TCR Australia has welcomed the arrival of its third vehicle brand ahead of its inaugural season in 2019, with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR recently landing down under.
The German manufactured car has now joined a Audi R3 at the official agent for all Volkswagen Group Motorsport TCR cars, the Melbourne Performance Centre.
In the Melbourne Performance Centre’s newest arrival comes a hugely successful car within the category’s market, with the Golf winning the ‘Model Car of the Year’ award during the 2017 TCR International Series.
Melbourne Performance Centre’s Managing Director, Lee Burley was excited with the car’s arrival, allowing them to continue preparation for 2019.
“Seeing the car in the flesh is really exciting,” Burley said.
“We know what the cars are about, having had the Audi RS 3 TCR here for a while, and we know that car well and this is a sister car from the Volkswagen Group.
“It’s the same platform, it’s really just body panels and the badge on the front.
“There has been great interest since its announcement, but nothing beats having a car in the workshop that people and come and look at.
“We’re looking forward to the first customer coming along, put their hand up and take this one onto the track.”
Both Melbourne Performance Centre’s cars make up part of the first set of the series’ confirmed cars, with a Honda Civic Type R also making its way from Italy to join the TCR ranks earlier this month.
With more cars arriving in Australia to join the series’ growing cavalry of competing cars, Matt Braid, Director of the series’ promoter, Australian Racing Group, was thrilled with the Golf GTI’s confirmation in the series.
“It’s great to see another car arrive in Australia. You can feel the momentum starting to build and it’s very exciting,” Braid said.
“Volkswagen Group Motorsport is very committed to TCR global, and VW brand is going to be really good for the series.
“VW doesn’t have a huge racing pedigree in Australia, however, it is such a famous brand with so much history, both on the road and race track. The Golf will certainly attract its own set of followers, so we’re really looking forward to seeing it on track.”
TCR Australia has yet to announce next year’s calendar, but has confirmed their rounds will be part of the Shannons Nationals and Supercars events in 2019.
