The TA2 Muscle Car Series is set to depart from AASA sanction. Image: Supplied
It comes in the wake of the recent rebranding of the formerly known as Hi-Tec Oils Super Series to the AASA Race Series and the sudden departure of former AASA competition director Marcos Ambrose.
Organisers cited the aforementioned changes among several sore points that ultimately led to the split.
Chief among the concerns was the dramatic shift in the broadcast away from its partners SBS and Kayo Sports. The series has since shifted to an online-only live stream via the AASA Race Series website.
The departure of broadcast producer AVE also resulted in a significant shift in quality, which has been widely criticised online.
A statement from TA2 series management alluded to a mass exodus of categories, including Legend Cars Australia and the Australian IRC Racing Series.
“Following several weeks of discussions regarding the future participation of our respective categories under the AASA sanctioning body and on the platform formerly known as the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series, the TA2 Muscle Car Series, IRC Racing Series and Legend Cars Australia Series have collectively decided to withdraw from the remaining rounds of the 2026 championship season,” the statement reads.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. However, recent developments-including the reduction in broadcast platforms and the reduced involvement of Marcos Ambrose in his role as competition manager have caused the three categories to lose confidence in the current management and direction of both AASA and the racing series.
“At the conclusion of the 2025 championship season, our categories committed to participating in the 2026 championship based on a range of agreed inclusions. Central to that commitment was the promotion and broadcast of the series across three platforms: livestream, free-to-air television and Kayo Sports.
“The subsequent loss of two of those three broadcast platforms represents a significant departure from the basis upon which our categories committed to the 2026 season.
“Commercial agreements were entered into by our categories on the strength of those inclusions, and their reduction has negatively affected our competitors, commercial partners, and supporters.”
TA2 organisers said a lack of “adequate communication or consultation” of the recent changes with the categories was a contributing factor.
TA2 organisers said discussions regarding alternative fixtures had advanced.
“As a result, it has become clear that the current direction of AASA and the series is no longer aligned with the values, expectations and standards that our categories collectively believe are essential to supporting our customers,” the statement continued.
“The TA2 Muscle Car Series, IRC Racing Series and Legend Cars Australia remain committed to providing their competitors with a professionally managed and well-promoted racing platform.
“Plans for the remainder of the 2026 season are highly advanced, with further information regarding these arrangements to be communicated shortly.
“Most importantly, fans of all three categories will once again be able to watch the racing action via Livestream, Free-To-air and Pay Television for the remainder of our respective 2026 championships.
“We thank the wider motorsport community for its continued patience, understanding and support throughout these important discussions.
“TA2, IRC and Legend Cars Australia also wish to extend their sincere appreciation to the officials, flag marshals, volunteers and event personnel who have supported our categories at track level.
“Their contribution has helped make our participation an enjoyable and engaging experience, and we hope to see many of them again in pit lane and throughout the garages in the future.”