The carsales TCR Australia Series has announced some big prizes for the winner of the 2020 season, with a seat on the international stage on offer.

 

Next year’s series winner will receive a wildcard entry into a WTCR event, or an international TCR race of the same significance – adding an extra element to the second season.

 

In addition, the 2020 season’s best rookie will win a test-drive day with a European TCR team next year.

 

Australian Racing Group Director Matt Braid believed both prizes added to the series’ prestige, and is just another bonus to the already growing category.

 

“This is another significant announcement for TCR Australia, its drivers and teams,” Braid said.

 

“Both the wildcard prize for the series champion, and the rookie test prize, continues to underline the global relevance of TCR Australia by offering drivers of all experience and calibers the opportunity to progress their careers in identical machinery on the world stage.

 

“The 2020 season is shaping up really well. There are more cars arriving, more teams interested in competing and an unprecedented amount of drivers keen to race in the Series. Prizes like these that demonstrate the international opportunities the TCR category provides are likely to spark even more interest.”

 

To be eligible for the Michelin Rookie of the Year prize, the young drivers must be contesting in their first full major national series, and must compete in all seven rounds.

 

As for the WTCR or international TCR wildcard entry, it will be awarded following next year’s final round with the winner to use the drive as a taster before the highly-anticipated international TCR race at Mount Panorama.

 

Provisional 2019 TCR Australia champion Will Brown was also a fan of the new prize inclusions.

 

“I thought that this year’s cash prize was great, but the chance to race against the world’s best touring car drivers is unbelievable,” Brown said.

 

“I’d really love the chance to race overseas in a WTCR race, or an international TCR event. I’ve watched the racing and the level of competition is high. It would be great to test yourself against them.

 

“TCR Australia has been such an enjoyable season. The competition has been strong and the racing fantastic. To be crowned the first champion is great and I’m really looking forward to the final round at The Bend, wrapping it all up and celebrating with the team.

 

“At this stage, I’m not exactly sure what I’m racing next year, however if there’s the right opportunity I will definitely do TCR again and I’ll definitely be fighting as hard as I can to win the title."

 

The carsales TCR Australia Series still has one round remaining in the 2019 season, with the season finale to take place at The Bend Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons Nationals on 15-17 November.