To say the least, bad economic times are beginning to take their toll on a number of IndyCar series' teams and Conquest Racing has not been exempt but owner Eric Bachelart is adamant that the team will be there for 2009
The team issued a statement clarifying their situation after reports suggested that their future was in serious doubt but the team admits that its employees had voted to take a pay cut to stay at work.
Auto123.com recently met with last year's Conquest driverAlexandre Tagliani.
"I work very hard with Éric and his team to find sponsors that are suitable for both parties, » he said. "The fact that we have two IndyCar races in Canada, and the return of the Toronto event, helps us dearly. Luckily, it is easier to find sponsors here in Canada. I can tell you that the economical situation in the U.S. is quite dreadful. Most sponsorship programmes have been cancelled."
"Last year, Éric had Brazilian sponsors that requested the presence of Brazilian drivers. They are not back this year, and Éric will only enter one car. What makes things even more difficult is that contrary to last year Conquest Racing has to pay for their engines in 2009. That represents an additional $1 million to find."
photo:Philippe Champoux - Auto123.com
The team issued a statement clarifying their situation after reports suggested that their future was in serious doubt but the team admits that its employees had voted to take a pay cut to stay at work.
Auto123.com recently met with last year's Conquest driverAlexandre Tagliani.
"I work very hard with Éric and his team to find sponsors that are suitable for both parties, » he said. "The fact that we have two IndyCar races in Canada, and the return of the Toronto event, helps us dearly. Luckily, it is easier to find sponsors here in Canada. I can tell you that the economical situation in the U.S. is quite dreadful. Most sponsorship programmes have been cancelled."
"Last year, Éric had Brazilian sponsors that requested the presence of Brazilian drivers. They are not back this year, and Éric will only enter one car. What makes things even more difficult is that contrary to last year Conquest Racing has to pay for their engines in 2009. That represents an additional $1 million to find."
photo:Philippe Champoux - Auto123.com