Trans Am Corvettes outclassed at Mid-Ohio

While all three Corvettes were reduced to mere “field fillers”, there’s a story behind each and their rather dismal results at Mid-Ohio.   

Amy Ruman and her # 23 C7 bodied TA Corvette have earned the utmost respect among fans and competitors.  With two championships to her credit and driving since 2009, her chances for a top 5 are still looking good when the season points are tallied up.

Having started sixteenth, it was a disappointing sixth place, a lap off the pace at her home track, Mid-Ohio.  The big culprit was repairs to fix a last-minute problem with the car that sent her to the back of the grid. 

 Now in its 22nd consecutive season, the Ruman Racing Team expects better at Road America, a week ahead.

Not everyone has the money and machinery to run some 9 to 11 races held across the country.  Ryan Mc Manus of Medina OH driving a “serviceable” but somewhat dated C5 TA GT1 is your local racer - hoping for a few bucks and some fun when “the Circus” arrives.  He finished seventh, five laps down in the 45-lap contest.

Jose Chocron, a true Corvette enthusiast, and his team from Panama City, Panama are Trans Am newcomers, coming to grips with pro racing in the USA.  His # 17 C5/C6 TA GT1 was not fully ironed out for the season opener at Sebring.  That led to missing the next 5 races.  More time is needed to improve from eleventh, twelve laps off the pace and last in class.  Running a marine servicing business and the more demanding logistics of racing from Panama could also be factors.

The TA winner at Mid-Ohio was Matthew Brabham, grandson of legendary Grand-Prix champ Kiwi Jack Brabham, driving the # 21 Mustang; besting team owner # 20 Chris Dyson who has won 5 of 7 races so far.

 Photos thanks to Chris Clark