2012 TM Lights Silly Season Thread

by **Cynon** Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:51 pm

Got rumors? Who cares if there is no factual basis! We want to hear them!

Keyes Expresses Concerns About TM Master Cup Development Ladder

Peter Keyes, who owns Team Saar USA, has a history of being both a controversial figure and a savvy buisnessman. Keyes said that the TM Master Cup Series development ladder is "inherently flawed" after the TM Lights North race at Indianapolis, and was critical of the three-series format.

"It has been completely the opposite of what it was intended to be. It was intended to be a low cost series, but for two cars in one division, I spent more than I did last year." Keyes said.
"The prize money awarded isn't good enough to justify the format continuing for much longer. They should look at ARLA. Two races in one day with a lot of strong competition between manufacturers? I can't get enough of it!"

The TM Lights broadcast rights for Channel 44 expire at the end of the year, and the network is debating on whether or not to keep the coverage for next season.

TM Lights organizers confirmed that only four cars had been signed up for the 2012 season and admitted that they were meeting with the current team owners on how to improve the series. Of the four cars that have been signed up, two of them are known to be Leonid Roderick's entries.

by Nascar9fan Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:02 pm

Australian Motorsports will run again next year

Australian Motorsports will run again next year with Adams as the driver. The team is talking about a second car for Italian driver John Bracchi but those reports are unconfirmed.

by Tanrar Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:12 pm

Clason Motorsports to return in 2012, looking for sponsorship

Clason Motorsports is looking to come back for the 2012 TM Lights season, but are mainly looking for a sponsor.

Archer Harris' state with the team is unknown at this point.

by Alpineopossum Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:18 pm

Cameron Taylor To TM Lights?

Part time TM Master Cup driver is reportedly interested in racing in the TM Lights in 2012.

"Yes, I think that we [RTR Automotive Engineering] are able to run the TM Lights, but my dad and uncle [who runs the team] agree that it would be better for me to drive for an existing team."

by f1fan12 Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:19 pm

Arrow Dynamics expresses intrest in Lights Team

Arrow Dynamics, a team that has beem in British Touring car racing for 10 years and attempted one TM Master Cup series one off. Has started to express intrest in the TM Light series. Team Principal Liam Byrd says, "We have progressed well in the last 10 years in the British Touring Car Cup. It is time for a new challenge. We feel that TM Lights is a challenge for us, but we belive we are ready."

by **crl** Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:31 pm

MT Motorsports will remain in the TM Lights South Division in 2012. Drivers are yet to be confirmed.

by Rovenami Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:35 pm

GasTech interested in competing in TM Lights

At a press conference, team owner Vladimir Visscov said that he wanted to start a TM Lights campaign in 2012. "It is currently unknown WHO will get the ride for 2012 but Visscov is currenlt searching wheather or not they are interseted in the ride.

(PM me if you're interested on wanting the ride.)

by Alta Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:39 pm

Altamont Autosport will remain in Lights for 2012. Drivers have yet to be announced but the belief is that the current drivers are competing for at least one of the seats next season.

by Magus978 Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:56 pm

MRD Motorsports Seeking TM Lights Entry

MRD Motorsports announced that they would be formally applying for a TM Lights entry. Through a statement MRD owner Tom Delgado released this morning, MRD shows their intention to continue their driver development programs by entering a TM Lights car. "We desire to continue developing some of the best drivers in the world, and to remain on pace with that process, a TM Lights team is necessary. We have had success in other series in the past, including our ARLA program, which in 2012 will be highlighting several young drivers, developing them even further" MRD Motorsports' statement read.

by day500champ1 Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:58 pm

#01 car will return next season, however Silverman will not

Great Lakes Motorsports owner Jim More announced this afternoon that he intends the #01 American Red Cross car to return next season. However, More was clear in saying that current driver Taylor Silverman would not.

"Taylor is learning the ropes that much is true, but we have decided to take this team in another direction."

More when asked about what he said stated that the #01 will be split between two drivers next season, one for certain will be one of the team's current drivers, Ryan Griffin. The other is TBD.

by conrail1990 Wed Sep 14, 2011 9:15 pm

Unit 11 has no intentions of leaving now

Unit 11 Motorports will return for the 2012 season, and TM East drivers Justin Robinson and Mark Blackwell said they will return. Unit 11 signed a deal earlier in the season garenteeing Just and Mark a ride thru the 2013 season. Unit 11 also signed an extension with Nikon stating that Nikon will be the primary sponsor of Justin Robinson and Mark Blackwell thru the 2012 seasons. However Nikon did express concern over the car schemes after the cars for the 2011 season were designed the same. Nikon asked that one driver wears the brand of Nikon/Nikkor while the other wears just Nikon. The car schemes will be released later this year.

The status of the TM North teams for Unit 11 is a little different. Driver Gerald Johnson has expressed interest in returning for the 2012 season, however Lisa Pardo has expressed little interest in competing in the 2012 season after a season of dissapointment. Lisa said she will announce if she will be racing next season after the season finale at Decatur.

Sponsorship is also looking bumpy for the TM North teams in 2012. Canadian National Railway threatened to yank sponsorship on Johnsons car after it was reviled Norfolk Southern Corp would be an associate sponsor on the TM East Cars. Unit 11 was able to reason with CN to keep sponsorship on the car for the remainder of the 2011 season. Interstate Batteries has signed a contract to be a primary sponsor on one of the TM North cars.

More info is sure to come out of this.

by Dan Mackay Wed Sep 14, 2011 9:55 pm

Last Row Autosport will stay in TM Lights

Last Row Autosport will return for the 2012 TM Lights season, The team however is looking for additional sponsorship.

by Blake Camphausen Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:06 pm

Camphausen Motorsports (Unsure if it was branded as Blake Camphausen Motorsports or not) Will not return for the 2012 Lights season.

by GamerAzuzu Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:47 pm

SpeedSOS Motorsports to stay in TM Lights.

SpeedSOS Motorsports will stay in the TM Lights for next season, Quan Xing and Adel Meir are expected to stay in their respective rides.

by bartman97 Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:23 pm

Ferguson 50% to return?

Nathan Ferguson has rumoured he wants to start his own TM Master Cup independent team with his dad, but if all doesn't plan out, he might suit back into Leonid Roderick's car in TM Lights.

by BJ Falcon Thu Sep 15, 2011 12:33 am

Billy Fortner, Inc. intends to stay in Lights

Billy Fortner, Inc. expressed intentions of staying in the TM Lights North Series for 2012, granted the car remains as a Cup body and not the rumored change to an unknown body type the Master Cup level is supposedly changing to.

"Well, since all the animosity has occurred and been dealt with, I need to steer Fortner in the right direction this time. We're not getting as much as we like, but if keep a good pace for ourselves and press on, I think we'll be good for a finish. Hey. A win's not out of the equation, either. We may have to bump the power up a bit to Lights 2012 specs, whichever they may be, I don't know. But if they keep their engine regulation packages the same, then we won't have the need to power up our engines. (Lit: Increase horsepower.) So far in 2011, no luck, but we're going to keep going, and to all the press and those on the Twitter Feed pages, we're not 'rage quitting'. I had enough of rage quitting. I took things too seriously. It's time I just shut up and drive for once! And manage Fortner Motorsports at that, too."

The Racing Channel rumored to take TM Lights broadcasting package for 2012?

Sources from The Racing Channel executives told TRC.com (not a real website) that they are looking at the possibility of broadcasting the TM Lights Series next season with rumors of Channel 44 possibly not returning. But The Racing Channel's board of television networking says that they are aware of what Channel 44 will decide to do.

TRC sponsors the #229 of Billy Fortner who drives for Billy Fortner, Inc. It is their first season in the TM Lights division.

"It has given us some exposure and we have been getting numerous requests by the general viewing audience to telecast the TM Lights series next season, but we will need to weed out some details with the officials first before we can do so. We will also need to closely monitor what is taking place at Channel 44 and whether or not they intend to stay with broadcasting the TM Lights Series or focus more on the Master Cup side." says TRC management.

TRC has not set dates for negotiating a broadcasting contract with the TM Lights Series.

by racingfreak1999 Thu Sep 15, 2011 2:45 am

FAC Motorsports looking at TM Lights entry.

FAC Motorsports owner Frank Azure announced that he would like to enter his team in the 2012 TM Lights season. "We are trying to put ourselves in a position to develop young up and coming drivers. Like our ARLA and CRL programs, this entry would be a stepping stone for drivers trying to make it to the TM Master Cup Series."

by JMac525 Thu Sep 15, 2011 11:25 am

Big Mac Racing Wants to Enter TM Lights in 2012

Thomas Mac, owner of Big Mac Racing, is interested in entering TM Lights competition in 2012. Mac is a fan of the new low budget, one chassis and engine system. Mac said, "This gives a great opportunity for the smaller teams to do well. I would love to have a car in the series next year." The team currently runs in the ARLA Elite Series full-time, VART, and the ASCC. There are no talks of a possible driver yet. Makoto Yamada will not be the driver, because the team wants him to solely focus his efforts on his ARLA schedule. More details to come soon.

by Chives2112 Thu Sep 15, 2011 5:41 pm

New TM Team Ready For 2012?

Mauricio Goncalves, a businessman from Columbia has announced that he is in the process of building his own team for the upcoming TM Lights season. With the announcement of the TM Lights Series going to a spec chassis and engine in 2012, Goncalves jumped at the thought of having his own TM team.

"After hearing the press releases from Indianapolis over the weekend, I started to think about the idea for a team. TM Lights management has done a good job of reverting back to a one-make series. This is very cost reductive and that was the thing that made me want to join the TM Universe."

There is no word about possible drivers or sponsors, but Goncalves did also mention that he has filed the necessary paperwork for a TM license. There is no word if he has been accepted to drive for his own team. If he doesn't get approved, Goncalves will have to start shopping for his own driver. Goncalves says that he doesn't want to have any pay-drivers in his cars, but all else fails, he'll have to revert back to having a pay-driver.

by RyanB06 Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:49 pm

Matthews Motorsports to form TM Lights team?

Sources close to Matthews Motorsports management have indicated that the organization will announce at its press conference tomorrow, among other things, its intent to form a team to compete in the 2012 TM Lights season.

Driver and sponsor information is not yet known.

by Alpineopossum Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:25 am

Taylor chasing Roderick Motorsports seat?
Rumor has it that VERC driver Cameron Taylor may drive for Roderick Motorsports next year. Says Taylor:
"I've made them an offer, and I don't think I have too good of a shot at it, but I'll wait for Leonid to make a comment. In all likely hood, it depends on how I do in the VSCC." RTR Automotive Engineering may still enter as a team in its own right in 2012.

by Rykia Sun Sep 25, 2011 2:07 pm

Full Throttle Racing Could Enter the TM Lights Next Year

Rumors in the FTR camp have been that the team could run an independent's trophy bid in the TMMC next year. However, there have also been rumors that they will put in a full-time TM Lights bid, so that they can start to develop up-and-coming drivers from series' such as ARLA, the VSCC, and the CRL divisions. Full Throttle Racing's GM Mark Armstrong reportedly announced that they do have sponsors lined up for both a TMMC Indep. Trophy, and a TM Lights season. It is already known that Ike Durbin, FTR's Indy and Decatur one-off driver, will NOT run for the team in the TM Lights, at least not in 2012.

by PackerMan71 Sun Sep 25, 2011 4:42 pm

Gravity Racing, Inc. will stay in TM Lights next year.

by **Ben Atkins** Sun Sep 25, 2011 5:16 pm

Daxter Hamlett will return, however, the #030 will not.

by gwoodard41 Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:43 pm

Terra Motorsports going to attempt TM Lights?

The team officials stated that if the plans for the team fall through, the team may just enter full time in the TM Lights Series with Woodard at the Helm, but will try the TMMC One Off Races.

Sarah Xavier and Ryon Reffett are also planned to drive in the series if they are allowed.

by BBoy Thu Oct 13, 2011 4:23 pm

Brandon Baker to remain in TM Lights for 2012

Despite his struggles in his 2011 rookie season, Brandon Baker announced after British Columbia that he would remain in the series. "There's a huge difference between modifieds and stock cars, so it's difficult to get used to these cars. I plan to continue driving stock cars, no matter what it takes."

by tenderman65 Fri Oct 14, 2011 4:01 pm

Harrison unsure about TM Lights future

Virtually named racing's top rookie in the 2010 season, Amy Harrison was awarded 2010 ARLA Elite Series Rookie of the Year honors, a 7th place points finish, and a contract to drive for the 2-time and defending TM Master Cup Series Champion Alexis Rainsford. At first everyone thought this was gonna be a dream season with the powerhouse duo of Chris Davenport and Amy Harrison. Chris managed to live up to his expectations sitting near the top of the standings, while Amy unfortunately feels like she has not. "To be honest I thought this was gonna be a great season, but it looks like I'm nothing more than a complete fraud. That, and the worst nightmare of this team's insurance... I honestly think Alexis doesn't want me to return to the team next season judging by my poor performance, and I wouldn't blame her for taking me out of the 28."

by RACECAR Sun Oct 16, 2011 1:14 am

New Developer Interested in making a TM Lights Sim

Start up Developer Action Gamez is seeking the license to create a TM Lights Game as their first venture into the Racing sim genre. Company founder Tom Chase has big ambitions for the series and with experiance behind the Simulators he's designed for CJR in their many motorsport ventures, it could go that way. "I've long looked at starting up my own company and trying to make the best sims out there and I'm excited to get it going. Its easy to pass it off as overly optismistic since this is essentially the first one from the company, but I'm confident we'll make something exciting for the fans" Team Owner Camyron Jackson Shared his enthusiasm and hopes. "I've worked alot with Tom and he's alot like me, very detailed oriented and very specific. He's done an incredible job making the simulators for the team and is not satisfied unless it is as realistic as possible so I know he won't settle for anything less" When asked if he was interested in doing it for other series in the TM Master Cup Series Ladder, he has said he would not mind pursuing others.

by day500champ1 Mon Oct 24, 2011 12:19 pm

GLM announces #01 car to be split between two drivers in 2012

Jim More in a press release today named the two drivers who will split the #01 American Red Cross TM Lights entry next season.

Ryan Griffin who is the team's current ARLA driver had already been rumored to be one of those drivers. Todays press release confirmed that.

The other driver is Ike Durbin Racing owner, Ike Durbin. Durbin is currently entered in a one-off entry for GLM in the ARLA Elite Series race at Rockford.

It has yet to be determined which races they will run in the car.

by RACECAR Mon Oct 31, 2011 3:33 am

CJR considering partial TM Lights entries

Team Owner Camyron Jackson is looking into possibly field multiple cars for the TM Lights races at New Hampshire & Decatur. Jackson says it'll depend on their progress in the ARLA one-off and if they have enough data or not from the race.

by Jahgee1124 Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:10 pm

Team DwyrFan Racing considering full schedule

Team DwyrFan Racing, owners of the hugely popular Motorsport series have stated their intentions of running a full schedule in 2012 in TM Lights, their driver will be Jacob "The Jamaican Jahgee" Gregory. Jahgee has stated he would like to run the East schedule, while Team DwyrFan Racing will look for drivers for other divisions.

by Mother of Invention Fri Nov 11, 2011 10:13 am

Off topic: What mod is gonna be used?

by Mr.Mech Sat Nov 12, 2011 2:14 pm

Rookie Racing Looking For TM Lights Entry

Rookie Racing owner Rebecca McDowell is looking to enter one or two cars into the TM Light's Schedule. She plans on having her driver and friend Nick "Mech" Dawson in the west series, and Kiara "Purple Ice" Kilgore in the East. Sponsors, numbers, and manus to be announced.

by pennst24 Sat Nov 12, 2011 3:38 pm

Eichholtz Autosport is expected to return to TM Lights competition in 2012. More details to be given at a later date.

by day500champ1 Mon Nov 14, 2011 2:10 pm

Change of Plans for Great Lakes Motorsports; Will Enter 2-Full Time cars next season instead of 1

GLM's Jim More announced this afternoon that the team would enter 2 cars full-time next year instead of having two drivers split one.

The #01 car will return with the American Red Cross sponsorship and with Ryan Griffin, the team's current ARLA driver, behind the wheel.

The other car who's # is TBD will be sponsored by HP Engineparts and will be driven by current VSCC driver Ike Durbin. Durbin is going to attempt the Rockford 200 in a one-off entry for GLM.

When asked why the change, More had this to say:
"Well, I just felt it wouldn't be fair to our drivers to have to decided what races to run and which to sit out. Plus this is a good way to develop team communication. Ike [Durbin] is a team owner so bringing him in to drive for this 2nd team is a great way to develop this communication."

by f1fan12 Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:10 am

Vijay Pushanda intrested in a Lights ride

Vijay Pushanda, an ex Formula A racer who won the US GP in 2006, is intrested in a Lights Ride. Vijay, has a part time ride with Math Motors in the ARLA Elite Series. In 2011 he ran well in the 42, Nemoto, HP Oil, Tutino, Scoring 11th in the 2011 Round Of Japan, the teams best result to date.

by RealRacer4 Tue Dec 20, 2011 7:58 pm

dfgdffffdds

by **Ben Atkins** Wed Dec 28, 2011 7:09 pm

New team may open, wants to sign two drivers?

A team going by the name of LynxPower Motorsports, popular in short track racing has decided to try their look in the TM Lights series, looking at Daxter Hamlett, who drove the #030 in 2011, and newcomer Harriet Wallace who had driven LynxPower Motorsports to 2 victories in the Dash Cup series in 2009, when she was just 18. Hamlett, who never found all too much success in 2011 in TM Lights, has shown interest in this team, if they gather the funding to open.

by **Ceej** Thu Dec 29, 2011 11:05 pm

Xenos to TM Lights?

The latest rumors concerning Xenos indicate that the Canadian-based manufacturer could be looking into fielding a TM Lights entry in 2012.

It is believed that the team is interested in moving longtime driver Leigh Gruell to the series and opening his ARLA seat to a different driver.

by PackerMan71 Thu Dec 29, 2011 11:14 pm

PACKER FINISHES 20TH IN TM LIGHTS FINALE AND POINTS STANDINGS, 8TH IN THE NORTH DIVISION, NAMES DRIVERS OF HIS TM LIGHTS TEAMS

After another mid-pack performance at Decatur in the TM Lights season finale, Packer Carroll announced the drivers of the #71 and #171 for 2012.

In the #171 will be Casey Lester, and in the #71 will be GRI crew chief of the #00 Elite Series team, Zach Gott.

Packer finished 20th in the race and the final overall points standings, and he finished 8th in the North Division standings.

by RACECAR Sat Dec 31, 2011 12:50 am

New startup team interested in TM Lights Participation

Jordan Motorsports is looking into a possible TM Lights entry for the 2012 Season. While the team has the funding for a full season, they currently have no driver lined up.

by Electric Wolf Sat Dec 31, 2011 1:27 am

Casey Lester: I'm pumped to be here with GRI this year. I'm honored to be with these guys and I hope to do my absolute best in all of my starts. Volpi and Packer [Carroll] know what they're doing.

by Alpineopossum Thu Jan 05, 2012 1:29 pm

Taylor has a new ride, almost a done deal?

Rumors recently have spread that Cameron Taylor is close to signing with a team in the TM Lights for the 2012 season. The Cleveland, Ohio native said that he was negociating a deal with a TM Lights team. Some sources have said it is close to a done deal. No other details are available. The identiy of the team in question is unknown.

by RACECAR Fri Jan 06, 2012 11:05 am

Jordan Motorsports Hires Cameron Taylor

It has just been announced that Cameron Taylor will join the newly formed Jordan Motorsports team. Details Like car number and sponsors are still being sorted at the moment and are expected to be announced at a later date.

by RACECAR Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:16 pm

Jordon Motorsports announces Number, Sponsor for TM Lights Campaign

It has just been announced that Cameron Taylor will drive the #24 Applebee's Saar for Jordan Motorsports. The Team says the driver has been a big help in finding sponsorship and Someone to kick off their venture in the TM Lights.

by PackerMan71 Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:41 pm

Question: What kind of format will the TM Lights have next year?

by bartman97 Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:12 pm

Sandy to get a pay driver for TM Lights?

Land Down Under Racing are looking for a pay driver to possibly run in TM Lights in 2012. Sandy wants to get extra money from TM Lights races to field the 999 car in ARLA driven by Sandy himself.

by Jason Hamilton Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:43 pm

bartman97 wrote: Sandy to get a pay driver for TM Lights?

Land Down Under Racing are looking for a pay driver to possibly run in TM Lights in 2012. Sandy wants to get extra money from TM Lights races to field the 999 car in ARLA driven by Sandy himself.

Australian pay driver Rick Walter is interested in this drive.

by gwoodard41 Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:30 pm

Jack Dempsey, the host of 'The Wild Side', who is also Australian, will take the ride.

by Blackout Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:54 pm

Teller Motors to attempt part-time schedule?

A spokesperson for Teller Motors today, announced that Teller Motors is seeking to compete part-time in the TM Lights series next year with Jason Teller behind the wheel. Teller, who has a full-time commitment in the ARLA series driving the #47 Arquin Xenos machine, is hoping to run at least 5-7 races in a Lycoia chassis, with a (currently) unknown sponsor.
More on this as we go along.

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