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New Zealand TCR team confirms Australian Grand Prix entry with Dutch driver
New Zealand TCR team Track Tec Racing has confirmed an entry in the Asia Pacific Cup which is a support race for the Melbourne Formula 1 event.
The team, based at Highlands Motorsport Park (Cromwell, NZ), has secured the services of Dutch driver Stan van Oord to race at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in one of the team’s Audi RS 3 LMS TCR cars.
After the change of racing calendar for the inaugural TCR New Zealand Championship until later this year, Track Tec is putting its best foot forward, bringing van Oord, and potentially another Audi entry to the Albert Park venue for the Asia Pacific Cup event.
Van Oord, 22, is no stranger to TCR competition, having competed in various TCR races across Europe, including winning back-to-back championships in his local series in the Netherlands, driving a Cupra TCR.
The event will mark both Track Tec and van Oord’s Australian racing debuts.
The car will carry support from FEBO, Riverside Crane Hire, One Global Logistics, GEM Industrial and QUEST Apartment Hotels. Van Oord joins a growing list of drivers who have already confirmed their place on the grid, including former Bathurst 1000 champ Jason Bargwanna (Peugeot), James Moffat (Renault), young gun Jay Hansen (Alfa Romeo) and privateer drivers Zac Soutar and Michael Clemente (Honda).
It is expected that a grid of around 30 TCR cars will compete in the Asia Pacific Cup at Albert Park on March 12-15, supporting the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.
QUOTES
Stan van Oord
Driver, Track Tec Racing Audi RS 3 TCR
“TCR is a great series worldwide. This event in particular, because of the Max Verstappen effect there will be thousands of Dutch fans and for me it is a dream come through to compete here in Melbourne in what will be a very strong field,” said Stan van Oord.
“The track will be new to everyone, so I will spend a lot of hours at the simulator to get familiar to the track. My goal is a top 10 finish, but a top five would be great!
“I’m very grateful to my dad who always manage to make things happen. He does put in a lot of time an effort and when he believes in something, he will make it happen.
“Together with my team mate Dennis de Borst we will defend our 2019 Dutch Supercar title, driving a new Hyundai TCR and when our budget allows, I would love to be back with Track Tec Racing for the Bathurst TCR 500.”
Carmen Doran
Team Manager, Track Tec Racing
“We’re looking forward to getting our brand new Audi TCRs on track at Albert Park,” said Carmen Doran.
“With the rescheduled start of the 2020 NZ TCR Series, it has meant that we can focus our efforts on the Australian calendar.
“It’s great to have Stan join us for the event. Stan’s TCR experience and results over the last three years in Europe mean he’ll be a strong asset for the team.
“I’m proud that Track Tec Racing will be there representing New Zealand and hope to see plenty of Kiwi and Dutch supporters in the grandstands!”