MINEEFF JOINS TCR AUSTRALIA

Lachlan Mineeff joins TCR Australia- Images: InSyde Media

Formula Ford frontrunner Lachlan Mineeff will make his TCR Australia debut at Phillip Island on March 12-14.

By HEATH McALPINE

Mineeff joins the series after purchasing the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR previously driven by Alexandra Whitley in the inaugural 2019 title and the opening day of the Asia Pacific TCR Cup as support to the Australian Grand Prix last year.

“I’ve been looking to go TCR racing since it first came to Australia in 2019, and I can’t wait to get to Phillip Island,” said Mineeff.

“I was there at the first TCR event at Sydney Motorsport Park, and from there I’ve been working on ways to get into the class. I’m stoked that we’ve finally pieced it all together.

“I love the Phillip Island circuit. I’ve done two Formula Ford rounds there before. It’s a special place for me to make my TCR debut.

“I won’t be able to fit in any testing, but I’ve had decent results at Phillip Island before, so I’ll take as much of my experience as I can from my past racing and use it as best I can next weekend.”

The 18-year-old has been successful in both the Australian Formula Ford Series and the Bathurst 6 Hour where he took class victory alongside fellow open-wheel competitor Tom Sargent in a Toyota 86 in 2019.

Mineeff acknowledged TCR Australia as the next progression to compete in after stepping out of a junior formula.

“For me, TCR is a relevant platform for both manufacturers and sponsors,” he said.

“Coming out of Formula Ford and Production Car racing, it is the next step up the ladder and the best value for money category. It made the most sense.

“The competition, and the various brands in the category was also very appealing. Going up against some current and ex-Supercars drivers is a great test for me, and having all of the races live and free on the Seven Network makes this class the perfect place for me.

The privateer entry will feature support from VAGParts Australia, a supplier of genuine and aftermarket parts for Volkswagen Audi Group models.

“The reason I chose to go with the Volkswagen is because they are a very competitive car, and we’ve also got VAGParts on board as a partner,” explained Mineeff.

“The marriage between VAGPARTS and TCR was match made in heaven, so that has worked out really well.

“The Golfs proved to be very competitive last year. In the hands of Aaron Cameron and Jason Bright, they won races, took a pole position and finished with a heap of podiums, so they are certainly capable of running up the front.

Mineeff will contest the remaining five rounds of TCR Australia with Melbourne Performance Centre preparing and transporting the Golf GTI TCR in the interim as the teenager’s privateer team comes together.

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