Kevin Gleason is set to return to the TCR International Series this coming weekend (16-18 September, 2016) with WestCoast Racing for Round 9 of the bourgeoning touring car category in Singapore.
Gleason is no stranger to the team nor championship, having contested a full season with Swedish squad in 2015, recording two victories on his way to a fine fifth position in the championship. He also competed in the opening three rounds of the current campaign with WestCoast Racing.
The American racer has been keeping himself race-sharp with two outings in the 24H Series at Paul Ricard and Barcelona, but is naturally looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Honda Civic TCR at the Marina Bay street circuit in Singapore as part of the Formula 1 race weekend.
“Unfortunately, it has been a while since I competed in a TCR event and that has been frustrating, but I am really excited and thankful to be back,” Gleason, who is also confirmed for the Sepang event in early October, said. “Luckily I have managed to drive in two 24-hour races, which has helped keep me sharp; although it is a very different approach to a touring car race, you are still driving flat out.
“The first three rounds of the 2016 TCR International season were unfortunately held on all tracks that were completely new to me, so I had a lot of learning to do,” Gleason continued. “Going back to Singapore will be nice because I have raced there before and I also achieved my second TCR International race win there in 2015. Marina Bay is a fantastic street track and, while it is a very different layout to my last event at Spa, both tracks take a tremendous amount of commitment to lay down a good lap and that’s what I really enjoy.
“I can’t wait to re-join everyone at WestCoast Racing and get back on track in Singapore. It is a really special event to be a part of, and being able to race at such a unique venue during the hours of darkness and in front of thousands of Formula 1 fans is incredible. I am certainly aiming for a repeat performance of last season’s victory!”
Practice gets underway Friday 16 September at 15.35 local time with qualifying Saturday at 14.40 and the first race under the artificial lights at 19.25. The second race is at 15.00 on Sunday. Live streaming is available at the official TCR International Series website.