Trans Am At Sebring Raceway

2026 Trans Am Season Opener at Sebring: Cole Moore Claims First National Victory in TA Cup Amid Challenging Weather

The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli roared back to life for its 60th anniversary season at the legendary Sebring International Raceway in Florida. Held from February 27 to March 1, 2026, the event was a thrilling mix of high-speed action, strategic racing, and unpredictable Florida weather that kept fans on the edge of their seats. While the headline-grabbing TA class saw Matthew Brabham dominate, our focus here is on the Trans Am Cup (TA Cup) cars—a class that embodies the spirit of accessible, competitive road racing with spec engines and balanced performance. And what a debut it was for the TA Cup National Championship, with young talent Cole Moore securing his maiden national win, followed closely by veterans Ken Thwaits in second and Matt Crandall in third.

Weather's Dramatic Role in the Sebring Opener

Florida's weather is notorious for its volatility, and the 2026 Sebring season opener was no exception. Heavy rain and lightning storms forced the cancellation of qualifying sessions for multiple classes, including TA and TA Cup. Officials had no choice but to set the starting grid based on practice times from earlier in the day, adding an extra layer of strategy and uncertainty. Drivers like Jim Guthrie, who topped practice in TA Cup, started on pole but couldn't hold off the challengers once the green flag dropped.

By race day on March 1, conditions had improved to partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the upper 70s—ideal for racing but with the lingering effects of the prior day's downpour making the 3.74-mile, 17-turn circuit slick in spots. The bumpy, unforgiving Sebring track, known for its WWII-era concrete runways, tested tire grip and car setups even more under these variable conditions. Four cautions during the 27-lap race, totaling nine laps under yellow, were partly attributed to minor incidents exacerbated by the track's residual moisture and the intense competition.

This weather drama not only shuffled the grid but highlighted the resilience of the TA Cup cars. These machines, featuring spec Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge bodies with controlled power outputs around 800 horsepower, are designed for close racing without the extreme costs of higher classes. The weather leveled the playing field, rewarding drivers who could adapt quickly to changing grip levels.

TA Cup Race Recap: Cole Moore's Breakthrough Victory

The TA Cup class, running alongside TA, XGT, GT1, SGT, and GT in a combined field, delivered edge-of-your-seat action. Starting from the second position in class (sixth overall) based on practice laps, Cole Moore from Granite Bay, California, wasted no time asserting dominance in his No. 32 Chris Evans Race Cars Ford Mustang. Moore seized the lead on lap one with a bold pass on pole-sitter Jim Guthrie and never looked back, completing all 27 laps with a best time of 2:04.559. This marked Moore's first national-level victory in Trans Am, a milestone for the rising star who has been honing his skills in regional series.

Hot on Moore's heels was Ken Thwaits, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of Racing America, who balanced his executive duties with a strong drive in his No. 9 Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro. Starting third in class, Thwaits posted a best lap of 2:05.354 and finished just 3.752 seconds behind Moore, earning valuable points in what promises to be a competitive season.

Rounding out the podium was Matt Crandall in the No. 08 Avant Garde Collection Ford Mustang, who started fourth in class and battled through to third with a best lap of 2:07.554. Crandall's consistent pace in the tricky conditions showcased the TA Cup's emphasis on driver skill over outright power.

Jim Guthrie, despite leading practice, slipped to fourth after early contact and a lap down, highlighting how the weather-influenced grid and race incidents can turn fortunes quickly.

Why TA Cup Shines at Sebring

The TA Cup class is all about affordability and parity, making it an entry point for aspiring pros and a playground for seasoned racers. Cars like Moore's Ford Mustang, Thwaits' Chevrolet Camaro, and Crandall's Ford Mustang exemplify the muscle car heritage of Trans Am while adhering to strict rules that keep costs down. At Sebring, the bumpy track and weather demands pushed these 3,000-pound beasts to their limits, with drivers navigating high-speed straights and tight corners where a single mistake could end the day.

Moore's win was particularly poignant, as he reflected on social media: "Winner at Sebring in the Trans Am National opener. Historic track. National stage. Huge team effort. This feels so good." It's moments like these that make the TA Cup a fan favorite—raw, American road racing at its best.

Looking Ahead in the 2026 Trans Am Season

With the Sebring opener in the books, the TA Cup National Championship heads next to Road Atlanta in mid-March, promising more excitement. Cole Moore's victory sets a high bar, but with talents like Thwaits and Crandall in pursuit, the battles will be fierce. If the weather at Sebring is any indication, expect the unexpected in this milestone season.

For more on Trans Am racing, results, and upcoming events, check out the official Trans Am site. Stay tuned for updates, and remember: in racing, as in life, adapting to the storm often leads to victory.