Melbourne Performance Centre (MPC) has secured the services of Russell Ingall for the third round of the carsales TCR Australia series.

 

With the series next race at The Bend Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons Nationals this weekend, Ingall will get his first taste of a TCR car in an Audi RS3.

 

It’s a massive coup for the Victorian team, with Ingall to be behind the wheel of the same Audi driven by Dutchman Rik Breukers and rising star Hamish Ribarits during the series' opening two rounds.

 

The 2005 Supercars Champion and two-time Bathurst 1000 winner was thrilled to finally announce his debut in a TCR car.

 

“I’ve spoken about TCR a lot, so it’s great to finally get to a chance to see exactly what all the hype is about,” Ingall said. 

 

“I thought my first experience would be on the sidelines, but I’m throwing myself into the deep end a bit. I’ve never sat in one of the cars, and I’ve never raced at The Bend, but I guess its no different to other new categories visiting new tracks as I’ve been doing all through my career. 

 

“For me, it’s a new track and I need to learn the car – you don’t get much more challenging circumstances, but sometimes having no pre-conceived ideas can be better.

 

“I haven’t raced competitively since the end of last year, but it’s funny how quickly you get back into race mode. I’ve been watching videos of TCR from here and overseas, and it is really some of the best racing.

 

“It’s phenomenal how good the racing looks and how close the competition is, so it’s great to be part of it.”

 

Ingall is no stranger to the big stage with the South Australian competing at Australia’s top level for more than 15 years, as well as forging an impressive international career.

 

The 55-year-old joins Aaron Cameron at MPC for the round with Cameron currently sitting third outright in the Series’ standing after a string of good results in the first six races.

 

TCR Australia Series’ third round will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park from 12-14 July, with live streaming of all Saturday and Sunday’s action available at thenationals.com.au, plus all races broadcast live on SBS on both Saturday and Sunday.