So National has so far lost two teams to Smart Parts: the Russians and the Dogs. One might simply write this off as coincidence, as I did at first. I assumed that both teams would be switching to DXS/Procaps gear as well, but Rocky has made it clear that the Dogs will continue to wear Empire gear and shoot Empire paint while using SP guns. Given Sergei's lack of comment on clothing, I think it's also safe to assume that RL will be sticking with Empire for gear and paint. And from what I've read and heard, Sergei was asking a whole lot of money, which would probably be easier on the company's wallets if split between two sponsors. An Empire and Smart Parts sponsorship combo has, to my knowledge, never been seen before in the pro leagues, but this again could be written off to coincidence, as SP has never heavily pushed their clothing. But I recently stumbled upon this:
By the looks of it, and the gallery the pic came from, the body was designed by Jim, Bob Long's primary machinist and designer of the Ripper, Empire2, and Infamous Intimidators. Jim has, to my knowledge, never done machine work for any company besides National, but that is quite clearly an Ion body and frame kit.
This all indicates to me that there may be something going on between the two companies. Or perhaps they've simply discovered that the best way to support two leagues is through cooperation? Any input?
By the looks of it, and the gallery the pic came from, the body was designed by Jim, Bob Long's primary machinist and designer of the Ripper, Empire2, and Infamous Intimidators. Jim has, to my knowledge, never done machine work for any company besides National, but that is quite clearly an Ion body and frame kit.
This all indicates to me that there may be something going on between the two companies. Or perhaps they've simply discovered that the best way to support two leagues is through cooperation? Any input?
