Returning to AIM Autosport is Toronto, Ontario’s Mark Wilkins who under the AIM banner has competed in the North American Formula Renault series for the last two seasons with one win, one pole position and five podium finishes.
“There are several race series at this level for drivers to choose from, and we feel that Star Mazda Series North American Championship offers a competitive package with many excellent incentives,” said AIM Autosport Team Manager Ian Willis.
“This series offers a great deal of marketing exposure thru aggressive print and on-air media campaigns by Mazda and prime time broadcasts on the Speed Channel Network in the United States and the Sky Sports in Europe. Traditionally the Star Mazda series competes at ALMS events throughout North America, in 2005 anticipated new venues could include, IRL, Champ Car, and USAC race events.”
The Star Mazda series has been identified as the second level of the AIM Autosport driver development process. The Pro Mazda car with significant increase in power and aerodynamic performance as well as longer race distances has emerged as the ideal place to continue the AIM development process.
Skills acquired at this level include an advanced understanding of aerodynamic influences, race craft, tire management, increased physical and mental conditioning- all of which are essential in the development of professional drivers.
Recent experience gained through an engineering contract with a Formula Mazda team during the 2004 season has provided AIM engineers with a distinct early advantage in pre-season testing, with Wilkins setting quickest times at several venues. Testing continues in the lead up to the opening race in the 2005 season at Sebring Florida.
- From AIM Autosport // www.aimautosport.com
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