Oliver Wheldon is the 2024 Skip Barber Race Series champion, clinching the crown in the final race of the season ahead of Dean Lambros. With a remarkable second-half performance that included eight wins, Wheldon repeated the success of his older brother Sebastian Wheldon. The pair of Andretti junior development drivers are now both Skip Barber Race Series champions, nabbing the title in consecutive seasons.
Wheldon’s 2024 season began with a podium finish at Sebring International Raceway, his first podium outside of karting. After another third place at NOLA Motorsports Park, Wheldon found his first triumph at Circuit of The Americas, converting his pole position to victory. He then took another five-consecutive wins, with his streak of victories only being broken by a second-place finish at Lime Rock Park.
It was that summer surge that left Wheldon within striking distance of championship leader Lambros, who opened the season with three straight wins. As Wheldon continued to find the podium’s top step, Lambros remained consistent, finishing second in five of Wheldon’s victories.
The pair entered Lime Rock Park separated by just three points and remained that far apart after leaving with Wheldon’s one victory and second-place finish offset by Lambros’ one victory and second-place finish.
That left the title in the balance as the Skip Barber Race Series headed for VIRginia International Raceway. There, the track’s 4.20-mile Grand Course served as the final test for the drivers, with Mother Nature complicating matters.
Rain lingered over the circuit for Wednesday’s practice session and remained in the area until Thursday morning. That led to a delay in the proceedings and left the championship contenders with yet more time to think about the upcoming races.
With the track ready, Wheldon harkened back to COTA, where his championship run began. He clinched pole position and scored a crucial victory. Lambros finished third, giving Wheldon control of the championship lead for the first time this season.
In Race 2, Wheldon converted his pole position into a victory, this time, it was a championship-clinching win. Lambros again claimed third with Skip Barber Driver Development Program member Alex Garcia finishing second in both races.
Wheldon will receive a $100,000 scholarship to advance his racing career. By virtue of finishing second, Lambros earns a full-season scholarship to return to the Skip Barber Race Series. Thomas Tarlton won the Skip Barber Race Series Master’s class title, beating out his twin brother Rob Tarlton.