Chris Evans Race Cars Shines in Trans Am TA Cup Debut at Sebring: Highlights from the 2026 Season Opener
Chris Evans Race Cars Shines in Trans Am TA Cup Debut at Sebring: Highlights from the 2026 Season Opener
The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli kicked off its milestone 60th-anniversary season at the historic Sebring International Raceway from February 27 to March 1, 2026. While the TA class delivered its share of drama with Matthew Brabham taking the win, the real spotlight for many fell on the debut of the TA Cup National Championship—and the standout performance of cars built by Chris Evans Race Cars.
Chris Evans, a two-time Western Championship title winner and respected builder, supplies these spec tube-frame machines that bring accessible, high-performance American muscle to the national stage. Featuring silhouette bodies (primarily Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, and Dodge Challengers), previous-generation NASCAR engines producing around 525 horsepower, and running on 18-inch Pirelli P ZERO slicks, these roughly 2,900-pound beasts are designed for close, cost-effective competition. Their Sebring debut proved the formula works, with Chris Evans Race Cars-powered entries sweeping the TA Cup podium.
Weather Challenges Set the Stage for Strategic Racing
Florida weather lived up to its reputation, with heavy rain and lightning canceling qualifying for TA and TA Cup classes. Grids were set using practice times, adding unpredictability to the 3.74-mile, 17-turn circuit famous for its bumpy concrete sections from its WWII airfield origins.
Race day brought partly cloudy conditions and temperatures in the upper 70s, but residual moisture from the previous day's storms made grip inconsistent. Four cautions covered nine laps in the 27-lap race, testing adaptability in the demanding TA Cup cars. These spec machines excelled in the variable conditions, rewarding precise driving and setup choices over raw power.
TA Cup Highlights: Chris Evans Race Cars Dominate the Podium
The TA Cup class, running in a combined field with TA, XGT, GT1, SGT, and GT, delivered thrilling action right from the start. Cole Moore in the No. 32 Chris Evans Race Cars Ford Mustang (prepared with Jefferson Racing) seized the lead on lap one with a bold move past pole-sitter Jim Guthrie. Moore held firm through cautions and challenges, posting a best lap of 2:04.559 to claim his first national Trans Am victory—and a perfect debut for his Chris Evans-built machine.
Moore finished sixth overall, earning the TA Cup win. In victory lane, he praised the opportunity: “And Chris Evans, he called me last week to be here, so thank you, Chris. This is an honor to race these TA Cup cars. This is amazing.”
Ken Thwaits took second in his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro (best lap 2:05.354), finishing just seconds behind, while Matt Crandall rounded out the podium in third with the No. 08 Avant Garde Collection Ford Mustang (best lap 2:07.554). Multiple Chris Evans Race Cars entries were in the mix, showcasing the builder's consistent performance and parity.
The result highlighted the strength of Chris Evans Race Cars: reliable, competitive packages that allow drivers to shine on one of America's toughest tracks.
Why Chris Evans Race Cars Excel in TA Cup
Chris Evans Inc. (CEI) builds these spec vehicles to emphasize driver skill and affordability while preserving the Trans Am muscle-car heritage. The cars debuted at Sebring testing earlier in the year and immediately showed promise. At the opener, they handled Sebring's bumps, high-speed straights, and tight corners admirably, even in tricky weather-affected conditions.
Moore's last-minute program (coming together in just 10 days) underscored the accessibility—when the right team and builder align, success follows quickly. Chris Evans' involvement extends beyond building; his experience as a racer ensures the cars are dialed for real competition.
Momentum Building for the TA Cup Championship
With a sweeping podium led by a Chris Evans Race Cars entry, the Sebring opener sets a high standard for the 2026 TA Cup National Championship. The class heads next to Road Atlanta in mid-March, where more battles await among talented drivers in these capable machines.
Chris Evans Race Cars' strong showing proves the spec platform delivers exciting, competitive racing. For fans of raw American road racing, the TA Cup—and the cars from Chris Evans—promises an thrilling season ahead.
For full results, schedules, and more, visit the official Trans Am website. The 60th anniversary is off to a roaring start!
