Ford Performance Racing customer team Charlie Schwerkolt Racing has announced Lee Holdsworth will pilot its entry in the 2015 V8 Supercars Championship.
Charlie Schwerkolt Racing moved quickly to end any speculation surrounding Holdsworth’s future, confirming the signing just hours after Erebus Motorsport revealed Holdsworth departure at the end of the season.
Holdsworth will replace Jack Perkins in the team’s #18 Ford.
“Lee has always been seen as one of the top drivers in the V8 Supercars field and his consistency and attitude has always impressed me,” said Schwerkolt.
“Lee is one of those guys that you know, given the right equipment and the right environment, will be at front of the pack. I’m incredibly excited to have been able to secure his services, and I know that we’ll be able to do great things together.
“When you combine his champion qualities with the fact that he’s a genuinely nice guy, you’ve got a package that’s tough to beat. Being able to bring Lee’s skill to the #18 is brilliant, and I believe it will be a consistent, race-winning combination.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Jack Perkins for his professionalism this year, and throughout the transition period as well. He’s a great guy, we’ve enjoyed working with him and hope we can again in the future,” Schwerkolt added.
Holdsworth joins CS Racing on a multi-year deal after two years with Erebus Motorsport, having delivered the privateer team its only V8 Supercars win to date this year at the Winton 400. The 31-year-old says the opportunity to join Ford’s manufacturer team was one he couldn’t ignore.
“Every driver wants to be a part of a factory squad so I’m really excited to join Charlie and FPR next year,” said Holdsworth.
“It’s no secret that it’s been a hard slog over the past couple of years but it didn’t stop me rising to the challenge when I got a sniff at a result. When you’re trying to develop a new package things don’t always go to plan so at times it’s been painful, but you have to stay motivated and get on with the job.
“Knowing what opportunities lie ahead though, brings me a new level of motivation and enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to the future with my new team.”
Holdsworth will make his first outing with the Ford team at the pre-season test day at Sydney Motorsport Park in February.
