Leading privateer racer Zac Soutar will race a brand new Audi RS3 LMS TCR in this year’s TCR Australia series, after switching from Honda machinery in which he competed in 2021 and 2022.
Soutar, 25, made his TCR Australia début in 2021, contesting the full season in a self-run Civic on his way to 17th overall in the drivers’ standings.
Last year, the Victorian racer made big improvements, including securing his first outright win at the Symmonds Plains season opener, on his way to a top six ranking in the drivers’ championship.
He also picked up a further three podium finishes at Queensland Raceway and Sandown.
Soutar’s car will continue to be prepared by his family-run team, and he is set to take delivery of the chassis in February, prior to the season opener at Symmons Plains later in the month.
“We’re really excited to announce we’ll be racing a brand-new Audi RS3 LMS TCR,” said Soutar.
“There’s been a massive amount of hard work in the background to try and put deals together as we figured out how to make this all happen, but I’m delighted to say it has.
“It was a very tough decision, my family and the team loved the Honda as it was our first TCR entry of which we put many hours into it to make it fast, beautiful and competitive. It is sad to see it go, but I think the Audi is the next step for myself and the team.
“We’ve really enjoyed our relationship with both Wall Racing and JAS Motorsport over the past few seasons, and we thank them for all of their help.
“Initially we were planning to continue on in the Honda for season 2023, but the opportunity to jump into a brand-new Audi was just too good to turn away from.
“We’ll form a relationship with Melbourne Performance Centre, but obviously Team Soutar Motorsport will continue to run the entry.
“The good thing with MPC is the team is Melbourne-based and we’re in Geelong, so to get parts or meet with the squad is really easy now.
“We’ve backed TCR since the moment we entered it. I love TCR and it’s a great category. I like the fact it’s worldwide.
“The coolest part about this year is the world is coming to us, so there couldn’t be a better time to be in TCR or to be upgrading like we are to have a really good crack at the title.
“For us, I think my team will really step it up this season as we have the experience and the Audi is a great all round package, so I’m hoping to challenge for the title come the end of the year.”