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FYI
11-21-04

PJ1 PRODUCTS NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF $25,000 TAG SPECTACULAR

Toledo Ohio — PJ1 a division on PJH Brands has become a major part of the most exciting event in karting history! From the high flying world of Motocross to the fastest dragstrips in America, you will find PJH Brands.

Renowned for their oils, lubricants, VHT (Very High Temperature) Brand paints, coatings and track treatment products, PJH Brands is a company that definitely understands high performance....You will find their products in use by Top Fuel Drag Racing Teams, Superbike racers, Motocross champions, The United States Airforce...and now every team competing in the PJ1 $25,000 TaG Spectacular, Presented by Grand Prix Distributing.

"This is a great relationship" says Grand Vitesse Racing's General Manager..."I have had the privilege of working with "PJ" and his team for the last decade on a number of motorcycle and car racing projects."

"I have used PJH Brands Products extensively in my own motorcycles, cars, snowmobiles, offshore powerboats, and of course Race Karts for years; The products all deliver outstanding performance!" ..."This sponsorship will expose a large segment of the karting world to PJ1/VHT/PJH Products and let them see first hand just how well these products perform."

All competitors in "The PJ1 $25,000 TaG Spectacular, Presented by Grand Prix Distributing" will receive PJ1 Two Cycle Racing oil and other excellent PJ1 products at no charge as part of their involvement in this exciting event.

‘STARS’ NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT WALT DISNEY WORLD FINALS
Lake Buena Vista, Florida — To a man, each championship contender in Sunday’s Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League National Championship finale knew all scenarios that could play themselves out as they tried to win their respective class national titles. All 34 contenders in the six classes knew that by winning, they were at least assured of a shot at national karting glory. Fittingly, four national champions won their races while the remaining two champion drivers finished in second place.

In the ICC 125 Shifter Class, Eastern Champion Alex Speed took the lead on lap nine and never looked back as he led Darren Elliott to the line by 1.164 seconds in the 26-lap Final to win his first Stars of Karting National Championship over Western Champion Alan Sciuto. Once Speed found the point, he ran a steady race, maintaining a lead of 1.4 seconds much of the time. Elliott had started fifth but quickly found his way to the second position at lap 10. Despite his pace, he could never close to within less than a second of Speed. Kyle Wiegand brought home the final podium spot, 2.421 seconds behind the leader. Defending ICC National Champion Bobby Wilson finished fourth in his return to karting after capturing the 2004 USF2000 title. Sciuto, who had led Speed by five points heading into the final, started fourth but never was able to move forward and finished in fifth place as his championships hopes were dashed.

“The championship is wonderful for everyone on the team, especially my dad (Mike) who works so hard,” said Speed, an 18-year old from Manteca, California. “We got a really good and clean start and slowly worked our way up to the front. Once there, the kart just settled in and we had no issues. This feels great and I am proud of everyone who helped.”

In ICA, Western Champion Jordy Vorrath joined Speed as a Stars National Champion who did not wait for others to falter and took matters into his own hands as he led from lap two onward to take the race win and the ICA National Championship. Steadily increasing his lead on every lap, the Surrey, British Columbia resident led the race by as much as nine seconds before crossing the line in front of second place Helmut Sanden by 7.872 seconds. Polesitter Joel Miller and third place finisher managed to take some of the attention away from Vorrath’s strong day with an amazing run of his own. After starting on the point, Miller was involved in a turn one incident that left him near the rear of the field in 34th place. Not to be denied, Miller put his head down and shot through the field, making up positions every lap before running out of time just behind Sanden as the checkered flag flew. A great battle waged throughout the race, involving at one time or another Sanden, Miller, fourth place Lorenzo Mandarin, fifth place Johnny Johnson and sixth place Gary Willis. Michael Giessen’s day never really got going after starting in 20th position as he finished 15th. Trailing Vorrath by four points in the national standings coming into the weekend, he did hold onto to the second position in national points.

“The first corner was hectic but we kept our noses clean, moved to the front and brought it home,” commented Vorrath, who was later named as the $25,000 Jim Trueman Career Enhancement Award Winner. “The team did a great job for me and actually made it quite easy for me to take the win and the championship.”

While the EasyKart championship race provided great drama on the racetrack, the real action came after the checkered flag with a technical disqualification being given to the original race and championship winner, Johnny Johnson. The penalty gave the race and championship to Carlos Duenas, who had waged an exciting wheel-to-wheel battle with Johnson during the latter stages of the race that saw the two karters side by side for three solid laps. Coming home in second place just 0.905 seconds behind Duenas was Michael Giessen. Darin Marcus finished a nice charge from his tenth starting position to grab the final podium spot in third place. Jordon Musser came home fourth while Ryan Fowler rounded out the top five.

In the 80 Junior Class, Keith Spicer took the lead on lap 14 and led Cole Whitt across the finish line by 0.888 seconds to win the race but it was Whitt who captured the National Championship. Daniel Morad brought home a podium spot in third place and finished second overall in the championship. Ryan Phinny came across the line in fourth place, while Matthew Lee captured fifth place.

In the Junior ICA Class, Cole Whitt led from the start as he scored an easy win over Nicholas Johnston by 6.131 seconds but it was Johnston who had the ultimate thrill as he secured the National Championship by just five points over Whitt. Johnston started in twelfth place but had maneuvered his way to second place just beyond the halfway point at lap 11. Thomas Hartensveld Jr. earned the final podium spot in third place as he pressured Johnston all the way to the checkered flag, falling just 0.147 seconds short. Jeremy Nelson took home a fourth place result while Gustavo Yacaman took home fifth place to round out the top five.

In the Cadet Final, championship contenders Sergio Pena and Sage Karem battled throughout the 16-lap race, swapping the lead three times including two times during the final three laps. Unfortunately for Karem, his day would not end on the podium as he spun after contact with less than two laps remaining. He would hold onto finish in sixth place. Back at the front, Pena was able to hold off a charging Will Tenney at the finish to win the race and the championship by just 0.291 seconds. Evan Kalogiannis would complete a solid weekend run with a spot on the podium in third place, while Brendan Phinny took home fourth place to bypass ninth place Miles Maroney for second place in the overall national standings behind Pena. Strong weekend contender Garrison Masters rounded out the top five.
Final Race and National Championship Results
ICC Race
Alex Speed

ICC National Champion:
Alex Speed

ICA Race
Jordy Vorrath

ICA National Champion:
Jordy Vorrath

EasyKart Race
Carlos Duenas

EasyKart National Champion:
Carlos Duenas

80 Junior Race
Keith Spicer

80 Junior National Champion:
Cole Whitt

JICA Race
Cole Whitt

JICA National Champion
Nicholas Johnston

Cadet Race
Sergio Pena

Cadet National Champion:
Sergio Pena

ALEX SPEED & MRP-BIREL TEAM FIND STRIDE AT STARS FINALE
Orlando, Florida — Alex Speed ended a fantastic 2004 season on a high note with a huge victory in Snap-on.com Stars of Karting Presented by the IRL season finale held at Walt Disney World this weekend. The MRP Motorsport / Birel pilot dominated the second-half of the 26-lap main event en-route to the win. The victory also wrapped up the Snap-on.com Stars of Karting ICC National Championship for the young driver. This has only been the second event for Speed working with MRP Motorsport and the Birel chassis.

“We knew the Birel worked,” said Speed. “We saw Wesley Boswell do so tremendously on these temporary circuits. We knew that we needed that type of abilities on these surfaces and it obviously is paying off for us. Our kart was close to perfect. Our SwedeTech/Pavesi was top-notch as always and I can’t be happier with the decision.”

Speed started the main event from third and quickly worked his way into second early on before applying pressure to then-leader, Jordy Vorrath. When Vorrath began to fade, Speed made his move and never looked back in routing the rest of the field. While Speed had just recently switched to the Birel chassis, he received as much technical support from both the MRP team and Birel as he could handle.

“These guys flat out know what they are doing,” commented Speed. “We have yet to work with a factory that knew more than us about karts until now. They have done a wonderful job for us. While working with one of the Birel tuners, every change we made worked. ”

Speed was one of four Birel pilots finishing in the top-12 of the 35-kart field with Scuito in 5th and MRP Motorsport pilots Wesley Boswell & Jonathan Branam both coming from way back in the pack to finish in 7th and 12th respectively. WKA Manufacturers Cup Champion, Josh Schreiber had a solid top-ten result in the cards as well before trouble put him out of the final.

“We are very proud of the team’s accomplishments this weekend,” said Garry Lobaugh, MRP Motorsport owner. “All of our guys were in the hunt all weekend and that makes it rewarding. Our job as the importer for Birel is to be here for technical support for our customers first and foremost. Sales is an afterthought for us during these events, we are here to win. We are very happy to have Alex Speed and his father Mike as part of the team. They have shared their feedback with us and we have shared our information with them which is a great situation for everyone.”

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 MRP Motorsport race program, contact Chris Lobaugh at MRP Motorsport (269-756-9133) or contact us via email @ chris@mrpmotorsport.com. For compete series news and results visit www.starsofkarting.com.

IRON ROCK RACEWAY AND OKLAHOMA MOTORSPORTS COMPLEX ANNOUNCE NEW REGIONAL SUPERKART RACING SERIES FOR 2005
Austin, Texas — After carefully reviewing the ‘state of karting’ in Texas and Oklahoma and with the inputs from many, Charlie Swayne, General Manager for Iron Rock Raceway (IRR) and Rodney Berryhill of Oklahoma Motorsports Complex (OMC) today announced the launch of the 2005 Southwest Regional Cup Series. This new series will combine features of the two most respected kart-sanctioning bodies in a way that offers karters the best of both.

Using a format that conforms closely with the World Karting Association (WKA) sanctioning body for this series, all affiliate tracks within the Southwest Regional Cup Series will be eligible to host not only the regional series races but also future national races under the ‘Stars of Karting’ and the ‘WKA World Cup’ banners.

MRP MOTORSPORT TO OFFER WINTER SEMINAR SERIES
Three Oaks, MI / November, 15 2004 --- MRP Motorsport has released the schedule for their third season of Winter Seminar Series to be held December through March. Aimed at both beginning and veteran karting enthusiasts, the monthly Seminars are designed to assist in easing the “intimidation factor” of numerous maintenance, setup, and mechanical functions. In conjunction with the seminars, each Saturday will also serve as an Open House for the MRP retail facility with shop tours, product update information, and general customer assistance.

2004 – 2005 MRP Winter Training Seminar Series & Open House Schedule
Selected Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

DECEMBER 4th – Data Acquisition with Mychron’s Roger Caddell
One of our mottos is “Knowledge is Power”. This informative seminar will introduce the ins and outs of not only the operation of Mychron data acquisition systems, but also how to analyze and optimize the data provided for peak performance. Gaining a better understanding of what your data tells you can shave those extra .10 hs of a second off of lap times. Roger Caddell from Mychron will be flying in to MRP headquarters facilitate this valuable seminar.

JANUARY 8th – All about Clutches
Rick Robinson of L&T Clutches will be the 2nd special guest to join the 2005 MRP Winter Seminar Series. Next to tires, the clutch and related components are the most abused elements on your kart. This seminar will provide participants an opportunity to better understand the mechanics of the most popular clutches used in the numerous 100cc classes. We’ll address preventive maintenance, tuning, and rebuilding. This class is a must-attend for anyone new to 100cc clutch karts. Save yourself money by knowing how to work on your own clutch!

FEBRUARY 5th – Carburetor Maintenance
This session will provide the opportunity to completely tear down, clean, inspect, and rebuild your Walbro and Rotax Dellorto carb. This seminar will only offer Walbro “1 Carb” (HPV & Yamaha Jr. Sportsman) and Walbro “3 Carb” rebuild kits. The session will also review the tuning needs for each racing application.

MARCH 5th – Chassis Theory and Dynamics
Back by popular demand! This class will utilize digital scales and a kart in race trim to further understand how weight distribution affects chassis handling. This is a great learning opportunity for those working with junior drivers, beginning drivers, and experienced drivers looking to further enhance their knowledge of chassis dynamics. We’ll cover everything from chassis design & philosophy and set-up theories.

Location for each seminar is located at MRP Motorsport’s Three Oaks, MI location. Cost is $100.00 for all four Seminars (plus parts if you desire) $25.00 for individual seminars
Seminars begin promptly at 9:00 AM

For more information and directions to MRP, visit www.mrpmotorsport.com, phone (269-756-9133) or email us at mrp@qtm.net.

IRON ROCK AND OKLAHOMA MOTORSPORTS RELEASE SCHEDULE FOR SOUTHWEST REGIONAL CUP SERIES
Austin, Texas — Iron Rock Raceway (IRR) and Oklahoma Motorsports Complex (OMC) today released the schedule for the 2005 Southwest Regional Cup Series, as well as two additional races. The 2005 Southwest Regional Cup Series format will include six two-race weekends as follows:

Mar. 11- 13    SWRC    TBA
Apr. 1 3    SWRC     OMC - Norman, OK
May 6 8    SWRC     IRR, Austin, TX
June 3 4    SWRC     TBA
Aug. 5 7    SWRC     OMC - Norman, OK
Sep. 30/Oct 1 & 2    SWRC    IRR, Austin, TX

Dates were also announced for additional races at IRR and OMC.

Feb. 11 - 13 Winter Cup IRR, Austin, TX
July. 1 - 3 Grand Nationals OMC, Norman, OK

The Winter Cup will be the first major race to be held at the new IRR kart club track located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

“We’re anxious to get started,” said Charles Swayne, GM of IRR. “The new regional series is being enthusiastically received by our members and the karting community.”

“Paired with the Winter Cup and the Grand Nationals, the regional series will provide our region with non-stop racing opportunities,” added Rodney Berryhill of the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex.

For more information on the Southwest Regional Cup, visit www.ironrockraceway.com or www.championkart.com. The series’ website address will be forthcoming.

‘STARS’ ICA NATIONAL CHAMPION VORRATH WINS PRESTIGIOUS JIM TRUEMAN AWARD
Hilliard, Ohio — Shortly after winning the 2004 Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League ICA Class National Championship, Jordy Vorrath was given his just rewards with trophies, cash, gift certificates and his Stars National number one plate. As thrilling as that was, the biggest honor of the weekend for the 23-year old from Surrey, British Columbia came following podium celebrations when he was announced as the 2004 recipient of the $25,000 Jim Trueman Career Enhancement Award.

Named for the late IndyCar and Indy 500 winning owner who was famous for helping out young drivers with talent, the award is designed to assist aspiring Stars of Karting drivers in furthering their careers as they leave karts for cars. In 2003, then-ICC National Champion Bobby Wilson used the award to springboard himself into the competitive 2004 USF2000 Series, in which he won the season championship. For Vorrath, it was tough competition to win the award as he beat out other deserving nominees including ICC Eastern and National Champion Alex Speed, ICC Western Champion Alan Sciuto, ICA Eastern Champion Michael Giessen and ICC top contender Ron White.

“This is a great honor to win this prestigious award,” commented Vorrath. “Having people not only see my potential, but then reach out and tap you as one of the rising stars of the sport is quite a confidence boost. This is exactly what my career needed and I look forward to proving everyone right.”

As Vorrath joins the growing list of distinguished drivers helped by Jim Trueman and his family, it is natural to think of one of the first drivers Trueman helped over 20 years ago – Bobby Rahal. While driving for Trueman (and his Truesports team) from 1982-88, Rahal won multiple races, two national driving championships and an Indy 500.

“Jim Trueman was a man who believed in the potential of people,” said Rahal, who co-owns Rahal Letterman Racing with television personality David Letterman and is also a Stars principal. “While he is best known as the man who stood behind me, he gave so much to many others in so many fields of endeavor. Without Jim I never would have succeeded. Jim's reward was to see people make the most of the opportunity given. I trust Jordy won't disappoint.”

Regarding how he plans to use the award, Vorrath has a bevy of options in front of him. He will be part of the Skip Barber National Championship Scholarship Shoot-out in early January at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, which could lead to a full season ride. He will also participate in the Formula BMW USA licensing course in spring 2005 at Valencia, Spain. In addition, he is considering the same route Wilson took and participating in the USF2000 series.

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, www.worldkarting.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 Menards 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 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

TWO TIME CHAMPION ZANARDI PROMOTES HIS NEW BOOK ON WIND TUNNEL NEXT WEEK
Indianapolis, Indiana — Two-time Champ Car World Series champion Alex Zanardi will be a busy man during the months of November and December as he heads to the states to promote his new book “Alex Zanardi – My Sweetest Victory” and one of his first stops will be on SPEED Channel’s popular motorsport show “Wind Tunnel” next week.

Zanardi is a racing icon like no other, surviving a horrific accident at the Eurospeedway in Lausitz, Germany where he lost both of his legs, only to recover living life to its fullest despite his handicap and becoming an inspiration to many in more ways than one.

The vibrant Italian will make a guest appearance on “Wind Tunnel” with Dave Despain on Tuesday, November 23 at 10 p.m. ET to discuss his new book with the hopes of sharing his story to his American fans.

In his new book, “My Sweetest Victory”, the 1997 and 1998 series champion takes his fans and readers through his childhood in Italy to the ups and downs of his successful racing career that started in Karting, taking him to Formula 1, and his infamous Champ Car days. The story also includes his description of the terrible accident back in September of 2001, his long road to recovery, and his triumphant return to Lausitz in 2003 to complete his 13 unfinished laps from the German 500 in a specially modified 750 hp Champ Car.

In addition to his appearance on “Wind Tunnel”, Zanardi is scheduled to appear on the “Late Show with David Letterman” which is scheduled to air on December 3rd and be sure to look for him on various other national and local media outlet during the next two months as well. Zanardi’s U.S. trip will also include an appearance in Beaver Creek, CO on December 1st where he will make a demonstrative ski run during the Alpine Ski World Championship event.

BEST EXHIBITORS EARN HONORS DURING IAAPA ORLANDO 2004
Orlando, Florida — Winners of the IAAPA Orlando 2004 Exhibitor Awards were announced today by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) during the association’s 86th annual convention and trade show at the Orange County Convention Center.

IAAPA selected the honorees from many hundreds of show floor exhibitors. Winners take home awards in the following categories (number following each honoree refers to booth number):

BEST EXHIBIT
Awards are not for the products themselves, but for the best booth presentation. Judging is based on originality, uniqueness, product/service promotion, design quality, and professional staff appearance.

Category One - 1 to 2 booths, 100-200 sq. ft.
First Place: People Vision FX (2360); Roselle, NJ
Hon. Mention: Chick‘N’mation (992); Fonthill, ON, Canada

Category Two - 3 to 5 booths, 300-500 sq. ft.
First Place: Entertainment Technology Corp. (1860); Southampton, PA
Hon. Mention: Pizzazz Scenic Contractors (1063); Jacksonville, FL

Category Three - 6 to 10 booths, 600-1000 sq. ft.
First Place: Creative Environs, Inc. (3470); Jacksonville, FL
Hon. Mention: Life Formations (1465); Bowling Green, OH

Category Four - 11 booths and up, 1100+ sq. ft.
First Place: KoalaPlay Group (4000); Englewood, CO
Hon. Mention: Art Attack (2656); Edmonton, AB, Canada

IMAGE AWARD WINNER
Most outstanding exhibit in the entire trade show, based on the same guidelines as “Best Exhibit.”

Sally Corp. (2263); Jacksonville, FL

BEST NEW PRODUCT
The product or service must have been in use in an amusement facility during 2004, and not eligible for Best New Product Award consideration during IAAPA Orlando 2003. Criteria for entries include: product or service benefits and features to the prospective buyer; product or service originality or distinctiveness; product or service design and construction quality.

Major Theme or Amusement Park Ride/Attraction
First Place: Vekoma Rides Mfg. (4020; Vlodrop, Netherlands) for “Motorbike Launch Coaster”
Hon. Mention: Premier Rides (2637; Millersville, MD) for “Thematic Roller Coaster”

Kiddie Ride/Attraction
First Place: Zamperla, Inc. (2615; Parsippany, NJ) for “Flying Tigers”

Waterpark Ride/Attraction
First Place: ProSlide Technology, Inc. (3806; Ottawa, ON, Canada) for “Behemoth Bowl”
Hon. Mention: Empex Watertoys (3248; Uxbridge, ON, Canada) for “Empex Spraypark”

Family Entertainment Center Ride/Attraction
First Place: Entertainment Technology Corp. (1860; Southampton, PA) for “Wild Earth”
Hon. Mention: Ropes Courses, Inc. (3677; Allegan, MI) for “Skytrail”

Coin-Operated Kiddie Ride
First Place: Cogan S.a.S. (4412; Soliera, Italy) for “Art 550 – Grand Canyon”

Technology Applied to Amusements
First Place: Amergames (629; Alpharetta, GA) for “Arcade Tracker”
Hon. Mention: Motorsports Image (1448; Mooresville, NC) for “Sim-Showcar”

Games
First Place: Skee Ball, Inc. (1925; Chalfont, PA) for “Midway Big One”
Hon. Mention: Coastal Amusements, Inc. (1425; Lakewood, NJ) for “Fool the Guesser”

Coin-Operated Arcade & Redemption Equipment
First Place: Bob’s Space Racers, Inc. (1814; Daytona Beach, FL) for “Capsule Craze”
Hon. Mention: BayTek, Inc. (2600; Pulaski, WI) for “Movie Stop”

Merchandise
First Place: Nancy Sales Co., Inc. / Nanco (2032; Chelsea, MA) for “Shrek Plush”
Hon. Mention: Motion Graphix, Inc. (3636; Orange, CA) for “Wacky 3D”

Revenue & Admission Control
First Place: Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. (2277; Boyertown, PA) for “Galaxy 2”

Show Production & Entertainment
First Place: Snow Masters (192; Anderson, AL) for “T-1600 Snow Machine”

Displays & Sets
First Place: Black Hills Institute (1179; Hill City, SD) for “World’s Largest Sea Turtle”
Hon. Mention: The Holo-Walls Co. (1572; Westlake Village, CA) for “Holographic Films”

Services
First Place: Diamond Studios (4481; Birmingham, AL) for “Interactive Web Park Map”
Hon. Mention: Fluid Promotions (6465; Pacific, MO) for “Ad Island Multisensory Ad Kiosk”

Equipment & Supplies
First Place: Frost Products Mfg. (4170; Houston, TX) for “Star Bart”
Hon. Mention: Whitewater West Industries (5032; Richmond, BC, Canada) for “Silktek”

IMPACT AWARD WINNER
The product or service among the 14 category winners that had the most impact on the industry over the past year, based on the same guidelines as “Best New Product.”

ProSlide Technology Inc. (3806; Ottawa, ON, Canada) for “Behemoth Bowl”

ITALIAN MOTORS WINS STARS FINALE AND CLINCHES CHAMPIONSHIP!
Vancouver, Bc, Canada — In the ICA class, Vorrath ran away with the race by laying down a dominating performance that showed a 7.872-second cushion at the checker. Vorrath teamed with Italian Motors stablemate Colby Jenn to push through on the outside but it was Helmut Sanden’s aggressive inside move that caused a three-wide spread through the apex of the corner. Contact with another unidentified driver put Miller in the marbles and his engine well below the power band. Despite working the carb needles to revive the revs, he watched as the entire field streamed by. Miller would begin his charge from 34th.

Taking over the lead for the first couple circuits was Sanden (Mach 1), before Vorrath grabbed control for good. While Vorrath was streaking away, Miller was working his way to the front, blasting by many drivers under braking into the track’s tight corners.
By the time the checkers flew, Miller had moved himself into third position with Sanden holding second after a ferocious mid-race battle with Orlado Racing teammate Lorenzo Mandarino (Mach 1). The team drivers had much different set-ups and Sanden was much stronger at the finish. With the fight going on behind him, Vorrath put an exclamation point on the ICA championship with a 7.872 second win. Unfortunately, Tyler Dueck was involved in an incident on the fifth lap where he was sidelined. Colby Jenn suffered a similar fate after being taken out on lap two. Jenn (Italkart/Parilla) had a great shot at a podium finish as he had been fast all weekend.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOINS MSA BOARD
London, England — The Board of the Motor Sports Association has appointed Nick Whale as a non-executive director. This follows the recent implementation of a change in Board constitution that allows up to three additional non-executive director nominations.

Nick Whale joined the motor industry as a sales executive in 1982, rising through the ranks to Group Operations Director of the Ryland Group and taking the company through flotation to become Ryland plc. In 1999 he started Nick Whale Holdings and the group now holds franchises representing Lotus, Morgan, Noble, Saab and Porsche, employs 90 people and turns over around £50m.

During 2001 Nick formed a partnership company with 1996 Formula One World Champion Damon Hill and the Damon Hill group, employing over 200 people, is likely to turn over around £80m in 2004.

"I am delighted that Nick has joined the Board," says Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the MSA. "His appointment is exactly what the new Board structure was designed to achieve. There is a wealth of external experience that we should be tapping into in order to address the challenges we face and Nick's extensive experience, both commercial and sporting, will be invaluable."

As well as being a hugely successful businessman, Whale is also an accomplished competitor. Having started in sprints and hillclimbs, Nick had a number of enjoyable years in single-seaters, production saloons, the British Touring Car Championship and GTs leading to membership of the BRDC in 1995.

Now a keen historic rally driver, Whale won the Historic Challenge in 1999, the inaugural British Historic Rally Championship in 2000 and, more recently, the Manx rally in 2002 and the Killarney rally in 2003.

"In the past 25 years, I've taken a huge amount from the sport and it's brought me a lot of pleasure," admits Whale. "Now I have a great opportunity to give something back and help the MSA address some of its challenges. I have been lucky enough to participate in many different forms of motor sport and would definitely class myself as a 'grassroots' guy. I'll be a voice and an ear for the MSA at club level and I also hope that people will pick up the ‘phone and contact me themselves."

END

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