story via Speedcafe
HMO Customer Racing’s Bailey Sweeny has qualified for the TCR World Ranking Final, to take place at the Algarve circuit in Portimão, Portugal from 1-3 March, 2024.
Algarve circuit in Portimão, Portugal
Four Supercheap Auto TCR Australia regulars have earned a place at the TCR World Ranking Final.
There are two methods of qualification for the event, with the top 15 in the Kumho TCR World Tour points earning an automatic spot in the day three final.
Those 15 drivers aside, the top 45 drivers in the World Ranking as of October 1st earn a spot in the play-off races, from which 19 drivers will advance to the final on day three of the event.
The World Tour Qualifiers
Melbourne Performance Centre’s Will Brown ended the year 10th in the World Tour points, with Tony D’Alberto (Honda Wall Racing) in 12th and Garry Rogers Motorsport’s Aaron Cameron in 15th.
Should they choose to attend the World Ranking final, the three drivers will benefit from an extended practice programme as they come to grips with the famous Portuguese track.
Across the first two days of the event, the World Tour qualifiers will enjoy 90 minutes worth of practice time across three sessions.
Qualifying kicks off the competitive action at the end of day two.
A qualifying race on day three then sets the grid for the 30 minute World Final race.
Algarve circuit in Portimão, Portugal
The World Ranking Qualifiers
Also qualified is HMO Customer Racing’s Bailey Sweeny, who was classed inside the top 45 in the World Ranking at the October 1 cutoff date.
Should Sweeny take up his opportunity to attend the event, he faces a tougher road towards the final race.
Sweeny would have just one practice session at the Algarve circuit, before qualifying later on day one.
On day two Sweeney would be faced with two play-off races, at the end of which the top 15 drivers on cumulative points will earn a spot in the final.
Those 15 drivers join the 15 World Tour drivers in the qualifying race on day three.
The remaining 30 drivers will have one last chance, with a repechage race on day three, giving the top four drivers a spot at the back of the grid for the World Final race.
There is potential for more Supercheap Auto TCR Australia representation, with Josh Bucan, Jordan Cox and Jay Hanson all sitting on Priority List 2.
This list, taken from rankings 46-65 on October 1, gives drivers an opportunity to attend the event should any of the 45 qualified drivers choose not to attend.
Buchan is first on the list, and thus would need just one driver to not take up their invitation.
Cox is 15th and Hanson 17th.
The TCR World Ranking Final takes place from March 1-3 at the Algarve Circuit in Portimão.
Supercheap Auto TCR Australia returns to action from February 9-11 at Sandown Raceway.