THE young gun who last year looked destined to add his name to the roll call of TCR Australia champions has hit a snag in his 2024 plans.
A mechanical failure at the final round effectively cost Bailey Sweeny the 2023 title, but having only turned 21 on Wednesday, age is on his side.
The problem? He’s not on the grid for the opening round of the new season, which kicks off today at Sandown.
Viewing TCR as a stepping stone category, Sweeny investigated a move to Super2 for this year. He was also linked to a TCR switch to Ashley Seward Motorsport’s Lynk & Co (vacated by Tom Oliphant, who has replaced Sweeny at HMO Customer Racing).
“None of it came to fruition, just due to budget constraints,” Sweeny told V8 Sleuth.
“It’s unfortunate, but we’re still working to try to get something in place. I’m definitely not walking away from racing, that’s for sure.”
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The good news for Sweeny is that the revised and relaunched Motorsport Australia Superlicence means Super2 experience is no longer a requisite to race in the Repco Supercars Championship.
“We have got enough Superlicence points and the recent changes to the rules means Super2 isn’t a requirement anymore to get into Supercars, so I’m now eligible for a co-drive,” he said.
“So that’s the goal now, working hard to try to get a co-drive.”
As few as seven seats remain in play for the 2024 Supercars enduros.
In terms of this weekend, Sweeny plans to be watching, even if it’s sure to trigger some “FOMO”.
Joining TCR Australia on the Sandown bill will be the Trico Trans Am Series, Formula Open and Australian Production Cars.
