14 Races, Six Test Days and Six-Race Cooper Tires Winterfest on Deck

PALMETTO, Fla. – The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda added the finishing touches to its strong 2012 race schedule which was announced last week by today confirming a pair of season-ending events at Virginia International Raceway on September 14 and 15 in support of the American Le Mans Series. Both series will be making their first appearances on the 4.1-mile, 21-turn ‘Grand Course' road course configuration at the Alton, Va., circuit.

“I am thrilled to be able to confirm our events at VIR,” said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions, the series promoter. “This was the final piece to an exciting schedule  in support of INDYCAR and the ALMS that will showcase the incredible talent we have in place this year. VIR is a first-class facility, and it is one of the best road courses in America. It is scenic, challenging, fan-friendly and will make a great site for our season finale.

“We currently have 20 confirmed drivers with more announcements expected. As the first step on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, our goal is to provide the right mix of circuits to offer the best training ground. We now have four permanent road courses, two street circuits and one oval event – all at high-profile venues – and I couldn’t be more pleased with our schedule for this season. We are looking forward to some great racing.”

The date of an official series test day at the VIR circuit will be announced in the near future.

At present, 17 drivers are set to jumpstart their 2012 racing seasons with the Cooper Tires Winterfest which kicks off on February 6. The six-race mini series features tripleheader rounds at Sebring International Raceway – site of the USF2000 season-opener – on February 6 and 7, and Palm Beach International Raceway on February 11 and 12.

2012 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda Schedule

March 15-16 - Races 1/2 - Sebring International Raceway - With ALMS

March 24-25 - Races 3/4 - Streets of St. Petersburg - With INDYCAR

May 26 - Race 5 - Lucas Oil Raceway - With USAC

August 4-5 - Races 6/7 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - With INDYCAR/ALMS

August 17-18 - Races 8/9/10 - Road America - With ALMS

September 1-2 - Races 11/12 - Streets of Baltimore - With INDYCAR/ALMS

September 14-15 - Races 13/14 - Virginia International Raceway - With ALMS

Cooper Tires Winterfest Championship (six race mini-series):

February 6-7 - Sebring International Raceway

February 11-12 - Palm Beach International Raceway

Series Open Tests/Oval Clinic: 

May 2-3 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

May 4 - Oval Clinic at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

May 5 - Lucas Oil Raceway

June 25-26 - Road America

Date TBA - Virginia International Raceway