MOTORSPORT: CAMS readying TCR future

Australia’s peak motorsport body is confident that TCR competition will commence Down Under in 2019.

TCR is a global formula that features production-based 2.0-litre front-drive racers. The regulations, originally formulated in Italy, have already effectively supplanted the existing World Touring Car Championship rules and those of the British Touring Car Championship.

Earlier this year the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) requested expressions of interest regarding the launch of a TCR racing series in 2019. The closing date for that process was extended but has since closed.

CAMS General Manager of Motor Sport Events, Michael Smith, this week told motoring.com.au the organisation was in negotiations with its “preferred partner”.

He stated CAMS was “very happy with progress” but would not be drawn on a firm timeline for any announcement.

It’s expected that any formal announcement of the promoter of an Australian TCR series would be held until a firm 2019 calendar could be announced. Given the variety of brands currently involved in TCR in Europe (and to a lesser extent, the USA), it’s also likely the successful promoter will want some ‘free air’ during which to engage with the local arms of key automotive brands.

motoring.com.au understands a local agent has been appointed for the Volkswagen Group TCR products. Currently Skoda, SEAT, Volkswagen and Audi all offer TCR racer packages. All four brands’ racers share a common platform, engine and gearbox and electronics platform.

Hyundai is also believed to be interested in supporting the local series.