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When the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series debuted on the Apple Isle
After a tough 2020 where no rounds took place what is now known as the Shannons SpeedSeries returned in 2021 to Symmons Plains for the inaugural AWC Race Tasmania.
Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters and National Trans Am Series all thrilled the crowds in Tasmania signalling the resumption of national racing following the pandemic (all though there have been bumps since).
Following an action-packed debut season, Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series returned with Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Renault, Audi, Hyundai and Honda battling for victory.
Ashley Seward Motorsport entered the season with youth and experience bringing in Lee Holdsworth to partner Formula Ford graduate Jay Hanson.
Garry Rogers Motorsport ran three marques in Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Renault, but it was the Italian thoroughbred leading the way courtesy of Jordan Cox.
Hyundai’s charge was led by HMO Customer Racing as Josh Buchan replaced Will Brown in the team’s lead i30N TCR, while Brad Shiels was a darkhorse in the privateer Tilton Racing example.
Tony D’Alberto led the Honda attack joined by young privateers Zac Soutar and Michael Clemente, though there was no joy for the Japanese brand at Symmons Plains.
A wildcard was late addition Chaz Mostert in the Melbourne Performance Centre Audi RS3 LMS TCR in what was initially a cameo appearance.
Qualifying set the tone for the weekend as Alfa Romeo emerged as the dominant manufacturer with rookie Holdsworth setting pole and converting this into a debut victory from Cox in another Giulietta Veloce TCR.
Awarded third at the conclusion was Hanson, but he was penalised for contact with Mostert elevating Buchan to third.
In the second race Cameron made an electric start until a mechanical problem dropped him out of contention as Cox full advantage to take his maiden victory from Holdsworth and Mostert.
However, Holdsworth flipped the script in the third race to defeat Cox and Mostert as a big crash on the final lap resulted in two damaged GRM entries.
Approaching the penultimate corner Jason Bargwanna was unable to stop his Peugeot and slammed into the side of James Moffat’s Renault Megane R.S. TCR. Both were unhurt, but it was a race against time to get the cars prepared for Phillip Island.
Of course, six Supercheap Auto TCR Australia entries continued south to Baskerville for an exhibition run the next weekend.
CLICK HERE for tickets to AWC Race Tasmania.
Stan Sport will provide live, uninterrupted and on-demand coverage of all Shannons SpeedSeries rounds. AWC Race Tasmania will also feature free-to-air broadcasting on the Nine Network’s digital channels on Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm (February 25).
And a little bonus. Highlights from Baskerville