Ben Bargwanna will return to the TCR Australia series in 2023, with the 21-year-old entering into his third season in the touring car category, whilst he will also take on two of the international TCR World Tour events this year.
Bargwanna joined TCR Australia in 2021, racing a Peugeot 308 TCR alongside his father Jason. Last season, he continued as his father took on a managerial role, taking a maiden victory at Sandown in September.
He has also secured one pole position and a total of five podium finishes in the championship, with a best overall ranking of tenth in 2021.
Bargwanna will benefit from continued backing from Burson Auto Parts for his Garry Rogers Motorsport-run entry.
He will also race in the first two rounds of the TCR World Tour at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
For his international foray, Bargwanna will join French outfit Team Clairet Sport, again in Peugeot machinery.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make this happen, and I cannot thank Burson Auto Parts enough for the chance to represent them on the world stage, as well a fight for the TCR Australia title,” said Ben Bargwanna.
“When the World Tour format become public, and there was a hint of an opportunity to compete, it was something I was wanted to be a part of.
“For it now to become a reality has made me feel a foot taller with pride and excitement. The thought that I will represent Australia at a World Championship level and to be able to have crack at Algarve and Spa is mind blowing. I can’t wait to attack Eau Rouge, let me at it!
“It’s fair to say my simulator will get a work out this year in preparation for the two starts in Europe.
“Our main goal is to win the Australian title, but I am sure my three other GRM Peugeot team-mates will start the year with the same objective.
“I look forward to making the Peugeots 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the championship, and building a strong campaign and delivering the result the team deserves.”
Bargwanna’s father, Jason Bargwanna – the Team Principal – admits he is very proud of seeing his son’s plans to take on international touring car racing come to fruition.
“We are so proud to again partner with Burson Auto Parts and GRM to tackle the TCR Australia Series,” said Jason Bargwanna.
“Ben has come of age in the last couple of seasons, and as we start the 2023 season with our eyes firmly set on the championship victory. His track record is compiled with pole positions, podiums and race wins, so now it’s about putting that all together to compete for the championship.
“The new World Tour format has made it possible, and within reach for Ben to sample the world’s best TCR drivers and teams prior to the two Australian rounds of the World Tour where we want to be right at the front of the field in our backyard.
“It’s going to be a bit of WOW moment for Ben competing at Portimão and Spa, and both Deb (Ben’s mother) and I are extremely proud, and yet I am seriously jealous at the same time!
“We have the confidence in GRM and the team of great people as we commit to the Peugeot for the upcoming season. We know that the new generation of cars are fast, but we believe that a well driven and run Peugeot can be more than a match for the newer toys out on the track.
“Team Clairet Sport was a clear and easy choice for our international campaign, and allows us to stay with the Peugeot brand in a competitive outfit. It is a team we already have a connection with after Bathurst Last year when Teddy Clairet joined GRM for the Bathurst International.
“On paper, the Peugeot 308 TCR may be a little outgunned on the world stage, but the experience will be invaluable, and when they all come to Bathurst in November … lookout!”
The opening round of the 2023 TCR Australia Series takes place at Symmons Plains Raceway on February 24-26.