James Hinchcliffe

Fonthill, ONT - Matt Champagne, Canadian karting and open wheel standout will be racing in nine events in the 2005 Honda/Michelin Challenge Series.

Twenty -year old Champagne from Fonthill, Ontario is pleased to have recently signed with Centre Honda of downtown Toronto who will be supporting a huge part of his race program.

“Paul Schmelzer and his son’s Howie and Dennis have been outstanding in helping us prepare the car. They are one of the biggest and busiest Honda dealers in Canada, but they always have time for me,” said Champagne.

“We look forward to working with them and winning races for everyone at Centre Honda.” said Champagne.

Events include rounds at Mosport International Raceway, The Grand Prix of Canada, The Molson Indy Toronto and The Molson Indy Montreal Trois-Rivieres and Mont-Tremblant. The program is operated by ASN Canada FIA under the stewardship and watchful eye of Paul Cooke.

For an upcoming race driver exposure is where it’s at and if you want to be noticed this is the series to be in. Approximately 40 identical Honda Civic 2 door coupes are race prepared and run on some of the toughest road courses in Ontario and Quebec. The racing is hot, intense and only the best have a chance at success.

2004 was a mixed bag of good opportunities for Champagne. Matt continued to move forward in his career, racing Formula Renault at the Molson Indy Toronto and an excellent showing at the SCCA Runoffs at Mid Ohio.

As well, Matt spent time testing for the SCCA World SPEED Touring, not to mention a trip to Braga, Portugal last August to compete in the World 4-Cycle Karting Championships, representing North America.

“We really spent most of 2004 trying to figure what we wanted to do,” states Champagne. “Car racing in North America is really in a state of transition.

There is no shortage of places to race and series to run. ,I believe that given the support of great organizations like Michelin and Honda this is a great place to race.” smiles Champagne as he looks over his new ride.

You can catch a glimpse of Matt’s new drive as he heads along the highways of Ontario and Quebec driving a new Honda PILOT with the Honda CIVIC racecar in tow.

“Centre Honda of Toronto has put together such a great looking car we decided to put it on a flat bed trailer to show it off as we head down the highway,” states Champagne. “The PILOT pulls it along just great. A really nice vehicle to drive.”

A racer since he was eight years old Champagne is used to winning and working hard to get what he wants.

At his home in Fonthill, Ontario Matt has over 600 trophies and awards accumulated throughout North America over the last ten years of racing. Champagne has definite plans to add to that collection this year.

“2005 looks very promising,” states the bi-lingual sophomore Niagara College student Champagne.

“Racing is about communication, passion and experience.

My team and I have all of that and we are ready to show what we can accomplish.” says Champagne.

Better clear off another shelf, looks like they may need it.

Visit Centre Honda and Matt Champagne websites.

Matt Champagne makes the move to the 2005 Honda/Michelin Series