Courtesy Derhaag Motorsports/ Justin Anderson
CALGARY, Alberta (May 13, 2005) — Calgary resident Hima Maher will test a Trans-Am Series Chevrolet Corvette with veteran team Derhaag Motorsports next week at Mid-America Motorplex in Iowa.
Maher is hoping to compete in three Trans-Am races this season: Portland (June 18), Toronto (July 9) and Edmonton (July 16). Maher is a veteran of several racing series, and is the 2004 Canadian GT Championship titleholder. Last year, Maher won the Sports Car Club of British Columbia Invitational, part of the Molson Indy Vancouver, and he also competed in Porsche Club events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Portland. Maher is a veteran of both the Barber Dodge Pro Series and in 750 Super Bike motorcycle competition.
“Compared to other cars I’ve driven, it’s going to be take a little bit of time to get acclimated,” said Maher, who will be turning his first laps in a Trans-Am car next week. “I’m going to take bits and pieces of the experience I’ve gained in every car I’ve driven and apply it to the Trans-Am car. We’ll pick away at it piece by piece. I’ll work on braking and turn-in. I know the cars will accelerate well, but I have to get used to slowing down and getting into the corner at the right time.”
Maher is also eyeing a possible full-time Trans-Am effort.
“If we test well and we show promise, our next step is to do the three races,” said Maher, who was born in Kenya. “Then, if we show well at Portland, we can put the foundation down and strongly consider running the whole Series. Our goal is to run full time, but we have to look at the realities of the situation. It all depends on our performance. We have strong support from Centennial Motorsports Group of Calgary,” added Maher. “Their backing is truly appreciated."
Based in Shakopee, Minn., Derhaag Motorsports began competing in late model stock car racing in 1972 on short tracks across the Midwest. In 1981, the team made its first appearance in the Trans-Am Series and has been a full-time competitor with the Series since 1983. The team, known for reliability, boasts one of the highest finishing records in Trans-Am. Derhaag Motorsports started the 2005 Trans-Am season on a high note, winning the season opener at Long Beach with driver Randy Ruhlman.
The Trans-Am Series features closed-fendered, production-based, V-8-powered sports cars, competing on permanent road courses, and temporary street and airport circuits throughout North America. The Trans-Am Series is America’s oldest continuously running road racing series and celebrates its 40th continuous year of competition in 2005.
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