New group takes over Trans-Am Series
The Trans-Am Race Co. is a new venture put together by a group of entrants currently represented in the series. They have taken over the marketing rights from the Sports Car Club of America, which explained that it doesn't have the resources to grow the Trans-Am brand.
Former Trans-Am boss John Claggett, who returns to the helm as president, said, "This is not a short-term project. One thing we can say is about Trans-Am is that it is an American icon. There are not many series in the U.S. with nearly 50 years of history. It is better to rebuild that then start something from new. The blocks are already there to rebuild it, and it is one of the most affordable classes on the U.S. racing landscape."
Claggett said he hopes to attract manufacturer interest from Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet.
"The manufacturers all have muscle cars again, and Trans-Am is the place to go and race them," he said. "There is only one series that is the natural home of the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro, and that's Trans-Am. They could support teams, offer contingency prizes or get involved in a marketing role."
The new-look Trans-Am could join up with a number of major U.S. racing series in 2012, according to Claggett. AutoWeek