Holden’s rich history in Australian motorsport is as legendary as the brand itself. From the hallowed Mount Panorama circuit to international racetracks, Holden has left an indelible mark on the world of racing. This article celebrates the triumphs, the legendary drivers, and the iconic cars that have made Holden a force to be reckoned with in motorsport.
The Early Days: Setting the Stage
1950s: The Birth of a Racing Legacy
- 1951: Holden’s first official entry into motorsport at the Bathurst 500 (as it was then known).
- 1956: The Holden 48-215 (FX) scores its first major victory in the Port Wakefield Series Production race.
Did You Know? The first Holden to race at Bathurst was privately entered, not a factory-backed car.
The Golden Era: Dominating the Mountain
1960s: The Rise of the Kingswood
- 1968: The Holden HK Monaro GTS 327 claims victory at the Hardie-Ferodo 500 at Bathurst, driven by Bruce McPhee and Barry Mulholland.
- 1969: Colin Bond and Tony Roberts secure another win for the Monaro GTS 350.
1970s: The Torana Era
- 1972: Peter Brock claims his first Bathurst victory in a Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1.
- 1975: Brock and Brian Sampson dominate in the Holden L34 Torana.
- 1978: The introduction of the A9X Torana, one of the most iconic racing Holdens ever built.
- 1979: Peter Brock and Jim Richards win Bathurst by a record six laps in the A9X Torana.
Legendary Moment: Peter Brock’s 1979 victory is often cited as one of the greatest performances in Bathurst history.
1980s: The Commodore Conquers
- 1980: The first Bathurst win for the Holden Commodore, driven by Peter Brock and Jim Richards.
- 1982-1984: Brock achieves the ‘hat-trick’ with three consecutive Bathurst wins in the Commodore.
- 1987: Peter Brock, David Parsons, and Peter McLeod win in the last Group A spec Commodore.
The Modern Era: Continuing the Legacy
1990s: Facing New Challenges
- 1990: Win for Holden Racing Team (HRT) with Allan Grice and Win Percy.
- 1996: Craig Lowndes bursts onto the scene, winning the championship in his rookie year.
2000s: The V8 Supercar Era
- 2001-2002: Mark Skaife dominates, winning back-to-back championships and Bathurst titles.
- 2006: The debut of the VE Commodore, the most successful model in V8 Supercar history.
- 2009: Will Davison and Garth Tander claim an emotional Bathurst victory for HRT.
2010s: The Final Chapter
- 2011: Garth Tander and Nick Percat win a thrilling Bathurst 1000 by 0.29 seconds.
- 2015: Craig Lowndes scores his sixth Bathurst win in a Holden Commodore.
- 2017: The last factory-backed win for Holden at Bathurst with David Reynolds and Luke Youlden.
Restorer’s Tip: Many of these championship-winning cars have been restored and can be seen at motorsport events around Australia.
Beyond Bathurst: Holden’s International Exploits
- 1974: Holden Dealer Team competes at the Spa 24 Hour race in Belgium.
- 1980s: Holden Commodores compete in European Touring Car Championships.
- 1997: Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) creates the GTS-R for the Bathurst 24 Hour race.
The Drivers Who Made History
Peter Brock: The King of the Mountain
- Nine Bathurst 1000 victories
- Three Australian Touring Car Championships
- Holden’s most successful and beloved racing driver
Craig Lowndes: The People’s Champion
- Seven Bathurst 1000 victories (six in a Holden)
- Three V8 Supercar Championships
- Transitioned from Holden to Ford and back, always remaining a fan favorite
Mark Skaife: The Modern Era Dominator
- Six Bathurst 1000 victories
- Five V8 Supercar Championships
- Instrumental in developing Holden’s racing program in the 2000s
The Cars That Became Legends
- Holden HK Monaro GTS 327
- Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1
- Holden L34 Torana
- Holden A9X Torana
- Holden VK Commodore SS Group A
- Holden VE Commodore
Collector’s Corner: The road-going versions of these racing legends are highly sought after by collectors. Keep an eye out for special editions that commemorate racing victories.
Holden’s Motorsport Legacy
While Holden’s factory involvement in motorsport has come to an end, its impact on Australian racing is immeasurable. The brand has inspired generations of drivers, engineers, and fans, creating a motorsport culture that is uniquely Australian.
Today, many of these legendary race cars are preserved in museums or private collections, serving as a testament to Holden’s enduring legacy in motorsport. The passion for Holden in racing continues through historic racing events and the dedication of fans who keep the memory of these great achievements alive.
Conclusion
Holden’s journey in motorsport is a story of Australian ingenuity, determination, and passion. From the early days of the Holden 48-215 to the final roars of the Commodore V8s, Holden has provided some of the most thrilling moments in Australian sporting history. As we look back on these achievements, we celebrate not just the victories, but the spirit of competition and innovation that Holden brought to the racetrack.