GUSTAVO YACAMAN STEALS JICA SHOW IN ORLANDO

 “Columbian comes from deep in the pack to finish top five”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (NOVEMBER 16, 2004)

CONTACT:   Tony Ventresca, 519-824-4343, www.firstkart.com

                        Mike Maurini, 416-678-4939, autosportsmedia@earthlink.net

GUELPH, ON) – 12-year-old Gustavo Yacaman put on another excellent display of driving this past weekend at the Stars of Karting finale in Orlando, FL coming from deep in the field to finish top five. The talented Columbian came from 30th position on the grid after a spin in the pre-final to finish fifth and claimed another National number for the First Kart North American squad. The five-time Columbian National Champion was quick all weekend, lapping his First Kart in the top ten in times from the opening practice session Friday morning.

Heading into qualifying, Yacaman’s crew made major chassis changes to try and find the perfect set-up to make a run at the pole, but came up just short and with a time that was good enough to start on the outside of row three. Known for his lightning fast starts, Yacaman would look to take that advantage into the pre-final and move towards the front in the opening laps.

Heading into turn one, Yacaman made a bold move around the outside and exited the corner in fourth position. Looking to dive down the inside of the next left hander, Yacaman was hit from behind into a barrier as the rest of the field streamed past him. With little damage, Gustavo got his kart turned around and in the right direction but not before he was three corners behind his nearest competitor. Yacaman showed his true grit and determination and moved towards the front, eventually finishing the pre-final in 13^th.

As the green flag fell for the start of the final, Yacaman knew that he was going to have to make quick work of a few people to have a shot at victory. Opening lap passes have been Yacaman’s specialty and it was the same this weekend as he finished lap one in 10^th place. With a slick racing surface and a kart that wasn’t handling to its full potential, Yacaman had to focus more on his driving abilities to move towards the front. The talented 12-year-old put on a show but was only able to finish in the fifth position.

With the tight points battle upfront, Yacaman and crew do not know where they finished in the National Championship but somewhere inside the top eight is definite. Plans for 2005 are unsure as Yacaman will continue to compete in his native land of Columbia but may also venture to Europe to compete in several European championships.

For more information on the First Kart North America, product sales, the race team and exciting dealership opportunities including information on how to get into kart racing please contact First Kart President Tony Ventresca at 519-824-4343 or visit them online at www.firstkart.com.