Thursday, May 3, 2007

John Passon signs new deal with Jack Player Special (“JPS”) Lotus Team

John Passon signs new deal with Jack Player Special (“JPS”) Lotus Team
Thu 3 May, 9:56 AM

Sacked by Mucca Rosso earlier this week, many suggested that Passon’s professional racing career had come to an end. However, in an unexpected twist and after extensive efforts and negotiations performed by Veloce Sports International (“VSI”), Passon found a new life saver and signed a new deal with Lotus – Jack Player Special Lotus Team.

Lotus’ Team Principal, Pedro Warr, is hoping that his latest signer will help in revitalizing the team.

“We had a late start in the world championship. We missed the first race due to lack of sponsors. Round 2 was our first race and George Gallardo did a great job for us and showed that we had the speed but eventually had to withdraw due to severe cramps. At Round 3 last month, Gallardo once again showed promising speed but was once again found unfit to race which is too bad because I think he could have got some good points for the team. When VSI approached us earlier this week in regards to John Passon, it was a very easy decision for us to make. Passon is a very talented driver and has a lot of experience under his belt. We are really looking forward to his arrival and his contribution to the team. We don’t really expect much right away since he drove an Arrow for over 4 years and now will have to adapt to a CRG but we are confident he will quickly do so and help bring Lotus to its glory days.”

Passon decided to enjoy the day with his family at Lego Land in Carlsbad, California and spoke briefly with reporters as he left his home.

“After a very stressful week, I am glad it is over. For a moment I really thought that my career had ended but I am glad it didn’t. And if it did not end it was due to the efforts of Alex King of Veloce Sports International (“VSI”) as they fought tooth and nails to help me find a new rid – and they did that! Myself, my wife, my family genuinely appreciate what VSI has done for us. I am more motivated than ever and I am looking forward to many successful races with my new team Lotus."

It will be interesting to see how Passon adapts to his new team and the CRG chassis. The expectations are that Gallardo and Passon will make a very strong team in the series as both are known to have strong technical understanding of TAG machines.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Hayashigawa Secret Meeting with Precision Engines

Hayashigawa Secret Meeting with Precision Engines
Wed 2 May, 4:52 PM

Reliable sources suggest that MakLaren pilot, Larry Hayashigawa, is planning to attend a secret and private meeting with Chief Engineer of Precision Engines, Mr. Frecks later tonight. It is expected that Hayashigawa will conclude a new engine deal that would allow him to run the latest FPR-2007B engine version at Round 4 of the world championship. There are unconfirmed reports that the Japanese super star performed a private test session today with his MakLaren team.

The competition level is expected to intensify at Round 4 of Tri-C TAG MASTERS World Championship. It is already reported that at least Arnarson, Hayashigawa, Kirkpatrick and King will have fresh engine for the race.

Q & A with H.A. ARNARSON – Celine Dion and Soul Searching help H.A. return to racing

Q & A with H.A. ARNARSON – Celine Dion and Soul Searching help H.A. return to racing
Wed 2 May, 4:41 PM

Round 4 of the Tri-C TAG MASTERS World Championship will mark the return of H.A. Arnarson. Always controversial and with a sharp tongue, Arnarson set down with Bruce Walker, International Correspondent of AEIOU Racing Radio Network.

AEIOU: “Congratulations in your return to the world championship! It has certainly surprised us all in the world of motorsports, let me ask you first – why did you quit the sport anyway earlier this year?”

HA: “Disillusioned with modern kart racing and my 7th blown engine in 3 years, I decided to take a sabbatical and do some soul-searching.”

AEIOU: “So you are telling me that you never officially retired?”

HA: “That’s right. It was just a sabbatical.”

AEIOU: You were out of the racing scene, at least in the world premier level of Tri-C TAG MASTERS, for over 60 days, almost 90 days – what have you done with the extra time?”

HA: “I implemented a new three-year Domestic Plan whereby my home goes from Me and MiniMe, to a Brady-like alliance with my Fiance and her Cantankerous Daughter.

AEIOU: “Go ahead, don’t stop there and please tell me more. Show me your emotions.”

HA: “The kart-free future looked bright, and my rebuilt engine sat on the garage floor, collecting dust. But then, the bomb dropped. My son quit karting on me, leaving me to take stock in why I have a truck, trailer, 3 kart stands, 2 karts, and a garage full of shiny aluminum parts that are either bent, or waiting to be bent.”

AEIOU: “I must confess that you got me lost at kart-free, what are you trying to say here H.A.?”

HA: “I was lost in the desert; socked, even angry – then came denial.”

AEIOU: “So you announced your retirement from the sport, I mean a sabbatical earlier this year and you thought you would return to race sooner than originally planned but suddenly you had to accept the reality that you were actually going to be out of the sport longer than planned. What happened next?”

HA: “I started to listen to Celine Dion in my garage. I really like that Titanic song. Anyways, Celine Dion was playing as I mounted a fresh 2005 Leopard to my 2002-Spec Topkart with the 2004-spec frame weld, the 2005-spec frame weld update #2, and the 2006-spec front porch “overextension” update, and I was able to do some grief work.”

AEIOU: “So are you telling me that Celine Dion is what made you return to racing?”

HA: “What I can tell you is that a week later, I enjoyed a very healing and cleansing engine break-in in Perris, France, and fully recaptured the passion for kart racing. In fact, it happened on the back straight, right when I managed to pass a kid in an HPV-1.”

AEIOU: “It is great to see you returning to the world championship. You have obviously been involved in many controversial issues. It is said that you are adored by some and hated by others. What do you have to say to your fans and to your critics today?”

HA: “The Wild Man from Borneo” is BACK!”

AEIOU: Round 4 will be a fantastic event and it will be great to see you there again. Thanks for your time today.”

HA: “Seeya there!”

Passon in talks with MakLaren

Passon in talks with MakLaren
Wed 2 May, 3:02 PM

Fired by Mucca Rosso earlier this week, John Passon is in talks with MakLaren International according to the associated international racing press.

It is not yet know which role Passon would take at MakLaren considering that the team already Alex King and Larry Hayashigawa as their drivers under contract, but sources suggest the possibility that Passon would take a test role within the team, eyeing in replacing the Alex King. The Brazilian was heavily criticized last month for poor fitness as the telemetry showed his diminishing performance at the final stage of the race. It is believed that King has been told by the team to lose some weight to get into shape or lose the drive.

SCUDERIA SCORPIO ROSSO EXPECTED TO TEST ON SUNDAY

SCUDERIA SCORPIO ROSSO EXPECTED TO TEST ON SUNDAY
Wed 2 May, 2:46 PM

Tony Sinicropi is expected to return to the cockpit on Sunday, May 6th as the Italian team will be making final adjustments in preparation for Round 4 of the world championship on May 12th.

The Italian flamboyant has had a month long break and ecstatic with his return to competitive racing.

“I did not race last month because of contractual obligations that required me to attend the Toyota Grand Prix in Long Beach, recreational racing event and charity. But, I have been very busy. I have been working have hard on my fitness and I am ready to hit the track.
Sinicropi has reason to look forward to his return to racing as he will be powered by Hi-Rev and will have a competitive engine for the first time this year.

“It is not that my previous engine was not competitive, that is absolutely not the case. But, the engine I will be testing on Sunday has the latest technological advances from Hi-Tech. I am very confident that my First Kart powered by Hi-Rev Leopard is competitive and the right package for TAG MASTERS.”

On Board View With Steve Thompson

On Board View With Steve Thompson
Wed 2 May, 2:25 PM

Fans around the world can now purchase exciting racing video footages of Tri-C TAG MASTERS World Championship, the most competitive racing series in the world. The 60-min DVD currently available in the market for $289.99 is provided by the Italian squad, Mucca Rosso, and on board with Steve Thompson (#6).

Wide up your screen and pump up your volume to watch this massive field of fearless competitors – Tri-C TAG MASTERS.

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6KPkDDOWpY

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

ARNARSON REPLACES PASSON AT MUCCA ROSSO

ARNARSON REPLACES PASSON AT MUCCA ROSSO
Tue 1 May, 4:25 PM

With only a few hours after the announcement of the release of John Passon from the team, the Italian squad, Mucca Rosso, confirmed that the outspoken and controversial American, H.A. Arnarson, will join the team to partner up with Steve Thompson at Round 4 of Tri-C TAG MASTERS World Championship. The news comes as a surprise to many as Arnarson had already announced his retirement from the sport in February, following his spectacular engine explosion at Round 1 of the world championship.

The return from Arnarson is expected to cause some sparks at MakLaren and among Japanese fans as both H.A. Arnarson and Larry Hayashigawa literally declared war on each other during the winter tests.

Both Arnarson and Hayashigawa were not available for comments.

MAXX power for Jack Kirkpatrick

MAXX power for Jack Kirkpatrick
Tue 1 May, 2:55 PM

Pherrari confirmed today that Jack Kirkpatrick will be powered by MAXX at Round 4 of the world championship. With the biggest budget in the series, Pherrari has not been able to provide a fast and reliable engine to the Irish pilot, who has been very critical of Pherrari’s engine program.

“I had no issues at Round 1” stated the Pherrari pilot. “At Round 2, the engine was fast but not reliable as it expired with only a few laps left. At Round 3, the engine was reliable, but it wasn’t fast. I am hoping that MAXX Motorsports will supply us with a fast and reliable engine later this month.”

MAXX Motorsports is now the official engine supplier to Alex King, Brian Phillipsen, George Gallardo and Jack Kirkpatrick and the company has vowed that all drivers will receive equal treatment.

John Passon Released By Mucca Rosso

John Passon Released By Mucca Rosso
Tue 1 May, 10:37 AM

Mucca Rosso Team has officially announced that it has released John Passon from the team effective immediately.

“Due to certain circumstances Mucca Rosso Racing Team and John Passon have mutually agreed to terminate a two-year contract between both parties effective immediately. We wish the very best to John Passon in his personal and professional lives” noted the Mucca Rosso Team’s official website this morning.

No word has been mentioned about a possible Passon’s replacement at the team and sources suggest that John Passon is extremely dissatisfied with Mucca Rossso and is threatening lawsuit, despite the team’s official statement.

It is expected that John Passon will seek the assistance and advice from Veloce Sports International (“VSI”) in regards to this matter, as VSI is not only responsible for managing the promoting the Tri-C TAG MASTERS World Championship Series, but they also work very closely with drivers in protecting their interests.

“We haven’t been contacted by Passon” said Alex King, President of Veloce Sports International (“VSI”). I am personally not aware of the details in regards to the latest contractual dispute but I do find very disturbing to the series that a driver with the experience of Passon and the results he has achieved so far this year is suddenly found without a ride. We will look into this matter closely in the next few days, should Passon seek our assistance.”

Passon’s future is extremely uncertain. It is unlikely that Passon’s management team will be able to find a new team at this stage in the season. Passon is not expected to attend Round 4 of the world championship.

Monday, April 30, 2007

Tri-C World Council Confirms - ROUND 5 WILL BE MORAN BACKWARDS

Tri-C World Council Confirms - ROUND 5 WILL BE MORAN BACKWARDS
Mon 30 Apr, 11:43 PM

The Tri-C World Council met tonight in Geneva for a special session in regards to Round 5 of Tri-C TAG MASTERS World Championship and it has been unanimously voted that the fifth round of the world championship on June 9th will be held at Moran Raceway and it will be ran Backwards.

It is alleged that famous American beer company, Buttweiser, has been pushing very hard and provided attractive sponsorship funds to the series and to the racing teams so that Round 5 could be ran Backwards. However, Alex King, President of Veloce Sports International ("VSI") has denied such allegations:

"Making the changes just recently announced in regards to Round 5 has nothing to do with sponsorship funds, it is simply the desire, the wish of millions of fans around the world. VSI has received a total of 8,354,362 requests via email asking Tri-C World Council to run Moran Backwards. Many suggests that it may level out the filed a bit better. No matter how you look, we are expecting an incredible event in June, perhaps the best ever for the year."

Unconfirmed reports suggest that VSI is making arrangements for a TAG MASTERS Private Test Day at Moran Backwards on Monday, June 4, 2007.

King Signs New Engine Deal With MAXX Motorsports

King Signs New Engine Deal With MAXX Motorsports
Mon 30 Apr, 1:22 PM

MAXX Motorsports announced earlier this morning that it has executed a new engine deal with the 2005 Tri-C Senior Sportsman Novice World Champion, Alex King. Speculations intensified last week after King paid a visit to MAXX's headquarter in Huntington Beach, California. The MakLaren pilot appeared optimistic for Round 4 of the world championship as he will powered by MAXX for the first time in his career:

"I have had an on and off relationship with MAXX but never an official one. When I won my first world title back in 2005, I was under contract with Woltjer Engines, but MAXX was still very supportive and provided technical feedback that I found crucial in allowing me to win the championship that year. I am glad that we had the opportunity to close this deal. I have a lot of confidence in the engineers employed by MAXX Motorsports and I think this new engine will give me the boost I need to fight this year in TAG MASTERS."

Neither party disclosed the terms of the latest contract but many suspects that King was not willing to sign a long term contract with any engine supplier.

"Contractual issues are of second degree of importance" Brian Phillipsen, Chief Engineer of MAXX Motorsports told reporters earlier today. "Our goal is to make sure that King has the best possible power plant available. I remember very well when I first saw him racing back in 2005. He was very smooth and he dominated that year. We are certain here at MAXX Motorsports that King will be competitive again and this time at TAG MASTERS and this time he will be powered by MAXX."

MakLaren has yet to confirm a test date to prepare for Round 4 of Tri-C TAG MASTERS World Championship on Saturday, May 12th.

Passon’s racing career in jeopardy

Passon’s racing career in jeopardy
Mon 30 Apr, 1:27 PM

The Mucca Rosso driver, John Passon, could have prematurely ended his racing season at Cal Speed on Sunday, April 22nd. It is reported that Passon ignored repeatedly requests from the Mucca Rosso Team at a PKC event to pull over due to engine concerns but Passon denied it.

“No one gave me any warning and our radio was working perfectly fine. I was pushing as hard as I could because that is how I race. Sure, I heard a strange engine noise but after I reported it to the team over the radio, they told me that they could not see any issues on the telemetry so I kept going and the engine just expired in the end. I can not take any responsibility for it.”

With one of the smallest budgets in the series, Mucca Rosso is certainly concerned with the latest event. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Mucca Rosso may be looking at an option to replace John Passon in favor of a driver that could bring sponsorship funds to the team. Consequently, Passon would be found immediately out of a ride, which would be disappointing considering Passon’s very respectable performances in the first three rounds of Tri-C TAG MASTERS Championship.