Supercars pledges to work with Walkinshaw

Holden announced earlier that it will shift its primary backing from the current Holden Racing Team set-up over to Triple Eight to form Red Bull Holden Racing Team for 2017 onwards.

Walkinshaw quickly confirmed that it plans to continue in Supercars, and field a two-car Commodore team beyond the end of the current season.

In a statement from Warburton, the series CEO pledged to help Walkinshaw Racing transition into life after HRT.

“We will continue to work with Walkinshaw Racing to ensure it remains an integral part of the championship,” he said.

“It is one of the most popular teams in our sport and we look forward to them continuing to be part of Supercars for many years to come.”

Decision shows “underlying strength” of championship

Warburton added that the decision for Holden to continue in Supercars, following a period of to-ing and fro-ing about its ongoing commitment to the sport, is a major boost for the sport.

“Holden is an iconic brand in Australian motorsport and today’s decision follows 26 years of unbroken participation in the championship under the Holden Racing Team banner in association with Walkinshaw Racing,” he said.

“I want to thank the Chairman and Managing Director of GM Holden Mark Bernhard and Holden Sponsorship and Motorsport Manager Simon McNamara for their ongoing support and commitment to Supercars.

“This decision reinforces the underlying strength of Supercars and its position in Australian sport.”