Two fallen Townsville-based Australian soldiers have been honoured at this weekend’s Sucrogen Townsville 400.
Private Mathew ‘Matty’ Lambert and Lance Corporal Luke ‘Gav’ Gavin have had their names added to Lee Holdsworth’s IRWIN Tools Ford and the Jack Daniel’s Racing Holden of Todd Kelly.
Lambert and Gavin were part of the Second Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR).
Captain Chris Johnson, who was involved in the Regiment’s most recent deployment, was thankful for the support shown by the Ford and Holden V8 teams.
“We lost two soldiers during the operation in Afghanistan,” said Johnson.
“What you have done is fantastic; I think the boys will be really proud.
“To see the names on each side of the car will be fantastic, on behalf of the Second Battalion I’d like to thank everyone.”
The lost soldiers names will be placed above the rear windows on the IRWIN Tools Ford and on the rear windscreen of Kelly’s Jack Daniel’s Commodore.
IRWIN’s Holdsworth is honoured to represent the soliders at the Townsville street track.
“It was really good to meet these guys,” said Holdsworth.
“It’s an honour to have their names on my car.
“I hope they will be proud to see their mates on the track, we’ll go out there and hopefully see them up the front of the grid.”
Todd Kelly shared Holdsworth’s sentiments.
“It’s very sad to hear the news that they lost a couple of soldiers over there and everyone feels for them,” said Kelly.
“It is a fantastic tribute to put the two soldiers names on the car. I will certainly be driving with pride.”
Check out the Foxsports News report on the tribute
See below for Speedcafe.com’s Sucrogen Townsville 400 Race Guide
See below for Speedcafe.com’s Race Guide for the British Grand Prix, which is also taking place this weekend
