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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

Kart Expo International
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FYI
01-24-04

NEW SGM ENGINE UNVEILED

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada— SGM North America is pleased to announce the release of the new 2004 SGM SL204, 125cc ICC engine. The new SL204 is redesigned in almost every way however it still remains true to the original concepts of SGM and their high standards of quality.

The new engine boasts a new set of fully re-designed case halves, and a revised transmission. As a result of the changes to the crankcase the engine is overall significantly lighter. The weight reduction of this engine over its predecessor (the L198) is quite significant at 15% less mass weighing in at 39lbs (17.8kg). The engine is also designed to
offer optimal weight distribution when mounted on the chassis.

Not only is the motor light but it is also very reliable, in winter testing the SGM factory put over 60 hours on one engine with normal maintenance without experiencing any component failures. The test also proved that this engine is definitely a contender with very impressive testing results against their competitor’s products. Test were conducted using several drivers including the new SGM factory driver Ben Horstman who is well know in the United States for his two Stars of Tomorrow ICA victories. Horstman will be changing to ICC this year and promoting his Biesse/SGM package on the Italian and European Championship tours as well as the Super ICC World Championships. In addition to Horstman, SGM will have several other top drivers including Manuel Renaudie and Arnaud Kozlinski who won a round of the European championships last year aboard his PCR/SGM ride.

As in past years the construction of this engine takes place in Maranello, Italy and are cast in the same foundry as Ferrari's Formula One engines. SGM have also taken into account the investment that their dealers and customers have made in parts in the past and have used more than 80% of the same parts internally as the 03 SGM L198.

Technical Specifications for the SGM SL204
Manufacturer: Severi Racing Kart & C srl Maranello,Italy
Model: SGM SL204
Induction: 6 Petal Carbon Fiber Reeds
Cooling: Water Cooled Crankcase and Cylinder
Original: Bore 54.00 mm
Maximum: Theoretical Bore 54.08 mm
Stroke: 54.40 mm
Cylinder Volume: 124.96
Con Rod Length: 113mm
Central Transfer Port: 126 degrees
Front Side Transfer Port: 127 degrees
Rear Side Transfer Port: 134 degrees
Exhaust Port: 195 degrees
Clutch: 6 Disc Dry Clutch with 5 ergal Floaters and all ergal components
Gearbox: 6 Speed with 350cc oil capacity
Ignition: Any homologated type
Timing: 1.5-1.6mm
Weight: 17.8 KG/ 39lbs

The SL204 has been already homologated as of January 20th and will be available in North America in approximately 2 weeks.

The SL204 comes from the factory fully race ready equipped with: Dellorto Carb, Exhaust Pipe, Carbon Fiber Silencer, Motor Mount Drive Gear and Ignition.

For those interested in the new SGM can contact SGM North America at (604) 420 1160 or visit their website at www.sgmmotors.com for more information on the product or to locate a dealer near you. SGM North America is the sole North American importer for the SGM engine line and carries a large supply of parts and engines. The Vancouver based company also travels around North America to major races in order to track the performance of the product and to offer technical assistance to SGM drivers and dealers.

X-KARTS RACING SERIES TO “KICK-OFF” IN ANAHEIM
Las Vegas, Nevada — X-Karts Racing Series will begin their second year of operation with a “Kick-Off ‘04” event in Anaheim, CA. on February 20 – 22. This race will be held on a temporary course in the parking area of one of the most visible Baseball Stadiums in the country, Angel Stadium in Anaheim and will run in conjunction with an Off-Road and Watersports Expo. See the website at www.ontheedgepromotions.com.

It is anticipated that approximately 20,000 people will be attending the Expo event over the course of the weekend and all spectators will have access to view the races.

In addition to being nationally televised, the X-Karts Racing Series is pleased to announce that there will be a $15,000 cash purse for the pro participants. Howard Lipkint, President of HSL Entertainment, announced the cash prize and promised further details in the next couple of weeks. He stated “This will be a very exciting event and we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity of running our race in conjunction with the Off-Road Expo. That will finally give the Kart racing community the ability to showcase their talents in front of the general public. Every participant will have 3 days of track time at this incredible venue.” Mr. Lipkint added “To properly enhance the exposure of this wonderful sport, it is imperative to bring the racing to the people’.

After a brief hiatus to work with SKUSA in making the 2003 SKUSA SuperNationals one of the most successful kart racing events in history, HSL Entertainment is taking the X-Karts Racing Series back to their original concept of building the brand and visibility of the drivers, through television exposure, licensing and merchandising opportunities.

“The seeds that we have planted over the last year are starting to bloom and come to fruition and the 2004 season will provide many opportunities for our participants. It is our intention to make the sport of Kart Racing an entity that can stand alone and create our own identity through the corporate sponsor world. Many of today’s top drivers are extremely marketable and can be the next “Tony Hawk or Travis Pastrana” said Mr. Lipkint.

In regard to the Anaheim event, further details will be forthcoming. Currently, participating classes will include: Kid Kart, Junior Sportsman, 80cc Junior Shifter, Formula 125 ICC, 125 Moto, Junior Superbox, Senior Superbox and TaG Sr. / TaG Master.

Mr. Lipkint states “We are currently updating our web site (www.xkartsracing.com) and further information and entry forms will be available through the site shortly. If you require more immediate information and entry forms, please contact us at Anaheim@hslentertainment.com. Technical questions can be forwarded to racedirector@hslentertainment.com

For sponsor information, please contact Mr. Fred Greenfield at 310-938-1466 or adsales@surfside.net.

MARSHALL MARTIN’S ROTAX REPORT FROM EGYPT
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt — It is amazing at the differences of home and a developing nation's best resort area. I had hoped to communicate on a regular basis but finding an internet connection has been a challenge. The local number is no longer good so my only opportunities have been at the track one time in the press room and an attempt at the Resort's Internet Cafe, which is down for some reason. I have taken some pictures which I will send as soon as it is possible.

The weather has been great, high 60's to low 70's during the day and high 40's at night. I have heard the sight seeing on the beach at the resort has been amazing, this from the British Team here to manage the race. I will get a chance to check this out and report back.

The facility is something to behold. A purpose-built facility for Karting. A full restaurant (their definition of a full restaurant is a little different from ours), a bar (this is the same as out ideas of a bar), real viewing stands, covered pit area (no room for trailers) and a McDonalds (Yes, I said a McDonalds at the track). This event is the Grand Opening of the Ghibli Raceway. Last evening the Governor of Sharm El Sheikh was here to officially dedicate Ghibli Raceway and open the 2003 Season Rotax Challenge Series World Finals.

Other than a few minor luggage problems and some return flight difficulties it has been a good trip. At the current time I have a flight from Sharn to Munich on Monday and on Wednesday from Cairo to Frankfurt to Chicago, but as you see they things just don't go together well. We are working on this minor issue and hope to have it settled today. I can get to Cairo by bus on Wednesday but not really interested in spending 8 hours on a bus and then the time on a plane so we will try to connect from Munich to Chicago with an overnight stay in Germany. I will let you know how this challenge works out.

ADVANCE INTO OUR WORLD
Orland Park, Illinois — Amusement Showcase International (ASI) will once again return to the Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall 4, in Las Vegas on Tuesday, March 9 through Thursday, March 11, 2004 to join together the global coin-op community for one of the most important events in the industry.

ASI continues to be the Largest Show in the Spring that features new product introductions, exciting updates to existing equipment, and an unmatched seminar program that is classified as the elite in the industry. ASI is the show used as a launching pad for new and reintroduced product lines by every major manufacturer and supplier of parts, products and services. With pre-registration up and exhibit space on par from last year, ASI is confident that Amusement Showcase International 2004 is a show not to be missed.

ASI 2004 Attendees and Exhibitors can once again register online on the ASI website at www.asi-show.com. The cost to attend the show is $35 per person if registered before March 5, 2004 and increases to $55 per person if registered after March 5, 2004 or on-site.
The 2004 Operator's Cocktail Party will be held on Tuesday, March 9 from 5:15 - 7:15 pm at The Beach and is expected to be the social event of the show. With last year's party having over 700 in attendance, ASI is looking to provide guests once again with an exciting evening to relax and take advantage of the networking opportunities available.

Another social highlight will be the 7th Annual AAMCF Golf Tournament that will take place at the Aliante Golf Club on Monday, March 8, 2004 with a 1:00 pm shotgun start. Both ASI attendees and exhibitors are invited to join fellow industry professionals on the green for a round of golf as well as participate in various golfing contests for a chance to win great prizes. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children's Miracle Network and K.E.E.N. (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now).

Due to the overwhelming success of last year's program, ASI will once again present the ASI Exhibitor Seminar Program in 2004 on show days from 8:00 am - 10:00 am. The 2004 program promises to deliver insightful discussions on the important issues affecting the industry, offer countless ideas on ways to improve business, and give exhibitors the opportunity to display their newest products to all who attend.

ASI 2004 welcomes speakers Bob Mills and Brian Fitzpatrick of Merit Industries who will showcase it's product line including the all new Mr. VIPS instant redemption game; Todd Louthain of BayTek, Inc. will speak about the many features and benefits of BayTek's top merchandising pieces Red Zone and WhistleStop; Michael Getlan of Amusement Consultants, Inc. and Ben Jones of RECreation Group will deliver a 90 minute session on "How to Deliver Legendary Customer Service"; Frank Seninsky of Alpha Omega Amusements will give attendees tips on how to get "Quarters In & Nickels Out - Make Money Everyday!"; Todd Cravens and Jennifer Short of Betson Enterprises will show operators how to market to the tavern customer using their website barcade.com; Jeff Ostler of OK Manufacturing will discuss what makes a game a gambling device in his seminar titled "Skill or Chance? Which is which and why it matters"; Tim Ferrante of GameRoom Magazine and Chicago Gaming Company will teach attendees how to "Think Outside the (Cash)Box: Understanding the Home Buyer and Collector Market"; and Michael Getlan of Amusement Consultants will conduct a solo seminar in which he will review the basics of operational management.

The AAMCF Silent Auction is back for its eighth straight year in 2004 after a successful turnout in 2003. The Silent Auction will be held on Tuesday, March 9 through Thursday, March 11 at the AAMA booth on the show floor during show hours. The Silent Auction is sponsored by the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation to help raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network and Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (K.E.E.N).

The chance to win some unbelievable prizes in 2004 will be made possible by AAMCF's Big Raffle held on Thursday, March 11 at 3:30 pm in the AAMA booth. Tickets will be sold at the AAMA booth on show days or can be purchased in advance by visiting www.coin- op.org. Buy one ticket for $25.00 or three tickets for $50.00 for a chance to win Stern's latest and greatest PINBALL, A Namco America SPACE INVADERS VIDEO GAME, or a 60" WIDE SCREEN TV with HDTV capability courtesy of SEGA Amusement USA.

The Amusement Showcase International is owned and sponsored by the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and managed by William T. Glasgow, Inc. For additional information, contact show management at 708.226.1300 or fax 708.226.1310 or via email info@asi-show.com

IRL INDYCAR SERIES WELCOMES NEW AND FAMILIAR FACES
Indianapolis, Indiana — Fans might want to avail themselves to race programs for the start to the 2004 season because of the number of new faces and familiar faces in new places in the IRL IndyCar® Series that kicks off with open testing Jan. 27-28 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Toyota Indy 300, the first of 16 races, is Feb. 29 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

IRL Menards Infiniti Pro SeriesT2003 champion Mark Taylor and Menards Infiniti Pro Series veteran Ed Carpenter will drive in the IndyCar Series full time this year, while Kosuke Matsuura and Darren Manning are newcomers to the IRL. Bryan Herta rejoins Andretti Green Racing in a full-time capacity, and Alex Barron rejoins Red Bull Cheever Racing. Buddy Rice, who had a number of rides in 2003, will be the substitute driver until Kenny Brack completes his rehabilitation from injuries suffered in the season finale in October.

Pennzoil Panther Racing saw two-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. switch to Marlboro Team Penske, but it gained Tomas Scheckter from Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

"Each year there are more new faces coming into the league," said Carpenter, who has joined Red Bull Cheever Racing. "I'm one of these new faces in the IRL, and also a new face for Red Bull Cheever Racing. I think it's great to see people given new opportunities to really show their talent. The addition of new drivers helps raise the level of competition and add depth to the field. It's great for the league as a whole."

A breakdown of driver movement in the off-season (so far):
Ed Carpenter (Red Bull Cheever Racing): Will drive a Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone package. Made three IndyCar Series starts with PDM Racing in 2003, with best finish 13th at Chicagoland and Fontana. Finished third in the Menards Infiniti Pro SeriesTstandings on the strength of one victory and seven other top-five finishes. Age: Turns 23 on March 3.

Mark Taylor (Pennzoil Panther Racing): Will drive a Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone package. Won 2003 Menards Infiniti Pro Series championship with record seven victories. "It's a different series," Taylor said. "It's going to be a lot more challenging, I think. Hopefully, it will be a smooth transition, but it's going to be. It's going to be a different ballgame, as it were." Age: 26.

Kosuke Matsuura (Super Aguri Fernandez Racing): Will drive a Panoz G Force/Honda/Firestone package. Turned his first laps in an IndyCar Series car on Nov. 12, 2003, in Phoenix. Finished third in the 2003 Formula Renault V6 Eurocup standings and second in the 2002 German Formula 3 competition. "It has been my dream to race in a top category and also compete in the United States," said Matsuura, a native of Aichi, Japan. Age: 24.

Darren Manning (Target Chip Ganassi Racing): Will drive a Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone package. Announced as driver of Target Chip Ganassi Racing's second car on Nov. 5, 2003. "I am so passionate about racing and things, so hopefully that will come across in whatever I do throughout this year," he said. "And hopefully there will be lots of opportunities for me to shine on track as well, which is where hopefully I can prove myself best." Finished ninth in CART point standings in 2003. Age: 28.

Bryan Herta (Andretti Green Racing): Will drive a Dallara/Honda/Firestone package. In his third start as substitute for the injured Dario Franchitti with Andretti Green Racing in 2003, he recorded first career IndyCar Series victory. Made 11 starts for the team last season, and will be one of four drivers this year. Age: 33.

Sam Hornish Jr. (Marlboro Team Penske): Will drive a Dallara/Toyota/Firestone package. The 2001 and 2002 IndyCar Series champion makes the move from Pennzoil Panther Racing. Recorded three victories and seven top-five finishes in 16 races on the way to a fifth-place finish in points last season. Age: 24.

Tomas Scheckter (Pennzoil Panther Racing): Will drive a Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone package. Makes move from Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Finished a career-best seventh in points in 2003, with five top-finishes. Started 12th and finished fourth at the 87th Indianapolis 500, leading a field-best 67 laps. Age: 23.

Alex Barron (Red Bull Cheever Racing): Will drive a Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone package. Recorded second IndyCar Series victory in 2003 at Michigan while driving for Hollywood Mo Nunn Racing. Also drove for Marlboro Team Penske in Japan, and competed for Red Bull Cheever Racing in the final three events of the season. Age: 33.

Buddy Rice (Team Rahal): Will drive a Dallara/Honda/Firestone package. Will be the substitute driver until Kenny Brack is recovered from injuries suffered in 2003 season finale at Texas. Competed in 13 races for Red Bull Cheever Racing last season. Recorded four top-10 finishes. "My main objective right now with everything that Team Rahal has done for me in the past right now is to make sure that the No. 15 Pioneer Argent car is up front all the time," Rice said. "With the excellent Honda power we have and the new G Force chassis, I think we'll have a chance of running up front consistently." Age: Turns 28 on Jan. 31.

2004 IRL IndyCar Series teams
(As of Jan. 20)
Driver              Entrant
Greg Ray   Access Motorsports
A.J. Foyt IV   A.J. Foyt Enterprises
Dario Franchitti     Andretti Green Racing
Bryan Herta   Andretti Green Racing
Tony Kanaan Andretti Green Racing
Dan Wheldon Andretti Green Racing
Robbie Buhl Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
Scott Sharp   Kelley Racing
Helio Castroneves Marlboro Team Penske
Sam Hornish Jr   Marlboro Team Penske
Tora Tagaki      Mo Nunn Racing
Tomas Scheckter    Pennzoil Panther Racing
Mark Taylor   Pennzoil Panther Racing
Kosuke Matsuura   Super Aguri Fernandez Racing
Alex Barron Red Bull Cheever Racing
Ed Carpenter Red Bull Cheever Racing
Scott Dixon      Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Darren Manning Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Buddy Rice * Team Rahal

*-- Substitute driver for Kenny Brack

END

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