Introduction
The Petrobras Kart Selective, created in 1999, is an example of Petrobras’ concern with encouraging new talent in Brazilian auto racing. Novelties have been announced for 2008 to celebrate the Selective’s 10th anniversary: the events exclusive character has been increased: the classification stages were reduced from six to five, which, in turn, reduces the number of openings for the decisive stage from 14 to 12. More effort will be required to reach the finals and, thus, the calendar gains importance.
The 10th edition will also include the “Driver 10” project. The idea is to offer an additional cash prize worth R$10,000 to anyone who is able to have a 100% performance in the finals (i.e., win all timings, eliminatory races, and decisive batteries). If the 2008 champion is not the “Driver 10”, in other words, the maximum possible points are not reached, the R$10,000 prize will be donated to the Barrichello Kanaan Institute. This non-profit institute, whose patrons are drivers Rubens Barrichello and Tony Kanaan, undertakes social actions in needy communities, particularly in the region of Interlagos (São Paulo), an important haven for Brazilian kart.
The R$100,000 cash prizes have been maintained for the champion, plus R$10,000 for the runner-up. The Champion Smile Cup, which opens the Selective, will classify the first three drivers for the finals and distribute R$10,000 in cash prizes. The tournament also promotes the Champion Smile Project, in which each driver registers two mechanics and their wives and kids aged up to 12 years for free dental treatment throughout the season.