There, champions of select junior level-open wheel and karting series from around the world will compete for a Mazda scholarship to enter the USF2000 Championship Class in 2017.

“We are excited to bring back the National Class and allow drivers to sample the Mazda Road to Indy,” said Mazda Road To Indy's Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions.

“RC Enerson began his path on the ladder system in the National Class. It’s a great first step onto the platform for many drivers, and we are excited to offer this year’s champion an entry into the Shootout as well as a full-season entry package to USF2000 in 2017 in either the Championship or National Class.”

Discounted entry fees

Entry fees will be discounted 50 percent below the Championship Class rate, and each race winner will earn a free entry for an upcoming event in the same season. The second-place finisher will claim a 50 percent reduction in the entry fee for an upcoming race.

Eligible to drivers at least 20 years of age before or during the 2016 season, the National Class will be open to all SCCA-legal Formula Continental cars, from any chassis manufacturer, dating back to 2000.

Any aerodynamic devices approved by the SCCA are permitted, but all cars must be fitted with a nosebox crash structure, wheel tethers, Staubli devices, approved head surrounds and seats and yellow light system, as required by all other current USF2000 cars.

Cars will be permitted to run either the same 2.0-liter Mazda MZR engine per the USF2000 Championship Class regulations or sealed 2.0-liter Ford Zetec motors as prepared by Elite Engines or Quicksilver RacEngines with National Class mapping.

Class race winners equipped with the MZR engine will take home a $1,000 award from Mazda.

Any SCCA-legal 6" and 8" wheels may be used, although all cars must run on Cooper tires.

The point system will be the same used by the Masters Class (formerly Expert Class) in the Pro Mazda championship.