George Follmer in the Ford Mustang Boss 302 leads the Plymouth Barracuda driven by Dan Gurney in the 1970 Trans Am Championship race at Laguna Seca.
Monterey, CA – The Aug. 12-15 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will unleash the might of American muscle cars as Ford Motor Company presents Ford in Trans-Am — a 55th Anniversary.
Created by the Sports Car Club of America in 1966, the Trans-Am series initially spotlighted mostly European under-2.0-litre cars, yet it was the mighty V8s that catapulted the series into prominence. Ford led the way, capturing the over-2.0-litre manufacturers’ title in 1966 and 1967, led notably by Jerry Titus behind the wheel of Shelby American Team’s Mustang.
The same silhouette of the Ford Mustang Boss 302 remains a fan favorite each year at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, as seen here descending the Corkscrew in 2019.
“Mustang is one of the biggest success stories in automotive history and its success began on this very race track in Trans-Am’s early days,” said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO. “We’re so proud to return to Monterey this August to re-live this memorable chapter in our history — some of the best racing ever witnessed — and a significant contributor to the Mustang story.”
The Ford feature display will showcase the company’s path to Trans-Am fame against rival Camaro Z/28s, AMC Javelins, Plymouth Barracudas, Dodge Challengers and Pontiac Firebirds. Get full event info.
“It was a who’s who of drivers that weekend in August 1969 when the series made its way to Monterey,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “In Fords were Peter Revson, George Follmer, Parnelli Jones and Dan Gurney, who finished third in his Ford Mustang Boss 302. Mustang came back to win in 1970, with Parnelli Jones taking the checker.”
