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Cameron Talks World Tour Podium and World Final Prospects
Aaron Cameron put together an impressive pair of performances across Race Sydney and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International, as he battled at the front of the Kumho Tire TCR World Tour field.
The Garry Rogers Motorsport driver was in Supercheap Auto TCR Australia title contention up until his Peugeot 308 came to a standstill during the final race of the season, Cameron ultimately finishing the season fourth in the points. Four top 10 finishes from six races within the World Tour field gave Cameron the points he needed to grab 15th in the World Tour points, and a place in the World Final.
“The aggressive driving style of the Europeans suits the way I like to go racing,” said Cameron.
“Bringing the World Tour out to Australia makes it more exciting for us, as we get to race a whole different style of driver. They race a bit differently to us in Europe, and so we sort of have to learn on our feet what they’re going to do out there.
“It was exciting, building up to those two rounds and ensuring you’re doing everything you can to maximise your performances at those rounds. The better you do alongside the World Tour field, the better your prospects for the World Final.”
Race three in Sydney gave Cameron a small glimpse at an outright podium with a daring move around the outside at turn one, which ultimately didn’t pan out how the GRM driver had hoped. However, race two in Bathurst provided the perfect response.
Starting from the front row, Cameron swooped into the lead and led the field through the opening stages of the race. After ceding the lead on lap four, Cameron held on to finish second overall – also grabbing his first TCR Australia race victory of the season.
“Going by previous form at Bathurst, we knew the Peugeot was a good car around there. We were surprised by our pace in qualifying, it was a little off, but our race pace was a lot more comparable to what we expected,” said Cameron.
“To get it done in that race and stand on the podium with two world title winning drivers was pretty special. It’s one of my favourite races and podiums of my career so far. We’re pushing the Peugeot quite hard to be up there fighting against these newer cars.
“It was a team effort though, a great crew going to work from Garry Rogers Motorsport and Valvoline to get it done.”
By securing 15th in the World Tour points Cameron has a direct route to the World Final, without the need for playoff races at the event – such is the route for drivers qualifying via ranking points.
“Making the top 15 is what makes the World Final an attractive idea for me. We get straight into the final, extra practice and no playoff races like a lot of the drivers will need to do. Less chance for damage as well and having a clean weekend which is really important.
“We’re looking into it, I’d love to take on Portimão,” concluded Cameron.
The Supercheap Auto TCR Australia season resumes from February 9-11 at Sandown, as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.