The promoter of the TCR Australia series has revealed a new privateer trophy backed by Michelin for its inaugural season, with the aim of giving non-professional racers the chance to fight for a trophy of their own.
The Michelin Cup will be formed from drivers who the series organisers deem to be ‘privateer’, with their credentials being assessed upon application to the series where drivers will either be placed into the ‘professional’ or ‘privateer’ class.
“The TCR formula is designed to encourage the best race drivers to compete in a cost-effective, even and competitive field,” said Australian Racing Group Director Matt Braid.
“Touring car racing is cut-throat – the cream rises to the top – but we understand that for some, racing cars comes second to business pressures and lifestyle choices.
“So along with our great tyre partner Michelin, we are encouraging racers of all types, whether they are professionals or private concerns, to have the chance to compete at the level that they choose.
“There will not be a separate championship or points scoring structure, simply reward for those who are not considered as professional in the competitive world of motorsport.
“We’ve enjoyed some great feedback since we officially launched the series last week, and it was apparent that for our first year, we are going to attract a wide variety of drivers, and Michelin was also very supportive of this, so were are pleased to have the Michelin Cup as a part of TCR Australia in 2019.”
Michelin Australia Marketing Manager Swaroop Tulsidas says that the tyre manufacturer is committed to strategically promoting pathways through Australian motorsport.
“As the preferred tyre supplier of TCR Australia, we are thrilled to be part of the Michelin Cup as part of our belief in the series for 2019 and beyond,” added Tulsidas.
“Michelin’s increased promotion of Australian motorsport, not only reaffirms our commitment to nurturing future talent at all levels, but strategically providing a pathway to the highest level of competition through each of the local categories we support.”