An Injured Gentilozzi Contemplates Trans Am 's future At VIR

Now that the Rolex 24 is behind us, the road-racing season starts in earnest. Trans Am, America's oldest continuous road-racing series, begins this year with new management and new rules. With regard to management Paul Gentilozzi has acquired the marketing and promotional rights to the Trans-Am Series. Possessing a natural gift for promotion and a strong business background, Gentilozzi is posed to take the series to the next level. Under his stewardship the series should prosper and be stronger than ever. There will be good television coverage of the events this year and expanded exposure to due the combination with other strong series' such as CART, Nascar and American Le Mans.

Gone are the rules restricting fuel tank size that essentially forced a fuel stop. Set to return the original, and most would say, best format, the series returns to a 100-mile dash requiring no calculators to understand who is winning. When reading this year's rulebook it appears that the major aim is to promote close racing while limiting costs and providing a stable environment during these fragile economic times. Currently Most teams will continue to use the overhead valve Carbureted v-8 engines at overall weight of 2650 lbs. with a maximum compression ratio of 13:1. The rules however make allowance for a 4-valve 275 cubic inch fuel injected engine at a weight of 2550 and a maximum compression ratio of 13:1. This category is where a production based jaguar Aj -v8 would be found. The introduction of this type powerplant should generate additional interest in the series as well. They could show up as soon as mid summer.

One area that was controversial in last year's series was the allegations of rev limiting, speed and traction control being used by some participants. The original intent of revolution limiting was to control maximum engine speed only. This year's rules will make it very difficult for any one to enable such a system. All wiring must be easily accessible and in plain sight.

Jaguar's participation continues in the series with the 2000-2003 XKR's. The Rocketsports Racing team will have three full time cars driven by returning Pilots Johnny Miller and Tomy Drissi and will be joined by Scott Pruett, a past Trans Am champion and co driver with Paul Gentilozzi in the Rolex 24. Paul Gentilozzi will race a limited schedule having taken on the oversight of Trans Am and a CART team with Alex Tagliani driving. Paul Fix will be running a limited number of races unless funding can be secured. Michael Lewis will return this year in the XKR proquest Tool car. Jorge Diaz, Jr. will return in the JD racing Promotions XKR. Greg Pickett joins the hunt in the Pickett Racing / cytomax XKR. Last but not least John Baucom returns in his XKR sponsored by Baucom Motorsports.

Tomy Drissi's XKR at Vir

Jaguar and Rocketsports should soon be announcing a new AJ-v8 based production engine for the Trans Am series cars. Cosworth has played a role in the engine's development. Since these cars are purpose built this will go along way towards quieting the crowd that maintain that this is not a real Jaguar.

In Conclusion the upcoming season in Trans Am should provide a great combination of speed and action from some of the best racing venues in North America. Hope to see you at the races in St. Petersburg, Florida on Feb 23 2003.

Trans Am 2003 rules Highlights (with Rule numbers)

Regarding the ignition System

"15. The series will be providing a spec MSD ignition system for use by all competitors. A standard mounting plate is available from the series for attachment to each teams chassis. Ignition harnesses will also be required and available from the series. These spec parts will be required at all times. Systems will be distributed at pre-race tech from a blind draw. These systems are inclusive of all necessary ignition components including coils and rev limiters. These systems are sealed and any modifications by any competitor will result in disqualification. Each system has dual and separate control devices."

Seat mounting

22. The series will stress proper seat belt and seat mounting. The 2003 Simpson seat belt
Company's illustrations are consistent with our requirements.

Head and Neck restraint Systems

23. By mid-season an approved head and neck restraint device will be required. (Hans or
Hutchins)

Fuel Cells

25. Fuel cells are limited to 33 gallons. Fuel for 2003 will be Sunoco as specified in 2002.

Points system Revision

27. A new Fast Five points system will be enacted at a mid race point giving a bonus point to all cars within five seconds of the leader. Cars who lead a lap will get two points.

Finally rule of Common Sense

28. The most important rule of all is, if it doesn’t say you can in the rulebook, assume you can’t!

From the Technical Regulations

2.1.2: Eligible Models:

Audi A6
BMW M3, M5
Cadillac CTS
Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, Monte Carlo
Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Stratus, Viper
Ford Mustang
Jaguar XK-8, XKR
Lexus SC430
Mercedes Benz CLK 430
Mercury Cougar
Oldsmobile Aurora, Intrigue
Panoz Esperante
Pontiac Firebird, Grand Prix
Qvale Mangusta
Toyota Solara

For more information on the series and upcoming events: www.trans-amseries.com

Paul Gentilozzi and Rocketsports Racing: www.rocketsportsracing.com

About the author: W. Robert Phelps, III is an Aviation Consultant and Corporate Pilot. He is also a staff Writer and Photographer for Jaguar Magazine (Australia), and has nearly 30 years of experience as a Jaguar owner. He is a Virginia native, who now resides in Florida.

This article was supplied with the very kind permission of The Jaguar Magazine, which is available in the U.S. and Canada at bookstores or by subscription at www.jaguarmagazine.com, Copyright © 2003 W. Robert Phelps, III. All photos Copyright © 2003 W. Robert Phelps, III.