Kyle Marcelli decided that the lone visit by the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón to 'North of the Border' warranted a uniquely Canadian pre-race sponsor activity, so the Prototype Challenge star organized a promotional hockey game.
MBRP Performance Exhaust is a primary partner of Kyle Marcelli throughout his 2012 American Le Mans Series campaign. As part of an interactive program, Marcelli regularly does promotional activities with the Huntsville, ON based industry leader. With Round Five of the ALMS marking not only the lone event in Canada, but also the Merchant Services Racing driver's home race, Marcelli elected to do something distinctly Canadian with MPRP contingent prior to the racing action at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (formerly Mosport). The result was the first annual 'Hockey Night in Canada' event featuring Team MBRP Inc. vs. Team ALMS.
Taking to the South Courtice Arena just down the road from the famed 2.459-mile road course, the one hour game featured some fun-filled hockey action which was sponsored by Pfaff Automotive Group. The MPRP team, filled with a squad of naturally talented hockey players ultimately emerged with a narrow win over the ALMS team, which had not only Marcelli lacing up the skates for the first time in several years, but also some former Team Canada, Olympic athletes, and media personnel playing. The game was followed up by a social gathering at the Royal Oak in Whitby, ON., where racing and the hockey highlights were discussed.
“MBRP have VIP’s at four races this year. After the event we typically play a round of golf together and talk about the race, however being the only stop in Canada, we thought it would be fun to play hockey. The game was a ton of fun! MBRP brought a good team, I think I’ll have to recruit some ringers for next year’s match.” Said Race Driver Kyle Marcelli
Marcelli now turns his focus to the MPRP Performance Exhaust-backed Merchant Services Racing Oreca FLM09 and Round Five of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. The on-track action commences on Friday (July 20) with testing, prior to qualifying on Saturday (July 21). After earning the pole position and setting a new lap record in 2011, Marcelli will be seeking top honors on Sunday (July 22), with live timing available at www.ALMS.com.
