioni to the team for the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington, taking place March 13–14 in Arlington, Texas.

Escorpioni joins the team’s previously announced four-driver roster as he continues progressing through the USF Pro Championships ladder. The 16-year-old Brazilian driver captured the 2025 USF Juniors title and began his 2026 campaign in the USF2000 Championship with a pair of podium finishes at the season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida. Now stepping up to the USF Pro 2000 category with Turn 3 Motorsport, Escorpioni will compete in the #4 car for the Arlington event as he gains further experience at the next level of the development ladder.

The Grand Prix of Arlington marks a historic addition to the 2026 calendar as a brand-new street circuit event held alongside the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 2.73-mile, 14-turn temporary circuit will wind through Arlington’s premier sports and entertainment district near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, creating one of the most unique venues on the USF Pro Championships schedule.

Turn 3 Motorsport will field five cars for the season opener, with Escorpioni joining the team’s full-season drivers Michael Costello (#2), Tyke Durst (#3), Sebastian Manson (#22), and Brady Golan (#44).

#4 – LEONARDO ESCORPIONI

Data Pioneer Solutions / Corix / Peer 1 / Mensalize

“I’m very excited to make my USF Pro debut with Turn 3 Motorsport,” said Escorpioni. “This is a great opportunity for me to challenge myself at the next level and gain valuable experience in the USF Pro 2000 car. Arlington looks like an exciting street circuit, and racing alongside INDYCAR will make the weekend even more special. My goal is to learn as much as possible and make the most of this opportunity with the team.”

#2 – MICHAEL COSTELLO

Proguard Automotive / EDA / Hope for AL

“I feel great heading to Arlington for the opening round of the USF Pro 2000 season,” said Costello. “I’ve prepared more than ever for this year, and so far our pre-season testing has looked really solid. The team has worked incredibly hard over the off-season, and I’m confident we’re starting the year in a strong position. My goal is to leave Arlington with a solid points lead and hopefully a win or two.”

#3 – TYKE DURST

FHI

“I’m ready to jump into the season and go defrost down in the Texas sun,” said Durst. “Racing on a brand-new yet already iconic street track will certainly bring its challenges. Our pre-season was up and down, but we learned a lot, and I’ve been itching to turn the wheel since I got out of the saddle. Focusing on solid runs and getting everything from our car is how we’re going to start our bank account this year.”

#22 – SEBASTIAN MANSON

Mansons TCLM / Maramarua Beef / Ted Manson Foundation / Express Plumbing

“I’m really excited to kick off the season in Arlington,” said Manson. “The track looks like an amazing challenge, and it’s always exciting to race on a brand-new circuit. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with everyone at Turn 3 Motorsport and building on everything we’ve prepared during the off-season. Hopefully we can start the year strong and put together a solid weekend!”

#44 – BRADY GOLAN

Marina

“It’s finally time for the first round of the USF Pro 2000 Championship, and we’re super excited to get the season started,” said Golan. “I’ve seen the team work wonders in the off-season getting everything prepared for the year ahead. Arlington is a Texas race, which means it’s close to home for my family, so it’s really special to start the season in my home state. The first race weekend is always a great chance to build momentum, and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got.”

PETER DEMPSEY – TEAM OWNER

“It’s been a long off-season, but we have prepared as best we can through our winter testing program to get ready for 2026,” said Dempsey. “It’s very exciting to add a driver of Leo (Escorpioni)’s caliber to the team for the opening round of the season. Starting off on a street course has typically been our tradition, but Arlington is going to give a completely different challenge than St. Petersburg as it’s a brand new layout for everybody. That being said, I feel we have prepared the drivers as best we can for the challenge. Our full focus is on the weekend ahead now. We need to make sure we maximize our track time and everyone executes their job. Hopefully we can have a good start to the season!”

The Grand Prix of Arlington will serve as the opening event of the 2026 USF Pro 2000 Championship season. The inaugural event will take place alongside the NTT INDYCAR SERIES on the 2.73-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit set in the heart of Arlington’s premier sports and entertainment district.

The weekend kicks off with practice and qualifying on Friday, followed by two races on Saturday.

Weekend Schedule (All Times CST)

Friday, March 13

11:30 AM – 12:05 PM | Practice

5:15 PM – 5:45 PM | Qualifying

Saturday, March 14

12:25 PM – 1:05 PM | Race 1

4:55 PM – 5:35 PM | Race 2

To stay up to date on Turn 3 Motorsport, follow the team on social media using the handle @turn3motorsport.

For more information or images, please contact Mandy Dempsey at turn3motorsport@gmail.com.

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