TCR Racing returns to Phillip Island this weekend for the second round of the 2021 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series.

After Alfa Romeo completed a clean sweep at the season opener in Tasmania, the field is looking forward to closing the gap on the fast, sweeping Phillip Island layout.

HMO Customer Racing took the round honours at the Island in 2019, with Nathan Morcom securing his first podium in TCR Australia’s inaugural season. It is a result that he is keen to repeat in 2021 after a challenging weekend at Symmons Plains.

“I think honestly that we will be competitive there,” Nathan Morcom explained to Velocity Motorsport Magazine. “We more or less knew that we were going to struggle at Symmons Plains, which is all about the motor and horse power. We had the heaviest cars in the field and the long straights just didn’t suit. On the other hand, the fast, flowing sections at Phillip Island, coupled with the heavy braking corners will play to our strengths. It will be very different to the seven corners we had to negotiate at the opening round.”

If those past results are any form guide then Nathan Morcom and HMO Customer Racing have every reason to feel confident as the team heads south from their New South Wales headquarters.

“Coming off a 1-2 result the last time we ran at Phillip Island I sense that we are in for a very strong showing,” Morcom said.“It is a very technical track. We have a good base set-up already and after Josh Buchan’s evaluation at Wakefield Park, I think we will be on the money.

While past results play a role in Morcom’s optimism, the additional weight that the Alfa Romeos and Audis are set to carry this weekend will also help to tighten the field.

I think that the additional weight on the Alfa Romeos (60kg) and the Audis (40kg) will bring them back to the field this weekend in what will be more of an even platform. I suspect that the Hondas will also be back in contention,” Morcom added. There should be lots of door-to-door racing which is what the category is all about. It should make for an excellent show for TCR Australia, Channel 7 and the fans. I really can’t wait to get out there.”

Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series is set for two practice sessions on Friday at 10.35 and 14.00. Qualifying is scheduled for 9.55 on Saturday morning with race 1 at 14.25. Sunday sees the cars on track for races 2 and 3 at 11.10 and 14.25 respectively. (Local Times)

HMO Customer Racing’s Nathan Morcom sits 6th in the championship standings, with teammate Josh Buchan in 5th.

Jordon Cox in the Garry Rogers Motorsport Alfa Romeo currently heads the championship standings from Lee Holdsworth and Chaz Mostert.

Main Photo: Velocity Magazine 2019 Phillip Island

MORE TCR NEWS…

• TASMANIA GIVES A SPRINGBOARD FOR O’KEEFFE AT PHILLIP ISLAND

• MINEEFF REVEALS TCR LIVERY FOR PHILLIP ISLAND DEBUT

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