Social Psychology Quarterly suggests there are only two things in our control: “Our physical environment and our behavior.” The deep-rooted proclivities that we forge from an early age are often dependent on the environment in which we grew up.
For two-time Trans-Am champion Amy Ruman, her racing environment played a significant role in her early development as we were to find out. We caught up with Amy in between races at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
It was a perfect race day in November and the end of the COVID shortened Trans-Am season. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of mechanics and stacks of racing tires, you could sense this was her natural element.
In many ways, it’s been this way from an early age. Her dad, Bob, was a successful Trans-Am driver in the 90s and into the early 2000s. He competed in 95 career races, posting 30 top-10 finishes.
In 2000 he switched to a Corvette for Sebring and ran Corvettes for the remainder of his career.
Even her mother, Barbara, competed in local Corvette autocross and time trial events. As Amy recalls, “She was really fast behind the wheel.
“For us, racing has always been a family affair,” Amy went on to say, “There are some old photos of me, my sister Niki, and my mom wrenching in the garage.”
In talking with Amy, she says that racing is in her blood. After spending time talking to her, we don’t doubt it.
Proven Success
Growing up and living in Akron, Ohio, Amy said she was excited to make her Trans-Am series debut in the 2005 Cleveland Grand Prix, where she finished 10th. Over the following race seasons, Amy has firmly entrenched her name in the record books.
- 2016 Trans-Am TA Champion – Captured back-to-back championships in the series’ 50th Anniversary season.
- 2015 Trans-Am TA Champion – First woman to capture a championship in the 49-year history of the series.
- 16 career Trans-Am wins.
- The first woman to win a Trans-Am Series race in the history of the series – Road Atlanta, October 2011.
- The first woman to win a professional automobile race at Daytona, as a solo driver – TA Race November 2014.
- Five-time SCCA Northeast Division GT-1 Champion (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011.
- Trans-Am Series and GT-1 National/Major career stats combined: Started over 200 races, captured 44 poles, scored 47 victories, 26-second places, 25 third place, 137 top-five, and 169 top-ten finishes.
These are great racing results for any well-financed corporate team. When you consider that Amy and Ruman Racing has always been a privateer, they become even more impressive.
The TA level is considered Trans Am’s elite and most expensive competition level.
What Amy may lack in state-of-the-art equipment and deep R&D pockets, she makes up with heart, tenacity, and road course experience.
Only Winning Matters
You might think the topic of being a female racer in a male-dominated sport would be a significant talking point. It wasn’t at all.
In fact, it wasn’t even mentioned until we brought the topic up later in the interview. As Amy was quick to point out, she is following in the footsteps of Trans-Am drivers Deborah Gregg and Lyn St. James.
“The race car doesn’t know what gender you are” – Amy Ruman
Amy doesn’t dwell on the fact she’s a woman racer, probably because she has been racing men and beating them her whole life. When you look over her many wins and championships, the gender question ceases to be relevant.
She has long since proven herself worthy of a place on the starting grid.
Road Atlanta Is Special
As our conversation turned to the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Amy gave this insight, “Road Atlanta is a special place for us. This is the place where I won my first Trans-Am race,” she said.
“Road Atlanta is a tough track,” remarked the two-time champion. “Consistency is important here, for sure. This road course has several challenges, especially with the downhill esses and the long downhill coming down to the front straight.”
“If you’ve got a good setup and the weather is good, you can do well here,” she added.
Trans-Am Competition
Next, we turned our questions to how competitive the Trans-Am series has become. “Our competition is getting pretty deep in recent years,” she observed. “Trans-Am has attracted some large, well-funded teams.”
“We’re facing a lot of top drivers, a lot of top teams. Some guys have newer cars, some people are spending a lot more money than we are.”
“I think a lot of factors come into play to make it more challenging. It’s very competitive, but that’s what makes it fun.”
When asked if she would consider making the move to other automotive racing she said, “Rod, you know, we’ve found a home in Trans-Am. We feel like a part of the family, and I’m proud to be part of the Trans-Am legacy.”
“There are drivers and teams that jump around but we’ve got so much invested here, besides, these are the cars we like to run. These cars produce so much horsepower, they’re fast and a lot of fun to drive.”
“This series is unique also because the cars don’t have any driver aids, traction control, or fuel injection. I really like this style of racing and the format.”
“I’m not saying I wouldn’t try other series or different things, but we’re so invested in Trans-Am, it would be hard to leave,” she said.
Fan Favorite
Amy Ruman displays the gracious heart of a champion on and off the road course. Her devoted fans call themselves, “Amy’s Army” and can be seen at most road courses waving and cheering her on.
The “Amy Army” turnout is especially strong and enthusiastic at her home track of Mid-Ohio. Not surprisingly, she has twice been awarded the Trans-Am Excellence in Publicity Award.
Amy Ruman has the focus, determination, and skill set to be a winner whenever she’s on the starting grid. Spend some time talking to her as we did, and you’ll come away with one certainty.
Win or lose, Amy Ruman will always have the heart of a Trans-Am champion.
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