What Is 2019 Trans-Am Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Trans-Am Series was the 52nd season of the historic American road racing championship, featuring five classes: TA, XGT, SGT, GT, and TA2. It consisted of 12 rounds from March to November, hosted across the United States.

Key Facts

The 2019 Trans-Am Series began on March 15 at Sebring International Raceway in Florida
TA2 class was the most competitive, with 30+ cars regularly on track
Warren Stillwell won the TA2 Drivers' Championship in 2019
The series visited 12 circuits across the U.S., including Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca
Trans-Am returned to Brainerd International Raceway for the first time since 1989

Overview

The 2019 Trans-Am Series marked the 52nd season of one of North America’s longest-running sports car racing series. Originally founded in 1966, Trans-Am has evolved into a multi-class racing platform featuring production-based V8-powered coupes and modified grand tourers competing on road courses across the United States.

The 2019 season emphasized close, door-to-door racing with a focus on driver skill and mechanical reliability. The series continued its tradition of accessibility, allowing privateer teams to compete alongside factory-backed entries, fostering a diverse and competitive field.

March 15, 2019: The season kicked off at Sebring International Raceway, a 3.74-mile endurance circuit in Florida, setting the tone for a competitive year.
Five classes: The series featured TA (Trans-Am), XGT (eXperimental Grand Touring), SGT (Super Grand Touring), GT (Grand Touring), and TA2, each with distinct performance rules.
TA2 dominance: The TA2 class drew the largest grids, often exceeding 30 entries, making it the series’ most popular and closely contested category.
Warren Stillwell: Driving the No. 23 Gas Monkey Energy Chevrolet Camaro, Stillwell clinched the TA2 championship after consistent top-five finishes.
Historic return: The series returned to Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota in August, marking its first visit there since 1989 and drawing strong regional fan interest.

How It Works

The Trans-Am Series operates on a class-based structure, where vehicles are grouped by performance potential, engine size, and modifications. Each class adheres to strict technical regulations to ensure parity and close racing, particularly in the TA2 division, which has become a proving ground for up-and-coming drivers.

TA Class:Top-tier vehicles use 750+ horsepower V8 engines in modified American muscle cars like Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs, competing on 2.0-mile or longer circuits.
TA2 Class:Spec-based racing uses 525-horsepower engines with control tires and a transverse-mounted 5-speed sequential gearbox, ensuring tight competition and low operating costs.
SGT Class:High-performance GTs include modified Porsche 911s and Chevrolet Corvettes with aerodynamic kits and race suspensions, limited to 500 horsepower.
XGT Class:Experimental vehicles such as Dodge Vipers and BMW M3s compete with enhanced aerodynamics and lightweight bodies, designed for track durability.
GT Class:Production-based cars like the Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro SS run with minimal modifications, emphasizing driver skill over engineering budgets.
Points system:Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with additional bonuses for fastest lap and leading a lap, encouraging aggressive racing.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the five Trans-Am classes based on engine output, chassis type, and average grid size during the 2019 season:

Class	Engine Power (HP)	Chassis Type	Control Components	Avg. Entries per Race
TA	750+	Custom tube-frame with production body	None (open development)	8–12
TA2	525	Production-based (Camaro, Mustang, Challenger)	Spec tires, gearbox, ECU	30+
SGT	500	Modified production GT (Corvette, 911)	Limited aero kits	10–15
XGT	600	Enhanced production chassis	Custom bodywork allowed	6–9
GT	450	Stock production vehicles	Minimal modifications	12–18

The TA2 class stood out for its affordability and parity, attracting both amateur racers and former IndyCar drivers. Its spec components kept costs down while maximizing on-track action, making it a model for grassroots motorsport development in the U.S.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Trans-Am Series played a crucial role in sustaining American road racing heritage while adapting to modern motorsport economics. By balancing professional competition with accessibility, it provided a platform for driver development and brand exposure.

Driver development:TA2 serves as a training ground for young drivers aiming for higher series like IMSA or IndyCar, with low entry costs and high competition levels.
Manufacturer involvement:Brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge use Trans-Am to promote performance models and engage with grassroots motorsport fans.
Cost control:Spec parts in TA2 reduce development expenses, allowing teams to focus on strategy and setup rather than engineering arms races.
Regional appeal:Races in diverse locations from Sebring to Sonoma help grow local fanbases and track participation.
Historic continuity:As the longest-running series of its kind in North America, Trans-Am preserves classic American racing culture.
Media exposure:Races broadcast on MAVTV and YouTube increase visibility, attracting sponsors and new teams to the series.

The 2019 season reinforced Trans-Am’s relevance in a crowded motorsport landscape, proving that affordable, competitive, and exciting racing remains viable in modern times.