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TCR Australia to feature in major new broadcast deal on Seven
The Seven Network and the Australian Racing Group have struck a landmark deal that will see the TCR Australia Series broadcast live and free on Australia’s number one network, starting in 2020.
Seven will broadcast the TCR Australia Series, S5000 as well as other feature categories from the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships racing program in an exciting new multi-year deal.
Fans of motorsport will be the winner, with the broadcast commitment from Seven delivering the new wave of touring cars and open wheel racing stars live and free coverage.
A minimum of six hours of live coverage across the Saturday and Sunday of each event is part of the deal, simulcast on 7plus, Seven’s BVOD service.
Seven’s renewed commitment to Australian motorsport will also feature extensive live coverage of two major events at Australia’s most iconic race track – Mount Panorama, Bathurst.
The two ARG events which include popular Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour over the Easter weekend and the recently announced Bathurst International event in December 2020 will both receive extended TV time on the Seven channels.
The Seven Network is world famous for its motorsport coverage, having broadcast the Australian Touring Car Championship, the Bathurst 1000 and other motor racing categories through every decade since the 1970s.
The Network pioneered cutting edge technologies such as in-car racecam and driver-to-commentator interviews – broadcasting marvels that are now commonplace all across the world.
Lewis Martin, Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Seven, said: “We’re thrilled to be broadcasting these great motorsport events from next year. Motorsport has long been a passion of ours at Seven, and we’ve led the way with innovative coverage of iconic Australian motorsport for decades.
“This agreement marks the next step in our commitment to motorsport, and we look forward to working with Australian Racing Group to bring these events to Australians live and free from 2020.”
The TCR Australia Series will be one of the featured racing categories in the extensive coverage. Recognised as the most exciting new motor racing category to hit local shores in recent memory, the globally recognised touring car platform provides the thrills and spills that television viewers love, while also showcasing market relevant cars that appeal to a broad demographic.
After a successful maiden season this year, it is expected that close to 30 cars will enter each of next season’s nine events.
Matt Braid, Director, Australian Racing Group, said: “The maiden season of TCR Australia has been hugely successful with fantastic feedback from drivers, teams, commercial partners and, most importantly, from fans.
“ARG is extremely pleased to announce our new broadcast partnership with the 7 Network and look forward to continuing to develop the TCR Australia Series, and the new S5000 Championship with the support of Australia’s leading Television network.”
The first round that TCR Australia and the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships will be seen on Seven will be at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27-29 next year.