RACE: 2002 GT-1 champion Tim Cowen commits to Trans-Am

Tim Cowen Dedicates 2004 Racing Efforts to Motorock Trans-Am Series; 2002 SCCA National Champion to Run Up to Five Races this Season

INDIANAPOLIS (May 28, 2004) -- 2002 SCCA GT-1 National Champion Tim Cowen has announced he plans to dedicate his 2004 racing efforts to the Motorock Trans-Am Series. Cowen, driver of the No. 75 Cowen Truck Line Ford Mustang, is scheduled to compete at four races this year--Portland, Infineon, Cleveland and Road America--with another possible race to be announced later. Cowen also announced Immke Auto Group will sponsor his car at Cleveland and Road America.

Cowen has made several changes to his team coming into the 2004 season, including the addition of current-spec Mustang bodywork, as well as a new engine program with Huffaker Engineering. Cowen believes this combination is the best he's had in his four-year Trans-Am career.

"We made some major changes," said Cowen, "and we think we're better prepared to run Trans-Am than ever before. The last few years, we have been focused on winning the SCCA GT-1 National Championship. This year, we're focused on Trans-Am. Last year, our goal was run in the top ten and we accomplished that goal at Road America. This year, our goal is to run in the top five and record consistent finishes.

"We think we have a better car for Trans-Am than ever before," added Cowen.

Cowen especially looks forward to racing at Cleveland, which is just 60 miles from his Ashland, Ohio shop.

"Racing at home is extra special," said Cowen. "We've had some good runs at Cleveland, but also some bad luck. We've had a tire go down while we were running in the top five. Last year, we had cooling problems at the start. Two years ago, ignition problems sidelined us with eight laps to go. We haven't had the finishes, but we've been competitive.

"This year, we're hoping to change our luck," concluded Cowen.

The next race for the Motorock Trans-Am Series, the Albertsons Trans-Am 100, is scheduled for June 18-20 at Portland International Raceway.

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 America's oldest continuously running road racing series and celebrates its 39th year of competition in 2004.

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