Jeffrey Alden and Rick Kerry have both confirmed full-season entries into this year’s TCR UK series, with the over 50s both gtaking part in the new Gen 1 Cup and the Diamond Trophy for older racers.
Alden previously raced in the Touring Car Trophy in 2020 and 2021, before moving into TCR machinery in TCR UK for 2023, competing in the final three events of the year.
He will continue to race the Opel Astra TCR he competed in last year, which will again be prepared by Matrix Motorsport by DW Racing.
Alden is also planning to compete in two rounds of TCR Brazil this year when he visits the country later in the year.
“I’ll be the first to admit that I went into 2023 not knowing what to expect,” said Alden, who’s best result was 15th last year. “Having had to overcome several mechanical issues, I was pleased to find that when everything clicked into place, the lap times followed.
“It means I’m going into this year with a clearer picture of what the team and I need to do to get further up the field.
“These days, I’m happy to let the younger drivers – and those that race more regularly – battle it out for the overall podium positions, whilst I fight for honours in the new Gen-1 Cup for first-generation TCR cars and the Diamond Trophy, an award presented to drivers aged 40 and over.
“I’m also excited about competing in South America. I have friends over there and taking part in TCR Brazil while I’m visiting is an opportunity too good to miss.
“The championship only began last year, so it will be interesting to see the level of competition and experience racing in a country that has a history of producing some of the best drivers in the world.”
Alden will be up against fellow veteran racer Kerry, who had his first season TCR racing last year, yielding the 52-year-old a best result of tenth in the season finale at Brands Hatch.
Kerry will once again race a CUPRA TCR prepared by EDF Motorsports, embarking on only his second season in front-wheel drive touring car racing, having previously extensively raced rear-wheel drive BMWs.
“Last season was a massive learning curve for me after more than twenty years of racing in rear-wheel drive machinery,” said the Ipswich-based driver.
“Towards the end of last season, I managed to show a big improvement with a top-ten finish.
“This season, I am being run by EDF Motorsport, who have a lot of experience of running CR cars in UK Motorsport.
“I am looking forward to competing in the new Gen 1 Cup, where my aim to finish as the top Gen 1 Cup driver by the end of the season.”