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| Marcelli Press Releases |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ONTARIO FORMULA FORD CHAMPION KYLE MARCELLI TO MAKE APPEARANCE AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORT EXPO BARRIE, ON (February 28, 2008) – Recently crowned Formula Ford Champion Kyle Marcelli will be making an appearance at the second annual Canadian Motorsport Expo, February 29th through to March 2nd at the Toronto Congress Centre. Marcelli will be on hand to answer questions with motorsports fans and enthusiasts at the Howden Media Group Booth all three days of the show. He and will also be featured in an autograph session on the main stage March 2nd at 2:00 pm. “The Canadian Motorsport Expo is going to be a great event this year,” commented the young racer. “Glen Butt is really working hard and pushing to make the event enjoyable, interesting and exciting for everyone. I am very happy to be involved with the Expo this year, I’m excited to speak with all the motorsport fans and get back in the racing groove.” “How often do you get away for a weekend during the cold Canadian winter months and just talk about racing the whole time, it’s awesome to be able to hang out with your friends and family for a weekend or even a day around a bunch of race cars and drivers talking about racing.” What: Canadian Motorsports Expo When: February 29-March 2 (Howden Media Group Booth) Autograph Session – Main Stage 2:00pm March 2nd Where: Toronto Congress Centre www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com Kyle Marcelli is proudly supported by: Trudel and Son Roofing, MG Homes, NBX Action Sports, Alpinestars, Lafarge, Stiff Creative Works, Greg Beresford, Norm and Shirley McDonald, Brian Stewart, John Lockhart and Brian Graham Racing For more information contact: Kyle Marcelli – 705-720-4118 kyle@kylemarcelli.com www.kylemarcelli.com 17 Jan 2008: MARCELLI YEAR IN REVIEW From http://www.kylemarcelli.com BARRIE, ONT. (December 30, 2007) - 17 year-old race car driver Kyle Marcelli, of Barrie, Ont., continues to be on the fast track to international stardom as he completed another successful season behind the wheel. Wrapping up a strong first season of pro formula car racing, after just coming out of the national karting ranks, Marcelli was a front-runner and one to watch for at every event. The 2007 season witnessed Marcelli win races, set lap records and win championships in everything he sat in. Marcelli’s season began in December 2006, after signing with Brian Graham Racing to take part in the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge. Almost immediately after signing with the team, Marcelli and the BGR squad headed south to gain some valuable seat time behind the wheel of a Formula Ford, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading junior formulas. Competing in two SCCA Club Racing National events, Marcelli impressed many with his speed and skill behind the wheel. Despite running on the treaded Dunlop tire utilized in the OFFC, which features considerable less grip than the racing slicks used by the regular SCCA competitors, the teenager finished second at Carolina Motorsports Park and third at Road Atlanta. Marcelli’s Formula Ford debut back home in Canada kicked off in fine fashion the weekend of June 1st-3rd, as he captured both pole positions and swept the weekend doubleheader with two wins at Shannonville Motorsports Park. During this opening event in the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge, Marcelli was teamed up with Conor Daly, son of former Formula 1 driver Derek Daly. The remainder of the OFFC season witnessed Marcelli dominate, taking a total of three wins, 11 podium finishes, 10 pole positions and three new lap records en route to winning the series title and Rookie of the Year honours. “It was definitely a banner year for me,” commented Marcelli. “Being fresh out of karting, this was surely the way to start my professional motorsport career.” During one of his off weekends from the OFFC, Marcelli had the opportunity to gain some valuable experience behind the wheel of a Star Mazda Championship car. Marcelli travelled to Beaverun, Penn., where he was able to test the car. Continuing to show natural talent behind the wheel, posting a fast time only a few tenths off the lap record set by Graham Rahal, funding was quickly found in order for Marcelli to take part in the Star Mazda Championship event in Toronto. After qualifying well into the top-10, the race proved quite entertaining. Marcelli quickly moved into the top-five early on, before settling comfortably into 6th. Unfortunately, some over aggressive driving by another competitor resulted in Marcelli being spun around at the end of Lakeshore. Rebounding, Marcelli went from 21st to 11th in four laps, narrowly missing out on a top-10 finish in his series debut. “It was a disappointing result and definitely wasn’t the result that I was capable of,” stated Marcelli. “I showed the necessary speed and am confident I would have finished in the top-five in my Star Mazda Championship debut if not for the incident.” Throughout the year, most of Marcelli’s Formula Ford races were run in conjunction with the Canadian Touring Car Championship. A familiar face around the JL Racing Saab paddock, Team Owner John Lockhart and Marcelli became quiet close throughout the season. Late in the season this resulted in Marcelli being given the opportunity to showcase his talents behind the wheel of the super touring class Saab 93 turbo. Marcelli, having only previously completed 12 laps during a practice session, was put into action during the War-Bonnet three-hour enduro at Mosport International Raceway. Upon completion of the thrilling race, the rookie sensation crossed the line in fine style, taking the first win for the factory Saab team at the prestigious event. “I was so happy to give John Lockhart Saab its first win, especially here at our home track,” said Marcelli. “It was my first experience behind the wheel of a touring car, but it was defiantly one to remember. I hope to have the opportunity to race in the series again in the future.” During Round Three of the Formula Ford Championship Marcelli was introduced to Brian Stewart, the owner of Brian Stewart Racing in the Indy Pro Series. Stewart has a firm belief in Formula Ford and the race craft it teaches you. After winning the Formula Ford Championship Marcelli was invited during the Can-Am Cup weekend at Mosport to get behind the wheel of Brian Stewarts 450 hp IPS car and do some demonstration laps for the fans around the 2.259-mile circuit. Following the demonstration laps Marcelli was then invited to test for two-days at the Dunnville Autodrome test track. Wasting no time, Marcelli immediately got up to speed and set a new lap record for the IPS car at the circuit. “The IPS car was awesome, the car had much more power and was a much bigger car than the FF1600 I’m used to,” said Marcelli. “Brian Stewart is a great guy and has been so helpful for me, I hope to be able to get some more experience behind the wheel in the Indy Pro Series soon.” Following the conclusion of the race season, the CASC and BARC award Gala took place in Toronto. Master of Ceremonies Tom Hnatiw of Dream Car Garage, was able to get to know Marcelli quite well during the night, as the youngster made repeated appearance on stage, taking home not only his Ontario Formula Ford Championship and Rookie of the Year trophies, but also the CASC “Competitor of the Year”, “Rookie of the Year” and the “BARC Best New Driver” awards. “It was a great night, and a great event that was all organized by Diane Dale and John Lockhart,” stated Marcelli. “I was really honoured to have accepted all these awards especially the BARC “Best New Driver Award.” Previous winners of this award include Ron Fellows and Paul Tracy. This award can only be won in your first year, so you only get one shot at it, it’s really cool to be noticed for my accomplishment and given this award.” The 2007 race season was a banner year and one to remember for Marcelli. “If I was to sit back and think of what our original goals for the season were and what I wanted to accomplish, I would have to say that I certainly exceeded them,” continued Marcelli. “I could not have asked for more out of my first season into professional motorsports. I had the opportunity to drive four different cars and had success in all of them, however it would not have been possible if it weren’t for Trudel and Son Roofing, NBX Action Sports, Alpinestars, Lafarge, Stiff Creative Works, Toronto Star, Barrie Examiner, Greg Baresford, Norm and Shirley McDonald, Brian Stewart, John Lockhart and Brian Graham. I have to thank each and every one of them for their continuous support.” Marcelli is now looking forward to another successful season in 2008. His plans are still not finalized, but wherever Marcelli hits the track, he is sure to be a championship contender. “My goal for 2008 is to take another championship,” said Marcelli. For more information visit http://www.kylemarcelli.com |