Sharp to Highcroft?

[John Thawley]

Robin Miller is reporting on SPEED TV, that Scott Sharp, along with his Patron sponsorship will pair with David Brabham in the Highcroft Racing Acura.

Kudos to our own HORNDAWG who seemed to put two and two together (08 rumors) nearly a week ago to ferret this one out.

Scott Sharp Moving to ALMS
The last original Indy Racing League driver is heading for sports cars. SPEEDTV.com has learned that Scott Sharp is taking his Patron sponsorship to Highcroft Racing in the American Le Mans series for 2008. Read full article

[WMUCarGuy]

Originally Posted by John Thawley

Robin Miller is reporting on SPEED TV, that Scott Sharp, along with his Patron sponsorship will pair with David Brabham in the Highcroft Racing Acura.

Kudos to our own HORNDAWG who seemed to put two and two together (08 rumors) nearly a week ago to ferret this one out.

I wonder if this is more a case of Stefan being replaced because he doesn't have $5 Million in sponsorship. If that's the case, it's a real shame because I highly doubt Sharp is a better driver than Stefan.

[Nick Koske]

Well it's still possible that it will be a two car team...maybe Duncan will team up with Stefan in a second car. I'm sure they can find the cash. Anyone know how Duncan's neck is doing...has he been seen on track yet??

[WMUCarGuy]

Originally Posted by Nick Koske

Well it's still possible that it will be a two car team...maybe Duncan will team up with Stefan in a second car. I'm sure they can find the cash. Anyone know how Duncan's neck is doing...has he been seen on track yet??

I'd think with Sharp's $5 million and Acura's backing, they could make it happen if they wanted. I have a feeling it'd be more Honda's decision than Duncan's.

[John Thawley]

I think you might be getting ahead of yourself with the $5 million... no one has indicated that that kind of money is being committed to the program. That is a number that was thrown around with the IRL program.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by John Thawley

I think you might be getting ahead of yourself with the $5 million... no one has indicated that that kind of money is being committed to the program. That is a number that was thrown around with the IRL program.

But do you not think that with those $$ figures being tossed around (rumored?) in the IRL that this would not be a major sponsorship and might be enough to possibly fund a second car?

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

But do you not think that with those $$ figures being tossed around (rumored?) in the IRL that this would not be a major sponsorship and might be enough to possibly fund a second car?

Companies don't sponsor race cars because they love racing as much as we do... they do it for return on investment.

But, hey... I hope I'm wrong. One thing IS for sure, count on Duncan to do it right.

JT

[Canada ALMS fan]

Companies don't sponsor race cars because they love racing as much as we do...

If only they did, the world would be a much better place!

[WMUCarGuy]

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

If only they did, the world would be a much better place!

Probably not. All those companies would go out of business if that were the case...

[Canada ALMS fan]

Probably not. All those companies would go out of business if that were the case...

I'm sure you can tell it was said tongue in cheek! However, there are studies that show in terms of global brand building companies receive a much greater return on their investment by sponsoring F1 than the World Cup of soccer or the Olympics. Having said that, a lot of race teams appear to be nothing more than tax loss instruments for very wealthy individuals (Krohn Racing, & most A1GP teams are the most blatant examples I can think of).