SNAP-ON STARS OF KARTING PRESENTED BY THE IRL TO CONTINUE CHASSIS PROGRAM
IN 2006
Seattle, WA (December 16, 2005) -- The Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented
by the Indy Racing League announced today that the organization would
continue its chassis homologation program in 2006 and beyond.
Chassis homologation is the formal means of quantifying the primary and
controlling elements of each chassis accepted for competition. In
addition to all of the CIK-FIA homologated chassis, Stars of Karting has
offered an optional classification primarily for North American
manufacturers to utilize in an effort to promote national presence in the
series. The current list of Stars-homologated chassis can be viewed at
the Stars' website in the Members area at, www.starsofkarting.info/members.html.
Stars' co-owner and IRL race driver, Bryan Herta explained, "I received
quite a bit of comment regarding this issue after our earlier
announcement that the program would be discontinued. I want to assure
the American market that we remain supportive of their efforts to
participate in our program and with this in mind we have reinstituted the
homologation program for 2006 and the foreseeable future."
"Manufacturers can find the 2006 homologation rules and forms available
on the website right now," states Scott G Evans, National Technical
Director. "The program is very similar to the one currently in place
but has somewhat higher fees and more stringent requirements for
verification than earlier with a mandatory onsite inspection of the
required quantity of chassis. The minimum quantity of 25 chassis is
half of what was required earlier however, in hopes that this will
facilitate participation in the program."
President of Stars of Karting, Paul Zalud continued," Quite frankly, our
earlier announcement to discontinue the program came about from rather
poor participation from American manufacturers in the 2005 program. Our
concern was that the program had lost much of its significance. Once we
had announced the discontinuation the manufacturers began to show some
more interest in series participation and we want to be supportive of
their efforts."
Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League is based out
of Seattle, Washington, sanctioned by the World Karting Association (WKA)
and owned and operated by 1986 Indianapolis 500 champion and IRL IndyCar
Series team owner Bobby Rahal, IndyCar Series driver Bryan Herta and
veteran karting promoter Paul Zalud. www.starsofkarting.com,
www.worldkarting.com.
Snap-on Tools Company, LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a
leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment
solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and
power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products,
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 franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor
channels, as well as over the Internet at snapon.com. Founded in 1920,
Snap-on is a $2 billion-plus, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha,
Wis., and employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide.
Formed in 1996 by Tony George, Stars' presenting sponsor Indy Racing
League provides the ultimate in wheel-to-wheel racing excitement through
the IndyCar Series and Menards Infiniti Pro Series. The 2005 season marks
the 10th year of competition for the IndyCar Series, the pinnacle of
open-wheel racing in America. The 17-race schedule, featuring 14 ovals,
two road courses and a temporary street circuit, consists of the most
events in season history. The Menards Infiniti Pro Series, an essential
stepping-stone for drivers and teams striving to reach the IndyCar
Series, will feature a series-high 14 races in 2005, including three
events on road courses and one street course. www.indyracing.com.
-sok-
