The Australian Racing Group is pleased to confirm that the 2019 TCR Australia Series will carry one of this country’s richest-ever motorsport prize pools, with a total $250,000 available.

This approach is part of ARG’s philosophy around TCR Australia, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing and developing the talent that competes in the category.

The aim is to provide assistance to ensure the commercial sustainability of talented drivers and teams as they pursue opportunities and development within Australia and beyond.

The implementation of this significant prize money, coupled with the live, free to air broadcast deal on SBS of all races, is critical to building drivers, teams and sponsors profiles and ensure the category’s future sustainable success.

The total prize pool will see the winner of the inaugural series receive a career-bolstering $100,000 championship award.

Second and third place will receive $50,000 and $25,000 respectively, while the winner of the Michelin Cup (for privateer entries) will be awarded $25,000.

There will also be an ‘emerging talent’ component that will provide a selected driver an opportunity within the global TCR platform.

The announcement of its prize structure is a defining approach by TCR Australia. This commitment to supporting the careers of entrants is rare amongst high-profile domestic motorsport championships, the TCR Australia prize pool is one of the most attractive to ever grace local racing competition. 

Winning the inaugural series will not be easy, though. There are currently five eligible TCR Series manufacturers confirmed for this year, with Hyundai, Honda, Audi, Volkswagen and Alfa Romeo already set to be represented on the grid. 

The 2019 TCR Australia Series will kick off at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 17-19, with all races through the seven round season broadcast live, free and in HD on SBS.

QUOTES

Matt Braid
Director, Australian Racing Group

“Prize money in motorsports is something that Australian circuit racing has never really done well,” said Matt Braid.

“This is a landmark announcement – revealing to the public these significant figures is something that doesn’t often happen – and we are very pleased to be bold and push the traditional boundaries.

“The $250,000 total prize pool is a big statement from the Australian Racing Group. We want to do motorsport differently, and this is just one of the first steps. This is fundamentally about re-investing in the sport to ensure it remains a sustainable pathway for those choosing motorsport as their career.

“While the overall prize pool is significant and there are, as always some conditions that need to be met to ensure eligibility, but this is all about investment in the future of our competitors that could help sustain a career, or drive it further into the future.”

Barry Rogers
Garry Rogers Motorsport

“This is one of the reasons why Garry Rogers Motorsport has been very keen to be involved with TCR Australia because we know how passionate and dedicated the Australian Racing Group is to the sport, its teams and competitors,” said Barry Rogers.

“You can not base your whole racing program around the lure of prize money, however, it’s a great incentive for the drivers and teams to work towards.

“It could also be the difference between a driver or team continuing their journey, rather than falling into the financial traps that we so often see.

“I’m really can’t wait for the season to get underway and watch the future of the sport fight it out in this new championship.”

Troy Russell
Owner, Melbourne Performance Centre

“This is a great initiative from the Australian Racing Group for TCR Australia,” said Troy Russell.

“This is something new to Australian motorsport and it is going to help young talent further their career.

“Prize money is a great incentive for teams and drivers, however, it shows that the powers behind TCR Australia are committed to the class and they are investing in its future.

“I would see that drivers who are able to win these prizes will be able to use the prize money to continue their racing careers, either in TCR Australia, another TCR global category or in other Australian racing categories.”