New Pro Mazda to make official test debut in October
The seventh annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the IMS roadcourse this fall will be the first official track test for the Tatuus PM-18s which become the spec racers for the Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires in 2018.
Joel Miller testing the new Tatuus PM-18
Road To Indy
The test will be held on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course on October 21/22, and it has traditionally given teams from all three categories on the Mazda Road To Indy – Indy Lights, Pro Mazda, USF2000 – a chance to audition new talent. Each series gets around five hours of track time across the two days.
While last year’s edition saw the introduction of a new USF2000 car, the Tatuus USF-17, this year’s one will feature the PM-18, which replaces the 13-year-old Star Racing-designed/Elan-built current car. The PM-18, which has been tested extensively by Mazda’s IMSA ace Joel Miller, uses the same chassis as the USF-17 but has a 275hp Elite-built Mazda engine – 115hp more powerful than the USF2000 car – and a more sophisticated aero package. The first shipment of 15 cars will be delivered to teams in early September.
Its introduction completes the lineup of new cars overseen by Dan Andersen’s company Andersen Promotions since it took over the running of the Mazda Road To Indy, with the Dallara IL15-Mazda AER becoming the Indy Lights spec car two years ago, and the Tatuus USF-17 brought in for this season.
Andersen said: “To see all three new cars together for the first time is a culmination of a dream that started back in 2013 when we were in the process of taking over the operation of Indy Lights. I honestly can’t wait.
“It’s been a tremendous journey and I have to thank our partners Dallara and Tatuus as well as our project managers Tony Cotman and Scot Elkins. They have really knocked it out of the ballpark with cars that are relevant to what we want to provide as a complete driver development system highlighted by safety and technology.
“The Chris Griffis Memorial test is personally rewarding as I watch drivers take the next step on the ladder, including this year’s champions who will move up with the benefit of Mazda Scholarships, and welcome some new faces.”
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