Supercars has actually paid tribute to the role Holden has actually played in the history of the sport, following news the brand will cease by 2021.
Parent business General Motors revealed today it will retire the renowned Australian brand name as part of a withdrawal from all right-hand-drive markets.
The move follows completion of regional production in 2017 and last December’s verification that the Commodore nameplate would be dropped.
Making its very first automobile in 1948, Holden has actually been an important part of Australian motorsport for much of the brand’s life.
Success has actually included 21 Australian Touring Car/Supercars Champion titles and 33 Bathurst 500/1000 success.
Holden has been at the leading edge of Australian motorsport for over six years The 2020 field includes 16 Holden Commodores, including the factory-backed Red Bull Holden Racing Group entries.
“Today’s news is naturally disappointing for fans who have followed Holden’s success in Australian Touring Cars and Supercars because its debut in the 1960s,” read a Supercars declaration.
“Holden has actually been strongly part of the heritage of our sport and has helped shape Supercars to become the sport it is today.
“The Commodore will remain on track for the 2020 champion season and we’re eagerly anticipating seeing it along with the Ford Mustang as soon as again this weekend when the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship begins in Adelaide.”
Others to pay homage include current team Walkinshaw Andretti United, which in its previous guise had actually carried the Holden Racing Group brand for over 25 years.
The Holden/Walkinshaw partnership delivered great success
“Our ideas today are with the unbelievable males and females who make up the Holden workforce, the dealerships, clients, and all Holden fans who have actually all been affected by today’s news,” read a statement from WAU.
“Our group has shared a long and effective relationship with Holden in Australia for three decades.
“It’s very unfortunate to see them leave. We are thankful for their support, and pleased with what we have achieved together, consisting of seven Bathurst 1000 success, and six chauffeurs championships.
“Our team and advocates have actually bled red for a very long time, the lion and helmet will reside on in our team’s history forever.”
Ford’s factory team DJR Team Penske also declared it an unfortunate day.
“We are saddened by Holden’s closure statement,” checked out a post by the team on social networks.
“Holden was always a strong competitor. A terrific Aussie brand name coming to an end is sad for our country, no matter your loyalty.
“We feel for those affected, and look forward to continued strong competitors on the track.”
Holden had last year announced a two-year extension of its Red Bull HRT offer, taking the current program through until the end of 2021.
In a Q&A on the Holden Facebook page following today’s announcement, the company stated it is still resolving its motorsport commitments.
“We will start discussions with the organisers of Supercars and Red Bull Holden Racing Team,” it read.
“We will update you on these discussions at the proper time.”
The Red Bull HRT later on included a quick declaration to its social networks channels.
“We’re incredibly saddened for all Holden staff members, dealerships and fans and our thoughts are with them at this tough time,” it read.
“We’ll upgrade Red Bull Holden Racing Group and Supercars fans with our future plans in due course, but right now we’re supporting our buddies and colleagues at Holden.”
Supercars is currently resolving its Gen3 rule set due for debut in 2022, designed to introduce new makers into the sport.
This content was originally published here.