There's a New Team in Town

Corse Perdando Sonno

San Diego, Ca

After being promoted to Chief of Engineering for Ridgefield Race Engineering, Tom Giangreco has accepted a position as Team Principal with Corse Perdando Sonno. Connections with Ridgefield remain firm as CPS will become a customer team to Ridgefield. CPS will keep the same engine, chassis, brakes and tires. Engineering will be done in concert with Ridgefield and Tom and Matt will be working very closely together on that for the 2008A. The two groups have signed a one season contract that will continue race setup support from week to week. What will be different, however, is the livery.

"We are developing a black and orange scheme for our cars. It will be a very sexy look. Essentially, we'll be driving Ridgefield cars. Ridgefield had become a victim of it's own success. So, Matt and I felt that adding a customer team where drivers could get more individual attention, was the way to go."

That remains to be seen. One thing is for sure. CPS has it's work cut out for it. Starting a new team is not easy. Recruiting drivers is even more difficult. How they are going to build a team with only two weeks left in the current season and expect to be competitive in 2008A's season is the question everyone is asking.

"Look, at Ridgefield we had a good relationship with all the drivers. There were no favorites. We don't have the same issues that other racing series have. That same culture will be the mainstay at Corse Perdando Sonno. Driver support is key to successful podium finishes."

Where Tom Giangreco has been able to pick up funding/sponsors for his team remains a mystery. One source believes he found an old Spanish Galleon at the bottom of the Carribbean on a scuba diving trip. He is an avid adventurer. Other more cynical voices have said he made billions on a Hedge Fund he invested in which had holdings in companies doling out subprime mortgages to unsuspecting applicants. Whatever the story, Tom has his funding, is building a team and searching for talented drivers.

"Someone comes to me and says, 'I want to help you out'. What would you say? I didn't ask questions. They wrote a check that had a lot of zeros. Sure he was wearing a black hat, and had one of those long thin little mustaches that he was always twisting. He did bend over backwards and laughed as I accepted the check. I did think that was strange. But, I cashed the check and it cleared."

Tom Giangreco has said that he hopes that some of the current pool of drivers will move over into CPS. But that begs the question, why would a driver leave a team for another team with the same car? That question Tom is prepared to answer.

"This season we will focus on several things. The sort of intangibles. One, assist our drivers in honing their racecraft such that they can be the most competitive drivers on the circuit. Two, provide an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual support. There are guys in the league that have their own unique expertise that we hope to attract and allow them the opportunity and place to pass that down. Three, and this will happen towards the end of the season, focus on development for our 2008B car. So the future is bright for CPS."

It is typical for a team principal to be optimistic, and Tom Giangreco is not lacking in optimism to be sure. What he does lack is a team of drivers. His hope rests on the idea that there are drivers that match his optimism and vision for the future of CPS, as well as, the pioneering spirit to see into the future and a build a team that will be a force to be reckoned with.

Note to shoppers.  There is already a CPS factory car in the current sync, but it has a temporary default livery.  The new livery will be available as soon as CPS provides us with it.

The reporter above clearly had an agenda. It seems to me.

I would like to clear the record. We are entertaining the idea of a possible change in tires and will be conducting some tests. We are satisfied with our braking system so that likely will not change for 2008A. Also, the SR207 is an amazing engine and will not change.

So if you are a current Ridgefield driver or any other driver and want a place in the sun, then sign up.

Previously Tom Giangreco wrote:

><p>The reporter above clearly had an agenda. It seems to me.<p>
><p>&nbsp;<p>
><p>I would like to clear the record. We are entertaining the idea of a possible change in tires and will be conducting some tests. We are satisfied with our braking system so that likely will not change for 2008A. Also, the SR207 is an amazing engine and will not change.<p>
><p>&nbsp;<p>
><p>So if you are a current Ridgefield driver or any other driver and want a place in the sun, then sign up.<p>
><blockquote>

Previously Tom Giangreco wrote:

><p>The reporter above clearly had an agenda. It seems to me.<p>
><p>&nbsp;<p>
><p>I would like to clear the record. We are entertaining the idea of a possible change in tires and will be conducting some tests. We are satisfied with our braking system so that likely will not change for 2008A. Also, the SR207 is an amazing engine and will not change.<p>
><p>&nbsp;<p>
><p>So if you are a current Ridgefield driver or any other driver and want a place in the sun, then sign up.<p>
><blockquote>