Walkinshaw Andretti United has today announced the signings of Lee Holdsworth and Warren Luff as the Team’s co-drivers for the 2021 Repco Bathurst 1000.
In a major coup for the team, Holdsworth’s signature comes after stepping away from full-time Supercars driving commitments at the end of 2020, to partner Chaz Mostert in the Mobil 1 Appliances Online Racing No. 25.
Holdsworth, who was a part of the Walkinshaw Racing stable in 2015, has competed in 475 Supercars races and 213 rounds, amassing three wins and 16 podiums over that time.
In his last full-time race, he was on provisional pole at the 2020 Bathurst 1000.
Luff, who re-joins the Team for an eighth season, fresh off the back of a 2020 Bathurst 1000 podium, will partner Bryce Fullwood in the Mobil 1 Middy’s Racing No. 2 entry.
He has 142 Supercars races to his name, which has included three wins, and 12 podiums.
Since joining the Team as a co-driver in 2014, he has won the 2015 Enduro Cup, 2016 Sandown 500, and has stood on the podium seven times, four of which were at the Bathurst 1000.
Both Holdsworth and Luff will join the Team at the Supercars Pre-Season Test at Winton Motor Raceway on Tuesday February 16, where they will turn their first Supercar laps of 2021.
Lee Holdsworth - Mobil 1 Appliances Online No. 25
“I’m really pleased to be in the Walkinshaw Andretti United camp this year, they’ve been building up for some time now, and you can really see the progression. I’m happy to be a part of that building process, and 2021 looks like it’s shaping up to be a great year for the team, especially seeing the way they finished 2020.
“It’s exciting to be on board, Chaz is one of the very best, WAU is on the move, and the Mobil 1 Appliances Online Racing No. 25 looks brilliant. I’m looking forward to having my first steer of the car.
“Chaz and I are good mates; we know each other well and we’ve always had respect for each other both on and off the track.
“It’s going to be completely different for me this year, I’ll be in the car while Chaz is having his lunch break, but I’ve got a big job to do. I think the car will be great, which is one thing, but I’ll be enjoying every lap I do at Bathurst. I will do my best to help the team bring home the goods.
“It’s nice to come back into the workshop and see a lot of familiar faces. There’s great continuity, a lot of passion, and a great history amongst the team.”
Warren Luff - Mobil 1 Middy's Racing No. 2
“It’s fantastic to be back in the Walkinshaw Andretti United family for another season, we’ve had some great moments together over the last seven years, and I’m hoping to add to that at Bathurst this year.
“Bryce really showed he belongs in this category in his first season, I think he surprised a few people with his speed and craft, and the ‘rookie’ tag wasn’t reflective of his performances, so I’m really excited to be sharing the car with him at this year’s Bathurst 1000 in the Mobil 1 Middy’s Racing No. 2.
“With just the one endurance race this year, being comfortable with the team, and the car is going to be really important come October, so I’m looking forward to jumping behind the wheel at Winton in a few weeks, and getting the year underway.”
Bruce Stewart - Team Principal
“We are absolutely rapt to have two drivers of Lee and Warren’s calibre in our team at the Bathurst 1000 this year. They are both outstanding drivers and people.
“There is no doubt Lee has the talent to still be racing full-time in our category, you only have to look at Bathurst in 2020 to see that, so to have him with us is fantastic. He has recognised the path we are on as a team and wanted to be a part of that, so we are delighted to have him back, and I can’t wait to see what he and Chaz can do together come October.
“Luffy has been a part of our family for eight years now, and what can you say? He’s the ultimate professional who never fails to do the job, no matter the circumstance. He’s been on the Bathurst podium four times with our team, and six times in total, which is just incredible reflect on.
“Importantly, he is going to be a great for Bryce’s continual development as well, so I can’t wait to see what they achieve together.
“Both are Warren and Lee are great drivers, but also, great people who fit in to our culture so well. While there’s still a lot to play out before hand, we are already excited for this year’s Bathurst 1000.”