The Australian Racing Group has unveiled a revised six-round calendar which will have the TCR and S5000 competitions commence their seasons in August and conclude with a Tasmania doubleheader next January.
Consequently, the highly anticipated running of a TCR 500km enduro event at the Bathurst International in November has been shelved and will instead feature on the program in its usual sprint format.
Sydney Motorsport Park will host the new season opener on August 15-16, followed by rounds at Sandown and Phillip Island.
An interesting addition to the calendar sees the season conclude with rounds at Symmons Plains and Baskerville, both of which are located on the island state of Tasmania.
The 2.0km, 10-corner Baskerville circuit has not staged any premier Australian touring car racing in over three decades.
“It’s been an unprecedented crisis and its effect on motorsport all around the world has been huge,” said ARG boss Matt Braid.
“We are very pleased that Garry Rogers, with his extensive network and business relationships in Tasmania, has been instrumental in leading negotiations with local representatives to secure two new back-to-back events in Tasmania.
“This is a significant opportunity for ARG and our teams, drivers and sponsors. The roar of world class V8-powered open-wheeler racing coupled with TCR and Trans-Am all debuting in Tasmania at Symmons Plains and Baskerville will be a fantastic spectacle.
“We’d like to thank our categories and their teams, drivers and sponsors for their support during this trying period. I am sure it’s been both challenging and frustrating at times but I think from this has evolved a truly outstanding calendar and suite of events for 2020.”
A four-round Motorsport Australia calendar was also released which also commences at Sydney Motorsport Park in August and concludes in October.
Interestingly, the third round of the championship slated to be held from the Bend Motorsport Park will also incorporate a round of the Australian Rally Championship with a Super Special Stage on the Saturday night.
Revised TCR and S5000 calendar:
| Round | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney Motorsport Park | August 15-16 |
| 2 | Sandown Raceway | September 12-13 |
| 3 | Phillip Island | TBC |
| 4 | Bathurst | November 12-15 |
| 5 | Symmons Plains | January 24-26 |
| 6 | Baskerville | January 30-31 |
Revised Australian Motorsport Championship calendar:
| Round | Circuit | Date |
| 1 | Sydney Motorsport Park | August 15-16 |
| 2 | Sandown Raceway | September 12-13 |
| 3 | The Bend Motorsport Park | October 17-18 |
| 4 | Phillip Island | TBC |
Main Image: Daniel Kalisz