Camaros, Challengers and Mustang pony cars are ready to set the stage for what's to come in the 2010 Koni Challenge season with cars that come straight from the dealer's showrooms with minimal performance modifications. Together, they bring back a lot of memories not seen since the golden age of Trans-Am racing.
Chevy fans recall the efforts of Mark Donohue and Ronnie Bucknum, two drivers from opposite ends of the country that raced similarly - out front and gunning for victories. Together, they drove the No. 6 Sunoco Chevrolet Camaro to a road racing championship in 1969. Donohue went on to win three road racing titles, two in a Camaro, before winning the 1972 Indianapolis 500.
Ford fanatics rooted for car owners Bud Moore and Carroll Shelby and driver Parnelli Jones, who was the 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner. Sam Posey, who had stints in IndyCars, Formula 1, Can-Am as well as the Trans-Am Series, made a name for himself behind the wheel of Ray Caldwell's factory-backed Dodge Challenger.
In 2009, Ford Mustangs dominated the Grand Sport division with both a series & manufacturer's championship. The Dodge Challenger debuted at the season opener in last year and went through extensive development for a full run for the championship in 2010. Stevenson Motorsports debuted a new 2010 Camaro with the same graphics as the No. 6 Sunoco Camaro that won the Trans-Am championship over 40 years ago.
All three domestic ponycars will be battling door to door with BMW, Porsche and Mazda. Check out www.grand-am.com for the season schedule and results.