The late, lamented Formula Atlantic Championship, in its final iteration, used Swift 016/Mazdas powered by the MZR engine as its racecar. When the series folded under economic pressure, many of the cars were left orphaned, with only SCCA Club Racing as an option. However, Formula Race Promotions, which already had series for F2000 and F1600 cars on the East Coast, created the Atlantic Championship Series. In 2014, the Series will expand to include five full event weekends with two races each, comprising a 10-round Championship calendar presented by Hoosier Racing Tire.
Furthermore, for competitors racing with the MZR-powered cars, Mazda will offer a year-end championship fund. The first pair of races at Road Atlanta were dominated by Mazda-powered cars, with Daniel Burkett winning both events.
“We’re happy and thrilled to welcome Mazda to the revived Atlantic Championship Series and into the Formula Race Promotions family,” said Chip Robinson, Formula Race Promotions race director. “Manufacturer support and recognition, along with a contingency, furthers the progress of bringing back a professional atmosphere and Championship for Atlantic cars.”
Competitors taking part in the contingency program will need to brand their cars with Mazda signage and register with the manufacturer. In addition, to be eligible, a competitor must use Mazda power for the course of the season.
“The Swift .016 Mazda-MZR Atlantic cars has been a favorite of both drivers and fans since 2006,” noted John Doonan, Director of Motorsports for Mazda North American Operations. “We’re happy to see so many of these cars back on track for 2014. Mazda supports racers who race with Mazda power and we’re pleased to post contingency prize money to the Atlantic Championship Series.”
The Atlantic cars will join the F2000 and F1600 Series on all their race weekends in 2014.
Similar to the business model behind F2000 and F1600, Atlantic drivers and teams can expect hefty amounts of track time, reasonable entry and registration costs, a controlled spec tire from Hoosier, and a dedicated and hard-working Series staff at every event.
Mazda’s payout structure for year-end points
| Position | Payout |
|---|---|
| 1st Mazda | $5000 |
| 2nd Mazda | $3000 |
| 3rd Mazda | $2000 |
| 4th Mazda | $1500 |
| 5th Mazda | $1000 |
2014 Atlantic Championship Schedule
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| April 11-13 | Road Atlanta |
| May 16-18 | Watkins Glen International |
| June 6-8 | VIRginia International Raceway |
| July 4-6 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course |
| August 30-Sept. 1 | Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park |
