Munroe Falls, Ohio – The 2023 Trans Am Championship Presented by Pirelli season kicked off last weekend at Sebring International Raceway, unfortunately it was not the start Amy Ruman and the team had hoped for.
It was an unseasonably hot weekend in central Florida, with temperatures ranging from 85 to 89 degrees. The team battled several mechanical issues all weekend long and had to make repairs to the No. 23 McNichols Co. Corvette from contact during the practice session cutting short Ruman’s track time. TA drivers took to the track late Saturday night for qualifying, where Ruman slotted the No. 23 in ninth place for Sunday’s race.
Ruman had a great start coming to the green flag, moving up to seventh place and hanging with the lead pack. Something started feeling off in the rear of the car around lap 7, and Ruman tried to adjust on lap 8 when suddenly she spun and came to a stop, she had lost the left rear wheel.
“It’s a real shame we fell out of the race here at Sebring, I had a really good car and thought we could’ve been right there at the end. Unfortunately, the fitment on that rim wasn’t quite right and we didn’t know it, causing the wheel nut to unwind and come loose. I’m really bummed,” stated Ruman.
In typical Sebring fashion, the track is very hard on equipment and this race was one for attrition. Many drivers joined Ruman and retired early from the race – Boris Said, Justin Marks, Paul Menard, Chris Dyson, David Pintaric, Richard Grant – all fell out early. The points standings were definitely affected, so everyone is still in the hunt after Round 1.
Teams will have a quick turn around and head to NOLA, LA March 9th-12th. Heading into Round 2, Matthew Brabham leads the TA National class championship with 106 points, followed by Adam Andretti in second – 98, Keith Grant in third – 94, Ken Thwaits in fourth – 88, and Tomy Drissi sits in fifth – with 84 points.
The broadcast of this past weekend’s events at Sebring International Raceway will be broadcast on Thursday, March 2 on MAVTV:
8:00 p.m. ET: Vodka SPIKED Coolers TA2® Series Race
9:00 p.m. ET: TA/XGT/SGT/GT Race
10:00 p.m. ET: Showtime Motorsports docuseries, Road to Glory
SPONSOR: McNICHOLS CO. 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 | sales@mcnichols.com
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Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.
