Tom Oliphant will race a Hyundai i30 N TCR for HMO Customer Racing in this year’s TCR Australia series, targeting a title challenge in his second season in the championship.
The former BTCC racer made his début in the Australian series in 2023 with Ashley Seward Motorsport, starting the season in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR before switching to a Lynk & Co 03 TCR for the second meeting.
However, when Oliphant temporarily reverted back to the Alfa Romeo at the third event at Winton, he went on to score his maiden victory in the series, before then going on to complete the season in Lynk & Co machinery.
Oliphant, who won the rookie class title, finished the season eighth overall in the drivers’ standings, and the 33-year-old is targeting more podiums in 2024 as he teams up with reigning champion Josh Buchan at the most successful team in the series.
“I’m very excited to be back in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series for 2024 and joining the reigning champions in HMO Customer Racing,” said Oliphant.
“They are a team that knows how to win and the Hyundai i30 N has proven its pace over the last few years.
“I gained lots of experience and made big steps forward in my debut season and I feel HMO will provide a great environment for me to progress further.
“I’ve already tested the car and I feel right at home, so I’m confident we can push for some strong results from the opening round.”
Barry Morcom, HMO Customer Racing Team Owner, was impressed with Oliphant’s début season in the category.
“As the defending teams’ champions in the TCR Australia Championship, it is critical that HMO Customer Racing has race-winning drivers in race-winning cars, and we believe we have all the right ingredients to defend our title in 2024,” said Morcom.
“Tom had a stellar debut last year with some outstanding results and I am confident that with Josh Buchan and Tom in our cars this year we have one of the most exciting and talented driver line-ups on the grid.”
Rob Benson, HMO Customer Racing Chief Engineer, expects to see Oliphant winning more races in the coming season.
“HMO Customer Racing is excited to welcome Tom Oliphant to the team for the 2024 TCR Australia Championship alongside our defending champion, Josh Buchan,” added Benson.
“Tom brings a wealth of knowledge to us from his previous experience racing in some of the most competitive touring car championships in the world.
“His race victory at Winton during his rookie season in the TCR Australia Championship was a standout performance, and we are confident that HMO Customer Racing and Hyundai will provide him with more opportunities to visit the winner’s podium this year.”
The 2024 TCR Australia season gets underway at Sandown next weekend.