BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO, CANDADA (September 3, 2005) - Dave Maraj, owner of Champion Porsche and Champion Audi dealerships and his racing team, Champion Racing, have teamed up to provide more than $100,000 of immediate aid to the thousands of refugees in Lafayette, Louisiana.

"One of my managers, Kathy Monceaux from Champion Audi, came to me and told me her sister lived in Lafayette, Louisiana," explained Dave Maraj. "She told me exactly how dire and stressful the situation is for the thousands of people who have been displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. She said the most critical need for these people is clothing as they have been wearing the same clothing for over a week. So I said to Kathy, here's what we are going to do."

Mr. Maraj's plan of action was to immediately start a collection of clothing and other necessities at Champion Porsche and Champion Audi. "These items will be properly packaged, labeled and shipped immediately to Ms. Monceaux's sister who will oversee the distribution of items in Lafayette," said Maraj. "And to get these items there quickly and safely, we are going to send one of our Champion Racing support trucks and drivers to Lafayette right after we finish our American Le Mans Series race this weekend at Mosport International Raceway in Ontario, Canada.

Champion Racing truck driver Chris Avery will depart immediately after Sunday's race from Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, and drive 1,445 miles (23 hours) to Champion Motors in Boca Raton, Florida. Avery and other Champion Motors employees will transfer the donated items into the support truck and then as soon as possible, Avery will then drive the 935 miles (14 hours) to Lafayette.

When asked why Dave Maraj is sending clothing and other items versus donating money, Maraj quickly replied, "While money can help, clothing and other items can have an immediate impact on these people. And I'm not talking old clothing or hand-me-downs. These people owned good clothing before the hurricane so they will have good and proper clothes after the hurricane."

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