Holdsworth to retire from full-time driving

Reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Lee Holdsworth will retire from full-time Supercars driving at the end of the 2022 season.

Sighting a desire to spend more time with family and the pursuit of a new career path following his 17-year-long Supercars career, the 39-year-old will look to secure an endurance co-driving role for 2023.

Holdsworth returned to full-time driving with Grove Racing in 2022, after winning Bathurst as an endurance co-driver alongside Chaz Mostert at Walkinshaw Andretti United in 2021.

“A big thank you to the people who have followed me, backed me and supported me over my many years in the sport,” said Holdsworth.

“My fans, my sponsors, my friends, my family. And thank you to the teams and crews with whom I have worked and shared so many memorable experiences.

“I particularly want to thank Rob Smith and Garry Rogers for having the faith to give me a start in the sport I love so much and which has contributed so much to my life.

“I will leave my full time role in the sport proud of my approach and resilience. I’m also humbled by the countless number of friends I have made along the way, on the track, off the track and away from the track.

“The 500 plus Supercars races I’ve contested have brought victories and podiums across three different manufacturers, including winning the Bathurst 1000 which was the pinnacle of my time in the sport.

“For the remainder of 2022, I am committed to delivering the best results for the team and its partners, as well as for the dedicated staff and crew who pour their hearts and souls into the team.

“Thank you to the Grove family. I’ve enjoyed contributing to and being part of the Penrite/Grove team this year. It’s not over yet!”

Grove Racing’s Super2 driver Matthew Payne is expected to replace Holdsworth in 2023. Payne will make his Supercars debut alongside Holdsworth at Bathurst in 2022.

“Once the opportunity presented itself to have Lee in Grove Racing to help facilitate our development in 2022, we quickly moved to secure his experience,” said team owner Stephen Grove.

“He’s genuinely a racer at heart and I am looking forward to him working with Matt Payne for the Bathurst 1000. I’d love to see him keep driving but understand the direction he wants to go at this stage in his life.

“His experience has been a real asset to the team this year as we continue to grow. We now want to focus on giving him the best possible package to go out on the high that he deserves in his full-time career.”