CSOT: Grand National event new developments

Stars Speed Channel television dates announced, opening of entries for Nationals, free fuel offer.

VALENCIA, CA (October 23, 2002 ) -- The CART Stars of Tomorrow national office has announced several new developments regarding the Grand National event to be held in Las Vegas November 7-10, 2002.

The Grand Nationals will be televised by Speed Channel in a one-hour broadcast on the following dates (all times Eastern Standard Time):
Friday, December 6 7:00 pm
Friday, December 6 12:00 am
Saturday, December 7 5:00 pm
Friday, December 13 1:00 pm
Friday, December 20 5:00 pm

Stars founder Bryan Herta was excited. "We are very proud to again bring the CART Stars of Tomorrow series to television and give our sponsor, Snap-on.com the exposure they deserve. Bringing our show to Speed Channel's 64 million subscribers is a big step forward in our continuing efforts to showcase this great sport." Herta also was enthusiastic about the time slots of the shows; "These airtimes are unprecedented for a kart race, with prime-time and sporting-friendly days and times, we stand to expose more people to kart racing in two weeks than at any other time in its history."

To complement the TV package, Stars has announced several offerings to permit karters the opportunity at exposure. Foremost among these is the opening of entries to all karters for the Grands. "We have decided to open the Grand Nationals up to all comers" said Herta. "With what is developing for this event and 2003, including the TV deal and other exciting opportunities, we felt it best to let everyone participate at the earliest possible moment. There are many ICC, 80cc Junior, Rotax, ICA and other karters who should realize the benefit of racing with this sort of exposure."

To support those racers that have supported the series in 2002, all drivers on the Stars eligibility list will have a guaranteed starting position for the main event in their class. The list can be found at www.cartstars.com.

Additionally, Stars is proud to announce an offer in conjunction with fuel sponsor VP Fuels which will supply five gallons of free fuel to the first 75 paying entrants (the top three in each region already get free fuel). "We said at the beginning that we wanted to get away from financing a racing series on the backs of the karter, and this is one more way we can do that. We know every little bit helps the racing budget, and fuel will be one less worry for these entrants" concluded Herta.

The CART 'Stars of Tomorrow' karting series is the official first level in CART's driver development system. Specifically designed as a driver development series, Stars focuses on recognizing the skills of the drivers rather than the technology development within the machines, using FIA/CIK international standards. More information can be found at www.cartstars.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. More information can be found at www.snap-on.com.

-cart/csot-