Privateer outfit Tilton Racing has confirmed they will make their TCR Australia debut later this year with the unveiling of an all-new Hyundai i30N.
Bathurst-based driver Brad Shiels will be the sole pilot for the squad ahead of the six-round series starting in August.
A storied driver, Shiels recently won the Open Class in last year’s World Time Attack Challenge from Sydney Motorsport Park as well as boasting the Radical lap record around Mount Panorama.
“This is going to be a great opportunity,” said Shiels. “I love the TCR category, it has competitive racing and some high profile names so it’s going to be great to be a part of it.
“The calendar, considering the limited racing that we’re having this year, is awesome.
“I grew up in Bathurst, so that is my home track, but you don’t get to race there very often, so I’ve done most of my racing at Sydney Motorsport Park. I know my way around that place, so it will be great to start the season there.
“In terms of results, I really don’t know what to expect. I’ve only driven the car once at a test day. I don’t have any expectations. We’ll just see how we go and try and work our way to the front.”
Tilton Racing manager Louis Kapitsas said the decision to join the series was aided by the strong results of other private teams last season.
“I like TCR. It is a good controlled category with a strong price point,” he added.
“The different brands of cars appear to be quite similar, so it comes down to a fast driver and good team to put together a strong package.
“We’ve seen some of the other private entries do quite well, so that gives our team a bit of confidence too.
“Brad is an awesome young driver. He can drive, level-headed and he is keen, which is what you need from a driver.”
The Canberra-based team become the fourth Hyundai squad to confirm their entry for the 2020/21 campaign.
TCR Australia will kick-off its delayed season from Sydney Motorsport Park on August 14-15.