News
Bargwanna Returns with Hangcha Backing for 2024
January 30, 2024
Ben Bargwanna will return for his fourth season in Supercheap Auto TCR Australia with new major backing from Hangcha Forklifts.
Bargwanna will compete in the Hangcha-backed Peugeot 308 TCR entry, prepared by famed team Garry Rogers Motorsport, in all seven rounds of the national series.
The third-generation racer and son of Bathurst 1000 winner Jason is also eying more international TCR competition in 2024 after three successful events off Australian shores last year.
The 2024 season will mark Bargwanna’s fourth-straight season in the under two-litre touring car class which includes the rookie of the year award in 2021, a race win, five podiums and a=two pole positions – one of which came in front of the world’s best TCR drivers in the first of two TCR World Tour rounds at Sydney Motorsport Park last year.
In 2023, he scored his best overall series TCR Australia Series position, finishing seventh in the standings.
Bargwanna will start the TCR Australia Series in the existing Peugeot 308 before a planned mid-season switch to the latest GRM-constructed 308 TCR – set to be the first TCR car homologated by an Australian racing team.
It will be the first time that Bargwanna has raced the Hangcha Forklifts Peugeot on Australian soil, but the sponsor is no stranger to his recent motorsport pursuits.
The 22-year-old competed in selected rounds of the S5000 Championship last year with support from Hangcha, as well as the famous Macau Grand Prix in a Team Clairet Sport Peugeot 308 TCR in the final round of the TCR World Tour late last year.
If his plans come to fruition, that will not be the last time Bargwanna competes in the ultra-competitive TCR World Tour as he aims to again compete in multiple international races.
Bargwanna’s campaign for the 2024 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series will begin at Sandown on February 9-11 as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries. The racing can be seen live and on demand on the Seven Network’s digital offering 7plus.
Six more rounds will follow Sandown, with the final two events at Sydney Motorsport Park and Mount Panorama set to welcome back the TCR World Tour teams.
QUOTES
Ben Bargwanna
#71 Hangcha Team GRM, Peugeot 308 TCR
“It’s going to be a big year,” said Bargwanna
“The the way we approach the season will be very different to previous years and it will be important to maximise the rounds when we don’t have the new Peugeot. Then, when the new 308 TCR comes on stream, we can take full advantage to be in title contention at the end of the year.
“Hangcha came onboard last year in supporting some S5000 and TCR campaigns and we’ve built a good relationship. Hangcha enjoyed the experience last year, so going into this year with its support is pretty awesome and it will be a big season for us.
“At the moment we’re focused on Australia, but if we can make some things happen overseas it’d be awesome and we’ll be pushing hard to get those opportunities.
“I travelled overseas last year and got a taste for what it’s like to compete against the best TCR teams and drivers. I know what to expect, and I really hope we can get the right deals across the line to get back there and have another crack.”
Daniel Anderson
Hangcha Forklifts
“Hangcha Forklifts is proud to partner with the Bargwanna team in their varied motorsport competitions,” said Daniel
“The surname Bargwanna needs no introduction on the Australian racing scene. Jason has conquered the biggest races, and now his son Ben is rising through the ranks.
“Like Hangcha, the Bargwannas are fast moving and passionate about their business, and for us, that makes them the perfect partners. We have some amazing and innovative products in our range and when quality is at the forefront of your minds, we can’t think of a better environment than the intensity and competitive nature of the racing to stand behind our brand and our products and grow the brand in Australasia and beyond.
Jason Bargwanna
Team Manager, Hangcha Team GRM
“Ben and I are excited to welcome a global brand in Hangcha Forklifts as a supporter this season,” said Jason Bargwanna.
“Since we linked up with Hangcha last year, it’s been great to build the relationship as it targets a larger market share both here in Australia and across the world.
“Ben is suiting up for his fourth season of Supercheap Auto TCR Australia and will be aiming to build on the learning from contesting three international TCR World Tour rounds last year. He has won in the Peugeot before and took a TCR World Tour pole position, so I’m sure Ben is in for a successful season.
“It comes at an exciting time for the category and Garry Rogers Motorsport as development of the new Peugeot 308 TCR continues. We’ll be waiting on a timeline for its debut as we target further international TCR World Tour rounds as we aim to spearhead the Peugeot’s maiden overseas events.”