Bowe to make sudden TCM return

The legendary John Bowe will make a surprise return to the Touring Car Masters at Sydney this weekend.

Bowe is flying to Sydney to step into the BRUT Mustang and substitute for an unwell Steven Johnson in tomorrow morning’s Trophy Race.

Four-time champion Johnson will not participate in this afternoon’s qualifying or the four races this weekend due to a chest infection.

He only completed three laps in the sole 20-minute practice session held on Friday afternoon.

Bowe will start the Trophy Race and Race 1 from the rear of the grid tomorrow.

Whilst the Duggan Family Hotels Touring Car Masters field has lost one of its biggest stars, the substitute could not be of any higher pedigree.

Steven Johnson racing hard at Darwin. Image: James Smith Photographer

Bowe is one of the best ever to race in TCM, having over 100 race wins and six championship titles next to his name.

“Steven is not 100% at present, and JB is out there in the background, so we have given him a ring, and he is on a plane right now,” said car owner Russell Hancock.

“He will be fine in the car; however, we need to move the seat forward three feet.

“He will start from the back of the grid and will have a good time and enjoy yourselves.

John Bowe loves Touring Car Masters. Image: Jack Martin Photography

“Let’s hope Stevie feels better soon, but he will be fine and come good.”

All the paperwork is done, and he can start the Trophy race and race 1 from the rear of the grid, and progressive after that,” confirmed TCM Series Manager Graham Sattler.

The Duggan Family Hotels Touring Car Masters qualifying is about to begin at 15.25 AEST.

Touring Car Masters SMP schedule 

Friday, July 19

12.50-13.10: Practice

15.25-15.45: Qualifying

Saturday, July 20

13.05-13.25: Trophy Race

16.20-16.40: Race 1

Sunday, July 21

9.30-9.50: Race 2

12.35-12.55: Race 3