A United Holden front Photo credit: Holden Motorsport
Holden has signalled its readiness for next year's introduction of V8 Supercars' Car of the Future by announcing it had extended its agreements with championship teams, Walkinshaw Racing's factory Holden Racing Team and Triple Eight Race Engineering's TeamVodafone.
Making the announcement, Holden's sponsorship manager Simon McNamara said continuing the successful partnership will ensure that Holden will have the upper hand when the new regulations are introduced in 2013.
“Holden has supported the top level of Australian touring cars for over 40 years and we are proud of our racing history and the role it plays in our brand – motorsport is an important part of Holden's DNA,” McNamara said.
With Nissan returning to the Championship next year after a twenty-year absence and other manufacturers likely to announce their entries soon, McNamara sent out a clear warning.
“Holden has been tested many times as series regulations have evolved throughout the years, and we have met each one with success.
“V8 Supercars' Car of the Future in 2013 is no different. Today's announcement makes a clear statement that Holden is ready to meet the COTF challenge head on.
“With the Holden Racing Team and TeamVodafone, we have the two very best teams, four championship-winning drivers, and the finest race engineering capabilities – Holden is better prepared than ever before.”
Combined, the HRT/Walkinshaw and TeamVodafone operations have won 11 of the past 16 Australian Touring Car/V8 Supercar Championships, and the last 11 straight Bathurst 1000s.
Walkinshaw Racing currently runs three cars in the Championship – two for the factory Toll Holden Racing Team, as well as the Supercheap Auto entry of Russell Ingall – and managing director Steve Hallam believes the renewed agreement will carry on paying dividends.
“As Holden's official factory racing team, the Holden Racing Team carries with it great responsibilities and expectations, and those will only increase with Car of the Future and the introduction of new manufacturers into the V8 series,” Hallam said.
“At HRT, we bleed red. Holden's continued commitment gives us even greater confidence in being able to deliver further success for them, our corporate partners and loyal fans.”
Triple Eight Race Engineering managing director Roland Dane said TeamVodafone is delighted at the ongoing relationship with Holden.
“We regard ourselves as long-term GM partners having had so much success with the brand in both the UK and Australia,” Dane said.
“We are only racing to win and Holden's continued support will undoubtedly help us to maintain that record as we enter this critical development phase in the V8 Supercar Championship Series which will see the introduction of Car of The Future in 2013.
“We look forwards to continuing to win for Holden for many years to come.”
