2013 TM Lights Silly Season Thread

[Cynon]

Got news?

All news items here were written around the first week of September.

Tremwell Enters TM Lights for 2013

TM Lights fans will not see a field of all-Bolden LTX12 cars in 2013 after Tremwell submitted a chassis design for use in the 2013 TM Lights series. Rick Milligan Racing is expected to be the primary test team, with his NAGT drivers George Dennis and Stuart Sandoval carrying out a majority of the testing. Both Dennis and Sandoval have TM Master Cup series experience, but reports are that neither of them are being considered for the Rick Milligan Racing drive for the 2013 season.

Kard to BlackDiamond?

After a disappointing 2012 season, it appears as if Australian driver Roger Kendall could be booted out of the #2 car at BlackDiamond Racing. Kendall confirmed that he recieved offers to drive in Australia's national touring series, but said he would prefer to race in TM Lights, TM Master Cup series, or ARLA. Canadian Jacob Kard is supposedly the primary candidate to replace Kendall at BlackDiamond Racing, however, he does not carry much sponsorship money with him.

Andrews: 2012 TM Lights Field "Unimpressive"

TM Master Cup series pundit and former TM Lights driver's champion Lance Andrews recently blasted the TM Lights field after the race in Quincy. While he had a few positive comments about some of the drivers, Andrews said that, overall, the TM Lights field was "unimpressive".

"There's a few good drivers in bad cars, and a lot of drivers in cars better then they are. I think there's a few people who don't deserve their drives, and the sad part is that there are some other people with no money and a ride.

Andrews named a few of the drivers he felt were doing a good job in the TM Lights series.

"A few people like Troy Adams, Nathan Ferguson, and Archer Harris are driving their tails off and can produce results. Then you have people like Clair Auxier and Jim Hayes who are reasonable fast but they have no discipline and the repair bills show. Other people like Cameron Taylor and Andrea Kinasa are slowly beginning to pick it up, but they still have a ways to go."

Split Fields on Short Tracks?

The 2013 TM Lights series may revitalize the practice of splitting the field, however it will only be done on the short ovals where pit space is minimal. With as many as 40 cars competing in the series for 2013, series officials have discussed running two races with 20 cars starting in each race.

Ingwersen to Lynxe?

The Lynxe Women's Team has renewed its interest in Arkansas native Brooke Ingwersen after Ingwersen returned to the TM Lights at Road America. Despite having no personal sponsorship, Ingwersen's name has cropped up as the team contemplates expanding to three cars or inserting Ingwersen in a different team. Ingwersen stated that she was willing to drive in either TM Lights or the ARLA Elite Series.

Ingwersen would even be open to driving for a small team, as she believes she can still impress people in a slower car.

"Even if it's not a good ride, you can still show people you're a good driver. People talk about Paul Lyons driving the wheels off of the Burr cars in ARLA and I heard a few people say that a few Master Cup teams want him now."

[day500champ1]

GLM's 2 entries to return in 2013; Driver Lineup to Change Slightly

Great Lakes Motorsports owner, Jim More, took the opportunity to confirm his driver lineup for 2013 during practice for the Road America event.

Ike Durbin will remain in the #08 entry, and High Voltage Guitars, the Michigan based guitar and accessories outlet chain, will remain the primary sponsor on the car through 2014.

Vijay Pushanda will take over the #18 entry from Ryan Griffin who moves to Ike Durbin Inc. and the ARLA Elite Series. HP Engineparts will remain the primary sponsor with new sponsor X-treme Sportswear coming aboard for 5 events.

[Dan Mackay]

LAR's entry to return in 2013; May enter a second full time car.

Last Row Autosport owner Mike Howard took time to announce that Afzal Tahmid will return full time to the 58 car again in 2013, with a second car possibly entered with Nick Howard driving depending on the teams ARLA plans.

Wind Mobile is rumored to have signed a sponsor ship deal for the full season.

[gwoodard41]

Lycoia to attempt to bring the Interceptor into the fray in 2013? Also, Motoko to remain in TM Lights for another year?

Lycoia Motors has applied to officials to allow the Lycoia Interceptor TML chassis to be used by teams in the TM Lights for 2013. While Terra International Motorsports would be the factory team, the chassis would be available for other teams if they so wish to use it.

"If we aren't able to use Lycoia, we'll be content with using Bolden again." James Lanson told reporters. "So far they have been able to provide us with a good chassis. Motoko really needs to stay here to hone her skills. She's started to slip up or get caught in incidents she didn't intend to."

Sakura Motoko, a native of Japan, was unavailable for comment as she was getting ready to race for the TM Lights round of Wisconsin. She's a road course ringer, not unlike TMMC driver Greg Woodard. She's hoping that this will be a turn-around point in her career.

It is rumored that Nikon may be moving to the team from Unit 11 Motorsports in 2013, however, the rumors proved to be unconfirmed for the time being. Another rumor was that the team would be applying for a second entry. However, no one in the team would comment on that rumor either. Potential drivers would be Sarah Xaiver, Terry Bolson, or even Ryon Reffett, who had horrible luck in ARLA over the 2012 season.

[Tanrar]

Clason Enterprises and Harris to return in 2013

Archer Harris, who so far has had an up and down year in the TM Lights, is slated to return in 2013 with Clason Enterprises. The #79 Bolden will return with sponsorship from Cash America as they have had for this year.

[Nascar9fan]

Down Under Motorsports & Adams want to return next year
Down Under Motorsports wants to race again next year. Troy Adams, unless he gets a ride else where, which would leave the ride up for grabs, will drive for Down Under Motorsports in 2013, with sponsorship from Mother Energy again

[Magus978]

MRD Motorsports Expected to Return, Driver Currently Unknown

MRD Motorsports announced that they would file the necessary paperwork to return to TM Lights for the 2013 season. Their driver in the #37 car is unknown at this time, as John Jefferson has been released from the team effective at the end of the season. Online betting sites have named ARLA & Dash Cup race winner Carlo De Pretto as the favorite to gain the #37 ride, but ASCC driver A.J. Murphy has also been mentioned among those in consideration.

It is also unclear as to whether or not Exide Batteries would be returning in their current role as main sponsor. There are rumblings that they are looking to cut back their support due to troubling economic times. MRD Motorsports may have trouble finding a full time sponsor at the moment, as it appears all their time and energy is focused on developing their first series of in-house engines, known as the MRD-TD1. The team had been buying engines from Nemoto ever since MRD affiliated themselves with them in 2010. Until 2010, MRD Motorsports had run the now-defunct Senpai Shiro (2008), and the Lenard Q9 (2009).

[GamerAzuzu]

S-Tech, Quan to return in 2013

Aoi made a statement that S-Tech and Quan Xing will return to the TM Light Series in 2013 with no rumored changes and with Yamaha Electronics returning to the car which is rumored to stat as number 3, and with a better paint scheme

[BWard]

Interdrain Motorsports to stay in TM Lights in 2013

Interdrain Motorsports have announced that they will stay in the TM Lights for at least another year. It is also understood that they keep James Davison as their one and only driver as Davison has had a decent 2012 season with a win at Michigan, and the team is also saying they may bid the run for the Independents Trophy in the TM Master Cup Series in 2013 as well as staying to go full-time again in the TM Lights.

[racingfreak1999]

FAC plans for TM Lights team; to move up Nick Azure

FAC Motorsports announced there interest in starting a TM Lights team and there intent to bring up RROL Elite Series driver Nick Azure. "We feel like it would be better for Nick's development if he went to TM Lights as opposed to ARLA full time" team owner and Nick's uncle Frank Azure stated. Nick is currently 3rd in the RROL point standings and sponsor Right Stuf is expected to go with him if team is accepted.

[Alta]

Altamont Autosport set to return, Drivers unknown.

Altamont Autosport announced plans to return to TM Lights in 2013, However as to who will pilot both cars is relatively unknown. Lang Chong Kun is expected to stay with the team, however if he returns to Lights next season reminds a mystery. On the other hand rumors have been swirling with Nasu Tsunemochi and the belief within the team is that he is on his way out and will not be returning to Lights next season.

[JMac525]

Big Mac Racing Eyes TM Lights

Independent's Trophy team, Big Mac Racing,may be looking for an opportunity to drive in the TM Lights Series. The team currently does not run in the series, but has been interested in the past. The team's ARLA program has not been immediately accepted back into the league, so the team has eyed the TM Lights. The team is believed to have backing from Panasonic. Owner Thomas Mac said, "This would be a great division for Makoto Yamada to improve himself as a driver. If he doesn't end up in ARLA next year, I think this is the perfect fit for him. If he does, we are still interested in fielding one of our other developmental drivers here instead."

[day500champ1]

*Edited my original story. f1fan changed his mind on the driver wanted to run.

[Chives2112]

New Canadian Team to TM Lights in 2013?

It was announced today that a new Canadian team based out of Ontario, Powerhouse Motorsports, has expressed interest in entering TM Lights competition in 2013. Team owners Bob and Mitch Johnson said during an interview with a local short track magazine that they believe they are ready for the "big time". They feel that they have the necessary funds and equipment in order to race in the TM Lights in 2013.

These "necessary funds" have not been announced, but they have reportedly purchased several Bolden LTX12's.

"After some consideration, we've come to the conclusion that the Bolden chassis is the way to go. It has been tested and proven on track, and we know the capabilities of the car," said Bob Johnson.

The team also plans to announce a driver within the week.

[conrail1990]

Blackwell confirmed, Robinson's future uncertain.

Mark Blackwell is confirmed to race for Unit 11 Motorsports in 2013. However Robinson's future for the 2013 TM Lights season is unconfirmed. Robinson's performance for the past 3 years has been leaving many diehard fans dissapointed. There have been many fans pushing for Gerald Johnson to return to TM Lights in 2013 as a replacement for Robinson. Fans may not have a say in the move, but sponsorship might. Nikon is leaving Unit 11 at the end of the 2012 season. Nikon has been rumored to be talking to T.I.M. If Robinson cant secure sponsorship than Gerald Johnson may be back in the TM Lights series for 2013.

[BBoy]

Unknown if Lareau returning to TM Lights in 2013; potentially looking at other series

In what has been a rather mess of a rookie season for Brandon Lareau in TM Lights, he questions whether or not it's him or his competition. "I'll admit that I've made mistakes this season, especially Mosport, but it's pretty sad when you have accidents on such a frequent basis in this series because people seem to love driving 12 feet over their heads." When asked what he'll do for 2013, Lareau replied "I really don't know, but I do know that ARLA and another Independent's Trophy run is under consideration."

[PackerMan71]

GRI LOOKING TO MOVE GERMAN PROSPECT INTO THE TM LIGHTS IN 2013

Despite the fact that GRI driver Zach Gott is having a good rookie season in the 2012 TM Lights, he has stated that he would be willing to move to the ARLA Elite Series #7 car to make room for German sports car driver Erik Draachreider.

Draachreider, a two-time and defending champion of the World Driver Championship, qualified for the Dash Cup Spa GP, and is attempting to qualify for the 2012 TM Master Cup Series Round of Indianapolis, driving the #48 NOS Energy entry for GRI.

[bartman97]

Ferguson thinks he's not ready for next level

Nathan Ferguson wants to stay in TM Lights for 1 more year, despite already being in the series for 3 years. Ferguson says practice makes perfect to go into TM Master Cup.

"Have been really inconsistent with my driving and car issues, some have been my fault some haven't been, that's what I need to learn and I have raced in this series for quite a while, but hopefully some TMMC team sees something in me and puts me onboard with their team."

Ferguson won 2 of the first 3 races but then fell off the face of the earth in the championship, falling towards the end of the top 10 after Road America.

[SnakePlissken]

Blood, Boreanaz Team to Remain Intact for 2013

Despite having what could at best be described as having a 2012 mediocre season, both former TM Lights champion Thurtson Blood and teammate Buffy Boreanaz will return intact for 2013.
Blood, whose car was adorned with the #1, will return back to his usual #16 as he has no shot whatsoever of repeating as series champion. Boreanaz will also keep her #24 and both should have sponsorship from Vampire.
Gone however, will be the Bolden Chaser from the PSI stable as they will look to find a new chassis supplier in the hopes of sparking better finishing results for the future.

[pennst24]

Eichholtz Atlantic Racing to Field Single TM Lights Entry

Eichholtz Atlantic Racing will attempt to field a single car team in the 2013 TM Lights season. Driver plans are unknown, although Jacob Eichholtz may move to TM Lights if he does not get a full-time Master Cup drive, as it has been confirmed he will not return to ARLA in 2013.

[Jason Hamilton]

Bobby Dollar has announced that he plans to return with the same team and number. A bigger press release will come soon

[crl]

Lane Cranston is scheduled to move up to TM Lights in 2013 for MT Motorsports.

[PackerMan71]

CHANGE OF PLANS FOR DRAACHREIDER AND GOTT

Originally, Gravity Racing, Inc. was planning on putting Erik Draachreider in the #71 car for the 2013 TM Lights season, but after learning that their 2013 Dash Cup entry had been approved, GRI has decided to put Draachreider in the Dash Cup car for 2013.

Due to this turn of events, GRI's TM Lights driver Zach Gott, who had originally been planning to move to GRI's ARLA team to run a shared championship with Eric Jackson to make room for Draachreider, may now be pulling double-duty next year, driving part-time in ARLA and full-time in the TM Lights.

[BWard]

James Davison has announced he will stay in the TM Lights with Interdrain Motorsports for next year, and also says he will run the Independents Trophy in the TM Master Cup Series as well in 2013.

[PKligBKFan]

Tyson Lautenschlager Looking for TM Lights Ride?

Tyson Lautenschlager, an ARLA Elite Series veteran says he is exploring all of his options for a 2013 ride which includes ARLA, Dash Cup, TM Master Cup as well as TM Lights.

"I'm currently weighing all my options for next year. I don't know what I'm doing for next year but I hope it is in a professional racing series. I'm not exactly sure what series that means but I am open to all offers at this point in time."

[Cardinals5]

Olenick to pull Double-Duty in ASCC, TM Lights?

Joe Olenick, currently leading both the ASCC Rookie of the Year and Points standings, is reportedly exploring the possibility of doing double-duty in 2013: staying in the ASCC while also driving in TM Lights.

"I'd like to get as much racing in as possible. I'm exploring all of my options for now; I'd like to see what's available and see what I can do."

Whether Olenick will be part of a Team CTR foray into TM Lights is unclear at this time, but he will remain with the team in the ASCC.

[Backmarker]

Formula C Driver Looking to Move to Stock Cars?
Formula C Euro Series driver Kosta Theodorakos of Greece stated in a recent interview that he is "highly interested" in moving to TM Lights for the 2013 season; however, he has said little about his specific plans to secure a place in the series. It is believed that Theodorakos may bring with his FC team, Triple Crown Enterprises of England, to the series with him, or will seek a ride with an existing team.

(OOC: Obviously, this was created under the assumption that Formula C is the Formula 3 equivalent...)

[Cynon]

Formula C Driver Looking to Move to Stock Cars?
Formula C Euro Series driver Kosta Theodorakos of Greece stated in a recent interview that he is "highly interested" in moving to TM Lights for the 2013 season; however, he has said little about his specific plans to secure a place in the series. It is believed that Theodorakos may bring with his FC team, Triple Crown Enterprises of England, to the series with him, or will seek a ride with an existing team.

(OOC: Obviously, this was created under the assumption that Formula C is the Formula 3 equivalent...)

Yes it is, Divina Henton did the Formula C -> TM Lights transition, won a race and nearly won the title on consistency... until the last race that is...

TM Europe to Use TM Lights Cars Beginning With 2013

TM Europe will be using old and new TM Lights cars starting with the 2013 season. The low-budget European series will be using the much more low-budget cars the TM Lights currently uses. This is newsworthy for the TM Lights series teams as it gives them a potential customer base to sell some of their cars to if they do not plan on returning or plan on changing manufacturers. It also gives European drivers a chance to sample TM Lights machinery and prepare them for a potential TM Lights, Dash Cup, or TM Master Cup series campaign.

Switzerland's Mélanie Clévenot, and Finnish drivers Mika Tervo and Nils Tolonen are the only drivers to break into the TM Master Cup series from TM Europe. Clévenot currently leads the TM Europe championship by 40 points with two races to go, at the wheel of her ex-Dale Roswell Gasnier.

[Tigerman]

Do you need to get "approved" to join? I'm just wondering.

[Ceej]

Do you need to get "approved" to join? I'm just wondering.

That's how every league around here works. If we did first-come, first-serve, we'd end up with a lot of stupid and boring entries clogging up the grid.

[Tigerman]

Do you need to get "approved" to join? I'm just wondering.

That's how every league around here works. If we did first-come, first-serve, we'd end up with a lot of stupid and boring entries clogging up the grid.

Ok, thank you. I was just wondering. My drivers are going to work their way up to the TM Master Cup Series.

[gwoodard41]

Do you need to get "approved" to join? I'm just wondering.

That's how every league around here works. If we did first-come, first-serve, we'd end up with a lot of stupid and boring entries clogging up the grid.

Ok, thank you. I was just wondering. My drivers are going to work their way up to the TM Master Cup Series.

I would recommend going into the lower tier leagues to develop your driver's storyline some, make them as interesting as possible (though no one can beat Marcos Leonard in the... 'interesting but strange' department. Just make sure you have a realistic driver (and if you want, a realistic team), we've had plenty of people who have come and... gone, either by their own accord or by the hammer, that have had drivers or teams on the whole suspension of disbelief category. If you don't know what that is, please google it

[RealRacer4]

NCC Motorsports Eyes Return for 2013 Season

After a rough start to the season and being able to score some points finishes in the last several races, Joseph Cummings and his school is planning on returning for a 2nd season. His head coach feels the team has learned a lot in their first season in the TM Lights series and hopes to have better results next season.

"Although we may have hit some bumps throughout the season, it's been a lot of fun," Cummings said. "My crew has put a lot of effort in making this car as competitive as possible and try to turn in some decent results. I have learned so much throughout the season, especially on the road courses. I can't thank my crew members and coaches enough for all of the hard work and advice they've given me throughout the season. We hope to have bigger and better things come for us for 2013."

There have also been rumors about Cummings looking to get into a TMMC ride for the season finale at Decatur and the team possibly fielding a 2nd car for the 2013 season in TM Lights. Both Cummings and the head coach said they'll have to wait and see what the future holds for them.

[Ben Atkins]

Ashley Tucker eyes up a TM Lights Ride?

After a stunning rookie campaign in ARLA, Ashley Tucker has decided that she may look for a bigger challenge in 2013, perhaps in the TM Lights series. Tucker scored a rookie shootout win, two points wins at Houston and Motegi, and three poles at Daytona, The Mini Indy 500 and Talladega for Riggs Motorsports in 2012, and has signed to Bjorn Green Racing in 2013, but only for a shared ride.

"I just feel that I achieved a lot in ARLA, but it's not being recognized I feel" said Tucker; "I think now is the time to step up for a bigger challenge. I'd love to still race my part of the ARLA schedule, if time allows, but I just need more of a challenge."

Tucker is not linked with any teams yet, but her father could open up a TM Lights team for her, if she doesn't find a ride. Tucker will also be bringing sponsorship from Kalberg's Ice Cream, who sponsored her in 2012 in ARLA.

[gwoodard41]

Terra International Motorsports interested in acquiring Tucker if the team gets two cars for 2013?

It seems that ARLA driver Ashley Tucker has been brought to the attention to TIMmy team officials. "She's a rather talented driver and has a good sponsor backing her up." Said Sam Davis, the head of the driver's development program, "If Motoko and Tucker are able to be teamed up together, they'll be rather unstoppable."

Of course with Lycoia potentially being allowed in the TM Lights, it's no question what manufacturer would be selected.

"We've contacted Ms. Tucker for a potential ride if we can get a second slot opened up for our team."

[Jason Hamilton]

Dollar plans to return

4 time GT champion Bobby Dollar has announced that he plans to return to the TM Lights series for a second season in 2013. The American, who often struggled with funding this year, is also in negotiations with several sponsors for next year. He said today that "I think 2013 will be a great year for the team, I am 100% confident that I will be able to be competitive, even if I have to step out of the car for a couple of races I can still see the car being up the front".

[BWard]

Davison to return to TM Lights in 2013

It's officially been announced at a recent press meeting that James Davison will return to the 29 car for Interdrain Motorsports in the TM Lights next season, while he is still currently bidding for an Independents Trophy run with his team in the TM Master Cup Series too.

[Backmarker]

Triple Crown Enterprises Confirms TM Lights Bid, Interested in Tucker
Formula C Euro team Triple Crown Enterprises of England has confirmed their bid to secure a place on the grid for the 2013 TM Lights season. If accepted, current driver Kosta Theodorakos will drive a #12 Tremwell for the team, with sponsorship to be announced at a later date.
Team owner Tom Merrick has also stated that he is interested in potentially signing Ashley Tucker to drive a second car for the team. Pundits believe this is both due to the speed Tucker has shown and the Karlberg's funding she would bring to the team.

[gwoodard41]

Terra Int'l Motorsports to return. The team will use Lenard for 2013.

It seems that Mariano Zavala has been contacted for a potential ride in 2013 full time, the sponsorship he's bringing in would be a good financial boost to the team.

"We don't care if he's funded by any state funds... We mainly care that he is a good driver and won't go out of his way and total other peoples' cars."

It is unknown if Zavala will accept TIMmy's offer of bringing him aboard. It is unknown where Sakura Motoko will go after 2012.

[RyanB06]

Matthews Motorsports to return for 2013:
At his weekly press conference, Matthews Motorsports boss Ryan Matthews announced that his team would return to the TM Lights in 2013.

"We're looking to return next year, sure," he said. "We learned a lot about what we should and shouldn't do in the series. I think we can improve greatly."

A sampling of the other questions:
Who's going to be the driver?
"Well, we'd like to re-sign Brooke (Ingwersen) if we can. But we won't stop her from seeking another ride either. It's really up to her."

Will you hire in-house?
"Hire who? *chuckles* Seriously though, I don't know if that'll be possible. All our other drivers are spoken for, mostly. I mean, I could drive it if a Cup ride doesn't happen, but who knows. There's still way too many moving parts."

Will you stay with the Bolden?
"I've heard Lenard is thinking of coming back into the series, so obvously we'd like to align with them. Makes life easier that way."

How about sponsorship?
We've got some stuff in the hopper. A&W was a one-year deal and they've already said they're not coming back. So stay tuned on that...we'll have something more substantive around the end of the year."

[Magus978]

Tom Delgado Racing Confirmed for 2013 TM Lights Grid

Just before the TM Lights Round of New York, several teams were confirmed to the 2013 TM Lights grid, and one of those was Tom Delgado Racing. Their driver is currently unknown, but it is believed that Exide Batteries will stay with the team. They will be re-numbered to 36.

[Ben Atkins]

Ashley Tucker expresses interest in... Roderick Motorsports Ltd?!?

After offers from teams from Tom Delgado Racing, Terra International Motorsports and Triple Crown Enterprises, Tucker has said that as an optimistic option, she would like to go to the team run by Leonid Roderick.

"I've seen how well Nathan [Ferguson] ran with Leonid's team, and I'm kind of eyeing up that ride... but I think I'm thinking optimisticly here. (laughs) But you never know" Tucker stated to the press in an interview during the Rockford 200 weekend, "Sure, I'd love racing for Tom. He has a good team in ARLA and TM Lights, but I'm afraid of disappointing him and affecting our relationship. I mean, I'd have sleepless nights over that. Of course, I'm afraid of letting down any team owner, but especially Tom. That's the only thing stopping me signing the contract right now."

Tucker has two wins, and three poles to her name, as well as Rookie Shootout victory, and she is signed to Bjorn Green's team in 2013 in ARLA on a part time basis, and this would fit around her TM Lights schedule, if she makes the move over.

[PKligBKFan]

Dangerous Dog Racing Hopes to Move Oreiller up to TM Lights

Kalvin Oreiller has run the 2012 ARLA Elite Series as a rookie on a full-time basis and had much success. Oreiller currently sits inside the top 20 in points and had a best finish of 2nd. Dangerous Dog Racing owned by Jeff Lautenschlager hopes to run the full season in the TM Lights in 2013 as opposed to ARLA.

"Kalvin has made a lot more progress this year than originally expected. We were hoping to go out there and run well and get a few top 10 finishes but not as many as he did." said team owner Jeff Lautenschlager. "The goal certainly is for a full season. We have two sponsor prospects at the moment so we feel good about what we have for 2013."

The sponsor prospects Lautenschlager was talking about are TMone and TireMonkey formerly known as MyTireMonkey.com who sponsored DDR and Tyson Lautenschlager in the now defunct TM Junior Series in the 2010 season.

[bartman97]

Ferguson to hopefully stay in TM Lights for another season

Nathan Ferguson said one thing that's going to get him out of TM Lights, is to win the championship.

"We'll get there one day, we've been in TM Lights for 3 years now, so it's getting never-ending in this series."

[RealRacer4]

Head Coach of NCC Motorsports to Retire at Season's End

Long time instructor and head coach of North Carolina College has announced a few days after the New York race that he would retire at the end of the season. The coach has been teaching for 20 years and served as head coach since the team formed back in 2005.

"Despite some issues we've had throughout the season in the TM Lights season, it has been a lot of fun for us, getting to compete against upcoming stars and travel to different tracks in the country," the coach said, holding back emotions. "If there wasn't a chance of being able to run a TM Lights team, I might have retired sooner. I wanted to end my career on a high note and I feel I didn't come up short of doing so. With the health issues I've been having for the past couple of years now, I've realized it was time for me to retire."

"I can't believe it," Joseph Cummings said, TM Lights driver of the #04 NCC Motorsports car. "Our head coach is the reason this school is where it's at today. He's a great instructor and a great head coach and everyone here will most certainly miss him. We hope to continue to move forward and prove that we have one of the best tech schools in the country."

NCC is currently in the process of finding a head coach to replace or possibly promote one of the assistant coaches as head coach. The decision will come on who will be head coach within the month.

[Electric Wolf]

Lester hoping for another chance at TM Lights?

Casey Lester, current ASCC driver for Bill Chapman Motorsports, wishes to find another opportunity at a TM Lights ride for the 2013 or 2014 season. After what Lester has called "making himself look like a retard" over the past two years, he is hoping to try and rebuild his reputation into someone who can be somewhat respected around the garage.

"I've said this before, but I'll say it again. In 2010, I was an immature kid; a person who would get so wound up over making a race that they'd nearly vomit. When things weren't going my way, I got pissed about it and ultimately made myself look stupid. Hell, I made myself look stupid even if I had a decent day. Today, I feel like a whole new person who is ready to face whatever challenges are thrown at me. The old me was probably one reason why I was left out of a ride because I feel like the TM Lights' scaling back wasn't the only reason why the 171 was removed from the series. I probably would've acted like the dumbfuck I was. Now, I think if I got a ride, I'd be excited about it, obviously. Who isn't? But anyway, I think I would defenitely be more mature about it and I would focus on what the team needs and not about how good I'll do on race day."

Lester mentioned that he was released from Gravity Racing Inc. following the TM Lights downscale in February. Here is the original news article:

GRI SCALES BACK TO ONE CAR IN TM LIGHTS DUE TO THE SERIES DOWNSIZING

With the TM Lights Series scaling down the number of entrants in 2012, Gravity Racing, Inc. has scaled back its Lights program to just one car, the #71, with Zach Gott remaining behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this meant that Casey Lester was left without a ride.

PACKER: I want to apologize to Casey for this turn of events, but the TM Lights officials only approved one car for us, and I promised to pay Zach back for his contributions at Rockford. Hopefully, we can have Casey drive for us in the near future, but circumstances dictated this move.

The #71 Bolden will be sponsored by Subway for the 2012 season.

Lester saw Joe Olenick's press release and found out that ASCC drivers could run TM Lights as well. He does not have a preference on what team he goes to, as long as it is a team that will run the full schedule.

[Mr.Mech]

McDowell Motorsports To Go Another Year

Due to extreme bad luck, Rebecca McDowell is trying again with Eric Molina for the next season.

"It sucks how this season turned out, Eric has had some great runs when he wasn't caught in someone else's mess, or had a technical difficulty. We will be back."

Molina has signed a two year contract with the team.

[gwoodard41]

If Zavala doesn't accept the opportunity, will Calvin Hobbes be tapped for the full time ride?.

Calvin Hobbes, who currently drives the Nikon Lenard in the ASCC is rumored to be a potential candidate for a full time ride in the coming TM Lights season.

Since Hobbes already has Nikon sponsorship and drives the same model that the team plans to use in 2013, it wouldn't be that much of a change for him. Nikon planned to sponsor the team until interest for Zavala came to fruition, the company however has stated they will sponsor the team in 2013 if Hobbes does indeed get the spot.

Zavala, nor his agent has responded to a potential contract offer. After the rejection of Ashley Tucker to Roderick Motorsports, it seems that free agents are hard to come by.

[gwoodard41]

Joel Rodriguez a potential candidate to fill the spot vacated by Motoko?

After Joel 'JINX' Rodriguez was verified for PSI's third driver in the TM Master Cup, it seems that Terra International Motorsports was contacted by him for a possible ride in 2013. It is unknown what sponsorship will be brought on, but Nikon has pretty much verified it's intentions to be a large sponsor for the team. If Rodriguez gets the spot, Calvin Hobbes may be pulled in for a reserve slot in case of injuries or schedule conflicts.

[JINXaPHRENIC]

"I would like to announce that pending approval from the TM Lites Officials, I Joel "JINX" Rodriguez have accepted the offer from T.I.M. to drive for them in the 2013 season. I'm looking forward to driving in 2013 in an actual competetive team. I get that honor twice in 2013 with PSI and TIM. Details are being worked out and deals finalized pending official approvals."

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