Walkinshaw Andretti United has signed former Supercars full-timer Lee Holdsworth for its Bathurst 1000 campaign with Chaz Mostert.
The team has also re-signed Warren Luff, who will partner Bryce Fullwood in the second Holden ZB Commodore.
Holdsworth was left out of a full-time drive in the Repco Supercars Championship after Tickford Racing was unable to secure a fourth Racing Entitlements Contract for 2021.
Just a day after losing his ride, the Supercars veteran of 15 seasons joined the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series.
Holdsworth’s signing marks a return of sorts to the Clayton base having driven for Team 18, which operated out of the Walkinshaw stable in 2015.
Walkinshaw Andretti United team principal Bruce Stewart said Holdworth’s signing was a major coup for the team.
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“We are absolutely rapt to have two drivers of Lee and Warren’s calibre in our team at the Bathurst 1000 this year – they are both outstanding drivers and people,” said Stewart.
“There is no doubt Lee has the talent to still be racing full-time in our category, you only have to look at Bathurst in 2020 to see that, so to have him with us is fantastic.
“He has recognised the path we are on as a team and wanted to be a part of that, so we are delighted to have him back, and I can’t wait to see what he and Chaz can do together come October.”
Luff will rack up his eighth start with Walkinshaw Andretti United this year.
The Sydney-born driver has finished on the podium in six of his last nine starts in the Great Race. However, he remains winless to date.
“Luffy has been a part of our family for eight years now, and what can you say? He’s the ultimate professional who never fails to do the job, no matter the circumstance,” Stewart added.
“He’s been on the Bathurst podium four times with our team, and six times in total, which is just incredible to reflect on.
“Importantly, he is going to be a great for Bryce’s continual development as well, so I can’t wait to see what they achieve together.
“Both Warren and Lee are great drivers, but also, great people who fit in to our culture so well.
“While there’s still a lot to play out beforehand, we are already excited for this year’s Bathurst 1000.”
For Luff, a return to Walkinshaw Andretti United is about continuing his recent success in the famed endurance race.
“It’s fantastic to be back in the Walkinshaw Andretti United family for another season,” said Luff.
“We’ve had some great moments together over the last seven years, and I’m hoping to add to that at Bathurst this year.
“Bryce really showed he belongs in this category in his first season, I think he surprised a few people with his speed and craft, and the ‘rookie’ tag wasn’t reflective of his performances.
“I’m really excited to be sharing the car with him at this year’s Bathurst 1000 in the Mobil 1 Middy’s Racing #2.
“With just the one endurance race this year, being comfortable with the team, and the car is going to be really important come October.
“I’m looking forward to jumping behind the wheel at Winton in a few weeks, and getting the year underway.”
This year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 is scheduled for October 7-10.
CLICK HERE for Holdsworth’s video message.
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