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FYI
10-31-04

‘STARS’ UNVEILS TRACK DESIGN AND SCHEDULE FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

Hilliard, Ohio — When competitors show up for the Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League National Championship Finals on November 12-14 at Walt Disney World® and Magic Kingdom®, awaiting them will be a specially designed temporary road racing circuit as six national titles are closely contested.

Laid out over 500,000 square feet of asphalt, the track measures just over .7 miles, runs clockwise and provides competitors with 15 distinct turns to negotiate each lap. The track features a 710-foot front stretch and a pit lane measuring the length of a football field at over 300 feet. While the track is flat with no elevation changes, Stars’ karters will have no problem producing their standard side-by-side racing with a 30-foot plus wide race track. Key passing zones will be in turns one, three, four, five as well as nine, ten and eleven. With evenly matched drivers and machines, successfully negotiating the final chicane complex of turns 13, 14 and 15 leading onto the long front stretch will be crucial to setting up competitors into the aforementioned turn one. In addition to the racetrack, competitors and their equipment will be housed in a separate 200,000 square foot paved area.

“It is always challenging to design a temporary facility and even more difficult to ensure it tests the skill level of your karters,” commented Paul Zalud, Stars’ principal and track designer. “When you have the best-of-the-best coming together from East and West, it becomes even more crucial to provide a course that demands the utmost skill from each driver. I think we have accomplished that and we are confident our competitors will put on the best show of the year.”

Meanwhile, the action plan as top competitors from both the Eastern and Western Divisions come together has been officially released. On-track sessions for the ICC, ICA, JICA, 80cc Junior, Cadet and EasyKart classes will begin on Friday, November 10th with five rounds of practice. More practice, qualifying and Pre-Finals will be held on Saturday. Sunday morning will be reserved for a warm-up, with the first National Championship Final taking the green at 12:00PM.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, November 11th
9:00am – 4:00pm Registration/credentials/parking/pit assignments (All Star Resort)
9:00am – 5:00pm Competitors move to designated pit spots

Friday, November 12th
7:00am                    Gates open to registered participants
7:00am – 9:20am     Scrutineering
8:00am – 12:35pm   Practice (All Classes)*
12:40pm – 1:00pm   Lunch Break
1:00pm – 5:00pm     Practice (All Classes)*

Saturday, November 13th
7:00am                    Gates open to registered participants
8:20am                    Mandatory Drivers Meeting
9:00am - 10:20am Morning Practice (All Classes)*
10:30am – 12:45pm Qualifying (All Classes)*
12:45pm – 1:15pm   Lunch Break
1:15pm – 3:45pm     Pre-Finals (All Classes)*

Sunday, November 14th
7:30am                   Gates open to registered participants
9:00am – 11:00am Morning Practice (All Classes)*
11:15am                 Promotional Group Photo, All Drivers in suits with helmets in hand
11:30am                 National Anthem
12:00pm – 3:20pm Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League National Championship Finals
12:00pm                Cadet (16 laps)
12:30pm                80cc Junior (20 laps)
1:00pm                  ICA (26 laps)
1:40pm                  Easykart (23 laps)
2:10pm                  JICA (20 laps)
2:40pm                  ICC (26 laps)

*For specific class times please refer to the published schedule on www.starsofkarting.com.

ADMISSION:
Free to all spectators, with restrictions on competitor pit and paddock access. Strict guidelines for entrance into pit lane area or other live track areas.

OFFICIAL HOTELS:
Port Orleans Riverside Resort, 407-938-4868
All-Star Sports Resort, 407-938-4868
www.waltdisneyworld.com
(Please reference Stars of Karting event to receive special rates)

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. www.starsofkarting.com.

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 IndyCar® Series and Menard's Infiniti Pro Series™. 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 Menard's 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

INDOOR KARTING WILL CROWN ITS 1ST WORLD CHAMPION DRIVER IN 2005!
Phoenix, Arizona — Racingschools.com presents, the 2005 JC's Glass Indoor Kart World Championship! For the 1st time, the best indoor kart drivers from the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France, Brazil, Italy, and all corners of the world, will meet in a race for the highest honor in the sport, the title of "Indoor Kart World Champion". The event, which will take place on July 28-31, 2005 in Phoenix, Arizona - USA, has been long awaited by indoor kart drivers worldwide.

During the last 2 decades, indoor kart racing went from being run in the obscure smoky European depots of the 80's, to the well ventilated, purpose built, hi-tech tracks we see today. During the last 5 years some events of significance emerged, such as the Austrian, Belgian, German, and Dutch Indoor Kart Championships, as well as the Paris-Bercy indoor kart race in France (by invitation only) in which many F1 drivers would trade their million dollar F1 machines to duke it out in indoor karts. It was just a matter of time until the sport went truly global, in the form of a World Championship event. The wait is over, and now the dream of being a world champion driver is finally a reality for all indoor kart racers.

The 2005 JC's Glass Indoor Kart World Championship is designed to be the most accessible, convenient and affordable world championship type event in the world of auto-racing. Unlike other regular forms of racing, it doesn't require huge time and financial commitments, as there is no need to own any equipment. A US$650 entry fee covers all racing related costs for the competitors. All equally prepared karts and equipment are provided, and drivers just need to focus on the best part of racing: the driving. The healthy prize package is unheard of in indoor karting. Valued at over US$8500, it includes US$4000 in cash to be awarded to the winners, a high-end Formula 2000 racing school program at the Derek Daly Academy in Las Vegas, and sponsorship for next year's IKWC event. And, in the true spirit of indoor kart racing, anyone (over 16 years old) is welcome to enter the competition, regardless of experience level.

Hosting the event will be one of the USA's premier indoor kart racing facilities, the F1 Race Factory (www.f1racefactory.com) in Phoenix, Arizona - USA. The huge 114,000 sq.ft. indoor racing facility boasts a changeable 1/2 mile racetrack, as well as restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, video games of all kinds, rockwall, and R/C car racing. F1 Race Factory has a fleet of over 30 equally prepared Bowman karts, each equipped with a Honda GX 270 (9HP) engine, currently the fastest spec-kart gasoline motors available for indoor kart racing. Weight differences between drivers have always been a sore issue for heavy drivers in indoor kart racing, however a kart weight-ballast-system will be used to equalize heavy and light drivers during the World Championship. Timing and scoring is performed by Oskar Systems, the system of choice at F1 RaceFactory.

The format of the competition consists of a straight points-race through 5 races. The first 4 races, (each 1 hour long) will determine the top 25 point scoring drivers who will be on the grid for the big 1.5 hour World Championship Grand Prix Final. Also included, are 3 practice sessions before the first race. Drivers may purchase as much additional practice sessions as needed before and during the event.

Racingschools.com (www.racingschools.com), organizer and promoter of the event, specializes in the sales of racing school programs for both individuals and corporations. Racingschools.com currently represents over 70 of the best racing school and driving experience providers in N. America and Europe. It also has, for the last 2 years, organized the Arizona Indoor Kart Championship (AZIKC Series). With its innovative and challenging format, the championship has turned out to be one of the best Indoor Kart leagues in the world. Over 130 drivers have participated in just 16 AZIKC races. "Because of it's convenience and affordability, indoor kart racing has grown to be the world's most popular form of competitive motorsport, in terms of actual participants. However, as a sport, it has unfortunately lacked the legitimacy it deserves. We want to change that by creating championship competitions which have major significance and value. This historic 1st World Championship event will set the course for a new era for Indoor Karting, where drivers, teams, and tracks will reach an unprecedented new level of importance. It should open a variety of new marketing possibilities." said Carlos Carneiro, Director of Sales at Racingschools.com

Sponsor Jc's Glass (www.jcglass.com) is an Arizona based company, providing top quality and service for all home, automotive, and commercial glass applications and needs. JC's Glass also markets the Visteon Nascar Performance Windshield for cars and trucks, and sponsors the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series race at Phoenix International Raceway race in Phoenix.

Derek Daly Academy (www.derekdaly.com), one of the top names in road racing schools in the world, is sponsoring the "King of the Desert" award: a 3 day School or a lapping day). The Derek Daly Academy offers all types of high-performance and racing courses, training drivers in BMW-Z3 cars and Formula 2000 cars at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada - USA.

"The 2005 JC's Glass Indoor Kart World Championship by Racingschools.com will be the most important indoor kart event of the year. However, the event will also be more than just great racing, it will be an excellent opportunity for all members of the indoor kart world community to meet, share ideas, advertise products, make business contacts, make new friends, and have a great time!", added Carneiro.

Info on the JC's Glass Indoor kart World Championship by Racingschools.com can be found at www.indoorkartworldchampionship.com

BUSINESS BRISK AT 2004 POWER EQUIPMENT EXPO
Louisville, Kentucky — About 25,000 visitors and exhibitors registered for the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo (EXPO 2004) September 24-26 in Louisville, KY. There were 452 exhibits indoors, and the popular 20-acre outdoor demonstration was sold out with 144 hands-on displays.

Bill Harley, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which sponsors EXPO, said, “The mood of this year’s show was fun, relaxed and productive. Exhibitors and visitors alike seemed to be really enjoying themselves and making great contacts.”

Many exhibitors echoed comments by Husqvarna North America’s marketing manager, Sam Catalano: “Husqvarna received more dealer leads from the 2004 EXPO than in previous years. In general, the quality of leads was up substantially.”

Chad Severson, Vice President, Marketing & Customer Service, Kohler Engines, said, “We had more dealers in our inside and outside booths in 2004 by a large margin.”

Highlights of EXPO 2004 included a party for dealers, retailers, international visitors and exhibitors on Friday night. About 2,000 people networked, dined and danced to live music by Karen Kraft and her band, KIKS. On Saturday night, almost 2,500 visitors were entertained by the popular country music trio, Trick Pony, in a free concert sponsored by Ariens Company.

Future dates for the Louisville show are:
October 14-16, 2005
October 6-8, 2006
October 5-7, 2007

KARTING STAR HAS STELLAR RUN IN KENTUCKY
Sparta, Kentucky — As part of his career progression, Bobby Wilson of Dousman, Wisc., put in 100 miles of testing in a Menard’s Infiniti Pro Series (MIPS) car for the championship winning team Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Wilson, who is considered to be one of the brightest bleeps on the talent radar, has his sights on the Infiniti Pro Series for 2005 and got his first feel of both oval track driving and the 450-HP Infiniti powered Dallara chassis at Kentucky Speedway’s 1.5 mile tri-oval in Sparta last Friday. Team Manager, Michael Crawford, was impressed with Wilson and felt he performed exceptionally well.

Wilson, 23, is hot off two stellar seasons earning championship titles in the 2004 Cooper Tires FF2000 Zetec series and the 2003 Stars of Tomorrow karting championship. He’s been spotted at the last two IRL events out shopping for options Wilson hopes will take him into IndyCar racing over the next few years. Driving Thiago Medeiros’ #11 championship winning car, Wilson put in 67 impressive laps posting his best lap time at 28.14, just over 189 mph and quick enough to place him on the front row of the Kentucky 100 held last August.

“We’ve tested 35 people over the past two years and last Friday was the best collective group of talent we’ve had; it was stellar,” said Crawford. “Bobby’s got the entire package of what we’re looking for in a driver. He’s exceptionally talented with an exceptional personality. He’s willing to listen, has a desire to learn, shows enthusiasm and was a pleasure to work with,” Crawford said. Medeiros is expected to move to the IndyCar series leaving a vacant seat on the two- car team based in Indianapolis, Ind. They are currently working to re-sign Travis Gregg who debuted for the team last August and looking for a compatible teammate. “Bobby was a pleasure to work with and would fit in well,” said Crawford.

“I had a blast and the car is pretty quick” said Wilson. “The team is first rate and I enjoyed working with Michael [Crawford] and Tim Neff [team engineer] and getting to know the car. Other than getting used to turning in at a certain point, Friday’s test was pretty easy. I know it gets harder from there when you start setting up the car to its on-the-edge-max and I’m pumped to go to the next level. It will be pretty exciting after you add in a mix of other cars and the aerodynamic factors involved. There’s a rhythm that makes it a lot of fun to drive,” added Wilson.

The test was also monitored by Butch Meyer, technical director for the Menard's Infiniti Pro Series and has provided Wilson the essential qualifications and eligibility for his MIPS licensing. Other drivers who also tested with the team were one of Wilson’s karting peers, Jason Bowles of Las Vegas, Nev., Brazilian Jaime Camara and James McCabe.

Wilson’s next step will be to secure a season long ride with the team who has earned six wins and seven pole positions last season. While all drivers showed talent, the determining factor will be who wins the chase in obtaining sponsorship dollars. Wilson now knows what banner he’d like to contend with in 2005 and is flipping his Rolodex in high speed as he actively pursues opportunities at this time. “The structure for 2005 will greatly enhance the marketability of the series and provide additional benefits for sponsors,” Wilson said.

The recent announcement by the IRL of the 2005 MIPS schedule has received much enthusiasm by teams, drivers and fans of the series and includes the addition of three road courses and one street race in 2005. Among the course venues that will add right turns to the series are the US Formula 1 Grand Prix in Indianapolis, Ind., Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Watkins Glen International in New York and a street race in St. Petersburg, Fla. Other top caliber events include a second stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the famed 2.5 mile oval in conjunction with the Indy 500, California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., Texas Motor Speedway and seven other dates all held with the IndyCar series tour. All races will once again be televised by ESPN.

Although many MIPS teams would like to have the ability to progress drivers through the ranks based solely on talent, the financial ability to do so is just not there yet. Unfortunately, for most drivers on the circuit, it takes assistance of sponsorship and private partnerships that help fund a driver’s rise through the ranks. Unlike many other sports, motor racing differs making the road even more difficult for an aspiring driver. Drivers who have made it through the ranks of karting and into the upper echelon of IndyCar competition include Buddy Rice, Helio Castroneves, Gil De Ferran and Sam Hornish, Jr., only to name a few.

BOBBY WILSON FAST FACTS
Wilson is from Dousman, Wisconsin and currently resides in Minneapolis, Minn., working as a driver coach and tuner for Stockholm Karting Center. He continues to drive in select karting events for the First Kart North America Team and will contest in the SuperNationals (Oct. 28-30) and Stars of Karting season finale in Orlando (Nov 12-14). He has been racing for over 11 years starting in karts and progressing into FF2000 competition.

Wilson is the Cooper Tires Zetec series champion for 2004, the 2003 Stars of Tomorrow karting series champion and the 2000 SuperKarts! USA (SKUSA) ProMoto Tour champion. He is the past winner of the prestigious SuperNationals and World Finals karting events. Other prestigious wins include the Rock Island Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Windsor. He was also a finalist in the Red Bull Drivers Search in 2002 and advanced to test at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

Wilson was named Shifter Kart Illustrated’s Driver of the Year and as Racer Magazine’s Karter of the year in 2003. In 2004, he was awarded with a $25,000 scholarship by the Jim Trueman family to assist in advancing his career and earned a Toyota Atlantic test with Team Rahal.

“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...” WKA DAYTONA KARTWEEK 2004
Concord, North Carolina — Thousands come from near and far for a chance to compete with the best karters in the world at Daytona KartWeek in Daytona Beach, Florida. With four events to choose from at two premier venues, there is something for everyone to compete in.

Beginning the day after Christmas, Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Municipal Stadium will host the largest karting event in North America with five days of racing spread across three different WKA National series. Almost 4,000 entries make up this prestigious event and it only gets bigger and better every year.

Briggs & Stratton Day opens Daytona KartWeek on Sunday, December 26th. This is an opportunity for 4-Cycle racers to compete on the big track, otherwise known as Daytona International Speedway.

The Dunlop Tire National Road Racing Series World Championships presented by Elite Karting will be testing their skills on the big track as well. Incorporating the high banks of the oval and elevation changes of the road course creates many challenges for the drivers and a treat for the spectator. With karts averaging speeds up to 135 mph on the back straightaway, this series, being the longest running of all WKA series, opens their 2005 season here at the epicenter of racing -- Daytona International Speedway.

The George Kugler Manufacturer's Cup Series presented by Bridgestone Margay Sprint Championships also opens their 2005 season at Daytona International Speedway. Inside NASCAR turns 3 and 4, you'll find a sprint course that is not only one of the finest, but also one of the most challenging on the sprint track circuit. Participants from all over the world come here to find the best competition at one of the most challenging races of the year amongst all the series.

Finally, it’s the premier speedway dirt event of the year, the Briggs & Stratton Speedway Dirt Series World Championships presented by American Power Sports. It is the most competitive dirt karting event in the world with over 2,200 entries last year and just as many expected in 2004. At an event of this capacity and level of competition, it's almost enough to just earn the bragging rights and the sticker, "I Made the Main at Daytona!"

Daytona KartWeek is the most prestigious karting event held in the United States. Karters from all over the world come to Daytona to race in what has become the most competitive venue for kart racing. We invite YOU to experience all the excitement yourself. Make your plans today. See you in Daytona!

Entry blanks are available for download at worldkarting.com They contain all event information including fees, accommodations, parking, schedule, class orders, etc. Please note: entry blanks will not be accepted until November 10th... early submissions will be held as many days as it arrives early!

END

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