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Explainer: What to look out for in 2025
THE Trico Trans Am Series is set for a blockbuster 2025, with bumper fields set to take on a seven-round schedule from Tasmania to the Northern Territory.
Here, we unpack what’s new around the series, the storylines and more, in what is shaping up to be an epic season of racing.
Some Key Storylines to Watch
• A record 32-car entry for Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania – and look for more to come in future rounds
• Supercars star James Golding returns to non-clashing events
• It’s the choice for Supercars co-drivers: Todd Hazelwood, James Moffat, Jack Smith and Jarrod Hughes are all entered.
• Super2 racers getting in racing miles: Hughes, Ben Gomersall and Nash Morris
• All three Trico Trans Am Series champions entered: Hazelwood, Moffat and Nathan Herne
• Reigning champions from 2024 assembled: Hazelwood (Trans Am), Adam Garwood (TCM) and Josh Haynes (TA2)
• Exciting new entries to the class: Jordan Cox, Ben Bargwanna and Charlie Nash
• Stalwarts return, including Ben Grice and Elliot Barbour
• Sprintcar aces hit the blacktop: Robbie Farr and Domain Ramsay
• The category’s Driving Standards Observer is the highly experienced Chris Pither
The Calendar
This year, we have a new-look calendar that mixes some of the motorsport nation’s biggest events with returns to heartland venues.
From headlining the Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania at Symmons Plains Raceway, the class moves to the spiritual home of Australian motorsport, Mount Panorama, for the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour over the Easter long weekend.
For the third round, the series heads to the warmth of Hidden Valley Raceway in support of the Supercars Championship in June before returning to the nation’s action track with Race Winton in August.
September sees a return to the Supercars program alongside The Bend 500 at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park.
A new event with a day-night program is next, with the Hi-Tec Oils Mallala Homecoming, followed up a week later with the Adelaide Grand Final on the streets of the Adelaide Parklands.
The Class Structure and Awards
Within the Trico Trans Am Series, there are multiple races within the category.
All competitors in all races, rounds, and the series will compete for overall outright honours.
In the Pro-Am stakes, high-performing racers are recognised, however for these drivers, motorsport isn’t necessarily their primary or professional career pursuit.
For Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania, a total of 12 competitors are set for the Pro-Am battle, including Mark Crutcher, Cameron Laws, Michael Coulter, Mark Bailey, Jason Pryde, John Holinger, Graham Cheney, Des Collier, Josh Thomas, Robbie Farr, Domain Ramsay, and Joshua Webster.
Another class to keep an eye on is for the Young Guns, recognising drivers under the age of 25 years.
At each round, the Trico Pole Award will return an impressive $1,000 to the fastest qualifier, while the MPI ‘Up on the Wheel’ Trophy returns, recognising the driver who gains the most positions during a Trans Am round, based on starting and finishing positions in each race.
Technically Speaking
Off-track, the Trico Trans Am Series will enjoy support from HCC, with a comprehensive parts supply service at all events.
A change for this season is the optional inclusion of a new gearbox from Holinger Engineering, with the super robust H-pattern design RD4 units paired with a Tilton Engineering clutch package.
Early reports back from competitors have been incredibly positive, with the intuitive Aussie design proving to be up to the rigours of Trans Am racing.
The new units can compete on track with the existing G-Force transmissions, with both featuring control ratios, while further down the driveline, quick-change differential gears remain open for tuning.
Elsewhere, a long list of control components keeps costs in check and the on-track action tight.
Under the bonnet, the 6,200cc LS3-based V8 revs to 6,500rpm, while stopping power is provided by spec Wilwood brake rotors and Circo brake pads.
Control tyres continue to be provided by Hoosier, with fuel supplied by Race Fuels.
Style-wise, the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger bodies are all available to competitors.
Spec adjustable Penske shock absorbers are combined with two front sway bar options and a range of Hyperco springs, allowing for tunability by the boffins back in the pits.
All cars utilise the same tubular space frame chassis with an FIA-approved roll cage, a fire suppression system, and a full suite of safety features.
Tipping the scales at 1,250kg, including the driver, it’s a sporty package that turns on the action.