The promoter of the TCR Australia series has announced a further delay to the start of the 2025 season, cancelling the events at One Raceway and Winton Raceway.
It is the third time that the struggling series has had to cancel events, delaying its season start, following the cancellation of an event at Taupō in New Zealand originally scheduled for April, and in Perth originally scheduled for early June.
The series struggled for grid numbers in 2024, typically attracting 11-14 cars, and so far only four drivers, reigning champion Josh Buchan, Zac Soutar, Iain McDougall and newcomer Ryan Macmillan, had confirmed entries for 2025.
A statement from the series, now promoted by Motorsport Asia’s David Sonenscher, was released on Tuesday placing the blame on the withdrawal of other support series:
“TCR Australia today announces that it will focus on restarting competition at The Bend 500 event on September 12-14, in conjunction with the Australian round of the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour.
“TCR Australia intended to commence its 2025 season at One Raceway as part of the Motorsport Australia Trophy Tour event scheduled for June 28-29.
“Following the withdrawal of other categories from the event, TCR was to have been one of only two national race categories appearing at One Raceway.
“As a result, TCR has advised event organisers that it is in the best interests of the category, its competitors and stakeholders to forego this event.
“TCR Australia identifies the The Bend 500, where Australian teams and drivers will race alongside the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour at a high-profile event with significant spectator attendance and broadcast viewership, as the right platform to relaunch the category.
“A combined grid of at least 25 cars is expected for The Bend, with no less than 11 international entries joining TCR Australia.
“This decision means that TCR Australia will also forego the previously scheduled round at Winton Raceway on August 22-24.
“TCR Australia will remain part of the Guia Touring Car race at the Macau Grand Prix, to be held from November 14-16.”