New Zealand set to introduce TCR series
A new TCR series is set to launch in New Zealand in 2020 after agreement was reached between WSC Ltd and Motorsport New Zealand.
The decision to pursue a national series has come after Motorsport NZ received a number of enquiries from people who were interested in TCR competition.
The governing body is now in the process of seeking expressions of interest from people interested in taking on promotion and organisation of the series, with Motorsport NZ providing the technical and regulatory components of the series.
“This is an exciting development for top-level saloon car racing in New Zealand as the series will provide our up-and-coming drivers with a direct pathway into internationally recognised competitions around the world,” MotorSport NZ President Wayne Christie said. “To have a variety of different marques contesting a top-level domestic championship is also good for the sport, good for competitors and good for sponsors.
“We believe TCR has a valid and worthwhile role to play in New Zealand motor racing, offering an international parity-based formula. Competitors would have the ability to on-sell cars locally or internationally relatively easily. From a cost perspective is a relatively affordable race car for top-tier racing and there’s certainly been sufficient interest that we moved to secure the TCR agreement for New Zealand.”
WSC President Marcello Lotti said he was sure that TCR would be a success in New Zealand.
“We are delighted to add the wonderful ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ to the ever growing list of countries all over the world that have embraced the TCR concept,” he said. “New Zeland has a great motorsport tradition, and gave birth to some of the strongest racing drivers ever, such as F1 super stars Bruce McLaren and Dennis Hulme. And, speaking of Touring Cars, we can’t forget Paul Radisich, the winner of two FIA Super Touring World Cups. With these premises, we don’t have the lesser doubt that the TCR New Zealand championship will be successful!”
