Supercars race winner Lee Holdsworth has overcome the anger and anguish of losing his drive in the off-season and resolved to get back on the grid full-time in 2022.
Holdsworth was left on the sidelines by Tickford Racing despite a driving contract and qualifying fastest for the 2020 Bathurst 1000. He is now putting the processes and planning in-place to return to the grid and says there is interest in his services.
“I thought I could accept being out of a full-time seat, but as time goes on it’s become more difficult,” Holdsworth told Auto Action in an exclusive interview.
“The way it went down, it’s not the way I wanted to end my full time career.”
Holdsworth stressed the desire for a 2022 drive would not detract from his total focus on supporting Chaz Mostert and Walkinshaw Andretti United’s assault on the Bathurst 1000 in October
Holdsworth is convinced the partnership with Mostert in the Appliances Online WAU Holden Commodore ZB is one of his best shots yet at standing atop the podium at Mount Panorama.
“I’m really focussed on doing a great job for WAU and Chaz and helping them achieve their goal of winning the greatest race in the country,” he said.
“I realise my job is not to be the fastest driver of the weekend, but the best co-driver.
“I can already see from the first test day to the second test day how they’ve improved the car. It’s exciting to know I’ll be steering that car around Bathurst
“I feel there’s more to come from the team. They’re pushing extremely hard to be a championship contender.”
Holdsworth has assistance from a couple of key advisers in his 2022 full-time quest. While he is not willing to name them, AA understands they include a well-known money-hunter and negotiator who has aided other drivers secure seats in the past.
“It helps having sponsors,” said Holdsworth. “It’s almost become an essential part of securing a drive. The more sponsorship you can bring, the better the outcome for everyone.”
Holdsworth says he has not started actively negotiating with teams for a potential 2022 drive, but there is no doubt he is on the radar.
Any one of at least five Supercars championship teams could be a home for Holdsworth in 2022.
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