Matthew Brabham Continues Trans Am Series Dominance with Latest Effort
Matthew Brabham added a win to his streak of podiums in the Pirelli-presented Trans Am Series on Sunday at Sebring International Raceway.
After mechanical failures plagued defending champion Chris Dyson and polesitter Justin Marks, Brabham drove the No. 20 Gym Weed Ford Mustang to victory in the season-opening race and claimed his fourth win in just six Trans Am starts.
Marks led the field on green in his #99 Trackhouse Chevrolet Camaro through the first half of the 27-lap event. Brabham ran hot on Marks’ rear and regularly fought for the lead but failed to complete the pass, followed by CD Racing owner Dyson, 2002 Champion Boris Said and CD Racing teammate Adam Andretti.
Dyson dropped out of the competition when his No. 16 Gym Weed Mustang lost power on lap 14 and got a yellow card all over the race. Said’s No. 79 ECC/Anchor Bolt & Screw Dodge Challenger was damaged when it touched Dyson’s car when it suddenly slowed in front of him, forcing Said to visit the pit lane as well.
At the restart just three laps later, Marks suffered a power failure of his own which resulted in his retirement from the race. After taking the lead, Brabham maintained it for the remaining 10 laps. Andretti followed closely in the #21 Allgram Ford Mustang and the two paced through the field to the checkered flag, giving CD Racing a 1-2 finish.
Keith Grant in the No. 40 Showtime Motorsports Camaro rounded out the podium.
“It was an incredible weekend,” said Brabham on the podium. “Chris (Dyson) was really fast in the race and so was Justin (Marks) but they were struggling. This track is simply very tough for the cars. I got lucky and it’s so cool to share the podium with these guys, especially having Adam (Andretti) here.
“To hear the names Brabham and Andretti on a track like this with so much history, on a series with so much history, is pretty cool. Trans Am is just amazing, it’s so much fun. Many thanks to Chris and the team. They deserve a 1-2 finish and I’m so happy to get it for these guys. We made it to the end and survived. Thank you Gym Weed and allgram for supporting our team.”
Notebook
• In his six starts in the Trans Am Series, Matthew Brabham has averaged a 1.3 and won four of the six races he has competed in. His worst finish in the series is second.
TA Top 5:
Matthew Brabham, #20 Gym Weed Ford Mustang
Adam Andretti, No. 21 allgram Ford Mustang
Keith Grant, No.40 Showtime Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro
Ken Thwaits, #7 Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro
Tomy Drissi, #8 Lucas Oil Ford Mustang
TA Masters Award:
Ken Thwaits, #7 Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro