'Factory' Teams.

[Nick Koske]

There's a term that tossed around quite a bit and that's, 'factory team'. IMSA has some definition...those allowed into the IMSA cup points and those that aren't. But, I've searched the IMSA rules to find a definition but was unable to find anything. The PTG Panoz entries were 'factory', as was Penske, Audi, Corvette Racing, P2 Zytek, and the Creation. The Acura teams were not considered 'factory' entries, as they were eligible for IMSA cup points, but sure seem like 'factory' entries.

So all this begs the question...What is IMSA's definition of 'factory' team? What is your definition of 'factory' teams?

I assume the 'factory' moniker has something to due with where the funding is coming from and probably be some percentage of budget. It not quite as easy of a definition as one might think.

[Spyderman]

For me (and I'm quite radical) a "factory" team is one that is funded and made up solely of employees (mechanics ,drivers, engineers and management) from said factory (read manufacturer).
All else is a permutation of the theme.
I know that many will disagree, but that is how I see it.