Murphy’s been hearing rumors, some disquieting, for a few days, and trying to determine if they “have legs” (as they say in the scurrilous rumor business). While not yet news, some are widely enough spread to deserve the light of day. Plus a few odds and ends to ‘clean up’ before the weekend and Murphy’s First Annual Christmas Quiz early next week.
More turbulence for the Braselburgers?
Chief amongst those rumors is that a Braselton executive is about to move on. Since this one surfaced early in the week, rumblings have been heard from four states. Would such an event portend a change of direction, or more of the same? A significant change in management personnel is rumored to be imminent; Murphy will leave it at that.
No Farnbacher, No Loles
The Bear’s repeatedly reported rumors that pointed to the termination of the Farnbacher and Loles partnership – that’s happened now, of course. Lately he’s questioned whether Greg Loles would continue in ALMS, or even be able to bring his ambitious Grand Am plans to fruition. This week the mill has been churning. That includes a medical event earlier in the week, chattels in the Georgia shop packed for shipping to Connecticut, missed payments, and an RSR of disputed ownership.
Ganassi’s Change?
The Bear hears Ganassi will replace his Lexus power in favor of BMW for the 2010 Grand Am DP season. Is that another indication that Toyota will take a really big motorsport pause after dumping its Formula 1 team? 500 are being laid off in the company’s European racing headquarters (‘shop’ doesn’t seem like an adequate description for an operation of that scale).
Anderson Moves On
Completing the dissolution of Lowes Fernandez Racing, founding partner Tom Anderson has moved to Andretti Autosport as Senior VP of Racing Operations.
Downsizing Drivers
Murphy hears that two Porsche factory drivers will be tossed overboard for 2010. To be honest, he’ll be surprised if it’s just two of the ten contracted for 2009. Not that such machinations should be a shock or even mean something bad. Remember when Jörg was tossed a few Christmases ago? The next year he won two championships, added a wife and a little one, and was rehired by Weissach. Patrick’s been doing regional stock car events, for fun or…?
Farewell to PTG and Panoz Racing
As the Bear recently observed, this isn’t an economy in which you put up all your racing equipment in order to “upgrade.” So it was no surprise to read that PTG will not be racing in the ALMS in 2010. That includes the news that Panoz has “suspended” its racing operations.
Sebring, this is Houston
Murphy’s heard no reason to backtrack on his doubt that the Houston Ferrari dealer will field a full-season GT2 entry, but he does believe the team’s quite likely to contest Sebring and Petit Le Mans, as they try to contain the costs of a “transition” season against a desire to keep the core of the team together for a new Ferrari and revised rules in 2011.
Our Ford GT will Soldier on
Having raised doubts about Robertson Racing’s plans, Murphy was told that they are a certain return to the ALMS in 2010. Look for an announcement that could include some interesting development news.
Fuel Logistics Simplified for Sebring
Are some of Sebring’s safety vehicles diesel powered? If so, they’ll need to order some distillate fuel – otherwise, not so much. If there’s no Audi, there will likely be no Pug, announcement or not.
The Bear’s First Annual Christmas Quiz
Murphy and his elves are working on it, hopeful of a December 7th launch. This Paddock Poop supplement is to “clear the decks.” Just a few more details to work out. About twenty questions and something around 100 points (Murphy has trouble with being very orderly, so you could see some odd numbers) should be in this space early next week.
Tags: Andretti Autosport, Audi, Braselton, Farnbacher, Ferrari, Ford GT, Loles, Panoz, Peugeot, Porsche, PTG, Robertson Racing, Sebring, Tom Anderson
Soooo…clearly the announcement that Panoz floated to Autosport etc about a new GT2 being developed for 2010 (from what though, one always wondered) was a pipe dream…? Imagine that. Don needs to fade away quietly and give up the silly ideas. The Panoz “legacy” is looking really lame these days.
Appears the Farnbacher-Loles breakup has spread to the nutmeg state shop. Rumors are swirling around a possible closing of the shop.
“A significant change in management personnel is rumored to be imminent…”
Well, some good news. Maybe competent management will restore the series, because current management seems to be crippling the series.