The new TCR class debuts in the Pirelli World Challenge road racing series at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend and the interest as well as intrigue for these Touring Car machines has been a popular aspect to the inaugural event.
After three years of competition in Europe and other worldwide locations, the TCR division comes to the Pirelli World Challenge with five auto manufacturers set to compete in the opening events at COTA with two 40-minute sprint races set for Saturday and Sunday.
“We saw the growth of TCR racing around the world,” said Jim Jordan, PWC Director of Marketing and Communications. “And many of the auto manufacturers asked us about running the cars with the Pirelli World Challenge. We included the cars in the TC class last year with some restrictions and the fans really liked them. We worked with TCR and IMSA to have a working association for the next three years. We’re excited about the new class.”
Some 14 cars are entered in the opening TCR weekend with some outstanding teams and drivers, many familiar to PWC racing fans, set to debut in the category. Cars set to do battle at the Austin road circuit are the Alfa Romeo Guilietta TCR, Audi Sport RS3 LMS TCR, Honda Civic Type-R TCR, Hyundai i30 N TCR and Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.
TCR action begins Friday with two practice rounds followed by qualifying set for Saturday at 10:55 am and Race 1 at 4:55 p.m. Sunday’s Race 2 will take place at 12:25 p.m.
All of the 2018 TCR events will be live streamed on the Pirelli World Challenge website, www.world-challenge.com.