2016 Silly Season Thread

Seeing as half the Twitter thread seems to be Dash Cup speculation and stuff, I figured I'd post this now.

I have a LOT of stuff to post, but I'm going to hold out for a little while.

Meanwhile, feel free to go wild! Feel free to post complete truths or complete lies!

Tom Delgado Racing Looking for Full Time Return in 2016

There are reports that 2013 FARC Elite Series owners champion Tom Delgado is looking to bring Tom Delgado Racing back into the Dash Cup Super Touring Series full time for the 2016 season. It is believed that Delgado will look to one of his Aspira Juniors drivers, Amanda Torres, for one of potentially two full time spots. The other, if there is another available for him, would go to an established driver. Delgado himself is out of the running for any spot as he is retiring at the end of 2015 due to debilitating injuries.

Autosport France applying for 2016 grid spot.

After APRS experience and running Dash Cup Oval Stocks in 2015, the French team is entering their papers for a 2016 run in the Super Series.

Jean Cormier (AF's CEO) : We want to bring a competitive race team based in France for french Dash Cup fans that have been waiting so long for. We want to take Dash Cup by the horns. It's all in for us.

Autosport France wants to bring 3 drivers to the Super Series. Rumored is Pascal Vallee, who ran APRS and Oval Stocks, and Suzette Doiron is also rumored to be in the paddock. Rumors circling that they are looking for a #1 driver. Either Barney Ward, Gisele Vignon or Luc Pellerin is being looked at.

Patrick Brodeur and Yvon Blanchard would remain in the Oval Stocks.

Pellerin moving to Dash Cup, will announce team soon.

The 20 year-old Acadian, will move Dash Cup in 2016, after several years in FARC competiton. The truck and super series veteran has gotten several offers from the new Ben Atkins race team, the all new Gabe Macena team, Autosport France and several others.

Pellerin : My career needed a spark and I honestly think Dash Cup is where I need that make or break attitude. FARC has been fun, but all good things must come to an end. My sis also running APRS, which sometimes runs with Dash Cup, kinda helps, I want to race her sometimes. *laughes*

D&S Automotive Leaving Dash Cup
As was previously reported in prior weeks, D&S Automotive will be selling all Dash Cup equipment following the Spa GP, turning their focus to other series. The sale will include equipment currently leased to Triple Crown Enterprises.

Kosta Theodorakos is not expected to return to the series, while Jennifer Goodwin's 2016 plans are unknown.

Gabriel Macena moving to Dash Cup in 2016

As recent rumours were pointing out, former Brazilian Stock Car Champion Gabriel Macena will be heading to Dash Cup, but his exact plans are unknown, as sources say that he will form his own team, or will buy out an already existing team.

Other sources point out that he could bring sponsorship to a team and essentially buy his spot on the séries.

Hannagan Enterprises to drop Verity Logan at the end of 2015

As it was previously reported, even after an upset victory at Italy, Verity Logan will not return to Hannagan Enterprises, and the most likely reasons for it are Stasya Filipov and Giséle Vignon, currently unhappy with their currently teams, may end up returning to the team where their breakout started.

This information is to be confirmed by both Hannagan Enterprises and drivers.

Tanya Carter dropped from family team in favour of Louis Walters and Brianna McDonough

A shock announcement came from Carter STS Racing for the 2016 season when it was announced that Tanya Carter, the daughter of team owner Garry Carter, was not part of their plans in 2016 as they choose to give Brianna McDonough and Louis Walters full time rides after their consistent and impressive showings in both the Dash Cup and the EuroV8 series. The team were expected to expand after the 2016 season to keep all three drivers in a ride in favour of dropping Tommi Arjanien, but this was not the case.

There are rumours that Carter may be picked up by the newly formed STS ATK Racing. Carter formerly drove for the factory STS team, where she finished second in points in 2013 after losing the championship in the last race of the season. Carter took three wins for the factory team in 2014 as well, where she finished 7th in points, however Carter currently sits outside the top 25 in points, and her best finish so far this season is a 6th in the season opener at Toddring. Walters and McDonough, in comparison, have been regular competitors for top 5's and 10's all season.

"It's definitely disappointing that it's come to this but I'm not shocked" said Tanya Carter, "Brianna and Louis have been the better drivers all year. They've adapted better to the Touring Cars while I've struggled. It doesn't really help that STS haven't been good in general with the adaptation. I'm sure they'll improve by the time 2016 rolls around, but this season hasn't been fun for us."

Carter STS Racing will roll around into France with their two main cars, piloted by Carter and débutante Matt Contey, who will come in for the team as a one-off for the French Grand Prix after Tommi Arjanien was let go around the Italian Grand Prix.

Naomi Alnako looking for an Oval Stock ride, possibly with own team?

Naomi Alnako, the 21 year old former APRS race winner, because her contract with TurboSports expires at the end of the 2015 season, is looking for a Dash Cup ride. Even though she got her start from Motorcycle touring in Japan, no team there would hire her out of skepticism that the US-based, Oval oriented series has softened her up to the Road Course oriented series' of Japan. Because of this, she decided to own the hate of her countrymen and wants to join the Dash Cup Oval Stocks.

Arabian Star Autosport to go part time in 2016?

The Middle Eastern team has announced that they will run part time next year in Dash Cup. The team, which is entered in this years Spa GP and is rumored to also run both cars at Dubai later on in the season. Both drivers from both races this year will run next year.

There is also a rumor going around in the paddock saying that ASA is talking to the series about having a larger Middle Eastern Schedule, however there is nothing to support this.

Oval Stocks to drop oval-only status in 2016

The Oval Stocks series will be rebranded into the Stock series for the 2016 season after the Oval Stocks series has had complaints of being "too dangerous". This comes in light of Ebony Phillips' accident in March at the Rockingham Motor Speedway, where Phillips lost her life after hitting the catchfence in the second turn. Carl Astor also had a giant crash at Toddring where his suspension failed, sending him into a scary set of rolls.

No races have been confirmed for the 2016 season.

Dash Cup Officials expect to announce nearly unchanged schedule for 2016 Super Touring season

For the first time since the series inception, Dash Cup officials are expected to keep the majority of the events for the 2016 season after a seemingly successful first half of the season. One race in the United Kingdom tour could make way for Donington Park, and the American rounds could be shuffled, with tracks such as Decatur Raceway, Laguna Seca and Belle Isle possibly coming into the foray for the 2016 season. There are also rumours that the schedule could be extended in order to gain a wider audience in the Middle East, as new team Arabian Star Motorsports may have been talking to the series officials about extending the Middle Eastern schedule.

STS ATK Racing announce three drivers in their line-up

Ben Atkins and Kassidy Evans, owners of the new STS ATK outfit set to make the grid in 2016 announced their first three drivers in their line-up for the season, bringing in former Spa GP and TM Master Cup Exhibition race winner Jacob Eichholtz, current ATK driver Cassandra Collins and Aspira Juniors and Oval Stocks driver Matilda Dillinger. Ben Atkins will also be doing two rounds in a fifth car for the team, driving at Spa and Oulton Park in 2016.

"It's exciting being able to secure such a strong line-up of drivers." said Atkins "I know Matilda was wanted by a lot of teams so it's an honour that she put her faith into a new team. Cassie and Jacob are also fantastic signings for the team. I'm very optimistic for what the 2016 season holds. We have a strong line up and with another driver to add, it can only get stronger from here."

Atkins announced that the teams numbers will be #5, #6, #7, #06 and #07, with Collins in the 5, Eichholtz in the 6, Dillinger in the #06 and Atkins in the #07 for two rounds, with potentially another driver piloting the car for another three rounds.

It is rumoured that Atkins could be looking to lure Vincenzo Fochesato away from his current ride at FIAM Engineering to drive for the new team, but with Atkins' wife, Hannah Percy, potentially being a free agent at the end of the season, and with Kassidy Evans' interest in drivers like Tanya Carter, who will be a free agent, Marina Pratt and Joey Clagett, current STS Racing Inc driver, it is currently unknown who's name will be in the numberbox of the fourth car.

FIAM planning for 2016
Italian manufacturer FIAM is entering their 3rd year in 2016 in the Dash Cup, and are still yet to have made a major impression in the series despite two wins in their debut season with Giuseppe Marchetti and Franco Giovanardi and several impressive performances for Dash Cup debutant Vincenzo Fochesato in 2015.

From 2016 onwards, FIAM will launch a new model to be run in the EuroV8 Cup and the Dash Cup with their FIAM Alpha model set to be modified to touring car regulations by the end of the 2015. The FIAM AlphaTC model is expected to be more competitive than the FIAM CinqueTC model currently used by the FIAM Engineering team and the Simonet Sport team.

FIAM are also readying their 2016 line-up, and are expected to field 3 full time cars next season while also hope to run a 4th part-time car for one of their several Young Drivers' Academy drivers. The drivers are still yet to be confirmed, although FIAM boss Francois Boullion has stated that he 'hopes Vincenzo Fochesato and Mireille Allain will continue with us for the foreseeable future'.

When asked on his opinion on Vincenzo Fochesato's potential move to the STS ATK team, Boullion further commented that 'while our plans are to keep him within the team, we respect Vincenzo's decision.'

Giuseppe Marchetti not searching for a new team, 'new teams will search for me'
The controversial Italian Giuseppe Marchetti, who was recently released by his long time team FIAM due to behavioural issues, has stated that he will not be 'in search of any teams' for the 2016 season, instead expecting that 'every team will be searching for me instead'.

'I have a potential contract already in place in the EuroV8 Cup, but that is not where I deserve to be. When one of the many Dash Cup teams decide to man-up and finally sign me, the highest rated driver in Europe, I am all ears. I don't understand why they should be so pussy and wait this long.'

Marchetti, who took a win en-route to a top 20 finish in the points last season, struggled for most of 2015 and failed to establish his place as the senior driver against both his rookie team-mates Vincenzo Fochesato and Mireille Allain.

Lycoia International Motorsports Enterprises will return for 2016.

The team hope to return to the field in 2016, their sponsors are slated to return as well. They have applied to retain their original numbers from the previous season. Their current lineup will remain and Michael Dougly will become the team's safety chief of operations.

Moretti GP to be bought by Gabriel Macena. "Two car operation at least".

After a long search, Gabriel Macena has announced which team he will acquire in order to join Dash Cup. This team is Moretti GP, which has been struggling for most of the last two seasons, especially in 2015.

The team is rumored to be named Gabriel Macena Racing as the former Brazilian Stock Car racing champion will partially fund the team out of his own pocket, with help from a big list of sponsors.

Macena himself will drive the main car of the team, numbered #13. Gabriel confirmed that the team will field two cars, but if the second car will be full-time is unknown. A third, possibly full-time car has also been rumored.

A potential driver list has been leaked, featuring names like Luc Pellerin and Ross Carter, who both drove for Gabriel Macena in the FARC Elite Series in 2015, free agent Tanya Carter, Grant Macintosh, Israel Bruce, David Salvodelli, Tristan Kristoph, among others.

Hannagan Enterprises having several changes in 2016

It was recently announced that Giséle Vignon and Stasya Filipov could be returning to Hannagan Enterprises. Altough this was confirmed, another thing was confirmed. The Patrick O'Hannagan owned team will return to a part-time outfit, which gave them two victories in 2014, at Russia and New York. Also, the japanese manufacturer Kanako will be dropping the support for the team, which will force Hannagan Enterprises to use the 2015 Kanako M8's.

Allain "hopeful" for 2016 FIAM return
In a Tweet dated today, rookie driver Mireille Allain said she was looking forward to a sophomore season at FIAM Engineering - if they wanted her back.

"I'm hopeful for 2016," she said. "Fingers crossed!"

As FIAM boss Francois Boullion has also expressed hopes in Allain's return, it appears the Frenchwoman has little to worry about.

Fochesato Rumored to be Sought as Driver for STS ATK Racing
14 May 2015

The silly season for the 2016 Dash Cup Pirelli Super Touring Series season is in full swing early, as tentative driver lineups for several teams have been confirmed in recent weeks. Current FIAM Engineering driver Vincenzo Fochesato has been reported as one of the several names that the new STS ATK Racing operation is interested in hiring to drive one of their cars. The operation that will be formed from the soon-to-be-merged teams of STS Racing, Inc. and ATK Race Team has already announced drivers for two of its three full-time entries, with the seat for car #7 still being vacated. Hannah Percy and Tanya Carter are among the other names being suggested as candidates for the ride aside from Fochesato.

Fochesato has scored several top 20 finishes with FIAM Engineering in the first eight rounds of the season, with a best finish of 5th in Race 2 of the Oulton Park GP. Although this is his first year of racing as a full-time FIAM driver, he has had affiliation with the team since 2013 when he attempted to qualify for the Karjala Grand Prix in their #115 Omecha. Francois Boullion has stated that the organization is hoping to retain Fochesato for the forseeable future, but also that the team will respect his decision, wherever he may choose to go.

However, there has been very little comment from Fochesato, himself, regarding potential offers for the 2016 season. The Italian has remained quiet on the subject, answering a press conference questioning of his considerations for his potential offers by saying, "At this point, I don't believe that I am prepared to make a decision, and I have really don't want to create any speculation as to where I'll be racing next year. I'll be thinking about it a lot in the months to come, but I also want to remain focused on the present. I'm really enjoying the 2015 season thus far, and couldn't be happier with where I am!"

Fochesato would also add in a later statement, "FIAM Engineering is one of the most well-run and dedicated teams in any series that they race, and Ben Atkins is one of the smartest men in motorsports with an amazing ability to run his race teams at their best. It's an honor to be considered by two organizations such as theirs. It would be a privilege for anyone to drive for either one."

Ren-Ran Autosport hopes to return to the full-time grid; could receive help

After running a part-time schedule in the Super Touring series in 2015, Ren-Ran Autosport hope to return to the full-time roster in 2016, and according to reports, could receive help from a foreign investor to do it.  The team's, which is co-owned by Hans Rennfahrer and Miko Rantanen, only full-time season was in 2013 where Rantanen won in the team's debut at Norisring.  However, the team accomplished very little afterwards and finished 40th in the final point standings.  The team planned to run a limited schedule in 2014, but other than a failed attempt at the Spa GP, did not attempt any other races until they returned for a part-time run in 2015.

"All I'll say is that is that we want to be ready this time.  We weren't prepared enough in 2013 and we are taking the necessary step to be competitive as possible." Rennfahrer stated about the possibility of someone buying into the team.

Some are saying that these reports are connected to the fact that the team hired Frank Azure, owner of the American based FAC Motorsports, to run this year's Spa GP in one of their cars.  Rennfahrer did not comment on the possibility.  Azure is currently on his way to Europe to help the team prepare for Spa.

Kody Gleason Announces Departure From BHR After 2015 Season; Rumored to be Going to Dash Cup

Despite Bullhorn Racing's illustrious history in the motor racing world, they've fallen on hard times recently -- though they frequent major motor racing events around the globe, the financial cost has taken a toll on the team's expenses, causing them to under-perform due to sub-par equipment. Now, the team has taken another massive blow: The pride of their stable, Kody Gleason, has announced he will be leaving the race team at the end of the 2015 season in a BHR press conference issued in early August.

"It pains me to leave these guys whom I've known for so long," said Gleason. "I admit, it's probably my fault that this team is almost broke. But I've decided that I want to experience more than what this team has provided for me in the last few seasons."

The team's general manager William Branson issued a statement following Gleason's comments. "Though we are saddened by Gleason's departure, we will continue to support him in his racing endeavors in the future."

This announcement was not unexpected: Though the team did attempt to run the full season of the American Stock Car Championship in 2015, poor funding and under-performance caused the team to withdraw midway through the season. Gleason has confirmed he would not attempt to run ASCC full-time in 2016.

However, Gleason had previously expressed interest in running other international leagues in April, namely TM Lights. In late July, he was reportedly seen talking to Dash Cup owners. When asked about these rumors, Gleason denied comment.
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tl;dr - Gleason's a free agent. someonehirehimplskthx.

At the rate ASCC is progressing, I'm assuming 2015 is just going to be mention-only now, like 2014 was? I mean I haven't seen or heard anything regarding that league for quite some time...

Naomi Alnako to go up to Super Touring, Possible deal with Hannagan?

After the surprising statement that Verity Logan is retiring after 2015, APRS race winner Naomi Alnako was rumored to be going through negotiations with Hannagan Enterprises for a ride in the Super Touring Series for 2016. Alnako is well known for an actually good pay driver for once with significant backing from Nintendo. Alnako or anyone at Hannagan Enterprises has commented.

De Bock unsure of future

Belgian Dash Cup driver Thomas De Bock, who is currently enjoying his best season out of three years in Dash Cup, has stated that his future in the series is uncertain. "I haven't received news relating to where I will be driving next season, and certainly nothing from the team. I'm weighing up my options at the moment."

De Bock won his first Dash Cup race at the Toddring early this year.

FIAM DeltaTC officially unveiled
FIAM Engineering's new touring car, the FIAM DeltaTC, was unveiled to the public at a recent demonstration through the streets of Como. The DeltaTC, based on the family sedan of the same name, will contest the 2016 Dash Cup and EuroV8 Cup with exclusivity to the FIAM works team FIAM Engineering, run by Italian Touring Car champions Euroteam, with the old FIAM CinqueTC model available for customers. The car will make it's track debut in the Asian EuroV8 Cup spin off series, the AsiaV8 Cup, at the hands of Franco Giovanardi and Malaysian Richard Faiz at Shanghai in November.

FIAM have equally moved closer to confirming their 2016 driver line-up with EuroV8 Cup front-runner Franco Giovanardi set to be named in the team's primary number 15 car with sponsorship arriving from Inno Galeria, whilst current Dash Cup driver Mireille Allain seems set to re-take her position in the teams number 14 car which should see a return in it's current Pagine Gialle form. No comment has been made on the third car as of yet, but Francois Boullion has hinted they're pushing for a return of their current number 1 driver Vincenzo Fochesato, who was labelled a "necessity for any team" by the Frenchman.

(OOC: Ben and I have discussed this move for a little while now. I just hadn't had the creative juices to actually write something up.)

It's official: Matthews purchases Atlantic
The biggest news of Silly Season so far just got bigger.

When former TM Master Cup driver and 2014 FARC Elite Series driver's champion Ryan Matthews announced his intentions to compete in Dash Cup in 2016, the biggest question was where.

Prior to opening practice for the Spa GP, Matthews answered that question, as he announced a deal in which his organization would essentially merge with Atlantic Motorsports effective January 1. The new organization, to be called Matthews Atlantic Motorsports, will operate out of the Atlantic shops in the United Kingdom.

"I'm thrilled to get this deal done," Matthews said. "I've been thinking about this move for a couple years now. I'd have done it last season had I not won the FARC title. But since I did, I felt obligated to run there another year to defend.

"But now just seems like the right time," he added. "And we're going to do it big."

To further that point: he announced his first two signings - current Atlantic driver Kellan Rogers-Ashby, and defending Dash Cup driver's champion Hannah Percy. Percy, who drives for Kwik Fit this season, was Rogers-Ashby's teammate at Atlantic in 2014. The pair finished 1-2 in the final points standings that season.

"I'm thrilled to be reunited with Hannah," Rogers-Ashby said. "We did great things as teammates in past seasons, and I also count her as one of my closest friends. I'm glad she's back with us."

Matthews did not say how many cars the new team would be allotted on the grid, though he said he hopes to "have as many as ATK," meaning four full-time entries and a part-time slot. With Rogers-Ashby and Percy under contract, and with Matthews and new bride Carter Fitzgerald slated to split a third car, it means that the last full-time spot is seemingly up for grabs.

Delgado Using Spa GP as Scouting Mission for 2016

There were a lot of raised eyebrows when Tom Delgado landed in Belgium for the Spa GP. He isn't there to compete, citing fatigue as the reason why the #83 Defender Muffler Systems Lycoia isn't on-track. Instead, he's there to scout drivers who are looking for a spot in 2016.

"If I had the energy to race, I'd be out there showing these kids why I'm the most versatile driver in racing history. As it is though, my job this week is to see if there's anyone out there who could provide quality to our 2016 plans" Delgado said. Rumors were that Delgado was looking for a TDR reunion with Verity Logan, but those rumors were killed when Logan announced she would retire at the end of the year. Delgado, 40, also plans on retiring at the end of the year due to a debilitating back injury.

When asked about reigning FARC Elite Series champion Ryan Matthews acquiring Atlantic Motorsports for a hefty sum, Delgado admitted that the temptation was there to make a serious bid. "There was interest from our end, but in the end I suppose Ryan (Matthews) has deeper pockets than I do nowadays" Delgado said half-heartedly.

Jack Golden team to expand to three cars, purchases All For One
The 2016 grid is shaping up to be one of the most interesting yet, with the ATK Race Team becoming a 5-car STS operation, Ryan Matthews buying Atlantic Motorsports, Gabriel Macena's new team joining the series and now Jack Golden expanding to three full-time cars after buying out All For One Racing.

The deal occurred after the latest round of the Super Touring series in France, All For One Racing's home race.
For 2016, the newly christened Jack Golden Enterprises will run three Lycoia Impulses alongside a part-time All For One satellite entry driven by Percy Pimpernel.

No drivers were mentioned alongside the announcement, but JGE are certainly spoiled for choice and with many drivers yet to confirm their 2016 plans, the three seats are expected to be hotly contested.

Giuseppe Marchetti looking to return to track with Imola Racing Team
Former FIAM Engineering driver Giuseppe Marchetti has set eyes on a return to the Dash Cup with Italian Touring Car team, Imola Racing Team. Marchetti, a former race winner of the series, was the lead driver at the works FIAM team before a series of public outbursts and misdemeanour's left Marchetti replaced by EuroV8 Cup front-runner JM Perreault at the Round of Italy.

With seemingly no team willing to pick the Italian up for the rest of 2015, Marchetti joined IRT in the Italian Touring Car series where he has so far taken 2 podiums in his 6 starts. The Italian has supposedly pushed Imola Racing Team to make a move to the Dash Cup and have granted his request with a submitted request for entry to the 2016 season.

Imola Racing Team, who currently sit second in the Italian Touring Car series in a FIAM CinqueTC, have set eyes on running one of the year old FIAM CinqueTC's under sponsorship from Eni.

Tanya Carter, Stasya Filipov and Gisèle Vignon confirmed going to Hannagan Enterprises. Team debuting a new car.

Shortly before the Spa Grand Prix it was confirmed that Stasya Filipov, Gisèle Vignon and Tanya Carter will be moving to Hannagan Enterprises for 2016. It was also announced that Oval Stocks drivers Filippa D'Ambosio, Mauro Vilar and Harriet Branagh will not return to the team.

Tanya Carter will drive the team's flagship #50 full-time on the place of retiring Verity Logan. Gisèle Vignon will be on #55 after struggling on the Moretti GP cars, while Stasya Filipov heads to the #05, where she won her only Dash Cup race to date at Russia.

The team will also feature the debut of Irish manufacturer Callaghan in racing. The manufacturer was founded in 2014 and in 2016 will enter auto racing for the first time, with the Eridanus, a purpose-built Dash Cup car.

Sponsorhip was not confirmed at the current time.

Tiefenbach Racing Not Returning to Dash Cup Stock Series in 2016

Tiefenbach Racing is currently in its first season in Dash Cup, fielding two SMC Braun's in the Oval Stock Series; the #11 of Kade Kroft and the #41 of Christopher Mertin. Shortly after the series payed its second visit of the season to the Toddring, owner Kerstin Tiefenbach announced that Eurospeedway will be the team's final appearance in Dash Cup.

Neither Kroft nor Mertin have had success in most of the races thus far, being greatly outpaced by the Super Touring powerhouse teams and drivers. Both drivers have also been caught up in a multitude of accidents throughout the year. Seven rounds into the ten-round season, they are both far down the order in the points standings.

"I think that we have wasted our season here in the Oval Stocks" said Tiefenbach in a press conference. "We will still race for our sponsors in the next two months as we promised and will do our best, but Tiefenbach Racing will not come back next year. We expected that Dash Cup would be the best organization to run a European oval series, but we have been very disappointed. It's understandable that the bigger teams have more speed, but there have been so many crashes that are very easy to avoid. Too many cars are destroyed and too many people have been hurt. Very little is changing; there are still many pointless crashes race after race."

Tiefenbach did not clarify as to whether the team will be racing somewhere else in 2016 or if it will be closing its doors. Next year's plans for Kroft and Mertin are also uncertain. All that is known is that the German team won't be back in any of the Dash Cup championships next year.

"The races have been dangerous and very uncompetitive. The costs are not worth it."

Jack Golden Enterprises still searching for third driver
After already signing Jennifer Goodwin and Natalie Kendall to his expanded 3-car operation in the same week, team owner Jack Golden is still looking for a name driver to fill his third seat, the #7 Lycoia. It is understood that offers were made to Vincenzo Fochesato and Luc Pellerin but both have declined. Fochesato is heavily rumoured to be joining the new STS ATK team and Pellerin later joined Gabriel Macena Racing on a part-time basis.

So where does this leave JGE? Musings from within the team this week suggest that Golden is now seeking out Thomas De Bock and Tomas Prochazka to gauge their interest. However, Dash Cup pundits think that this course of action won't yield results and say that Golden might have to look outside the series. Whatever happens, it certainly will be interesting to see who eventually ends up in the seat come 2016.

(OOC: Basically, if your driver wants the seat I'm open to offers)

Durbin Searching for Dash Cup Seat in 2016

Veteran TM Lights driver Ike Durbin is looking at finding a full time seat in Dash Cup's Super Touring division for 2016 -- TheMotorZone reports.

Durbin, who has competed as a full-time TM Lights driver since 2012 and as an Independent in the TM Master Cup Series since 2013, has had Dash Cup affiliation in the past, sponsoring and co-owning a Dash Cup team from 2012-2013, with drivers such as Matthias McMair and current Dash Cup Oval Stocks driver and 2014 ELMC champion Christian McMillan, the latter of whom scored the team's only Dash Cup victory at the Toddring in 2013. It is presumed, though not confirmed, that Durbin will bring personal sponsors with him to Dash Cup if needed. When contacted, Durbin claimed that he has yet have held any serious discussion with any teams about a 2016 ride as of now, but that he is still actively searching.

Durbin has made one Dash Cup start himself in the past, racing at the Eurospeedway in 2013.

Dash Cup officials announce Touring bodies to be dropped for 2016, schedule to return to mix of ovals and road courses

A shocking announcement from CEO Ryan Truro came prior to the Watkins Glen GP (yes I'm thinking ahead) that the Touring car bodies are due to the dropped for another stock car body for the 2016 season. With this, the series will return to several of its Oval dates that were dropped for the 2015 season, primarily the New York Autoring and the Toddring full oval.

The bodies will not the be the same used for the 2014 season or the 2015 Oval Stocks season, instead the series have opted to go for a body similar to those used in TM Master Cup circa-2010 and 2011. This opens up the opportunity for more manufacturers to be used in the series.

More is expected to be announced the week after the season end.

Spoiler:

Before you read that, is there part-time in the Dash Cup?

RedViperGaming wrote:

Spoiler:

Before you read that, is there part-time in the Dash Cup?

There absolutely is!

Ben Atkins wrote:

RedViperGaming wrote:

Spoiler:

Before you read that, is there part-time in the Dash Cup?

There absolutely is!

Alright

Yokoyama to three cars for 2016

Mason Yokoyama announced that he will be fielding three cars. When he was asked what cars he will be using he said "I chose Corsa because I drive Corsas in endurance racing, I use it a lot on my racing career." He will be fielding car numbers 76, 273, and 475. Yokoyama will drive the 76 car part-time, but cars 273 and 475 don't have drivers announced at the moment and they will be full-time.

FIAM confirm Fochesato for 2016
FIAM have announced that they have retained current FIAM front-runner Vincenzo Fochesato for at least the 2016 season. The Italian, who has scored 2 top 5's in his debut season in the Dash Cup, will continue with the works FIAM Engineering team for the 2016 season once again driving the #75 Camozzi FIAM.

This brings an end to the spectrum of rumours surrounding the young Italian for the 2016 season, with both Ben Atkins and Jack Golden attempting to secure him for the following season.

With the series reverting to body styles more in line with the older TM Master Cup chassis, FIAM are set to run Fochesato alongside current team-mate Mireille Allain and EuroV8 Cup driver Franco Giovanardi in a trio of brand new FIAM Desio.

FAC buys into Ren-Ran Autosport; will return to full-time grid in 2016; Azure to run select races

A few days after putting three cars in the field for the Spa GP, Ren-Ran Autosport announced their 2016 plans.  After months of speculation about whether the team would be getting a foreign investor, those rumors would be confirmed by co-owners Hans Rennfahrer and Miko Rantanen at a press conference at the RRA shop.  Many people could already guess as to who the investor was considering they hired him for the Spa GP.  When they brought out the investor, those rumors were also confirmed when FAC CEO Frank Azure walked out.  After that, it was finally confirmed that FAC has bought a minority stake in Ren-Ran Autosport and that the added support would allow them to return to Dash Cup full-time in 2016.  The team name will now be Ren-Ran/FAC Autosport.

RRA's only full-time season was in 2013 with Rantanen, where the team won in their debut race, but accomplished very little after that. finishing 40th in the final standings.  They only attempted one race in 2014, which was the Spa GP, which they failed to qualify for before returning for a limited schedule in 2015.  The American-based Frank Azure Company, who controls and owns FAC Motorsports, has run in many racing leagues in America.  In 2016, Rantanen, who will be 39 by the start of 2016, will have another shot at Dash Cup driving his signature 777 with long time primary sponsor Nokia.  After finishing 18th in his Dash Cup debut at Spa, Azure also announced that he will run even more Dash Cup races in a part-time car for the team.  After 35 years running everything from stock cars to sports cars, the 54 year old isn't ready to hang it up just yet.

"We are very happy to start this partnership with Frank and FAC.  Me and Miko are proud that it's gonna give us the resources needed that we didn't have in 2013 to be competitive on a regular basis.  And Miko is happy to have another good shot at the title in 2016.  Two years ago, we didn't know what we were getting into when we went full-time.  But now, we're prepared." Rennfahrer stated.

"Also, we need to thank Frank and FAC for giving us boost we need for another full time season.  I feel as if we have shot to at least get top 15 points finish.  This season we run better than we ever been.  I almost won Italy, we got three cars in Spa, Frank got top 20, with added boost, I think I have fair shot at it.  I'll be 39 in January, so I don't know how many full seasons I have left after racing offroad for 20 years.  I don't see me race until 50 like Frank (laugh)." Rantanen stated.

"As I think I already stated, I've actually wanted to be involved in Dash Cup in some way for a while.  However, the travel costs back and forth to Europe would have bankrupt us.  And we felt that there would've been no financial gain setting up a shop there.  Then we came to the conclusion that the only way was to partner with a existing Dash Cup team who have a permanent shop in Europe.  Me, Hans, and Miko have been having talks about this since we were both at Karjala last year.  Same with the idea of me being in one of their cars at Spa.  It wasn't until this year where we were getting serious with our plans to do this.  Especially since I'm no longer paying repair bills in FARC, which is my wife's problem now (laugh).  I think this partnership will benefit both of us.  We at FAC get to insert our presence in Dash Cup and they get the additional support to go full time again and hopefully in time, become a legit title contender.  Plus I get a shot to run more Dash Cup races, so everybody wins." Azure stated.

The races Azure will run has not decided but they'll have somewhat of an idea when the full 2016 schedule becomes final.  A car number for Azure has not been decided as the team is not sure that Azure will be able to use his signature 46 as it might already be claimed by Kellan Rogers-Ashby, unless she wins the championship. The team also has not decided on a manufacturer at this moment.  Rantanen has also expressed interest to bring his son Tahvo to Aspira Juniors as well in 2016, but nothing is concrete about that yet.

Carter STS to field one full time car in 2016

After funding issues following the introduction of the new bodies for 2016, Garry Carter has revealed that his team will only be fielding one full time car in 2016 for Brianna McDonough, as Louis Walters will make a move over to the British Formula C series on a full time basis. Walters will still participate in Dash Cup part time for Carter STS.

(OOC: Sorry for the short article, and probably poor grammar. It sucks when an iPhone is the only way for me to do these things. If I wasn't 4000 miles away from my PC I'd write something a bit better )

Dash Cup to introduce new race format, points system for 2016


With the expected increase of entries for 2016, Dash Cup CEO Dean Thompson has announced that there will be a change in the race format and points system for the 2016 system. The race system, while still three races per weekend, will see two separate fields for the first two races, while a longer third race in the weekend will be the top 20 from each race. However, as a result of this, the points system will now see every car score points.

Points System:

The 100 point bonus for the winners of each 4 race tour will still be in effect.

With many top tier drivers expressing their interest in taking part in Dash Cup's main series for 2016, this season is looking to be one of the most competitive and exciting in the last few years.

TDR Manufacturer Decision "Not Close"
Problems have arisen at Tom Delgado Racing. Not with anything the team is doing, but with finding manufacturer support for the 2016 season. Officials within the team admit that a decision is not going to be made until January at the earliest.

"We have plenty of options in front of us, and are exploring every single one of them. There is no plan to jump blindly into a deal, and there is no true timetable of when an announcement will be made" An official within the organization said on the condition of anonymity.

Autosport France announces 2016 plans

The French racing group, has announced in a TV conference today, that they have submitted a 3 car team, ready for approval by the dash cup officials.

The first car would be piloted by Suzette Doiron, one of France's great racing prospects. She ran the 2015 season in the Oval Stock Series, with some success, while also running some French Touring Car races in her spare time.

The second car, would be piloted by former APRS driver, Pascal Vallee, after a prestigous career in rally, he made a career jump to APRS series, for AF, and won the team's first ever race at Las Vegas in 2014. He spent 2015 in the Oval Stock Series.

The third car is TBA. (OOC: If you have a french, or french speaking driver, i'd be glad to give them a ride )

*Team Chart* (WIP since TMPedia died)
042, Suzette Doiron, Canal +
088, Pascal Vallee, AXA Insurance
TBA, TBA, TBA

Atkins reveals he wanted Percy, Wallace for PART team in 2016


Ben Atkins has announced that he tried to sign his wife Hannah Percy and her current Team Kwik Fit teammate Harriet Wallace to drive in the PART series for 2016, but both drivers rejected the offer to move out of the series. It was already known that Cassandra Collins, who drives for Atkins in Dash Cup, had put the pen to paper as far as a ride for the PART series went, but after talks with Atkins, the pair mutually agreed that Collins would stay in Dash Cup for another year.

Percy, the 2014 Dash Cup champion, elected to move to Matthews Atlantic Motorsports for the 2016 season, while Harriet Wallace renewed her contract with Team Kwik Fit, staying with the team for one more year. While Percy has had experience in the PART series, when it was branded the APRS series, Wallace's stock car experience only goes as far as Dash Cup, with her only stock car win being at Mallory Park in the Oval Stocks series. However, Wallace has experience in the Formula Overdrive series, where she competed in 6 races between 2013 and 2014, winning her first two outings at Rockingham Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway.

"I was approached for the ride, and I gave it some series thought but I wanted to stay." said Wallace, "When I was in Formula Overdrive, I was a bit homesick honestly. I'd made some good friends in the series, and I'd missed them so much. I was glad to be back in the series when Kwik Fit signed me for 2015. I felt like the same would happen if I left."

While the decision seemed elementary for Wallace, her current teammate, Hannah Percy, revealed it wasn't so simple for her.

"It was a really tough decision for me. I'd got offers from Ben [Atkins] and Matthews Atlantic at pretty much the same time. I was really tempted to make the move, but I wanted to make one last run at the Dash Cup title before I call it quits for a little while. Had it been a year ago, I probably would have done it."

Rick Givord interested in Dash cup drive?

New Australian driver Rick Givord has expressed interest in a Dash cup drive for 2016. The 22 year old was infamous in the V8 supercars paddock for making jokes about tragedies such as 9/11 and the Sydney Siege. When asked about his future, Rick had this to say, "I am interested in moving over to the TMMC at some point but i will start with the dash cup as i am more used accustomed to road courses. I know some team bosses may not want to sign me because my humour but i will make sure my racing skills are the main topic".

Jankovic interested in returning to DASH Cup

After taking one season off, Velmier Jankovic is reportedly interested in returning to the DASH Cup Series. Jankovic who had scored a podium in a reverse race, has spent time racing rally-cross in Latvia. He apparently has ties with Altoros GP.

Greek Team Balkan Motorsports to Enter Dash Cup in 2016
The Team Has officially announced it's venture into stock cars The First Team Will be the main team Run by Alexsanteri Katsoros and the junior team run by A3000 Driver Aleksandr Floros
The lineup for the main team is as follows
#90 Aleksandr Floros
#91 Amethyst Katsoros
#92 Apollo Agne
The Lineup for the junior team is a more european Oriented team
#190 Alexander Devonshire (United Kingdom)
#191 Constantine Bailos (Greece)
#192 Andre Versick (Germany)
The Junior team will compete in the Aspira Juniors Series in 2016
The Main team Will Run FIAM's In the Main Dash Cup Series

Balkan Motorsports shoots down  Rumors of going into Super Touring
Team Owner Aleksanteri Katsoros Has Mainly Struck a Deal To run an oval stocks team based off money gained from 2015's Auto3000 Efforts The Team gained about 20 000 Dollars At A3000 Allowing them to buy 3 used FIAM's From the 2014 Season There Were Rumors About a 2016 Run in Super Touring which Aleksanteri stated at the meeting Is "Highly Unlikely" People Have started a kickstarter for the team  to raise money to buy fresh Super Touring Vehicles

Balkan Running Standard CM Corsairs in Dash Cup 2016
In Early of the morning on January 1st 3 Fully Painted CM Corsair's With Balkan Motorsports Markings Went To A Small Short Track Built for testing at The Balkan Headquarters for Reliability Testing The Car's Reliability is being questioned but Tests Show That The Standard Car is projected towards Mid-Field Runs And on Road Courses top 10's The Cars Are Ready For the new season And The team has begun More Testing over the next few weeks

Wascher after being dormant for a year is on the hunt
Kris Wascher is not a well known driver as of late, but he's really trying to turn it to the opposite
"A Dash Cup ride and a career would give out a spark for my racing life that I really crave. I settle down for any team to be honest. *laughs* Any ride will help me get the experience I want to try to reach my dreams of winning in TM Master Cup"

TDR to use Matthews Bodies in 2016
A brief statement from Tom Delgado Racing confirmed that the team would use the Matthews bodies for the 2016 Dash Cup season. "After a smooth negotiation with Ryan Matthews, there was an agreement made that Tom Delgado Racing would use the Matthews bodies in our 2016 Dash Cup campaign." The statement read.

Carla Rosinski, returning from Team Kwik Fit, and Junior Series driver Amanda Torres, are scheduled to pilot the TDR entries in the 2016 season, with their team boss Tom Delgado not currently scheduled to travel to any races as he continues cancer treatments.

Alexander Devonshire Takes to the 92
After Apollo Agne Suffered a Severe car accident during testing Alexander Devonshire would take to the #92 Air Herler CM Corsair Ride. The Ride is to be shared with another driver and is undisclosed who will run the second section of the season. the #190 Car Was Given to James Pritchard a 16 year old Canadian who is living in Europe the team will have Devonshire. Rumours have been saying Kris Wascher will possibly be driving the #191 Car in Constantine Bailos's Sacking From Balkan's Junior Program the all Greek Team has been rumoured that Devonshire May be entitled to a full time schedule in the #92 Car if he performs well

Balkan Motorsports drops The #191 Rechristens #192 to #189 in aspira
the #191 has been removed in favor of Funding issues the Greek economy is in ruins meaning the team was looking for a new owner The Team was sold to The Tousenne Tuning Group from Italy
it's american division runs in AmeriCar

Wascher building new team in England

Kris Wascher decided to not wait for a ride offer, and took matters into his own hands as he is building shop in Britain for his new team, which will be called Yooper Motorsports. Wascher is currently a one car operation but surprising support could help him to a two cars, but Wascher only wants a one car team for his first season of competition.
"Having a one car team will help me understand the running of a motorsports operation. We do want to move to a two car or even three car team, but a season alone will help us build funds for the seasons ahead. Of course, this will come into play if we get accepted on the entry list for the 2016 season."

Wascher also was questioned on his car number if he got accepted.
"The number I always go to. The 906."

Wascher has high hopes for 2016, no doubt about it.