MIAMI—Trans Am Race Co. L.L.C. has designated Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. as the spec tire supplier for the 2014 Trans Am Championship, which kicks off March 2 at Sebring International Raceway.
“In Hoosier Racing Tire we have a partner who has proven themselves time and time again in the racing world,” said John Clagett, president of Trans Am Race Co., the series promoter since late 2011.
“When we began this process we wanted more than just a tire supplier, we wanted a partner with an eye to the future,” he said. “I'm confident that Hoosier Racing Tire is that partner, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to grow the Trans Am Series.”
Hoosier will supply all three Trans Am classes: TA, TA2 and TA3. The Lakeville, Ind.-based race tire specialist replaces Goodyear as the series' race tire supplier.
The effort will feature a dedicated research and development program, including a brand new TA class tire for road courses, a more robust TA class tire for speedway-styled road courses like Daytona International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway as well as molded rain tires for the TA class.
The deal was finalized recently after testing at Sebring International Raceway.
“We're very excited about our partnership with Trans Am,” said Dennis Sherman, vice president of sales and marketing for Hoosier.
“We anticipate a quick optimization process for cars, drivers and teams as they adjust their setups to our new tire.”
TA2 and TA3 will also feature Hoosier Racing tires in the coming season, as Hoosier previously provided tires for the TA2 class exclusively in 2013.
The 11-race 2014 championship will run at tracks predominantly in the eastern half of the U.S., plus a race May 18 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Mosport, Ontario. The season concludes Nov. 15 at Daytona International Speedway, although Trans Am Race Co. said it's working on a 12th race.
The series' three classes are: TA—grand touring “Trans Am” cars with 850-plus hp engines; TA2—focusing on American muscle cars (Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger) with tube-frame chassis that offer a cost-to-performance ratio “unheard of anywhere outside karting”; and TA3—for production-based racing models.
Trans Am Series races are 100 miles in length, with no mandatory pit stops.
For more on the Trans Am Series, visit its website at www.gotransam.com.
Keep up on motorsports news at www.tirebusiness.com.