Riley-Scott to debut 2001 chassis

Indianapolis, October 27,2000...Riley & Scott is set to introduce a new generation Trans-Am chassis, the Mk VIII, for 2001, following the first major redesign of the most successful chassis in the history of the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series. An intensive design and build program will begin shortly, with the new model due to hit the track mid-season next year.

The famed US sports car manufacturer has taken on the new project in response to customer demand for an updated version of the multiple championship winning MKI. Riley & Scott founder, Bob Riley, comments, "We are responding to the market. Teams are telling us that the momentum in the Series resulting from the new rules and increased prize money for 2001 is encouraging them to upgrade their equipment. We're happy to be in a position to share in the growth of the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series."

The R&S Mk I first raced in 1991, and underwent revisions in 1995 and 1996. Many of the more than 30 R&S chassis are still racing in the series. The car is without question the most successful customer chassis ever raced in the long history of the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series.

Design changes will include a focus on geometry to optimize the BFGoodrich tires used in the series. Bill Riley heads the design team for the new car and says, "We've met with many of the technical people involved in the series. Our design will reflect the knowledge and expertise that we have gained over the last five years."

Company co-founder Mark Scott is looking forward to delivering the first car, "we've worked hard to build good relationships with our customers and work alongside them to develop our products. They asked us to apply the lessons of the last few years and we have taken up this challenge. With the important criteria of cost efficiency and competitiveness, the new Mk VII will fulfill their requirements for a new chassis to race in 2001 and beyond. We invite entrants and those interested in the series to call to discuss the new chassis."

"We certainly welcome Riley and Scott back to the BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series," said Competition Director Kevin Bayless. "They have performed spectacularly over the past decade. They really set the tone for what a current Trans-Am car is. Most all of the current chassis are derivatives of their current design. It bodes well for the series to have them coming back with a new product. To gain a commitment from Riley and Scott is a true indication that the series is poised for explosive growth."