For Immediate Release

 

Contact:

National Auto Sport Association

Richmond, CA

510-232-6272

 

NASA Launches Open Wheel Race Series in 2002

 

RICHMOND, Ca. - October 29, 2001 – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA), a leader in professionally managed motorsports events, is pleased to announce the introduction of a new and exciting open wheel racing series that will provide modern technology and safety innovations to racers at lower costs than current open wheel formula cars provide.  Sponsored by French tire maker Michelin, the series will award $7000 in prize money for each championship race.

 

Fran-Am Partnership of Aspen, Colorado will be promoting the Fran-Am 1600 series.  Initially the Fran-Am 1600 series will be limited to a West Coast race schedule.  The championship races will be sanctioned by NASA at tracks such as Laguna Seca, Phoenix Firebird, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Willow Springs International Raceway, Sears Point International Raceway, Portland, and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  The Fran-Am 1600 series will be expanded to other venues in the East and Midwest in 2003. "We decided to work with NASA for a number of reasons," says Arden Weatherford of Fran-Am Partnership. "I've raced with NASA, and they offer good value and treat the drivers like valued customers.  They share our philosophy of giving drivers the most for their money."

 

 

The Fran-Am cars feature monocoque carbon-fiber tubs made by ATR, which is the same manufacturer that makes many Formula One chassis. The cars also contain advanced electronics and suspension systems at prices far below those of many current steel-frame open wheel cars.  The engines and transmissions for the series are sealed and designed to last an entire season without rebuilding in order to maintain close competition and contain costs for the racers.  Fran-Am has stated that the series is intended as a vehicle for drivers to showcase their talent in order to attract the attention of sponsors and others critical for professional-level motorsports programs.

 

Fran-Am 1600 2002 Series Schedule


Aug TBC       Thunderhill
Sep TBC        Portland
Sep 28-29      Phoenix Firebird
Oct 12-13      Buttonwillow
Oct 26-27      Las Vegas
Nov TBC       Sears Point
Nov 23-24     Willow Springs
Dec TBC       Sears Point
TBC = exact date to be confirmed. 

 Prize fund is $7000 per race. 

1st =  $1000
2nd = $900
3rd = $800
4th =  $700
5th =  $600
6th =  $500
7th =  $400
8th =  $300
9th - 17th = $200

 

For more information please visit www.fran-am.com or www.nasaproracing.com.

 

 


About the National Auto Sport Association

 

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) was formed in 1991 to deliver high quality motorsports events to enthusiasts at major racing venues throughout the nation. NASA has created programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to experience the excitement of putting their cars on the racetrack in a safe and controlled environment. NASA’s High Performance Driving Events (HPDE’s) have given many race fans the chance to get on the track with their own cars and has pioneered race classes such as Pro-7, American Iron, United States Touring Car Championship, and American Stock Car Challenge. With over 15 Chapters nationwide, the opportunity to get in on the great NASA racing action is only a phone call or website visit away. For more information on NASA, please log on to www.nasaproracing.com or call 510-232-NASA.