John Paul Jr.'s Iconic Trans-Am Camaro to Roar at Long Beach

Owner Cary Eisenhower is prepping the legendary race car for laps on the historic street circuit.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a race car in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the raw energy and nostalgia of the Trans-Am racing era.The legendary DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro, once driven to victory by John Paul Jr., will roar back to life on the streets of Long Beach in a cubist celebration of motorsports history.Long Beach Today

The 1983 DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro driven by John Paul Jr. to a surprise victory at Trois Rivieres will be a star attraction at this weekend's Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The car, now owned by racer and collector Cary Eisenhower, is being meticulously restored to its original specifications and will compete in the Historic Motorsports Association's tribute to the glory days of Trans-Am racing.

Why it matters

The DeAtley Camaros were dominant in the early 1980s Trans-Am series, winning 10 out of 12 races that season. John Paul Jr.'s surprise victory in this car at Trois Rivieres was a highlight of his career, and the chance to see it race again on the iconic Long Beach street circuit will be a treat for motorsports fans.

The details

The DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro was originally built as part of the team that dominated the series in 1983, with drivers like David Hobbs and a young Willy T. Ribbs behind the wheel. Of the three original cars, only two survive, and Eisenhower has meticulously restored this one to its former glory. While the car is limited to its original 310 cubic inch Chevy engine, Eisenhower hopes the historic significance and nostalgia will make up for any horsepower deficit on Long Beach's long straightaways.

  • John Paul Jr. drove the car to victory at Trois Rivieres, Quebec in 1983.
  • The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place this weekend (April 18-20, 2026).
  • The Historic Motorsports Association will be featuring a tribute to the Trans-Am series at this year's Long Beach event.

The players

John Paul Jr.

A successful IMSA racer who scored a surprise victory in this DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro at Trois Rivieres in 1983.

Cary Eisenhower

The current owner of the DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro who is preparing the car to compete in the Historic Motorsports Association event at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

David Hobbs

The key driver for the dominant DeAtley Trans-Am team in 1983, winning the driver's championship that year.

Willy T. Ribbs

A rising star driver for the DeAtley Trans-Am team in 1983 alongside David Hobbs.

Tommy Kendall

A young racer who Cary Eisenhower claims to have beaten in 1985, though Kendall disputes this.

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What they’re saying

“They went in and just absolutely dominated the series. They won 10 out of 12 races.”

— Cary Eisenhower, Owner of the DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro

“He was very upset with himself that he qualified that far back. And so he was going to get on Willy's bumper and go. And so they took off and they went.”

— Cary Eisenhower, Owner of the DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro

“I have to tell you; in 1985 I beat this guy who had just finished second in Boston. His name was Tommy Kendall. That was the big joke we heard last time. He goes, 'Fake news!' But no, no. I actually beat Tommy Kendall.”

— Cary Eisenhower, Owner of the DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro

What’s next

Fans will be able to see the restored DeAtley Trans-Am Camaro in action this weekend as part of the Historic Motorsports Association's tribute to the glory days of the series at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The takeaway

The return of the iconic DeAtley Camaro to the Long Beach street circuit will be a nostalgic highlight for motorsports enthusiasts, showcasing the raw power and excitement of the golden era of Trans-Am racing.