BACK IN BROWN
Defending TCR champ has start date in sight
MOTORSPORT: A period of uncertainty has ended in joy for Will Brown.
The Toowoomba driver, along with others, was unsure if he would get behind the wheel again in 2020 with COVID-19 forcing postponements of many events.
They have been given a lifeline, with the Australian Racing Group announcing the TCR Australia Series would be returning later this year with six rounds.
The revised schedule will see racing get underway in Sydney on August 15-16, concluding in Baskerville on January 30-31.
Brown said it was good to be able to have some clarity for the road ahead, and gives him a tangible goal to prepare towards as he looks to defend his crown.
“It’s good for us. We were a bit in the unknown and didn’t know if the season would start,” Brown said.
“After sitting in limbo, it’s always good to have that date to work towards.
“The team knows when the cars have to be ready and that really helps us out.”
With the late start, the series is set to stretch into the new year, something that Brown believes will be a benefit to both the sport and drivers.
“I think it’s a great thing to have racing continue over the summer period,” he said.
“A lot of other sports aren’t on during the Christmas break, and to get on the TV during that time gives us a bit more of an audience.”
Brown had a 2019 to remember in the TCR Australia Series, winning seven races throughout the season on his way to a commanding title win.
He is determined to pick back up where he left off, as he anticipates moving from behind the simulated wheel of the E-Series to the real thing.
“I was doing a lot of simulator work while working. My fitness has died down a little bit when we didn’t know a date,” he said.
“That ramped up about two weeks and with a bit of simulator work to help prepare for the first round.
“The E-Series does a good job of simulating the real experience with the steering wheel, brakes and pedals.
“There’s great resources like Twitch that have allowed fans to watch us, and given them a chance to see a bit more behind the scenes.”
As for the chance to get back on track after the long lay-off, Brown said himself and others will have a greater appreciation for the craft.
“A lot of drivers will be more grateful and keen to get back,” he said.
“We race a lot throughout the year and you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
“As a young driver, I always want to get out there as much as possible.
“It’s always nice to have a break, but we’re ready to get back into it now.”