PATERSON JOINS MARSHALL COOKE RACING

February 27, 2003, Toronto, Ontario  -- Melanie Paterson announced today that she will be racing with Marshall Cooke Racing for the 2003 American Le Mans Series starting at the Mobil1 12 Hours of Sebring. Melanie will be co-driving with Ben Devlin in the #18 Lola B2K/40 LMP 675 powered by a Millington engine. Jason Workman will also join the team for the 12 hour Sebring event.

"I am really looking forward to the 2003 season," said Melanie. "We saw great success last year with Essex Racing's Michael (Gue) and Tony (Dowe).  It will be good to continue that success with Essex Racing at the helm of the 2003 Marshall Cooke Racing effort. I am also looking forward to running with the Millington engine, which has undergone a lot of development and will give us good power and reliability."

For the 2003 season, technology leader Imation Canada Inc joins Melanie again. As well, Cartech of San Antonio, Texas, a manufacturer of forced induction and high performance automotive components, will be part of the 2003 program. Melanie's other corporate partners include Maraca Canada, Driving Unlimited, GeoGraphics Motorsports Graphics and Digital North Media.

Testing commences on March 10th at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. The 51st Annual Mobil1 12 Hours of Sebring will be run on March 15th and will be televised live on SPEED Channel.

For more information and photos, visit http://www.melaniepaterson.com.