TORONTO, ON – Move Motorsports Executives Jason Sharpe and Diane Dale (promoters of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship) announced today details of a new Formula 2000 Championship for the Canadian market.
Sanctioned by CASC – Ontario Region the series will feature the sleek, fast cars that are realizing a huge resurgence in the United States and that were featured so prominently in Canada during the 80’s and 90’s, helping to nurture the career of some of Canada’s greatest racing stars.
“With the success we have had in such a short time promoting Formula 1600 racing in Canada we felt it only natural that we create another step on the ladder for Formula Car racers in this country,” stated Move’s Jason Sharpe. “The series will be well organized, well promoted and provide a cost effective series for experienced formula car racers and young drivers alike,” he added.
To ensure large grids and close competition throughout the field the Series will have two classes and allow for multiple chassis including Van Diemen, Citation, and the newly launched Spectrum. The motor package will be the Ford Zetec in A Class that is immensely popular in both Pro and Club levels in the US and the older Ford “Pinto’ motor which was the staple for so many years in Formula 2000 competition.
“CASC-OR are proud of the resurgence of open-wheel racing in Ontario,” said CASC Race Director and Executive Committee member Ted Michalos, “Formula 1600 has always been a very competitive class, a proving ground for tomorrow’s international racing stars. We are fortunate to have such an excellent group of competitors, not only because it improves everyone skill, but as spectators and officials it is great to watch.”
The Series will also provide additional opportunities for some of Canada’s professional teams to build their businesses close to home, many of which have been running ultra successful programs in US based series for years.
“The time is right for a return for Formula 2000,” said BGR Team Grote owner Brian Graham. “When Formula 2000 first gained popularity and migrated to North America it was Canada that took it to great heights, first with the Walter Wolf series then the Canadian Tire Series before the very popular Export A National Pro Series. A natural stepping-stone for graduates of the world-renowned Formula1600 class, Formula 2000 provides an economical and logical step for racers to continue the rise up the racing ladder. From former graduates like Paul Tracy, Greg Moore, Kyle Marcelli to our future stars, Formula 2000 is long overdue for a return to the Canadian racing calendar and my team has committed to two cars for the first season,” he added.
“We at Britain West are very excited about a Canadian Formula 2000 series being started,” said Team Owner David Clubine. “It is a logical step for our current competitors in the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship and the Formula Tour 1600 Championship to experience the next level at an affordable cost. It can only help the resurgence of formula car racing in Canada.”
The Series will have a modest schedule in year one, with 4 weekends on the calendar and a mid-summer start to allow Series management time to raise awareness with teams and to allow competitors time to organize themselves – ensuring a large grid when the green flag flies. Three of the events will be at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, in conjunction with the Toyo Tires F1600 Series.
A fourth event is still being negotiated.
The schedule is as follows:
• June 21 / 22, BARC Grand Prix of Ontario, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
• July / August, TBD
• September 13 / 14, BEMC Indian Summer Trophy Races, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
• September 27 / 28, CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
SERIES CONTACT: Jason Sharpe, (416) 557-5451 or jasons@movemotorsports.com, Twitter: @jasonsharpe
If photographs are required please contact Jason Sharpe (416) 557-5451 or jasons@movemotorsports.com
Photo by Move Motorsports Management taken at the Formula 2000 Launch, Canadian Motorsports Expo
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