BATHURST WINNER KEEN ON TCR

Jason Bright interested in TCR – Photo: LAT

The growing interest in TCR Australia continues after Bathurst winner and former Supercars team owner Jason Bright has signalled his intention to head a two-car program in the new series.

Bright has cited the worldwide interest shown by manufacturers s a key reason for his interest with five already confirmed for this year’s series.

“I’m very interested in TCR Australia and I’m actively pursuing a deal to compete with a multi-car program for this year,” said Bright.

“For me, the interest TCR has created with manufacturers around the world and success it has enjoyed is evidence the formula has what it takes to work in Australia.”

Talks between a number of marques are underway as Bright aims to compete in the inaugural season of TCR Australia, which kicks off as part of the Shannons Nationals at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 17-19.

“There’s a couple of different manufacturers that I’ve been talking to,” Bright continued. “There is some good interest out there, so I’m really keen to get something locked away for the start of 2019, or worst case, midway through the season.”

Bright aims to field multiple cars and admitted that manufacturer involvement is preferred, although interest from dealers has been particularly strong.

“It is important to be aligned with a manufacturer, but not essential. The key is to do it with a two-car team as a minimum,” Bright said.

“From what I’ve found so far, there’s definitely a lot of interest at the car dealer level. The dealers of these types of cars haven’t had a motorsport program to support. There’s many dealers out there that love motorsport and see this as direct value.”

Bright has targeted young drivers to be a part of his program with the worldwide TCR platform enabling drivers to race the same car across the world, while providing the possibility of a manufacture alignment.

“There’s a really great opportunity for young guys to progress their careers with a direct alignment to a manufacturer,” Bright explained.

“It has always been difficult for young guys to achieve that here in Australia, but I feel that TCR is the perfect place to establish yourself on the track with different car brands and take that overseas.”

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