2021 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship

[Visit RoadToIndy.Info for a full overview of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires.]

The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship debuted in 2010 and is a continuation of the highly regarded USF2000 series which ran from 1990 through 2006, launching the careers of many of today’s top drivers. Sanctioned by INDYCAR, the series is the first official step on the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires - a clearly defined path to reach the top echelons of the sport. In addition to providing a vital training ground for rising stars, the series champion will earn a scholarship package to advance to the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires, the next step on the ladder system.

Christian Rasmussen of Jay Howard Driver Development claimed the 2020 championship and a scholarship valued at $328,225 which includes guaranteed entry into a full calendar of Indy Pro 2000 in 2021 as well as an Indy Lights test at the end of season.

In 2021, the champion's scholarship will increase to a value of $401,305 and will again guarantee a full season of competition in Indy Pro 2000 in 2022. In total, over $470,600 in prize money and awards are on offer including the Cooper Tires Pole Award at $1,000 per race.

The new Tatuus USF-22 will debut in 2022 with upgrades that include a new, wider monocoque with the addition of a Halo as well as new sidepods, underfloor, engine cover, air ducts, damper covers and fuel cell, providing drivers with the proper training aboard a state-of-the-art chassis as they advance up the motorsports ladder.

HISTORY

USF2000 has served as a formative step for drivers dating back to 1990. Drivers who have honed their skills in the series include Indy 500 winners Dan Wheldon, Sam Hornish Jr. and Buddy Rice and sports car talents Lawson Aschenbach, Austin Cindric, Andy Lally, Bryan Sellars and Jonathan Bomarito. Recent graduates include Spencer Pigot, Colton Herta, Zach Veach, Oliver Askew and Rinus VeeKay to name a few.

2021 SCHEDULE - Eight Events, 18 Races

The annual Spring Training for USF2000 will take place at Barber Motorsports Park on April 4/5. Six pre-event test days include Barber Motorsports Park on April 15, Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 13, Lucas Oil Raceway on May 27, Road America on June 18, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 1 and New Jersey Motorsports Park on August 27.

SERIES PARTNERS

Cooper Tires, AiM Sports, Allied Building Products, AMR INDYCAR Safety Team, Bell Helmets, Carl Haas Auto, Cosworth, Dynamic Suspensions, Elite Engines, Hi-Tide Boat Lifts, Hyperco, INDYCAR Ministry, Kids On Track, Lucas Oil School of Racing, PFC Brakes, RACER, Racer Ink, Racing Communications, Rotiform, Sabelt, SimMetric Driver Performance Labs, Tatuus, Tilton, Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand, VP Racing Fuels

COVERAGE

Coverage of USF2000 will feature worldwide livestreaming on RoadToIndy.TV, the Road to Indy TV App and the series website as well live and on demand coverage on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Highlight shows will be aired by REV TV in Canada. Full race shows and highlight shows will be available on the series YouTube channel after each event.

DRIVERS

The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship is open to drivers age 15 and up (with 14-year-olds eligible pending review and acceptance of a driving resume by the series and approval by INDYCAR).

CARS

Significant chassis enhancements will take place in 2022 with new cars in Indy Pro 2000 and USF2000. The Tatuus IP-22 in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the USF-22 in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship will feature new advancements to extend competition life to at least 2026.

The 2022 upgrades include a new, wider monocoque with the addition of a Halo as well as new sidepods, underfloor, engine cover, air ducts, damper covers and fuel cell.

Leading race car manufacturer Tatuus in conjunction with Andersen Promotions designed the original USF-17 as a base car to help control operational costs for teams who wish to move up to Indy Pro 2000. The current Tatuus USF-17 is a full carbon composite and aluminum honeycomb monocoque chassis meeting current FIA F4 safety standards and utilizes the Mazda MZR 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with additional safety features to meet the specific needs of racing in the United States. These features include full Zylon side intrusion panels and reinforced bulkheads to strengthen the chassis for racing on oval circuits. The USF-17 also features other upgrades such as a six-speed paddle shift gearbox, four-way adjustable dampers, specific design aluminum Rotiform Racing wheels, Cosworth data system, LCD steering wheel and ECU, four piston caliper PFC brakes and INDYCAR-specific quick jack and roll hoop attachments.

VP Racing Fuels is the Official Fuel of USF2000.

ENGINES

The USF-17 is powered by the Mazda MZR 2-liter powerplant prepared by Elite Engines which produces 175 HP and maximum torque of 160 Ft. Lbs., utilizing a fly-by-wire throttle system and Cosworth SQ6 engine management system.

TIRES

Thirteen-inch slick and rain tires co-branded COOPER/USF2000 as manufactured by Cooper Tires.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

The Road to Indy Summit and Oval Clinic is a three-part educational and promotional program held during the season. The platform provides valuable education on a variety of topics including marketing/business, media training, career growth and development, fitness and wellness, social media and a comprehensive introduction to oval track racing led by industry experts. It also features activities such as high-profile autograph sessions and fan Q&As, networking reception, team owner meet-and-greets and race shop tours.

CURRENT TRACK RECORDS

+ = two lap average  

MILESTONES

POINT SYSTEM

ROAD/STREET COURSES

7th............................... 14             14th.............................. 7

One additional point is awarded for pole position, most laps led and fastest race lap

OVALS

7th............................... 21             14th..............................11

One additional point is awarded for pole position, most laps led and fastest race lap

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

Single car teams will receive three bonus points as an equivalency to multi-car teams. Only the two best results will count in the team championship for teams fielding more than two entries.

Past Champions: