Motorsport: Holden commits to V8 racing future

James Courtney during testing of the HRT Commodore. Photo / Getty Images

Holden has extended its deals with the Holden Racing Team and TeamVodafone, shoring up the two V8 Supercar powerhouses ahead of Nissan's entry into the championship in 2013.

The news will be a relief to Holden fans, especially after speculation TeamVodafone could be poached by a rival manufacturer given its status as the competition's No.1 team.

Japanese giant Nissan was the first manufacturer to confirm it's joining Holden and Ford in the V8 championship, with others such as American brand Chrysler also expected to join as the so-called 'Car of the Future' technical regulations to come in force from next year.

Nissan will back long-time Holden team Kelly Racing from 2013 onwards in what is believed to be a multi-million dollar deal and TeamVodafone, with star drivers Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes, would have been an attractive proposition for other manufacturers thinking of joining.

Holden sponsorship manager Simon McNamara said he was pleased to have both teams tied to the brand for the immediate future.

"Holden has been tested many times as series regulations have evolved throughout the years, and we have met each one with success," McNamara said.

"V8 Supercars' Car of the Future in 2013 is no different. Today's announcement makes a clear statement that Holden is ready to meet the COTF challenge head on.

"With the Holden Racing Team and TeamVodafone, we have the two very best teams, four championship-winning drivers, and the finest race engineering capabilities. Holden is better prepared than ever before."

HRT and TeamVodafone have 11 of the past 16 championships while HRT has won the Bathurst 1000 seven times and TeamVodafone have four Bathurst crowns.

"We are only racing to win and Holden's continued support will undoubtedly help us to maintain that record as we enter this critical development phase in the V8 Supercar Championship Series," TeamVodafone managing director Roland Dane said.

"We look forwards to continuing to win for Holden for many years to come."

The 2012 V8 Supercar Championship begins with this weekend's Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, the first of 15 championship events.

- AAP