AIM Autosport Looks Ahead to 2009 for Mazda Program

Toronto (March 7,  2008) - AIM Autosport will not take part in the 2008 season-opening Star Mazda Championship race at Sebring International Raceway as part of the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring event. The team is looking to take a sabbatical from Mazda competition to concentrate on an extensive 2008 test schedule in advance of an anticipated two or three-car 2009 Star Mazda Championship campaign.
 
The Mazda side of the AIM Autosport organization will remain in tact and will stay sharp with the testing program and will continue to be ready to race throughout the 2008 season. AIM Autosport first raced in the Star Mazda Series in 2005, powering to the winners circle multiple times with James Hinchcliff while also proving themselves as winners with a parallel Formula BMW program. AIM scored fifth in the 2007 Mazda team championship standings.
 
AIM is continuing to develop the 2008 testing calendar and interested drivers should contact the team directly.
 
"There are several multi-car teams in the series and that has changed the marketplace significantly," said AIM Autosport�s Keith Willis. "However we believe that the most professional approach is a properly funded two or three-car operation, and we weren't willing to compromise any aspect of our program just to go racing. We really enjoy competing in the Star Mazda Championship, but we are taking the long view with this category. To that end, we are looking forward to working with some talented drivers during our summer testing program and will be preparing for a proper campaign again in 2009."
 
"The uncertainty that the open wheel world dealt with during the off-season and the resulting changes in the schedule effected our program, but there are things that we are working on currently that could see us back on the Mazda grid sooner rather than later," continued Willis. "With the strong support of Mazda and some clarification within open wheel racing, we know that the Series continues to grow its profile, and will maintain its tradition as a tremendous place for drivers and teams to compete and we are looking forward to being part of it."
 
Established in 1995, AIM Autosport  has a mandate to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario.

Additional information available: www.aimautosport.com // From: Sunday Group Management/AIM Autosport