El Calafate is set to host a thrilling start to the 2026 Turismo Carretera (TC) season, with the series grids now confirmed for Sunday’s action. The first race day of the year promises a competitive mix of manufacturers at the front of each qualifying heat, building on the excitement generated by Nicolás Moscardini’s surprise pole position on Saturday. The action begins at 10:00 AM local time with the TC Pista qualifying heats, followed by the TC heats starting at 11:00 AM.
The opening heat of the TC series will see Ford Mustang driver Nicolás Moscardini, fresh off his unexpected pole win – a first for the rookie – sharing the front row with Julián Santero in the BMW M4. Moscardini’s performance, marking the first pole position of his TC career, has already established him as a driver to watch this season, as reported by Olé. The qualifying session itself was marked by technical issues with the timing system, adding an element of unpredictability to the results.
The second heat, scheduled to begin at 11:25 AM, will feature a front row comprised of Juan José Ebarlín piloting the Chevrolet Camaro and Jonatan Castellano in the Dodge Challenger. This pairing sets the stage for a battle between two of TC’s established manufacturers. The La Capital report highlighted the chaotic nature of the qualifying session, with timing discrepancies adding to the drama.
Rounding out the starting grids, the third heat, set to commence at 11:50 AM, will see Juan Bautista De Benedictis (Ford Mustang) and Marcos Quijada (Chevrolet Camaro) leading the field. This heat further emphasizes the competitive balance between Ford and Chevrolet, two dominant forces in the Turismo Carretera. The first race of the season is scheduled for 1:55 PM, and will be broadcast on Canal 9.
TC – GRILLA 1ª SERIE – EL CALAFATE – 5 VUELTAS
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TC – GRILLA 2ª SERIE – EL CALAFATE – 5 VUELTAS
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TC – GRILLA 3ª SERIE – EL CALAFATE – 5 VUELTAS
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The opening rounds promise a compelling display of skill and strategy as drivers navigate the challenging circuit “Enrique ‘Quique’ Freile” in El Calafate. Moscardini’s impressive debut and pole position have undoubtedly raised expectations, but the established veterans like Santero, Ebarlín, and De Benedictis will be eager to challenge for the win. The series heats will be crucial in setting the stage for Sunday’s main event, where drivers will battle for the first championship points of the 2026 season. The Ahoracalafate.com report noted Moscardini also set a recent circuit record during qualifying.
With the technical issues surrounding the timing system seemingly resolved, the focus now shifts to on-track performance. The combination of experienced drivers and rising stars like Moscardini suggests a season of intense competition and unpredictable results. Fans can expect a captivating display of motorsport as the Turismo Carretera embarks on its 85th season.
The Turismo Carretera action continues on Sunday with the series heats and the highly anticipated final race. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the 2026 season unfolds. Share your thoughts on the opening rounds and predictions for the championship in the comments below.