New Trans-Am series set for Lakeside debut

A new Australian state-level Trans-Am race series will make its competitive debut at Lakeside Raceway this weekend.

TA2 Racing Australia is a category developed for modern V8 powered Trans-Am muscle cars, built by American outfit Howe Racing Enterprises.

The TA2 formula utilises a space-frame Howe Racing Enterprises chassis fitted with a controlled GM Motorsport V8 engine, which develops 525 horsepower.

The cars have been raced successfully in Sweden and Canada with Australia the latest country to adopt the formula.

An eight car grid featuring Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro-bodied cars has been assembled for the opening round at this weekend’s Lakeside 300 meeting.

Category organisers have confirmed the grid will expand to 17 cars in September.

The opening round arrives after demonstration runs at Queensland Raceway and Wakefield Park earlier this year.

“This is the first outing as a standalone TA2 race anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere,” said series founder Peter Robinson.

“With the Australian Trans-Am Series also appearing in their own race, fans will be treated to a muscle car double-header. This will be a real spectacle at the historic Lakeside circuit.

“Eight more (TA2) cars are on order from the USA which are due to land in Australia at the end of September, adding to 17 cars in total. In amongst these are two Dodge Challengers.”

The grid will be headlined by former Supercars privateers Bob Thorn (Chevrolet Camaro), who is set to return to motorsport after a five-year absence, and Craig Harris (Ford Mustang).

Harris, a 2014 Australian Trans-Am champion, is eagerly anticipating the category’s inaugural race.

“With a minimum weight of 1250kg and 525hp on tap, these cars are going to be frighteningly quick around the fast and flowing Lakeside track,” said Harris.

The TA2 Racing Australia category is set to contest four races across the weekend.

A second event is planned at Queensland Raceway from October 15-16.