Top Atlantic team quits

The 2007 Atlantic Champion Sierra Sierra Enterprises team will not return to the 2008 Atlantic Championship lineup to defend its championship title. The split of Atlantic from the Champ Car World Series was one impact of the unification between Champ Car and the Indy Racing League. For the Atlantics, this split created a climate of uncertainty as well as a declining business model – both of which were major factors in the team’s decision.

“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 Atlantic Series that remains is no longer attractive to sponsors. It will be difficult to secure funding in this and future seasons.

“We no longer see the Atlantic Championship as being the premiere ladder series. 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," commented Richard Raeder, Team Manager.