Trans-Am Series to Offer Multiple Classes of Racing in 2011
From its inception in 1966 through 1970 and again from 1976 through 1979, the Trans-Am Series had two classes racing at the same time. Under the new-for-2011 format, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series will be open to three classes.
“We are so proud of the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series’ outstanding history and it was with that in mind that we determined we would begin to offer multiple classes," said SCCA Pro Racing President & CEO Bob Wildberger. “During our relaunch of Trans-Am, we have worked diligently to plot a course for the future that makes sense for the greatest number of competitors and provides outstanding entertainment for our fans. We have learned a lot and believe the multiple-class structure – together with other positive changes we have planned for the 2011 season – will greatly enhance the series moving forward."
The top class in the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series will be known simply as Trans-Am (TA) and will continue to include the current Trans-Am racecars based closely on those eligible for GT1 competition in SCCA Club Racing. The new Trans-Am 2 (TA2) class will be based on cars eligible for GT2 and GTA competition in SCCA Club Racing, while Trans-Am 3 (TA3) will be based on cars currently eligible for SCCA Club GT3 competition.
TA2 will primarily include tube-frame racecars such as Nissans, Toyotas and Mazda utilizing four- and six-cylinder powerplants with a displacement of 2.5 liters or more, as well as GTA-style cars, which are V8-powered tube-frame domestic brands.
TA3 cars are generally tube-frame racecars from a variety of domestic and foreign manufacturers using four-cylinder engines less than 2.5 liters. Any racecar currently eligible in either the SCCA Club Racing GT2 or GT3 class will also be eligible to compete in the respective TA2 or TA3 class.
Rules will be based primarily on Club GCR specifications, with minimal safety modifications. Additional technical and operational details will be available in the near future.
While the two additional classes will not be eligible to earn championship points until the 2011 season, competitors wishing to get a taste of the new multiple class structure will be allowed to compete on an “exhibition" basis in the 2010 season finale at Road Atlanta. Each class will compete for its own separate race prizes and championship points in 2011.
The season finale for the 43rd season of the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series will take place at Road Atlanta on Oct. 1 as part of the prestigious Petit Le Mans event week.