Sierra Sierra pulls out of Atlantic Series

Sierra Sierra Enterprises, a staple of the Atlantic Championship series since 2002, announced today that the team will not be returning in 2008 to defend it's title, citing "a climate of uncertainty as well as a declining business model" due to splitting away of the feeder series from the Champ Car World Series, a direct result of the reunification of Champ Car and the IRL.

“We regret that this was a decision we were forced to make. We examined all of our options very carefully and could not find a workable business model. We do support the merge and see it as the only path to preserving open wheel racing in the U.S.” said Diane Kottke, Team Owner.

The team, who over the years developed an impressive roster of drivers including Ryan Dalziel, Andrew Ranger, James Hinchcliffe and 2007 Champion Raphael Matos, feels that with circumstances as they are currently the series may no longer be attractive to sponsors, making the task of securing the funding necessary to compete in this and subsequent seasons too difficult.

“We no longer see the Atlantic Championship as being the premiere ladder series." commented Richard Raeder, Team Manager. "Our goal has always been to race with uncompromising quality – to our team, our drivers and our fans. In the current scenario we cannot meet that goal.”

While it is unclear what their next step will or where that will take place, they did confirm their intent to continue to seek out opportunities to participate in and develop talent for Open Wheel Racing.

No word at this time as to the fate of Jonathan Bomarito or Dane Cameron, both of whom were slatted to drive for the team in 2008.


ChampCarWorld.net will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as they become available.

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