The T/A negotiates a dirt...
The T/A negotiates a dirt track in one of the challenges.
HPP: How many miles are on the Trans Am?
MA: It had 39,000 miles at the start, and we wound up with 43,000 and change.
HPP: How did the Trans Am perform?
MA: Awesome! It's probably one of the finest American musclecars ever produced.
HPP: What modifications did you perform on your Trans Am to compete in Bullrun?
MA: We took off the factory suspension and we put on QA1 24-way adjustable shocks front and rear with QA1 springs, chrome-moly tubular front upper and lower control arms, and thicker sway bars front and rear. We took a set of high-performance high-speed tires, and we took some that were siped and good for snow, ice, and rain. Then we completely redid the 4L60E transmission, beefed it up, and put in a Yank 4,200-stall converter. Next the engine came out, and we put on a set of Lingenfelter LS6 ported and polished heads with a GM Performance Parts hot cam and FLP long-tube headers. We also upgraded the intake, roller rockers, and throttle body so the car could perform at a high level and maintain consistent horsepower through the powerband from launch to 7,000 rpm.
The T/A is at rest in the...
The T/A is at rest in the service area of Mike Raisor Pontiac after production of the show wrapped. Two sets of wheels and tires were used to maximize grip for the various challenges. Here, the T/A is fitted with ARE wheels and Dunlop ST Wintersport M3Mo 245/45ZR17 tires.
HPP: What horsepower limits were placed on your Trans Am for the show?
MA:There weren't any. You just signed up with the car you owned. They never really told you anything about it, but said, "Send it," so that's what we did. My daughter and I figured this show was about a road rally, so we built our car to handle and have the best horsepower wherever it needed to be. We improved it in many areas so it would be a well-balanced car for the race.
HPP: Were there any mechanical mishaps during the race?
MA: I knocked the V-band clamps off the headers, which allowed exhaust leaks, and that caused performance problems. A transmission line blew in the mountains at 7,000 feet and spewed transmission fluid all over the road. I knocked off a brake line and soaked the rotors with brake fluid in one of the challenges. My ABS came loose in another one. You didn't have to stretch the limits of what your automobile could do, but if you wanted to win you did, so we pushed the Trans Am and ourselves.
HPP: Did you encounter any pre-planned danger during the race?
MA: No. Matt Kutcher, who I think was one of the FX Solutions stunt people, walked us through the process of the challenge before we went into it, and then we were pretty much on our own. Bullrun had this "bus on a rampage" challenge that was just awesome. The back of the bus was peeled open and propane-fueled fire was blazing out, and they had somebody driving it in a controlled environment. As we were driving, stuff was coming at us, flames were shooting out, and we had to go from one side of the bus to another using spikes on top of the vehicles to knock down lightbulbs. It was kind of like the movie Speed, but with somebody chasing you. The bus maintained a constant speed, and then in the end, the pyrotechnics and fireworks went off. These explosions were just incredible. It was kind of daunting in the Trans Am because you've got all these oddities you're not used to. It's more than just driving your car.
HPP: Were there any unforeseen dangers during filming?
MA: It was mentally and physically challenging. There were literally times when we worked for 28 and 29 hours straight. Between challenges, there were some unexpected things. I didn't expect to get pulled over by the police four times, nor did I expect to have a few problems with the car. The challenges were demanding, and if your car broke, you had to fix it yourself.