Meet Lewis Hamilton, the newest racing star in the Formula One Firmament. Very new. Fans around the world already know his name and his face, thanks to the global popularity of F1 and its international television coverage. But the first black man to race in the 61-year history of F1 is a stranger to most Americans.

That's not surprising, since the man on the street in the United States would be hard-pressed to name even one current F1 driver, especially now that seven-time champion Michael Schumacher has retired.

F1 insiders are hoping that will change this week at the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis, where the 22-year-old Hamilton will make his U.S. debut.

"I don't know if he will make any new Formula One fans in the States," said three-time world champion Jackie Stewart. "But this kid is the best young talent to come along in F1 in many years. I hope people watch."

Hamilton, who comes from Stevenage, England, has burst onto the F1 scene unlike any rookie before him.

In his first six starts, the Mercedes McLaren driver has finished in the top three every time, culminating with a win from the pole Sunday in the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. And the victory appeared to be no fluke as Hamilton led all but three of the 70 laps and was never really challenged.

Now he heads for the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway leading teammate and two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso by eight points at the top of the standings.