Trans-Am.

[Bob Riebe]

By Nancy Knapp Schilke - Motorsport.com

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and the home track for their corporate offices have reached an licensing agreement that will allow Heartland Park Topeka to market and promote two Trans-Am races this year. A possible revival appears to be in the works for the future of one of the top road racing series in North America.

"Obviously, the Trans-Am series is currently in a state of flux," SCCA President and CEO Jim Julow said. "Trans-Am is a very important series not only in SCCA history, but motorsports history as well. We are excited that Heartland Park's Raymond Irwin has stepped in so that we may continue the tradition of the longest continuously-running road racing series in North America in 2006."

Paul Gentilozzi revived the series in 2003 when he formed Trans-Am Racing, LLC with the licensing arrangement with SCCA to continue the use of the Trans-Am name with the marketing and promotional rights belonging to his newly formed company.

As one of the Open Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) partners, along with Jerry Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven, Gentilozzi was the driving force to extend the agreement under the Champ Car World Series (CCWS) umbrella in 2004.

The oldest and most historic sports car racing series disappeared at the end of 2005 when CCWS dropped the series: "We have elected not to renew the licensing agreement with the Trans-Am Series," commented CCWS president Steve Johnson who had just moved to his new position after serving as CEO and president of the SCCA.

While many moaned and groaned when OWRS dropped the series that was considered by many as the "grassroots" of pro racing, others looked for options that would allow the spectators to once again enjoy the one series in the United States that was had the longest life span. The closed-fendered, production-based, V-8-powered sports cars, competing on permanent road courses, and temporary street and airport circuits throughout North America had celebrated their 40th season in 2005.

Raymond Irwin, owner of Heartland Park Topeka and Blackhawk Farms, commented, "Trans-Am has been the longest running road racing series in the United States and to see that legacy lost would be a great shame. By reaching out to grassroots racers, GT-1 racers and the professional drivers with those cars still in their garages, we believe that the Trans-Am legacy can be continued for the 2006 season."

The history of the Trans-Am Series started on March 25, 1966, when Jochen Rindt become the first driver to stand on the top step of the podium for the first series' at the historic Sebring International Raceway held in conjunction with the 12 Hours of Sebring.

When the series formed, there were two classes. Rindt won overall in the Under 2-liter class and taking the honors at the first venue in the Over 2-liter class was Bob Tullius. From 1966 to 1970, there was not an actual point structure to crown a season champion.

Since then, many top road racers have earned the title including Mark Donohue, Peter Gregg, Tommy Kendall, Scott Pruett, Jerry Titus, Parnelli Jones, Tom Gloy, Hurley Haywood, David Hobbs, Dorsey Schroeder, Scott Sharp, Boris Said, Greg Pickett, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Wally Dallenbach, Jr and Gentilozzi.

"The Trans Am Series has been through many transitions but each time the competitors, fans, and sponsors have shown their enjoyment and support for the series by carrying the brand forward again," said Irwin. "Heartland Park Topeka is proud to add to that support by hosting two 2006 Trans Am series races."

The first race at HPT was won by Max Jones in 1989. Who will win the first race in the return of the series in 2006 will be decided on Labor Day, September 4 and it could be a driver who raced in the past or a rookie in the series. And it could be a old marque or a new one. The second race will be held October 8 on the Sunday prior to the opening week of the SCCA National Runoffs.

"With the current resurgence of the Ford Mustang and expectations of the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Charger rejoining this popular segment of the United States marketplace, the Trans-Am series is just a step away from being back on the track," Irwin said. "SCCA and Heartland Park Topeka are working together to carry the series forward through 2006 in order to keep the series name and recognition alive"

The unique situation for SCCA and the Trans-Am name they own is the fact that by racing in 2006, the series will mark its 41st consecutive season.

Now it all depends on how Detroit reacts.
Bob

[Fogelhund]

Detroit won't react at all. A number of people who have both GT1 and GT2 cars will race in a few races, and then the people who have the rights to the Trans Am can make a very shallow claim that the series was continous for X years.

I certainly liked Trans Am when it was in a healthier state, but lets just call this stunt what it is please.

[Bob Riebe]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Detroit won't react at all. A number of people who have both GT1 and GT2 cars will race in a few races, and then the people who have the rights to the Trans Am can make a very shallow claim that the series was continous for X years.

I certainly liked Trans Am when it was in a healthier state, but lets just call this stunt what it is please.

Are you sure, Ford has already created the "manracer" which except for the wing, is very similar to what the original T-A rules were.

Bob

[gttouring]

Yup- the "Man racer" a step up from the Grand-am Racer will fit the bill
the Camaro is NOW ON FOR PRODUCTION! (2007-for 08 models) and the FIREBIRD, and the Charger is here and Challenger to come, the field will fill easy for trans-am
how will this affect Speed GT or will it at all?

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by Bob Riebe

Are you sure, Ford has already created the "manracer" which except for the wing, is very similar to what the original T-A rules were.

Bob

The "manracer" was built for Grand Am GT. This Trans Am will continue to be what the previous was, tube frame racers.

There is no indication that there are any plans to change this.

[AU N EGL]

Wasn't there some talk or discussion about renaming Speed World Challange GT to Speed World Trans AM?

Also I think Speed TV and the SCCA are in discussions about the future of World Challange racing.

[Bob Riebe]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

The "manracer" was built for Grand Am GT. This Trans Am will continue to be what the previous was, tube frame racers.

There is no indication that there are any plans to change this.

The Manracer was built for nothing but as a concept.
A Ford spokesmans said he hoped a series was created for such cars.

The GARRA GTs are either tube frame or horribly restricted semi street-stock.
Bob

[paul-collins]

Originally Posted by Bob Riebe

The Manracer was built for nothing but as a concept.
A Ford spokesmans said he hoped a series was created for such cars.

The GARRA GTs are either tube frame or horribly restricted semi street-stock.
Bob

Ah, yes, a spokesperson denied it. That settles it.

Bob, you're closer to why the car isn't racing in GA-GT in your second thought in your second paragraph.

BTW, welcome back.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by gttouring

Yup- the "Man racer" a step up from the Grand-am Racer will fit the bill
the Camaro is NOW ON FOR PRODUCTION! (2007-for 08 models) and the FIREBIRD, and the Charger is here and Challenger to come, the field will fill easy for trans-am
how will this affect Speed GT or will it at all?

Would be great to have an all American retro V8 muscle car championship (called Trans-Am ) with Dodge Charger's, Pontiac Camaro's and Ford Mustang's. Real cars (sort of GT3), no tube frame silhouette cars.

[hemicuda]

Originally Posted by FIRE

Would be great to have an all American retro V8 muscle car championship (called Trans-Am ) with Dodge Charger's, Pontiac Camaro's and Ford Mustang's. Real cars (sort of GT3), no tube frame silhouette cars.

Not sure that I would include the Charger. It has two doors too many and makes a mockery of the Charger name. "If" someone decides to step up to the plate and bring back the essense of the Trans am in its glory days with the muscle cars, then I'd say that soon enough they will have the opportunity with retro cars from all three, question is, is that where these cars really belong?


426

[chunterer]

The last thing I remember about the series was end of 80's early 90''s when the top American muscle cars like the Mustang, Camaro and Vette were pitted against the Jags and those funny Audi's (or was that GTO?)

[hemicuda]

Originally Posted by chunterer

The last thing I remember about the series was end of 80's early 90''s when the top American muscle cars like the Mustang, Camaro and Vette were pitted against the Jags and those funny Audi's (or was that GTO?)

First in trans am then in IMSA GTO. By then trans am had evolved into something a bit different than the original.

426

[Bob Riebe]

Originally Posted by hemicuda

First in trans am then in IMSA GTO. By then trans am had evolved into something a bit different than the original.
426

Hemi is correct about the evolution; by then both series had adapted tube-rame rules.
Audi, in the IMSA ran a tube frame, but in a act of fate; in the SCCA T-A, and I forget why, Audi ran what was probably the last new build genuine modified prod. car.
Besides the fact that the Audi, dominated the series, it also, probably unintentionally pooped on the SCCA's new NASCAR inspired tube frame cars, with a brick-like prod. sedan.

I have no love for Audi or turbo five poppers, but that made me happy.
Bob

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by Bob Riebe

The Manracer was built for nothing but as a concept.
A Ford spokesmans said he hoped a series was created for such cars.

The GARRA GTs are either tube frame or horribly restricted semi street-stock.
Bob

Sorry Bob, not everything that comes from PR people is factual.

[Bob Riebe]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Sorry Bob, not everything that comes from PR people is factual.

Time will tell.

[bil588]

Riley Technologies to build new Chevrolet Camaro for GS class

Riley gets Koni Challenge deal with Chevrolet

http://theracesite.com/index.cfm?tem...e&mag_id=15785

One buyer already

http://www.stevensonmotorsports.com/...vent.php?ID=38

While it is still too early to reveal all the plans in the works for the new KONI Challenge effort, what John Stevenson is working on behind the scenes right now could result in the reuniting of some of the greatest names in racing ever associated with the Chevrolet Camaro. Fans are advised to stay tuned to the Stevenson Motorsports website (www.stevensonmotorsports.com) for more information about what just might be the biggest news to hit North American road racing since a few highly skilled men hailing from out of the northeast “blue” the doors off of a few FORD products nearly 40 years ago.

[cmk]

David Donahue has not been testing with Brumos this fall. Maybe he's out in the open market? There's a number of allusions to Penske in the report on Stevenson - seeing Donahue in the car would definitely satisfy some of those hints.

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by cmk

David Donahue has not been testing with Brumos this fall. Maybe he's out in the open market? There's a number of allusions to Penske in the report on Stevenson - seeing Donahue in the car would definitely satisfy some of those hints.

Donohue will be back with Brumos:
http://www.grand-am.com/rolex/news/index.cfm?cid=19748

However that doesn't rule out racing in KCS as well, actually there's quite a number of GA-drivers that also race in Koni Challenge (Bill Auberlen, A. Lally, sometimes Darren Law, etc.)