Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship

Barrie, Ontario added to 2003 schedule

Toronto -- March 7, 2003      Hundreds of Canada’s aspiring young motorsports drivers will now be able to meet and compete at the prestigious Pepsi Grand Prix of Barrie June 20-22, 2003.  This lakefront kart racing street circuit is creating a buzz in motorsports circles for combining a challenging road course, parklands and waterfront atmosphere for a complete motorsports entertainment experience – and for shining a positive spotlight on young people.  It was announced today that the 2003 event will feature the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels.  Also competing is the Ontario KartSport Championship.

The setting is Barrie’s Lakeshore Drive along Kempenfelt Bay, specially designed to accommodate the thousands of spectators who have been discovering this special event over the past three years.  Most viewing areas are free admission.  The ambition of these young drivers is priceless. 

This is an important date on the calendar for kart racers, spectators and the community at large because it showcases the emerging talents of Canada’s motorsports hopefuls as they vie for honours on the critical first rung of professional motorsports development – organized kart racing.   From the very young, to the young at heart, these ambitious early racers strive to drive with the right stuff to reach the world stage.

The Pepsi Grand Prix of Barrie is considered to be Canada’s most scenic kart racing venue.  It combines young motorsports entertainment thrills with a family friendly festival setting of Amusement Zone midway activities, special exhibits and interactive displays, hospitality activities of various kinds - all along the multi-million dollar redeveloped waterfront and beach area of Barrie’s Kempenfelt Bay.  The 2003 show coincides with Barrie’s 150^th anniversary celebrations, promising a high octane experience for all.

The arrival of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship to Barrie illustrates the growing sophistication of Canada’s ladder system for motorsports competitors.  The Pepsi Grand Prix of Barrie has become a unique setting for competitors and spectators to discover each other and track the emerging careers of future stars.

The Series was conceived in 2002 by well-known champion Canadian racing driver Ron Fellows to help develop new Canadian motorsport talent.  Ron feels that such events will help keep Canada current and competitive in the world’s search for hot driver talent.  It’s no wonder that Pepsi Grand Prix Chairman Eric Lehner responds by saying that  “…the creation of this event is a legacy for the next generation – yet it’s something we can all enjoy today, together”.

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