Prospective TCR Australia drivers tried their hand in TCR touring cars at a special Winton Motor Raceway evaluation day.

A total of 22 drivers, largely aspiring young racers, were in action at the Victorian circuit testing cars prepared by HMO Customer Racing (Hyundai), Melbourne Performance Centre (Audi), Matt Stone Racing (Volkswagen), Wall Racing (Honda), Ash Seward Motorsport (Alfa Romeo) and Garry Rogers Motorsport (Alfa Romeo).

Drivers taking part ranged from experienced young campaigners including former Australian GT and Formula 3 driver Ricky Capo to winner of the now defunct Aussie Driver Search Matt Powers and a bunch of young rising stars just starting their motorsport journey.

Capo drove an HMO Customer Racing Hyundai while Powers was reunited with Matt Stone Racing driving an Alliance Autosport Volkswagen Golf.

Super3 driver Josh Fife was among the car racing rookies with the former karter joining Callum Hedge (Formula Ford), Luke King (Toyota 86,) Michael Clemente (Excels), Matt Podjursky (NZ V8s), and state-level racer Tayla Heath, to name a selection of the participants.

The test, dedicated to drivers yet to race a TCR car, was overseen by TCR Australia regular drivers Jason Bright, James Moffat, Dylan O’Keeffe and Aaron Cameron.

All four had been in action during TCR Australia Round 5 at the venue on the weekend with Bright, O’Keeffe and Cameron all enjoying visits to the podium.

TCR Australia category manager Liam Curkpatrick is hopeful the day will help persuade a wave of fresh talent for the 2020 season.

“It was a great day for the category and a really good way for our teams to look at new drivers that are interested in TCR,” said Curkpatrick.

“There were 22 drivers on the day, quite a few media present too, so it shows that there is some positive intent for the class for next year and beyond.

“We had a good mix of young and experienced guys and girls drive the cars. I’m looking forward to seeing who lands with what teams in the future.”

TCR Australia has two more rounds remaining on its inaugural schedule with the penultimate meeting at Sandown from September 20-22.