ARG TAKES OVER TCM MANAGEMENT

ARG takes over TCM management – Photo: InSyde Media

FAST-GROWING promoter Australian Racing Group has taken control of the popular Touring Car Masters retro-look V8 series, joining TCR and S5000.

By MARK FOGARTY

ARG’s assumption of the commercial management rights to TCM will be officially announced to competitors and sponsors at this weekend’s round at the Supercars Ipswich SuperSprint at Queensland Raceway.

Gaining control of TCM adds a significant and popular category to ARG’s racing portfolio alongside TCR and S5000, with the industry abuzz with speculation that other categories will be added to a growing list of exciting properties.

ARG director Matt Braid exclusively confirmed TCM’s change of category management ownership to Auto Action.

“ARG has acquired the commercial management rights to TCM,” Braid said. “That will see ARG take control of the strategy and commercial management of the category moving forward, while continuing to work with Tony Hunter and his team, who will continue day-to-day management of the category.

“It is an iconic and truly popular category that complements our other categories.”

Touring Car Masters founder Tony Hunter told AA: “TCM has been a significant category for a long time and we have worked hard as a very small organisation to grow and maintain the quality of the Touring Car Masters program.

“Everyone knows that TCM is a favourite with the fans and has been a solid contributor to the Supercars show for many years. But, if I’m being honest, it’s time to take TCM to another level and I’m excited to announce that ARG will the take over the commercial management and marketing rights of TCM.

“While it will be pretty much business as usual, ARG will work towards generating greater commercial income for TCM and the competitors, and grow the profile of the category at the same time.

“We have seen solid growth in the build of new cars and new competitors joining the category over the past couple of seasons, but it’s a huge task to run a major category and I think with ARG and our own on-the-ground TCM team, we will work together towards taking it to another level.”

ARG is looking at expanding its event schedule next year beyond the Shannons Nationals to incorporate major events like the Adelaide 500 and F1 Australian Grand Prix.

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