GreenSpeed/Tony Re-Launches in Ontario

November 10, 2008 – After a quiet existence since its inception, GreenSpeed Karting / Tony Kart is getting ready to re-launch in Ontario with a new look and feel that it hopes will become the benchmark against which all race teams will be measured. The team is currently undergoing a transformation led by new team owner Mike Morrison, and will be supported by some of the most recognized and accomplished names in Ontario karting. GreenSpeed plans to take team racing to a whole new level by combining a winning Tony Kart chassis and TXM engine package with unparalleled track level support and most importantly, a commitment to the individual development of each of its team drivers.

Morrison and the GreenSpeed team felt that there was a huge opportunity to develop and bring to market a concept that would allow GreenSpeed to separate itself from the proliferation of teams and chassis that have been coming onto the scene in recent years. “For me, it was about developing the skills and the smarts of drivers, allowing them to succeed in any situation,” said Morrison. “We just weren’t able to find that kind of program with any team in Ontario, at least not the way I had envisioned it – so we thought we’d create it.” In September of this year, Morrison took the driver development concept to then current GreenSpeed team owners Marc Stehle and Ted Greenwood (TXM). Stehle and Greenwood couldn’t have agreed more with the approach. “We both loved the idea,” said Stehle, “It was exactly what we had been trying to do with Tony Kart in Ontario, for the past few years, but we were looking for the right person to help us develop it.”

“Mike’s concept was intriguing to us, from the first time we spoke” said Stehle. “But more importantly, Mike brought a truly refreshing approach to us and from the first time we sat down together, Ted and I knew this was a person who could really make things happen.”

SH Karting Inc, Canadian importer of TonyKart, is pleased to see Green Speed Karting moving to another level. “Marc and Ted have worked hard the last couple of years promoting TonyKart products in the Golden Triangle. With Mike coming on board, he brings the necessary business experience to support and grow the product line. TonyKart has been dominant world wide the last couple of years, and, have produced World Championship winning material again this year” said Clement Duriez President of SH Karting Inc.

2008 saw SH Karting’s team concept provide Canadian Championship winning drives in three classes. SH Karting Inc. /Tonykart drivers also claimed three Championships in the Quebec Championship, five Championships in the Montreal Cup and 4 Championships in the Coupe de l’Est, in addition to countless podiums throughout the season.

“The team will be selective about the drivers that come on board,” said Morrison. “We will be looking for individuals that are serious about going as far as they can in auto sports, and who are ready to make the complete commitment required to achieve their goals.” GreenSpeed will be finalizing the team support structure over the next few weeks and expects to announce the individuals that will be a part of its racing operation for the 2009 season once arrangements with each of them has been finalized. Once that piece is in place, GreenSpeed will be hosting some driver information sessions to get feedback on its concept and allow any interested drivers to ask questions and talk about what they’d like to get out of racing next year as well as five years from now. “We’ll run smaller if we have to; to make sure our vision isn’t compromised," said Morrison. "It’s important to us that we have a team that has a common vision, and is willing to work together on and off the track. We simply won’t rush to fill these spots.”

In closing, Morrison had one simple message for the karting community…“We don’t expect anyone to just trust us. The karting community is far too smart for that. We fully expect to be doubted, challenged, and scrutinized quickly and often….and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As long as the karting community is willing to measure all teams with the same yardstick, we’ll do fine.”

More information on the GreenSpeed concept will be released in the coming weeks, but given that the buzz about GreenSpeed was already circulating, the team felt that it was time to get some basic information to karters, and into the backs of peoples' minds as they contemplate their next moves in racing. For additional info on the GreenSpeed or to inquire about a possible fit with GreenSpeed Karting / Tony Kart, please contact Mike Morrison at mike.morrison@rogers.com or by phone at 416-569-6453.

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