VW Golf GTI TCR racer lands in Australia

ANOTHER box-fresh touring car has landed on Aussie shores, ready to take part in a new championship set to make its debut in 2019.

Melbourne Performance Centre (MPC) has brought a Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR to the country for the inaugural TCR series next year.

The Golf GTI joins the Audi RS3 LMS that is already in MPC’s stables, while Wall Racing in Sydney is currently housing a Honda Civic TCR.

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TCR cars send power exclusively to the front wheels, with 2.0-litre turbo petrol or diesel engines producing up to 257kW and 420Nm.

MPC is the official agent for the Volkswagen Group Motorsport TCR cars, including the VW GTI, Audi RS3 LMS, and Seat Cupra TCR racers.

Lee Burley, MPC managing director, says the difference between the Audi and VW race cars is largely cosmetic.

“We know what the cars are about, having had the Audi RS3 TCR here for a while, and we know that car well, and this is a sister car from the Volkswagen Group,” he explained.

“It’s the same platform, it’s really just body panels and the badge on the front.

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MPC will prepare the car, and make it available for prospective customers who wish to take part in the championship to explore.

TCR Australia is managed by the newly formed Australian Racing Group (ARG), which is also in charge of the rebranded S5000 formula for V8-powered open wheel racers.

“It’s great to see another car arrive in Australia. You can feel the momentum starting to build and it’s very exciting,” said ARG director Matt Braid.

“Volkswagen Group Motorsport is very committed to TCR global, and VW brand is going to be really good for the series.

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“VW doesn’t have a huge racing pedigree in Australia, however, it is such a famous brand with so much history, both on the road and race track. The Golf will certainly attract its own set of followers, so we’re really looking forward to seeing it on track.”

ARG is working on finalising the debut calendar for TCR Australia, which is expected to start mid-2019.