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Lee Holdsworth gets first taste of Alfa TCR at Symmons Plains
Lee Holdsworth has enjoyed his first taste of his Alfa Romeo TCR car ahead of his debut in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series in Tasmania next week.
The former Supercars regular, alongside his 17-year-old Ash Seward Motorsport team-mate Jay Hanson, are getting a head start on the TCR pack, lapping the unique 2.41km Symmons Plains circuit near Launceston today.
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Despite trying to learn the characteristics of the turbo-charged, front wheel drive Alfa, and dealing with a wet circuit, Holdsworth says that he is starting to get a handle on the car.
“The Alfa is really fun. I’m having a ball inside the car while I get my head around it,” he said.
“The differences between a Supercar and TCR car are pretty significant – going from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive. You can’t really influence the turn of the car with throttle like I’ve been used to. It’s a new challenge and a new way of thinking.
“The Alfa has amazing braking capabilities. It’s good fun with the paddle shift too, so I’m really enjoying it and becoming to get more comfortable, despite the weather.”
As many as 20 TCR cars will converge on the Symmons circuit, and with his wealth of top-level touring car experience, Holdsworth knows that the nature of the track will provide some close racing.
“Symmons Plains always makes for an interesting first lap,” he said.
“The hairpin can turn into a car park, and it is sometimes a lottery about which line to take. There are two genuine racing lines that you can take and run side-by-side with someone from entry to exit. The camber of the corner is unique and allows different options. It’s going to really suit these cars.
“The track itself is in good nick, so I’m looking forward to getting out here next weekend.
“There’s a lot of big name, profiled drivers joining which is huge too. It’s exactly why I chose TCR. Chaz (Mostert) is huge for the category and I think they’ll be some great racing and close competition. They’ll be a lot of people out there to win and hopefully we’ll be the mix.”
The Boost Mobile Race Tasmania event will kick off the Australian motorsport calendar for 2021, with Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series joined by S5000, Touring Car Masters and Trans Am at Symmons Plains on January 24-26.
The unique event will see practice held on Sunday, followed by qualifying and races on Monday and Tuesday, which is also Australia Day.
Monday and Tuesday’s race action will be broadcast live and free on the screens of Seven, with 12 hours of coverage across 7mate and 7plus. Check your local guides for details.