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CART and World Karting Association join forces

27 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
HOMESTEAD, Fla. - Championship Auto Racing Teams announced today a partnership with the World Karting Association (WKA) to provide racing opportunities for young American drivers.

"Partnering with the WKA sends a positive message to the motorsports community that CART is taking a major step to promote the development of young drivers," said Patrick Leahy, Senior Vice President of Marketing for CART. "By acquiring the Dayton Indy Lights and Toyota Atlantic Championships two years ago, CART began the establishment of a 'ladder system' of driver development. We see this partnership as essential to the creation of another rung on that ladder."

The partnership includes a scholarship program, "Kart to CART," as well as a series of performance awards.

The "Kart to CART" scholarship will be awarded to two junior class participants in the WKA Constructor's Series -- one male and one female -- at the conclusion of the 2000 season. Each will receive a $5,000 scholarship to the Skip Barber Racing School.

Applicants for the "Kart to CART" scholarship will be judged on their performance on the track and in their studies.

CART also will sponsor the "CART Fastest Lap Award" performance award at four WKA Constructor's Series events. The award will be presented to the drivers who record the fastest lap during each race in two junior classes and two senior classes. A total of 16 performance awards will be presented throughout the season.

"Open-wheel motorsports has needed a defined 'ladder system' for sometime now," said World Karting Association President Randy Kugler. "WKA, along with our newly appointed marketing communications firm, Cotter Group, will work with CART to establish such a system. It's a natural partnership that will strengthen both organizations and provide new opportunities for young American drivers."

WKA is a member-owned corporation founded in 1971 to regulate and promote the family sport of competitive kart racing and provide a safe and fair environment for the fulfillment of racing dreams. Learn more information about the WKA at www.worldkarting.com.

Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. owns, operates and markets the FedEx Championship Series, which is comprised of 20 races in five countries on four continents in 2000. Champions Juan Montoya, Michael Andretti and Jimmy Vasser are among the drivers who battle for the series title on oval circuits as well as temporary and permanent road courses. CART also owns and operates its top two development series -the Dayton Indy Lights Championship and the Toyota Atlantic Championship. Learn more about CART's open-wheel racing series at www.cart.com.

Text provided by Tara Martorana

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