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A new program announced at the PRI Show will bring a familiar last name back to Trans Am racing. The newest Mike Cope Racing chassis produced — not a new version of the familiar blue No. 34 s…
A new program has been announced at the PRI Show, bringing the Buffomante name back to Trans Am racing. 15-year-old Gian Buffomante will be driving the new Mike Cope Racing chassis, a bright red No. 17 Buffomante Racing Enterprises Mustang TA2, next season. After a successful karting career and experience in the Lucas Oil School of Racing, Buffomante had his first taste of sports car racing in 2023 and achieved multiple podiums and fastest race laps. Gian expressed his excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season, eager to race both the Spec Racer Ford and the TA2 car. Buffomante Racing Enterprises, led by his father and former TA2 champion Tony Buffomante, will be running the TA2 entry out of their shop in Naperville, Ill. The program reunites BRE with former partners such as Mike Cope Race Cars, Wilwood Racing, and Hoosier Tire, with plans to run SCCA GT2 events and gain experience before a full season of TA2 Pro in 2025. The announcement has been well received, and Mike Cope himself expressed his excitement to have the Buffomante name on one of their cars and looks forward to their future collaboration.