19-year-old Kiwi protege Ben Stewart will step aboard the 99motorsport Audi RS3 TCR for the upcoming round of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series at Queensland Raceway.
After winning the inaugural TGRA86 Scholarship Shootout in 2023, Stewart took on the Trans-Tasman Challenge in TA2 machinery over the summer, where he notably challenged two-time Trans Am Champion Nathan Herne.
Stewart returned to Australia in 2024 and sits inside the top five in the 2024 TGRA86 Scholarship Series ahead of his debut in TCR Australia in August.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of a front wheel drive Turbo, amongst some proper race car drivers,” said Stewart. “There really isn’t anyone there that hasn’t got a resume, so I can’t wait to be amongst it.
“I’ll be happy to finish all three races amongst the pack, but in the meantime, I’m doing thousands of sim laps!”
Team Owner Marcus LaDelle drove the 99motorsport Audi at the opening round of the season in Sandown, but the car has been sidelined since then due to crash damage sustained in the weekend’s final race.
“Ben is a standout talent that has adapted to everything he has put his butt in,” said LaDelle I can’t wait to see the car on track again. I have no doubt that he will challenge the top 10 at QR, even with the added challenge of racing the 86 at the same event.
“It’s been a tough year having the car parked, but I’m very proud that one of my young guys can get and have a crack. Will Brown proved in 2022 that this car can compete at QR, so we’ll focus on the setup Will worked with and give Ben the best chance of fighting.”
The team is finalising preparations on the car ahead of a pre-event test. A new livery will be unveiled before Stewart takes to the track from August 2 to 4 as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.
After four rounds, Zac Soutar leads the TCR Australia standings by 21 points over reigning Champion Josh Buchan. With three rounds to go in 2024, just 71 points separate the top eight.
All the action from Queensland Raceway will be live and free on the 7 Network, with international viewers able to tune in via the SpeedSeries website.
Header Image: Joel Hanks Media
