On This Day in Trans Am History: May 14, 1989
May 14, 2020
May 14, 1989
Dorsey Schroeder outlasted stiff competition and sizzling heat to score his first victory in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, winning in his third career start at the new temporary circuit at Addison in metropolitan Dallas.
Schroeder drove the No. 25 Roush Racing Motorcraft Ford Mustang in the 125-mile, 80-lap race, finishing nearly a lap ahead of the Harley Davidson Chevrolet Camaro of Bob Sobey.
The lead changed hands seven times among four drivers, each of whom led twice.
Irv Hoerr started from the pole in his father Rudy’s No. 15 AC Rochester Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The Peoria driver led for only one lap, before Darin Brassfield led laps 2-6 in the No. 88 Pacific Summit Corvette. Wally Dallenbach then took over to lead four laps in the No. 30 AER/Roush Racing Mustang. Brassfield and Dallenbach each regained the lead over the next 33 circuits, before Schroeder went to the front for the first time, leading seven laps. Brassfield exited with overheating and Dallenbach with engine issues. Hoerr went back out front on lap 51 and led five laps before experiencing rear end problems that led to his retirement.
Once he got by Hoerr, it was clear sailing for Schroeder.
“We kept the pace we wanted to run all day and it worked out for us,” said Schroeder. “I wanted to run along in fourth place for the first 50 laps and see what happened. I thought the guys running in front of me might not last at the pace they were running. They didn't.”
Mike Ciasulli placed a career-best third in the No. 16 Hoerr Olds, admitting later that he had no idea of where he finished due to the heat. Dick Danielson placed fourth in his own No. 9 Oldsmobile, followed by Lyn St. James in the No. 07 Roush Secret/Sure/Duralt Mustang.
The victory also gave the points lead to Schroeder, who went on to record six of his 17 career victories and the championship.
Photo by Mark Windecker: Shown in the No. 2 Motorcraft Ford Mustang in his victory at Des Moines, Iowa, Dorsey Schroeder carried the No. 25 on his Roush Mustang throughout the remainder of 1989 in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Mustang.
