Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires
The middle step on the world-renowned Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires open-wheel driver development ladder
has been re-branded as the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires in time for the 2019 season.
Fitting in between the entry-level Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship and Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires,
which provides the final stepping stone to the NTT IndyCar Series, Indy Pro 2000 will continue to build on a firm
foundation which was further strengthened last year following the introduction of the state-of-the-art Tatuus PM-18.
Originally debuting as Star Mazda in 1991, then reformed as Pro Mazda in 2013 when Andersen Promotions took
over the helm after the previous administration ceased operations, the series has served as a vital training ground
for many of today’s open-wheel stars during its 28-year history. Current IndyCar drivers Marco Andretti, James
Hinchcliffe, Spencer Pigot, Graham Rahal and Zach Veach all established their credentials in either Star Mazda
or Pro Mazda, while the most recent champion, Rinus VeeKay, has moved up one more step on the ladder to Indy
Lights for 2019.
Indy Pro 2000 competitors will vie for a champion’s purse valued at $596,700 to follow in their footsteps and
progress to Indy Lights, with the aim of graduating to the NTT IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500.
History
The series has served as a vital step on the career path of many of today’s top drivers since 1991. Graduates
include NTT IndyCar Series drivers Marco Andretti, Conor Daly, James Hinchcliffe, Kyle Kaiser, Spencer Pigot,
Graham Rahal and Zach Veach, NASCAR veteran Michael McDowell, 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Joey Hand, and
fellow top-line sports car drivers Dane Cameron, Connor De Phillippi, John Edwards, Jack Hawksworth, Aaron
Telitz and Tristan Vautier to name a few.