SRO Motorsports America has confirmed the addition of the DSG Cup to its TCR series next year, in an effort to “enhance” the competitiveness of the Audi RS 3 LMS and Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR cars that feature direct-shift gearboxes.

The new-for-2019 category will serve as a subclass within the 40-minute TCR races, which will continue to be open to machinery with sequential gearboxes such as the Honda Civic Type-R TCR and Hyundai i30N TCR, as well as equipped Audi and Volkswagens.

“When we reviewed all the data from 2018, we realized we needed to do something to support our teams who are racing DSG transmission cars,” said TC America class manager Jim Jordan.

“The cars are fantastic to race and drive, however at times it did not appear to be a level playing field.

“We spent most of the off season working with all stakeholders to reach this agreement. I am proud of the work done by Marcus Haselgrove and the rest of the TCR technical working group both in the US and Europe on this solution.”

While Audi and Volkswagen offer cars with both sequential and DSG gearbox options, certain tracks and conditions favored the sequential-equipped entries over the course of the inaugural TCR season this year.

“We were early and strong supporters of the TCR concept,” said SRO America President and CEO Greg Gill. “We want to continue to grow the class. The addition of the DSG Cup will help continue to build momentum for the TCR category in North America.”

The DSG Cup will feature its own podium, scoring, and points structure and will award a class champion at seasons’ end.

TC America kicks off its season at Circuit of The Americas on March 2-3.