The Australian Racing Group is in talks to avoid potential date clashes between TCR and Supercars once racing resumes in 2020.
The coronavirus pandemic has brought motor racing around the world to a halt, including Supercars and all ARG championships.
However, organisations are beginning to piece together their revised schedules as restrictions begin to ease across Australia.
Speaking with Motorsport.com, ARG boss Matt Braid says that it has been in talks with Supercars to avoid any date clashes where possible for the forthcoming season of racing.
“We have been in dialogue with Supercars. In a time of crisis it’s good to understand where everyone is placed and how they’re going.
“We’ve been talking about working with each other to get the best possible [outcome] for each group. They have pressures on their calendar, and I don’t know the details of it, but there is the understanding that, where possible, we’re going to continue the dialogue between us to try and avoid conflicts.”
While Supercars is targeting a June return, Braid says the ARG are looking toward July and August.
“[There are] positive signs that the COVID fog is starting to clear.
“We’re starting to see a way out, which is really good. As far as ARG is concerned we’re working hand-in-hand with Motorsport Australia as our governing body with governments on when it’s logical to actually go racing again.
“Off the back of that and discussions with Motorsport Australia and various government bodies, it’s now looking like there’s scope to move towards a calendar starting in July or August.
“That’s the timeframe that’s looking the most likely, with some certainty, that we should be able to get going. Other sports, like NRL, are starting at the end of May. But they’re starting in a position where there are still a lot of unknowns, so they’re going to go forward but it’s a little bit tricky.
“We’d prefer to err on the side of caution and start to talk dates and confirm a calendar [where] we’re creating enough space that we can be clear of any of those potential hurdles – rather than trying to rush back and having to re-jig, re-boot and reschedule again.”
