Wall Racing has confirmed its second driver for the inaugural TCR Australia Series with Australian international driver John Martin the latest added to the driver roster.

Martin will be behind the wheel of Wall Racing’s second Honda Civic Type-R TCR car, joining the recently announced Tony D’Alberto in the Victorian team’s TCR assault.

Despite his most recent racing being with local GT racing after a diverse career overseas, the TCR lure was too great for Martin who was thrilled to be involved in a new series.

“It’s going to be different, but I’m really looking forward to the new challenge,” Martin said.

“Up until TCR got announced in Australia, I didn’t really picture myself racing in touring cars, but the more I spoke to people and the more hype that has been building, it now seems like the obvious next career choice. 

“The category is massive in Europe. I was over there when it first started and I’ve watched a fair bit of the racing. It’s very exciting, door to door battles and that’s what people want to see. 

“The other lure for me is that it’s an international class. There’s nothing stopping us from going to Asia or Europe and racing these exact same cars on some of the world’s best circuits. That definitely played a part in my decision.  

“I’ve had some dealings with David Wall and his team of late and they are a great team. There is no fuss with their racing. They enjoy it and they are good at it. I’m really looking forward to the season kicking off in Sydney.”

With Martin joining for the full season in 2019, it will give the Queenslander a little taste of the international racing he got to experience for a decade of his decorated career.

Leaving for the United Kingdom in 2007, Martin had successful stints in British Formula Ford and Formula 3. He then raced in European categories such as A1GP, Formula Renault 3.5 and Superleague Formula before switching to international sportscar racing. 

Martin’s inclusion into Wall Racing is a major coup for the team and the 34-year-old will be getting his first feel for the car during the team’s test at Winton later this month.

“John is hugely experienced and he has proven his ability in a variety of different cars – you name it, he has done it,” Wall explained.

“His experience is definitely going to help our team get on the pace quickly, and he is really going to complement Tony (D’Alberto) in our other car.

“To have two very good professional drivers in our Hondas is a massive benefit. These cars are quite a bit different to what they are familiar with, but I feel that they will be able to get their heads around it really quickly.

“The Winton test is going to be an important day. It will be their only chance to drive the cars prior to Sydney Motorsport Park, so we’ll be looking to maximise every moment to ensure we are competitive straight out of the box.” 

The TCR Australia Series kicks off next month at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons Nationals. Tickets for the two-day event are now on sale and can be purchased here. 

The Shannons Nationals’ first round of the season takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park on 17-19 May.