"MTC Racing obtains new ownership structure, continues customer service focus" LAS VEGAS, NV - One of the United State's largest retail karting outlets, MTC Racing, is undergoing a change in ownership. Garry Lobaugh, a successful businessman in the karting community and owner of MRP has purchased controlling interest of the company. The deal was struck between General Manager and Partner, Bo Herren and Lobaugh after many offers had been on the table by other interested parties. "I had talked to quite a few people," said Herren. "But out of everyone that approached me Lobaugh was the best fit. I feel Garry can help point MTC in a more complete direction. With his strong connection with Birel and my background of being able to know what our racers want, MTC Racing will be able to do a better job on all levels." Lobaugh has built MRP into the largest importer for Birel and Freeline products in North America since starting the company in 1987 as a racing facility and driving school. He sees a great potential for MTC Racing as well. "I feel this is a perfect opportunity right now to build on MTC's success as well as provide a stronger distribution for Birel and Freeline into the Western States," said Lobaugh. "Las Vegas is such a great market, MTC has long been a strong contender in that market and together we can expand on that to bring more to the customer." With the new business arrangement, Lobaugh will be able to aid MTC Racing with their marketing and business outlook while allowing Herron the freedom to focus on the management function of the operation completely. "Garry is a great businessman," said Herren. "He is marketing minded and has proven within this industry that there is a successful formula to follow. Between our two strengths, MTC Racing should flourish." MTC Racing was started in a 10' x 10' section of a retail motorcycle outlet, Motorcycle Tire Center. In 1998, the karting division was purchased and separated, moving into a new 4000 sq. ft. facility in downtown Las Vegas. MTC Racing became a full service karting center with its own separate identity. "We had a plan when moving MTC Racing into it's own facility," said Herren. "We wanted to prove that we could cultivate a good race team and then establish a resource and outlet karting center to aid customers in what we had learned. Our results have shown that this formula was a complete success." Along with MTC's great racing history comes one of the top engine builders in kart racing, Art Lanier. Lanier has been doing all the engine work and TM engine development for MTC from the beginning. He has been at the foremost with TM engine prep, beginning with 1st,2nd,3rd & 5th place finishes in the '98 SuperNats. One of the reasons MTC has been able to provide customer's with competitive equipment is due to the long amounts of development is done on the in-house engine dyno. Drivers Darren Elliot, Michael Abbate and Dominique Claussen successes are all examples of what MTC Racing equipment has to offer to customers. "Our dyno runs nearly around the clock," offers Herren. " Customers have access to dyno rental at any time as well as motor break-in sessions upon request. Five days a week, we are always looking at new motor development with different pipe, carb, cylinder combinations to provide the best we can." MTC Racing is a full-service retail karting outlet with a large stock of Birel & Freeline Products and will continue to provide Trackmagic & RenSpeed chassis and product lines as well, though their race team will continue to use the Birel chassis. Team driver positions are still available for Regional and National level competition. For more information about MTC's services and race program, contact Bo Herren at 1-702-440-4222 or online at www.mtcracing.com. Click here to visit MTC Racing's website!