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Deal Gives Fans Chance To Buy Stake in IRL Team
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Written by Erik F. Hart   
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
A partnership launched Monday will offer fans a chance to buy into Viso's HVM Racing team, much like fans of the Green Bay Packers and other sports teams around the world have done. The alliance between HVM and iTeam Sports allows access and interaction with the IRL IndyCar Series team and ownership, among other perks.

"There's a disconnect right now between fans and teams, and this lets us inside," said iTeam Sports founder and President Steve Levenson, whose company has introduced similar models in minor league baseball.

HVM is fielding a two Honda effort at Indy with Venezuelan driver Viso and French rookie Nelson Philippe. The deal between HVM and iTeam Sports runs through the 2011 season; 10% of fees will go to charity.

"I think it's an interesting idea," IRL Commercial Division President Terry Angstadt said. "It would be very good if you could have that value exchange that does engage fans and gives them that sense of ownership to follow one car/driver combination over another. We wish them the best."

Viso (221.745 mph) was 21st of 22 qualifiers during Sunday's second session before being bumped in the final minute by Scott Sharp. Philippe crashed during practice Saturday but was unhurt.

They are among at least a dozen drivers trying to earn one of 11 berths during Saturday's third qualifying rounds for the May 24 race.

"It gives great opportunity to a lot of fans to be involved," HVM team principal and owner Keith Wiggins said of the joint venture.

Going green: Corsa Motorsports' Ginetta Zytek hybrid will make its debut this weekend in the LMP1 class of the American Le Mans Series at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City. The team, though, isn't certain its E10 Ethanol electric engine is a lock to win the Green Challenge awarded to the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly car.

"We're not sure if we're developing more friction that creates more petrol burning," says Johnny Mowlem, who will drive the car with Stefan Johannson. "Everyone seems to think the Green Challenge's a foregone conclusion, but it's the first time it'll be tested properly under duress. Such technology is like walking on the moon."

Mowlem tested the car at the Silverstone circuit in England (which is also home to Zytek Group, the company that helped build the 625 horsepower motor) and reported strong results from a regenerative braking system that captures energy and converts it to voltage for an extra burst of speed. Mowlem also ran a lap solely on electric at Silverstone but will use the internal combustion motor at Miller's 15 turn circuit Sunday because of battery concerns. The London native will run on electric during a pit lane demonstration before the event.

"It's very eerie to run with just a hum," he says.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 July 2009 )