TCR: ASS complains about lack of participants
RACE SERIES POSTPONED Auto Sport Schweiz postpones the launch of the ASS TCR Swiss Trophy and the TCR Hill Climb Series to 2020. Both had too few participants for 2019. It was well-intentioned, but did not (yet) find the appropriate echo. In 2019, there will be neither a Swiss classification within the ADAC TCR Germany, nor an international [...]
It was well-intentioned, but did not (yet) find the appropriate echo. In 2019, there will be neither a Swiss classification within the ADAC TCR Germany, nor an international mountain racing series for this touring car category. Auto Sport Schweiz (ASS) as promoter therefore postpones both championships by one year.
Only two Swiss in the German TCR Series
After up to ten Swiss drivers were at the start of the German TCR races in recent years, only two have signed up for the 2019 ADAC TCR Germany starting next weekend in Oschersleben: Young Driver 2018 Julien Apothéloz and Joshua Reynolds, both on Cupra TCR from Topcar.
Some previous TCR drivers from Switzerland have migrated to other series, changed classes or no longer want or can afford a full season. The TCR Swiss Trophy as part of the ADAC TCR Germany is therefore to be postponed until 2020. Since only 20 competitors in total are registered this year anyway, this is primarily wishful thinking. This is not only due to the meanwhile increased acquisition and entry costs, but also due to the many alternatives for TCR cars, especially in endurance races, where the costs can be spread over several drivers.
More lead time for 2020
For the ASS TCR Hill Climb Series, the first interesting participants had signed up, but too few to maintain the predicate. With sufficient lead time and targeted promotion, it should be possible to get enough drivers to participate in 2020.
TCR class still exists
At least ASS could agree with the owner Marcello Lotti on the occasion of a meeting with the WSC Group (rights holder of the TCR), which was called at short notice, to allow the TCR class this year in all six planned host nations (Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland (had these rights already in 2018).
Regarding the ASS TCR Hill Climb Series 2020, Auto Sport Switzerland will contact the organizers of the six events planned for 2019 in a timely manner and clarify the further procedure. It would be a pleasure to consider them for 2020, as they have been very cooperative and supported the TCR Hill Climb Series "to the best of their knowledge and belief".
