Vision Racing co-owner Tony George has suspended racing operations because of a lack of sponsorship for the IZOD IndyCar Series season that kicks off March 14 in Brazil.
'He had a meeting with all of his staff this morning and he was fairly emotional,' team spokeswoman Pat Caporali said.
A few staff members will continue to seek sponsorship to re-open the Indianapolis-based shop and return to the racetrack with driver Ed Carpenter (George's stepson). Vision Racing began competition in 2005 after acquiring the equipment of the former Kelley Racing.
Carpenter, who finished 12th in the 2009 series standings, has made 99 IZOD IndyCar Series starts. His best finish of second - tying a team high - came at Kentucky Speedway in August.
'They've been a valued part of the series since their debut with Ed Carpenter in 2005 and we really appreciate all they've done, especially with their fan initiatives last season,' said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the sanctioning Indy Racing League. 'The past year really demonstrated the progress the team has made since its debut, with James Davison delivering the team's first win in Firestone Indy Lights and Ed putting on a breathtaking show at Kentucky, battling Ryan Briscoe wheel-to-wheel in the closing laps and nearly walking away with his first win.
'Hopefully they'll be able to retain their equipment should funding become available so they can reassemble the team and make a seamless return to the series full time or as an Indy-only effort.'
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