Supercars star to debut in new Tasmanian motor racing event this month

They call him “Leethal” and Tasmanian motorsport fans will see why at the opening two rounds of the 20202 TCR series at Symmons Plains and Baskerville

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SUPERCARS ace Lee Holdsworth will make his TCR debut in Tasmania in the opening rounds of the national series at Symmons Plains and Baskerville later this month after his “shock” exit from Tickford Racing.

The 12-times supercars race winner from 559 starts and provisional pole winner for last year’s Bathurst 1000, Holdsworth, 37, revealed how he was blindsided by the decision.

Having made his debut with Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2006, “Leethal” says he is now focused on a new challenge.

“After 15 years of Supercars, it’s all come to an end,” Holdsworth said.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 16: Lee Holdsworth drives the #5 Truck Assist Racing Ford Mustang Mount Panorama on October 16, 2020 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

“It has come as a shock and it feels premature, but that’s the way it’s played out.

“I’ve been fortunate to have such a long stint in the sport and I am extremely grateful to those who have been a part of it.

“I’ve met some awesome people along the way _ lifelong friends, great sponsors, and amazing fans.

“I haven’t ticked off winning the Bathurst 1000 yet, but you can bet your arse I’ll be back this year with the best chance yet.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 16: Lee Holdsworth drives the #5 Truck Assist Racing Ford Mustang ahead of the Bathurst 1000 which is part of the 2020 Supercars Championship, at Mount Panorama on October 16, 2020 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Horsburgh/Edge Photographics via Getty Images )

“A big thank you to all the hard-working people at Tickford Racing. I have really enjoyed the last few years working together.

“It’s great to start the TCR series at Symmons Plains, it’s a cool track and the Tasmanians are very passionate about motorsport.”

Holdsworth will swap his Ford Mustang to contest the 2021 TCR Australia Series, driving an Ashley Seward Motorsport-prepared Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce in a two-car attack.

He will join young 17-year-old Victorian rising star Jay Hanson in the Italian-built turbo-charged machines ahead of the opening round of the TCR Australia Series at Symmons Plains

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 16: Lee Holdsworth and co driver Michael Caruso drivers of the #5 Truck Assist Racing Ford Mustang celebrate provisional pole ahead of the Bathurst 1000 which is part of the 2020 Supercars Championship, at Mount Panorama on October 16, 2020 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Handout/Mark Horsburgh/Edge Photographics via Getty Images )

Raceway on 24-26 January, part of the Boost Mobile Race Tasmania events.

A week later the series will move to Hobart for round two at Baskerville.

“It’s brilliant to have my future tied up in TCR Australia with Ashley Seward Motorsport – it’s a really professional team running the Alfa Romeos,” Holdsworth said.

“TCR Australia is a great opportunity for me to continue motorsport in a professional manner.

“The cars look brilliant and you’ve got manufacturers involved.

“I’ve been following TCR Australia since it started and it has really close racing with some high-profile names. It’s becoming a well-recognised category and it’s a category that races all around the world.

“Expectations for the year are pretty high. Just coming out of Supercars, I’m at the top of my game and I expect to be running up the front, bringing home some trophies. From what I’ve seen from Ash Seward and his team, they’ve got all the goods for me to do the job.”