AIM Autosport selects James Hinchcliffe

HINCHCLIFFE STEPS UP A LEVEL!

Woodbridge, Ontario, February 14, 2005- AIM Autosport, long recognized for its success in developing young open-wheel drivers and engineers, announced today the addition of James Hinchcliffe to their 2005 Star Formula Mazda Series North American Championship team. Hinchcliffe, along with previously announced Mark Wilkins make up two-thirds of the three car assault on the 2005 series for AIM Autosport.

"I can tell you that everyone at AIM Autosport is thrilled to have James back with us again this year" said AIM Autosport Formula Mazda Team manager Ian Willis."James will no doubt be a contender for the title as he was last season with us in Formula BMWUSA" added Willis.

James is not only a proven race winner with us Formula BMWUSA, he is also a very personable young man who represents the team and sponsors extremely well. Entering his second year with AIM Autosport he will be moving to the next step in our development process, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. "I fully expect James to show the kind of pace he did last year and I also think that he and teammate Mark Wilkins will have a healthy battle between them that will improve the overall performance of both drivers in what is a highly competitive series".

Willis is excited about the team's prospects in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. Having what he refers to as a "Dream Team" of James Hinchcliffe and Mark Wilkins, both proven race winners in AIM prepared cars. "We not only have two fast drivers, we also have two guys with an extremely positive team ethic which I know will create a great team dynamic".

"Its been a long off season and I cant wait to get back behind the wheel. I have been keeping myself sharp, mentally and physically, and I am looking forward to a great year" "Last year AIM Autosport and I went into Formula BMWUSA for the first time and we had great results. With the same great team behind me, I don't see why our rookie year in Mazda can't be just as good or even better" said Hinchcliffe.

"I am really excited about the tracks we race at this year. Being back in Montreal with F1 will fantastic and I have always wanted to drive places like Road Atlanta, St. Petersburg and the oval at Pikes Peak. The variety is just an awesome challenge." added James.

Testing for Wilkins and Hinchcliffe continues in the lead up to the opening race in the 2005 season at Sebring Florida- March 18th.

About AIM Autosport: Established in 1995 with a mandate to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent AIM operates multi-car teams competing in the Formula BMWUSA Championship and the Star Mazda Series North American Championship. Among those drivers who have graduated from AIM Autosport are former series and rookie champions james hinchcliffe, Andrew Ranger, Andrew Bordin, J.F.Veilleux, Jonathan Macri, L.P. Dumoulin, Anthony Simone and Dan Burchill. Other notable AIM graduates include, Sam Hornish Jr., Billy Asaro, Ashley Taws, Paul Dana, Tom Dyer, Josh Schreiber, Dan McMullen and Antoine Bessette.

AIM Autosport's development programs are recognized and supported by Franczak Enterprises Ltd., ThyssenKrupp Specialty Steels, Performance Racing News ,Mechanix Wear and Wired Messenger

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