Sigma breaks new ground.

Determined to start its CART career on the right foot, Sigma Autosport has laid the foundations of an all-new facility for its first season.

The team, formed by owner Tom Wieringa to enter the Champcar series in 2001, will move into its purpose-built workshop at Bollingbrook, Illinois, some time in the future, but the 60,000 sq.ft. facility provides yet another goal on the map charted out for its maiden season.

Sigma has already tested for the first time, running an interim Lola-Ford chassis at Sebring last month, and was joined the first group test of the winter, again at Sebring, last week. It has signed a driver, series rookie Max Wilson, to lead its assault and is expecting an all-new Lola shortly.

The team has also taken advantage of one of its rivals' demise, snapping up former Della Penna team manager Phil Howard to fill the role of director of racing for next season. Howard joins experienced CART veteran Paul Cherry (managing director) and crew chief Tom Howatt on the expanding staff roster.