Motorbase Performance have taken delivery of its first Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR cars as the Kent-based team evaluates its options for an extended TCR campaign in 2018.
The team, who have been a mainstay of the British Touring Car Championship for the past 12 years, have taken the opportunity to expand their touring car stable for the coming season as they seek to fill a gap created by the end of their GT programme which has run over the past five seasons.
“TCR has grown quite significantly over the last two seasons, and it’s impressive if you look at what its achieved in a short space of time,” said Team Principal David Bartrum. “It’s not just about the UK series; globally the format seems to work well.
“When you look at the various domestic championships running and the 24-hour series, TCR is a very competitive and attractive package and as an international racing team we want to be a part of that as it grows.”
Bartrum adds that the reach of TCR is a particular positive, with the cars being able to compete outside the UK, unlike the current generation of more expensive BTCC cars.
“It fits the bill perfectly for us since winding down our GT programme. It opens up a lot more opportunities for us as a team as we now have a stable of cars that we can take all over the world, we’re no longer limited to just the UK market which is a downside of the BTCC.
“Motorbase has already proven itself to be competitive in Europe and the Middle East in the GT world and we’re keen to do the same again in Touring Cars.”
The team will shake down their new cars on Wednesday (18 October) at Brands Hatch, where they will work through an initial testing programme before opening up packages to potential drivers.
The team have not confirmed whether they are looking at TCR UK or TCR International in particular, preferring to keep their options open for the new season.
“We’re open to look at all available options for next season,” added Bartrum. “I’m excited to see which drivers are out there with the potential and budget to work with us whether in the UK, Europe or further afield.
“2018 is looking like a very interesting season for TCR and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes us.”