What Is 2018 Trans-Am Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Trans-Am Series was the 51st season of the historic American road racing championship, featuring a six-class structure and 12 race weekends across the United States from April to October 2018.

Key Facts

2018 marked the 51st running of the Trans-Am Series, which began in 1966
The season consisted of 12 race events held from April to October 2018
Five primary classes competed: TA, TA2, GT, SGT, and TA3
Paul Fix won the TA2 class championship with four victories
Muscle Milk Team Felbermayr-Porsche won the TA class title with driver Ernie Francis Jr.

Overview

The 2018 Trans-Am Series marked a pivotal year in the legacy of one of North America’s longest-running sports car racing series. Established in 1966, Trans-Am returned with a robust calendar featuring 12 race weekends across the United States, showcasing high-performance production-based vehicles in multiple competitive classes.

Organized by the Trans Am Race Company, LLC, the 2018 season emphasized accessibility, competitive balance, and manufacturer diversity. The series continued its tradition of combining professional drivers with talented amateurs, creating close racing across five distinct classes.

Class structure: The 2018 season featured five primary classes: TA, TA2, GT, SGT, and TA3, each with specific technical regulations and engine configurations to ensure parity.
Championship format: Drivers accumulated points across 12 rounds, with double points awarded at the season finale in Sebring, Florida, intensifying the final standings battle.
TA class: The top-tier TA (Trans-Am) class featured powerful, tube-frame cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger, producing over 800 horsepower.
TA2 class: The TA2 class, known for close competition, used spec engines and transmissions, with all cars powered by 485-horsepower Chevrolet LS3 engines.
Notable drivers: Ernie Francis Jr. defended his 2017 title, while rising stars like Paul Fix and Marc Miller demonstrated strong performances throughout the season.

How It Works

The Trans-Am Series operates on a class-based racing format where vehicles are modified to meet specific technical regulations, ensuring competitive balance and exciting on-track action.

TA Class: The premier class features custom-built, tube-frame race cars with bodywork resembling production models. Engines exceed 800 horsepower and are limited to specific intake and fuel systems.
TA2 Class: Designed for close, cost-effective racing, TA2 mandates spec 485-horsepower LS3 engines and sealed transmissions, with only suspension and aerodynamics open to development.
GT Class: GT includes production-based grand tourers such as the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, and Dodge Viper, modified for track use but retaining street-legal roots.
SGT Class: SGT (Super Grand Touring) features high-performance coupes and sedans like the BMW M4 and Ford Mustang, with moderate aero and engine tuning allowed.
TA3 Class: Introduced in 2018, TA3 includes two subclasses: TA3-A (American) and TA3-F (FIA), based on SCCA and FIA rules for sports car racing.
Scoring system: Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with championships awarded per class and additional honors for rookie and team performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the five primary classes in the 2018 Trans-Am Series:

Class	Engine Power	Car Examples	Chassis Type	Key Rule
TA	800+ hp	Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger	Tubular space frame	Open aero, limited engine mods
TA2	485 hp (spec)	Chevrolet Camaro	Steel tube frame	Spec engine and transmission
GT	450–600 hp	Porsche 911, Corvette C7	Production-based	Street-legal roots required
SGT	500–650 hp	BMW M4, Mustang GT	Modified production	Moderate aero allowed
TA3	350–550 hp	Porsche 991, Chevrolet Camaro	FIA or SCCA compliant	Subclasses for regional rules

The 2018 Trans-Am Series successfully balanced performance diversity with competitive fairness. By segmenting entries into tightly regulated classes, the series attracted a broad range of teams and manufacturers, from grassroots racers to factory-backed efforts. This structure not only promoted close racing but also enhanced fan engagement through consistent lead changes and strategic pit stops.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Trans-Am Series played a crucial role in preserving American motorsport heritage while adapting to modern racing standards. Its blend of accessibility and professionalism made it a vital platform for driver development and brand exposure.

Historic continuity: As the 51st season, 2018 continued a legacy dating back to the muscle car heyday of the 1960s, linking past and present.
Manufacturer involvement: Brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge used Trans-Am to showcase performance engineering and support marketing campaigns.
Driver development: The TA2 class served as a proving ground for emerging talent, with drivers later moving to IMSA or NASCAR.
Cost control: Spec components in TA2 helped limit annual budgets to around $150,000 per team, making professional racing more accessible.
Fan engagement: Events were held at iconic tracks like Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, and Sebring, drawing large crowds and live broadcasts.
Global influence: The series inspired international Trans-Am series in Australia and Asia, expanding its racing philosophy worldwide.

Overall, the 2018 Trans-Am Series reinforced its status as a cornerstone of American road racing. With strong competition, diverse participation, and a clear vision for the future, it remains a vital force in motorsports.