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Young gun secures Volkswagen Golf for TCR tilt
Lachlan Mineeff will make his debut in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series at Phillip Island next weekend.
The 18-year-old New South Welshman has purchased a Volkswagen Golf GTI to compete in the remaining five rounds of the 2021 season.
The Golf was last raced by Alexandra Whitley during the inaugural TCR Australia Series in 2019, and was also entered for Whitley at the ill-fated Australian Grand Prix event last year.
Mineeff progresses to TCR after a two year stint in the Australian Formula Ford Championship, having finished fifth in both seasons, including race and round wins in 2019.
Mineeff is also the holder of a special record at Mount Panorama. Paired with fellow youngster Tom Sargent, they become the youngest pairing to finish an endurance race at the famous mountain circuit in the 2019 Bathurst 6 Hour, driving a Toyota 86 car.
Since Whitley’s racing, the car has been stored at Melbourne Performance Centre who will offer Mineeff’s privateer team technical and logistics support at Phillip Island before Mineeff’s team takes the car under its own wing.
Mineeff’s effort is in partnership with VAGPARTS Australia, a specialist supplier of genuine and aftermarket parts for Volkswagens and Audis.
Due to time limits, Mineeff’s first drive of the car will come in the opening practice session at Phillip Island on Friday, March 12, ahead of qualifying and the three races on Saturday and Sunday.
CLICK HERE to secure your tickets to the Phillip Island event that will also include the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, GT World Challenge Australia, Trans AM and Porsche Sprint Challenge.
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Lachlan Mineeff
#14 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR
“I’ve been looking to go TCR racing since it first come to Australia in 2019, and I can’t wait to get to Phillip Island,” said Mineeff.
“I was there at the first TCR event at Sydney Motorsport Park, and from there I’ve been working on ways to get into the class. I’m stoked that we’ve finally pieced it all together.
“The reason I chose to go with the Volkswagen is because they are a very competitive car, and we’ve also got VAGParts on board as a sponsor. The marriage between VAGPARTS and TCR was match made in heaven, so that has worked out really well.
“The Golfs proved to be very competitive last year. In the hands of Aaron Cameron and Jason Bright, they won races, took a pole position and finished with a heap of podiums, so they are certainly capable of running up the front.
“For me, TCR is a relevant platform for both manufacturers and sponsors. Coming out of Formula Ford and Production Car racing, it is the next step up the ladder and the best value for money category. It made the most sense.
“The competition, and the various brands in the category was also very appealing. Going up against some current and ex-Supercars drivers is a great test for me, and having all of the races live and free on the Seven Network makes this class the perfect place for me.
“I love the Phillip Island circuit. I’ve done two Formula Ford rounds there before. It’s a special place for me to make my TCR debut.
“I won’t be able to fit in any testing, but I’ve had decent results at Phillip Island before, so I’ll take as much of my experience as I can from my past racing and use it as best I can next weekend.”