BTCC outfits look towards TCR UK programmes

TCR UK could be boosted by the addition of at least six BTCC squads when it launches in 2018, after a number of teams confirmed an interest in the series.

TCR will come to British shores next year after the MSA gave permission for a new series to be launched, with those behind the series having revealed they were surprised at the initial levels of interest.

Stewart Lines’ Maximum Motorsport team was the first to confirm it would pursue an entry into the series, with the team already being in possession of the TCR-spec SEAT Leon it purchased earlier in the year.

Team HARD is also set to make an appearance on the grid having gone into partnership with Brisky Racing to work on a multi-car programme.

Brisky team boss Richard Wheeler – who has backed Team HARD. for the past two seasons – has already confirmed that two cars are on order with a third to follow.

With TCR organisers keen to ensure there are no clashes on the respective calendars, other teams are also starting to consider potential programmes.

AmDTuning.com has expressed an interest in the series with organisers as it evaluates an expanded touring car programme, with Motorbase Performance being arguably the biggest name to suggest that it could appear on the grid so far.

Having elected to call time on its GT programme, the team is now evaluating the possibility of introducing something new to run alongside the three-car BTCC team.

A second touring car programme is one such project under consideration, with a move into TCR being viewed by team boss David Bartrum as one that could work well from a commercial standpoint – with the potential to use cars year-round in the domestic series and also in endurance events across the globe.

TouringCarTimes understands that at least two more leading teams are also believed to be considering dual programmes, and are expected to reveal more details in the coming months.