New Push for TCR in South East Asia
Motorsport Asia, the Promoter of TCR Asia, the longest running TCR Series in the world have released their programme for this coming winter season, a season which will see a relaunched TCR Thailand Championship under its direct management and the second season of TCR Malaysia, following its successful launch earlier this year.
TCR Thailand will get underway at Bira Circuit on 12-13 October – Bira, named after the famous Thai driver Prince Bira – was Thailand’s first permanent circuit. Known as an old school Drivers circuit, its challenging 2.4km lap with two fast chicanes and a daunting downhill double apex corner awards an attacking approach and is an ideal Touring Car circuit.
Round 2 will be held on 25-27 October at the 4.55km Chang International Circuit, which has hosted both TCR International and TCR Asia in the past. This Hermann Tilke-designed state of the art circuit is also a favourite with Drivers. The Buriram races will be held as part of the hugely popular Thailand Super Series and will continue the cooperation between Racing Spirit and Motorsport Asia.
Each round will host two races and with the TCR Asia season finishing on 1st September at the Bangsaen Street Circuit in Thailand, this is obviously an attractive proposition to join for all existing TCR Asia Teams. It is hoped that the increased grid numbers and compact format will also encourage Thai competitors to more readily embrace the TCR concept.
“We have decided to revitalize the TCR concept in Thailand and this is a first step. It fits with the desire of our Teams to have more races and will be very cost effective, as all of the cars will be in Thailand already so logistic costs are minimal. Furthermore, we hope to be able to build a stronger following for TCR in Thailand,” David Sonenscher CEO of Motorsport Asia explained.
After a short break, 18 January sees the first event of the second season of TCR Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit. This three-event Championship will then run alongside the Asian Le Mans Series on 14-16 February, and will conclude on 29 February-1 March.
Following on from its successful launch earlier this year interest is very high in TCR Malaysia, and besides the existing TCR Asia Teams, a large number of enquiries are coming in from Japan and Europe. The combination of the climate, extensive track time and low cost, offers Teams and Drivers an extensive winter programme, guaranteeing many a better option than is available in their own part of the world.
“I am really excited about the prospects for TCR Malaysia. Our concept of offering a cost-effective compact championship during the winter season is proving to be very attractive for Teams and Drivers,” Sonenscher added.
Titles will be given for the Overall Driver Champion, Overall Team Champion, Cup Driver Champion (Gentlemen Drivers) and leading Asian Driver Champion.
In addition to this, Motorsport Asia has decided to launch the South East Asia Touring Car Trophy, which is a commercial Title awarded to the above categories taking part in both Championships.
TCR Thailand
12-13 October, 2019
25-27 October, 2019
TCR Malaysia
17-18 January, 2020
14-16 February, 2020
29 Feb-1 March, 2020
TCR South East Asia Trophy
Cumulative based on all of the above dates.
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