IRWIN Racing closes out V8 campaign in Sydney

The chequered flag on IRWIN Tools seven years of major sponsorship in V8 Supercars has come down with Lee Holdsworth at the Sydney NRMA Motoring & Services 500.

Holdsworth finished 13th and placed his #4 IRWIN Racing Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 V8 Supercar from Erebus Motorsport in 20th place in the standings in its debut season.

In a typically tough race around the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, Holdsworth battled back from 24th position on lap #14 of #74, to drive through to claim another 11 places.

Lee Holdsworth, Erebus Motorsport

Photo by: Edge Photographics

The spirit within the team was on show after a practice accident forced the crew to change all the front-right side of the car, including steering and other associated suspension components. They were also up to the job in the opening 250km encounter when the steering rack was replaced in the middle of the race.

It was that type of spirit which typified the seven years of IRWIN Racing events in Australia, New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and the home of IRWIN Tools in the United States.

The IRWIN Racing team displayed a special bonnet which said 'Thanks' to everyone associated in the program and IRWIN Tools publicly made the following statement:

'To all our friends at Erebus, BAM and Octane a heartfelt "thanks" for everything you've done in making our involvement in V8 Supercars so successful and enjoyable. Thank you also to all the IRWIN Racing fans who have continued to support us through our moments of good and bad. Today we celebrate the end of a rewarding 7 years in V8 Supercars which have not only over-delivered on brand objectives but produced some wonderful memories and relationships that will continue well past the end of the season. Wishing you all continued success next year and beyond. Thank you from the team at IRWIN Tools.'

IRWIN Racing