2019 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.

Kyle Kirkwood of Cape Motorsports claimed the 2018 USF2000 champion's title with an impressive season that saw him tie J.R. Hildebrand's 2006 record of 12 wins in a season.

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 Oliver Askew, Victor Franzoni, Colton Herta, Spencer Pigot, Aaron Telitz and Zach Veach to name a few.

SCHEDULE 

The USF2000 series will continue with a 15-race format held at eight NTT IndyCar Series venues featuring one oval, five road course and two street circuit events. In support of the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500, both USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 will return for the Carb Night Classic on May 24 at Lucas Oil Raceway, which is undergoing a $10M-plus renovation.

*Doubleheader Round   

SERIES PARTNERS

Cooper Tires, Allied Building Products, Elite Engines, Tatuus, Carl Haas Automobile Imports, Motegi Racing, Hyperco, RACER, Hi-Tide Boat Lifts, Royal Purple, Australian Formula Ford Association, VP Racing Fuels, Performance Friction Brakes, Dynamic Suspensions, Cosworth, Tilton, Racing Communications, INDYCAR Ministry.

COVERAGE

The popular RoadToIndy.TV and RoadToIndy.TV App will continue to provide behind-the-scenes content, race recap episodes, special features, live streaming and live shows of Road to Indy on and off-track activities.

In 2016, the Road to Indy became the first American racing series with a dedicated broadcast channel on demand via Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku and, most recently, the Xbox One Official App.

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

The Tatuus USF-17 was introduced in 2017 and is a significant technology leap over the Van Diemen USF2000 chassis. It 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 Motegi 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.

PRIZE MONEY AND AWARDS

The 2019 champion will receive a scholarship prize package valued at $305,600 to advance to the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires in 2020. The total event and year-end prize package is over $390,750.

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. Additionally, the current points leader will pace the Freedom 100 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires field on Carburetion Day and be interviewed in front of the Indianapolis 500 crowd only minutes before the race.

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: