With a bumper round scheduled for the upcoming Shannons SpeedSeries at Queensland Raceway, a new face will join the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series in August.
Kiwi rising star Ben Stewart has secured his debut at Race Queensland, joining 99motorsport to pilot the Audi previously steered by team owner Marcus LaDelle during the season opener at Sandown.
Stewart won the inaugural Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Scholarship Shootout in 2023 and has also competed across other categories both in Australia and New Zealand.
Secure your tickets to the event at motorsporttickets.com.au.
The 19-year-old was understandably excited about the prospect of joining the TCR grid in front of a big Queensland crowd at the SpeedSeries event.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of a front wheel drive turbo, amongst some proper race car drivers,” Stewart said.
“There really isn’t anyone there that hasn’t got a resume, so I can’t wait to be amongst it. I’ll be happy to finish all three races amongst the pack, but in the meantime, I’m doing thousands of sim laps.”
LaDelle was also pleased to see a high quality prospect as part of 99motorsport’s return to the Shannons SpeedSeries.
“Ben is a standout talent that has adapted to everything he has put his butt in,” LaDelle said.
“I can’t wait to see the car on track again. I have no doubt that he will challenge the top 10 at QR even with the added challenge of racing the 86 at the same event.
“It’s been a tough year having the car parked, but I’m very proud that one of my young guys can get and have a crack. Will Brown proved in 2022 that this car can compete at QR, so we’ll focus on the setup Will worked with and give Ben the best chance of fighting.”
Race Queensland takes place on 2-4 August at Queensland Raceway.
The event will be streamed across the 7 network, with extended coverage available via 7+. International viewers can watch live and free on SpeedSeries.com.au/TV.
