Australia looking to introduce TCR in 2017

Next year’s Bathurst 12 hours could feature TCR cars. The plan, including distribution, is being set up by Adam Hammond, who has clear ideas for the development of the concept down under.

“In order to dip the toe in the water, the aim is to get some of the cars out in time for Bathurst,” said Hammond to motorsport.com.

“We’ve spoken to both Supercars Australia and SRO – SRO already has TCR as a standalone category at the Sepang 12 Hour, so that’s no issue. They’ve come back and confirmed they can run in Invitational at Bathurst. And if we can get enough, we’ll look at having a TCR category at Bathurst in 2018. Then ideally we’ll kick off a series, with six rounds, in 2017.”

Their are plans for TCR to take part in the Australian Grand Prix support package, whether it’s a homegrown Australian championship, or a round of David Sonenscher’s TCR Asia championship, which already joined the Formula 1 support package in Malaysia.

Hammond also praised the help manufacturers have offered to make the project come to life, even by helping teams: “I spoke to all the manufacturers, and all of them were happy to supply cars, parts, most have been far more approachable than other categories I’ve worked with.”