Tufflift Racing will run two second-generation Audi RS3 LMS TCR cars in this year’s TCR Australia series, with Zac Soutar being joined by Indonesian racer Glenn Nirwan.
Soutar is entering into this fourth season in TCR Australia, hoping to build on becoming the first-ever privateer entry to score a race victory in 2022.
Last year, Soutar endured a season plagued by reliability issues with his new Audi, in particular driveshaft problems blighting his season opening event.
Despite that, the 26-year-old showed promising speed, recording five overall podiums on his way to tenth overall in the drivers’ standings – an overall ranking heavily skewed by reliability-induced non-finishes.
Nirwan joins the team to make his début in TCR Australia, although the Indonesian racer has plenty of experience in racing the Audi RS3 in his home country.
Last year, the racer from Balikpapan competed in the Euro Touring Car Championship, part of the Indonesian Sentul Series of Motorsport, and won the overall title with an unbeaten record.
Nirwan will race the car which Will Brown previously campaigned for Melbourne Performance Centre.
For the first round at Sandown, it will be MPC running the car, before Nirwan’s BRM Motorsport team takes over the operation of the car from round two, continuing to work closely with MPC and Team Soutar Motorsport.
“I’m hugely excited not only to announce the continuation of Tufflift Hoist’s support of myself and my racing endeavours, but to also welcome Glenn Nirwan to the Tufflift Racing family,” said Soutar.
“It’s an absolute dream come true to be a part of a two-car team, and I can’t wait to get to Sandown and see two identical Tufflift Racing Audi’s lining up on the grid. It will definitely be a surreal moment for everyone involved.
“Glenn is definitely a very capable driver with a great motorsport history back home in Indonesia. I’m sure that we’re going to have a very successful year together whilst having a lot of fun. Let’s get after it.”
Nirwan, who previous lived in Australia, admitted he was surprised when the opportunity arose.
“Driving in Australia has been my dream,” said Nirwan. “I was surprised and honoured when Team Soutar Motorsport approached me at the end of last season to join forces.
“There is no target for this year, its more to get my feet wet. All the circuits here are new to me, so nothing too crazy. Will just keep my head straight, adapt as fast as I can, learn from my teammate.
“I’m very lucky to have Zac as my teammate. He is a very experienced driver, there is a lot I can learn from him I’m sure.
“I used to live in Brisbane for 12 years, so this feels like coming back home to be honest.”