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FYI
10-23-04

INDY RACING LEAGUE TO SPONSOR SNAP-ON STARS OF KARTING SERIES

Justin, Texas — In a continuing effort to support entry-level racing while building grassroots support of the Indy Racing League, executives from the IRL and the Stars of Karting today announced that the Indy Racing League will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series through the 2007 season.

The Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League was designed to establish the proper structure and competition in American karting to allow a new generation of racing stars to flourish. Karts have been the career starting point for Michael Andretti, Helio Castroneves, Gil de Ferran, Dario Franchitti and Bryan Herta among many others.

The Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League is an eight-race championship, divided into Western and Eastern divisions, with each division supporting six different classes of racing. The current class structure consists of ICC (125cc Shifter), ICA (100cc Direct Drive), 80cc Junior (80cc Shifter), JICA (100cc Clutch), EasyKart (125cc Clutch) and Cadet (80cc Clutch).

“We are excited to team with the Stars of Karting to further develop the league’s future stars and fans on a grassroots level,” said Ken Ungar, senior vice-president of business affairs for the Indy Racing League. “This partnership provides a great opportunity to expose our league and style of racing while increasing accessibility to our sport. Through programs like the Stars of Karting and USAC’s ‘Road to Indy,’ we’re able to help cultivate young talent by providing logical steps in the development of future Indy Racing League participants.”

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

“We really are looking forward to building this relationship with the IRL,” Rahal said. “I want to thank (IRL President and CEO) Tony George, Ken Ungar and the entire IRL group for their support of the Stars of Karting and joining our good friends at Snap-on as a major partner. I think the two series working together will form a strong union, benefiting fans and young drivers alike for years to come.”

Every Stars competitor, official, kart and vehicle will carry the IRL brand logo. In addition, the IRL will gain exclusive access to Stars’ competitors, teams, fans and the karting community through specialized marketing programs.

“The entire Snap-on Stars of Karting Series is extremely happy and honored to be part of the IRL racing family,” Herta said. “As people know, karting is often the key starting point of some of the most prolific motorsports careers, including many of the current IRL drivers such as myself. In fact, there is a large group of us who stay in shape during the off-season by driving these karts. Beyond that, though, there is great competition throughout the entire Stars’ field, and I think IRL fans are really going to enjoy watching these talented drivers go wheel-to-wheel.”

Stars of Karting series title sponsor Snap-on is happy about the latest addition to the series as well.

“We are thrilled that the Indy Racing League has stepped up to serve as Presenting Sponsor of the Snap-on Stars of Karting,” commented Carl Johanson, Manager of Motorsports for Snap-on. “Well done. The Stars of Karting is a great property which provides close, competitive and rewarding racing to all participants and we proudly support it. We are definitely keeping good company as the IRL comes on board and look forward to working with them to further develop this series into the premier National Championship of North American karting. Snap-on, like the IRL, believes in the future of motorsports and it starts right here with the Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League.”

The 2004 season finale, the Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League National Championships, will take place Nov. 12-14 on a temporary circuit at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Stars’ 2005 schedule will be released soon.

Also on hand for the announcement at Texas Motors Speedway was Stars’ ICA Eastern Division Champion Michael Giessen, who unveiled the new series logo to the amassed media.

For more information on the Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the IRL, please visit their website at www.starsofkarting.com. Information regarding the Indy Racing League and all of its racing action can be found at www.indyracing.com.

ROME: WORLD KARTING CAPITAL—ITALIAN CAPITAL THE IDEAL STAGE FOR A GREAT SPORT AND CHARITY EVENT
Rome, Italy — Rome is getting ready to become the capital of the Karting world. On Sunday October 31st and Monday November 1st the avenues of the EUR quarter will shed their usual city suits and become one of the most fascinating street circuits on the planet, fit for the most acclaimed champions of the Kart world.

"Champions Cup - Roma Kart 2004" is not only an innovation for the Eternal City, but also for the international motorsport calendar. Never before has an international contest of this level been held on a capital city's streets. The event is only happening thanks to the support of the Community of Rome - in particular the 12th Municipio - and will be a completely unique chance for the citizens of Rome to enjoy a spectacle of the highest order.

The challenging circuit of the EUR quarter, laid out in vicinity of the Palace of Congress, will test the strongest factory teams and the most skilful and successful drivers from ten nations. The program features races for the top level F.A class and also J-ICA, the ultra competitive youth class. Adding to the entertainment will be celebrity races for stars from the entertainment and sporting worlds, including Formula 1 drivers, all competing to raise money for a number of charities which will be confirmed shortly.

Entries are expected from amongst the most celebrated competitors from the Formula A class, including the newly crowned world champion Davide Forè.

The challenge will be led by Tony Kart, world champions in 1998 and 2000, who will be up against the ultra competitive CRG, Birel, Kosmik, Swisshutless, PCR, Intrepid, Sodi and many other teams. Championship runner-up Frenchman Arnaud Kozlinski and third place Bas Lammers from the Netherlands are also confirmed entrants.

Enthusiasm from the public in the Italian capital is already building for this event which is new to both the streets of Roman and the world of motorsport. There will also be a contest for celebrities from the worlds of show-business and sport - including a number of Formula 1 drivers - all racing for charity.

Access to the circuit will be absolutely free for everyone; a great chance for the citizens of Rome to see the best Karting specialists in the world in action, at high speed and in complete safety, and also to be a part of an important community project.

2004 EASYKART WORLD FINAL IN ITALY
Arce, Italy — The weekend started out with set up on Friday October 15th as the delegations arrived from the USA, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Italy to the Pista Valle del Liri, www.lirikart.it; the same track that will host the 2004 FIK National Italian Cup. Personnel from Birel, Iame and Easykart Italy were on hand to assist the entire foreign driver delegation in getting acquainted with the facilities, and their karts.

Many drivers not acquainted with the circuit, and its high level of grip, took advantage of the track being opened to get a feel for it and their karts. “Italian tracks typically have more rubber and grip and drivers run with somewhat harder compounds. This can take a little getting used to” said Pablo Montoya, CEO Easykart America.

Friday ended with drivers practicing up until sunset, as they knew that the extra track time would pay dividends come Sunday, race day.

With the thunderstorms moving in, Saturday started out with a bang, literally. All the teams set out to practice with a full wet set up. As the weather started to clear, and driver’s set ups changed to dry, lap times began dropping fast. Each class had seven practice sessions. The Italians having a home track advantage set the pace early on early on, but as the day went by, fast times emerged from many of the foreign drivers as well. Sebastian Ordones, from Miami, Fl. posted very fast times in the Easy60 class, as well as Colombia’s Nicolas Daza, and the USA Easykart 60 National Champion Spencer Pigot.

In the Easy100 class, Guillermo Freile Jr. turned in some impressive laps as did WKA HPV National Champion Dominic Scheer, Sergio Pena, and Andres Lopez. Marco Zanchetta, and Davide Montoro were among the fastest Italian Drivers in the 100cc class.

In the Easy125 class, Federico Montoya, and Stefano Cobianchi were among the fastest in all the sessions, with respectable times coming from Colombian driver Manolo Villalobos, and Ecuadorian driver, Guillermo Freile Sr.

Sunday Morning started with the first of 2 qualifying sessions. The fastest lap from either session decided the stating order for the finals. The 60cc were the first to go out. The track was still damp from a morning shower, but drying quickly. Easykart 60cc National Champion, Pigot scored the fifth fastest time, and Sebastian Ordones qualified 7th.

The second group to qualify were the 100cc’s, where American driver, Dominic Scheer qualified 2nd in the final qualifying session, putting him off-pole for the final. Sergio Pena qualified a very respectable 4th position.

Italian Marco Gagliano qualified on the Easykart 125 pole, while Federico Montoya joined him on the front row with the outside pole position.

The 125cc “B” Final was the first race of the day. With a total of 46 entries in the Easy125cc class, the top 28 moved to the final, and the remainder battled it out in the “B” Final. Easykart National Champion Kaitlin Mangham started 5th in the B Final. Mangham saw some early action at the start of race, falling back several positions in the 18-kart field. Mangham stayed the course and slowly worked her way back up to the front. Mangham provided us with some of the most exiting racing of the day. One by one, she moved passed her competitors to take the win. Italian drivers Ivano Cervoni, and Antonio Scanziani, rounded out the top three.

The 60cc final started with a field of 27 entries. The Italians Cavalieri, and Defendi, along with Czech driver Midrla, drove hard and took the early lead. American, Sebastian Ordones, Colombian, Nicholas Daza, and Guatemalan, Roberto Dalton followed closely behind the leaders. Midrla took first place with Ordones and Daza finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively, giving them each a well deserved podium finish.

The Easy100cc final saw Dominic Scheer get the jump on the start claiming the lead from pole sitter Marco Zanchetta. Scheer, Zanchetta, and Montoro battled for most of the race, but in the end, Scheer took home the win and his first World Championship. American drivers, Sergio Pena, and Andres Lopez scored 4th and 5th place finishes, while Easykart National Champion, Paulie Harraka, retired early, after a valiant effort in his first World Championship race.

The 125cc class was set to be the most exiting event of the day with Federico Montoya, brother of F1 Star, Juan Pablo Montoya starting on the front row. Montoya took the lead at the drop of the green flag, but contact with Marco Gagliano in turn 5, put him out of the race, ending his day. Stefano Cobianchi scored the 125cc win. Other notable American finishers were Guillermo Freile Sr., and Easykart National Champion Monolo Villalobos, finishing 19th and 21st respectively.

“This was by far the most exiting event in Easykart History”, said Salomon Bendayan, Chief Operating Officer of Easykart America. “Thank you to everyone at Birel including Ronie Sala and Marco Angeletti. You put on a wonderful event, and your hospitality for the Easykart American drivers made them feel right at home. We all left Italy with memories that will last a lifetime.”

FIRST KART SIGNS FINAL DRIVERS FOR SUPERNAT’S
Guelph, Ontario, Canada — First Kart North America has brought together the past and present stars of the karting world to form another legendary team for the Superkarts! USA (SKUSA) SuperNationals. With a few returning drivers and a new crop of hungry youngsters, the Ontario, Canada based squad will look to be at the front of most of this years classes.

After putting the last piece of the puzzle in place this week with the signing of multi-time karting champion Daniel Morad, the team is now set and ready to take that illusive SuperNat’s crown. Morad joins Rene Silva and David Ostella as the newest members of the First Kart National Team.

Heading the team will be a pair of former First Kart pilots that both had very successful formula car seasons in 2004. Cooper Tire Zetec Champion and reigning Stars of Karting ICC Champion Bobby Wilson will look to steer his Hi-Tech powered Trevor Daley tuned ride to victory on Halloween weekend. Joining Wilson in the elite Formula ICC class will be Formula BMW Rookie-of-the-Year James Hinchcliffe. Hinchcliffe will run First Kart’s potent CRS power as he looks to provide the knowledge and support to get several firstkart.com driver’s to victory lane. Hinchcliffe will team with tuner First Kart’s Mike Maurini for the special event.

Firstkart.com’s newest team driver Daniel Morad will lead a contingent of drivers that will compete for the S1 SuperNat’s crown. Morad, who no doubt will be one of the guys to beat come race day, will team with Rene Silva and year long team pilot Jimmy Moriarty as they look to benefit from the winning knowledge that the team provides. Morad is no stranger to victory as the talented 14-year-old claimed the Stars of Karting and Superkarts! USA Eastern championships in 2004. The young Canadian also came home with the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship Formula Junior crown.

“We are very excited about this year’s event” stated First Kart Team Principal Tony Ventresca. “We are exited to have both Bobby and James back to compete as well as our newest signings in Morad, Silva and David Ostella. I have watched all three of these drivers compete for several years and have no doubts that they will run upfront in their respective classes.”

The lone 80cc Junior driver at the event will be team newcomer David Ostella. Ostella, who competed nationally all year long, will look to gain experience from the SuperNats as he will head into 2005 challenging for several of North America’s National titles.

Firstkart.com will also have newly crowned G1 National champion in attendance as Howie Idelson will look to continue with the speed and success that he has shown throughout ’04. Teamed with Jim Moriarty, father of S1 pilot Jimmy, the G1 duo will be a force to reckon with on Super Sunday.

Looking to always stay ahead of the competition, several of the above mentioned drives have logged miles in testing laps to prepare for the event. Plans are also in place to have First Kart Italy’s Gianni Bianchi and Gilberto Frattesi from CRS under the tent for the biggest shifterkart race of the year.

The First Kart squad will hit the track on Wednesday morning for the first official practice sessions of the weekend. With qualifying on Friday afternoon check the series website at www.superkartsusa.com for up-to-date news, press releases or to track weekend results. For post race team results please visit www.firstkart.com the following week.

In other news, First Kart North America is also signing drivers for the 2005 firstkart.com race team. Drivers are asked to contact the First Kart offices directly for further information. First Kart North America will be looking to compete in all the 2005 national championships on both the East and West coast.

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

ROLLING GREEN RACEWAY OFFICIALLY UP FOR SALE
Buchanan, Michigan – Rolling Green Raceway (RGR), formerly Michiana Raceway Park, held a dispersal sale at the Buchanan, MI facility on Saturday, October 23, to sell the 20-acres of property and racing facility as well as an extremely long list of karts, parts and accessories. The property has been home to a successful racetrack for several years before MRP Motorsport moved their main operation of karting schools and training to South Bend, IN.

“Everything goes,” said Garry Lobaugh, owner of MRP Motorsport. “The track, buildings, trailers, karts and all sorts of karts and equipment. We have built a strong business with this facility as a main focus of that, but sadly we are outgrowing it. The memories have been very good here.”

Though there is a long list of items up for sale, Lobaugh hopes that someone will be interested in purchasing everything in one shot and keep the racetrack open for business.

“There is a great opportunity for a smart business-minded person to take advantage of an offer like this,” said Lobaugh. “I’d also love to see it taken over as a possible family business, similar to how our family has grown MRP Motorsport.”

RGR is a ready-made business opportunity with full support of the largest North American importer for Birel & Freeline karts and parts. The facility is already stocked with a complete fleet of karts and equipment. The track has an existing racing series and has opportunities for corporate entertainment and racing school programs.

Below you will find a brief description and a partial list of available items that were/are available for the sale:

20-acres of property, including racetrack (1/4-mile) concession stand, restrooms, water well, septic, recently-expanded timing & scoring tower, permanent recessed scales, storage facility for up to 100 karts, 2nd water well and septic for possible permanent or mobile homes

Available Items:
Complete AMB Tranx transponder timing and scoring system with 32 rechargeable transponders
In ground permanent scales
New in the box - Rebco Scale system with ramps
Air Compressors, Drills, Hand Tools,
Bead breakers
Rolling kart stands
Used 24' Wells Cargo Trailer
1995 Ford Econoline Van - complete with 9-drawer cabinet for spare parts
20 used 2 cycle karts 10 used CR125 and CR80 Shifter Karts
2 Rotax Senior Karts
3 Easy Karts - 125cc
2 Easy Karts - Cadet
Scooters, Trail Bikes
Bare Frames
Offset Racing Karts
Shifter Kart for handicapped driver
Safety bags - barriers for trackside safety
Concession stand items: pop corn machine, hot dog machine, coffee machine, warming tray
Helmets, jackets, neck braces, rib protectors
Picnic tables

Interested parties in the property may contact Garry Lobaugh @ MRP Motorsport via phone (269-756-9133 or 269-422-2926) or by email at garry@mrpmotorsport.com.

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 on the MRP Motorsport & MRP of South Bend, contact Garry Lobaugh at 269-756-9133 or via email @ garry@mrpmotorsport.com. Also check out the website @ www.mrpmotorsport.com.

END

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