KONI CHALLENGE: Predators head to Daytona for season opener

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Ottawa, Ontario based, Predators Autosports is heading to Daytona International Speedway this weekend to contest the season opener of the 2008 Koni Challenge Series. The team is focused and ready to go with a host of changes from the 2007 team.

Leading the changes are the team's Chevrolet Cobalt SS is now turbocharged instead of being supercharged, as it was in 2007. Team principal Steve Morris has been happy with the car's performance in testing. "We are very happy with the car so far," Morris said. "This weekend is the real test. It's important for us as a team to come out of this weekend with a good points position. It is a long season, and getting off on the right foot is critical for us."

There are also changes in the driving duties for the team. Ontario's Matt Pritiko, a former Sunoco Team Ultra 94 driver and rookie in the Koni Challenge Series last year will get his first taste of the turbocharged power of the Cobalt in competition this weekend.

"The test we did here with the car went very well," Pritiko said. "I am really looking forward to this year now I have a year of experience under my belt. Last year was all about learning the cars and the tracks. This year I am hoping for a good season with my new team."

Joining Pritiko is Quebec's Robert Boyer. "Robert is a very good driver," Morris said. "He has a lot of experience, and having him team up with Matt is going to be good for our team. Both drivers are with us for the full season, and even though Robert has driven the car yet this year, he is experienced enough that he'll be fine at Daytona this weekend."

Predators Autosports Fast Facts: Predators Autosports was formerly Kart Depot Predators. The Steve Morris owned team is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally a karting team, the team became Predators Autosports when the moved up to car competition in the Honda Michelin Challenge Series. For the past two seasons, Predators Autosports has been competing in the Koni Challenge Series.

Matt Pritiko Fast Facts: Matt Pritiko is one of Canada�s up and coming stars of motorsport. He is from London Ontario. In 2007, Pritiko completed his rookie season in Koni Challenge, finishing 15th in the standings, with a top five and four top tens. Pritiko was a member of Sunoco�s Team Ultra 94 and collected 1 win, 2 poles and five podiums in the Bridgestone F2000 Series. In 2002, Pritiko is was 2nd in F125/80cc in the Point Pelee Championships and took home the 2002 Most Sportsmanlike award.
Pritiko is supported by Burwell Auto Body.

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency, Inc. ( www.russbondagency.com). For more information contact Russ Bond r.bond@russbondagency.com or 416-312-2900