BARR’S EUROPEAN MISSION
REECE BARR IS SET TO MAKE A BIG impact on the European motorsport stage this year, having sealed a deal to join the
TCR Europe Series with leading team
Target Competition.
The 17-year-old Irishman is the first driver confirmed for Target’s new era running Hyundai machinery in Europe this season, following many successful seasons with Honda Civics – a spell that landed the team back-to-back TCR Germany championships.
Barr had originally agreed to join the Target team to contest the German-based ADAC TCR category, before switching his attentions to Europe at the wheel of the new Hyundai.
“This year will be massive for me, but I feel so ready for it,” says Barr. “I was all set to do the ADAC TCR class, but when Target were approached by Hyundai and given the chance to join the European Series it was something I just couldn’t turn down.
“I’ve been building the relationship with Target over the winter, going to Italy to see the workshops a few times. They’re an amazing team. Usually you get professional teams who are either all about the winning and pressure, and ones that are sometimes too relaxed. Target is the perfect blend of both – winning is the ultimate goal, but it’s always achieved with a family atmosphere.”
The deal means that Barr will move to a full European series for just his second full season of racing cars, after he finished as runner-up in the Mini Challenge’s JCW Championship last year.
“It’s a big move, but it doesn’t change my preparation,” adds Barr. “I was having to learn a lot of new tracks for the German class anyway, but the calendar for the European Series is full of real dream circuits like Barcelona, Monza, Hungaroring and Spa-francorchamps.
“The new relationship with Hyundai is hugely exciting too. I’ve not tested the car yet but from all the data the team has seen – including feedback from the Hyundai factory drivers, who have tested and helped to develop the i30 N TCR – it’s going to be one of the strongest platforms out there this year.”
Target Competition team owner Andreas Gummerer added: “We are really thankful for two successful years in the ADAC TCR Germany. The decision to switch to TCR Europe was taken upon driver requests and we are really happy to have Reece Barr on board for our new challenge.
“We began talking to Hyundai last year and we were impressed by the performance of the new i30 N TCR race car, and are confident that we will have a very competitive package this year.”