This year’s USF2000 championship runner-up Rinus VeeKay will step up to Pro Mazda with Juncos in 2018.

The 17-year-old Dutchman earned one pole, three wins and 12 podiums during his USF2000 campaign, and said that he is excited to be climbing the next rung on the ladder with Pro Mazda’s reigning champion team.

“I feel very honored that I am able to join such a successful top team,” he said. “They have a very professional attitude and the connection we had during the test was excellent from the very first moment. I really felt at home with the team. When I visited Juncos Racing I was thrilled with their state-of-the-art facility. Everything was very clean and organized, just like a Formula 1 operation.”

VeeKay had his first outing with Juncos during a two-day test in the new Pro Mazda PM-18 car at Mid-Ohio in October, and team owner Ricardo Juncos said that he is excited by the teenager’s potential.

“We first worked with Rinus back in October testing at Mid-Ohio and were very pleased with him all around,” said Juncos.

“He was very fast on track, and had a great professional approach when working with the crew and engineers. Rinus showed he will be a top contender on track and he is going to be an incredible asset to our Pro Mazda line-up this coming year. I want to thank Rinus and his family for the opportunity to add him to our program and look forward to a great year as we go for another championship.”