Flying Lizard goes to Pirelli

[G.]

http://www.lizardms.com/news/releases/2014/dec-18.html


"We've always put a strong emphasis on success at Flying Lizard Motorsports, and we're always looking at the next area of the sport in which we can challenge ourselves and grow as a team," said Team Manager Eric Ingraham. "Due to our full season commitment of Pirelli World Challenge, a full season in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship is no longer logistically possible. That said, we're proud of what we've accomplished in the American Le Mans Series over the past decade and during the 2014 season in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. The 2015 season will be a new challenge, and a new era for Flying Lizard Motorsports, and we're thrilled to be racing under the K-PAX Racing banner."

Lizard was top of their class as a factory GT3 car, then drop to Amateur, now down to Pirelli??

What's next, the IRL?
:shakehead:

They will still run the Audi in the Rolex.


New car cartoon:

http://www.lizardms.com/images/2014/650SGT3VR_Medium.jpg

[cameraman]

Once they lost their factory backing they were screwed. Sad but not a surprise.

[chop456]

^ That's depressing.

This is funny:


12/17/14 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Enters Pirelli World Challenge The GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Team announced today they will compete in the 2015 Pirelli World Challenge racing series. The famed No. 99 livery will return with GAINSCO Auto Insurance as the primary sponsor; however, a new "Red Dragon" will be born, as the team enters a Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the fast-growing and highly competitive GTS category.
Bob Stallings Racing entered the professional sports car scene in 2005 with American co-drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty. They quickly became one of the most successful American teams of all time earning 16 victories, 31 pole positions and two Daytona Prototype Sports Car championships in 112 races over nine seasons. Four-time racing Champion Jon Fogarty will return to the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing squad to drive the No. 99 Hyundai. "I am especially happy to have Jon Fogarty back as the driver of the Red Dragon, along with Terry Wilbert as Team Manager and John Ward as our Technical Director. Our Team has been committed to winning races and Championships since 2005 and having the guys back in place makes it more likely we will continue in our winning ways," said Bob Stallings. "The Pirelli World Challenge series is very competitive, and winning will not come easy. Our ambition is to learn how to win here in 2015 and give 2016 a very strong effort for a Championship."

But...but...but... :laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Rus'L]

Why is it so sad?

The Pirelli World Challenge is a great series. And extremely competitive.

[cameraman]

Why is it so sad?

The Pirelli World Challenge is a great series. And extremely competitive.

After eight years at the 24 Hours of Le Mans? It isn't the same.

[Gnam]

Once they lost their factory backing they were screwed. Sad but not a surprise.
It puts Ferrari's success in perspective. They've been racing since the 1940's because no one can take away their budget.

Loved cheering for the Lizard 911s. Glad they are still racing. :thumbup:

[mapguy]

Can you blame them for leaving the "IMSA" series?

[NismoZ]

Yes, that is bothersome but at least it isn't a Pickett Racing thing and just GONE. I found THAT sad. Rather than feeling sad at this move I tend to agree with Rus'L. Repositioning, not quitting. I'll be at the Pirelli RA weekend!

[NismoZ]

Have to say, the Lizard is still flying. Rounds 1 & 2 @ CoTA saw Kevin Estre (Austria) come in 4th and 1st...with the fastest race lap 3+ secs. faster than ANYone in a wetter-than-wet rain race. That McLaren 650S GT3 looks GREAT! This doesn't look like any "IRL- like" step down to me! Look at the top 10 finish of Round 2: McLaren GT3, (Estre)... Porsche GT3R, (Dalziel)... Lamborghini Gallardo, (Catsburg)...Audi R8LMS Ultra, (Skeen)... Acura TLX-GT, (Eversley)... another R8 Ultra, (Snow)... Cadillac ATS-VR GT-3, (O Connell)... Ferrari 458 GT3 Italia, (Beretta)... 911GT3R, (Lewis)... McLaren GT3- (Thorne)...Is that 10? SEVEN Mfgrs. in the top 10? Great cars, VERY good drivers....and there are SEVEN:eek::rolleyes:classes among 3-4 races...should be enough to keep fans entertained (and :confused:) I like this, and don't worry about the Lizard.

[NismoZ]

When you can take 7-9 minutes check out 2 excellent videos: K-Pax/Flying Lizard COTA 2015, on YouTube. MAY help change a few minds. My cable provider Now gives me F-1 and IndyCar but not World Challenge or Trans Am. Never happy. Hey, is Tim Cindric's kid, Austin, racing a Team Erebus Mercedes in Australia!? Bathurst 12 hr. last month. What is he...all of 18!. Makes sense, I guess.......Edit. Cindic is only 16!

[opinionated ow]

When you can take 7-9 minutes check out 2 excellent videos: K-Pax/Flying Lizard COTA 2015, on YouTube. MAY help change a few minds. My cable provider Now gives me F-1 and IndyCar but not World Challenge or Trans Am. Never happy. Hey, is Tim Cindric's kid, Austin, racing a Team Erebus Mercedes in Australia!? Bathurst 12 hr. last month. What is he...all of 18!. Makes sense, I guess.......Edit. Cindic is only 16!

It was a one off for the 12 hour, he wasn't half bad actually. I think he is planning on a development series v8 drive at some point. I know he tested a car.