Touring Car Masters grid confirmed
A new era for Touring Car Masters begins with a return to the Supercars show at Mount Panorama this weekend and many big names and cars will go racing.
An 18-car grid is locked in for four races this weekend which will be one of the big support acts of the Bathurst 500 and the first under Touring Car Masters’ new ownership structure.
Leading the way will be reigning champion Steven Johnson and his mean looking Hancock Racing Ford Mustang Trans Am.
Johnson returned to the top of Touring Car Masters last year, winning his fourth crown on the streets of Adelaide.
Steven Johnson will defend his TCM title. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
His biggest challenger Ryan Hansford will also return and is desperate to get back on top as their Ford versus Holden rivalry enters a new phase.
Hansford also returns in his A9X Torana and will be determined to take the fight to Johnson after just falling short last year.
Joining Hansford in the Torana brigade are the likes of Allan Hughes, Andrew Fisher, Peter Burnitt, Jim Pollicina and Danny Buzadzic, who has repaired his #3 after the big crash at Adelaide.
Another challenger could be Joel Heinrich, who after making a massive splash at selected races last year.
Heinrich’s Whiteline Racing Camaro went on a run of five straight wins at The Bend and Adelaide.
Joel Heinrich did plenty of winning at The Bend and Adelaide last year. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
But in 2024 he will be launching a full-scale attack on the title by taking part in every round.
Also supporting the General are Adam Garwood (VB Commodore) Warren Trewin (Monaro) Ben Dunn (Monza) and Geoff Fane (Monaro).
Johnson will not be alone representing the “Blue Oval” however thanks to Falcons steered by John Adams (XY) and Marcus Zukanovic (XD), who won last time out at Bathurst, while Jamie Tilley and Tony Karanfilovski will be steering a Mustang.
At the final two rounds last year there was a strong cohort of Kiwis joining the Touring Car Masters field and the only one to return for the 2024 opener is Angus Fogg.
Fogg’s black and gold Mustang Coupe is always a fan favourite and he will have no trouble finding the racing line having competed at last weekend’s Bathurst 12 Hour.
Angus Fogg raced his Mustang in Combined Sedans at the 12 Hour. Image: MTR Images
Another fan favourite machine is the Valiant Pacer that is the weapon of Cameron Tilley.
A number of teams have expressed their excitement for the new season and era coming up.
“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,” Whittling Racing’s Bob Middleton 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.”
Multispares Racing team owner Brett Peters said the recent changes are a big reason behind owning the Torana.
“I think getting back onto the Supercars program has been an important part of the decision,” he said.
“When we started racing in TCM, the category was mostly on with the Supercars program and it worked really well for us as a team, for Ryan as a driver and for our corporate partners.
“We are looking forward to Bathurst and the whole season under the new management.
“It’s been a positive move and I know lots of other people are looking at what is happening and hopefully we will see some fresh new faces get involved in TCM.”
2024 Touring Car Masters round 1 entry list
Car # Class Driver
2 Pro Am Adam Garwood
3 Pro Am Danny Buzadzic
4 Pro Sport Allan Hughes
6 Pro Master Ryan Hansford
09 Pro Am Andrew Fisher
12 Pro Sport Peter Burnitt
33 Pro Master Steven Johnson
55 Pro Sport John Adams
60 Pro Am Cameron Tilley
71 Pro Master Marcus Zukanovic
77 Pro Sport Warren Trewin
85 Pro Am Geoff Fane
88 Pro Am Tony Karanfilovski
95 Pro Master Joel Heinrich
99 Pro Am Ben Dunn
7 Pro Am Jim Pollicina
11 Pro Master Angus Fogg
29 Pro Am Jamie Tilley
