RACE: SCCA GT-1 rule change for Trans-Am competition

GT-1 competitors to benefit from rule change

LANSING, Mich. -- The Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup has modified its engine rules to allow for more participation from GT-1 competitors. The rule legalizes the use of 358-cubic-inch, 13:1 compression ratio engines in GT-1 cars. The original rule required 358-c.i.-engined GT-1 cars to have a 9.5:1 compression ratio.

The new rule is based on the following restrictions:

* Use of a Holley 390, 4-barrel carburetor p/n 080507-1, with a maximum throttle bore diameter of 1.4375 inches, and with a maximum venturi diameter of 1.0645 inches

* A maximum of 8,000 rpm electronic rev limit

* A minimum car weight of 2,800 pounds without fuel and driver

* Driver/entrant must not have competed in a Trans-Am Series race in calendar years 2002 or 2003

* Drivers must have not finished in the top five in a professional series in the last five years

* Drivers must have a current SCCA Club or Club/Pro dual license

* Car must conform to all Trans-Am Series specifications concerning safety regulations, maximum fuel cell capacity, fuel cell installation and construction, tires, wheels and must maintain a maximum overall car width of 80 inches

* Car must conform to all other GT-1 competition parameters a specifieds in the 2003 Technical Specification s

* Independent rear suspension is not approved

* Car and driver combination is subject to approval by the Trans-Am Series Technical Director and Chief Steward

"One of our stated primary goals at the beginning of this season was to encourage GT-1 participation," said Series Technical Director David King. "This rule change brings our specifications much closer to the SCCA's GT-1 rules and will make it easier for GT-1 teams to compete in the Trans-Am Series."

GT-1 entries adhering to the Trans-Am Series' engine rules as published in the 2003 Technical Specifications (310 c.i. and 358 c.i. low compression) remain eligible for full season competition privileges as specified in Trans-Am Rule Book Technical Specifications.

-scca/trans am-