Champagne looks to create another vintage year ST. CATHERINES, ONTARIO, CAN - Canada's top ranking shifter kart pilot Matt Champagne the '02 Superkarts! USA SuperPro Rookie of the Year - will begin the 2003 campaign with new testing duties and a secured drive in open wheel racing. The upcoming season will be a major step forward in Matt's young racing career. "We exceeded all of our goals in 2002 and are actually a year ahead of schedule," stated Matt Champagne from the Hurricane Racing facility located in St. Catharines, ON. "We ran an extremely competitive program and showed just how fast we can run can run." The '03 schedule is turning into a very busy season for Champagne, who remains focused on building his career in motorsports. To that end, the 18-year-old will compete in the Bridgestone /FormulaCar Magazine F2000 Racing Series at Mosport, a program that is the reward he was presented for winning the prestigious Ron Fellows/Sunoco Karting Series. During the remaining time, he will act as the lead test driver for Hurricane Racing with which he has become a valued member of the team. "As the reigning series champion in Formula 125, I have decided not to participate in the Ron Fellows/Sunoco Karting Series this season for two reasons; First, I need to focus on the further developing my car racing skills. I will be competing both in the Bridgestone F2000 series sponsored by FormulaCar Magazine and the new Fran-Am 1600 Central Canadian Championship. Second, I do not want to interfere with anyone else's chances to get the opportunities that I have been given through the Ron Fellows/Sunoco Karting Series. This is very important to me." Along with the Bridgestone F2000 Series, Matt will run in the Fran Am 1600 Eastern Canadian Series. This program will include events at Mosport, Shannonville, Montreal and Mount Tremblant. "We are looking at running the required events in the Fran Am Sport 1600 Canadian Pro Championship Series in order to qualify for the Phoenix Shoot Out in November," beams the young Champagne. "We'll also attend some of the other events like the Montreal F1 weekend in June." "As I look ahead to 2003, I will be focused on developing my skills as a professional driver. I will continue to race karts at selected events, but will concentrate on the formula car events we have secured for this season," states a very focused Matt Champagne. "I can't thank my family enough for their support as we begin what will certainly be a very busy season." For more information on Matt Champagne visit www.mattchampagne.com or call Jeff Grist at 905.328.7458. Hurricane Racing is a major North American importer and distributor of kart chassis and parts to leading industry dealers. With over ten years of experience, Hurricane Racing sells services and supports a wide range of products for all karters including the complete line of CRS ICC engines, parts and accessories. For more information on Hurricane Racing and CRS Engines visit www.hurricaneracing.ca or call Andre Champagne at 905.682.8851.