Moffat rejoins GRM for Renault TCR assault 

James Moffat will reunite with Garry Rogers Motorsport to contest the inaugural TCR Australia Series.

The former Supercars full-timer will pilot one of GRM’s two Renault Megane TCR machines in the new seven round, two litre touring car class which begins next month.

Moffat is a familiar face at the Melbourne squad having enjoyed two seasons racing in for the operation’s Supercars program in 2016 and 2017 after spells at Dick Johnson Racing and Nissan Motorsport. 

The 34-year-old becomes the seventh driver confirmed to join the TCR Australia grid which features Tony D’Alberto, John Martin, Chris Pither, Nathan Morcom, Jimmy Vernon and Jason Bright.

GRM will field four cars in the series with reigning Super2 Series winner Pither driving the other Megane, while Vernon will pilot one of two Alfa Romeo Giuliettas.

Moffat, who will again partner Chaz Mostert in Supercars’ Pirtek Enduro Cup, and ran in Porsche Payce Carrera Cup Australia last year, has been keen to join the series after testing a Honda Civic TCR car last year. 

“The TCR Series has been something I’ve been keeping a close eye on and I’m really pleased to have got the deal across the line to race the Renault with Garry Rogers Motorsport,” said Moffat.

“I was involved in the TCR launch at Sydney. I had the chance to sample one of the cars on that day and was impressed by what I saw and what I felt.

“It’s a category that is clearly growing world wide and I’m confident that it has some great potential in our local market.

“Naturally, it’s exciting to be involved in the first season of the new series, and to be driving one the of Renaults is going to be good fun.

“It’s great to be reunited with the guys and girls at GRM as well. Having driven full time in 2016 and 2017, I know them really well, there’s lots of familiar faces so it will be pretty easy to slot back in and get on with things.

“In terms of results, I’m keeping an open mind, but working with a team that has plenty of experience should play into our hands. 

“We’ll all be learning on the run, but I’ve got a good experienced team-mate in Chris (Pither), so between the two of us and the team, we should be competitive and fighting at the front of the field.”

Team director Barry Rogers is pleased to welcome Moffat back to the fold as GRM embarks on a new motorsport project.

“We welcome James back and we are looking forward to seeing what he and Chris Pither can do in the two Renault Méganes,” said Barry Rogers.

“When James drove for us, he did a really good job. 

‘We know he can drive. He goes about his job in a methodical way. 

“He is not out there to make friends – he wants to win races and do the best for the team so we are pleased to have him back.

“It’s great to have drivers of his calibre in the series. 

“The level of competition in TCR Australia is going to be really tough, so having someone like James in our corner is a real bonus.”

Organisers are expecting a grid of at least 15 cars for the TCR Australia season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park from May 17-19. 

Entry list: Round 1, Sydney Motorsport Park