The BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda is the first step on the open-wheel MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development ladder system; a system that includes Star Mazda and the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. Each year's champion is awarded a fully paid season in the following year's Star Mazda series, a sponsorship package valued at more than $350,000. The Skip Barber National attracts aspiring pros because of its equal-car format, comprehensive coaching, a proven heritage of developing star talent and its tremendous value: A full season costs less than $60,000. The National is where A.J. Allmendinger, Marco Andretti, Scott Speed, John Edwards and dozens of other racing stars - including 2007 champion Joel Miller and 2008 champion Conor Daly - began their auto racing careers. The 2009 season is a seven-weekend, 14-race championship, running in support of premiere racing events such as the 57th Annual 12 Hours of Sebring, the 12th Annual Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and as primary support events at major motorsports race weekends such as those showcasing Grand-Am Rolex Daytona Prototypes and American Le Mans Series.