Supercars boss responds to Holden’s Commodore axing

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer has confirmed Holden’s decision to axe the Commodore will not affect the brand’s immediate future in the category.

The famous Australian manufacturer announced on Tuesday that it will remove the iconic Commodore nameplate, that has been ever present since 1978, from its sales program to focus on SUVs and light commercial vehicles.  

Holden also confirmed that plans for the ZB Commodore to race in Supercars through to the end of 2021 are unaffected having recommitted to the series courtesy of a two-year deal revealed in July.

The marque will continue its factory support agreement with homologation team Triple Eight Race Engineering. 

Seamer has since issued a statement following the news reaffirming that the Commodore will remain in Supercars competition through to 2021.

He also confirmed the series is working closely with both Holden and Ford to ensure the brands continue in the sport when the series launches its Gen3 regulations for 2022.    

“The announcement this week will not impact Holden’s contract with Triple Eight Race Engineering which is intact until the end of 2021. The Commodore will remain on track for the 2020 and 2021 Championship seasons,” read a statement from Seamer issued to Speedcafe.com.

“The 2021 timing coincides with the introduction of Gen3 Supercars, which, as we’ve already announced, will be designed to accommodate a wider range of body styles. We are already working closely with Holden and Ford on the Gen3 program.

“In the meantime, we’re looking forward to seeing the Commodore on track for the next two years and will see it alongside the Ford Mustang once again on the streets of Adelaide when the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship begins in February.”

The news has sparked plenty of reaction from fans while Triple Eight boss Roland Dane admitted the end of Commodore nameplate will be a ‘sad day’ given its long history in the Australian automotive industry.

Long time Commodore team and former Holden factory operation until 2017, Walkinshaw Andretti United, has also paid tribute the brand’s place in Australian motorsport history.  

“Holden has played an integral and iconic part of the history of motorsport in Australia, and we are proud to have such a long and successful association with them over past three decades,” WAU co-owner Ryan Walkinshaw told Speedcafe.com.

“Even as recently as Retro Round this year, our livery was a reminder of just how powerful the helmet and lion is amongst the public, and how big of a role it has played in the history of our sport, and for some people, their lives.  

“We look forward to furthering our relationship with Holden when we roll out in Adelaide next year.”

The ZB Commodore has just undergone Supercars’ Vehicle Control Aerodynamic Testing (VCAT) process to set the aero packages for 2020.

It is anticipated the Supercars grid will see 15 Commodores in competition next year.