The BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National
Presented by Mazda is the first of the three-step ladder system that includes
Star Mazda and Champ Car Atlantic Powered by Mazda. Each year's champion is
awarded a fully paid season in the following year's Star Mazda series, a
sponsorship package valued at more than $350,000. The National attracts
aspiring pros because of its equal-car format, comprehensive coaching, a proven
heritage of developing star talent and its tremendous value: A full season
costs less than $50,000. The National is where A.J. Allmendinger, Marco
Andretti, Scott Speed, and dozens of other racing stars began their auto racing
careers. The 2008 season is a seven-weekend, 14-race championship, all run as
primary support events at major motorsports race weekends including ALMS, Champ
Car and Grand-Am.
Built around a steel space-frame chassis, the Formula
Skip Barber 2000 incorporates a Ricardo 5-speed sequential gearbox,
dual-element rear and single-element front wings, composite bodywork and
BFGoodrich g-Force tires. Our 2.0-liter SOHC 4-cylinder is modified for racing
in three areas: oil system (hybrid dry sump), engine control unit (primarily
ignition timing) and breathing (custom racing headers). Top speed is 135 mph,
it will corner up to 1.4g and brake at a level that approaches 1.5gs. The car
easily accommodates ongoing development of its aerodynamics, as well as engine
and tire updates.
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