Tim Slade will return to TCR Australia this weekend to fill in for Tom Oliphant at Ashley Seward Motorsport, as Brit Oliphant is getting married at home in the United Kingdom.
Oliphant has been contesting the full TCR Australia season so far, starting the year in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta before moving to a Lynk & Co 03 for the second round at Phillip Island.
However, issues with parts supplies meant Oliphant moved back to an Alfa Romeo for the last round at Winton, where he scored his maiden win in the series.
Slade contested three races in 2022 when he took over in a Wall Racing-run Honda, operated as a Stan Sport-backed ‘guest car’, for one event at Bathurst, scoring a best result of sixth in the opening race.
“I really enjoyed the test day in the Lynk & Co and working with Ashley Seward who’s pretty switched on when it comes to preparing a car and the setup side of things,” said Slade.
“The Lynk & Co has a pretty good history in Europe and been extremely successful over there, and from my limited TCR experience it’s the most enjoyable TCR car that I’ve driven.
“I tested Ash’s Alfa a couple of years ago and raced the Honda at Bathurst, but the Lynk & Co drives the closest to a normal rear wheel drive car in comparison.
“I first worked with Ash back when I first moved to Melbourne, so we go back a fair way, and his standard is extremely high with everything he does. That was part of the enjoyment on the test day, just the level he goes to with it all.
“With Supercars running 12 rounds and only two or three test days it’s beneficial to find seat time in other categories and I enjoyed the TCR competition last year, it’s good hard and close racing.
“Thanks to Tom, Ash and the team for the opportunity to have a drive, we’ll extract the most from ourselves and maximise our results.”
Oliphant will be busy getting married to fiancée Genevieve at the weekend, but says he plans to return to the series next month.
“It’s disappointing to be missing the Queensland race however it couldn’t be for a better reason,” said the 32-year-old former BTCC racer.
“I will be in the UK marrying my girlfriend of 13 years, Gen, who has supported me through my entire motorsport career.
“ASM and Autoglym have found a great replacement and I wish them the best of luck up in Queensland.
“I will be back and pushing to get my next win under my belt at Sandown in September.”