Ben Bargwanna was recognised with the prestigious honour on debut

Burson Auto Parts sponsored TCR driver Ben Bargwanna has been awarded the TCR Europe Rookie Trophy in his debut international TCR event held at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on April 29 and 30.
Ben stood on the podium alongside legendary TCR Europe race winner Tom Coronel after winning the TCR Rookie Trophy for his result of 12th overall in the event’s closely contested second race.
The Burson Auto Parts racer made a great start from 19th on the starting grid and held 14th position for the early part as he took advantage of incidents in front to quickly move to 13th. Ben then gained another place to 12th after a post-race penalty was handed to a rival competitor.
This result gave Ben the TCR Europe Rookie Trophy, the young driver’s first international racing accolade.
“What a race!” Ben said.  
“It’s been incredible, and I can’t thank Team Clairet Sport enough.
“I came home top rookie and 12th outright from 19th on the grid. I’m so stoked, over the moon – I can’t stop smiling.
“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions this weekend, but it has been one of the best of my life. I’m so happy, I can’t thank the Clairets, my parents and Burson Auto Parts and my sponsor group enough, it’s been incredible and I’m seriously so pleased.
“I’m covered in champagne, I’ve got a trophy and it’s not what I expected to be coming home with, but I’m so happy.”
Following the event, Ben returned home to Australia to continue his Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series campaign, before heading back to Europe to contest Round Two of the Kumho TCR World Tour at the incredible Spa-Francorchamps circuit Belgium in late May.

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