Basildon-based Jay Howard has signed a deal to compete for American-based outfit Aiken Racing next season.

The 23-year-old, who impressed the team with some fine displays during his last visit to the States, will be racing in the Formula Ford Zetec 2000 class -- America's equivalent to Formula Three.

"I'm delighted with the deal," said Howard.

"The series I'm racing in will be shown on live TV around the world then it will also be repeated on a dedicated sports channel for two weeks after every race.

"There will also be crowds in excess of 70, 000 at some of the events so that makes it even more exciting and I'm looking forward to a successful year of racing."