Promising Talent Annunziata Aspires New Chapter with Burtin Racing in Top Trans Am Class
October 1, 2024
Alton, VIRGINIA – October 1, 2024 – The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli heads to Virginia International Raceway where Burtin Racing partners with Thomas Annunziata to debut his first TA1 class race with the Series in the No. 17 Criswell Chevrolet / Castrol Chevrolet Camaro. The SpeedTour event is slated for October 3 – 6 as the 2024 season is winding down to a close.
Annunziata steps into the Burtin Racing seat formerly piloted by Adam Andretti who successfully scored a race win at the team’s home track at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and a podium finish at Lime Rock Park. Although the program had multiple mechanical ailments throughout the season, Andretti delivered solid driving and promotion for the team despite the back luck.
“Adam is an excellent driver in anything you put him in and one of the best friends you can have in the paddock,” said Claudio Burtin, team principal. “Since debuting this new Burtin Racing built car last year, the team is constantly working on development. We are looking forward to Thomas joining the program in Virginia and the team is looking long-term to what the future might hold with this upcoming young star.”
Thomas Annunziata, a talented 19-year-old from Colts Neck, New Jersey, has rapidly been making a name in motorsports. He began his racing journey in karting, clinching three National Karting titles from 2020 to 2022. A highlight of his inaugural pro racing debut in 2023 was a victory at the Circuit of The Americas in TA2.
So far in 2024, he has continued his strong performance in TA2, earning two podium finishes at Road Atlanta and Lime Rock Park and currently sits fourth place in the Championship standings. Thomas also delivered an eye-catching second place finish at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA 200. With each race, Annunziata solidifies his status as a name to watch.
“Burtin Racing has the professionalism and experience racing at the highest levels and still feels like a family organization,” said Thomas Annunziata. “I am really close with Adam [Andretti] and he put in some good words for me. Claudio has an amazing background and is one of the most interesting people in the paddock. Integrity and success are a great combination in this sport. I am excited to get started and see what the future holds.”
The No. 17 Burtin Racing Camaro will feature Criswell Chevrolet for the Virginia International Raceway event and keep Castrol onboard as the team is working on 2025 options with news to be released soon.
Watch the Trans Am presented by Pirelli race live this Sunday, October 6 on MAVTV at 1:20PM ET or check out the YouTube live stream on your app or browser.
The race will consist of 31 laps or 75-minutes around the 3.27-mile circuit in Southern Virginia.
A highlight show of the race will air on MAVTV on October 10 at 9:00PM ET.
Follow the team Burtin Racing on social media @BurtinRacing on Instagram and Thomas Annunziata at @ThomasAnnunziata15 and on X @tannunziata15.
About Criswell Automotive:Criswell Automotive is a family-owned Chevrolet dealership in Gaithersburg, MD since 1972. Criswell has expanded to four campuses and is the largest general motor dealer in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area. Criswell Chevrolet has been awarded the Jack Smith leadership award for thirteen consecutive years. Learn more about Criswell Chevrolet at www.criswellchevroletbuickgmc.com
About Castrol:Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fueling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea, and space for over 125 years.
Castrol is part of the BP Group and serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Our branded products are recognized globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.
For more information, please visit: www.castrol.com
About Burtin Racing:Burtin Racing is based in Adairsville, GA, and is home to Claudio Burtin’s professional motorsport team and automotive street performance facility. The 70k square foot race shop services Trans Am racing programs including the newly debuted Chevrolet Camaro, Mercedes AMG and Porsche GT cars. Burtin Racing has experience working with world-class drivers in both 24-hour endurance racing and sprint racing formats. The team’s primary partner Top Liner has been featured on the Trans Am Chevrolet Camaro since 2023 with driver Adam Andretti, learn more here: www.topliner.com
