Michael Epps will join the new team, owned by Patrick Linn with F2000 veteran John Walko serving as the chief engineer on the Mazda-powered entry.

Andretti Autosport announced today that they have signed Matthew Brabham, a third-generation racer and native of Boca Raton, Fla., to pilot the No. 27 Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires entry for the 2013 season.

Portante will receive a scholarship from Mazda toward the 2013 USF2000 race season, an Indy Lights Test with Bryan Herta Autosport, and a $20,000 cash prize from California Scents.

Andersen Promotions, owner and administrator of the Pro Mazda Championship, today confirmed a key component of the series’ infrastructure by welcoming Cooper Tires as the Official Tire and presenting sponsor.

A vital component in the growth and success of the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda is its partners and the series is extremely pleased to announce an extension with the Cooper Tire & Rubber Company through 2015.