MDS
14th January 2009, 15:15
No big surprise as Vassar and Tracy have always had a good relationship, but apparently PT and KVRT are working on getting a sponsorship package done for 2009.
KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser told Sun Media yesterday he is actively negotiating with Tracy and is seeking American and Canadian corporate support to help make the deal happen.
"I definitely think that PT has a few good years left in him," Vasser said. "I know he has some sponsors that he is working on. I just thought it would be a good idea if we worked together."
Vasser, who is also a former CART series champion (1996), said that Tracy's fourth-place finish at the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton in 2008 showed the 40-year-old still has the will and talent to win at the top levels of open wheel racing.
It doesn't hurt either, Vasser said, that Tracy's personality -- love him or hate him -- would be a terrific draw not only in the races at Edmonton and Toronto but across the IRL calendar.
"I think the series needs him," he said.
Vasser said that even if he is only able to put together a partial sponsorship package for Tracy it might be enough to get the "Thrill from West Hill" back in the series.
"If we can get a certain percentage done for PT ourselves we could maybe take it to (the IRL) to see if they can help," he said.
The current economic climate is an obstacle to getting a deal good enough to lure Tracy away from pursuing other forms of racing, most notably the NASCAR Camping World Truck series.
Vasser said that KVRT is also trying to line up sponsors for Oriol Servia, who drove the second team entry -- partially funded out of Vasser and co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven's pockets -- in 2008.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/othersports/2009/01/14/8016826-sun.html
Clearly Dean didn't know about the Moreas announcement, but it's encouraging to see them working two veteran drivers. I also think its interesting that they might be asking TG to kick in some cash. I think Tracy adds value to the series. I can only speak for myself, but I'm a lot more likely to make the trip to St. Pete if PT is in the field.
KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser told Sun Media yesterday he is actively negotiating with Tracy and is seeking American and Canadian corporate support to help make the deal happen.
"I definitely think that PT has a few good years left in him," Vasser said. "I know he has some sponsors that he is working on. I just thought it would be a good idea if we worked together."
Vasser, who is also a former CART series champion (1996), said that Tracy's fourth-place finish at the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton in 2008 showed the 40-year-old still has the will and talent to win at the top levels of open wheel racing.
It doesn't hurt either, Vasser said, that Tracy's personality -- love him or hate him -- would be a terrific draw not only in the races at Edmonton and Toronto but across the IRL calendar.
"I think the series needs him," he said.
Vasser said that even if he is only able to put together a partial sponsorship package for Tracy it might be enough to get the "Thrill from West Hill" back in the series.
"If we can get a certain percentage done for PT ourselves we could maybe take it to (the IRL) to see if they can help," he said.
The current economic climate is an obstacle to getting a deal good enough to lure Tracy away from pursuing other forms of racing, most notably the NASCAR Camping World Truck series.
Vasser said that KVRT is also trying to line up sponsors for Oriol Servia, who drove the second team entry -- partially funded out of Vasser and co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven's pockets -- in 2008.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/othersports/2009/01/14/8016826-sun.html
Clearly Dean didn't know about the Moreas announcement, but it's encouraging to see them working two veteran drivers. I also think its interesting that they might be asking TG to kick in some cash. I think Tracy adds value to the series. I can only speak for myself, but I'm a lot more likely to make the trip to St. Pete if PT is in the field.