A Year of Waiting Ends: Domenech Triumphs in a Thrilling TN C3 Finale! It's been a long road, nearly a full year, since Alfonso Domenech last stood atop the podium in the Clase 3 of the Turismo Nacional (TN). His last victory was at the very same Paraná circuit during the opening round of the 2025 championship. Today, at the start of the 2026 season, he recaptured that winning feeling in a spectacular final race, once again with José Manuel Urcera as his close rival!
But here's where it gets intense... The race kicked off with an immediate duel between front-row contenders Mauricio Lambiris and Facundo Chapur. Chapur initially took the lead, but a mistake at the chicane sent him tumbling down the order. Domenech, who started from third, seized the opportunity, moving up and eventually inheriting the lead. Then, a moment of drama unfolded when Lambiris made contact with the wall, paving the way for Urcera to climb into second place. From that point on, a captivating battle for supremacy ensued between Domenech and Urcera!
After a nail-biting chase, Urcera managed to snatch the lead on lap 13. However, the reigning champion, Domenech, wasn't done yet! In a decisive move on the very next lap, he reclaimed the top spot and held on to secure his 6th career victory in Clase 3 and his 3rd win with the VW Virtus, marking his 20th race in the car.
"It was a fantastic Final, we were pushing hard the entire time," Domenech shared. "Manu (Urcera) had a very similar pace, he was right on my tail for the whole race. When he overtook me, I made sure to avoid contact because I knew I'd get another chance. Thankfully, when I went to challenge him, I was able to make a good move and pass him back. We're starting this season much like last year, and I hope it doesn't end the same way..." he added.
And this is the part most people miss... Urcera's second-place finish marked his 2nd consecutive podium, a remarkable achievement, especially considering the personal tragedy he faced with the recent passing of his grandfather, Ernesto Urcera. "I have mixed feelings, but ultimately, this is my job," Urcera reflected. "It was a good weekend. I would have been happy with this second place after practice, but when you're so close to winning, you always want more. We had some great maneuvers with Alfonso (Domenech)," he explained.
Interestingly, Urcera once again shared the podium with Facundo Chapur, who has now replaced "Manu" at Larrauri Racing. Chapur, despite his early-lap error, fought back to secure his 38th podium in Clase 3. He confirmed his participation in this event with just four days' notice, highlighting his commitment.
Now, let's talk about what's next and where the controversy might lie. The next round of the TN season is scheduled for March 14th and 15th at the Oscar Cabalén circuit in Villa Parque Santa Ana, Córdoba.
What do you think? Was Domenech's victory a display of pure skill, or did Urcera's personal circumstances perhaps play a subtle role in the race's outcome? Did Chapur's comeback truly impress you, or was it a missed opportunity for a higher finish? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
