Charlie Schwerkolt has confirmed he will join Walkinshaw Racing for the 2015 V8 Supercars season.
The addition of Schwerkolt’s #18 Racing Entitlements Contract sees the Walkinshaw Racing stable remain as a four car effort after James Rosenberg returned his license at the end of 2014.
Schwerkolt brings with him driver Lee Holdsworth who departed Erebus Motorsport at the end of the 2014 season. The main sponsor for the car is still to be confirmed.
The partnership sees Schwerkolt back alongside Walkinshaw Racing managing director Adrian Burgess for the first time since they won the championship together with James Courtney in 2010.
Schwerkolt says that Burgess’ role at Walkinshaw Racing definitely influenced his decision to join the team.
“The times working with Adrian were some of the best in my career as a team owner, and I would like to rekindle that level of success once again,” said Schwerkolt.
“I am joining a team that is heading in the right direction, making the changes necessary to ensure long-term success in the world’s toughest touring car category. The announcement just last year of a multi-year extension to Holden’s factory support of the team is also very encouraging.
“Being able to put Lee into a Walkinshaw Holden is a very exciting proposition. I think we’ll definitely be in the hunt for some great results in 2015 and beyond. We’ve got some great times ahead of us.”
Schwerkolt’s sentiments are shared by Burgess.
“Working with Charlie again will be fantastic, we’ve got a great team here at Walkinshaw and working with the right people is key,” said Burgess.
“Nothing less than wins for all four cars will be deemed a success for us this year. We spent 2014 rebuilding, and have come a long way in a short period of time. Having Charlie join the team, with Lee coming onboard as a driver ensures that the future is bright.”
Lee Holdsworth hasn’t driven a Holden since 2011, but is excited by the prospect of returning to the iconic marque with Charlie Schwerkolt Racing.
“I’m really pleased to be behind the wheel of a Walkinshaw Holden in 2015,” said Holdsworth.
“Walkinshaw Racing is the most successful team in the history of the sport, so to be a part of that history is pretty special. This opportunity is a great one, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in a few weeks at the SuperTest.”
The SuperTest at Sydney Motorsport Park will see Lee Holdsworth pilot his 2015 car for the first time before the season gets underway properly at the end of February.
