Holden is taking to Mount Panorama one last time this weekend and emotions will be running high for a great many people.
“Bathurst is one of the most iconic races in the world and we want to appropriately recognise this historic end of an era for Holden in racing,” said Chris Payne, General Manager Chevrolet Racing.
“Sunday will be emotional for a lot of Holden fans, including ex-Holden and race team employees and ex-dealer staff, the final time a Holden races in a Supercars event at Bathurst.
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Holden’s last official race was in 2020, but the Commodore – and the Holden name – will be retired for good after the 2022 race.
“It would be an outstanding way to farewell Holden from the Mountain if one of the Commodore drivers can add to the brand’s 35 race wins at the circuit.”
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Not only is it Holden’s final race, but it is also the 50th anniversary of Peter Brock’s first win at the Mountain.
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Peter Brock began his legendary nine-win run at Bathurst in a Holden fifty years ago.
He won in 1972, driving solo in an HDT-prepared LJ Torana XU-1, going on to win an as-yet-unbeaten nine more times between 1972 and 1987 (including leading every lap of the 1979 race and setting a lap record on the final circuit), and always in a Holden.
“When you think of Bathurst, it’s difficult not to think of Peter – the King of the Mountain,” said Payne.
“He was an incredible driver who achieved an unrivalled nine wins here for Holden, an achievement I don’t ever think will be bettered.”
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Australia Post and the Brock family have created a limited collection of stamps to mark the 50th anniversary.
Australia Post and the Brock family have worked together to create a limited post-stamp release called ‘Peter Brock – King of the Mountain’. The stamps feature five of Brock’s victories at Bathurst and are on display at the race this weekend.
“Peter’s first win here for Holden was in 1972, so 50 years on it’s just a wonderful tribute to him that Supercars has created a Peter Brock Tribute display at Bathurst, so the fans can come into the Harris Park precinct and enjoy seeing some of his cars again and just remember the great moments and memories he gave to us all,” he added.
Another special reason for Holden to celebrate this weekend is Craig Lowndes’ record 300th start across both Australian Touring Cars and Supercars.
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Craig Lowndes is making his 300th start at this year’s Bathurst race.
Lowndes has won seven times so far, and is “humbled” to be on the grid for his 300th start, driving the #888 Holden Commodore wildcard entry for Triple Eight Race Engineering.
“I have a strong affinity with the Mountain and would like nothing more than to add to the wins I have savoured here.
“It’s a long race, one in which anything can happen – and it usually does – but to be in the running come Sunday would be hugely satisfying.” Lowndes added.
Other big Holden names racing this weekend include Jamie Whincup, Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander and Greg Murphy.
The Commodore will be replaced by the new Gen3 Camaro ZL1, ready to kick off a fierce on-track rivalry between Ford’s Mustang, continuing the red-versus-blue tradition going back to that first Monaro win at Bathurst in 1968.
Chevrolet is building hype for its new racer at Bathurst with a 2600kW V8-powered drag-prepared Camaro.
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