The North American-based Pirelli World Challenge will add a new Touring Car class for TCR machinery to its grid in 2018, meaning TCR cars now have two homes in the USA.
Earlier this year it had already been announced that IMSA had gained the exclusive rights to establish TCR USA and TCR Canada. The organisation has now also granted permission for the Pirelli World Challenge, run by WC Vision, to include TCR cars in its North American series.
Selected TCR cars have already been eligible to compete in the PWC in 2017, with the Audi RS3 LMS claiming two victories already, with the car currently leading the Touring Car class ahead of the season finale.
WC Vision President and CEO Greg Gill is looking forward to seeing further brands, such as Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen, joining the TCR ranks in North America.
“We are very excited about the new machinery now eligible for our new Touring Car class,” said Gill. “Our competition and technical staff led by Marcus Haselgrove have worked hard to implement the new cars’ manufacturers specs for the new class and we expect additional auto makers to join the category this year.”
PWC Touring Car class manager Jim Jordan has already been in talks with brands including Honda and Hyundai, as well as Alfa Romeo car builders Romeo Ferraris, who are interested in having TCR cars running in the class next year.
“This year, we worked with Audi on the progress of its RS3 LMS model to participate in Touring Car and that transition was successful,” said Jordan. “Now, with the new TC class, Audi, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen and several other manufacturers can run their respective TCR cars in the new category with no restrictions like in 2017. We see others coming into the new TC division too in 2018.
“The worldwide interest with TCR cars has grown rapidly in recent months. I can see a bright future for the new TC class in the coming years.”
The TCB class, which has run in the Touring Car class in 2017, has already been confirmed as not returning in 2018.