Hassell takes 1st place in Pro Sport at Sandown
If you’re a fan of high-octane racing and classic muscle cars, the Touring Car Masters (TCM) is the sport that deserves your attention. Combining the nostalgia of vintage vehicles with the thrill of competitive racing, TCM offers an unparalleled experience for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The roar of the engines, the skillful manoeuvres, and the close-knit community make it a must-follow for anyone passionate about motorsports.
Now, let’s talk about a rising star who’s making waves in the TCM scene: Jeremy from Team Bullfrog. Fresh off his debut in Darwin, Jeremy headed to Sandown for his second race weekend with a mix of nerves and excitement. Arriving in Melbourne on Thursday alongside teammates and the dedicated mechanics, the team went straight to the racetrack to set up for what promised to be an exhilarating few days. Being Jeremy’s first time on the Sandown racetrack, he started the weekend off with a track walk with Ryan Hansford to discuss strategy and visualise the race.

Friday kicked off with practice runs where Jeremy tested some suspension tweaks. He clocked a solid fastest lap of 1:17:09, but he wasn’t stopping there. In the qualifying session, he shaved off nearly two seconds, securing a time of 1:15:97 and landing in 10th position. This was a significant leap and a testament to his growing confidence behind the wheel.

Saturday brought its own set of challenges. The day began with the Trophy Race under rainy skies. For the first time in his TCM career, Jeremy had to navigate the track on wet tires. The downpour affected visibility and made the car’s immense torque harder to control, resulting in an eleventh-place finish.
” I couldn’t see anything, the window kept fogging up and after the first lap I could hardly see out the front windscreen” – Jeremy Hassell.
While initially a bit deflated, Jeremy and the team made a strategic decision for the second race. Noticing a potential break in the weather, they switched to slick tires—a gamble that paid off handsomely. Jeremy fought his way to ninth place, achieving his goal of breaking into the top ten.

As the sun set on Saturday, the team fine-tuned the car, adjusting tire pressures and tweaking the suspension ever so slightly. Sunday’s final race was nothing short of dramatic. Early in the race, a massive crash unfolded just 20 meters ahead of Jeremy as two vehicles collided. With quick reflexes and composure, he navigated through the chaos unscathed. Holding his nerve, he maintained his ninth-place position, matching his previous day’s success.

But the excitement didn’t end there. When all the points were tallied, Jeremy clinched first place in the Pro Sport category for the second consecutive time, having also taken the top spot in Darwin. Finishing tenth overall in the round, he met and exceeded his goals for the weekend. The entire team was ecstatic, and Jeremy’s achievements are a promising sign of more great things to come.
If you haven’t been following TCM, now is the perfect time to start, and there’s no better way than by keeping up with rising talents like Jeremy. Join us on our journey by subscribing to our Facebook page, where we’ll keep you updated on all the latest news, behind-the-scenes action, and upcoming races. Be part of the excitement and witness firsthand why TCM is capturing the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere.
