Sharpe, Dawson resurrect bio-diesel project.

ASM boss Adam Sharpe has emerged as a key player in the development of a new alternative fuel project aimed at top level sportscar racing, after helping to establish groupBIO with former Taurus Sports boss Ian Dawson.

Taurus took a bio-diesel-powered LMP1 Lola prototype to Le Mans in 2004, but the project floundered not long afterwards, with the car and its technology being mothballed until a meeting between Sharpe and Dawson led to the alternative fuel route being reinvestigated.

"We discovered, over a cup of coffee with Ian Dawson at Snetterton in early summer 2005, that the Taurus Sports inventory had been held in administration," Sharpe's brother and manager Toby revealed, "Adam had been looking at the Taurus diesel for Le Mans 2004, the year he drove the Morgan, but it wasn't quite the programme he wanted at that stage. However, after his Le Mans LMP2 podium in June, we set out with Ian to liberate the Lolas and establish groupBIO."

The new operation will be based at Snetterton under Dawson's experienced eye, and is now pushing hard towards its testing debut.

"This time, we have our own Mountune-prepared race engine and a bespoke engine management system," owner-driver Sharpe reported, "We also have a top bio-diesel partner in D1 Oils plc, who are already seeing technical advantages arising from our development work. They are keen to back us all the way and we share the same goals."

With the all-conquering Audi Motorsport team upping the alternative fuel stakes by launching the diesel-powered R10 prototype for 2006, Sharpe is keen to return the Lola to Le Mans.

"Of course, that's our ultimate goal," he admitted, "Even more so since Audi has raised the diesel profile. But let's get our testing underway this season first. We're gearing up for the LMES and believe we can show well - both in terms of performance and fuel efficiency."

Sharpe has already gained a co-driver for the hybrid Lola in the equally tall form of Finn Harri Toivonen, a fellow enthusiast who has worked ceaselessly on preserving the momentum of the alternative fuel vision.

"Harri and I work well together," Sharpe confirmed, "but you don't have work without play with the Finns! Toby and I have already sampled the Helsinki hotspots with Harri and friends - and we shall be back! There's no doubt that we shall gel well in the cockpit - we can even fit into each others' race suits!"

Despite the push to get the prototype programme up and running, however, Sharpe is not about to drop his interest in his other high-powered ride, and expects to be out in the V8 Supercar he campaigns in Britcar during the season.

"For me, making the move to professional driver means keeping closely in touch with motorsport at all levels," he explained, "ASM had a great debut in 2005 and we shall return to the Britcar circuit for a second year, running the winning Australian V8 Ford Falcons, first seen in 2005, in the new Dunlop V8 Challenge."

Sharpe's main personal sponsor, internet merchant services provider VelocityPay.co.uk, will be joined in 2006 by a couple of further endorsement opportunities, with both Adam and Toby having been asked to feature in the launch of a new Italian clothing line to be released in the UK through the Selfridges store in London. In addition, Adam will also become the 'young face' of his newest sponsor, the immune system bank LifeForce plc.