Tomy Drissi will join the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli for the series’ debut at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), for two 100-mile races, the Trans Am Speedway Showdown (TA/TA3/TA4) and Indianapolis Muscle Car Challenge (TA2), Round 5 of the 2017 Trans Am Championship presented by Pirelli, June 17-18.
This is the TransAm Series’ first appearance in 51 years in Indianapolis, the “Racing Capital of the World”. All competition will take place on IMS’ 2.439-mile Grand Prix road course. Tomy will be back driving the Ave prepared No. 8 Mustang featuring “War for the Planet of the Apes” in theaters July 14.
“This is just amazing,” exclaimed Tomy. “In all my years racing, I’ve never turned a lap at Indianapolis. It’s an incredible feeling to be here. Even though it’s a different race and we’re running on the road course, in the back of your mind, you can’t shake the thought,… this is the Brickyard. This is the place where every race car driver dreams of racing. It’s crazy… I can’t believe we’re here.”
“We’ve got our work cut out for us this weekend,” added Tomy. “We’re in the fifth round of the championship and we’re chasing down points. I haven’t done all the math, but I’m counting on getting a clean run in and hoping to close up the gap. Tony’s [Ave] guys have been working hard on getting the car comfortable for me… but to be honest, it’s up to me to drive it. These are 100 mile races and we don’t have the luxury of worrying about my comfort.”
“We’re expecting big crowds for the weekend,” Tomy continued. “We’re here with the War for the Planet of the Apes movie on the No. 8 Mustang, I think the fans are going to love it. The car looks great!”
Round 5 of the 2017 Trans Am Championship Schedule:
Thursday June 15, 2017
5:05 PM – 5:35 PM TA/TA3/TA4 Practice 1
Friday, June 16, 2017
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM TA/TA3/TA4 Practice 2
3:25 PM – 3:50 PM TA2 Practice 1
5:25 PM – 5:40 PM TA Qualifying
5:40 PM – 5:55 PM TA3/TA4 Qualifying
Saturday June 17, 2017
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM TA2 Practice 2
2:40 PM – 4:00 PM Trans Am Speedway Showdown – TA/TA3/TA4
4:30 PM – 4:50 PM TA2 Qualifying
Sunday June 18, 2017
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Indianapolis Muscle Car Challenge – TA2
*all times Eastern Daylight
War for the Planet of the Apes – In the July 14 release, Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both of their species and the future of the planet.
Keep up with Tomy at http://www.tomydrissi.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tomydrissi/ – Catch Tomy’s Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/tomydrissi
Tomy Drissi is an American driver and Trans Am Champion.
His driver experience includes ALMS, Trans-Am, NASCAR and Speed World Challengea
Born December 9 in Hollywood, California, Tomy owns an advertising firm that produces upcoming film displays for cinemas.
Drissi’s first racing experience in motorsports was street racing on Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.
Tomy’s professional racing career highlights include:
• 1999 Trans-Am Rookie of the Year,
• 2000 Trans-Am BBS Most Improved Driver,
• 2000 Trans-Am Crew of the Year
• 2000 Trans-Am Long Beach Champion
• 2009 Trans-Am Champion.
• 2010 ALMS (one off race) Prototype LMP1 3rd. at Mid Ohio
• 2011 saw Tomy’s return to the American Le Mans LMPC division. He scored a 2nd at Long Beach, 3rd at Lime Rock, 1st at Mid Ohio,1st at Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix and second at Road Atlanta -Petit Le Mans.
• 2012, Drissi teamed with Bruno Junqiera for finishing 2nd at Laguna Seca, a win at Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsports Park), 2nd at Baltimore and second at the season finale, Petit Lemans.
• 2013 NASCAR CUP/Nationwide. Best result at Mid Ohio starting 38th and finishing 19th.
• 2014 IMSA LMPC at Daytona 3rd.
• 2014 NASCAR CUP/Nationwide. Finished 19th at The Glen
• 2015 TUDOR Series. 2nd Place Rolex 24 at Daytona
• 2016 WeatherTech Series. 2nd Place Rolex 24 at Daytona
About TransAm
The Trans Am Series is America’s Road Racing Series and dates back to 1966. Throughout the years, some of the greatest names in motorsports have participated in the Trans Am Series. Names like Tommy Kendall, Mark Donohue, Peter Gregg, Bob Tullius and Wally Dallenbach, Jr. have all won multiple championships under the Trans Am name.
While Trans Am will always be dedicated to honoring its history and legacy, it is far from simply living in the past. Since the addition of the Trans Am Race Company, LLC in late 2011, Trans Am has experienced unprecedented growth as a new class based model has been implemented. Now, three distinct classes take center stage; TA, TA2 and TA3, Trans Am is positioned to power into the future, not live in the past.
The iconic Trans Am Series – America’s Road Racing Series – is operated by the Trans Am Race Company, LLC. Through a five-year agreement, the Trans Am Race Company manages the marketing rights to the series and is responsible for Trans Am Series public relations and promotions. SCCA Pro Racing sanctions Trans Am events and provides event operations services to the series.
For more on the Series visit www.gotransam.com, “like” Trans Am on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gotransam, or follow Trans Am on Twitter at @gotransam.