1600: Series offers driver a ladder of prizes

Aspen, Colorado (15/10/02) -- Organizers of the Fran-Am Championship series are constantly being reminded of the value of the prizes awarded to their champions. A number of drivers and competitors subscribing to Fran-Am have pointed out the enormity of the rewards provided, especially in comparison to competing series.

"Sometimes we tend to forget just how much incentive we're offering to potential drivers and teams," said Arden Weatherford, Director of Operations for Fran-Am Sport. "We are committed to providing the most attractive and effective ladder system for drivers to reach the top of the sport. The prizes that we offer are what we feel a driver who succeeds in Fran-Am truly deserves."

In addition to a comprehensive curriculum that leads to acquiring valuable skills necessary for success in the sport, Fran Am awards special prizes for certain levels of achievement within the Fran-Am System.

The Fran-Am Sport North American Karter Award is a preliminary step in the driver development program wherein each year a Fran-Am 1600 racecar (US$30,000 value) will be awarded to the Fran-Am Sport North American Karting Champion. In the further pursuit of his or her racing career, the winner will use the award to contest one of the Fran-Am 1600 regional championships throughout North America and Canada.

The next award in the program provides the overall winners of the Fran-Am 1600 USA Regional Championships and the Fran-Am 1600 Canadian Regional Championships with a brand-new Fran-Am 2000 car. These awards, totalling $90,000US, will be used in the next step of the driver's racing career--the Fran-Am 2000 North American Pro Championship Series.

The third and final award provides the winner of the Fran-Am 2000 North American Pro Championship Series with a fully paid ride in what promises to be the recognized step before Formula One. For the 2002 champion this a ride in the Super Renault V6 Championship series in Europe. This $450,000US prize was announced at the last event in the Fran-Am 2000 series with great response from drivers and teams alike.

"The announcement of the Super Renault V6 prize is a huge one for Fran-Am," stated Paul Grosjean, team manager for Phillips Motorsports. "I can think of nothing that enhances the value of our program and indeed Fran-Am."

The prizes are designed to encourage and assist those drivers who have achieved excellence within the Fran-Am system. Fran-Am Sport believes that any driver capable of winning such an award deserves to be rewarded for his or her efforts and accomplishments. Fran-Am further hopes that all of the winners effectively utilize their award in pursuing and furthering their racing careers.

-www.fran-am.com.