Porsche Carrera Cup veteran, Michael Almond, has expressed his interest in becoming a regular participant in the fan favourite Touring Car Masters series.

Almond was involved in a sensational crash in Townsville with Cameron Tilley’s Valiant Pacer, when it appeared his brakes gave out heading into turn 3 on the third lap in the final race of the weekend.
Racing in the #95 Camaro SS, the unfortunate collision led to Almond missing his afternoon seat in the Porsche due to a medical ruling, whilst Tilley’s destroyed Pacer has thrown the rest of his season into doubt.
Despite the incident, Almond loved his time behind the wheel of a muscled-up classic, and has his eyes firmly set on achieving a victory in the category.
“That was the first time I’ve driven in it (the Camaro), I’d absolutely love to win a TCM race.” Almond told Auto Action.
As for the car itself, Almond admitted having an intertwined history with the once black Chevrolet.
“Funnily enough, it’s pretty cool that it was Andrew Miedecke that used to race this thing when it was black, and now George (Miedecke) is in the other car (#85 Camaro RS) and I used to race against his father, and now I’m racing him,” said Almond.
So, I remember racing against this car in Perth in 2013. I’ve always wanted to drive it so it’s pretty cool to be able to now. It’s got another 100 horse power now, from when it used to race against me.”
The parallel story of Almond racing against George Miedecke in his father’s car, that Almond himself used to go up against, is a tantalising and suitable story for an event such as the TCM.
In regards to the damage sustained to the storied SS, Almond says it’s still a good chance to appear at Septembers Sandown meet.
“They (The Whiteline Racing Team) didn’t think it was completely gone. So, they reckon they’re gonna be able to salvage it,” Almond said optimistically.
But I think it’s only been pulled off the truck today (Tuesday), so we’ll know in the next 24 hours. Hopefully we get it re-built with a new brake system, and away we go.”
When it comes to Almond’s future participation in the series, he sounded confident and up-beat; a good sign for the fans of the popular category, who wouldn’t begrudge at seeing some added pressure put on the dominant Holden’s.
“Absolutely I’d love to continue,” he expressed to Auto Action.
“I’m hoping, depending on if the car can be rebuilt in time, and if the budget isn’t blown out with Petrol Services Australia, but they’re pretty excited about me racing in the category. They want me to finish the season so I’m very much looking forward to doing so if it’s possible. It’s just so, so fun driving those old rockets.” Almond confirmed.
The recent cancellation of next month’s Ipswich round has opened up the possibility of the TCM season ending in December on the streets of Adelaide.
The next event for TCM will be at Sandown on September 16-18, before heading to ‘The Mountain’ in November.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action.