PR: Dominant Performance nets Matthew Latifi ECKC Micro-Max title

Matthew Latifi, a member of the Sofina Foods Drivers’ Development Program and a driver for the Ferrolati Corse Karting team, ended his first major racing series of his karting career with a class championship. The nine-year-old racer took quickly to the various tracks that make up the challenging nationally recognized series, to secure top spot on the podium and the overall championship points tally. Working with top ranked tuner Philippe ‘Coy’ Arbour, Matthew followed in the footsteps of older brother Nicholas as he sets his sights on the front of the field.

“Matthew has done a remarkable job this season and I am very pleased with his development this year. At just nine years of age, Matthew continues to impress me as he is able to process input and driving techniques that even a seasoned driver would need time to process,” comments David Tennyson, coach for Latifi. “Matthew has demonstrated an innate skill to apply what he has learned behind the wheel quickly and effectively. This outstanding ability and natural feel are key components that have allowed Matthew to shine so bright in only his first season of karting. Winning the championship in ECKC in his first season is proof Matthew is destined to be a superstar in motorsports.”

In the six race series that saw action on four different tracks located across two provinces, Matthew was able to earn five poles and take four wins. On three different occasions Latifi was able to sweep the weekend including the opening double header stop at his home track of Goodwood Kartways just north of Toronto, were he was at top of the sheets in all six on track sessions.

“I am really happy with my first season of racing and to win the Micro Max class in the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship is great. I had fun racing with my friends,” smiles the rookie racer. “I want to thank ‘Coy’, Alex, my brother Nicholas, my coach David and my mom and dad for all of their support. I can’t wait for the Canadian Nationals at Tremblant.”

Up next for Latifi and the Ferrolati Corse Karting Team is a trip to the world-class facility of Circuit Karting Mont Tremblant. Canada’s best kart racers will decent on the small village north of Montreal for the 2012 ASN Canada FIA Canadian National Karting Championships. Up for grabs will be several National titles along with new members added to Team Canada. Matthew will make his first trip to the Nationals joining older brother Nicolas making his fourth appearance.

The Sofina Foods Drivers’ Development Program was created to help Canadian karting series offer young drivers a goal and a prize to work towards. In 2010 and 2011, the Sofina program supported the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship as well as Team Canada drivers going to the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals. The Sofina Foods Drivers’ Development Program is proud to support Canadian drivers reaching the international motorsports stage.

For more information about this release, please contact David Tennyson at davidten@h10media.com.

About Sofina Foods Inc.
Sofina Foods Inc. is a privately owned Canadian company headquartered in Markham, Ontario dedicated to providing great tasting, high quality food products for retail and foodservice. As one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products, Sofina Foods has a broad portfolio of branded and private label pork, beef, turkey, and chicken products. Sofina’s family of branded products consists of: Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, Fearmans Pork, Fletcher’s, Vienna, Cuddy and Quality Meats. Sofina Foods currently operates 18 HACCP-approved manufacturing facilities (17 in Canada and one in the northwestern United States), three hatcheries and has over 4,700 employees.