06-02-05

MINI COOPER TO BE TITLE SPONSOR OF THE STARS GRAND PRIX OF RENO

Seattle, WASHINGTON — MINI Cooper will be the title sponsor of the inaugural Snap-on Stars of Karting series event to be held at the Reno Hilton June 3-5.  The event will be known as the MINI Cooper Grand Prix of Reno.  As part of the weekend fans and competitors at the event will be able to sample the handling of a MINI on the kart track as one-hour ride & drive sessions will be held using MINIs in the afternoon and evening of each day.

"The fit between the MINI brand and our form of racing is an obvious one and I think the ride & drive program that will put MINIs on our race course is something truly unique.  With MINI's support and the great venue at the Reno Hilton our expectations for this event are very high," commented series marketing director Jeff Swoboda.   Kevin Phillips of MINI USA echoed the sentiment, "One of the main reasons we're joining the Stars of Karting Series is we believe that the handling of our cars can reflect that of a racing kart so we couldn't think of a better way to associate  the brand."

The MINI Cooper Grand Prix of Reno will take place on June 3-5 and will be the second round in the West division of the Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the IRL.  Those with any media or promotional inquiries should contact jeff@starsofkarting.com.

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 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.

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