Cooper Tire to sponsor re-launched USF2000 series and IMSA Prototype Lites

Cooper Tire has been revealed as the exclusive tyre supplier and first sponsor of the newly-revived USF2000 National Championship, which is being re-launched for the 2010 motorsport season as a feeder category to the US-based Indy Racing League.

‘The USF2000 National Championship presented by Cooper Tires’ will launch in the Spring, as a single-seater racing category with races expected to take place on road courses, street tracks and ovals.

Cooper will also present the winner of each race’s pole position with $500, which will be called the ‘Cooper Tires, Don’t Give Up a Thing Award’.

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to renew a relationship with Cooper Tire as part of the revival of what was last known as the Cooper Tire F2000 series,” said Dan Andersen, chief executive officer of the series. “They were an excellent partner back then, and I know from experience the high quality of the products they supply as well as the superb service and the totally professional marketing and promotion efforts they put forth. It will be an exciting series with Cooper Tire on our side.”

"Cooper Tire is proud to be the official tire of the USF2000 National Championship,” said Chris Pantani, Director of Motorsports for Cooper Tire. "We are excited to be associated with Dan Andersen and to help him realise his vision of re-creating the F2000 entry level open-wheel racing series which has been such a vital step in the careers of so many young racing talents. We’re sure the series will serve many other young racers to come, and we’re pleased to be able to help these drivers realise their dreams.”

The tyres used by all competitors in the series will be designed, developed and supplied by Avon Tyres Motorsport in the UK and co-branded COOPER/F2000. Each car will be allocated a minimum of three sets of tyres for use at each event and a minimum of four sets per car will be available at official test dates. Cooper will provide trackside fitting and tyre engineering support at each race and test.

The USF2000 National Championship’s Web site is under development at www.usf2000.com.

Cooper Tire will also be title sponsor and partner to the International Motor Sports Association’s (IMSA) prototype sportscar development series. The 2010 Cooper Tire Prototype Lites Championship is a feeder series to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and will support the ALMS at all but one of its eight-round season across the States.

Mr Pantani said: “Being involved with a prestigious road racing organization such as IMSA allows Cooper’s research and development efforts to be showcased both on the track and on the road. What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday.”