Caleb Campbell is gearing up for Virginia International Raceway with excitement and focus as the third-to-last race of the F4 U.S. Championship season approaches. Looking back, his first home race in Canada was a meaningful experience that gave him valuable track time. Caleb has been preparing both physically and mentally, combining strength training, personal workouts, and cognitive exercises to stay sharp. Looking ahead, his goals are clear: secure more podiums, fight for a strong finish in the championship, and continue representing his sponsors with pride.
Q: What are you most excited about the Virginia International Raceway track this weekend?
A: Mostly just excited for being at the track again. I haven’t been on track in a while, and when I was, it was in Canada, and I didn’t have the best of luck there. So I’m looking forward to having another shot at it and hopefully it will go well.
Q: How does VIR compare to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park?
A: There’s a lot of high-speed corners at the Canadian track and there’s a few high-speed corners in Virginia. Theres also elevation, there’s a lot of elevation in Canada and a lot of elevation in Virginia, so that’s a bit of a comparison between the two.
Q: How have you been preparing mentally and physically for this particular race?
A: I’ve been doing a lot of training. I’ve got a strength class at school that I’ve been doing, and then I have my personal trainer, who has been coming over to do some workouts with me. And mentally, I’ve been doing some mental cognitive training and things like that.#
Q: How do you stay motivated between the race weekends?
A: I stay motivated by wanting to do well, I want to do the best of my ability and at the end of the day, this is what I want to do in the future. So, I just want to do the best that I can do and so I’ve got to work up to it.
Q: As you said, VIR has a mix of some high-speed sections and technical corners. Do you adjust your driving style for this kind of a track, and if so, how?
A: Yeah, in my opinion, I do better in high-speed corners than low-speed corners. So it’s just that bit of confidence that I have, I like to push the car to the limit in the high-speed corners and I know what the limit is. My team have a good setup for the car and they change the setup around a little bit depending on how many high-speed corners and low-speed corners there are.
Q: Is there a specific rival or team that you’re keeping an eye on this weekend?
A: Not necessarily, no. Cooper Shipman has won the past seven races in a row, I think. So, everyone’s trying to beat him right now, so I guess Cooper Shipman. But besides that, not necessarily.
Q: You are currently fighting for fourth place in the championship. How does that battle with Clement Huerta feel from your perspective?
A: To be honest, I’m not too pleased with it. I think I should be up there more. It’s just I need some more luck on my side.
Q: What’s been your favourite part of working with your team this season?
A: Just the relationship I have with them. I’ve been with the team owner Leo since karting, so we’ve been with each other now for over four or five years. He wants the best for me and he wants to bring his team up with me. It’s a really good relationship we have and I’m looking forward to working with them more.
Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals or a go-to playlist that helps you get in the zone?
A: Not necessarily. I like skipping before I get in the car, I find that doing some skipping is good, it warms you up. And I also go on the simulator before I hop in the car.
Q: Do you have a favourite section of VIR, a corner or straight, and why does it stand out to you?
A: I wouldn’t really say I do. The back straightaway is really long, so you get a really nice draft and then they have a passing corner coming up after that straightaway. So it’s a nice overtaking spot.
Q: With just two races left this season, what are your goals for these final two rounds?
A: For the final two rounds, I’d like to get up on the podium spot in the championship. I just want to be on the podium. I want to win a few more races and get a few more podiums under my name.
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your rookie US championship season?
A: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t just show up to the track and expect to do well. You actually have to put in the behind-the-scenes work in order to succeed.
Q: Would you like to share a message with the fans as the season winds down?
A: Just thank you everyone for supporting me. Thank you Kids Help Phone for supporting me and all my sponsors, Camtaac Properties, Legacy Foundation of Canada, all of them. Hopefully I can do well in these next few races to get my name out there and represent them.
Q: Have you started thinking about next season yet, or are you keeping your focus on finishing this year strong?
A: We’ve done a little bit of research into what I could possibly be doing next year, but right now my focus is on the rest of the season.
Q: Finally, do you have any fun plans for the offseason once the championship wraps up?
A: Not really, not yet. Maybe go to Newfoundland for Christmas or something like that, but besides that, I’m not 100% sure. See how it goes, take it as it comes.
Looking Forward: With just two rounds remaining in the championship, Campbell is setting his sights on finishing the season strong. Currently battling for fourth in the standings, Campbell is determined to fight for a podium spot in the overall championship while adding more race wins and podium finishes to his name. His focus remains on consistency, preparation, and building momentum to carry into the offseason, with the goal of proving himself among the series’ top contenders.
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