AUSSIE INTERNATIONAL JOINS TCR FIELD

John Martin joins TCR Australia field – Photo: Supplied

Australian international driver John Martin will suit up in a Honda Civic Type-R TCR car in the inaugural TCR Australia Series, kicking off at Sydney Motorsport Park next month.

The 34-year-old Queenslander is the second confirmed driver for Wall Racing’s Honda effort, joining the recently confirmed Tony D’Alberto in the JAS Motorsport-built Civics.

“It’s going to be different, but I’m really looking forward to the new challenge,” said Martin.

“Up until TCR got announced in Australia, I didn’t really picture myself racing in touring cars, but the more I spoke to people and the more hype that has been building, it now seems like the obvious next career choice.

“The category is massive in Europe. I was over there when it first started and I’ve watched a fair bit of the racing. It’s very exciting, door to door battles and that’s what people want to see.

“The other lure for me is that it’s an international class. There’s nothing stopping us from going to Asia or Europe and racing these exact same cars on some of the world’s best circuits. That definitely played a part in my decision.

“I’ve had some dealings with David Wall and his team of late and they are a great team. There is no fuss with their racing. They enjoy it and they are good at it. I’m really looking forward to the season kicking off in Sydney.”

Martin is one of Australia’s most experienced International drivers. Starting his career in local karting, Martin progressed to Formula Ford where he won the 2006 national championship.

He left Australian shores in 2007, heading to England to race in British Formula Ford and F3. He continued to race single-seaters for several seasons, competing in A1GP, Formula Renault 3.5 and Superleague Formula before switching to international sportscar racing.

In recent years, Martin has returned to local GT racing, and for 2019, has elected to take on his first full commitment to touring car racing.

“John is hugely experienced and he has proven his ability in a variety of different cars – you name it, he has done it,” said David Wall, Team Owner.

“His experience is definitely going to help our team get on the pace quickly, and he is really going to complement Tony (D’Alberto) in our other car.

“To have two very good professional drivers in our Hondas is a massive benefit. These cars are quite a bit different to what they are familiar with, but I feel that they will be able to get their heads around it really quickly.

“The Winton test is going to be an important day. It will be their only chance to drive the cars prior to Sydney Motorsport Park, so we’ll be looking to maximise every moment to ensure we are competitive straight out of the box.”

Martin will get the chance to test the Honda at Winton on April 30 ahead of the opening round of the TCR Australia Series that will be held at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 17-19.

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