Reigning Supercars Super2 Series winner Chris Pither will race in the 2019 TCR Australia Series after signing on for the inaugural season with Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM).

Pither is the latest driver to commit to the series, with the Kiwi joining former Toyota 86 Series winner Jimmy Vernon at the team he has enjoyed previous success with. 

With the team loaded up with two Renault Megane RS TCR and two Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloces for the series, Pither will be behind the wheel of one of the Renaults, while Vernon will be in one of the Alfa Romeos.

As one of New Zealand’s most successful exports in motor sport, Pither was thrilled to be able to join TCR Australia with the highly successful team.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to drive for and represent GRM in TCR Series Australia,” Pither said.

“It’s a great feeling to continue our successful relationship since winning the Dunlop Super2 Series together last year. GRM is a fantastic team and very supportive of its drivers and staff. I’m very pleased to continue to drive with them.

“TCR is growing internationally so to be competing in the series from its initiation in Australia will be exciting.

“TCR will be a new challenge adapting my driving style and understanding the set up characteristics.

“Now I have some positive direction, I look forward to driving the Renault Megane RS TCR and working hard towards another successful season.”

Pither’s resume makes for an impressive reading with drives in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and top five finishes at the Bathurst 1000, the New Zealander has competed in most leading national categories.

It was for this reason that Barry Rogers and the GRM team were excited to have the 2011 Australian V8 Utes Series Champion join them for the TCR Australia Series.

“It’s fantastic that we can confirm that Chris will continue to be a driver for our team in our new TCR Renaults,” Rogers added.

“Chris is a genuine talent. He is fast, smart and very dedicated. He is everything you want in a race driver.

“We are expecting to receive our four TCR cars, including the Renault that Chris will drive, very soon. We really can not wait to get hold of them and get them out on track.”

The TCR Australia season will take part in every round of the Shannons Nationals, with the opening round to take place at Sydney Motorsport Park on 17-19 May.