Thornburrow to race in the states

Aussie Trans Am driver Edan Thornburrow is taking a giant step into the unknown this year taking on the best in America.

Having spent four years racing Trans Am domestically, Thornburrow will head to the USA to race around half of the rounds in the TA2 National Series.

He will suit up for F.A.S.T. Auto Racing and hopes to compete in around five to six of the 12 rounds, starting with the February 20-23 Sebring opener.

Thornburrow may only be 21, but already has 72 starts in Trans Am having competed in the last four years.

His big highlight was finishing second in the 2021 championship where he was a consistent finisher in and around the top five.

Edan Thornburrow is getting set to race in America. Image: Race Project

But now he wants a different challenge and will be crisscrossing the Pacific to make it happen, following in the footsteps of Nathan Herne and Matt Brabham.

“I have been racing Trans Am for a while, four years now since I was 17,” Thornburrow told Auto Action.

“Now being 21 and doing the first two years privately and GRM most recently, I thought it was time for a change.

“I was looking around the Australian motorsport scene looking for something that is fast, good for sponsors and fans and also cost effective but could not really find that outside Trans Am.

“When you look at the Australian motorsport scene there is not too much out there unless you go down the Supercars route.

“Financially that does not make sense and we don’t have enough people to warrant going down that path.

“I love Trans Am and when the American opportunity came up I jumped at it.

“We do not have the budget to race the full season and will aim to get to four to six rounds or so.”

Thornburrow has spent the last two years racing in Trans Am for Garry Rogers Motorsport and it was a case of right time, right place.

Edan Thornburrow racing for GRM on the streets of Adelaide. Image: Insyde Media/Trans Am

The American opportunity surfaced through GRM with Garry and Barry Rogers knowing local car manufacturer Chaz Howell.

Through Howell he was recommended to contact F.A.S.T. Auto Racing and they have a seat available.

Thornburrow will head to America as early as Tuesday to meet the team and get a feel for the car at a test in Florida.

Whilst he will have to adapt to the new surroundings, the beauty about Trans Am is there is not much he will have to adapt to in the hot seat.

“The cars are the same as our TA2 cars,” he said.

“There are a few minor differences with the wheel and tyre package and aero, but are basically the same.

“Because I am the Aussie amongst the Americans who has never driven the car or track before (having three teammates) would be a massive help.

“In Australia we are a bit sheltered with the types of cars and tracks we drive, but going over there is a completely different ball game against guys who are racing every single weekend.

“You hear and watch the tracks on TV and I have been on the simulator every night.

Edan Thornburrow has a big challenge ahead. Image: RACE PROJECT

“There are not many people who can say they have raced overseas, it would be a pretty unreal experience.

“If that is all I get, that would be great, but the aim is to get an opportunity over there.

“I am very lucky to have something like this come up.”

Although America is an attractive proposition, it has not been a long term dream for Thornburrow, who is more keen to stay in the Trans Am scene he enjoys so much.

“Having done Trans Am is why America appeals to me now,” he said.

“The Trans Am formula and racing style have made America more attractive.

“It was never a long term goal but now having enjoyed the racing, I have fallen in love with the category.”

Whilst he will be racing from America from time to time, Thornburrow will still be based in Australia throughout the year and said he is open to the occasional drive, highlighting events like the Bathurst 6 Hour.

READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.