Iron Rock to host world, national champions

World and National Racing Champions Come to Iron Rock Raceway

The world's best will break in the new track, test new products and train attending racers

January 24, 2005 AUSTIN, TX January 28, 29 and 30, some of the world's most admired kart-racing champions and other Italian karting professionals will descend on Iron Rock Raceway at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. World Karting Champions Gianluca Beggio and Sauro Cesetti, US National Karting Champion Wesley Boswell, Alex Speed, 2004 Stars of Karting national champion and the Italian racing team representing Birel karting chassis will lay down some serious rubber on the new track as they test the new Birel product line and train customers and dealers from around the U.S.

This will be the only such visit to the U.S. this year by this sought-after team, which will return to Italy for the first round of the 2005 European Championships following its Iron Rock visit. The visit was arranged by MRP/Austin, which maintains the sales, service, rental and corporate services unit at Iron Rock. MRP is the top Birel dealer in the nation.

Hailed by racing publications as the "undisputed master of shifter-kart racing," Beggio is the only driver to capture five world titles over a span of six years. In 2002, Beggio hung up his helmet to become Director of Sports for Birel, assisting in production, product R&D and race team management. Sauro Cesetti, two-time world co-champion, competes internationally in both Formula A and the 125cc Super ICC (Shifter karts) World Cup championships.

US National Champion Boswell comes to Iron Rock fresh off of his victory at the 2005 World Karting Association Manufacturer's Cup in Daytona, Florida. Alex Speed wrapped up a fantastic 2004 season with a huge victory in Snap-on.com Stars of Karting Finale.

The high-powered team chose Iron Rock Raceway's track in part because it is a temporary (adjustable) circuit, a type that has become increasingly popular over the last few years.

"If you want to stay competitive, you need to know how to work on all types of circuits, including temporary tracks such as Iron Rock's," said Chris Lobaugh, team manager of the MRP Motorsport Race Program. "And for many drivers and kart dealers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the world's best."

Kart racing is a primary channel for entering professional auto racing. Formula One drivers and other racecar professionals depend on karting to keep their skills honed. Iron Rock Raceway and MRP offer karters of all ages the opportunity to develop their racing talents and to move into auto racing, should they choose.

The public is invited to see these outstanding drivers in action free of charge from the public viewing area at Iron Rock Raceway.

Located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, Iron Rock Raceway is one of the nation's first country clubs devoted primarily to kart racing. The 0.73-mile sprint track is open Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and evenings by appointment for members and non-member rentals. For more information or to request a member application, visit www.ironrockraceway.com or call 512.530-RACE (7223).

-Iron Rock Raceway