Kumho Tyre Australian V8 Touring Cars Series organisers have announced a $125,000 prize pool for its 2020 season, shortly after a similar move by Supercars/Super2.

The bulk of that figure is stipulated for use in Australian Racing Group series/events in the following year, with the balance being an early bird entry credit.

Next year’s series winner will receive $65,000 while the runner-up will earn $30,000 and the third place finisher, $15,000.

The prizemoney can be used for TCR Australia, the Australian S5000 Championship, Touring Car Masters Series, the 2020 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, the 2020 Bathurst International, or next year’s V8 Touring Cars Series.

The winner of the Kumho Cup class for Pro-Am drivers will get $5000 under the same conditions.

Another $10,000 credit is up for grabs for those who pay their entry fee for the 2020 V8 Touring Cars Series before Friday, December 20.

The prize, which one entrant will win in a draw at next year’s opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park in late March, can be put towards the series entry fee, one round’s worth of new tyres (six) at the Winton round, or free fuel at that round.

The incentives come after Supercars announced a $500,000 prize pool for next year’s Dunlop Super2 Series, which is similarly stipulated for progression within the Supercars ladder.

V8 Touring Cars was essentially part of that ladder in 2019, when it was held as the ‘Super3 Series’, but has now split from Supercars and formed a strategic partnership with ARG.

“The V8 Touring Car series has been around for more than a decade but this is by far the largest prize pool we have ever been able to offer our competitors,” said category manager, Liam Curkpatrick.

“ARG has seen the value in the series and its ability to produce highly talented drivers, both young rising stars and Pro-Am Kumho Cup racers, who are looking to continue their careers in motorsport.

“Their support opens the door to our champions and key winners to taking a step up to competing in TCR or S5000, or perhaps tackling one of the several major events on their program next year.

“The early entry prize pool, meanwhile, is an instant chance to remove costs from the 2020 season by going into the draw to win entry fees, tyres and fuel towards the new season.

“It’s an exciting time for the category and we are confident that this will continue to move the championship forward next year and beyond.”

ARG director Matt Braid said of V8TC, “Over the years the series has proved its place in the Australian motorsport landscape by producing talented drivers and great racing.

“We’re happy to support that by offering V8 Touring Car drivers a chance to expand their racing horizons into TCR Australia, S5000 or one of our key events next year.

“The category is a valuable addition to our program in 2020. We’re looking forward to the next wave of racing talent coming through the ranks of V8 Touring Cars, and the great racing it always provides.”

Next year’s V8TC calendar is comprised of three rounds with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships (nee: Nationals) and two at Supercars events which are not promoted by Supercars itself.