ROOKIE REVELATION
Bailey Sweeny has been one of the revelations of the 2022 TCR Australia Series so far, showing fearless confidence behind the wheel to mix it with the best.
Sweeny was one of several young drivers who impressed at the Symmons Plains season opener, guiding his HMO Customer Racing Hyundai i30 N to a podium finish, before making headlines with a maiden victory at Mount Panorama.
The 2022 TCR grid features quality names such as Will Brown, Aaron Cameron and Fabian Coulthard, but there was no match for the 19-year-old who sliced and diced his way through the talented field, passing multiple more senior steerers to win by an outrageous 11.4s.
Sweeny was understandably surprised to grace the top step so early in his career.
“Definitely not what I was expecting,” Sweeny told AUTO ACTION.
“I was hoping for a few top 10s, not podiums and wins.
“It was a big moment, when I got back and caught how excited the crew were as well, that was awesome.”
The win was a perfect storm of car performance, driver progression and track experience, demonstrating what is possible for young drivers looking to make it big on the national motorsport scene.
Sweeny is 11th in the standings after three rounds, 73 points adrift of current leader Tony D’Alberto, but could have been a lot higher up if not for a DNF at Symmons Plains.
This year is certainly a busy one for the Batemans Bay local, who has also kicked off his Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Series campaign as part of a dual program with TCR.
The first round at Sydney Motorsport Park in March brought a solid points haul, leaving Sweeny fourth in the standings as he looks to impress across multiple platforms.
He spoke to Josh Nevett about his breakout campaign and what’s to come in the latest edition of AUTO ACTION, which you can purchase at your local Coles or newsagent.
You can also buy the magazine online here.
