Misfortune for Ruman at Watkins Glen Trans Am

September 15, 2022

Munroe Falls, Ohio – Round 9 of the Trans Am Championship Presented by Pirelli TA did not go according to plan for the Ruman Racing team last weekend at Watkins Glen International (WGI), NY.
 
Sunny skies and perfect racing temperatures started off the Franklin Road Trans Am weekend perfectly. Ruman worked through some set up issues and secured sixth place in Saturday night’s qualifying session in her No. 23 McNichols Chevrolet Corvette. However, a rainy Sunday made for a soggy TA race day.
 
The track was rain soaked with intermittent heavy rain showers and no chance of drying out during the race. Teams went out on wet tires, their rain setups, and not much visibility. There was lots of action throughout the field, with Ruman trading positions and advancing to fourth on a great re-start during the first part of the race. A few laps later, the rain increased, and she hit some heavy water running across the track in turn 6 heading down the chute. The front brakes locked up and she slid off the track into the wall. Ruman was able to get the car off the wall and continue to pit lane, but the car sustained significant damage and she was unable to continue the race.
 
“Everyone knows I don’t really like racing in the rain, but today I was really running well. I had some great battles with Drissi and Fix, the rain setup was working well, and I was confident we could stay up front. Unfortunately, I overshot the braking zone and once I locked up in the wet, I was just a passenger. The car sustained tremendous damage and I feel terrible for the team. They have a lot to fix, but we all know the risk goes up in these treacherous conditions. I truly wish it was a dry race because I think we would have had a fast car. The guys will get to work right away so we can try and make VIR next month”, exclaimed Ruman.
 
After Round 9 at Watkins Glen, Chris Dyson clinched the TA National class championship with 270 points, Tomy Drissi moves up into second – 200, Ken Thwaits drops to third – 194, Amy Ruman is in fourth – 188, and David Pintaric sits in fifth – with 114 points.
 
Two rounds remain in the 2022 season, with the Series traveling to VIRginia International Raceway next month, October 6-9.
 
LIVE STREAMING AND CBS TV COVERAGE OF THE TRANS AM SEASON:
The entire lineup of 2022 SpeedTour will LIVE stream for FREE! Fans can watch from anywhere on a variety of social media platforms including the new SpeedTour.TV, the Trans Am Facebook page, and YouTube channels SpeedTourTV and the Trans Am Series.
 
CBS Sports Network Airtimes:
Watkins Glen 
TA/XGT/SGT/GT Premiere: Sunday 9/18 – 5:30pm ET, Encore: Sunday 9/18 – 11:30pm ET
TA2® Premiere: Wednesday 9/14 – 7:00pm ET, Encore: Thursday 9/15 – 12:30am ET
 
SPONSOR:  McNICHOLS CO. is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24-hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 | mcnichols.com | sales@mcnichols.com
 
For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow us on all social media! Twitter: @rumanracing, @mcnicholsco, and @gotransam. Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli.
 
Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.