National Post from Toronto, Ontario, Canada • 31

1 NATIONAL POST, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2003 SPORTS S5 Villeneuve looking south for a new ride CANADIAN TO NASCAR? It's completely different from anything I've done' BY GRAEME HAMILTON MONT-TREMBLANT, QUE. After a disastrous Formula One season that ended with him walking away from the final race and into an early retirement, it was a changed Jacques Villeneuve who faced the public in his native province yesterday. Changed, that is, if you consider his tinted orange hair. Otherwise, Villeneuve was his combative self, sparing little time for nostalgia and none for secondguessing as reporters asked him to reflect on his eight-year F-1 career. "What do you say to all those fans out there that you've had over 1 the years who still support you?" one scribe asked, trying to elicit some emotion from the man who, at the height of his career, was the most adored athlete in Quebec.

"Well, thank you very much, and we had a great time," came the reply. "If I'm not driving, what do you want me to do?" Villeneuve, a native of Iberville, who now lives in Monaco, was making his first public appearance in Quebec since the racing season ended. He was at Mont-Tremblant, north of Montreal, to kick off a 24-hour charity ski-a-thon that he and manager Craig Pollock started two years ago. Villeneuve chose not to drive the year's final race in Japan after learning that the BAR team planned to replace him next season. The gesture was considered by some to be a slap to his fans, but Villeneuve says he was not prepared to risk his life for an outfit that he feels stabbed him in the back.

All of the top eight F-1 teams have named their drivers for 2004, and while Villeneuve said he has not shut the door on a return to the prestigious circuit, he acknowledged that the chances are remote. "If the best F-1 teams, do not want you, a year off is not going to make them want to give you the wheel any more," he said. Certainly if playing nice is part of what it would take to get back behind the wheel, you can rule Villeneuve out. How does he feel about F-1 these days? The paddocks are crowded with hangerson "who will accomplish nothing themselves in life" but like wearing shirts with F-1 logos to impress the girls in the bars, he said. "I've always said what I've thought.

I've always been respected for that. And if they cannot take it, I will not be different just to make them happy. If someone wants me to drive for them it's because they respect what can bring to the team. If all they want is fakeness, then they have their pick," he said. Villeneuve has one idea to escape the circus NASCAR.

The move from the F-1 jet set to NASCAR's good ol' boys might seem odd, but Villeneuve sounded serious yesterday. He said he sees an authenticity in the popular American stock car circuit that has disappeared from F-1. "It's completely different from anything I've done, so that's a big part of the excitement," he said, noting that he has spoken to NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon but has not approached any NASCAR teams. "In Europe or other forms of racing, if you achieve something, it gives everybody a reason to try and destroy what you have SECURI CREMBIANT NETORMULA PRIXE TREMBL RYAN REMIORZ THE CANADIAN PRESS Jacques Villeneuve was back home in Quebec yesterday for his own charity ski race in Mont. Tremblant.

He is without a drive next year in Formula One after parting ways with his old BAR team last year. The Canadian did not rule out a move to the NASCAR circuit. achieved, whereas in NASCAR, it's the other way around. For me it's always been important to respect the establishment, and when you become part of the establishment, then you should be respected as well." He is not worried about missing the glamour of F-1. "The only reason I drive is because I enjoy cars," he said.

"Image brings more money, that's it. It opens doors at restaurants when there's no seats available, that's great. But that's not the reason why you go into racing." Pollock was momentarily at a loss when asked how the Villeneuve "brand" would survive a jump to NASCAR. "In a way, he's made for NASCAR, the way he dresses," he said of his jeans-clad friend. Villeneuve might want to lose the orange hair though.

National Post THE MORNING DRIVE HAS NEVER BEEN THIS CLEAR. When you need to know how Pooja Handa to get there, turn to Pooja Handa and Global's exclusive WEEKDAYS 6 9 a.m. ONLY ON Global News new traffic technology. Morning Volvo of Al Pine Tree Ford Palladini's Lincoln VOLVO PREOWNED (905) 825-8088 CERTIFIED Oakville AUTOMOTIVE SHOWCASE ASE 7777 Weston Road at HWY 7, Woodbridge 416-798-4777 To advertise call: 416-386-2813 E-Mail: www.alpalladinis.com 2004 AUDI A8 QUATTRO, Audi Executive alloys, dual payne glass, parktronic, cold weather package and more. Brilliant Black on Sand Beige, Priced at $97,900, Audi Warranty up H.J.

Pfaff Motors, 905-773-6432 2004 LEXUS RX330, Silver, Black, 15,058 kms, 5 dr, 4WD, EX Demo, Sport 18inch Alloys, Seq Shift, Air Suspension, Auto New Cost $54,000 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494-1000. 2003 BMW 325IA TOUR, P1597, White, Black leatherette, 15,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, LOADED. 1 OWNER, $37,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077.

2003 BMW 325XI, P1587, Silver, Black leatherette, 11,000 kms, 4 door, 5-SPEED, PDC, PREMIUM PACKAGE. DEMO, $42,900.00. 1 DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2003 BMW 5301A, P1578, Titanium Gray, Black leather, 6,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, PREMIUM PACKAGE. 1 OWNER, $55,900.00.

DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2003 BMW X5 3.0LIT, P1589, Silver, Black leatherette, 5,500 kms, 4 door, AUTO, ROOF, ACTIVITY PACKAGE. DEMO, $58,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2003 BMW X5 3.0LIT, P1590, Silver, Black leatherette, 11,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, ROOF, SPORT PACKAGE.

DEMO, $58,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2003 BMW X5 3.0LIT, P1591, Silver, Black leatherette, 3,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, ROOF, ACTIVITY PACKAGE DEMO, $58,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2003 BMW X5 3.0LIT, P1592, Topaz Blue, Gray leather, 12,500 kms, 4 door, AUTO, ROOF, ACTIVITY PACKAGE, PREMIUM PACKAGE.

DEMO, $59,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1- 800-406-6077. 2003 BMW X5 4.4 LIT, P1593, Steel Gray, Black leather, 1,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, ROOF, PDC, ACTIVITY PACK. DEMO, $69,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077.

2003 BMW 330 CABRIOLET, Silver on Black Auto, Sport Pkge, Prem Pkge, $60,900. ONLY AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506. 2003 BMW X5 3.0. SILVER ON BLACK, LOADED WITH SUNROOF, PRIVACY AND MORE, $57,900. ONLY AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449- 0506.

2003 BMW 5251A, TOPAZ BLUE ON TAN, AUTO, FULLY LOADED, ONLY $49,900. ONLY AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506. 2003 BMW 325 IT WGN, 5 SPD, BLACK ON BLACK, PREMIUM PKGE, SUNROOF, AND MORE. ONLY $41,900. ONLY AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506.

2003 BMW M3 COUPE, 6SPD, SILVER ON BLACK, "19" WHEELS, ONLY $70,900. ONLY AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506. 2003 BMW 5301, Topaz Blue on grey leather, auto, loaded with "M' sport pkge and more. 3500kms, $62,900. ONLY AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506.

2003 BMW 3201, Steel grey on black, 5 spd. Loaded, like new, heated seats, oniy 14km, asking $34,900. PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506. 2003 BMW X5 4.4, Saphire black on black, sport, activity and premium pkge. Like new, Only 34km, asking $68,900.

2 to choose. PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506. 2003 BMW X5, 4x4, black on black, sport, premium and activity pkges. Only 34km asking $68,900. O.B.O.

AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506. 2003 CHRYSLER CONCORDE LXI, Fully loaded including leather interior, only $21,888 former rental Dixie Chrysler 8050 Dixie Road Brampton. (905)452-1000 2003 INFINITI G35 COUPE M6, Capri Blue, Black, 8,350 kms, 2 dr Coupe, 6 Speed Manual, Sports Edition With Brembo Brakes, Man, $46,000 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494-1000. 2003 LEXUS ES300, Burgundy, Tan, 10,200 kms, 4 dr, Ex Demo, Luxury Pack, ABS, Trac, VSC, Auto, $42,995 plus taxes registration.

CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905- 494-1000. 2003 LEXUS IS300, Red, Black, 11,387 kms, 4 dr, Ex Demo, Premium Pack, Tuned, Auto, $39,995 plus taxes registration. NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494- 1000. 2003 LEXUS IS300, Graphite, Black, 18,249 kms, 4 dr, Full Tuned Kit Mufler Suspension $11000 Value, Man, $48,500 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203- 1551 OR 905-494-1000.

2003 LEXUS IS300, Graphite, Black, 14,300 kms, 4 dr, Ex Demo, Premium With Multi Spoke Alloys, Auto, $40,200 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494-1000. 2003 LEXUS LS430, Silver, Black, 11,498 kms, 4 dr, Premium Pack. Semi Aniline Leather, Auto. Lease Price, $75,995 plus taxes registration.

CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494-1000. 2003 LEXUS LX470, Black, Ivory, 17,152 kms, 5 dr, Estate Ex Demo, Satellite Naigation, ABS, Trac, VSC, Auto, $88,995 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203- 1551 OR 905-494-1000. 2003 LEXUS LX470, Sand Dollar, Tan, 21,242 kms, 5 dr, Estate Ex Demo, Satellite Naigation, ABS, Trac, VSC, Auto, $85,995 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203- 1551 OR 905-494-1000.

2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CL230 COMPRESSOR, Back, Grey, Heated Seats, Power Air, Cruise, Keyless, 11,511 km, $31,888. Mercedes-Benz Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728-1883. 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E500W, Brilliant Silver, Charcoal, Theft, Power Alloys, Leather, Heated Seats, 3,500 km, $73,995. Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777- 2616 or (705) 728-1883. 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CONVERTIBLE, Brilliant Silver, Charcoal, Leather, Cruise, Power Front Theft, Black Soft Top, 1,500 $71,450.

Mercedes-Benz Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728-1883. 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320W, Brilliant Silver, Ash, Panorama Roof, Solar Panel, Xenon, 5,000 km, $66,995. Mercedes-Benz Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728- 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500, Brilliant Siver, Black, Leather, Xenon, Parktronic, Heated Seats, 5,000 km. $440,645 NOW $129,888. MercedesBenz Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728-1883.

2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320, Pewter Silver, km, $59,995. Mercedes-Benz Barrie, You're Ivory, Power Roof, Da Bi-Xenon, Heated Seats, 15,000 Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728- 1883. 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350E, Brilliant Silver, Black, Seats, Privacy 6,000 $49,995 Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728-1883. 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ S500V 4MATIC, Black, Ash, Wood, Leather, Htd Steering, Ortho, Rear Sunshade, Remote, Keyless, 10,000 km, Call For Price. Mercedes-Benz Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728-1883.

2003 PORSCHE 911 C4 CABRIOLET, Lapis top, Heated seats, full leather interior, crest embossed headrests, supple leather facings, 6 disc CD changer, windstop, hardtop, 2,150 kms. Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905-851-0852. View on www.pfaffporsche.com 2003 PORSCHE 911 C2 CABRIOLET, leather, Heated sport seats embossed headrests, 18" Turbo Il Alloys, PSM, windstop, xenon headlamps, hardtop, 8,600 kms. Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905-851-0852. View on www.pfaffporsche.com 2003 PORSCHE 911 C2 COUPE, Midnight leather, Power seats, heated seats, 18" end sound, 5,650 kms.

Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Turbo alloys, coloured centre caps, PSM, HiCircle, Woodbridge, 905-851-0852. View on www.pfaffporsche.com 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER leather, Xenons, heated seats, PSM, 7,400 kms. Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905- 851-0852. View on www.pfaffporsche.com 2003 PORSCHE CAYENNE Titanium Grey leather, 19" alloys, Comfort seats moonroof, 13,760 kms. Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905-851-0852.

View on www.pfaffporsche.com 2002 AUDI A4 1.8T QUATTRO, Light leatherette, Sport Package, 17" 5 spoke alloys, xenon headlamps, glass sunroof, 21,750 kms. Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905- 851-0852. View on www.pfaffporsche.com 20002 AUDI A4 3.0L QUATTRO, 6 speed manual trans, power sun-roof, leather, heated changer, Denim Blue on Ebony, Priced at $39,900, Audi Warranty up to H.J. Pfaff Motors, 905-773-6432 BMW Winter Tire Rim Packages Brand New Direct from Germany Call For Complete Details: Chuck's Auto 416-749-9211 2002 BMW 325IA, 40108A, Silver, Black leatherette, 46,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, ROOF, SPORT PACKAGE. 1 OWNER, $36,900.00.

DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2002 BMW 745IAL, P1458, Black, Black leather, 20,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, A LOADED. 1 OWNER, $78,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2002 BMW X5 3.OLIT*, P1595, Topaz Blue, Beige leather, 65,000 kms, 4 door, AUTO, RUNNING BOARDS, ROOF, PRIVACY GLASS, PREMIUM PACK.

1 OWNER $52,900.00. DETAILS CALL BMW AUTOHAUS AT 1-800-406-6077. 2002 BMW 3201A, Silver on black, sunroof, heated seats and more. Only 31km, 3.9% finance, 2 to choose. From $33,900.

ONLY AT PARKVIEW BMW, 800-449-0506. 2002 CHRYSLER INTREPID Fully loaded only finished in black. A must drive. $23,888 Dixie Chrysler 8050 Dixie Road Brampton (905)452-1000 2002 DODGE VIPER RT10, Yellow, Black, 1,710 kms, 2 dr, Sports Chrome Rims, Keyless Entry, Removable HardTop, 1 Owner, 450 hp, Immaculate Man, $89,995 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494-1000.

2002 GMC ENVOY, Auto, 4.2L, 6 leather. 47,000 kms. $34,900. Brennan Pontiac, 1860 Bayview Ave. 416-485-0350.

2002 GMC ENVOY SLT, Auto, 4.2L, 6 leather. 46,000 kms. $32,998. Brennan Pontiac, 1860 Bayview Ave. 416-485-0350.

2002 LEXUS ES300, Silver, Black, 16,382 kms, 4 dr, Trac, VSC, ABS, 6 Stack CD, Auto, $41,995 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494-1000. 2002 LEXUS SC430, Silver, Black, 16,000 kms, 2 dr, Conv, Ex Demo With Navigation, Auto, $69,995 plus taxes registration. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494- 1000. NEW 2003 CORVETTE LAST CALLI Sign up NOW for immediate or Spring delivery.

Free winter storage! 2 ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS $64,395. MSRP $76,480. 1 Z06 $65,295. MSRP $78,270. DON HOWSON Chevrolet Oldsmobile Limited 2135 Sheppard Ave.

Willowdale 416-491-2000 000 1.9% FINANCING! Selling price plus freight $1.050, administration fee $195, taxes and license. 1.9% financing available up to 48 months upon approved credit. Financing example: $50.000 financed at 1.9% for 48 months carries for $1.082.58 per month. Cost of borrowing $1.963.48. Offer expires Jan www donhowson com 2002 LEXUS IS300, Silver, Black, 32,742 kms, manual trans.

Premium Package, leather, 6 In Dash CD, Trac, full spec. $32,995. CALL: NORTHWEST LEXUS, TORONTO: 416-203-1551 OR 905-494- 1000. 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML500, leather, 7 passenger seating, system, navigational system, power moon All options. V8.

$49,999. Brennan Pontiac, 1860 Bayview Ave. 416-485- 0350. 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320, Brilliant Silver, Charcoal, Leather, Power with Memory, Theft, Light Alloy, Air, 40,672 km, $48,995. Mercedes-Benz Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728-1883.

2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 STATION WAGON, Silver, Charcoal, Mint Condition, Full Service History, 63,111 km, $39,995. Mercedes-Benz Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777- 2616 or (705) 728-1883. 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E55 AMG, Black, Black, Absolutely Mint, 1 Owner, Lease or Buy $73,995. Barrie, You're Ready, Call Now! (416) 777-2616 or (705) 728-1883. 2002 PORSCHE 911 C2 CABRIOLET, leather, Advanced Tech 18" Sport Design alloys heated sport seats headrests, silver painted centre console, rain sensor, dim mirror, PSM 18,775 kms.

Pfaff Porsche, Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905- auto, 851-0852. View on www.pfaffporsche.com 2002 PORSCHE 911 C2 CABRIOLET, Basalt leather, Advanced Tech heated sport seats, 18" Carrera alloys, Design Hi-Fi sound sport exhaust, 20,950 kms. Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905- 851-0852. View on www.pfaffporsche.com 2002 PORSCHE 911 TURBO, Polar leather, Aluminum insturment dials, carbon fibre levers, heated sport seats with crest embossed headrests, 32,750 kms. Pfaff Porsche, 101 Autopark Circle, Woodbridge, 905- 851-0852.

View on www.pfaffporsche.com I Auto Exclusis Repair Restoration Specialists 190SL to 560SL Fully Qualified Technicians Call For Appointment (905) 471-8660 172 Bullock Drive, Unit 31, Markham, ON.