Atlantic schedule to feature 10 races

[athletics68]

Looks like the Atlantics are planning to run a 10 races schedule this year in light of the merger with what looks like a 20 car full time grid. Which is better than expected as only 7-8 or their original races survived the merger. The schedule is apparently coming in the next few weeks.

http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/...pg=1&author=22

[Rommey]

From the article:

Since the merger between both Champ Car and IRL Series, it has been announced that there will be a 10-round calendar for the Atlantic Series.

From the Atlantic Announcement:

Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda Set For 35th Anniversary Season in 2008

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (February 27, 2008) – The longest-running open-wheel driver development series in North America will contest its 35th Anniversary season in 2008 with today’s announcement that the Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda will conduct a 12-race schedule beginning April 18-20 in Long Beach, Calif.

Of course this was before Houston canceled, but it was never announced it would be a 10-race schedule.

[Kurt Cobain]

I think (and hope) there will be 12 races. It's a great series.

[athletics68]

From the article:

From the Atlantic Announcement:
Of course this was before Houston canceled, but it was never announced it would be a 10-race schedule.

No one said they announced a 10 race schedule. But it's been reported that's what it's going to be. Remmeber the press release about the 12 race schedule was before Cleveland, Houston, Toronto, and many of their original 12 races closed up shop due to the merger. Also in the interim they've added Montreal. It'll be interesting to see what else fills the calendar out.

[Vic Mackey]

The series put out a release today, mainly a piece reaffirming Mazda's and Cooper's support, that also included this line:

In light of the open-wheel unification, Atlantic Managing Director Vicki O'Connor and her staff continue to work feverishly to solidify key details on the 2008 series, such as the 12-race schedule, prize package and incentives, sanctioning body and television coverage, with announcements expected soon.

Here's the full release:

http://www.champcaratlantic.com/News/Article.asp?ID=3305

[athletics68]

The series put out a release today, mainly a piece reaffirming Mazda's and Cooper's support, that also included this line:

In light of the open-wheel unification, Atlantic Managing Director Vicki O'Connor and her staff continue to work feverishly to solidify key details on the 2008 series, such as the 12-race schedule, prize package and incentives, sanctioning body and television coverage, with announcements expected soon.

Here's the full release:
http://www.champcaratlantic.com/News...le.asp?ID=3305

So they're going to try and "feverishly" solidify the 12 race schedule.

Wonder if that is marketing speak for, we'll actually run 10 races this year, up from the 7-8 we have now.

[Gateway Fan]

I know what I would like to see doesn't really matter, (nor does it necessarily make economic sense) but I would like to see the Atlantics run all of the IndyCar Road/Street races (except Surfer's due to cost) and the short ovals at Iowa, Milwaukee, and Richmond. More cars on the track can only help all of these shows. JMHO.

[athletics68]

I know what I would like to see doesn't really matter, (nor does it necessarily make economic sense) but I would like to see the Atlantics run all of the IndyCar Road/Street races (except Surfer's due to cost) and the short ovals at Iowa, Milwaukee, and Richmond. More cars on the track can only help all of these shows. JMHO.

Honestly, I don't think you're wrong. It's becoming obvious at least to me from comments by Matos and others that Atlantics slot in on the ladder below IPS and above Star Mazda or any other series run right now. It would make sense that even if TG doesn't own the Atlantics, to formalize some of the ties to the Atlantics. Because as it is now the Star Mazda champion is officially offered an Atlantic ride, and this year's Atlantic champ moved to IPS.... And of course IPS drivers move up to ICS.

[Jackman]

Mazda and Cooper Tires made another press release today re-affirming their commitment to the 2008 season and beyond.

Quote from Mazda: "Mazda is fully committed to all rungs of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder, including our top rung, the Atlantic Championship. Mazda is working diligently with Vicki O'Connor, Cooper Tire, event promoters and tracks to produce the best possible 2008 season with an eye on 2009. Mazda is working with the best interests of our fans, teams, drivers and sponsors in mind."

Quote from Cooper Tires: "The 2008 Atlantic Championship season will mark Cooper Tire's second year as presenting sponsor. The Atlantic Championship has established itself as the top rung of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder, and continues to produce some of the greatest talent ever to move up to the next level. Cooper Tire is proud to be a partner of a series that plays such an instrumental role in a young driver's career, and we look forward to following those drivers on their path, which has historically included IndyCar racing, Formula 1 and even NASCAR. The level of racing excitement, the fan base and professionalism of the participants, as well as the expertise of the Atlantic Championship organization, has and continues to be an overwhelming success for all involved."

http://www.champcaratlantic.com/News...le.asp?ID=3305


If Mazda wants their top series to be a ladder to somewhere, all they have to do is offer the subsidy for their winning driver's ride. They don't have to wait in line behind the IPS if they don't want to. If they offer $2 million to any IRL team who'll take their driver, who is going to stop them? It's just a matter of wanting to spend the money. They seem pretty serious about their ladder. This is the second time since the merger news started that they went out of their way to publicly support the Atlantics.

[athletics68]

Looks like they're planning to announce the schedule in the next 10 days. They've so far added back the Canadian F1GP and a double now at Elkhart Lake to replace two of the lost races.

Also looks like they're expecting at least 20 entries with more possible in the coming weeks. 20 showed at Spring Training this week.

http://www.montereyherald.com/search/ci_8542775

[athletics68]

Also looks like it's now back to 12 races they're aiming for. I see alot of double headers this year with the Atlantics racing in the CC spots in places.

[Vasserfan]

Good news. I enjoyed the Atlantic races sometimes more than the CCWS races last year. Maybe Sierra will reconsider.

[neon driver]

I will be in attendance for the season finale in Utah in September. It will be my first Atlantics race but I'm pumped. If the "new IRL" doesn't feed my hunger like Champ Car did perhaps the Atlantics will keep me from starving.

[Twehttam]

Just called PIR and the person I spoke to said they do not plan to host the Atlantics this year and are looking to fill those dates with Star Mazda and/or Miata Spec racing.

[athletics68]

Just called PIR and the person I spoke to said they do not plan to host the Atlantics this year and are looking to fill those dates with Star Mazda and/or Miata Spec racing.

That was a given. PIR was out the second CC left as there is really nothing going on that weekend to be a support series of.