FDNC winners to get Atlantic test.

RuSPORT's success with former Barber Dodge Pro Series champion AJ Allmendinger last season has led to the squad opening up greater opportunities for future graduates of the Skip Barber organisation.

After winning the 2003 Toyota Atlantic Championship at its first attempt, RuSPORT has finalised an agreement with the Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Championship - which becomes the operations top ranked series in 2004 - to award the next two champions with Toyota Atlantic test days.And, if the Champ Car-bound
RuSPORT squad isn't able to conduct those days, it has agreed to facilitate the testing with another existing Atlantic team.

"This is great news for Skip Barber Formula Dodge competitors," said Divina Galica, senior VP of racing at the renowned race school and series organiser, "FDNC has a history of producing really talented drivers - AJ among them - and, for our best drivers to show what they've got in an Atlantic car, well, that's a fantastic opportunity.

"As we recently announced, the FDNC champion now wins $100,000 in cash to take to a team further up the motorsports ladder. Also, having the Atlantic seat time on the resume makes for a compelling package - completely aside from that driver having distinctly proved his or her talent by winning the Skip Barber Formula Dodge title."

Having secured the Atlantic title in its first season, RuSPORT is all set to graduate, with Allmendinger, to the Champ Car World Series in 2004, but has not forgotten that it is the junior formulae that will provide its future.

"RuSPORT is pleased to continue its support of young drivers in their effort to make a career in Champ Car," said team president Jeremy Dale, "There is no doubt in my mind that North American drivers can compete at the highest levels of the sport, but we must all continue to help them develop the necessary skills. This is an important step in that direction."