Shift Into Gear now in high gear after D1 Duel

Irwindale, Calif. September 4, 2006 -- Never before had NASCAR and D1 drifters teamed up like this. And in the end, last night’s "Mopar D1 All-Star Duel presented by ShiftIntoGear" will be talked about for a long time.

"I don’t think there were any real surprises," said Chris Cook, co-owner of ShiftIntoGear, Inc., "but we may have surprised everyone."

Cook, who drives the No. 43 Dodge for the Christine Marie Motorsports team, coached some of the NASCAR drivers who competed against the top drifters in the world. Among those whom Cook worked with were: Kasey Kahne, Bill Elliott, Robby Gordon, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Casey Mears. Cook was also one of the competitors in the 16-driver event at Irwindale Speedway.

Cook, who has years of drifting experience as well as oval-track racing, said the NASCAR drivers held their own with the D1 group.

"They did well," he said. "I think they just need more time with the specific technique. Some did much better than others, but they were all talented."

The real winners Thursday night were the charities that received the proceeds from the event, which was coordinated by ShiftIntoGear, Inc., and the Kasey Kahne Foundation, which works to help children in need.

In addition to helping charity, the event also showcased Cook and the ShiftIntoGear school. Cook co-owns the business with Christine Marie Motorsports owner Chris Evans, and the two have worked to provide on-track teaching for drivers young and old.

"This was an event to be seen by the masses," Cook said. "It’s all about growth and recognition for the company and Chris Evans, but I always wish to help kids, for they are what the future is all about. A child smiling is everything, and nothing is more important."

About Christine Marie Motorsports, Inc. (CMM)

Christine Marie Motorsports, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Chris Evans, a successful Western Pennsylvania businessman and amateur racer. Evans met veteran driver Chris Cook while attending the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, where Cook was an instructor. The two developed a friendship and later a business relationship that led Evans to form Christine Marie Motorsports, which is named after Evans’ youngest daughter, for the purpose of competing in NASCAR with Chris Cook as the driver. For more information, go to http://www.christinemariemotorsports.com.

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