Whiteline Racing commits to two-car program, wants TCM title

With a new ownership structure and a 2024 calendar that sees Touring Car Masters (TCM) return to a predominantly Supercars event-based series, things seem to be on the up for the fan-favourite category.

The teams are getting organised, and several are stepping up to make sure the series is sustainable into the future.

One such team is Whiteline Racing, led by long-time supporters of Touring Car Masters, Bob and Sharon Middleton, who have made a commitment to run their two-car Chevrolet Camaro team through 2024.

Whiteline Racing has been one of the most successful teams in the history of TCM, and Bob Middleton said he has a renewed commitment to the championship and his group’s driver signings.

“We see the changes being made to the category as being very positive and we have signed up to run the full TCM series in 2024,” he said.

Joel Heinrich returned to winning ways at The Bend. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

“We’ve now got two drivers that have locked in for the whole year, which is great,” he said.

“Our commitment is to give it one more year and have a serious go at trying to win the championship.

“We have been part of the championship for many seasons, but despite winning many races, we haven’t won a championship yet.

“We’ve been second, third, and always been up there somewhere, and had some great drivers, with Andrew Medecki and obviously Adam Bressington – and in the past we also had a long-term relationship with Mark King.

“Moving forward, the people that are now involved in running TCM understand the series, which is now virtually owned by the competitors and administered by the people that were involved in the past, which is great.”

Middleton said changes to team drivers in the past has affected Whiteline Racing’s ability to be competitive consistently in the championship, although they achieved a few first places.

“This year, we have got two drivers signed up and they are fully sponsored by different people to keep them in their car for the season, which that’s made all the difference,” he said.

“We’ve got Joel Heinrich, who is the current Aussie Legends champion, and will race in the #95 Chevrolet Camaro SS which has run over 300 race races in TCM.

Joel Heinrich finished the year strong at the TCM Adelaide finale. Image: RACE PROJECT

“It’s the third highest behind the John Bowe and Steven Johnson cars for race and round wins in TCM.

“Joel did a fantastic job for us last year in the couple of rounds he drove for us. He won six out of the seven races he contended in two rounds.

“Joel will be running in the Pro Masters class for outright championship contention.”

Racing alongside Heinrich will be Queenslander Geoff Fane, who will drive the second #85 Chevrolet Camaro RS.

Middleton said the 2024 race calendar with a number of Supercars events is an improvement on the recent past, competing at Supercars rounds.

“That’s a big positive change for the better,” he said.

“Running with the top series gives TCM better exposure and the sponsors are keen to go again.

“It made them happier to be involved in the Supercars program and help us with the drivers, the cars and all; everything that goes with it.

Middleton said he is more motivated than ever to achieve a win in the Touring Cars Masters series, off the back of some strong showings in the back half of last season.

Geoff Fane will return in the sister #85 Camaro. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

“We finished the year off on a high, winning the Adelaide 500 round, and we won the Tailem Bend round, both with Joe,l and when things are going well, you’re always enthused to keep trying,” he said.

“That in itself makes you wonder whether we should be giving it away just yet.

“In light of the positive new feel about TCM and given that we haven’t won a championship yet, we’ll give it a crack.

“It’s a good reason to give the championship one more serious attempt and hopefully with the drivers who have committed for the whole year, we could pull one off.” 

2024 Touring Car Masters calendar

Round 1 – Bathurst 500 Supercars – February 23/25 – Fox/Kayo TV and 1 FTA TV race.

Round 2 – Perth Supercars – May 17/19 – Fox/Kayo TV

Round 3 – Darwin Supercars – June 14/16 – Fox/Kayo TV and 2 FTA TV races

Round 4 – Sydney Supercars – July 19/21 – Fox/Kayo TV

Round 5 – Sandown 500 Retro round – Sept 20/22 – Fox/Kayo TV.

Round 6 – TBA – Most likely with – FTA TV in Sydney or Melbourne

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