F1600 Formula F Championship Series Launched Alongside F2000 for 2011

The group behind the successful F2000 Championship Series has announced the latest addition to North American open-wheel racing: the F1600 Formula F Championship Series, launching for the 2011 season. With the highest car count over the last four years on the open-wheel landscape, the F2000 Championship Series has positioned itself as a step on any ladder and a destination for established veterans. The F1600 Formula F Series will lend itself to the same concept.

"With five successful seasons of F2000 behind us we are expanding our program with the new for 2011 F1600 Formula F Championship Series," commented Series Managing Director Michael Rand. "The demand for this new series has grown and with our structure and personnel in place we are perfectly positioned to present an excellent schedule of events for both F1600 and F2000, with F1600 serving as the stepping stone for future F2000 competitors."

The newly announced F1600 tour will contest double-race events, piggybacking on five F2000 Championship Series weekends in 2011. The Series will mirror the F2000 concept in many ways, with both Championships utilizing SCCA’s General Competition Rules for FC/F2000 and Formula F. Technical rules, regulations and sanctioning, along with insurance, will be provided by SCCA Pro Racing.

The experienced F2000 staff will fulfill identical staff roles with additional support for F1600 Formula F as Hoosier Racing Tires will continue to be the official and required supplier for both dry and wet weather tires for both Series in 2011 and beyond.

Sponsorship support for the F1600 Formula F Championship Series will be provided by Honda Performance Development, Inc. of Santa Clarita, Calif.; Hoosier Racing Tires; as well as The Mid-Ohio School, designated as the Official Driving School of the F1600 Formula F Series.

The schedule for the inaugural F1600 Formula F Championship Series is nearing completion, but is still tentative and subject to change. And while an official announcement is just around the corner, competitors and fans can expect the F16000 Series to make appearances at VIRginia International Raceway in April, Watkins Glen in June, Mid-Ohio in July and Lime Rock in September, with another date currently under negotiation.

Each double-race weekend will feature separate timed practice sessions on Friday, with both Saturday and Sunday featuring morning qualifying and an afternoon race (excluding Lime Rock Park). F1600 competitors can expect a minimum two hours of track time per event.

For more information regarding the upcoming F1600 Formula F Series season call (860) 364-5252 or email the Series Director, Michael Rand, at michaelrand@sbcglobal.net.