Series close to getting more Mann-power

The IndyCar series could see its numbers swell with the addition of an all-new team this season, should plans being put together by former Indianapolis 500 car owner Dave Mann and partner Fred Azbell III to run a single-car entry.

Mann and former Indy Pro Series car owner Azbell are in the final stages of formalising their team, which will contest the entire season. DB Mann-owned cars raced in the Indy 500 from 1989 to 1992, with John Paul Jr's tenth in 1992 its best finish as he and Gary Bettenhausen each had spells behind the wheel. Mann also entered Indy in 1993, with Paul, and 1998 with rookie Danny Drinan. The team's sponsorless effort made qualification attempts, but failed to make the 33-car field.

Azbell III owned Bowes Seal Fast Racing/Hoosier Automotive Products in the 2002 IPS season, running mainly with Mike Koss and Matt Halliday, and Fred Azbell Jr, co-owner of Energizer Motorsports, will also have a role in the DB Mann/Azbell III partnership, having helped Robby McGehee win Rookie of the Year honours with his fifth-place finish in the 1999 Indy 500.

"We are very close to completing our sponsorship arrangements and we have spoken to several top-notch IndyCar drivers," Azbell revealed, "We hope to be able to announce our sponsor/driver package soon and to have our team operational and ready for pre-season testing.

"We believe that, by combining our knowledge from years of racing involvement, we have the experience necessary to be competitive on the track, delivering value to our sponsors while helping them to better promote their companies and their products."

The Indianapolis-based law firm of John Lewis and Wilkins LLP has been hired to take the team through all legal and financial aspects of its launch, as well as deal with sponsorship obligations of the teams operations.

"We are very honoured to become a part of the DB Mann Motorsports team," managing partner John Lewis said, "When people talk about the history of Indiana sports, Indycar racing and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway easily come to mind first. Our firm offers a vast array of support services and vehicles to maximise both on- and off-track performance. We look forward to working with Mann and Azbell to establish a win-win for everyone associated with the team."