TCR Australia has assigned its Driver Standards Observer (DSO) for the upcoming inaugural season with Alex Davison taking on the important position.

Tasked with advising stewards on on-track conduct and playing a role in the investigation of incidents, it will be the first time the 39-year-old has held the full time role in his colourful career. 

Davison has a wealth of experience to draw from with a stint in the highly-respected International Porsche Supercup competition before returning Australia and facing success in the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup, which includes the 2004 title.

The Victorian then tried his hand in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship picking up full-time drives through Perkins Motorsport, Stone Brothers Racing and Charlie Schwerkolt Racing. 

With Davison quite fresh to the DSO role after having a one-off try earlier in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge round, he is looking forward to holding the responsibility for TCR Australia.

“It’s my first time doing a role like this in a full-time capacity. I did a one-off round for GT3 Cup Challenge, so I understand what is required and I’m excited by a new challenge for a completely new role,” Davison said.

“I’ll be setting the tone and setting a frame work early in the season, which will be important, with the idea being that we want great, close racing with a level of discipline attached – just like any other category.

“We want to avoid as many messy accidents as we can. The drivers will need to respect each other on the track while racing as hard as possible.

“This is touring car racing, so rubbing is part of the spectacle, however, there are limits. Anything that’s not fair, is not OK. Aggressive, close, really hard fought racing is what the fans want to see. 

“I’m really excited about the category. There’s definitely a great space in the market for TCR Australia and I’m looking forward to seeing it progress in the first season.”

Shannons Nationals Director Michael Smith was also thrilled to bring on a figure with Davidson’s experience, who still holds co-driving duties for younger brother Will in Supercars.

“Alex’s experience in the sport locally and internationally is certainly enviable, and his knowledge will be certainly valued with our CAMS Stewards in the TCR Australia Series,” Smith added.

“There’s a good mix of youth and experience ahead for this TCR Australia season, and Alex will be a great sounding board for the drivers to defer to. Alex is certainly regarded as a fair racer, whose judgements will be certainly valuable in the role as DSO.”

The historic first round of the inaugural TCR Australia Series will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons Nationals.

The category will be broadcast live, free and in HD on SBS, as well as live streamed on thenationals.com.au.

Click here to purchase tickets to the Shannons Nationals season opener.