The future of TCR Australia is in flux, with a recent development potentially offering a glimmer of hope for the series' revival. After a previous attempt to bring the TCR (Touring Car Racing) championship to Australia at The Bend and Mallala fell through, the sport is now finding a new home.
The SuperTT, a non-championship event promoted by Motor Racing Australia (MRA), has been confirmed as the new host for TCR Australia. This agreement between TCR promoter WSC Group and Motorsport Australia marks a significant step towards the series' resurgence.
WSC Group's president, Marcello Lotti, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, 'We are grateful to Motorsport Australia for their dedication in helping us to find a worthy environment for the many TCR cars that are in Australia.' This move is seen as a strategic decision to provide a suitable platform for TCR competitors in the country.
The upcoming season-opener at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 16th will feature a modest entry list, with only three TCR cars confirmed: Iain McDougall's Audi RS 3 LMS, Brad Harris' Honda Civic, and Harrison Cooper's Hyundai i30 N. This relatively small field might be a result of the series' recent struggles, but it also presents an opportunity for the remaining competitors to gain valuable experience.
Motorsport Australia CEO, Josh Blanksby, emphasized the importance of finding the right series and support for TCR Australia, saying, 'It was important to find the right series, framework and support to position TCR competitors for success in Australia.' The SuperTT series, with its calendar of events, seems to offer a promising solution.
The SuperTT calendar includes rounds at Sydney Motorsport Park, with Round 3 on May 16th, Round 4 on July 5th, Round 5 on August 8th at One Raceway, and Round 6 on October 17th. This structured approach could potentially attract more competitors and create a more competitive environment for TCR Australia.
However, the series' future remains uncertain. The small entry list for the season-opener and the lack of a strong foundation in the past could be indicative of ongoing challenges. Nevertheless, the SuperTT agreement provides a fresh start and a chance for TCR Australia to rebuild and regain its place in the Australian motorsport landscape.
In my opinion, the key to TCR Australia's success lies in creating a strong community and fostering a competitive environment. The SuperTT series has the potential to provide that, but it will require continued effort and support from all involved parties. The series must also address the challenges that led to its previous attempts' failures, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for TCR racing in Australia.
