DAGYS: Determining the driver lineup is always one of the most critical elements of a team, especially when developing a brand-new car. We know you’ll most likely be one of the drivers in the car this year, but what kind of qualifications are you looking for in the selection of driver(s)?

In its 20-plus year history, Rocketsports has built over 50 race cars, but none more famous than its Jaguar Trans-Am chassis, which led to 35 wins and five manufacturer championships. (LAT)

GENTILOZZI: We have certainly had great interest from all over the world from drivers in many disciplines; I didn't know we were so popular! We have established driver criteria that will assure us the best possible choices. In a perfect world, we would be represented by drivers with experience in endurance racing, a driver with a young image and a driver with an international image. The bottom line is that compatibility and the ability to win will be the most important determinate.

DAGYS: Jaguar has come on board as a technical and marketing partner and will not be providing any commercial support at this time. Do you envision increased manufacturer support and assistance in the future?

GENTILOZZI: This is a tough time in the automobile business. We are however confident and hopeful that their involvement expands and continues. 2010 does not seem to be a problem.

DAGYS: Are there any other financial backers of this program?

GENTILOZZI: Yes, those partners will be announced soon.

DAGYS: You’ve said that GT2 is the new Trans-Am. Are you at all concerned that there may in fact be too much emphasis put on GT2 at the moment and not enough on the other two or three classes in the Series? Would you rather see fewer classes in the future?

Gentilozzi is hoping the GT2 competition will be seeing this view of his new Jaguar XKR once it hits the track. (RSR)

GENTILOZZI: It is my belief that the Series could benefit from two or three classes. I think the public wants to see door to door racing with equal performance cars. The complexity of GT1 and GT2 seems unnecessary as we can see by Corvette's transfer to GT2. The ACO is more than capable of equalizing a Corvette vs Porsche vs Ferrari and Jaguar, and the clarity to the fans will help them to establish brand loyalties and become more emotionally involved.

DAGYS: We all know these are tough economic times for everyone, but we’ve seen some glimmer of hope with organizations like yours committing to the Series with a new car. And with at least three Jaguar XKRs being built this year, there appears to be a strong push in selling customer cars. Have you received any serious inquiries from potential customers at this point?

GENTILOZZI: We have sent several quotes to serious teams for both chassis and engine programs, but we are not currently pushing this tangent. We want to show people the potential of the car before we sell one or more. As we know from our customer program in Trans-Am where we sold over 30 cars, you also have to support them with parts and technical guidance.