An entire schedule of races in the U.S. and Canada

In 2004, the schedule included a total of 14 races-two races run on each weekend at seven racetracks in North America. The majority of the race schedule covered the summer-break period, between June and September, allowing young drivers to finish the school year.

"Formula BMW USA will provide the young entry-level racer, particularly from the kart racing ranks, the opportunity to experience all the demands of professional motorsport," said Tom Purves, CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. "This is an exciting way to develop promising drivers by showcasing their talents and preparing them to compete in the higher ranks of international motorsports. We would be thrilled if the next American World Driving Champion comes from Formula BMW USA."

Talented drivers between the age of 16 and 23 line up on the starting grid. They learn the details of their sport with the most innovative Formula racing car in its class. Each of the candidates is eligible for scholarship support from BMW of North America.

As part of the total Formula BMW USA program, drivers participate in the Motorsport Professional training program. This program provides young drivers with skills that they will need long term in the world of motorsports.

BMW organizes several seminars conducted by experienced individuals to review important subjects such as:

• Fitness Training & Nutrition
• Vehicle Dynamics & Chassis Set-up
• Driving Technique
• Public Relations
• Media Training
• Racing Strategy
• Sponsorship Research & Sports Management

"Formula BMW is firmly established overseas as the best entry-level form of motor racing for promising young karters looking for a stepping stone to single-seaters on their way to Formula One," says BMW Motorsports Director Mario Theissen. "With the BMW WilliamsF1 Team leading the FIA World Championship and with a strong desire to promote open-wheel racing in the U.S., we believe this to be the perfect time for us to introduce Formula BMW to America."

The top finishing driver for the season in Formula BMW USA can go on to race in Europe, where the majority of world-class open wheel racing takes place. The season winner will earn a $50,000 scholarship that can be applied to a year of participation in Formula BMW in Germany.

BMW was engaged in promoting new talent in BMW-powered open-wheel racecars as early as 1991. With the development of the new Formula BMW racecar, the Formula BMW ADAC Championship was launched in Germany in 2002. This year, Formula BMW races are being held in Asia for the first time. To enhance an international platform with the goal of a world championship, Formula BMW UK and Formula BMW USA will now become the third and fourth pillars of BMW's commitment to nurturing young drivers towards an open-wheel racing career.

Formula BMW sets new benchmarks especially in safety standards. This state-of-the-art single-seat racecar is powered by a 140-hp BMW K-Series motorcycle engine. Inspired by the BMW Formula 1 shape, Designworks USA sketched and modeled the Formula BMW car, which has a high-tech carbon-fiber chassis, meets the FIA safety requirements of the more powerful Formula 3 racing cars, and has been expanded to incorporate a Formula 1 standard with in-house development of the BMW Formula Rescue Seat (FORS). For additional safety measures, all drivers will be able to wear their HANS device (Head and Neck Support system).

"Who but BMW would search for the ultimate driver? We're excited by the challenge of launching this new motorsport program in the United States. While the management of a racing series is new to us, motorsports has always been an integral part of the BMW brand," said Tom Salkowsky, Manager, Consumer Events for BMW of North America. "The Formula BMW racecar has many of the same attributes as our production cars-high performance, advanced technology, safety and agility."

Formula BMW has already launched numerous pilots into the professional circuit . In particular, former BMW WilliamsF1 Team driver Ralf Schumacher, who made his debut in the forerunner to this series in 1992 and whose career has taken him to success in the Formula 1 Championship.

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