MOTORSPORT: TCR eyes undercard spot at Australian F1 Grand Prix

TCR race organisers are aiming to be on the undercard for the Australian Grand Prix and Adelaide 500 in 2020 despite reported resistance from Supercars Australia.

The fledgling touring car series is hoping for several high-profile appearances next year with the promise of a grid line-up of more than 30 front-wheel drive turbo cars.

The all-new carsales TCR Australia Series has just completed its third event at Tailem Bend in South Australia with five different winners from nine heats.

The Adelaide 500 was intended as the kick-off point for next year’s series but that is now in doubt, with Supercars reportedly unhappy about sharing the schedule on one of its most high-profile events.

But the head of TCR Australia, Matt Braid, refuses to be drawn into any potential conflict.

"I don’t think it’s a secret that we’ve been talking to Supercars and a number of other events about how TCR might fit in. Discussions are ongoing and we look forward to finalising those, and our calendar for 2020, in due course," Braid tells carsales.com.au.

Even so, he admits there have been discussions about racing at the Adelaide 500.

"It was in the works, but it wasn’t confirmed. So you cannot announce something that is not confirmed."

The Adelaide event is under the control of South Australian Tourism and Events, a state government body, but with heavy involvement from Supercars.

"I cannot comment on Supercars stuff," Braid says.

"They are watching us. We know that. But we are just focussed on continuing to build the momentum and following for TCR in Australia. We’re not really that concerned about what the other guys are doing.

"We keep an eye what they are doing, just as we know they are watching what we are doing."

Braid refuses to be drawn on specific events, either the AGP or Adelaide, despite pushing forward with the TCR plan for 2020.

"We are negotiating on our own with other promoters. We are looking at all events and all possibilities that promote TCR in Australia.

"We are talking to lots. But we won’t confirm those two."

TCR is definitely being considered for the Rolex AGP, which will again open the Formula One world championship next year, according to program director Craig Fletcher.

"They are under consideration," Fletcher confirms to carsales.com.au.

"There is a broad menu of Australian motorsport and we’re looking at all sorts of options. And they are one of those."