BLAC Racing Detroit Grand Prix Spotlight: The Fast and Furious Rise of Ernie Francis Jr.

Ernie Francis Jr., a young Black race car driver, is making a name for himself in the Indy NXT series, and this weekend, after missing the Indy GP due to a fractured wrist, he’s scheduled to compete at the Detroit Grand Prix. With a passion for speed and an unwavering determination to succeed, Francis Jr. represents the future of diversity in motorsports.

Born in 1998, Ernie Francis Jr. hails from South Florida and began his racing career in karting at just four years old. By the age of 15, he had already made his professional debut in the Pirelli World Challenge, where he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Over the years, Francis Jr. has racked up numerous championships and records, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the racing world.

In 2021, Francis Jr. made history by joining the Indy NXT series (formerly known as Indy Lights) as part of the Force Indy team, a new initiative aimed at increasing diversity within the motorsports industry. As the team’s first driver, Francis Jr. has been instrumental in showcasing the talent and determination of Black drivers in a sport that has traditionally lacked representation.

Despite facing challenges, such as a fractured wrist that forced him to miss the Indy GP, Francis Jr. has remained resilient and focused on his goals. His dedication and commitment to the sport have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow racers alike.

With his talent and determination, Francis Jr. is poised to make a lasting impact on the Indy NXT series and beyond.

This weekend, keep your eyes out for Ernie Francis Jr. as he competes in the Detroit Grand Prix, which is back downtown after years at Belle Isle. Driving the No. 99 HMD Motorsports/Force Indy car, Francis Jr. is ready to make a statement on the track.

With his talent and determination, Francis Jr. is poised to make a lasting impact on the Indy NXT series and beyond.

We at BLAC Racing are proud to celebrate and support the achievements of Ernie Francis Jr. His success serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in the world of motorsports. We look forward to following his journey as he continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of Black racers.

So, as you gear up for the Detroit Grand Prix this weekend, be sure to keep an eye on Ernie Francis Jr. – a true trailblazer in the making.

Indy NXT Schedule

Admission Gates Open 8:00 a.m. Daily

Friday, June 2, 2023

11:30 am – 12:00 noon INDY NXT by Firestone Driver Autograph Session

1:50 pm – 2:40 pm INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 1

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying – Race 1 & Race #2

Saturday, June 3, 2023

12:05 pm – 1:00 pm INDY NXT by Firestone – Race 1 (45 lap or 55 min)

12:55 pm – 1:10 pm INDY NXT by Firestone Post-Race Ceremonies (Autotrader Winner’s Circle)

1:00 pm – 1:10 pm INDY NXT by Firestone Post-Race Ceremonies (Autotrader Winner’s Circle)

Sunday, June 4, 2023

12:35 pm – 12:45 pm INDY NXT by Firestone Pre-Race Ceremonies

12:45 pm INDY NXT by Firestone “Drivers Start Your Engines”

12:50 pm – 1:45 pm INDY NXT by Firestone – Race 2 (45 laps or 55 minutes)

1:45 pm – 2:00 pm INDY NXT by Firestone – Post-Race Ceremonies (Autotrader Winner’s Circle)