Ernie Francis Jr.
Ernie Francis Jr. (born January 23, 1998) is an American sports car racing and stock car racing driver who competes full time in the Trans-Am Series, running the 98 car for Breathless Racing where he is a seven-time champion. He also races full-time in Formula Regional Americas Championship running the 98 car for Future Star Racing. In 2021, he competed full-time in the inaugural Superstar Racing Experience, driving the No. 2 car. He became the youngest winner in the SRX series when he won at Lucas Oil Raceway. He secured 2nd place in  the SRX championship. When he is not racing, he works at the family race shop - Breathless Racing Team - run by his father (Ernie Francis Sr.) and stepmother (Monica Zima Francis) in Davie, FL. He has also competed part-time in NASCAR in the past in both the Xfinity Series and the East Series. Racing career. NASCAR Xfinity Series. In 2017, Francis Jr. made his NASCAR debut, driving the No. 13 Toyota for MBM Motorsports in a partnership with NextGen Motorsports at Road America. He started 38th and finished 39th due to engine problems. NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. In 2018 , Francis Jr. began racing in the Pro Series East, driving the No. 42 Toyota for Max Siegel's Rev Racing team. He began on the pole position at Millville and finished second to Will Rodgers. He returned for the Watkins Glen race, where he started 19th and finished 11th. In 2019, Francis Jr. returned to Siegel's Rev Racing team as part of the Drive for Diversity driver development program. Trans Am Series. Francis Jr. has won seven consecutive Trans-Am Series championships. Indy Lights. For the 2022 racing season, Francis Jr. signed to drive for the Force Indy team  in the Indy Lights series. Francis Jr.'s hiring came as part of an initiative by the Force Indy team to give African-American drivers and mechanics opportunities to enter open-wheel racing. Motorsports career results. American open-wheel racing results. Indy Lights. Season still in progress