2012 VSCC Silly Season Thread

[Rykia]

Permission given by Woody

Post all VSCC Silly Season rumors you want. Note that this is for rumors, and does not need to be true at the moment.

Go crazy.

[gwoodard41]

Sarah Xavier and Charles Darson to VSCC in 2012?

Sarah Xavier and Charles Darson, two Terra International Motorsports drivers, may join up in the VSCC for 2012, both will most likely use the Lycoia Brute, which is currently being used in the upcoming race at Clairmont. It is unknown what numbers they may use or what sponsors they may have, for the time being though, Lycoia Motors will most likely keep sponsorship rights with the team until 2015 when the team and company will have to renegotiate terms and conditions... again.

OOC: I'll probably use the same base I have for the 41 and 89 Patriot Racing Cars in the paint shop, I don't know yet

[Rovenami]

Reach Motors to VSCC in 2012?
Team owner, Lorne Stevenson announced the team's interested in running the VSCC full-time in 2012. Rumor has it that Treck Tauger, Mikhail Provenov or Frank Meredian may have a shot at the #715 ContraFleet Ammunition STS Arrow in 2012.

[Alpineopossum]

Gary Edwards to RTR in 2012

Officials at RTR Automotive Engineering told reporters that Gary Edwards has been hired to drive for the team in 2012. Edwards will drive the #125 Holiday Inn sponsored Inglesby Flashback. "we are delighted to have a driver of Gary's ability on our team for 2012. We would like to thank Holiday Inn for sponsoring the car." said a team official. Rumor has it that the #125 car may be run by Edwards' inactive team Red Rock Racing in a joint venture with RTR.

Edwards debuted in the TM Master Cup Series in 2008 driving the #61 Hard Rock Café CM Nova. He had a strong season driving for his small single car team. He moved to National Racing's #8 Goodyear Saar in 2009. At the inaugural race at the Autodrome Daniel Esteveem in a fantastic battle with Leonid Roderick. Edwards won the race by a matter of inches. 2010 was a difficult year driving for Camelot Racing, and he lost his ride mid season.

The contract has not been signed, but sources say that it is a more of less a done deal. Edwards is already driving for RTR at Clairmont.

[Chives2112]

Nash Motorsports and Thomas Nash to VSCC in 2012?

Thomas Nash has expressed interest in fielding a single-car operation in the VSCC come 2012. Thomas, who has attempted one ARLA Elite Series race at Dwyer this year and failed to qualify, wants to be able to run in a higher-tier series and still have a low budget operation. He plans to run the #317, which he used at Dwyer, and he is also attempting the last race of the season at Clairmont in a one-off entry. He has secured sponsorship with Quaker State and with GoDaddy.com as an associate sponsor. He has also purchased an older SAAR Tyrant MS.

Thomas Nash was not able to be reached for comment.

[crl]

Plans changing for Jon Halks?

2012 was supposed to be Jon Halks' final year in the CRL Modified Division, with Middle Tennessee Motorsports moving the youngster up full-time into the ARLA Elite Series in 2013.

But the team's plans are apparently changing. According to reports, MT Motorsports will go ahead and move Halks up into the stock car ranks, taking him into the VSCC for 2012, and bring his Nashville Predators sponsorship with him. The reports also state that MT Motorsports is looking for sponsorship and a driver for its CRL Modified Division car.

There has been no comment from Halks or MT Motorsports owner Fred Caldwell.

[Blake Camphausen]

Howell brothers Inc. to Downsize to Just Johnathan Howell, plans to move to Cup.
More info will be released when the time comes.

[Nascar9fan]

Australian Motorsports going full-time in 2012

After a descent year with Jones & Bracchi's top 10 at Daytona, Australian Motorsports has decided to go full time next year

[Electric Wolf]

Lester not to return to VSCC, unsure of where to go next; Estvikolla plans to return to Finnish Rally Championship or MotoGP Junior

Casey Lester: I don't really feel we got to do much this year. I got to start my only VSCC race at Spa and that's it. There's Clairmont to try and make, but I'm not all that hopeful. I've said many times before that I'm not coming back here for next season. I hope PUMP Energy can come back onboard for us somewhere, but I personally don't want to drive here. I dont really want to be here, but where else can I go? I'll figure something out.

Alno Estvikolla (translated): I do not wish to return to the Vaughn Stock Car Champoinship for next season. I feel that I belong in my home country of Finland to pursue a motorbike or rally career. Stock cars are currently not my #1 priority, so I must do what is best for my career. To stock cars, I bid farewell.

[Woody]

Brian Murray to Retire after 2011?
According to more than one source, Brian Murray is seriously considering retiring after the 2011 season. Murray has not had the greatest of seasons, though a strong run has done him well. Brian's older brother, and co-owner of Adrenaline, Inc., Steve, retired just last season, so if not now, retirement is likely near for Brian -- who stated before the season that he was planning to retire "after the 2011 or 2012 season."


Team STRIKE Looking at Adding a Team to its Lineup?
Even though this was rumored and denied before the start of the season, it appears that Team STRIKE has again been listed with the opening of another team. Most reports have said that it will be full-time; however, one stated that is likely to be part-time. Team STRIKE is apparently in discussions with a few sponsors for the new team.


R3, Inc. Closing? Merging?
One of the fastest-circulating rumors is that R3, Inc. will be closing its doors following 2011, although others have said that the team is actively looking for a merger with an existing VSCC team. Team owner, Ron Rensi, declined comment.

Rensi was part of Rensi-Mitchell Racing from 2005 up until 2009, when co-owners Rensi and Sam Mitchell were involved in a highly publicized split, in which the then-96 team, driver Scott Wilson, and Ron Rensi left and formed Rensi's own team. Rensi and co. chose to open a second team, the #29. R3, Inc. debuted in 2010, but they have struggled often, though the team has shown some potential. Wilson is still with the team today, and so is sponsor Domino's, who is supposedly done with the team after 2011. Mark Stewart currently drives the #29 car, with sponsor support from Menards.

There hasn't been word on what will happen to Wilson or Stewart if a merger does take place, otherwise, their names have been largely left out of rumors.



Free Agent Watch
As the VSCC heads toward its finale in Clairmont, a few drivers are still without contracts for the 2012 season and beyond.

Matt O'Neal - an experienced veteran in the series - is one of these drivers; however, O'Neal's struggles have been monumental this season, as he was stuck in the lower-tier and did not perform particularly well. Word is that he has been considering retirement... supposedly, he could be in line for a crew chief or managerial position at his current team, Team STRIKE, should he retire. Otherwise, he may be looking elsewhere for employment opportunities.

Kevin Smith - Although his season does not rank up there with some of his better campaigns in the past few seasons, Kevin Smith is one to keep an eye out for. Smith has supposedly told Adrenaline, Inc. that he is not interested in returning to the team next season... and that he is not yet planning on retirement.

Brandon Burns - Burns kicked off the year with a win at Daytona, and even after a meltdown at Spa, Burns has been in excellent form throughout the season. Multiple sources have said that a contract extension for Burns at Team STRIKE is all but done.

Fred Klein - Klein has been injured for most of the season, but indications are that he'll return for Clairmont, as for 2012, it is not really known where Fred Klein will end up.

[Cardinals5]

Joe Olenick looking at VSCC ride

With many teams and drivers reportedly defecting from the VSCC, Joe Olenick, primary owner of Joe Olenick Engineering, was reported to be "strongly considering" entering his team in the series.

"Obviously it would be a challenge, but that's what we're in for," Olenick told reporters at a press conference in his shop in North Haven, CT. "I feel like the VSCC is going to recover from this season and be a strong series, so it would be worth it to try."

The team has preliminary sponsorship agreements from Covidien and Foxon Park Beverage company, and has a deal in place with Inglesby. They are reportedly looking at fielding at least two cars full-time, but would like to field more if possible.

If his team does not get approved, Olenick said he would not rule out driving for another owner. Olenick also said he would allow his drivers to seek another ride.

[flyingturns89]

ZMT Racing interested in rebuilding, starting off at VSCC.

ZMT Racing, who less than a week ago withdrew their ARLA entry due to lack of driver, sponsor, manufacturer, equipment, workers, etc., is interested in restarting their program in a lower series to get more experience as an owner. Team owner Zach Townsend statement:

"We need to get a program going before we just enter a series. We've learned that now. We know a lot of our fellow owners lost respect for us, and that it will be a long time before we get to what the team was before we bought it. We feel the best way to do that is to run through the ranks, and earn our spot in the field. Now I know that the VSCC isn't the most popular series, but we feel that it will give us some experience to run into the major series. We just hope to get that chance to prove ourselves."

It is unknown of any major details at this time, but the team hopes to have details soon.

[Rykia]

Durbin Looking to Hire?

After fielding a part-time entry in the VSCC for the last two seasons, Ike Durbin has expressed his intent in bringing the 86 up to a full-time scale in 2012. However, with driver Mac Rhylen going to Durbin's ARLA team in 2012, Durbin needs a driver. Ike has been looking and talking around, but said that he could be looking to hire for the 86 in 2012. Other details are not known, like sponsor, manufacturer, etc.

[f1fan12]

Arrow Dynamics To VSCC

Arrow Dynamics has rebranded itself and has bought out the Serbian Racing Team. It has been rumored that they want a multicar operation, with a possible 3 or 4 car operation. New Co-Owner, Joe James stated,

"The VSCC is a series in a rebuilding era, the series will grow internationally and nationally in the US." Vijay Pushanda, the other co-owner, stated to us, "The Team, as we hope will have multiple cars, so teamwork will be quite large. The drivers here will need to also work together to improve the team results as well as their own."

Vijay Pushanda also stated that he will not be racing for the VSCC team, so the team, if accepted will have 3 open seats.

[Tanrar]

Random Classic Motorsports to return in 2012, New driver line-up?

After a successful run in the VART, the rumors are swirling that the 04 & 79 cars are set to return, but perhaps with new drivers.

Cameron Sweetwater will not be returning to ARLA in 2012 for unknown reasons, but is unknown on if she will return to the 79 in VSCC at this point in time, and Slater Harris is looking to leave the team to persue a career in Motocross.

"Yeah, I mean it's been a hell of a good time in VART, but I'm honestly looking for something new. I wanna thank Tanner Clason for everything, and hopefully he gets someone in that 04 car that can really perform." The St. Petersburg, FL native Harris said, in an interview Monday.

Allie Thomson is a name rumored to fill the 04, but there are other potential candidates rumored.

[day500champ1]

Big Changes for More Motorsports coming for 2012

This season has not quite been what Michael More Sr. hoped for when he started a VSCC team for his son, Michael Jr. More Sr. found himself in a financial hole early on and decided to have his brother Jim, who owns Great Lakes Motorsports, take over the team. Of course, the More family suffered a big loss earlier this month with the GLM plane crash.

But, now things are about to take a big turn and for the better. In a press release, Jim, stated that Michael Jr. will return next season in the #156, but with a new sponsor, HP Engineparts. He also stated that the GLM VSCC program would be combining with another team to form a two car program.

A source close to the GLM team indicated that the team could be Ike Durbin's team. This would make sense considering Durbin is lined up to driver a second car for GLM in the TM Lights Series in 2012.

IDR has yet to comment on the rumor nor has GLM confirmed this rumor.

[day500champ1]

More and Durbin merger a Go

It is official as of this afternoon. In a radio interview for a local Michigan radio station, GLM owner, Jim More confirmed that GLM's VSCC program and IDR's will combine to form a new team called, M&D Motorsports. The team, not to be confused with MRD Motorsports, the team run by TMMCS driver Tom Delgado, will run two cars next season. One will be the #156 of Michael More Jr.; the other car has the number and driver TBD.

After announcing the deal, Jim had this to say about Durbin and his team:
"They have a great group over there. But with Ike [Durbin] coming to our TM Lights team next season, I figured why not bring the crew from his program here and run with Michael [More Jr.] and the guys on the 156. He's a good owner and I think it's time he got a chance to not have to worry some much about it and focus on driving for once."

Further comment from Durbin is expected.

[Alpineopossum]

[b][u]R3, Inc. Closing? Merging?
One of the fastest-circulating rumors is that R3, Inc. will be closing its doors following 2011, although others have said that the team is actively looking for a merger with an existing VSCC team. Team owner, Ron Rensi, declined comment.

Rensi was part of Rensi-Mitchell Racing from 2005 up until 2009, when co-owners Rensi and Sam Mitchell were involved in a highly publicized split, in which the then-96 team, driver Scott Wilson, and Ron Rensi left and formed Rensi's own team. Rensi and co. chose to open a second team, the #29. R3, Inc. debuted in 2010, but they have struggled often, though the team has shown some potential. Wilson is still with the team today, and so is sponsor Domino's, who is supposedly done with the team after 2011. Mark Stewart currently drives the #29 car, with sponsor support from Menards.

There hasn't been word on what will happen to Wilson or Stewart if a merger does take place,
otherwise, their names have been largely left out of rumors.

Shades of Jason Lee Enterprises in 2010... If this happens, Gasnier will just have Minnesota Racing right?

[Racerfan275]

Ryan Gregory looking at VSCC ride
Ryan Gregory is looking for a ride in the VSCC after hearing reports of teams defecting from the series. "I am willing to drive for any team if they will accept me." Gregory is a former Modifieds driver and also has a little road racing experience. If he isn't in a ride, Nitro Racing(if the team can be approved) will accept him in their ride.

[Racerfan275]

Gregory going to M&D motorsports
Ryan Gregory has recently made a deal with M&D Motorsports and has gotten a ride in their second car. "I'm so happy, I'm finally getting my break in the big time." It is to be decided whether he will run a part-time or full schedule.

[Alpineopossum]

#0, Alex Harrison Racing - BILL WAINWRIGHT
no known changes here

#00, Dawg Pound, Inc. - ???
Lester is apparently out for next year

#01, Alex Harrison Racing - JEFF ZINDLER
no known changes

#03, Arrow Dynamics - ???
Arrow Dynamics takes over SRT. Jacques Bolvier might return. Not sure about Jankovic or his brother.

#04, Random Classic Motorsports - ALLIE THOMSON???
Harris is out. Allie Thomson is rumored to this team.

#05, Leckliter Racing - KENNY MORALES
Kenny Morales is likely back. Unsure weather the team will stick with the Q9

#08, White Mountain Motorsports - ???
not sure if Brian Travors will be back

#1, Watts Motorsports - ADAM HOLDEN
no changes are known

#2, Watts Motorsports - WILL THOMAS
no changes are known

#3, Watts Motorsports - NICK PISANI
no changes are known

#4, Watts Motorsports - ???
Rumor has it that Bryan Harris' seat isn't safe

#5, Watts Motorsports - COLE THOMAS
no known changes

#6, Watts Motorsports - ???
This depends on whether of not Woody Watts is able to drive again

#7, Rick Jarrett Racing - DAVID JARRETT
No known changes

#8, Team STRIKE - ???
Matt O'Neal is supposedly retiring or leaving

#9, Adrenaline, Inc. - TBA
Kevin Smith is supposedly leaving Team STRIKE for 2012

#10, Adrenaline, Inc. - BRIAN MURRAY
Murray is possibly retiring

#11, Adrenaline, Inc. - SEAN CALHOUN
no known changes. It appears that Reese's has a long term deal

#11a (011), Camyron Jackson Racing - ELENA WAGNER
no known changes

#12, Minnesota Racing - TROY DEREKSON
no known changes

#13, Calton-Morel Development Program - KEVIN REXWALL
Can't imagine that CM wouldn't want Rexwall back

#15, Racing as Usual - JERRY RIGG*

#16, Racing As Usual - GORDON STING*

#17, Rick Jarrett Racing - KEVIN WALKER

#18, Team STRIKE - BRANDON BURNS

#18a (018), Camyron Jackson Racing - ???
Shimoda may be out

#19, R3, Inc. - ???
Domino's is leaving, team might close or merge

#20, Cash Racing - VLADIMIR NIKOLAYEV

#20a (020), Camyron Jackson Racing - BUETCH MAYLAND*

#21, Cash Racing - IVAN NIKOLAYEV

#22, Cash Racing - ALEX LaROSA

#23, Australian Motorsports - JOSH MARSHALL*

#24, Greg Johnson Racing - GREG JOHNSON, JR.

#25, Big Mac Racing - SARA GALLAGHER*

#26, Calton-Morel Development Program - TYLER QUINLAN*

#27, Rick Jarrett Racing - JACOB JARRETT, II.*

#29, R3, Inc. - ???
R3 might close or merge with another team

#30, White Mountain Motorsports - ELMER FOX
Fox could retire...but that's been said for years

#31, Thorssel Engineering - ERIK OLSEN
Team will begin using its own cars

#32, Duane Torkel Enterprises - AMURO RAY*
no changes known, Ray took over car mid year so I'd think he's in for 2012.

#33, Minnesota Racing - MALCOLM TEREZ*

#35, Reed Racing - ERIC REED

#36, Greg Johnson Racing - RYAN SMITH

#37, Rick Jarrett Racing - ROBERT BARNETT*
This team was RJ Bandsma Motorsports until Rick Jarrett Racing bought it out mid season. I think that Barnett will probably be full time in 2012.

#38, Fortner Motorsports, JAMES FORTNER
It looks like these guys are back but its Fortner, which tends to change its plans a lot. That said, the Fortner-Lenard hookup could produce results

#39, Calton-Morel Development Program - STEVE YOON*

#40, Velocity Racing - DAVID KLEIN

#41, Thorssel Engineering - PHILIPP WERNER*
Team will go full time with its own cars instead of customer Omechas

#42, Dave Smith Racing - MARK DAVIS
This car should return to its 2010 paint scheme

#43, Dave Smith Racing - BLAKE YOUNG

#44, Dave Smith Racing - GARY STEINER

#45, Reed Racing - MIKE FALLS*
not sure if Mike Falls returns to this team

#46, Patterson Autosport -  ???
Now that Wes Jones isn't returning to ARLA, he could be back here

#47, Australian Motorsports - LOUIS JONES*

#48, Greg Johnson Racing - TIM BROUDHEAD

#49, Dangerous Dog Racing - DOUGLAS BENT, JR.*
Henrietta LaVerne's name was tossed around for a VSCC ride after leaving ARLA

#50, Dangerous Dog Racing - JEFFERSON MIKUALLY*
Again, Henrietta LaVerne's name was tossed around here.

#51, Evans Motorsports - ROMAN MUSICO
No changes known, but it would make sense if Collin Evans, Anthony Evans, or Charlie Waters headed to the VSCC and it would also make sense for this team to expand.

#53, Reed Racing - QUENTIN REED
This could go full time as Quentin Reed comes of age

#54, Richson Racing - JERRY RICHSON
not sure if this team will be back

#55, Reed Racing - TIM REED

#56, Reed Racing - TYLER REED
This team might be full time

#60, White Mountain Racing - RYAN NAWROCKI
Heard that Nawrocki has signed here until 2012.

#62, Duane Torkel Enterprises - SHEA PRUITT

#67, Rick Jarrett Racing - RANDALL BARNETT*
Randall Barnett will likley return

#68, Fortner Motorsports, TYLER FORTNER*
Not sure if the Fortner team will be back now that they are a brand of Lenard, and Lenard is in this series.

#70, Howell Brothers Racing - JONATHAN HOWELL*
Howell slims to one car

#71, Patterson Autosport - KYLE ADAMS*
Wes Jones might be in the VSCC now that he's out of ARLA

#72, Duane Torkel Enterprises - YANNICK DUBOIS*

#73, Eichholtz Autosport - CODY YEATON*

#106, Matthews Motorsports - TBA
New number for Matthews Motorsports. Ryan Matthews won't drive the car in 2012, it is unknown who his replacement is.

#TBA, M&D Motorsports - RYAN GREGORY (ROOKIE)
Ryan Gregory joins M&D

#79, Random Classic Motorsports - ???
Sweetwater may or may not return

#80, Carbon Motorsports - SAMMY HOWARD?
Sammy Howard should switch teams. He isn't doing well here and TWO spots just opened up at Adrenaline Inc AND a Verizon Wireless sponsored car in the Reed Racing graphics would look REALLY good. I'm just saying.

#81, Carbon Motorsports - LANDON RODY

#81a (081), J. Chance Racing - JOSH MERTZ
Not sure if this team is returning

#82, Carbon Motorsports - RICARDO RAMIREZ

#83, Carbon Motorsports - DEAN FRYE

#84, Carbon Motorsports - ???
Fred Klein may leave the team for 2012. Kevin Smith or Matt O'Neal could wind up here.

#116?, Matthews Motorsports - Kellan Rogers*
It looks like Rogers is replacing Tiffany Matthews. The team is supposedly running #116, but Lester Racing already has that number, so it is unsure who will end up getting it.

#88, Fortner Motorsports, LARRY HUNTER
not sure of future plans here

#89, James Proctor Racing - WILLIAM KINGSLEE*

#90, Dawg Pound, Inc. - AARON FISHER

#91, James Proctor Racing - JAMES PROCTOR

#92, James Proctor Racing - ALAN MALOY*

#93, James Proctor Racing - THOMAS FORESTER

#94, Juneau DVP - ZIGGY WALDEMAR*

#95, Juneau DVP - RICKY GONZALEZ

#96, Juneau DVP - GRYFFIN LeTELLIER*

#98, Sam Mitchell Racing - IKE DURBIN

#99, Sam Mitchell Racing - SAM MITCHELL, JR.

#114, Lester Racing - CASEY LESTER???
Casey Lester may end up here after losing his ride at DPI

#116, Lester Racing - MARK MATTHEWS*

#123, IF Motorsports - ICY FROST

#146, RTR Automotive Engineering - ALEXANDER LEONOWENS / KENDALL WORTHINGTON*
Andrew Tammerzan is heading to the CRL so only Leanowens and Worthington stay for 2011. Worthington will run ovals while Leanownes will run the road courses. And Thomas Kingman has now recovered from his injuries, so he may get a run for the team as well.

#149, RTR Automotive Engineering - CAMERON TAYLOR*
Cameron Taylor returns for 2012.

#156, M&D Motorsports - MICHAEL MORE, JR.*
More merges with Durbin

#360, Australian Motorsports - JOHN BRACCHI*
Team goes full time 

#577, Nelson Motorsports Engineering - MARK NELSON*

#XXXX (004), BBS Racing - TIMOTHY FRIEND*

NEW TEAMS
#125 - RTR Automotive Engineering - Gary Edwards
Gary Edwards joins RTR for 2012


#152 - RTR Automotive Engineering - Mumba Kumangu?
Kumangu is rumored to an expanded RTR. Tammerzan was a possibility but an RTR connected team, Victoria Racing Group, signed him in the CRL.

#317 - Nash Motorsports - Thomas Nash*
Team arrives with Quaker State Sponsorship

#TBA - Arrow Dynamics - TBA
new team for Arrow Dynamics.

#TBA - Arrow Dynamics - TBA
new team for Arrow Dynamics

#TBA - ZMT Racing - TBA
Team moves from ARLA to the VSCC for 2012 now under the ownership of Zack Townsend. It is unknown if former driver Chuck Bloomers will return to the team.

#TBA - MT Motorsports - John Halks
Halks was going to race in ARLA, but his plans appear to have changed.

#TBA - Terra International - Sarah Xavier
Lycoia joins the VSCC with Terra

#TBA - Terra International - Charles Dawson
See above

Part Time
#126 - RTR Automotive Engineering - Mark Taylor
This team will run the one offs.

Also with the recent trend of unemployed TMMC drivers such as Ryan Nawrocki and Gary Edwards racing down here, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these people made an apperance. People like:
Enzo Medina,
Manny Brown,
Alfonso Tosia,
Jerry Luther,
etc.
Also with the new Dash Stock Cup running in Europe, I wouldn't be surprised to see some of those drivers show up in the VSCC.

[RyanB06]

Neither Matthews driver will be running the VSCC next season. Tiffany is off to ARLA, and Ryan might have other things lined up besides a part-time ARLA gig.

Matthews Motorsports will still field two cars in the series as it has one driver lined up (Tiffany's sister Kellan Rogers will take one of the cars) and is looking for a driver for the other. The numbers will probably change from 75/85 to 106/116 to match the ARLA entries.

[Cardinals5]

Olenick Officially Submits VSCC Bid

In an announcement that surprises absolutely no one, Joe Olenick Engineering has officially submitted a bid to enter the 2012 VSCC season. Whether or not the bid is accepted remains to be seen, however.

"We're hoping for the best," Joe Olenick said, "but we're prepared for the chance that we are not allowed in this season."

When asked what his alternate plan was, Olenick pointed to several openings on other teams and restated his will to drive for other teams.

"I'd never rule it out, no. The big picture for me is more important, and I'd much rather drive in the VSCC for someone else than sit out due to my own stubbornness."

When asked how prepared he thought his team was, Olenick commented "We'll see after Clairmont." The team is preparing two cars for the season-ending race at the Canadian Circuit.

[Rovenami]

Reach Motors confirms line-up for 2012

Team owner, Lorne Stevenson announced yesterday that Frank Meredian will drive the #715 ContraSteel Ammunition STS Arrow full-time in 2012. "It is such a great oppurtunity to race full-time in a major racing league such as the VSCC and such." Frank Meredian added, "I just hope I could make the best of the 2012 season".

[Ceej]

Grease Burger Racing will pull out of VSCC after the season concludes.

[Tanrar]

Random Classic Motorsports confirms their new driver line-up

Random Classic Motorsports has announced that Cameron Sweetwater will return to the 79, where as Allie Thomson will drive the 04 with a new sponsor in Cash America. Cash America and Allie Thomson have had a long standing relationship, and it seems it will carry to the VSCC.

[JMac525]

Big Mac Racing would like to keep Sara Gallagher in VSCC competition in 2012.

[racingfreak1999]

If this is alright with Woody...

FAC interested in buying R3, Inc.

FAC Motorsports has expressed interest in buying R3, Inc. The team, who is owned by FAC Brodcasting Inc. co-founder and CEO Frank Azure, who raced himself of 25 years, is trying to expand to many racing leagues and is interested in buying the struggling two car VSCC team who has no sponsorship for 2012. "We believe that we're giving a good offer to Mr. Rensi. We already have sponsorship and a driver lined up and we think this will be good for both of us" Azure stated. The deal includes a 50-50 ownership between Azure and Rensi, but Azure said he is willing to negotiate. If accepted, Azure would like to keep the two cars and if possible switch to Saar. Azure has sponsorship from the Frito-Lay Company and Right Stuf and one of the drivers would likely be Nick Azure, who will be attempting the finale at Clairmont. Frank has been looking for a place for Nick for the last couple of months, but hasn't been successful. "We hope Mr. Rensi will consider this offer and we will bring this team to a higher plane."

(Like I said if this is out of line, just delete this post.)

[RACECAR]

Jackson Racing to make several major announcements

According to sources, the team is expected to make several Announcements during a major press conference. Word is one of them involves the fate of Matt Shimoda, with many believing that he could be getting sacked and replaced with Tom Leight. Current VSCC competitor Elena Wagner was asked as to what the conference announcements will be, but told the media that neither she nor her teammates were allowed to speak about them. "All I can tell you is that we'll be there Friday Morning in Fort Worth and all those questions will be answered at that time". When contacted, Team Owner Camyron Jackson sent an email with a similar answer.

[day500champ1]

M&D Motorsports Confirms Drivers and Sponsors Lineup for 2012 in Press Conference

This afternoon Jim More and Ike Durbin confirmed their drivers and sponsors for their newly merged race team. The drivers will be Michael More Jr. in the #156 sponsored by HP Engineparts, and Ryan Gregory in the #86 sponsored by new sponsor High Voltage Guitars.

This will be More Jr.'s second full time season while Gregory comes in as a rookie.

After the announcement, a reporter with VSCC News (NASCAR Now Parody) was able to get this comment from More about Gregory being added:

"He is an up and comer, I think. I've seen him race in the Modifies and he's got some promise, but with this team I think he can do some great things."

[RACECAR]

CJR announces major changes for 2012

As expected, the teams made some major announcements for this season. These are set to take immediate effect and the owner hopes that they bring about drastic change.

Lynxe to Sponsor Elena Wagner for 2012 season
Lynxe, a longtime sponsor in the TMMC, has been announced as the new primery sponsor for Elena Wagner in 2012.

CJR forms Technical Alliance with Volpi Racing
What started as a consulting role has now evolved as Camyron Jackson Racing announces a Technical alliance with Volpi Racing. The team's cars and chassis will now be coming from Volpi themselves and as an added incentive to push drivers Shimoda and Mayland, they will only be supplied for the drivers in VSCC. This means that Elena Wagner will be getting the lastest equipment directly from Volpi while her teammates in VERC will still be left with the equipement from before.

Matt Shimoda to stay in 18a, but with a warning
After a disasterous first season, Matt Shimoda will actually stay with the 18a Team. However, he will now have a bigger reason to perform better. Camyron Jackson has warned him that if he makes no improvement and is still bringing home wrecked race cars by halfway, he will be removed for the rest of the season and replaced with Tom Leight. He has also said that starting this season, Matt will be called to the shop and work on every car he wrecks. Jackson has also told Buetch that he too needs to step it up.

When asked why these changes, Jackson Responded "This was done to get Matt to settle down from wrecking the cars. By putting him through those same long hours that the crew has to go through when working on the cars, I think he'll better appreciate the team as a whole and it'll be in the back of his head whenever he's at the point of going overboard." He also said that he never had any intention of getting rid of Matt and means nothing malicious behind the decision to only have Volpi support for Elena Wagner. "I've been told already that I might be expecting too much from him or from the team, but I've seen these guys do great things. That race at brands Hatch was the race that convinced me of this and I'm trying to get that magic back. I've given them something to aim for, now they need to go for it"

[f1fan12]

VERC Driver Kristian Jankovic Dies

In the quest for glory and speed, Kristian Jankovick, payed the price of his life. He died of a massive stroke Sunday in an American hospital. The stroke, and a battery of other medical problems, were caused by a severe blow to the head in the VERC Event at the Mallory Park Oval. SRT co-owner Vijay Pushanda stated to the media, "It has been a tragic year in motorsports, We lost, Kristian, Scott Hamilton and nearly lost Woody Watts. But the two faitalities were caused by impacts to the windsheild and drivers A Pillar area to the car. Kristian was a young, talented racer, taken from this world to soon."Kristian's brother Vailler has been quite outspoken towards the media about his run in the 03 car, in earlier press releases, "No wonder why he got injured, the racing is redicolous out there, the cars are a pain and the driving competetion is a joke." Shortly after his death, Vaillier, who drives part time in the Dash Pro Cup, said, "We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Kristian, He really felt loved by the fans, when little kids who he never met sent him, get well soon cards. It has been a long journey for all of us here in the Jankovic family, Kristian has had his ups and downs, but if there is a good thing that came out of this, and I know I sound horrible for saying this, We got to say goodbye to him to his face which doesn't happen alot to the families of racing drivers." Jankovic had a two year deal with SRT. So now one more seat is open. Kristian, was taken off life support, and died peacefully in the hospital.

[Cardinals5]

Olenick Confirms Driver/Sponsor Lineup

Joe Olenick Engineering confirmed its VSCC lineup for 2012. Joe Olenick will drive the #34, sponsored by Trace Wines California Merlot, and Frank Stafford will drive the #28, sponsored by Zalman. The team will run Inglesby cars.

[crl]

MT Motorsports officially announces that Jon Halks will move into the VSCC in 2012 and bring sponsorship with him

Since the New Year, MT Motorsports has been rumored to be moving Jon Halks, runner-up in CRL Modified Division points last season, into the VSCC for 2012. The original plan was for Halks to run one more CRL season, then move up into the ARLA Elite Series full-time in 2013.

During the winter, however, MT Motorsports made a major modification to the plan, deciding to move Halks up into stock cars one year early. Halks had never run a motor race in his life before being brought into the CRL in 2009 by owner Henry Hughs. Halks was only 16. After a rough start, the only bright spot being a pole and subsequent 5th place finish in Nashville, Halks was fired by Hughs, and picked up by MT Motorsports, who believed he had some potential. He fulfilled it almost immediately, winning in his first start in the #45 car at Evergreen Speedway, and then winning twice more in the shortened 2010-2011 season.

Halks will also be bringing his Nashville Predators sponsorship to the VSCC. It will be interesting to see if his natural talent can translate to a heavier car.

A replacement for the #45 CRL car will be announced in the coming days.

[gwoodard41]

Sponsors announced for Terra International Motorsports entries in 2012

Two companies have confirmed sponsorship for the team, Napa Auto Parts and Nikon will be the primary sponsors, the numbers for the entries will most likely be 678 and 864. Sarah Xavier will drive the Nikon 678 car and Charles Darson will drive the Napa Auto Parts 864 car.

[Cardinals5]

Frank Stafford Offers Seat to Laverne

In a rather shocking announcement, Brooklyn native Frank Stafford has offered his VSCC seat with Joe Olenick Engineering to former ARLA driver Henrietta Laverne. Laverne, who has competed in ARLA since 2010, lost her ride with Xenos at the end of 2011; she had a part-time deal in place with HotShot Racing, but the team let her go almost as soon as the ink dried on the contract.

"It's terrible to see a promising driver have be in this situation," Stafford stated, "especially since it was completely unnecessary. While we're all competitors on the track, it's terrible to see someone in this position. I know the VSCC isn't ARLA, but if Henrietta would like to, I'd be willing to give up my seat so she can have a ride."

When asked his reason for giving his seat up, Stafford stated the birth of his daughter later this year would be a huge distraction, and he felt that "I would do the team a better service if I could get an accomplished driver in the seat." He stated that he would still be with the organization, as either a reserve driver or an engineer.

Neither Laverne nor Olenick could be reached for comment.

[zac47ulrich]

Rusty Barnes Inc Wants three full time slots.
321-Mathan Stoner Sponsor VSSC
213-Andrew Hopkins Sponsor ASSC
08-Rusty Barnes Sponsor Fansy ASS LIFE

[Alpineopossum]

Leanowens' Visa fiasco resolved, to return to RTR in 2012?

Alexander Leanowens' future in ARLA ended with his now infamous work visa debacle at the Hatfield Airport. However, Mr. Leanowens, or as he prefers to be called "The Right Honorable Duke Alexander", has apparently resolved these issues. According to sources, a return to RTR in 2012 is possible, especially considering the rumored
opening of a Dash Stock Cup operation, likely in conjunction with Peregrine Autosport. This operation may involve Mumba Kumangu. Cameron Taylor noted about Leanowens the following: "Alexander is a great guy. While we were racing in Europe he let the rest of the team stay at his house, and I use the term house loosely. Well he calls it the "Abbey". Anyway, some teammates and I had a kick out of exploring that place and just watching everything. This guy obvously is loaded- he's got an army of servants, so he is a pay driver. But he's got talent, and we want him back."

[gwoodard41]

Sponsors announced for Terra International Motorsports entries in 2012

Two companies have confirmed sponsorship for the team, Napa Auto Parts and Nikon will be the primary sponsors, the numbers for the entries will most likely be 678 and 864. Sarah Xavier will drive the Nikon 678 car and Charles Darson will drive the Napa Auto Parts 864 car.

Sponsors changing for team?!

It seems that DeviantArt wants to go ahead and sponsor Xavier again, even though she didn't make it into the TMMC Round of Decatur in 2011, her back up car was used as the base, switching out decals to coincide with the VSCC spec chassis in 2012, Darson's sponsor is TBA at the moment, but TMI Sales is once again in contact with Polaris, if that fails, then the team will revert to Lycoia Motors being the all around sponsor again.

[Alpineopossum]

America Tuvalu Racing to Join VSCC Ranks in 2012

In a hastily called press conference at a Madison, Indiana Quality Inn conference room, Richard Busch announced that a new team would enter the VSCC in 2012. He calls his newly formed operation America Tuvalu Racing.

"In the America that I remember, we were always taught that Tuvalu was a nation that we should stand by at all costs. This is a massive part of the American way of doing things and it has disappeared. Then while at my daughters water polo contest in Twinsburg, Ohio, I had a vision from the almighty. He told me in a trance to start a racing team in a major American racing series. He was right. I realized that there are horrible nations at work in the Pacific such as Palau, Nauru, and that god hating hell hole of a country Kiribati. Our team demands that the United States government give Tuvalu the nuclear weapon, ten aircraft carriers and a full air force. We also demand that the United States government provide money for Tuvalu to raise a ten thousand man army. Our car will debut in the VSCC ranks in 2012 to raise awareness for this important issue."

Many questions hung in the air. One was the fact that Tuvalu is in fact a very small nation consisting of nine small Pacific islands. Another was the question of how a nation of 11,300 people could raise a 10,000 member army. To that end, many wondered why a group of islands with land borders would actually need such a large ground force. Many wondered whether this team would be allowed to race, given the restrictions on political and religious groups from sponsoring VSCC cars. However when reporters asked these questions, he dismissed them and moved on.

"As for drivers, we will have to see. We would be interested in Jacob Miller, Mike Quinn, and Jason Lee to name but three."

In a telephone interview, VSCC driver Cameron Taylor stated that he had doubts about the operation.

"I think VSCC fans are generally intelligent people that will see through this garbage. And when I say see through, I mean see that its a farce. I can't find a reason behind this. It's actually pretty funny. I hope these Yay Hoos from Tuvalu don't get on the grid. I mean it would be nice if Jason [Lee], Mike [Quinn], or Jacob [Miller] got another shot, but they should keep racing as apolitical as possible."

[Sponsored content]