Youlden Joins Trans-Am Field
FORMER Touring Car Masters driver Brett Youlden is set to join a record grid of 22 thundering V8 American Muscle Cars, including six new cars and drivers, at the historic Lakeside Park for the opening round of the Australian Trans-Am Series, as part of the Lakeside Tribute meeting on March 19 and 20.
Iwan Jones - March 2016
Victorian-based Youlden, who is from a family with a combined 102 years experience in motorsport, will be steering John English’s #99 1967 Ford Mustang in his attempt to take the series crown.
“I’m very excited to be joining the series. I see this as a new challenge following on from my successful campaign in Touring Car Masters over the last five years. They’re the same animals, just different,” said Youlden.
Joining Youlden on the grid will be sportscar racer Rob Hackwood in a 1966 Mustang Coupe adorned in the famous Wood Brothers colours, Russell Wright in a 1967 Ford Mustang fastback, Dan Fleming in a 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe and Shannon O’Brien who takes the wheel of the 2015 championship winning 1970 Pontiac Firebird vacated by uncle and defending series champion Charlie O’Brien.
The senior O’Brien will be defending his title behind the wheel of the multiple title winning 1972 Chevrolet Camaro, while young gun Sean English returns in a 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe aiming to seal back-to-back titles in the Mulch Smart 5 Litre class.
Australian Trans-Am has confirmed a six round calendar for 2016, including an additional round at Lakeside Park and a return to the Muscle Car Masters in a non-championship capacity.
A major change over the off-season has seen a revised structure with three classes to accommodate for people with different expectations and levels of commitment. The 5 Litre and Trophy classes remain with support from Mulch Smart and Palmer Steel Industries respectively, and the addition of the Loaders ‘R’ Us Sportsman class for over 5 litre competitors not regularly contesting for outright victory.
Category Director John English said it will be a great weekend of racing.
“New cars, new drivers and with Charlie (O’Brien) and Sean (English) back to defend their titles, it is going to be a ride to remember,” said English.
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What: 2016 Australian Trans-Am Series Round 1 Lakeside Tribute
Where: Lakeside Park, Kurwongbah
When: Saturday March 19, and Sunday March 20, 2016.
Entry: $20 Saturday, $30 Sunday or $40 for a weekend pass
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE