Bargwanna joins TCR World Tour rounds

Ben Bargwanna will add two international legs of the new TCR World Tour to his third full Australian TCR season in 2023.

The Peugeot 308 driver will again race with Garry Rogers Motorsport for the 2023 Aussie TCR season, as well as teaming up with Burson Auto Parts in a new look 308.

The son of Bathurst 1000 winner, Jason Bargwanna, will commit to two international rounds with French team,Team Clairet Sport, who also run a Peugeot 308.

Bargwanna will get to experience the Algarve Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, on April 28-30, before tackling Belgium’s famous Spa Francorchamps on May 26-28.

“When the World Tour format became public, and there was a hint of an opportunity to compete, it was something I wanted to be a part of,” Bargwanna said.

Bargwanna’s new look Burson Auto Parts #71 Puegeot 308 that he’ll contest the 2023 TCR Australia season with

“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 a crack at Algarve and Spa is mind blowing…I can’t wait to attack Eau Rouge, let me at it!”

The 21 year-old #71 Peugeot racer took out his maiden TCR win at the rain soaked Sandown round last season, finishing 11th in the standings in a very tightly contested field.

For the World Tour – that will ultimately crown a global champion – drivers will collect points in a bid to qualify for the finals, with two rounds set to be held in Australia, one being at the Bathurst International.

Burson Auto Parts Team Principal, and Ben’s father Jason, says that his son is ready to compete for the national championship, as well as experience some international racing.

“We are so proud to again partner with Burson Auto Parts and GRM to tackle the TCR Australia Series,” said J. Bargwanna. 

“Ben has come of age in the last couple of seasons, and as we start the 2023 season, our eyes firmly set on the championship victory. 

Burson Auto Parts backed Bargwanna in TCR and S5000 racing in 2022

“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 a WOW moment for Ben competing at Portimao and Spa, and both Deb (Ben’s mother) and I are extremely proud, and yet I am seriously jealous at the same time!

“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.

Bargwanna enjoys his maiden TCR win at Sandown with his father, Jason

“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 Australian TCR season kicks off at Symmons Plains in Tasmania on February 24-26 for the first round of the newly formed SpeedSeries.

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