The Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires – the most effective driver development platform in the world – concluded its best season to date this month with thrilling championship battles punctuated by thriving off-track initiatives that firmly position the INDYCAR-sanctioned ladder series for future growth and global presence.

The highly anticipated Mazda Road to Indy $200K Scholarship Shootout will bring 20 champions from around the globe to the Valley of the Sun as the Bondurant Racing School near Phoenix, Ariz., will host the second annual event on December 9/10.

One day after the championship titles for all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires open-wheel driver development program were decided at the famed Watkins Glen International road course, around 250 drivers, families, teams and sponsors gathered on Monday evening at the nearby Harbor Hotel for the traditional Championship Celebration banquet. A total of more than $2.6 million in Mazda Scholarships and other awards was distributed at the upscale venue on the shores of Seneca Lake.

Rinus VeeKay takes the win while Oliver Askew secures the series championship

Talented rookies Oliver Askew and Rinus VeeKay have been locked in combat for this year’s USF2000 championship. Both contenders are taking part in their first full season of car racing after enjoying hugely successful careers in karting. They are chasing a Mazda Scholarship package valued at almost $400,000 to assist in the graduation to the next step on the Mazda Road to Indy, Pro Mazda, in 2018.