The first two levels of the Mazda Road to Indy (MRTI) - the driver development program providing a path for drivers to the Verizon IndyCar Series - will introduce a new chassis in coming years, according to Andersen Promotions, which operates MRTI under INDYCAR sanction.
Following the debut of the new Indy Lights chassis in 2015, a request for proposals has been circulated to constructors for a new car in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda in 2017 and the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires in 2018. Andersen Promotions debuted the Dallara IL-15 chassis in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires competition, the third step on the ladder system, this season.
The new carbon composite chassis will be a common chassis between USF2000 and Pro Mazda with specific elements defining both visual and performance differences in the two series, including variations in horsepower and aerodynamics. It will be designed to the latest FIA specifications with added safety enhancements to accommodate U.S. road, street and oval circuits and a more modern appearance.
The new chassis will be powered by a 2.0-liter Mazda MZR engine producing approximately 170 horsepower in USF2000 and 270 horsepower in Pro Mazda. All chassis will run on Cooper tires.
“The current USF2000 race car has served us very well for a long time and is still a terrific training vehicle, but the time has come to provide our teams and drivers with more current technology and upgraded safety,” said Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions.
“This new car will take many features from the worldwide F4 car, but will be built with important safety enhancements, higher performance and more driver tools. We believe it will be an even better trainer for the future stars of the Verizon IndyCar Series.”
“The Pro Mazda version, which will roll out a year later, will offer more horsepower and other aero improvements to effect the higher level of training that defines Pro Mazda as the next step in the Mazda Road to Indy. We have been thinking about producing new chassis for quite some time and we feel the time is right. This is a game changer and we are excited to announce these plans.”
Prototype testing of the USF2000 chassis will take place in June of 2016, after an unveiling at the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
The manufacturer of the new chassis will be announced in October.
The three series of the Mazda Road to Indy goes to Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca for the season finale on September 12th. Follow @VAVELIndyCar for coverage leading up to and during race weekend.
Eric Lawrence is a writer for the VAVEL USA Racing section. You can follow him on Twitter at @TheRic5150.