2014 TM Lights Silly Season Thread

[Backmarker]

Got rumors?

Theodorakos, Triple Crown Leaving TM Lights after 2013
2013 TM Lights newcomers Kosta Theodorakos and Triple Crown Enterprises will be departing the series after a miserable debut season. The Greek driver and English team, who had previously competed together in Formula C, had occasional flashes of speed, with two 9th place finishes at VIR and the HLR circuit. However, the team has struggled with reliability, leading the series with 9 DNFs out of the 14 race weekends so far.

Theodorakos will return to Europe for 2014, competing in Dash Cup with D&S Automotive. Triple Crown's plans are uncertain at the moment, other than that they will close their leased shop in Woodstock, Illinois, and return to their main base in Truro. They are not expected to compete in any series full-time next year.

Laser Motorsports Eyeing TM Lights Run?
An anonymous source has revealed to the media that Canadian sports car team Laser Motorsports may be looking to join the TM Lights grid in 2014. The source stated that team owner Ted Johnson had been spotted with realtors in Woodstock, Illinois, at the site of the race shop currently being leased by Triple Crown Enterprises.

Laser Motorsports has recently expressed interest in an Independent's Trophy run in the TM Master Cup Series.  The team is believed to be looking to sign a free agent who is a former winner in the Master Cup series or TM Lights. ARLA rookie Richard Scott is also reportedly on Johnson's shortlist.



From the TMMC Silly Season thread:

"Spec" Car for TM Europe and TM Mexico in 2014... TM Lights?

Omecha and Inglesby announced that they are collaborating on a "spec" car that is intended for use by the TM Europe and TM Mexico series for 2014. Both TM Europe and TM Mexico use TM Lights machinery from 2011 and before, which is becoming seriously outdated. Plans are for the TM Mexico and TM Europe championships to use a spec car from Omecha, allowing the teams to carry engines and badging from any manufacturer. Inglesby, which supplies all but 3 of the TM Mexico regulars, and has won 18 of the last 20 TM Mexico races, will supply the engine used to test the new car. TM Europe allowed use of 2012 and 2013 TM Lights machinery, but only Equipe D1 has used a current-era TM Lights car.

The experimental M14 car has been proposed for expansion series in Asia (TM Asia), Australia (TM Australia) and in the Middle East (TM Middle East), but everything is just a rumor. Omecha is also reportedly looking at a variant of the M14 that would be usable in endurance racing. Omecha estimates that the cost of the car, coupled with the Inglesby engine they are testing with, could be half the cost of a current TM Lights car. Those prices could be a boon to TM Europe, which has seen most of its teams depart or disband in the past few seasons due to costs, and to TM Mexico, where supplies of competitive 2011-spec cars has run disturbingly low.

There previously existed a TM Australia, but the series was absorbed by mainstream V8 racing in the early 2000s. A TM Asia was touted in the early 2000s, and the idea tested with a TM Lights race in China in 2010.

DeGarmo Enterprises Returning to TM Lights, Merge With Existing Team?

Long-time TM Master Cup and TM Lights car owner Owen DeGarmo will be returning to the TM Lights paddock in 2014 with a brand new team. DeGarmo, no stranger to ambitious start-up teams, indicated that he could start with at least two cars or merge with a few already existing TM Lights teams.

"I've always said two heads are better than one, and in racing, the same applies. I'm more than willing to join forces with an existing team in addition to bringing up a few new faces." DeGarmo said.
"I've got my eye on a few guys nobody's heard enough about, and I think they deserve their shot in the sun."

DeGarmo is reportedly looking to the increasingly competitive TM Mexico series as well as visiting some short tracks on the west coast completely unannounced. DeGarmo has been part of the test team behind the Omecha M14, the chassis type TM Lights is looking to utilize in 2014.

"You'll know who stands out by how they'll perform on track when they only just realize a few big names are watching them. Some people can handle that pressure well, some can't, and others just simply don't give a damn." DeGarmo chuckled.
"Couple guys from out west I've been keeping my eyes on, and a couple guys from south of the border I think deserve a shot."

DeGarmo has been rumored to also be involved with a potential joint effort with Tom Delgado to run a TM Master Cup series team, but DeGarmo would not comment on them.

"You people say the darnest things." was all he would say.

Omecha M14 Pitched to FARC, TM Lights

Former TM Master Cup series and TM Lights car owner Owen DeGarmo, one of the driving forces behind the controversial Omecha M14 revealed that he pitched the car to the Falkner Auto Racing Championship for 2014 in addition to TM Lights. DeGarmo revealed, though, that FARC was not as interested in the car as TM Lights, TM Mexico, and TM Canada.

"I guess FARC loves ugly [American Stock Car Championship] style cars way too much, because they didn't want anything to do with the M14. They said it's a spec car, when in reality, it's not." DeGarmo said.
"I can see why people call it one, because of where it was made, but the reality is that teams can build their own if they don't want one straight from Omecha... it's less a spec car and more of a kit car. You can buy all the parts, but you can put it together a bunch of different ways."

While it seems to be a foregone conclusion that TM Canada and TM Mexico will adopt the M14 due to cost concerns, some TM Lights teams are leery of it.

"Omecha and Bolden did a hell of a job with the LTX12, but everything I hear about the M14 almost sounds too good to be true... perhaps it is too good to be true." Roderick Motorsports Limited owner Barry Roderick was quoted as saying.
"The biggest problem with it is that every car in the series will look the same, and some fans want to see the differences between the cars as more than a few stickers."

"It might be pretty expensive in the short term, since the cars we got are still fairly new and aren't cheap either." Wolfesport owner David Wolfe told the press.
"The Canadian and Mexican guys are currently paying less for old crap and it still runs. If we gotta run it then we'll run it, but I'd rather stick with what we got. The repair bills won't be any cheaper, that's for sure."

[Cardinals5]

Team CTR set for Return; Expansion Possible?

Team CTR officials announced that the team plans to return to TM Lights for the 2014 season, and states that due to a large sponsorship signing, they hope to get approval for a second team. "If we don't, we'll have one very well-sponsored car, at least," team boss Tom Bennett stated in an interview.

When asked if the team would attempt the TM Master Cup Independent's Trophy, he stated that such an option was "not on the table for 2014, but the Indianapolis event is possible".

No word on who the team plans to run in its car(s); they plan to continue to use #23, and TARDIS will be on at least as an associate sponsor; the primary sponsor is set to be announced at the time the driver is formally introduced. They have also applied for the numbers 5, 26 and 92 for the second car, stating the choice would be left to the officials to assign. While Jess Zander's name has floated in the press, she has said she wants to run a full-season in the NRC to reevaluate her career in racing. The current favorite for the ride is Frenchman Sebastien Dubois, who currently runs in endurance racing for the team, and ran the Lime Rock Memorial with Olenick and Ryan Matthews earlier in 2013.

The team's partnership with Lenard is to continue in TM Lights.

(OOC: If the second car gets approved PM me. The 23 is for one of my drivers to use  )

[Lucstar88]

Holiday staying put, will return in next year

Steve Holiday Jr, who is currently 10th in TM Lights points plans on returning with Ernest Lewis Racing, in their 88 Bolden, Taylor Candy is likely to return. No words of yet of ELR expanding, unlikely, unless, they get some sort of sponsorship.

[BBoy]

Russian driver making move to America to race?

Rumor is running around that 34 year old Russian driver Grigoriy Novakovsky is making the move to the United States to continue his racing career. He has made unsuccessful attempts in the TM Master Cup series at Karjala and Decatur in recent memory.

[bsoyuz]

Touring Car team joining TM Lights

The American Touring Car Championship frontrunners, Morrison Racing, is rumored to join the TM Lights in 2014. The team has five titles in touring cars, and if the rumors are true, they may bring their the american/czech Jack BRerinen

Brazilian Government may fund a future TM Lights team.

Another rumors say that the Brazilian Stock Car Frontrunners and currently Bolden's factory team there, the Bino Fagundes Autosport, may field two cars. The sponsorship may come mostly from the brazilian government and brazilian fuel companies that are looking to enter in America, like Ipiranga and Petrobras. Also Banco do Brasil and the brazilian megamart chain Extra, could inject money in the team.

Their currently shortlist has come to Lía Serroni, João Paulo Vidal, Carlos Donzelo, César Vila Nova, Giancarlo Stefani, Isabella Macena, Fernando Matos and Gabriel Macena.

Altough is not known if the team will indeed join the series, is known that they have intentions to.

[conrail1990]

Nothing new at Unit 11

Unit 11 team confirmed today that Mark Blackwell and Gerald Johnson will be returning for 2014. Rumors flew that development drivers Evan Lexar or Patti O'Fernature would move up to the Lights series however Unit 11 confirmed that both drivers need more time behind the wheel although both have done extremely well in their series.

Red Bull and Saynt are both expected to return as well.

OOC: Yes I'm keeping the Patti O'Fernature thing going  

[Dan Mackay]

Last Row Autosports to make a return.

Team owner Mike Howard was caught saying that the team might return for the 2014 season, Rumored drivers for said return are most likely Nick Howard who been running in the FARC Elite Series for the team, and Mike himself whos been running FARC Trucks.

[crl]

MT Motorsports is hoping to keep its spot on the TM Lights grid for the 2014 season. Lane Cranston is expected to keep the seat.

[Nascar9fan]

Down Under Motorsports to return, though Jones might not

The Down Under Motorsports team will return in 2014, however, Jones won't be returning, unless the team can fund a second car. The reason being that Troy Adams' nephew, Josh Marshall, will be taking it over. Marshall has been the teams number one driver preference since the team came over to the States, but has had to wait until he reached the driving age limits. Now that Marshall will be 21 at the start of the 2014 season, he is eligible to drive the car. Down Under Motorsports will try to fund a 2nd car for Jones or Troy Adams, depending on what happens with Adams' career at the end of 2013.

[Mother of Invention]

DHRE interested in TMLights?

David Hetzel Racing Enterprises has announced their intent to compete in TMLights in 2014. The car is likely to be adorned the #76 that has become the traditional number for DHRE cars and reports are that California based "Coolhaus Ice Cream" will sponsor the car. Reports are also indicating that ex Irish Super Sport rider and current BTC driver Keegan Mallory will drive. Mallory is currently 7th in BTC points in only his thrid season after injuries forced to transition from two wheels to four.

[Ben Atkins]

Lucy Barnton eyes move to TM Lights

After attempting the 2013 Round of Decatur, Lucy Barnton has revealed that she is currently eyeing a ride in TM Lights, bringing sponsorship from Lucky 777 Cola with her. Barnton competed in the ARLA Elite Series for Eichholtz Atlantic Racing (now HQS Racing) with a best finish of 2nd at Mosport, where she lost the lead of the race on a Green-White-Checkered finish.

Desert Star Motorsports have said they have no interested in expanding to TM Lights on a full-time basis, but HQS Racing, her former team, have said that they may make the move with Lucy in a two car effort.

"It's a point in my career where I want to move on, and I feel like this is the right move at the right time" said Barnton "I feel as if I'm at the prime of my career, I'm performing better than ever, and I really feel like I've got something to offer to a good team."

Barnton broke into the limelight in 2012 when her stellar consistency in the ARLA Tornado Alley Truck Series secured her a 2nd place result in points, 1 point shy of the title. She has briefly returned to the Trucks series for two races in 2013, and scored two top 5 finishes, but she has previously stated that no return to the series in any capacity is planned.

[Nickpericles(Driver)]

Nick Pericles Looks for His first Evert TM Ride

As a rook Nick Doesn't Get the respect he deserves, Now hes A semi-pro, Vice Prez Of The ARAA and A Multiple Race winner, 20+. Now he starts his journey to become a Lights Rookie. Nick's First Race ever was An Eldora race In the VMP #15. He Used the outside Lane to prevail, Winning my less that 10 Thousandths of a second. His Sisters and Cousins Joined him later in the business of NR2003. Roman and Nick Sowman have yet to Win a race, Amanda P. with a championship Rubs it in Her brother Nick's Face...Literally. Now Since Nick Pericles has gone Solo for a while, To Race in TM, hes Decided That Even if he Joins an Underfunded Team, he would be happy to race around the circuits Of TM Lights.

[PackerMan71]

GRI HOPING TO LAND YONG-SUNG FOR ONE MORE YEAR

With the potential for a runner-up points finish for the 71 team in 2014, Gravity Racing, Inc. is hoping that Han Yong-Sung will stick around for at least one more TM Lights season.

PACKER: Without question, he's been the best thing to happen to our Lights team, and we would love to have him back, But if he gets a Master Cup offer, we'll let him go if that's what he wants. Of course, if our team manages to land a spot on the Master Cup grid, that could certainly change things.

[gwoodard41]

Terra International Motorsports looking to field a two car team next season?

It seems that Terra International Motorsports is looking to field a two car team for next season, stating that they would have the funding available from possible sponsors depending on which body style is implemented. The team may be fielding Jack Dempsey and Kelly Splison of ARLA/FARC fame. The team plans to reserve the numbers 40 and 41 for the upcoming season.

Their current sponsor list includes: FRoZr Graphics Cards, Sticky Hooves Glue, Hornet High-Class Racing Systems, and Nikon. They will choose which sponsors to go with after the body styles are confirmed for next season.

[Rykia]

Nick Pericles Looks for His first Evert TM Ride

As a rook Nick Doesn't Get the respect he deserves, Now hes A semi-pro, Vice Prez Of The ARAA and A Multiple Race winner, 20+. Now he starts his journey to become a Lights Rookie. Nick's First Race ever was An Eldora race In the VMP #15. He Used the outside Lane to prevail, Winning my less that 10 Thousandths of a second. His Sisters and Cousins Joined him later in the business of NR2003. Roman and Nick Sowman have yet to Win a race, Amanda P. with a championship Rubs it in Her brother Nick's Face...Literally. Now Since Nick Pericles has gone Solo for a while, To Race in TM, hes Decided That Even if he Joins an Underfunded Team, he would be happy to race around the circuits Of TM Lights.

Something you should know. We don't refer to it as the "NR2003 Universe". NR2003, as far as we are concerned, does not exist in the TM Canon.

[day500champ1]

GLM LOOKING TO RETURN IN 2014; SEEKING TO RESIGN CURRENT DRIVERS

Great Lakes Motorsports owner Jim More stated that he wants to return to the Lights series next season. According to More, both the #08 and #18 GLM entries have sponsorship in place through 2016 if necessary. The big thing facing More right now is whether or not current drivers Ike Durbin, who scored GLM maiden Lights victory at Road Atlanta earlier this year, and Vijay Pushanda will resign with the team for 2014.

More has stated that the team would like to a pair of drivers to bring on as development drivers and should Durbin and Pushanda elect to leave the team, the development drivers would be first in line as replacements. But, a source close to More states that he would very much like to bring Durbin and Pushanda back.

[bsoyuz]

Nick Pericles Looks for His first Evert TM Ride

As a rook Nick Doesn't Get the respect he deserves, Now hes A semi-pro, Vice Prez Of The ARAA and A Multiple Race winner, 20+. Now he starts his journey to become a Lights Rookie. Nick's First Race ever was An Eldora race In the VMP #15. He Used the outside Lane to prevail, Winning my less that 10 Thousandths of a second. His Sisters and Cousins Joined him later in the business of NR2003. Roman and Nick Sowman have yet to Win a race, Amanda P. with a championship Rubs it in Her brother Nick's Face...Literally. Now Since Nick Pericles has gone Solo for a while, To Race in TM, hes Decided That Even if he Joins an Underfunded Team, he would be happy to race around the circuits Of TM Lights.

Something you should know.  We don't refer to it as the "NR2003 Universe".  NR2003, as far as we are concerned, does not exist in the TM Canon.

Regarding what Rykia said. The TM Canon is a semi-realistic canon. So there's no references of NR being a game, to understand it you should read this following pages:

New People's Guide to the TM Canon
Code of Conduct/The TM Commandments
How to get into/Be booted from the TMMC...

[BWard]

Interdrain Motorsports looking for new driver in 2014

Interdrain Motorsports are now currently going to be looking to sign up a new driver for the 2014 Season. Their current driver Jim Davidson is leaving at the end of the Season to go and pursue a full-time career in the TM Master Cup Series, which means the team are currently without a driver for 2014, but are confident of signing up a driver who is also leaving another team in the Series at the end of the Season.

[RyanB06]

Matthews Motorsports to give TMLT "one more year", but with changes:
It's been no secret the first two seasons of TM Lights competition for Matthews Motorsports have been less than impressive.

The team hopes 2014 changes all that.

"We're going for it next season," team boss Ryan Matthews said. "It's been no secret we've underperformed the last two seasons. It's something we hope to correct in 2014, and I think we have the pieces to make that happen.

"But this could well be it," he added. "We've dumped a lot of money into our Lights program, and I think we have one more year in us. After that we really don't know."

Matthews added that, like in the soon-to-be-rebranded ARLA Elite Series, the team will leave Lenard at the end of the season. It is believed that, unless the Lights series implements the rumored Omecha M14 chassis, the team will change to Tremwell to mirror its ARLA operation moving to Saar.

What the manufacturer change means for its driver is yet to be seen, as current driver Brooke Ingwersen has had a long relationship with outgoing car provider Lenard.

"Obviously, we'd like to retain Brooke's services," Matthews said. "Ultimately, though, it's her decision, and whatever she decides we'll respect it."

[Nickpericles(Driver)]

Regarding what Rykia said. The TM Canon is a semi-realistic canon. So there's no references of NR being a game, to understand it you should read this following pages:

New People's Guide to the TM Canon
Code of Conduct/The TM Commandments
How to get into/Be booted from the TMMC...[/quote]
Thanks for the Tips! I'll be more active/Not annoying! Whats the Lowest Leauge you can be in?

[bsoyuz]

Regarding what Rykia said. The TM Canon is a semi-realistic canon. So there's no references of NR being a game, to understand it you should read this following pages:

New People's Guide to the TM Canon
Code of Conduct/The TM Commandments
How to get into/Be booted from the TMMC...
Thanks for the Tips! I'll be more active/Not annoying! Whats the Lowest Leauge you can be in?

There is no minor series starting their 2014 seasons as far as I remember. I don't know if there's any series that will accept mid-season entries. Maybe the ELMC and the NPCC, since two teams left the series in midseason. You should ask the owners of the minor leagues (Milan/Ceej/Rykia/Packer) about mid-2014 entries.


But there's the two first seasons to open their 2015 season: The APRS, which is mine and the NPCC, that is run by PackerMan71.

[Nickpericles(Driver)]

Regarding what Rykia said. The TM Canon is a semi-realistic canon. So there's no references of NR being a game, to understand it you should read this following pages:

New People's Guide to the TM Canon
Code of Conduct/The TM Commandments
How to get into/Be booted from the TMMC...
Thanks for the Tips! I'll be more active/Not annoying! Whats the Lowest Leauge you can be in?

There is no minor series starting their 2014 seasons as far as I remember. I don't know if there's any series that will accept mid-season entries. Maybe the ELMC and the NPCC, since two teams left the series in midseason. You should ask the owners of the minor leagues (Milan/Ceej/Rykia/Packer) about mid-2014 entries.


But there's the two first seasons to open their 2015 season: The APRS, which is mine and the NPCC, that is run by PackerMan71.

Okay Thank you!   

[kriswascher97]

Free Agent Kris Wascher looks hopeful

Kris Wascher of Michigan is looking towards his dream of being a TM Master Cup Driver. This is a place to start. After getting eliminated from the preliminary races from the Smash Beer 500, he's looking at other opportunities

[PackerMan71]

Regarding what Rykia said. The TM Canon is a semi-realistic canon. So there's no references of NR being a game, to understand it you should read this following pages:

New People's Guide to the TM Canon
Code of Conduct/The TM Commandments
How to get into/Be booted from the TMMC...
Thanks for the Tips! I'll be more active/Not annoying! Whats the Lowest Leauge you can be in?

There is no minor series starting their 2014 seasons as far as I remember. I don't know if there's any series that will accept mid-season entries. Maybe the ELMC and the NPCC, since two teams left the series in midseason. You should ask the owners of the minor leagues (Milan/Ceej/Rykia/Packer) about mid-2014 entries.


But there's the two first seasons to open their 2015 season: The APRS, which is mine and the NPCC, that is run by PackerMan71.

Technically, it's entering its second season, but it will be the first for the new Super Pro division.

[Nickpericles(Driver)]

Oh okay  

[Cynon]

DeGarmo Announces 4-Car TM Lights Team

During the Round of Decatur weekend, Owen DeGarmo announced the formation of a 4-car TM Lights effort for the 2014 campaign. DeGarmo, who has been in and out of car ownership for the past two decades, will apparently receive factory backing from Lenard to run a development program for Lenard drivers and engineers.

DeGarmo, 48, did not announce any drivers or sponsors, but he indicated that at least one of the drivers on his shortlist was a "familiar name". DeGarmo Enterprises previously competed in the TM Master Cup series and TM Lights with drivers such as Zelda Ashby, Yamino Tenchi, and Franz Redlich driving for them.

(OOC: I really only have one driver for this team in mind at the time of writing.)

[SnakePlissken]

PSI Returns In 2014; Plans To Add 3rd Car

PSI plans to not only continue their successful TM Lights program, but hopes to expand it. Along with 2011 champion Thurston Blood and multi-race winner Buffy Boreanaz, PSI hopes to install Liam O'Connor from Galway, Ireland in a third car. Sponsorships for the team have yet to be announced, although it's rumored that some long time benefactors may play a reduced role in the future.

[Ben Atkins]

HQS Racing Looking To Make 2 Car Bid - Formula Overdrive Champion Ross Carter To Make Move

Current FARC team HQS Racing is looking to make a bid to make the field for TM Lights in 2014 with 2013 Formula Overdrive champion Ross Carter making the move from Open Wheel to Stock Cars, just a year after his sister, Tanya, did with her move to Dash Cup. Team owner Ben Atkins has said that he anticipates good performance in the TM Lights series, after a short but successful 2013 season in FARC with Hannah Percy winning at Hokkaido in only her second start.

"We have the funding, and we have some very willing drivers" says Atkins, "It's just making all the connections, making sure we get everything organised before the season starts and making all the right choices. I'm positive we'll be on the grid in some capacity here and in FARC in 2014."

Atkins has signed youngster and defending FARC Trucks champion Tammy Barnton to a two year deal in the FARC Elite Series, and the driver she replaced in that car, her cousin Lucy Barnton, may be favourite to join Ross Carter at the team if the plans go through. 2013 TM Lights Round of Quincy winner Archer Harris, Daxter Hamlett and James Hewitt are other names circulating with the second car.

[gwoodard41]

Terra International Motorsports looking to form a super team in TM Lights with Power Steering Incorporated?!

While the team hasn't talked with PSI about this possible venture to make a 5-6 car team, they said it could be financially viable and would lead to a nearly unstoppable force on the track.

[racingfreak1999]

FAC Motorsports will not return for 2014

Before Pole Qualifying for the Round of Decatur, FAC Motorsports owner Frank Azure confirmed the rumors that the team will not compete in TM Lights in 2014.  Azure stated that cutting costs is the reason for the decision.  The numerous crashes that the team has been in, as well as in ARLA this season, has reportedly put a financial strain on the team.  Especially considering their ARLA program ran half the season without outside sponsorship.

"It sucks that it has had to come to this as we would have liked to have Nick [Azure] run both FARC and Lights again next season as we think it would further his development.  But this season in Lights as well as ARLA have been a huge money burner, especially that we ran the first half of the ARLA season with no outside funding.  As much as I hate to do this, if it's gonna improve the longevity of the team, I have to do it."

FAC's NRC program could also be on the chopping block, which is driven by Nick's wife Allison Wilson, as rumors have stated that the team could merge with an existing team.  However, Azure declined to comment on the rumors.  FAC Motorsports has a combined 15 DNF's between TM Lights and ARLA entering this weekend.  Nick Azure is entering Decatur with 6 DNF's in TM Lights, but is currently 20th in points and managed to win at Texas from the pole.  Nick has 9 DNF's in ARLA after 18 races.  Azure also stated that Nick can pursue another TM Lights ride if he chooses to and that the team could return in 2015.

[bsoyuz]

Gabriel Macena to do Double-Duty in FARC, TM Lights?

Last week, Gabriel Macena showed up intentions of making a double-duty for the TM Lights and FARC. The 32-year old brazilian is making a return to stock car racing after unsuccesful bids in Formula B and in the American SportCars Series.

The two-time brazilian stock car champion (2002, 2004) showed up interest in joining the series and the possible move may be backed by the manufacturer that is his long time partner, Saar.

Saar could be buying Gabriel's way into the field by their companion manufacturer, Tremwell. Is not known if he is indeed joining the series and if he is bringing a new team or will be joining an already existent squad. The only thing known is that he has intentions to join the series at any cost.

[Veni Vidi Voeckler]

Voecklerrhea epidemic spreading to the States?

The aristocratic Voeckler family have been throwing around their money in European racing circles for many decades now, but rumours are suggesting they may make the trek to the States in a team ownership role.

While second youngest member of the racing family Benoit lines up on the Decatur TMMC grid in pole position, the second eldest member Jeremy-Etienne Voeckler has also flown over, trying to broker a deal with TM Lights organisers to secure an entry for next season.

"Our long term goal is to make a successful TMMC team," explained Jeremy-Etienne Voeckler. "We feel that starting in the second division is the best way to cultivate the experience and attitude for success in the top league further down the line."

The former Formula A champion of 1983 & 1984 is adamant that his team can be immediately successful despite being rookies in the stock car scene.

"We have the resources and facilities to get a world class racing operation up and running in a matter of weeks," he stated. "We are a well funded operation, and we're very lucky to already have top talent in our driver development programme."

"Antonio Delvecchio will drive the lead car if we should secure an entry for next season. He's been fast, albeit rather unlucky, in trucks so far with us. His yardstick this year has been Gio Roda, who made the show as a wildcard twice this year in TMMC - and he's been much, much faster than him."

However Voeckler was still uncertain as to who might partner the Italian driver should they secure a two car entry.

"Jack Christopherson was at the top of our list, but understandably he isn't too interested in entering at the second level. With four wins at the Brickyard, one of them in the 500, and at his age, he can't afford to take a learning year. But his son JC Junior looks like he has the old man's oval abilities as well, we might consider giving him a run out. Then again, there's nothing to say we won't look around for some local talent instead."

While the Voeckler effort certainly doesn't appear to have had months upon months of planning like many others, those who know the Voeckler's history in European racing will be aware that has rarely been a problem for the French racing powerhouse. With rumours of the outfit also about to break out into Formula A, Formula B, and almost every other series on planet Earth, one wonders how much longer it will be before the Tricolore makes its way to the TM Lights grid.

[Cynon]

Brad Dwyer to Drive for Owen DeGarmo... Rodriguez?

The first driver for Owen DeGarmo's new TM Lights team was revealed to be Brad Dwyer, the second son of 6 time TM Master Cup champion Benny Dwyer. Brad Dwyer, whose brother Kevin currently competes in the TM Master Cup series, will be looking to make a mark of his own. No car number or sponsor has been determined for the younger Dwyer, but DeGarmo hinted that Brad Dwyer was not the "familiar name" he previously alluded to.

Joel Rodriguez and 2004 TM Master Cup champion Matt Taylor have been linked with DeGarmo's team, but Taylor denied the rumor.

[Lucstar88]

Ernest Lewis Racing to expand to a 2 car team. ASCC Texas 500 winner Micheal Humpfreys to join team.

ASCC Texas 500 winner Micheal Humpfreys, has decided against a ASCC return, citing a change of heart, Humpfreys will be joining veteran driver Steve Holiday Junior, in a two car effort for Ernest Lewis Racing. Steve will still run the 88, Taylor Candy, Bolden. Humpfreys will run 43, with sponsors Boston Pizza and Tim Hortons coming onboard the Canadian team.

Humpfreys may also be attempting for the TMMC Independent's Trophy with Ernest Lewis Racing in 2014.

Humpfreys : TM Lights is were I needed to be, I had a gut felling if I stayed I would've been a non-competitor for wins. Nothing personal against James Dalton, or any of my teammates, it's just I needed to go further in my career and ASCC would've not done that.

[SnakePlissken]

Castle On TM Lights Radar?

Young American Wyatt Castle, 21, is fresh off his impressive debut at the 2013 TM Master Cup Round of Decatur. Castle may have caught the eye of several teams looking for a driver with his 16th place finish after shockingly taking the 20th grid spot in the second qualifying round in his first attempt in a Master Cup car. Castle navigated the course without any difficulties and managed to avoid all the trouble that seemed to appear all over the track throughout the entire race-- better than his more seasoned counterparts.

Red & Yellow Racing owner D.T. McDonald says the team is exploring the possibility of launching a single car team for Castle should he not get any serious offers from any other teams, but that McWendeeKing would follow with Castle and bring their sizable sponsorship dollars with them. McWendeeKing has 22,400 locations operating across the globe, hence the #224 on Castle's Lycoia Brute. Castle, a native of Des Plaines, IL would prefer a team that operates in the general area, but is willing to relocate should a spectacular offer make its way onto his table worldwide.
 
Owner D.T. McDonald also said that they do their part for the environment by using recycles and reconstituted cooking grease and oils on the Red & Yellow Racing team accumulated from all the McWendeeKing locations.

"That would make Castle a very attractive candidate for any "green team" looking to hire a great new talent," McDonald. "He'd be a great addition to any team really."

[gwoodard41]

Wyatt Castle contacted by Terra International Motorsports to field second car along side Jack Dempsey?

After Castle's performance in the TMMC Round of Decatur, Terra Int'l Motorsports, known for their wacky shenanigans on and off the track contacted Castle's agent on the matter. The team's TMMC and TM Lights manager, Bernie Kingston (no relation to TMMC driver Louis Kingston) presented the offer to Castle and his agent but no response has been given at the current time. The team would want to run him along side former ARLA/FARC driver Jack Dempsey as a possible teammate. Castle running McWendeeKing's and Dempsey running Sticky Hooves Glue as sponsors. Both color schemes and sponsors would be noticed heavily by television cameras and would have a lot of air time.

[JINXaPHRENIC]

"After a dismal 2013 season, I'd like to announce I have been in talks with a couple of teams for the 2014 season. However, after hearing about the DeGarmo team rooting itself in the TML, I just had to try to talk my way into that team. No official word as of yet, but Owen and I are trying to work out a possible deal. I, of course, would be honored to run one of his cars full time for the TML but it is ultimately his decision. We'll see for 2014." -Jinx Rodriguez

[Mother of Invention]

Hetzel talks!

Former TMMC Car owner and TM Lights team hopeful, David Hetzel sat down and andinterviewed with the 'Richmond Times Dispatch'. Hetzel is planning on entering a car in a TM sanctioned event for the first time since 07. When asked why he has a driver and not confirmed serieshe had the following to say. "We
ll be running Keegan in GT if we don't get the franchise in Lights, we have funding lined up and they will fund us no matter where we go. We are do want to focus on TMLights though, as we feel our talents both with driver and engineering would be best if focused there.

[Wizzie]

Melrose to stay in TM Lights, Team looking for second car

A few weeks after announcing Swede Matthias Taube would join the new MRT-Wernstrom TMMC team for 2014, Melrose Racing Team announced that team boss Daniel Melrose will spend another year in the feeder category for TM Lights. The former Formula A race winner had a difficult season in the #73 Qantas car, but will return in the #73 next year with a new title sponsor in the form of Power Packaging, a subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL. In addition to a second TM Lights season, it's expected that Melrose will be entered as a promotor's option car next season in the TMMC running Power Packaging colours at select events. With the announcement, all attention turns to the second MRT seats in both the TMMC and TM Lights, with a whole host of names being linked to both seasons. While the TMMC seat is still far from being decided, it's expected that the driver of the second MRT TM Lights car would have to bring considerable financial backing after the team's expensive first season in the feeder category and the loss of Englishman Darren Cardel, who has been linked with Black Diamond Racing outfit in the TMMC.

[Cardinals5]

Dubois to Take Over Olenick's 23 Seat

The #23 Lenard driven in the 2013 season by Joe Olenick will remain on the TM Lights grid with endurance driver Sebastien Dubois at the helm. Team CTR believes that Dubois' extensive road course experience will help him in the Lights division, while his inexperience on ovals shouldn't be too much of a hindrance. "I remember the critics saying that a Frenchman with no oval experience wouldn't get very far in America," team principal Tom Bennett stated in a brief press conference, "and then Adrian Devereux won two Master Cups in a row. Seb will be fine."

The team's primary sponsor, the Trans-American Research, Development and Innovation Society (TARDIS) announced it was staying on board. The sponsor's official representative, Dr. Peter McGann, refused to comment on the matter, citing "wibbly-wobbly, confidentiality stuff".

The team is still intending to run a second car, which may see sponsorship from longtime CTR partners Covidien and Zalman. Former CRL driver Amy Ciston is rumored to be in this seat, but the team has not ruled out the possibility of another driver filling the seat.

[Ben Atkins]

HQS Racing sign James Hewitt for 2014 season

HQS Racing have brought in Brit James Hewitt for the 2014 season, if the team can find their way onto the grid. Hewitt will pilot the #155 Lewis and Ricky's Lenard for the team after Ross Carter confirmed he would stay put in Formula Overdrive.

If the team can get a second car on the grid, then the main rumour is that Lucy Barnton will drive the second car, as she will bring in sponsorship with Lucky 777 Cola, a long time sponsor, staying with her. She has plans to race in the National Dirt Trucks Championship, but only for about 4 or 5 races where other commitments would allow.

[RyanB06]

Matthews bringing Aspira to TM Lights?
Spy photos recently surfaced of what appears to be a TM-Lights spec version of Matthews Motorsports' Master Cup marque, the Aspira. The car, which carries the branding Aspira LT, was seen turning laps around New York Autoring in what appeared to be a private test.

If approved for 2014 competition, the Aspira would be the first privateer make to compete in the Master Cup's top development series since Omecha provided the MA01 to all teams in 2011.

[Rykia]

Durbin Signs 1yr Extension at GLM, Lenard Support?

Ike Durbin, winner of the 2013 TM Lights Round of Georgia, finally has been confirmed to return to TM Lights competition in 2014. Durbin will compete for Great Lakes Motorsports, the team he finished sixth in points with in 2012 and won for at Road Atlanta. Sponsors have not been announced yet, but a wide range of companies have been rumored, such as Bloody X, Skullcandy, Alex Whitt Media, among others. High Voltage Guitars could also return but has not been confirmed.

In addition, Durbin could bring Lenard backing, due to his link with Terra International Motorsports, however this is also yet to be confirmed.

[day500champ1]

Durbin Signs 1yr Extension at GLM, Lenard Support?

Ike Durbin, winner of the 2013 TM Lights Round of Georgia, finally has been confirmed to return to TM Lights competition in 2014.  Durbin will compete for Great Lakes Motorsports, the team he finished sixth in points with in 2012 and won for at Road Atlanta.  Sponsors have not been announced yet, but a wide range of companies have been rumored, such as Bloody X, Skullcandy, Alex Whitt Media, among others.  High Voltage Guitars could also return but has not been confirmed.  

In addition, Durbin could bring Lenard backing, due to his link with Terra International Motorsports, however this is also yet to be confirmed.

GLM To Run 2 cars in 2014; Durbin resigned with 2nd sponsor add; GLM looking for driver for 2nd entry

With Ike Durbin confirming his return to the team, Great Lakes Motorsports announced today that Durbin will have a new sponsor on his #08 machine in 2014.  TINNITUS AMPLIFIERS, a company long associated with High Voltage Guitars, will split the sponsorship duties in 2014.

GLM also confirmed that the #18 car will return in 2014 with sponsor HP Engineparts, however, Vijay Pushanda, who drove the car this year after Ryan Griffin's suspension a year ago, will not return.  Jim More, GLM owner, has stated that the team is actively looking for a driver for the car for 2014.

More also confirmed that his team is "giving a hard look" at Lenard as a manufacture in 2014.  It is believed that because of Durbin's link to Lenard through his TMMCS ride at Terra International Motorsports is the reason.

[Ben Atkins]

Atkins to run some TM Lights races on TMMC companion weekends

Ben Atkins has confirmed that, despite him racing full time for Scuderia Tutino in the TM Master Cup series for the second year in a row, he will run some TM Lights races for his own team, HQS Racing. It is believed Atkins will split the car with another driver, who has yet to be named, but is likely to be Lucy Barnton.

Atkins is to pilot the #20 Bitter Pills Lenard, but Bitter Pills have only agreed to sponsor him in the series, so the sponsor for the second driver of the #20 is still unknown, but if Barnton is brought in, her lifelong sponsor Lucky 777 Cola may hop on board for the races she partakes in.

"We needed to bring in sponsors for the second car to be a reality, and the only feasible way I could see this happening was if I hopped into the car for a few races, so it is what it is." said Atkins, "Of course the races I'm not in, I'll give another driver a chance, but I'm excited to see what me and James [Hewitt] can do for the team. As he would say, allow it."

Atkins is also doing some races in the FARC Elite Series, as he enjoys egoboosting taking the opportunity to race in other leagues, and it is believed he is doing this to look for options for 2015.

[SnakePlissken]

PSI Submits Number Requests For Third Car


PSI has requested the numbers 6, 13, 23, or 26, 32 or 48 for Liam O'Connor from Galway, Ireland in their possible third car.

[T.Wilhoitracing]

African-British driver, Will Lewis has high hopes for TM Lights
Will Lewis is hoping to begin his career with a bang as he will be driving a 1 car funded car by Wilhoit Racing Developments. Lewis is determined to have a very successful start to his racing career.

[Nascar9fan]

Down Under Motorsports retains it's sponsorship, but will change manufacturer's
Down Under has confirmed that it's association with major sponsor Mother Energy will continue for 2014, after recently finalising the deal. The team has also confirmed that it will change manufacturer's next year, trading in their old Bolden for a Gessler, after the Bolden was taken off the accepted manufacturer's list.

[RetrogradeRenegade]

Jaeger searching for TM Lights ride

German Friedrich Jaeger has expressed that he is still searching for a full-time TM Lights drive for the 2014 season. The former German Supercar champ scored one pole and one win in dominant fashion at Portland, scoring a Perfect 70, but had trouble finding consistency as his Roderick Motorsports teammate Axel Andersson took the title. Still, Jaeger feels he will be much more competitive should he get a second season.

"It has been very difficult getting to grips with this different style of car, but I think my results later in the year show I am starting to get the hang of it, and if somebody gives me a ride for next year, I am confident that I will be more of a factor."

In addition to his win at Portland, Jaeger scored top 5 finishes at Piqua and Decatur, in addition to a top 10 at Ohio.

[BWard]

Reynolds to TM Lights for 2014

Dash Cup racer Kurt Reynolds has signed up to drive for Interdrain Motorsports for the 2014 TM Lights Series Season. Reynolds was going to do a Part-time schedule for the Dash Cup Series in 2014, but started facing financial troubles trying to Race in Europe for a second year, and so has decided to come back to the US to get more experience.

"Trying to Race in Europe was a bigger challenger than I would've expected, so I feel moving back my country to Race here would be better for me, and so I can gain a lot more experience in the process."

In the meantime, some major changes have been occurring for his new team Interdrain Motorsports. The teams manufacturer will change from the Bolden to the Lenard Cheyenne R20, the car's number will be switching from 29 to 34, and Castrol will become the new primary and only sponsor for the team, as TAG Heuer and Kyran Engineering have ended their contracts to continue sponsorship for another year.

[Sponsored content]