Sharp-ening the Cytosport Rocket?

[Todd Benne]

Just a thought, but with the Rahal versus Scott Sharp lawsuit under way, and the acknowledgment by parties that Scott Sharp and his sponsor Patron are looking at ALMS, due to a feeling Rahal was not providing the best services to Sharp in the IRL, could we possibly see Scott piloting his father inlaw's LMP1 car round in 2008? With Patron tequilla as sponsor. The current Patron sponsorship package is over $5million. That would make a nice boost to Team Cytosport.

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by Todd Benne

Just a thought, but with the Rahal versus Scott Sharp lawsuit under way, and the acknowledgment by parties that Scott Sharp and his sponsor Patron are looking at ALMS, due to a feeling Rahal was not providing the best services to Sharp in the IRL, could we possibly see Scott piloting his father inlaw's LMP1 car round in 2008? With Patron tequilla as sponsor. The current Patron sponsorship package is over $5million. That would make a nice boost to Team Cytosport.

It's a little more involved than that. It is my "understanding" Patron is the motivation here. They want out of the IRL. They'd rather spend $1 million in legal rather than "waste" $5 million on another meaningless season in the IRL.

While the sponsorship is with Sharp, I'm not so sure the allegiance is. Rahal has acknowledge, no sponsorship... no entry.

The sad part in all of this, I think all three parties want to come over to the ALMS... it just doesn't appear that they want to do it together.

Now... to be clear... I don't have any "facts." I'm giving you what I "heard" from one of the parties indirectly involved.

JT

[HORNDAWG]

It would be nice to bring Patron and Scott over to the ALMS. But I would rather see it as a second car on the Pickett team that would enhance the capabilities of both to compete and be competitive for the entire season.

[Nick Koske]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

But I would rather see it as a second car on the Pickett team...

I was thinking the same exact thing...we do agree on some things

[dysonfan]

Does anyone know how much an LMP1 teams budget is out of curiousity? I'm just asking because I know cytosport isn't the largest team in the world financially. Even if they got the added sponsorship and financial help, still would be interesting to see if it would be enough for a second car, or if it would just make them more competitive.
A fun tid bit of info though is Corvette racing has the same budget as Audi. I personally think it should be restricted in GT1 and we may see more competitors. Just a thought

[Canada ALMS fan]

I saw Sharp and his manager in the paddock at Petit wearing Patron shirts. I shook his hand and wished him luck. I told him he should come over to sportscars, he just smiled ear to ear. Also, Wayne Taylor was there, I know he was part of the 10th anniversary festivities but Max Angelelli was with him? I asked if they were coming to the ALMS and Wayne said no. With the momentum ALMS has on manufacturers joining we should hopefully start to see talent & sponsors flock from Grand Am, Champ Car, an IRL.