TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 21, 2025 – The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) is proud to announce Anthony Martella as the 2025 recipient of the CMHF Rising Star Award, presented by JMF Motorsports. Now in its third year under the JMF Motorsports banner, the Rising Star Award recognizes young Canadian competitors who demonstrate exceptional ability, competitive maturity, and are on a clear upward path in professional motorsport.
Martella, 17, from Toronto, delivered a standout season in USF2000 in 2025, where he quickly established himself as one of the most composed and determined young drivers on the Road to Indy ladder. In May, he claimed a landmark victory at the Freedom 75 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, a crown-jewel event and the only oval on the USF2000 schedule. Martella controlled the race with remarkable confidence for a rookie, securing the win and setting one of the fastest race paces of the event.
Across the full campaign, Martella delivered multiple top-five and top-ten finishes, ultimately placing seventh in the final championship standings, a strong result in one of the most competitive development series in North America. Martella will return to the extremely competitive Exclusive Autosport team for the 2026 USF F2000 Championships Presented by Continental Tire.
“Anthony represents exactly what the CMHF Rising Star Award, presented by JMF Motorsports is meant to recognize,” said CMHF Board Chair, Peter Lockhart. “His Freedom 75 win was a commanding performance, and throughout the season he displayed speed, maturity, discipline, and a deep commitment to growth. The Canadian racing community is excited to watch his continued rise. We are grateful to JMF Motorsports for their partnership and support.”
The Rising Star Award is presented in partnership with JMF Motorsports, whose multi-year commitment helps elevate and spotlight emerging Canadian talent.
“Supporting developing Canadian drivers is central to why we partnered with the CMHF,” said John Farrow, President and owner of JMF Motorsports. “Anthony demonstrated not only speed, but the kind of race craft and composure that translates into long-term success. He is an outstanding choice for this year’s award.”
“Being named the CMHF Rising Star is an honour,” said Martella. “2025 was a big step in my career, and I’m grateful to my team, my partners, and my family for believing in me. I’m excited to return to Exclusive Autosport and push even harder in 2026.”
The JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award includes a $25,000 career development grant, which supports the recipient’s continued advancement in professional motorsport. This funding is intended to directly assist with testing, equipment, travel, and program development as the driver progresses toward higher levels of competition.
The JMF Motorsports Rising Star will be formally recognized during the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Induction Gala, taking place February 21, 2026, at the John Bassett Theatre in Toronto during the Canadian International Auto Show. Anthony will be acknowledged on stage alongside this year’s class of inductees, with the presentation highlighting his achievements and the significance of the Rising Star Award in supporting the next generation of Canadian motorsport talent.
About the JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award
The CMHF Rising Star Award, presented by JMF Motorsports honours a young Canadian driver showing competitive promise, maturity, and a strong trajectory toward the professional ranks. Through the support of JMF Motorsports, the award helps ensure that rising Canadian talent receives recognition and meaningful assistance on their journey. For more information visit JMFMotorsports.ca.
