News
Bathurst driver confirms new privateer entry in carsales TCR Australia Series
A new privateer team, and a Bathurst-based driver, have confirmed an entry in the 2020 carsales TCR Australia Series.
Canberra-based team Tilton Racing will enter Brad Shiels in a Hyundai i30N, contesting the six-round series that will kick off at Sydney Motorsport Park on August 14-15.
The 26-year-old tested the Hyundai at the Sydney venue in March, just prior to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Shiels is an accomplished racer, starting his circuit racing career in production cars before progressing to Sport Sedans, Australian GT and Radicals. He is currently the lap record holder in a Radical sportscar around Mount Panorama.
Last year, he competed in the Suzuka 10 Hour GT race, and won the open class at the World Time Attack, held annually at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Tilton Racing will run the Hyundai car that is owned by Kosta Pohorukov. The car was purchased last year but sat on the sidelines, until now.
The #333 entry will be backed by Rondo, Network Building Supplies, Frost Security Locksmiths, Royal Purple and Tilton Construction.
The Hyundai’s final livery will be revealed in due course ahead of the opening round of the carsales TCR Australia Series at Sydney Motorsport Park on August 14-15.
QUOTES
Brad Shiels
Driver, Hyundai i30 TCR
“This is going to be a great opportunity. I love the TCR category, it has competitive racing and some high profile names so it’s going to be great to be a part of it,” said Shiels.
“The calendar, considering the limited racing that we’re having this year, is awesome.
“I grew up in Bathurst, so that is my home track, but you don’t get to race there very often, so I’ve done most of my racing at Sydney Motorsport Park. I know my way around that place, so it will be great to start the season there.
“In terms of results, I really don’t know what to expect. I’ve only driven the car once at a test day. I don’t have any expectations. We’ll just see how we go and try and work our way to the front.”
Louis Kapitsas
Team manager, Tilton Racing
“I like TCR. It is a good controlled category with a strong price point,” said Kapitsas.
“The different brands of cars appear to be quite similar, so it comes down to a fast driver and good team to put together a strong package.
“We’ve seen some of the other private entries do quite well, so that gives our team a bit of confidence too.
“Brad is an awesome young driver. He can drive, level headed and he is keen, which is what you need from a driver.”