Clemente forced onto SMP TCR sidelines
Rising star of the Aussie TRC world Michael Clemente will miss the opening Australian leg of the TCR World Tour at SMP over budgetary issues.
Though the popular Victorian racer and his Carl Cox Motorsport Cupra Leon TCR will sit out SMP as the Australian field takes on the world’s best, he and his family run team still hope to make the grid at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International leg of the TCR WT.
Currently eighth in the standings, Clemente has had a stellar season that has included a memorable win at Phillip Island, as well as a pole and victory at Winton to go with his nine other top-ten finishes.
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A pair of aces at Phillip Island and Winton has seen Clemente enjoy a great 2023 TCR campaign
The #15 Cupra driver has had great fan support in 2023, and he’s still hoping that he brings his hoard of sponsors, friends and family to Mount Panorama on November 10-11.
“Unfortunately we won’t be able to make this weekend’s round at Sydney,” Clemente said.
“We’ve done absolutely everything we could to try and put together the funds to make it there but ultimately there just wasn’t enough left in the kitty litter.
“It’s a massive shame to miss such an incredible opportunity to race against the internationals, It’s something I’ve been looking forward to all year and have been super focused on, as well it being a track that I thought would suit our Cupra perfectly.
“We’re still working nonstop to attend the final round at Bathurst, where hopefully we can put in a strong performance against the world’s best.”
Clemente’s team will continue their search for a budget ahead of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International next week.
His absence will leave the Race Sydney TCR field at 24 cars, which remains the largest in the local history of the category.
Teams arrive at Sydney Motorsport Park later this week ahead of the two-day event, commencing this Friday afternoon.
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