Touring Car Masters produce unforgettable racing

The special Sydney round of Duggan Family Hotels Touring Car Masters has been described as one of the “best ever” by founder Tony Hunter.

Some of the most memorable racing was produced by the Touring Car Masters with the Trophy Race decided by the photo finish before the three championship sprints were full of action from lights to flag.

Round honours were not decided until the final lap when the Mustang of Jamie Tilley snatched it from Ryan Hansford’s Torana.

Watching it all with a smile was Hunter, who labelled it as one of the highlights of the 17-year history of Touring Car Masters.

“It is one of the best rounds TCM has produced in its history,” he told AUTO ACTION.

“I cannot think of any other round as exciting, as clean and as good as that. Considering I started TCM, I have seen many rounds indeed.

“I had an experienced racing driver now involved in race teams said ‘I cannot remember how long ago it was since I have seen anything like that. That was absolutely brilliant, please don’t touch it’ which coming from this particular person was quite a shock.

“To see other people from the outside expressing these views is great.”

Sydney was the fourth round of what has been an entertaining start to the new era of Touring Car Masters.

Ryan Hansford in his Torana in the battle for the lead in the Touring Car Masters Race at Sydney Motorsport-Image James Smith

Following 2023, the category was taken over by new management, with greater involvement from the competitors themselves, which brought it back to the Supercars stage and with a bigger platform it has flourished.

“There is not just more momentum, but people in TCM now have an interest in it whether that be being a shareholder or a car owner,” Hunter explained.

“They have a fresh new approach to treat the series as their own, they understand they are the series.

“They are paying attention to it and have pride in their cars and driving and they are achieving something.

“Unfortunately the series last year was fairly run down and had no guarantee of a reasonable or acceptable future.

“Now it is a growing series and managed by the people for the people and therefore it is something to be part of, rather than a series where you are just a number.”

Having enjoyed support from others throughout the year, Duggan family Hotels stepped up to sponsor the Sydney round.

Hunter hopes the connection can reach much more than most sponsorships.

Jamie Tillie-Wins Touring Car Masters Race at Sydney Motorsport Park-Image James Smith

“It was brilliant having them onboard. It was the first time we have been with a family orientated business,” he said. 

“We have had brilliant assistance from many in the past but to have Duggan Family Hotels has opened our horizons into a whole new venture.

“There are many things that are now on the table like what we can do in return to them and ensure motorsport is progressing like it used to.

“There is a great opportunity that can be developed in giving them a benefit in sponsoring the series.”

Next up is Sandown where the Touring Car Masters will be back supporting the iconic Sandown 500 event and Hunter feels its an appropriate venue given its history and fan base.

Ford Mustangs and Ford Falcons battle hard in the Touring Car Masters Race at Sydney Motorsport-Image James Smith

“Traditionally Sandown has been a fantastic venue for TCM,” he said. 

“At Sandown 500s of the past I remember one case in particular where we had to get security because we could not physically get the cars out of the marquees because the crowds were so big and didn’t want to move!”

Image: Peter Norton EPIC Sports Photography

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