[MR.HRT]

Tom Walkinshaw endorsed by V8 Supercars Board

11.12.2008

Tom Walkinshaw welcomed the news that the board of V8 Supercars had endorsed his return to full ownership and running of the Holden Racing Team, promising all HRT fans the team would be ‘back in business’ in 2009.
“Having been involved in motorsport in this country for almost 25 years I know the passion the public has for the Holden Racing Team,” Walkinshaw said.

“And I’m just as passionate about the team.”

Walkinshaw founded Australia’s best known race team in partnership with General Motors Holden in 1988, at the same time establishing Holden Special Vehicles – the niche, high performance car company that has gone on to produce over 60,000 vehicles for Australian, New Zealand international markets.

Walkinshaw has been closely and vitally involved in the local road car and race car industries over the same time frame, creating thousands of jobs and two of Australia’s most recognisable brands.

Walkinshaw’s involvement in local motorsport extends beyond the five time Bathurst 1000/six time V8 Supercar Championship winning Holden Racing Team. He was instrumental in establishing Holden Young Lions earlier this decade, which in turn became K-Mart Racing – today known as the HSV Dealer Team.

These teams have also enjoyed considerable Bathurst and Championship success.

Greg Murphy and Rick Kelly won back-to-back Bathurst 1000s in 2003 and 2004. Kelly then won the 2006 V8 Supercar Championship for the HSV Dealer Team, with co-driver Garth Tander winning in 2007.

Internationally, Walkinshaw enjoyed much success as a driver in the British and European Touring Car Championships and his TWR Group has won major events and Championships in nearly every form of global motorsport circuit racing, including Formula 1, Nascar, British Touring Car, World Sportscar and of course V8 Supercars.

Walkinshaw, who has owned or provided engineering and support services to V8 Supercars and its predecessors since the mid 80s, said he was looking forward to returning HRT to dominating the Championship, as it did earlier this decade.

“We are determined to leave no stone unturned to fully deliver on the track in 2009, with the best team on and off the grid for the Holden Racing Team. Mark Skaife has stepped out of the Team but that winning spirit which he engendered for so many years will live on as part of our rich history in V8 Supercars,” he said.

Following on from the retirement of Mark Skaife on the weekend, the driver line-up for HRT for 2009 will be unveiled early next year. Mark will continue to play an ambassadorial role for the race team which he represented with distinction for so many years.

Walkinshaw Racing can also confirm it has been approved to acquire two further V8 Supercar licences to compete in the 2009 series.

Craig Wilson, CEO of Walkinshaw Racing, said it was an important ‘shot in the arm’ for Australian motorsport.

“It is great that we will have the backing of existing sponsors, while also bringing new corporate backing to V8 Supercars in a time of economic uncertainty,” he said.

“We will announce the drivers and sponsors for these cars early in the New Year.”

[V8RMBL]

Now all they need to do is scrap V8 Supercars, bring back homolgation regulations and race under the FIA catagory and make it exciting racing again!

And at least race cars that can be brought from the show room rather than some completely left wing effort of a street car that's a wishwash of a handfull of models and makes!

[SOS]

V8RMBL, on Dec 11 2008, 10:52 AM, said:

Now all they need to do is scrap V8 Supercars, bring back homolgation regulations and race under the FIA catagory and make it exciting racing again!

And at least race cars that can be brought from the show room rather than some completely left wing effort of a street car that's a wishwash of a handfull of models and makes!

HECK YEAH I TOTALLY AGREE

Enough of this follow the leader crap, Its like watching slot cars.
Its all about the driver these days and bugger all to do with the car, There pretty much all the same bar the shell and the badge.
Bring back production car racing I say and if the Aussie made cars cant keep up then to bad, its on there shoulders to build better and faster cars. The cars they race should be what you and I can buy of the shelf.

[spauldj3800]

SOS, on Dec 11 2008, 02:42 PM, said:

HECK YEAH I TOTALLY AGREE

Enough of this follow the leader crap, Its like watching slot cars.
Its all about the driver these days and bugger all to do with the car, There pretty much all the same bar the shell and the badge.
Bring back production car racing I say and if the Aussie made cars cant keep up then to bad, its on there shoulders to build better and faster cars. The cars they race should be what you and I can buy of the shelf.

As much as I'd love to see it, I cant see it happening with the way GM and Ford are at the moment.

[SOS]

True, you would think that production racing would be good for business as the manufactures would be showing off there product to the public. Back in the day what ever car won bathurst the sales for the winning car would increase. The only way I can see it ever coming back is if V8Supercars goes broke and collapses.

[vx350int]

IMHO Walkinshaw is a crook.....V8 supercars need a firecracker placed in the organisers cracks and let off..this year would have to be the most boring season to date....

oh GO 888 for '09'

[MR.HRT]

V8RMBL, on Dec 11 2008, 10:52 AM, said:

Now all they need to do is scrap V8 Supercars, bring back homolgation regulations and race under the FIA catagory and make it exciting racing again!

And at least race cars that can be brought from the show room rather than some completely left wing effort of a street car that's a wishwash of a handfull of models and makes!

SOS, on Dec 11 2008, 02:42 PM, said:

HECK YEAH I TOTALLY AGREE

Enough of this follow the leader crap, Its like watching slot cars.
Its all about the driver these days and bugger all to do with the car, There pretty much all the same bar the shell and the badge.
Bring back production car racing I say and if the Aussie made cars cant keep up then to bad, its on there shoulders to build better and faster cars. The cars they race should be what you and I can buy of the shelf.

spauldj3800, on Dec 11 2008, 02:50 PM, said:

As much as I'd love to see it, I cant see it happening with the way GM and Ford are at the moment.

Yeah I agree with you too Goughy, I'd like nothing more than to see Tander in a HSV GTS racing Wincup in an FPV GT(or whatever their equivilent is?). Would be heaps better. But this is the series we have got and I love watching it.

vx350int, on Dec 11 2008, 08:08 PM, said:

IMHO Walkinshaw is a crook.....

Why? He has done alot for motorsport in this country and indeed hot holdens in general. I can't imagine a world now without VL Group A SS Walkinshaws or HSV's in general. He never let the failing of a Formula 1 team get in his way of re-establishing himself. Good business man in my opinion that made one bad choice of going into F1.

vx350int, on Dec 11 2008, 08:08 PM, said:

V8 supercars need a firecracker placed in the organisers cracks and let off..this year would have to be the most boring season to date....

oh GO 888 for '09'

Agreed. Time to bring back drivers winning the race and not pitstops... Look at the charge Skaifey had through the field at Oran Park. That would have to have been the drive of the year IMO.


Bit more news from today.........


Jason Richards released from SGR

Release date: 12/12/2008

Sprint Gas Racing has released Jason Richards from his duties with the team, allowing him to pursue another opportunity with the help of Holden Motorsport.

Richards had been with Sprint Gas Racing since its inception in 2004 when it was known as Tasman Motorsport and finished second at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 this year with Greg Murphy.

Sprint Gas Racing spokesman Tony Mee said Richards had not re-signed with the team for next year.

Richards notified Sprint Gas Racing at Oran Park that he had the opportunity to join another team.

“Jason shared a very good relationship with the team owners and he did the courteous thing and asked to be released,” Mee explained.

“Jason obviously felt that the time was right for him to move on, and the opportunity was a good one.

“We’re disappointed, but we wish him all the best for the future.

Mee said Richards’ departure would not have an impact on Sprint Gas Racing’s 2009 plans.

“We have got a very definite strategy for 2009, a change in driver will not impact this,” he said.

Sprint Gas Racing is currently in the process of finding a new driver for the 2009 season.

“We’re in discussion with several drivers at the moment,” Mee said.

“Ideally we would like a new driver confirmed this side of Christmas; we’ll make our announcement as soon as we can.”

Richards has been linked to Team BOC, but Team Manager Kim Jones would not comment on whether this was true or not.

Holden Motorsport Manager Simon McNamara confirmed Holden was exploring a number of options for Richards.

“Jason is a fast driver and we want to see him progress,” he said.

McNamara wanted to ensure Richards stayed with Holden.

“At the end of the day I don’t want him to move to Ford and he doesn’t want to drive a Ford.

Interesting to see where he goes next year. Maybe a Walkinshaw commodore under one of the new licences he has acquired??

[MR.HRT]

Bargwanna sprints to drive

Release date: 18/12/2008

Christmas has come early for Jason Bargwanna, who has been signed up to replace Jason Richards in the #3 Sprint Gas Racing Commodore.

Richards started the ball rolling to what has been a whirlwind fortnight for the team when he announced before Oran Park that he did not intend to drive for Sprint Gas Racing in 2009.

The Kiwi driver, who finished second with Greg Murphy at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 this year, has been linked to Team BOC for next year.

Last night (Wednesday) Sprint Gas Racing confirmed that Bargwanna, 36, would partner Murph in 2009.

Bargwanna was lined up for his third year with WPS Racing this year, until the team withdrew just before the start of the season.

Left out in the cold with no other chance of a fulltime V8 drive, he went on to contest the Mini Challenge in 2008 and drove with Tony D’Alberto in the Bottle-O Commodore at the two endurance races.

But following Richards’ departure, Bargwanna secured the Sprint Gas Racing drive based on his proven speed and experience.

The potential pairing of two Bathurst winners for the 2009 enduros counted heavily in his favour as did Bargwanna’s affinity with sponsors and his rapport with the media.

“2008 has been a frustrating year, to have an opportunity to race V8s again in 2009 is sensational and not (to be) taken for granted,” Bargwanna said.

“I never doubted that I would be back in a fulltime seat; I’m a survivor in this sport and there are many years of V8s left in me.

“To say that I am excited about 2009 is an understatement; I am motivated more than ever and confident that the team will be a force in 2009.”

Bargwanna believes the Bathurst result proved what the Sprint Gas cars are capable of and said the Clipsal 500 cannot come soon enough.

Sprint Gas Racing Manager Jeff Grech has known Bargs since he was with Holden Young Lions in 1997.

“Bargs has a wealth of experience,” Grech said.

“His engineering understanding and feedback is exceptional; he is a significant addition to the team.

“He’s a former Bathurst winner and an obvious choice for the vacant seat in car #3 in 2009.”

[vx350int]

why is wally a crook..hmmmm..have a look what he did to Brocky.....lower than a cut snake if you ask me..have a look at all his dodgy business dealings and I smell a rat with the skaife fiasco.... research him and you will see what I mean

[PWR 051]

Yeah walkinshaw is an a*se..but what can we do..he should be shot for the way he has shafted skaife over the past few years..think back when he went bust,who bailed the team out for walkinshaw
good to see skaifey has been replaced by a young driver who has proven he can drive


go will davison and tander in 2009

This post has been edited by PWR 051: 21 December 2008 - 07:35 PM

[MR.HRT]

vx350int, on Dec 18 2008, 06:45 PM, said:

why is wally a crook..hmmmm..have a look what he did to Brocky.....lower than a cut snake if you ask me..have a look at all his dodgy business dealings and I smell a rat with the skaife fiasco.... research him and you will see what I mean

PWR 051, on Dec 21 2008, 08:32 PM, said:

Yeah walkinshaw is an a*se..but what can we do..he should be shot for the way he has shafted skaife over the past few years..

we'll just agree to disagree on this one...

PWR 051, on Dec 21 2008, 08:32 PM, said:

..think back to when he went bust,who bailed the team out for walkinshaw...

Holden actually.... who then financed Skaife to buy the team... because they couldn't own it themselves under the rules

PWR 051, on Dec 21 2008, 08:32 PM, said:

good to see Skaifey has been replaced by a young driver who has proven he can drive
go Will Davison and Tander in 2009

Agreed.

[PWR 051]

Hope The four car Kelly racing team gets up the pointy end and shows that big a*se how its done..like they did in 2006-2007

[MR.HRT]

Rising V8 star Will Davison joins factory Toll Holden Racing Team
28.01.2009

Rising V8 Supercar talent Will Davison will join the Toll Holden Racing Team (HRT) for the 2009 season.
Davison will team with 2007 series champion Garth Tander at the factory Holden squad to fill the seat vacated by retired great Mark Skaife.

Davison, 26, arrives at HRT following three seasons at Dick Johnson Racing where he claimed a round victory – last year at Eastern Creek – and a Bathurst podium finish in 2007.

A former open-wheel star that test drove Formula One, Davison began his V8 Supercar career in 2004 driving a Holden.

The grandson of Australian Grand Prix legend, Lex Davison, said he was delighted to claim the most coveted seat in V8 Supercar racing.

“It’s a wonderful honour to drive for the Holden Racing Team, the absolute highlight of my career to date,” Davison said.

“HRT is the elite motorsport outfit in Australia and the team every young driver wants to join.

“It is renowned for its professionalism and has a proud track record of success.

“I can’t wait to be a part of that.”

Tander is also hungry for success, determined to regain the title he won in 2007.

“I began my preparation for the season immediately after the final round of 2008 at Oran Park,” Tander said.

“I’ve kept my fitness up since then, I didn’t take any time off over the break and I’m working through a solid pre-season.

“Having Will on board this year and being able to push each other to success will be great for our team.

“He’s on the verge of some real success in this category, so that’s going to be good for the team, good for Holden and all our sponsors.”

Davison and Tander will pilot identical VE Commodores featuring the striking day-glo red and white elements of last season’s livery, with added black and grey accents to create a fresh new look.

Team owner of the Toll Holden Racing Team, Tom Walkinshaw, promised HRT fans the team had a renewed focus on delivering results on the track in 2009.

“We’re determined to return HRT to racing success and today’s announcements confirm our intentions.”

Walkinshaw Racing CEO Craig Wilson said Davison’s signing meant Toll HRT had an experienced, recognisable duo heading up the factory team.

“Will and Garth Tander are not only talented drivers, but also terrific young men who will push each other to greater heights throughout the V8 Supercar season,” he said.

“I know both of them can’t wait to get behind the wheel of their VE Commodores for the first race in Adelaide in just six weeks time.”

HRT’s trademark “helmet and lion” graphic returns to the cars’ flanks this year.

The HRT Commodores will also carry EcoLine branding on the roof and rear diffuser, signalling GM Holden’s new range of vehicles that use alternative fuels or fuel-saving technology.

The signage reinforces the category’s move to an environmentally friendlier E85 ethanol-blended fuel this season.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said Holden’s tradition of taking knowledge from its motorsport program for the development of its road cars will become even more important in 2009.

“Over the years our involvement in motorsport has meant more to the development of the Holden brand than simply race wins and championships,” he said.

“It’s been central to our research and development efforts to provide the best possible road-going vehicles for Australian drivers.

“What we learn on the track helps guide our production car development.

“That will become more important than ever in 2009 when V8 Supercars move to running on E85 ethanol fuel.

“The knowledge gained by HRT from using E85 will be important as we take a leadership position on ethanol and become the first local manufacturer to make its road cars capable of running on the fuel.”

International freight and logistics company Toll continues with its naming rights sponsorship of HRT, and are again joined by Mobil which, with a new three year contract, extends its tenure with the team to 18 years.

Holden Special Vehicles will have a significant presence on the side of the HRT Commodores, with the team also welcoming Delphi and NEC as new sponsors.



Kiwi confirmed for Team BOC

Release date: 27/01/2009


Former Sprint Gas Racing driver Jason Richards has been confirmed to take up the mantle at Brad Jones Racing.

He will replace Andrew Jones, who has raced for the team owned by his father, Kim, and uncle, Brad, for the last two seasons.

Richards, who was born in Nelson, New Zealand, was released from his contract with Sprint Gas Racing late last year after finishing second with Greg Murphy at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in October.

Richards’ move to the Brad Jones Racing outfit will reunite him with former Sprint Gas Racing engineer Wally Storey in what is to be expected as a return to the successive driver/engineer partnership from years gone by.

“This is an exciting time in my V8 Supercar career,” Richards enthused.

“With Brad stepping away from fulltime driving to focus on the management of the team, I saw a new focus and significant improvement at BJR (and) I’m looking forward to being part of the next step.

“With the switch to Holden, Team BOC now has access to some awesome equipment and the thought of hooking up with Wally really sealed the decision to move to Team BOC.”

Brad Jones is delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced driver.

“Jason has a wealth of V8 Supercar experience and is the ideal driver to compliment Team BOC this year,” he said.

“On his day, he’s proven himself to be one of the quickest guys in the series.

“That’s what we’ll be expecting from him again this year.”

Kim Jones believes the 2009 V8 supercar season will be a strong year for Team BOC.

“The 2009 season will be our second year racing the Holden VE Commodore,” he said.

“Last season was a learning curve for the team and now with 12 months under our belt and the addition of a driver with Jason’s experience, I believe Team BOC will be amongst the front runners in the series this year.”

Richards has been a regular runner in the V8 Supercar Series since his debut at the Bathurst 1000 in 2000 with Team Kiwi, a seat Richards held on to for three seasons.

His V8 Supercar journey then saw him move to Team Dynamik for the 2003 season before joining the Tasman Motorsport Team (now known as Sprint Gas Racing) in 2004.

The current testing ban means Richards will have to wait until March for his first drive behind the wheel of the Team BOC VE Commodore.

Author:Briar Gunther

[MR.HRT]

HRT pics

[attachment=9909:00102858_Photo.jpg]
[attachment=9910:00102864_Photo.jpg]
[attachment=9911:00102866_Photo.jpg]

[MR.HRT]

HRT was always my goal: Davison

Release date: 28/01/2009

Holden Racing Team’s newest kid on the block says it has always been a dream of his to drive for the Red Lion’s greatest team.

Will Davison was given a standing ovation from Holden workers at the Red Lion’s Port Melbourne facility when it was confirmed today (Wednesday) that he will be Garth Tander’s new colleague in 2009.

“This is amazing; what an atmosphere… (it’s like) nothing I have experienced before,” he said.

Davison said he was not daunted at the prospect of racing for Holden’s main team.

“It’s very exciting because I feel really well prepared for this opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve worked hard my whole career to get here and I feel like I’ve earned it.

“They’re the benchmark team in Australia and it’s an honour and I’m just looking forward to knuckling down with everyone involved and achieving what I believe I’m definitely capable of.”

The 26-year-old revealed his family connection to Holden went back two generations.

“My grandfather, Lex Davison, actually drove the first motorsport event Holden entered, the Monte Carlo Rally, in 1953,” he said.

“Holden is really the heart and soul of my family so it is really good to be back home.

“Holden Racing Team, it’s the team I dreamt to drive for my whole life and I just can’t wait to get stuck into it.”

Tander, who won the V8 Supercar Championship in 2007, said Davison’s signing will reinvigorate HRT.

“Because when you look at it last year, Mark (Skaife) had been with the team for a considerable period of time and I’d been with the WP guys three or four years so I guess looking at the car … he’s entering the phase of his career where he’s really in control of what he’s doing.”

Tander had no concerns about Davison upstaging him and said the only goal was for HRT to become the all-conquering powerhouse it used to be.

“If he finishes first in the first race and I finish second I won’t be concerned at all,” he smiled.

Davison said he was “massively hungry” for a Championship and hoped to bring a young attitude to the team.

“Nothing else in my life really interferes with my job,” he stated.

And Davison is relishing the chance to work with Tander.

“I can’t wait,” Davison enthused.

“He’s a guy I’ve looked up to for the last couple of years and you actually benchmark yourself against the best.

“We want to work well together for the whole the team to move forward and that’s the key.

“Although we’re going to be competing against each other very hard, we’re going to work together really well to make sure we’re one-two and then we’ll sort out who’s one!”

Author:Briar Gunther