Bargwanna looking to ignite TCR title charge
With the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia season approaching an exciting pointy end, Ben Bargwanna is looking to ignite his title charge at Ipswich this weekend.
The TCRs return to racing for the first time in two months at Queensland Raceway this weekend for three important races as the second half of the season gets underway with Sandown and the notable double header with the TCR World Tour on the horizon.
Bailey Sweeny currently leads HMO Customer Racing teammate Josh Buchan at the top of the table, but the consistent Bargwanna is not out of the frame in sixth.
Despite only collecting two podiums, the #71 Burson Auto Parts Racing GRM Peugeot 308 is only 99 points back.
However, this figure could be much less if it was not for some bad luck at the first round at Symmons Plains and the most recent round in Winton.
Nonetheless Bargwanna is still on track to record a career best season having broke through last year for his first win.
Ben Bargwanna under gloomy skies at the last TCR round in Winton. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
Burson Auto Parts Racing GRM team owner Jason Bargwanna has signified the Queensland round as a launch point to build from at the back end of the year where happier hunting grounds for the Peugeot await.
“We are very excited to get back on track as it is starting to come towards the sharp end of the season,” the 2000 Bathurst 1000 winner told AUTO ACTION.
“Ben has had a bit of bad luck with a driveshaft failure in Tasmania and alternator failure in Winton which hurt a lot in terms of points.
“If they did not happen he would probably be in the top three, but everyone has their sad stories.
“All four Peugeot’s are pretty close but we really need to focus on ensuring our consistency over the last four rounds and we can fight for that championship.”
Last year Queensland Raceway was dominated by Tony D’Alberto and his Honda and Bargwanna is wary the “Paperclip” may not play into the hands of the 308 compared to tracks such as SMP and Bathurst.
Ben Bargwanna leads a pack of TCRs at Queensland Raceway last year. Image: DANIEL KALISZ PHOTOGRAPHER
“It is going to be interesting this weekend. QR is probably not one of the Peugeot’s strongest tracks but after that we head towards ones that it likes,” he said.
“The big aero tracks certainly suit the Peugeot better with the way the front and rear suspension is and brake package.
“Queensland Raceway has a bit of aero, but has a lot of big braking zones which is a strength of the Hyundais and Hondas.
“The issues we had with all four Peugeots last year we have resolved and are on top of so we are going to go there and have a crack.
“When it comes to Sydney Motorsport Park and Bathurst we know the Peugeot is very strong so let’s see if we can finish the year on a high.”
It has been an exciting year for the Bargwannas, with a trip to Europe to take on the TCR World Tour stars at Portugal and Belgium, a return to S5000, while Queensland Raceway will be one of the last before the team adds an extra Peugeot TCR with the support of Hangcha Forklifts at SMP with a driver to be revealed soon.
But there is a lot more to come starting with three races around the “Paperclip” this weekend.
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Main image by Daniel Kalisz Photographer
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