After winning -- in its first attempt-- the 2003 Toyota AtlanticChampionship behind the stellar driving of A.J. Allmendinger, RuSPORT has finalized anagreement with the Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Championship Presented by RACERorganizers to award the 2004 and 2005 FDNC champions with Toyota Atlantic test days. IfRuSPORT itself doesn't conduct the test days, it will facilitate the testing with a Toyota Atlanticteam.

"This is great news for Skip Barber Formula Dodge competitors," said Divina Galica, SeniorV.P. of Racing. "FDNC has a history of producing really talented drivers -- A.J. among them --and for our best drivers to show what they've got in an Atlantic car, well, that's a fantasticopportunity."

"RuSPORT is pleased to continue its support of young drivers in their effort to make a career inChamp Car," said RuSPORT Team President Jeremy Dale. "There is no doubt in my mind thatNorth American drivers can compete at the highest levels of the sport, but we must all continueto help them develop the necessary skills. This is an important step in that direction."Added Galica, "As we recently announced, the FDNC champion now wins $100,000 in cash totake to a team further up the motorsports ladder. Also having the Atlantic seat time on theresume makes for a compelling package -- completely aside from that driver having distinctlyproved his or her talent by winning the Skip Barber Formula Dodge title."Allmendinger, 21 and considered one of the top American open-wheel prospects in recent years,won the 2002 Barber Dodge Pro Series championship, one year after scoring the most points inthe 2001 FDNC (but finishing second in the title hunt after "drops"). RuSPORT announced lastweek that it will field a Lola for Allmendinger in this year's Champ Car World Series.

The Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Championship Presented by RACER begins its 14-race 2004 season with rounds one and two at the ALMS Mobil1 12-Hours of Sebring March 16-19.