Champions and Contenders Vie for 2013 Trans Am Series Honors

MIAMI, FL – January 15, 2013 – 2012 Trans Am, Champion Simon Gregg returns to defend his championship title against familiar series regulars like Amy Ruman and Tony Ave, the 2011 Trans Am Series Champion. Other entrants are returning for a full season as well as new teams and drivers competing for the first time.

Simon Gregg matched his famous father’s (Peter Gregg) achievement when he won the Trans Am Series championship in 2012, becoming the first ever father son duo in the history of the Trans Am Series to both win titles. He’ll take that memory and historic achievement into 2013 as he defends his title. “Simon is ready to defend his championship title in a fresh car from Derhaag Motorsports," stated Jim Derhaag. “With an unprecedented number of consecutive race finishes at 100 straight without a DNF, we plan on putting Simon in a position not only to win back-to-back championships, but to continue the string of strong finishes. We have also prepared a second Trans Am Corvette to keep up with the demand for quality race cars in this ever-expanding Series. If there is a driver ready to move up to Trans Am, Derhaag Motorsports will have a car prepped and ready."

The excitement for 2013 is building at Ave Motorsports as well. “We have built three new Trans Am cars for 2013 and will field one additional car for our team this year," commented Tony Ave. “Our team goal is for Doug Peterson and myself to compete for the championship. Toward the end of the season if Doug has a shot at the title and I don’t, we will put all of our team’s energy behind Doug. We’re looking forward to competing for the entire 11 race schedule with a great kick-off at Sebring in March."

Amy Ruman took two first place finishes in 2012 and finished second overall in Trans Am, pushing the championship to the final race weekend at Road Atlanta in November.

“We’ve been busy stepping up our efforts for 2013, after a hectic final race weekend last year at Road Atlanta," said Amy Ruman of Ruman Racing. “By mid-season last year, we had a better handle on our new Trans Am Corvette. We were getting faster at each event, sorting out the car as we raced, so for 2013 we don’t anticipate any major changes. I’m really looking forward to the new schedule and particularly Daytona, which will be a new track for me. 2013 will be more competitive than last year, but we will be competing hard for the Trans Am Championship!"