Questions hang over Holden era’s demise

HOLDEN will begin discussions with Supercars and the factory-backed Red Bull Holden Racing Team about its future in the series after the shock announcement the brand was quitting Australia.

Global parent company General Motors made the bombshell announcement yesterday that Holden would cease to exist in Australia by the end of the year.

The news follows the axing of the Aussie brand’s most famous car, the legendary Commodore, last December due to declining sales.

Holden provides factory backing for one of the most powerful teams on the Supercars’ grid, Triple Eight Race Engineering (the Red Bull Holden Racing Team).

Triple Eight extended its deal with Holden midway through last year for another two years until the end of 2021.

Holden makes up more than half the Supercars grid, with 16 Commodores racing in this year’s series.

In a statement addressing the future of the brand in Supercars racing, Holden said:

“We will begin discussions with the organisers of Supercars and Red Bull Holden Racing Team.

“We will update you on these discussions at the appropriate time.”

In regards to its support of the Red Bull Holden Racing

Team, Holden said it would work through the ramifications of the company’s decision with the team.

“We are aware of our commitment and we will work through with Red Bull Holden Racing Team the implications of this decision.”

Responding to the news, Supercars said:

“Today’s news is understandably disappointing for fans who have followed Holden’s success in Australian Touring Cars and Supercars since its debut in the 1960s.

“Holden has been firmly 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 championship season and we’re looking forward to seeing it alongside the Ford Mustang once again this weekend when the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars championship begins in Adelaide.”