GT-1 Development Program expanded

Motorock Trans-Am Series Announces Gt-1 Development Program.

INDIANAPOLIS (March 9, 2004) -- In order to better facilitate GT-1 involvement and development in the Motorock Trans-Am Series, the GT-1 program will be expanded in Trans-Am for 2004. The enhanced program, called the GT-1 Development Program, will continue to award a GT-1 Drivers' Championship, presented for the first time in 2003, and will further recognize the importance of GT-1 involvement in Trans-Am competition.

"The Trans-Am GT-1 Development Program will address every facet of competition," said Motorock Trans-Am Series Executive Director John Clagett. "From technical specifications, to more visibility, to financial help, the program is designed specifically to attract more GT-1 teams to Trans-Am.

"The key to the future of any racing series is creating and maintaining a vibrant driver and team development system," added Clagett. "We believe that GT-1 participation is key to Trans-Am's future. We recognize the symbiotic relationship between GT-1 and Trans-Am, and the GT-1 Development Program will further that bond in more ways than ever before."

In order to create more visibility, the GT-1 Development Program will recognize the highest-finishing GT-1 competitor at each event during winner's circle festivities. The top-finishing GT-1 driver will also be invited to take part in post-race media interviews, and, when possible, will participate in television interviews.

Also, those competitors winning GT-1 races at the SCCA Valvoline Runoffs at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, and the June Sprints at Road America, will be presented a GT-1 Trans-Am Series Support Package, which includes, among other things, free entries to Trans-Am Series races.

GT-1 competitors will continue to be eligible for regular Trans-Am championship points, contingency monies and race awards. Special GT-1 contingency awards are also being planned.

Clagett said a comprehensive rules package is being formulated to better address GT-1 teams' unique needs and make participation in Trans-Am more financially feasible.

"We are researching specifications, including those governing engine displacement and compression ratios, to allow for a more seamless transition from GT-1 to Trans-Am," said Clagett. "Certain rules regarding tire and wheel choices and safety will remain in force. However, other rules are being reviewed with a clean-slate approach in hopes of attracting a wider GT-1 field. We plan to release those rules in the near future.

"We recognize the importance of making GT-1 teams feel welcome in Trans-Am. This program is part of an overall effort to encourage that," concluded Clagett.

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