Cooper Tires presents the U.S. F2000 National Championship powered by Mazda is an American racing series using the American variation of the Formula Ford formula, "F2000", that resumed operation for the 2010 season. It is sanctioned by IndyCar,[1] and is a part of The Mazda Road to Indy.
History [edit]
The series was initially founded by Dan Andersen and Mike Foschi in 1990, and regularly fielded over 60 entries per race. In 2001, the series was sold to Jon Baytos who introduced a number of controversial rule changes that brought the series out of alignment with similar Sports Car Club of America classes. This ultimately led to a sharp reduction in participation, and the end of the series in 2006.
For 2010, the U.S. F2000 National Championship returned under the leadership of Dan Andersen, who then owned professional racing teams in Star Mazda and Indy Lights. The intent was to return F2000 to its status as a stepping stone to higher calibers of professional open wheel racing in the United States. The car rule package includes two sub-classes: the Championship class requires a Van Diemen chassis with a league mandated aerodynamics package, and a sealed Mazda MZR engine. The National class is for a Ford Zetec or Pinto powered car using any Formula Ford or Formula Continental chassis. The National class cars, though allowed more open suspension and aero tuning, run with a ~30 hp deficit as compared to the Mazda powered cars to ensure slower lap times. In November 2011 it was announced that SCCA Formula Enterprise cars would be eligible to compete for the National Championship from the 2012 Season onward.[2] At the end of the 2012 season, it was announced that the 2013 National Class would consist only of Formula Enterprise cars.[3] In November 2009, Cooper Tires announced the signing of a 4-year deal as a presenting sponsor and exclusive tire supplier for the series.[4]
Starting in 2011, organisers added a winter series of five races, organised in a short span in January or February, all held in southern Florida. The Winterfest series prepares F2000 drivers for their opportunities to race in F2000 in the main season.
Champions [edit]
[5]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
External links [edit]