Player's expands development program

Player's Ltd., a sponsor of IndyCar rookie Greg Moore, has welcomed six of Canada's top young drivers into its new Driver Development Program for the upcoming season. Lee Bentham, 25, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Patrick Carpentier, 25, of Joliette, Quebec, and Alexandre Tagliani, 22, of Lachenaie, Quebec, will compete in the Player's/Toyota Atlantic Championship. Andrew Bordin, 19, of Woodbridge, Ontario will race in the USAC F2000 Championship and four Indy Lights events. Jean-Francois Dumoulin, 19, of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, and Jean-Francois Veilleux, 22, of Boucherville, Quebec will run in the BFG F1600 Series. "These six men have demonstrated that they have the talent and the desire to pursue a career in this demanding sport," said J.C. Torchia, event associate for Player's Ltd. "Canada has become a power in open-wheel racing, and I believe that through our program this group of drivers, along with our drivers in IndyCar and Indy Lights, will keep our country on top." Player's has committed up to $500,000 in this first season of its long-term Driver Development Program. Also, the drivers will receive ongoing physical and psychological training, and instruction in team building, goal setting and the business aspects of the course.