Hard economic times force IndyCar team to ask fans for money
Brooke, a team manager with the Championship Auto Racing Teams series, worked on several Indy 500 efforts, including our fourth place finish with Robby Gordon in 1999. And teaming up with Brooke Racing is Arciero Racing Teams, who fielded cars for legendary drivers Dan Gurney, Al and Bobby Unser, and Parnelli Jones, last raced in Indianapolis in 1995.
Brooke and the Arcireo's have previously enjoyed successful working partnerships for over seven years, including their last venture in 2000, when Brooke spearheaded the racing program at Arciero-Team P.R.G. Racing. After a long and successful career as team manager for multiple teams, including Coyne Racing and Davis Racing, Brooke finally made the transition into team ownership himself in 2001 with the launching of Brooke Racing, and driver Max Wilson.
"Our racing passion can’t be put aside any longer," Brooke said. "With both our racing history and combined marketing skills and backgrounds, this made sense. I placed a call to Albert (Arciero) and after discussing how we could make this program work, and the sponsorships that we have in place, he was excited, and is looking forward to assisting us with this new venture."
Brooke also explained, with the sponsorship that we have in place we are also going to incorporate a new "team/fan concept." This is where fans can be a part of the team by purchasing a team membership on the Brooke Racing Web site from $10 to $1,000 and of course conventional sponsorships as well. Once a fan has purchased their team membership, their names can be placed on the car as a sponsor.
"Can you imagine seeing your car as it goes through practice at the Speedway, as it attempts to qualify for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, and with the pinnacle of watching your team during race day at the Indy 500?" Brooke said. "I think racing fans will love the idea to either watch or come to be a part of the racing team effort.
"Fans will also be able to subscribe to a weekly newsletter, which will keep the subscriber fully informed and updated on our progress throughout the season."
Subscribe at brookeracing.com and we will see you on race day at the Brickyard.