Wright Reveals Mustang for TA2 Texas Challenge

The Performax TA2 Muscle Car Series has taken the covers off the Ford Mustang that will be raced by 2017 series champion Russell Wright in the penultimate round of the 2018 Trans-Am Series Presented by Pirelli TA2 class at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend.

The Gold Coaster will race the #5 TA2 Ford Mustang prepared by Stevens-Miller Racing as part of an international driver exchange program with TA2 car constructor Howe Racing Enterprises.

A field of 31 TA2 cars will take to the Texan circuit that plays host to the annual Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, including two-time champion Gar Robinson who visited Australian shores for the Bathurst 12 Hour Combined Sedans support event this year and placed second outright with Wright third.

Wright’s opportunity comes as a reciprocal arrangement with the American series, as TA2 Racing Australia management also head to the United States to hold talks with series organisers regarding future international opportunities.

“This is really one for the bucket list, to race in the United States against the best TA2 drivers in the world at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas is a real blast,” Wright said.

Wright dropped from second to finish third in the Performax Cup Standings in the RoadBees Transport Ford Mustang, which was taken out by Chev Camaro driver Ashley Jarvis at the season finale last weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park.

“I haven’t had the best of runs lately, so hopefully all my bad luck is now behind me and we can have a consistent trouble-free weekend.

“TA2 is a professional series over there, and with over 30 cars on the grid it will be a tough weekend to come to grips with the circuit and the series.

“I’m also in a brand new car, so hopefully we will have a competitive run and fly the flag for the Aussies back home and those who are coming to cheer me on.

“I can’t thank Peter Robinson and Chas Howe enough for making this opportunity happen as a result of winning the title last year, what a way to cap off the year.”

The 2018 TA2 championship has already been claimed by Brazilian Rafa Matos in a Chevrolet Camaro.

The Trans-Am Series Presented by Pirelli TA2 class Powered by AEM Infinity at the Circuit of the Americas begins on Thursday with testing, followed by practice and qualifying on Friday, and concludes with one 30 lap/70 minute race on Saturday.