With the new TCR Australia Series ready to debut, the format of each race weekend has been revealed. 

Ahead of the first ever TCR event at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons Nationals, teams will take part in two 30-minute practice sessions, one 30 minute qualifying and three 30-minute races across the weekend.  

All races will be broadcast live on SBS, with practice, qualifying and races also streamed globally on thenationals.com.au.

It can also be revealed Sunday’s two races will take place back-to-back to create even more tension and excitement for fans and competitors alike.

Teams will have only 30 minutes between Sunday’s races to make repairs, with the cars to remain on a 45 degree angle on the pit apron allowing fans incredible access to watch the crews make their adjustments to the cars as well as any necessary repairs. 

The category’s new regulations will mirror those of TCR competitions around the world and ensure that race fans and television audiences enjoy the category with minimal downtime throughout the weekend.  

TCR Australia Category Manager Liam Curkpatrick believed the new regulations would have a positive impact on the series for fan engagement.

“Putting the 2019 TCR Australia Series Sporting Regulations together has been a joint effort between Series Management and CAMS,” Curkpatrick said. 

“There was a lot of effort put into creating an exciting format for teams to compete under and for fans to watch. 

“From the outset it was important that we make the racing entertaining for the teams, the fans at the track and those watching the live SBS TV broadcast.

“We are pleased with what has been put together and look forward to getting the series started in Sydney in two weeks.”

Curkpatrick said the short turnaround between races two and three would present teams with a challenge, but provide fans with a unique look at each team’s race preparations.

“One of the unique parts of the round formats is the short time in between races two and three,” Curkpatrick added.

“Cars must stay in pit lane in between these races with crew only being able to work on the cars for a short window before pit exit opens for the final race.  

“This brings the teams into the forefront and in public view getting the cars turned around in time. It adds another element to the show and is something very different to what we are used to. 

“I’m confident that the fans will find this very exciting.”   

Teams will have access to 10 new dry Michelin hard-compound slick tyres for each round, with two new tyres to be used ahead of qualifying and the first two races.

The series’ point system was also announced with winners of the opening two races at each round to pick up 40 points, while the winner of race three will be rewarded with 50 points. After securing a new sponsorship deal last month, the fastest qualifier for each round will receive $1000 for the Astrontech Pole Award.

As it is based of international formats, TCR Australia will run under the same technical regulations and Balance of Performance as its global counterparts and can be adjusted on a round-to-round basis if required.

Tickets for the Shannons Nationals Sydney Motorsport Park round can be purchased here. For those that can’t make the event, all races for TCR Australia will be broadcast live, free and on HD through SBS as well as streamed on thenationals.com.au.

TCR Australia will hold its first round of the season at Sydney Motorsport Park on 17-19 May.