USF2000 teams to test new Tatuus in October

All three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy will test at IMS on October 8/9 for the sixth annual Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test named in honor of the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Indy Lights team manager who died suddenly in 2011.

The test traditionally gives teams the opportunity to test prospective drivers for the following season, but there will also be focus on the lowest rung of the MRTI ladder, as USF2000 teams will turn their first laps with the Tatuus-Mazda USF-17, which will make its race debut in March 2017.

Some 28 of the initial 30 chassis ordered have been purchased with additional orders pending, and the first shipment of 15 cars will be delivered to teams in September.

With a rolling chassis priced at $51,800, the Tatuus USF-17 will also serve as the base car for the Pro Mazda Series’ PM-18, which will make its race debut in 2018.

“We are thrilled to be able to return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for our sixth Chris Griffis test,” said Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions which runs the MRTI. “This is a key round in our regular season schedules and the perfect venue to see our USF-17 make its debut in the hands of our teams.”

The test will also serve as a “rewards” program in USF2000 for two finalists in the Mazda Road to Indy and MAXSpeed Group Driver Advancement Program. Entering its third year, the partnership provides the opportunity for karters to sample the next step in their career.

In addition, an alliance with the Australian Formula Ford Series established in 2014 will see its champion participate in the two-day test.