Simon Gregg. Champion.

 

By completing just one lap during the race, Simon Gregg became a Trans Am Champion. 

 

Gregg has had a remarkable year in Trans Am.  In fact, Sunday’s race was the only one during which he had failed to find his way onto the podium.  Gregg’s tallies for the 2012 season include four third place finishes, three second place finishes and two first place finishes. A remarkable streak of consistency.

 

"I’m thrilled, absolutely thrilled to be part of this.  The series is growing, competition is better than ever—and it’s been a great year.  The team, the car, everything we’ve done together with Jim Derhaag over the past year, its culminated in this.”  

 

This victory puts Gregg in with the names of other Trans Am legends like Kendall, Donohue, Pruett, Follmer, Kwech and Sharp—but it also lands him alongside the great Peter Gregg, Simon’s father.  Peter Gregg took home the title of Trans Am champion in 1973 and again in 1974.  Known for his pursuit of racing perfection, Peter Gregg could only be proud of the near perfect season that Simon Gregg has accomplished.  

 

The season began for Gregg with a third place finish at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, but the podium finish was just the beginning of great things for 2012. 

 

Simon Gregg claimed his first victory of the year during the second round at Lime Rock Park, and then followed it up with another first place finish at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on his 100th Trans Am start, claiming the points lead in the act.  Gregg would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the year. 

 

Gregg would extend his streak with a devote and confident style of driving throughout the year,  going about business in a consistent way.  Never crashing or spinning out, burning through his tires or pushing the car beyond its limits.  Gregg just seemed to do everything right, epitomizing the gentleman racer that Trans Am has become known for over the years. 

 

By taking second place during the ninth round on Saturday November 3, 2012 Gregg all but sealed his championship.  Although he finished the race, by completing just one lap during the final round on November 4, Gregg became a champion. 

 

He went in to the records books with his father, as they became the first father and son ever to win Trans Am Championships.  Gregg was overjoyed to follow in his father's footsteps.

 

"I think about my dad a lot, he was a wonderful racer, if I can only be half the racer he was, I’ll be happy with that.  He was a Porsche man, I like driving these big American muscle cars—I just love to drive these big powerful front engine cars.  But my dad taught me about racing at a young age and now I’m trying to follow in his footsteps.”  

 

No longer just the son of a Trans Am legend, Simon Gregg has become a legend in his own right.