Mixed opinions on use of West Circuit at The Bend
There are mixed opinions on the switch to the West Circuit for the TCRs return to The Bend Motorsport Park this weekend.
The Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series returns to South Australia for round 4 for three races for the first time since 2019.
On that occasion the familiar International Circuit was in play, while this year the shorter 3.4km West Circuit will be used that was seen by Supercars in 2020.
It takes out the high-speed triple right hander and adds another long braking zone.
Wall Racing’s Tony D’Alberto is one who has expressed his disappointment about the change.
“I’m pretty devastated to learn that information. I was really looking forward to going to The Bend and racing on the International layout,” D’Alberto told Auto Action.
Tony D’Alberto at Tasmania. Image: DMAC Photography
“While I haven’t raced on it, I have driven on the West circuit configuration during track days for clients.
“However, from a driver’s and purist’s point of view, driving the International circuit is quite exciting, and the cars really lend themselves more to racing around the traditional layout.”
Dylan O’Keeffe racing the Lynk & Co at Phillip Island.
However, Ashley Seward Racing’s Dylan O’Keeffe is excited by it, believing it will enhance overtaking.
“When we’ve raced at The Bend in the past, we’ve used the International Circuit, so racing on the West layout will present some new challenges,” O’Keeffe said.
“Overall, I think it will keep the cars closer together, which should make for exciting racing.”
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