Trans-Am: Kennedy looks to crowdfunding to overcome fire damage

Trans Am Series TA2 competitor Bobby Kennedy and his eponymous team, Bobby Kennedy Racing, looked set for a top-five this past weekend at Homestead until he lost the transmission about halfway through the race. While that was disappointing, it was on the trip back home to Daytona Beach that things became much worse.

The small, family-run team's crew chief and mechanic noticed smoke issuing from a vent in the trailer. They quickly pulled over, with Steve grabbing a fire extinguisher and attacking the fire through the side door. The car was removed from the trailer and the fire area overhauled. It appears a short in the battery for the lift ignited the wall, with fire then extending to the car, contents and roof of the trailer.

The damage to the racecar and trailer was extensive and devastating for this low-budget team. The car will have to completely come apart with much new bodywork needed. The engine will need to go back to the engine builder to be checked as the dry chemical extinguishing agent went down the carb. The front shocks and suspension are damaged, the data system as well and a whole lot more. The trailer will need new interior, including some cabinets and reworked wiring. The team estimated damage is probably upward of $20,000, but could have been much worse.

Although the team's initial reaction was to shut down for the rest of the season, friends looking to get the Kennedy team back on the track have set up a crowdfunding effort to help in this regard. Partners in this effort will be invited to be with the team when they return to action and sign the car signifying their support. Any and all help will be much appreciated. Visit gofundme.com/BobbyKennedy for more information or to contribute.