Series owner to attend NEC Autosport Show

Atlantic Championship is Heading to the Autosport Show to Meet with European Drivers and Managers

Alpharetta, Georgia - December 22, 2009 - Ben Johnston, owner of the Cooper Tires presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda, is headed to England to take part in the Autosport Show held at NEC in Birmingham, England on January 14th - 16th. Ben Johnston and top series officials are set to meet with many talented European drivers that have shown great interest in running in the 2010 Atlantic Championship Series. There has been great buzz surrounding the success of many ACS drivers that are having opportunities to drive and test with teams in top tier racing sanctions.

The ACS team has a busy schedule in front of them when they arrive at the Autosport Show. There is great excitement surrounding the show for both racers and the ACS team. "I have two days of meetings lined up with drivers and managers," said Atlantic Championship President Ben Johnston. "As a result of demand we have organized a two day test in February in Florida, exclusively for European drivers, who will get a great deal of seat time in the car and will also have the chance to meet all the team owners. We expect a strong driver showing from Europe on the grid in 2010, which will make this a tight and competitive season for racing."

A couple examples of recent racer activities come way of Simona De Silvestro who recently completed a successful two-day test in an HVM Racing/Team Stargate Worlds IndyCar. Simon Pagenaud also recently announced a new ride in 2010 as co-driver with David Brabham of the Patron Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-01c in the American Le Mans Series. J.R. Hildebrand was very impressive as well in a recent three-day test aboard the Force India Formula 1 VJM02 at Spain's Circuit de Jerez. These opportunities are exactly what young aspiring professional drivers are looking for and exactly what the Atlantic Series has been able to offer to many drivers for years now.

Over the years, European drivers have been able to take advantage of the exchange rates, which makes racing in the Atlantic Championship Series extremely cost efficient and very enticing. Never before has it been more attractive to come to the U.S. and race, and with the success of the Atlantic Championship Series and the opportunities that it constantly has provided to drivers for larger opportunities, the 2010 season is set to be the best year yet in ACS history.

About Atlantic Championship
The Atlantic Championship series is the premier ladder series for up-and- coming professional race car drivers around the world. For over 36 years, the Atlantic Championship has facilitated the launch of racing careers into Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar and other forms of professional motorsport. Atlantic Championship vehicles are ultra-lightweight, powerful, open- wheeled vehicles that help prepare drivers for top tier global competition. For 2010, Mazda and Cooper Tire title sponsor the Atlantic Championship and provide some of the world class components used in competition. For more information please visit AtlanticChampionship.com

-source: atlantic championship