V8SDS: Optima Sport to sit out 2007

OPTIMA SPORT AT THE CROSSROADS

Following an impressive debut season in the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series last year, Gold Coast based Optima Sport have hit the crossroads with the team unable to find the necessary funding to mount a campaign in 2007.

While both team owner Dave Macdougall and 2006 driver David Clark have been in the marketplace in an attempt to secure a backer and continue their successful relationship their efforts have come up short at this point in time.

"With a brand new BA Falcon currently in build for the 2007 series, we had hoped David could continue with our very strong package, but with him being laid up in recovery and rehabilitation it has made the tough job of securing sponsors near impossible," said Macdougall.

Despite having discussions with several other drivers Macdougall also conceded that the team had yet to find a suitably funded driver to contest the series this year.

"Our 2007 package is all set to improve on what was an easy top 10 runner last season. Top five was our aim this year, and the homework into refining our kit should realise this expectation," added Macdougall.

The Optima Sport squad raised a few eyebrows last year by qualifying tenth on debut in Adelaide, seventh overall at Wakefield Park, before qualifying third fastest in the next round at Queensland. The team's fortunes hit reverse soon after when the Optima Sport Falcon de-laminated a rear tyre while on track for fourth overall at Mallala. This was followed shortly after by the tragic accident at Bathurst in October.

Without a major backer or suitably funded driver on the horizon Macdougall has been forced to put the team's racing assets up for sale.

"While we have put everything up for sale it doesn't mean that we won't be back," said team manager Ken Clark.

"We have a lot of business still to finish in V8 Supercars and are determined to return to the championship in the future.

"We really have a competitive turn-key outfit for sale, either as a whole or split. With loads of fresh gear including 2005 and 2006 engines, it would be a shame to simply garage it for a season. If someone is out there looking for a competitive package I urge them to contact Dave Macdougall before time runs out."

-credit: os