The management of the Australian Trans Am category has issued a stern warning regarding driving standards following a series of multi-car incidents in the last two rounds at Queensland Raceway and The Bend Motorsport Park. The most notable incident was a pile-up that nearly flipped Jack Smith's Chevrolet Camaro, along with a controversial clash between race leader Todd Hazelwood and James Moffat, which resulted in a 10-second penalty for Moffat and altered the race outcome.
Category manager Matt MacKelden stated that the level of car contact recently has "gone right up to the line of what the category deems as acceptable." He emphasized that the 2026 season has been brilliant so far with the majority of laps under green conditions, but the racing quality in the last few rounds has left a little to be desired. "We want to make sure that's cleaned up at the final two rounds of the 2026 championship and definitely into the 2027 championship and beyond," MacKelden said.
However, MacKelden acknowledged that Trans Am is an entertainment medium that must keep racing close and exciting for fans. "We are absolutely aware that we are an entertainment medium so we want to keep the racing close and exciting for the fans, but that doesn't mean the drivers should be running into each other or sending other drivers off the track," he explained. "So there will be a plan in place to mitigate that."
Several strategies are being considered to improve driving standards. One is a driver code of conduct document outlining the level of acceptability of incidents. Additionally, a demerit point system is being reviewed, similar to those already used by categories including Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia's GR Cup and Scholarship Series. This system would see repeat offenders receive larger penalties as their points accumulate, up to and including potential exclusion from events.
Trans Am and TA2 category owner HCC Distribution is also investigating the appointment of a series steward to ensure consistency of the application of penalties. "Mistakes get made when you're in the heat of battle, and the last thing we want is to send home a competitor that regularly finds themselves in the stewards room," MacKelden said. "The thing we must avoid the most is getting known as a smash-up derby or contact category and therefore unattractive to those drivers wanting to climb the ladder to Super2 and Supercars."
MacKelden also praised the performance of series driving standards advisor Chris Pither and race director Matt Balcomb, who have done an outstanding job this year. "Having these extra measures in place, we feel, will help support their roles and result in cleaner race weekends," he added.
The Trans Am Cup Series returns for its final two rounds, each held at Sandown Raceway one week apart, commencing on October 30-November 1. These two races will serve as the first test of the effectiveness of the planned new measures, as well as a decisive moment for drivers aiming to showcase their skills at a higher level.
Read Also
James Courtney reveals the impact of aerodynamic changes to the Camaro in Supercars, including a 70mm splitter revision that sparked controversy with Ford teams.
CFMOTO Z10 Basic debuts in Spain with 153 HP and i3,000 lower price. Limited to 50 units, simplified suspension.
Bultaco tests Rally GT 300 endurance in Morocco with four bikes after Los Monegros success. Analysis of performance and reliability in extreme conditions.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!