NEW INITIATIVES FOR TOURING CAR MASTERS IN 2019

New initiatives for Touring Car Masters in 2019

AHEAD OF its opening round at the Adelaide 500, Touring Cars Masters organisers have announced a pair of new initiatives.

The first is a new optional TCM category control engine to enable competitors that are without the ability to develop or aren’t willing to develop an engine. The control unit is a six-litre based on the Chevrolet LS block with control specification camshaft, dry sump, cylinder heads and carburettor.

The control engine pumps out 600hp and 650Nm of torque coming at a cost of $25,000 after dyno testing and sealing.

“The greatest challenge for all classes of motorsport, especially those competing as a national series, is containing costs,” said Touring Car Masters category manager, Tony Hunter. 

“There’s only so much series management can do about travel costs, and these are compounded by higher costs when competing nationally. It is important for our sponsors and partners to compete at the highest level – on the Supercars calendar – but at the same time entry and TV costs are proportioned accordingly. 

“Offering assistance in technical areas can reduce the build and running costs of the cars and that is our focus. 

“The new engine is a cost-effective way to produce the right level of performance these cars now require, without going to the expense of building your own engine. We have no plans to alter the specification and freedoms already allowed, but offering this alternative can be a cost-effective way to compete.”

Technical regulations remain the same with only mild changes to allow further freedoms to the front and rear suspension.

The ‘Ladies Cup’ is the other new initiative for the 2019 season, joining existing classes ProMaster, ProAm and ProSports.

Lady competitors will still be able to fight for outright and class victories, whilst also contesting the ‘Ladies Cup’, which carries support from Burson

“We have had the privilege of having Leanne Tander, Amanda Sparks and Melinda Price competing successfully in Touring Car Masters in the past,” said Hunter. 

“The TCM Burson Auto Parts Ladies Cup will be a prestigious part of the championship and we hope it can attract a full field. We are aiming for eight competitors in the long-term and while we know it will take some time to build, we want to start now.”

TCM cars will also sport stickers supporting ‘Say No to Family Violence’ raising awareness for the campaign.

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