Sigma name new MD.

Sigma Autosport owner Tom Wieringa announced that European businessman Gerard Hermsen, has been named as the new Managing Director for the team. Hermsen, 44, is from Veghel, The Netherlands, and will assume his duties in January of 2002.

"We are very pleased to have Gerard come on board," said Wieringa. "He brings a vast knowledge of motorsports as he was involved in overseas racing for several years. Gerard is going to be a vital part of Sigma."
Hermsen, the President and CEO for Federation of Global Mobility, a travel and logistics company in Europe, was responsible for transport and logistics in overseas racing for more than 10 years. He took care of the transportation of racing personnel and racing equipment.

"Gerard has some great ideas that we plan to utilize and he has a similar background to me in the transportation, logistics and racing business, except that we're from two totally different continents," said Wieringa.

"I am delighted to be joining Sigma Autosport," said Hermsen. "Initially, Tom invited me to come and visit the team at the Long Beach Grand Prix. I was very excited to come and see how he built up his team. Throughout the season I asked how they were doing and I expressed a genuine interest in their progress. I saw the improvements in the team and decided to become a part of Sigma by working with them.

"This is going to be an exciting season and I'm happy to become a part of it."

Hermsen, who has a home in The Netherlands, will relocate to the Chicago-area, where Sigma Autosport is located. He is engaged to Hege Saether.