Motorock Trans-Am Series Announces GT-1 Development Program

CONTACT: Justin Anderson
Ph: 704-348-9400, Cell: 517-927-3614

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 
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 Driversı
Championship, presented for the first time in 2003, and will further
recognize the importance of GT-1 involvement in Trans-Am competition.

³The Trans-Am GT-1 Development Program will address every facet of
competition,² said Motorock Trans-Am Series Executive Director John Clagett.
³From technical specifications, to more visibility, to financial help, the
program is designed specifically to attract more GT-1 teams to Trans-Am.

³The key to the future of any racing series is creating and maintaining a
vibrant driver and team development system,² added Clagett. ³We believe that
GT-1 participation is key to Trans-Amıs 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.²

 In order to create more visibility, the GT-1 Development Program will
recognize the highest-finishing GT-1 competitor at each event during
winnerıs 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 teamsı unique needs and make participation in Trans-Am more
financially feasible.

³We are researching specifications, including those governing engine
displacement and compression ratios, to allow for a more seamless transition
from GT-1 to Trans-Am,² said Clagett. ³Certain 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.

³We recognize the importance of making GT-1 teams feel welcome in Trans-Am.
This program is part of an overall effort to encourage that,² concluded
Clagett.

The Motorock Trans-Am Series features closed-fendered, production-based,
V-8-powered sports cars, competing on permanent road courses, and temporary
street and airport circuits throughout North America. The Trans-Am Series is
Americaıs oldest continuously running road racing series and celebrates its
39th anniversary in 2004.

Motorock is the creation of a popular culture brand that blends the
enthusiast markets of cars, stars and guitars. It is a yearly series of
destination live events that showcases the excitement of motorsports, music
and lifestyle while delivering a unique new form of broadcast entertainment
programming.

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