PRESS

2007 - MARCELLI YEAR IN REVIEW

BARRIE, ONT. (December 30, 2007) - 17 year-old race car driver Kyle Marcelli, of Barrie, Ont., continues to be on the fast track to international stardom as he completed another successful season behind the wheel. Wrapping up a strong first season of pro formula car racing, after just coming out of the national karting ranks, Marcelli was a front-runner and one to watch for at every event. The 2007 season witnessed Marcelli win races, set lap records and win championships in everything he sat in.

Marcelli’s season began in December 2006, signing with Brian Graham Racing to take part in the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge. Almost immediately after signing with the team, Marcelli and the BGR squad headed south to gain some valuable seat time behind the wheel of a Formula Ford, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading junior formulas. Competing in two SCCA Club Racing National events, Marcelli impressed many with his speed and skill behind the wheel. Despite running on the treaded Dunlop tire utilized in the OFFC, which features considerable less grip than the racing slicks used by the regular SCCA competitors, the teenager finished second at Carolina Motorsports Park and third at Road Atlanta.

Marcelli’s Formula Ford debut back home in Canada kicked off in fine fashion the weekend of June 1st-3rd, as he captured both pole positions and swept the weekend doubleheader with two wins at Shannonville Motorsports Park. During this opening event in the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge, Marcelli was teamed up with Conor Daly, son of former Formula 1 driver Derek Daly. The remainder of the OFFC season witnessed Marcelli dominate, taking a total of three wins, 11 podium finishes, 10 pole positions and three new lap records en route to winning the series title and Rookie of the Year honours.

“It was definitely a banner year for me,” commented Marcelli. “Being fresh out of karting, this was surely the way to start my professional motorsport career.”

During one of his off weekends from the OFFC, Marcelli had the opportunity to gain some valuable experience behind the wheel of a Star Mazda Championship car. Marcelli travelled to Beaverun, Penn., where he was able to test the car. Continuing to show natural talent behind the wheel, posting a fast time only a few tenths off the lap record set by Graham Rahal, funding was quickly found in order for Marcelli to take part in the Star Mazda Championship event in Toronto. After qualifying well into the top-10, the race proved quite entertaining. Marcelli quickly moved into the top-five early on, before settling comfortably into 6th. Unfortunately, some over aggressive driving by another competitor resulted in Marcelli being spun around at the end of Lakeshore. Rebounding, Marcelli went from 21st to 11th in four laps, narrowly missing out on a top-10 finish in his series debut.

“It was a disappointing result and definitely wasn’t the result that I was capable of,” stated Marcelli. “I showed the necessary speed and am confident I would have finished in the top-five in my Star Mazda Championship debut if not for the incident.”

Throughout the year, most of Marcelli’s Formula Ford races were run in conjunction with the Canadian Touring Car Championship. A familiar face around the JL Racing Saab paddock, Team Owner John Lockhart and Marcelli became quiet close throughout the season. Late in the season this resulted in Marcelli being given the opportunity to showcase his talents behind the wheel of the super touring class Saab 93 turbo. Marcelli, having only previously completed 12 laps during a practice session, was put into action during the War-Bonnet three-hour enduro at Mosport International Raceway. Upon completion of the thrilling race, the rookie sensation crossed the line in fine style, taking the first win for the factory Saab team at the prestigious event.

“I was so happy to give John Lockhart Saab its first win, especially here at our home track,” said Marcelli. “It was my first experience behind the wheel of a touring car, but it was defiantly one to remember. I hope to have the opportunity to race in the series again in the future.”