TCR / 26 March 2018

First podium for new Honda Civic Type R TCR

The new Honda Civic Type R TCR claimed its first podium finish last weekend as Ryan Eversley and RealTime Racing delivered the landmark result in the Pirelli World Challenge at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, USA.

Having taken delivery of a pair of the new JAS Motorsport-built TCR machines less than two weeks ago, the Wisconsin-based team were short on mileage, but showed the speed and reliability of their cars at the ultra-demanding venue.

Eversley qualified third and remained within a handful of seconds of the leaders for the duration of Saturday's opening 40-minute race to claim the historic result.

He lay third in the early stages of Sunday’s race as well, but was given a drive-through penalty after suffering contact with another car and dropped back to 13th.

A superb recovery drive was the highlight of the race as Eversley climbed to third by the chequered flag.

His team-mate Nick Esayian was spun to the tail of the field at the start of the opening race, but recovered from 23rd 12th. He added 11th place in a more straightforward Sunday race.

Mads Fischer, JAS Motorsport TCR Project Leader, said: "Naturally we're delighted to see the Honda Civic Type R TCR the podium for the first time, and then to see the achievement repeated 24 hours later. It was the only the second race globally for the car, and the first time it has competed in North America. We would like to send RealTime Racing and Ryan Eversley our warmest congratulations and wish them the very best of luck for the rest of the season."