Without finding anyone that had heard the rumor other than our erstwhile scribe, say nothing of actually confirming its content, Murphy checked for other indicators, and bingo, he found a few.

His first question? Anything about another buyer? Certainly the Don wouldn’t go to Jim (who the Bear hears would love to get his hands on Sebring) first. In fact there have been, an offer turned down over a year ago, then more recently the rumor of an approach – rebuffed – to that same source. In a separate story, Patrón was a suitor. That’s cooled, though agave-squeezers are said to remain hot for the Porsche-only series.

Murphy also heard the driving school (McDreamy’s alma mater?) closed, and someone from Braselton cleaned out the T-shirt inventory at Sebring. Some might sum all that and come up with an imminent sale. Murphy doesn’t.

Underwear

Speaking of underwear, ALMS is going to sell “organic T-shirts” to support something called “Adopt an Acre” run by the Nature Conservancy. It’s a tree planting thing. Not original, but nice – bear habitat. Pearls, G-oil, organic T-shirts – can edible undergarments be far behind? There’s a hint from the boss, who told us to “Look for an announcement of a major new licensing deal in the third quarter that will greatly enhance our product position and global exposure. “ Exposure. Underwear. That’s intriguing.

Green Park(s)

Then there’s Lowe’s sponsoring “Green Parks.” Do those come with mosh pits and unconscious freshmen? Seriously it’s a good thing; they’ll be dedicating one in Torrington, Connecticut, with playground stuff for the kiddies and a sand box for an oil gazillionaire driver.

Brazil

The IRL’s going to Brazil. They’re a bit pissed in Cleveland (but consoling themselves with landing the Diesel, of course). That’s got to be ok with Tim. It makes Murphy go “hmmmm” at his assertion he’s not tying up with the IRL. Maybe he’ll “consult” then. Murphy can’t see him missing work/play/family in Brazil.

(re)Formatting

SA wrote to teams, etc. on June 22. Amongst the trivia (stuff like organic T-shirts), Ed is working on some new partnerships. Events are being “formatted” for fans and television (forgive the Bear for being a cynic, but that sounds scary), and to showcase IMSA’s “other series.”

Reorganizing

They’re combining IMSA and ALMS into a single staff. A very important person, a friend of the Bear’s was called to Braselton for a chat the other day. Can that be good?

Rules and Classifications 

There are hints of continued (restored) ACO accommodation of some ALMS deviation in “technical rules (and) future classifications.”

Protos in 2010

The evidence is mounting that all three teams currently operating Acuras will be racing Honda-powered Dallaras in 2010. Will they race in two series? Not likely, given current economic realities. What ALMS prototypes will remain – or return?