SBRS: FDNC Champs get Atlantic tests

Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Champions Get Toyota Atlantic Tests

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (Feb. 26) - After winning -- in its first attempt-- the 2003 Toyota Atlantic Championship behind the stellar driving of A.J. Allmendinger, RuSPORT has finalized an agreement with the Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Championship Presented by RACER organizers to award the 2004 and 2005 FDNC champions with Toyota Atlantic test days. If RuSPORT itself doesn't conduct the test days, it will facilitate the testing with a Toyota Atlantic team.

"This is great news for Skip Barber Formula Dodge competitors," said Divina Galica, Senior V.P. of Racing. "FDNC has a history of producing really talented drivers -- A.J. among them -- and for our best drivers to show what they've got in an Atlantic car, well, that's a fantastic opportunity."

"RuSPORT is pleased to continue its support of young drivers in their effort to make a career in Champ Car," said RuSPORT Team President Jeremy Dale. "There is no doubt in my mind that North American drivers can compete at the highest levels of the sport, but we must all continue to help them develop the necessary skills. This is an important step in that direction."

Added Galica, "As we recently announced, the FDNC champion now wins $100,000 in cash to take to a team further up the motorsports ladder. Also having the Atlantic seat time on the resume makes for a compelling package -- completely aside from that driver having distinctly proved his or her talent by winning the Skip Barber Formula Dodge title."

Allmendinger, 21 and considered one of the top American open-wheel prospects in recent years, won the 2002 Barber Dodge Pro Series championship, one year after scoring the most points in the 2001 FDNC (but finishing second in the title hunt after "drops"). RuSPORT announced last week that it will field a Lola for Allmendinger in this year's Champ Car World Series.

The Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Championship Presented by RACER begins its 14- race 2004 season with rounds one and two at the ALMS Mobil1 12-Hours of Sebring March 16- 19.

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