Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic showcases Road Racing in Minnesota

The iconic roar of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli will return once more to Brainerd International Raceway on July 1-2, 2017, for the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic, bringing world-class road racing to the state of Minnesota.  

The event marks the third consecutive year of Ryan Companies US Inc. playing a pivotal role in bringing the iconic Trans Am Series, now in its 51st year, to one of its historic homes—the Brainerd International Raceway course— for Round 6 of Trans Am’s national championship. 

“Year after year, Ryan Companies has proven to be a valued partner of the Trans Am Series,” said John Clagett, President of the Trans Am Race Company.  “Tim Gray has been a competitor in our paddock since 2011 and, like Ryan Companies, has played a pivotal role in the resurgence Trans Am has experienced over recent years.  We’re proud to once more partner in bringing Trans Am to the state of Minnesota, pairing American road racing with a celebration of our country’s independence.”

“Ryan is proud to be a sponsor of the Independence Day Classic, and I’m excited to be driving for the Ryan team,” said Tim Gray, Chairman of the Board of Ryan Companies.  “We love this family-friendly event, and it’s great to be close to our northern Minnesota roots.”

The event will mark Trans Am’s 26th appearance on the Brainerd track, a history that dates back to 1969.  Today’s reignited tradition dates back to 2011 and continues to the upcoming event, a feat made possible, in part, to the commitment and dedication to the sport from Ryan Companies. 

“Tim Gray and Ryan Companies play a major part in making the Brainerd weekend a success,” said Clagett.  “Their dedication to the event, and bringing the people of Minnesota to the state’s premier road racing action of the year, cannot be understated.”

The event will feature an estimated 28 competitors from across the continental United States and two 100-mile races on July 2: the Ryan Companies Muscle Car Challenge and Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic.  Competitors to be in attendance include defending TA class champion Amy Ruman, TA2 champion Gar Robinson and TA class points leader Ernie Francis, Jr.

Tickets:

Advance tickets may be purchased at a discounted rate online at www.gotransam.com/events, at www.brainerdraceway.com, or by phone at 1-866-444-4455.  Camping is available; children under the age of 12 are free.  Tickets may be purchased at the gate as well. 

Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic Schedule:

Saturday July 1, 2017

9:00 am – 9:30 am                            TA2 Practice 1

9:30 am – 10:00 am                          TA/TA3/TA4 Practice 1

11:30 am –12:00 pm                          TA2 Practice 2

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm                        TA/TA3/TA4 Practice 2

2:30 pm – 2:50 pm                           TA2 Qualifying

2:50 pm – 3:10 pm                            TA Qualifying

3:10 pm – 3:30 pm                            TA3/TA4 Qualifying

Sunday July 2, 2017

11:00 am – 12:15 pm                       Ryan Companies Muscle Car Challenge

2:30 pm – 3:45 pm                            Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic

*all times Central Daylight

Session Coverage:

Live Timing: All on-track sessions can be followed at www.gotransam.com and on the Race Monitor app available on Windows, Android, iOS and OSX. 

Text Commentary: Updates provided throughout sessions on Twitter at @gotransam.

Broadcast: This weekend's event will be broadcast, tape delayed, on CBS Sports Network.

Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic (TA, TA3, TA4) – Jul 22, 12:00pm ET

Ryan Companies Muscle Car Challenge (TA2) – Aug 05, 12:00pm ET

About the Trans Am Series, presented by Pirelli:

The Trans Am Series, presented by Pirelli, began igniting the passion of motorsports fans across the world in 1966 and has been home to some of the greatest names in road racing. Today, Trans Am continues to honor its legacy, while challenging the status quo in racing, through meaningful racing platforms and a driver-oriented focus. The Trans Am Series is operated by The Trans Am Race Company, LLC (TARC), and oversees the management and marketing of the Trans Am Series, presented by Pirelli. SCCA Pro Racing sanctions Trans Am events and provides operations services to the Series.

Defending Champions include: Amy Ruman (TA), Tony Buffomante (TA2), Randy Mueller (TA3) and Ernie Francis, Jr. (TA4).

For more on the Series visit www.gotransam.com, “like” Trans Am on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gotransam, or follow Trans Am on Twitter @gotransam