With the inaugural TCR Australia Series just over one month away, experienced motor sport operators Kelly Racing have confirmed they will campaign four cars in 2019.
The family-owned Victorian-based team will enter a pair of Subaru WRX STi TCR cars, alongside two Opel Astra TCR machines – adding yet another team to the Series mix.
Today’s announcement brings the manufacturer count in the TCR Australia Series to eight, with Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Hyundai, Alfa Romeo and Renault entries already set to line up at the opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park.
While the drivers are yet to be announced for the latest additions, Kelly Racing owner Todd Kelly was delighted to be part of the new series.
“It is very exciting to add to the TCR Series cars to our racing program for 2019 and beyond,” Kelly said.
“We’ve been keeping an eye on the developments of the category, both here in Australia and around the world, and with the resources and skill-base we have at Kelly Racing, it was a logical fit for us.
“The Opel Astra is a proven race-winning car in other championships. With the right driver line-up, there’s no reason why they will not be competitive straight away.
“It’s going to be great to have the Subarus as well. I feel they are going to suit the Australian conditions and circuits as its one of only two sedan shapes in the field, up against the hot hatches.”
The Series will be part the Shannons Nationals, with live streaming across both Saturday and Sunday, as well as live coverage on free-to-air TV through SBS on Saturday and Sunday.
Australian Racing Group’s Matt Braid, commercial rights holders of the Series, said today’s news added yet another more anticipation for the year ahead.
“It is extremely pleasing to see another professional, high profile racing team like Kelly Racing join the TCR Australia Series for 2019 and beyond,” Braid said.
“Kelly Racing is one of the best resourced teams in Australian motorsport with a strong commercial structure that has delivered results for their partners in motorsport and business for the past 10 years.
“Subaru is a very prominent brand in the Australian market and it is extremely exciting for our category to have the Impreza WRX STi TCR car competing in the series. Subaru has a long and distinguished history in rallying in Australia, and we look forward to seeing them mirror that success in circuit racing here too.
“The Opel Astras are proven race winners and no doubt will be fast in the TCR Australia Series also. The addition of Opel now brings the number of brands represented in TCR Australia to eight, which is a significant milestone for the inaugural year of the series, and provides Australian motorsport fans with a diverse field of cars to watch and support when the first race starts in Sydney next month.”