The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

SCCA: John Paul Jr. to contest BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am series

2 December 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- John Paul Jr., of West Palm Beach, Fla., has signed a multi-year agreement to drive for TWC Motorsport/American Spirit Racing in the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series, beginning in 2000.

Paul Jr., 39, won his only Trans-Am Series start (1983, Trois-Rivieres), and returns to the Series with an impressive racing resume, including 19 IMSA GT wins, one CART victory (1983, Michigan 500), one IRL win (1998, Lone Star 500) and one Rolex 24 at Daytona win (1997). In 1999, Paul Jr. competed in the USRRC/ALMS, driving a factory Chevrolet Corvette.

TWC Motorsport is headed by Tom Coleman, who contested the entire 1999 Trans-Am Series schedule at the wheel of the No. 8 TWC Motorsport Chevrolet Camaro, scoring three top-10 finishes en route to 13th-place overall and fourth in the Red Line Oil Rookie of the Year standings.

"I am very excited to have a driver of such high caliber and versatility as John Paul Jr. on the team," said Coleman. "John's extensive experience and talent as a competition and development driver will greatly enhance the effectiveness of our program."

"I've been very fortunate to drive for some of the best teams in the highest levels of the sport," said Paul Jr. "I am very impressed with what I have seen at the TWC Motorsport operation -- Tom has assembled a first class program, with all the elements needed to win the Championship. I anticipate a very strong year for this team and I look forward to driving in the Series."

In addition to signing driver Paul Jr., TWC Motorsport has formed a multi-year partnership with Jon Lewis' American Spirit Racing, entrant for the No. 12 AmeriSuites Ford Mustang Cobra in 1999.

"Tom and I had been discussing the direction and future of the TWC Motorsport operation throughout the 1999 season, and I am very proud to be TWC Motorsport's marketing and promotional partner in this new program," said Lewis. "I had the pleasure of driving with John Paul Jr. at the Miami Grand Prix in 1989, and I am looking forward to his involvement in 2000. He will be a great asset to the program and everyone should expect to see a lot of excitement out of this team."

TWC Motorsport/American Spirit Racing will announce sponsorship and unveil the teams new car in late January, 2000.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.