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Ben Bargwanna thrilled to receive TCR Rookie of the Year
After a breakout week at the Mountain Ben Bargwanna was crowned Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Michelin Rookie of the Year.
The 20-year-old made the step up to Supercheap Auto TCR Australia competition this year forming a two-car Burson Auto Parts Peugeot 308 TCR team fielded by Garry Rogers Motorsport alongside father Jason. This followed progression through the development pathways of Hyundai Excels and National Formula Ford.
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By winning the Michelin Rookie of the Year, Bargwanna receives $5000 credit to be used on any Australian Racing Group entry or event.
Bargwanna finished 10th in the standings after achieving two firsts at Bathurst, an Astrontech Pole Position and podium as he finished second to GRM teammate Aaron Cameron in the opening race in what was a titanic battle.
“That pole position at the start of the weekend was awesome,” said Bargwanna.
“To come out in the first race and have a hard battle with Aaron, and just miss out on the win was cool. The car felt good and I guess it was a bit of a breakout race meeting for me, but I just had a lot of confidence in what the team gave me, plus I was working really well with my engineer and mechanic.
“It was just a good weekend all round.”
Bargwanna puts down his strong performances at Bathurst as well as Phillip Island earlier this year is down to one thing.
“There’s a bit of a theme with these two circuits, which is I’ve had previous experience,” he explained.
“We’ve been working pretty hard, the team did so during that long break and we’ve found something with the Peugeots and was really good to show it.”
Although nothing has been confirmed for Bargwanna leading into next year, he signalled his intent to continue in Supercheap Auto TCR Australia.
“Nothing’s locked in yet, but it’d be good to be back in this series to give it a red hot crack at it fighting with the top guys for podiums and wins,” Bargwanna stated.
“We’ll have to wait for what next year brings.”