Michael Self joined Silver Hare Racing as the first general manager this season. Self brings years of knowledge and experience in various motor sports, from Skip Barber to ARCA to NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and SHR. With a fresh push to become a NASCAR road racing development team, Self was the driving force behind adding emerging NASCAR talents like Harrison Burton and Christopher Bell to the team roster. Find out what makes TA2 so important to road racer skills development, how Self got involved in the Trans Am series presented by the Pirelli TA2 program, and what Self has to say about the TA2 class in this issue of Trans Am Corner Has.
How did you come to Trans Am?
Michael Self: I was first introduced to TA2 in 2015 through Justin Haley. I remember getting into his car for a few laps at Sebring and thinking, “Man, this is like driving a NASCAR K&N car. I can’t believe that more people aren’t using it. “
What are some of the package similarities of Trans Am and NASCAR cars?
Self: The two series have a very similar package in terms of gears, brakes, tires and components which I think were really important to being a good road racer. TA2 is the closest thing to sitting time in one of the racing cars, and when we add data and video analytics capabilities to check information off the track, it’s the best coaching tool out there.
How are the skills you teach in TA2 when translating in NASCAR?
Michael: I worked with Justin in both the K&N and TA2 cars in 2015 and 2016. There was no question that with the TA2 car he not only greatly influenced his skills in road racing, but also his abilities across the board.
Since then, I’ve vouched for everyone I speak to for the TA2 cars looking to upgrade their road racing for NASCAR competitive purposes, and I believe the results continue to speak for themselves.
We’ve seen people like Justin, Christopher Bell, Harrison Burton, Brandon Jones, Matt Tifft, Tyler Reddick, and Chase Briscoe, who all excel in NASCAR road races, and they all have some TA2 experience. As far as I know, there is still nothing else that translates into a NASCAR Cup or Xfinity car or ARCA like the TA2 car.
How has the Silver Hare Racing program developed over the last season?
Self: We want to be seen as the development team for growth in NASCAR road racing, and I really feel we have these tools and skills to put the guys who come through our program a huge advantage.
What do you think of accepting a management position at SHR?
Myself: I am very excited about the opportunity to work in a management position at Silver Hare. I have been fortunate enough to successfully manage the sponsorship of Sinclair Oil in ARCA for the past several years, and I am committed to continuing to apply that experience to the racing business and to learn from Maurice and Laura who are about ultra-successful careers in the Business administration. Silver Hare is developing a TA2 team that will be competitive not only on track but also off track with drivers and business partners in a market that hopefully will continue to grow as road racing grows in NASCAR and the United States.
