ALFA TICKS THE BOXES FOR LEE

SUPERCARS ace Lee Holdsworth will make his TCR debut in Tasmania in the opening rounds of the national series at Symmons Plains and Baskerville this month after his “shock” exit from Tickford Racing.

The 12-time supercars race winner, from 559 starts, and provisional pole winner for last year’s Bathurst 1000, Holdsworth, 37, revealed how he was blindsided by the decision.

Having made his debut, with Garry Rogers Motorsport, in 2006, “Leethal” says he is focused on a new challenge.

“After 15 years of Supercars, it’s all come to an end,” he said. “It has come as a shock and it feels premature,

but that’s the way it’s played out. I’ve been fortunate to have such a long stint in the sport and I am grateful to those who have been a part of it.

“I’ve met some awesome people along the way — lifelong friends, great sponsors, and amazing fans.

“I haven’t ticked off winning the Bathurst 1000 yet, but you can bet your arse I’ll be back this year with the best chance yet. A big thank you to all the hard-working people at Tickford Racing. I have really enjoyed the last few years working together.

“It’s great to start the TCR series at Symmons Plains, it’s a cool track and the Tasmanians are very passionate about motorsport.”

Holdsworth will swap his Ford Mustang to contest the 2021 TCR Australia Series, driving an Ashley Seward Motorsport-prepared Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce in a two-car attack.

He will join 17-year-old Victorian Jay Hanson in the Italian-built turbocharged machines before the opening round of the TCR Australia Series at Symmons Plains

Raceway on January 24-26, part of the Boost Mobile Race Tasmania events.

A week later the series will move to Hobart for round two at Baskerville.

“It’s brilliant to have my future tied up in TCR Australia with Ashley Seward Motorsport — it’s a really professional team running the Alfa Romeos,” Holdsworth said.

“TCR Australia is a great opportunity for me to continue motorsport in a professional manner. The cars look brilliant and you’ve got manufacturers involved.

“I’ve been following TCR Australia since it started and it has really close racing with some high-profile names. It’s becoming a well-recognised category and it’s a category that races all around the world.

“Expectations for the year are pretty high. Just coming out of Supercars, I’m at the top of my game and I expect to be running up the front, bringing home some trophies. From what I’ve seen from Ash Seward and his team, they’ve got all the goods for me to do the job.”