BeaveRun Announces May 17 - 18 Pep Boys Hyperfest:
A Celebration of 21st Century Hot Rods

New Sport Compact Series Invites Spectators to Become Participants

May 7, 2003 (Big Beaver Borough, PA) - One of the hottest trends in car culture and serious lessons in driver safety come together in western Pennsylvania when the national Pep Boys Hyperfest arrives at 400-acre BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex near Pittsburgh, May 17-18, 2003. Promoters of Hyperfest expect this traveling national showcase of high-performance tuners, aftermarket companies, racing events, unique competitions and non-stop entertainment to attract several thousand modified sport compact cars, worth millions of dollars.

The cars-almost exclusively import brands-are indeed the stars of this two-day feast for automotive senses. Spectacularly "tricked out" with performance and cosmetic upgrades that are worth much more than the original car, these modern-day hot rods have contributed to what is now a $2.5 billion industry. Pep Boys Hyperfest is equally thrilling for spectators and participants. It is the only event of its type where spectators can actually become participants, thanks to professional National Auto Sport Association (NASA) classroom and in-car instructors.

Big wings, big wheels, big audio and big performance make today's import tuner cars the equivalent of yesterday's hot rods. "The only difference between today's young tuner car enthusiasts and yesterday's rodders is that we now offer them the safe and controlled environment of a closed track to express themselves on," said BeaveRun co-founder Tim Silbaugh. "We're looking forward to hosting Hyperfest and more events like it."

The 1.6-mile, 12-turn BeaveRun road race circuit, the North Course, will be the site of several races throughout the weekend, including the Honda Challenge Series, Legends road racing series and NASA Spec Miata Challenge Series. Spectators will also be treated to a number of competitions with a serious "wow" factor, such as the HCI Magazine U.S. Drift Nationals. In addition, BeaveRun's world-class karting track, the Wilson Circuit, hosts the Pocket Bike Racing Association's first national race.

One of Pep Boys Hyperfest's highlights is the manufacturers' midway, an auto enthusiast's shopping paradise that offers up the latest high-performance accessories and gear from top aftermarket companies. Educational seminars, contests-such as the Speed of Sound Show Car contest-and entertainment, including a Saturday afternoon performance by Pittsburgh rockers "3 Car Garage," are also on tap for visitors.

There is also a serious side to the action and entertainment. "One of BeaveRun's goals is to teach people to be better, safer drivers," said Silbaugh. "We offer driver training programs throughout the year, from new driver courses to racing schools, and are pleased that Hyperfest also makes professional instruction a big part of the event." Hyperdrive sessions allow attendees to take their own street cars on the track, accompanied by a NASA instructor, or participants can sign up for hot laps with professional drivers.

Hyperfest organizer Chris Cobetto said, "We believe performance driving should be safe as well as fun, and there's no better place to learn driving dynamics than at a professional motorsports venue like BeaveRun."

Admission to the Pep Boys Hyperfest is $15 for a two-day pass, including parking. Kids under 10 get in free. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 6:00 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex at 724.535.1000.

About BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex

BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex (www.beaverun.com) is conveniently located in Big Beaver Borough, Pennsylvania, just 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh on Route 18. With I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) Exit 13 just two miles south of the 400-acre destination complex, and Pittsburgh Airport only 25 minutes away, driving and motorsports enthusiasts from around the country can take full advantage of BeaveRun's world-class, multi-use facilities.

Highlights at BeaveRun include the world-class 1.6-mile North Course road race course and the equally challenging 8/10-mile Wilson Circuit-home of the BeaveRun Karting Center. A third track, the 2.2-mile South Course is planned for completion in 2004. Also open for public and private use are the superb testing and training facilities of the six-acre BeaveRun Vehicle Dynamics Center, home of the BeaveRun Vehicle Dynamics Academy.