2004 Toyota-Atlantic Series

The 2004 Toyota Atlantic Series

Overview

Now in its 31st year, the Toyota Atlantic Championship is the triple-A baseball of open-wheel auto racing, the premier training ground for future stars of the sport. All 12 scheduled races this year will be run in conjunction with Champ Car World Series events on tracks that include road courses and ovals, as well as street and airport circuits. All Atlantic races will be run in the NAFTA market, with eight events in the U.S., three in Canada, and one in Mexico.

The Cars
The open-wheel "formula" cars used in the Toyota Atlantic Championship utilizes similar design and engineering techniques to both Champ Cars and Formula One. They are powered by a race-prepared, 4-cylinder, 250 horsepower engine, and have a top speed of approximately 160 mph. Strictly regulated specifications for cars, engines and tires insure that the series is a test of driver skill rather than high technology or big budgets.

The Races
All events are "sprint" races ranging in length from 60 to 75 miles, with no scheduled pit stops. After many years of using 'standing starts,' as they do in Formula One, Atlantic in 1999 changed over to the typical 'rolling start' used in the Champ Car World Series.

The Championship
Toyota Atlantic Championship points are awarded to finishers from first through 15th. 20 points are awarded to the winner, 1 for the 15th place finisher. One point is awarded to the fastest qualifier, and one for the most laps led during the race.

Prize Money
Drivers in the Toyota Atlantic Championship are competing for a sizable amount of prize money as well as glory and career advancement. Prize money for the series totals $2.224 million dollars, with a minimum purse of $100,000 per race. The winner gets $25,000, with money paid out through 20th place.

Television
All Toyota Atlantic Championship races are shown on television. The network and schedule for 2004 has not yet been announced.

Sponsors
The principal sponsors of the CART Toyota Atlantic Championship are Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) as well as Yokohama Tire U.S. and Yokohama Tire Canada.

Lynx Racing Technical Partners
Lynx Racing technical partners include Red Line Oil, Ohlin's Shock Absorbers, 3 Dimensional Services, Sparco Driver's Suits, BBS Wheels, and BRITS (British Racing Imports and Track Services).
 
Toyota Atlantic Points & Prize Money

 Note:

1 point Fastest Qualifier Friday
1 point Fastest Qualifier Saturday (pole sitter for the race)
1 point Each driver leading a lap of the race
1 point The driver who turns the fastest lap of the race
1 point The driver who improves the most places from his starting position