MINEEFF SETS SIGHTS ON TOP 10

TCR Australia Series privateer Lachlan Mineeff has set a goal of top 10 race finishes to close out what has been a challenging introduction to the category this year.

Mineeff has taken his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR to the Philip Island and Sydney Motorsport Park rounds of the series, registering a best result of ninth in his first ever race.

As a consequence of missing the Symmons Plains and Bathurst rounds, the 18-year-old sits 21st overall in the standings.

Despite the significant challenges of a fluid schedule and unfamiliarity with the category, Mineeff was confident that an upturn in results was possible over the remaining rounds.

“I’m really enjoying my time in TCR,” Mineeff told Auto Action.

“Looking forward to these next few rounds, hopefully we can get some momentum, get some events on the board and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t consistently be in the top 10.

“The results may not look too impressive at the moment, but the series is just so competitive and will continue to stay like that.

“We’re always working really hard on ways we can develop and improve the car.”

The former Formula Ford racer finished 18th, 16th and 15th in the most recent Sydney-based round, but will look to channel his form from Phillip Island into the next outing.

“I think both myself and the team have been working hard and I think our performances have been really, really good,” Mineeff said.

“I think performance has been around the eight out of 10.

“I’m thankful for the people around me that have given me these opportunities, but we’ve still got some more work to do to really prove ourselves.”

Mineeff started the year strongly with a Class D Production victory in the Bathurst 6 Hour alongside teammate Tom Sargeant.

Tin tops appear the priority for the New South Welshman, who is committed to TCR for the time being but has also left the door ajar for future category movement.

“As a driver you’ve always got to keep your options open,” Mineeff explained.

“The TCR formula is something that’s attractive for me, the fact that the cars are pretty much all the same all the way around the world.

“The TCR Australia championship is one of the most competitive in the world, I’m certainly not looking to move out of TCR Australia anytime soon.

“However, there’s obviously options in the US and Europe, which would be cool, looking at the touring car route in the US, UK or Europe would be fantastic.

“I am thankful to be in TCR Australia at the moment, and if we could stay in it for as long as we can, I think that would be really exciting.”

The final confirmed round for TCR Australia will be held at the new six-day Bathurst race meeting from November 30-December 5.

Read Auto Action 1820 for an in-depth Young Guns feature on Mineeff’s career to date.

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