'Rahal Group' assumes helm of Stars of Tomorrow, CART expands involvement FONTANA, CA - Three time CART champion and Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal and a group of associates have acquired a majority interest in the CART Stars of Tomorrow karting series to join founder Bryan Herta in growing the top-level series. "I am proud and excited to become involved with Stars of Tomorrow and to help further coordinate Stars' operations with CART," said Rahal. "The group we now have with Paul Zalud and Glenn Holland gives Stars the skill, experience, and connections necessary to take the series, and karting as a whole, to new heights." Further solidifying the initial rung on its successful Ladder System, CART has agreed in principal to expand its relationship with the Stars program, which was started by former CART driver Bryan Herta to help karters reach the next level. The Stars of Tomorrow program is the first official step in the CART Ladder System that includes the Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Championship Presented by RACER, Barber Dodge Pro Series, Toyota Atlantic Championship and the CART FedEx Championship Series. "As we continue to grow, we are taking steps to make sure that the top tier of young drivers have every opportunity to make CART a major part of their racing career," said CART CEO and President Christopher R. Pook. "Having the backing of one of CART's memorable champions in Bobby Rahal only goes to show the effort that we are putting into our Ladder System." Glenn Holland, the new Director of Marketing and Communications, further explained Stars' focus. "Stars will not only will serve as an excellent driver development series for CART, allowing all of us to see home-grown North Americans in champ cars, but will also be marketed as a fresh, new extreme sport that deserves wide viewership. We have already made positive inroads to secure the type of sponsorship and programming that will allow us to achieve these goals in 2003." The tentative 2003 schedule for the CART Stars of Tomorrow consists of six event locations, with a total of 12 races by virtue of running double-race weekends. The series will run in accordance with FIA-CIK regulations, using CIK approved classes ICC (Intercontinental C, 125cc shifter karts), ICA (Intercontinental A, 100cc direct drive), JICA (Junior Intercontinental A 100cc with clutch), World Formula (four-cycle price capped spec). Also likely to be considered are an 80cc junior shifter class and a Cadet (ages 8-12) class. Director of Operations Paul Zalud further explained the approach to the events and class structure. "It is important for us to observe CIK regulations, as we feel it will better prepare North American drivers for a career in motorsports by running the same classes as in other parts of the world. Our schedule structure also gives drivers and teams a healthy number of races (12) while only requiring them to travel to six venues for cost control." Both Zalud and Holland come to the Stars program with solid backgrounds in the sport. Zalud was one of the founders of SSC racing and has been heavily involved in karting promotion, retailing, and team operations for several years. Glenn and co-principal Brian Stiver own E Enterprises, LLC, which operates Ekartingnews.com, Eracingvision, and eRacingoutlet.com. Rahal concluded, "We are assembling a program of historic proportions for karting in America. People can expect a series of announcements in the near future that will provide detail into sponsorship, awards, and exposure." Tentative 2003 CART Stars of Tomorrow schedule: Round 1 - Las Vegas, NV - April 25-27 Round 2 - Sonoma, CA - May 16-18 Round 3 - Denver, CO - June 12-14 Round 4 - BeaveRun, PA - July 25-27 Round 5 - Road America (with CART) - Aug 15-17 Round 6 - TBA (south/southeast) - September 12-14 Grand Nationals TBA - November 6-9 The CART 'Stars of Tomorrow' karting series is the official first level in CART's driver development system. Specifically designed as a driver development series, Stars focuses on recognizing the skills of the drivers rather than the technology development within the machines, using FIA/CIK international standards. More information can be found at www.cartstars.com. Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand tools, power tools, automotive diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, automotive diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchise dealer van, company direct sales and distributor and internet channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and employs approximately 14,000 worldwide. More information can be found at www.snap-on.com.