Andersen Promotions has announced a new series designed to help drivers prepare for the Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires driver development platform, a path to the NTT IndyCar Series. USF Juniors presented by Cooper Tires will launch in 2022 and offer a prize package exceeding $325,000, including a scholarship valued at more than $200,000 to advance to the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

USAC will sanction the new series with a schedule comprising six road-course race weekends, most with tripleheader rounds, for a total of 16 to 18 races. Budgets are expected to be in the $120,000 to $150,000 range, and the series will be open to drivers as young as 14 years of age. For 2022, the Ligier JS chassis and HPD powerplant will be utilized with long-time series engine builder Elite Engines performing all new builds and rebuilds. Cooper Tires will develop a series-specific tire for the tripleheader events with two sets of tires allocated for each event weekend.

“Our goal with USF Juniors is to provide a true entry-level series that is professionally managed where drivers, teams, and parents can focus on training and racing via shorter, more economical events, while also lowering the spotlight on young drivers that often occurs on IndyCar race weekends. Our entry-level drivers will learn the skills needed for them to move onto the Road to Indy, with less pressure,” said Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions.

The former Indy Lights race winner and sports car talent Gustavo Yacaman will fill the role of series manager. Current Indy Pro 2000 and USF2000 Race Directors Johnny Unser and Joel Miller will oversee race control and will work directly with USF Juniors official driver coach Gabby Chaves, the 2014 Indy Lights champion, in preparing drivers to take the next step on the ladder. Registration for USF Juniors presented by Cooper Tires will open in November.

For more information, visit usfjuniors.com.