Brett Holdsworth says he can’t wait to be back behind the wheel of a high-horsepower V8 race car, when he makes his return to national-level motorsport competition in the 2020 National Trans Am Series, commencing at this weekend’s Superloop Adelaide 500.
Holdsworth – the older brother of Supercars driver Lee – has only competed in occasional racing events since he won the Commodore Cup national title in 2009.
The 38-year-old’s TPS Racing Chevrolet Camaro will form part of a two-car squad alongside fellow Commodore Cup Champion Tim Shaw.
“It’s funny – Tim was the one who sold us my first Commodore Cup car way back in 1999, and now it’s Tim who’s created the opportunity to get back into racing, 20 years later,” Holdsworth said.
“It’s fitting that I’m back in car #99 as well, because that was my first race number in Commodore Cup.”
Holdsworth tested the Camaro at Winton last week, and described it as the most exciting race car he has ever driven.
“It was awesome – like a Commodore Cup car on steroids,” he said.
“It has so much grunt, but it also moves around so there’s a lot of throttle management and car control required to keep it on the straight and narrow.
“I’m glad we did the test, because Adelaide is an unforgiving track, and not the sort of place you want to visit if you’re unfamiliar with the car.
Holdsworth is hoping for this year’s Trans Am rounds to be a family affair.
“Dad (Glen) has always played a very active part in my racing – in go-karts and Commodore Cup, and more recently, even as a co-driver. Unfortunately he won’t be in Adelaide, but we’re looking forward to having him involved throughout the season,” he said.
“Also, a lot of our rounds do not clash with Supercars, so I’m hoping Lee can give me some setup help along the way as well.”
Holdsworth said the Trans Am Series will provide valuable exposure for his TPS (Traffic and Parking Systems) business, which provides infrastructure for carparks all over Australia.
“With the TV coverage of events like Adelaide, the Motorsport Australia Championship rounds and the Bathurst International at the end of the year, it certainly provides us with the right platform to increase awareness of our brand across the country,” Holdsworth said.
This weekend’s National Trans Am Series races will be shown live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports as part of the Superloop Adelaide 500 coverage.
National Trans Am Series – Round 1 Schedule
Thursday, 20 February
9:30am – Practice 1 (20 min)
12:05pm – Practice 2 (20 min)
Friday, 21 February
9:45am – Qualifying (20 min)
1:30pm – Race 1 (9 laps)
Saturday, 22 February
10:30am – Race 2 (9 laps)
Sunday, 23 February
9:30am – Race 3 (9 laps)
National Trans Am Series – 2020 Calendar
Round 1 – Adelaide 500, 20-23 February
Round 2 – Sydney Motorsport Park, 28-29 March
Round 3 – Winton, 2-3 May
Round 4 – Tailem Bend, 13-14 June
Round 5 – Phillip Island, 22-23 August
Round 6 – Bathurst International, 13-15 November
