JM Racing to end distribution agreement of TonyKart SAN DIMAS, CA - It is with great sadness that JM Racing announces that the first and long-time Tony Kart US importer will no longer be distributing the Tony Kart, Trulli and Vortex lines. Roberto Robazzi, president of Tony Kart, has decided to sever the 12-year relationship with JM Racing after objecting to JM racing's JM/Avanti kart advertising in a recent issue of Shifter Kart Illustrated. "This an absolute shock, we had already made arrangements to receive the 2003 Tony Karts, said JM Racing owner Jean Marchioni. "I am very disappointed in this decision from Tony Kart. JM Racing is responsible for Tony Kart name recognition in America. Their reaction to our expansion is unprofessional and does not help Tony Kart's cause in the U.S. market." In September, Marchioni visited the Tony Kart factory and discussed his ambitions of starting his own line of chassis. Jean offered Tony Kart the opportunity to build the Avanti; Mr. Robazzi refused, but he did not object to JM having the Avanti built elsewhere. The JM/Avanti was successfully introduced in Las Vegas during the Rotax Max finals, Super Nationals and CART Stars of Tomorrow race weekends, without any objection from Mr. Robazzi - he even congratulated the Southern California-based firm when he saw pictures of the Avanti on the JM Racing website. With this decision, Mr. Robazzi has ended the 12-year relationship with the company that introduced Tony Kart to the USA. The Italian companyıs hasty reaction does not show much respect and consideration to the loyal JM Tony Kart dealers and customers who have supported the brand over the years. JM Racing will do everything in its power to continue servicing their customers with Tony Kart, Trulli and Vortex products. JM Racing is now focusing all its attention to the Avanti kart line, and is looking forward to a successful season in 2003. For more information, please visit JM Racing on the Internet at www.jmracing.com.