CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Trans-Am Series presented by Pirelli has unveiled a new structure for its Pro/Am Championship participants in the Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series, establishing a separate points system, new classification eligibility guidelines and the Pick Six Challenge.
Pro/Am competitors will also benefit from reduced entry fees and increased broadcast exposure.
The Rundown
Beginning next season, the TA2 Pro/Am Championship will be based on a driver’s nine highest finishes over the course of the season. Points will be awarded to Pro/Am Championship drivers separately, but under the same structure as the current Pro point system, with a maximum of 103 points for a win, and bonus points available for qualifying in the top five and leading laps.
As with the pro point structure, a prorated points schedule will be used for both qualifying and the race if fewer than five Pro/Am cars qualify or fewer than six Pro/Am vehicles start the race.
Trophies for the Pro/Am Challenge will be awarded to the top three in class at every event, and trophies for the top-three points earners will be presented to the champion, second place and third place at the year-end Trans-Am Gala. The Pro championship remains the same next year, with all races counted towards the championship.
Next year’s Pro/Am program will also benefit from increased media exposure via its on-board camera coverage. One on-board camera at each event will be dedicated to Pro/Am coverage, with the camera assigned to a different Pro/Am competitor each weekend. This camera coverage will be included in the broadcast, as well as the live stream coverage available on social media.
“The new Pro/Am guidelines and point structure will substantially upgrade the Pro/Am program for the Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers TA2 Series and enhance the value proposition for competitors who are not typically in contention for top-10 finishes overall,” said Trans-Am President John Clagett. “We have a real opportunity to bring more racers into the TA2 fold and create more competitive battles at all participation levels.
“As the fastest growing road racing series, we’re committed to providing more opportunities for drivers and teams to develop and compete. We will also expand our coverage of the Pro/Am Championship on our MAVTV broadcast and live stream to provide more exposure to those participating in the program.”
TA2 Series Pro and Pro/Am Classifications
The Pro/Am championship will include new classification guidelines for Pro verses Pro/Am drivers.
Drivers are considered Pro if:
• They qualified in the top five in a National Championship TA2 race in a prior season
• They finished in the top three in a National Championship TA2 race in a prior season
• They earned prize money more than two times in their last 10 races
• They are a paid driver or driver coach
• They have raced in IMSA or one of NASCAR’s top-three series (Cup, Xfinity, Truck)
Drivers are considered Pro/Am if:
• They qualified or finished inside the top 10 four times or fewer in their last 10 races
• They earned prize money in only one of their last 10 races
Competitors must apply for Pro/Am status, with eligibility subject to approval by Trans Am.
Pick Six Challenge
While the Pro/Am championship allows drivers to tally points from their best nine finishes of the season, the Pro/Am Pick Six Challenge provides competitors with a different contest aligned with the current Pro/Am format, allowing them to participate in a maximum of six races throughout the year. The Pro/Am Pick Six Challenge competitor who accumulates the most points throughout their six-race run will be recognized at the Trans Am Gala and awarded a trophy.
To be eligible for the Pick Six Challenge, a Pro/Am driver may have competed in no more than three TA2 races during a single previous season, have no more than six TA2 races in their career and not have any top-10 finishes in any previous TA2 season.
Additionally, the TA2 Technical Director may allow technical variances to Pick Six Challenge competitors to allow the utilization of certain older vehicles and club team vehicles.