D’Alberto and Honda to farewell TCR

Sydney and Bathurst will be the final two TCR Australia rounds featuring both Tony D’Alberto and Honda as they leave the category at the end of 2024.

The pair have teamed up with Wall Racing since the very start in 2019 in a highly successful union that has produced seven race wins, 24 podiums and the 2022 championship.

He has raced in every single TCR round aside from the 2021 trip to Bathurst when he focused on co-driving duties.

The first three and a half seasons were steering a Civic Type R FK8 TCR before he switched to the upgraded FL5 last year.

Tony D’Alberto leads the TCR pack last start in Queensland.

But 2024 will be the fifth and final season D’Alberto and factory Honda backing will be on the TCR grid.

“It is a sad thing they will leave the sport, but it has also been a great journey,” D’Alberto told AUTO ACTION.

“Although I was not surprised by the news, all good things come to an end.

“It has been a great five years and I am very proud of what we have achieved along the way.

“They (Honda) evaluated the situation and what they were getting back for what they were spending and while they really enjoyed being part of it, they are looking for different opportunities.

Tony D’Alberto savours his tense 2022 championship success with his Wall Racing team. Image: Daniel Kalisz

“They felt like they had achieved everything they had set out to do in the beginning and it was time to divert some attention to other areas.

“They have been heaps of highlights along the way. Getting the first pole position in Australia was pretty big and so was the title. 

“I have been there from the start and all the hurdles TCR have faced.”

In addition to Honda, D’Alberto also lauded Wall Racing, with the team also running two other Civics with customer support.

“The Wall Racing connection was great because I had known David for a long time and they have the Honda deal here in Australia so that all fell into place really well,” he said.

“They did a great job with the cars, knowing what makes them tick and getting the most out of them.

“That relationship over the last five years has only gotten stronger and stronger.

“I have had the same engineer the whole time in David Fife and the same mechanic in ‘Toddy’.

Tony D’Alberto racing his Honda at the Bend in 2019. Image Daniel Kalisz Photographer

“Would be great to finish on a high for them as well.”

Given D’Alberto personally approached an initially reluctant Honda to make the entire program happen, representing the iconic Japanese brand down under was extra special.

“It was definitely a proud moment,” he said.

“It was not easy to encourage a car manufacturer to spend money on car racing.

“When I first went to them in 2018 with the concept they were dead against it, so it took a lot of convincing and a little bit of time for myself and TCR to prove it was a worthy thing to be a part of.

“I was pretty fortunate that the way Honda operated with a family feel.

Tony D’Alberto climbing the mountain in the new Honda last year. Image: RACE PROJECT

“When those initial discussions took place, I did not know anyone there and they did not know who I was (but) I met some great people early on and they helped me along the way. Without them in the early days it would never have happened.

“Once it got up and running they could see the benefits of being involved like how great it was for the Type R brand.

“They had been approached already by other drivers, so I did have to make a good case and it all fell into place.

“The partnership with Honda grew over the years and I am really proud of what we have achieved.

“I will look back with fond memories and it makes it a bit more special that it is a car manufacturer that you are representing, especially Honda with all the rich history they have in motorsport.”

Whilst a five-year journey in TCR will come to an end, D’Alberto has no intentions on putting a full stop to his racing career.

With three Supercars podiums including a third place at Bathurst last year, he remains a respected co-driver alongside Anton De Pasquale.

He hopes GT racing could fill the TCR void, but most of all is determined to salute Honda on a high at the final two rounds in Sydney and Bathurst.

D’Alberto celebrates his TCR title with Wall Racing and Honda at the Bathurst international.
Image: Daniel Kalisz

“For sure I will continue. I have no intention to stop and still have my Supercars job to do which I love each year,” D’Alberto confirmed.

“I would love to do more GT racing. Those cars are cool and amazing to drive.

“I like what SRO are doing in Australia which is growing and it fits in with not being on a Supercars weekend.

“I will look at the final two rounds like a celebration.

“I am glad it has come out now and not afterwards because it gives me a chance to celebrate the partnership.

“We are going there to try and win both rounds and finish on a high the best we can.”

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