TICKFORD CONFIRM HOLDSWORTH DEPARTURE

Tickford confirm Lee Holdsworth’s departure – Image: Supplied

Tickford Racing has confirmed Lee Holdsworth will not continue with the team in 2021.

By HEATH McALPINE

Doubt was raised about the veteran’s position in the team as AUTO ACTION reported in December due to the shuffle of RECs within Tickford Racing.

With Phil Munday’s 23Red Racing REC heading to Brad Jones Racing and the Blanchard Racing Team running as a satellite operation out of its Box Hill facility of which Tim Slade will drive.

After an eleventh-hour bid by Tickford Racing to secure a REC failed, Holdsworth, who had one year left on his contract was left without a seat.

It ends a career resurgence for Holdsworth after joining Tickford Racing from Team18 prior to the 2019 season.

The 37-year-old finished his maiden season within the championship top 10, highlighted by a podium finish alongside recent Tickford returnee Thomas Randle at the Sandown 500,

Holdsworth backed this up by scoring two podiums at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2020 and scoring provisional pole position at Bathurst prior to Saturday’s shootout last October.

Tickford Racing CEO Tim Edwards thanked Holdsworth for his service with the team.

“We are very grateful to have worked with Lee the past two seasons, and are equally saddened to confirm we will not be racing together in 2021.” Edwards said.

“Along with his ability behind the wheel, Lee’s been one of the most well-liked people in our garage and in pit lane. Our crew, sponsors, and members have only good things to say about him, and we’ll certainly miss having him in the garage and workshop in 2021. We wish Lee all the best for the year to come, and look forward to seeing him at the track as a friend in the near future.”

It confirms Jack Le Brocq, James Courtney and championship contender Cameron Waters as its three-car line-up for 2021.

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