Blog
After a year in the Clio Cup, Jiří Zbožínek stepped up to a much faster racing machine this year: the Hyundai Elantra. He joined the TCR Eastern Europe series, becoming the third driver for Hyundai Janík Motorsport. In the overall standings, Jiří finished 11th, and he took 3rd place in the Junior category.
How would you rate your debut season in TCR Eastern Europe 2024?
I’d say I rate it quite positively. Considering it was my first season in this category, I think there was noticeable progress throughout the year. Most importantly, I managed to achieve the goals I set for myself before the season began. So overall, I’d call it a good season.
What was the most intense moment of your 2024 season?
I think it was during the third round at Slovakiaring when I managed to finish on the podium. That was definitely the most intense moment for me.
Was there a particular time when you had to push to the absolute limit or even beyond?
That would also be at Slovakiaring. During the race, I knew I was in a good position, and I knew I had the pace to move up even further. So, I pushed hard to catch the driver ahead of me. I remember really having to go all out, and it was right on the edge. It was a hot weekend, and several drivers were struggling with tire issues, which made it even tougher.
How challenging was the transition from the Clio to the much more powerful TCR car?
It was definitely tough in the beginning. Even though the Clio and TCR cars have the same drivetrain layout, the TCR car is heavier, wider, longer, and overall just bigger. I had to get used to all of that. The handling was also quite new to me—the TCR car requires a very specific driving style, which I wasn’t used to. The starting procedure, in particular, was something I struggled with all season because it’s quite complicated. So, there were a lot of new things I had to learn.
How did your teammates Maťo Homola and Adam Kout help you progress this season?
They both played a big role in my progress. They have more experience, and they helped me a lot by analyzing my driving with me and giving me advice on how to improve. They were like teachers to me, and I was really grateful to be able to learn from them.
What goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of the season, and did you manage to achieve them?
At the start of the season, my goal was to consistently finish in the top 10 and score points. I managed to achieve that, so I’m really happy about it.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your first season in TCR?
Probably that I shouldn’t hesitate when I decide to do something.
How do you see your future in touring car racing? Are you planning to continue in TCR Eastern Europe?
That’s a tough question because everything changes so quickly. But I definitely want to continue in the TCR Eastern Europe series, at least for next year. We’ll see how things go and what opportunities come up after that.“
