In a thrilling turn of events at the TN C3 race in Paraná, Alfonso Domenech (VW Virtus) emerged victorious after a year-long wait. The Pergamino native's last win in the Class 3 of the TN was at the season opener in 2025, and he ended his drought in the same circuit with the same runner-up, José Manuel Urcera (Ford Focus), by his side. This 1st race of the 2026 season was a spectacle to behold!
The first lap was a fierce battle between Mauricio Lambiris (Ford Focus) and Facundo Chapur (Honda Civic), who started from the front row. While the Córdoba native managed to overcome the Uruguayan, a mistake at the chicane sent him tumbling to 7th place. The next turn saw Domenech, who had started in 3rd place, overtake the MG-C Pergamino Competición driver, who had taken the lead. Lambiris' crash into the wall in turn 1 during the 4th lap allowed Urcera to climb to 2nd place, and he engaged in a thrilling duel with Domenech from then on.
After a relentless pursuit, the Río Negro native from GR Competición managed to take the lead in the 13th lap. However, the 2024 champion regained control of the race in the next turn, securing his 6th victory in the Class 3 of the TN and his 3rd with the VW Virtus, which has now been in 20 races.
'It was a great final, where we pushed to the limit. We had a very similar pace to Manu (Urcera), who kept me on my toes throughout the race. When he passed me, I avoided any contact because I knew I'd get another chance. Thankfully, when I went after him, I was able to overtake him with a clean maneuver. We started this season like last year, and let's hope it doesn't end the same way…' Domenech shared with AM590 Continental and Campeones Radio.
Urcera added his 2nd consecutive podium (he had finished 3rd in the 2025 Coronation in Mendoza) and his 24th in the category in a special weekend for him, marked by the recent passing of his grandfather, Ernesto Urcera. 'I have mixed feelings, but ultimately, this is my job. It was a good weekend. I would have signed for 2nd place after the practice sessions, but I was close to winning, and in that moment, you want more. We did some great maneuvers with Alfonso (Domenech)…' the Ford driver explained.
Similar to the last race of the previous season, Urcera shared the podium with Facundo Chapur (Honda Civic), who replaced 'Manu' at Larrauri Racing. The Córdoba native recovered from his mistake in the 1st lap and closed his weekend in Paraná with his 38th podium in the Class 3 of the TN, confirming his participation just 4 days before the start of the activity.
The next TN race will take place on March 14th and 15th at the Oscar Cabalén circuit in Villa Parque Santa Ana, Córdoba province.
TN CLASS 3 - FINAL - PARANÁ - 20 LAPS
