Seven top Holden moments as Holdens line up on the grid for the last time

This weekend, at VALO Adelaide 500, the Holdens will line up on the grid for the very last time. We look back at seven top Holden moments.

When James Alexander Holden moved from England to Adelaide and established a saddlery in 1856 he could never have known that he was laying the foundation of an empire.

Holden grew into an Australian legend, the company that gave us classic cars like the FJ, EH, HK and HQ. And, of course, more than 40 years of the Commodore, the car that came to define Australian motoring.

On the track, Holden became synonymous with speed.

Racing driver Craig Lowndes spraying champagne after a win, 1999.

Racing driver Todd Kelly after winning race one at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, 2007.

From Jim Richards, Allan Grice and Peter Brock to more modern heroes like Mark Skaife, Craig Lowndes and Garth Tander the list of drivers who’ve steered Holdens to victory is long and legendary.

Next weekend, at Adelaide’s VALO 500, the Holdens will line up on the grid for the very last time.

It’s a moment everyone knew was coming, but that makes it no less poignant.

And, according to Fox Sports Supercars commentator Jessica Yates, it entirely appropriate that the streets of Adelaide will host the Lion’s last laps.

“It’s almost poetic, isn’t it?” Yates said.

“You really can’t imagine farewelling Holden anywhere else. The stars have aligned and it just feels like it’s meant to be.

“I think lots of Holden fans are going to turn out to celebrate and commemorate the legacy.”

Nick Percat of Lucas Dumbrell Racing during the Clipsal 500, 2016.

It will be a celebration, Yates said, tinged with sadness. “Holden has been an Australian icon for so long, and for them to be making an exist from the championship that has solidified their place in our sporting, and wider, culture is really sad,” she said.

“All good things come to an end though, and while there’s great sadness about the end of an era I also think there’s great excitement about what’s coming next.”

And what’s coming next is the Chevy Camaro, the General Motors car that will be taking on the Ford Mustangs.

But will it be as simple as Holden fans simply rebadging as Chevrolet fans?

Perhaps, Yates says, but it still remained to be seen.

James Courtney celebrates winning with his “Frank the Tank” celebration dance.

“People are trying to still get their heads around the fact that there won’t be a Commodore on that grid next year,” she said.

“Fans will have to see where their allegiances lie, and it will be interesting to see whether they jump on board with the Camaro or it becomes a more personality driven decision.

“That said, if you’ve seen the Gen3 Camaro it is bad and mean, and it looks really cool on the track.

“If Shane van Gisbergen or any of those Camaro drivers have success with it then I think will people will jump on board.”

But with drivers like Nick Percat and Chaz Mostert switching to Mustangs next season, Yates says it’s possible they might just convince some fans to make the leap with them.

Whatever happens, she’s confident that there will be Holden drivers on the podium this year, revelling in the last roar of the mighty Lion.

For Holden superfan Tony Dowsett, who owns restoration business Old Oldens in Lonsdale, next weekend will be the final chapter in a story that’s been central to his life.

“It’ll be a sad day, that’s for sure,” Mr Dowsett said.

“We’ve lost so much of our history and heritage already.”

Jason Bright crashes in the chicane. Picture: Sarah Reed

Mr Dowsett, who rode his Harley up to Darwin a few years back to watch the Holden Supercars race, said it was getting harder to restore classic Holdens as parts became harder and harder to find.

And will the Commodores ever be as loved as the FJs and EHs?

“Well I call them the Plastic Fantastic – there’s hardly a chrome bumper to be seen – but the younger people love them and I think they’ll only get more popular,” Mr Dowsett said.

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