TOURING CAR MASTERS TO RACE AT SUPERCARS EVENTS IN 2022

TOURING Car Masters has released its calendar for the 2022 season with two of its six rounds set to feature on the support bill at Repco Supercars Championship events.

The retro muscle car class will begin its season at the Repco Newcastle 500 in March and take in the NTI Townsville 500 in July, with three other rounds held at Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship events.

Its season finale will again take place Mount Panorama, this time as part of the inaugural running of the Bathurst International, and it is hoped the event will also feature New Zealand TCM competitors for the first time since prior to the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

TCM was originally not supposed to feature on any Supercars events in 2021 but eventually appeared at two rounds, joining the support bill for the Repco Mount Panorama 500 and Repco Bathurst 1000.

“We have worked hard to build Touring Car Masters throughout 2021 and put the category in the best position to flourish in 2022, and the new calendar reflects that,” TCM category manager Liam Curkpatrick said. 

“Returning to key Supercars ‘marquee’ events like Newcastle and Townsville not only follows competitor feedback but also reflects the popularity of the category in fans that attend those incredible street circuit events each year. 

“Retaining key Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships rounds, including a return to Queensland Raceway, will ensure that as many TCM fans as possible can see the action, while concluding at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International is a no-brainer. 

“We would have had significant international participation on the TCM grid this year had it not been for border closures, so we’re optimistic that the 2022 finale next November will see a full field of cars from here and across the Tasman putting on a massive show to end the year.” 

Next year’s season will incorporate changes to the category’s class structure, with revisions to the ProSport class aimed at luring several past TCM cars and competitors back onto the racetrack.

Series title sponsor Gulf Western Oils also returns for 2022, expanding their support to include a $500 pole position award for each round.

CALENDAR: 2020 Touring Car Masters