A commanding race two drive propelled Tom Oliphant to the top step of the podium in Supercheap Auto TCR Australia in Ashley Seward Motorsport’s Autoglym backed #115.
Oliphant contested the weekend aboard the Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR with which he debuted in the series in Tasmania. The best result for the British driver across the first two rounds of 2023 was a fourth place at Symmons Plains. Round three of the season was held at Winton Motor Raceway.
Oliphant kicked off the weekend by securing a spot in the second part of qualifying, earning himself 10th on the grid for race one. A strong launch off the line vaulted Oliphant up the order but he found himself slipping back to 10th as the race went on. Good late-race pace allowed the British driver to hang on to a crucial 10th place finish, earning him pole position via the reverse top 10 grid for race two.
The second race of the weekend ran without a hitch for the Autoglym Alfa, with another superb getaway catapulting Oliphant out in front early on. Oliphant went on to lead all 18 laps and secure his first victory in TCR Australia. It’s the first podium in TCR Australia for ASM since Sandown in 2022 with Michael Caruso, also in the Alfa Romeo. Oliphant’s victory was also the first for an international driver since 2019 when Nestor Girolami won.
The category’s newest winner started race three from fifth place, but Oliphant had a challenging run as he fought a lack of speed in an elbows-out affair. The Alfa Romeo came home in eighth place, to cap off the weekend.
“Not in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be standing on the top step this weekend, let alone getting a trophy,” said Oliphant.
“The feeling going in wasn’t so positive, we were all gutted we couldn’t run the Lynk & Co and especially after such a positive test. Practice on Friday was difficult, the car didn’t feel particularly good, but it’s a testament to the attitude of the team who continued to make big changes and improved it with each session.
“Once we got that reverse grid pole for race two, I knew we’d have a good chance. The Alfa isn’t a bad car when you get out in the clean air and can dictate the pace. We struggled in the traffic during the other two races, going off-line and coming under pressure the car didn’t have the mobility to really fight.
“Race two was a huge highlight, I’m really pleased to have gotten my first win in TCR Australia, it’s great to go home with a trophy and put a smile on everyone’s faces,” concluded Oliphant.
Round four of Supercheap Auto TCR Australia takes place at Queensland Raceway from August 11-13.
Championship Standings
1. Bailey Sweeny – 387
2. Josh Buchan – 351
3. Jordan Cox – 326
4. Aaron Cameron – 307
5. Lachlan Mineeff – 302
6. Ben Bargwanna – 288
7. Tony D’Alberto – 280
8. Michael Clemente – 274
9. Tom Oliphant – 268
10. Kody Garland – 264
