Jay Hanson will get behind the wheel of one of Melbourne Performance Centre’s new 2021-spec Audi RS3 LMS TCR cars in next year’s TCR Australia series.
Hanson, 18, joined the grid for this year’s series, and he has raced an Alfa Romeo Giulietta for Ashley Seward Motorsport, picking up a best finish of fourth to-date.
Due to increasing interest in the new car, MPC is considering acquiring more of the models for next year’s series, with delivery expected in early 2022.
“I’ve always liked the look of the Audi,” said Hanson. “I think it’s a tough, clean looking car. Hopefully it goes as well as it looks.
“For Melbourne Performance Centre to have its hands on another Audi is going to work great for the team and myself. They know those cars inside out and back-to-front due to working with Audi Sport products for many years.
“I’m just keen to see what they can do with that little beast.
“We’ve committed to TCR, and in 2022 we’re ready to give it a red-hot crack and see what we can do.
“The aim is to start the year off well, be consistent at the top end and see where we end in the later stages of the year.
“Hopefully we can get out in the Audi prior to the start of the season. I’m aiming to get as many miles as I can, so I’ll be in full swing for when the season commences.
“It’s just going to keep on growing as a category, with all these new cars including the Audi and Hyundai now available, I think the category is just going to keep on rising.”
Troy Russell, co-owner of Melbourne Performance Centre, thinks Hanson has high potential.
“Jay has plenty of potential as demonstrated during his first year in TCR,” said Russell. “The Audi is a reliable and fast product, as we’ve seen with the current model, so it provides Jay with a great base to attack next season with.
“If Jay can stay composed and remain consistent, then there is nothing stopping him from being a contender next year.”