While some things are still in the air, there are a few things that have come to be known as fact. The Open Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) has now announced its purchase of the Trans-Am Racing Series. This in itself brings little shock as the OWRS also recently acquired the Championship Auto Racing Team, Inc, or more simply, CART. The two series' have raced alongside one another at several events in the past years. Another factor, which lessoned the shock value of the purchase, is that Paul Gentilozzi, the current owner of Trans-Am Racing, is also a partner in OWRS.
At the moment, there seem to be more questions then answers regarding the series. One thing, which remains uncertain, is whether or not the Trans-Am Series will continue to operate under its current name. The Sports Car Club of America, Inc. (SCCA) still owns the rights to the Trans-Am name, which they essentially lease out to whomever would like to use it. As of yet, no word has been released to the effect of a 2004 deal with the SCCA on the name issue.
Another question raised which deals with the SCCA, asks who will sanction the series? Will it continue under the current SCCA sanctioning body, or opt for the new owner, OWRS, to be sanctioned under? Yet again, no announcement has been made in terms of a 2004 sanctioning deal.
A third question, and quite possibly the most important one, is whether or not fans will continue to support the Trans-Am Series, under whatever name and sanctioning body it may assume. Some seem to think that fans will lose interest in the series and ultimately abandon it due to the multitude of changes the series has undergone in the recent past. Others feel this recent deal will bring a new life to the series, and as a result allow it to grow stronger and even gain a new group of fans.
Whatever the case may be, we certainly won't be coming to any tangible conclusions anytime soon. Before anything can really be determined, the series will have to release its 2004 schedule, which is still under wraps and get through a few events in its new form. I suppose it's cliché and all, but when looking for answers regarding this sports car series, only time will tell.
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