The BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda is the first of the three-step ladder 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 $50,000. The National is where A.J. Allmendinger, Marco Andretti, Scott Speed, John Edwards and dozens of other racing stars - including 2006 champion Jonathan Goring and 2007 champion Joel Miller - began their auto racing careers. The 2008 season is a seven-weekend, 14-race championship, all run as primary support events at major motorsports race weekends such as those showcasing Grand-Am Rolex DP and ALMS.