In the 2024 racing season, Ariel made a remarkable debut in the United States, joining the InterMS team to compete in the USF Juniors Championship. Representing Israel on the international stage, he achieved impressive success, securing multiple race wins and podiums.
InterMS TEAM
The InterMS racing team has played a pivotal role in Ariel’s racing journey, ever since providing him with the opportunity to race a Formula 4 car for the first time in 2023. Under the leadership of Juan Garavaglia and Carlos Martinez, the team’s unwavering support and guidance throughout the 2024 season have been invaluable, helping Ariel achieve new career milestones. Beyond racing, they’ve also played a crucial role in his personal growth, shaping him not just as a driver, but as a person. With a close relationship built on trust, respect, and care, InterMS has become like family to Ariel.
Full Story of the 2024 Racing Season
In 2024, Ariel Elkin made a pivotal move to racing in the United States after six years of competing in Europe. While financial considerations influenced the decision, it also reunited him with the Miami-based InterMS Racing team, led by Juan Garavaglia, who gave Ariel his first opportunity to drive a Formula 4 car in early 2023.
The decision to join the USF Juniors Championship came late, with Ariel getting his first experience in the Tatuus JR-23 cars just six weeks before the season began. Despite the limited preparation time, Ariel and the InterMS team quickly found their rhythm.
In the season opener at NOLA Motorsports Park, Ariel earned his first podium finish, standing out among a competitive field of nearly 30 drivers. During that race, he made a bold statement by competing with a helmet covered in images of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, raising global awareness for the cause and receiving widespread recognition for his courage and advocacy.
Two weeks later, Ariel dominated the second round at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, qualifying on Pole Position for both races and setting a new all-time track lap record for the USF Juniors. He led every lap of both races to secure two victories, marking his first major triumph in Formula 4 and solidifying his place as a top contender in the series.
As the season progressed, Ariel faced both triumphs and challenges. In the Mid-Ohio round, despite struggles with car setup due to newly-laid asphalt, Ariel fought hard and finished the weekend with a podium after overtaking multiple cars in both races. The following weekend in Chicago saw Ariel claim another victory in Race 2 and a second-place finish in Race 3, despite being handed a controversial penalty for "Blocking" that forced him to give away the win on the final lap.
The final race weekend in Portland tested Ariel’s resilience. Despite showing top-3 speed in practice, a long pit stop in Race 1 cost him valuable time and dropped him out of championship contention, leaving him to finish 4th overall in the standings. He fought back in Race 3, finishing 6th after early contact, while setting the fastest lap of the race.
Overall, Ariel’s 2024 season was marked by 3 wins, 5 podium finishes, and a 4th-place finish in the championship standings out of 33 drivers from countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, and Venezuela. He proudly represented Israel throughout the season, raising awareness for the Israeli hostages and demonstrating his strength on the international stage.
To cap off an impressive season, Ariel showcased his talent on the international stage at the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games in Spain, where he proudly represented Israel in the Formula 4 category. Competing against top talent from 21 countries, he delivered a strong performance, securing 5th place in a highly competitive field. Reflecting on the achievement, Ariel expressed his pride in racing under the Israeli flag and his drive to continue representing Israel globally.
With the season now behind him, Ariel and his team are focused on securing the essential budget needed for 2025, aiming to take the next step and continue showcasing Israeli motorsport on the world stage.
