Photo: WTCR

TCR Australia nearing formal reveal with plans to run alongside Supercars

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The TCR Australia series is nearing official confirmation of its inaugural 2019 season with the Australian Racing Group (ARG) planning six to eight races to be run alongside the Supercars championship.

“It’s very early days as far as the calendar is concerned. We are working with, and talking to, various promoters about how we structure the calendar for 2019,” said Matt Braid, former Volvo Cars Australia and V8 Supercars executive to motoring.com.au.

“Ideally, somewhere between six and eight rounds and across, ideally, a mixture of Supercars and Shannons [Nationals] events.”

Australian importers have shown interest in the coming series, with Audi as a prime candidate, having already brought an Audi RS 3 LMS TCR race car for exhibition to Australia.

“We’re very excited by the opportunity and we’ve got a car that meets the requirements,” said Audi Australia spokesman Shaun Cleary to motoring.com.au.

“We have an Australian partner – Melbourne Performance Centre. They’ve had the relationship direct with Germany for several years, and have run the R8 LMS in the Australian GT championship on behalf of the factory. Melbourne Performance Centre is absolutely capable of running cars for any TCR series.”

Hyundai Australia has also shown interest to the series, as has Honda Australia.

“We have an exceptionally capable and highly competitive car in the Civic Type R, which is setting track records all around the world, so we are aware of the potential for us in this space,” said Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins to motorsport.com.

“However, at this point in time we have no current plans to enter any new or existing motorsport categories locally. We could potentially consider parts or technical support for select privateers, but again, nothing is planned at this stage.”

TCR Australia is expected to confirm its 2019 plans shortly.

“While we are aligned on the key aspects of an agreement and the discussions continue to progress well, the process is not complete until it has been formally approved by both CAMS and ARG,” said Braid, head of ARG.

“We’re aiming to come to a final agreement with CAMS and TCR Series in the very near future.”