2012 Silly Season Thread

[Cynon]

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! <_<

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Team Chart (Full Time Teams Only)

Volpi Racing Team - Volpi VC04
#2 - ??
#6 - ??
Test/Reserve:
#28 - ??

Hodges-Walter Racing - Calton-Morel ??
#3 - Luciano Soveral (BRA)
#26 - Adrien Devereux (FRA)
Test/Reserve:
#13 - Alan Hodges (WAL)

FLASH Racing - Inglesby Sonicboom
#4 - Leonid Roderick (USA)
#44 - Michael Sykes (WAL)
Test/Reserve:
#04 - ??

Xenos Racing - Xenos Claymore
#5 - Zach Duff (CAN)
#999 - Marcos Leonard (CAN)
Test/Reserve:
#47 - ??

Power Steering Incorporated - Tonare Surge
#06 - Anthony Griffith (USA)
#16 - Kurt Plissken (USA)
Test/Reserve:
#?? - ??

Gessler Richter MC Team - Gessler MTW12
#9 - Arto Kekkonen (FIN)
#10 - Mathias Taube (SWE)
Test/Reserve:
#90 - ??

Team Saar USA - Saar Eagle
#15 - Blake Camphausen (USA)
#72 - Kevin Dwyer (USA)
Test/Reserve:
#93 - ??

Star Team Nemoto - Nemoto ??
#17 - Louis Kingston (USA)
#37 - Tom Delgado (USA)
Test/Reserve:
#38 - Azuma Kazeyama (JPN)

DeGarmo Enterprises - Juneau E-Class
#25 - Yamino Tenchi
#55 - Zelda Ashby (JPN)
Test/Reserve:
#?? - ??

Scuderia Tutino - Tutino T12
#42 - ??
#50 - ??
Test/Reserve:
#43 - ??

Mitchell & Sons Racing - Tremwell Knight
#64 - Chris Johaanes (USA)
#74 - Scott Steudler (USA)
Test/Reserve:
#?? - ??

Team EFR - EFR Journey A90
#88 - Scott Bates (USA)
#777 - Ian Cooper (USA)
Test/Reserve:
#?? - ??

James Dalton Racing - Dalton Blackbird
#?? - ??
#?? - ??
Test/Reserve:
#?? - ??

Katzev Engineering - Katzev KE03
#?? - ??
#?? - ??
Test/Reserve:
#?? - ??

Majestic Motorsports - Gasnier Spahi
#?? - Rene Recarmier (FRA)
#?? - ??
Test/Reserve:
#?? - ??

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Independents

Terra International - Lycoia Brute
#41 - Greg Woodard (USA)

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Bolden Being Courted by ASCC?

Rumors in the TM Master Cup Series paddock indicate that Bolden is being courted by the ASCC to join the series with its current TM Master Cup Series team with driver Woody Watts. A Bolden representative could not be reached for comment, however, many hints in the press have been dropped by ASCC management indicate that they are interested in not only Bolden but also Fortner.

"Our ideal manufacturer lineup would not only include Saar and Lenard, but also Bolden, Fortner, and Inglesby." an ASCC spokesperson said.
"It would be the ultimate battle for American cars in a truly American series instead of the debacle of the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Inglesby, however, has already informed us that their motorsport interests do not include us, and we feel that is disappointing and detramental to the on-track spectacle that the ASCC promises to deliver."

Bolden Speedstable currently fields two TM Master Cup Series cars for Brazilian Luciano Soveral and American Woody Watts. Sources within the team say that while Watts's sponsors are open to a switch to the ASCC, Soveral's are not.

Cooper Back Full-Time in 2012?

After his brilliant run at the 2011 Karjala Grand Prix that led him to fourth place, Ian Cooper has said that he has recieved "a few" offers to drive full-time again in 2012. Cooper's case is undoubtedly helped by his personal sponsor, Lysander Microsystems. It is unsure if Cooper will drive for Team EFR again or if he will find a drive with another team. Cooper is already in line to drive for Team EFR in case Charlie Waters violates his probation, and he will drive at Indianapolis and Decatur for Team EFR in his usual role in their third car.

Mitchell & Sons Leaves ASCC... Full Time?

Despite dominating the first season of the revived ASCC with Cyrus LaTerza and Hawk Slider, the famed Mitchell & Sons team has expressed an interest in returning to full-time TM Master Cup Series competition. The longest-running TM Master Cup Series team of all time has done well despite their limited Independent's Trophy campaign. Thomas Mitchell, Jr. commented that the team needed manufacturer backing, but stated that they only needed that backing for engines only, and that they were capable of building their own chassis in-house.

Camelot Racing Going to ASCC?

Arthur Thomas, the most succesful TM Master Cup Series driver of all-time, and owner of Camelot Racing, indicated that he is interested in running the ASCC since he does not believe it will be feasible for his team to compete in the TM Master Cup Series full-time next season.

"I'd really like to be Cup racing next season. Trust me, I would. I just don't think we have the resources to compete in this series with the, frankly, insane rules for next season and all the travel expenses." Thomas said in an interview.
"The ASCC is pretty attractive because it'll be easy for just about anyone to get into. I don't want to bail out of the TM Master Cup Series again, but I may not have any choice."

Thomas sold his stake in Camelot Racing to the Gazelle Group in 1998, finally purchasing his stake back 10 years later. Under his renewed leadership, Camelot Racing has one victory.

Chris Johaanes and Scott Steudler are Camelot Racing's two drivers, and the status of both men is uncertain with this news. Despite this rumor, Tremwell, the manufacturer for whom Camelot Racing is aligned with, has made it clear that they are staying in the TM Master Cup Series.

Duff's Place at Volpi Not Safe?

Once silly season rumors began, it appeared as if Volpi Racing Team owner Cyril Volpi could hardly wait to start a few rumors of his own. Before the Round of the Czech Republic practice began, Volpi hinted that Canadian Zach Duff's place in the team is not secure for the 2012 season based on his current form. The team is known to have a legion of drivers waiting for a chance at the TM Master Cup Series, including Packer Carroll, Bruce Wilkinson, Amy Harrison, and Chris Davenport. With rumors that Alexis Rainsford will be headed to V8 Champ Car for the 2012 season, it seems possible that Volpi Racing Team could have two new drivers for the 2012 season.

Lenard Leaving?

Despite the R37 having won the last race in Russia with Swedish driver Mathias Taube, there is a very real possibility that Lenard will not race in the TM Master Cup Series for 2012. The classic American marque's current tenure has lasted since 1991, but pressure to run a sportier model has not gone well with Lenard management. Coupled with less than stellar results in the past few seasons, Lenard is, some sources say, poised to leave TM Master Cup Series racing, perhaps to focus on the ASCC or to take over the TM Lights Series with a spec car. No word on how this affects Ocean Motorsports, Mathias Taube, or Leon Keniston.

Dalton and PSI to Remain Together After All?

James Dalton and Power Steering Incorporated have been at odds over the past few weeks over several things, but sources inside James Dalton Racing say that there are positive talks for JDR to remain a supplier to Power Steering Incorporated for the 2012 season with its fan-friendly Predator chassis. Dalton admitted that there is a chance he could create an entirely different car for 2012 instead of adapting the 2011 car to the 2012 regulations.

"We have the best privateer car on the grid right now... and I don't count Volpi as a privateer car." Dalton said in a recent interview.
"But I think the PSI folks went shopping and didn't like what they saw out there. Talks are ongoing, but that's the most I can say right now."

Sources verified that Power Steering Incorporated's current place on the grid is largely dependant on James Dalton's chassis shop near the PSI shop. No word on how or if this affects Marcos Leonard.

Rick Milligan Racing Done after 2012?

Some reports have emerged that indicate that Rick Milligan Racing could disband after the 2011 season. These reports cite a lack of funding for the team and a lack of support from Saar, which could absorb the team into Team Saar USA. Alternatively, Rick Milligan Racing could wind up in the ASCC, however, Milligan has long insisted that he does not want to run in the ASCC. Milligan started his TM Master Cup Series team after his GT team closed down due to lack of funding.

DeGarmo Expects to Stay with Juneau... KJS?

Owen DeGarmo Enterprises, who is spearheading Juneau's involvement in the TM Master Cup Series for 2011, has indicated he would like to stay with Inglesby's luxury brand for the 2012 season. DeGarmo, however, indicated that he may be facing pressure from KJS Autosport, Juneau's factory TM Lights effort for Juneau's support for 2012.

"It depends on a lot of things, but I'd like to stay with Juneau and run the S2 next year. We're very close to winning races." DeGarmo said.
"They've been great to our team with the AMX-5, but I hope we can continue with them and run the S2. Whenever you're with an Inglesby brand, you know you're getting something special and Juneau is no different."

DeGarmo is expected to keep Louis Kingston and Zelda Ashby for the 2012 season.

[SnakePlissken]

Leonard, Plissken May Run Special Paint Schemes at Daytona

PSI announced today that Marcos Leonard and Kurt Plissken may be sporting new skins at the upcoming TMMC race at Daytona.
PSI owner and spokesman Will Power said that things were not finalized, but that "it looks pretty good so far. Since this race is in the Sunshine state, we thought we'd give Kurt a decidedly Floridian style of paint scheme. While we were at it, we thought Marcos could try out a new sponsor that had a more national (for Leonard) slant to it as well. It seemed to be the right convergence of events to make and make this happen."
Power continued, "But nothing has been put in concrete as of yet. All I can tell you is that if the details aren't worked out soon, we won't have time to paint up the cars."
When pressed for details about PSI's plans for the 2012 season, specifically where the James Dalton situation was heading, Power declined to answer, but that he hoped to clear up any "misunderstandings" and to give a "progress report" either during Daytona weekend or shortly thereafter.
Marcos Leonard is slated to run the ARLA Dwyer 150 endurance race for Fluffy Penguin Onionburger and it is unknown if this is any indication of his future plans with PSI.

[Magus978]

POST CONTAINS MASTER CUP SPOILERS, click to read.

Spoiler:

MRD Motorsports Investigates Possibility of Independent's Trophy Effort for 2012

The morning after the round of Daytona, MRD Motorsports announced on their Twitter page that they are investigating the possibility of fielding an independent's trophy entry for 2012. Tom Delgado already drives for Star Team Nemoto, but has been intrigued in recent months about the potential for two-way success in the way of going for a driver's championship with Star Nemoto & going for an Independent's Trophy as owner of MRD Motorsports.

[Kornography]

McDermott Motorsports to go full time for 2012?

McDermott Motorsports has been running the Independents Trophy with Craig Jonser (#69 Scarabs) and Morgan Hamburg (#68 FOX Racing) for the past two years, but at a recent press release, JD himself announced that he would like to try and go full time next season.

"It depends on how well [Craig and Morgan] do the remainder of the season. If we get enough funding, we'll give it a try."

[pennst24]

Eichholtz Officially Puts in TM Master Cup Series Bid

Today, Eichholtz Autosport officially announced that they will be seeking a spot on the grid for the 2012 TM Master Cup Series season. The teams they field in ARLA and TM Lights have been running extremely well in points, and they have already fielded one-offs in TM Master Cup events.

This announcement comes at the heels of the rumors that some teams are leaving for the ASCC, freeing up space on the grid for a potential bid.

[Ceej]

M&J Racing looking to enter Master Cup

M&J Racing, the oldest and most well-known team in ARLA competition, is now looking to put in what some say is a long-overdue bid to enter the TM Master Cup Series.

M&J executives are reportedly motivated by rumors of Camelot Racing's departure, and Tremwell's insistence on staying put. The team, with its Saar connections, is expected to make a bid for the Tremwell backing.

[Cynon]

Mitchell & Sons Eyeing Bolden?

A hot rumor around the paddock is that the Mitchell & Sons team may be returning full-time, and could use a Bolden for their return to the grid. Reports that the current Bolden team may be headed to the ASCC may be fueled by this rumor that the Mitchell & Sons may be running full-time again.

They currently field Rachel Rainsford in an Independent's Trophy bid. No word on who their second driver would be.

Nosova Leaving Katzev?

Reports are that Yuliya Nosova could be leaving Katzev Engineering at the end of the 2011 season. The reasons for these rumors appear to originate with Nosova's lack of confidence in the Russian team's ability to progress up the grid. It is also possible that Nosova's sponsor, Arotel, is not pleased with Katzev's progress and is looking for a new home.

Palmer Stiles Looking at Going Full-Time?

Palmer Stiles has indicated a renewed interest in racing full-time again at the TM Master Cup Series level. Stiles is reportedly in the process of brokering a deal to run full-time again with STS backing. Stiles said that he wants his team to be both fan-friendly and competitive, and that he would have an unprecedented open-door policy with the fans of the sport.

Gutierrez Going Full-Time?

The TM Master Cup Series may have another team of the past return full-time. Comments made by Autosport Hermanos Gutierrez suggest that their extreme modifications to the Omecha MA02 that showed up to both the Rounds of Daytona and Ohio were a way for the team to send a message to the officials. The message, according to team co-owner Miguel Gutierrez, was that the California-based team was capable of going full-time.

"I think people know we can make our own cars now. It would be awesome to come back to the Cup series." a starry-eyed Gutierrez said.

[Cynon]

Ocean Motorsports Defects to the ASCC for 2012

Greg Munson, co-owner of Ocean Motorsports, and Lenard announced that Ocean Motorsports would participate in the Goodyear Presents the ASCC Wrangler Cup Series in 2012. Munson expressed that his reasons for making the switch were directly related to his frustration at the way the TM Master Cup Series was being operated and the direction the series was going.

"The tracks, the cars, the type of racing, and the engines don't resemble what the fans are familiar with." Munson stated in the press release.
"In the past few years we've seen more European road courses and cars that the fans can't find in the showroom on Monday. It's not the kind of racing I want to participate in and my brother and I believe that the future of American racing is in the ASCC."

The fate of drivers Mathias Taube and Leon Keniston is unknown, as both drivers' contracts expire at the end of the year. Taube has been talking to other teams as early as Karjala.

Ocean Motorsports is expected to field three cars in the ASCC, possibly four cars if sponsor Red Bull continues with the team.

[Vincent Giacalone]

^ Sad to hear Ocean is defecting. They've been a strong part of TMMC since the start of the whole thing. On the bright side, though, this opens a spot of for a new team.

[Kornography]

Jonser to leave McDermott Racing after 2011. Switching to Tutino?

Reports say that Craig Jonser will be leaving JD McDermott Racing after the 2011 season, and may be switching to Tutino part time. Jonser cites his sponsors unwillingness to stay on board with McDermott for another year. Jonser states that he wants to go to Tutino for 2012, where he has been running non-Independents Trophy races, but has not had time to speak with Marino Tutino about any future plans.

"I've enjoyed my time at Tutino, it's given me a different perspective on racing, though I'm looking at other camps as well, Tutino seems to be a nice fit for me. We'll have to see."

Morgan Hamburg, Jonser's teammate, has yet to comment on the situation.

[Syzygy]

Tonare to supply cars to PSI in 2012?

Rumors are swirling around the paddock that Tonare Auto Works, currently affiliated with the Team Thunder Independant's Trophy effort, is looking to realign itself with Power Steering Incorporated in 2012.

Power Steering Incorporated has recently been confirmed to be experimenting with different cars for next year, and Tonare is rumored to be more than interested in partnering with PSI, especially considering the thunder motif behind PSI's one-off cars at Indianapolis, the PWR Surge.

James Dalton currently supplies the JD Predator to Power Steering Incorporated, and Marcos Leonard is closely affiliated with them. Leonard's contract is up at the end of the season, and is looking elsewhere due to instability within the team.

[BJ Falcon]

Fortner investigating plans for 2012

While early details are always sketchy and don't necessarily reflect what will take place in 2012, Fortner has looked at some options that could help them get more exposure out there to the racing community. All of these options are rumors and Fortner won't decide what will happen until the 2011 concludes.

- Fortner plans to stay in TM Master Cup and Lights, but they do plan on designing an ASCC car in case things don't mesh up in the TM ranks.

- With Yuliya Nosova possibly leaving Katzev Engineering due to a poor season, Fortner has looked into possibly housing her with a ride, however, Fortner has yet to discuss this with the Katzev representatives. (I PM'ed Cynon about this.)

- Another option Fortner can look at if Nosova says no to a Fortner ride is moving Taylor Silverman and Matt Taylor to full-time to take the slot that Ocean Team Lenard currently occupies, but will not in 2012 due to performance ailments and defection to the ASCC.

- Fortner will plan on open tests for parties leaving their respective teams if they everso choose. The tests will take place at the Missoula Motorplex, which is Fortner's test facility (NR2k3 'Dega demo) but can only accomodate ten seats per participant. This is to help Fortner make sound decisions based on all the facets of racing from handling to driver performance.

[Cynon]

Camelot Racing Switching to ASCC in 2012

Camelot Racing will not contest the 2012 TM Master Cup Series on a full time basis. This announcement, while not entirely unexpected, was followed with the announcement that the team will contest the full ASCC season in 2012 for budgetary reasons.

"We can probably win races in the ASCC with the same budget that it takes to run 30th in the TM Master Cup Series." Camelot Racing General Manager Jim Thorne said.
"We would like to remain with the TM Master Cup Series, but we have to think for ourselves, and there's more opportunities for us to expand in the ASCC than there are in the TM Master Cup Series or ARLA."

Bolden Speedstable to ASCC?

The Bolden Speedstable, which fields Luciano Soveral and Kraig Mummert in the TM Master Cup Series, is also expected to defect to the ASCC. Reports are that the Mitchell & Sons could take the Bolden Chaser on the Cup side, but Bolden has also been approached about sponsoring the TM Lights, which would make the TM Lights a low-cost development series with a single chassis and engine.

Dalton Will Not Renew Contract With Power Steering Incorporated

James Dalton Race Engineering announced that they will not renew their contract with Power Steering Incorporated after the 2011 season closes. Dalton cited the PWR Surge's presence on the Round of Indianapolis entry list as one of "a few" reasons as to why the partnership will end at season's end.

"We've gotten a few credible offers, we did the same thing PSI did, explored other options and we found one or two that may keep our name around." James Dalton said.
"The only difference is that I'm waiting for our contract to end before we race our new cars with a new associate. The Predator was a successful car, but we will be building an entirely new car for the new regulations."

Dalton is scheduled to drive in the Round of Indianapolis in the third Power Steering Incorporated car. The provisional entry for Power Steering Incorporated for 2012 is now being listed as James Dalton Racing.

[gwoodard41]

Patriot Racing Seeking a Run at the Master Cup

With recent defections of Master Cup teams to other series, potential openings for new teams appeared to be available, however, there has been no confirmation from officials on whether or not the team can even enter at all. It also appears that rumored regulations about limiting the makes and models that may enter next year seems to worry owner Gerald Lamb, who commented that if they had to, they would move to an allowed make and model in order to have a go at the Master Cup.

Patriot Racing does have a roster of several drivers but seems to be advertising that they may take drivers who may want to race in the 2012 season if their original team or organization defected or stopped racing in the Master Cup.

Greg Woodard has applied to drive the Round of Indianapolis as a round to get a feel for the whole series, he has said that if this doesn't work out for him, he may apply for TM Lights instead, however no confirmation has been received by the owner or other members of the Organization if their application has been approved or denied.

Meanwhile, Michael Dougly, the driver of the 89 Wolf's Sporting Goods car may enter contention if enough spots open up for him and Greg to run the series as a team. The other drivers of Patriot Racing were unavailable for comment.

[BJ Falcon]

Fortner forgoes testing citing financial burden, still looking at 2012 options

Due to the rumors that the TMMC will be going to ASA styled bodies, Fortner will not seek testing because of a financial burden it leaves on the company. However, they are willing to build a model for the new 2012 rules package.

Fortner is still planning on scouting drivers to either add as a reserve for the independent team, or to supply bodies and powerplants.

The company is still scouting Yuliya Nosova and other departing drivers to put in the pool. Fortner will continue to gather more information as 2012 plans continue to mesh.

[Blackout]

Teller Motors interested in fielding a car for next season, may run spec chassis

Teller Motors showed interest in a recent announcement of competing in the TM Master Cup next season in either a Omecha chassis, or even in a chassis built-in the team's shop.

It is unknown if they will compete, but a car is still being prepared to test for the 2012 rules package.

If they go ahead with this decision, they may scout Carl Loggins, or Jason Teller to drive for the team.

[Kornography]

Hamburg breaks silence about Jonser Leaving McDermott Motorsports.

It appears as though Craig Jonser's departure from McDermott Motorsports, which was announced shortly before the Quincy race is more problematic than he made it out to be. Morgan Hamburg spoke about it over the phone shortly before the race began (Hamburg was merely a spectator this week, as opposed to the previous two weeks).

"I was told to stay quiet about this, but I don't think it's fair to Craig." He said. "Jonser is getting fired from the team when the season ends. Leaving the team was not his choice. McDermott told him that running for another team when he isn't assigned to race that week was a breach in his contract, but I've gone over both his contract and mine, and I've seen nothing of it in them! I think he's just trying to find an excuse to fire him."

Neither Jonser nor McDermott have yet to confirm or deny Hamburgs claim.

[Vincent Giacalone]

Bolden has also been approached about sponsoring the TM Lights, which would make the TM Lights a low-cost development series with a single chassis and engine.

NO PLEASE NO NOT AGAIN NO. NO NO NO.

[Nascar9fan]

Australian Motorsports Going To Enter An Independant's Trophey Car

Australian Motorsports has showed interest in giving Troy Adam's an Independant's Trophey ride next year to build up his confidence.

[Rovenami]

GasTech to run Full-Time in 2012

Team owner, Vladimir Visscov recently announced that GasTech Engineering, Inc. will be running full time in 2012 with Dan Olivier running the North America races and Treck Tauger for the Non-American races in car #011 with sponsoring from G-Vestoil Industries, while they're ARLA program will field Shigeru Sokurakami in the #60. The team will also recieve munufacturing backing from Protokall's Veckt model.

[usmcstang]

Eisenman announces interest in returning for 2012 season.

In an announcement earlier today former Team SAAR USA driver released a statement declaring his intent to return to a cockpit of a TM Master Cup car. "I was talking to my command about a month on what I could do that would most benefit the Corps, and we came up with the idea to get me back to what I do best. Drive race cars." Eisenman said. "I have talked to several teams in the past few day but nothing is official yet, but of course I'd love to race for a championship." When the issue of sponsorship came up (since the sponsorship by the military is banned) Eisenman had a michevious smile on his face and replied, "We might have to get creative." ( Latesky) (8-29-2011

[PYLrulz]

Steudler to possibly leave Camelot at end of the season?

Scott Steudler, Hershey's, and Camelot racing had discussions yesterday to Steudler's status in the team, and, for now, it appears that Steudler will at least stay with the team through the end of the season, with the possiblity of Steudler being let go at the end of the season in order for Steudler to stay in the TM Master Cup Series.

"After talking with the team, they are going to try to do the best to give me the best finishes possible to end the season, and then possibly go from there. There is the possiblity of having the last year of my contract with the team being bought out so I can explore other options in the Master Cup Series, but if not, I will be willing to stick it out a year in the ASCC before coming back."

[gwoodard41]

Patriot Racing to be reorganized as Terra International Motorsports

Gerald Lamb announced today that Patriot Racing would be renamed Terra International Motorsports and have it's ARLA Division and Domestic Divisions to be renamed Trans-America Racing, this is due to TM officials advising the team owner that their whole concept of Patriotism may be offensive to an international audience.

This was approved by the rest of the staff, who didn't see why the changes took place but accepted them anyway.

[Ceej]

super aweseome team to enter tmmc

there is a new cool team entering tm master cup with drivers kyle ernhart dale busch jeff johnson jimmie gordon kurt kesiloski and cars 8 88 18 22 24 and i need them painted by cynon oh yeah and there chevys too

[conrail1990]

super aweseome team to enter tmmc

there is a new cool team entering tm master cup with drivers kyle ernhart dale busch jeff johnson jimmie gordon kurt kesiloski and cars 8 88 18 22 24 and i need them painted by cynon oh yeah and there chevys too

[Cynon]

Volpi May Resign Duff Regardless of Points Finish

New reports are suggesting that Volpi may resign Zach Duff regardless of his results in the championship. Cyril Volpi has reportedly told Duff that if he can not find a place in VRT for the Canadian, he would help Duff secure a place on the grid in hopes of bringing Duff back into VRT on a full-time basis. Packer Carroll, Divina Henton, Chris Davenport, Amy Harrison, and Gerald Johnson are also candidates for a Volpi drive.

Tutino Secures 2012 Funding?

Scuderia Tutino's bleak 2011 season may only be temporary, the team has claimed. Reports from the team suggest that funding has been secured for the team to return in 2012. It is not known who the sponsors or drivers will be, but Tutino is confident that they will be full-time next season.

Schoffner: Ocean and Camelot Will Not Be Missed

TM Master Cup Series supremo Terry Schoffner has declared that Ocean Motorsports and Camelot Racing will not be missed next season. Schoffner, 76, was critical of the owners of both departing teams.

"Arthur Thomas has good intentions and has some good employees but he is not willing to give a 100 percent effort into running his team and he does not want to admit that he and his management are not committed enough to succeed at this level." Schoffner stated.
"Arthur should return to an advising role and give the running of the team to someone committed enough to represent Tremwell properly."

Schoffner was far more scathing towards Ocean Motorsports owners Greg and Troy Munson.

"The Munson brothers are locked in an attitude towards racing that died out during the 1970s. They're not interested in being real racers, they just want to win on oval tracks with American drivers in some kind of flashy and melodramatic TV show rather than real racing."

Tenchi and Ashby to be Teammates?

A rumor going around is that Yamino Tenchi and Zelda Ashby could wind up as teammates either at Clockwork Racing or at DeGarmo Enterprises. No word on what would happen to Louis Kingston if he vacates the Owen DeGarmo seat. There has been some talk of Kingston and Tenchi swapping rides.

Cooper Back at Team EFR in 2012?

Team EFR appears to be floating the idea that Scott Bates will be rejoined by Ian Cooper for the 2012 season at the wheel of the second EFR Journey LSX. Cooper would in all likelihood drive number 777 and carry the black and silver Lysander colors.

[BJ Falcon]

Fortner still looking carefully at all options for 2012

Fortner hasn't decided whether to convert the FS260 from the current Cup bodies to the ASA styled bodies because they have not been notified of such changes.

In regards to the drivers draft, Fortner is still looking at possibly garnering a reserve driver. Matt Taylor and Taylor Silverman will keep their respective positions according to Fortner Motorsports officials yesterday evening. The reserve drivers for the 229 is unofficial and is due to change as the second half of the 2011 TMMC season continues.

Potential drivers that could be Fortner's reserve:
? - Not known or I will have to PM Cy on this driver

- Ross Peterson? (I'll have to ask Cy about him.)
- Yuliya Nosova? (Rumored to leave Katzev with Arotel.)
- Scott Steudler? (Rumored to leave Camelot? Not sure.)
- Rachel Rainsford? (Not sure what Mitchell and Sons plans on doing with her.)
- Craig Jonser? (Unknown at this point. This may not happen. I'll need to ask Cynon about Craig.)
- Thomas Duke? (This could happen. Then again, who know. He's in the Lights series currently and he did drive for the defunct Blitzkreig Racing team that fielded Fortner in its inaugural season in 2010, but dropped out due to team instability, a very unsuccessful owner, and a lot of backstabbing.)

Fortner is also investigating possibile drivers with those that either attempted and didn't make the field, or ran Karjala and Decatur to pilot the reserve #229 car:
- Januz Pisarczyk (Failed to qualify for this year's Karjala GP running the same car he entered in 2010, which was Fortner's inaugural model.)
- Juan Manuel Venero (Granted he gets over his negative Karjala fettish!)
- Serena Bacherro (Ran Decatur but was a serious backmarker.)
- Stephanie McGlynn? (Missing in Action! Again, I will have to PM Cy about Stephanie and see how this meshes.)
- Colin Evans? (Maybe? Maybe not. He's been missing in action since 2010. Probably will stay with Anthony's team.)
- Woody Watts? (Not known.)

The process could take a couple of months up to the end of the TMMC season before Fortner chooses its reserve driver.

[Magus978]

Delgado Seeking Long Term Extension With Star Nemoto

With the season slowly drawing to its climax, the silly season is underway. That means drivers will be looking for new homes, and new teams will be looking to make their way onto the grid for 2012. One of those drivers probably won't be Tom Delgado, who today publicly announced his desire to sign a multi-season deal with Star Nemoto Racing.

"I have enjoyed my time at Star Nemoto, and my team's affiliation with Nemoto has been extremely beneficial to both sides. I want to continue all partnerships with Nemoto and bring them to the limelight of the motor sports world" Delgado said of his potential 2012 plans. He expressed his loyalty to Nemoto team owner Takumi Katashima, as well as his desire to bring him the championship that he desires. "Katashima-san showed a lot of faith in me when he signed me last season, and I've wanted to repay his trust in my abilities" Delgado added.

Tom Delgado is currently 8th in the TM Master Cup driver's championship, 142 points behind championship leader Adrien Devereaux.

[Jahgee1124]

IRC seeking worldwide broadcasting rights to TMMC

The International Racing Channel has stated that it will pursue the rights to broadcast the full TM Master Cup Series season. Numbers in upwards of 1 Billion dollars a year are being thrown around. This contract would give full broadcasting rights. The IRC has previously broadcasted V8 Champcar and Formula A. They already have a contract with the Indy 500 for 800 Million for 10 years of exclusive broadcasting. The TM Master Cup Series contract would have a clause that if a track didn't sell out, it would be blacked out in that country.

[BJ Falcon]

I highly doubt IRC or The Racing Channel, the one that sponsors my #229 TM Lights car, will ever take over Channel 44's telecast contracts. Very high doubt it will ever happen.

Actually, I know that it will NEVER happen.

[Cynon]

TM Lights Reverting to One-Make Series in 2012

Before the TM Lights race at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, TM Lights management announced that the series would be reverting to a single-make series for 2012. One reason for the timing of this announcement is cost-reduction. However, TM Lights management indicated that no manufacturers had signaled their intention to return to the series, and that a TM Lights Omecha is being designed. Management indicated that if a manufacturer stepped up, that the Omecha could be rebadged or that there could be more manufacturers. Bolden is the most likely candidate to take up naming rights to the 2012 TM Lights Series car being built by Omecha.

[conrail1990]

DARN IT!

[Cynon]

Everett and Porteau Not Safe for 2012

Both of the Rick Milligan Racing drivers, Ethan Everett and Bobby Porteau, were informed Thursday that their positions on the TM Master Cup Series grid were not safe. RMR has admitted that they are seeking other options to be able to continue into the 2012 season and that their Saar backing only lasted for this season.

Team Saar USA Sets Up ASCC Operation... Keeping Master Cup Team

Team Saar USA announced that they would be setting up a team in the Goodyear Presents the ASCC Wrangler Cup Series next season. Team owner Peter Keyes said during the announcement that it had no impact on his TM Master Cup Series team because he was merely expanding rather than moving his entire operation.

"The ASCC is a truly American phenomonon that I can't in good conscience pass up. It will be a series where all the good ol' boys that the fans appreciate have an opportunity to shine on a grand stage." Keyes said.
"However, I understand the importance of the TM Master Cup Series and what it means to Saar's image. It would be foolhardy for me to ignore it."

Keyes said he was working out contracts with both his current TM Master Cup Series drivers, Tony Durbin and Mike Whitmore, however, their placement has yet to be confirmed. Keyes appears to be largely involved in deciding which team takes the famous Tremwell name into 2012.

[PYLrulz]

Steudler to be released at end of the season

After the possiblity was floated around that Scott Steudler could be released from his contract to allow him to explore other TM Master Cup rides, it became offical when Camelot Racing said that it would release Steudler at the end of the season.

"They realized that my heart has been set to race the world, not be in a just American series, so after some discussions, the team will release me at the end of the season. It was fun being with this team, but I hope I can be able to achieve greater success with whoever I go to next."

Hershey's also released a statement saying that they would go with whatever team Steudler would go to, which should increase his prospects in what team he lands in.

[Chives2112]

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.

[JMac525]

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.

[Magus978]

After Rejection From Steudler, MRD Motorsports Considering Hamburg

MRD Motorsports first contacted impending free agent Scott Steudler about their 2012 Independent's Trophy challenge. After he rejected their advances, the team has begun scouting McDermott Motorsports driver Morgan Hamburg. "He's an interesting prospect, with good finishes in previous Independent's Trophy efforts, and I feel that our team could bring the total package together and make him a top contender for the Independent's Trophy" Tom Delgado said in a conference call. Hamburg is still under contract with McDermott Motorsports, and the team may take umbrage with MRD trying to unsettle their driver. No formal meetings have been planned between the two parties yet, and Hamburg's future in Master Cup is not set in stone yet.

[Cynon]

2012 Teams To Be Announced At Michigan

TM Master Cup Series officials will reveal the teams that have been contracted to race the full season in 2012 after Indianapolis.

[Kornography]

Hamburg kicked out of McDermott Motorsports. Moving to MRD for 2012

There were rumors of talks between MRD Motorsports and McDermott Motorsports about acquiring Morgan Hamburg for 2012 , however, it turns out that there was no need to as Hamburg was fired after the final Q race at Indianapolis. However, Hamburg denies that it has to do with his disqualification from the race after contact on pitroad, but due to comments made earlier about Craig Jonser being fired after the seasons end despite early reports that Jonser himself decided to leave.

"I got fired cause I was being honest. Unfortunately, being the good guy is bad for publicity, so JD kept looking for an excuse to fire me, and apparently he found it."

Hamburg announced shortly afterward that he will be racing for the independents trophy with MRD for 2012.

"I don't think I'm ready for full time yet, I still need more experience before I try any full time efforts."

Hamburg said nothing about whether or not he will be running Decatur as the result of these recent circumstances.

[gwoodard41]

Terra Motorsports has turned in paperwork for 2012 season

Gerald Lamb, the owner of Terra Motorsports and Patriot Racing has filed paperwork for his drivers to drive in the 2012 season of the TM Master Cup series, while not officially in the season next year, hopes are high that with the recent departure of teams from the series after this season allows Terra Motorsports a shot for the top series. If things go well, it may be a full time team status or the team may go for the Independent's trophy, which both, after all are long shots to try and achieve.

If the team is able to drive in the season, the numbers 41 and 189 are set for the two drivers, and they will be sponsored by long time sponsors Lycoia Motors and Horizons Trucking as a secondary sponsor. There will also be a new sponsor for the team with High Roller Highlighters.

Both Drivers will be using the Brute if possible, but if they are required to move to a different chassis, that is an option they are willing to take.

[Rykia]

Full Throttle Racing & 2012 Indep. Trophy?

Full Throttle Racing announced that they COULD make a bid at the TMMC independent's trophy championship in 2012, providing that they have the funding money. Their decision may come down to what they do at Decatur, when they will attempt their one-off, likely with Ike Durbin. Despite everything that happened at Indy, they had a decent showing before the unfortunate wreck with Gordon Kim, which is what led to their talk about a possible independent's trophy bid for 2012.

[bartman97]

Nathan Ferguson to start his own Indepents trophy team?

Nathan Ferguson is wanting to get to TM Master Cup, but doesn't have enough funds to get there. Ferguson wants Leonid Roderick, his TM Lights owner, to help with some funds. His dad, Ryan Ferguson, was a former track racer at Irwindale Raceway, is also trying to get funds for the race team to get up and running.

Ferguson has not chosen the car he wants to run if the TM Master Cup officials confirmed this.

It is a rumour going around the pit garage at the moment.

[f1fan12]

Arrow Dynamics To Indepents Trophy?

After announcing intrest in the TM Lights, rumors quickly spred of intrest in an Indepents Trophy entry. The team is wildy popular with British racing fans and are widley known for using British Racing Green cars. Fans hope for this, but its not known what Arrow is up to.

[Dan Mackay]

Last Row Autosport to field independents trophy entry?

After announcing that the team is still interested in continuing to run the TM Lights series in 2012, Team owner Mike Howard tossed the idea out of entering an independents trophy entry for 2012 in the TM Master Cup Series with current driver Afzal Tahmid. Tahmid was going to attempt Indy as a one off entry but the team couldn't get the car together in time. Mike also said that Juneau would most likely support the entry in some way considering the fact that Juneau currently provides cars for the team in ARLA and TM Lights.

[gwoodard41]

A Couple of Things

Recent news post-Indy from Terra Motorsports have been recently posted on their site.

Greg Woodard may be deemed as a free agent for the 2012 season if the team doesn't receive the confirmation to run in the Master Cup, though this would be for only one season for the time being.

Lycoia Motors has offered to replace certain engines for different chassis, if your team feels that they could have a Lycoia Engine, similar to the one at Indy, for the 2012 and future seasons, contact them for further details** (PM Me*)

*Just put down in the PM the title of your team and what car your team fields, and then ask for the stats of the Lycoia Brute during the Indy Race (Same stats for Decatur), BUT you will not use the stats for the remainder of the 2011 Season.

**If the idea is allowed, I'm sure that certain teams may love to not have their engines blow up on them XD

[RyanB06]

Matthews Motorsports to request Independents Trophy slot for 2012, would run own chassis:

Matthews Motorsports today shed some light on its 2012 plans, which would include an Independents Trophy run, pending official approval.

"I think we're ready," team owner Ryan Matthews said. "What's that old expression, 'Go big or go home'? Well, we're going big."

The team also unveiled the car it would use if approved: a model designed and tested in-house and designated by the organization as the M12.

"We've put a lot of work into the M12," he added. "We still have some refinements to do, but we're mostly there. We won't know for sure until we get it on the track."

Matthews added that he and wife Tiffany would drive the team's two prospective entries. Number and sponsor information were not announced, though it's likely one of the numbers would be 76, as the team has used that number this past season.

(OOC: I've posted a render of the M12 in the Paint Shop. Feel free to comment on it there.)

[pennst24]

Eichholtz Will Attempt to Run ASCC

Reports surfacing today say that Eichholtz Autosport has plans to unveil the E97 chassis, which will be compatible to run in the ASCC in 2012.

[Cynon]

14 Teams Announced For Full-Time Grid


DeGarmo Enterprises
FLASH Racing
James Dalton Racing
Gessler Richter MC Team
Hodges-Walter Racing
Katzev Engineering
Majestic Motorsports
Mitchell & Sons Racing
Power Steering Inc.
Star Team Nemoto
Team EFR
Team Saar USA
Volpi Racing Team
Xenos Racing

[gwoodard41]

Terra Motorsports not a Full Time Team, Has Yet to see if they make it as an Independent Trophy contention.

After the list for full time teams had been revealed (and much to the disappointment/relief of certain members), the team hopes that they can enter as an Independent Trophy Team, and if not, the likely hood that Woodard will be placed under a free agent or pay driver status may be closer than many think.

[hect]

Hectic Racing plans unknown, to leave TM Lights in 2012?

Rumors are beginning to swirl about the 2012 plans of Hectic Racing, the team currently competing in the TM Lights. One of the biggest is that the team will not return for next season.

These rumors begun after comments made by team owner Hector Hogan, disparaging the league after a poor showing at Australia. Hogan, a former racer himself, was concerned about the exposure the league was getting, and about the plan to switch to an all Omecha format for next year.

The team is rumored to go to ARLA, the ASCC, or even a part time run in the TM Master Cup. Hogan has stated he will put the team in whatever league gives them the most exposure to the racing world.

Kumangu wants "African driver" in TM Master Cup

Mumba Kumangu, driver for International Motorsports in the ARLA Elite Series, has stated that he wants an "African" driver to have a full time ride in the TM Master Cup in an interview.

"They say this league has the 'world's best' drivers", said Kumangu, "but there is not one African driver among the field, no African tracks on the schedule, and no African cars or officials. If this series is really the best of the world, than why do they ignore a whole continent?"

Kumangu was asked about what team he would drive for, and he said he would choose any team that had ties with Katzev.

Kumangu is currently 20th in points after a season full of good runs and bad finishes.

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