Deal gives fans chance to buy stake in IRL team

E.J. Viso's next qualifying attempt for the Indianapolis 500 this weekend could include plenty of people with a vested interest.

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. USA Today