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SCCA: San Diego added to 2000 BF Goodrich Tires Trans Am Schedule

22 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--SCCA Pro Racing and the Panoz/Sanchez Group have announced the addition of the November 3-5 Grand Prix of San Diego to close out the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series, Speedvision World Challenge and Pro Spec Racer seasons.

The event will serve as the 12th race on the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am series schedule. Joining the weekend at the 10-turn, 1.53-mile temporary circuit are the Speedvision GT and Touring Car Championships (Round 10) and the Pro Spec Racer series (Round 11).

"Were very happy to have the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series on board, and welcome the Speedvision World Challenge to Southern California for the first time," said Brian Turner, Grand Prix of San Diego Director of Racing. "San Diego is one of the biggest sports car markets in the worldmaking this weekend package a perfect fit."

The Grand Prix of San Diego was initially scheduled to be an American Le Mans Series event in November, 1999. The event was then pushed back to February, 2000 and later cancelled. In April, local businessman Ray Rubio joined the San Diego Grand Prix as a partner, helping make the November, 2000 date a reality.

"It is my goal to bring Grand Prix racing into the San Diego limelight, just as Rubios Baja Grill has done for fish tacos in the United States," said Rafael "Ray" Rubio, the lead investor of the San Diego Grand Prix and the co-founder of Rubios Restaurants, Inc., which, since 1983, has opened over 100 Rubios Baja Grill Restaurants in five states.

"Were excited to run at such a unique venue in a great city like San Diego," said John Clagett, BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series Executive Director. "Trans-Am racing is rich in heritage in Southern California, and our first-ever race in San Diego is a perfect way to close out what has been a great 2000 season."

The Grand Prix of San Diego Circuit will be set up at the former Naval Training Center, north of Lindbergh Field, providing a scenic waterfront backdrop.

"You really couldnt ask for a better place to hold a November finale than San Diego," said Mitch Wright, Speedvision World Challenge General Manager. "With the sports car and sports compact aftermarket industry heavily saturated in the Southern California market, we believe the Speedvision World Challenge Championships will provide some awesome entertainment which has been sorely missed in this part of the country."

Text provided by Eric Prill

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