Hearn to compete in 24 Hours of America event

Richie Hearn to Participate in Endurance Karting's 24 Hours of America

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 13, 2006)--Before registering for the Endurance Karting's inaugural 24 Hours of America, drivers were required to obtain some karting or automobile racing experience. However, one competitor boasts quite a unique racing resume.

Richie Hearn, the 1995 Toyota Pro Atlantic Champion, has announced his intent to compete in the Jan. 6-7, 2007, event at Moroso Motorsports Park in West Palm Beach, Fla. The racing veteran will field Team Brighthouse in the twice-around-the-clock karting event, joining a host of North American and European drivers and teams that are scheduled to compete in the race.

Hearn competed for two seasons in the Toyota Pro Atlantic Series before joining the IRL IndyCar Series and Champ Car ranks in the late 1990s. The Glendale, Calif., native enjoyed a successful racing career, including designation as the co-Rookie of the Year in the 1996 Indianapolis 500, in which he finished third. During IndyCar Series career, Hearn compiled 24 starts, one victory (Las Vegas, 1996), four top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes. He stepped out from behind the wheel in 2005, after his sixth Indianapolis 500 start, and began focusing his efforts on Hearn Motorsports, LLC, which fields vehicles in the BMW USA Series and professional karting series'. Hearn's eye for talent has made Hearn Motorsports a renowned breeding ground for the young racing stars of the future.

"It is quite an honor to have Richie as a part of this race," said Johan Schwartz, president of Endurance Karting. "His talent will certainly add to what promises to be an incredible event. As the date draws nearer, the excitement continues to build for the race, and great news such as this only adds to the excitement."

Activities for the 24 Hours of America begin with an advanced racing school Friday, Jan. 5, followed by a nighttime qualifying session. The race will begin Saturday at 1 p.m. Drivers will spend the next 24 hours enduring the challenges of the 13-turn, .9-mile (1,280 meters) Moroso Motorsports Park karting track. Factor in such things as pit stops and driver changes, and the race becomes the ultimate test of drivers' determination.

The 24 Hours of America will be the first domestic 24-hour event for Endurance Karting, but it will also mark the beginning of the 2007 season. Events have already been scheduled for March 29 -- April 1 in Jacksonville, Fla., and May 4-6 in Charlotte, N.C., with more events expected to be scheduled soon. More than 1,000 unique participants step behind the wheel of and Endurance Karting kart each year. Isn't it time you give racing a try? Call Endurance Karting toll-free 1-866-RACE-NOW (1-866-722-3669) or visit www.EnduranceKarting.com to reserve your chance to race.

-credit: endurance karting