News
Ben Bargwanna and Burson Auto Parts commit to 2023 TCR Australia and two international TCR events
Ben Bargwanna will make his international touring car debut in 2023, adding two TCR World Tour rounds to his full TCR Australia Series campaign.
The son of Bathurst 1000 winner Jason will contest all seven rounds of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series in his new-look Burson Auto Parts Peugeot 308, plus he will add two rounds of the TCR World Tour to his schedule.
Bargwanna will compete at the Algarve circuit in Portugal (April 28-30), plus the world-famous Spa Francorchamps in Belgium (May 26-28).
He will drive a Peugeot 308 TCR in his international racing debut, driving for Team Clairet Sport. The driver will add Ben’s name to an illustrious list of names like Peter Brock, Allan Moffat, Allan Grice and John Harvey who all in the mid 1980s ventured to Europe to tackle the world’s best touring car stars.
Both international rounds are part of the TCR World Tour, which is a new-for-2023 series that will ultimately crown a TCR World Champion.
Bargwanna’s participation in the two international rounds will ensure he banks even more TCR World Ranking points, giving him the best possible chance to qualify for the World Finals.
After graduating from Hyundai Excels and Formula Ford competition, Bargwanna has contested the past two Supercheap Auto TCR Australia seasons, securing his maiden victory in the class at Sandown.
Other significant accolades in the class includes a pole position at Mount Panorama, four podium finishes as well as winning the rookie of the year honours in 2021.
His TCR Australia Peugeot entry will continue to be run by Garry Rogers Motorsport along with title partner Burson Auto Parts, featuring a new red and blue livery for 2023.
Ben’s journey will also be captured for the fans back home in a complete behind-the-scenes documentary style production that will be aired exclusively on Stan Sport in Australia.
The opening round of the 2023 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series will be held as part of the AWC Race Tasmania at Symmons Plains Raceway on February 24-26. CLICK HERE for tickets.
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).
QUOTES
Ben Bargwanna
Driver, Burson Auto Parts Peugeot 308 TCR
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make this happen, and I cannot thank Burson Auto Parts enough for the chance to represent them on the world stage, as well a fight for the TCR Australia title,” said Ben Bargwanna.
“When the World Tour format become public, and there was a hint of a opportunity to compete, it was something I was wanted to be a part of. For it now to become a reality has made me feel a foot taller with pride and excitement. The thought that I will represent Australia at a World Championship level and to be able to have crack at Algarve and Spa is mind blowing. I can’t wait to attack Eau Rouge, let me at it!
“It’s fair to say my simulator will get a work out this year in preparation for the two starts in Europe.
“Our main goal is to win the Australian title, but I am sure my three other GRM Peugeot team-mates will start the year with the same objective. I look forward to making the Peugeots 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the championship, and building a strong campaign and delivering the result the team deserves.”
Fiona Gotas
Bapcor Trade Group Marketing and Communications Manager
“We are proud to continue our partnership with young TCR star driver Ben Bargwanna and Garry Rogers Motorsport and look forward to an exciting 2023 season,” said Gotas.
“We are also very pleased to welcome a group of our valued suppliers who represent some of the biggest brands in the automotive aftermarket who have aligned with us for the new season; DBA, Mann Filter, Raceworks, Roadsafe, Bosch, Nulon, Precision Automotive Equipment, Chicane Tools and Ezy Parts.”
Jason Bargwanna
Burson Auto Parts Team Principal
“We are so proud to again partner with Burson Auto Parts and GRM to tackle the TCR Australia Series,” said Jason Bargwanna.
“Ben has come of age in the last couple of seasons, and as we start the 2023 season with our eyes firmly set on the championship victory. His track record is compiled with pole positions, podiums and race wins, so now it’s about putting that all together to compete for the championship.
“The new World Tour format has made it possible, and within reach for Ben to sample the world’s best TCR drivers and teams prior to the two Australian rounds of the World Tour where we want to be right at the front of the field in our backyard.
“It’s going to be a bit of WOW moment for Ben competing at Portimao and Spa, and both Deb (Ben’s mother) and I are extremely proud, and yet I am seriously jealous at the same time!
“We have the confidence in GRM and the team of great people as we commit to the Peugeot for the upcoming season. We know that the new generation of cars are fast, but we believe that a well driven and run Peugeot can be more than a match for the newer toys out on the track.
“Team Clairet Sport was a clear and easy choice for our international campaign, and allows us to stay with the Peugeot brand in a competitive outfit. It is a team we already have a connection with after Bathurst Last year when Teddy Clairet joined GRM for the Bathurst International.
“On paper, the Peugeot 308 TCR may be a little outgunned on the world stage, but the experience will be invaluable, and when they all come to Bathurst in November … lookout!”