We are excited to announce the newest addition to the 2009 American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix weekend, the Atlantic Championship. Cooper Tires presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda will be in its 36th running when it returns to Lime Rock Park.

Since 1974, the Atlantic Championship has been churning out drivers that have gone on to superstardom in various forms of motorsport all over the world. From Formula 1 legends such as Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques Villeneuve and Keke Rosberg, to IndyCar heroes like Bobby Rahal, Danny Sullivan, Jimmy Vasser and Danica Patrick, Atlantic has proven time and again to be one of the most effective driver development series in the world.
 
“This series has a great history at Lime Rock Park,” recalls Skip Barber, President of Lime Rock Park.”  “They use to have terrific, close, races with drivers that went on to be world champions. We’re glad to have them back and I hope next year is the start of a new era.”

“We are delighted to return to Lime Rock Park after so many years,” smiled Vicki O’Connor, President.  “We have always loved the track and the location is fantastic. Lime Rock Park is a good track for our cars.  It should be a fun race.”

Get ready for some open-wheel racing as this longest-running open-wheel driver development series heads to Lime Rock Park in 2009.