Honda/Michelin Challenge Series Revs Up 2005 Program

Courtesy Honda Canada

TORONTO (May 10, 2005) – As part of its commitment to power the dreams of aspiring Canadians with an affordable form of professional racing, Honda Canada today announced the 2005 Honda/Michelin Challenge Series race schedule. The schedule includes the addition of both the Molson Indy Toronto and Molson Indy Montreal to add even more excitement for both drivers and fans. Honda/Michelin Challenge Series teams compete on both permanent road courses and temporary street circuits across Ontario and Quebec in mechanically identical Honda Civic DX Coupes shod with Michelin Pilot “Sport Cup” tires.

“Having an opportunity to showcase and develop the driving skills of aspiring racing professionals is of tremendous benefit to participating Honda dealers, team sponsors and our Series commercial partners,” said Arch Wilcox, Assistant Vice President, Honda Sales. “We’re extremely pleased about the addition of the two Molson Indy race events to showcase the quality of racing that our drivers and teams deliver, and we are looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans.”

Always a crowd favourite because of the intensely competitive, wheel-to-wheel racing, the 2005 series race cars include several performance enhancements, including a special spring and damper package, exhaust improvements and brake upgrades. These combined changes are designed to further improve the cars’ already excellent racetrack performance.

The 2005 season will get underway by making the first of four visits to Mosport International Raceway in Ontario on May 22. In addition to appearing at the two Molson Indy races, Honda/Michelin drivers will also have an opportunity to thrill Formula 1 fans when they make their second appearance at the fabled Circuit Gilles Villeneuve during the Grand Prix of Canada June 11. Other Quebec venues include; the historic Grand Prix du Trois-Riviers and the “Fall Classic” event at the scenic Circuit Mont Tremblant.

With its origins dating back to 1976, the ASN Canada FIA-sanctioned Honda/Michelin Challenge Series has been a continuing success due, in part, to the support from other leaders in the automotive industry. This year’s series partners are NGK Spark Plugs, Bosal Performance Exhaust, Dynamic Suspension, Hawk Performance Brakes, CSC Racing Products, Goodridge, Mechanix Wear, Racing Radios and Petro Canada.