The TCR Australia Series has released a five-round calendar that begins with their first ever overseas trip to race on the undercard of the Supercars ITM Taupo Super 440 at Taupo International Motorsport Park.
It’s expected a strong contingent of TCR cars from New Zealand will also partake in the round to compete for a TCR Trans-Tasman Trophy.
Rounds follow at the Perth Super 440, Race Winton, The Bend 500, which is a Kumho FIA TCR World Tour event, and a second to-be-announced Kumho FIA TCR World Tour event at another overseas venue that concludes the season in November.
“The 2025 calendar delivers a revitalised era for TCR Australia, putting the global touring car category in the spotlight of more Australian and international motor racing fans,” said TCR Australia Category Manager Lisa Totani.
“We are delighted to join the Supercars Championship at three rounds in 2025 and welcome back the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour to the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, which is a clear favourite amongst teams and drivers.
“I look forward to working closely with WSC, as part of a strengthened relationship between WSC Group and TCR Australia, to showcase the unpredictable and entertaining racing that underpins TCR.”
Freight assistance for the two international rounds will be extended to teams.
“After sealing the deal to bring the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour back to Australia for the event at The Bend, we have looked into the possibility to further extend our friendly co-operation with TCR Australia,” said WSC President Marcello Lotti.
“We are delighted to announce that this has led to the addition of a second joint event in our respective calendars. We are also pleased with the co-operation TCR Australia has established with the Supercars Championship, as this will contribute to reinforce the popularity and visibility of TCR competition in the country.”
The Bridgestone GR86 Championship is the only other category confirmed for the event at this stage. It’s believed the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship will not feature and will be replaced by another New Zealand category, while the Napa Central Muscle Cars are yet to announce where their season will conclude.
The 2025 ITM Taupo Super 440 takes place on April 11-13.
2025 TCR Australia Series Calendar
| April 11-13 | ITM Taupo Super 440 |
| June 6-8 | Perth Super 440 |
| August 22-24 | Race Winton |
| September 12-14 | The Bend 500 (Kumho FIA TCR World Tour) |
| November (TBA) | TBA (Kumho FIA TCR World Tour) |
Header Image: Race Project (Supplied)
Let’s hope that it is a positive moment for TCR in both Australia and New Zealand. I understand that the NZ cars have significant changes to the TCR mandates.. Would they consider recertification or are those bridges burnt. New Zealand’s TCR road was bumpy and COVID didn’t help, nor did promises that weren’t kept. It would be wonderful if this race could mend some of those bridges. If nothing else it would be interesting to see how the modifications made by the NZ competitors have affected performance, reliability and competitiveness.