The Trans Am Series' November 2019 was an exhilarating month filled with spine-tingling races and breathtaking moments, punctuating the final stretch of the 2019 season. As the leaves turned and the weather cooled, the competition heated up, culminating in an thrilling climax for the series.
Kicking off the penultimate month of the year, the Trans Am Series' drivers headed to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. The iconic track, usually reserved for Formula One and MotoGP, played host to a gripping weekend of racing that set the stage for the rest of November.
The Battle at COTA
The two-day event at COTA saw intense competition across all classes. The TA2 class, in particular, was a flee. Chris segon, piling pressure on early leader Thomas Annunziata, ultimately overtook him on the final lap, snatching victory by a mere 0.016 seconds, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, in TA, Simon Gregg secured his first win of the season after a strategic pit stop saw him jump from fifth to first place. His victory was a reminder that the game of strategy and patience often yields rewarding results in the competitive world of Trans Am.
Turning Point in the Championship Standings
The results at COTA significantly shuffled the championship standings. In TA, Gregg's win catapulted him to third place, while TA2 leader Roads Shakespeare expanded his points lead, solidifying his position at the top heading into the final stretch.
The tight racing and shifting dynamics at COTA set the scene for the dramatic conclusion to come, as drivers raced to secure spots on the podium and claim the prestigious Trans Am Series champions title.
Sealing the Deal at NOLA
As November drew to a close, the series headed to the NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, Louisiana, for the season finale. With championships on the line, tension was palpable, and every position counted.
The TA class saw a closely fought battle, with Scott Lagasse Jr. ultimately claiming the victory after a fierce battle with polesitter Lee Saunders. Saunders, despite missing out on the win, secured the TA championship, an astonishing achievement considering he only started racing in the series in 2017.
Champions Crowned in TA2
The TA2 class was decided in equally dramatic fashion. Despite a late-race challenge from third place Eric Kle Earl, Roads Shakespeare held his ground, crossing the finish line first and sealing his first Trans Am Series championship in style. His consistency throughout the season was rewarded with the coveted title, a testament to his skill and determination.
The TA4 class crown, meanwhile, was secured by Mark Richolt, who, despite not winning a race, demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, exemplified by eight top-10 finishes.
The Trans Am Series rolled into January 2020, having delivered another vibrant season filled with intense drama and memorable moments. As the winter months pass, anticipation builds for the 2020 season, promising more edge-of-the-seat racing and new champions in the making. Stay tuned for more high-octane excitement engineered to perfection.