Tonis Kasemets CHAMP CAR TEST notes, day 1 of 2 :

 
12.14.04
Indianapolis IN / Sebring FL USA

Tonis Kasemets, the first Estonian to test a Champ Car in the history of motor sports, logged over 100 miles on the 1.9 mile short course at Sebring International today. Tonis is the current Sebring track record holder on the long course of 3.7 miles in Formula Atlantic in 2003. Now he takes it one step higher in the “Big Car”: Dale Coyne’s #19.

Tonis finds this first time experience: “Much fun with SO much Horse Power !!!” He adds: “The day went well, I had 4 spins in the first half of the day. We kept trying different set-ups to find what I like in the car. We’re going in the right direction and will do better tomorrow.”

Kasemets adds: “Compared to Toyota Altantics, Champ Cars are VERY fast, a lot of HP, brakes are incredibly good. It’s a LOT faster and heavier. I’m taking my time to trust the down force. The crew did a very good job. Stephan Dominic especially, he is very cool and cooperative, really cares about my driving style.”

Day 2 of testing continues tomorrow morning at 10am ET. Joining Team Tonis at Sebring is his younger brother Madis,
(http://www.toyota.lt/en/motorsports/yariscup/?cup=2004&id=30) who made a special trip over from Europe to join his Big Brother.

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE:
Toe-NEES Kaz-e-mets

Or as per Tonis: “Toe-niss is acceptable, I’m known as either.” Recommended reading:
http://www.champcarfanatics.com/forums/

Many thanks to all who have made this journey possible. Tonis still has much to prove, this is just the beginning for this fierce competitor who made the United States his “home” between the years of 1992 – 1994. We’ll have full details of day 2 later tomorrow.

For more information:
Jill Savage/Team Tonis

Team Tonis announces: Full ’05 season in Toyota Atlantic Championships

Indianapolis, IN USA
10/18/2004


Welcome back ! We’re full of news for next season and this year, Team Tonis invites you to be a VIP member. By joining Team Tonis, you’ll receive the exclusive “orange” Team Tonis T-shirt and various other VIP perks. At each race event in ’05, VIP members will have access personally to Tonis with guaranteed “Meet & Greets” for all. And a list of all members will be posted via this site. Without the support of the fans, Team Tonis’ “American Dream” of climbing the Open Wheel ranks would not have been a reality. This is our way of giving back to you, the fans & supporters of Tonis. The yellow #6 is primed for Top Overall Championship contention in ’05 & we encourage everyone to come along for the ‘ride’.

For details of becoming a Team Tonis VIP Member, click the “VIP” area
& proceed. All monies raised go directly to the Team. We’re still living in
uncertain times; economically and divisions within Series yet to be mended, but we are determined to press on. As Tonis often says: ”If this were easy, everybody would be doing it”. With 11 course records within 10 events in North America alone, this is a Racer who is fighting this fight to the end; with the support of fans, Personal Media and many loving friends. Tonis has decided to focus on: “climbing the ladder to the Champ Car World Series.” During the Toyota Atlantic ’04 season, we were only able to enter 6 events. (Some of this was a matter of paper-work, traveling outside of U.S. borders – the Patriot Act, etc., many things outside of our control at the time). We had many private inquiries of “how can we help ?” To which we cannot say enough praise for your support. The Team Tonis VIP Membership was born out of these inquiries.

Tonis stats speak for themselves. Scorching track records, guest-hosting global broadcast of CCWS, and many other opportunities came his way via his ’04 performances & results. And, Tonis managed to take some time off to pay back sponsors personally. He is as aggressive off the track as he is on. And here’s our chance to show the world, the talent this great Estonian is capable of. He & his family fought their way to the “great United States” 12+ years ago, settling in Illinois. There is still an “American Dream” to fight for. Little did anyone know, some day our beloved Open Wheel – Formula competition would be in jeopardy. We’re living proof, tenacity pays off. The outpouring of support in ’04 has inspired us to aim higher. From Team Tonis: A big thank you to all. Now, let’s “hook this UP & drink champagne on top of the podium !!” Join Team Tonis’ & have a ‘splash’ of your own !

More soon !
Savage Media / Team Tonis
For more information about Estonia & Tonis’ heritage: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/estonia/history.htm

Tonis Kasemets / Team Tonis
Toyota Altantic-Swift 014 Car #6


01/01/2004


Welcome to Tonis Kasemets internet ‘home’.
Thanks to all at Darksyd Designs, (especially Ryan May) for being on-call at all hours of the day and night, 7 days a week, to keep results and information flowing. Knowing many around the world are “keeping an eye” on Tonis’ progress, this site is also a link to those who cannot physically attend our race weekends.
We appreciate greatly the unrelenting support of our sponsors, families, friends and fans. Toyota Atlantic is one of the strongest Series still rockin’ and rollin’ and we intend to see this season through, albeit on a select event / shortened schedule.

And many thanks to the photographers who continually offer their services at every test and race.
During these painful times of uncertainty in Open-Wheel racing as a whole, we still have much to be thankful for and will continue to press on, despite the hurdles. The Toyota Atlantic Series is “solid”. (Congrats former Atlantics “Champ” Buddy Rice
by the way ? )
Please check out the various ‘areas’ within Tonis’ site. And thank you for all of the wonderful email and comments. We do read them and reply.
Also, look for additions in the Merchandise area soon. The requests are adding up for autographed photos of Tonis; we are working rapidly on that as well.
As “Media Rep” for Tonis, I’d like to add my own personal thanks to all of those who “believe”. Tonis is one of the fiercest, most intuitive and disciplined drivers I’ve ever met. I’m proud and honored to be working with such a great talent. Any comments or suggestions are always welcomed. And, sponsorship opportunities are still available.
If you are ever near the #6 paddock, don’t hesitate to stop by.


Sincerely,
TEAM TONIS*
*Jill Savage/Savage Media