The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship launches its 2025 season at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, marking the series' first-ever visit to the 2.64-mile CW14 course configuration near Bakersfield, California. Twenty-three competitors will participate in this historic event.

New TA Cup Class Debuts The event marks the launch of the new TA Cup class, featuring 600 rear-wheel horsepower spec tube-frame vehicles with silhouette bodies produced by Chris Evans Inc. Six competitors will compete in this inaugural class:

• Ken Thwaits (No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro)
• John Moore (No. 27 Ford Mustang)
• Michelle Nagai (No. 72 Chevrolet Camaro)
• Ken Sutherland (No. 85 Dodge Challenger)
• Chris Evans (No. 92 Ford Mustang)
• Derek Thorn (No. 08 Ford Mustang)

Notable Returns and Champions

• Ken Thwaits returns after a two-year hiatus
• 2023 TA2 champion Brody Goble returns in a new TeamSLR racecar
• 2024 TA2 champion Michael LaPaglia defends his title

New Competitors The Western Championship welcomes several new drivers:

• JD Koos (XGT class)
• Seamus McKendree (TA2)
• Simon Asselin (SGT class)
• Stein Frederic Akre (TA2)
• Derek Thorn (TA Cup)

California Connection The event begins a three-race streak in California, with 11 of the competitors being California natives. The field includes drivers from various regions, competing across multiple classes including CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, TA Cup, and XGT.

The event represents a significant milestone for Trans Am racing, combining established champions with new talent across multiple racing classes, promising intense competition at the historic Buttonwillow venue.

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