News
Jay Hanson confirms TCR Australia future in brand-new Audi
Supercheap Auto TCR Australia young gun Jay Hanson will drive the latest-specification Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, recently confirmed to race locally in 2022.
Announced last week, Melbourne Performance Centre will receive at least one new Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, which was recently made available to customers worldwide by Audi Sport.
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An evolution of the current model entered by MPC for drivers Chaz Mostert and Luke King, as well as privateer Liam McAdam, the new RS 3 LMS TCR features improved ergonomics, safety, plus tunability.
The new car has already enjoyed success on the track, with WTCR Comtoyou Team Audi Sport drivers Frederic Vervisch and Gilles Magnus taking a win a piece at the recent rounds in Aragon and Hungaroring respectively.
Hanson, 18, is the first driver to commit the the new machinery, with MPC considering securing another car with mounting interest.
Delivery of the new RS 3 LMS TCR is expected early next year, with hopes an extensive test schedule to follow before the opening round of the next season.
Hanson made a stunning debut in Supercheap TCR Australia at Symmons Plains where he crossed the line third, but was later penalised for contact involving Mostert, which dropped him to seventh.
Hanson’s best finish this season so far is fourth at Bathurst during Easter. Driving his Alfa Romeo entry in his maiden touring car season this year, the Victorian current sits 16th in the title chase.
QUOTES
Jay Hanson
Driver, Melbourne Performance Centre
“I’ve always liked the look of the Audi. I think it’s a tough, clean looking car,” Jay Hanson said.
“Hopefully it goes as well as it looks.
“For Melbourne Performance Centre to have its hands on another Audi is going to work great for the team and myself. They know those cars inside out and back-to-front due to working with Audi Sport products for many years.
“I’m just keen to see what they can do with that little beast.
“We’ve committed to TCR, and in 2022 we’re ready to give it a red hot crack and see what we can do.
“The aim is to start the year off well, be consistent at the top end and see where we end in the later stages of the year.
“Hopefully we can get out in the Audi prior to the start of the season. I’m aiming to get as many miles as I can so I’ll be in full swing for when the season commences.
“It’s just going to keep on growing as a category, with all these new cars including the Audi and Hyundai now available, I think the category is just going to keep on rising.
Troy Russell
Co-Owner, Melbourne Performance Centre
“Jay has plenty of potential as demonstrated during his first year in TCR,” said Russell.
“The Audi is a reliable and fast product, as we’ve seen with the current model, so it provides Jay with a great base to attack next season with.
“If Jay can stay composed and remain consistent, then there is nothing stopping him from being a contender next year.”