A pair of American teenagers will shake-up the final round of the Australian Formula Ford Series at Phillip Island later this month.

Eighteen-year-old Tristan DeGrand and 16-year-old Max Mällinen will join the locals on the grid thanks to Borland Racing Developments.

Both drivers run Borland’s Australian-made Spectrum chassis in North America, where DeGrand was recently crowned the Canadian Toyo Tyres F1600 champion.

“We are excited to give the opportunity to successful Spectrum drivers from around the world to compete against each other and develop new skills,” said Spectrum owner Mike Borland.

“We also look forward to again sending an Australian driver overseas next year to emulate the achievements of previous Spectrum drivers John Martin, Shae Davies and Mitch Martin.”

DeGrand and Mällinen’s entries will be run by Ellery Motorsport at the November 29-30 Phillip Island meeting while Borland’s factory squad focusses on its title contender James Golding.

Golding holds a healthy 21 point lead over Mygale-mounted Thomas Randle ahead of the three races, held at the popular Island Magic event.

The series winner will receive a two-day test in an F2000 car in the United States under a deal forged with the Road to Indy ladder system earlier this year.