For Immediate Release:
Smith and Long Customer Appreciation Grand Prix 2007
August 17th 2007, Goodwood, Ontario

On August 17th 2007, Smith and Long Ltd. held it's first annual Customer Appreciation Grand Prix event at the historic Goodwood Kartways in Goodwood, Ontario. Instead of your typical golf tournaments, President and CEO, Eddy Hansen, decided to do something entirely different. Why not rent out one of the best go-kart tracks in Ontario and invite Smith and Long's clients to come out and play? Quickly the idea became a reality due largely impart from the overwhelming clients and vendors support.

Many of the participants have never been on a race track before much less a performance go kart that sits only inches off the ground. Top speeds on these karts are between 80 to 100kms/hr.

The festivities began around 11:00am with a walking lap and guided tour by track owner and professional racer, Daniel DiLeo. Many of the folks listened to Daniel for much needed tips and tricks as they figured out how to find the fastest racing line on the track. The excitement was building and the grins on everyones faces was difficult to miss.

Once completed the walk around and drivers meeting, the racer list of over 80 drivers was broken up into groups based on weight. Weight plays an important part and to make sure the racing is fair and competitive. With 11 groups ready to take on Goodwood they began by having 10 warm up / practice laps. It was evident that many were not sure how far they could push the karts and early track times were very high. By the time the qualifying sessions began many of the drivers looked like experience racers setting much faster times between 41-47 seconds.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and beverages were served through out the day and the go karts never

stopped as each group were very organized and ready to jump in their awaiting karts. It wasn't difficult to see that so many people were having such a great time and were extremely excited to be there taking part in this debut event. Many commented on how unique and fun this event was.

The weather co-operated for most of the day, until groups 6 through 9 started their race. The rain began to fall and within minutes the track was soaked. The water on the track took away almost all of the grip and from the spins and karts that went off the track it was obviously difficult to drive in. Water pooling up on the track makes finding the right driving line very difficult. Eventually those dark storm clouds moved aside for the sun to return and the track dried very quickly with the heat. After racing had concluded it was time for the podium ceremonies and prize draws. Music systems, MP3's players, and a LCD TV were just some of the fantastic prizes given away.

Smith and Long Ltd. would like to thank all of the wonderful sponsors for their generous contributions, Guillevin, Graybar, Nedco, Sesco, Commscope, Anixter, Toromont, Commercial Switch Gear, Asco, Asger Pedersen Insurance, the terrific participants who came out to enjoy them selves, and of course all of the staff at Goodwood Kartways for putting on an event that we will remember for a very long time. Preparations are already under way for the second annual Smith and Long Customer Appreciation Grand Prix in 2008. Hope to see you all again next year!