American Connor Willis has become Hillspeed’s second driver signing for the 2026 GB4 Championship season as the talented youngster makes the step-up from the fast-paced world of Formula Ford.
The 18-year-old, from Naperville in Illinois, enjoyed a strong season in MSVR’s United Formula Ford Championship last year where he finished seventh in the driver standings. He also finished in the top-10 at both the annual Formula Ford Festival and prestigious Walter Hayes Trophy in his rookie year of Formula Ford, two of the largest Formula Ford events in the world.
At Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in the 54th BRSCC Formula Ford Festival, the American finished on the podium in his Heat, third position, before placing fifth in his Semi-Final. In the Grand Final, Willis raced to ninth position.
One week later, Willis competed in the 25th anniversary HSCC Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone National Circuit. He won the ‘last chance’ qualification race – also setting fastest lap – and then went on to finish 10th overall in the Grand Final, gaining an impressive 19 positions on track.
Beginning his motorsport journey in 2019 in karting in the USA, Willis moved up to racing spec Mazda Miatas two and a half years later. In his very first race, Willis starred by earning pole position and leading every lap en-route to race victory.
He made his single-seater debut by participating in one of the US-based FRP F1600 Championship events in 2023, and then travelled to the UK the following year to contest his first Walter Hayes Trophy which preceded his first full season of Formula Ford in the UK last year.
Markham Vale’s Hillspeed delivered an incredibly strong title bid in GB4 last year with Daniel Guinchard and Leandro Juncos. Only just missing out on the drivers’ crown with Guinchard in the final race of the season, Hillspeed concluded a brilliant campaign as Vice-Champions in the team battle.
Richard Ollerenshaw – Hillspeed Team Principal: “We’re delighted to have signed Connor as our second confirmed driver for GB4 this season, and we’re confident he is going to make a great impression in his maiden year of slicks and wings. He performed very strongly in the UK last year in Formula Ford, and during the winter testing we’ve been doing he has been making impressive progress.
“The GB4 grid looks to be, quite possibly, its most competitive ever this year – which really is saying something considering the quality of the racing last season – but we have every confidence Connor is going to adapt quickly and deliver some very strong performances.”
Connor Willis: “I am incredibly proud and excited to confirm that I will be competing in the 2026 GB4 Championship with Hillspeed. Motorsport has been a defining part of my life for as long as I can remember. Before I could even walk I was pretending to drive, imagining myself behind the wheel. Growing up I played a variety of sports and always thrived on competition, but it was not until I discovered racing that I truly found my passion.
“Success in motorsport is never achieved alone; it is built on teamwork, trust, and shared ambition. Finding the right environment is crucial, and Hillspeed has demonstrated exceptional professionalism. I have been truly impressed by the team, and I am confident we will build a strong and successful partnership. I am looking forward to an exciting season ahead and cannot wait to get started.”
24 February 2026
