2012 Trans-Am Series

[MagVanisher]

Um, does anyone have information on the current season of the SCCA Trans-Am Series?

Will they have any coverage, will this year make the series more exciting as the organization tries to bring back to its glory days? Please let me know...

[Deleted]

Oh there was a thread after all, and a very very recent one... strange, didn't show up on search. Anyways...

You may read about the so-called TV deal here:
http://www.gotransam.com/latest-news...nce-reach.html

[MagVanisher]

Good thing someone is interested on Trans-Am... Anyway, I hope this year will have live-coverage online too!

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

Anyway, I hope this year will have live-coverage online too!

Not gonna happen I'm afraid...

Only Road America is a joined event with ALMS this year. I still find it funny how the works GT2 Corvettes are slower than those on the support category...

[Jonerz]

I definitely have some deep longing for the mid-90's to early oughts era of Trans-Am.

The cars are still impressive but here's something about the old 310 motors that I miss. And the big sponsors. And the handful of factory drivers. And the (small amounts of) factory money.

Unfortunately Trans-Am fits in the "too hard to follow for no payoff" category.

Chris

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Not gonna happen I'm afraid...

Only Road America is a joined event with ALMS this year. I still find it funny how the works GT2 Corvettes are slower than those on the support category...

Really, didn't know that! But I heard that those Trans-Am cars can have up to 700+ horsepower.

Still, if Trans-Am was well managed, it would bring this series back to the spotlight, and eventually joined Super GT and DTM on the rule unification. (which is currently in doubt, ATM) Of course, it's gonna be a hassle on whether those Trans-Am car can make it lighter and stronger while losing some HP to 500.

[Deleted]

I think the problem is that you can hardly put the present-day Trans-Am in the top10 US sportscar series, let alone top5...

[Speed-King]

If there were to be a DTM-offshot under the Trans-Am name, it would only be because the manufacturers in DTM bought the naming rights from SCCA.

The current bunch of T/A-owners has no reason and interest whatsoever to switch to more complicated, more expensive and less powerful machinery (and face the oppossition of multi-million factory squads, one might supposse).

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

If there were to be a DTM-offshot under the Trans-Am name, it would only be because the manufacturers in DTM bought the naming rights from SCCA.

The current bunch of T/A-owners has no reason and interest whatsoever to switch to more complicated, more expensive and less powerful machinery (and face the oppossition of multi-million factory squads, one might supposse).

Yes, you're right... Right now, the current owners of Trans-Am are helping this series to survive and strive to gain more following.

[ptclaus98]

I like the silhouette nature, but Trans-Am should be about muscle cars, not sportscars. Corvette and Jaguar need to make way for the Challenger and Camaro. This series should mirror V8 Supercars or V8 Superstars with gobs more power.

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by ptclaus98

I like the silhouette nature, but Trans-Am should be about muscle cars, not sportscars. Corvette and Jaguar need to make way for the Challenger and Camaro. This series should mirror V8 Supercars or V8 Superstars with gobs more power.

Unless someone like Chevrolet or Dodge convince Rocketsports Racing to switch their Jaguar XKR to either a Camaro or a Challenger, that is.

And you're right, I agree that having silhouette cars in Trans-Am sets them apart from either from SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge or Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Still, I hope next year would survive and grow into one of the big racing leagues in North America.

And maybe, Trans-Am can expand to South America while either Super GT or DTM would take notice. Of course, The Big 3 from Detroit should give them factory support from local teams there in Trans-Am.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

Still, I hope next year would survive and grow into one of the big racing leagues in North America.

And maybe, Trans-Am can expand to South America while either Super GT or DTM would take notice. Of course, The Big 3 from Detroit should give them factory support from local teams there in Trans-Am.

Trans Am is pretty much dead, in terms of becoming a big league again. What it is now, is likely as much as it will ever be. A home to some tube frame privateers/amateurs, who enjoy the machinery. Enjoyable cars to watch, but it's day in the sun has passed.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by ptclaus98

I like the silhouette nature, but Trans-Am should be about muscle cars, not sportscars. Corvette and Jaguar need to make way for the Challenger and Camaro. This series should mirror V8 Supercars or V8 Superstars with gobs more power.

You're right the big 3 us automakers have cars that would be perfect for the series, but there just isnt the manufacturer interest.

[adam46]

I love Trans-AM! The cars are so cool to look at. I know that this series is pretty much done for in terms of getting international attention, but I would love to see it in the spotlight just one more time. (UK coverage please!)

[Pandamasque]

I think they missed their golden opportunity for manufacturer involvement half a decade ago when all the retro-muscle cars flourished. I know there are exciting version still coming out, but many expect this niche decaying soon.

[NaBUru38]

Come on, folks! The home for current-gen Camaros and Mustangs are the Conti Challenge and the SCCA World Challenge. Trans-Am is history.

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

Come on, folks! The home for current-gen Camaros and Mustangs are the Conti Challenge and the SCCA World Challenge. Trans-Am is history.

Well, if only SCCA recovered Trans-Am earlier before the brink of collapse.

[Jonerz]

Going with the NASCAR motors was probably the best idea, but it isn't unreasonable (cost-wise) to wish they insisted on hotted up versions of the road car motors and allow only the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger bodies in the series. Keep the current tube frames, but only the "pony car" bodies with flat bottoms, no wings.

Someone is also going to have to put up some money to buy an attractive TV package, pray for a sponsor to become interested in the series to put up a couple million for the series title (I know I'm dreaming).

Considering Gregg Pickett gave up on it, I don't expect the series to be revived beyond where it is now.

Chris

[Pandamasque]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

Come on, folks! The home for current-gen Camaros and Mustangs are the Conti Challenge and the SCCA World Challenge. Trans-Am is history.

You know what? SCCA World Challenge kind of is the modern day version of what Trans-Am used to be all about during its muscle car era. I wonder if they thought about giving it a suitable name.

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by Jonerz

Going with the NASCAR motors was probably the best idea, but it isn't unreasonable (cost-wise) to wish they insisted on hotted up versions of the road car motors and allow only the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger bodies in the series. Keep the current tube frames, but only the "pony car" bodies with flat bottoms, no wings.

Um, I don't think the cars won't stick to the course for too long without having wings... With so much Horsepower and lightweight construction on the tube-frame, it's gonna be a disaster without having downforce.

[Deleted]

So I finally watched the Mosport highlights package, dunno if I can be bothered with the rest... the quality of the show itself is pretty much what you would expect from Go Racing TV production, you know something I could probably come up with my gear and editing software. B-class camera shots from start/finish straight, random shaky onboard cams, plenty of ads and interviews after interviews after interviews, but what kills the show is the god damn announcer.

Alfredo Nin... oh my god, who hired that dude? Why? Did he sleep with the producer's daughter or something? Is he the producer? Why is the series calling him "veteran"? What's going on? You might be expecting to hear some American commentary from a series that strogly markets itself as American road racing series, but no, we have this tidious little Dominican with presenting skills of a high school student, as well as extremely thick accent.

OK so I'm not blaming him for his english, let's face it I probably wouldn't have any more credibility with my accent either, but why is he there? You could have anyone doing those interviews or voiceovers, they even had Greg Creamer and his buddy standing there for a few seconds (looking bored)

The worst part was when this hilarious Dominican does voiceover for the race itself and screams like a retarded horse when someone makes a pass (dunno who because it's not explained) and then imitates some funny noises that are about as funny as filling tax forms for your swedish grandmother who despises you

"And we take a look again, at what was the start of the race, onboard car number 23, driven by the lady, the WOMAN, Amy Ruman, CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP"

What the **** am I watching? The Room?

[FordCosworthPanoz]

Originally Posted by Chiana

So I finally watched the Mosport highlights package, dunno if I can be bothered with the rest... the quality of the show itself is pretty much what you would expect from Go Racing TV production, you know something I could probably come up with my gear and editing software. B-class camera shots from start/finish straight, random shaky onboard cams, plenty of ads and interviews after interviews after interviews, but what kills the show is the god damn announcer.

Alfredo Nin... oh my god, who hired that dude? Why? Did he sleep with the producer's daughter or something? Is he the producer? Why is the series calling him "veteran"? What's going on? You might be expecting to hear some American commentary from a series that strogly markets itself as American road racing series, but no, we have this tidious little Dominican with presenting skills of a high school student, as well as extremely thick accent.

OK so I'm not blaming him for his english, let's face it I probably wouldn't have any more credibility with my accent either, but why is he there? You could have anyone doing those interviews or voiceovers, they even had Greg Creamer and his buddy standing there for a few seconds (looking bored)

The worst part was when this hilarious Dominican does voiceover for the race itself and screams like a retarded horse when someone makes a pass (dunno who because it's not explained) and then imitates some funny noises that are about as funny as filling tax forms for your swedish grandmother who despises you

"And we take a look again, at what was the start of the race, onboard car number 23, driven by the lady, the WOMAN, Amy Ruman, CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP"

What the **** am I watching? The Room?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGSJ3...layer_embedded

Why does he keep repeating incoherent words like CHYP CHYP CHYP CHYP CHYP? Talks like he is on an acid trip, although fitting commentary for the current state of the series.


Good god Trans Am is a joke these days, how the mighty have fallen.

[Deleted]

Maybe he should join the Eurosport family, imagine him and Carlton Kirby doing live commentary for WEC... epic times. And while you are at it, hire Robbie Nock as your pit lane reporter

[Nick6]

Originally Posted by Chiana

So I finally watched the Mosport highlights package, dunno if I can be bothered with the rest... the quality of the show itself is pretty much what you would expect from Go Racing TV production, you know something I could probably come up with my gear and editing software. B-class camera shots from start/finish straight, random shaky onboard cams, plenty of ads and interviews after interviews after interviews, but what kills the show is the god damn announcer.

Alfredo Nin... oh my god, who hired that dude? Why? Did he sleep with the producer's daughter or something? Is he the producer? Why is the series calling him "veteran"? What's going on? You might be expecting to hear some American commentary from a series that strogly markets itself as American road racing series, but no, we have this tidious little Dominican with presenting skills of a high school student, as well as extremely thick accent.

OK so I'm not blaming him for his english, let's face it I probably wouldn't have any more credibility with my accent either, but why is he there? You could have anyone doing those interviews or voiceovers, they even had Greg Creamer and his buddy standing there for a few seconds (looking bored)

The worst part was when this hilarious Dominican does voiceover for the race itself and screams like a retarded horse when someone makes a pass (dunno who because it's not explained) and then imitates some funny noises that are about as funny as filling tax forms for your swedish grandmother who despises you

"And we take a look again, at what was the start of the race, onboard car number 23, driven by the lady, the WOMAN, Amy Ruman, CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP"

What the **** am I watching? The Room?

I might have to watch it now just for kicks and grins.

[kyoung]

As much as I like racing, that is just unwatchable; on any level. Just found myself fast forwarding though the entire video to find the racing bits, got to the end and didn’t see any…so did I miss anything? Never mind, I know the answer.