knows a thing or two about Pro Touring—for one, he practically coined the phrase back in the late '80s/early '90s, and he was quick to bring the genre to the pages of HOT ROD magazine. In the Summer 2024 print issue, he walked us through the history of Pro Touring, from its earliest appearance in magazines to becoming a motorsport phenomenon that includes the prestigious Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational.
Most Pro Touring events are centered around autocross competitions with some open track days, but the Hammerhead Trans Am and Dusold Camaro are built for Time Attack events such as, held at places like Circuit of the Americas in Texas. The cars are used at other competitions, but they are mostly getting famous for their exploits against full-bred IMSA racecars in Time Attack competitions. To put their capabilities in perspective, the NASCAR Cup Series single-lap COTA record is 2:12.
Then there is the late-model discussion.
Which side do you stand on, Pro Touring or Time Attack, when the efforts become extreme? And do late-model domestic performance vehicles count? Drop us a note at