New Zealand Formula Ford Champion Blake Knowles will make his Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series debut this weekend at the season-ending Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.
Knowles will be the second kiwi to tackle TCR Australia in 2024, and like Ben Stewart, his opportunity comes at the wheel of Marcus LaDelle’s 99motorsport Audi RS3 LMS SEQ.
The 18-year-old has amassed multiple class wins driving both a Hyundai and an Audi TCR in New Zealand’s Endurance championships.
His credentials are further enhanced by his recent triumph in Formula Ford and a sweep of the V8 Sleuth Heritage Revival weekend at the Bathurst 1000.
“I’ve absolutely always followed along with TCR Australia, when I did the Highlands 6 Hour it was with Clay Richards, so I was watching his progress earlier in the year and it’s something that’s always been on my radar,” said Knowles.
“The historic stuff was more about the cars than the racing, so getting to go around Bathurst and actually have a crack will be pretty cool. Having a rough idea of what the track’s like will help.
“Some of those drivers in the TCR field are insanely quick, so I’m just going to give it the best crack I can and hopefully we can be fighting within the pack.
“The goal is to try and do a championship in Australia eventually, and TCR is one we’ve always watched so that would be the dream if we could make 2025 happen.
The weekend commences with the circuit to city on Thursday afternoon, where fans will be able to get a close up look at the cars and stars of TCR Australia.
Words & Images supplied
