Trans Am and TA2

Terry S · 20 Mar 2023, 01:08 (Ref:4148381)

Please help as I am confused by the various iterations of these cars.

Yesterday I watched from Winton races for "TA2 Racing Muscle Car Series"

A few months ago it was the Trans Am Series from Symmons which featured Moffat and other top drivers.

Then there is the "National Trans Am Series"

I have seen a few ads for these cars saying they can race in both the Trans Am and TA2 Series.

What is the difference?

bludvl_x19 · 20 Mar 2023, 02:41 (Ref:4148384)

The cars are TA2 cars from the US. I'm 99% sure that all of them are the same chassis, whereas there is a multitude of options in the US.

The National/Trans Am series is the Motorsport Australia series, and you'll see it at the Speed Series.

The "TA2 Racing"/TA2 branded offerings are run mostly under AASA, and were the vehicle (haha) for these cars coming out to Australia.

Identical cars, different series.

Tourer · 20 Mar 2023, 12:07 (Ref:4148433)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bludvl_x19

Identical cars, different series.

Yep - the TA2 cars in Oz (& NZ I think) are all built by Howe in the US (one of several licensed builders there).

The TA2 series grew out of a TransAm series for older cars and as so often happens, once it got to a reasonable size, different parties within the series had different ideas on how to move it along, at least commercially.

To be honest, I've lost track somewhat but there are different series with different ownership but the cars are all supplied through one importer, with commercial agreements locked away for supply of the cars & parts.

Alan52 · 22 Mar 2023, 03:18 (Ref:4148753)

Crate engine in TA2 run by Peter Robinson with AASA
TransAm has more engine freedom and is run by ARG with MA.
Until 2021 there was only TA2 in Australia.All TA2 cars are eligible for TransAm but not vice versa.

Terry S · 16 May 2023, 00:08 (Ref:4156320)

What is going on with TA2?

A terrific class but it seems to be becoming Formula Mustang.

At last weekend's National Title round there were 11 Mustangs, 6 Camaros and NO Dodge Challengers.

So 65% of the field was Mustangs.

Why no Challengers?

I am a great Challenger fan from way back and well remember Sam Posey in the beautiful green Changer number 77.

Should there be a limit of how many of one car type be in a race?

High_OCTANE_HSV · 16 May 2023, 05:13 (Ref:4156336)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry S

What is going on with TA2?

A terrific class but it seems to be becoming Formula Mustang.

At last weekend's National Title round there were 11 Mustangs, 6 Camaros and NO Dodge Challengers.

So 65% of the field was Mustangs.

Why no Challengers?

I am a great Challenger fan from way back and well remember Sam Posey in the beautiful green Changer number 77.

Should there be a limit of how many of one car type be in a race?

The Challengers are outdated, they still use a fibreglass body whereas the Camaro and Mustang use a carbon fibre body. Might stem from the fact that the Americans don't race them anymore and as such there's no support for them. I know you can go to Five Star Bodies (who make a lot of the bodies for the US TA2 cars) and they only offer Camaro and Mustang bodies. I might be wrong but I'm fairly certain that would be a big reason.

I don't think there should be a limit on how many cars from one manufacturer should race - I believe everyone chooses their body for a reason. I mean at the end of the day the cars are completley identical apart from the carbon body on top so I don't think it's a big deal. Maybe a lot of ex-Holden fans who are racing would rather drive a Mustang than the offering from the company who buried their beloved product.

Mixer · 16 May 2023, 07:01 (Ref:4156349)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry S

Why no Challengers?

These things look great but the nose of them is a horrible shape aerodynamically and I would think that could make them undesirable.

Terry S · 17 May 2023, 01:49 (Ref:4156494)

If all cars are the same weight and have the same power, what does it matter what the bodies are made from?

replying to post #6

Mixer · 17 May 2023, 02:40 (Ref:4156495)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry S

If all cars are the same weight and have the same power, what does it matter what the bodies are made from?

If your body is lighter you ballast your car to minimum weight, which means you can run the weight lower in the car for COG and you can also put it wherever you want to balance the car.

High_OCTANE_HSV · 17 May 2023, 03:38 (Ref:4156496)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry S

If all cars are the same weight and have the same power, what does it matter what the bodies are made from?

replying to post #6

It's also a supply thing. It's far easier to get a hold of a body that's still being produced as opposed to an obsolete body design.

V8 Fireworks · 19 May 2023, 03:30 (Ref:4156787)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry S

What is the difference?

Australian Auto Sport Alliance v Motorsport Australia AFAIK.

Alan52 · 21 May 2023, 01:10 (Ref:4157081)

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8 Fireworks

Australian Auto Sport Alliance v Motorsport Australia AFAIK.

Also different engine regulations.

Mr X · 21 May 2023, 07:34 (Ref:4157095)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan52

Also different engine regulations.

What is different between the engine regs?

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/01/16...-lock-in-deal/

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