Garland turns to Peugeot for 2023 TCR series

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 25 January 2023

Kody Garland will swap French manufacturers from Renault to Peugeot for the 2023 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series.

After completing his rookie TCR Australia campaign in one of two Garry Rogers Motorsport Renault Megane’s, Garland will be racing a Peugeot 308 this year.

The brand switch arrives at an opportune time for the 22-year-old, who believes he is ready to step up and fight further up the front.

Garland finished last year’s championship in 19th position with a personal best race result of 12th at Sandown and Bathurst.

But if Garland is to lift himself up the grid, he must adjust to a significant change to his gear-shifting technique.

Kody Garland drives his GRM Renault Megane through pits at the 2022 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series Bathurst finale. Image: Jack Martin Photography

His former car, the Renault Megane TCR is the only model in the Australian series to utilise a sequential stick shift.

Now Garland will move to the paddle shift system in the Peugeot, which will be a key difference ahead of the 2023 season.

But having already had a brief taste of the paddle shift system, he believes he has what it takes to overcome the hurdle and unlock more speed.

“It will take a bit of getting used to, but fortunately I got to drive the Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR quite recently at the GRM Combine, so I have a bit of a head start on what the paddle shift feels like,” Garland said.

“The Peugeot also has a smaller wheelbase than the Renault, so I’m expecting it to be a bit nimbler.

“I’m looking forward to our pre-season test where I’ll be able to get some valuable laps behind the wheel and get a solid understanding of the Peugeots unique aspects ahead of the season opener at Race Tasmania.”

With the likes of Jordan Cox, Aaron Cameron and Ben Bargwanna all driving the Peugeot 308 to victory lane last year, Garland hopes to join them, having been able to topple his more experienced Renault teammate James Moffat in five races.

Aaron Cameron celebrates winning the Easter round at Bathurst in a Peugeot 308. Image: TCR Australia/Jack Martin

“It was great last year to have James Moffat on the other side of the Renault garage as a benchmark for me,” said Garland.

“Given the tight set-up window of the Renault it was good to compare against Moffat and match his pace throughout the year.

“GRM has enjoyed great success in the Peugeots over the last few years and the team has an intrinsic understanding of how the 308 operates, so I’m really excited to get behind the wheel and prove myself as a regular contender for the win.”

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.

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Garland turns to Peugeot for 2023 TCR series

But if Garland is to lift himself up the grid, he must adjust to a significant change to his gear-shifting technique.

With the likes of Jordan Cox, Aaron Cameron and Ben Bargwanna all driving the Peugeot 308 to victory lane last year, Garland hopes to join them, having been able to topple his more experienced Renault teammate James Moffat in five races.

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