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FYI
02-22-04

TERRY RIGGINS NAMED ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX RACE DIRECTOR

Rock Island, Illinois — After an extensive nationwide search, the Rock Island Grand Prix karting street race has named Terry Riggins of Riggins Team Motorsports, Anderson, Indiana, as its new race director. Riggins replaces long-time race director Tom Argy Jr., who was tragically killed in an auto accident last November.

Riggins becomes only the third race director in Rock Island Grand Prix history. Gus Traeder served in the position in 1994 & 1995, followed by Mr. Argy. The Rock Island Grand Prix will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2004. The FIA/CIK sanctioned event is the largest karting street race in the world and is held each year on Labor Day Weekend in the U.S. – Sept. 4-5, 2004.

Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix, said that Riggins was the obvious choice.

“We will never be able to replace Tom Argy and all of the passion and ideas he brought to our event. But Terry Riggins is the best person today to help us continue to build the Rock Island Grand Prix into a world-class event.”

“He’s been around karting for a long time, has experience with temporary circuits at races like Elkhart and Anderson, runs Superkarts! USA’s most successful region, is part of SKUSA's national team, can deal with everything from club racers to national championship teams, has a good knowledge of all types of karting, and has at one time or another worked with most of our other race officials and tech team,’’ Ruthhart said.

“The racers respect him and we think he has the right temperament and attitude to fit well with our race organization,” he added.

Riggins, 53, has been involved in karting since 1976. He has raced with the World Karting Association, International Kart Federation and Superkarts! USA. He helped form, and served as president of the Indiana State Karting Association. He has served on the boards of the WKA Divisional Series and Great Lakes Sprint Series, including two years as president.

Riggins has been race director for a number of temporary circuit street races including Plymouth (Ind.) Grand Prix, Anderson (Ind.) Mayor’s Cup and Noblesville Grand Prix. He was involved with the famed Elkhart (Ind.) Grand Prix street race from 1989 to 1996, including five years as race director.

For eight years, from 1991 to 1998, he worked with Entertainment and Sports Productions to promote and race direct many kart racers before the USAC Midget crowd at the RCA Dome Invitational Kart Race. In 1994-95, he and two partners formed Professional Motorsports Service, Inc. to promote and operate an oval racing series with Lingner Group Productions Inc for the ESPN2 Saturday Night Lightning Series from the Indianapolis Velodrome.

He has served as a race director for Superkarts! USA since 1997 and is currently regional director of the Great Lakes Region – SKUSA’s most successful regional program. He was also race director for the first King of the Streets in Oklahoma City, OK in 1998. In 2003 he served as the national race steward for the SKUSA SuperNationals and race director for the third annual SKUSA U.S. Amateur Championships as well as Great Lakes Region race director.

When Riggins is not racing, he owns and operates Vern Riggins Inc. Masonry Contractors in Anderson, Ind. It is a 54-year-old family business that employs 15 people. It is a union shop and Riggins is 33 year member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts. He is currently married to his wife, Shirley. He has 2 children, 4 step-children and six grandchildren. He also served in the U.S. Navy.

“Tom Argy and I worked together several times and had a very good relationship. We remember Tom coming to the 1990 Elkhart event bringing his Pro Kart Challenge series to that race. Tom will always be in our hearts as he touched us as well as many others,” said Riggins.

“Racing has been an early desire since I was a small kid. My goal was to do the best at whatever I could do,’’ Riggins said. “I remember when I became involved with racing administration. I made a comment about something to an official and, well, I’ve been involved ever since. I made the best of it. I enjoy people. Having the respect and trust of my fellow staff, racers, and my peers, to make decisions that affect other people’s goals also gives me a great feeling. And working with my wife along side of me to do this has been a real blessing.”

“I do this for the love of the sport and whatever I can do to make it better for all,’’ said Riggins. “As a driver, I know what a driver wants, and I try to put it into action. If you come race with us and have a good time, you’ll probably want to come back and participate again.”

Rock Island is located in an area known as the Quad-Cities on the Mississippi River where it intersects with Interstate Highways 80, 88, 280 and 74. The area has a population of 375,000 and welcomes karters with open arms. The Quad-Cities features three riverboat casinos and a great variety of entertainment and attractions.

The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District, which hosts the race weekend, is a great spot to go after a day of racing. It features a casino boat, a number of top restaurants, coffee houses, night spots, comedy clubs and dinner theater all within walking distance of the pit area and the host hotel. Live outdoor entertainment is featured on the Great River Plaza throughout race weekend.

Information on this exciting motorsports event is available on the internet at www.rockislandgrandprix.com . Call the Grand Prix office at (309) 292-8133 or email grandprix@qconline.com for race and entry information.

KLEIN TOOLS SPONSORS SKUSA GREAT LAKES!
Anderson, Indiana — Superkarts! USA Great Lakes Regional Director Terry Riggins confirmed today that Klein Tools, Inc. of Chicago, IL, has renewed its relationship and once again, is the title sponsor of the 2004 SKUSA Great Lakes Region Pro Tour.

“Once again, we are most honored to have the opportunity to be associated with Klein Tools. Our racers were impressed with not only the quality and craftsmanship of products, but also having the “hands on” use with the product. With its history and its quality image, the group at Klein Tools will provide us with some new and exciting opportunities in 2004.” stated Riggins. “SKUSA Great Lakes, home region of Superkarts! USA has visited and hosted many venues in the Midwest in the past. This is an important step for us as well as the great group of racers that participate with us. We look forward to this year as it promises to be very exciting for us and our competitors. Having recently visited the Klein Tools facility was a very eye-opening experience. We could see that everyone working at Klein is quality dedicated.”

Klein Tools is a family-owned and operated company, designing, developing, producing, and marketing professional quality tools to meet the demanding needs of trade professionals since 1857. Klein Tools has had tremendous success sponsoring Andretti-Green Racing and Michael Mancuso Airshows and the EAA AirVenture Cup Race.

Klein's association with racing is a means of highlighting the Klein Tools' philosophy of precision hand tools through engineering. Karting and motorsports provide Klein Tools opportunities to further promote the Klein Tools name, its history, its reputation for quality, and its dedication to serving the demanding needs of professional tool users. For more information, contact Klein Tools, P.O. Box 599033, Chicago, IL 60659-9033. Phone: (800) 553-4676. Fax: (847) 677-4476. www.kleintools.com.

For series information, please contact Terry Riggins, Phone: 765/643-2752. Fax: 765/642-0467 www.glskusa.com and www.skusaonline.com

SUPERSPORT TIMING ACQUIRED BY KARTING INTERNATIONAL INC.
Las Vegas, Nevada — Karting International Inc., of Las Vegas, NV, is pleased to announce the acquisition of SuperSport Timing Systems LLC (“SuperSport”) of Hereford, England. SuperSport is the leading supplier of Race Timing and Circuit Management computer systems and software in the World and is now operating from its new Las Vegas headquarters.

SuperSport is a 25-year-old company that supplies the majority of all automobile racing and karting competition circuits in the World. With its current move to the United States, SuperSport will continue to be the No.1 supplier of race timing and raceway management systems. During the first six weeks of 2004 SuperSport has completed 12 system installations worldwide.

“We’re proud to now officially be an American company,” says David Hutchinson, President and founder of SuperSport. “Although SuperSport has been providing systems to indoor and outdoor raceways in the United States for more than 10 years, the physical distance has made the U.S. a difficult market to grow. This move to Las Vegas strongly positions us to help develop sales in the fastest growing auto racing and karting market in the world!”

Karting International Inc. provides comprehensive products and services to the rental, corporate, and competition karting industry, both indoors and outdoors. Another subsidiary of Karting International, Fastraxx Las Vegas Indoor Karting LLC, is preparing to begin construction of the 100,000 sq. ft. “Fastraxx at the Strat” on the retail level of the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino, destined to become the premier indoor karting facility in the World.

Paul Gastwirth, President of Karting International Inc says “We are proud to welcome SuperSport to the growing KI family. It is important to us that we only offer the very finest products and services to our clients. SuperSport will strengthen and benefit our operation here in the USA”.

Karting International Inc. has applied to NASDAQ for permission to begin trading of its common stock.

Contact: Karting International Inc. Paul Gastwirth, Pres. 702-868-0868 or info@kartinginternational.com

GO KART OF THE FUTURE- WK COMPO- DEBUTED AT KART EXPO
Denver, Colorado — The WorldKarts Composite, referred to as the “future of indoor kart racing”, made its debut appearance at the Kart Expo held at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois on February 21-22, 2004. WorldKarts North America launched in December of 2003 along with its sister company Kart Parts North America.

WorldKarts has spent 4 years and 2 Million US$ in research and development to create this kart. Together with researchers specializing in aerospace technology, in addition to material engineers specializing in aviation, the composite frame was developed. The technology used is the same as those used in the latest developments found in transportation, aviation and racing.

Why is the WK COMPO the “kart of the future”? The level of safety, the reduced cost of operation, the driving characteristics, the comfort and the advanced looks all contribute to this new, innovative kart. The kart has been successfully safety tested. The WK COMPO frame has been designed with extraordinary flex characteristics. The extreme flexibility characteristics make this frame almost unbreakable. As glass fiber has “memory”, the composite frame will rebound from an extreme impact instead of bending like seen in a tube-welded frame.

The flexibility of the frame in combination with the Rack & Pinion steering system gives this kart its excellent driving characteristics. A comfortable steering position and adjustable, safe and ergonomically correct seat, gives the highest level of comfort. The appearance of the WK COMPO has the looks of a real racecar and enhances the “illusion of real racing”.

The WK COMPO is available for purchase or through the WorldKarts leasing program. The leasing program itself is a new luxury in the indoor go kart industry. The leasing program offers many benefits and it an easy financial solution to replacing tracks outdated karts.

MEMO GIDLEY'S SECRETS OF SPEED LAUNCHES THREE NEW PARTNERSHIPS.
Burlington, ON - Memo Gidley, accomplished open wheel race car driver and shifter kart champion along with author/publisher Jeff Grist have signed three new partnership deals designed to help promote their newest title under the Memo Gidley's Secrets of Speed banner. The new book called, Memo Gidley's Secrets of Speed for Two-Cycle Racing will focus on two-cycle karting and using the same unique format and style created in the first book. Joining the growing list of Secrets of Speed marketing partners are Design 500 Racewear, Go Racing Magazine and Earl Ma.

"Both Jeff and I are really excited to have these new groups part of our growing support. Design 500 Racewear, Go Racing Magazine and Earl Ma are well established players who will bring their expertise to our program," states Gidley from Phoenix International Raceway, where he recently met with his new Speed Touring Car Challenge team.

About Design 500 Racewear
Design 500 Racewear is the "Official Racewear" supplier to Secrets of Speed and Memo Gidley. Design 500 karting suits and crew shirts can be seen in the new Two-Cycle Racing book. Also, Design 500 will be providing race wear to Memo Gidley driving for the Air Force Reserve in the Touring Car series.

"Design 500 Racewear has been protecting racers since 1982. Offering custom designed race wear for drivers and crew, Design 500 makes drivers' suits for karting and auto racing, fire retardant crew suits, traditional crew uniforms, and other drivers' safety equipment. From the Saturday night racer to the consummate professional, our products are second to none in driver safety, comfort and style. Design 500 has it all. We like to say "Safety with Style." We are very pleased to have worked with Memo and Jeff on their exciting new book and to be able to contribute to their ongoing informative website program," comments James Standley, President and founder of Design 500 Racewear.

Be sure to check out DESIGN 500 at www.design500.com and at Kart Expo.

About Go Racing Magazine
Go Racing Magazine will be the Official Magazine for the new Two-cycle book. Memo Gidley's Secrets of Speed will provide 24 technical articles to Go Racing Magazine to be published for their readers on a monthly basis.

"Go Racing Magazine LLC is very much looking forward to our new partnership with MG SOS Publishing. Memo and Jeff did an outstanding job on the first book, Memo Gidley's Secrets of Speed for the Shifter Kart Racing, and they continue to educate with up to date and informative tips now for the 100cc racers in their newest book. Go Racing Magazine has always been for the racers, and about racing, so the opportunity for our readership to tap into Memo's wealth of knowledge could not be passed up. As one of the most respected and well liked karters of this generation, Gidley brings his passion for the sport, his ability to teach, and his generosity to share to the pages of Go Racing Magazine. We are looking forward to the next 24 issues being filled with insight and information, that only Memo can supply," states Sean Buur, Publisher of Go Racing Magazine.

Look for the first article to appear in the March issue of Go Racing Magazine and check out go Racing magazine at www.goracingmagizne.com.

Earl Ma
Earl Ma has joined as the official biographer of Memo Gidley. As long time friend and supporter, Earl been behind the lens at many of Gidley's events. Earl, the Photojournalism award recipient of the 2003 Miller Lite Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence will bring his catalogue of articles and photos to the Secrets of Speed website.

"As a Honolulu-based freelance motorsports writer, photographer and historian, I have worked closely with Memo on numerous aspects of his annual Karting Clinics on Oahu. In that time frame, I have documented many of Memo's motorsports exploits in person, including various CART Champ Car races, all Indy 500 attempts and his 2003 Trans-Am debut at Sonoma. As a member of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) I look forward to bringing all of Memo's accomplishments to his many fans and supporters through the Secrets of Speed website," states Earl Ma.

Look for the new Memo Gidley profile by Earl Ma, along with other feature articles in March of 2004 at www.mgsecretsofspeed.com.

"Having people like James, Sean and Earl be part of our program is really incredible," states Jeff Grist, co-author and publisher of Memo Gidley's Secrets of Speed Series. "We have had an enormous amount of support from a number of great companies. Adding organizations of this caliber to our program will bring even more to our readers," continues Grist from his offices on Burlington, Ontario.

The MG Secrets of Speed for Two-Cycle Racing was officially released at Kart Expo 2004 that was held at the Pheasant Run Convention Center outside of Chicago Illinois on February 21 and 22, 2004. The Secrets of Speed team was on hand to talk about both the books. Race fans were up close with Memo at two autograph sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

Karting enthusiasts were able to place advanced orders starting on January 16, 2004. The first 250 orders will receive a signed and numbered Limited Edition copy on a first come basis. All advanced orders will begin mailing in late February 2004. Memo Gidley's Secrets of Speed for Two-Cycle Racing will retail for $24.95 USD plus shipping and handling.

For more information on Memo Gidley's Speed Secrets for Shifter Kart Racing visit the website at www.mgsecretsofspeed.com call Jeff Grist at 905.328.7458 or email at jeff@mgsecretsofspeed.com.

Memo Gidley is an accomplished race car driver having competed in CART, including a podium finishes at Houston, Laguna Seca and Cleveland. Memo is one of America's most successful shifter kart racers with 2 championships to his credit. Memo is currently the lead test driver for Trackmagic. For more information on Memo Gidley visit www.memogidley.com or contact Donnie Graves at Pacific Management Services at 818.985.4377.

Jeff Grist is shifter kart enthusiast and first time author. Mr. Grist has put his 15 years of brand marketing and corporate communications experience into this new project. Currently, Jeff is President and CEO of PromoSpyder Inc., and Oakville, Ontario-based Internet software development company he founded in 2000. For more information on this book please contact Mr. Grist by email at jeff@tap.net or call at 905.328.7458.

Trackmagic is North America's leading manufacturer of go-karts and 3-time world champion. This includes the new line of MG Signature Series shifter karts. Located in San Francisco, CA, Trackmagic designs, builds and markets go-karts for all levels of racer from cadet to Super Pro. For more information on Trackmagic Karts visit them at www.trackmagic.com or call Matt Page at 415.822.6795.

MSA AND ABKC UNVEIL A STRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE OF KARTING
The Motor Sports Association (MSA), in consultation with the Association of British Kart Clubs (ABkC), has unveiled a new structure for the administration and governance of karting in the UK. A clear and simplified mechanism will facilitate a closer dialogue between all parties involved in the running of the sport.

The creation of the Kart Regional Committee (KRC) represents a significant development. Based on the existing ABkC Steering Group, the KRC will be further widened to ensure representation from every area of the sport. The KRC will then engage in two-way dialogue with the MSA Kart Committee, providing grass roots karting with a direct route into the legislative process for the first time, before new regulations are taken to the Motor Sports Council.

As part of the restructure, the Kart Control Board (KCB) will be wound up. The KCB has achieved its original objectives of bringing the leisure and competition sides of karting closer together, including the establishment of a Common Code of Practice and the introduction of the 'pro-karts' scheme for commercial karting.

"There is no doubt that the previous structure was unclear to many people and did not permit proper communication between the relevant parties," acknowledges Russell Anderson, Chairman of the ABkC. "This revised format enables closer interaction between the clubs and the Kart Committee, encourages communication from the grass roots right through to the top and represents a significant step by exercising control of the class regulations within the umbrella of the MSA."

"The MSA is not setting aside its responsibility in terms of the regulatory, judicial and safety aspects of the sport," explains Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association. "What we are doing is giving the karting community the opportunity for its voice and opinions to be heard before matters go before Council. I am confident that the new configuration will address these issues and enable the sport to develop and grow."

"Karters represent 17% of MSA licence holders and 10% of MSA permitted events relate to karting," says Bruce Goddard, the Motor Sports Association's Business Development Director. "However, the karting community has sometimes felt like a poor relation of the MSA and while this has never been true, we must acknowledge that the previous structure was not ideal. We believe that the revised framework offers karting, and all those associated with it, a say in the running of their sport."

Rod Taylor, Chairman of the MSA Kart Committee also welcomes the move. "It is probably long overdue," he concedes. "Because you can participate from eight years old, karting can be a feeder for all disciplines, not just single seaters. We need to look at initiatives to make the sport cheaper and easier to understand, which will encourage more people to participate."

ANIMALS TO RUMBLE AT THE ROCK
Rock Island, Illinois — Are you ready to rumble?? This year for the first time, Animals will be running through the streets of Rock Island as the world’s largest street race welcomes the powerful Briggs & Stratton overhead valve Animal racing engine.

The top Animal drivers in the country will gather on Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-5, to tackle the seven-tenths of a mile street circuit through the Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District.

Senior drivers will compete in the first running of the Briggs & Stratton Rumble At The Rock, sponsored by WHBF-TV. Junior drivers will compete in the Briggs & Stratton Tom Argy Jr. Animal Roundup, sponsored by Rieken Racing. The event is named in memory of the long-time race director of the Rock Island Grand Prix who was killed in an auto accident. Briggs & Stratton Motorsports and organizers of The Rock Island Grand Prix wanted to honor Mr. Argy’s longtime commitment to the careers of young drivers my naming the only junior class race in his honor.

In case Animal drivers need any more incentive to tackle The Rock, Briggs & Stratton Motorsports and the Rock Island Grand Prix have put together a package that is just too good to pass up. For the first 30 drivers in each of the Animal classes, Briggs & Stratton will pay half of the $75 entry fee. That leaves drivers with an entry fee of only $37.50.

“Briggs & Stratton has announced an awesome new program with the OHV 2004 National Challenge that pays $1,000 to the winners of national series. This unique program is very different from that and rewards all the racers, not just the winner. Together we wanted to create a one-of-a-kind event that will benefit as many racers as possible. What better way to do that than cutting the entry fee in half for every driver who enters?” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix.

“The Rock Island Grand Prix is THE premier street race in the country and we are excited to be a highlight of this great event. In developing this support program it allowed us a unique opportunity to give back to as many customers as possible. We look forward to some great racing and best of all, a fun weekend!” said Dave Klaus, motorsports marketing coordinator for Briggs & Stratton.

The discounted entry fees will cover only the first 30 drivers in each class. Ruthhart said that while classes will again be capped at 30 and 55 entries for 2004, his organization has not yet decided which classes will be capped at what level. Rock Island will continue to offer 4-cycle Medium and Heavy classes for Raptor drivers as well as a number of 2-cycle and gearbox classes. Drivers wishing to compete are urged to contact the Rock Island Grand Prix by email at grandprix@qconline.com , or by calling the Grand Prix office at (309) 292-8133 to be put on the mailing list for entry packets which will be mailed in April. For additional information about the Rock Island Grand Prix races Sept. 4-5, 2004, visit the website at www.rockislandgrandprix.com .

END

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