Buchan locked to defend TCR title

After winning a breakthrough Supercheap Auto TCR Australia crown last year, Josh Buchan will be back to defend the #1.

Buchan has signed a two-year deal to keep on racing the HMO Customer Racing Hyundai team which brought him the ultimate success last year.

The 2023 TCR Australia champion made his category debut in 2021 with the HMO squad at Symmons Plains and immediately impressed by picking up a podium in his first race. Buchan then went on two races in his rookie season.

This was the start of his happy relationship with HMO Customer Racing where has improved each season.

In 2022 he finished a solid third in the championship with six podiums before breaking new heights in 2023.

Despite teammate Bailey Sweeny leading for the majority of the year, Buchan’s consistency and composure proved critical as he snatched the championship in the Bathurst finale having recorded two wins and eight podiums.

Josh Buchan will continue racing a HMO Hyundai. Image: RACE PROJECT

With this kind of momentum, Buchan sees no reason to change a winning formula.

“I am very pumped to lock away a two year deal with a brand I am passionate about and happy about having been involved for more than a decade now,” he said.

“First and foremost, every driver dreams of getting an opportunity to race, but to get longevity and job security through a multiple-year deal is incredible, not only for peace of mind, but also for team consistency. 

“We can get stuck into the job and focus on trying to win races and titles.

“There is more contributing to the deal than just the results in the car. 

“Of course, the title helped, but it’s a culmination of several years of loyalty I have with them, as well as the amount of events I do with them in the background. I have good relationships on all levels.

“I have felt at home with Hyundai since day one, and, in my eyes, it’s been a successful relationship. 

“They want to go TCR racing, and they feel I am the right person for that. I have always said I will stick around for as long as they have me as it’s a great honour representing them.

“TCR is the natural choice for me to call home for my car racing. The category has always been good to me, so it was a no-brainer to come back.”

Main image: RACE PROJECT

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