Ruman to miss Trans Am opener as she continues recovery from accident

When the 2026 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli opens March 1 at Sebring International Raceway, a familiar presence in the TA field will be notably absent. After missing the 2025 season finale at Circuit of The Americas in November, Amy Ruman – a Trans Am Hall of Famer and two-time series champion – will also miss the season opener for the first time in her Trans Am career.

Ruman was involved in an off-track accident in late October that resulted in a complex fracture to her right ankle, tibia, and fibula. She underwent two successful surgeries and required extensive titanium hardware placement. Her recovery is progressing but is a slow and steady process that will take time.

“I was disappointed for the team and our sponsors not to be able to finish out the season at COTA, and unfortunately I’m still sidelined,” said Ruman. “This was a significant injury that takes time to heal. Thankfully, I have an outstanding medical team, the surgeries were successful, and the fractures are healing well. The two-month post-surgery non-weight-bearing phase is now behind me, and I’m actively working through physical therapy. We’re focused on restoring mobility and strength in the ankle while managing swelling and discomfort.

“It’s tough not being able to compete full season for a third Trans Am Championship, but I’m determined to work my way back and return to the cockpit of the red No. 23 Corvette this season.”

As the Trans Am Series prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary season, Ruman Racing marks three decades as a fixture in the paddock – a legacy that began when veteran driver Bob Ruman took his first TA green flag at St. Petersburg in 1996. Bob campaigned the No. 23 until 2004, when he passed the “keys” to his daughter, Amy, who made her debut at Cleveland in 2005..