SYDNEY, Australia – After developing a formula that has gained traction in North America, the Trans Am 2 category rule set will expand to a new market this season.
The roar from American muscle cars will now be heard from the United States to the Land Down Under through 2026, as the Trans Am Race Co. and the Australian Racing Group Pty Ltd. have agreed to a multi-year licensing deal allowing the TA2 branding to be used in Australia and New Zealand.
ARG, one of the premier race promoters in Australia, will build a TA2 National Series that will elevate the status of the TA2 brand to new heights.
The company has already established a strong paddock that has recently seen grids of more than 40 entries, with the familiar Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros and Dodge Challengers doing battle in the Australian TA2 Muscle Car Series.
The new agreement will see ARG secure the license for the TA2 specification, as the Trans Am formula makes its first international expansion.
“It is gratifying to have our brand recognized worldwide,” said Trans Am Race Company President John Clagett. “TA2 drew its international success from focusing on cost control, driver talent, strict regulations and promotion of close competition, and other countries want to implement that platform. It is fantastic that TA2 has gained an international acknowledgement as a tremendous technical package at an affordable price point.”
The international collaboration has also included a competition component, as reigning Australian TA2 Muscle Car Series champion Ashley Jarvis competed in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli TA2 finale at Daytona Int’l Speedway in November.
Jarvis finished the 100-mile race in points position behind the wheel of a Stevens-Miller Racing Chevrolet Camaro.
The deal will also allow Trans Am Series partners to expand their sales internationally. The Prefix “TA2 Choice” engine will be the approved engine for the Australian TA2 Series and Five Star Race Car Bodies will provide the bodywork with TA2 USA chassis builders providing chassis.
ARG will allow participants to purchase pre-raced cars and chassis from USA-based teams, and also allow chassis from TARC-approved chassis builders or their appointed dealers within the territory.
Additional announcements, including tire and final technical specifications, will be made in due course.
“It is an honor to have the official endorsement from the Trans Am Race Company as we look toward a big, bold future for Trans Am classes in Australia and New Zealand,” said Australian Racing Group CEO Matt Braid. “Trans Am is such an iconic racing brand and its series has been a stalwart of the American racing scene for decades, and is respected throughout the world. There are now a significant number of TA2 cars in the country, and we are working with the current competitor base and category administrators on the best way forward for all.
“The Trans Am 2 class is a great addition to ARG’s suite of categories and events, and with such heroic brands involved with nameplates like Mustang, Camaro and Challenger, they are sure to become even more popular both on and off the track.”