Elkhart Lake, Wis. (17 August 2012) – When the Trans Am Series returned to Road America on Friday, Amy Ruman had been hoping for another strong result in the No. 23 McNichols Co./Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette as she targeted her fifth consecutive podium finish. But unfortunately for Ruman, who entered the weekend second in the Trans Am Championship standings, the race did not go as planned.

After heavy rains washed out Thursday’s practice and qualifying sessions, the grid would be set by championship point order. With Ruman holding second in the championship, she started on the outside of the front row and hoped to use that strong starting spot to her advantage throughout the beginning stages of the race.

Unfortunately the tight battle for track position at the front of the field saw the No. 23 McNichols Co./Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette slip back to fourth on the first lap where Ruman continued to run until the first full course caution was displayed just seven laps in.

Following four laps under yellow, the field bunched back up for the restart with Ruman ready to move forward. But that forward movement was abruptly halted when contact with the No. 87 of Doug Peterson saw the No. 23 Corvette sustain damage, forcing Ruman to pit lane for repairs.

“We were running a strong fourth place on the restart. Simon (Gregg) got a jump on Doug (Peterson), and I was following Simon up the inside into turn 1. They were side by side through turns one, two, & three and touched several times. The last contact sent Doug spinning across the track, he floored it to try and make it around, but it shot him back across the track into me instead,” remarked Ruman.

The Ruman Racing crew quickly went to work in the pits and was able to keep Ruman on the lead lap by making a series of three pit stops under yellow with Ruman returning to the track each lap in order to keep up with the field while still receiving the necessary repairs to the No. 23 during the subsequent pit stops.

When the race returned to green flag running with 10 laps to go, Ruman restarted 17th as the No. 23 ran without its hood which had to be removed due to the damage sustained in the incident.

Ever more determined to make up the lost ground, Ruman masterfully moved up six spots to run 11th with nine laps to go. Ruman had moved into the top-10 with seven laps remaining and kept her head down as she maintained her goal of picking up as many championship points as possible.

Ruman continued to make forward progress as she ran as high as eighth in the final laps before ultimately taking ninth at the checkered flag.

“We sustained a bunch of damage to the right side and nose of the car, but my crew did a great job patching it up and keeping us on the lead lap. Unfortunately, this race ended our podium streak. We had a really good car this weekend, and I think we would have been right up there at the end of the race had we not been involved in that incident,” exclaimed Ruman.

Ruman remains second in the standings, but will look to gain ground in the championship hunt in two weeks when the Trans Am series travels to Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota on September 2 for the next two rounds of the championship as it is a double race weekend.

Sponsors: McNICHOLS Nationwide Service Centers is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber is a Ruman Racing sponsor as well as the Series sponsor. Cenweld Corp., a well-established manufacturer and distributor of truck bodies and equipment throughout Ohio, is also long-time Ruman Racing sponsor.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans-Am Series on Twitter @rumanracing and@gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Broadcast information: www.goracingtv.com
Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com
Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Looking ahead:
Rounds 7 & 8: September 2-Brainerd International Raceway-Brainerd, Minn.
Rounds 9 & 10: November 4-Road Atlanta-Braselton, Ga.

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

Munroe Falls, Ohio (16 August 2012) – Amy Ruman will target her fifth consecutive Trans Am podium this weekend as the series stages round six of the 2012 championship at the high speed track Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. While the Ohio-based racer is fully focused on continuing to stage a championship-contending run this season, the Road America race will also see her and the entire Ruman Racing crew using the weekend as a way to thank those that help make it possible, everyday.

Ruman Racing is dedicating the Road America round to the United States Armed Forces in thanks for their never-ending work across the globe to keep the country free.

“We just wanted to do something special for our friends in the Armed Forces,” said Ruman, who currently holds second in the Trans Am championship standings. “While we get to enjoy the freedoms that we do–like getting to come to a place like Road America and go racing–we wanted to say a special thanks to our men and women who are all over the world, risking their lives to defend those freedoms. I’ve had many family members serve in the military, and it continues to amaze me the sacrifices these people make for us.”

Along with the No. 23 McNichols Co./Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette and everything that goes with supporting the effort, Ruman will be bringing a very special item to the race weekend–an American flag that has seen active duty.

The flag flew on board “Titan 47,” a CH-47D Chinook Helicopter, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom XII earlier this year on May 23. Ruman was the recipient of the flag thanks to her friendship with SSG Russell Mazzola, Supply Sergeant for Bravo Company 3/238th Aviation Regiment based in Salerno, Afghanistan. Mazzola, along with the flight crew that flew the flag on this mission are based out of Akron-Canton, Ohio – only about 20 miles south of Ruman’s hometown.

“I couldn’t believe it when I received a package from Russ, I had no idea what it was going to be! The flag was a thank you from Russ and his team for some goodies I sent over to them. He has been a big race fan and thought this would be cool for our team to display and I was incredibly honored to receive it,” said Ruman. “We are dedicating this race to their service, and we are also trying to get the word out about how we can all help brighten a soldier’s day. Just like they made our day with this flag, we are hoping to make their day with some support from the home front.”

Ruman Racing is encouraging fans to drop a note or an item into the mail, just as a small thank you for their efforts.

“We’ve got a ‘Chinook Santa,’ wrote Mazzola in an email. “Our Chinooks fly to other areas in Afghanistan that are pretty remote. There are a lot of U.S. Soldiers that could use items from home that may not be available to them. So throw some snacks, toiletries, magazines, etc. in a box and our guys will deliver them! There are no Walgreens caddy corner to CVS over here!”

“It’s so simple to do,” remarked Ruman. “Your local post office has flat rate boxes to use for the military. I encourage you to stop in, pick one up, and take it home and fill it! They will be so excited to get something from home.”

When Ruman asked if her fellow competitors were willing to pose for a shot with the flag, she was nearly overwhelmed with the response.

“I want to thank everyone in this paddock–everyone was so quick to show their support and I really appreciate them taking the time to make this special for the guys and pose with the flag, especially on such a busy race weekend. Thank you to everyone!”

Those looking to join the thanks by sending a gift can address them to:
Chinook Santa/SSG Russell Mazzola
Task Force No Mercy
B Co 3-238th AVN 101st
FOB Salerno
APO, AE 09314

Sponsors: McNICHOLS Nationwide Service Centers is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber is a Ruman Racing sponsor as well as the Series sponsor. Cenweld Corp., a well-established manufacturer and distributor of truck bodies and equipment throughout Ohio, is also long-time Ruman Racing sponsor.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans-Am Series on Twitter @rumanracing and@gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Broadcast information: www.goracingtv.com
Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com
Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Looking ahead:
Rounds 7 & 8: Brainerd International Raceway – September 2

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

Munroe Falls, Ohio (15 August 2012) – Following a month-long break in Trans Am competition, Amy Ruman is more than ready for her return to race action this weekend as the Trans Am Series travels to the fabled Road America, WI circuit for the sixth round of the 2012 championship.

After scoring her second career Trans Am victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park earlier this year with the No. 23 McNichols Co./Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette, Ruman will look to score her fifth consecutive podium of the year and her second win of the season this weekend.

Ruman, who became the first woman in history to win a Trans Am race at Road Atlanta last year, has not always had luck on her side at the 4-mile permanent road course located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. But with the opportunity to close in on the championship title in her sights, she hopes to turn that luck around with a win in Friday’s 100-mile race.

Though Ruman has plenty of podium experience at the historic Road America facility – having raced both Trans Am and GT-1 at the circuit since 2008 – she is still chasing her first victory at the track.

With a high finish of second in GT-1 and third at the SCCA National Runoffs in 2010, a variety of unfortunate mechanical issues have prevented the Ohio racer from netting the results she’s been capable of at Road America. With her previous best Trans Am finish of third at the track in 2010, Ruman will look to utilize both her experience at the famous venue and the performance of the new No. 23 Corvette for a strong finish as she rides a wave of momentum into Friday’s event with four consecutive podiums already under her belt.

“Road America is a classic track and it just brings a smile to a driver’s face, especially when you get to race with something as fast as these Trans Am cars,” said Ruman, who with her Ruman Racing crew behind her has quickly adapted to the team’s new Corvette machine. “I’ve had some good days and some tough finishes up at Elkhart, and hopefully this weekend is a good one! The first half of the racing season was really intense, so it’s been good to have a little bit of a break, and of course now everyone is anxious to get back to racing!”

Ruman is currently second in the championship standings with 131 points – just nine points out of the top spot. A large field of 28 cars is expected for Friday’s race, which is the largest of the year with 13 cars taking part in the Trans Am class. The deep field of talent will make it all the more important for Ruman to qualify well and run a strong race to capture maximum points as she keeps her eyes toward the championship title.

The Trans Am event is held in conjunction with the American Le Mans Series and will kick off with a promoter test day Wednesday, August 15. Official practice will take place on Thursday morning with a 30-minute qualifying session set for Thursday at 12:15 PM (ET). The 25-lap, 100-mile race will begin at 9:00 AM (ET) on Friday, August 17. Live timing and scoring can be followed at www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring.

Viewing Note: The Trans Am Road America highlights race show will air on MAVTV, Sunday August 26th at 6:00 PM (ET).

Sponsors: McNICHOLS Nationwide Service Centers is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber is a Ruman Racing sponsor as well as the Series sponsor. Cenweld Corp., a well-established manufacturer and distributor of truck bodies and equipment throughout Ohio, is also long-time Ruman Racing sponsor.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans-Am Series on Twitter @rumanracing and@gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Broadcast information: www.goracingtv.com
Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com
Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Looking ahead:
Rounds 7 & 8: September 2-Brainerd International Raceway-Brainerd, Minn.
Rounds 9 & 10: November 4-Road Atlanta-Braselton, Ga.

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

Watkins Glen, NY (9 July 2012) – Amy Ruman scored her fourth consecutive Trans Am podium of the year on Sunday with a runner-up finish at Watkins Glen International in Round 5 of the 2012 Trans Am Championship on Sunday. Following her win at New Jersey Motorsports Park last weekend, the result moves Ruman to second in the championship standings with 131 points as she gains momentum through the summer months and looks to position herself for a run to the championship this fall.

The grid was set by combined practice times after qualifying was canceled due to a brief storm that moved through the Watkins Glen area just ahead of Saturday’s 30-minute session, which would put theNo. 23 McNichols Co./Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette third for the start of the race.

Ruman immediately slotted into the second position at the drop of the green flag as she chased Jorge Diaz, Jr. who paced the field around the 3.4-mile New York road course. The two quickly developed a 10-second gap over third place as the pair ran very close lap times with Diaz posting a fast lap of 1:49.925-seconds and Ruman a 1:50.071-second fast race lap. Unfortunately that lead was eliminated when an early-race full course caution saw the field bunched back up.

At the restart, Ruman again put down consistently strong laps as she defended against the charging No. 87 of Tony Ave who ran third. The No. 87 eventually got by the No. 23 Corvette for second with Ruman holding the third position as the top-three cars developed a substantial lead over the rest of the field with the gap growing larger and larger each lap.

As Ruman continued to run strongly in third throughout the 29-lap event, Ave spun off course with three laps to go which allowed Ruman to regain and hold the second position to the checkered flag.

“We had a really quick car this weekend and it is great to be back on the Trans Am podium,” said Ruman, who was also on hand to cheer her sister Niki Ruman Skinner on in SRF race action. “The McNichols Corvette was fast, but we just didn’t catch Jorge today. My crew was working nonstop for me this weekend and gave me a good car for the race. We have been consistently scoring points and that is key for us in this championship race, so I’m really happy with this weekend.”

The weekend also saw Ruman return to SCCA GT-1 victory lane in an incredible drive from the rear of the field to take the win. Following a mechanical issue during GT-1 qualifying, Ruman started from 19th on the grid but she made it look easy as she wheeled the No. 23 Corvette to the front. It was her third GT-1 victory of the year after having claimed two wins, one at Summit Point and one at the Mid-Ohio SCCA Double National in June.

“Going from the Trans Am specs to the SCCA GT-1 specs for the Corvette adds some work for the crew, so it’s good to be able to repay their effort with a big result,” smiled Ruman. “We had an issue earlier in the weekend and everyone did a great job to get it sorted out for the race. It’s never fun to start from the back of the pack, but anytime you can race your way forward like that, it is incredibly satisfying!”

Ruman will next travel to historic Road America on August 19 for Round 6 of the Trams Am Championship as she looks to gain maximum points toward the championship.

Sponsors: McNICHOLS Nationwide Service Centers is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber is a Ruman Racing sponsor as well as the Series sponsor. Cenweld Corp., a well-established manufacturer and distributor of truck bodies and equipment throughout Ohio, is also long-time Ruman Racing sponsor.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans-Am Series on Twitter @rumanracing and@gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Broadcast information: www.goracingtv.com
Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com
Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Looking ahead:
Round 6: Road America – August 19
Round 7: Brainerd International Raceway – September 2

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio

Millville, NJ (1 July 2012) – Amy Ruman returned to Trans Am victory lane on Sunday with the No. 23 McNichols Co./Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette, scoring the win at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Round 4 of the 2012 Trans Am championship. Ruman, who became the first woman in history to win a Trans Am race at Road Atlanta last year, led nine laps en route to victory – taking the checkered flag with a 20.090-second advantage over the second place car of Simon Gregg.

Opening the 45-lap, 101.25-mile race from third on the grid, Ruman immediately made a move forward and slotted into the second position on the first lap. She would follow closely behind the leading car of Doug Peterson – closing the gap each lap as she clicked off quicker lap times each time by.

Ruman would take the lead on Lap 11 and pace the field for four laps as she defended against Peterson in a fierce battle for the lead. The duo has plenty of recent experience racing each other, having also done battle in SCCA National competition at Mid-Ohio. She ultimately relinquished the top spot and ran second as she chased Peterson in a race that ran at a blisteringly fast pace under very hot conditions with temperatures reaching 92 degrees at the early 10:05 AM start time.

After an unfortunate incident with the No. 4 Corvette of Tony Ave, Ruman’s shot for the win was in jeopardy. Ruman limped the wounded No. 23 to pit lane with a flat right rear tire where the crew was waiting to make a tire change. Fortunately for Ruman, the track went under a full course caution while in the pit lane. She was able to get back on track, remain on the lead lap, and rejoin the pack as she lined up in third with less than seven laps to go.

Ruman again had a great start and improved to run second with five laps to go. She regained the lead on the following lap and never looked back – crossing the finish line with the 23-second advantage over the rest of the Trans Am field.

“That was an exciting race!” Ruman enthused after having run in such close contact for the lead for so much of the race. “It nearly slipped away from us but it feels great to come back and take another Trans Am win. I’m so proud of the effort this entire Ruman Racing group puts into these races. For us to win with this new McNichols Corvette, it feels fantastic.”

The Trans Am New Jersey Motorsports Park highlights race show will air on MAVTV, Sunday July 8th at 6:00 pm EST.

With that result Ruman closed the gap in the championship but the top three remained unchanged – 1) Gregg 115, 2) Peterson 108, and 3) Ruman 104. The tight championship chase is heating up as we shift into an exciting second half of the Trans Am schedule. Ruman will look for another victory as Trans Am heads to historic Watkins Glen International next weekend for Round 5.

Sponsors: McNICHOLS Nationwide Service Centers is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber is a Ruman Racing sponsor as well as the Series sponsor. Cenweld Corp., a well-established manufacturer and distributor of truck bodies and equipment throughout Ohio, is also long-time Ruman Racing sponsor.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans-Am Series on Twitter @rumanracing and@gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Broadcast information: www.goracingtv.com
Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com
Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Looking ahead:
Round 5: Watkins Glen International July 8

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.