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<body> <Table Width="550" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" cellpadding="0"><TR><TD Width="35"><IMG SRC="//www.totalmotorsport.com/images/spacer.gif" WIDTH="35" HEIGHT="1"></td><td> <CENTER><Table border="0" width="100%"> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="5">ELSEWHERE AROUND THE WORLD</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">12/12/2001</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="4">JGTC</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="3">HKS enter Mercedes CLK</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><img border="1" src="Storage/HKSclk.jpg"></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="1">  </FONT></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">HKS Co., Ltd. has officially announced its decision to enter a Mercedes-Benz CLK in the JGTC Series for the 2002 season, thus adding yet another model to the already vast lineup of cars participating in the series. A Japan-based company, HKS Co., Ltd. has extensive engine tuning and racecar development experience, expanding the areas of F3, touring cars, drag racing and motorcycles. It is also renowned for the development of an original V12 engine for Formula One in 1993. The company was involved in the All-Japan Touring Car Championship Series as the works team for Opel from 1994 to 1997, running white-and-yellow Vectras. Preparations to enter the series have been underway since 1999, at which time development and testing of the car for the 2002 season began.<BR> <BR> "Beginning from the 2002 season, we will enter a Mercedes-Benz CLK to challenge the GT500 class in the JGTC. Among the fierce, prestigious competition by the constructors in GT500 class, we will display our original ideas and reliable technologies through the chassis and engine development based on the Mercedes-Benz CLK," explained Hiroyuki Hasegawa, president of HKS Co., Ltd.<BR> <BR> The chairman of the GT Association, Kunimitsu Takahashi, added the following comments at the time of the announcement, "We have been hearing from HKS regarding their project for the JGTC. We are planning to introduce new technical regulations from 2003 with aim of 'making it possible for non-constructors to develop and construct cars as well.' HKS's project with the Mercedes is a step proceeding in accordance with our aims, and we warmly welcome the entry."<BR> <BR> As the new technical regulations will apply from 2003, next year the Mercedes will race as a "specially authorized car" sanctioned by JAF.</FONT></TD></TR> </TABLE><BR> </CENTER> <BR><CENTER><font size="1" color="#808080" face="Tahoma">Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport</font></CENTER> </td> </tr> </table> </body>