FUN and hard work was how Russell Ingall described the challenge of racing a NASCAR for 100 kilometres at Mount Panorama in 1998 and now, 32 years later, another generation of drivers are poised for a similar experience.
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Come this year's Bathurst International in November thundering all-American muscle cars will again be in the spotlight as the Australian Racing Group has confirmed that the National Trans Am Series will have its own 100km feature race.
The concept harks back to the NASCAR 100 that was run at the famous circuit back in 1998 during an era where the American stock cars were competing locally.
That race was won by Russell Ingall in a Chev Monte Carlo.
Ingall started on pole thanks to a 2:20.75 qualifier and went on claim the chequered flag ahead of Kim Jane and Matthew White.
"Towards the end there, as predicted, the brakes got a bit spongy and the tyres started to go off and Kim was putting the pressure on me," Ingall said after that 16-lap feature.
The Trans Am Series drivers, who include third-generation star Aaron Seton, will tackle three races at Mount Panorama in November with the 100km enduro to be their round finale.
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While the Trans Am cars have raced at Bathurst before as part of combined classes, this event will mark the first time that they have competed in their own race around the 6.213km circuit.
"Some circuits around Australia try and promote hero events, but no place can do it quite like Mount Panorama," Matt Braid, the ARG chief executive officer, said.
"The Trans Am 100 at Bathurst will be the jewel in the crown of local and international Trans Am competition and will be a big feature of the inaugural Bathurst International.
"ARG understands that the current situation around the world will prohibit elements of any event, which we feel will make the inaugural Trans Am 100 a great opportunity for local entrants to maximise their time around the best race track in the country.
"Having these iconic American muscle car brands really speaks to the international component of the event, and we can't wait to see these big cars tackle the mountain."
Trans Am racing was pioneered in the USA back in the 1960s and is one of the most enduring forms of motor sport anywhere in the world.
The 2020 Bathurst International will be held on November 12-15.
