Re: 2014 Silly Season Thread

[PYLrulz]

Steudler to race for American Launch Energy Racing Team?

After not qualifying for Decatur, Scott Steudler was informed that his services were no longer needed at Manticore, who is rumored to have serious financial issues, and the release of Steudler being for financial reasons.  Soon after his release was announced, it was rumored that American Launch Energy Racing Team was interested in signing the 7 year veteran of the TM Master Cup Series.  Steudler did not confirm nor deny the rumors, but did say that he is expecting to race in the 2014 season.  Steudler did race 3 races with ALERT during the middle of the season.

It is rumored, however unconfirmed at this time, that Steudler is looking to race in a car numbered 13, with a deal supposedly made with the Hodges-Walter racing team.  The supposed reason behind it is that Steudler had always wanted to, but was dissuaded from running a number 13 car in is racing career in most levels.

[Spannerhead29 (Nelson)]

Spannerhead Racing looking to enter Independents Trophy

After an impressive debut at Decauter, where driver Kerry Ians finished 18th, Spannerhead Racing has lodged an official form to enter the 2014 Independents Trophy. The team has been to able to form a budget using Decauter prize money and funding from new sponsor Delano Cola. Kerry is hopeful of that his Decauter run, as well as his FARC career, will help him get some solid results. The team has asked for either #29 or #92, but will stick with the #116 they used at Decauter if the first two aren't available.

[gwoodard41]

Terra Int'l Motorsports confirms unofficial lineup for 2014 if the paperwork gets through.

It seems that the team has officially released its unofficial lineup for the 2014 season. Ike Durbin is slated to return to his ride while Ashley Ambercroft is slated to replace Nick Dawson in the upcoming season. The team will be driving the Helsing Hunter EXR, which is a specialized variant of the 2013 chassis and is considered experimental. The team will probably cycle drivers for its presumed entries into the one-off events or possible promoter's options if they still happen in the upcoming season. Rumors are that Durbin will retain his current sponsor and Ambercroft may be flying the Helsing Colors in the second car. It is unknown what sponsor will be on the third car but it may depend on who has the ride during special events.

[Ben Atkins]

HQS Racing aim for two cars for Independent's Trophy; Percy to drive?

After starting two TM Master Cup races, HQS Racing is looking to bring back Percy and bring in another driver in a effort to get two cars in, both allegedly for Independent's Trophy efforts.

Percy attempted all three special events, missing all three, however, Percy was brought back for the two Australian races with the Promoters' Option, where she finished in the points at Calder Park, coming back from a mechanical issue, and crashed out spectacularly at Queensland.

It is highly speculated that Percy is in line to get this ride, if the plans go through, mainly due to the fact that she is due to be married to team owner and current Scuderia Tutino driver Ben Atkins, however, Atkins insists that Percy's performance in Dash Cup is the driving force in the decision. Percy barely lost the championship in 2013, finished third behind Robert Dorian and Tanya Carter.

Percy has also raced in the ARLA (now FARC) Elite Series for Atkins' team, where she won in her second career start at Hokkaido. She may also be penned in to drive the #84 car during the 2014 edition of the same tour. Her win was one of the driving forces that encouraged Atkins to run two full time cars in FARC.

Not much has been said about who Atkins has in mind as the driver of the second car, if the team can grab it, but Atkins is allegedly interested in working with Lynxe Women's Racing Team to see if he can strike a deal to get TM Lights race winner Ashley Tucker to pilot the second car.

[Mother of Invention]

DHRE interested in Independents Trophy.

DHRE owner David Hetzel made a statement today his team is perusing a Independents Trophy entry for 2014. Hetzel made the claims today and went on to say that he would use currently contracted driver Keegan Mallory of Ireland to run his car, which he also leaked would be a #76 Omecha. Hetzel also namedropped two of the teams Sponsors, as he announce high-end furniture retailer "Crate & Barrel" will sponsor the car while sharing space with outdoors retailer "Orvis". No word on what races Hetzels team would run or if they would even get a spot in the IT.

[JINXaPHRENIC]

JINX Racing has officially filed to get a TMMC IT entry for 2014. Rodriguez himself would drive should he need to but prefers to sign someone else to the ride. No official word has been made on car number or manufacturer.

[PYLrulz]

Steudler to run for ALERT in 2014

After rumors swirled around that Scott Steudler was going to race for American Launch Engery Racing Team, it was made official today, and Steudler announced that he had signed with the team for 2014 and beyond.

"I had raced with these guys partway through the season, and one thing I do have to say is that this team does have its stuff straight here.  Not a knock on my old team (Manticore), but here, this is probably the first time in a long while I have gone to a team, and I can actually feel good about the situation I am going into.  This group of guys should be able to field cars that will help me get to the front, I have no doubt about that."

Details of the deal were not announced, but it was expected to be a multi-year deal. News on what number he will run in 2014 is more than likely to be announced in a few weeks.

[f1fan12]

Pushanda Full Time in 2014

Rumor's are flying that Vijay Pushanda has secured funding to race for the 2014 TM Master Cup Series Season. Pushanda's TM Master Cup Series career has been hit or miss, he finished 11th on debut in Japan in an underpowered Tutino. He also ran well at Grand Detour, New York and Brands Hatch this past season. Pushanda was unable to be reached for comment.

[Backmarker]

Laser Motorsports Still Seeking Grid Space; Signing Manny Brown?
Canadian sports car team Laser Motorsports are still interested in competing in the TM Master Cup Series in 2014, according to team owner Ted Johnson, and is now also rumored to enter TM Lights as well.

"I can say that the rumors are true, and we will be leasing the old Triple Crown shop to work on building some stock cars. We were able to acquire some MA03s, and we've been working hard to develop that into our MCL chassis. If we can build a good chassis and put together some more sponsorship, we will definitely be in the TM series in some capacity."

The driver of the car still has yet to be announced, but sources have recently confided that the team may pursue veteran Manny Brown, and is also still considering FARC driver Richard Scott.

[Veni Vidi Voeckler]

Voeckler agent 'angry' as Katzev deal suddenly falls through

The agent of Benoit Voeckler has spoken out against the Katzev team, after the Russian squad suddenly dropped contract negotiations for the Frenchman potentially joining to partner Kuznetsov in 2014.

"The way they have treated my client is disgraceful," said Fabrizio Bonucci, his agent. "We were making very positive progress in negotiations, and suddenly out of the blue my client is told they have no interest in hiring him."

Katzev were known to be struggling financially, and it was thought the substantial backing Voeckler brought with him, both through his wealthy family's assorted ventures, and also external sponsors he had picked up, would bag him the ride. However, Bonucci indicated these troubles have not gone away, and have little to do with their decision to dump talks with Voeckler.

"It certainly wasn't about the money," said Bonucci. "It's no secret Benoit has a significant financial packet to bring with him, but that amount has always been a steady and reliable figure. Katzev's money woes haven't been solved overnight either. I simply cannot understand their reasoning behind their decision."

"All that is certain at this point, is that they will regret their choice."

[gwoodard41]

Terra Int'l Motorsports confirms unofficial lineup for 2014 if the paperwork gets through.

It seems that the team has officially released its unofficial lineup for the 2014 season. Ike Durbin is slated to return to his ride while Ashley Ambercroft is slated to replace Nick Dawson in the upcoming season. The team will be driving the Helsing Hunter EXR, which is a specialized variant of the 2013 chassis and is considered experimental. The team will probably cycle drivers for its presumed entries into the one-off events or possible promoter's options if they still happen in the upcoming season. Rumors are that Durbin will retain his current sponsor and Ambercroft may be flying the Helsing Colors in the second car. It is unknown what sponsor will be on the third car but it may depend on who has the ride during special events.

Terra Int'l Motorsports applies to retain 58 and 98 from previous season, stating it would be the easiest thing to do transferring over to the new season.

The team has applied for Ashley Ambercroft to run the 58 and Ike Durbin would retain the number 98 from the previous season. This is the hope of the team as they're still trying to get things finalized for the 2014 season.

Woodard to retain the number 41 after talking it over with his team.

Woodard is sticking with his usual number as he and others saw the input from fans and others alike either asking or hysterically demanding he retain his number and not 'sell out' for various reasons.

[crl]

MT Motorsports' TM Master Cup & Lights programs sign two-year deal with Yum! Brands

The restaurants love MT Motorsports, it seems.

After Lane Cranston carried the colors of popular pancake chain IHOP on a second MT car in an attempt to qualify for the TM Master Cup Series finale at Decatur, not making the show in the end, the Murfreesboro, Tennessee-based team has signed a deal with the corporation behind three of the most famous restaurants in the world.

MT Motorsports' cars in the TM Master Cup and Lights Series will carry the colors of the four Yum! Brands restaurants - Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Pizza Hut's sister chicken wings chain, WingStreet - for the next two seasons, with an option for a third.

The team's TM Master Cup Series effort, which will once again be an Independents' Trophy campaign with recent second-time father Kraig Mummert as the primary driver, and Canadian Brian Morris driving in select races where Mummert's skill set isn't as primed, will carry Taco Bell and KFC on its car. The TM Lights machine, to be piloted once again by Lane Cranston, will be sponsored by Pizza Hut and WingStreet.

"This is the biggest sponsorship deal we've ever struck," said team owner Fred Caldwell. "Yum! Brands' restaurants are identifiable all over the world, from the U.S. to Japan, and we're very proud to be associated with them."

Caldwell sees this deal as an opportunity to upgrade the engine packages in both cars.

"We now have the money to get a more powerful engine in our cars. Not too powerful, but enough to compete for wins in TM Lights and Top 10s in TM Master Cup in whichever races we are running."

Caldwell also announced that Cranston will once again be running a Bolden chassis in TM Lights. He did not confirm rumors that MT Motorsports will begin building its own chassis for racing in 2015. For 2014, the TM Master Cup car will be using an Omecha chassis. Both cars will also retain their numbers - 114 for Master Cup and 14 for Lights.

[RealRacingRoots]

Is Daniel Melrose willing to let sleeping dogs lie?

On the Monday after the final round of the 2013 TM Master Cup Season, Melrose Racing Team formally introduced Mattias Taube as their lead driver for their first full-time Campaign in the series. But with their race winning driver from 2013 Darren Cardel going to German Supercars, it leaves a very big hole that needs to be filled in their second driver slot. With management, and Melrose himself, hesitant in promoting a driver internally from the MRT or Wernstrom ranks, has he left himself no choice but to sign the very reason why he retired from Formula A?Excluding his numerous comebacks of course.

That driver, being four time Formula A World Drivers Champion Peter Short. It was already apparent that Melrose hasn't let go of the past frustrations Short has caused the Australian, as was shown as they had a crash at the Road Atlanta race early in the year. But with his team now going full-time with Wernstrom, has he finally been willing to let go the past and do what is best for business? There have been rumblings that Peter has visiting MRT's FA and TMMC factory in Colonge, Germany alongside other currently unnamed drivers but The Mad Uncle has been very quiet about who will team with Taube.

[PackerMan71]

GRAVITY RACING, INC. STILL HOPING FOR FULL-TIME SPOT ON GRID, INDEPENDENTS' TROPHY AS A BACK-UP PLAN

With at least four full-time spots still up for grabs, Gravity Racing, inc. owner Packer Carroll is hoping that his team will get a shot at Cup in 2014.

PACKER: We haven't given up hope, and we do have sponsorship backing us if our team is approved. In addition, Isanni said they would be fully on board if my team is approved for full-time competition, but even if we aren't, we may be looking to the Independents' Trophy as well.

[Cynon]

Kard Joins Soveral at Lenard in Car #6

Windsor, Ontario's Jacob Kard has signed a two year deal to drive for Lenard International starting in 2014. Kard, often thought of as one of the most overlooked talents in TM Lights, will finally get his shot at a full-time TM Master Cup series ride.

"Driving for Lenard is going to be amazing. It was a hell of an opportunity that I couldn't pass up." Kard was quoted.
"I hope that I can build on what I've already done in the series. I'm not sure how quick that will be but I know I can do it... I just need to do it again."

Lenard International, which will operate out of the old American Launch Energy Racing Team split, enters the 2014 season with an interesting driver lineup. No sponsor for Kard or Soveral has been announced, but energy company Cyra has been linked with the Lenard outfit.

Lenard International will campaign with the same car numbers that ALERT ran with in 2013 -- #5 and #6, with Soveral in car #5, and Kard in car #6. No third car has been announced for Lenard International.

Johaanes, Steudler to Reunite for Third Time at ALERT

The American Launch Energy Racing Team announced its intentions to keep Americans in top-level equipment. The 2014 driver lineup for ALERT will be Chris Johaanes and Scott Steudler, who have been teammates at three different teams since 2011.

"We had our eyes on Scott [Steudler] for a number of years and we're pleased to give him a seat in the team." a team spokesperson said.
"We noticed how well he and Chris [Johaanes] worked together last year at other teams, and we felt that this partnership can still be potent and deliver results."

ALERT will run with car numbers 12 and 13, the usage of #13 being curious, as it has been associated with Alan Hodges for the past decade. Hodges, who remains a friend of Scott Steudler off of the track, allowed ALERT to use the #13 on the condition that it be given to Steudler. Chris Johaanes has history with car number 12, as it was the number he ran in his first full season with, back with the old McCallister Motorsports squad.

[PYLrulz]

It's offical, Steudler to run #13

After rumors were floated around saying that Scott Steudler, ALERT's new driver, would run a #13 car, it was made offical in an unveiling of the 2014 cars that Steudler and teammate Chris Johaanes would drive.

"13 has been a number I had always wanted to run, even in my younger years racing karts, but I've always had people convince me otherwise that 'no, it's a bad idea', 'you'll end up unlucky on the track', so on and so forth.  Even my Uncle Marty was skeptical of me running a #13 car, but it's something I always wanted to run around in, and now I have a chance to."

Hodges-Walter Racing, specifically Alan Hodges, allowed Steudler to end up running the #13 for 2014 and possibly beyond, a fact that Steudler was quick to note.

"It's something I do thank that team, especially Alan (Hodges) dearly for.  I have great respect for the team, and him, especially since they were the ones that gave me my first TM Master Cup drive.  I consider it a great honor that he has allowed me to race in a number he made famous.  It will be a promise that I will carry that number with honor, and race well on track sporting it."

[gwoodard41]

Woodard's schemes may be seeing some major work before the season.

Seems that Woodard and the team had his schemes ready to go but tragedy struck as the storage area that the cars was kept in collapsed into a sinkhole, turning the cars into junk.

"It's a damn shame," Woodard said to a reporter after the collapse took place. "It happened sometime yesterday, we just didn't know about it today... or so they told me. Figured I would wind up throwing something or throw a fit. I'm just glad that no one was hurt or killed." Luckily, the team has some back up schemes for Woodard but it seems they need some work to get ready for the upcoming season.

OOC: My hard drive crashed on me yesterday morning, you may understand how pissed I was. I had/have my schemes ready to go and was getting ready to upload them to mediafire, everything froze up and my laptop shut down. I turned it on and the Hard Drive is not longer detected, it makes whirring noises but other than that, nothing.

Not to mention I had Durbin's and Ambercroft's schemes ready to go, along with Castle's and Dempsey's TM Lights Schemes. *Headdesks*

[NASCARLOVER427]

3 Friends To Start Team


It has been rumored that 3 very wealthy neighbors and friends from Bangor, Maine, Tim Perscher, Gerald Herman, and Laura Lend, have been boasting that they have bought multiple Lycoia Brute's and have been putting in an entry form for a TM Master Cup Series team. Very little has been confirmed but there have been rumors that those 3 friends will be racing in their 3 cars. The team has been confirmed to be named The Eastern Hydra's and the 3 friends have been racing at many tracks in the eastern United States but other than that, the operation has been shrouded in mystery.

[gwoodard41]

Woodard to only run one scheme for the entire season?

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it seems that Woodard's luck in the preseason just keeps getting worse. It seems that Nikon has pulled out as a primary sponsor for Woodard and that left him with only having FROZR as a primary sponsor. Nikon has stated they will stay on as a Secondary and Tertiary sponsor.

[Cynon]

Kevin Dwyer to Drive for Gessler, Car #8

In an interesting twist, Minnesota-born Kevin Dwyer announced that he will drive for Carl Richter's Gessler team in 2014. Dwyer, the son of 6-time TM Master Cup series champion Benny Dwyer, has spent most of his TM Master Cup series career in mediocre machinery. His 2013 performances earned the attention of Richter, who wanted to replace the outgoing Mathias Taube.

"Kevin has what it takes to match his father's image. He's got the type of grit and unwavering determination that makes champions." Richter said during the press release.
"We have faith that Kevin Dwyer will represent MaiaSoft and the rest of our sponsors very well on and off the track."

Dwyer has one win to his credit, at Brazil in 2012. 2014 will be the first time he has raced professionally with a number other than his father's famous #72 on his car.

"The number change doesn't bother me as much as you might think." Dwyer said.
"I got a win with the #72, but dad nearly won the title with the #8 back in the day, and not many people remember that."

Nosova to Lynxe Racing

One of the major questions entering the offseason would be the fate of Russian driver Yuliya Nosova. Nosova, who was unceremoniously dropped from the Katzev Engineering lineup after the Round of Colorado, did not seek a ride for the remainder of the season. Rumors sprung up that Nosova was pregnant and would take 2014 off to start a family, but the stoic, tough-minded Russian announced her new contract after New Years.

"We waited to give a good present to all of the fans both here in America and in Russia." Nosova said to the press.
"This is a good team with a solid base, but it's time to push forward and do better than last year!"

Lynxe Racing and Nosova had apparently come to terms in early December, but both parties did not announce the deal had been finalized until after the holiday season, as the Lynxe Racing shop remained relatively quiet through December. Speculation that Clair Auxier would take the second Lynxe car was nixed when the French Canadian was listed as part of the team's TM Lights roster for the third straight year.

No car number for Nosova was announced, but it's widely believed that she will carry car number 10.

[bsoyuz]

Gabriel Macena to drive #71 in 2014

Gabriel Macena announced today that in his Independen'ts Trophy runs he'll be driving the number 71, which was described by him: "A number that I'm fond of since I was a rookie, my first car was a #71 car, and my first title came driving a #71 numbered car, it's nice to see that the officials allowed to drive it here too."

It's not known which number his teammate João Paulo Vidal is going to use, but is said that will be between #70 and #72, mostly to follow Gabriel' number. Is also not know if both will end up sharing the car, but Macena already said that he desires to take part in one of the first races of the season and in one race of the European tour.

(OOC: 7-1, Never forget)

[SnakePlissken]

FPO Terminator Almost Wins Championship In First Attempt; Now Off Grid Entirely

Former Terminator test driver Reese Biehn is shocked that the chassis that almost took the 2013 TM Master Cup championship with Zelda Ashby at the helm is not even on the grid for the 2014 season.
"I'm baffled by the set of circumstances whereby this obviously superior chassis has been completely overlooked! They came within a hair width of winning the whole damn thing in their inaugural season and now it's not even an afterthought. I'm going to try to launch an Independent's Trophy bid using the Terminator if I can. If not, then maybe I, or someone else, can make the field in the special events. This chassis deserves better than the fate it's been given," stated Biehn.

[BBoy]

Lareau confirmed to DeGarmo-Delgado in 2014

Brandon Lareau confirmed via Twitter that he will be running full-time in the TM Master Cup Series in 2014, driving the #39 car for DeGarmo-Delgado Enterprises. Lareau was quoted saying: "I'm very glad to be driving for one of the best American owners in auto racing in Mr. DeGarmo and for a former competitor who I hope to learn from in Mr. Delgado."

[JMac525]

Tom Moore Accepts 2014 Offer from Degarmo-Delgado

Seattle driver Tom Moore late last night accepted an offer to drive the #19 car for DeGarmo-Delgado Enterprises. Moore posted the news earlier on his Twitter feed. Moore said, "I am overjoyed to be driving for the great Owen DeGarmo and a driver I've always looked up to, Tom Delgado. This is a fantastic opportunity for me that I really hope to make the best of."

[Cynon]

Team Saar USA Promises Retro Paint Schemes

Team Saar USA kicked up some more offseason buzz when they claimed that they would be running "retro" paint schemes for the upcoming season. Team Saar USA did not indicate exactly what they meant, or what retro paint schemes they would run for Joe Olenick and Cameron Taylor.

An unconfirmed source inside Team Saar USA hinted that Olenick would run multiple paint schemes throughout the year as throwbacks to "the glory years". Team Saar USA's traditionally blue and white haulers are expected to be red and white.

[bsoyuz]

Gabriel Macena to reunite with Saar do Brasil

It was announced today that Gabriel macena is going to reunite with Saar do Brasil, in which he won his first two BRC (Brazilian Racing Confederation) Stock Car racing titles.

"I am very glad to return with Saar do Brasil and drive the #71 again, as I won my first two titles with it and drove with Saar  during my first two championships 2003 and 2004, and I'm happy to be teammate to João Paulo Vidal, it's my big break in the series and I want to make the most it."

Is rumored that the historic Brazilian flag pattern used by the team since its inception will debut in TMMC, Gabriel is confirmed to drive the #71, and is not known which number João Paulo Vidal will run, but is already known that the team will use Saar Eagles. Another thing uncorfirmed are which races both will run, but is rumored that Gabriel will run in the first few round of the season, including one european race.

(OOC: Check TMPedia)

[Backmarker]

D&S Looking for Independents Run
Dash Cup team co-owner Thomas Dietrich has revealed that he is officially looking to enter the TM Master Cup Series in 2014, competing for the Independent's Trophy with his Germany-based D&S Automotive, as suggested in an earlier press report:

Thomas Dietrich Eyes Future in Master Cup
Two-time European Touring Car Tour champion Thomas Dietrich surprised many when he announced his move to stock cars for 2013. However, Dietrich has proven his capabilities in the Dash Cup series, scoring a few top tens, and, along with Peter van der Schmidt, has built up newcomer team D&S Automotive, securing them a full-time place on the grid for 2014.

Dietrich's move to Dash Cup had been rumored to be in preparation for a possible move to the TM Master Cup Series, and Dietrich recently shed more light on his plans for 2014.

"At the moment, our focus for next season will be on the Dash Cup campaign, developing our cars more as well as getting more seat time for myself", Dietrich recently stated in an interview with the German press. "However, we are definitely looking into being more involved in the Master Cup series in some capacity, and I'm hoping that I might be able to be ready for an even greater role in 2015."

Dietrich and his team have attempted Karjala and Indianapolis this season, and reportedly requested a Promoter's Option for a race during the European tour, but nothing materialized from these rumors. Now, the team hopes to have a much stronger presence in the series, with a possible bid for the Independent's Trophy.

"I can say that we are definitely examining the prospect of running an Independent campaign in TMMC. Otherwise, I don't know if the team would make an appearance next season, because Peter and I want to guarantee we make some starts, and race promoters don't seem to be willing to take a gamble on less established drivers and teams."

"All in all, I'm hoping that our Dash Cup efforts and this hypothetical Independent run will get us some attention from the full time teams. I will admit I definitely want an opportunity with a big organization, and perhaps it may come this year; If not, however, we're prepared to show them our capabilities."

The team plans to put Dietrich in the car, with sponsorship from Equest Financial, and attempt four of the European races. The team has not announced a manufacturer yet, but rumored linkups include the standard Omecha MA05, or possibly 2012 and 2013 Wernstroms, or even a return of the Muller nameplate that attempted the 2012 Karjala Grand Prix.

[PackerMan71]

Pre-season timeline

GRAVITY RACING, INC. TO RACE FOR THE INDEPENDENTS TROPHY IN 2014

Finally, Gravity Racing, Inc. will have its chance at the TMMC Independents Trophy in 2014.

Although nothing about the entry has been confirmed other than the team will use the Omecha MA05, team owner Packer Carroll is confident about his team's chances.

PACKER: We've been pressing and pressing for this opportunity for years, and now we get our chance. We've succeeded at every level, so the next logical step for us is Master Cup, and hopefully, with the team that we're putting together, we'll be able to snag that trophy in our first season. That's the goal, anyway.

A driver hasn't been named yet, although there are rumors suggesting that Packer could use one of his developmental drivers, such as Canadian John Quackenbush, who will be competing in the National Pro Cup Championship full-time in 2014.

[gwoodard41]

Terra International Motorsports checks with officials over the status of their Independent's Trophy entries.

The management at TIMmy checked up with officials about the team's status for their drivers and cars for the 2014 season.

"We're looking forward to improving our image from the events of the last two seasons." Jacob Lanson wrote on the team's FB page, "Lord knows that we haven't been the best team to deal with in the paddock and what happened with the Brute last year was only the tip of the iceberg."

The team which had applied for the numbers 58 and 98 found that their number choice for the 98 was uprooted by Lynxe racing, a full time team owned by Lynxe. They're hoping to hear back soon from the officials on the matter.

[Veni Vidi Voeckler]

Full-time ride reprieve for Benoit Voeckler?

After a sudden collapse of the Katzev-Voeckler deal, it seemed the Frenchman's chances of a full-time ride in TMMC next season had long gone along with it. However, reports are emerging he has started negotaiations with Tutino to race a full season with the Italian squad.

Voeckler spent some of 2013 at Tutino, jumping into their part-time #48 entry at selected events, and the positive rapport between the two parties, along with the team's need for cash, has led to suspected negotiations for a full-time programme in 2014.

"I will explore all avenues available to me," said Voeckler. "Tutino is a team I have a great relationship with, it would be good to continue our partnership in future, but nothing has been arranged on that front."

[Mother of Invention]

DHRE / Mallory to submit IT Form.

David Hetzel of 'David Hetzel Racing Enterprises' has confirmed that his team has submitted a entry form for TM Master Cup Independant's Trophy entry. Hetzel will be running a fleet of ex-Omecha MA04 purchased from Alex Harrison's team. Driver duties will be handed to 36 year old Irish BTC driver Keegan Mallory. Hetzel has stated he chose Mallory cause "He has a huge upside and serious amounts of raw talent. For someone to go straight from bikes to tin-tops and do so after recovering a pretty nasty leg injury is one thing. To do that in the top half of the field and do it consistently really show what can be done with him at the wheel."

Mallory, the former Dundrod TT and Isle of Man TT winner finished 7th in BTC points last year and one a round at Castle Combe, his first. Other then that his most notable exploit was calling a fellow driver a "pansy" in an interview after a race because he wouldn't take up Mallory's offer trackside fisticuffs. Funding for the team is coming from outdoor retailer 'Orvis', furniture store 'Crate & Barrel' and upscale grocery store 'The Fresh Market'.

[navycook75]

Independents Trophy bid confirmed for Leckliter, possible teammate?

After months of speculation, Leckliter confirmed his plans for the 2014 season of TM Master Cup. He will return to the Independents Trophy to claim the championship that has eluded him for the past two seasons. With YRC Trucking leaving the team, Flex-Box, a Hong-Kong based shipping container company, has agreed to sign on to the team until 2017. It was also confirmed that Leckliter will remain with the number 47, which will be the first time in his Master Cup career where he has kept the same number for more than one season.

There is also a rumor that Norwegian Rally champion Kristian Vangsness will pilot a second car for the team. If the rumor is true, the car will possibly stay the same except the number will be 110, and the car will only be prepared by the Leckliter Racing stable, and the Arctic Circle Rally Team has agreed to cover all travel expenses for the car, as it is said that this car will do mostly international races.

The team will stay with Tonare.

[Ruben Efamba]

Tony Durbin to partner Chris Davenport at Mitchell and Sons Racing for 2014?

There has been some whispering in the paddock mentioning that Tony Durbin could be back in a TMMC car very soon.

Tony Durbin the 2007 TMMC world chanpion is currently on a hiatus from racing after losing his ASCC seat for 2014 and with no other opportunities left for him at the moment, Mitchell and Sons began their interest with Durbin to replace Zach Duff.

Durbin left TMMC full-time at the end of the 2011 season due to his controversial views of the increased global profile resulting in new foreign drivers to enter the series.

The rumour of Tony Durbin has also caught the attention of 2 other teams, Maximus Racing and Velocity Motorsports. Both Teams also mentioned Durbin as a top candidate.

[Ben Atkins]

Hannah Percy still looking for IT ride

Hannah Percy has said that she is still searching for a ride in the Independent's Trophy for 2014, despite HQS Racing backing out of the race for an Independent's Trophy slot. Percy currently drives in Dash Cup and has picked up two career victories. Into Spa, she is currently the points leader by a small margin over her team-mate Kellan Rogers. Percy is also one of the few drivers to win in both Dash Cup and FARC, joining a list of drivers including elites such as Tom Delgado and Leslie Riggs.

Percy has started twice in the TM Master Cup Series with HQS Racing in 2013, scoring points in the Round of Victoria. Despite this, she narrowly missed Karjala in the same car, but shown good signs of promise.

Atlantic Motorsports entered Ben Atkins into the Independent's Trophy in 2012, with Atkins making 5 starts that year, including the Round of Indianapolis, where both him and team-mate Carla Rosinski made the field. They finished 20th and 21st, after Atkins was caught up in a crash. They could be entering Percy, Atkins' soon-to-be wife, in the Independent's Trophy for 2014. Percy currently drives for the frontrunning team in Dash Cup.

[RocketKnight]

Tony Durbin to partner Chris Davenport at Mitchell and Sons Racing for 2014?

There has been some whispering in the paddock mentioning that Tony Durbin could be back in a TMMC car very soon.

Tony Durbin is currently on a hiatus from racing after losing his APRS seat and with no other opportunities left for him at the moment, Mitchell and Sons began their interest with Durbin to replace Zach Duff.

Durbin left TMMC full-time at the end of the 2011 season due to his controversial views of the increased global profile resulting in new foreign to enter the series.

More news are still to come

Doesn't Cooper own Tony Durbin?

[SnakePlissken]

Got rumors? Even those that have no factual basis? WHO CARES! Post them! I don't care if you spread lies or promote your own drivers here either!

[Ruben Efamba]

Crew Chief of Mitchell and Sons Racing supports his desire to sign Tony Durbin for 2014

The Crew Chief of M&S Racing has supported his desire to try and sign the 2007 TMMC Champion Tony Durbin to replace Zach Duff for 2014 in order to help the team get up to speed and to compete at the front. This was followed by some recent whisperings between fans and some members of the M&S team at the paddock in the last 2 races.

Tony Durbin, 35, left the series full-time at the end of 2011 due to his controversial views over the increased global profile allowing more non-american drivers to compete in the series, but the chief believes that Tony Durbin should be back in full-time very soon.

Durbin has since competed in the American Stock Car Championship (Later known as APRS) in 2012 but lost his drive at the end of the following season.

"Tony Durbin has recently become a main key for the second seat alongside Chris Davenport, as we are currently running out of options with other drivers. But with him, this could help bring the team back near the front and possibly bring the American drivers back to success", The Crew Chief stated.

M&S racing originally mentioned Brandon Lareau as a top candidate for the second seat before Degarmo-Delgado signed him.

The Crew Chief of M&S continued,

"Tony Durbin has been most famous for his rivalries in the series, notably fellow driver Alexis Rainsford who he developed a long-term Rivalry with her. This rivalry between the 2 American drivers could help other American drivers to go head-to-head with each other which will bring in more cheers to a lot of American Fans."

[Ruben Efamba]

Maximus Racing looking for an All-American Lineup for 2014

Maximus Racing, one of the new entries for 2014 are currently looking for an all-american lineup for 2014 as part of their main objective to field more American Drivers on the field.

Since the 2011 season, the TM Master Cup Series Grid became a dilemma due to the increased global profile which ended up bringing more new foreign drivers to the series and losing several famous American Drivers including World Champions Tony Durbin and Alexis Rainsford.

The performances of the American drivers have now began to fade away as they get outpaced by a lot of other drivers. The 2011 season also marks the first time in TM Master Cup history that a non-American driver has won a TMMC championship, won by French Adrien Devereux.

But Maximus Racing said that their mission is to try and bring back the Americans into Glory by fielding an all American lineup.

There were also some quiet rumours from the American Fans saying that Tony Durbin, the 2007 TMMC Champion will be back in a TMMC car full time very soon. This caught the attention to the M&S Racing and are currently interesting in signing Durbin to take over the second seat alongside fellow American Chris Davenport. Other Teams including Maximus Racing who have stated Durbin as one of their candidates.

Other Candidates includes Anthony Griffith, Dalton Johnson, Brian Sendeck and rising driver Ethan Everett. Paul Lyons has also been mentioned as a candidate as a 3rd driver.

[gwoodard41]

NoGo Racing seeking Independent's Trophy bid.

NoGo Racing announced their intentions to enter the TM Master Cup Independents Trophy. They requested to use the #97 and tapped Calvin Hobbes and Chuck Bloomers as possible drivers. The team purchased a 2012 Juneau and secured sponsorship from John Deere.

[Ben Atkins]

Atlantic Motorsports secure sponsorship; expected to make IT bid with Hannah Percy

Atlantic Motorsports have confirmed that they have secured sponsorship for an Independent's Trophy bid for 2014, and that they will officially be making said bid with their Dash Cup driver Hannah Percy. If successful in their bid, this will be the first time since 2012 that the team will be on the grid, when Ben Atkins drove for the team where they finished 7th in IT points.

Team owner William Atkins confirmed that Cessna have come on board for any TMMC attempts that the team will make, and that the team will be looking to carry over the famous number 28 from Dash Cup into their IT attempt. This is also the number Percy will use in 2014.

Percy has made two TM Master Cup starts prior to this season, with a Promoter's Option entry in both Australian rounds for her fiancé, Ben Atkins' team HQS Racing in 2013. It is expected that even if Percy and Atlantic Motorsports are not successful in their IT bid, that they will still attempt all of the over capacity events, and will attempt to make some promoters options starts.

[racingfreak1999]

Azure to return to FAC's IT ride.

After FAC Motorsports owner Frank Azure decided to put off his retirement to drive for Tom Delgado Racing in the FARC Elite Series, many wondered if he would return to the TM Master Cup Series.  Those questions have been answered as Azure announced that he will step back into his own car to once again compete for the Independent's Trophy in 2014.  It was also announced that Doritos will take over sponsorship for the team.  The 53-year old was originally announced in the beginning of 2013 that he was going to retire after the season.  Azure finished a disappointing 23rd place in the IT standings in his retirement season, as well as failing to contend for the ASCC title despite making the Chase for the second consecutive year.

"We were exploring some of our options at the end of last season.  We wanted to put Aki [Ishikawa] in the car, but she wanted to focus on Formula Overdrive, and Nick I felt wasn't ready for it yet.  Another option was to close the team down being that Verizon back out after the season.  When I took the TDR deal, I then debated whether or not to return to the IT team.  Being that I wasn't happy with my showing last season, I decided to give it another go.  I'm definitely looking to improve last season result and fuck up anybody who gets in the way of that.  Especially if I run into a certain someone again."

Being that Azure is running part time for TDR in FARC, his schedule is more open than it was last season when he ran full time in the ASCC.  Despite coming back to Master Cup, Azure was abundantly clear he would not return to the ASCC.

[JINXaPHRENIC]

"Since we can finally confirm everything for 2014, here's the official run down: I, Jinx Rodriguez, will drive for my own team, Jinx Racing for the 2014 TMMC IT Trophy in the #86 Jimmie John's Lenard and I will also drive full time in the 2014 TM Lites for Owen Degarmo in the #86 Jimmie John's car. I'm excited and looking forward to a great 2014. Hopefully we can break into the win column as a team and I personally hope to win a race or two as well." Jinx Rodriguez

[Cynon]

Independent's Trophy Status

Cars entered for the 2014 Independent's Trophy:

1.) #0 TBA, Alex Harrison Racing Omecha MA04
2.) #06 Ryan Matthews, Matthews Motorsports Aspira
3.) #07 Anthony Griffith, Team Thunder Tonare TGT
4.) #09 Stanley Hull (R), One Goal Racing Omecha MA05
5.) #58 Ike Durbin, Terra International Motorsports LenardHelsing
6.) #61 Vitaly Karpenko, Avtomobilniy Tolyatti 114
7.) #71 Gabriel Macena (R), Saar do Brasil Saar Eagle
8.) #78 Joao Paolo Vidal, Saar do Brasil Saar Eagle
9.) #86 Joel Rodriguez, Jinx Racing Lenard
10.) #91 Danny Savin, Full Throttle Motors Juneau S3
11.) #99 Ebenezer Quiggles, Jr., FPO Incorporated Terminator
12.) #46 TBA, FAC Motorsports
13.) #34 John Quackenbush, Gravity Racing Omecha MA05
14.) #114 TBA, MT Motorsports Omecha MA05
15.) #28 Hannah Percy, Atlantic HQS Omecha
16.) #29 Kerry Ians, Spannerhead Racing Omecha
17.) #47 Dan Leckliter, Leckliter Racing Tonare TGT
18.) #52 Richard Scott? (R), Big Mac Racing
19.) #57 Ryan Griffin, Great Lakes Motorsports
20.) #76 Keegan Mallory, DHR Enterprises
21.) #79 TBA, Clason Enterprises

First Reserve Entry:

#999 Marcos Leonard, FPO Incorporated Terminator

[JMac525]

Big Mac Racing on Independent's Trophy Aspirations

Two time podium finisher in the Independent's Trophy standings, Big Mac Racing, hopes to challenge for the crown again. Unfortunately for them, they lost their successful driver, Tom Moore, to a full time seat at Degarmo-Delgado. Normally BMR would just choose a driver currently driving for them in another series to take the reigns of the 2014, but Thomas Mac has other plans. "While we would enjoy putting Makoto Yamada or Meghan Gallagher in the car, we want someone who we believe can win the IT championship. They would have to have proved their competitiveness in the past and be a good fit with our team." While the chassis of choice is undisclosed at the moment, the team apparently is nearing a deal to use one next year. Sponsorship is in place, but if a driver brings sponsorship with them, things could change. If the Independent's Trophy entry is not accepeted, the team hopes to run Promoter Entry races.

[I'd like to use someone else's driver if this entry is accepted. Send a me a pm if you are interested in putting your driver in this car. I'll put one of my in only if interest is low.]

[day500champ1]

Great Lakes Motorsports submits petition to return with the #57 as an Independent's Trophy entry in 2014; FARC Elite Series driver, Ryan Griffin, to drive with HP Engineparts to return as the sponsor

For Great Lakes Motorsports, the off-season focus was primarily on their TM Lights entries.  But, this doesn't mean the team hadn't overlooked their TMMCS IT entry.  GLM ran the #57 HP Engineparts Omecha with Vijay Pushanda last season.  The team finished tied for 5th in the IT standings in 2013 with the Eichholtz-Atlantic entry of Jacob Eichholtz.  

Griffin ran part time for GLM in the FARC Elite Series in 2011 and ran for GLM in the TM Lights in 2012 until his license in that series was suspended following the Round of New York.

The team had early announced that Pushanda had been released from the TM Lights entry as well as the IT entry for 2014.  While it was believed that the team wouldn't enter the IT campaign in 2014 do to sponsorship issues, that proved to be false.  The team hasn't decided on a manufacturer yet though.

Car Number---Driver---Sponsor---Manufacturer
#57---Ryan Griffin---HP Engineparts---TBD

[Mother of Invention]

DHRE Signs sponsors for IT bid

After much speculation, David Hetzel and his race team have finalized a sponsorship deal for their Independents trophy team. Driver Keegan Mallory has announced on his Twitter that the three primary sources of funding will come from Cornboard, Vinyl Fantasy Siding Products, and PRG Brands. The car will be an Omecha MA04, the only confirmed MA04 contending for the Independants trophy, and will be #76. Mallory of course is an Irish born, British Touring Car driver who has had much experience on two wheels and is a 3-time Isle of Man TT winner in SuperStock bike racing. COrnboard is a leading manufactuer of cardboard and is know for their use of cornstalk in their products. Vinyl Fantasy Siding products is a brand name of siding products owned by the JKH Construction Supply group, while PRG Brands is the owner of several brands of fast food including Pokey's Hamburgers, Debra's Pizza, Royal Chicken and Mr P's Burger Joint.

No word yet on what races will be raced as IT events, but owner David Hetzel has said that Road Atlanta and Darlington are high on the list.

[GamerAzuzu]

Maximum opportunity?

Lets face it, this announcement is the most unexpected since it just came out of nowhere.  When Azuma Kazeyama announced earlier this year in a AMA session about his future in motorsport, he said if he couldn't find a ride in TMMC next season that he would return home and run GT.

Looks like he's not going anywhere, as it was announced today on his twitter that Azuma Kazeyama has been signed to drive for the new Maximus Motorsports racing team.

Questions have been asked about the rather absurd and surprising decision by the Japanese driver but they will be answered at a later time.

[Veni Vidi Voeckler]

Voeckler purchases Scuderia Alitalia team, bids for Independents Trophy slot

Scuderia Alitalia, the Italian team that made a handful of appearances during the 2013 TMMC season, have been acquired by Voeckler GPE, who have registered the squad for an IT entry in 2014.

"We're in a learning curve in stock cars, and this is the first step," explained team CEO Jeremy-Etienne Voeckler. "We hope in the future to have our own works team in TMMC, but this is a long-term goal. For now, we are focusing on building from the bottom. An independents' entry is a good starting point for us."

While the equipment has already been purchased from Alitalia, the driver of the car has not been officially confirmed.

"We are talking to a few people, and a driver for the project will be confirmed in due course," stated Voeckler.

Rumours suggest Belgian driver Thomas de Bock is favourite to land the drive, who will also compete full-time in Dash Cup in 2014. Also in the frame is former Alitalia protege Antonio Delvecchio, who raced for Italian squad in the non-affiliated RTSS and RWSCC series.

[f1fan12]

Pushanda eying Independents Trophy/3rd Driver spot

With the majority of the full time rides locked up. Vijay Pushanda is looking at running in the Independents Trophy again. Pushanda is being rumored to the Alex Harrison Racing ride. Neither AHR or Pushanda was available for comment. Pushanda has run reasonably well on the road courses in the past. Along with finishing 11th on debut in a Tutino. Pushanda also was 13th in a Tutino in the 2012 running in a crash filled race in Britain.

[TheFallenHaveRisen]

Jamarius Knight III still hopeful for Independents Trophy Bid with Team Nike, but believes that other, more experienced teams will be picked over him.  He still will attempt the 3 major races, regardless of his schedule otherwise.

No matter what, Jamarius would drive the #368 sponsored by NIKE, exact paint scheme would be determined at a later date.

[Sponsored content]