Trans-Am: Adam Andretti mounts epic comeback at Barber

Following a surprise rainstorm (pictured) just moments before the green flag, tire selections had major consequences in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s inaugural race at Barber Motorsports Park.

Polesitter Chris Dyson gambled on slicks in a decision that turned out to be to his detriment, as the track remained wet long into the event. This allowed points leader Paul Menard to dominate for much of the race.

However, championship challenger Adam Andretti found great late-race speed, mounting an incredible comeback in the final laps to capture his first win of 2025 and tighten the championship points battle going into the season finale.

After taking the pole award in qualifying yesterday, Dyson led the field to green in his No. 16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang. He and his CD Racing team opted to keep slicks on his machine with the assumption that the brief shower before the race would quickly dry out, a strategy call that they hoped would play into their hands in the long run.

Andretti’s Burtin Racing team made the last-second decision to change to rain tires before the race started, but was forced to start at the back of his class for missing the window to change tires. When the green flag waved, Dyson was immediately passed by second-place starter Paul Menard (No. 3 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Ford Mustang), who took the lead and immediately checked out.

Dyson was then surpassed by the remainder of the competitors in his class on rain tires, including Andretti (No. 17 Top Liner Chevrolet Camaro), who was up to second place by the conclusion of the first lap. Dyson then spun in the wet on lap three, finally making the decision to come down pit road for rain tires.

As Menard pulled out to more than a 20-second advantage over Andretti by lap 16, the track slowly began to dry, and Andretti’s lap times began to improve. By lap 32, Andretti had set the new lap record for the race multiple times, and had reeled Menard in to just a five-second lead.

The following lap, a full-course caution was called for a car stopped on the racetrack, closing up competitors until they were nose to tail. Despite still running second, Andretti had the lapped Dyson and Tomy Drissi (No. 8 Trench Shoring Co./Motul Chevrolet Camaro) between himself and Menard, so he had three cars to pass in order to take the lead.

The green flag waved on lap 37, and Andretti made quick work of the lapped cars. He closed in on Menard’s rear bumper and was able to complete the pass on the 2024 champion with just two laps to go.

Menard fought hard to take the position back, but when the checkered flag waved, it was Andretti who crossed the finish line first. Menard finished second, and David Pintaric (No. 57 Kryderacing Ford Mustang) was third. Amy Ruman (No. 23 McNichols Co./Valley Automotive Group Chevrolet Corvette) finished fourth, and Dyson rounded out the top five.

“To be inaugural winner in the Trans Am Series at this beautiful facility is hard to put into words,” said Andretti. “I can’t thank Burtin Racing enough; this group is an amazing group to work with. They’re so much fun, we enjoy each other’s company, we laugh, we joke, and we have a good time. And when it’s time, we put our heads down and get the job done. To bring this thing from the tail of the field was incredible; we had to make a last-minute decision to put on wets, which ended up being the right call.

“We make these calls as a group, and our leader, Claudio [Burtin], is such a sound leader, and a great sounding board over the radio. He gives us full support for everything we need to execute. To Top Liner and Service Partners, I can’t thank you enough for what you all do. You’re putting out the best products on the planet. Bell Helmets, Hinchman racing uniforms, they’ve been so good to me over the years, keeping me protected. To all our family and friends that showed up and made the trip down here to be a part of this, I can’t thank you enough.

“This has been such a special day and race. Congrats to these guys; it’s been an awesome fight all year long. We’re building momentum, and it looks like 2026 is going to be another epic year for Trans Am.”

TA Top Five:

1. Adam Andretti, No. 17 Top Liner Chevrolet Camaro

2. Paul Menard, No. 3 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Ford Mustang

3. David Pintaric, No. 57 Kryderacing Ford Mustang

4. Amy Ruman, No. 23 McNichols Co./Valley Automotive Group Chevrolet Corvette

5. Chris Dyson, No. 16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang