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FYI
02-28-05

DANIEL DI LEO TAKES OVER HEAD MANAGEMENT POSITION AT GOODWOOD KARTWAYS
Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Aspiring race car star Daniel Di Leo has taken over the head management position at Goodwood Kartways. Located near Stouffville, ON, Di Leo hopes to give back to the karting community and provide solid groundwork for Ontario’s karters. One of Canada’s brightest stars is 100% committed to the task at hand but will also try to continue following his dream to be a motorsports star.

Di Leo will bring renewed energy back to Goodwood Kartways and stresses the management changes will be a positive one. A multi-year agreement with First Kart North America has already been put in place for Goodwood Kartways to carry the First Kart product line and promote it through participation in the Toronto Kart Club (TKC) and Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship (SRFKC).

“It has been a challenging few months,” explained Di Leo in a recent phone interview. “Getting all the deals put in place and working on expansion plans has taken up a lot of time. I am pleased with how things are beginning to unfold, and I am really excited about the future of Goodwood Kartways, and the future of karting in Ontario.

Di Leo will also be putting in place a kart shop program that will be tailored to Goodwood’s customers. Experienced driver coaching and set-up advice will allow Di Leo to provide today’s karter’s with more information then what was available when he was coming up through the ranks. TKC and SRFKC race support will also be available through Goodwood Kartways and First Kart North America.

Discussions are currently under way for expansion at the Goodwood facility. An extension to the current circuit is in the works as well as a second track for strictly rentals that would provide the Ontario racers with more ‘on track time’. A larger kart shop and year round service center is also in the plans.

Goodwood Kartways is currently under going renovations. Track memberships and karting products are available for purchase as well as new and used karting equipment.
Stay tuned for exciting news about Goodwood Kartways and Di Leo’s 2005 racing plans, as many promising deals are in the works and should be finalized shortly.

For more information on Goodwood Kartways and Daniel Di Leo please call (905) 640-KART or visit www.danieldileo.com

STARS OF KARTING “NEWS”

GATORZ POLE AWARD RETURNS TO ‘STARS’
Seattle, WASHINGTON — The quickest karters in the Snap-On Stars of Karting Series will have their eyewear needs covered this season. The Gatorz pole award will see pole winners in every class of every race in the series awarded a free pair of Gatorz sunglasses of their choice. Gatorz, a longtime supporter of karting in the past recognized the importance of aligning with North America's elite karting series Gatorz is also the eyewear of choice for several Indy Racing League drivers, including Stars series founder Bryan Herta.

"This is a program that is highly valued by our participants and the fact that the award extends to cover every class at every race should make Gatorz not only more popular throughout our paddock but also the entire karting community," commented series marketing director Jeff Swoboda.

The announcement was made during the Snap-On Stars series press conference at the KMI show. The series kicks off on March 11-13 with an East vs. West shootout event that is listed on the CIK World Calendar. The race is expected to draw competitors from overseas as well as all of the North American hot shoes. Those with any media or promotional inquiries should contact Jeff Swoboda at media@starsofkarting.com.

Gatorz Eyewear produces a complete line of Billet Aluminum Sunglasses. Beyond their stylish appearance, Gatorz Eyewear is lighter than plastic and stronger than steel. Gatorz sunglasses are carved from Billet Aircraft Aluminum, then double hinged and tension mounted around 100% UV-blocking polycarbonate lenses. Each indestructible unisex pair is annealed (softened) then heat-treated (hardened) in Gatorz Eyewear's exclusive 22-step handmade patent process.

To learn more about Gatorz eyewear products, please visit our web site at www.gatorz.com.

CORBY CONCEPTS PROVIDES PAINT JOB FOR PCH MOTORSPORTS JICA NATIONAL CHAMPION
Seattle, Washington — Corby Concepts of Indianapolis will provide a free helmet painting to the 2005 PCH Motorsports JICA National Champion in the Snap-On Stars of Karting Series. Michael Corby is probably the most well known helmet painter in open wheel racing and counts IRL standouts Buddy Rice and Tomas Scheckter as clients.

"I've seen first hand the high quality of Mike's work and I'm thrilled that he will share some of his talent to reward one of our racers," remarked series marketing director Jeff Swoboda. "Mike Corby comment... Corby Concepts provides helmet-painting services as well as selling helmets and other motorsports related apparel online and at an Indianapolis retail location.

The announcement was made during the Snap-On Stars series press conference at the Kart Expo this weekend. The series kicks off on March 11-13 with an East vs. West shootout event that is listed on the CIK World Calendar. The race is expected to draw competitors from overseas as well as all of the North American hot shoes. Those with any media or promotional inquiries should contact Jeff Swoboda at media@starsofkarting.com. For more information about Corby Concepts visit www.corbyconcepts.com.

PITFIT STEPS UP TO SHAPE UP STARS JUNIOR CHAMPS
Seattle, Washington — PitFit Training and world-class motorsports personal trainer Jim Leo have extended their reach into the karting arena with a prize program announced during the Snap-On Stars Series press conference in St. Charles, IL today. It was announced that the PCH Motorsports JICA and King Taco 80 Junior national champions would each receive free QuickFit training programs that include a one-day fitness and diet evaluation and consultation in Indianapolis, continuing consultation with an assigned trainer, and various training accessories.

"I know that as young drivers work their way up the ladder from karting into the Indy Racing League that becoming more aware and strategic with the way you train becomes more important. That's why aligning some of our young champions with someone who works every day with the best drivers around is a really special prize," said series marketing director Jeff Swoboda. Penske Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Scott Dixon, and Sam Hornish are just a few of PitFit's highly accomplished clients.

The announcement was made during the Snap-On Stars series press conference at the Kart Expo on 2/26 in St. Charles, IL. The series kicks off on March 11-13 with an East vs. West shootout event that is listed on the CIK World Calendar. The race is expected to draw competitors from overseas as well as all of the North American hot shoes. Those with any media or promotional inquiries should contact Jeff Swoboda at media@starsofkarting.com. For more information about Corby Concepts visit www.pitfittraining.com.

SWEDETECH RACING SIGNS UP AS A PATRON SPONSOR WITH THE SNAP-ON STARS OF KARTING PRESENTED BY THE INDY RACING LEAGUE
Seattle, Washington — perennial shifter kart engine building powerhouse Swedetech Racing of Elk Grove, CA will be present as a patron sponsor throughout the 2005 Snap-On Stars Series. This will see Swedetech signage and PA announcements at all 2005 Stars events as well as a presence on the www.starsofkarting.com website.

"There's no doubt that Swedetech's engines are definitely some of the fastest and karting and we are happy to have them come on board to help us build up elite level karting in North America," said series marketing director Jeff Swoboda.

Northern California based Swedetech Racing builds ICC 125 and 80cc shifter engines along with moto shifter engines. Reine Persson is the head of the company that was named Shifter Kart Illustrated's engine builder of the year from 2001-2003.

The announcement was one of several during the Snap-On Stars series press conference at the KMI show. The series kicks off on March 11-13 with an East vs. West shootout event that is listed on the CIK World Calendar. The race is expected to draw competitors from overseas as well as all of the North American hot shoes. Those with any media or promotional inquiries should contact Jeff Swoboda at media@starsofkarting.com.

KING TACO SIGNS UP WITH THE 80 JUNIORS IN THE STARS OF KARTING PROGRAM
St. Charles, Illinois — It was announced at the annual KMI show in suburban Chicago today that Los Angeles based restaurant chain King Taco has begun a three-year agreement which will give it sponsorship of the 80 cc Junior class of the Stars series on a national basis, to be known as the King Taco 80 Juniors. The sponsorship will see special inserts provided in entry packs for all Snap-On Stars series participants so as to spread the benefit of the relationship beyond the King Taco supported class.

Series marketing director Jeff Swoboda was proud to see a mainstream company like King Taco recognize the series and its potential. "King Taco is a big supporter of motorsports on many levels, but they definitely always know what they are getting out of all of their particular investments, that's why I'm very proud to see them come on board with our series as we expand into the future."

Luis Martinez of King Taco stressed supporting racing at the grass roots level, "When we were approached, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to be associated with such an important series. As official sponsors of California Speedway, Irwindale Speedway and the Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach, we felt this was so fitting, since karting is where it all starts."

Paul Zalud expressed happiness in seeing sponsors for all three of the junior classes of the Stars series, "It's important for us to have sponsors recognize the benefit of aligning with our junior classes, and to see King Taco sponsor the 80 Juniors next to PCH Motorsports in JICA and Grand Products in Cadet means we've fulfilled one of our off-season goals."

The King Taco announcement was one of several during the Snap-On Stars series press conference at the KMI show. The series kicks off on March 11-13 with an East vs. West shootout event that is listed on the CIK World Calendar. The race is expected to draw competitors from overseas as well as all of the North American hot shoes. Those with any media or promotional inquiries should contact Jeff Swoboda at media@starsofkarting.com.

STARS OF KARTING PROVIDES MEMBERS WITH EVENTLAB'S DRIVER PROFILES INTEGRATED INTO RACE RESULTS
Seattle, Washington — The Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League announced today they will use Eventlab's online RaceResultsSM and RacerProfilesSM services for the 2005 racing season. RaceResults provides comprehensive race information down to individual laps while the RacerProfiles showcases the talent of Stars of Karting competitors. The services are integrated into the www.starsofkarting.com website and allow viewers to seamlessly navigate between race and driver information.

"Eventlab continues to help us ratchet up the value we provide to our membership" said Paul Zalud, President of Stars of Karting. "With the integration of RacerProfiles into their already popular RaceResults, Eventlab offers a unique service unavailable anywhere else. Their profile service allows each member to share their motorsport accomplishments and photos with other racing enthusiasts. The lap by lap racing statistics found within each profile is very unique". Paul also said "The internet has become a critical part of our entire event promotion and management strategy and Eventlab's services are some of the best tools we have to keep our members and audience informed about our events, drivers, news and race results".

Eventlab's business development VP, Joey Hougham said "It's a pleasure to work with Stars because they understand the significance of utilizing the internet to develop and support their karting community beyond the actual race. Their community includes drivers, friends, family, sponsors, and other enthusiasts who want access to race details our services offer. Online services that require transponder ownership to access race information may be a nice hardware support feature, but it doesn't enable broad community development. There's a difference and Stars gets it".

Eventlab, Inc. is a leading provider of online services used to develop motorsport communities worldwide. Additional information about Eventlab services can be found at www.eventlab.com or by calling +1.503.648.3218.

ALL INTERNATIONAL A LICENSE HOLDERS CAN COMPETE IN THE NORMAN ‘STARS’ EVENT WITHOUT SANCTION
Seattle, Washington — All kart racers holding an International A License can compete in the kick off Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the IRL event in Norman, Oklahoma without sanction the organization publicized on Wednesday. "We need to clarify that because we are not running a Super ICC or Formula A class, and because we are listed on the FIA World Calendar that there will be no sanction against any International A license holder competing in our events," noted series head Paul Zalud. The organization wanted to clear up any confusion that may have been present and invite as many participants as possible to the March 11-13 event which should see European competitors square off against the best North America has to offer.

The mid-March event is expected to draw up to 250 entrants from North America and some international competitors. Those with any media or promotional inquiries about the race should contact jeff@starsofkarting.com.

FIRSTKART.COM’S GUSTAVO YACAMAN HEADS TO ITALY FOR ITALIAN OPEN
Guelph, Ontario, Canada — Five-time Colombian national champion, Gustavo Yacaman, will head across the pond this year to compete in the Italian Open Masters Karting Championship with the First Kart factory team. The 13-year-old will have a very busy schedule in ’05 as he will be competing in the Stars of Karting east and west championships with First Kart North America on non-conflicting weekends.

Yacaman, who competed with the FirstKart.com race team in ’04, claimed the 3rd place position in the overall Stars of Karting series championship. Though some tough early season results hurt his chances at the overall title, Yacaman showed his sheer determination and ‘don’t quit’ attitude to claim three feature victories and several podium results.

In 2005, the talented pilot has already secured three wins in the competitive Rotax Junior division at the Florida Winter Tour. With bold moves and unbelievable braking, Yacaman has impressed the North American karting community and helped the First Kart North America operation develop their 100cc arrive and drive package.

While overseas, Yacaman will utilize factory IAME Parilla power and will run for Gianni Bianchi of First Kart Italy. In North America, Yacaman will continue to run in the Junior ICA class for Tony Ventresca’s Firstkart.com race team. With support of Goodyear Race Tires, MAC Batteries, Renault and Pony Malta, Gustavo will be gunning for several series titles.

Yacaman will be on track March 24-27th at the challenging Lonato South Garda circuit in South Garda, Italy. Interested parties can track live results and point standings online at www.cikfia.com or stay tuned to www.firstkart.com for the young phenom’s race results and post-race press releases.

For more information on First Kart North America, product sales, the race team and exciting dealership opportunities including information on how to get into kart racing please contact Firstkart.com’s President Tony Ventresca at 519-824-4343 or visit them online at www.firstkart.com.

ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX “NEWS”

SUPERKARTS! USA AND THE ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM KING OF STREETS PARTNERSHIP

St. Charles, Illinois — Superkarts! USA, the national sanctioning body for gearbox racing in the U.S., and the Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest street race, are pleased to announce an agreement that will keep the prestigious SKUSA King of the Streets race at Rock Island for at least the next three years.

SBC Communications and CJC Investors / HomeVestors are Presenting Sponsors of the Rock Island Grand Prix.

King of the Streets was created in 1998 as an event that would circulate among various temporary venues. It was held in 1998 at the Oklahoma City Grand Prix and in 1999 at Quincy in the Park with limited success before finding a semi-permanent home at the Rock Island Grand Prix the past five years.

As a result, it has become one of the most coveted titles in U.S. kart racing.

The agreement comes as Superkarts! USA retools its programs moving away from the national ProMoto Tour and focusing on regional series and one-off signature events. The Rock Island Grand Prix, preparing for its 11th running in 2005, enjoyed record participation last year and was named Event of the Year in North America by KartSport magazine.

“King of the Streets has become part of the fabric that makes up the Rock Island Grand Prix. Over the years we have enjoyed our relationship with SKUSA and believe in its long-term vision as this commitment shows,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix. “Innovations which Rock Island brought to the race, such as the children’s autograph session and putting a cape and crown on the winner at the Start/Finish line following the race, have helped to make this race something special. The spectators, race media and competitors themselves have responded. As a result, the King of the Streets title has become one of the most coveted in the sport. This long-term agreement will allow us to continue to enhance the event without worry that it might be moved elsewhere,” Ruthhart added.

For the past five years, the King of the Streets race has been sponsored by the Bob Bondurant SuperKart School in Phoenix, Arizona. That sponsorship will continue for the next three years as well, Ruthhart said.

For more information visit www.superkartsusa.com or www.rockislandgrandprix.com for additional information and updates.

STARS OF KARTING TO CO-PROMOTE ICC AND ICA AT ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX
St Charles, Illinois — The Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League and the Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, have announced plans to co-promote the Intercontinental C and Intercontinental A World Street Championship races at the 2005 Rock Island Grand Prix.

The Stars of Karting series and the Rock Island Grand Prix are the only U.S. kart races listed on the CIK International Racing Calendar. Both groups agreed that banding together to promote the CIK classes in the U.S., and the opportunity for foreign teams to race in the U.S., was in the best interests of the sport. The ICC and ICA races will be run under the Stars version of CIK rules. The Rock Island Grand Prix will continue to run Superkarts! USA’s King of the Streets under SKUSA Intercontinental C rules, as well as a full field of 2-cycle, 4-cycle, TAG and shifter classes.

“It has always been our goal to offer racing opportunities to as many karters as possible and that obviously includes those who compete in CIK classes. Our former race director, Tom Argy Jr., stressed that it was important for the U.S. to have a place in international karting and we have done our best to provide that,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix. “The timing is right to not only work together in co-promoting these exciting one-off races at the Rock Island Grand Prix, but also to work together to promote ICC and ICA classes in American kart racing. We believe this is a partnership that both groups can benefit from equally,” Ruthhart said.

Snap-On Stars series executive Paul Zalud is on the same page as Ruthhart in the need to promote the ICA and ICC classes. “What we have been working toward with the Stars series, and what Roger has been promoting with the Rock Island event, is the creation of a common platform where North American and International participants can compete against each other in large, high-profile events in a common formula. The cooperation between the Stars and the Rock Island Grand Prix is just one more avenue to build up this common platform.”

The Rock Island Grand Prix is run every Labor Day Weekend on a temporary circuit set up through the downtown city streets of Rock Island, Illinois. Presenting Sponsors are SBC Communications and CJC Investments / HomeVestors.

SBC companies currently serve more than 54 million access lines nationwide. Cingular Wireless, of which SBC is a 60 percent owner, serves more than 46 million wireless customers in all of the top 100 metropolitan areas. SBC companies serve business customers inside their 13-state footprint and in 30 additional major metropolitan areas across the country. SBC companies and their employees are committed to enriching and strengthening America's diverse communities through financial support and millions of volunteer hours. www.sbc.com .

HomeVestors of America, Inc., trains and supports HomeVestors franchisees who specialize in buying properties in need of repair, expanding and building upon the HomeVestors of America, Inc., reputation for "We Buy Ugly Houses." In every market where HomeVestors exists, the "We Buy Ugly Houses" and "Ugly's OK" campaigns are prominent. If you want to sell your house, CJC Investments, a HomeVestors office in St. Louis, Missouri, can be reached by calling (618) 394-8940. www.homevestors.com .

The Rock Island Grand Prix is an independent event which draws almost 400 entries from throughout the United States and Canada, competing for one of karting’s largest purses. It has also hosted racers from Italy, France, Colombia, Bermuda and Mexico. It includes 15 feature pro races in 4-cycle, 2-cycle, TAG and shifter classes. The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District which features Jumer’s Casino Rock Island, retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel and pit area. It is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities with straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border.

Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League is based out of Seattle, Washington, sanctioned by the World Karting Association (WKA) and owned and operated by 1986 Indianapolis 500 champion and IRL IndyCarR Series team owner Bobby Rahal, IndyCar Series driver Bryan Herta and veteran karting promoter Paul Zalud.

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand tools, power tools, automotive diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, automotive diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchise dealer van, company direct sales and distributor and internet channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and employs approximately 14,000 worldwide. www.snapon.com.

Formed in 1996 by Tony George, Stars' presenting sponsor Indy Racing League provides the ultimate in wheel-to-wheel racing excitement through the IndyCarR Series and Menards Infiniti Pro SeriesT. The 2005 season marks the 10th year of competition for the IndyCar Series, the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in America. The 17-race schedule, featuring 14 ovals, two road courses and a temporary street circuit, consists of the most events in season history. The Menards Infiniti Pro Series, an essential stepping stone for drivers and teams striving to reach the IndyCar Series, will feature a series-high 14 races in 2005, including three events on road courses and one street course. www.indyracing.com.
Visit www.starsofkarting.com or www.rockislandgrandprix.com for additional information and updates.

CJC INVESTMENTS LLC, A FRANCHISEE OF HOMEVESTORS, JOINS SBC COMMUNICATIONS AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX
St Charles, Illinois — The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, is excited to announce that CJC Investments, a franchise within HomeVestors of America, has joined SBC Communications as a Presenting Sponsor of the Labor Day Weekend event. This is the 11th year that SBC Communications has been a Presenting Sponsor.

The long-term agreement with HomeVestors’ office in St. Louis, Missouri, will allow for the development of a comprehensive marketing partnership, said Rock Island Grand Prix president Roger Ruthhart.

HomeVestors of America, Inc., trains and supports HomeVestors franchisees who specialize in buying properties in need of repair, expanding and building upon the HomeVestors of America, Inc., reputation for "We Buy Ugly Houses." In every market where HomeVestors exists, the "We Buy Ugly Houses" and "Ugly's OK" campaigns are prominent. To sell your home CJC Investments, a HomeVestors office in St. Louis, Missouri, can be reached by calling (618) 394-8940. www.homevestors.com .

“The Rock Island Grand Prix has a long tradition of sponsor support. Like SBC, many of them have been with us for many years. This level of sponsor support allows us to keep costs to the racers at one of the lowest levels in the sport of kart racing. We hope racers and fans alike will remember the importance of sponsors and support their businesses,” said Ruthhart. “We are excited to have Courtney Simpson and CJC Investments and HomeVestors join this exclusive sponsor group which has done so much for the sport of karting through the Rock Island Grand Prix.”

Kart Expo International is also a major sponsor of the Rock Island Grand Prix. Jumer’s Casino Rock Island sponsors the race’s $25,000 purse. Other major sponsors include The Dispatch, The Rock Island Argus and The Leader newspapers, Illinois Oil Company, Four Points Hotel by Sheraton and WHBF-TV4. Additional race class sponsors include Zimmerman Cars, WHBF-TV4, Bob Bondurant Super Kart School, Easykart America and Rieken’s Racing.
The Rock Island Grand Prix is an independent event which draws almost 400 entries from throughout the United States and Canada, competing for one of karting’s largest purses. It has also hosted racers from Italy, France, Colombia, Bermuda and Mexico. It includes 15 feature pro races in 4-cycle, 2-cycle, TAG and shifter classes.

The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District which features Jumer’s Casino Rock Island, retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel and pit area. It is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities with straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border.
Attention Media: Attached is news release related to MRP Motorsport's attendance at the 2005 Kart Marketing International Expo in St. Charles, IL this weekend.

MRP MOTORSPORT HAS LARGE KART EXPO PRESENCE
THREE OAKS, Michigan — MRP Motorsport once again had a strong presence at this year’s Kart Expo in St. Charles, IL last weekend. The largest Birel importer in North America had the entire new Birel™ and Monza™ chassis lines on display, as well as a new product launch for the company specifically for the TaG (touch-and-go) market.

“Kart Expo is a great venue for MRP to showcase our 2005 products and marketing plans,” said Garry Lobaugh, MRP President. “This trade show continues to grow and we will again see more traffic then ever before this year, so we do our best to put a large effort forward for the consumers, educating them on what we have to offer.”

MRP Motorsport had several stations in their booth to assist in the education on all aspects of their products and services. Kart Expo is not just about displaying new products, however, as the event allows MRP to meet with several of their dealers from across the country. This was the second opportunity in 2005 for MRP dealers to meet and enhance their regional programs.

“In late January we held a dealer summit at the new Iron Rock Raceway that not every dealer could attend,” said Lobaugh. “We gave dealers a chance to work hands on with the Birel factory Motorsports team to learn about the 2005 models. Now at Kart Expo, we are able to look at the business side. It gives us the opportunity to hold seminars and meet with the dealers, assisting them in marketing strategies and customer service techniques that could benefit their business.”

MRP Motorsport is the largest importer of Birel chassis and Freeline accessories in North America with over 40 dealers throughout the United States. With a retail location in Three Oaks, MI and a warehouse facility that stocks nearly $2-million in inventory, MRP ensures prompt and accurate customer support. For more information, contact MRP Motorsport at (269-756-9133) or contact us via email at garry@mrpmotorsport.com.

YOKOHAMA TIRES SIGNS ON AS TITLE SPONSOR FOR BLACK ROCK SUMMER SHOOTOUT
Salt Lake City, Utah — Yokohama Tire has agreed to become the title sponsor of the 2005 Black Rock Summer Shootout which will be held in Salt Lake City, June 10-12. The event will be called the Yokohama Black Rock Summer Shootout. Under the agreement, all classes at the event will use Yokohama GP1 tires.

Competitors at the Yokohama Black Rock Summer Shootout will purchase their race tires from Black Rock Raceway via a tire order form. Tires will be available for pickup at the track on Thursday, June 9th and Friday, June 10th.

“We are very excited to welcome Yokohama on board. They are making a hard push into kart racing and have produced an excellent tire in the GP1.” Said Terry Bybee, Chairman of the event’s organizing committee. “They are doing something that other tire companies don’t. They’re putting something into the sport rather than just taking money out. Our partnership with Yokohama will allow us to push the prize money for the Shootout significantly above what we gave out last year. We are very close to announcing our purse and payout schedule for this years race and believe me, it’s going to knock people’s socks off.”

The 2005 Yokohama Black Rock Summer Shootout will offer five classes: Pro ICC, Pro 125cc Masters, Pro Rotax, Pro Rotax Masters and Rotax Junior. All classes will utilize Yokohama GP1 tires.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of the Black Rock Summer Shootout.” stated Steve Sharp of ESPN Russell Racing Schools, U.S. Distributor of Yokohama karting tires. "One of the highest rated events of 2004, Black Rock set a new standard for ‘stand alone’ professional karting events. Our goal is to work with tracks and events like this to bring karting into mainstream motorsports. Yokohama has built an unbelievably good tire for karting and we at ESPN Russell Racing Schools are committed to support the participants; weekend warrior and pro alike. To that end we have decided to support not just the Shootout but every karting event held at Black Rock Raceway in 2005."

For more information regarding the Yokohama Black Rock Summer Shootout, please visit http://www.blackrockraceway.com/shootout.

To become involved as a sponsor or vendor please contact Terry Bybee by email at tbybee@newplanexcel.com or by phone at 801-209-4651.

For information regarding Yokohama karting tires please e-mail Steve Sharp at ssharp@espnrussellracing.com.

END

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