[Don]

AutoWeek.com:

" A report out of Charlotte, N.C., says that Ken Anderson, boss of the beleaguered U.S. F1 team that failed to make this year’s grid, sent an e-mail to the team’s employees to inform them that they have been laid-off permanently.

However, Anderson apparently still refuses to accept that the team has reached the end of the road, leaving the door open for its return.

Several weeks ago, Anderson put the staff on unpaid leave and it has been in a state of limbo. The Charlotte Business Journal reported that Anderson’s message cited “serious economic and funding challenges” as the reason for the layoffs. However, according to the publication, the message also said that U.S. F1 could rehire employees if conditions improve.

It seems doubtful, however, that any of them will wait around for such an opportunity, even if Anderson attempts to enter the 2011 world championship. The FIA has already made it clear that it is investigating the team’s failure to show up this season.

The report also noted that “at least nine employees filed wage complaints in March with the North Carolina Department of Labor because they had not been paid.” "