Motorsport Australia has confirmed its appointed officials for a number of 2023 racing categories, including the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series.

Currently Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations at Motorsport Australia, Michael Smith will take on the role of TCR Race Director this year, with the vastly experienced Tim Schenken to make a return to Race Control for TCR as a mentor for Smith and other Race Directors as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.

Smith has worked at Motorsport Australia for more than 20 years in a variety of roles and has significant experience working closely with race directors, stewards and other key officials across all disciplines. Currently the Vice President of the FIA Officials’ Commission, Smith is also regularly involved in international training programs around the world, including providing training for Race Directors. Smith is also the Secretary of the Event for the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, a role he has performed for many years.

“It’s an honour to be taking on the job of Race Director for the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series and it’s also a privilege to be working closely with someone of Tim’s calibre and experience,” Smith said.

“Both Tim and I have spent a lot of time watching the category grow and become one of the most exciting in Australia. As Race Director, I know this role will have its challenges, but it’s an opportunity to be involved with some great people and be part of some terrific racing at each event.

“There will be many experienced people working alongside us throughout each race meeting, including our hard working officials and stewards – all of who make events like this possible.

“We’re looking forward to bringing our collective motorsport experience to the category and can’t wait for the Shannons SpeedSeries to begin in Tasmania.”

Schenken needs no introduction, having been the Australian Touring Car Championship (Supercars) Race Director for many years prior to his retirement at the end of 2021. He also remains a current FIA Platinum track inspector and is the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix Chairman of the Organising Committee and the event’s longstanding Clerk of the Course.

“I am looking forward to heading to Symmons Plains and taking on this new and exciting role with a category that is going from strength-to-strength,” Schenken said.

“Working closely with Michael is a terrific opportunity for me, having been colleagues for his 20-years at Motorsport Australia and I have full confidence in his abilities.

“It was always going to be hard to keep me away from Race Control and I am thrilled to be assisting Michael and the other Race Directors by passing on my knowledge where needed.”

The pair will be at their first TCR event at the upcoming Shannons Speed Series opening round, AWC Race Tasmania, from 24-26 February.

Stan Sport will provide live, uninterrupted and on-demand coverage of all Shannons SpeedSeries rounds. AWC Race Tasmania will also feature free-to-air broadcasting on the Nine Network’s free-to-air and digital channels on Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm (25 February).

Tickets for the event can be purchased from www.motorsporttickets.com.au.