Reigning BTCC Champion and ASCAR’s best known racer, Jason Plato, will be stalking the pack in a Pontiac this weekend, as the Mintex backed XCel Motorsport Team add a second body-shell to their armoury.

Jason Plato’s bid to be crowned king of ASCAR has received a major boost ahead of CART’s return to Rockingham this weekend, after the ultra-professional outfit of John Bintcliffe’s XCel Motorsport, completed a new Pontiac bodied ASCAR for Plato to drive.

The Pontiac has been lightning quick so far this season, and the facts speak for themselves. Darren Turner in the #69 HTML Pontiac Grand Prix, has won five races from eight starts, and set a blistering new lap record of 34.952, becoming the first ASCAR racer under 35 seconds at Rockingham.

Super-consistent Plato has proved he’s on the pace, previously in the Ford Taurus, but he’ll be hoping the new Pontiac body will supply the extra speed he needs to grab his first ASCAR win.

Team owner John Bintcliffe commented; “The Pontiac Grand Prix is very well suited to the Rockingham oval, and we’re hoping Jason’s new body gives him the edge, and brings him a long-overdue ASCAR win.”

Mintex has been involved in Britain’s fastest motorsport series since its inception and was series sponsors last year. This year, as well as providing support for the XCel Motorsport Team and personal backing for Jason Plato,
Britain’s biggest name in braking sponsors the 2002 ‘Most Popular Driver’ Award, with the Mintex Cup up for grabs.

Further press information and photographs from Michael Hodges,
Mintex Press Office/305/02

Tel: 01491 411777
Fax: 01491 412777
Mobile: 07860 882580
E-mail: michael.hodges@mph.co.uk

ssued on behalf of TMD Friction UK by MPH Communications.
Issued on behalf of TMD Friction UK by MPH Communications.
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