Honda/Michelin Challenge returns to Canada

MONTREAL (January 8, 2004) -- Honda Canada Inc. today announced the return of the Honda / Michelin Challenge Series to Canada. The new regional "spec" racing series will feature stock Honda Civic DX Coupes and will return Honda Canada to the grassroots racing of the past. A formal race schedule will be announced at a later date, but a minimum of 10 races will be held in Ontario and Quebec during 2004. The new series is scheduled to include a race in conjunction with the Grand Prix of Canada Formula One race weekend in Montreal. It is anticipated that for 2005, the series will be expanded to include western Canada.

The single-marque road racing series was originally launched in 1975 with the Honda Civic Hatchback. During its 17-year run, the series is estimated to have attracted more than 400 amateur racers. The series also involved well-known Canadian race drivers such as Richard Spenard, Tony Morris, Frank Allers, and Jacques Villeneuve, Sr.

"Honda has a long history of racing," said Kalim Ansari, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "It is part of our company's culture, and we are very excited about bringing this series back to the Canadian market. The Honda / Michelin Challenge Series represents a significant part of our heritage and today's announcement will allow us to share that heritage with a new generation of Honda customers and Canadian motorsports fans."

The Honda Civic has been the top-selling passenger car in Canada for the past six years. The Honda / Michelin Challenge Series will reinforce the fun-to-drive aspects of the Civic and will be further supported by its reputation for quality, reliability and durability.

"While there are a number of details still to be finalized, we are confident that this series will be a positive boost to the Canadian motorsports community," Ansari said. "We are working to have all the details in place and the necessary product available from our dealers by next month for all aspiring racing enthusiasts."

-ch.honda.com-