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FYI
03-13-04

RED BULL WINNER JASKOL SIGNS WITH TEAM AUTOTECNICA TO CONTEST FORMULA BMW NA CHAMPIONSHIP

New York City, New York — 2003 Red Bull Driver Search winner Matt Jaskol of Las Vegas, NV, has signed with Team Autotecnica to contest the 2004 Formula BMW North America Championship this season. Jaskol is one of three drivers to have won backing from Red Bull after emerging as a star in the making after two days of testing in British F3 cars at Estoril in Portugal last October.

Jaskol is the only Red Bull Driver Search winner who will be chasing his Formula One dreams stateside, as his fellow winners, Dominique Claessens, Colin Fleming and Scott Speed, will do battle this season in Europe in the Formula Renault Eurocup.

“For me, starting in this series in the United States is like a home run and it is a great challenge to be among the favorites in this series,” said Jaskol, who scored three wins on his way to third place in the Formula Dodge National Championship last season.

Team Autotecnica, based near West Palm Beach, Florida, was selected based on the excellence of their preparation, and the character of the team, which is young spirited and has a history of developing up and coming talent, both of which appealed to Red Bull. The team is looking forward to bringing the young talent on board, and has high expectations for the season.

The inaugural Formula BMW USA season will comprise fourteen races, held on seven race weekends, and will be sanctioned by Champ Car. Race venues will include the Canadian Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix and four Champ Car events. The series debut will take place at Lime Rock Park, CT, on 31 May, with the series finale slated to place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on 12 September.

In 2004, the Red Bull Driver Search is continuing in its quest to discover and support the "diamond in the rough," lacking the knowledge and contacts needed to embark on a career in racing, as well as talented young drivers already in racing. The long-term goal is to have a steady group of three to six American drivers racing in Europe, groomed to break into Formula 1 and compete for the World Championship.

For more info on the 2004 Red Bull Driver Search, see the RED BULL ad in the upper RH side of this website.

DAVE’S PERFORMANCE ADDS EASYKART TO 2004 LINE-UP
Temecula, California — Dave’s Performance recently announced the addition of the Easykart concept to their 2004 lineup. The Southern California kart shop and top Birel dealer will provide customers with turnkey and “arrive and drive” opportunities in regional and national competition. The Easykart is a spec-based kart designed to provide the thrills of racing at a very affordable price.

“It’s a natural decision for us,” says Dave Thompson, owner of Dave’s Performance. “We are very excited after talking to the folks at Easykart during the 2004 KMI show. “They have a great product and program for 2004 and with our extensive knowledge of the Birel product line and many years of running Iame™ engine packages, this couldn’t be any better for us. Our plans are to put together an Arrive and Drive Program for the West Coast Stars Series with full driver and kart support.”

The Easykart offers a “no hassle” approach to karting with no more pushing or charging batteries at the track. The karts are all the same specification Birel chassis, engine, tires, and components, putting emphasis on the driver's ability and not the size of their wallet. Karts come completely assembled and ready to race. The engines are sealed, air-cooled PARILLA-IAME with an electric starter. It also utilizes an internal battery charging system and a dry clutch.

"We at Easykart are excited to have Dave's Performance as a West Coast Easykart Dealer,” said Easykart America CEO, Pablo Montoya. “We have received many requests for an Arrive and Drive program since the addition of the Easykart 125 class in the Stars of Karting series. This customer is quite different from the typical karter in the sense that they expect a higher level of service and we are confident that Dave's Performance will be able to provide the personal attention to detail that the "Arrive and Drive" customer demands."

Dave's Performance is one of Southern California’s Premier Kart shops and the #1 US Dealer for Birel chassis. Their trackside support and parts trailer is available regularly at most Region 7 IKF, WKA, Star’s, Rotax and SKUSA events and they carry a full line of Birel, Freeline and other popular brands of parts and accessories. For more information, Dave’s Performance may be reached toll free at: 1-877-DavesPerf (1-877-328-3773) or you can visit them online at www.davesperf.com. More details regarding the Easykart is available at www.easykart.com.

U.S. SUPERKART CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO DEBUT
Brazelton, Georgia — For the first time in many years, there will a true national championship for 250cc Superkart racers in United States this season. Modeled after the current programs running in both Europe and Australia, the U.S. Superkart Championship Presented by Shifter Kart Illustrated will debut this season with three big races at Road Atlanta, Road America and Laguna Seca.

Managed and promoted by JR Clasen and his World Superkart group, the series features two classes of superkarts – Formula E (FE) and Intercontinental E (ICE). The Formula E class is distinguished by twin-cylinder 250cc engines in either purpose-built or GP motorcycle configuration while the ICE cars use single cylinder 250s such as the Rotax 257 and Honda CR250. Thanks to this exciting new program, when the checkered flag flies in Monterrey in October, the country will have a pair of national champions in the Formula E and Intercontinental E categories.

The season kicks off with the first round at Road Atlanta in on the March 12-14 weekend. Road Atlanta has seen a renaissance since Don Panoz purchased the famed facility in 1996 and since that time, Panoz has invested millions of dollars into the venue to return it to its former glory. Two years ago, karts took over the track for the first time in several years and the reviews of the layout were outstanding. The series will run in Georgia with the Big South Road Racing Series, positioned as the quickest class on the schedule with an estimated top speed approaching 150 mph down the long Road Atlanta back straight.

After Road Atlanta, the series will take April and May off before firing the motors again for the single largest karting road race in the United States - the Road America Super Nationals. Upwards of 1100 entries will flood into the Kettle Moraine region of Wisconsin for a chance to tour the legendary 4-mile, 14-turn road course. For many of the competitors at Road America, all work stops when the Superkarts take to the track and the spectators regularly line-up two-deep along the fence line leading up to turn five. The sights and sounds of the 250s at full song is a festival of the senses that must be experienced first-hand.

After the Road America event, Laguna takes center stage as the Superkarts conclude the season running in support of the American LeMans Series with the fourth annual World Superkart Challenge in October. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will host the astounding event, which utilizes all the elevation change and the legendary “Corkscrew” that is used by pro level championship series throughout North America. It’s amazing to consider that the pole sitter in the Formula E class will likely be quicker than the entire ALMS GT field and a handful of the GTS cars. Watch for former 500cc Grand Prix World Champions Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey to be in the field and likely in the hunt for the win.

Series sponsor Shifter Kart Illustrated will be providing media services for the series throughout the year and will also be publishing compete race coverage. SKI staffers Rob Howden and Mike Maurini will be in attendance at all three events and the magazine’s in-house project kart – the SKI GP 250 - will be on track in at Road America and Laguna Seca. Look for complete coverage of Round #1 at Road Atlanta in the April issue of the publication – www.shifterkartmag.com.

NEWS FROM ‘STARS OF KARTING’

‘STARS’ ANNOUNCES EASTERN SERIES VENUE UPDATE
Hilliard, Ohio— Snap-on Stars of Karting announced today confirmation of dates and locations for two of its Eastern Series events. Originally the race slated for taking place on July 30th through August 1st was listed as a TBA event, now its local is confirmed for Lowe's Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina.

"Lowe's has always been an extremely well attended venue and is a very good demographic fit to the Eastern series," said Stars of Karting's Paul Zalud. "We are excited to be running at this marquee facility and look forward to producing a great event. There is a lot of karting history at Lowe's, and it will be great adding to that."

Randy Kugler of the WKA added, "Bringing a Stars event to Lowe's should be a homerun for everybody. The popularity of the track combined with the challenges it provides should make for a spectacular race."

With recent developments in the City of Windsor, Canada, and the financial turmoil that has left the Freedom Festival in bankruptcy, the Windsor event originally scheduled for the middle of the week on June 30th through July 2nd is moving to a new venue, the New Castle Motorsports Park. The brand new, state of the art NCMP is located just east of Indianapolis, Indiana, and will host the Stars of Karting event on the weekend of July 2nd through July 4th on its 1 mile sprint track.

"NCMP is looking forward to an incredible event with the Stars of Karting series. We feel that NCMP will enhance the already great show that the Stars of Karting are putting on. With the combination of fast corners, technical sections, and passing areas, the Stars race at NCMP will be an event that shouldn't be missed!" said Mark Dismore, Jr.

Paul Zalud added, "We appreciate the Dismore's accommodating us when the trouble with Windsor became a timing and logistical road block for 2004. It was fortunate that this first class facility was available on this weekend and we are sure this will be a spectacular show for the racers."

Through its Leisure and Recreation Services, the City of Windsor is coordinating efforts with various community partners to stage popular and traditional elements of the former International Freedom Festival. "We are looking forward to bringing this very exciting series back to the streets of Windsor. An event of this complexity requires proper planning, and time does not allow for a race this year (2004). However, we will do all we can to have the Stars program back in 2005", said a City spokesman.

‘STARS’ ANNOUNCES TECH UPDATE
Stars of Karting announced today the release of an update to their technical regulations. It is available for download on the website at www.starsofkarting.com.

National Technical Director, Scott G Evans explains, "The release of our regulations in December precludes the inclusion of any changes made to the 2004 CIK regulations that were just recently released. With our alignment to the CIK and its rules structure, it is important for us to remain in sync with their criteria, especially as we get more international drivers and teams participating in our series."

In concert with the update, a document entitled "Up To Speed - A Discourse of Technical Rules Changes 2004 Stars of Karting National Series" has been posted under the "FAQ" banner on the website. The document details some of the major rule changes to the Stars regulations in 2004.

Evans continues, "It is our intent and indeed responsibility to communicate to our constituents the meaning of our rulebook and with "Up To Speed" we are hoping to demystify some of the technical language and portray a clear meaning in hopes that all competitors can come into tech as conforming. It is a part of our effort to break the mold of autocratic sanctions and become more user-friendly."

Paul Zalud, Director of Operations for the national organization elaborates, "Our technical program continues to lead the industry in the completeness and clarity of our regulations. It is comforting to know with Scott at the lead in this critical area that we can continue to focus on the forwarding of our sport in the public eye and give our customers the best return for investment in other areas."

‘STARS’ ANNOUNCES "CALL FOR HOMOLOGATION" TO CHASSIS MANUFACTURERS
Mr. Paul Zalud, Director of Operations for the Snap-on Stars of Karting series, announced today the call for homologation to chassis manufacturers not currently listed with the CIK or last year's Stars program, yet still wishing to participate in the series for 2004.

Chassis homologation, a descriptive technical documentation of a kart frame's physical characteristics, is required for participation in the series' Intercontinental A, ICA/Junior and Intercontinental C classes as well as for the 80cc Shifter Junior class.

Zalud remarked, "Our mandate from the technical standpoint is to follow closely the lead from CIK. With our invitation to chassis manufacturers here in the States and elsewhere, we feel that we are staying true to our principles while remaining inclusive for the benefit of our customer base."

"In following with the basis from past years, we plan to accept active CIK homologations as well as those from the -02 homologation period," Zalud continued. "We realize however that many chassis manufacturers have never applied for CIK homologation because their customer base is here in the States. We want to provide a place for our North American drivers to display their skills and, with this in mind, we are making a call for homologation to all chassis manufacturers planning to participate in the Stars program."

Mr. Scott G Evans, Stars of Karting National Technical Director, will be responsible for coordinating the chassis homologation effort. For 2004, chassis homologation from either CIK or Stars will be required for entry in the ICA, ICA/J, ICC, and 80cc Shifter Junior classes only. Chassis that were homologated through the Stars program in 2003 have been unilaterally extended through the 2004 season. A listing of currently accepted Stars
chassis is posted on the Stars website. Forms for specific chassis are available on request.

Evans elaborated, "Stars' homologation procedures and forms are available on the website www.starsofkarting.com. The chassis manufacturer wishing homologation need only fill out the form in its entirety, with a vehicle photograph and a dimensional drawing, signed by an official representative and forward them to the Stars' national office for review, approval and filing.

Homologation forms in hard copy should be sent to: Stars of Karting Chassis Homologation
4601 Lyman Dr., Hilliard, OH 43026.

FIRST KART NORTH AMERICA RACES INTO JACKSONVILLE
Toronto, Ontario, Canada — First Kart North America (FKNA), based in Ocala, FL is pleased to announce the team’s potent driver lineup for the first round of the SuperKarts! USA (SKUSA) East ProMoto Tour that will be held in Jacksonville, FL. The event which takes place over the March 18-21 weekend will provide a new look for the SKUSA organization and the First Kart North America race team.

Team Manager Tony Ventresca has put together a squad that will form the future stars of shifter kart racing throughout the next couple of seasons. “I believe we will be well represented and have strong results at the first event,” explained team manager Ventresca. “Three of our five drivers have been competing in the Florida Winter Tour and have gathered some dominating race wins thus far in 2004.”

Quarter-backing the event in Jacksonville will be returning First Kart driver Darin Marcus. The Northbrook, IL resident will make a step up to the SuperPro ranks to fulfill the shoes left vacant by Shifter Kart Illustrated’s 2003 Driver of the Year Bobby Wilson. Marcus, who was a rookie in 2003, has renewed focus towards this year’s championship and will look to get the year started right by climbing to the top of the podium in this elite racing category.

Marcus will work along S1 Texan pilot Jimmy Moriarty and provide the necessary support needed to take him to the front of the pack. Prepped by two of karting’s finest tuners in A.J. Whisler and Brian Lay, Moriarty looks to work off his S1 victory at the second round of the Florida Winter Tour. Both of these drivers will act as role models play key roles in the development of the 80cc squad.

First Kart North America brings three 80cc junior drivers to Jacksonville to kick off the season. Returning to the stable for 2004 is second year shifter kart driver Lucas Smith. Smith, who underwent driver coaching at the end of last season by Stars of Tomorrow champion Bobby Wilson, will look for strong podium finishes in his young racing career. Fellow Canadian driver Phillip Wang will also make the trek to Florida to compete in his first ever national event. Wang, who won several championships in the 4-cycle divisions in Ontario, will look to gain the necessary experience to move through the motorsports ranks. The final driver of First Kart quintet is Mark Jensen who resides in the Sunshine State. Jensen has also been on track this season by competing in the Florida Winter Tour where he has won two of the first four rounds in the Rotax Max Junior divisions.

First Kart North America drivers will look to make an immediate impact in the first round of North America’s pro tours in 2004. Later on in the season, drivers will benefit from the Ocala Gran Prix grounds that will serve as the teams private test facility 365 days a year. Look for exciting post race coverage and press releases to see where your favorite driver finished. Interested parties can view Superkarts! USA for up-to-date schedules, race results, point standings and press releases online at www.skusaonline.com.

To obtain more information on First Kart North America, exciting dealership opportunities, sponsorship or for general inquires on karting including how to get into kart racing, please contact Tony Ventresca at the First Kart North America head office toll free at 1-888-884-4851. Other information can be directed to Jeff Wood at the Ocala Gran Prix office at 352-690-7223. For immediate product information visit First Kart online at www.firstkart.com.

END

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