TCR mid season review
As we approach the midway mark of the 2023 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia season, the series has already treated fans to three thrilling rounds filled with intense racing action.
During the two-month hiatus between the Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton and the upcoming Queensland Raceway round, teams have been busy preparing for the challenges ahead. The break offers an opportunity for reflection and strategic planning as competitors gear up to make their mark in the second half of the season.
The 2022 Rookie of the Year, Jaylyn Robotham, showcased his potential as a title contender in the opening round by securing the round victory in the AWC Race Tasmania held in February. Capitalizing on some unfortunate incidents involving key rivals, Robotham demonstrated his prowess behind the wheel of his Valvoline Team GRM Audi RS3 LMS TCR Gen2.
The racing action in Tasmania saw Robotham secure a commanding victory in the first race, with Aaron Cameron showing early promise but ultimately falling back in the order. Robotham's success continued in race two, where he secured his first win of the 2023 season. He concluded the weekend with another victory in the third race, fending off strong challenges from 2022 Champion Tony D’Alberto and Jordan Cox.
In the following round at Phillip Island, Josh Buchan from HMO Customer Racing rebounded from a challenging outing in Tasmania by claiming an impressive pole position and converting it into a race win. Despite Hyundai's initial dominance in the season, Michael Clemente broke through the Hyundai stronghold by clinching the race two victory over Jordan Cox, marking a temporary shift in the balance of power.
The series then returned to the Winton Motor Raceway after a hiatus since 2019, with Michael Clemente further asserting his presence by securing pole position ahead of Jaylyn Robotham. Clemente capitalized on his position to secure his second race win of the season in the opening race. British driver Tom Oliphant seized the opportunity to claim his first Australian race win from a reverse-grid pole position in his Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
However, the standout performer of the season thus far has been Jaylyn Robotham. He continued his dominant run in the series by securing an impressive victory in the third race at Winton, crossing the finish line over 20 seconds ahead of second-placed Buchan. Notably, Buchan showcased incredible skill in race three, narrowly avoiding disaster in a fierce battle with fellow competitors.
As the championship heads into its second half, Jaylyn Robotham leads the standings, closely followed by teammate Josh Buchan and the consistently impressive Jordan Cox. With each round bringing new challenges and unexpected twists, fans can expect more thrilling racing action as the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia season unfolds.
