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Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda USF2000 National ChampionshipMany of the top drivers of the IZOD IndyCar Series and sports car racing have honed their skills in F2000. The Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powerered by MAZDA is an important training ground for rising stars. Debuting in 2010, it is the revival of the very popular USF2000 series of 1990 through 2006. Sanctioned by the Indy Racing League, it is part of the "Road to Indy" Ladder System and the prestigous MAZDASPEED Motorsports driver development program. Its drivers will gain experience on street courses, ovals and road courses. The goal of the USF2000 National Championship is to provide a professional, entry-level open wheel training ground championship as the first step on the ladder to an IZOD IndyCar Series Championship. A F2000 chassis is of a flat-bottom, tubular, space frame design. The cars must have a net weight of 1,220 pounds (weight after a qualifying session or race with remaining fuel in the car but without the driver). Van Diemen chassis manufactured from 2001 through 2010 are eligible to compete in the top class, called the Championship class, in 2010. 2012 SCHEDULE March 15-16: Sebring International Raceway March 24-25: Streets of St. Petersburg May 26: Lucas Oil Raceway August 4-5: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course August 17-18: Road America September 1-2: Streets of BaltimoreSeptember - TBA CARS: USF2000 cars are open-wheel, single-seat, open-cockpit cars with front and rear wings. ENGINES: F2000 engines are four-cylinder, double-overhead-cam, fuel-injected, 2,000cc engines that generate approximately 170 horsepower and are capable of powering cars to speeds of 150 miles per hour. In 2010, the Championship class cars may be powered by either a Zetec 2-liter engine or the new Mazda MZR 2-liter engine. Beginning in 2011, Championship class cars must use only the Mazda powerplant. All national class cars must use only Zetec 2-liter engines, a stipulation which will carry into 2011. All of the Mazda MZR 2-liter engines are prepared and sealed by one engine preparer for the entire series — Elite Engines of West Bend, Wis. TIRES: Thirteen-inch slick and rain tires co-branded COOPER/F2000 as manufactured by Cooper Tires are mandatory in both classes.
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