MOTORSPORT: MG weighing up TCR Australia tilt

MG is considering a new foray into local motorsport, revealing it is evaluating a start in the carsales TCR Australia Series.

Earlier this month, the Chinese-owned manufacturer rolled out its very own MG6 XPower TCR race car (pictured) at the inaugural FIA Motorsport Games in Italy, following its reveal at the 2019 Shanghai motor show in April.

The MG racer has also appeared in the TCR China series, and has been built and developed in China to gain full homologation. It is set to race the entire TCR China championship in 2020, with an eye on pushing for the World Touring Car Cup in 2021.

The inaugural season of the carsales TCR Australia Series wrapped at Tailem Bend earlier this month, with a steady stable of manufacturers represented across the season.

Furthermore, it is understood the Australian TCR series has gained interest from at least one of the major television networks after the first season was screened on SBS.

According to MG Australia marketing director Danny Lenartic, there is interest in a TCR Australia birth both internally and from Australian teams.

“It’s an amazing vehicle. We have dabbled in motorsport ourselves with James Brock and the MG6 in recent years -- hopefully that spurred on motivation to do the TCR car,” Lenartic said of MG’s TCR racer.

“We’re excited with where that’s at and how that’s looking and we will continue to support it as much as we can.”

Asked specifically about the appetite for MG to compete in the domestic series for front-wheel drive four-cylinder cars, Lenartic said he was currently evaluating options.

“Our new Sydney showroom has been the priority along with the new HS SUV,” he said.

“Next year our product line-up is quite exciting as well with new variants coming.

“Whether motorsport fits in next year or in the future… [time will tell]. I’m not going to say ‘no’, but until I go to Shanghai early next year, I’ll understand what the international appetite for that to come to Australia is. It all comes down to cost and time.”

With its early roots tracing back to the UK and motor racing, MG is keenly aware of how a motorsport presence could boost the brand’s profile in Australia.

MG is on target to reach 8000 sales in Australia this year, representing exponential growth year-on-year.

“The relevance is there and we’ve already had a number of key individuals approach us wanting support for TCR in Australia,” Lenartic said.

“But like anything, if MG’s going to do it, we want hold on to it and do it properly.”