The Shannons Nationals will welcome a special guest at Phillip Island, with TCR Series founder Marcello Lotti to attend the event.

Joined by WSC Group sporting director Nunzia Corvino for the second round of the Nationals, it will be the first time the former boss of the World Touring Car Championship will be in Australia since TCR Australia was announced.

Since the current WSC Group president founded the TCR platform in 2014, based on the one-make SEAT León Supercopa category, it has fast become one of the most popular categories around the world.

TCR globally now boasts an impressive 14 competing car brands, eight of which are part of Australia’s series, as well as 16 championships taking place globally including a world TCR title and domestic competitions in Russia, Japan and Germany. 

With Australia the latest country to launch the growing category, Lotti was excited to make his way down under to witness it in person.

“We are really thrilled to visit TCR Australia at Phillip Island,” Lotti said. 

“The series might be one of the most recent additions to the ever-growing TCR global community, but it has immediately proved to be one of the most professional from all points of view.  

“The marketing and promotional activities that were carried out to build up the interest before the inaugural event were impressive. The quality of the field is top-level, for both teams and drivers. And the season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park was very entertaining, with a close qualifying session and three exciting races. 

“To go and have an inside look at the series was a must for us, because we really believe that TCR Australia is going to grow up quickly and become one of the brightest jewels in the TCR crown.”

Both Lotti and Corvino will have busy schedules during the short visit to Australia and Director of Australian Racing Group Matt Braid was thrilled to have the Italian in Australia.

“It is with great pleasure that we will have TCR’s founder Marcello Lotti at Phillip Island for Round 2 of our series,” Braid added.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Marcello and Nunzia on a couple of occasions and they are extremely passionate about the TCR brand and our Australian series.

“They were very complimentary of our first event, and we are very confident that we’re going to put on a great show for them at Phillip Island. 

“And what a track to bring them to showcase TCR. Phillip Island is one of the world’s most picturesque circuits. It’s going to be a great spectacle.”

Tickets for the Shannons Nationals’s visit to Phillip Island are now on sale and can be purchased here, while fans can watch all the action live and free through the live stream on thenationals.com.au

The Shannons Nationals’ second round for 2019 takes place at Phillip Island on 7-9 June.