The on-air line up for the Shannons Nationals in 2019 has been confirmed, with Greg Rust and Aaron Noonan to co-host this year’s live stream and SBS broadcast.
The duo will be supported by a host of experienced talent, with Cameron van den Dungen and Emma Notarfranceso in the pit lane as part of the extended two day stream.
As part of this year’s Shannons Nationals, the TCR Australia Series action will be broadcast on SBS, with all races live, free and in HD.
The live stream will be available globally, and will be available on thenationals.com.au as well as the Shannons Nationals Facebook page on both Saturday and Sunday, beginning with this year’s season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park on 18 and 19 May.
With a host of categories set to feature on the Shannons Nationals throughout the year, both Rust and Noonan were excited about what lay ahead.
"I had so much fun working on the Shannons National's live stream last year. It was just good to do something fresh. With TCR joining the line-up and coverage on SBS 2019 is going to be a ripper year,” Rust said.
"It kind of takes me back to where it all began. My first proper TV job was with SBS in the mid '90s. And it has a little of a Super Touring vibe about it. I loved working on that series too. Different makes, drivers and teams from various motor sport backgrounds and a brilliant broadcast team. Plus I've seen TCR up close in Singapore when I've covered the F1 race there – it’s fantastic that it's coming down under.
"The whole Shannons team’s passion will permeate the coverage of the Shannons Nationals. The producers did a brilliant job last year breaking the mould on various things which really enhanced the broadcast and the Shannons National's categories all benefited from that. I love working ‘the lane’ and that won't change on race day but I'm really excited to join my buddy ‘Noonz’ in commentary for TCR. His preparation is second to none and we both plan to make this fun. That's my mantra these days."
Noonan was eager to work with Rust and the rest of the experienced team both in front and behind the camera, with the new TCR Australia Series to bring maximum excitement.
"There’s a whole fleet of cars brand new to the country, a range of well-credentialed drivers that will be adapting to them and a great blend of makes and models - it’s those elements that see me keen to get to Sydney for Round 1 and see who stacks up where,” Noonan said.
“The opportunity to link up with ‘Rusty’ to call the action on SBS is one that has taken nearly 20 years to come together. We have rarely worked on air together given we were on different broadcasters but on the very rare occasions where we have worked together, we’ve had a ball. And that’s what we’ll be doing with TCR and the Shannons Nationals this year. Regular TV commentary has been absent from my working world for a few years, so I’m energised and eager to get back into the commentary box and call the TCR Australia action live on SBS and for the live stream."
Shannons Nationals Director Michael Smith said the build up to round one showed an increased interest in all categories taking part in the Shannons Nationals.
“We are thrilled to welcome back ‘Rusty’ to the Shannons Nationals to be joined by Aaron in the co-host chair after a successful 2018 season saw the Shannons achieve its highest ever audience. We’ve got no doubt there will be even more interest in 2019, with a host of exciting categories, including the debut of the TCR Australia Series,” Smith said.
“Both ‘Noonz’ and ‘Rusty’ are talented broadcasters in their own right – we know together they will make a formidable and entertaining team, along with a highly skilled crew working alongside them both on and off camera.”