In the late 60's and especially in the early 1970's, Pony Cars with American Muscle made racing names for themselves with Dodge Challengers, Plymouth Barracudas, Chevy Camaros and Ford Mustangs challenging the road racing courses thorough the States in series known then as SCCA Trans Am and "A" Production. And while the series names and the definition of a Pony Car has been revised, the Competition among the Nameplates and the Teams that remember continues on.This car started its life as a street car weighing 4,300lbs, but has now been lipo-sucked down to 3,495lbs. We had some engine and mechanical problems early on, including a manufacturing defect in the engine block, that have resulted in early race retirements. We have since built an aluminum dry sump engine, and have tested at the Chrysler proving grounds, a local airport, West Palm Raceway, and Texas Motor Ranch. With the full support of Chrysler employees the guys at Blackforest believe they now have a competitive and reliable race car.
Fast forward to the last race of the Grand Am Koni Challenge Series which is being held on the high speed Virginia International Raceway on October 2-4. There on the rolling countryside, the Dodge Challenger and the expected return of the Chevy Camaro will take on series veterans Ford Mustang, Porsche 997, and BMW M3 in a 4 hour Endurance Race on the 3.27 mile, 17 turn Road Course.With the retirement of team Principal Brian Nott, Blackforest will now be headed up by Chris Nott & Tom Nastasi under the new name TPN / Blackforest Motorsports Racing.
Blackforest Motorsports will bring the 2009 Dodge Challenger fresh from an 8 hour test and chassis tuning session in the hands of Koni Series winning drivers, Tom Nastasi and Ian James. Joining them for this race is SCCA Champion Eric Heuschele. The Chevy Camaro will be piloted by David Donohue and one of the leading Mustangs is in the hands of Jack Roush Jr.