Trans-Am returns to BIR

 The Trans-Am series returns to the 13 turn 2.5 mile competition road course at Brainerd International Raceway with races on both Saturday and Sunday September 1st and 2nd.  Jason and Dean from Speedtalk on 1360 radio will be broadcasting LIVE at the track and interviewing drivers from 10-11am, listen on KRWC 1360am radio http://www.krwc1360.com/

Former local short track racer Jim Derhaag (above photo) hung up his driving suit in 2010 after finishing 5th at BIR in his 151st and final race in the Trans-Am series but he is now a big part of the ownership group that currently runs that series.

Minnesota born and long time Wisconsin resident Tony Ave (above photo) is the series defending champion has won the previous three races at BIR, winning by an impressive 65 seconds in 2010 http://racefansradio.blogspot.com/2010/09/trans-am-at-bir.html, and sweeping the double header in 2011http://racefansradio.blogspot.com/2011/09/ave-wins-at-brainerd.html plus is he coming off a Trans-Am win two weeks ago at Road America.

Cliff Ebben is back in the car after breaking his wrist earlier this year, he also wrecked on the first lap at BIR last year (photo above) and finished in last place.

Simon Gregg is the current point leader after having won at both Lime Rock and Mid Ohio, Amy Ruman (photo above) is second in points, she won in New Jersey earlier this year and Tony Ave is third in points coming off his big win at Road America.  Doug Peterson won the season opening event at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park and Jorge Diaz Jr won at Watkins Glen.

Only seven cars competed in 2010 and thirteen in 2011, but car counts have been increasing throughout 2012 with the increased popularity of the TA2 division, expect 20 or more cars to race in Brainerd.  Here is the preliminary entry list http://www.gotransam.com/storage/Brainerd%20prelim%20entry%20list%20as%20of%208-20.pdf

The 40 lap race is set to begin at 4pm on Saturday and 3:45pm on Sunday, rain or shine.

Get more information at Gotransam.com http://www.gotransam.com/brainerd-international/

Admission is only $25 each day and that ticket gets access to both the Trans-Am race and all the action at the Muscle Car shootout at the Drag Strip.