Stars pays out over $25,000 in first two events of season HILLIARD, OH (May 15, 2002) - The Snap-on Champ Car Stars of Tomorrow presented by RACER summarized the karting series' payouts for their first two events in Buttonwillow, California and BeaveRun, Pennsylvania. The payout to drivers and teams totals $26,500 for the first West division and East division races of the 2003 season. "I am pleased that Stars now has the organization and associations to start delivering value to the racers who support our series," said Stars founder Bryan Herta. "Between the prize money, our unprecedented travel fund, and the generous awards from our sponsor Snap-on, we can put some cash and value in the drivers' pockets." The prize money distributed to the top three finishers in the ICC and ICA premier classes totaled $10,000 for the two events. $7,500 was earned by teams through the team travel fund, in which registered teams are paid based on miles driven to an event. Title sponsor Snap-on Tools provides $4,500 in tool certificates to the top three finishers in all classes for every event. "When my partners and I joined Bryan late last year, we announced that we would put together a complete, professional racing series," said Stars principal Bobby Rahal "Awards and support to our teams are part of that, along with professional marketing, sponsorship, television, and race administration. We intend on delivering on every one of our commitments and we are happy to write these checks to our competitors." Prize checks and certificates are being mailed to winners and registered Travel Fund teams will be receiving a statement showing their payout for the races. Travel Fund distribution occurs at two points during the season, after the second race in each division and at the end of the year after the Stars Karting Championships at California Speedway with the Champ Cars. The Champ Car 'Stars of Tomorrow' presented by RACER karting series is the official first level in CART's driver development system and an officially sanctioned series of WKA/SCCA Pro Racing. Founded by racing star Bryan Herta and now owned in conjunction with a group of racing veterans, including three-time CART champion and Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal, the Stars of Tomorrow serves as the first step for the CART driver development ladder. 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.