After unveiling the first entry of the TEXACO Team AMS, the Turkish team announces its lineup for the “Gen I” category of the new TCR European Endurance. Barkin Pinar and Zekai Özen will defend the colors of the team with the first-generation Audi RS3 LMS.
With over 30 years of motorsport history for the Istanbul-based team in GT3, GT4, WTCC, ETCC, and now this new adventure in a completely new format among the TCR championships of the WSC Group devised by Mauricio Slaviero. The team managed by Ibrahim Okyay faces an additional challenge in adapting to a new format and competing on an international stage, as they are using a car from a previous technical cycle compared to the current one. Starting from 2024 in the TCR European Endurance series, teams will have the chance to enter cars from the 2015-2017 championships, which will continue to compete for a dedicated trophy under the new classification of “Gen I”.
To do this, TEXACO Team AMS has relied on a pair of opposites, but both with winning results in 2023. Pinar stood out nationally, becoming champion on the track in the Turkish National Championship in 2023. The Turkish driver will be joined by a compatriot who is described as a young promise, Özen, who already has international experience. He competed in TCR Italy and the C.I.T. (Coppa Italia Turismo), where he clinched the DSG class title last season, always on board of an RS3 LMS. Moreover, Özen will also be able to compete for the “Junior” trophy, reserved to the best under-21 drivers.
With the new main sponsor TEXACO, Team AMS is gearing up for its debut in the TCR European Endurance on April 28th, at the new Hungarian circuit of Balaton Park.
