2013 Silly Season: Rumors, Gossip, & News

Post anything, including ridiculous lies!

2013 ARLA season TMPedia page

Split weekends in 2013?

ARLA executives, in a movement to fit more tracks on the calendar, are considering "split weekends", in which the first round of a race is held at one track, and the second round is held the next day at a different track that isn't too far away. Tickets for split weekends would be good for both races.

Karl's vying for a race?

Retail giant Karl's reportedly wishes to hold an ARLA race in one of their warehouses in California, where the company is based. According to an anonymous source, Karl's has proposed arranging a 1/5-mile oval inside their largest store, and if the proposal is approved, it would be the shortest track the series has ever raced on.

Eichholtz Atlantic Racing Will Return with Two Cars

The newly-renamed Eichholtz Atlantic Racing will return to the ARLA Elite Series with two cars. However, neither Jacob Eichholtz or Ben Atkins will return to the series in 2013. Instead, the team has signed Ramsey Coquinner, the former adult film superstar who will make his debut in his hometown of Las Vegas for the Ildest team in a few weeks. Coquinner will take over Eichholtz's seat in the 231, but the team will be re-numbered to 31. Dash Cup star Carla Rosinski will drive the #84 for the team as well, putting to rest rumors of her driving for Tom Delgado's MRD Motorsports team in Dash Cup. Sponsors have not been named for either driver as of yet.

Plans for Jacob Eichholtz and Ben Atkins have not been revealed, although speculation has them in the Master Cup series (full-time or for the Independent's Trophy), or TM Lights.

Street Stocks team to attempt Rockford; Full Time in 2013?
Prestige Motorsports, currently competing in the ARLA Street Stocks series, announced Tuesday its intention to enter two cars for the 2012 Rockford 200 and are hoping to run full-time in 2013. Richard Scott will drive the #027 Inglesby, his second Elite Series attempt after failing to qualify at Indianapolis, while Aaron Singer will be making his first Elite Series attempt in the #1 car. Singer will be sponsored by Singer Hotels and Casinos for the weekend, owned by father Lou Singer; the team has not yet announced sponsorship for Scott's car.

"We're extremely excited to be able to enter two cars in ARLA competion at Rockford', owner Carter Wesley stated in a press release. "We've had our best engineers putting together two good cars, thanks to our experience in the Street Stocks this season and learning from our mistakes at Indy. Going into Rockford, it's now time to build upon our program and get ready to take the next step going into 2013".

Although Scott, already experienced in short track racing at the age of 21, has been holding his own on the Street Stocks circuit, Singer, with no prior racing experience, has been noted for his rather underwhelming performance. "Aaron, like many other drivers, has needed some time to adjust to the challenges of driving stock cars for the first time, but this seat time with have the benefit of him feeling more comfortable behind the wheel in the Elite cars".

Singer's car is expected to carry his family's sponsorship onward into 2013 and will hopefully retain the #1; the team has yet to announce a sponsorship deal for Scott's car for either Rockford or next season.

(((OOC: These are the characters I discussed with you in PM, Ceej.
Yes, these are the characters I entered in what is now the 2013 Street Stocks season. If they are accepted they will be replaced.)))

Matthews Motorsports back in '13:
In a press release dated today, Matthews Motorsports announced that it would continue to field its two entries for the 2013 ARLA Elite Series season.

It is believed Tiffany Matthews would return to the 116 team. Her current sponsorship with Red-Hot Race Wear will likely be extended.

The release also said that the team hoped that it could promote the 106 car from part-time to full-time, but that it would be the ultimate call of the Elite Series officials. It is not known if current TM Master Cup driver Ryan Matthews would return to the car if it goes full-time, but if it does and he does not remain in the series he would likely continue in that car. Current Dash Cup driver Kellan Rogers or RROL driver Billy Ray Smith-Thompson would take the car over if Matthews does secure a Cup drive.

There is also the possibility that the team would leave Lenard for another manufacturer, with Xenos and Kivett being the likely destinations if Lenard does not re-up.

GLM looking to enter team full-time in 2013; team owner to remain driver

Great Lakes Motorsports owner, Jim More, announced today that he intends to put a petition in to run the #28 car full-time in 2013. More currently runs part-time in the car.

More also stated that if he does get approved to run full-time in 2013 that Mega Mart will not be the primary sponsor. Instead HP Engineparts will sponsor the car. Mega Mart will remain as an associate sponsor.

Jimmy Quinn to Elite Series?

ARLA Trucks driver Jimmy Quinn may be moved up to the Elite Series for the 2013 season. His families Steakhouse has gone chain, with multiple locations in the central U.S. Quinn's Steakhouse may buy-out Buddy Bud Racing, and become wholly owned by the Quinn family. Follow-up information reveals that the team will either use the Lenard Q9, or the Karl, Inc. Revolution.

First Robot in ARLA?

A top secret organization that has been linked to the government has stated that they have interest in putting a robot that they have built in the ARLA Elite Series. The organization said that they have had interest in auto racing to test their robots for some time now, and even entered their robot in an open wheel series that fell through shortly before the first race was sheduled to be run. The robot, called the D-O-T 300, has not yet any tests run on it in preporation for a stock car racing run.

(OOC: This was my entry from Ceej's F.A.I.L. minor league series that fell through and was forgotten. The whole name was Derp-O-Tron 300.)

Jared Warth to Run full time in 2013 with Graphite Max!?

Jared warth may be running full time in 2013 if Graphite Max gets enough funding, Graphite Max bought out the A.R.C Racing team earlier this year when ARC Helmets Fell through.
The Plan is to run Warth Full time and Luke Ackermann in a second car for the road course races. All of this is unconfirmed at the moment, but it is very possible as Graphite Max is Quickly Becoming a favorite soda of many.

Warth Will be running one more race this year unless another team partners with Graphite Max. He will race at Memphis later this year.

Bill Calhoun to run part time?
the ASCC rookie, Bill Calhoun, who shocked the world by winning the 2012 Texas 500, is looking to run part-time in ARLA in 2013. "i want to race more, and i really enjoy meeting new people and racing with them. i'd be glad with any offers."
Calhoun also plans to attempt the 2012 Rockford 200 with his own car.

Borland to the Pi car full time in 2013?

While currently sharing the Pi car with Vijay Pushanda, there has been whispers around the Math Motors garage that Phillip Borland could take full time possession of the Pi car for 2013. Zachary Zins, Borland's current teammate at A1 Racing, could not be reached for comment about him leaving A1, as he was too busy hiding in his bomb-shelter.

Olenick to ARLA in 2013?

Current ASCC rookie Joe Olenick is rumored to be looking for an ARLA ride in 2013. Olenick could not be reached for comment, but it is widely known that he does not want to be an owner-driver in ARLA.

Vijay Pushanda full time in 2013?

It looks like if Vijay Pushanda doesn't get a full time TM Master Cup Series ride with a competitive team, Pushanda might be in an ARLA car full time next year. Pushanda was not available to comment, however it is belived that Pushanda wants to clear himself as a pay driver.

Carcia-Aragon Motorsports looking for second ride

With Nikos Kastapolous starting to get his game on in the 728, the one off entry from the Mini Indy race, the 720 of Gavin DeGray, is looking for a part time or even a full time ride next season.

Dempsey to ARLA full time in 2013? Also, Lycoia slated to make their return to the series?

Jack Dempsey, who happens to be racing in the Japanese Tour for the Elite Series, will most likely go full time in 2013. The team is planning to allow him to keep his... rather controversial sponsor and drive the number 41. Kelly Splison is due to return to the series either full time or part time. This is given to if there are enough slots available for the full time drive. Splison, regardless of if she gets in, will drive the Nova Satellite Radio sponsored 410 or 041.

Reffett will most likely head elsewhere come 2013, or he will act as a reserve driver for either Dempsey or Splison if they both get in next year.

Lycoia Motors is hoping to return either as a engine supplier or a flat out chassis supplier. While the team would have the 'factory team' label, teams that wanted to go to Lycoia could use the chassis or engines without any issues... other than cost. A program for less funded teams to use Lycoia Engines is currently in the works, however their reliability would be considerably less than those engines that are higher priced.

Brinson Engineering plans full time single car effort

After a stellar and suprising debut season, Brinson Enterprises looks to pursue a full time slot in the ARLA Elite Series. Fancy Ass Pens will return as a primary sponsor for the #12 and has pledged increased support should the team pursue a full schedule. Rumors have it that Chester Benson's Guide to Parenting will also come on as a secondary sponsor. Also, Brinson plans to resign driver Trey Ashby for at least another season.

"We've been all but impressed with how things have come together" says Brinson. "The extra work put into preparing the cars in the preseason really paid dividends and the part time schedule allowed us to develop both equipment and more importantly, Trey's talent. Everything looks set for us to run a full schedule for 2013 and we are already getting things set in stone"

Big Mac Racing to Return in 2013

Big Mac Racing owner, Thomas Mac, has confirmed that his team and Makoto Yamada will return to the ARLA Elite Series in 2013. The team has made a lot of progress since their inception in late 2010. Yamada has improved his overall abilities at several different types of tracks too. The team is interested in starting up a second car for an unknown driver. Sponsorship is rumored to be present if the team would like to go in that direction.

Cranston to stay one more year in ARLA, MT Motorsports looking to get a second full-time ride for Jon Halks

MT Motorsports has announced that Lane Cranston will stay at least one more year in the ARLA Elite Series in 2013. The team is said to be in talks with Manchester, Tennessee-based Descend Local Credit Union for sponsorship.

Meanwhile, Jon Halks, who will race in the RROL this season, is also scheduled to move up, giving MT Motorsports two full-time teams in ARLA for 2013, if their application is granted. Halks made his ARLA debut in the Mini Indy 500, running up near the front early on, before failing to finish after being involved in numerous incidents.

Land Down Under to attempt to go for 2 cars?

Team driver and driver management runner Barton Sandy has been wanting a 2 car team for quite a while. Sandy said he would add a veteran to the 2nd ride, to provide stability to the team.

"It's too early right now to be talking about this" Sandy said.

Last Row Autosport will return, with what we have

Bobby Dollar Racing to go full time with new sponsor?

It has been announced that Bobby Dollar Racing, which ran the part time 098 Inglesby for Dale Hill this year, plans to run full time in the ARLA Elite Series next year pending approval. They also announced the signing of C4 Energy Drink as their new sponsor for 2013. This means that the team will likely field a #259 C4 Energy Drink Inglesby for next year,as the team also announced that they planned to change their number. Team owner and TM Lights driver Bobby Dollar said that "The whole team is looking forward to 2013 as hopefully we will get to run full time in the ARLA Elite Series. There is still a couple of details yet to decided but we should have the funding to compete and be as competitive as possible". The driver has yet to be confirmed but it is believed to be Walt Greenfield,who is currently 3rd in Arla Trucks points.

HotShot Racing to look for new driver and team owner

HotShot Racing have announced that they will be looking to find a new driver and new Team owner before the 2012 ARLA Season ends. Their original driver and team owner Barney Ward has had his competitor's license revoked after the Buffalo Downs race because the officials had had enough of seeing his reckless driving on the track. Ward then quit his role as Team owner due to infighting going on between and many other members of HotShot Racing. Their primary sponsor Thunderline Motors will be kept with the team as they were not involved in the incidents. The team has also said that they are relieved to see Ward leave ARLA and move on from these problems, as they said that they are looking at a possibility of being a better team and not having an underpowered car anymore.

Peter Irving-Gray to Buy Riggs Motorsports Assets?

Peter Irving-Gray Sports made a splash on its debut in the Mini-Indy 500, nearly winning with Mississippi police officer J.W. Lester. However, it appears that Peter Irving-Gray has a greater ambition -- purchase the assets to Riggs Motorsports.

If successful, Irving-Gray intends to run former U.S. Marine Harry S. Enola alongside J.W. Lester, with possibilities for a third car wide open. He reportedly has already requested #5O for the 2013 campaign.

"Not gonna say much other then I'd give Enola a ride just for the service he did for our country. He's a great man and I'd be honored to have him." Irving-Gray said when asked about Harry S. Enola.

Irving-Gray is well-known in Southern late models from Alabama to Florida, first as a driver, and then as a team owner. As a team owner, Irving-Gray says he prefers to give rides to veterans or men in uniform. His most successful driver to date is J.W. Lester, who recently claimed a track championship one week after winning the Mini-Indy 500.

Quiggles, Jr. Will Not Defend ARLA Title if He Wins It

A Fluffy Penguin Onionburger spokesthing confirmed that, if he wins the ARLA Elite Series title as a rookie, Ebenezer Quiggles, Jr. will not defend his championship. Reports are rampant that the Sealander has a TM Master Cup series deal already done for the 2013 season in a new team with mentor Marcos Leonard.

FPO may still run in the ARLA Elite Series with it's infamous #X/0 car, but the team's future in ARLA is not very clear.

Mitchell & Sons Plan to Run Two Cars in ARLA

The famed Mitchell & Sons Racing team plans to run a pair of cars in the 2013 ARLA Elite Series. After the MCMA boycott forced them to withdraw from the Round of Michigan, reports were rampant that Thomas Mitchell would; "never work with Saar again".

While they already have the #74 car running full-time, the team would also like to run a second car, which would have a revolving door of drivers.

Bobby Porteau will most likely be retained as the Mitchell & Sons seeks to re-enter the TM Master Cup Series for 2013.

GRI SCALING BACK TO THREE CARS, HAS A TOUGH DECISION TO MAKE

At the end of 2012, Gravity Racing, Inc. plans on selling one of its race teams, that being the #171 team, and for all intents and purposes, it looked like Rachel Rainsford was gonna be left without a ride.

But now, with the male drivers struggling a bit, and Rainsford reeling off three straight top 10s after having none before Mini-Indy, including a career best 4th place finish, She has put herself right back into contention for one of the GRI seats for 2013.

It has been confirmed that Isaac Lightener will return to the #7 car for next season, but Sub-Zero Energy will not return next season. However, Dublin Downs, which sponsors the 171 driven by Rainsford, has stated that they would like to move over to sponsor the #7 machine in 2013.

ZombieBusters.com will return to the #3 next year, due to Eric Jackson running in the top 10 points at the moment. Speaking of Jackson, it is unknown what his plans are for 2013, and GRI has stated that they would like to resign Jackson to the #3 car for 2013 if he is not given a Cup offer.

As for the flagship car of GRI, there have been rumors that Todd Wodarczyk might be in line for a TM Master Cup Series ride after scoring three victories in the ARLA Elite Series for GRI. The team has stated that they are considering resigning Wodarczyk, but if he gets an offer from a Cup team, they will not stop him from joining if that is his desire. Speaking of the #71, it's once again contract year for sponsor Grape Soup, and it is currently unknown if they will return as sponsor of the #71 team, which they have been since the 2009 season.

MRD Motorsports to Scale Back to Two Cars, Retaining De Pretto as Reserve Driver

MRD Motorsports confirmed that they will cut their ARLA operation down to two teams, a source within the organization said. It is currently unclear which two drivers would be retained, but smart money is on Joseph Howard staying, with the second car still unknown at this time. Rumors are that the 2nd car would become a part-time car with Tom Delgado driving it himself, but nothing is clear about Delgado's future in motorsport right now.

The only thing that's guaranteed is that Carlo De Pretto, who drove the #26 for a few races, will remain with the team as reserve driver. He has been told, however, that he may seek a full or part time ride with another team if he wishes.

Tyson Lautenschlager Worried About Ride

It's no secret Karl, Inc. is looking to be absorbed by an existing team and that worries driver Tyson Lautenschlager about his job security. Lautenschlager has been with the team since his second career start in his 2009 debut replacing injured driver James West. In 2010 he ran a part-time schedule before going full-time in 2011. In 2011, he contended for the win in Mosport before finishing 3rd.

"Yeah, I'm a bit worried that my job is in danger. I've been with Karl, Inc. pretty much since the beginning of my career and the fact that the team is wanting to be absorbed by an existing team scares me. I don't know if that team would just want to purchase equipment but that would be my assumption."

Lautenschlager's father is the owner of a one car team, Dangerous Dog Racing driven by Kalvin Oreiller so if he does lose his ride this could be a part of his backup plan. He said he is also willing to start looking for something in the TM Master Cup Series and is taking offers for any ride in either ARLA, TM Lights or the TM Master Cup Series.

Brazillian driver interested in Arla?

Brazillian driver Mauricio Xantos has stated in the press that he is interested in racing in America. The current 4th place points man in the Brazillian Motorsport Federation's Stock Car Series, has stated he wants to run in America in the ARLA Elite series. Xantos recently signed a deal with several Brazillian companies that allowed him to be sponsored by them no matter what series he races in. These companies include Nemoto do Brasil (Nemoto's Brazillian division) , EthoBrasil, and Jeha Automotive Industries. He has stated that he is interested if possible of running his own team and in more then all likeliness will be running Nemoto power.

Allie Riggs defecting from Riggs Motorsports?

Allie Riggs recently announced her desire to bring her truck team, Allie Riggs Racing, up to the ARLA Elite Series after an unsuccessful 2012 campaign has left her fuming.

"[The team] just can't get their shit together," said Riggs, who won 3 races last season, "so I'm starting my own gig when the year's finally over."

It is suspected that Riggs will also give her protege Stacie St. Martin a shot in the Elite Series, as St. Martin's family is providing a significant amount of money to Riggs' team. Riggs is also looking to secure additional funding with the help of boyfriend and TM Master Cup driver Chris Johaanes.

However, Riggs' decision has been met with skepticism from her older sister Leslie, who responded with "Are you kidding me? Allie doesn't know how lucky she is to have a ride in the first place. Let's see how long she lasts on her own."

Grape Soup to Cut Down on Team Sponsorships in Order to Headline an ARLA Event?

Throughout the last couple of years Grape Soup has been a primary sponsor on the Gravity Racing, Inc. #71 car and the Dangerous Dog Racing #672 car. Grape Soup has been happy with the performance of the #71 car but are looking to scale down on sponsorship so they can be a sponsor of an ARLA race next season.

Last Row Autosport to another manufacturer,

Last Row Autosport may or may not change manufacturers for 2013 after reliability woes have plagued the team all year.

Rossini Sport confirm request for entry in 2013
Italian owner/driver Alessandro Rossini has confirmed his request of entry for the 2013 ARLA Elite Series. Rossini, 21, who formerly drove in the Elite series from 2007 through to 2010, has confirmed he has made an application for a 2 car team to participate in the following year. Although no official press release it is believed Rossini will be hiring 2 young North American's, the first since Tyson Lautenschlager in 2009, who will bring large money toward the team.

Ike Durbin, Inc. to Expand to Two Cars?

While no details have been announced thus far, rumors are swirling that Ike Durbin, Inc. could expand to two cars. The team is renting out a second car during the Japanese races to Ryo Akuzaru, as well as running the one-offs with team owner Ike Durbin this year, and may look to move that team up, providing sponsorship is there.

Ashby with Brinson for 2013
Trey Ashby, the young ARLA driver has signed a contract resigning him with Brinson Engineering. "These guys have been great to me, I've had fun so far and we're so close to winning, I wanna get my first with these guys"

M&J and Riggs to merge?

In the midst of a disastrous 2012 campaign which has seen numerous crashes and blown engines for both teams, it is expected that M&J Racing and Riggs Motorsports will merge their operations next season, in an effort to cut their costs.

The only three drivers confirmed to both teams next season are Kevin Monroe, Taylor Brillon, and Leslie Riggs.

Prestige Motorsports to run Lycoia?
Reports have begun suggesting that if Lycoia indeed returns to the Elite Series in 2013, Prestige Motorsports may run equipment from said manufacturer. Team owner Carter Wesley neither confirmed nor denied these reports, but said that running Lycoias "is highly feasible".

"We do have enough funding from sponsorship that purchasing new chassis and engines from Lycoia would be possible; on the other hand, as a new team I feel it may be best to run an existing program. Moving forward to the beginning of the season, we will evaluate all our options and choose what we feel will be in our team and drivers' best interests."

In addition to Lycoia, reports also name Inglesby, which is supplying cars for the team for the one-off races this season, and Saar as possible manufacturers for the team, pending its approval to run in 2013.

Leckliter Racing finalizes drivers for 2013
It has been confirmed that the 10L Scrubbles Cleaning Products/Atten-HUT Military Surplus Lenard Q9 will be driven by Daniel Leckliter and Lucas Flint. Leckliter will run all ovals in North America, and Lucas Flint will run the Road Courses in North America, they will not race any overseas races. Leckliter will carry the Scrubbles sponsor and Lucas Flint will carry the Atten-HUT sponsor. Leckliter is also doing his Independents Trophy Campaign for next year.

Scrubbles to be backed my famous pitchman?
Rumor is the Scrubbles Cleaning Products sponsor will be backed my famous pitchman William Vincent, who heavily endorses the product on infomercials. he has reportedly has some money to help back the Scrubbles Cleaning Products sponsor that Daniel Leckliter is running in ARLA in 2013.

Daniel Foray to apply for a ride with Xenos in 2013?

Foray, a native of Saskatoon Saskatchewan, is rumored to apply for a possible opening with Xenos come 2013. He decided to jump ship from the now questionable series of the RROL. Foray noted while he enjoyed the support from the team, he wanted to drive for a more local manufacturer.

He applied shortly after hearing that Jason Teller's ride could be in jeopardy due to his constant... inconsistency behind the wheel.

It is unknown if Xenos or ARLA officials will accept his application to enter as a rookie, or to even participate at all. Foray was a driver in the Maple Leaf Racing League, he tended to run mid-field but scored well at tracks like Mosport and Quebec. So far he has attempted to enter the 2011 round of Decatur for the TMMC with his own team, he failed to even pre-qualify due to a lack of speed. He hopes that if the spot does come open, he can enhance the skills he already possesses.

"Rumors have been flying around that an old face is back. It's true. I'm back. I'm looking to return to racing either here or in TMMC. I would like to restore my JINX Racing back to it's former glory of track racing instead of what I've been doing lately. I'm finally medically cleared to go stock car racing again and I still have enough money to field at least one car in every division. Big inheritance will do that for you. I've made a petition to ARLA officials to let me rejoin with a car or two and am also looking to join at least one other division. Obviously my goal being TMMC. I've made some friends in my absence that may prove to be of some use to ARLA and the TMMC governing body. I'll be speaking with them personally. In the mean time, If my entry or entries are rejected I will be looking for a ride for a full time 2013 ride either here or TMMC as I bring sponsors with me. If signed, I can start as early as Next race."

-Joel "JINX" Rodriguez - Owner of JINX School of Racing and Drafting & JINX Racing

Jared Warth to drive a different manufacturer in 2013?

Rumors are starting to flow around what is going to happen with Jared Warth for the 2013 season, Possible manufacturer change?
@JaredWarth08 What manufacturer will you run in 2013? Response: JaredWarth08: Details will be coming soon, a new chassis is not out of the question.

Webster Looking to Start Back in ARLA in 2013

After funds for 2012 fell through and are being built back as we speak, Webster looks to return with his own team hopefully full time for 2013.

"We'll certainly take any options we can get. We were given a full-time schedule for 2012, but funds fell through at the last minute."

Webster will still have SuperCharged Energy and DiG Aero, plus the new addition of DOITZACK.com.

"There's kind of a story behind DOITZACK.com... But not really... It's pretty much a sponsor that was kinda made up on the spot at a chatbox with friends of mine. It does come from the same guys where DiG Aero was created."

Webster will explore his 2012 options. He doesn't expect to make any races other than Rockford, but will accept any races that he could get before Rockford.

Webster also hopes he still has the number 95 with him, as it was his car number for the start of 2012 before funds fell through. He is willing to pick 095 back up if 95 is unavailable.

Schwarzloski announces new team

Second-year driver Edwin Schwarzloski announced before Sarabai 300 practice that he would be leaving M&J Racing to form his own team, called Racers With Disabilities.

Schwarzloski intends to use the team to, as the name suggests, promote drivers affected by various disabilities.

Said Schwarzloski, who is himself an amputee, "There are probably a lot of great drivers out there who aren't getting the opportunities they deserve because car owners are afraid that their handicaps would impair their ability to drive. I aim to prove them wrong."

Schwarzloski is reportedly close to signing Kiriki Hetsuno, who was born blind in her right eye, and Laura Cyrus, who suffers from autism. This is already starting to appear very questionable to some people, as Hetsuno and Cyrus have already established themselves on the ARLA circuit; based on his words, it was expected that Schwarzloski would sign rookie drivers instead.

Donald Winter to support Racers with Disabilities

Donald Winter, former ARLA Elite series driver who was involved in a wreck at Talladega in 1989 which left him paralyzed from the waist down, supports Edwin Schwarzloski's new team.

"I may not be a racer anymore, but I'm amazed by the drivers who have disabilities and it's not let them down a bit, and I support this team to the fullest extent because of it."

GLM to bring Griffin back to ARLA?

A local newspaper out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, reportedly has confirmed that Ryan Griffin, one of GLM's current TM Lights drivers, may be leaving that series to return to ARLA. Griffin ran a part-time schedule in 2011 and attempted to qualify for the Mini Indy 500 but a mechanical issue caused him to miss the show.

The report also claims that the team would use the #28 which is currently being run by More and that the team has lined up sponsorship, which would be split between the two, from Mega Mart and HP Engineparts.

Supercharged energy buys out Graphite Max soda. Forms 2013 plans.

The energy drink company supercharged energy has bought out graphite max to form a Franchise company, the plan for 2013 is to have Jared Warth and Zack Webster on the 'SuperCharged Max Racing' team full time with Supercharged energy sponsoring Webster and Graphite Max sponsoring Warth. No manufacturer is currently involved with this team yet but we are expected to learn more in the coming months.

Prestige Motorsports Signs Deal With American Nut and Legume Board
Prestige Motorsports announced today that they have signed a sponsorship deal with the Sonoma, California based American Nut and Legume Board. The group's "America's Nuts!" marketing campaign will be featured prominently on Richard Scott's #027 Inglesby when he attempts to qualify for the ARLA Elite Series Rockford 200 later this year. The group is also planning on sponsoring the team's potential 2013 campaign, as well as serving as an associate sponsor for the team's Street Stocks cars.
"We're proud to join forces with Prestige Motorsports in increasing awareness for the many benefits and uses of nuts and legumes", a spokesperson for the group said. "Everyone with the team that we've met has been hard-working and dedicated and we're excited to join them as a partner, and we're certain this partnership will be highly beneficial for both organizations".

New Owner found for HotShot Racing

HotShot Racing have found a brand new owner. South Carolina Businessman Kenneth Drake, a local businessman who does have some history in Motorsport, has taken over the role of Owner for the team. This is also the Second team OWner HotShot Racing has had since their previous driver and owner Barney Ward left the team after the Buffalo Downs race.

It's Official: GLM to bring Griffin back to ARLA

A day after a report surfaced suggesting that TM Lights driver, Ryan Griffin, would be moved by his race team, Great Lakes Motorsports, back to ARLA; a press release by GLM's Jim More confirmed that report.

"The rumors that have been going around for the last day and a half are true. We have decided to move Ryan [Griffin] back to ARLA for 2013. Our hope is to have a full time entry, but if not we will go part-time. It was originally stated that we were going to run next season with myself as the driver, but given recent events we have decided this was the best option. Mega Mart will remain with the team and we hope to retain the #28. HP Engineparts will come on our 2nd major sponsor."

While this story now confirmed, a couple of members of the racing media now believe that Formula Overdrive driver, Sulinder Pushanda, will take over Griffin's Lights ride in 2013. That has yet to be confirmed.

First Venezuelan driver in ARLA?

Venezuelan journeyman driver Mariano Zavala has recently expressed an interest in breaking into American motorsports, and believes that a good start for him would be the ARLA Elite Series.

Zavala, 29, carries significant backing from Bolivarian National Petroleum, the Venezuelan state-owned oil company. Zavala's interest in ARLA may also prompt BNP to break into the ongoing "fuel war" currently waged by Spirit Gasoline and Orphanol Racing Fuels.

However, the possibility of Zavala entering ARLA has been met with skepticism by some people in the series. Kiriki Hetsuno said of Zavala, "I had the-- displeasure of racing in the Nippon Open Wheel Tour with Mariano. He, as you could say, tore a lot of shit up."

Zavala competed in the Japanese-based Nippon Open Wheel Tour in 2007, where he only scored 2 points in the whole season. He has also driven in a number of other open wheel series in his career, with similar success.

Ceej wrote:First Venezuelan driver in ARLA?

Venezuelan journeyman driver Mariano Zavala has recently expressed an interest in breaking into American motorsports, and believes that a good start for him would be the ARLA Elite Series.

Zavala, 29, carries significant backing from Bolivarian National Petroleum, the Venezuelan state-owned oil company. Zavala's interest in ARLA may also prompt BNP to break into the ongoing "fuel war" currently waged by Spirit Gasoline and Orphanol Racing Fuels.

However, the possibility of Zavala entering ARLA has been met with skepticism by some people in the series. Kiriki Hetsuno said of Zavala, "I had the-- displeasure of racing in the Nippon Open Wheel Tour with Mariano. He, as you could say, tore a lot of shit up."

Zavala competed in the Japanese-based Nippon Open Wheel Tour in 2007, where he only scored 2 points in the whole season. He has also driven in a number of other open wheel series in his career, with similar success.

He seems like a cross between Pastor Maldonado and EJ Viso.

And Milka Duno.

RyanB06 wrote:And Milka Duno.

And Alex Popow.