[MotorSports News]

In the 1990s, Dan Andersen's US F2000 Series helped launch the racing careers of future Indianapolis 500 winners Buddy Rice, Dan Wheldon and Sam Hornish Jr.
He hopes to follow that pattern again.
Andersen announced Oct. 20 that he is re-establishing the series and has reached an agreement for it to be sanctioned by the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.

The revived series for two-liter formula cars will again be called the U.S. F2000 National Championship. The series will be operated by Andersen Promotions, LLC, a new company owned by Andersen and his
brother, John.

The U.S. F2000 National Championship is structured to be an entry-level step for drivers striving to reach the top ranks of open-wheel racing.
"Creating an entry-level series where teams and drivers can learn and develop in a professional environment is important to the future of American open-wheel racing," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the Indy Racing League. "We couldn't have found a better partner to help us achieve that goal than Dan Andersen, who has demonstrated a commitment to developing young, talented drivers through his own racing team and his leadership in resurrecting the successful U.S. F2000 National Championship."

Andersen said an attractive schedule and rules, cost-containment, an even playing field, a professional operation and support from promoters, marketing partners and the media will be vital to the success of the revitalized series.φ

He envisions a 12-race schedule for 2010.φ Some events will be
doubleheaders, so seven or eight racing weekends are planned. Road courses and street courses will make up the bulk of the schedule, but two oval-track events are also being contemplated. The races will be 50 miles in length.

"My participation in the F2000 series definitely helped develop my racing and was an important step on the path to achieving my dream of winning the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Championship," said Wheldon, who claimed the 1999 U.S. F2000 title.φ "It was an
encouraging time, and proved to be a great career move."

Many cars currently competing in other F2000 and Formula Continental series will be eligible to compete in the new U.S. F2000 National Championship in its initial season. Chassis, engine and tire specifications and a rulebook are currently being developed.

"F2000 has always been a great class, and I've long felt it is the best entry-level pro series from both a budget and competition point of view," Andersen said.φ "What we did in the nineties worked very well, and with my recent experience as a team owner, I think we can do even better in providing a structure that works for the teams as well as the drivers. The time is right for a return of the U.S. F2000 National Championship."


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